bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Reported Adherence to the 2019 American Diabetes Association Nutrition Recommendations among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Indicating the Need for Improved Nutrition Education and Diet Care
Authors: Katsaridis Savvas , Grammatikopoulou Maria G. , Gkiouras Konstantinos , Tzimos Christos , Papageorgiou Stefanos T. , Markaki Anastasia G. , Exiara Triada , Goulis Dimitrios G. , Papamitsou Theodora
Published: November 2020

Patient adherence to guidelines is important for improved outcomes and prognosis. Nevertheless, many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not comply with the recommendations regarding medication, physical activity, diet or self-care. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of adherence to the dietary recommendations issued by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) among patients with T2DM in Komotini, Greece. A total of 162 adults with T2DM (64.7 ± 10.6 years old), of which 41.4% were men, were recruited from the Sismanoglio Hospital and participated in the study. The level of adherence to individual recommendations issued by the ADA was assessed using yes/no questions. The overall adherence rate to the guidelines was low (41.2%). According to the multivariable analysis, age and medication therapy were identified as contributors to the compliance rate. No differences were noted in the total compliance rate between patients of different religious denominations (Muslims/Christians). Patients on oral antidiabetic agents (OAA) were more adherent compared with those on insulin therapy. A mere 3.7% of the participants had received nutrition education by a registered dietitian, 9.9% were following an individualized diet plan to improve glycemia, and 3.1% had set specific energy goals to reduce body weight. These findings are indicative of the need for the delivery of improved nutrition education.
Full versus Trophic Feeds in Critically Ill Adults with High and Low Nutritional Risk Scores: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Chen-Yu , Fu Pin-Kuei , Chao Wen-Cheng , Wang Wei-Ning , Chen Chao-Hsiu , Huang Yi-Chia
Published: November 2020

Although energy intake might be associated with clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, it remains unclear whether full or trophic feeding is suitable for critically ill patients with high or low nutrition risk. We conducted a prospective study to determine which feeding energy intakes were associated with clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with high or low nutrition risk. This was an investigator-initiated, single center, single blind, randomized controlled trial. Critically ill patients were allocated to either high or low nutrition risk based on their Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill score, and then randomized to receive either the full or the trophic feeding. The feeding procedure was administered for six days. No significant differences were observed in hospital, 14-day and 28-day mortalities, the length of ventilator dependency, or ICU and hospital stay among the four groups. There were no associations between energy and protein intakes and hospital, 14-day and 28-day mortalities in any of the four groups. However, protein intake was positively associated with the length of hospital stay and ventilator dependency in patients with low nutrition risk receiving trophic feeding. Full or trophic feeding in critically ill patients showed no associations with clinical outcomes, regardless of nutrition risk.
Metabolic Responses to Butyrate Supplementation in LF- and HF-Fed Mice Are Cohort-Dependent and Associated with Changes in Composition and Function of the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Lee Sunhye , Knotts Trina A. , Goodson Michael L. , Barboza Mariana , Wudeck Elyse , England Grace , Raybould Helen E.
Published: November 2020

The gut microbiota and associated metabolites have emerged as potential modulators of pathophysiological changes in obesity and related metabolic disorders. Butyrate, a product of bacterial fermentation, has been shown to have beneficial effects in obesity and rodent models of diet-induced obesity. Here, we aimed to determine the beneficial effects of butyrate (as glycerol ester of butyrate monobutyrin, MB) supplementation on metabolic phenotype, intestinal permeability and inflammation, feeding behavior, and the gut microbiota in low-fat (LF)- and high-fat (HF)-fed mice. Two cohorts (separated by 2 weeks) of male C57BL/6J mice (n = 24 in each cohort, 6/group/cohort; 6 weeks old) were separated into four weight-matched groups and fed either a LF (10 % fat/kcal) or HF (45% fat/kcal) with or without supplementation of MB (LF/MB or HF/MB) at 0.25% (w/v) in drinking water for 6 weeks. Metabolic phenotypes (body weight and adiposity), intestinal inflammation, feeding behavior, and fecal microbiome and metabolites were measured. Despite identical genetic and experimental conditions, we found marked differences between cohorts in the response (body weight gain, adiposity, and intestinal permeability) to HF-diet and MB. Notably, the composition of the gut microbiota was significantly different between cohorts, characterized by lower species richness and differential abundance of a large number of taxa, including subtaxa from five phyla, including increased abundance of the genera Bacteroides, Proteobacteria, and Parasutterella in cohort 2 compared to cohort 1. These differences may have contributed to the differential response in intestinal permeability to the HF diet in cohort 2. MB supplementation had no significant effect on metabolic phenotype, but there was a trend to protect from HF-induced impairments in intestinal barrier function in cohort 1 and in sensitivity to cholecystokinin (CCK) in both cohorts. These data support the concept that microbiota composition may have a crucial effect on metabolic responses of a host to dietary interventions and highlight the importance of taking steps to ensure reproducibility in rodent studies.
Protein Requirements of Pre-Menopausal Female Athletes: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mercer Drew , Convit Lilia , Condo Dominique , Carr Amelia J. , Hamilton D. Lee , Slater Gary , Snipe Rhiannon M. J.
Published: November 2020

