bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resection of tumors of the cranial bones with single-step defect reconstruction using a personalized implant
Authors: Yashin K. S. , Zinatullin R. D. , Bratsev I. S. , Dubrovskiy D. V. , Ermolaev A. Yu. , Ostapyuk M. V. , Kutlaeva M. A. , Rasteryaeva M. V. , Medyanik I. A. , Kravets L. Ya.
Published: February 2024

Background. In patients with skull bone tumors, it was demonstrated that not only the oncological but also the cosmetic result has a significant influence on the long-term outcome. The traditional approach to the surgical treatment of tumor lesions of the skull bones is removal of the tumor and intraoperative modeling an artificial bone flap without a template. Recently, the technology of simultaneous resection and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) cranioplasty has received more and more attention.

Aim. To compare the results of surgical treatment of patients with tumors of the cranial bones using the traditional approach (intraoperative formation of a plate to close the defect) and simultaneous resection followed by plastic surgery of the defect with a personalized implant made using preoperative virtual modeling.

Materials and methods. The study included 24 patients with tumors of the skull or meningiomas with extracranial growth. Depending on the surgical procedure, patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 13) – the technology of simultaneous resection and CAD/CAM cranioplasty; group 2 (n = 11) – where surgery was performed using a traditional approach based on intraoperative modeling an artificial bone flap without a template.

Results. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in gender, age, time of surgery, blood loss, or time in hospital. The use of simultaneous resection and CAD/CAM cranioplasty did not demonstrate a statistically significant better result in terms of maintaining skull symmetry compared to the traditional approach. All patients had a good cosmetic result and there were no complications.

Conclusion. The technology of simultaneous resection and CAD/CAM cranioplasty is an effective method of treating patients with neoplasmas of the skull bones. Despite the absence of statistically significant differences in the results of treatment of cranial bone tumors between this method and the traditional approach based on intraoperative modeling an artificial bone flap without a template this method seems to be a more precise providing the best cosmetic effect in patients with lesion in fronto-orbital region.
Implementação de práticas avançadas de enfermagem no enfrentamento do atraso vacinal: relato de experiência
Authors: Maciel Ana Paula Ferreira , Soares Raquel Gusmão , Moreira Kênia Souto , Versiani Claudia Mendes Campos , Santos Viviane Maia , Braz Patrícia Pereir Alves , Guedes Ana Beatriz Mota , Silva Carla Silvana Oliveira e
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: Descrever a implementação de práticas avançadas de enfermagem como enfrentamento do atraso vacinal de crianças menores de dois anos de idade. Método:  Trata-se de um relato de experiência, onde foi feita a monitorização da situação vacinal de crianças com menos de dois anos de idade bem como a descrição de práticas avançadas de enfermagem para melhoria da adesão vacinal. Resultados: Foi realizado o monitoramento vacinal das crianças e realizadas ações e intervenções individuais e coletivas, como: atendimentos individuais, buscas ativas, chamadas via telefone e mensagens via aplicativo de celular, educações permanentes e confecção de materiais educativos para sensibilização de comunidade, pais/responsáveis e profissionais de saúde para a importância de manter o calendário vacinal em dia, conforme proposto pelo Programa Nacional de Imunização. Conclusão: As ações deste relato demonstraram implicações importantes para a saúde pública podendo sugerir que práticas avançadas de enfermagem impactam positivamente para a melhoria das coberturas vacinais.
The Voids of Mariupol's Memory
Authors:   Museum POLIN, Zubar Mykhailo , Afanasieva Natalia ,   Mariupol State University
Published: February 2024

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has left some Ukrainian cities in ruins. The towns occupied by Russian troops have become peculiar testing grounds for de-Ukrainianisation and battlegrounds of memory, where occupiers attempt to establish dominant narratives. The authors of this article aimed to examine these processes through the urban memory landscape of Mariupol. This landscape is considered a part of cultural memory, preserved and actualised through material carriers, including the city’s architectural appearance. Urban space and its transformations are seen as successive layers of memory, illustrating a particular memory hierarchy in Mariupol’s landscape across different periods. Attention is also drawn to the decision-making nature of the city authorities regarding urban development over the last hundred years. These decisions have not only shaped the urban landscape and determined a specific way of its interaction with citizens but also influenced the authorities’ vision of the city’s image and its impact on the formation of collective memory. The transformations in Mariupol throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries illustrate how it has become a battleground of memories, a place of forced forgetting. The text highlights how the forgetting and silencing of history have become mechanisms for manipulating collective memory. These processes are reflected in the urban space and the identity of its citizens. An overview of the changing landscape of memory between 2016 and 2022 is also provided. Regarding the formation of collective memory, the text demonstrates the changes in the landscape during the city's occupation in 2022, particularly the processes of imperative change in the urban memory landscape and the attempts of the occupation authorities to create visual images and narratives that form a new memory landscape.
Dynamics and dialectics: unraveling the politics of the contemporary art biennale
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Kachkovska Yana
Published: February 2024

