bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Svitich O. A. , Olisova O. Yu. , Meremianina E. A. , Rasskazova N. D. , Fomina V. A. , Potapova M. B.
Published: June 2023

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the most studied among all Pattern Recognition Receptors, the main function of which is to initiate innate immune response by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns of various microorganisms on the skin surface. TLR-mediated recognition plays an important role in linking innate and adaptive immunity that ultimately leads to the production of key cytokines, chemokines and antimicrobial peptides. Today, there is growing interest in research on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLR genes and its influence on susceptibility to inflammatory disease, including atopic dermatitis. The aim of the research was to study the association of the rs5743708 gene polymorphism in the TLR2 gene, the rs4986791 gene polymorphism in the TLR4 gene and the rs352140 gene polymorphism in the TLR9 gene with the risk of developing severe cases of AD. A total of 100 patients with AD were included in the study (38 male and 62 female). The age range was from 18 to 65 years old. All participants were divided into 2 groups according to the SCORAD index (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis). The control group included 72 volunteers over 18 years old. The results of our study showed a statistically significant difference between the moderate AD group and healthy controls in the rs352140 gene polymorphism in the TLR9 gene (Figure 1). The frequency of the GG genotype of SNP rs352140 in TLR9 was 0.169 in the AD group versus 0.329 in the control group (p < 0.05; OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.18-0.97).

In conclusion, the results of our study showed that the TLR9 rs352140 gene polymorphism may be linked to an increased risk of atopic dermatitis. Moreover, it was found that the GG genotype of SNP rs352140 in TLR9 can be used as a predictor of the risk of developing moderate AD.
Antigen presenting subset of СD66b+CD16+CD33+HLA-DR+ neutrophilic granulocytes in acute osteomyelitis in children: Immunomodulating effects of immunotropic hexapeptide in an in vitro experimental system
Authors: Nesterova I. V. , Chudilova G. A. , Teterin Yu. V. , Chicherev E. A. , Chapurina V. N. , Mitropanova M. N.
Published: June 2023

Inclusion of neutrophilic granulocytes (NG) in inflammation depends on the expression of receptors providing the functions of NG. Acute osteomyelitis (AOM) occupies a central place among purulentinflammatory diseases in children. AOM purulent-necrotic process proceeds in the bone, bone marrow – the site of hematopoiesis. It is interesting to determine the functionally significant NG subsets, their phenotype in OM and evaluate the effect of immunotropic substances for the correction of dysfunctions. Aim: to specify the variants of changes in quantitative and phenotypic characteristics of CD66b+CD16+CD33+HLA-DR-, CD66b+CD16+CD33+HLA-DR+ NG subsets at AOM in children and evaluate the possibility of their immunomodulation under the influence of hexapeptide (HP) – Arginyl-alpha-Aspartyl-Lysyl-Valyl-Tyrosyl-Arginine in vitro.

Peripheral blood (PB) of 24 children 8-15 years old AOM were the study group (SG). The comparison group (CG) – 13 healthy children. HP (10-6 g/L) were incubated with PB SG (60 min, 37 °C) to evaluate the effects (SG1). The number of NG subsets CD66b+CD16+CD33+HLA-DR+, CD66b+CD16+CD33+HLA-DR- (FC500, Beckman Coulter, USA), receptor expression density (MFI), phagocytic activity before and after incubation with HP were determined.

The NG subset expressing HLA-DR – 29.9 (18.4-43.6) % CD66b+CD16+CD33+HLA-DR+ was registered in children with AOM. The number of CD66b+CD16+CD33+HLA-DR+ was 1.5 times lower (p > 0.05), of CD66b+CD16+CD33+HLA-DR+ was 1.2 times higher (p > 0.05) than before incubation with of HP. The redistribution of subsets apparently occurs due to the binding of HPs to HLA-DR on the NG membrane. Also MFI HLA-DR was low (p > 0.05); the 1.3-fold increase in MFI CD66b, 1.4-fold decrease in MFI CD16 were revealed (p < 0.05).

The study was the first to demonstrate the presence of NG subset of CD66b+CD16+CD33+HLA-DR+ in the PB of children with AOM. Subset of CD66b+CD16+CD33+HLA-DR+NG in AOM indicates the appearance of an activated subset of NG in PB with the properties of APC. The positive influence of HP on the phenotypic characteristics of subsets СD66b+CD16+CD33+HLA-DR-, СD66b+CD16+CD33+HLA-DR+. Restoration of phagocytic function of NGs under the influence of HP is connected with the increase of CD66b expression, which influences the effector function of NGs and decrease of CD16 molecule hyperexpression that stipulates decrease of damaging cytotoxic activity of NGs.
Comparative analysis of the expression of the soluble IL-7 receptor in patients with arthropathy
Authors: Kolerova A. V. , Angelskaya O. A. , Chumasova O. A. , Sizikov A. E. , Shirinsky I. V. , Shirinsky V. S. , Blinova E. A.
Published: June 2023

