bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Определение параметров ионной системы LiPON по кривым диффузионной релаксации поляризации
Authors: Рудый А.С. , Лебедев М.В. , Новожилова А.В.
Published: September 2023

The results of studying the ionic system parameters of the LiPON solid electrolyte
by the voltage relaxation method on the polarized Ti|LiPON|Ti structure are presented. The
measurements were carried out at temperatures of 223, 248, 273, and 300 K on a bench
consisting of a thermostat, a charger, a charge-discharge switching device, and a recording
circuit. The samples in the form of Ti|LiPON|Ti test structures charged to a voltage of 1 V
were discharged through an external load with a nominal value of 1 MΩ, 100 kΩ, 10 kΩ, 1
kΩ, 100 Ω, and 10 Ω, and U(t) curves were recorded. A mathematical model of diffusion
relaxation of polarization is developed, which approximates the discharge curves U(t). The
method of fitting the parameters of the approximating dependence was used to determine
the equilibrium concentration of lithium ions, the effective thickness of the electrical
double layer, and the volume relaxation time of nonequilibrium ions.
Физическая природа эффекта "стабилизации" кислородного содержания в тонких пленках La-=SUB=-0.8-=/SUB=-Sr-=SUB=-0.2-=/SUB=-MnO-=SUB=-3+delta-=/SUB=-
Authors: Николаенко Ю.М. , Бутько В.Г. , Гусев А.А. , Эфрос Н.Б.
Published: September 2023

Using ab initio calculations by the density functional theory in the LDA+U approximation, the features of the formation process of intrinsic defects in crystals of doped manganite with a perovskite-like structure are studied. It is shown that the nature of the energy barrier, which provides the relative stability of the material of high-quality La0.8Sr0.2MnO3+delta films with a stoichiometric composition with respect to oxygen, due to the different energy of formation of metal and oxygen vacancies. In this case, the physical mechanism for the formation of an oxygen-excessive state of the crystal realizes in accordance with a well-known physical model, by forming additional cation-deficient crystal cells by means of the depletion of complete ones..
К вопросу о фазовой диаграмме твердых растворов Na-=SUB=-1/2-=/SUB=-Bi-=SUB=-1/2-=/SUB=-TiO-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=--xBaTiO-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-
Authors: Камзина Л.С. , Пронин И.П.
Published: September 2023

In solid solutions of Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-xBaTiO3, the question of the relationship between the concentration of BaTiO3(x) and the presence of relaxor properties, as well as at what value of x these properties disappear, was studied. For this purpose, dielectric measurements of polarized and unpolarized compounds were carried out in a wide range of concentrations x 0.05<x<0.45. Ceramic and monocrystalline samples were studied. It was found that relaxation properties exist in the studied concentration range x and the normal ferroelectric state cannot be achieved. This contradicts a number of literature data in which relaxor properties disappear already at x=0.18. It is suggested that different values of x at which relaxor properties are lost may be associated with different sizes and numbers of polar nanoblasts in the cubic ergodic phase resulting from the synthesis of ceramics due to different sintering temperatures and sample densities. It is concluded that the value of x, at which the relaxor properties disappear, is not constant for all NBT-xBT compounds and may vary depending on the synthesis conditions
Механические свойства и теплопроводность композитов на основе скомканного графена и наночастиц никеля: молекулярная динамика
Authors: Крылова К.А. , Сафина Л.Р. , Мурзаев Р.Т. , Щербинин С.А. , Баимова Ю.А. , Мулюков Р.Р.
Published: September 2023

The mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of a composite based on crumpled graphene flakes and nickel nanoparticles obtained by high-temperature hydrostatic compression are investigated by the method of molecular dynamics. The pores of the graphene matrix of the composite are filled with nickel nanoparticles of different sizes (respectively, different contents of Ni - 8, 16 and 24 at.%). It was found that an increase in the amount of nickel on the one hand increases the thermal conductivity of the composite, and on the other hand reduces its strength, since strength is determined by the presence of a graphene grid, and thermal conductivity is determined by the presence of a conductive metal. The obtained results on thermophysical properties combined with high mechanical characteristics of Ni/graphene composites allow us to predict their application for the manufacture of new flexible electronics, supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries.
Фазовые переходы в фрустрированном кобальтите TmBaCo-=SUB=-4-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-7-=/SUB=-
Authors: Казей З.А. , Снегирев В.В. , Столяренко М.С.
Published: September 2023