The sphere of the Contemporary Art Biennale is a place where aesthetic expression and political discourse are intertwined with social engagement. In «The Politics of the Contemporary Art Biennale», Panos Kompaciaris explores the dynamics of large-scale art exhibitions. Using a different theory, the author initiates his research by referencing the 7th Berlin and 3rd Athens Biennales. In his analysis, Kompatsiaris illustrates the transition of the biennale from simple visual art exhibitions to a platform that promotes significant socio-political dialogues. The author proposes a model of the «discursive biennial», outlining its development dynamics within a larger number of social and political movements and its alignment with the goals of the new institutionalism, aimed at the democratization of public artistic spaces. In the review, we consider Kompatsiaris' argument that articulates the «ambiguous politics» inherent in the biennale and his call for deeper engagement with local contexts to enhance the ambitions of the activists powering these events. Despite minor editorial flaws, the book contains an important text offering arguments, a theoretical framework, and case studies that significantly contribute to the discussion of contemporary art exhibitions and their relationship with socio-political narratives. This review combines book highlights with insights from various sources and a collaborative review article to provide a nuanced understanding of the intellectual terrain Kompatsiaris navigated in his exploration of the Biennale of Contemporary Art.
TISSUE ENGINEERING MATRIX BASED ON POLYURETHANE: IN VITRO RESEARCH
Authors: Senokosova Evgenia A. , Prokudina Ekaterina S. , Matveeva Vera G. , Velikanova Elena A. , Glushkova Tatyana V. , Koshelev Vladislav A. , Akentyeva Tatyana N. , Antonova Larisa V. , Barbarash Leonid S.
Published: February 2024

Highlights

The article focuses on a new polyurethane-based material that has been developed and tested in vitro. This highly porous material with satisfactory physical and mechanical, hemocompatibility and matrix properties, obtained by using an electrospinning method, is suitable for the fabrication of cardiovascular products.

 

Abstract

Aim. To manufacture a polyurethane-based tissue engineered matrix and study its physical and mechanical characteristics, hemocompatibility and matrix properties in comparison with decellularized xenopericardium and sheep carotid artery.

Methods. Matrices based on polyurethane were produced by electrospinning. The surface structure was studied by scanning electron microscopy, the physical and mechanical characteristics were studied using a Zwick/Roell Universal testing machine, hemocompatibility was studied according to ISO 10993-4-2020, and the matrix properties of the material were studied in a cell experiment with Ea.hy 926.

Results. The structure of the 12% polyurethane matrix was represented by a fibrous network with interpenetrating pores. The physical and mechanical characteristics of polyurethane matrices corresponded to the parameters of the carotid artery of sheep more than xenopericardium. Polyurethane had optimal hemocompatibility: hemolysis of erythrocytes did not exceed 0.52%, platelet aggregation corresponded to the aggregation of platelet-rich plasma – 80%. Platelet adhesion to the surface of the polyurethane matrix is statistically significantly lower than adhesion to the xenopericardium (p = 0.0041). Cell adhesion, viability and metabolic activity of Ea.hy 926 cultured on the surface of polyurethane matrices were higher relative to xenopericardium: cell density was 236.3 [198.5; 264.6] cells/mm2 (p = 0.458), viability 19.0 [16.0; 25.0] % (p = 0.0145).

Conclusion. Physical and mechanical characteristics, hemocompatibility and matrix properties of polyurethane confirmed its suitability for potential use for the needs of cardiovascular surgery.
IMMUNOINFLAMMATORY PROCESSES IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Authors: Mordovin Victor F. , Zyubanova Irina V. , Manukyan Musheg A. , Tsoi Ekaterina I. , Falkovskaya Allа Yu.
Published: February 2024

Highlights

The article describes the main pathogenetic aspects of atherogenesis and focuses on the role of low-intensity inflammation in this process. Moreover, the article presents data on the possibilities of predicting cardiovascular outcomes in patients using a number of pro-inflammatory markers, and on the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory therapy in this cohort of patients.

 

Abstract

Chronic low-intensity inflammation is currently considered one of the most significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The initiation and progression of atherosclerosis are associated with an inflammatory response to endothelial damage, accompanied by an increase in number of pro-inflammatory markers blood circulation. The atherogenic effect of the main risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as hypertension, smoking, increased dietary fat intake, physical inactivity and obesity, as well as psychological and emotional factors and sleep disturbance, is mostly carried out through these mechanisms. In addition, proinflammatory cytokines blood levels increase is associated with sympathetic tone level increase under these risk factors influence.

The article describes the relevant atherogenesis mechanisms and the results of large clinical trials studying the relationship between inflammatory activity, assessed by the levels of various pro-inflammatory markers, and the risk of cardiovascular complications. Data regarding the use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as canakinumab, anakinra, tocilizumab, colchicine to treat patients with coronary artery disease are given. The efficacy of nano-immunotherapy, when powerful anti-inflammatory agents are target delivered to atherosclerotic plaques using nanoparticles, is considered, as well as the anti-inflammatory effect of renal denervation due to the sympatholytic activity of this procedure.
THE PROBLEM OF TRANSCATHETER CLOSURE OF MULTIPLE ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECTS: INTERVENTIONAL APPROACHES AND RESULTS. LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Troshkinev Nikita M. , Tarasov Roman S.
Published: February 2024

Highlights

The article presents a review of the literature and the results of endovascular correction of multiple atrial septal defects, methods of occluder implantation. Indications for transcatheter closure and possible complications of the procedure are given.

