State of the climate in 2013

In 2013, the vast majority of the monitored climate variables reported here maintained trends established in recent decades. ENSO was in a neutral state during the entire year, remaining mostly on the cool side of neutral with modest impacts on regional weather patterns around the world. This follows several years dominated by the effects of either La Niña or El Niño events. According to several independent analyses, 2013 was again among the 10 warmest years on record at the global scale, both at the Earths surface and through the troposphere. Some regions in the Southern Hemisphere had record or near-record high temperatures for the year. Australia observed its hottest year on record, while Argentina and New Zealand reported their second and third hottest years, respectively. In Antarctica, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station reported its highest annual temperature since records began in 1957. At the opposite pole, the Arctic observed its seventh warmest year since records began in the early 20th century. At 20-m depth, record high temperatures were measured at some permafrost stations on the North Slope of Alaska and in the Brooks Range. In the Northern Hemisphere extratropics, anomalous meridional atmospheric circulation occurred throughout much of the year, leading to marked regional extremes of both temperature and precipitation. Cold temperature anomalies during winter across Eurasia were followed by warm spring temperature anomalies, which were linked to a new record low Eurasian snow cover extent in May. Minimum sea ice extent in the Arctic was the sixth lowest since satellite observations began in 1979. Including 2013, all seven lowest extents on record have occurred in the past seven years. Antarctica, on the other hand, had above-average sea ice extent throughout 2013, with 116 days of new daily high extent records, including a new daily maximum sea ice area of 19.57 million km2 reached on 1 October. ENSO-neutral conditions in the eastern central Pacific Ocean and a negative Pacific decadal oscillation pattern in the North Pacific had the largest impacts on the global sea surface temperature in 2013. The North Pacific reached a historic high temperature in 2013 and on balance the globally-averaged sea surface temperature was among the 10 highest on record. Overall, the salt content in nearsurface ocean waters increased while in intermediate waters it decreased. Global mean sea level continued to rise during 2013, on pace with a trend of 3.2 mm yr-1 over the past two decades. A portion of this trend (0.5 mm yr-1) has been attributed to natural variability associated with the Pacific decadal oscillation as well as to ongoing contributions from the melting of glaciers and ice sheets and ocean warming. Global tropical cyclone frequency during 2013 was slightly above average with a total of 94 storms, although the North Atlantic Basin had its quietest hurricane season since 1994. In the Western North Pacific Basin, Super Typhoon Haiyan, the deadliest tropical cyclone of 2013, had 1-minute sustained winds estimated to be 170 kt (87.5 m s-1) on 7 November, the highest wind speed ever assigned to a tropical cyclone. High storm surge was also associated with Haiyan as it made landfall over the central Philippines, an area where sea level is currently at historic highs, increasing by 200 mm since 1970. In the atmosphere, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide all continued to increase in 2013. As in previous years, each of these major greenhouse gases once again reached historic high concentrations. In the Arctic, carbon dioxide and methane increased at the same rate as the global increase. These increases are likely due to export from lower latitudes rather than a consequence of increases in Arctic sources, such as thawing permafrost. At Mauna Loa, Hawaii, for the first time since measurements began in 1958, the daily average mixing ratio of carbon dioxide exceeded 400 ppm on 9 May. The state of these variables, along with dozens of others, and the 2013 climate conditions of regions around the world are discussed in further detail in this 24th edition of the State of the Climate series. © 2014, American Meteorological Society. All rights reserved

Uric acid levels in the blood of patients with postinfarction cardiac failure

Aim. To evaluate uric acid (UA) levels in patients with postinfarction chronic cardiac failure (CCF) and to investigate correlation between accumulation of uric acid, CCF severity and some other parameters. Material and methods. UA levels were determined with enzyme immunoassay and acid-base status of capillary and venous blood was studied in 120 men 35-78 years of age (mean age 46.3 +/- 1.8 years) with CCF of NYHA functional class (FC) I-IV. CCF was caused by Q-wave myocardial infarction in all the patients. Results. It was found that a close direct relationship exists between FC of CCF and UA content (r = 0.735, p < 0.001), FC of CCF and creatinine levels (r = 0.648, p < 0.001). Analysis of acid-base condition shows the existence of compensated gas acidosis in CCF patients. Acid-base changes were more prominent in FC III and IV. FC and gas acidosis directly correlated. Conclusion. In CCF there is a pathogenetic relation between high uric acid and hypoxia. However, further studies are necessary of the causes of UC rise in CCF and its influence on the severity of circulatory insufficiency

