bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passive Prescription of Secondary Prevention Medical Therapy During Index Hospitalization for Acute Myocardial Infarction is Prevalent and Associated with Adverse Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Huang Nancy Xu-Rui , Fang Fang , Xu Yizhou , Huang Jinyu , Sanderson John E. , Yan Bryan P.
Published: August 2020

Background: Secondary prevention therapy reduces death and re-infarction after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) but is under-utilized in clinical practice. Mechanisms for this therapeutic gap are not well established. We aimed to evaluate the impact of passive continuation compared to active initiation of secondary prevention therapy for AMI patients during index hospitalization. Methods: We analyzed 1083 consecutive patients with AMI to a tertiary referral hospital in Hong Kong and assessed discharge prescription rates of secondary prevention therapies (aspirin, clopidogrel, beta-blockers, statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs)). Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent predictors of discharge and 6-month medication, Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to evaluate 12-month survival. Results: Overall prescription rates of aspirin, clopidogrel, beta-blockers, statins, ACEI/ARBs on discharge was 94.8%, 54.2%, 64.5%, 83.5% and 61.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that prior use of each therapy, except clopidogrel, was an independent predictor of prescription of the same therapy on discharge: aspirin [Odds ratio (OR) =4.8, 95% CI =1.9-12.3, P<0.01]; beta-blockers (OR=2.5, 95%CI =1.8-3.4, P<0.01); statins (OR=8.3, 95%CI =0.4-15.7, P<0.01) and ACEI/ARBs (OR=2.9, 95%CI =2.0-4.3, P<0.01). Passive continuation of prior medication was associated with higher 1-year mortality rates than active initiation in treatment naïve patient [aspirin (13.7% vs. 5.7%), beta-blockers (12.9% vs. 5.6%), statins (11.0% vs. 4.6%), all P<0.01].Active prescription was more common in lower risk patients (who were younger, with less co-morbidity, and with higher left ventricular ejection fraction) who were treated more aggressively with secondary prevention medication on discharge. Also patients who were not on a given medication before admission were less likely to be prescribed it on discharge.Conclusions: Overall use of secondary prevention medication for AMI was suboptimal compared to guideline recommendations. Our findings suggested the practice of passive continuation of prior medication was prevalent and associated with adverse clinical outcomes compared to those who received secondary preventive medication for the first time during index hospitalization. Failure to start additional medication and possible inadequate dose titration in the passive continuation group may be in part the reason for the poorer clinical outcome in this group.
Risk factors for Lymphatic Filariasis and Mass Drug Administration non-Participation in Mandalay Region, Myanmar
Authors: Dickson Benjamin Felix Rothschild , Graves Patricia M. , Aye Ni Ni , Nwe Thet Wai , Wai Tint , Win San San , Shwe Myint , Douglass Janet , Wood Peter , Wangdi Kinley , McBride William J.
Published: August 2020

Background: Myanmar commenced a lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination program in 2000. Whilst the country has made considerable progress since then, a number of districts have demonstrated persistent transmission after many rounds of mass drug administration (MDA). The causes of unsuccessful MDA have been examined elsewhere, however, there remains little information on the factors that contribute in Myanmar. Methods: We conducted an analysis of factors associated with persistent infection, LF-related hydrocoele and MDA participation in an area with ongoing transmission in 2015. A cross-sectional household survey was undertaken in 24 villages across four townships of Mandalay Region. Participants were screened for circulating filarial antigen (CFA) using immunochromatographic tests and if positive, for microfilaria by night-time thick blood slide. Individuals 15 year and older were assessed for filariasis morbidity (lymphoedema and if male, hydrocoele) by ultrasound-assisted clinical examination. A pre-coded questionnaire was used to assess risk factors for LF and for never-taking MDA. Significant variables identified in univariate analyses were included in separate step-wise multivariate logistic regressions for each outcome. Results: After adjustment for covariates and survey design, being CFA positive was significantly associated with age (odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 – 1.06), per year), male gender (OR 3.11, 1.23 – 7.87), elevation (OR 0.97, 0.94 – 1.00, per metre) and the density of people per household room (OR 1.56, 1.26 – 1.93). LF-related hydrocoele was associated with age (OR 1.06, 1.02 – 1.09, per year) and residing in Amarapura Township (OR 8.56, 1.33 – 55.22). Never-taking MDA was associated with age (less than 15 years: OR 2.89, 1.11 – 7.51; greater than 60 years: OR 4.00, 1.53 – 10.48), male gender (OR 1.85, 1.05 – 3.25), residing in Amarapura township (OR 2.99, 1.39 – 6.43), moving to one’s current village from another (OR 2.84, 1.15 – 7.02) and ever having declined medication (OR 13.76, 4.79 – 39.58). Decreased likelihood of never taking MDA was associated with a higher proportion of household members being present during the last MDA round (OR 0.18, 0.04 – 0.96)). Conclusions: These results contribute to the understanding of LF and MDA participation related risk factors, and will assist Myanmar improve its elimination and morbidity management programs.
Materials and Techniques of the “Chun Rong Xuan Mao” Birthday Inscribed Plaque in the Bashu Area of China During the Reign of Tongzhi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty
Authors: Zheng Liping , Wang Liqin , Zhao Xing , Yang Jiali , Zhang Mengxia , Wang Yunfu
Published: August 2020