Arthropathy is one of the most prevalent diseases, which are based on the destruction and remodeling of cartilage and bone tissue. The inflammation that precedes destruction can be caused by mechanical stress on the joints, or by autoimmune reactions. Recently, IL-7 is considered as one of the key cytokines that promote the production of matrix metalloproteinases, catabolic enzymes, T cell-mediated activation of monocytes, and maturation of osteoclasts. The soluble form of the IL-7 receptor can help prolong the lifespan of IL-7 and thereby it ensures the bioavailability of the cytokine and mediates effect of IL-7 on cells. The aim of this study was to determine the soluble form of the IL-7 receptor (sIL-7R) in the blood plasma of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis vulgaris (PS), as well as healthy individuals. The RA patients included in the study had moderate to high disease activity according to the DAS28 index. Patients with PsA predominantly had moderate and low disease activity (DAS28) and were characterized by mild to moderate disease severity (PASI). In accordance with the PASI index, patients with PS with mild and severe severity of the disease were included in the study. All patients with OA had a metabolic phenotype that is accompanied by an elevated body mass index.

sIL-7R was determined in blood plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was found that in patients with arthropathy, the level of soluble form of IL-7 was increased relative to healthy individuals, with the exception of the group of patients with PsA. Also, a high concentration of sIL-7R was observed in patients with PS. Analyzing the clinical characteristics of the patients, we found that sIL-7R levels were elevated in RA and PsA patients with high disease activity by DAS28. In addition, positive correlations were found between the concentration of sIL-7R and DAS28 in RA and PsA. In patients with PsA with moderate severity of the disease (PASI), the concentration of sIL-7R was also increased relative to donor's values. On the contrary, in patients with PS, a high level of sIL-7R was noted regardless of the severity of the disease. In patients with OA, no relationship was found between sIL-7R levels and clinical parameters.

Thus, an elevated level of sIL-7R in patients with arthropathy may indicate the involvement of IL-7 and its receptor system in the pathogenesis of joint diseases. The IL-7 receptor may become a promising target both in the treatment of joint diseases and other autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis.
Content of CD4+T cell subpopulations in predicting the efficacy of biological therapy for psoriasis in children
Authors: Kuptsova D. G. , Radigina T. V. , Kurbatova O. V. , Materikin A. I. , Epishev R. V. , Opryatin L. A. , Khotko A. A. , Murashkin N. N. , Petrichuk S. V.
Published: June 2023

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by increased proliferation of epidermal cells, impaired keratinization and an inflammatory reaction in dermis caused by activation of T lymphocytes and synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The pathophysiology of psoriasis is also associated with a decrease in anti-inflammatory functions of immunosuppressive cells. Recently, there are more cases of development of resistance to ongoing therapy with biologics in children, requiring cancellation of drug or its replacement. The aim of the study was to evaluate the content of T helper subpopulations in prognosis of effectiveness of biologics in children with psoriasis. Immunophenotyping of T helper populations was performed in 110 children with psoriasis vulgaris before appointment of biologics, at 16 and 52 weeks. Age of children ranged from 6 to 18 years. Severity of psoriasis and effectiveness of therapy were assessed by index PASI, which varied 0-68. Content of Tregs, Thact and Th17 was determined by flow cytometry. In group with a sufficient effect of biologics, a decrease in PASI was obtained, both at week 16 of therapy (p = 0.000) and by year of treatment, p = 0.017. In children with psoriasis, regardless of duration and effectiveness of biologics, percentage of Thact was increased relative to normal values. In group 1 before prescription of biologics was increased percentage of Thact (p = 0.005) and Th17 (p = 0.001). Analysis of dynamics of content of small populations of T helper during 1 year of use of biologics in children with different efficacy of therapy showed that significant changes were found in content of Th17 and Treg, as well as their Th17/Treg. ROC analysis showed that when Th17 deviation was above 53%, Thact above 181% and Th17/Treg above 2.6 before biologics were prescribed, insufficient efficacy of therapy could be expected in 75% of cases by year. By the end of induction course, with a Th17 deviation above 102% and a Th17/Treg above 2.6, probability of ineffective treatment was already 82%. The study shows the informative value of assessment of Thact before appointment of biologics, dynamics of Th17 by the end of induction course and Treg after 16 weeks of therapy in prognosis of effectiveness of biologics in children with psoriasis.
Dynamics of T helper subpopulations in the critical period of severe injury in children
Authors: Zakirov R. Sh. , Petrichuk S. V. , Freidlyn E. V. , Kuptsova D. G. , Yanyushkina O. G. , Karaseva O. V.
Published: June 2023