This systematic literature review aimed to determine the protein requirements of pre-menopausal (e.g., 18–45 years) female athletes and identify if the menstrual cycle phase and/or hormonal contraceptive use influence protein requirements. Four databases were searched for original research containing pre-menopausal female athletes that ingested protein alongside exercise. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist was used to determine study quality. Fourteen studies, which included 204 recreationally active or competitive females, met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review, and all were assessed as positive quality. The estimated average requirement (EAR) for protein intake of pre-menopausal recreational and/or competitive female athletes is similar for those undertaking aerobic endurance (1.28–1.63 g/kg/day), resistance (1.49 g/kg/day) and intermittent exercise (1.41 g/kg/day) of ~60–90 min duration. The optimal acute protein intake and influence of menstrual cycle phase or hormonal contraceptive use on protein requirements could not be determined. However, pre- and post-exercise protein intakes of 0.32–0.38 g/kg have demonstrated beneficial physiological responses in recreational and competitive female athletes completing resistance and intermittent exercise. The protein requirements outlined in this review can be used for planning and assessing protein intakes of recreational and competitive pre-menopausal female athletes.
Comparative and Historical Analysis of Early Donghak: Cross-Religious Dialogue between Confucianism and Catholicism in 19th-Century Korea
Authors: Bae Byeongdae
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to characterize early Donghak thought as the fusion of two horizons, one Confucian and the other Catholic. In particular, the study divided the Donghak founder Su-un Choe Je-u’s view of divinity into three stages, and showed how the evolution of his thought through these stages can be explained as the product of a dialogue between the Confucian monist tradition based on qi or vital energy and the Catholic dualist tradition based on Thomistic scholasticism. The study adopted a comparative and historical methodology, whereby comparison was limited to similarities and differences between Su-un’s works and sources in the Confucian or Catholic tradition that we can reasonably assume to have been available to Su-un. It was found that Su-un’s thought in the early stage was marked by theistic features similar to the scholastic view of God, and that in the middle stage Su-un sought to accommodate this theism within a pantheistic framework based on the Confucian monist tradition. For convenience’ sake, this theism-within-pantheism can be referred to as Su-un’s “panentheism”. It is suggested that the creative tension within this panentheism motivated Su-un to introduce innovations in his thought. First, in the middle stage, Su-un rejected the monism of li or pattern that was prevalent in the Neo-Confucian orthodoxy of his day, reverting to the older tradition of qi-monism. Second, in the late stage of his thought, he appears to have rehabilitated li as intelligent pattern that is the source of all signs of intelligence in the natural and moral order. As for the value of the approach adopted in this study, it enables us to make better sense of obscure details in Su-un’s works by placing them in their proper historical context, as evinced by the reading of Su-un’s late stage work “Buryeon Giyeon” presented herein. It is hoped that this approach will be applied more rigorously in future studies to deepen our understanding of the intellectual history of Donghak and Cheondogyo, along with various other new religions that emerged in Korea’s modern history.
Outage Probability and Ergodic Capacity of a Two-User NOMA Relaying System with an Energy Harvesting Full-Duplex Relay and Its Interference at the Near User
Authors: Toan Hoang Van , Hoang Tran Manh , Duy Tran Trung , Dung Le The
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we consider a two-user downlink full-duplex (FD) non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) relay system where the FD relay uses an energy harvesting (EH) technique to assist the communication between the base station and far user over flat, independent and non-identically Rayleigh fading channels. Importantly, since the relay operates in FD mode, we take into account the effect of the interference caused by relay on the near user. Considering this EH-FD-NOMA relay system, we derive the exact mathematical expressions of the outage probabilities and ergodic capacities of near and far users. Monte–Carlo simulations verify the accuracy of our analytical method. Numerical results provided in this paper allow system designers to clearly see not only the impacts of the power distribution factor and the self-interference cancellation capacity of the relay but also the influence of the strength of inter-user interference at the near user on the outage performances and ergodic capacities of both users.
Analysis of Throughput and Delay for an Underwater Multi-DATA Train Protocol with Multi-RTS Reception and Block ACK
Authors: Hwang Ho Young
Published: November 2020

We propose an underwater multi-DATA train protocol with multi-RTS reception and block ACK (BACK) for underwater acoustic sensor networks. Due to long underwater acoustic propagation delay, some RTS frames may not overlap at a sink node, even if the RTS frames were sent to the sink node simultaneously by different sensor nodes. We consider that our underwater sink node can recover these nonoverlapping RTS frames. Since our RTS frame contains ID of the RTS sending node and a timestamp, the sink node calculates the propagation delay between the RTS sending node and the sink node, then broadcasts a CTS frame. Since our CTS frame contains when each RTS sending node can transmit a DATA frame to the sink node, multiple DATA frames transmitted by different sensor nodes can be formed as a train at the sink node. We also propose an underwater BACK protocol which is analogous to our proposed underwater multi-DATA train protocol. We analyze normalized throughput and mean access delay of our proposed protocols and the conventional protocols. The analytical and simulation results show that our analysis is accurate and our proposed protocols outperform the conventional protocols. Our proposed protocol can shorten the delay and increase the throughput via the multi-DATA train, multi-RTS reception, and BACK.
IoT-Based Sensor Data Fusion for Determining Optimality Degrees of Microclimate Parameters in Commercial Greenhouse Production of Tomato
Authors: Rezvani Sayed Moin-eddin , Abyaneh Hamid Zare , Shamshiri Redmond R. , Balasundram Siva K. , Dworak Volker , Goodarzi Mohsen , Sultan Muhammad , Mahns Benjamin
Published: November 2020