For the first time, changes in lattice parameters (metrics) during a structural transition in stoichiometric cobalt TmBaCo4O7+x with x~ 0 (iodometric titration method) obtained by quenching from 900-950oC were investigated by direct X-ray method. It was found that during the structural transition TS~220-240 K, the Delta a/a parameter does not detect any features, parameters b and c experience jumps of different sign and different magnitude Delta b/b~3.5·10-3 and Delta c/c~-4.0·10-3, which leads to a jump in the volume of Delta V/V~ -0.5·10-3. The distortion value eo ~ -3.5·10-3 remains constant with increasing temperature and disappears abruptly during the transition.The distortion of the structure is accompanied by abnormal behavior of the Young's Delta E(T)/E0 module in the TS region. In the region of the expected magnetic phase transition of the cobalt subsystem, anomalies on the Young's modulus curve Delta E(T)/E0 were not detected, and a strong absorption peak at T~ 96 K on the internal friction dependence q-1(T) is, apparently, a sign of a developed short-range order.
Влияние фрактальности никелевой наносети на ее магнитные свойства
Authors: Дворецкая Е.В. , Валеев Р.А. , Бурканов М.В. , Моргунов Р.Б.
Published: September 2023

The magnetic properties of a nanonetwork consisting of ultrathin Ni nanowires (diameter < 4 nm) and Ni nanoballs (diameter < 20 nm) are studied at different stages of its growth during laser ablation in a superfluid helium medium. It has been established that, at the early stages of ablation, the nanonetwork consists mainly of nanowires and has a rectangular magnetic hysteresis loop. At the late stages of ablation, the concentration of nanoballs and their diameter increase, and the shape of the hysteresis loop deviates from a rectangular one. The fractal dimension of the nanonetwork is determined, which varies from 1 in the early stages of ablation, when individual nanowires occur, to 2, when the nanonetwork becomes so dense that it is a continuous film. It is shown that the saturation magnetization changes with a change in the fractality of the nanonetwork, which, under constant ablation conditions, is explained by the transformation of nanowires into nanoballs during their folding.
Структурные и электрофизические свойства композитных мемристоров на основе матрицы LiNbO-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=- с разными наногранулами: Co-Fe-B и CoFe
Authors: Черноглазов К.Ю. , Чумаков Р.Г. , Храмов Е.В. , Никируй К.Э. , Ситников А.В. , Демин В.А. , Пашаев Э.М. , Рыльков В.В.
Published: September 2023

Comparative studies of the properties of metal/nanocomposite/metal (M/NC/M) memristive
structures based on NC consisting of a LiNbO 3 matrix and various Co-Fe-B or CoFe metal granules
have been carried out. The M/NC/M structures were obtained using ion-beam sputtering from
composite targets Co 40 Fe 40 B 20 -LiNbO 3 and Co 50 Fe 50 -LiNbO 3 on glass-ceramic substrates. The same
NC layers were synthesized on polyimide substrates to study the structural features by X-ray
absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS). The XAFS data show an identical crystal structure
of granules in both types of NC, indicating that a significant part of the B atoms during the
synthesis of NC is in an insulating matrix, forming an oxide of the B 2 O 3 type, which is confirmed by
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data. In this case, no metallic state of niobium is observed in the
layers. Both types of M/NC/M structures demonstrate resistive switching (RS), however, in the case
of NC with boron, the RS effect is much stronger, which is explained by the significant role of
oxygen vacancies formed during the oxidation of boron in the RS.
Кинетика самосборки кластеров эндоэдральных металлофуллеренов в полярном растворителе
Authors: Алиджанов Э.К. , Кареев И.Е. , Бубнов В.П. , Котов А.И. , Летута С.Н. , Лантух Ю.Д. , Раздобреев Д.А.
Published: September 2023

The evolution of the morphological properties of solutions of endohedral metallofullerene La@C82 in N,N-dimethylformamide in the presence of a coagulant was studied by dynamic and static light scattering methods. Based on the experimental results, the time evolution of the light scattering intensity, and the hydrodynamic radius of endohedral metallofullerene clusters, their association constants and aggregation rates are determined. Based on the analysis of the angular dependences of light scattering in solutions of endohedral metallofullerenes, the fractal dimension of La@C82 clusters in solutions of various concentrations at the initial and final stages of their aggregation was estimated.
Participants’ Engagement With and Results From a Web-Based Integrative Population Mental Wellness Program (CHAMindWell) During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Program Evaluation Study
Authors: Rosansky Joseph A , Okst Kayley , Tepper Miriam C , Baumgart Schreck Ana , Fulwiler Carl , Wang Philip S , Schuman-Olivier Zev
Published: September 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic involved a prolonged period of collective trauma and stress during which substantial increases in mental health concerns, like depression and anxiety, were observed across the population. In this context, CHAMindWell was developed as a web-based intervention to improve resilience and reduce symptom severity among a public health care system’s patient population.

Objective

This program evaluation was conducted to explore participants’ engagement with and outcomes from CHAMindWell by retrospectively examining demographic information and mental health symptom severity scores throughout program participation.

