bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational method for aromatase-related proteins using machine learning approach
Authors: Selvaraj Muthu Krishnan , Kaur Jasmeet
Published: March 2023

Human aromatase enzyme is a microsomal cytochrome P450 and catalyzes aromatization of androgens into estrogens during steroidogenesis. For breast cancer therapy, third-generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have proven to be effective; however patients acquire resistance to current AIs. Thus there is a need to predict aromatase-related proteins to develop efficacious AIs. A machine learning method was established to identify aromatase-related proteins using a five-fold cross validation technique. In this study, different SVM approach-based models were built using the following approaches like amino acid, dipeptide composition, hybrid and evolutionary profiles in the form of position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM); with maximum accuracy of 87.42%, 84.05%, 85.12%, and 92.02% respectively. Based on the primary sequence, the developed method is highly accurate to predict the aromatase-related proteins. Prediction scores graphs were developed using the known dataset to check the performance of the method. Based on the approach described above, a webserver for predicting aromatase-related proteins from primary sequence data was developed and implemented athttps://bioinfo.imtech.res.in/servers/muthu/aromatase/home.html. We hope that the developed method will be useful for aromatase protein related research.
Middle Class Sensorial and Bottom-Up Condominization in Brazil’s Post-Neoliberal Public Housing
Authors: Kopper Moises
Published: March 2023

In Brazil’s highly segregated urban centers, geographic location is known for its power to instantiate class positionality. Drawing on long term ethnographic engagements with housing beneficiaries of Brazil’s now revamped Minha Casa Minha Vida, I argue that, in the aftermath of the move, first-time homeowners activate remembrances of the hills (the slums where they lived before) to craft novel classed geographies which defy clearcut isomorphisms of class and space. As the once-rising-poor transitioned from peri-urban informal settlements to middle-class urban environments, the material and sensuous qualities of the hills leaked onto the built environment of the projects in unexpected ways. Yet first-time homeowners also engage in new infrastructural practices that challenge fixed understandings of class subjectivity and distinction—a middle-class-making process I refer to as “bottom-up condominization”—. By foregrounding the sensuous and material aspects of socioeconomic membership in the ruins of post-neoliberalism, I attend to the instability and unruliness of middle-class formations. Rather than an objective identifier for social stratification, the post-neoliberal middle class is best defined through its spectral and fleeting qualities —that is, as a “middle class sensorial”—.
Estimation of boreal forest floor lichen cover using hyperspectral airborne and field data
Authors:   Department of Built Environment, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 14100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland, Kuusinen Nea , Hovi Aarne , Rautiainen Miina
Published: March 2023

Lichens are sensitive to competition from vascular plants, intensive silviculture, pollution and reindeer and caribou grazing, and can therefore serve as indicators of environmental changes. Hyperspectral remote sensing data has been proved promising for estimation of plant diversity, but its potential for forest floor lichen cover estimation has not yet been studied. In this study, we investigated the use of hyperspectral data in estimating ground lichen cover in boreal forest stands in Finland. We acquired airborne and in situ hyperspectral data of lichen-covered forest plots, and applied multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis to estimate the fractional cover of ground lichens in these plots. Estimation of lichen cover based on in situ spectral data was very accurate (coefficient of determination (r2) 0.95, root mean square error (RMSE) 6.2). Estimation of lichen cover based on airborne data, on the other hand, was fairly good (r2 0.77, RMSE 11.7), but depended on the choice of spectral bands. When the hyperspectral data were resampled to the spectral resolution of Sentinel-2, slightly weaker results were obtained. Tree canopy cover near the flight plots was weakly related to the difference between estimated and measured lichen cover. The results also implied that the presence of dwarf shrubs could influence the lichen cover estimates.
Budapest légiháborús tűzkeresztsége
Authors: Olasz Lajos
Published: March 2023

The Hungarian capital was not hit by an air attack until September
1942. At the time of the First Vienna Award, the attack on Yugoslavia and
the entry into the war against the Soviet Union, there were air raid alarms
in Budapest, but no bombing took place. In August-September 1942, the
Soviet strategic air force launched attacks against Berlin and the capitals
of the satellite states of the Third Reich. Budapest was bombed on the
night of September 4 and 9. A total of 122 machines participated in the 2
campaigns. The Soviet planes flew 1,400–1,500 km from their base to the
Hungarian capital, both times in bad weather conditions, so only half of
the planes reached the destination. The bombs dropped from a great height
without precise targeting caused only minor material damage, the personal
loss was 18 dead and 84 wounded. The first attack hit Budapest
unexpectedly. Until now, the Hungarian capital lived in the deceptive
illusion that nothing bad could happen to him. At the time of the second
attack, the military air defence and civil air raid precaution were already
better prepared. In the following weeks, additional defensive measures were
taken, but no further bombing occurred until 1944.
Influence of UV on the self-adhesive properties of silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives
Authors: Antosik Adrian Krzysztof , Mozelewska Karolina , Gziut Konrad
Published: March 2023