Optimum microclimate parameters, including air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) that are uniformly distributed inside greenhouse crop production systems are essential to prevent yield loss and fruit quality. The objective of this research was to determine the spatial and temporal variations in the microclimate data of a commercial greenhouse with tomato plants located in the mid-west of Iran. For this purpose, wireless sensor data fusion was incorporated with a membership function model called Optimality Degree (OptDeg) for real-time monitoring and dynamic assessment of T, RH and VPD in different light conditions and growth stages of tomato. This approach allows growers to have a simultaneous projection of raw data into a normalized index between 0 and 1. Custom-built hardware and software based on the concept of the Internet-of-Things, including Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LoRaWAN) transmitter nodes, a multi-channel LoRaWAN gateway and a web-based data monitoring dashboard were used for data collection, data processing and monitoring. The experimental approach consisted of the collection of meteorological data from the external environment by means of a weather station and via a grid of 20 wireless sensor nodes distributed in two horizontal planes at two different heights inside the greenhouse. Offline data processing for sensors calibration and model validation was carried in multiple MATLAB Simulink blocks. Preliminary results revealed a significant deviation of the microclimate parameters from optimal growth conditions for tomato cultivation due to the inaccurate timer-based heating and cooling control systems used in the greenhouse. The mean OptDeg of T, RH and VPD were 0.67, 0.94, 0.94 in January, 0.45, 0.36, 0.42 in June and 0.44, 0.0, 0.12 in July, respectively. An in-depth analysis of data revealed that averaged OptDeg values, as well as their spatial variations in the horizontal profile were closer to the plants’ comfort zone in the cold season as compared with those in the warm season. This was attributed to the use of heating systems in the cold season and the lack of automated cooling devices in the warm season. This study confirmed the applicability of using IoT sensors for real-time model-based assessment of greenhouse microclimate on a commercial scale. The presented IoT sensor node and the Simulink model provide growers with a better insight into interpreting crop growth environment. The outcome of this research contributes to the improvement of closed-field cultivation of tomato by providing an integrated decision-making framework that explores microclimate variation at different growth stages in the production season.
Improving CSI Prediction Accuracy with Deep Echo State Networks in 5G Networks
Authors: Pecorella Tommaso , Fantacci Romano , Picano Benedetta
Published: November 2020

The forthcoming fifth-generation networks require improvements in cognitive radio intelligence, going towards more smart and aware radio systems. In the emerging radio intelligence approach, the empowerment of cognitive capabilities is performed through the adoption of machine learning techniques. This paper investigates the combined application of the convolutional and recurrent neural networks for the channel state information forecasting, providing a multivariate scalar time series prediction by taking into account the multiple factors dependence of the channel state conditions. Finally, the system performance has been analyzed in terms of prediction accuracy expressed as absolute deviation error and mean percentage error, in comparison with an alternative machine learning method recently proposed in the literature with the aim at solving the same prediction problem.
Real-Time Pattern-Recognition of GPR Images with YOLO v3 Implemented by Tensorflow
Authors: Li Yuanhong , Zhao Zuoxi , Luo Yangfan , Qiu Zhi
Published: November 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely used in pattern recognition and positioning. In most of the geological exploration applications, it needs to locate and identify underground objects according to electromagnetic wave characteristics from the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) images. Currently, a few robust AI approach can detect targets by real-time with high precision or automation for GPR images recognition. This paper proposes an approach that can be used to identify parabolic targets with different sizes and underground soil or concrete structure voids based on you only look once (YOLO) v3. With the TensorFlow 1.13.0 developed by Google, we construct YOLO v3 neural network to realize real-time pattern recognition of GPR images. We propose the specific coding method for the GPR image samples in Yolo V3 to improve the prediction accuracy of bounding boxes. At the same time, K-means algorithm is also applied to select anchor boxes to improve the accuracy of positioning hyperbolic vertex. For some instances electromagnetic-vacillated signals may occur, which refers to multiple parabolic electromagnetic waves formed by strong conductive objects among soils or overlapping waveforms. This paper deals with the vacillating signal similarity intersection over union (IoU) (V-IoU) methods. Experimental result shows that the V-IoU combined with non-maximum suppression (NMS) can accurately frame targets in GPR image and reduce the misidentified boxes as well. Compared with the single shot multi-box detector (SSD), YOLO v2, and Faster-RCNN, the V-IoU YOLO v3 shows its superior performance even when implemented by CPU. It can meet the real-time output requirements by an average 12 fps detected speed. In summary, this paper proposes a simple and high-precision real-time pattern recognition method for GPR imagery, and promoted the application of artificial intelligence or deep learning in the field of the geophysical science.
Accelerometer-Based Fall Detection Using Machine Learning: Training and Testing on Real-World Falls
Authors: Palmerini Luca , Klenk Jochen , Becker Clemens , Chiari Lorenzo
Published: November 2020