 

Abstract

Over the past few decades, the treatment strategy for the second atrial septal defect has changed significantly. Due to the improvement of device technology and procedural techniques, transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects is currently considered to be the method of choice in most patients with secondary types of defects. The latest generation devices provide a simple and safe implantation. The use of biocompatible occluder materials contributes to endothelization and reduction of traumatization of nearby structures. Most of the currently available devices demonstrate excellent efficiency and comparable results with their own advantages and disadvantages. In addition to improving the properties and performance of the device, there was a clear improvement in the procedural technique because of numerous experiments with closing of the device. A difficult problem for an endovascular surgeon is the procedure for closing multiple defects, due to their shapes, locations on the septum, the lack of a sufficient amount of tissue edge on the septum, as well as difficulties with choosing the type of device, their number and relative location.
BIOPROSTHETIC VALVE IMPLANTATION AS TYPE OF TRANSPLANTATION: IMMUNOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF NEW CONCEPT
Authors: Kostyunin Alexander E. , Glushkova Tatiana V. , Ovcharenko Evgeny A.
Published: February 2024

Highlights

Immune processes and mechanisms underlying bioprosthetic heart valve degeneration and rejection of allografts and xenografts are similar.

Manufacturers and surgeons can implement effective approaches to prevent immune rejection in the process of production and implantation of prosthetic heart valves in order to delay the process of structural valve degeneration.

 

Abstract

Bioprosthetic heart valves (BHV) are characterized by low thrombogenicity, thus circumventing the need for long‐term anticoagulation. However, BHV lifespan is limited to 10–15 years because its tissue components are subject to degeneration. Recent research data indicate that immune responses forming the basis of humoral and cellular rejection of allografts and xenografts play a major role in the development of structural valve degeneration (SVD). This review summarizes up-to-date data on immune processes involved in SVD pathogenesis. Moreover, the latest achievements in the development of strategies to reduce the immunogenicity of BHV, such as data on immune compatibility of allogeneic material and the process of deriving low immunogenic biomaterial from genetically modified animals, decellularization of BHV, and the ways of slowing the process of degeneration are analyzed.
PREVALENCE OF PRE-FRAILTY AND FRAILTY IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIVESSEL CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Authors: Krivoshapova Kristina E. , Tsygankov Denis A. , Tsygankova Daria P. , Barbarash Olga L.
Published: February 2024

Highlights

The article is focused on one of the most urgent modern issues – the peculiarities of the diagnosis of pathological aging. Due to the absence of a “gold standard” of detection of frailty, attempts to assess its prevalence among the population of different age groups present fragmented and controversial data. In this study, for the first time, the prevalence of frailty in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, characterized by extremely pronounced clinical complexity, was analyzed using six different diagnostic approaches, allowing us to obtain data on the sensitivity and specificity of these instruments.

 

Abstract

Aim. To study the prevalence of pre-frailty and frailty in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.

Methods. The study included 387 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting. To detect pre-frailty and frailty, we have used various diagnostic approaches, such as the screening questionnaire “Age is not a drawback”, a multi-stage diagnostic framework based on the clinical recommendations on frailty developed by the “Russian Association of Gerontologists and Geriatricians” in 2020, the questionnaire “PRISMA-7”, the clinical frailty scale, the criteria of the Fried frailty phenotype, and the modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5).

Results. The median age was 65 [59; 69] years, men were the majority (73.1%). Taking into account six diagnostic approaches, the prevalence of frailty in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease varied from 19.1% to 71.6%, the prevalence of pre-frailty varied from 15% to 58.2%. A high number of patients with frailty was detected using a multi-stage diagnostic framework based on the on the clinical recommendations on frailty developed by the “Russian Association of Gerontologists and Geriatricians” (46.8%), the clinical frailty scale (44.5%), the criteria of the Fried frailty phenotype (42.4%) and mFI-5 (71.6%), the lowest number of patients with frailty was detected using the questionnaire “PRISMA-7” (22.5%). The clinical frailty scale showed a higher level of sensitivity and specificity (67.8% and 80%, respectively) regarding the detection of pre-frailty, whereas a multi-stage diagnostic framework had a higher level of sensitivity and specificity (65.2% and 76.8%, respectively) regarding the detection of frailty.