In ancient China, people presented inscribed plaques as gifts to the elderly on their birthdays to wish them longevity. Under long-term weathering conditions, the plaques, often hung on the lintel of a door, gradually deform, the words fade,and the decorative parts deteriorate. Whenever possible, original materials and techniques should be used to restore such cultural relics. Therefore, it is important to analyze the materials and techniques used for the production of the inscribed plaques. However, no study has been carried out on the materials and techniques used to create inscribed plaques. In this study, multi-analytical scientific approach, including optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-ATR-FTIR), and micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman), were used to explore the materials and techniques utilized to create the “Chun Rong Xuan Mao” birthday inscribed plaque in the Bashu area of China produced during the fifth year of the reign of Tongzhi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The results showed that the plaque wad made of cypress wood and decorative parts consisting of the surface lacquer layers, plaster lacquer layers and primer lacquer layers. Chinese lacquer was the principal material used in the surface lacquer layers; gypsum and Chinese lacquer were the materials used in the plaster lacquer layers; and the primer lacquer layers was composed of Chinese lacquer, calcite, and mixed pigments by cinnabar and minium. The surface lacquer layers of the inscribed plaque were lacquered black. Gypsum lacquer plaster has been commonly used in the ground layer of lacquerware in modern history. This study confirmed the existence of technology to make lacquerware using gypsum lacquer plaster in the Bashu area during the late Qing Dynasty. Moreover, this study not only provides new findings regarding the traditional production of inscribed plaques and offers technical support for the protection and restoration of such plaques but also has great significance to exploring the history of ancient techniques of lacquering and decorating lacquerware.
Development and Application of a Multidimensional Oral Health Scale
Authors: Chiang Yi-Chen , Lin Shengnan , Chu Meijie , Li An , Cai Xinlan , Xiao Jin , Zhao Benhua , Wang Ruixin , Luo Fangcong , Su Yanhua , Yang Lingyan
Published: August 2020

Background: Based on existing measuring tools, we sought to develop a multidimensional oral health scale suitable for domestic use and evaluate its reliability and validity. The scale was applied to conduct an initial investigation of the oral health of college students. It is expected that groups with a high oral health risk can be identified early through large-scale and low-cost questionnaire screening in the future, which can also provide ideas for the development of relevant clinical research. Methods: The current questionnaire focuses on oral health and health care behaviors. It is multidimensional and incorporates concepts such as oral health literacy. Freshmen from two different university colleges were selected as the research objects, and the questionnaire was distributed electronically. LISREL 8.80 and SPSS 21.0 were used to analyze the validity and reliability of the oral healthy literacy scale, and descriptive analysis was also performed using SPSS 21.0. Results: The scores of the two scales of oral health literacy were at medium and high levels. The Cronbach's alpha values were 0.96 and 0.95, and both the GFI and AGFI reached 1. The percentages of people who did not brush their teeth or use dental floss were 78.8% and 79.3%, respectively. Only 16.2% knew that the Bass Method was the most important technique to ensure oral health, and only 15.1% knew that regular dental cleaning every six months could also ensure oral health.Conclusions: At present, college freshmen have not developed correct oral health care behaviors. Dental cleaning should be included in medical insurance reimbursement to encourage people to receive regular oral examinations and dental cleanings.
Clinical Impact of Interruption in Adjuvant Trastuzumab Therapy in Patients with Operable HER-2 Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Sardesai Sagar , Sukumar Jasmine , Kassem Mahmoud , Palettas Marilly , Stephens Julie , Evan Morgan , Addison Daniel , Baliga Ragavendra , Stover Daniel G. , VanDeusen Jeffrey , Williams Nicole , Cherian Mathew , Lustberg Maryam , Wesolowski Robert , Ramaswamy Bhuvaneswari
Published: August 2020