Severe mechanical injury is one of the main reasons behind children’s disability and mortality. Severe injury induces a complex host immune response to tissue injury, a parallel pro- and anti-inflammatory state, bearing an elevated risk for infectious complications (IC) and/or multiple organ failure (MOF). This study aimed to determine the informative immunological criteria of traumatic injury severity and prognosis outcome in children (severe injury group (SInj, ISS ≥ 16), n = 87; mild/moderate injury group (MInj, ISS < 16), n = 34) based on the assessment of absolute cell count (abs) and percentage of such T helper subpopulations as regulatory T lymphocytes – CD4+CD127lowCD25high(Treg), Th17 lymphocytes – CD4+CD161+ and CD4+CD127higtCD25high T cells(T127hi) in severe injury cases grouped by the outcome (favorable, n = 47; unfavorable, n = 40) and depending on IC (n = 16) and the development of MOF (n = 11) on the 1st, 3d , 5th, 7th, 14th day after injury. The control group was comprised of 80 apparently healthy children comparable in age and sex. An inverse relationship between severity of injury, degree of blood loss and outcome of injury was revealed with the abs of all Th populations, but for Th abs and Treg abs the most significant correlation was found (Spearman’s R ≤ -0,70, p < 0.00001). For SInj group, a pronounced decrease of Th abs, Treg abs, T127hi abs and Th17 abs, in the acute post-traumatic period with an increase to 14 days was revealed. The values of in the first day for indicators of patients with MInj group correspond to the values of control group and significantly differ from SInj group. There are different kinetics of percentage Th subpopulations in peripheral blood of children with severe injuries. The Th17%CD4+ and T127hi%CD4+ significant increase in 1st-3d  and 3d -7th days after injury respectively in comparation with сontrol and MInj groups. There were no differences between groups in terms of Treg%CD4+. The lower-level Treg abs in trauma patients admitted to the ICU is significantly associated with develop the infectious complications and outcome of trauma. The Th17 abs is significantly reduced in 3-7th days after the injury in the SInj group with MOF. The results of the study indicate that in children levels of Treg, T127hi and Th17 is significantly associated with severity of injury and may be used to predict outcome of trauma and assess the risk of IC and MOF.
Functional and metabolic activity of blood neutrophilic granulocytes in children with erosive and ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum with detected Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Litvinova I. S. , Kolenchukova O. A.
Published: June 2023

The Helicobacter pylori bacterium is currently considered one of the leading etiopathogenetic factors in the formation of gastric and duodenal ulcer in children and adults. Despite many studies in this area, the mechanisms of phagocytic activity in response to exposure to Helicobacter pylori are not completely clear. The aim of the work was to obtain results on the functional and metabolic activity of blood neutrophilic granulocytes in children with Helicobacter pylori-associated erosive and ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum. The object of the study are neutrophilic granulocytes isolated from the blood of patients and the control group. Samples were taken from 46 persons with Helicobacter pylori-associated erosive – ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum aged 11 to 18 years and the control group, which consisted of 55 practically healthy persons who had this disease excluded in the same age range. A comparative analysis of the functional activity of cells using chemiluminescent analysis and metabolic activity by the bioluminescent method was carried out. Luminol was used as a chemiluminescence activator. The measurement of the functional activity of phagocytes was based on the determination of the base activity (spontaneous reaction) and the reserve capacity of the cells when they were exposed to the nonspecific inducer zymosan. There is a reduced activation index of neutrophils in patients relative to the control group, which may characterize reduced metabolic reserves of cells. In neutrophilic granulocytes, there is a decrease in G6PDG, an enzyme that triggers glycolysis along the pentose phosphate pathway and contributes to the reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) to NADPH, which is necessary for the formation of reduced glutathione that binds oxidants. With its insufficiency, a decrease in the energy reserves of cells occurs. In neutrophilic blood granulocytes in children with erosive and ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum with H. pylori infection, a decrease in metabolic reserves is observed, which is associated with inhibition of metabolic processes in cells.
Hypoxia-induced factor-1α and markers of inflammation in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Pivovarova L. P. , Voznyuk I. A. , Osipova I. V. , Ariskina O. B. , Gogoleva E. A. , Prokhorova M. V. , Karpova N. G.
Published: June 2023

Ischemic stroke (IS) occurs as a result of local disturbance of hemocirculation and hypoxia in the brain tissue. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which is involved in the regulation of tissue oxygen levels, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of stroke, including neuronal survival, neuroinflammation, angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, blood-brain barrier permeability, and is important in IS outcomes. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between blood levels of HIF-1α and the degree of neurological deficit in the acute period of IS and the outcome of the disease. We examined 58 people with IS aged 73 (67-81) years. Patients were divided into two groups – discharged and dead. The severity of stroke (NIHSS), neurological deficit, comorbidity index, blood levels of HIF-1α, p53 protein, interleukin-6, cystatin C, CRP, creatinine, hematological parameters were determined at admission, on days 3 and 10 of the disease. At admission the blood levels of HIF-1α was lower than in the comparison group and remained reduced until the 10th day. On day 10 the association of HIF-1α with neurological deficit, comorbidity index and disease outcome was determined. We observed a feedback of HIF-1α with the content of erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit, which can be regarded as a reflection of the hemic component of mixed hypoxia. In dead patients, an increased blood level of cystatin C was detected, which was associated with HIF-1α concentrations. In all periods of observation of IS, a correlation between cystatin C and creatinine and CRP levels was noted. These results may indicate dysfunction of endotheliocytes, inflammation associated with hypoxia in IS. The prognostic significance of the blood level of HIF-1α on the 10th day for the outcome of IS was AUC = 0.900. Blood levels of HIF-1α in the acute period was associated with the severity of IS and the outcome of the disease.
Hypersegmentation of neutrophil nuclei in peripheral blood of patients with localized and advanced cancer of the larynx and laryngopharynx
Authors: Kologrivova E. N. , Pleshko R. I. , Cheremisina O. V. , Boldyshevskaya M. A.
Published: June 2023