Conclusions. The results of the study revealed a high prevalence of pre-frailty (15–58.2%) and frailty (19.1–71.6%) in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, taking into account several diagnostic approaches. The clinical frailty scale and a multi-stage diagnostic framework based on the recommendations showed the highest sensitivity and specificity regarding the detection of frailty (clinical frailty scale – 67.8% and 80%, respectively; a multi-stage diagnostic framework – 65.2% and 76.8%, respectively).
EFFECTIVENESS OF APPLYING ORIGINAL METHOD OF BREATHING EXERCISES, INCLUDING TECHNIQUES FOR MOBILIZING DIAPHRAGMAL BREATHING IN COMPLEX EARLY MEDICAL REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WHO HAVE UNDERGONE CORONARY BYPASS GRAFT
Authors: Pomeshkina Svetlana A. , Arhipova Natalia V. , Lebedeva Natalia B. , Argunova Yulia A. , Barbarash Olga L.
Published: February 2024

Highlights

In the physical rehabilitation of patients after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), special attention has recently been paid to respiratory rehabilitation. The article presents the results of studies demonstrating that a course of respiratory coordination training was associated with a decrease in the incidence of hydrothorax, improved blood oxygen saturation, increased exercise tolerance and muscle strength by reducing diaphragm dysfunction and increasing respiratory muscle strength in patients in the postoperative period.

 

Abstract

Aim. To analyze the clinical effectiveness of a new method of breathing exercises developed for improving breathing control in complex early rehabilitation of patients who underwent CABG.

Methods. The study involved 73 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent CABG at the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases” (Kemerovo, Russia) in 2021. During the inpatient rehabilitation, patients were randomized into two groups comparable in anamnestic and baseline clinical and functional indicators: the experimental group (38 patients) had individual breathing exercises as a part of respiratory gymnastics (with different types of exercises), and the control group (35 patients) underwent conventional exercise training.

Results. Initially, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. After 14 days the number of patients in the main group with signs of hydrothorax was significantly lower compared with the control group: 7 (18.4%) vs 11 (31.4%), respectively, p = 0.001. The ultrasound examination of the pleural space revealed the same pattern - hydrothorax was less pronounced in the main group compared with the control group: 0.9 [0.5; 1.5] vs 1.7 [0.6; 2.5] mL, p = 0.049. Analysis of oxygen saturation (SpO₂,%), reflecting the functional status of the oxygen transport system, showed higher blood oxygen saturation rates in the main group compared with the control group: 98 [96; 99] vs 95.2[94; 97]%, p = 0.04, respectively. At the same time, the exercise tolerance (ET) estimated with bicycle ergometry was comparable at baseline in both groups, and at the end of the inpatient rehabilitation ET in the main group was significantly higher than in the control group with conventional exercise training: 74. 9 [50; 100] vs 55.1[25; 75] W, p = 0.005, respectively.

Conclusion. Respiratory gymnastics facilitates cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation mainly by improving the coordination of respiratory muscles and preparing them for respiratory gymnastics within short period of early inpatient rehabilitation.
THETA CURRENT SOURCES DENSITY CHANGES IN CARDIAC SURGERY PATIENTS COGNITIVE AFTER MULTITASKING TRAINING
Authors: Tarasova Irina V. , Kupriyanova Darya S. , Syrova Irina D. , Sosnina Anastasia S. , Trubnikova Olga A.
Published: February 2024

Highlights

We estimated theta current sources density changes in patients who received cognitive multitasking training in the early postoperative period of cardiac surgery.

Patients with cognitive multitasking training had a significantly lower theta current source density (t<–3.89; p<0.002) before surgery compared to baseline. The strongest differences were localized in Brodmann areas 7, 19 and 31 which related to the structures of the parieto-occipital lobes of the brain, cuneus and precuneus.

 

 

Abstract

Aim. The effect of cognitive recovery techniques on brain activity remains a significant issue in modern health care. The aim of this study was to estimate theta current sources density changes using standardized low resolution electromagnetic tomography – sLORETA – (standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography) in patients who have received cognitive multitasking training (CMT) in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods. The study included 30 patients aged between 45 and 75 years who underwent routine CABG. Clinical and neurophysiological examinations were carried out 2–3 days before surgery and 11–12 days after CABG. The cognitive training started 3–4 days after CABG and lasted until discharge and consisted of a motor task - a keypress in response to an object appearing on the screen and three consecutive cognitive tasks (counting backwards, verbal fluency and unusual use of an ordinary object).

Results. Patients with CMT had lower theta current source density (t<–3.89; p<0.002) before CABG as compared to postoperative data, the most significant differences were noted in parieto-occipital lobes of the brain, cuneus and precuneus (Brodmann areas 7, 19 and 31).

Conclusion. The results of our research contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying postoperative cognitive impairments in cardiac surgery patients.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RECEPTIVE AND EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE INDICATORS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLCHILDREN WITH SEPTAL CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS
Authors: Rumiantseva Aleksandra A. , Kameneva Veronika A.
Published: February 2024

Highlights

In recent years, congenital heart defects (CHD) have remained the most prevalent diseases in young children. Opinions on the health of children who have undergone cardiac surgery vary: for example, there are data in the literature indicating that speech disorders following cardiac surgery are present in 56% of cases, whereas cognitive disorders are present in 21% of cases.