Falling is a significant health problem. Fall detection, to alert for medical attention, has been gaining increasing attention. Still, most of the existing studies use falls simulated in a laboratory environment to test the obtained performance. We analyzed the acceleration signals recorded by an inertial sensor on the lower back during 143 real-world falls (the most extensive collection to date) from the FARSEEING repository. Such data were obtained from continuous real-world monitoring of subjects with a moderate-to-high risk of falling. We designed and tested fall detection algorithms using features inspired by a multiphase fall model and a machine learning approach. The obtained results suggest that algorithms can learn effectively from features extracted from a multiphase fall model, consistently overperforming more conventional features. The most promising method (support vector machines and features from the multiphase fall model) obtained a sensitivity higher than 80%, a false alarm rate per hour of 0.56, and an F-measure of 64.6%. The reported results and methodologies represent an advancement of knowledge on real-world fall detection and suggest useful metrics for characterizing fall detection systems for real-world use.
Estimating Position from Millisecond Samples of GPS Signals (the “FastFix” Algorithm)
Authors: Molteno Timothy C. A.
Published: November 2020

A new approach to GPS positioning is described in which the post-processing of ultra-short sequences of captured GPS signal data can produce an estimate of receiver location. The algorithm, called ‘FastFix’, needs only 2–4 ms of stored L1-band data sampled at ∼16 MHz. The algorithm uses a least-squares optimization to estimate receiver position and GPS time from measurements of the relative codephase, and Doppler-shift of GNSS satellite signals. A practical application of this algorithm is demonstrated in a small, lightweight, low-power tracking tag that periodically wakes-up, records and stores 4 ms of GPS L1-band signal and returns to a low-power state—reducing power requirements by a factor of ∼10,000 compared to typical GPS devices. Stationary device testing shows a median error of 27.7 m with a small patch antenna. Results from deployment of this tag on adult Royal Albatross show excellent performance, demonstrating lightweight, solar-powered, long-term tracking of these remarkable birds. This work was performed on the GPS system; however, the algorithm is applicable to other GNSS systems.
Multi-Vehicle Cooperative Target Tracking with Time-Varying Localization Uncertainty via Recursive Variational Bayesian Inference
Authors: Chen Xiaobo , Wang Yanjun , Chen Ling , Ji Jianyu
Published: November 2020

Cooperative target tracking by multiple vehicles connected through inter-vehicle communication is a promising way to improve the estimation of target state. The effectiveness of cooperative tracking closely depends on the accuracy of relative localization between host and cooperative vehicles. However, the localization signal usually provided by the satellite-based navigation system is rather susceptible to dynamic driving environment, thus influencing the effectiveness of cooperative tracking. In order to implement reliable cooperative tracking, especially when the statistical characteristic of the relative localization noise is time-varying and uncertain, this paper presents a recursive Bayesian framework which jointly estimates the state of the target and the cooperative vehicle as well as the localization noise parameter. An online variational Bayesian inference algorithm is further developed to achieve efficient recursive estimate. The simulation results verify that our proposed algorithm can effectively boost the accuracy of target tracking when the localization noise dynamically changes over time.
Deformed Wing Virus in Two Widespread Invasive Ants: Geographical Distribution, Prevalence, and Phylogeny
Authors: Lin Chun-Yi , Lee Chih-Chi , Nai Yu-Shin , Hsu Hung-Wei , Lee Chow-Yang , Tsuji Kazuki , Yang Chin-Cheng Scotty
Published: November 2020

Spillover of honey bee viruses have posed a significant threat to pollination services, triggering substantial effort in determining the host range of the viruses as an attempt to understand the transmission dynamics. Previous studies have reported infection of honey bee viruses in ants, raising the concern of ants serving as a reservoir host. Most of these studies, however, are restricted to a single, local ant population. We assessed the status (geographical distribution/prevalence/viral replication) and phylogenetic relationships of honey bee viruses in ants across the Asia–Pacific region, using deformed wing virus (DWV) and two widespread invasive ants, Paratrechina longicornis and Anoplolepis gracilipes, as the study system. DWV was detected in both ant species, with differential geographical distribution patterns and prevenance levels between them. These metrics, however, are consistent across the geographical range of the same ant species. Active replication was only evident in P. longicornis. We also showed that ant-associated DWV is genetically similar to that isolated from Asian populations of honey bees, suggesting that local acquisition of DWV by the invasive ants may have been common at least in some of our sampled regions. Transmission efficiency of DWV to local arthropods mediated by ant, however, may vary across ant species.
Determination of Genetically Identical Strains of Four Honeybee Viruses in Bumblebee Positive Samples
Authors: Toplak Ivan , Šimenc Laura , Pislak Ocepek Metka , Bevk Danilo
Published: November 2020