Neutrophilic granulocytes have a wide spectrum of functional activity. In recent years, the functional significance of neutrophils in the development and course of malignant neoplasms has been discussed. It has been shown that neutrophilic granulocytes can play pro- or antitumor activity. The aim of the study was to assess the structural and functional features of neutrophils in patients with varying degrees of prevalence of cancer of the larynx and laryngopharynx. Forty-one patients (aged 35-67) with newly diagnosed cancer of the larynx and laryngopharynx were examined and divided into subgroups according to the TNM classification: the first subgroup (14 patients) with a localized tumor process consisted; and the second subgroup (27 patients) with a widespread tumor process. The relative and absolute number of neutrophils was assessed, and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was determined. The content of neutrophils with varying degrees of nuclear segmentation in the blood was calculated, the activity of myeloperoxidase, cationic proteins, alkaline phosphatase, and the degree of neutrophil activation in the NBT test was determined cytochemically. Concentration of interleukin-8 was determined using ELISA. In patients with cancer of the larynx and laryngopharynx the number of neutrophils (p = 0.045) and NLR (p = 0.033), as well as serum concentration of interleukin 8 (p = 0.011), increased compared to healthy individuals. The proportion of cells with hypersegmented nuclei in the neutrophil population (p < 0.001) and cytotoxic potential increased with the spread of tumor process. A direct correlation (r = 0.42, p = 0.03) was found between the T index, which reflects the volume of the tumor, and the content of hypersegmented neutrophils. It can be argued that such a simple and accessible laboratory parameter as the degree of segmentation of the nuclei of neutrophilic granulocytes can be used as one of the criteria to assess and predict the course of the tumor process.
Levels of chemokines and other inflammatory mediators in patients with mild cognitive impairment undergoing rehabilitation
Authors: Malashenkova I. K. , Krynskiy S. A. , Ogurtsov D. P. , Khailov N. A. , Melnikova V. D. , Andryushenko A. V. , Savilov V. B. , Kurmyshev M. V. , Kostyuk G. P. , Didkovsky N. A.
Published: June 2023

Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease in old age. In some cases, it is preceded by mild cognitive impairment (MCI). One of the important components in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration is chronic neuroinflammation (inflammatory activation of microglia and astrocytes in the brain). Systemic inflammatory response and immune dysregulation may contribute to neuroinflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of chemokines and other inflammatory mediators in patients with MCI who underwent medical rehabilitation, and to study its associations with the severity of cognitive impairment. The study group included 48 patients with MCI undergoing rehabilitation. Rehabilitation included cognitive therapy, psychotherapy and tasks for unaided performance. Repeated examination was conducted 6 months after the completion of rehabilitation. The control group included 46 healthy volunteers. Multiplex assay was used to determine serum cytokine and chemokine concentrations. Student's t-test was used to assess the significance of differences. Assessment of cognitive functions was performed using international neuropsychological scales. In patients with MCI, we have found an increase in the levels of several cytokines and chemokines (TNFα, CXCL10/IP10, MDC) that regulate systemic inflammation, cellular and humoral mechanisms of adaptive immunity. After the rehabilitation course their levels returned to normal. It was also found that decrease in CCL7 level in the patients before the rehabilitation course is associated with the severity of cognitive impairment. The findings contribute to understanding the role of chemokines in the pathogenesis of MCI, and indicate that their levels can be potential biomarkers of the severity of cognitive impairment. For translation of the findings into clinical practice, their validation in larger studies is needed, as well as assessing the associations between chemokine levels and the severity of cognitive impairment in MCI over long-term follow-up.
MDC/CCL22 depletion in COVID-19 and post-COVID
Authors: Korobova Z. R. , Totolian Areg A.
Published: June 2023

In this article, we explore the role of macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22) in COVID-19 immunity. The study included plasma samples of 289 patients with PCR-verified COVID-19 from specialized hospitals. The blood samples were collected at admission, approximately 7 days after the start of infection. Genetic testing of the virus was performed in nasopharyngeal swabs to determine the viral strain for each patient. We also included blood plasma of 69 convalescent patients who had recovered from COVID-19 more than a month prior to the study. Additionally, 51 healthy donors were included in the study as controls. The concentrations of MDC/CCL22 and other cytokines and chemokines were measured with multiplex analysis using Luminex MagPix Technology. The results showed that COVID-19 patients had significantly lower MDC levels in their plasma, regardless of the SARS-CoV-2 strain, compared to healthy donors. This finding suggests that MDC/CCL22 depletion may play a role in COVID-19 immunity. Furthermore, convalescent patients still showed decreased concentrations of MDC/CCL22 more than a month after infection, indicating that this depletion may persist even after recovery. We propose two mechanisms that can explain the reasons leading to MDC/CCL22 depletion. The first is binding and inactivation of this chemokine with SARS-CoV-2 peptides, making it not only undetectable for commercial kits, but also less functionally active. Another mechanism is the dysfunction of its effector cells (e.g., DCs and macrophages). Lymphopenia following COVID-19 can potentially be explained by the absence of MDC/CCL22. This may lead to a shift towards hyperactivation in the inflammatory response, potentially explaining the severity of COVID-19. This research sheds light on the importance of MDC/CCL22 in COVID-19 immunity and highlights the need for further investigation into its role in the disease. Understanding the mechanisms behind MDC/CCL22 depletion could provide new insights into the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and inform the development of potential treatments.
Phenotype characteristic of colonic intraepithelial lymphocytes in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Nizheharodava D. B. , Shuleika A. Ch. , Starastsin A. M. , Vanslau M. I. , Ivanchyk G. I. , Vialichka A. V. , Zafranskaya M. M.
Published: June 2023

