bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction of immune status from hospitalized COVID-19-patients with immunotropic drug added to the basic treatment
Authors: Khromova E. A. , Kostinov M. P. , Skhodova S. A. , Osiptsov V. N. , Bisheva I. V. , Pakhomov D. V. , Kurbatova E. A. , Khasanova A. A. , Kryukova N. O. , Shatokhin M. N.
Published: February 2024

Cellular immunity plays an important role in the control of SARS-CoV-2. Lymphopenia and a decrease in the functional activity of cells may be among the main reasons for deterioration of clinical outcomes of the disease. Usage of the bacterial therapeutic vaccine Immunovac-VP-4 during the inflammation phase may be promising for immunomodulation of the cellular immunity. The aim of our study was to evaluate the dynamics of lymphocyte subpopulations in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 upon combining the basic therapy with immunotropic drug based on the antigens from opportunistic pathogens. The study included 45 patients (18-70 years old) admitted with a confirmed diagnosis of moderate/severe infection caused by the COVID-19 virus. In addition to basic therapy, 33 persons of this group received Immunovac-VP-4 by a combined nasal-oral method. Subpopulation activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients over time (at baseline, on the 14th and 30th day after hospitalization) was studied by flow cytometry by means of FC-500 Cytomics (Beckman Coulter, USA) using monoclonal antibodies (mAb) (Immunotech, France). In the group receiving only standard therapy, an increased number of T lymphocytes was detected on day 14 (79.9 (75.5-81.6), p = 0.00252), on day 30 from the start of treatment (78.4 (74.25-79. 2), p = 0.03662), and a decrease in B lymphocytes on day 14 (10.6 (7.78-11.63), p = 0.03236), on day 30 (7.85 (6.25-11.1), p = 0.01352) relative to baseline parameters upon admission. We revealed more pronounced changes in the parameters of cellular immunity relative to the initial parameters, i.e., an increased proportion of T lymphocytes on the 14th day (80.1 (73.8-84.2), p = 0.00018), and 30th day from starting the treatment (80.2 (76-81.9)), T helpers at 14 days after treatment (50.2 (43-57), p = 0.00694), cytotoxic T cells by 30th day of therapy (26.35 (24-29.4), p = 0.0114), decrease in B lymphocytes on day 14 (13.1 (8.2-16.9), p = 0 00158), on the 30th day from the start of treatment (8.2 (7.6-9.7), p <0.00001), and a transient decrease in NK cells on the 14th day (3.7 (2,1-6.3), p = 0.00308), with their recovery on the 30th day of observation to 8.6 (6-12.5) in the Immunovac-VP-4 group. Modulation of cellular immunity may be important for the virus clearance.
Cytokine profile in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Aleksandrova T. N. , Mulina I. I. , Lyamkina A. S. , Studenikina A. A. , Varaksin N. A. , Mikhaylova E. S. , Pospelova T. I. , Autenshlyus A. I.
Published: February 2024

Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is currently an important clinical problem in the management of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Recent studies suggested that aberrant cytokine secretion may be among the BCR/ABL-independent mechanisms of resistance, thus contributing to the persistence of leukemic stem cells in spite of continuous targeted therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate concentration of cytokines in the serum of patients with CML depending on the efficiency of therapy.

Quantitative determination of the cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IFNα and VEGF) in blood serum of patients with chronic-phase CML (n = 84) and healthy subjects (n = 30) was performed using enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). The patients with CML were divided into 3 groups depending on the duration of therapy: group I, newly diagnosed patients (n = 10); group II, patients receiving therapy for < 12 months (n = 10); group III included patients receiving therapy for more than 12 months (n = 64).

The results of our study showed that cytokine concentration among CML patients significantly differed, depending on the duration of therapy. Significantly higher concentration of IL-17, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-18, IL-2 and TNFα was found in group I compared with control group. Group II patients also demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18 and IFNα by comparison with control group, as well as higher concentration of IFNα compared with in groups I and III. In group III, concentrations of IL-17, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18 were significantly higher than in control group. When compared with group I, it was found that concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-18 were significantly lower. A direct correlation was found between expression levels of chimeric BCR/ABL gene, (a marker of CML malignancy), and concentrations of IL-1β and IL-17. ROC-analysis demonstrated high-quality models which showed an association between achievement of major molecular response (MMR) and low serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17.

Hence, the results of our study have shown that determination of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 concentrations may be a prognostic marker for assessing the efficiency of therapy and probability of achieving MMR in CML.
Dynamics of the innate immune response profile in patients with coronary heart disease at different terms after coronary artery stenting
Authors: Shlyk I. F. , Evsegneeva I. V. , Besedina D. Yu. , Makarchuk I. V.
Published: February 2024

Atherosclerosis is accompanied by damage to the vascular endothelium of arteries followed by development of inflammatory response and formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Innate immunity is an important component of this response being the earliest non-specific key mechanism. Our objective was to perform a comprehensive assessment of the cellular link of innate immunity, and to compare the results obtained at various terms after coronary stenting.