Background: Trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity (TIC) can lead to early discontinuation of adjuvant therapy, however there is limited evidence on long-term survival outcomes in patients with operable human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC) experiencing treatment interruption or discontinuation. Methods: The primary objective of the study was to evaluate disease-free survival (DFS) in non-metastatic, HER2-positive, female BC patients who experienced treatment interruption or early discontinuation of trastuzumab therapy. Clinical and histopathological data were collected on 400 patients at The Ohio State University, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center between January 2005 and December 2015. Treatment interruption was defined as any delay of ≥2 weeks during trastuzumab therapy, including permanent cessation prior to completing planned therapy. TIC was defined as LVEF <50% or >15 points decline from baseline as evaluated by 2D echocardiogram after initiation of (neo) adjuvant therapy. DFS was defined as the time from diagnosis to first recurrence (loco-regional or distant recurrence) including second primary BC or death. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from diagnosis to death or last known follow up. OS/DFS estimates were generated using Kaplan-Meier methods and compared using Log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for OS/DFS. Results: A total of 369 patients received trastuzumab therapy; 106 (29%) patients experienced treatment interruption at least once and 42 (11%) permanently discontinued trastuzumab prior to completing planned therapy. TIC was the most common reason for interruption (66 patients, 62%). The median duration of trastuzumab in patients with treatment interruption was 11.3 months (range: 0.5-16.9) with 24 (23%) patients receiving ≤6 months of therapy. Patients with any treatment interruption had worse DFS (aHR: 4.9, p<0.001) and OS (aHR: 2.4, p=0.058) after adjusting for age, stage, grade, ER, node status and TIC. Conclusions: Treatment interruption or early discontinuation of trastuzumab therapy in early HER2-positive BC, most often from TIC, is an independent prognostic marker for worse DFS and OS in operable HER2-positive BC. Future prospective studies should consider targeting at-risk populations and optimizing cardiac function to avoid interruption in trastuzumab therapy.
Molecular Characterization of a Re-Emergent Brugia Malayi Parasite in Sri Lanka, Suggestive of a Novel Strain With Close Nucleotide Homology to Brugia Pahangi
Authors: Mallawarachchi Chandana Harendra , Chandrasena Nilmini T. G. A. N , Premarathna Ranjan , Mallawarachchi S.M.N.S.M. Maleesha , Gunawardane Nilmini Y. I. S. , Dasanayake Ranil S , Silva Nilanthi R de
Published: August 2020

Background Brugian filariasis has re-emerged in Sri Lanka after four decades of quiescence. As microscopy alone was insufficient for ascertaining the species identity of the re-emerged sub-periodic Brugia spp. parasite, molecular speciation was performed. The transmission dynamics of the parasite was studied by entomological procedures.Methods Human blood samples positive for Brugia spp. microfilariae (MF) (n=8) were collected and DNA extracted using ReliaPrep™ Blood DNA Miniprep System (modified). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with pan-filarial primers specific for the internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of MF. Results Of those tested, seven (87.5%) yielded a band at 615bp establishing the species identity of the re-emerged filarial parasite as B. malayi. Comparison of the ITS2 region gene sequences of B. malayi MF isolated from humans (n=2), dogs (n=3) and cats (n=6) with GenBank sequences revealed a higher sequence homology with B. pahangi than B. malayi, but phylogeny was closer to B. malayi. A total of 82 mosquitoes of genus Mansonia comprising of M. annulifera (65), M. uniformis (14) and M. indiana (3) were collected by cattle-baited traps. Mosquito dissections identified 17 infected mosquitoes: one M. uniformis (7.14%) and 16 M. annulifera (24.6%). The DNA extracts of all infected Mansonia mosquitoes elicited the 615bp band on pan-filarial primer specific PCR. Conclusions The re-emergent B. malayi is a genetic variant or a novel species closely related to B. malayi and B. pahangi. Mansonia spp. mosquitoes were vectors of this zoonotic variant B. malayi circulating among cats, dogs and humans in Sri Lanka.
Association of Lipoprotein Cholesterol With Future Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Older Adults: A Korean Nationwide Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kim Seung Hee , Son Ki Young
Published: August 2020

BackgroundDyslipidemia is an independent health risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of mortality in older adults. Despite their importance, there have been few reports on the association between lipoprotein cholesterol and future CVD and cardiovascular (CV) mortality among elderly Asians. This longitudinal study investigated the correlations in an elderly Korean population by using a large nationwide sample.MethodsAmong participants in the cohort database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service who completed the National Screening Program, a total of 62,604 adults aged 65 years or older (32,584 men and 30,020 women) were included. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values were categorized by quartiles. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between the quartiles of lipoprotein cholesterol and CV events or CV mortality.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 3.3 years. The incidence rates of ischemic heart disease and ischemic brain disease were 0.97 and 0.61 per 1,000 person-years, while the mortality rates from these diseases were 0.22 and 0.34 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. In a fully adjusted model, high HDL-C and LDL-C levels were not associated with the total CV events and CV mortality; however, high LDL-C levels were significantly associated with a lower incidence of ischemic brain disease. Furthermore, diabetic patients with high LDL-C were more likely to have higher CV mortality, whereas non-smokers with high LDL-C were less likely to be at risk of CV events. ConclusionsNeither high LDL-C nor HDL-C was significantly associated with future CV mortality in older adults aged ≥65 years. Older adults with diabetes were significantly associated with a higher risk of CV mortality in high LDL-C levels.
Towards the Easing of Restrictions During an Infectious Outbreak: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey to Assess the Knowledge, Misperceptions, Attitudes and Behaviour of Ghanaians on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Essel Harry Barton , Tachie-Menson Akosua , Osei Mavis , Yeboah Emmanuel
Published: August 2020