The paper presents the results of research on the UV radiation influence on the self-adhesive properties of silicone adhesives. The adhesives were obtained by cross-linking commercial resins (PSA 590, Q2-7566) at the temperature of 110°C, using different amounts (0–3 wt%) of bis(2,4-dichlorobenzoyl) peroxide. Self-adhesive properties of adhesives such as adhesion, tack, and durability before and after aging were determined. The adhesives showed stable self-adhesive properties, however, the PSA 590 adhesive had a higher maximum operating temperature than the Q2-7566 adhesive.
Effectiveness assessment of the medical-social rehabilitation of adolescents with mild mental retardation
Authors: Chuhunov V. V. , Pidlubnyi V. L. , Chabaniuk S. O.
Published: March 2023

Issues of treatment and rehabilitation of adolescents with mental retardation, improvement of old and new therapies using an integrated approach to rehabilitation, which allows increasing social activity of adolescents with mild mental retardation and improving their quality of life, are remaining relevant and needing further study.
The aim of the work is a comprehensive study of clinical and phenomenological structure, comorbid pathology, socio-hygienic factors and criteria for assessing the limitations of life and its quality among adolescents with mild mental retardation, and to develop recommendations for rehabilitation measures in modern conditions.
Materials and methods. At the Kryvyi Rih Psychoneurological Dispensary, 154 patients born in 2003–2008 who were under the dispensary observation of a teenage psychiatrist were examined. The study consisted of two stages: the first – at the initial visit for psychiatric care of patients with mild mental retardation, and the second – follow-up, at the age of 18–23 years. Clinical and epidemiological, clinical and psychopathological, psychodiagnostic and statistical methods were used in the study. The main tool of the study was the “Map for clinical and epidemiological studies”, which included socio-demographic and anamnestic information, the clinical part with a description of existing symptoms and syndromes.
Results. As a result of rehabilitation measures, there was a decrease in cases and in the severity of comorbid pathology, improved cognitive functioning (attention, memory, language and writing skills, reading, arithmetic), motility, spatial orientation. Adaptive skills of statodynamic functions were improved in 36.4 % of cases, self-care ability – in 22.7 %. At the time of the study completion, 73.38 % of all respondents could be considered socially adapted. Among adolescents with mild mental retardation and comorbid mental and other pathologies, in addition to positive dynamics, there were negative dynamics (19.04 %) or no dynamics (14.29 %), emphasizing the need for longer time and larger number of rehabilitation measures among this category of patients.
Conclusions. Biopsychosocial model of care for adolescents with mental retardation with the inclusion of medical-biological, psychological-pedagogical and social aspects helps to increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures aimed at reducing the severity of the underlying disease and improving social adaptation.
Peculiarities of molecular-biological and hormonal tumor status in patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Mikhanovskyi O. A. , Kharchenko Yu. V. , Sukhina O. M. , Kruhova I. M. , Shchyt N. M.
Published: March 2023

Endometrial cancer (EC) ranks second in the structure of oncogynecological diseases both in Ukraine and worldwide. More than 80 % of recurrences occur in the first two years after surgical treatment. Molecular biological markers are extensively studied in different oncological diseases, because they allow to understand the etiology and pathogenesis of malignant growth more deeply.
Aim. To study molecular biological markers and tumor hormonal status in patients with EC and determine their practical significance.
Materials and methods. Molecular biologic markers of the tumor were studied in 89 stage I–IV EC patients. To study the hormonal status of the tumor in EC patients, 119 examinations were carried out.
Results. Significant correlations were found between the level of molecular biological marker (MBM) expression, hormonal status of the tumor, the presence of disease recurrence, and the age of EC patients. The novelty of the study lay in the substantiation of treatment individualization for EC patients based on the determination of the tumor molecular biological characteristics and their prognostic value. It has been proven that the expression level of the studied MBM, ER and PR receptors in EC patients differed depending on age, presence, localization and severity of disease recurrence. A group of patients with a high risk of the disease recurrence has been revealed among EC patients.
For the first time, a technology has been developed for the combined treatment of patients with I–II (T1-2N0M0) stages of EC with a negative receptor status (EP–, PR–) and a high risk of the disease recurrence to assess MBM levels (VEGF, Bcl-2, Ki-67), degree of differentiation, myometrial invasion depth and tumor localization in the uterine cavity allowing to individualize the choice of adjuvant therapy regimen, thus improving the effectiveness of treatment and preventing the occurrence of locoregional relapses and distant metastases.
Conclusions. For the first time, the expression levels of the studied molecular biological markers and ER and PR receptors have been shown to differ depending on age, localization, and relapse severity, which could be used to determine the risk of relapse in EC patients.
Pathogenetic role of inflammation and insulin resistance in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children
Authors: Stepanov Yu. M. , Zavhorodnia N. Yu. , Tatarchuk O. M. , Klenina I. A. , Konenko I. S. , Petishko O. P.
Published: March 2023