The study involved 50 patients with coronary atherosclerosis (Group 1), who had clinical indications for stenting of coronary arteries, and 20 volunteers (Group 2), who have no signs of coronary artery disease. The study of immune parameters was carried out before surgery, at 4-5, 9-10 and 28-30 days after operation (during early postoperative period), as well as 6 and 12 months after stenting, i.e. over the late post-surgical period. Phenotyping of peripheral blood monocytes and lymphocytes was performed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies (Beckman Coulter, USA). Intracellular content of Granzyme B was carried out with an FC500 flow laser cytofluorimeter. Metabolic activity of neutrophils was assessed by the NBT test. Alpha defensin was determined in blood plasma by ELISA technique (Hycult Biotech, USA). Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 12.0 program (StatSoft, USA). Statistical significance was considered significant at p ≤ 0.05.

The numbers of natural killer cells and their activity, as well as those of monocytes, were increased in patients with coronary atherosclerosis. We have also shown a suppression of antigen presentation processes, an imbalance in microbicidal activity of neutrophils, with predominant secretion of antimicrobial peptides. Over the early post-surgical period, significant changes included only decreased content of intracellular Granzyme B on days 4-5, and expression of TLR4 and HLA-DR on days 4-5 and 9-10. During the late period, the patients with coronary artery disease exhibited a significant decrease in the content of some lymphocyte subsets: CD3+CD16+, CD16+Gr+ as well as amounts of monocytes: CD14+CD282+, CD14+CD284+, CD14+CD289+, along with HBT-test activity and α-defensin contents, and increased numbers of HLA-DR-expressing monocytes.

There are changes in cellular component of innate immunity, indicating persistent inflammation in patients with coronary heart disease. The dynamics of revealed changes following coronary artery stenting may reflect a lability of assessed indicators mostly over the late postoperative period, thus serving a basis for predicting the outcome of coronary stenting.
Immunogenetic characteristics of hematopoietic stem cell donors representing the most numerous ethnic groups in Russia
Authors: Kuzmich E. V. , Pavlova I. E. , Belyaeva E. V. , Bubnova L. N.
Published: February 2024

Development of criteria for the optimal donor selection based on the analysis of the allo-HSCT results, high-resolution HLA typing for the donor and recipient resulted in decreased incidence of immunological complications, primarily an acute «graft-versus-host reaction». However, due to the pronounced allelic polymorphism of the main histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, the search for an optimal donor is ineffective in a number of patients. To increase the chances of selecting a donor for patients with rare HLA genotypes, the hematopoietic stem cell donor registries recruit the persons of various nationalities. An increased number of donors from different ethnic groups provide a broader immunogenetic diversity of the donor cohort. Currently, the registry of hematopoietic stem cell donors at the Russian Research Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology includes representatives of 49 nationalities, most of which, are considered themselves Russians. The third largest ethnic group in the registry comprises Tatars. The purpose of this study is a comparative analysis of immunogenetic characteristics of potential hematopoietic stem cells donors in the registry, who have self-identified as Russians and Tatars. As a result of the study, we have not found significant differences in frequencies of HLA allelic groups in the compared cohorts, a trend for higher frequency of the HLA-B*27 group was noted in Tatars. However, significant differences have been revealed for the distribution of HLA haplotypes in Russians and Tatars. The most common HLA haplotype among Tatars was A*02-B*44-DRB1*07, being much less common in Russians (4.61% vs 0.55%, p = 0.002). HLA haplotype A*03-B*13-DRB1*07, belonging to the ten most common among Tatars, was significantly less frequently detected in Russians (1.62% vs 0.08%, p = 0.026). HLA haplotype A*03-B*08-DRB1*03 was also significantly more common in Tatars compared to Russians (1.42% vs 0.06%, p = 0.026). HLA haplotypes A*02-B*18-DRB1*11, A*02-B*15-DRB1*04, A*02-B*15-DRB1*13, presented in Russians at a frequency of > 1%, were not determined among the tested Tatars. HLA haplotypes A*31-B*58-DRB1*04, A*24-B*44-DRB1*01, presented in Tatars at a frequency of > 1%, were not detectable in Russians. The results of our study indicate a need for recruiting more representatives of the Tatar ethnicity to the registry, thus increasing immunogenetic diversity of the donor pool and resulting into increased chances of compatible unrelated donor selection for the patients with HLA haplotypes, which are now underrepresented in our registry.
Immunomodulatory properties of plant polyphenols shown in an in vitro experimental model
Authors: Dolgikh O. V. , Dianova D. G. , Shirinkina A. S. , Bombela T. V.
Published: February 2024