Background: Ghana’s COVID-19 caseloads stretched to 32,437 with 161 deaths. After the first COVID-19 case recorded in March, the Government of Ghana imposed several restrictions on the life of citizenry to prevent the spread of the infection. However, it is imperative to assess and track the knowledge, misperceptions, attitudes and behaviour of Ghanaian on this public health emergency that is moving fast and not well understood before lives are restored to normalcy. This study investigated the knowledge, misperceptions, attitudes and behaviour of Ghanaians on the COVID-19 pandemic through a rapid online survey system.Methods: The Cochran sample size determination formula was used to estimate a representative sample of adult Ghanaian residents (n = 420) for the cross-sectional survey. An online questionnaire (eQuestionnaire) designed with Google Form was administered to the participants who consented to be part of this study. SMS and popular social media handles were used for the distribution of the eQuestionnaire URL to the participants. The survey commenced on July 5th 2020 through to July 15th,2020. Socio-demographic data of participants were gathered on age, gender, religion and level of education. Data collected were analysed using summary and inferential statistics. Results: A total of 475 adult Ghanaian participants completed the eQuestionnaire. Some Ghanaians believed that the COVID-19 pandemic is a myth (95% CI 25.6%-48.1%) and it does not have any effect on a Ghanaian (African) because of the hot temperate we experience. Majority of the participants (78.2%) thought that older adults were at high risk of death when disease-ridden with COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the participants (81.5%) were poise that Ghana can successfully manage the COVID-19 pandemic. About 31.5% of the participants indicated they did not wear facial or nose masks when going out of their homes. The participants (81.9%, 389/475) approved that the government should ease the COVID-19 restrictions for life to return normalcy.Conclusion: Although Ghanaians have appreciable knowledge, positive attitude and appropriate behaviour in response to COVID-19 pandemic, a well-coordinated effort is needed to ensure stringent compliance with healthcare protocols toward the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Ghana.
A Novel Tool For Fast Feature Selection
Authors: Ramirez Ivan Alejandro Garcia , Calderon Arturo , Méndez Andrés , Ortega Susana
Published: August 2020

Motivation: Datasets with high dimensionality represent a challenge to existing learning methods. The presence of irrelevant and redundant features in a dataset can degrade the performance of the models inferred from it. In large datasets, manual management of features tends to be impractical. Therefore, the development of automatic discovery techniques to remove useless features has attracted increasing interest. In this paper, we propose a novell framework to select relevant features in supervised datasets. Availability: This tool can be downloaded from https://github.com/ivangarcia88/selectionResults: This tool allow to identify relevant and remove redundant features, reducing computation time on training a machine learning model while improving the performance.
The Negative Association Between Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Severity and Gouty Nephropathy in a Non-diabetic Gouty Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhou Yue , Wang Yahao , Chi Jingwei , Lv Wenshan , Xing Mingzhao , Wang Yangang , Chen Ying
Published: August 2020

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) share common pathogenic mechanisms and risk factors, but the specific relationship between NAFLD and gouty nephropathy has not been well understood. We aim to evaluate the association between NAFLD and gouty nephropathy in a non-diabetic gouty population.Methods: The retrospective cross‑sectional study was performed on 1049 non-diabetic gouty participants, who were hospitalized between 2014 and 2020, across 4 districts in Shandong, China. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the study population were collected. The odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) in relation to the NAFLD severity determined by ultrasonography were obtained by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: An unexpectedly inverse relationship was found between NAFLD severity and the risk of gout nephropathy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that higher degree of NAFLD severity is independently associated with lower risk of gouty nephropathy, after adjusted for age, sex, smoking, gout duration, and metabolic risk factors including obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperuriacemia and dyslipidemia, with OR 0.392 (95 % CI 0.248–0.619, P < 0.001), 0.379 (95 % CI 0.233–0.616, P < 0.001) and 0.148 (95 % CI 0.043–0.512, P = 0.003) in participants with mild, moderate, and severe NAFLD, respectively, compared to those without NAFLD. We also observed a weakened association of serum uric acid (SUA) with metabolic risk factors and NAFLD under circumstances of gouty nephropathy (r = -0.054, P = 0.466). Conclusions: The presence and severity of NAFLD was negatively associated with the risk of gouty nephropathy in the non-diabetic gouty populations. Further investigation of NAFLD will provide insights into the pathogenesis of gouty nephropathy.Trials registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2000035185. Registered 2 August 2020.
Mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 reveals a mild impact on newborns
Authors: Yang Pu , Zheng Junwen , Liu Pin , Wang Xia , Zhao Dongchi
Published: August 2020

Could pregnant women infected with COVID-19 cause adverse consequences for their newborns?2. Mothers infected with COVID-19 did not cause serious adverse reactions during term labor, but premature infants were prone to gastrointestinal complications.3. It is necessary to strengthen the protective measures of nosocomial infection in NICU. Although the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has a serious impact on human health, the impact on newborns seems to be relatively moderate
Nitration of Jharia Basin Coals, India: a study of structural modifications by XRD and FTIR Techniques
Authors: Boral Prabal , Varma Atul K. , Maity Sudip
Published: August 2020

