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In Smart Wife: Why Siri, Alexa, and Other Smart Home Devices Need a Feminist Reboot, Yolande Strengers, an associate professor of digital technology and society in the Emerging Technologies Research [...]

Abstract Background National response time targets for ambulance services are known to be more strongly maintained in urban areas compared to rural. That may mean that responses in rural areas could be less immediate which can in turn affect survival of those experiencing cardiac arrest. Thus, analysis of variation in response times using routinely collected data can be used to understand which rural areas have the highest need for emergency intervention. In this study we have focused, given the heterogeneity of demographic make up, on a specific area of the North of England. Some areas in North England have shown to have a large proportion of cardiac arrests occurring in a rural setting, specifically, in the anonymised study region this was almost half of the cases at 46.3%. Response times to these areas were found to be over 3.5 minutes slower than for urban areas making it worthy of further exploration. Methods A retrospective observation analysis was conducted on routinely collected data from regional ambulance services for areas within the North of England from April 2016 to March 2021. Information was collected on service and geographic characteristics for 1915 incidents. A multivariable linear mixed effect regression model was used to understand the association between geographical, service factors and response times to cardiac arrest patients. To advance previous research which up to now only used visualisations to analyse ambulance response times, the study used a mixed effects model with a variety of predictors, capturing geographical variation alongside service characteristics. Results From the cases analysed it was found that the mean response time to scene was 9.1 minutes, with a standard deviation of 6.4 minutes. After adjustment for geographic variation and incorporating robust standard errors into the model: distance to the nearest ambulance station (coefficient = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-0.66), urgency of the call (Category 2, second most urgent, compared to the most urgent coefficient = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.13 - 2.18), location of the nearest ambulance station to the incident and the type of crew who attended the incident (Advanced Paramedic when compared to just Paramedic, coefficient = -0.70, 95% CI: -1.24 - -0.16) were all factors which affected response times to scene. Conclusion For each extra km the incident was away from an ambulance station, the response time to scene increased by 37 seconds. The ambulance station which displayed the largest increase in response time, Station L was 170 seconds (95% CI: 79, 261) longer than Station N, which had a median performance across all stations, as measured by median survival rate to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The rural geography of the North of England means that lots of cardiac arrest incidents occur a considerable distance away from the stations, emphasising the need to use alternative emergency services technologies within these rural areas to attend to patients sooner.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common end-stage disease requiring kidney transplantation or dialysis, which main type is program hemodialysis (PHD). These high-cost technologies of renal replacement therapy have significantly improved over recent decades, but the quality of life remains low and mortality is still high, especially in patients receiving PHD. Currently, a number of parameters associated with poor prognosis have been identified, including skin autofluorescence (SAF), an affordable method to detect glycation end products (glycotoxins) in tissues, which claims to be an integral biomarker. AIM: To assess relationship of SAF with clinical and metabolic status parameters in patients receiving renal replacement therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 88 patients receiving PHD and 27 transplanted kidney recipients (TKR). The measurements were performed using the original SAF reader. RESULTS: SAF was significantly higher in TKR and patients receiving PHD. A universal, pronounced relationship of SAF with age and smoking was found in the control, PHD, and TKR groups. Models of SAF determinants in each studied group were proposed. SAF was associated with malnutrition stages (by NRI; r=−0.39; p 0.001), the Charlson comorbidity index (r=0.60, p 0.0001), and inflammatory activity based on C-reactive protein in the PHD group (r=0.32, p 0.01). CONCLUSION: Models of SAF determinants in each studied group were proposed. Furthermore, highly significant direct correlations with left ventricular hypertrophy and its negative ejection fraction were established in this group. These facts suggest that SAF is an integral parameter of cardiac remodeling and metabolic profile, primarily in patients receiving PHD, which promotes it as a prognostic parameter.

Introduction. The research relevance is determined by the needs of Russian societal development in attracting active and talented youth to various spheres of economic and social activities. Aim. The present research aimed to identify the factors that contribute to the formation of creative student teams capable of effectively engaging in activities within the creative industry, research, scientific-technological projects, and socially significant projects. Methodology and research methods. The empirical basis of the article was the results of a sociological study on university students’ creativity using a questionnaire survey method. Through factor analysis, five groups of students were identified with conventional names: optimists, populists, versatile, disciplined, and outsiders. Results. The analysis of the research results allowed the authors to define the main parameters and present a typology of students based on their attitudes towards different types of activities, involvement in scientific and social university life, evaluations of the conditions of scientific, educational, and social activities at the university, engagement in social networks, and identification of the most crucial components of life success. Scientific novelty. On the basis of the authors’ methodology of sociological research on the creativity of university students, approaches to forming creative student teams are proposed. Practical significance. The practical significance of the article lies in the potential utilisation of the proposed methodology and the study results by teachers and specialists at universities involved in engaging students in research, creative endeavors, and socially significant projects.