Methods

We examined participants’ symptom severity scores from repeated, web-based symptom screenings through Computerized Adaptive Testing for Mental Health (CAT-MH) surveys, and categorized participants into symptom severity-based tiers (tier 1=asymptomatic to mild; tier 2=moderate; and tier 3=severe). Participants were provided tier-based mindfulness resources, treatment recommendations, and referrals. Logistic regressions were conducted to evaluate associations between demographic variables and survey completion. The McNemar exact test and paired sample t tests were performed to evaluate changes in the numbers of participants in tier 1 versus tier 2 or 3 and changes in depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder severity scores between baseline and follow-up.

Results

The program enrolled 903 participants (664/903, 73.5% female; 556/903, 61.6% White; 113/903, 12.5% Black; 84/903, 9.3% Asian; 7/903, 0.8% Native; 36/903, 4% other; and 227/903, 25.1% Hispanic) between December 16, 2020, and March 17, 2022. Of those, 623 (69%) completed a baseline CAT-MH survey, and 196 completed at least one follow-up survey 3 to 6 months after baseline. White racial identity was associated with completing baseline CAT-MH (odds ratio [OR] 1.80, 95% CI 1.14-2.84; P=.01). Participants’ odds of having symptom severity below the clinical threshold (ie, tier 1) were significantly greater at follow-up (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.40-5.08; P=.001), and significant reductions were observed across symptom domains over time.

Conclusions

CHAMindWell is associated with reduced severity of mental health symptoms. Future work should aim to address program engagement inequities and attrition and compare the impacts of CHAMindWell to a control condition to better characterize its effects.
Adapting a Dutch Web-Based Intervention to Support Family Caregivers of People With Dementia in the UK Context: Accelerated Experience-Based Co-Design (Preprint)
Authors: Scheibl Fiona , Boots Lizzy , Eley Ruth , Fox Christopher , Gracey Fergus , Harrison Dening Karen , Oyebode Jan , Penhale Bridget , Poland Fiona , Ridel Gemma , West Juniper , Cross Jane L
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Around 700,000 family caregivers provide unpaid care for 900,000 people living with dementia in the United Kingdom. Few family caregivers receive support for their own psychological needs and funding for community respite services has declined. These trends are seen across Europe as demographic and budgetary pressures have intensified due to public spending cuts arising from the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization has prioritized the need to expand the provision of support for caregivers and families of people with dementia by 2025. Web-based interventions have the potential for development as they require modest investment and can be accessed by family caregivers at home. Further cost benefits can be realized by adapting existing interventions with demonstrated effectiveness for new contexts. This paper reports initial findings from the CareCoach study, which is adapting Partner in Balance (PiB), a web-based coaching intervention developed in the Netherlands, for family caregivers in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to work with unpaid family caregivers and staff in adapting the Dutch web-based support tool PiB to improve its acceptability and usability for use in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

Accelerated Experience-Based Co-Design (AEBCD) was used with caregivers, staff, and core stakeholders. Interviews, workshops, and stakeholder consultations were conducted. Data were analyzed iteratively. Recommendations for the redesign of PiB for use across the United Kingdom were adjudicated by the study Adaptation Working Party.

RESULTS

Sixteen caregivers and 17 staff took part in interviews. Thirteen caregivers and 17 staff took part in workshops. Most (n=26) participants were White, female, and retired. All except 4 caregivers (2 male and 2 female) found the PiB’s offer of web-based self-help learning acceptable. Caregivers identified complexity and lack of inclusivity in some wording and video resources as problematic. The staff took a stronger perspective on the lack of inclusivity in PiB video resources. Staff and caregivers coproduced new inclusive wording and recommended creating new videos to adapt PiB for the UK context.

CONCLUSIONS

AEBCD methods facilitated the engagement of caregivers and staff and advanced the adaptation of the PiB complex intervention. An important addition to the AEBCD method in this process was the work of an Adaptation Working Party, which adjudicated and agreed to new wording where this could not be established in consultation with caregivers and staff.

CLINICALTRIAL

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN12540555; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12540555
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin: function, specificity, role in the diagnosis of renal dysfunction in hypertensive patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes and obesity
Authors: Dunaeva I.P.
Published: September 2023