In recent years, there has been growing evidence that certain types of honeybee viruses could be transmitted between different pollinators. Within a voluntary monitoring programme, 180 honeybee samples (Apis mellifera carnica) were collected from affected apiaries between 2007 and 2018. Also from August 2017 to August 2018, a total 148 samples of healthy bumblebees (Bombus lapidarius, B. pascuorum, B. terrestris, B. lucorum, B. hortorum, B. sylvarum, B. humilis) were collected at four different locations in Slovenia, and all samples were tested by using RT-PCR methods for six honeybee viruses. Direct sequencing of a total 158 positive samples (acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV n = 33), black queen cell virus (BQCV n = 75), sacbrood bee virus (SBV n = 25) and Lake Sinai virus (LSV n = 25)) was performed from obtained RT-PCR products. The genetic comparison of identified positive samples of bumblebees and detected honeybee field strains of ABPV, BQCV, SBV, and LSV demonstrated 98.74% to 100% nucleotide identity between both species. This study not only provides evidence that honeybees and bumblebees are infected with genetically identical or closely related viral strains of four endemically present honeybee viruses but also detected a high diversity of circulating strains in bumblebees, similar as was observed among honeybees. Important new genetic data for endemic strains circulating in honeybees and bumblebees in Slovenia are presented.
Recombination and Positive Selection Differentially Shaped the Diversity of Betacoronavirus Subgenera
Authors: Forni Diego , Cagliani Rachele , Sironi Manuela
Published: November 2020

The Betacoronavirus genus of mammal-infecting viruses includes three subgenera (Sarbecovirus, Embecovirus, and Merbecovirus), in which most known human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, cluster. Coronaviruses are prone to host shifts, with recombination and positive selection possibly contributing to their high zoonotic potential. We analyzed the role of these two forces in the evolution of viruses belonging to the Betacoronavirus genus. The results showed that recombination has been pervasive during sarbecovirus evolution, and it is more widespread in this subgenus compared to the other two. In both sarbecoviruses and merbecoviruses, recombination hotspots are clearly observed. Conversely, positive selection was a less prominent force in sarbecoviruses compared to embecoviruses and merbecoviruses and targeted distinct genomic regions in the three subgenera, with S being the major target in sarbecoviruses alone. Overall, the results herein indicate that Betacoronavirus subgenera evolved along different trajectories, which might recapitulate their host preferences or reflect the origins of the presently available coronavirus sequences.
To the comparative analysis of the digitalization process of state administration in Russia and other countries
Authors: Shvetsov A.N.
Published: November 2020

The article compares the processes of dissemination of modern information and communication technologies in government bodies in Russia and abroad. It is stated that Russia began the transition to «electronic government» later than the developed countries, in which this process was launched within the framework of large-scale and comprehensive programs for reforming public administration in the 1980s and 1990s. However, to date, there is an alignment in the pace and content of digitalization tasks. At a new stage in this process, the concept of «electronic government» under the influence of such newest phenomena of the emerging information society as methods of analysis of «big data», «artificial intelligence», «Internet of things», «blockchain» is being transformed into the category of «digital government». Achievements and prospects of public administration digitalization are considered on the example of countries with the highest ratings — Denmark, Australia, Republic of Korea, Great Britain, USA and Russia.
Luta e voz nas favelas: representatividade, estereótipo, identidade e democracia às margens da cidade.
Authors: Amaral Fernanda
Published: November 2020

O presente artigo ancora-se nos Estudos Culturais para apresentar uma análise sobre a construção da identidade das favelas sob uma ótica estereotipada e suas consequências e refletir sobre o papel das redes sociais na luta por voz e democracia. Moradores das favelas constantemente não têm suas queixas ouvidas e têm pouca ou nenhuma representatividade no campo do debate democrático. A ausência de representação ou a representação negativa das favelas na mídia vem trazendo impactos aos seus residentes ao longo do último século, em um processo de dessensibilização da sociedade que torna esses grupos invisíveis e segrega-os às margens. A popularização das redes sociais nesses espaços, porém, trouxe mudanças nas dinâmicas entre a favela e a cidade formal e se apresenta como uma nova ferramenta para a inclusão desses grupos marginalizados no cotidiano da cidade, oferecendo novas oportunidades de serem vistos e ouvidos para que tomem seus lugares no campo do debate democrático.
Drug demand satisfaction of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Krasilnikova E. Yu. , Komarov I. A.
Published: November 2020

Objective.The study objective is to analyze data of territorial subjects of the Russian Federation on idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) – nosology included in the list of life threatening and chronic advanced rare (orphan) diseases leading to the reduction in life expectancy of citizens or to their disability.

Methods:Based on regulatory legal acts and federal patients registry we have analyzed morbidity and mortality, level of satisfaction with medicines supply and medicines supply expenses for patients with IPAH.