Aim. Justification of the optimal dosage regimen regarding the efficacy and safety of Eladis®, film-coated tablets, 10 mg (Valenta Pharm JSC, Russia) in comparison with placebo in patients with non-productive cough due to acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI). Material and methods. A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized multicenter study was conducted in which 141 patients with non-productive cough on the background of acute respiratory viral infection took part. The study participants were randomized into 4 groups. Patients from the first group took 1 tablet of Eladis® 2 times a day (daily dose of 20 mg); patients from the second group took 2 tablets of Eladis® 2 times a day (daily dose of 40 mg); patients from the third group took 4 tablets of Eladis® 2 times a day (daily dose of 80 mg). Patients in the fourth group received placebo tablets in quantities corresponding to the first three groups. For this purpose, 3 subgroups of 12 people were allocated within group 4. The duration of therapy was 7–14 days. The effectiveness of therapy was assessed based on monitoring the frequency of cough attacks, changes in values on the day and night cough scales, a digital rating scale (DRS), and the time to achieve clinical cure of cough and ARVI symptoms was also taken into account. The safety of the studied drug was assessed based on monitoring of vital signs, laboratory parameters, and electrocardiogram (ECG) data. The number and severity of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) were assessed. Results. Analysis of data on the primary endpoint (reduction of cough attack frequency by ;)50% by the 5th day relative to the 1st visit) showed the superiority of Eladis® over placebo at a daily dose of 80 mg (P=0.00003). At the same time, the proportion of patients who reached the primary endpoint by day 5 when receiving Eladis® at a dose of 80 mg per day was 71.43%, while in the combined placebo group it was 22.22%. Conclusion. Evaluation of various dosage regimens of Eladis® has shown that a daily dose of 80 mg is optimal for the treatment of non-productive cough in patients with ARVIs, as it provides the greatest effectiveness with a safety profile comparable to other studied doses.

In the Russian Federation, the incidence of uterine body cancer remains the highest among malignant neoplasms of the female genital organs. Surgical treatment is the primary method for treating early stages of the disease; however, the issue of predicting metastatic lymph node involvement at the preoperative stage for performing lymphadenectomy remains debatable. The potential prognostic significance of tumor involvement in the lower uterine segment regarding lymph node metastases may justify the need to assess tumor localization before starting treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvic organs can help determine the involvement of the lower uterine segment in the tumor process, thereby creating a basis for expanding the scope of surgical intervention.

The article presents the research on the development of bread technology from gluten-free composite mixtures: No. 1 from a mixture of rice and flax flour (70: 30), No. 2 from flax and corn flour (50: 50) and No. 3 from pumpkin and corn flour (50: 50). A sociological survey conducted has shown that potential consumers are interested in expanding the line of gluten-free food products in the Saratov region. The following technological parameters for the production of gluten-free bread were determined: proofing time – 100 minutes, chamber temperature 35°С and relative air humidity 40%. The bread was baked for 9 minutes at 200°С and 35 minutes at 180°С with a relative humidity in the working chamber of 40%. Physicochemical studies showed that the moisture content in three samples of gluten-free bread was 1.17 times higher than the norm (46.0) compared to the control. In turn, the acidity of the sample crumb was in the range of 5.5–7.2 degrees, respectively, which exceeded the norm. The crumb porosity of the developed samples was 65.22–68.03%, respectively, while less than 68% was explained by the use of gluten-free mixtures, which were unable to form an elastic elastic frame in the products. The developed gluten-free bread contained QMAFAnM, coliform bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, bacteria of the genus Proteus, mold fungi and pathogenic microorganisms, including Salmonella, and complies with TR CU 021/2011.As a result of the research, sample No. 3 was selected from pumpkin and corn flour (50: 50), which had high performance in terms of overall physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics. The selected sample had dimensional stability, pleasant taste, aroma and baked crumb.