Background. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) belongs to the superfamily of lipocalins whose main function is the binding and transportation of hydrophobic molecules, si­derophores, as the most important ligands of NGAL. The diagnostic significance of NGAL as a marker of renal dysfunction, as well as its prognostic value in terms of the further prognosis of the course of renal pathology has now been confirmed. The purpose of the study: to determine the role of NGAL in the development of renal dysfunction in hypertensive patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Materials and methods. One hundred and eleven patients with hypertension (50 men, 61 women) aged 54.37 ± 1.18 years and 20 controls were examined. During the examination, they were divi­ded into 4 groups depending on the presence of comorbid pathology: hypertension — the first group (n = 22); hypertension combined with obesity — the second group (n = 30); hypertension combined with T2D — the third group (n = 31); hypertension, T2D and obesity — the fourth group (n = 28). In all patients, body weight and height were measured, body mass index was calculated, levels of glycated hemoglobin, lipid metabolism, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. The content of NGAL in blood serum was evaluated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. The level of NGAL in all patients included in the study was significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.01). However, it was highest in comorbidity of hypertension, T2D and obesity, which, in turn, indicates a high risk of interstitial fibrosis in these patients. A significant correlation was found between the level of NGAL and the concentration of cardiotrophin (p < 0.032), catestatin (p < 0.001), β2-microglobulin (p < 0.001), cystatin (p < 0.021), atherogenic coefficient (p < 0.011), NT-proBNP (p < 0.014), vitamin D (p < 0.004). The obtained data demonstrate the significant role of NGAL in the development of early cardiovascular and renal complications in our patients. Conclusions. A significant increase in the level of NGAL was found in patients with hypertension, hypertension with T2D, hypertension with obesity, hypertension with T2DM and obesity compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.01). A significant correlation of the NGAL level with the serum concentration of cardiotrophin, catestatin, cystatin C, β2-microglobulin, atherogenic coefficient, NT-proBNP, and vitamin D in the exami­ned patients was proved.
The glycemic profile in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and type 2 diabetes depending on diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Kotsiubiichuk Z.Ya. , Antoniv A.A. , Khukhlina O.S.
Published: September 2023

Background. State of carbohydrate metabolism and severity of insulin resistance in the comorbid course of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is due to the cascade of possible transformation of NASH into liver cirrhosis. The purpose is to study the interaction of changes in glucose and insulin homeostasis, the degree of insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity, the degree of hemoglobin glycosylation on the clinical course of NASH associated with DM depending on the presence of DKD and its stage. Materials and methods. One hundred and eight patients with NASH and comorbid DM2 were examined. The average age of patients was 58.2 ± 6.1 years. There were 63 women (58.3 %) and 45 men (41.7 %). Depending on the presence of DKD, 4 groups of patients were formed, who were randomized by age, sex, activity of cytolytic syndrome. The comparison group consisted of 30 healthy individuals of the appropriate age and sex. The degree of hepatic steatosis and its nature were determined using SteatoTest, ASH and NASH-Test kits (BioPredictive, France). The stage of liver fibrosis was determined using FibroTest (BioPredictive, France), a set of markers for quantitative biochemical evaluation of fibrosis. Results. In patients with NASH, DM2 and DKD stage I–II, we found a significant decrease in serum albumin by 9.0 % (p < 0.05); glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urine albumin, on the contrary, increased significantly, by 1.5 times (p < 0.05) compared to those in the control group, which indicates the phenomenon of hyperfiltration and is specific to the initial stage of DKD. When NASH is combined with DM2 and DKD stage III, a significant decrease in serum albumin by 1.2 times (p < 0.05) is reported; GFR and albuminuria were significantly increased, by 1.4 and 11.7 times (p < 0.05), respectively, compared to the control group. In patients with NASH, DM2 and DKD stage IV, we found a significant decrease in serum albumin by 1.4 times (p < 0.05), it was significantly increased by 30.2 times (p < 0.05) compared to the indicator in the control group, and the GFR, on the contrary, was significantly reduced by 1.7 times (p < 0.05), which indicates the progression of DKD. Conclusions. Disorders of glucose homeostasis due to insulin resistance are one of the probable risk factors for the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the presence of stage I–IV diabetic kidney disease.
Effect of tyrosine protein kinase blockade on the state of retinal microglia in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Vodianyk V.V. , Ziablitzev S.V. , Andrushchenko V.I.
Published: September 2023

Background. Impaired homeostasis of the retinal tissue in diabetes primarily involves microglia, which triggers a cascade of inflammatory reactions, one of the main mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The purpose of the study was to determine the state of microglia in experimental DR and the effect of the tyrosine protein kinase blocker imatinib. Materials and methods. In 45 three-month-old male Wistar rats, diabetes was simulated by a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg; Sigma-Aldrich). The rats were divided into 3 groups: controls; short-acting insulin; insulin and imatinib (Grindex, Latvia). Immunohistochemically, CD68-positive cells were detected in the retina, and the levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) was evaluated by immunoblotting. Results. The retinal content of Iba-1 progressively increased and exceeded the initial level by 2.0 times after 7 days, and by 3.55 times after 28 days (p < 0.05). The insulin introduction inhibited the Iba-1 increase, which, although exceeding the initial level by 1.8 times, was significantly lower than the protein level in the control group after 28 days. The administration of imatinib together with insulin prevented the accumulation of Iba-1 in the retinal tissue: the protein content did not differ from the initial level (p > 0.05). CD68-positive cells in the retina were noted in the vessels of the choroid plexus throughout the observation, from the 14th day — in the dilated venules of the outer plexiform layer (monocytic pool), and from day 28 — diffusely in the parenchyma of the inner layers (microglial pool). The latter had either a rounded or a ramified shape, which corresponded to the morphology of amoeboid (phagocytic) or activated microglia. Tyrosine protein kinase blockade prevented the microglial activation in the retina. Signs of inflammation in the form of retinal MMP-9 increase and fibrotic retinal proliferations were absent on the 28th day when using insulin and imatinib. Conclusions. The blockade of retinal inflammation and microglial activation by imatinib indicated the prospects of tyrosine protein kinases inhibition in DR and substantiated the prospect of further research with the clarification of such an effect on other mechanisms of DR development.
Unexpected mapping of recurrent laryngeal nerve by fluorescence-guided surgery using near-infrared indocyanine green angiography
Authors: Gorobeiko M. , Dinets A.
Published: September 2023