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) play a critical role in maintaining the immune balance of the gut and provide the first line of mucosal defense against luminal antigens as well as rapidly respond to epithelial injury. Recently, IEL have received a lot of attention as key mediators of aberrant immune response resulted in persistent immune activation, inflammation and altered intestinal barrier function, seen in Crohn's disease (CD). This study describes for the first time subsets of colonic IEL in CD patients as compared to healthy controls aimed at characterization of altered IEL contribution to the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease.

The peripheral venous blood and colon tissues were obtained from 10 CD patients and 6 donors. IEL were isolated from the mucosa by incubation the tissue in a predigesting solution. Lymphoid cells phenotype was investigated using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry.

The majority of colonic IEL was identified as СD3+T lymphocytes and no significant differences were found in their numbers in investigated groups. However, changes in T cell subsets composition have been shown: the ratio of СD3+СD4+IEL and СD3+СD8+IEL was 1:1 in colon of CD patients and correlated with T cells in peripheral blood (R = 0.7; p < 0.05) while donor tissues were characterized by expected СD3+СD8+T killers prevalence and the ratio reached 1:2 (p < 0.05). The increase of unconventional γδIEL (mainly due to V81+T cells) and СD161+T cells in association with TNK cells decrease were revealed in colon (p < 0.01) as well as in peripheral blood (p < 0.05) of CD patients as compared to donors. Moreover, the number of colonic γδIEL was correlated with disease location (R = -0.6; p < 0.05), and disease behavior (R = 0.7; p < 0.01) according to Montreal classification.

The observed data indicates changes in colonic IEL composition in CD patients that may provide valuable insight into the contribution of T helpers, γδT cells and mucosa-associated СD161+T cells in autoimmune intestinal inflammation but need further possible mechanisms discussion.
Peculiarities of immunological manifestations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the presence of chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori variant encoding cytotoxin-associated gene A
Authors: Aleksandrov A. V. , Shilova L. N. , Aleksandrov V. A. , Levkina M. V. , Paramonova O. V. , Aleksandrova N. V. , Zborovskaya I. A.
Published: June 2023

The study aimed to evaluate the association between cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody seropositivity and chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We examined 92 women with moderate RA activity. Serum antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (antiCCP), antibodies to H. pylori (anti-H. pylori-IgG), and total antibodies to H. pylori CagA antigen (antiCagA) were determined by enzyme immunoassay; the presence of anti-CagA-IgG positivity was confirmed by immunoblot. 68.5% of RA patients were positive for anti-H. pylori-IgG, and 44.4% of patients in this group were positive for anti-CagA-IgG. All the study participants were divided into three groups: I – H. pylori seronegative (H. pylori- ); II – H. pylori positive, CagA negative (H. pylori+/CagA- ); III – H. pylori positive and CagA positive (CagA+). The anti-CCP values in RA patients with CagA+ (group III) were significantly higher not only in comparison with patients seronegative for H. pylori (p < 0.001), but also in comparison with patients from group II (H. pylori+/CagA- ) (p = 0.041). A study of the influence of the RA activity, the presence of RF and H. pylori on anti-CCP content demonstrated a small proportion of anti-CCP variability (R2 = 0.09), with a high contribution of H. pylori (beta = 0.25). The addition of the CagA(+) index (beta = 0.503) to the presented model allowed us to describe the variability of anti-CCP in almost 30% of cases (R2 = 0.29). In the group of RA patients with anti-CCP values exceeding the established threshold value of 20 U/mL (normal index), there was an increase in the proportion of patients infected with H. pylori (p < 0.001), but not the proportion of CagA-positive patients (p = 0.06). When the threshold level was increased to 60 U/mL (three times the upper limit of normal) in patients with significantly high anti-CCP, the association with positivity for CagA became significant (p = 0.005). CagA is highly immunogenic and is capable of inducing an inflammatory response in the host that goes beyond the effect of H. pylori itself. Additional experimental studies are needed to investigate possible clinical and laboratory associations that may influence the treatment tactics of CagA+ patients with RA who are seropositive for anti-citrullinated antibodies, as well as to evaluate the possible effects of therapeutic intervention aimed at the eradication of H. pylori in this group.
Study of the immunoglobulin and oxidized protein content of semen under infertility
Authors: Vavilov N. V. , Godovalov A. P.
Published: June 2023