All types of immune cells are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). Granulocytic (G-MDSCs) and monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) have significant protumor effects. The T cell immune response may be reduced due to the development of T cell exhaustion, characterized by the expression of inhibitory receptors PD-1, TIM-3, etc. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) supports the generation and expansion of MDSCs and can influence the functional properties of T cells. The purpose of our work was to investigate the possible effect of stimulation with G-CSF drugs on the induction of PD-1 and TIM-3 expression by T cells in patients with MM. The study included 40 patients with MM who underwent mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells with G-CSF drugs (5 mcg/kg/day) for 4-5 days. Content of CD4+PD-1+, CD4+TIM-3+, CD8+PD-1+, CD8+TIM-3+T cells, Lin-HLA-DR-CD33+CD66b+G-MDSCs, and CD14+HLA-DR-M-MDSCs was assessed before the start of a course of G-CSF injections (n = 33), after a course of G-CSF on the first day of separation of hematopoietic progenitor cells (n = 28) and after 3-6 months (n = 40) by flow cytometry. The relative content of G-MDSCs and M-MDSCs was significantly higher in patients with MM after a course of G-CSF. After 3-6 months, the content of G-MDSCs and M-MDSCs decreased to the initial values. After the course of G-CSF, an increase in the content of CD4+PD-1+T cells was noted compared to the values before the study. After 3-6 months, the content of this population did not differ from the initial values. The relative numbers of CD4+TIM-3+, CD8+PD-1+, and CD8+TIM-3+T cells did not change after a course of G-CSF. There were no significant correlations between the content of the populations of MDSCs and T cells expressing PD-1 and TIM-3 after a course of G-CSF.Mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells by G-CSF in patients with MM is accompanied by a transient increase in MM populations and an isolated increase in CD4+PD-1+T cells.

Introduction. The article discusses mathematical models of problems of constructing circular routes of vehicles in a multicommodity hierarchical network. As a rule, such networks consist of a decentralized backbone network and networks in the internal service areas of the backbone nodes (internal networks). In multicommodity networks, each node can exchange products (goods, cargo) with other nodes. In contrast to the distribution problems of a homogeneous interchangeable product, in multicommodity problems the flows of products are not interchangeable, the flow of each product must be delivered from a specific primary object to a specific customer. It is assumed that the multi-level structure of the transport network is defined and the geographical location of the main hubs and its internal service areas with a set of nodes for the delivery and collection of goods (customers) are known. Therefore, the problems of determining the main routes of vehicles and constructing circular routes of internal vehicles are considered independently of each other. The types of costs of real transport processes, which should be taken into account in the formation of the objective function of routing problems, are discussed and mathematical models of problems for constructing circular delivery routes with a heterogeneous fleet of vehicles are proposed. The possibility of solving the formulated problems with the help of well-known packages of mixed and integer linear programming is noted. Purpose. The aim of the article is to formulate new mathematical models of the problem of constructing circular routes of vehicles in the internal networks of servicing the main nodes, which take into account the real costs of transport processes and the geographical features of internal networks. The technique. The research methodology is based on the system analysis of many modern models, methods and algorithms for solving the problems of constructing circular routes for customer service in the internal zones of the main nodes of the hierarchical network. Results. On the basis of the review and analysis of known mathematical models, several new variants of mathematical formulation of problems of designing routes of vehicles for the transportation of discrete cargo in the internal zones of the central nodes of the network have been developed. To solve the problems, precise, heuristic and metaheuristic methods and algorithms can be used, implemented in many commercial and non-commercial packages of mixed and integer programming programs, for example, IBM ILOG CPLEX, GAMS, AIMMS, Gurobi Optimizer, ABACUS, COIN-OR, GLPK, lp_solve. Many of them are available for free on the NEOS server (https://neos-server.org/neos/). Scientific novelty and practical significance. The novelty of the work lies in the formulation of mathematical models of the problem of constructing circular routes of vehicles, which take into account the real costs of transport processes and geographical features of internal networks. The materials of the article form the methodological basis for the development of modern mathematical support for solving the problems of long-term, current and operational planning and management in the internal zones of the trunk nodes of the global hierarchical network.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the level of crime among minors; these circumstances raise serious concerns and require great attention. High-quality investigation of crimes committed by adolescents is a key aspect of modern law enforcement. The interaction of preliminary investigation bodies with juvenile affairs units is a pressing problem today. Officers need to analyze the characteristics of interaction, the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. Based on the analysis of practical experience, the author offers practical recommendations for optimizing this process in order to ensure the protection of the rights of minors and the effective fight against crime among this category of population. Purpose: to analyze the problems of interaction between the investigator and the juvenile affairs unit, optimizing and developing joint work of subjects to investigate crimes committed by minors. Methods: specific scientific methods (conversation and interviews, questionnaires, comparative legal analysis); empirical methods of comparison, description, interpretation; theoretical methods of formal and dialectical logic, analogy, analysis, generalization, classification; psychological methods. Results: the study makes it possible to identify and consider one of the most problematic issues of interaction between the investigator and the juvenile affairs unit, that is the lack of clearly defined techniques of joint work based on the forms of interaction. The author gives a classification of special private techniques, taking into account the age of the suspect and his behavior (attitude to the investigation process).