Background. The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) damage and parathyroid gland injury are the most severe complications of thyroid surgery. The possibility of RLN confirmation in the near-infrared spectrum after the injection of indocyanine green (ICG) was not yet been studied. Aim: to evaluate the ICG angiography for the identification of RLN during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Materials and methods. ICG angiography of RLN was performed in 7 patients. An intraoperative neuromonitoring was applied as a method of controlling RLN. During the operation, parathyroid glands and RLN were identified by visual inspection (naked eye). To further confirm the location of the parathyroid glands by autofluorescence, an intravenous injection of ICG was performed with a concentration of 0.25 mg/kg followed by the application of the image-based system. Results. A good signal was achieved in the near-infrared spectrum from the RLN in all cases after the ICG injection. Sufficient blood perfusion of the RLN could be considered as a reasonable explanation for the exhibition of a good ICG near-infrared signal. Conclusions. ICG use might be a helpful approach for the confirmation of the RLN in addition to routine visual identification. Such function could be applied during fluorescence-guided surgery to evaluate the parathyroid gland autofluorescence. Visualization of RLN by ICG angiography is considered as an additional useful feature to prevent RLN injury.
Effect of empagliflozin on the left ventricular diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and concomitant heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Herashchenko A.S. , Fedorov S.V. , Bielinskyi M.V. , Seredyuk N.M. , Henyk B.L.
Published: September 2023

Background. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is a common disease affecting more than half of people with heart failure. Among the extracardiac proinflammatory conditions, type 2 diabetes mellitus, which occurs in approximately 30–40 % of patients with heart failure, deserves special attention. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin on the left ventricular diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and concomitant heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Materials and methods. One hundred and twenty patients met the study criteria and were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to the empagliflozin group (n = 60) or the control group (n = 60), which received other antidiabetic drugs. The follow-up period lasted 12 weeks. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and functional and structural changes of the heart in these diseases were identified. Results. The data showed a marked improvement in several cardiac parameters. One important result was a decrease in the left ventricular mass index, which indicates a reduction in the left ventricular size and hypertrophy. This reduction shows a favorable course of remodeling and a potential regression of cardiac remodeling under the influence of empagliflozin. In addition, the study demonstrated an improvement in the left ventricular diastolic function. In particular, deceleration time and the E/e’ ratio showed favorable changes. Deceleration time, which reflects the relaxation and compliance of the left ventricle, decreased significantly, indicating an improvement in diastolic function. The E/e’ ratio, a marker of the left ventricular filling pressure, also showed positive changes, indicating a decrease in cardiac tension and improved ventricular relaxation. Conclusions. The results of the study demonstrated that empagliflozin treatment has a posi­tive effect on various cardiovascular parameters in patients with the studied diseases, in particular on the left ventricular diastolic function. These findings contribute to our understanding of the therapeutic potential of empagliflozin in the management of cardiovascular diseases.
The pleiotropic effects of levothyroxine replacement therapy in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and hypertension
Authors: Orel M.A. , Martynyuk L.P.
Published: September 2023

Background. According to epidemiological studies, the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is about 6 % and it depends on age, gender, region of residence and, at the same time, significantly exceeds the frequency of primary hypothyroidism. Within one year, 5 % of cases of subclinical hypothyroidism turn into the manifested form. Delayed diagnosis of the disease increases the risk of serious complications. It is still controversial whether subclinical hypothyroidism affects blood pressure because of conflicting results in published studies. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of levothyroxine replacement therapy in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and hypertension on lipid metabolism, functional state of the endothelium and cognition. Materials and methods. Thirty-one patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and stage 2 hypertension participa­ted in the study, among them 12 (38.71 %) men and 19 (61.29 %) women. The average age of participants was 63.19 ± 1.93 years. The study examined lipid profile, functional state of the endothelium, and cognitive functions based on the results of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment before and after 3 months of additional administration of the levothyroxine replacement thera­py at a dose 25–50 µg daily. Results. The lipid analysis revealed a significant decrease in total cholesterol for 10.08 % (5.54 ± 0.17 mmol/L against 6.23 ± 0.25 mmol/L, Р < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein choleste­rol for 24.5 % (3.39 ± 0.17 mmol/L against 4.49 ± 0.27 mmol/L, Р < 0.01), triglycerides for 19.42 % (1.66 ± 0.11 mmol/L against 2.06 ± 0.16 mmol/L, Р < 0.05) compared to those at baseline. At the same time, patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and hypertension showed a reliable decrease in atherogenic dyslipidemias, 64.52 against 74.19 %. We also observed a reliable improvement of the functional state of the endothelium: the mean value of the endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the brachial artery increased for 11 % (6.56 ± 0.10 % against 5.91 ± 0.05 %, Р < 0.001). The results of the neuropsychological testing showed a reliable improvement of the cognitive functions among examined patients: the average score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment raised from 23.77 ± 0.60 at baseline to 26.65 ± 0.47 after three months of taking levothyro­xine, Р < 0.001. Conclusions. Levothyroxine replacement therapy in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and hypertension was followed by a normalization of lipid profile and a decrease in atherogenic dyslipidemias, an improvement of the functional state of the endothelium and state of cognition.
The dietary treatment of obesity
Authors: Bentsa T.M.
Published: September 2023