 

Aim. To study the level of development of receptive and expressive language in primary schoolchildren with septal congenital heart defects before surgical correction.

Methods. The prospective study of children (n = 90) with septal congenital heart defects (atrium septal defect, n = 75; ventricle septal defect n = 15) before surgical correction was conducted at the Scientific Research Institute of Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases (Kemerovo). The anamnesis, clinical symptoms, hemodynamics and the level of speech development (receptive and expressive language) were studied.

Results. In children with septal heart defects, speech disorders were noted in 82% of cases: 56% of children had common speech disorders, 26% had delayed speech development. Expressive language skills of these children can be often characterized by delayed development, which manifests in the form of articulation disorder, difficulties with grammar syntax and morphology, and pronunciation disorders. There were no statistically significant differences between the level of expressive language and the type of CHD (p = 0.125).

Conclusion. Even in the absence of intracardiac hemodynamic disorders in children with septal CHD, detected neurodevelopmental delays at the preoperative period necessitates the implementation of the interdisciplinary approach in the management of children with such pathology.
EXPRESSION OF GENES OF BIOMOLECULES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUES OF CORONARY ARTERIES
Authors: Semaev Sergey S. , Shakhtshneider Elena V. , Ivanoshchuk Dinara E. , Fishman Veniamin S. , Polonskaya Yana V. , Kashtanova Elena V. , Chernyavskiy Alexander M. , Murashov Ivan S. , Volkov Alexander M. , Ragino Yulia I.
Published: February 2024

Highlights

The study showed differences in the expression of a number of genes in atherosclerotic plaques of different types in patients with coronary atherosclerosis. The obtained data can become the basis for the development of test systems in order to determine the dynamics of the atherosclerotic process and detect signs of destabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque as early as possible.

 

Aim. To study the differential expression of genes encoding molecules associated with the etiopathogenesis of atherosclerosis by the method of genome-wide RNA sequencing in stable atherosclerotic plaque of fibrous type and unstable atherosclerotic plaque of dystopic-necrotic type.

Methods. The study was performed on samples of atherosclerotic plaques of patients with coronary atherosclerosis without acute coronary syndrome with stable angina pectoris of functional class II–IV (FC) at the age of 45-65 years. Tissue sampling of atherosclerotic plaques was performed intraoperatively in the presence of indications. Genome-wide RNA sequencing was performed using Illumina’s TruSeq RNA Sample Preparation Kit (Illumina, USA).

Results. An increase in the level of gene expression in stable atherosclerotic plaques was noted for A2M, ADAMTS13, CSF3, CX3CL1, CXCL1, FGF2, GDF15, ICAM1, IL1A, IL1B, IL6, IL10, PDGFA, PTX3. There was an eightfold statistically significant increase in the level of CFD, CXCL16, FABP4, FLT3, IFNG, IL7, IL15, SELL, TGFA, THBD, TNNT1, VCAM1 and VEGFA gene expression (p<0,001) in unstable atherosclerotic plaques of dystrophic-necrotic type.

Conclusion. The study showed differences in the expression of a number of genes in atherosclerotic plaques of different types in patients with coronary atherosclerosis. The obtained data can become the basis for the development of test systems in order to determine the dynamics of the atherosclerotic process and detect signs of destabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque as early as possible.
BIOCOMPATIBLE ELASTIC POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES BASED ON MULTIWALLED CARBON NANOTUBES FOR APPLICATION IN CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
Authors: Rezvova Maria A. , Nikishau Pavel A. , Kostyuk Sergey V. , Makarevich Miroslav I. , Onishchenko Pavel S. , Klyshnikov Kirill Y. , Glushkova Tatyana V. , Kostyunin Alexander E. , Ovcharenko Evgeny A.
Published: February 2024

Highlights

The incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes into the structure of the poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) polymer matrix leads to an increase in the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the nanocomposites. The resulting nanocomposites retain high biocompatibility and can be used as elements of implanted cardiovascular products.

 

Abstract

Aim. To synthesize and modify poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) (SIBS) with two types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in different concentrations to improve its mechanical properties.

Methods. SIBS was synthesized by controlled cationic polymerization. Polymer nanocomposites were prepared using ultrasonic dispersion followed by casting films from a polymer solution. The resulting nanocomposite films were subjected to mechanical tests under uniaxial tensile conditions. Tensile strength, elastic-strain properties, and plastic deformation under cyclic loading were assessed. The structure of the nanocomposites was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The hydrophilicity of the surface of the materials was studied by measuring the contact angle with water. The cytotoxicity of the resulting polymer films was assessed by the viability and metabolic activity of endothelial cells cultured on the surface of the nanocomposites.

Results. Polymer nanocomposites with a uniform distribution of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix were obtained. SIBS films modified with 1% MWCNTs with a diameter of 50–90 nm showed an increase in tensile strength by 16.4% compared to SIBS polymer. Increasing the concentration of MWCNTs to 8% led to a decrease in the strength of polymer materials by 19,6%. The inclusion of nanoparticles into the polymer matrix significantly increased the Young's modulus of the studied polymers with a MWCNT content above 4%. With an increase in the content of MWCNTs in the nanocomposites, an increase in hydrophilicity was also observed, while the cytotoxicity of the samples towards endothelial cells was not noted.