Plasmic hemostasis and some biochemical indices in trimetasidine treatment in patients with chronic heart failure

Aim. The study of trimetasidine effects on plasmic hemostasis and blood biochemistry in patients with chronic heart failure (CCF) of NYHA functional class II-III. Materials and methods. The study enrolled 30 patients (24 mates and 6 females) aged 40-72 years with class II-III CCF, postinfarction cardiosclerosis and ejection fraction under 40%. Previously the patients received perindopril (the inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme) in daily close 2-4 mg, on-demand digoxin and diuretics. Trimetasidine,vas given in a daily dose 60 mg for 6 months. Before and after the treatment the patients' blood was examined for: levels of factors VII and X of antithrombin III coagulation, soluble fibrinomonomeric complexes (SFMC), fibrinogen, glucose, uric acid creatinines, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, triglycerides, AST, ALT, LDH, acid phosphotase, gamma-GT, sodium, potassium, activated partial thrombin time. Results. Initially, the patients had a 23.9% increase in the levels of factors VII and X, a 14.3% decrease of antithrombin III, 29.8 and 227.6% rise in concentrations of fibrinogen and SFMC respectively, compared to controls. After treatment values of fibrinogen, factors VII and X, SFMC fell by, 21.1, 17 and 35.5%, respectively. The thrombin time arose by 17.9% (p > 0.05). Insignificant inhibition was registered in the activity of acid phosphotase and gamma-GT. Glucose, AST, ALT, LDH levels remained unchanged. Plasma creatinine tended to lowering. Total cholesterol insignificantly increased at high levels of HDL cholesterol (p > 0.05) and reduced levels of triglycerides (p > 0.05). Conclusions, Trimetasidine therapy, given after conventional treatment with diuretics, digoxin, inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme, aspirin has a beneficial effect in patients with circulatory deficiency through improving hemostatic and biochemical parameters

Uric acid levels in the blood of patients with postinfarction cardiac failure

Aim. To evaluate uric acid (UA) levels in patients with postinfarction chronic cardiac failure (CCF) and to investigate correlation between accumulation of uric acid, CCF severity and some other parameters. Material and methods. UA levels were determined with enzyme immunoassay and acid-base status of capillary and venous blood was studied in 120 men 35-78 years of age (mean age 46.3 +/- 1.8 years) with CCF of NYHA functional class (FC) I-IV. CCF was caused by Q-wave myocardial infarction in all the patients. Results. It was found that a close direct relationship exists between FC of CCF and UA content (r = 0.735, p < 0.001), FC of CCF and creatinine levels (r = 0.648, p < 0.001). Analysis of acid-base condition shows the existence of compensated gas acidosis in CCF patients. Acid-base changes were more prominent in FC III and IV. FC and gas acidosis directly correlated. Conclusion. In CCF there is a pathogenetic relation between high uric acid and hypoxia. However, further studies are necessary of the causes of UC rise in CCF and its influence on the severity of circulatory insufficiency

Plasmic hemostasis and some biochemical indices in trimetasidine treatment in patients with chronic heart failure

Aim. The study of trimetasidine effects on plasmic hemostasis and blood biochemistry in patients with chronic heart failure (CCF) of NYHA functional class II-III. Materials and methods. The study enrolled 30 patients (24 mates and 6 females) aged 40-72 years with class II-III CCF, postinfarction cardiosclerosis and ejection fraction under 40%. Previously the patients received perindopril (the inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme) in daily close 2-4 mg, on-demand digoxin and diuretics. Trimetasidine,vas given in a daily dose 60 mg for 6 months. Before and after the treatment the patients' blood was examined for: levels of factors VII and X of antithrombin III coagulation, soluble fibrinomonomeric complexes (SFMC), fibrinogen, glucose, uric acid creatinines, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, triglycerides, AST, ALT, LDH, acid phosphotase, gamma-GT, sodium, potassium, activated partial thrombin time. Results. Initially, the patients had a 23.9% increase in the levels of factors VII and X, a 14.3% decrease of antithrombin III, 29.8 and 227.6% rise in concentrations of fibrinogen and SFMC respectively, compared to controls. After treatment values of fibrinogen, factors VII and X, SFMC fell by, 21.1, 17 and 35.5%, respectively. The thrombin time arose by 17.9% (p > 0.05). Insignificant inhibition was registered in the activity of acid phosphotase and gamma-GT. Glucose, AST, ALT, LDH levels remained unchanged. Plasma creatinine tended to lowering. Total cholesterol insignificantly increased at high levels of HDL cholesterol (p > 0.05) and reduced levels of triglycerides (p > 0.05). Conclusions, Trimetasidine therapy, given after conventional treatment with diuretics, digoxin, inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme, aspirin has a beneficial effect in patients with circulatory deficiency through improving hemostatic and biochemical parameters