The review article represents an analysis of sources dealing with the issues of dietary therapy of obesity. The internet resources were used such as PubMed, MedLine, The Cochrane Databases, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Scopus. Obesity has reached pandemic proportions worldwide, with more than 1 billion adults overweight (at least 300 million of them are clinically obese) and is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic disease and disability. This is a complex multifactorial disease, in which the accumulated excess fat in the body leads to negative impact on health. The main cause of obesity is a long-term energy imbalance between consumed and expended calories. Lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of obesity treatment. An indivi­dually selected diet is recommended, which allows you to achieve a state of negative energy balance and is focused on quality food for health promotion. Most often, recommended diets for the treatment of obesity use the following energy restrictions based on changes in the composition of macronutrients: a low-fat diet, a low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet, a low-carbohydrate and high-protein diet, a paleo diet (with a high protein content). Intermittent fasting is considered an alternative to calorie-restricted diets. After an initial period on a high-protein diet, a Mediterranean diet may be an attractive option for continued treatment of obesity, provided that it is given in an energy-restric­ted form. This diet has been shown to be associated with lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic markers of cardiovascular disease risk. The results of many studies indicate successful weight loss with the help of the Mediterranean diet, not only in the short term, but also in the long term. For the majority of obese patients, a purposeful change in lifestyle with adherence to the principles of dietary nutrition and regular physical activity allows for effective weight loss, adequate control of metabolic disorders, reduced risk of concomitant di­seases, and long-term maintenance of body weight achieved in the process of losing weight.
Adjustment disorders, hypertension and type 2 diabetes: a cardiologist’s view (literature review)
Authors: Miloslavsky D.K. , Koval S.M.
Published: September 2023

The role of the stress factor and adjustment disorders among patients of a very high-risk group, namely with hypertension against the background of type 2 diabetes, was examined in the review of domestic and foreign sources of literature from the PubMed database. The authors provide data on the classification and terminology of adjustment disorders in this category of patients, and the contribution of the stress factor and activation of neurohumoral systems in their formation is considered in the historical aspect. The issue of the role of such adjustment disorders as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, violent behavior in the family, at work is considered separately in terms of the negative course and progression of these dangerous diseases. Data are given on a number of non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, namely genetic, haemodynamic, neurohumoral, hormonal and cardiometabolic characteristics of patients, prevalence, morbidity and mortality from complications of hypertension and type 2 diabetes in the presence of adjustment disorders; a brief description of diagnostic and preventive approaches to the correction of adjustment disorders among patients at a very high risk are described from a cardiologist’s standpoint.
Peculiarities of the anemic syndrome course with thyroid dysfunction
Authors: Urbanovych A.M. , Yuskiv M.V.
Published: September 2023

This article was created on the basis of a literature review in the Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases and analyzes information on the prevalence, classification, etiopathogenetic mechanisms of anemia, evaluation of data from clinical studies and meta-analyses on the course of anemic syndrome in thyroid diseases. Anemia and thyroid dysfunction are common phenomena that often occur simultaneously. According to modern recommendations, it is worth evaluating the function of the thyroid gland when investigating anemia. With thyroid dysfunction, normocytic anemia is the most common, and microcytic and macrocytic anemias occur less often. The combination of anemia with thyroid diseases is an important problem for clinicians. Thyroid hormones have a direct effect on the proliferative capacity of the erythroid progenitor, which may be related to the mechanism of erythropoietic dysfunction in human thyroid diseases. Anemia, especially iron deficiency, in turn, affects a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones against the background of weakened thyroid function of the pituitary gland. The most frequent cause of anemia in hypothyroidism is bone marrow suppression due to thyroid hormone deficiency, as well as insufficient production of erythropoietin due to a decreased need for O2. Hyperthyroidism is associated with an increased number of erythrocytes, because there is an excessive need for tissues in oxygen, and therefore, the secretion of erythropoietin is increased. In autoimmune thyroid disease, a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and, especially, pernicious anemia is observed. Anemia in Graves’ disease resembles anemia of chronic disease and is associated with activation of nonspecific inflammation. Aplastic anemia, which is the result of the thyroid dysfunction, is rare. It occurs as a side effect in patients with autoimmune hyperthyroidism who take antithyroid drugs.
Osteocalcin role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Кovalchuk A.V. , Zinich О.V. , Кushnareva N.M. , Prybyla О.V. , Shishkan-Shishova K.O.
Published: September 2023