This article explores the poetics of the title in Ivan Bunin’s short story “The Emerald” from the collection “Dark Avenues,” which represents a small scene or prose miniature with a weakened plot. The novelty of the research lies in the analysis of the title of this work and its connection not only to the story “The Emerald” but also to Bunin’s overall body of work. The role of the expositional landscape and conflict development is revealed within the thematic context of the narrative. Key moments of the collision dynamics in the story, based on dialogue and contrast principles, are identified. Parallels between the stories “The Emerald” and "Pure Monday" are drawn, noting similarities in character portrayal: the heroines strive for the divine, are sensitive to celestial beauty, which is not understood by their lovers as bearers of a more rational and earthly mindset. The peculiarities of the poetics of the title, its connections to biblical texts, and comparisons with the writer’s poetic and prose works are explored. The author concludes that the image of an emerald (or an emerald) in Bunin’s works correlates with the divine and sublime world, symbolizing the spiritual aspirations of the heroine in the story “The Emerald” and present in other works by Bunin, embodying a longing for spiritual existence.

Purpose: To study the treatment and outcomes of children with retinoblastoma (RB) with extraocular tumor extension (RB-EOE) and compare them with RB without extraocular tumor extension (RB-w/o-EOE). Design: Multicenter intercontinental collaborative prospective study from 2017 to 2020. RB-EOE cases included those with overt orbital tumor extension in treatment-naive patients. Cases with microscopic orbital extension detected postenucleation were excluded from the study. Participants: A total of 319 children with RB-EOE and 3116 children with RB-w/o-EOE. Intervention: Chemotherapy, enucleation, exenteration, radiotherapy. Main Outcome Measures: Systemic metastasis and death. Results: Of the 3435 RB patients included in this study, 309 (9%) were from low-income countries (LIC), 1448 (42%) from lower-middle income, 1012 (29%) from upper-middle income, and 666 (19%) patients from high-income countries. There was an inverse relationship between the percentage of RB-EOE and national income level, with 96 (31%) patients from LIC, 197 (6%) lower-middle income, 20 (2%) upper-middle income, and 6 (1%) patients from high-income countries (P = 0.0001). The outcomes were statistically significant for RB-EOE compared with RB-w/o-EOE: systemic metastasis (32% vs. 4% respectively; P = 0.0001) and metastasis-related death (63% vs. 6% respectively; P = 0.0001). Multimodal treatment was the most common form of treatment (n = 177; 54%) for RB-EOE, with most cases undergoing a combination of intravenous chemotherapy and enucleation (n = 97; 30%). Adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) after surgery (enucleation/orbital exenteration) was given in only 68 (21%) cases. Kaplan–Meier analysis for systemic metastasis and metastasis-related death in RB-EOE was 28% and 57% at 1 year, 29% and 60% at 2 years, and 29% and 61% at 3 years, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that the risk of death from RB-EOE was greater in patients aged >4 years than