Polyphenols exert a wide range of biological effects, including immunomodulatory action. Studying the effects of flavonoids on phagocytic activity of specialized phagocytic cells seems to be a rather promising direction for their further usage as pharmacological (therapeutic) agents. Quercetin and luteolin are the most commonly studied flavonoid substances with pleiotropic action. In-depth study and understanding of immunotropic mechanisms (e.g., regulation of phagocytosis) is a prerequisite for adequate pharmacotherapy in infectious conditions, nonspecific inflammatory diseases, autoimmune and oncological disorders. The aim of our work is to study the effect of flavonoids upon phagocytic activity of professional phagocytes (neutrophils) using an in vitro test system. The biological material (venous blood) from 30 practically healthy people (adults n = 15, children n = 15) was used in the present work. The study was carried out in accordance with established international regulations. 0.5 mg/L of Luteolin (basic substance content ≥ 98%) and Quercetin (basic substance content ≥ 95%) were added to experimental samples and incubated for 20 min at 37 °С. The percentage of phagocytosis, phagocytic number (mean number of formalin-treated sheep erythrocytes engulfed per one neutrophil) was determined in control and experimental samples using light microscopy. The unidirectional nature of phagocytosis inhibition by quercetin and luteolin was noted in the test experiments. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the phagocytosis intensity by 10% was shown in experimental blood samples obtained from adult patients compared with control values. When quercetin and luteolin were added to blood samples obtained from children, a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in phagocytosis by 30% was noted against control values. At the same time, the mean percentage of phagocytosis and phagocytic number in blood samples after the addition of flavonoids were found to be in the range of reference values, thus suggesting adequacy and physiological suppression of excessive activities of innate immunity compartments by quercetin and luteolin. At this concentration, the flavonoids were found to exert a more pronounced suppressive effect on phagocytic activity in children. Modeling of immune response using the phagocytosis indices assayed in experimental in vitro models with neutrophils from practically healthy adults and children enables us to expand the knowledge of mechanisms underlying the immunotropic effects of flavonoids (quercetin and luteolin), in order to correct immunopathological conditions.
Neutrophil extracellular traps: features of their formation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Authors: Bedina S. A. , Mozgovaya E. E. , Trofimenko A. S. , Spicina S. S. , Mamus M. A.
Published: February 2024

The similarity of clinical manifestations and some pathogenetic mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) is of particular interest in studying the features of extracellular neutrophil traps (NETs) formation in these musculoskeletal diseases. Our objective was to evaluate circulating neutrophil extracellular trap formation related to autoimmune inflammation in RA and reactive inflammation in OA.39 RA patients comprised the main group; 35 OA patients, control group; 33 healthy individuals were included into the reference group. Circulating neutrophils were isolated by the one-step centrifugation in double layer of iohexol density gradient. NETs were induced by phorbol-12-myristate-13–acetate (PMA) being visualized by fluorescence microscopy.The RA disease activity at the inclusion period should not exceed 2.6 DAS28 points. ОA patients were in clinical remission at the inclusion timepoint. In 17 RA patients, an increase in DAS28 exceeded 3.2 points; in 25 OA patients, an exacerbation was diagnosed during the study. The mean percentage of spontaneous and induced NETs in reference group was 3.8% (2.6-5.0) and 12.2% (9.0-15.4), respectively. Appropriate values for the patients with inactive RA were 5.9% (5.6-6.2) and 26% (23.9-28.1); 16.6% (16.1-17.1) and 38.0% (36.6-39.4) in active RA cases, respectively; 5.4% (5.2-5.6) and 20.3% (18.3-22.3) in OA without synovitis; 13.1% (12.6-18.1) and 28.3% (6. 4-30.2) in OA with synovitis, respectively. Spontaneous increase of NETs during RA activation was 181.4%; induced increase in NETs was 46.2%; and in cases of OA exacerbation these values were 142.6% and 39.4%, respectively. In RA patients, the rates of spontaneous NETs formation were 3.9 times higher than for induced values. Appropriate index was 3.6 times higher among the OA patients. The increase in spontaneous -to-induced NETs formation was more pronounced in active RA than in OA with synovitis. The main difference in NETs composition for active RA patients (in 88% of cases) and OA synovitis (in 50% of cases) is related to the contents of citrulline epitopes (p = 0.03).Transition of RA from the remission state to active inflammation, as well as OA exacerbation are accompanied by a significant increase in NETs, especially, spontaneous formation. The degree of increase in RA was higher than in OA, thus, probably, indicating higher involvement of neutrophils in generation of NETs during autoimmune inflammation rather than in reactive inflammation. A sufficient role of citrullinated epitopes in NETs demonstrates their influence upon induction and maintenance of autoimmune response to RA-specific autoantigens.
Nonlinear main components of the cytokine profile in children with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Iziurova N. V. , Nokhrin D. Yu. , Savochkina A. Yu. , Uzunova A. N.
Published: February 2024

Cytokines are the key mediators which control and regulate immune and inflammatory responses via complex networks and serve as biomarkers of many diseases. Quantitative determination of cytokines is helpful in assessing immune status and adjusting therapy for various inflammatory diseases, such as sepsis and pneumonia. Since community-acquired pneumonia remains a common cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. At the present stage, prognosis of the disease severity in children is an urgent problem. The aim of our study was to identify associations between cytokine levels in healthy children and in children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), depending on the age of patients and severity of the pathological process. The work was carried out at the Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, Department of Propaedeutics of Childhood Diseases and Pediatrics, and at the Research Institute of Immunology at the South Ural State Medical University. The study included 117 children aged 1 to 18 years with radiologically confirmed diagnosis of CAP, either severe or mild degree. The comparison group was composed from 28 healthy children who did not have community-acquired pneumonia, as well as other signs of acute respiratory viral infection at the time of examination, being observed for any chronic disorders. The levels of IL-1β, IFNγ, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10, IL-2, TNFα, IFNλ2 (IL-28A), IFNλ3 (IL-28B), IL-8, MCP-1, IL-17AF, GM-CSF were determined in blood serum by means of ELISA test systems (a “sandwich” technique with peroxidase as an indicator enzyme). For statistical analysis, a multidimensional method was used, i.e., non-linear analysis of the principal components using the CATPCA algorithm. Among the children with CAP, our study revealed a consistent increase of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-10, IL-2, TNFα, IFNλ2 (IL-28A), IFNλ3 (IL-28B), IL-8, MCP-1, IL-17AF, GM-CSF in blood serum. The highest correlation with severity was shown for IFNλ2 (IL-28A), IFNλ3 (IL-28B) and MCP-1, which may be considered additional biomarkers of the CAP severity. There was also a significant variability of the cytokine profile in healthy children and its significant skewing in pneumonia, especially in severe cases.
Polymorphism of proinflammatory inerleukin genes in primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Barycheva L. Yu. , Kakulia D. M. , Minasyan M. M. , Kuznecova V. V. , Kozmova N. A.
Published: February 2024

Glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the optic nerve, accompanied by the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and loss of vision. An important role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma is ascribed to activated microglia, which produce pro-inflammatory interleukins and initiate GCS apoptosis. It has been established that single nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin genes modify the development of neuroinflammation, but their effect on the risk of developing glaucoma is not yet fully established. Our aim was to determine the pathogenetic role of gene polymorphisms in TNFα and IL1β in the development of primary open-angle glaucoma.

We have observed 56 patients of Russian nationality from the South of Russia with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), 28 patients with stage I, 16 with stage II, 12 with stage III POAG. The single nucleotide polymorphisms TNFα 308G>A (rs1800629) and IL1β -31 Т>С (rs1143627) were studied by restriction fragment analysis of PCR products. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL1β) in the lacrimal fluid of patients with POAG was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Vector-Best test system). To perform optical coherence tomography by analysing the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) with volume and area of the neuroretinal rim using Torson 3D OST 1000 apparatus.

Results: in patients with POAG, we have found more common incidence of TNFα 308A (OR = 5.21, p = 0.001), and IL1β-31 T alleles (OR = 1.99, p = 0.04). An increased risk of developing POAG was found in carriers of genotypes 308A/A (OR = 6.30, p = 0.049), 308G/A (OR = 3.60, p = 0.049) and -31T/T (OR = 2.67, p = 0.04). The highest levels of TNFα were determined in the 308A/A group (190 (153.0-220.0) pg/mL), IL1β were in the group (-31) T/T – 6.50 (4.10-7.00) pg/mL. A decreased thickness of the retinal nerve fibers was observed in the patients with TNFα G308A genotype (59.5; 40.0 to 78.0 µm, p = 0.03), and in TNFα A308A carriers (79.0; 65.0 to 80.0 µm, p = 0.001).

The TNFα 308 G/A (rs1800629), along with IL1β, -31Т/C (rs1143627) cytokine gene polymorphisms are associated with development of primary open-angle glaucoma. TNFα 308A, IL1β -31T alleles, as well as the 308G/A, 308A/A and -31T/T genotypes seem to be the risk factors for POAG in Russian population. High content of TNFα in the lacrimal fluid was found in the carriers of 308A/A genotype and -31T/T IL1β genotype. The lowest thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer was observed in the carriers of tTNFα A308A and TNFα G308A genotypes.
Potential targets of heparin during progression and metastasis of malignant neoplasms
Authors: Malashchenko V. V. , Khlusov I. A. , Yurova K. A. , Khaziakhmatova O. G. , Todosenko N. M. , Litvinova L. S.
Published: February 2024

In the modern world, oncological diseases occupy the leading positions in the structure of mortality. An integrated approach to oncotherapy is not only aimed at immediate affection of malignant tumors, but also directed at reducing the risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis, as well as alleviating side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy of the disease. In oncologic disorders, blood viscosity increases, thus being associated with hypercoagulation syndrome. To prevent its consequences, the direct and indirect anticoagulants, especially heparin and its derivatives, are actively used. Biological functions and structural features of heparin make it a potential universal platform of a drug development for broad application, including oncology. With the advent of heparin fractionation technology and preparation of low-molecular weight forms and their derivatives, it has become possible to focus not only on anticoagulant activity but also to obtain fractions with targeted pharmacological activity. Usage of the anticoagulants has shown their antitumor activity in some cases, thus providing a basis for a more detailed study of pharmacotherapeutic effects of this group of drugs. Currently, some data suggest various pathways of interaction between heparin and tumor cells. There are multiple common features in development of a primary tumor and formation of secondary distant metastases, which may be attributed to similar molecular cellular mechanisms. The molecules mediating intercellular interactions, both between the tumor cells and between malignant cells and tumor-associated immune cells (e.g., lymphocytes and macrophages) may serve as targets for heparin thus helping the tumor to evade immune surveillance. The cytokines that stimulate tumor angiogenesis represent another important therapeutic target. Heparin derivatives are able to suppress tumor activity and prevent metastatic processes at various stages by inhibiting heparanase, P-/L-selectin, and angiogenesis activity, modulating the CXCL12-CXCR4 chemokine axis, and regulating OAM activity.