The hypothesis of primacy between insulin resistance (IR) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains debatable, which requires additional research.
Aim. To examine the differences between cytokine profile and IR markers in children with NAFLD depending on liver damage degree compared to children with normal weight and obesity without NAFLD and to study their association with anthropometric and instrumental parameters.
Materials and methods. 170 patients aged 6–17 years (mean 12.15 ± 2.51 years) were included. Hepatic steatosis was determined by transient elastography. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the presence of hepatic steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and obesity: group 1 – 37 obese patients with NASH; group 2 – 53 obese patients with simple steatosis; group 3 – 65 obese patients without NAFLD; group 4 (control) – 15 patients with normal weight without NAFLD. Anthropometric parameters, carbohydrate metabolism with the HOMA-IR calculation, and cytokine profile were examined.
Results. An increase in serum IL-6 and TNFα levels in NAFLD children compared to the control group (P ˂ 0.05), a decrease in IL-10 level in NAFLD children (P ˂ 0.05), and an increase in TNFα/IL-10 ratio (P ˂ 0.05) in NASH children compared to obese children without steatosis were demonstrated. In NAFLD children, a progressive increase in HOMA-IR was found compared to the control group and obese children without steatosis (P ˂ 0.05). The serum IL-6, TNFα levels, TNFα/IL-10 ratio, and HOMA-IR were positively correlated with obesity degree, adipose tissue distribution parameters, hepatic steatosis degree, CAP, while IL-10 level was negatively correlated with the hepatic steatosis degree.
Conclusions. In obese NAFLD children, a significant increase in HOMA-IR, IL-6, TNFα is correlated with excessive fat accumulation, adipose tissue distribution parameters, hepatic steatosis degree, and CAP that may be useful for early diagnosis of NAFLD in children. A significant increase in the TNFα/IL-10 ratio in NASH children allows to consider this indicator as a probable marker for diagnosis of different NAFLD forms in pediatric clinical practice.
Extrapulmonary manifestations of coronavirus disease (COVID-19): current status (a literature review)
Authors: Riabokon O. V. , Pak K. A. , Riabokon Yu. Yu. , Furyk O. O. , Cherkaskyi V. V.
Published: March 2023

The aim of the study is to analyze the literature data on modern views concerning extrapulmonary manifestations of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Based on the analysis of current publications, the article analyzes the clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a multisystem disorder with two main types of clinical manifestations, namely pulmonary and extrapulmonary. Determining pathogenetic mechanisms of extrapulmonary symptoms are, on the one hand, the tropism of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 receptors, expressed not only by alveolar epithelial type II cells, but also by cells of the heart, nervous system, vascular endothelium, small and large intestine, basal layer cells of the epidermis, cells of endocrine organs, etc., and on the other hand, immune-dependent mechanisms, in particular the development of “cytokine storm”.
It is shown that the spectrum of extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 is very wide, and clinical manifestations are characterized by significant polymorphism. Extrapulmonary symptoms of COVID-19 were analyzed considering the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous, cardiovascular and endocrine systems, skin and others. Attention is drawn to a certain association between definite extrapulmonary manifestations and the severity of COVID-19 course.
Thus, particular extrapulmonary manifestations are associated with a milder course of COVID-19 (anosmia, dysgeusia, etc.), others, vice versa, occur in severe disease (damage to liver, kidney, heart, pancreas). In addition, some extrapulmonary manifestations, especially of the nervous system, may remain in patients even after an acute period of the disease. Some extrapulmonary manifestations, which are currently described in a small number of patients, are also reviewed.
Conclusions. COVID-19 is characterized by a wide range and high frequency of extrapulmonary manifestations, which is explained by both the direct action of SARS-CoV-2 and immune-dependent mechanisms. Some extrapulmonary manifestations are associated with a milder course of COVID-19, others, on the contrary, occur in severe disease.
Application of infrared-beam laser therapy in the postoperative period in patients with nodular toxic goiter
Authors: Zavhorodnii S. M. , Gatia M. S. , Kubrak M. A. , Danyliuk M. B.
Published: March 2023

The question of postoperative management for patients with nodular toxic goiter (NTG) using an infrared-wave laser remains poorly investigated and highly debatable, which creates conditions for further investigation of this issue.
Aim. To evaluate the results of infrared-beam laser therapy in patients with NTG in the early and long-term postoperative periods after organ-preserving surgical interventions and thyroidectomies.
Materials and methods. The main group of 35 (50.7 %) patients was examined after additional postoperative infrared-beam laser therapy (1–3 courses) while the comparison group of 34 (49.3 %) patients did not receive this treatment.
Results. Thyroidectomy prevailed in the structure of surgeries in the main group (20 (57.1 %) cases). Organ-sparing surgeries were performed in 15 (42.9 %) patients. In the comparison group, 18 (52.9 %) thyroidectomies and 16 (47.1 %) thyroid resections were performed.
Conclusions. Almost half of NTG cases (14 (41.2 %) in the main group and 15 (42.9 %) in the comparison group were unifocal mono- or lobar nodular affection which provided an opportunity to perform organ-sparing surgeries. No postoperative hypoparathyroidism was observed in the patients who underwent surgical resection. All the cases of this disorder were observed in patients after total thyroidectomy – 7 (35.0 %) in the main group and 8 (44.4 %) in the comparison group, P = 0.2956. The application of infrared-beam therapy to the postoperative area stimulated blood flow in the tissues and led to renewal of the parotid function: the parathormone level in the main group was restored in the average period of 3.5 (1.5; 6.0) months and in the comparison group – in 6.5 (3.5; 9.0) months, P = 0.0412. The postoperative use of infrared-beam laser therapy in patients with organ-sparing surgical interventions allowed reducing the dose of replacement therapy from 25.0 (25.0; 50.0) µg in the comparison group to 12.5 (12.5; 25.0) µg in the main group, P = 0.0341.
Plasma level of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the diagnosis of episodic migraine with comorbid conditions
Authors: Dubenko O. Ye. , Chernenko A. O.
Published: March 2023