Results:Criteria of level of satisfaction with drugs availability in patients with rare (orphan) diseases are suggested. Satisfaction with medicines supply is measured up against indicators and objectives of “Strategies for drug supply for the population of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025 and a plan for its implementation”.

Conclusions:The need for further improvement of regulations of orphan diseases sphere, i.e. revision of their list and regional programs creation, is justified.
The availability of the vitamin D among children with allergic disease caused by the polymorphic gene VDR
Authors: Sentsova T. B. , Denisova S. N. , Nee A. , Kachalova O. V.
Published: November 2020

Objective: The objective is to analyze the availability of vitamin D in children with allergic diseases (AD) in polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene.

Methods: The main group included 130 children with allergic diseases aged from 1.5 to 16 y.o. The control group included 41 apparently healthy children aged from 1 to 10 y.o. The analysis of polymorphic markers FokI (rs2228570), BsmI (rs 1544410) and TaqI (rs 731236) of gene VDR was carried out by polymerase chain reaction method in realtime mode using detecting amplifier DT-96 and DNA-diagnostics sets. The assay of metabolite 25(OH) D (25-Hydroxyvitamin D2 and D3) was carried out by an immunoenzyme method.

Results: Children with AD demonstrated a significantly increased degree of incidence of A-allele in the site of BsmI gene VDR and carriage of homozygous (A/A) and heterozygous (G/A) of its genotypes. The statistically significant decrease of 25 (OH) concentration was established in heterozygous variant A/G and in homozygous variant G/G of FokI site of gene VDR.

Conclusions: The findings lay the groundwork for development of individual approach to prevent vitamin D deficiency in children with AD.
Differentiated approaches to the treatment of urinary tract infection in children taking into account the etiological factor Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Melnikova E. A. , Zaitseva E. A. , Luchaninova V. N. , Krukovich E. V. , Komenkova T. S. , Feoktistova Yu. V.
Published: November 2020

Objective:The objective is to develop an algorithm of initial antimicrobial treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI) concidering the etiological factorEnterococcus faecalis, having spontaneous resistance to cephalosporins.

Methods:The analysis of 6438 results of urine bacteriological examination of children with UTI, having received the treatment in multi-field children’s hospital for 9 years, and clinical manifestations of UTI associated withE. faecalisin 181 patients was carried out. Addirionally, antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out in 60 cultures ofE. faecalis.

Results:E. faecalisis occurred to be the second etiological factor of UTI in order of importance in children and had high priority in its development in newborns. The detected diagnostic markers of UTI associated withE. faecalis, and its antimicrobial susceptibility are represented in the author-developed algorithm of the initial antimicrobial treatment.

Conclusions:The algorithm of the initial antimicrobial treatment of UTI caused byE. faecaliswill help to prescribe a sustainable, early antimicrobial treatment at the stage of microbe identification.
Characteristics of health of neglected schoolchildren
Authors: Kovalev A. V. , Skoblina N. A. , Kemeneva Yu. V.
Published: November 2020

Objective. The objective is to develop methods of a process of forensic medical examinations in neglected schoolchildren cases.

Methods: 70 forensic medical examinations of children and adolescents were studied, whom legal representatives were accused of neglecting needs of their foster children. Criminal cases and medical documents were analyzed.

Results: Neglected schoolchildren had low neuropsychic development, high level of anxiety, negative emotional state, were dissatisfied with family situation. The structure of their disease was characterized by impaired psychological development, advanced stage of pulmonary diseases, dental caries, anemia, potential risk of tuberculosis infection. 40 % of children had weigh deficit, 28.6 % were retarded, and 44.3 % had decreased muscle strength.

Conclusions: Children were divided into two risk groups depending on neglecting of their needs: children from multiple children single parenting families and children whose mothers avoided medical observation during pregnancy. The range of factors indicating needs neglecting were detected: malnutrition, disregard of hygiene care and sanitary regulations at home, lack of medical care, lack of appropriate living conditions and learning environment, disregard of safety and supervision, absence of day regimen. The comprehensive assessment of children health condition under forensic medical examinations with account of obtained data will allow an enforcer to make a well-founded decision when investigating crimes, which are punishable under Criminal Rule 156 of the Russian Federation.
“Iatrogenic crimes” and complications of intensive care in pediatrics
Authors: Dmitrieva O. A. , Golubeva A. V. , Sherstyuk B. V. , Kosinskaya E. D.
Published: November 2020

Summary: In recent years doctors and medical institutions are increasingly in the focus of law enforcement bodies, the number of criminal cases against doctors and the number of cases bringing to administrative responsibility of medical institutions is growing. Despite the fact that defects in the provision of medical care are detected in half of the cases, a direct cause-effect relation and the determination of the severity of harm to health are detected in isolated cases. The right legal evaluation of action (inaction) of a medical worker in a specific situation can be given under methodologically correctly performed examination.
The role of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in physiopathological processes in children with kidney diseases
Authors: Krutova A. S. , Luchaninova V. N. , Semeshina O. V. , Nee A. , Bykova O. G.
Published: November 2020