Conclusion. Nanocomposites based on SIBS and MWCNTs, due to their high strength and biocompatibility, can become a promising material for the development of various medical products, in particular prosthetic heart valves.
Chipping pedophiles as an alternative to chemical castration
Authors: Mukanov Malik R. , Begaliyev Yernar N.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND: This study considers chipping of persons who have committed sexual crimes against minors as an alternative to chemical castration. The fact that the issue of punishment for crimes against sexual inviolability of minors is less prioritized than the issue of prevention of these crimes is confirmed by disappointing statistics.
AIM: To identify the advantages and disadvantages of chipping pedophiles in comparison with chemical castration.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed the current legislation of Kazakhstan on the issue of chemical castration and chipping of pedophiles. SWOT analysis was used to determine the positive and negative aspects of chipping in pedophiles.
RESULTS: Currently, the chipping of certain categories of citizens is illegal; however, there exists a legislative regulation of the use of electronic means of tracking suspects and convicted persons. Such means may well include biochips, and the expediency of enshrining chipping in criminal legislation as another coercive measure of medical nature has been substantiated.
CONCLUSION: Chipping is cheaper than chemical castration from an economic point of view and safer from a medical point of view. The only reason chipping remains inferior to chemical castration is the issue of legislative regulation and data security, the solution of which is a matter of time.
In conclusion, chipping pedophiles is a more effective and cheaper alternative to chemical castration. SWOT analysis showed the strengths and weaknesses of chipping pedophiles and the opportunities of this technology and potential threats to its use. Thus, the predominance of the strengths of technology over its weaknesses was revealed.
Biochipping in forensic medicine as a technology for determining readiness to cause harm: a review
Authors: Tukenova Zhanar S. , Alikperov Khanlar D. , Begaliyev Yernar N. , Seraliyeva Aliya M. , Shayakhmetova Zhanna B.
Published: February 2024

This article evaluated the issues of determining consent to harm as grounds for excluding crime through the prism of the totality of mental and physiological processes in the victim’s body, considering the analysis of the emotional attitude to the traumatic situation. Existing practice is based on the testimony and position of the injured party and the absence of physical signs of resistance as an indicator of consent to harm.
The materials of the study were the norms of the criminal legislation of Kazakhstan and foreign states on the meaning of the victim’s consent to harm his or her peers and interests, particularly in cases of sexual inviolability. A literature review on this topic revealed the relationship between the subjective attitude of the victim of violence and chemical and physiological processes in the body.
The achievements of scientists in determining chemical and physiological signs of stress in real time using bioanalysts-biochips were analyzed. Based on the results, generalization of scientific works, and analysis of legislation on the subject, the evidentiary value of these technologies to determine the consent of the victim in the absence of signs of stress at the time of exposure were considered.
The use of biochips with analyzers of chemical and physiological changes in the human body in real time will not only determine the stress state of the victim at the time of the attack, as a sign of consent or refusal to act, but also expand the possibilities of forensic medicine and general practical medicine in early diagnosis of diseases and prompt treatment. Furthermore, a SWOT analysis of the use of biocyping to resolve the issue of determining the victim’s consent to harm, excluding the possibility of manipulation and falsification of evidence, was performed.
Toward the Rapid Seismic Assessment of Landslides in Coastal Alaska
Authors: Karasözen Ezgi , West Michael E.
Published: February 2024

As glaciers retreat, landslide-driven tsunamis pose mounting threats across the high latitudes. The recent landslide tsunamis in Alaska and Greenland have spurred efforts to forecast and monitor these events. We use nine large landslides spanning southern Alaska to test an approach for rapid detection and characterization. We use long-period seismograms recorded within three minutes of the start of a landslide to estimate the location and approximate volume. In the presence of good seismic network coverage, location errors are no more than a few kilometers, and detection limits are well below 1  Mm3. The combination of detection time, location, and size provides the ability to rapidly determine whether a landslide occurred close to open water and, if so, its tsunamigenic potential. Our approach is rapid enough to support National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s five-minute tsunami warning goal. The historical analysis we present provides the foundation and parameter tuning for a prototype system that is now providing real-time detections.
Breve biografía de Veneranda Manzano (1893-1992)
Authors: Rivaya Benjamín
Published: February 2024

En este trabajo se analiza la trayectoria vital y profesional de Veneranda García Manzano. Sus inicios como maestra, su participación en la vida política y su posterior exilio. Protagonista como tantos otros de un tiempo de ilusión, personifica, de manera muy ajustada, la realidad de una España que no llegó a fraguar. Es, en definitiva, la crónica de la historia vivida por una maestra en el primer tercio del siglo XX en España, pero sobre todo en el tiempo de la Segunda República española.
Acerca de la naturaleza y de la patria del Padre Sarmiento
Authors: Santos Puerto José
Published: February 2024