Comorbid and co-occurring diseases are risk factors for the progression of episodic migraine to chronic migraine. Biomarkers for migraine could help with diagnosis and treatment selection and monitoring.
Aim. To examine the role of the plasma level of calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the diagnosis of episodic migraine in combination with comorbid conditions in the form of cervicalgia and psychoemotional disorders.
Materials and methods. The study included 112 patients (84 women, 28 men; mean age 18-58 years), episodic migraine with typical aura – 17, without aura – 60. Patients were divided into 3 groups: I – episodic migraine with cervicalgia (n = 42), II – episodic migraine only (n = 35), III – cervicalgia only (n = 35).
The Visual Analogue Scale, Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) score, Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), Neck Disability Index, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck’s Depression Inventory and the number of days with headache were assessed. The control group consisted of 30 healthy persons to compare the level of CGRP. The serum level of CGRP was determine by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the sandwich ELISA principle.
Results. Plasma level of CGRP was higher in groups I and II compared with group III (P = 0.012543), where it did not differ from the control (51.48 ± 5.08 pg/ml). The highest level of CGRP was observed in group I (242.98 ± 5.08 pg/ml) in comparison with group II (145.82 ± 15.38 pg/ml, P = 0.000341). Co-occurring neck-pain in patients with episodic migraine was associated with mood and anxiety disorders.
Migraine severity, according to the MIDAS score, was most significantly influenced by plasma level of CGRP, severity of subjective and objective symptoms of headache by the HIT-6, level of State-anxiety and Trait-anxiety, number of days with headache during the last 3 months.
Conclusions. The serum level of CGRP is a reliable diagnostic and differential diagnostic laboratory biomarker for episodic migraine. Additional painful syndrome such as cervicalgia influences CGRP level and daily activity, mood and anxiety disorders in episodic migraine patients.
A clinical case of gunshot shrapnel penetrating wound of the chest with injury to the inferior vena cava with migration of a foreign body along the blood stream
Authors: Tsumbaliuk V. I. , Lurin I. A. , Makarov V. V. , Nehoduiko V. V. , Buchnieva O. V. , Tertyshnyi S. V. , Bunin Y. V.
Published: March 2023

Damage to the major vessels in a retroperitoneal trauma belongs to the category of the most difficult, including damage to the inferior vena cava.
The aim of the work is to demonstrate the features of clinical manifestations and tactical solutions of a gunshot fragment blind wound of the inferior vena cava with the migration of a foreign body along the blood stream.
Materials and methods. A case of a gunshot fragment wound of the inferior vena cava with migration of the foreign body along the blood stream was studied. An injured person underwent sCT with and without contrast, FAST protocol, general blood test, biochemical blood test, CBV was determined using the formula of Moore, hourly diuresis was measured.
Results. The patient was operated on for vital signs, the condition of the injured person was stabilized. During the revision of the abdominal cavity and paranephric tissue, no foreign body was identified. In the immediate postoperative period, the injured person underwent chest and abdominal CT, according to the data of that, a metal fragment was identified, which migrated along the inferior vena cava to the point of connection with the right atrium.
The injured man was operated on at another specialized facility, where the foreign body was removed using a surgical magnetic tool.
Conclusions. Fire damage to the inferior vena cava is classically accompanied by a severe general condition, massive blood loss, which requires urgent surgical interventions. Multi-component preoperative preparation, a clearly established diagnostic plan, a multidisciplinary approach based on the example of our clinical case allow saving life even in the most complex cases.
Study of acute toxicity of new thiophene-containing derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole
Authors: Khilkovets A. V. , Bilai I. M.
Published: March 2023