Among the causes of male infertility, enough attention is paid to oxidative stress, which in turn is a pathogenetic link in the inflammatory process. However, there is practically no information on the content of oxidized modified proteins in the semen, which makes it difficult to study the pathogenesis of diseases of the male reproductive system. In part, protein oxidation may be due to the production of reactive oxygen species by microorganisms, both directly and indirectly through the activation of immune system cells. The aim of the research was to study the level of oxidized modified proteins and changes in immunoglobulin concentrations in the semen under bacteriospermia. A study was made of the ejaculate of 48 men who applied to the clinic for infertility in marriage. The comparison group consisted of 32 practically healthy men who had no growth of microorganisms in the ejaculate samples. When conducting bacteriological analysis, the studied samples were diluted 10 times and used the generally accepted method. The concentration of albumin, immunoglobulins A, M, G, E was determined in the spermatic fluid. The oxidative modification of proteins was evaluated in the reaction with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. The concentration of oxidized proteins was expressed in nmol/mg of the total protein of the studied biological fluid. The biuret method was used to determine the protein concentration. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using descriptive statistics and Student's t-test for paired data. The concentration of protein in the seminal fluid did not differ significantly among the studied groups. The albumin concentration (16.96±1.28 mg/mL) was statistically significantly lower in the absence of microorganism growth than in bacteriospermia. With bacteriospermia, a decrease in the concentration of IgM and IgA and an increase in the level of IgG were noted. The degree of protein oxidation is maximum when enterobacteria are isolated from seminal fluid. Thus, during the studies it was found that, despite the absence of a clinic, with asymptomatic bacteriospermia, the secretion of immunoglobulins G into the semen is observed. The accumulation of oxidized proteins in the seminal fluid in bacteriospermia has been shown.
Um Brasil de jovens livres da hanseníase: uma estratégia focal de eliminação da hanseníase para o grupo etário de 5 a 15 anos
Authors: Andrade Vera
Published: June 2023

Resumo O autor descreve o quadro epidemiológico da endemia de hanseníase na população menor de 15 anos, a estratégia estabelecida pela Organização Mundial da Saúde para a reversão do problema em escala internacional e o estágio da eliminação no Brasil. O perfil da hanseníase na população menor de 15 anos no Brasil de 1986 até 1998 mostra que as ações programáticas estabelecidas até o momento não conduziram à redução da detecção de casos de hanseníase nas crianças, especialmente nos estados da Amazônia e áreas de influência, de Goiás e de Pernambuco. A extrema severidade no tocante ao acometimento de crianças pode ser explicada pela iniqüidade ao acesso à oportunidade de diagnóstico na fase inicial da doença e o correto tratamento para a população, pela baixa cobertura de serviços de saúde que suspeitam, diagnosticam e tratam a hanseníase. Diante deste quadro, é necessário estabelecer uma ação específica voltada para as crianças da faixa etária de 5 a 15 anos. Uma aliança entre os gestores municipais e os profissionais atuantes nas áreas de saúde materno-infantil, clínica médica, ginecologia e pediatria, as quais recebem mais de 80% dos usuários pela primeira vez, permitirá a realização de um diagnóstico e tratamento na fase inicial da hanseníase na qual ainda podem ser evitadas a instalação de incapacidades e alterações da aparência física, em especial das crianças.
Pesquisa em Física no Recife: um caso de sucesso brasileiro
Authors: Santos Carlos Alberto dos
Published: June 2023

Apresenta-se aqui a resenha do livro “História da Física no Recife”, recentemente publicado pela Companhia Editora de Pernambuco. Ao longo dos seus sete capítulos, são apresentados os antecedentes históricos da ciência em Pernambuco; o papel de Luiz Freire no desenvolvimento da física em Pernambuco; os primórdios da criação do DF-UFPE e sua evolução desde sua criação em 1971.
Direito à participação no cuidado em saúde de crianças e adolescentes que vivem com HIV
Authors: Guaranha Daniela Dal Forno Kinalski , Antunes Bibiana Sales , Motta Maria da Graça Corso da
Published: June 2023

Resumo Objetivo Compreender como os profissionais de saúde percebem o direito à participação, ou seja, a voz da criança e do adolescente que vivem com HIV em relação ao seu cuidado em saúde. Método Estudo qualitativo com abordagem participativa que utilizou o Método Criativo Sensível. Os participantes foram 16 profissionais de saúde de três Serviços de Assistência Especializada do Sul do Brasil. Os dados foram submetidos à Análise de Discurso na corrente francesa. Resultados O respeito aos direitos no contexto de cuidado, especificamente, o direito à participação e à tomada de decisão ainda é incipiente. As crianças e os adolescentes possuem voz em aspectos tangenciais do seu cuidado em saúde e de forma passiva, sendo restringida a uma perspectiva clínica e medicamentosa. Conclusão e implicações para a prática O respeito ao direito à participação constitui-se como um elo promissor no cuidado à saúde e necessita ser incorporado na prática diária dos profissionais.
Viability of bridge inspectors determining defect ratings using photographic images
Authors: Nepomuceno David T , Vardanega Paul J , Pregnolato Maria , Tryfonas Theo , Bennetts John
Published: June 2023

The visual inspection of bridges is a major undertaking for asset owners and operators. In the UK, visual inspections require inspectors to visit bridges on site and often at night and under unfavourable weather conditions. Therefore, it would be beneficial to move some of the visual inspection process off site. This paper studies whether the defect classification aspects of the inspection process could be conducted remotely using photographs. This study examines the defect ratings assigned by ten survey participants who were tasked with examining photographs from visual inspections of ten UK bridges. The survey results were compared with the results from the general inspections previously carried out for the bridges in question. From this data set, the differences in the ratings given and the extent to which defects are missed were examined. The results show that a higher number of defects were identified for a given bridge by the remote inspectors. Statistical analysis shows that aggregated defects rated by off-site inspectors tend to be more severe and of a higher priority rating compared with those from the on-site inspectors. The results also indicate that there is closer agreement between on-site and off-site inspectors for defects of a higher severity rating.
Sarcoma de Ewing Extraóseo Primario
Authors:   Hospital Eugenio Espejo, Acuña Sonia
Published: June 2023