Four coal samples from Jharia basin, India are treated with nitric acid in glacial acetic acid and aqueous media to find out the chemical, petrographic and spatial structure of the organic mass by X-ray diffraction and FT-IR techniques.X-ray parameters of coal like interlayer spacing (d002), crystallite size (Lc), aroamticity (fa), average number of aromatic layers (Nc), and coal rank (I26/I20) have been determined using profile-fitting software. Considerable variation is observed in treated coals in comparison to the demineralized coals. The d002 values of treated coals have increased in both the media showing increase in disordering of organic moieties. A linear relationship has been observed between d002 values with the volatile matter of the coals. Similarly, the d002 values show linear relationship with Cdmf contents for demineralized as well as for the treated coals in both the media. The Lc and Nc values have decreased in treated coals corresponding to demineralized coals. The present study shows that nitration in both the media is capable of removing the aliphatic side chains from the coals and aromaticity (fa) increases with increase in rank and shows a linear relationship with the vitrinite reflectance. The corresponding I26/I20 values are least for treated coals in glacial acetic acid medium followed by raw and then to treated coals in aqueous medium.FT-IR studies show that coal arenes of the raw coals are converted into nitro-arenes in structurally modified coals (SMCs) in both the media, the corresponding bands at 1550 – 1490 cm-1 and 1355 – 1315 cm-1 respectively. FT-IR study confirms that nitration is the predominant phenomenon, though, oxidation and nitration phenomena takes place simultaneously during treatment with nitric acid to form SMCs. In comparison to raw coals, the SMCs show higher aromaticity and may be easily converted to coal derived products like activated carbon and specialty carbon materials.
New Nanosized (Gd3+, Sm3+) Co-doped Zinc Ferrite for Telecommunication Applications. Magnetic and Structural Properties.
Authors: belaiche yassine , Minaoui K. , Ouadou Mohamed , Elansary MMoustapha
Published: August 2020

Highly crystalline ZnFe1.98Sm0.01Gd0.01O4 nanoferrites were prepared by co-precipitation method for the first time. The nanoparticles were characterized using thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analysis (TGA and DSC), which shows the thermal behavior of the reagents mixture. XRD analysis confirms the formation of nanocrystalline ferrite phase with Fd3m space group, and the particle size was observed to be 11 nm . The FTIR reveals two based bands of absorption characterize the formation of the spinel structure. An exhaustive study of the magnetic properties, morphology, crystallinity and effects of co-doping Gd3 + and Sm3 + was presented in detail. The average crystallites size was observed to decrease for Gd3+ and Sm3+ co-doping. Magnetic measurements reveal weak ferrimagnetic behavior at low temperature and superparamagnetic at high temperature with a blocking temperature at 55 K.
Estudio de registros extremos de precipitación asociados al cambio climático en el Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza durante el periodo de 1981 - 2010
Authors: Torres Ramos Paula Evelin , Aragón Moreno Juan Antonio
Published: August 2020

Este trabajo caracterizó y analizó el comportamiento estadístico y espacial de la precipitación junto con sus extremos climáticos planteados por el ETCCDI, mediante el paquete estadístico RClimDex en el PNN Chingaza con un perímetro hasta los 12 km, a partir de 19 series climatológicas de frecuencia diaria durante 1981-2010. La estimación de datos faltantes se realizó con el método de ponderación de la distancia inversa en el software RStudio®, superó el control de calidad de la herramienta computacional RClimTool y se determinó la representación espacio temporal con el sistema integrado de ArcGis®. El comportamiento de la precipitación manifestó un régimen pluviométrico monomodal con cúspide en el segundo cuatrimestre del año, revelando la menor precipitación promedio anual en el noroeste con alturas que alcanzan los 3100 m.s.n.m, que va aumentando hacia el sudeste del área protegida. Dentro del periodo de la normal climatológica, los índices extremos de precipitación que revelaron una tendencia positiva fueron, Rx1day, SDII, R95p, y más pronunciada en CDD que en CWD; mientras que, una tendencia negativa se obtuvo en Rx5day, R10 y PRCPTOT. Así mismo, para el comportamiento pluviométrico e índices extremos se obtuvo la distribución espacial con el método de interpolación CoKrigring.
A Preparation based on Bacteria Isolated from Hypersaline Environments to Improve the Functional and Protective Characteristics of Concrete
Authors: Gradova N.B. , Sivkov S.P. , Agalakova E.V. , Belov A.A. , Suyasov N.A. , Khokhlachev N.S. , Panfilov V.I.
Published: August 2020

Improving the strength and stability of cement-based structures in adverse environmental conditions with associated anthropogenic influences is possible through the development and implementation of nature-like and nature-friendly technologies. The ability of urobacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate can be useful in the manufacture of self-healing and reinforced concrete, in the crack healing and the restoration of concrete structures. Hypersaline environment is an ecological niche for search for microorganisms that are resistant to increased alkalinity, changing environmental conditions and stress. Screening of microorganisms allowed us to isolate the most active urobacteria, Lysinibacillus macroides and Bacillus licheniformis, from hypersaline lakes. The introduction of these microorganisms into the cement mixture significantly increased the strength of mortar specimens, reduced their porosity and capillary water absorption, which was associated with ongoing biocalcination. We studied the microstructure of spores of diatomite-immobilized bacteria and showed that this form provided long-term preservation of bacterial activity. A high activity of bacterial preparations in the healing of cement stone cracks was found.

biomineralization, biocementation, extreme halophiles, crack healing, cement mortar, microbial concrete, urea hydrolysis.