Unos meses atrás X.L. Méndez Ferrín dedicó dos de sus Espellos, y algunas líneas de un tercero, a discutir un trabajo mío sobre la  procedencia del Gran Gallego, publicado en Sarmiento. Anuario de Historia da Educación. A los pocos días de salir el último artículo yo envié un escrito de aclaraciones al periódico, y por medio de éste al autor. Nada contestaron, ni tampoco publicaron mi escrito, por lo que un par de semanas después lo remití de nuevo. Tampoco tuve respuesta, ni del periódico ni de Méndez Ferrín. Esta es una versión aligerada de aquel escrito, que remitida de nuevo por si el Faro de Vigo consideraba una buena fecha el día 9 de marzo, fecha del nacimiento de Martín Sarmiento, tampoco fue atendida.
Unha ducia de cartas de Manuel B. Cossío a Francisco Giner dende San Victorio (Bergondo). Nadal de 1895.
Authors: Otero Urtaza Eugenio
Published: February 2024

Unha ducia de cartas de Manuel B. Cossío a Francisco Giner dende San Victorio (Bergondo- A Coruña). Nadal de 1895.
Neoliberal Policy
Authors: Larson Angel
Published: February 2024

Neoliberal ideas and ideology dominated education policy for the last 40 years with the promise that public education will thrive under competition and accountability; the idea of “our failing schools” pre-dominates the education narrative today. Families empowered by neoliberal discourse are expected to choose their way out of impoverished neighborhoods and failing traditional public schools. This neoliberal discourse drives the education market by promoting competition, accountability, and innovation so that all public schools might prosper. However, when we consider neoliberalist ideas like cultural power partnered with one’s desire to ensure academic success, decisions become overwhelming and burdensome, especially for special education teachers and families. The decisions imposed upon educators and families often conflict with individual perspectives. This phenomenological collective case study explored the tensions between teachers' and families' perspectives and ideas about education and their lived experiences when positioned to make decisions that are in the best interest of students with disabilities.
Investigating the Petrogenesis of the Naifeh and Plumeria Seamounts
Authors: Montour Geoffrey
Published: February 2024

The Naifeh and Plumeria seamount clusters, which consist of 10 submarine volcanoes located ~220km north of the Northwest Hawaiian Ridge, were mapped and sampled by the E/V Nautilus expedition NA101 in 2018. The origin of these seamounts is unknown, but their unique orientation and location imply several possible mechanisms of formation. Four possible mechanisms of formation include: 1) off-axis upwelling of the Hawaiian mantle plume, 2) ancient arch volcanism, 3) intraplate extension and deformation, 4) hotspot volcanism. Investigating the origin of these seamount clusters will better constrain the composition of the underlying mantle, as well as the depth and extent of melting required to generate these large volcanic structures and provide insight into the interaction between mantle plumes, the upper mantle, and surrounding lithosphere.

Here we present major and trace element compositions of 28 samples from the five Naifeh seamounts and 22 samples from the five Plumeria seamounts. Major element data indicate that all lavas are alkalic, ranging from trachybasalts to trachyandesites. The lavas from both seamount chains have low MgO contents (0.62-2.31 wt.%) and are cogenetic. Trace element patterns are relatively consistent throughout both chains, suggesting the lavas came from a similar mantle source and extent of partial melting. Naifeh and Plumeria both have enriched incompatible trace element compositions compared to mid ocean ridge basalts (MORB), suggesting their source is not typical depleted upper mantle, but more similar to a mixture of ocean island basalt (OIB) and enriched-mid ocean ridge basalt (EMORB), and normal MORB. Thus, it is not likely these were formed simply from intraplate extension and deformation as has been suggested for the nearby Musician seamounts or from Cretaceous crust building. The seamounts are also distinct from North and South Arch lavas, suggesting that they were not created from melting beneath the flexural bulge associated with plate loading. Instead, Naifeh and Plumeria have compositions similar to lavas from the Line Islands and Rurutu, which have been explained by multiple hotspots stemming from the South Pacific Superswell or small scale sublithospheric convection. Naifeh and Plumeria also have compositional similarities with the Shatsky, Ojin, and Hess rise seamounts, which are hotspot derived seamounts erupted during the early to mid-Cretaceous. Based on this, we suggest that the Naifeh and Plumeria seamounts originated from a hotspot source emanating from the South Pacific Superswell with the incorporation of recycled oceanic crust or are a product of small scale sublithospheric convection.
Sparse Format Conversion and Code Synthesis
Authors: Popoola Tobi Goodness
Published: February 2024