El sarcoma de Ewing extra óseo (SEEO) es un tumor de tejido blando poco común que es morfológicamente indistinguible de SE óseo, siendo más raro y más agresivo, con pocos casos reportados en la literatura, ninguno en Ecuador. Se presentan dos pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de Sarcoma de Ewing extraóseo, el primero un paciente masculino de 55 años, con lesión mediastínica, sometido a quimioterapia IVA (Ifosfamida, Vincristina, doxorubicina), con progresiones sucesivas tratadas con a Docetaxel-Gemcitabina, luego Irinotecan más Temozolamida, finalmente, paciente falleció tras 5 años de tratamiento; el segundo caso una paciente femenina de 17 años, con lesión cervical resecada, sometida a esquema VAC (Vincristina + Doxorrubicina + Ciclofosfamida) y radioterapia, actualmente en controles. En conclusión, el SEEO es una enfermedad oncológica poco frecuente, agresiva, de presentación heterogénea, cuyo manejo no está estandarizado por su naturaleza de enfermedad rara.
Crónicas, testimonios y reflexiones
Authors:   Hospital Eugenio Espejo, Galárraga Soto Julio
Published: June 2023

Remembranza de 29 años de labores en el Hospital Eugenio Espejo
Nutritional support as a component of enhanced recovery program in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery
Authors: Pasechnik I. N. , Agapov K. V.
Published: June 2023

According to the literature review, a nutritional support for patients after hepatopancreoduodenal surgery requires a differentiated approach. The paper presents data on the experience in providing nutritional support to this kind of patients. It is necessary to stress that nutritional risk screening should be performed prior to surgical intervention. The nutrition is recommended to be adjusted to protein and energy needs of the patient, taking into account concomitant diseases. Products for sip feeding are the method of choice. Enteral nutrition is preferable in the postoperative period. The nutritional support for patients undergoing pancreatoduodenal resection is increasingly recognized, and a randomized clinical trial is to be carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of enteral and parenteral nutrition. As a component of the enhanced recovery program, nutritional support can optimize outcomes in patients who have undergone hepatopancreatoduodenal resection. The nutritional status of a patient should be mandatorily assessed before surgery. Perioperative correction of nutritional status implies continuity and a multidisciplinary approach.
Medicalização, sociedade e a lógica preventivista
Authors: Lemos Flávia Cristina Silveira , De Lima Bruno Jáy Mercês
Published: June 2023

INTRODUÇÃO: Este artigo apresenta algumas considerações sobre medicalização, sociedade e política, em especial, a partir de algumas análises dos contextos brasileiros nas relações com a saúde e a sociedade. MÉTODO: A metodologia utilizada foi a genealogia e a pesquisa documental a partir de Michel Foucault. OBJETIVOS: O texto propõe uma analítica da medicalização na problematização das políticas sociais de saúde, em algumas práticas de prevenção em controle social dos corpos. Pretende-se, neste ensaio, pensar acontecimentos em perspectiva histórica-social e política, explicitando processos medicalizantes das políticas públicas. RESULTADOS: A patologização das existências, inclusive nas práticas preventivistas opera efeitos psicologizantes das relações e dos corpos. A produção de diagnósticos na atenção primária em saúde e a lógica adaptacionista utilizada nos marcos legais e políticos da promoção na atenção primária em saúde.
Intraperitoneal L-dopa injection in mice v1
Authors: not provided natalia.lopezgonzalezdelrey
Published: June 2023

Intraperitoneal L-dopa injection in mice
Enzymatic fragmentation of plant chromatin for Hi-C libraries v1
Authors: not provided ignacio.carvajal
Published: June 2023

The aim of this protocol is to learn how to prepare, evaluate and optimize a plant chromatin sample to produce a proximity ligated sample ready for NGS library preparation. We introduce several quality checks along the process to avoid wasting precious material or time working with a suboptimal sample (quality and quantity-wise).
Retrospective Review of Management of Diabetic Retinopathy in Pregnant Diabetics at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Published: June 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) may progress when diabetic women pregnant. It is clear that DR cases are increasing around the world and the danger is alarming. This is a retrospective case with 168 pregnant patients which were traced from the registry held by Endocrine Antenatal Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre from 2016 to 2019. Of the 138 pregnancies in pre-existing diabetics, 97 records (70.3%) were found to have only one follow-up with incomplete ophthalmology records or defaulters. Only 41 pregnancy records (29.7%) completed with at least two ophthalmology reviews during the pregnancy. Progression of DR was noted in seven of these pregnancies, giving a rate of 17.0%. One eye of one patient progressed from mild non-proliferative DR to sight-threatening proliferative DR (PDR). When comparing the group of progressors with non-progressors, there was no statistically significant difference for risk factors (age, gender, ethnicity, type of diabetes, duration of diabetes, HbA1c level, hypertension, presence of maculopathy, risk factors for diabetes and fetal ultrasound findings). The rate of repeated follow-up for retinopathy during pregnancy in diabetics is about 30%. This study suggested that no risk factors were identified for DR progression.
Digitalization of Production and Export of the Kazakhstan's Electric, Agricultural Machines, Taking into Account the Experience of Russia (Technological and Legal Problems)
Authors:   L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Bolashak Consulting Group, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan, Sarsembayev M. A.
Published: June 2023