The review of studies of international and national researchers on the impact of matrix metalloproteinases (matrix metalloproteinases, ММРs) and their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, TIMPs) on physiological and pathological processes in children with kidney diseases. It is shown that MMPs play a significant role in organogenesis, i.e. nephrogenesis. Thus, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMPs play a large role in basal membranes remodeling associated with epithelial structures in a developing kidney. Immunohistochemistry assay showed that MMP-2 was localized in structures of immature nephrons undergoing epithelial differentiation, MMP-9 – only in vascular structures included in immature glomeruli. Decreased activity of MMP and /or increased synthesis of TIMPs in nephrocytes contribute to the reduction of intercellular substance components catabolism and serve as a basis for glomerular fibrosis and renal interstitium. MMPs are the major group of proteases which regulate metabolism in extracellular matrix and serve as the most important parameters in tissue remodeling observed in acute and chronic inflammatory processes in kidneys. The literature review gives an opportunity to assess the importance of drug design preventing and delaying the progression of nephrosclerosis.
Age features of ultrastructure of biomineral of hip bone in white rats after excessive palm oil intake and administration of Garcinia cambogia extract
Authors: Lyashchuk A. V. , Luzin V. I.
Published: November 2020

Objective: Analysis of ultrastructure of a biomineral of hip bones (HB) in white rats in alimentary obesity caused by excessive refined palm oil (PO) intake as well as developing a method for correction of detected changes using Garcinia cambogia extract (GCE).

Methods: 216 male rats (juvenile, pubertal, and senile) were used. Animals received PO at a dose of 30 g/kg a day and GCE at a dose of 0.25 g/kg a day 6 weeks later after the start of PO intake. The ultrastructure of PO biomineral was analyzed by X-ray scattering technique.

Results: When juvenile rats took PO, the sizes of crystallites were 4.35% larger than control figures by the 60th day, and coefficient of micro-texturing was 4.72% lower. In pubertal rats, these deviations were 6.14 and 5.05%; in senile rats, they were 5.68 and 7.43%, respectively. When administrating GCE, in juvenile rats, the sizes of crystallites were 3.82% lower than values of group without correction by the 60th day, and coefficient of micro-texturing was 4.67% higher. In pubertal rats, these deviations accounted for 5.52 and 8.03%; and in senile rats, they were 4.34 and 5.56%, respectively.

Conclusion: Consumption of PO at a dose of 30 g/kg a day is accompanied by destabilization of HP biomineral in white rats. Administration of GCE at a dose of 0.25 g/kg a day reduces the effect of PO on the ultrastructure of HB biomineral from 30 to 60 days in juvenile and pubertal rats, in senile rats – from the 60th day.
Features of the approach to orthodontic treatment of patients taking into account the periodontal biotype
Authors: Bolovina Y. P. , Vologina V. M. , Ibrahem F.
Published: November 2020

A feature of periodontal anatomy, in which the proximity of the roots of the teeth to the cortical plates or the sections of the roots of the teeth is determined and that are not included in the bone tissue, contributes to the onset of gum recession or its progression during or after orthodontic treatment. When teeth move towards the cortical plate, it can be destroyed. At the same time, teeth moving towards the center of alveolar ridge often causes the formation of bone tissue from the vestibular side that contributes to the improvement of fixing ability of the periodontium. In case when oral vestibular size of the roots of the teeth exceeds the volume of periodontal tissues, orthodontists use treatment methods that contribute to creating space within the dentition without changing its size: grinding of approximate surfaces and selective extraction of teeth. Knowing and considering periodontal biotypes, clinicians can predict the course of treatment, apply appropriate methods of orthodontic benefits to minimize alveolar resorption and ensure favorable results.
Influence of underactive thyroid gland on the dental health of elderly patients
Authors: Dyachenko S. V. , Firsova I. V. , Yakovlev A. T. , Gavrikova L. M. , Kraynov S. V. , Popova A. N.
Published: November 2020

The review covering modern concepts of the influence of underactive thyroid on dental health of elderly patients. According to WHO, today about 600 million of population are people over 60 years old. By the beginning of 2021, according to the Federal State Statistics Service estimates, the ratio of people of working age out of total population will increase up to 27 %. High prevalence of dental diseases among elderly population is primarily caused by the fact that both physiological and pathological changes occur in the maxillofacial system with age. Disease of thyroid dominates among endocrine diseases. Elderly people are one of the most difficult to diagnose groups of patients with hypothyroidism. There is enough data on the presence and characteristics of the course of dental diseases in both the elderly and patients with hypothyroidism. However, the features of diseases of the hard tissues of teeth in elderly patients with hypothyroidism are not adequately addressed in the available literature. Thus, this issue requires further study.
In memory of M.I. Avdeev – a scientist, innovator and organizer of forensic medicine
Authors: Morgoshiia T. Sh. , Roman’ko N. A.
Published: November 2020