Этиология бактериальных инфекций, связанных с оказанием медицинской помощи, и антибиотикорезистентность основных возбудителей у пациентов, госпитализированных с COVID-19: ретроспективный анализ

Background. One of the complications in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is a secondary bacterial infection. Its frequency can reach 15%, which makes it important to determine the etiology and antimicrobial resistance of the key pathogens responsible for the development of this pathology, in order to further improve the practice of prescribing and increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial chemotherapy. Aims to assess the etiological structure and antibiotic resistance of the main pathogens of SBIs to improve the practice of antibiotic prescription. Methods. This retrospective study reviewed medical records of the patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the Moscow city hospital No. 4 between April 28 and November 1, 2020. Demographic, clinical outcomes, etiology, and antimicrobial resistance data of the SBIs were collected. Outcomes were also compared between patients who were classified as severe and critical on admission. Results. Among 3180 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, 220 (6.9%) patients had acquired SBIs, and 50.0% of cases were fatal. The mean age was 72.7 13.07 years. A higher mortality rate was observed in the group of critical patients (63%). 560 strains of bacteria isolated from the SBIs (58.8% isolated from lungs, 21% from urine and 20.2% from blood). 330 strains (58.9%) were Gram-negative bacteria. 109 patients had infections with mixed bacteria. 45 of them (20.5% of the total number of patients included in the study) had 2 pathogens, and 64 patients (29.1%) 3 or more strains. The top three bacteria of SBIs were A. baumannii (23.6%; 132/560), K. pneumoniae (22.9%; 128/560), and S. epidermidis (10.4%; 58/560). The isolation rates of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii were 97%. Cefoperazone/sulbactam was the most active antibiotic against this pathogen with 62.1% sensitivity. Among K. pneumoniae strains, the level of resistance to carbapenems was 77.4% to meropenem and 54% to imipenem. The proportion of resistant strains to tigecycline and to colistin was 4 and 2.3% respectively. Meticillin resistance was present in 38.5% of S. aureus. 50% of E. faecium strains were vancomycin-resistant. Conclusions. Gram-negative bacteria, especially A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae, were the main pathogens, and the resistance rates of the major isolated bacteria were generally high, which indicates that more accurate use of antibacterial agents is necessary for SBIs in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.Обоснование. Одним из осложнений у пациентов, госпитализированных с COVID-19, является инфекция, связанная с оказанием медицинской помощи (ИСМП). Ее частота может достигать 15%, что обусловливает важность определения ее этиологии и антимикробной резистентности ключевых патогенов, ответственных за развитие данной патологии, для дальнейшего совершенствования практики назначения и повышения эффективности противомикробной химиотерапии. Цель исследования оценить этиологическую структуру ИСМП и антибиотикорезистентность основных возбудителей ИСМП с целью совершенствования практики назначения антибиотиков. Методы. В этом ретроспективном исследовании были проанализированы медицинские карты пациентов, госпитализированных с COVID-19 в ГКБ № 4 г. Москвы в период с 28 апреля по 1 ноября 2020 г. Получены демографические показатели, данные по клиническим исходам, а также установлена этиологическая структура ИСМП и устойчивость к противомикробным препаратам основных возбудителей ИСМП. Варианты клинических исходов также сравнивались между пациентами в тяжелом и критическом состоянии. Результаты. Из 3180 пациентов, госпитализированных с COVID-19, у 220 (6,9%) была зафиксирована нозокомиальная бактериальная инфекция, в 50,0% случаев с летальным исходом. Средний возраст пациентов составил 72,7 13,07 года. Более высокий уровень летальности наблюдался в группе пациентов в критическом состоянии (63%). За время исследования было выделено 560 штаммов бактерий (58,8% из легких, 21% из мочи и 20,2% из крови). 330 штаммов (58,9%) были грамотрицательными бактериями. У 109 пациентов определялась микст-инфекции. 45 из них (20,5% от общего числа пациентов) имели 2 патогена, а 64 (29,1%) пациента 3 и более микроорганизмов. Ведущими возбудителями ИСМП были A. baumannii (23,6%; 132/560), K. pneumoniae (22,9%; 128/560) и S. epidermidis (10,4%; 58/560). Частота выделения карбапенем-резистентных штаммов A. baumannii составила 97%. Цефоперазон/сульбактам был наиболее активным антибиотиком в отношении данного патогена с чувствительностью 62,1%. Среди штаммов K. pneumoniae уровень резистентности к карбапенемам составил 77,4% к меропенему и 54% к имипенему. Доля штаммов, резистентных к тигециклину и колистину, составила 4 и 2,3% соответственно. Уровень выявления метициллин-резистентных штаммов S. aureus составил 38,5%. 50% штаммов E. faecium были устойчивы к ванкомицину. Выводы. Среди выделенных бактериальных патогенов у пациентов, госпитализированных с COVID-19, преобладали грамотрицательные бактерии, в частности A. baumannii и K. pneumoniae. Показатели резистентности основных выделенных бактерий были высокими, что указывает на необходимость более точного использования антибактериальных средств для лечения нозокомиальных бактериальных инфекций у пациентов, госпитализированных с COVID-19