Cardiovascular diseases have been the leading cause of death worldwide for a long time. Despite numerous studies on the pathogenetic mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases, there are many debatable issues. In recent years, an increasing number of scientific reports have appeared regarding the presence of common mechanisms in the deve­lopment of bone tissue and arterial calcification. One of the connecting links in this interaction is considered to be the impact of osteocalcin. Osteocalcin is a vitamin K-dependent protein of the bone matrix, synthesized by osteoblasts. The main function of osteocalcin is the synthesis of hydroxyapatites as main mineral component of bone tissue. In addition, osteocalcin has a wide range of extraosseous effects, the most studied is participation in the regulation of glycolipid and ener­gy metabolism. Research on the osteocalcin role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases are scarce, the available data is contradictory. For a deeper understanding of this problem, we conducted a systematic analysis of modern literature based on data from the scientific databases Medline (Pubmed), Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library for 2013–2023. According to its results, osteocalcin is a potential biomarker of cardiovascular status, its increased values are associated with a potentially protective mechanism against the development of cardiovascular diseases. Contradictory views on the understanding of the pathogenetic mechanism of influence of general osteocalcin and its forms on the course of cardiovascular diseases necessitate conduction of further research.
Uttering Curses in Classical Hinduism: An Inquiry into Power and Violence
Authors: Olson Carl
Published: September 2023

Based on textual evidence in ancient Indian texts, the uttering of curses (sāpah) was a feature of the culture from ancient times and continues into the current period, although the practice has not attracted the scholarly attention that it arguably deserves. The importance of the curse in Indian culture is also evident in other ancient religious cultures such as Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Greco-Roman. Within the cultural context of India, the curse and its effectiveness are related to its ancient theory of language and its connection to the notion of karma, which are associations that it will be necessary to review to give a more complete grasp of the phenomenon of the curse.
The Impact of the Reading Habit on the Writing Skills of Primary Students
Authors: Karunaratne Sunethra K. , Navaratne Hasanthi L.
Published: September 2023

Rosli et al. (2018) suggested that reading is an attempt to comprehend the writer’s message, while Alnahdi and Aftab (2020) stated that it is a gateway to all other information, which may lead to understanding the world outside the text. Hence, Al-Jarf (2021) and Dadzie (2008) asserted that reading is a multifaceted cognitive process of comprehending words written in a textual form that allows readers to enhance their knowledge for personal growth and academic success. This study investigated the impact of the reading habit of the Grade Three students of a selected English Medium Private school, in Kandy, on their writing skills. Since reading lays the foundation for all the other skills in the English language, it is important to inculcate the reading habit from a young age. The research was carried out with a sample population of 30 students (from 03 classes), selected under the random sampling method. The class teachers of the three classes were also included in the study. The students were given a questionnaire that included 10 questions, under 4 criteria which would assess their level of reading habit. A separate questionnaire was given to the teachers that would assess the writing skill of the students under 04 criteria. Each questionnaire was then given scales to identify the level of reading habits as well as writing skills. The major findings of this study were that the students who have a good level of reading habits, have a good level of writing skills. The students who have a low level of reading habits, have a poor level of writing skills. It can be identified that reading is important to improve the writing skill of students. Inculcating reading habits within the student at a young age would help to create better writers for the future. Therefore, teachers should encourage students to improve their reading habits.
Antimicrobial effect of Tetraspanin CD9 Peptides on Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Murad Khairiyah , Ab-Rahim Sharaniza , Al-Talib Hassanain
Published: September 2023