This brief review addresses the current understanding and application of the potentially antimetastatic properties of heparin and its derivatives in malignant bone tumors since the heparin-based drugs are used as anticoagulants in arthroplasty of large joints and bone defects in patients with osteosarcoma.
Effect of topical drugs on the local concentrations of IL-5 and mometasone furoate in chronic polypous rhinosinusitis
Authors: Aflitonov M. A. , Strelnikova E. G. , Bezrukova E. V. , Artyushkin S. A. , Varyushina E. A. , Moiseeva E. A.
Published: February 2024

Long-term persistence of inflammation is the main factor of pathogenesis in chronic polypous rhinosinusitis (CRSwNP). Prospectives of current clinical otorhinolaryngology include modification of drugs containing topical glucocorticosteroids in order to increase local bioavailability, reduce the concentration of glucocorticosteroids, and alleviate the local inflammatory response. The aim of our work was to evaluate the effect of urea, magnesium sulfate, and mannitol on the concentrations of mometasone furoate and IL-5 in the polypous tissue of patients with CRSwNP. The study included 146 patients with CRSwNP aged 18 to 62 years. Biopsies of polypous tissue were taken during polypotomy. In the fluid samples obtained by microdialysis of polypous tissues, mometasone concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Concentrations of IL-3, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 cytokines in blood serum, and IL-5 in microdialysates of polypous tissue were measured by ELISA technique. The average age of patients with CRSwNP was 42.9±7.2 years, with prevalence of male patients (n = 93, 63.7%) over females (n = 53, 36.3%). Severity parameters of the disease by the SNOT-22 scale were significantly higher in CRSwNP patients than in control group (p ≤ 0.05). The results of biochemical analysis of microdialysates from polypous tissue showed increased content of Na+ ions in the resistant clinical cases of CRSwNP compared with the sensitive and dependent clinical forms (p < 0.05). Curves with the level of mometasone furoate were obtained in all the studied samples. It was found that the addition of magnesium sulfate solution to mometasone increases the Cmax of mometasone to 154 ng/mL in biological fluids after microdialysis. When urea solution is added to mometasone, Cmax increases to 198 ng/mL. In the native nasal polypous tissue dialysate, IL-5 levels were 89±2.01 pg/mL. Two hours after the addition of mometasone furoate, IL-5 concentrations decreased to 61±3.5 pg/mL, upon addition of urea, it changed to to 69±2.98 pg/mL (p ≤ 0.01, compared with the control without the addition of drugs). Analysis of serum cytokine levels showed that IL-5 concentrations in the patients with CRSwNP significantly exceeded (> 3-fold) those in the control group (p ≤ 0.05). There was a trend for increase of IL-3 and IL-4 (2-fold) and to decreased IL-10 levels in blood sera (> 1.5-fold) in patients with CRSwNP compared with controls. These results may be helpful for development of novel clinical approaches, in order to increase bioavailability of topically administered glucocorticosteroids, thus allowing to promote the effectiveness of basic therapy of CRSwNP and to develop therapy for the prevention of resistant forms of polyposis.
Role of altered amniotic fluid cytokine profile in in development of fetal membrane insufficiency
Authors: Dyatlova L. I. , Glukhova T. N.
Published: February 2024

Studies on pathogenesis of fetal membrane insufficiency in preterm pregnancy should expand the opportunities of predicting prenatal rupture of amniotic fluid and improve the strategy of anticipant gestation management in cases of premature rupture of the fetal membranes. The clinical significance of studying this obstetric problem is unquestionable due to the high risk of complications and perinatal losses caused by preterm birth. This research is devoted to studying the changes in cytokine profile of amniotic fluid during prenatal rupture of amniotic fluid at 22 to 34 weeks of gestation. The levels of pro-inflammatory (TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) cytokines in amniotic fluid were determined in 30 patients, whose premature pregnancy was complicated by early rupture of the membranes. For reference, the level of these cytokines in the amniotic fluid was studied in 25 pregnant women with a physiological course of pregnancy at full-term gestation. The ELISA technique was used with a test system produced by JSC Vector-Best. The study was carried out on the basis of the Perinatal Center of the Saratov Region. We have found that premature rupture of the membranes is preceded by increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in amniotic fluid. The latter result suggests a significant alteration in feto-placental complex, which may be the starting point both for damage to the fetal membranes, as well as for development of labor activity.
Transformacja czy transmisja? Edukacja humanistyczna wobec problemów „przeniesienia” w relacji pedagogicznej
Authors:   Dolnośląska Szkoła Wyższa we Wrocławiu, Kruszelnicki Wojciech
Published: February 2024

In my paper I discuss in pedagogical context the mechanism which Freud referred to as “transference”, and expand this subject with pedagogically relevant commentaries of Jacques Lacan who has proposed to inscribe the Freudian concept of transference into the wider context of the functioning of the authority comprised by the problematic of knowledge as such. The aim of this examination is not only to draw attention to numerous psychoanalytical insights into man’s existence in culture that may enrich pedagogical reflection with new intellectual stimuli, but also to show both positive, and negative sides of the mechanism of transference in education (consisting respectively in facilitating the process of learning and debilitating it) and in this way consider from a different perspective the ambivalence of the teacher’s authority in the classroom.
Re-edukacja w zakładach karnych a style oporu wobec izolacji penitencjarnej
Authors:   Akademia Pomorska w Słupsku, Jaworska Anetta
Published: February 2024