Efficacy of perindopril, inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme, in congestive heart failure

The efficacy of perindopril in congestive heart failure (CHF) class II-III (NYHA) was studied in a trial including 37 patients (35 males and 2 females) aged 39-71 years (mean age 57.9 +/- 1.4) with postinfarction cardiosclerosis. They had CHF class II-III and ejection fraction (EF) < 45%. Perindopril was given in a single daily dose 2-4 mg for 6 months. The treatment resulted in a significant lowering of CHF class (from 2.5 +/- 0.1 to 1.7 +/- 0.1 (p < 0.01). Exercise tolerance increased from 256.2 +/- 18.6 s to 349.8 +/- 27.0 s (p < 0.05). Pump and contractile functions of the myocardium improved: stroke volume increased by 12.7%, ejection fraction by 20.5%, total peripheral vascular resistance fell by 9.7%, circulating blood volume by 9.2%. Parameters of oxygen transport to tissues and tissue respiration also changed for the better. The authors state high efficacy of perindopril in CHF patients

Thinking with robert sokolowski about phenomenology and personalism

Robert Sokolowski wishes to provide what he calls “glimpses” that provide essential philosophical clarifications regarding the nature of the human person, whom the author also calls “the agent of truth.” He claims that our rationality constitutes us as human persons and wishes to explain such rationality in action to reveal its existing manifestations. He calls for epistemic modesty, pointing out our inability to fully understand the mystery of human personhood. Our article reflects on the way Sokolowski approaches the study of what constitutes the human person, underlining his preference for basing his ideas on dissecting distinct human activities, which helps us identify how human rationality and personhood manifest themselves. We further reflect on what Sokolowski means by emphasizing that human rationality is “essentially a disclosure of things” as opposed to the ability to note, describe, evaluate and/or infer ideas in your brains. Finally, we argue that to understand what constitutes the human person, we must take into account the human essential relationality and openness to the other/Other. © 2021, Slovenska Vzdelavacia Obstaravacia. All rights reserved

Efficacy of perindopril, inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme, in congestive heart failure

The efficacy of perindopril in congestive heart failure (CHF) class II-III (NYHA) was studied in a trial including 37 patients (35 males and 2 females) aged 39-71 years (mean age 57.9 +/- 1.4) with postinfarction cardiosclerosis. They had CHF class II-III and ejection fraction (EF) < 45%. Perindopril was given in a single daily dose 2-4 mg for 6 months. The treatment resulted in a significant lowering of CHF class (from 2.5 +/- 0.1 to 1.7 +/- 0.1 (p < 0.01). Exercise tolerance increased from 256.2 +/- 18.6 s to 349.8 +/- 27.0 s (p < 0.05). Pump and contractile functions of the myocardium improved: stroke volume increased by 12.7%, ejection fraction by 20.5%, total peripheral vascular resistance fell by 9.7%, circulating blood volume by 9.2%. Parameters of oxygen transport to tissues and tissue respiration also changed for the better. The authors state high efficacy of perindopril in CHF patients