Relevance. The need for timely control of the state of water basins and prevention of their catastrophic pollution due to the processes of handling bottom sediments. Aim. To generalize normative and published data devoted to the problem of assessment of bottom sediments pollution and application of modern technologies of remediation of sediments contaminated with heavy metals. Results and conclusions. The article shows that the most significant transformations in the composition and properties of bottom sediments naturally occur in the conditions of the highest load, typical for historically industrialized and urbanized regions. The authors have carried out a review of regulatory support for the assessment and remediation of contaminated bottom sediments. The paper highlights the gaps in the existing regulatory framework applied in Russia related to the lack of requirements for safe concentrations of toxic metals in bottom sediments. Systematization and analysis of applied technologies for bottom sediments remediation are carried out. The main directions of such works include application of physical, physico-chemical, chemical and biological methods of bottom sediments remediation and purification. These methods can be implemented either in situ or ex situ. The advantage of the first option is the lower cost of the works, while the remediation of sediments outside the water body allows achieving a higher degree of purification from heavy metals. The review shown the prospect of using hybrid remediation technologies with the selection of a set of methods that meet the requirements for treatment efficiency and economic feasibility, as well as the possibility of using contaminated sludge for the production of marketable products.

The work is aims to study the features of empathic potential in children with mental retardation. The materials of empirical research obtained from a sample of preschool children are presented. The study involved respondents aged 5 to 6 years (N=32; M=5.19; SD=0.37) with an average level of intelligence. Pictures from the children's educational game “ABC of Emotions” (N.L. Belopolskaya), the drawing technique “Draw yourself”, the technique “Plot pictures” (R.R. Kalinina), the technique “Unfinished stories” (T.P. Gavrilova) and the Wexler’s test (children's version) were used. Mathematical processing methods include: χ2 (chi-squared) Pearson, Mann-Whitney U-test, cluster regression analysis. The results obtained make it possible to say that children with mental retardation do not differ from children without this status in terms of emotional awareness, the nature of emotional response and the moral component of empathic potential in general. At the same time, children with mental retardation find it difficult to choose the nature of their emotional response. This is a fact that can be used as a marker to determine the status of mental retardation. The results can be used in developing psychocorrection programs.

This article continues a series of scientific research focusing on the stages of formation and development of the methodology of language training of foreign higher education students. Specifically, it examines the work of the Language Training Department at the Institute of International Education for Study and Research of V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. The objective of the article is to elucidate the system of teaching Ukrainian to foreign medical students pursuing higher education in English and its practical implementation. The article analyses theoretical research and methodological developments carried out by the department’s teachers in the field of language training of foreign medical students. The theoretical framework encompasses various educational paradigms relevant to the training of higher medical education students, the systematization of training principles, including professional dialogue, and the characterization of levels and elements within the integrative system of professional and communicative training of the target group. Furthermore, the article scrutinizes the normative, procedural, and evaluative functions of linguistic discipline curricula. It examines the principles governing the selection of content elements and topics that embody the linguistic, speech, and professional components required for teaching the Ukrainian language to future doctors. Theoretical developments have led to the characterization of principles guiding the creation of textbooks aimed at forming the communicative competence components of future medical professionals. An analysis of a series of textbooks demonstrates their effectiveness in fulfilling the objectives outlined in the work programs and in fostering general and professional competences among higher medical education students. In response to contemporary challenges, such as the need to adapt to educational disruptions caused by pandemics and martial law, the authors underscore the importance of integrating modern digital technologies into the educational process. The article explores the possibilities of digital storytelling technology and evaluates the alignment of distance courses, created by departmental teachers on the Moodle platform, with the objectives of language training. Looking ahead, the authors envision optimizing the formation of medical students’ communicative competence through theoretical development and the implementation of a comprehensive model in the educational process. This model would blend effective traditional teaching strategies with the capabilities of modern digital technologies and platforms.

Purpose of the study. Was to reveal the effect of urokinase gene knockout in male and female mice with transplanted B16/F10 melanoma on the functions of the fibrinolytic system units.Materials and methods. Male and female mice were used: main group with genetically modified mice C57BL/6-Plautm1. 1Bug – ThisPlauGFDhu/GFDhu (uPA-/-); control group with С57Bl/6 (uPA+/+) mice. B16/F10 melanoma was transplanted by the standard methods to the animals, and levels of plasminogen (PG), plasmin (PAP), urokinase receptor uPAR, content (AG) and activity (act) of uPA, t-P A and PAI-I were measured with ELISA (Cussabio, China) in 10 % tumor homogenates and peritumoral area after 3 weeks of tumor growth.Results. The activity and levels of urokinase in intact uPA-/- animals were significantly (by 100–860 times) inhibited, compared to uPA+/+, but uPAR levels were unchanged in females and were 1.9 times lower in males. PAP levels in uPA-/- mice were 2.1–4.2 times higher than in uPA+/+ animals. The growth of B16/F10 melanoma in uPA-/- mice was slower and metastasizing was suppressed, but their survival was not improved. The dynamics of changes in components of the fibrinolytic system in presence of melanoma growth differed in uPA-/- mice, compared to uPA+/+ animals: PAP levels in tumor samples decreased by over 2 times, uPA levels and activity were not increased, PAI was practically unchanged, but activity of t-P A elevated by 3.8–8.2 times, as well as in uPA+/+ mice.Conclusion. Despite the suppression of the growth and metastasis of the primary tumor nodes in uPA-/- mice, their average survival was not improved, which indicates that the mechanisms of tumor are complex and there are alternative biological pathways supporting melanoma to survive in conditions of the urokinase gene knockout.