This article concerns the inmates’ resistance against prison isolation and against the process of rehabilitation change. This article aims to present the results of questionnaire research aimed at establishing the correlation between the type of resistance elected by the prisoners and their prison system (and the choice of specific rehabilitation programs). The resistance is understood as an expression of rebellion against the rejection and may be manifested in the form of aggression, hostility or internal dissension. This article concerns four styles of resistance: transformative, accommodative, passive and aggressive which are differentiated by the power of involvement in resistance and prisoners’ behavior towards penal institution. Resistance to isolation in prison is thus recorded a response to the situation of imprisonment, which is perceived by prisoners as imposed by the unjust restriction. It is bound by the prisoners do not accept coercion and lack of leeway and a sense that the prison staff is trying to dominate them. The research was conducted using the method of test questionnaires were 413 prisoners, prison inmates in two prisons closed type. The study, presented as a ratio analysis can be a starting point for further and extended to the whole country research on the motivation of prisoners to participate in rehabilitation programs implemented by the prison service in Poland.
„Jestem sobie przedszkolaczek, nie grymaszę i nie płaczę” – pasowanie na przedszkolaka jako rytuał przejścia
Authors:   Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Jeziński Marek
Published: February 2024

Anthropological concept of rites the passage in the sphere of pre-school education was applied in the paper. In the case of the ritual of appointing as preschool child one faces specific ritual as regards the place in which it takes place (kindergarten institution) and persons to which it is applied (children at the age of 3 and 4). The aim of a ceremony is socialization of an individual and integration with a group in the first place. Rites of passage share with the analyzed preschool ritual such features as rigid role scheme, structure of a ceremony of ritual actions, functions of a ritual, and the fact that by this ritual integration and cohesion of a group is maintained and the children’s bound with kindergarten workers is augmented. Although the ceremony of appointing as preschool child does not change the status of an individual, it performs important role related to role playing, international functions and the functions set on auto-identification of a child (that stem from group activity). Moreover, by the ceremony the youngest children can show their parents that they learn new abilities, partly different than the ones they experience at their homes. Methodological approach used in the study can be labeled as participant secret observation, close to the “participant-as-observer” category. The ceremony was observed in one of kindergartens in Toruń, in 26 children group, labeled as “Ladybirds”. Field observation was completed, firstly, by the photographic documentation (done during the ritual), secondly, by the ritual scenario (written by the kindergarten teachers), and thirdly, by the interview with the tutor of the observed group of children.
Dynamika zmian mentalności młodzieży w Kirgistanie we współczesnych realiach politycznych
Authors:   Kirgisko-Rosyjski Uniwersytet Słowiański im. Pierwszego Prezydenta Rosji B.N. Jelcyna w Biszkeku, Kirgistan, Pankow Witalij W. , Chajbulina Flura D. ,   Kirgisko-Rosyjski Uniwersytet Słowiański im. Pierwszego Prezydenta Rosji B.N. Jelcyna w Biszkeku, Kirgistan
Published: February 2024

The article describes the issues related to the socio-political mentality of young citizens of Kyrgyzstan, factors that drive change, and the role of education in the ongoing processes. Described as an illustration of the state and the process was used empirical material collected during research conducted in Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University.
Expandindo o Ensino de Cirurgia Global no Brasil: Perspectivas após o 35º Congresso Brasileiro de Cirurgia
Authors: ALVARES LUIZA TELLES DE ANDRADE , RANGEL AYLA GERK , CAMPOS LETÍCIA NUNES , VIANA SOFIA WAGEMAKER , KIM ANA WOO SOOK , SAMPAIO NATÁLIA ZANETI , FERREIRA ROSEANNE , SILVA JOAQUIM BUSTORFF , MOONEY DAVID P , CAMARGO CRISTINA PIRES
Published: February 2024

RESUMO O 35º Congresso Brasileiro de Cirurgia foi marcado por discussões inovadoras para a educação cirúrgica no país. Pela primeira vez, o Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões incluiu a Cirurgia Global na pauta principal do congresso, proporcionando uma oportunidade única de repensar como as habilidades cirúrgicas são ensinadas a partir de uma perspectiva de saúde pública. Essa discussão nos leva a considerar por que e como o ensino da Cirurgia Global deve ser expandido no Brasil. Embora pesquisadores e instituições brasileiras tenham contribuído para a expansão do campo desde 2015, as iniciativas de educação em Cirurgia Global ainda são incipientes em nosso país. Basear-se em estratégias bem-sucedidas pode ser um ponto de partida para promover a área entre os profissionais de cirurgia nacionais. Neste editorial, discutimos potenciais estratégias para expandir as oportunidades de educação em Cirurgia Global e propomos uma série de recomendações a nível nacional.
The relationship between Tang-Song poetry and Zen Buddhism thought
Authors: Tian Tian
Published: February 2024

Abstract: The Tang and Song Dynasties were a time when Zen Buddhism was prevalent, and it was also a critical period for the rapid development of ancient Chinese literature. The literati at this time were generally influenced by Zen Buddhism thoughts, and their literary ideas were all-encompassing and rich in layers. Poetry was introduced into Buddhist gatha to explain Buddhist principles, and the infiltration of Zen made poetry have a pure and distant Zen state. Poetry and Zen merged with each other in the literati’s works, thus shining brilliantly in the history of ancient Chinese literature. This paper will start with the times’ background and specific poetic texts, focusing on the relationship between Zen Buddhism thoughts and poetic works in the Tang and Song Dynasties, in order to explore how the two combine and influence each other.
Impact of college English education thoughts on enhancing national cultural identity
Authors: Liang Tianzhu
Published: February 2024