Acute toxicity studies are an integral part of preclinical studies of any new biologically active compound. It should be noted that it is this stage of research that is crucial regarding the possibility of further use of a pharmacologically active substance as a drug. This indicator also helps to determine the initial dose for clinical trials and establish a range of potentially safe doses. The data obtained will help determine the direction of new chemical syntheses, replenish the relevant libraries in silico, as well as reveal many other fundamentally important parameters that characterize the interaction in the compound – living organism system.
The aim of this research is to study the acute toxicity of 2-((4-phenyl-5-(thiophene-3-ylmethyl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl)thio)sodium acetate.
Materials and methods. Previously, a prediction was made using the GUSAR computer program, which helped determine the dose intervals. Acute toxicity was determined by the experimental method of Kerber in vivo using white nonlinear Wistar rats. The rats were weighed, labeled, and divided into five groups of six individuals of each.
Results. After the introduction of compound moving activity decreased, drowsiness, pupil miosis, and thirst were observed. In the fifth group, with the maximum dilution, all rats died within two hours after administration of the test compound. During the death, convulsions were observed. In the fourth group five animals died, and in the third – two rats died. In the first two groups, all the rats survived. During follow-up, the animals behaved normally. Based on the results of the research, calculations were made and the LD50 indicator was determined.
Conclusions. According to the results, the studied compound belonged to the V class of toxicity (almost non-toxic), and the resulting LD50 value was 1125 mg/kg. This indicator confirmed the prospects for further study of this compound.
Angas-Sura etymologies X
Authors: Takács Gábor
Published: March 2023

The paper as part of a long-running series is devoted to the etymological analysis of a new segment (namely that with initial dental *z-) of the Angas-Sura root stock, a small group of modern languages remotely and ultimately akin to pharaonic Egyptian and the well-known Semitic languages or Twareg in the Sahara etc. Doing so, I wish to continue the noble tradition initiated by J.H. Greenberg (1958), the founding father of modern Afro-Asiatic comparative linguistics (along with I.M. Diakonoff), who was the first scholar ever to have established by Neo-Grammarian the methods regular consonantal correspondences between Angas-Sura and ancient Egyptian in his pioneering (painfully isolated) paper on the ancient trichotomy of the word-initial labials in both branches. Nowadays our chances in following this path are substantially more favourable being equipped with our gigantic comparative root catalogue system of the Egyptian etymologies ever published (ongoing since 1994) and of the Afro-Asiatic parental lexical stock (ongoing since 1999).
First-trimester screening for Down syndrome using quadruple maternal biochemical markers
Authors: Caron Laurence , Fillion Alexandre , Giguère Yves , Audibert François , Forest Jean-Claude , Gasse Cédric , Girard Mario , Laforest Geneviève , Guerby Paul , Bujold Emmanuel
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Placental growth factor (PlGF) is used for first-trimester preeclampsia screening and could be combined with other biochemical markers for Down syndrome screening. We aim to estimate the predictive value of the combination of pregnancy-associated plasma protein (PAPP-A), free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG), placental growth factor (PlGF) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) with and without nuchal translucency.

Methods

Singleton pregnancies recruited at 11–14 weeks and followed until delivery. The four maternal markers were measured using Kryptor (ThermoFisher-BRAHMS) and adjusted for gestational age and maternal characteristics. The risk of Down syndrome was calculated using the Fetal Medicine Foundation algorithm and multivariate linear regression analyses in all cases and in 2,200 controls. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate the detection and false-positive rates.

Results

Twenty-six (0.2%) cases of Down syndrome were diagnosed among 13,386 participants. The combination of the four biomarkers could have detected 88% (95% CI: 72–97%) of the cases at a false-positive rate of 13% (95% CI: 12–15%). The addition of nuchal translucency would have increased the detection rate to 96% (95% CI: 82–99%) at a false-positive rate of 4% (95% CI: 4–5%) using a 1:300 cut-off and to 100% (95% CI: 89–100%) at a false-positive rate of 6% (95% CI: 5–8%) using a 1:500 cut-off.

Conclusions

First-trimester screening using biochemical markers allows the identification of approximately 88% of Down syndrome cases for a false-positive rate of 13%. The addition of nuchal translucency raises the detection rate above 95% with a false-positive rate below 5%.
Interlaboratory variation for NT-proBNP among Swedish laboratories in an external quality program 2011–2021
Authors: Lundgren Morgan , Ridefelt Peter , Karlsson Mathias , Norling Anna , Larsson Anders
Published: March 2023

Objectives

NT-proBNP is frequently used for ruling out heart failure. Different cut-offs are used depending on the clinical context, e.g. an acute or chronic condition. Medical decision limits have been suggested at 125 and 300 ng/L or 400 ng/L in international guidelines. However, there is limited standardization between NT-proBNP methods and using the same blood sample might cause different treatment of patients.

Methods

Data from the external quality assessment program for NT-proBNP from Equalis, Sweden, were extracted for the period 2011–2021, and categorized according to manufacturer. Manufacturer median NT-proBNP values were compared to total median values. CV% was calculated for each manufacturer and in comparison to different levels of NT-proBNP.

Results

Roche was the most common method, and its median results were closest to the median consensus results. When looking at the total CV at NT-proBNP levels in the range of 0–500 ng/L, the total CV varied from 4 to 27%. During 2019–2021, Siemens (Immulite, Centaur, Atellica) yielded results 16–20% above the consensus median depending on sample level. Similarly, Abbott was 5–7% above, while Roche and Siemens Stratus were 1% respectively 6–10% below the consensus median.