The work was supported by the D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (Project no. 033-2018).
Development of osteoplastic Material Impregnated with Plasmid Encoding Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2
Authors: Bukharova T.B. , Zagoskin Yu.D. , Vasilyev A.V. , Grigoriev T.E. , Mokrousova V.O. , Chvalun S.N. , Goldshtein D.V. , Kulakov A.A.
Published: August 2020

The biological properties of a new gene-activated osteoplastic material based on chitosan sponges impregnated with plasmids with the gene for the bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) have been studied. The optimal conditions for transfection of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells with TurboFect reagent were selected. The in vitro osteoinducing effect of the developed material associated with an increase in the expression of osteogenic markers in mesenchymal stromal cells was shown. The designed gene-activated material can be used to repair bone defects.

gene-activated material, plasmids, BMP-2, gene therapy, bone regeneration

The work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (Grant no. 16-15-00298).
Research on flood forecasting based on flood hydrograph generalization and random forest in Qiushui River basin, China
Authors: Tang Tiantian , Liang Zhongmin , Hu Yiming , Li Binquan , Wang Jun
Published: August 2020

At present, the use of hydrological models is the main technical approach for real-time flood forecasting. However, in semi-arid and arid areas, the use of the hydrological model is restricted by technical and data conditions. With the accumulation of hydrological data deluge, making full use of historical data and mining potential hydrological laws, causal relationships and other valuable information behind them provide new ideas for real-time flood forecasting in the study area. This paper develops a hybrid flood forecasting model that combines the flood hydrograph generalization method and random forest in the Qiushui River basin in the middle reaches of the Yellow River. The performance of this hybrid model is compared to that of the antecedent precipitation index model. For the development of these models, 23 flood events occurring from 1980 to 2010 are selected, of which 18 are used for calibration and 5 are used for validation. The results show that the hybrid model yields accurate predictions. And the comparison shows that the hybrid model performs better than the empirical model in the Qiushui River basin. Thus, this study provides a method for improving the accuracy of flood forecasting.
Fate and seasonal change of Escherichia coli resistant to different antibiotic classes at each stage of conventional activated sludge process
Authors: Honda Ryo , Tachi Chihiro , Noguchi Mana , Yamamoto-Ikemoto Ryoko , Watanabe Toru
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the impact of each treatment stage of the activated sludge process on the fate of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Wastewater and sludge samples were collected monthly at each stage of a commercial-scale WWTP. After 20–25 strains of indicator Escherichia coli were isolated from each sample on Chromocult Coliform Agar, antibiotic resistance of the isolates to amoxicillin (AMX), ciprofloxacin (CIP), norfloxacin (NFX), kanamycin (KM), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (ST) and tetracycline (TC) were tested with the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. As a result, activated sludge in the aeration tank and return sludge had higher abundance of antibiotic resistant E. coli than influent wastewater and secondary treatment effluent. AMX resistant E. coli was enriched in return sludge at the secondary clarifier. Higher temperature was also likely to cause an increase of AMX resistant E. coli in sludge. The antibiotic resistance profile of E. coli in secondary treatment effluent was more dependent on activated sludge than influent wastewater. These results suggested that activated sludge in WWTP possibly serves as a reservoir of ARB, and that behavior of ARB in WWTP differs by antibiotic classes.
Relacje pacjent-lekarz w psychiatrii aksjologicznej Antoniego Kępińskiego
Authors: Bulaczek Aleksandra
Published: August 2020

The author of the article helps to understand the relation patient-doctor in the light of axiological psychiatry developed by Antoni Kępiński. Kępiński was not a typical doctor who, with great dedication and reverence, fulfilled his duties towards patients. First of all, he paid special attention to the uniqueness and specificity of the level of contact between a doctor and a patient and pointed out its matey character. The article also introduces the sources of axiological psychiatry developed by Kępiński, which should be found in the philosophy of dialogue. In the light of the works of Kraków psychiatrist one can notice that his philosophical anthropology was saturated with the influence of dialogue thought. According to Kępiński, only a specific kind of emotional relationship based on empathy and trust could be the key to complete knowledge of the man fighting with mental illnesses.
Preliminary report on human remains from Tell Masaikh (MK 15) Season 2010*
Authors: Tomczyk Jacek
Published: August 2020

The manuscript presents the results of anthropological work in Tell Masiakh conducted in the 2010 season. Unfortunately the 15th season of excavation was conducted only in Tell Masaikh. The second site (Terqa) was closed for the excavation. The human remains were studied in an excavation house in Tell Ashara, and some samples were prepared for further analyses in specialist laboratories (histological, radiological, and molecular examinations). In sum, the remains of 70 individuals were examined: 18 (2 males, 2 females, the sex of the rest is unknown) come from Tell Masaikh from this season, 52 were found at Tell Masaikh and Tell Ashara in the previous seasons (2008, 2009).
Czy Europa zaakceptuje uprawy roślin genetycznie zmodyfikowanych? – argumenty i kontrargumenty
Authors: Macewicz Jerzy
Published: August 2020