Abstract: The current issue of cultural identity is an inevitable manifestation of the contradictions and dilemmas of China’s economic and social development in the cultural field. Its root lies in modern China’s backward social development and the invasion of foreign culture, which is manifested by indifference to excellent traditional culture. English is a widely used international language, which is used worldwide. In recent years, with the popularity of English, college English teaching has also received more and more attention. Philosophy is highly theoretical, speculative and difficult to understand, which requires English teachers to be good at utilizing various beneficial resources to mobilize students’ subjectivity and creativity. English is one of the beneficial resources, and proper use of English in cultural identity can have unexpected teaching effects. Therefore, how to use college English education thoughts to enhance national cultural identity is of great significance for promoting the overall development of college English education and promoting national cultural construction. This article discusses how to cultivate national cultural awareness and cultivate national cultural one in the process of English teaching. On this basis, this paper puts forward new ideas to promote the overall development of English teaching in colleges and universities and build national culture. In addition, it emphasized that English knowledge must be integrated with the one learned in order to enable students to better understand different cultures, enhance students’ interest in various countries’ philosophy and culture, and enhance students’ own sense of cultural identity.
PALLIATIVE GASTRECTOMY VERSUS GASTRIC BYPASS FOR SYMPTOMATIC CLINICAL STAGE IV GASTRIC CANCER: A PROPENSITY SCORE MATCHING ANALYSIS
Authors: PINTO Sterphany Ohana Soares Azevêdo , PEREIRA Marina Alessandra , RIBEIRO JUNIOR Ulysses , D’ALBUQUERQUE Luiz Augusto Carneiro , RAMOS Marcus Fernando Kodama Pertille
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Patients with clinical stage IV gastric cancer may require palliative procedures to manage complications such as obstruction. However, there is no consensus on whether performing palliative gastrectomy compared to gastric bypass brings benefits in terms of survival. AIMS: To compare the overall survival of patients with distal obstructive gastric cancer undergoing palliative surgical treatment, using propensity score matching analysis. METHODS: Patients who underwent palliative bypass surgery (gastrojejunostomy or partitioning) and resection between the years 2009 and 2023 were retrospectively selected. Initial and postoperative clinicopathological variables were collected. RESULTS: 150 patients were initially included. The derived group (n=91) presented more locally invasive disease (p<0.01), greater degree of obstruction (p<0.01), and worse clinical status (p<0.01), while the resected ones (n= 59) presented more distant metastasis (p<0.01). After matching, 35 patients remained in each group. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications, but the derived group had higher 90-day mortality (p<0.01). Overall survival was 16.9 and 4.5 months for the resected and derived groups, respectively (p<0.01). After multivariate analysis, hypoalbuminemia (hazard ratio — HR=2.02, 95% confidence interval — 95%CI 1.17–3.48; p=0.01), absence of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR=5.97; 95%CI 3.03–11.7; p<0.01), and gastric bypass (HR=3,28; 95%CI 1.8–5.95; p<0.01) were associated with worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative gastrectomy was associated with greater survival and lower postoperative morbidity compared to gastric bypass. This may be due to better local control of the disease, with lower risks of complications and better effectiveness of chemotherapy.
IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE EMERGENCY SURGICAL TREATMENT OF COLORECTAL CANCER
Authors: KANNO Danilo Toshio , MATTOS Roberta Laís Mendonça de , SIQUEIRA Rayama Moreira , PEREIRA José Aires , CAMPOS Fábio Guilherme , MARTINEZ Carlos Augusto Real
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract and the third most common type of cancer worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic, during the years 2020 and 2022, increased the difficulties in offering adequate early diagnosis and treatment to CRC patients worldwide. During this period, it was only possible to treat patients who evolved with complications, mainly intestinal obstruction and perforation. AIMS: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of patients with CRC. METHODS: A review of data from a total of 112 patients undergoing emergency surgical treatment due to complications of CRC was carried out. Of these, 78 patients underwent emergency surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020/2021), and 34 were treated before the pandemic (2018/2019). Ethnic aspects, clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, histopathological variables, intra and postoperative complications, and 90-day postoperative follow-up were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Between the years 2018 and 2019, 79.4% (27/34) of patients had intestinal obstruction, while 20.6% (7/34) had intestinal perforation. During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020/2021), 1.3% (1/78) of patients underwent surgery due to gastrointestinal bleeding, 6.4% (5/78) due to intestinal perforation, and 92.3% (72/78) due to intestinal obstruction. No statistically significant differences were recorded between the two groups in ethnic aspects, laboratory tests, type of complications, number of lymph nodes resected, compromised lymph nodes, TNM staging, pre or intraoperative complications, length of stay, readmission, or mortality rate. When considering postoperative tumor staging, among patients operated on in 2018/2019, 44.1% were classified as stage III and 38.2% as stage IV, while during the pandemic period, 28.2% presented stage III and 51.3% stage IV, also without a statistically significant difference between the two periods. Patients operated on during the pandemic had higher rates of vascular, lymphatic and perineural invasion. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic increased the rate of complications related to CRC when comparing patients treated before and during the pandemic. Furthermore, it had a negative impact on histopathological variables, causing worse oncological prognoses in patients undergoing emergency surgery.
Um problema historiográfico: a questão dos limites interestaduais no antigo Norte do Brasil
Authors: Santos Magno Francisco de Jesus
Published: February 2024