Conclusions

The introduction of new manufacturers and methods in 2017 have caused the agreement between manufacturers to decline. This highlights the need for a common calibrator and reference materials, particularly since medical decision limits in guidelines, e.g. European Society of Cardiology 2021, which are mostly based on Roche methods, do not take these method differences into account.
LLDPE matrix with LDPE and UV stabilizer additive to evaluate the interface adhesion impact on the thermal and mechanical degradation
Authors: Al-Attar Fatma , Al-Samhan Meshal , Al-Shamali Mustafa
Published: March 2023

Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is a commodity material that has been increasingly used in various open environments owing to its versatile properties. The mechanical and thermal degradation and processability properties can be enhanced by blending with other polymers or using different types of fillers to adjust such properties to fit the required applications. The objective of this work is to investigate the polymer–polymer interface and compare it with the polymer–additive (microparticles) interface in terms of structural changes and the impact on the polymer environmental properties. The novelty of this work is how to control the adhesion at the interface to enhance selected properties of the polymer without compromising other properties. LLDPE dried resins were compounded with UV additive and different wt% content of LDPE resin separately in a twin-screw extruder at 180–200°C and 150 rpm rotating speed with a die head to produce 1 mm thickness sheets. Then the prepared specimens were cooled to ambient temperature for testing. The nuclear magnetic resonance results showed that LLDPE with microparticles has good phase adhesion compared to the blended samples with LDPE. Moreover, thermal gravimetric analysis showed that the blends decompose in two steps at high LDPE content. The morphological images revealed cavities in the microstructure of low weight percent blends inductive of the relatively weak interaction between the components. The present study conclusively demonstrates that the polymer matrix is more stable with microparticle fillers (UV stabilizer) additive than with LDPE, which impacts the environment durability for outdoor application.
Native state of wood cellulose: evidence that further supports its non-crystalline nature
Authors: Agarwal Umesh P. , Reiner Richard S. , Baez Carlos , Ralph Sally A.
Published: March 2023

Although highly desirable, the nature of wood-cellulose in its native state has remained difficult to comprehend. Contrary to the traditional acceptance of wood-cellulose being crystalline, in 2016, the authors’ research found that the cellulose was not crystalline. Here, additional evidence is presented that further supports the non-crystalline model. One of the key pieces of evidence was obtained by 64% H2SO4 hydrolysis of tension- and opposite-aspen woods (TW and OW, respectively). The TW (G-layer rich) yielded significant amount of CNCs (TW-CNCs, 20.7%), the OW yielded a much lower amount (OW-CNCs, 5.4%). Although a higher yield of TW-CNCs was expected due to the presence crystalline cellulose in the G-layer, the lower yield of the OW-CNCs was a surprise because, assuming absence of G-layer, based on the authors’ earlier findings no CNCs were expected to be generated. To explain this anomaly, anatomical examination of the woods using stains was carried out which showed that some OW fibers also contained the crystalline G-layer and therefore, provided an explanation as to why the OW-CNCs were produced. The results clearly showed that the acid hydrolysis did not destroy the crystalline cellulose and therefore, in the case of a normal (G-layer free) wood which, as previously reported had not generated CNCs, the cellulose must have been non-crystalline. An additional indication of the wood’s S2 cellulose being not crystalline was the absence of the 93 cm−1 Raman band in the low frequency spectrum of the TW S2 layer. Further evidence was obtained by comparing low frequency Raman spectra of TW-CNCs, TW-holopulp, and aspen-holopulp as well as the mixture-samples of crystalline cellulose and xylan at the concentration levels of their occurrence in these holopulps. Overall, these findings provided further support to the contention that the native wood-cellulose is non-crystalline.
Optical duobinary transmitter based OQPSK line coding phase offset for the prediction of OWC channel systems performance efficiency
Authors: Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , Reddy Mittamidi Madhusudhan , Nagendram Sanam , Kak Anwer Twana Mohammed , Ahammad Shaik Hasane , Kumar Munuswamy Siva , Hossain Md. Amzad , Essam Ahmed
Published: March 2023

This work demonstrates the optical duobinary transmitter based optical quadature phase shift keying line coding phase offset for the prediction of optical fiber wireless channel systems performance efficiency. The max signal light power variations with the spectral wavelength variations for different degree phase offsets based optical quadrature phase shift keying (OQPSK) transmitter are clarified. The max signal light power variations with the time variations for various degrees phase offset based OQPSK transmitter are demonstrated. The total power lighted after OWC channel for various degree phase offset based OQPSK transmitter are indicated. The max electrical power signal amplitude variations with the time variations for various degree phase offset based OQPSK transmitter are observed. Total electrical power signal after optical receiver for various degree phase offset based OQPSK transmitter is clarified. Total optical power variations after OWC channel for various degrees phase offset based OQPSK transmitter is studied.
Efficient employment of optical DPSK transmitter with linear multimode fibers and FSO channel under various duty cycle coding effects
Authors: Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , Reddy Mittamidi Madhusudhan , Nagendram Sanam , Kak Anwer Twana Mohammed , Ahammad Shaik Hasane , Inthiyaz Syed , Hossain Md. Amzad , Farouk Sara
Published: March 2023