It is critical to find an alternative therapeutic approach to combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) that can simultaneously reduce the occurrence of bacterial resistance. The tetraspanin CD9, a highly expressed membrane protein in melanocytes was chosen for this study because it is highly expressed in keratinocytes and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of bacterial infections in a previous study. The antimicrobial activity of CD9 peptides against the standard strain P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and a clinical multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa (MDR- P. aeruginosa) was studied using the disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of CD9 peptides were determined by broth microdilution assays with concentrations ranging from 1 mg/mL to 4.88×10-4 mg/mL. The antibiofilm activity of the CD9 peptides was also determined. CD9 peptides showed an 11.75 ± 2.36 mm inhibition zone against the standard P. aeruginosa strain but none against the MDR- P. aeruginosa. Both isolates had the same MIC value, 0.25 mg/mL. The MBC for the standard strain P. aeruginosa was 0.5 mg/mL, while for the MDR- P. aeruginosa strain, it was 1 mg/mL. CD9 peptides significantly inhibited up to 70% biofilm against both P. aeruginosa isolates. CD9 peptides showed a modest inhibitory effect against the standard strain P. aeruginosa but not against MDR- P. aeruginosa. Interestingly, CD9 peptides were found to be a good anti-biofilm treatment against both P. aeruginosa isolates. This study demonstrated that CD9 peptides have the potential to be an alternative antimicrobial treatment against P. aeruginosa.
Comparison of Efficacy and Safety between Super-bioavailable Itraconazole and Conventional Itraconazole in the Treatment of Tinea Infection of Glabrous Skin – A Randomised Observer-blinded Pilot Study
Authors: Mohapatra Liza , Dixit Nibedita , Agrawal Ishan , Kar Bikash Ranjan , Singh Bhabani S.T.P.
Published: September 2023

Itraconazole is now being used as the first line drug for dermatophytosis. Complete clinical and mycological cure are not achieved in some cases. The Super Bioavailable (SB) formulation is being marketed as a better formulation of drug in terms of bioavailability. To compare the efficacy and safety of SB and conventional Itraconazole in treatment of dermatophytosis. We compared the efficacy and safety of conventional itraconazole 100 mg twice daily with SB itraconazole 50 mg twice daily in dermatophytosis for two weeks. A convenient sample size of 30 was taken in each group. There was no significant difference in clinical parameters like erythema, scaling, number of papules between the two groups. Change in mean haemoglobin, total leucocyte count, platelet count, liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT and ALP did not differ significantly between the groups. There was no significant difference in the change in KOH status between the groups. There was no significant difference in clinical and mycological clearance between the conventional and the Super Bioavailable itraconazole at the end of two weeks in case of dermatophytosis of glabrous skin.
The Efficacy and Safety of Heterologous Immunization with Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) to Individuals Who Have Completed A Primary Vaccination Schedule with Sinopharm (BBibp-CorV)
Authors: Hussein Nawfal R. , Abdulkareem Warveen L. , Rasheed Narin A. , Ameen Mohammed Rashid
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness and potential adverse reactions when providing a different Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot to 235 volunteers who had previously received the BBIBP-CorV Sinopharm primary vaccination series. Between February and December 2022, a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Duhok, located within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The individuals included in the study were adults aged 18 and above, who had received a Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot following the completion of a two-dose vaccination regimen with Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV). The findings revealed that among those vaccinated with BBIBP-CorV, there were breakthrough infections at a rate of 4.26%, and no significant correlation was identified between post-vaccination infections and factors such as demographics or medical history. Furthermore, individuals who had a Pfizer booster dose experienced breakthrough infections at a rate of 5.73%, and similarly, no link was discovered between this rate and demographic or medical factors. Additionally, the study uncovered that participants commonly experienced side effects, primarily consisting of mild effects at the injection site. The study implies that both the Sinopharm and Pfizer vaccines demonstrate satisfactory safety profiles. It also suggests that giving a heterologous booster dose to individuals who have finished their primary vaccination with the BBIBP-CorV vaccine offers a significant level of protection against infection.
Antibiofilm Activity of Tapak Kuda Ipomoea pes-caprae against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 43300: In-Vitro and In-Silico Evaluation
Authors: Baktiar Nur Hasfiana , Wardhani Riuh , Husain Dirayah Rauf , Haedar Nur , Gani Fuad
Published: September 2023

Ipomoea pes-caprae is one of the herbal plants that can treat various health problems such as skin infections, burns, boils, and various diseases caused by microbial infections. This study aims to identify ethanol extract compounds of I. pes-caprae leaf and evaluate their antibiofilm activity through in-vitro and in-silico assays. This study used two test bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicilin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Antibacterial activity is carried out using the agar diffusion method and antibiofilm using a microplate reader. The biological activity was also evaluated through a computational approach using molecular docking. The results of preliminary test demonstrated the antibacterial activity. At a concentration of 100 mg/mL, I. pes-caprae extract produced a substantial inhibitory zone of 13.9 mm for P. aeruginosa and a moderate 8.5 mm zone for MRSA. The extract also showed high antibiofilm activity. It achieved impressive biofilm inhibition rates of 82.58% and 78.29%, respectively. Molecular docking shows the interaction between extract compounds and macromolecules that play a role in biofilm formation, namely SrtA and associated protein biofilms. 1,3,4,5-Tetrahydroxy-Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acid has the lowest binding energy of -7.5 Kcal/Mol and -5.9 Kcal/Mol at each target receptor. This study demonstrated the antibiofilm potential of I. pes-caprae extract, which was clarified through molecular docking studies.