Digital production and export means the introduction of digital technologies into the production process of transport and agricultural machinery of the Republic of Kazakhstan in cooperation with Russia with subsequent export deliveries. The relevance of this topic lies in the justification that digital technologies and law ensure the efficiency of these plants. This goal can be achieved in the future by solving the problems of implementing the industrial Internet of Things, Big Data, augmented reality, artificial intelligence systems, 3D-printing. In the order of forecasting, new Kazakh laws on the digitalization of mechanical engineering are proposed for development and adoption, taking into account the legislative and technological experience of Russia, as well as new international universal conventions on the procedure for solving global problems of digital technologies in the field of industry and mechanical engineering. This research was carried out with the financial support of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (IRN grant No. AP09261449).
Efficacy of Yoga Nidra on Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia in Frontline COVID-19 Healthcare Workers: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gunjiganvi Mallikarjun , Rai Siddharth , Awale Rupali , Mishra Prabhaker , Gupta Devendra , Gurjar Mohan
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge of mental health disturbances and the subsequent use of various mind-body therapies. Although evidence supports the benefits of yoga for mental health in a variety of disease states, information on its effects among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 epidemic is scarce. Therefore, this study evaluated and compared the efficacy of relaxation to music and yoga nidra on the mental health of frontline healthcare workers during the pandemic. This open-label randomized trial was conducted at a Level III COVID-19 care center. In the Relaxation-to-Music Group, participants received deep relaxation music, whereas those in the Yoga Nidra Group performed yoga nidra practices; both interventions were delivered through a YouTube platform and were to be done daily for 30 minutes during the healthcare workers’ 2-week duty periods. The primary outcomes were measured using scores of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)–9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)–7 scale, and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at the end of the duty period. A total of 79 healthcare workers were randomly divided into two groups: (1) Relaxation-to-Music (n = 40) and (2) Yoga Nidra (n = 39). Demographics; clinical characteristics; and PHQ-9, GAD-7, and ISI scores of the two groups were comparable at baseline. In the Yoga Nidra Group, PHQ-9 scores decreased significantly (5.17 ± 4.25 to 3.03 ± 2.40, p = 0.002) compared to the Relaxation-to-Music Group (5.68 ± 4.73 to 4.34 ± 2.90, p = 0.064). Similarly, GAD-7 scores decreased significantly in the Yoga Nidra Group (4.93 ± 3.27 to 2.33 ± 2.56, p < 0.001) compared to the Relaxation-to-Music Group (4.84 ± 3.94 to 4.03 ± 3.56, p = 0.123). ISI scores also decreased significantly in the Yoga Nidra Group (6.10 ± 3.53 to 3.03 ± 2.88, p < 0.001) compared to the Relaxation-to-Music Group (6.09 ± 5.37 to 5.93 ± 5.95, p = 0.828). In this study, yoga nidra practice was more helpful than relaxation to music in reducing depression, anxiety, and insomnia among frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers during their duty periods.
Legal Issues of Execution of Export and Import Commercial Contracts for Cross-Border Transportation of Hydrocarbons in the Arctic Taking into Account the Sanctions Factor
Authors: Skachkov N. G.
Published: June 2023

The paper discusses the problems of execution of contracts for exploration, oil production, and transportation of hydrocarbons in the Arctic amid enormous sanctions pressure that the oil and gas industry is experiencing today. The aper demonstrates the impact of blocking restrictions, which negatively affected export and import contracts. Recent international agreements have been in a particularly vulnerable position. Emerging risks can shake the debt sustainability of a transaction. Their alienation immediately reveals commercial risks. A transaction made in favor of a creditor, as it seems, should burden such risks. However, it is not easy to determine the forecast values of expenses from the acquisition, assignment of rights to oil production, transportation of refined products due to debt repayment. There is an opportunity to take advantage of industry and corporate import substitution plans, especially in the field of crude oil exports, thereby resisting these risks. Meanwhile, the system of business and legal norms still constitutes a vast field of risks. They change in time, in space, due to price regulation, but also against the background of traditional law enforcement – the search for beneficial owners. Sectoral restrictions already imply facilitation of institutional risk. The author applies a systematic approach – from particular cases of manifestation (of risks), whether they are uncompensated costs as part of the network infrastructure and to a causal relationship with derivatives, non-revolving financial instruments. It is noted how difficult it is then to execute settlement forward contracts if the limits of price fluctuations for these contracts are exceeded many times. The importance of restorative requirements, mandatory in this regard, is emphasized. Russia’s response to the sanctions is to deepen reorientation of hydrocarbon flows from the West to the East. This explains generalization of the role of the Northern Sea Route, based on the assessment of available resources, plans for the re-equipment of ports according to their specialization and depending on the requests of different levels of consumers.