This paper is a review of recent publications dealing with the consequences of the release of genetically modified (GM) crops into the environment. The summary of arguments and for and against is an attempt to summarize the debate in the media. This highly publicized issue, although only one aspect of the conflict between the biotech lobby, environmentalists, and consumers. The controversy arises from the fact that neither the benefits nor the risks of GM crops are clearly defined. The study contains a summary of claims that there is a serious potential risk to the environment of positive cultivation of GM crops, with uncertain effects, and that basic manipulation of heredity could have tragic consequences. European skepticism about GM crops increases from year to year. This paper coincides with the Polish government’s introduction of a ban on the cultivation of genetically modified maize and potatoes on Polish territory. In conclusion, while a move away from GM crops is likely, the author argues that ultimately there is no turning back.
Organizacja ochrony środowiska w Polsce
Authors: Jabłoński Maciej
Published: August 2020

The organization of environmental protection in Poland is a result of both the country’s environmental policy, as well as programs connected with its function as part of the European Union. New challenges in the field of environmental protection are determining the way it is handled in Poland and in global policy.
Środowiskowe aspekty procesów poszukiwania i wydobycia gazu ze złóż niekonwencjonalnych typu shale gas
Authors: Wójcik Monika
Published: August 2020

Shale gas exploration and extraction processes create a potential threat for all environmental elements like air and noise emissions, contamination of surface and groundwater, soil pollutions, production of different types of waste, or increasing water consumption. The degree of potential environmental impact depends especially on location and size of a drilling rig, level of urbanization of an area, sensitivity of environment to pollution, and type of technological operations which depends on shale formation. The paper presents the main environmental hazards during shale gas exploration and extraction processes and ways of its reduction. Explain how investors can resolve problems with flowback water qualification, prepare drilling rig area or store hazardous materials and chemicals. Generally, the impacts of drilling processes on the environment are well recognized. Legal compliance with environmental legislation and procedures like Health Safety & Environment Management System or Environmental Management Systems can minimalize potential damages.
Preliminary report on human remains from Qasr Shemamok (Erbil, Federal region of Iraqi Kurdystan). Season 2012
Authors: Tomczyk Jacek
Published: August 2020

Qasr Shemamok, a large tell situated about 30 km southwest of Erbil, close to the village of Tarjan, is a well-known site of Iraqi Kurdistan. It has been identified as the remains of the ancient city of Kakzu (or Kilizu) since the 19th century. In 2012, a French archaeological Mission, guided by O. Rouault with a European team, and funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, came to work in Erbil, answering an invitation from the Kurdish authorities, and from the Erbil Salaheddin University, thanks to the strong support of the local French Consulate. The text presents the first results of the anthropological work at Qasr Shemamok, conducted in the 2012 season.
Social trauma and the theatre: a study of the formation of a non-conformist identity
Authors: Truskauskaite Vitalija
Published: August 2020

The present article aims to analyze the social trauma implicit in the representation of the nonconformist identity formation in Judita Vaiciunaite’s play The Siege (Lithuanian Apsiaustis) directed by Giedrius Mackevicius. The play reflects on the experiences and inner states of characters as they struggle to survive in a seized city, wherein the motif of the seized city alludes to the political situation of Kaunas as a city seized by the totalitarian system. The play was performed by an amateur group in 1971 in the Kaunas Trade Unions Palace of Culture. The study relies on trauma studies by Danute Gailiene for the analysis of Giedrius Mackevicius’ debut experience; also it refers to the semantics of Judita Vaiciunaite’s play The Siege. In the staging of The Siege in 1971, on the contrary, the universal thematic dimension of this drama was emphasized.
Virtue and vice in environmental discourse
Authors: Dzwonkowska Dominika
Published: August 2020

For effective environmental protection, the necessary tools are not only the external ones in the form of commands, and legal or economic instruments. A very necessary tool for dealing with the environmental crisis can be inner work on one’s own character and personality, as well as on the social virtues and vices that determine our approach to the environment. Recently, a growing interest in environmental virtue discourse can be noticed, and this paper presents a proposal for five cardinal environmental virtues, and oppositional to these, five cardinal vices. The presented virtues are care, moderation, respect, wisdom, and responsibility. On the opposite side of the barricade are the following vices: egoism, greed, arrogance, ignorance (stupidity), and apathy.
Wykorzystanie odpadów biodegradowalnych do produkcji biogazu jako alternatywnego źródła energii odnawialnej
Authors: Owczuk Marlena , Wardzińska Dorota , Zamojska-Jaroszewicz Anna , Matuszewska Anna
Published: August 2020