This study has demonstrated the efficient employment of optical DPSK transmitter with linear multimode fibers and FSO channel under various duty cycle coding effects. The light signal power form variations after linear multimode fiber versus spectral wavelength based various RZ-percentage duty cycle coding is clarified. The light signal power form variations after linear multimode fiber versus spectral wavelength based various NRZ duty cycle coding is also clarified. The light power signal form variations after FSO channel versus spectral wavelength based different RZ percentage duty cycle coding is analyzed. Moreover the light power signal form variations after FSO channel versus spectral wavelength based NRZ percentage duty cycle coding is investigated. The light signal power form variations after linear multimode fiber versus spectral wavelength based various RZ percentage duty cycle coding and NRZ modulation code are indicated.
Extensions and Congruences of Partial Lattices
Authors: Chajda Ivan , Länger Helmut
Published: March 2023

For a partial latticeLthe so-called two-point extension is defined in order to extendLto a lattice. We are motivated by the fact that the one-point extension broadly used for partial algebras does not work in this case, i.e. the one-point extension of a partial lattice need not be a lattice. We describe these two-point extensions and prove several properties of them. We introduce the concept of a congruence on a partial lattice and show its relationship to the notion of a homomorphism and its connections with congruences on the corresponding two-point extension. In particular we prove that the quotientL/Eof a partial latticeLby a congruenceEonLis again a partial lattice and that the two-point extension ofL/Eis isomorphic to the quotient lattice of the two-point extensionL*ofLby the congruence onL*generated byE. Several illustrative examples are enclosed.
Sharp Approximations for the Generalized Elliptic Integral of the First Kind
Authors: He Zai-Yin , Jiang Yue-Ping , Wang Miao-Kun
Published: March 2023

For a ∈ (0, 1/2], r ∈ (0, 1), let 𝒦a
(r) (𝒦(r)) be the generalized (complete) elliptic integral of the first kind. In the article, we prove some monotonicity properties of certain combination of functions involving 𝒦a
(r), and thus establish its two sharp inequalities, which extend and improve some well-known results of 𝒦(r).
Investigation into miRNA profile in patient groups with and without ST elevation
Authors: Bobusoglu Onur , Balci Senay , Gundes Ahmet , Camsari Ahmet , Tamer Lulufer
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Because acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may occur suddenly and cannot be predicted, it is critical to identify early diagnosis markers. In recent years, in addition to the developing diagnostic methods, other markers that may be related to the diagnosis of AMI are miRNA molecules. The specificity of miRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and regulation of cardiac functions has been shown. The present study aimed to investigate the changes in miRNA expression levels in MI patients with ST-elevation (STEMI) and without ST elevation (NSTEMI).

Methods

In this study, 25 patients with STEMI, 25 with NSTEMI, and 20 healthy participants were included. Expression analysis of miRNAs isolated from the plasma of individuals was performed using high-throughput real-time PCR.

Results

Compared with the control group, miR-221-3p and miR-30d-5p were downregulated, while miR-25-3p, miR-92a-3p, miR-34a-5p and miR-150 upregulated in the patient group with NSTEMI; miR-221-3p, miR-25-3p, miR-30d-5p and miR-92a-3p were downregulated while miR-208a-3p was upregulated in patients with STEMI (p>0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, miRNAs may be an early biomarker for diagnosing AMI; however, further and larger studies are needed.
Synthesis and crystal structure of two novel polymorphs of (NaCl)[Cu(HSeO3)2]: a further contribution to the family of layered copper hydrogen selenites
Authors: Grishaev Vasili Yu , Siidra Oleg I. , Markovski Mishel R. , Charkin Dmitri O. , Omelchenko Timofey A. , Nazarchuk Evgeni V.
Published: March 2023

Crystals of two new polymorphic forms of the known compound (NaCl)[Cu(HSeO3)2], which we term polymorphsIIandIII, were formed after aca. one-year dwelling of a crystalline precipitate under mother liquor and upon crystallization in the presence of K+, respectively. Both structures belong to the “layered copper hydroselenite” family. The polymorphIIis a structural analog of (KCl)[Cu(HSeO3)2] with a fully ordered Na+site; the main difference concerns the environment of Cu2+which is more regular in (NaCl)[Cu(HSeO3)2]-II. In contrast to some expectations, crystallization from solutions containing KCl. NaCl, CuCl2, and H2SeO3upon evaporation does not result in formation of mixed (Na1−xKxCl)[Cu(HSeO3)2] crystals, but rather in a separate crystallization of (KCl)[Cu(HSeO3)2] and (NaCl)[Cu(HSeO3)2]-IIIwhich exhibits a complex structure with four ordered and one disordered Na+sites. It is possible that longer crystallization times enhance formation of ordered structures.
TFEB and TFE3 drive kidney cystogenesis and tumorigenesis
Authors: Di Malta Chiara , Zampelli Angela , Granieri Letizia , Vilardo Claudia , De Cegli Rossella , Cinque Laura , Nusco Edoardo , Pece Salvatore , Tosoni Daniela , Sanguedolce Francesca , Sorrentino Nicolina Cristina , Merino Maria J , Nielsen Deborah , Srinivasan Ramaprasad , Ball Mark W , Ricketts Christopher J , Vocke Cathy D , Lang Martin , Karim Baktiar , Lanfrancone Luisa , Schmidt Laura S , Linehan W Marston , Ballabio Andrea
Published: March 2023