Sparse computations are important in scientific computing. Many scientific applications compute on sparse data. Data is said to be sparse if it has a relatively small number of non-zeros. Sparse formats use auxiliary arrays to store non-zeros, as a result, the contents of auxiliary arrays are not known until run-time. The Inspector/Executor (I/E) paradigm uses run-time information for compiler optimizations. An inspector computes information at run-time to drive transformations. The executor---a compile-time transformation of the original code--- uses information computed by the inspector. The sparse polyhedral framework (SPF) encompasses a series of tools to support I/E run-time transformations. This work introduces a unified framework that wraps SPF tools while providing a holistic view of computation as an intermediate representation (IR). This work also introduces a method to automatically synthesize inspectors to transform between sparse formats and improvements to SPF to explore the performance of irregular applications.
Using NMR Chemical Shift Perturbations to Map Interactions Between Acyl-Acyl Carrier Proteins and Acyl Homoserine Lactone Synthases
Authors: Rizzo Madison N.
Published: February 2024

A pandemic of antibiotic resistance is underway and affecting multiple industries, including veterinary, agricultural, and healthcare. High bacterial population density is a major form of defense for bacterial cells against drugs, contributes to antibiotic resistance, and is one of the requirements for the formation of biofilms. Quorum sensing is a form of cell-to-cell communication that both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria use to account for density behavior. When the population density of bacteria reaches a certain level (a “quorum”), there is an observed coordinated shift in gene expression that leads to optimized growth or virulence. Acyl carrier proteins (ACP) and the enzyme acyl-homoserine lactones synthase (AHLS), which are the building blocks for the formation of quorum sensing molecules, acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) molecules signal the regulation of some of these expressed genes. AHLs are chemical autoinducers used in quorum sensing. This project contributes to an effort to map interactions between ACP1 and RhlI from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to better predict drug target sites to inhibit the production of AHL molecules. Here, I present the chemical shift backbone assignments for ACP1 and the optimized expression and purification of ACP1 and RhlI.
Effects of Wildfire Smoke Exposure on Peripheral Body Systems and Implications for Laboratory Animal Research
Authors: Schuller Adam J.
Published: February 2024

Wildfire smoke (WFS) exposure is becoming a frequent global problem as more intense fire seasons occur each year with warmer and drier climates. Still, little is known about the specific effects elicited when WFS exposure occurs, especially in body systems outside of the lung and heart. Here, I will discuss the classic associations that have been made between WFS exposure and cardiopulmonary health effects before sharing novel work which suggests changes in male reproductive and central nervous systems. Then, I will emphasize the importance of monitoring the air quality within laboratory animal facilities by presenting data characterizing the ability of ambient WFS to penetrate a vivarium structure, significantly influencing indoor air quality during major fire events. Next, I will profile the DNA methylation phenotype of male mouse germ cells following an occupationally relevant whole-body simulated WFS exposure. Lastly, I will present data which demonstrates neuroinflammation and neuroendocrine disruption following passive WFS exposure, as well as acute and chronic high dose simulated WFS exposure. Together, these findings begin to elucidate the mechanism which might underlie WFS-induced changes in the central nervous system and/or reproductive tissues. Finally, this work will be contextualized with regard to the greater body of literature in environmental toxicology, including how the data presented here may inform future efforts to advance our understanding of WFS effects on public and occupational health.
Belize: Making an Impact to Improve Lives Selected Results in IDB Group-supported Projects on Climate Change and Education
Authors:   Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo,   IDB Lab,   IDB Invest
Published: February 2024

Two of the development challenges that Belize has recently worked on, with support from the IDB Group, are vulnerability to climate change and educational quality. The measures implemented on both fronts have allowed relevant achievements. In terms of climate resilience, flooding has been significantly reduced, as a result of investments in infrastructure and, especially, in nature-based solutions. Regarding the quality of education, progress has been made with innovative pedagogical models and teaching in STEAM areas (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).
El Salvador: generando impacto para mejorar vidas: resultados recientes en proyectos de turismo y agronegocios financiados por el grupo BID
Authors:   Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo,   BID Invest,   BID Lab
Published: February 2024

El Grupo BID ha contribuido a que El Salvador aborde dos de sus mayores desafíos: hacer del turismo un sector más competitivo y mitigar los impactos del cambio climático en la industria cafetera. Este documento recoge algunos datos de diagnóstico sobre aquellas temáticas, así como resultados destacados gracias al apoyo del Banco. Entre otros logros, se ha registrado un aumento significativo de los ingresos generados por cada turista extranjero que visita el país. De otra parte, se ha avanzado en términos de modernización cafetalera, gracias a la implementación de medidas de resiliencia climática en los cultivos.
CIMA Brief N. 25: La jornada escolar en América Latina y el Caribe: una mirada desde la equidad
Authors: Arias Ortiz Elena , Giambruno Cecilia , Hernández Cardozo Jenny Carolina , Mateo-Berganza Díaz María Mercedes , Vinacur Tamara
Published: February 2024

En América Latina y el Caribe (ALC), los resultados educativos son desiguales y se sitúan por debajo de otras regiones. Una jornada escolar limitada puede aumentar estas brechas. La evidencia muestra que al extender el horario escolar, con una adecuada planificación e implementación, se pueden mejorar los aprendizajes, reducir la deserción estudiantil y reforzar habilidades socioemocionales, generando impactos que van más allá del ámbito educativo.