Waste products from the agriculture industry and other sectors are creating a waste problem with a negative environmental impact. Such effects can be minimized by further processing methods. One method, which is gaining increased importance around the world, is anaerobic digestion, for which biodegradable waste is a valuable source of raw material (Ryckebosch et al. 2011; Deublein, Steinhauser 2008). The paper discusses the technological process of biogas production, as well as the most commonly used methods of purification and refining. It also identifies the potential ways of using the resulting product (CHP, biofuels).
Jeremy Rifkin o konsekwencjach rewolucji biotechnologii. Krytyka „ery biotechnologii”
Authors: Słoniowska Anna
Published: August 2020

Nowadays we are entering a new period in our history. It is an era of great computers, new technologies, and genetic engineering. Most people look to the future with hope, but not Jeremy Rifkin, the American economist, and critic of modern civilization. He has called this period 'The Biotech Century'. In his opinion, humanity is treading on thin ice. He believes, that biotechnology brings more disadvantages than advantages. He is trying to convince us that scientists are playing God in their laboratories. They often invent great things like new medicines or therapies. However, Rifkin also points to the other side of the coin. Firstly, there is no way of predicting the effects of biotechnology. Secondly, the human genetic code will be used for commercial purposes. Our genes will be on the market, like any other product in the supermarket. And thirdly, Riffkin warns against the return of eugenics. But this new eugenic will be more powerful, and much more dangerous.
Wpływ dżdżownic na zespoły skoczogonek (Collembola) w uprawach trawiastych jedno i wielogatunkowych
Authors: Olejniczka Izabella , Makulec Grzegorz
Published: August 2020

In 2004-2005 a lysimetric experiment was designed to determine whether and how plant diversity and earthworms could influence diversity and densities of collembolan communities. We compared two grass cultures: monoculture of Festuca rubra L. and a polyculture, the mixture of grasses (8 species) commonly used in agriculture. In addition to two plant communities of different diversity, we used in our experiments an engineering species of earthworm – Aporrectodea caliginosa (Sav.). The experiment was initiated in May 2004, when the lysimeters were sown with F. rubra or with a mixture of grasses. The following year, in May 2005, we introduced 6 individuals (that correspond with average densities of 200 ind.m-2 in the natural environment ) of A. caliginosa to half of the lysimeters. In experiments, we used plastic lysimeters, 450 cm2 in area, and 20 cm high, filled with alluvial coarse sandy soil. The same soil was used in the environment of the lysimeters. Soil samples were taken at the depths of 0-5cm, 5-10cm, 10-15cm and 15-20cm, before introducing earthworms and after 60, 120 and 180 days from introducing earthworms. On each occasion, samples were taken from six or ten lysimeters in each variant of the experiment. Soil samples were taken from central parts of lysimeter to avoid the edge effect. Springtails were extracted in the Tullgren’s apparatus and then were determined basing on Stach’s (1955) and Fjellberg’s (1998, 2007) keys and taxonomic paper of Rusek (1982). For statistical analysis we used nonparametric tests. Species diversity of Collembola communities was calculated according to Shannon-Wiener equation using logarithms at a base of 2 (Shannon and Wiener 1963). Hutcheson’s test was used to determine the statistical significance of differences between the H indices (Hutcheson 1970). Three ecological groups were distinguished among collembolans basing on their preference to soil layer: epigeic, hemiedaphic and euedaphic (Christiansen 1964). We found that soil layer (Kruskal-Wallis test: N = 432, H=18,25, P=0,0004), biodiversity of grass culture (N=432, H=14,59, P=0,0001) and the period of the season (N=432, H=24,24, P=,00000) had an important effect on densities of collembolan communities independently of earthworms presence (N=432, H=1,99, P=0,16). We found 18 species of springtails and the number of species decreased with soil layer. The most abundant were Cryptopygus bipunctatus and Isotomodes productus.
Procedury jako narzędzie doskonalenia systemu zarządzania środowiskowego
Authors: Embros Grzegorz
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the author attempts to point out the meaning of procedures for the environmental management systems (EMS). Particular attention is paid to form and content, as well as the functions, proprieties and structure of the procedures. The analyses were carried out taking into account the systemic approach, with respect to core areas covered by the ISO 14001 standard. Based on the chosen procedures, some fundamental methods of elaborating and implementing the EMS procedures were indicated, which might improve the organization and optimization of realization processes. It was also put forward that procedures should provide a vital support to management processes in fulfilling their purpose.
Cry of the earth, of the poor, and of the spirit. Physical, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of the ecological crisis
Authors: Kureethadam Joshtrom Isaac
Published: August 2020

The article offers a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary ecological crisis from a scientific, moral, and theological perspective. The physical dimension of the crisis is evident in the host of authoritative warnings from the scientific community in recent years. !e crisis is also ethical for the fact that its disproportionate victims are the poor communities who have contributed least to causing the problem in the first place. At a still deeper level, the ecological crisis is also a profoundly spiritual crisis, as it results primarily from our inability to look at the physical world as God’s creation, the primordial revelation of divine goodness and glory. !e author skillfully weaves together the physical, moral, and religious dimensions of the problem into a unitary whole, and argues that it is only a holistic view of the crisis that can awaken us to the true magnitude of the unprecedented challenge facing our common home.