RESUMO A questão dos limites interestaduais foi um polêmico e duradouro litígio interno no Brasil ao longo da Primeira República. Ela resultou de um longo processo de disputa em torno da definição das divisas entre as unidades federativas, que repercutiu em diferentes frentes, por meio das contestações judiciais, dos embates no Legislativo e até mesmo no campo bélico. Contudo, grande parte das premissas contestatórias se amparou nos usos do passado e, com isso, a questão dos limites instituiu um problema historiográfico. Neste artigo, tenho como escopo o debate historiográfico sobre os limites no âmbito dos institutos históricos dos estados integrantes do antigo Norte do Brasil nos primeiros decênios republicanos. Para isso, mobilizo como fontes os livros e artigos publicados nos referidos sodalícios, a partir de uma perspectiva comparativa. Assim, é possível entender, mediante análise de uma trincheira historiográfica, os usos do passado.
O menor dos males? Identidade partidária e ambivalência no eleitorado brasileiro
Authors: Pereira Filho Alvaro J. , Vidigal Robert
Published: February 2024

Estudos sobre eleitores partidários no Brasil mostram o declínio do partidarismo e dos sentimentos em relação aos partidos. Como a identidade partidária se mantém nesse cenário político? Argumentamos que, mesmo quando não avaliam bem o próprio partido, a identificação partidária se sustenta por meio dos sentimentos interpartidários, que se deterioram ao longo dos anos no país. A partir de dados do Estudo Eleitoral Brasileiro (ESEB) entre 2002 e 2018, os dados sugerem que os partidários estão menos entusiasmados com os partidos brasileiros e a relação entre sentimentos partidários se acentuou no contexto eleitoral mais recente. Os resultados da relação entre sentimentos partidários, utilizando um termo quadrático, indicam que as principais alternativas ao petismo justificam uma identidade partidária essencialmente na estratégia do menor dos males: a maior deterioração da imagem dos oponentes políticos como um mecanismo de justificativa da ambivalência em relação ao próprio partidarismo.
A ira do homem branco: preditores do voto em Enéas e Bolsonaro
Authors: López Matias
Published: February 2024

Ao constatar diversas similaridades entre os candidatos presidenciais Enéas Carneiro e Jair Bolsonaro, neste artigo testo a hipótese de haver um perfil comum entre o eleitorado de ambos. Usando dados eleitorais e pesquisas de intenção de voto, descrevo como a distribuição territorial do voto em Enéas converge com a de Bolsonaro e como os preditores mais eficientes do voto em Enéas também preveem o voto em Bolsonaro. Os resultados apontam para um nicho pequeno, porém estável, no apoio às candidaturas de direita radical ao longo do tempo: homens jovens, brancos, com maior educação formal e renda. O artigo informa a discussão sobre a existência de um “núcleo duro” da direita radical no Brasil, apontando possíveis mecanismos relativos à frustração e à raiva de homens brancos jovens após a redemocratização.
Factors associated with hospitalizations and deaths of pregnant women from Paraná due to COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bergantini Larissa Silva , Ichisato Sueli Mutsumi Tsukuda , Salci Maria Aparecida , Birolim Marcela Maria , Santos Márcia Lorena Alves dos , Höring Carla Franciele , Rossa Roberta , Facchini Luiz Augusto
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the factors associated with hospitalization in the ward and intensive care unit (ICU), and with death from COVID-19 in pregnant women with confirmed cases. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study, carried out with data from pregnant women with a confirmed case of COVID-19 from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System and the Paraná’s state COVID-19 notification system. The association between the independent and dependent variables (hospitalization in the ward and ICU, and death) was investigated using the Poisson regression model with robust variance. Results: 4,719 pregnant women comprised the study population. 9.6 and 5.1% were hospitalized in wards and ICU, respectively. 1.9% died. There was an association between advanced maternal age and hospitalization in wards (PR=1.36; 95%CI 1.10–1.62) and ICU (PR=2.25; 95%CI 1.78–2.71), and death (PR=3.22; 95%CI 2.30–4.15). An association was found between the third trimester and hospitalization in wards (PR=5.06; 95%CI 2.82–7.30) and ICU (PR=6.03; 95%CI 3.67–8.39) and death (PR=13.56; 95%CI 2.90–24.23). The second trimester was associated with ICU admission (PR=2.67; 95%CI 1.36–3.99). Pregnant women with cardiovascular disease had a higher frequency of hospitalization in wards (PR=2.24; 95%CI 1.43–3.05) and ICU (PR=2.66; 95%CI 1.46–3.87). Obesity was associated with ICU admission (PR=3.79; 95%CI 2.71–4.86) and death (PR=5.62; 95%CI 2.41–8.83). Conclusions: Advanced maternal age, the end of the gestational period and comorbidities were associated with severe COVID-19.