Birt‐Hogg‐Dubé (BHD) syndrome is an inherited familial cancer syndrome characterized by the development of cutaneous lesions, pulmonary cysts, renal tumors and cysts and caused by loss‐of‐function pathogenic variants in the gene encoding the tumor‐suppressor protein folliculin (FLCN). FLCN acts as a negative regulator of TFEB and TFE3 transcription factors, master controllers of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy, by enabling their phosphorylation by the mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1). We have previously shown that deletion of Tfeb rescued the renal cystic phenotype of kidney‐specific Flcn KO mice. Using Flcn/Tfeb/Tfe3 double and triple KO mice, we now show that both Tfeb and Tfe3 contribute, in a differential and cooperative manner, to kidney cystogenesis. Remarkably, the analysis of BHD patient‐derived tumor samples revealed increased activation of TFEB/TFE3‐mediated transcriptional program and silencing either of the two genes rescued tumorigenesis in human BHD renal tumor cell line‐derived xenografts (CDXs). Our findings demonstrate in disease‐relevant models that both TFEB and TFE3 are key drivers of renal tumorigenesis and suggest novel therapeutic strategies based on the inhibition of these transcription factors.
Assessment Of Fluid Retention In Patients With Paroxysmal And Long-Standing Persistent Types Of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Alla A. Garganeeva , Kirillova Venera V. , Kuzheleva Elena A. , Batalov Roman E. , Smorgon Andrey V. , Mayanskaya Svetlana D.
Published: March 2023

Determining fluid retention in circulatory system currently remains a challenge. The objective of our study was to determine the sensitivity of individual symptoms and signs of chronic heart failure (CHF) and echocardiographic criteria for detecting fluid retention in patients with atrial fibrillation and invasively measured elevated atrial pressure. Methods — We conducted a prospective study of adult patients with a history of cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease or/and arterial hypertension in combination with atrial fibrillation [AF]) hospitalized for radiofrequency catheter ablation. All patients underwent expert ultrasound examination of the heart using Philips HD 15 and Philips iE33 devices, as well as invasive measurement of pressure in the left and right atria at rest (n=20). Results — The sensitivity of dyspnea in patients with paroxysmal AF and long-standing persistent AF was 44.4% and 90.9%, respectively. The sensitivity of the mean E/e' ratio in patients with paroxysmal AF and long-standing persistent AF was 22.2% and 18.1%, correspondingly. According to the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (ASE/EACVI) algorithm, only one patient (11.1%) in the group with paroxysmal AF and 54.5% of subjects in the group with a long-standing persistent AF type had two positive criteria. The sensitivity of lower limb edema was 0% in patients with paroxysmal AF and 57.1% in those with long-standing persistent AF. The sensitivity of IVC diameter >22 mm was 80% in patients with paroxysmal AF and 57.1% in the group with long-standing persistent AF. At the same time, the sensitivity of the IVC inspiratory collapse ≤50% was significantly lower in both groups: 60% in patients with paroxysmal AF and 42.9% in subjects with long-standing persistent AF. Conclusion — Clinical symptoms and signs of chronic heart failure (CHF), as well as echocardiographic parameters reflecting an increase in the filling pressure of the heart chambers, are characterized by extremely low sensitivity in a cohort of patients with paroxysmal AF. The use of more stringent criteria for diagnosing congestion in this group of patients leads to a significant underdiagnosis of elevated filling pressure in the left chambers of the heart, which, in turn, increases the likelihood of insufficient prescription of diuretic therapy when it is objectively necessary.
Effect Of Atmospheric Particulate Matter On The Functional State Of Mitochondria
Authors: Kondratyeva Elena V. , Vitkina Tatyana I.
Published: March 2023

The health risks associated with outdoor air pollution are of global concern. Atmospheric air pollution negatively affects a number of key aspects of human health, including the functioning of the respiratory, cardiovascular and central nervous systems, but many issues remain unresolved about the relationship between atmospheric air pollution and the development and course of pathologies. The review analyzes data from Russian and foreign sources on the effect of atmospheric particulate matter on the functional state of mitochondria. The effect of air pollution on structural changes in mitochondria, ATP synthesis, production of reactive oxygen species, damage to mitochondrial DNA, and mitochondrial membrane potential has been shown. The data presented in the review indicate the need for further studies of the functional state of mitochondria under the impact of solid particles in atmospheric air.