The main milestones of life and scientific work of Professor M.I. Avdeeva (1901–1978) are presented. M.I. Avdeev published over 100 works on forensic medical examination, among which there are textbooks, guidelines and manuals for doctors and lawyers. His textbook for law schools has got five editions and was translated into other languages. He wrote Manual on Forensic Medicine for Military Lawyers and Doctors (1943), Guidelines for Determining the Severity of Bodily Harm. A number of monographs and collections on forensic science were published edited by M.I. Avdeev. On his initiative, the wording of some articles of the RSFSR Criminal Code was clarified. M.I. Avdeev for a long time has served as chairman of the board of Moscow and deputy chairman of the All-Union Scientific Societies of Forensic Physicians, was an honorary member of the Italian Society of Forensic and Insurance Medicine. M.I. Avdeev is a participant in the preparation of national encyclopedias. As time has shown, the basic theoretical and practical statements and discoveries of the scientist still form the basis of our knowledge in fundamental forensic medicine.
Principles for clinical trials of coagulation factor IX products
Authors: Avdeeva Zh. I. , Soldatov A. A. , Bondarev V. P. , Merkulov V. A.
Published: November 2020

Review of materials related to scientific principles underlying clinical trials of coagulation factor IX medications obtained using recombinant DNA technique or from donors’ blood plasma. Inherited deficiency of functional active coagulation factor IX or a low level of its synthesis lead to the development of hemophilia B. Patients with hemophilia require a continuous replacement therapy with factor IX medications. Achievements in the area of genetically engineering technologies as well as improvement of production process of biological products allow developing modern highly efficient medications which are successfully used to treat patients with hemophilia. Registration of newly developed medications and medications produced according to the modified technology requires clinical trials. Principles of these trials are regulated by the clauses of regularly updated regulatory documents. Compliance with national and international guidelines determining the conditions for clini‑ cal trials of medications allows us to guarantee their safety and promotes the development of medications efficient to treat patients with hemophilia.
Alcohol consumption features and strategy to reduce its consumption among HIV-positive inpatient and outpatient patients
Authors: Yakovlev A. A. , Kelly J. , Dyachkov A. G. , Musatov V. B. , Amirkhanian Y. A. , Kuznetsova A. V. , Pirogov D. G. , Meylakhs A. Yu. , Nechaev V. V.
Published: November 2020

Objective: To assess the patterns of alcohol consumption by HIV-positive patients and to determine effective and ineffective strategies to reduce harm from alcohol consumption.

Methods: A survey of 286 HIV-positive inpatient and outpatient patients was carried out as well as a qualitative study by focus group method of HIV-positive individuals living in St. Petersburg.

Results: Almost the half of patients has demonstrated a dangerous level of alcohol consumption that affected adherence to treatment. Persons closest to HIV-positive patients have both positive and negative effect on the patterns of alcohol consumption.

Conclusions: Alcohol consumption is a common behavioral practice among HIV-positive patients requiring periodic monitoring. Persons closest to a patient influence his/her behavior and can be used in planning of preventive measures in addictive pathology.
The level of oxidative stress in rat brain tissue after a brain trauma injury with introduction of synthetic regulatory peptides
Authors: Kolesnikova A. A. , Fleishman M. Yu. , Yakusheva N. Yu. , Slobodenyuk E. V. , Tolstenok I. V.
Published: November 2020

Objective: Comparative evaluation of the effect of regulatory peptides on lipid peroxidation in brain tissue after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods: Reproductive Wistar male rats were divided into 3 groups: the first group received 0.1 mg/kg of “Selang” peptide solution (Thy-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) within 5 days after the experimental traumatic brain injury, the second group received 0.1 mg/kg AGAPGP peptide (Arg-Gly-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro), the third (control) – 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Drugs were administered retroperitoneally.

Results: According to chemiluminescence in the biomaterial taken from rats of the first group, indicators of oxidative stress were less pronounced.

Conclusions: The Selang has a more pronounced antioxidant effect on brain tissue after traumatic brain injury compared with the AGAPGP peptide.
Photodynamic therapy in oncology: Present and future
Authors: Korshunova O. V. , Plekhova N. G.
Published: November 2020

There is progress in applying photodynamic therapy in cancer clinic during the last decade. The promising direction to develop this way of treatment is the use of photosensitizers with given characteristics. It is based on a local activation of a photosensitizer in a cancer tissue by using luminous radiation of an appropriate wave length to launch photochemical reaction following the atypical cells’ destruction. In spite of a successful experience of using photodynamic therapy in different areas of medicine, not all its opportunities are studied. There are general information in this literature survey about the use of photodynamic therapy and its perspectives in oncology.
Cost-effectiveness indicator for colorectal cancer therapy
Authors: Eliseeva E. V. , Petukhova Yu. Yu. , Petukhova A. G.
Published: November 2020

Contemporary data on different therapy schemes for colorectal cancer are presented from the point of view of “costeffectiveness” indicator. There is an information about Federal programs aimed at increasing annual healthcare financing connected with preventing and curing malignancies. The statistics of the annual growth in colon and rectum cancer rates is discussed. An actual problem of increasing number of resource-intensive medicines for oncology treatment is stated. This is the reason to analyze cost-effectiveness.