Abstract Aims The aims of this sub‐study of the SMARTEX trial were (1) to evaluate the effects of a 12‐week exercise training programme on serum levels of high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs‐cTnI) in patients with moderate chronic heart failure (CHF), in New York Heart Association class II‐III with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and (2) to explore the associations with left ventricular remodelling, functional capacity and filling pressures measured with N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP). Methods and results In this sub‐study, 196 patients were randomly assigned to high intensity interval training (HIIT, n = 70), moderate continuous training (MCT, n = 59) or recommendation of regular exercise (RRE), (n = 67) for 12 weeks. To reveal potential difference between structured intervention and control, HIIT and MCT groups were merged and named supervised exercise training (SET) group. The RRE group constituted the control group (CG). To avoid contributing factors to myocardial injury, we also evaluated changes in patients without additional co‐morbidities (atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The relationship between hs‐cTnI and left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD), VO2peak, and NT‐proBNP was analysed by linear mixed models. At 12 weeks, Hs‐cTnI levels were modestly but significantly reduced in the SET group from median 11.9 ng/L (interquartile ratio, IQR 7.1–21.8) to 11.5 ng/L (IQR 7.0–20.7), P = 0.030. There was no between‐group difference (SET vs. CG, P = 0.116). There was a numerical but not significant reduction in hs‐cTnI for the whole population (P = 0.067) after 12 weeks. For the sub‐group of patients without additional co‐morbidities, there was a significant between‐group difference: SET group (delta −1.2 ng/L, IQR −2.7 to 0.1) versus CG (delta −0.1 ng/L, IQR −0.4 to 0.7), P = 0.007. In the SET group, hs‐cTnI changed from 10.9 ng/L (IQR 6.0–22.7) to 9.2 ng/L (IQR 5.2–20.5) (P = 0.002), whereas there was no change in the CG (6.4 to 5.8 ng/L, P = 0.64). Changes in hs‐cTnI (all patients) were significantly associated with changes in; LVEDD, VO2peak, and NT‐proBNP, respectively. Conclusions In patients with stable HFrEF, 12 weeks of structured exercise intervention was associated with a modest, but significant reduction of hs‐cTnI. There was no significant difference between intervention group and control group. In the sub‐group of patients without additional co‐morbidities, this difference was highly significant. The alterations in hs‐cTnI were associated with reduction of LVEDD and natriuretic peptide concentrations as well as improved functional capacity.

Environmental factors play a significant role in affecting the overall health of organisms, with stress being a notable contributor. The process of urbanization and globalization in modern society introduces additional stressors, exacerbating population health issues. Consequently, there is a need for thorough examination, analysis, and exploration of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress. 2-Oxoglutarate, an essential intracellular metabolite and mediator with metabolite trophic properties, emerges as a promising candidate for intervention. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the combined impact of restraint-induced stress and 2-oxoglutarate on the oxidative-reducing balance, antioxidant system effectiveness, and the functional status of the liver and brain in rats. Restraint-induced stress was found to elevate oxidative stress levels, as evidenced by increased concentrations of malonic dialdehyde and oxidative-modified proteins, particularly in the brain. Additionally, signs of lactic acidosis were observed in the liver, indicating physiological changes in response to stress. Furthermore, restraint-induced stress significantly altered bioenergy components, with decreased superoxide dismutase activity and increased cytochrome C concentration, potentially indicating mitochondrial dysfunction and increased membrane permeability. The incorporation of a 2% solution of 2-oxoglutarate into the diet demonstrated a reduction in malonic dialdehyde and carbonylated protein formation, leading to more effective restoration of oxidative-reducing balance in the brain compared to the liver. Additionally, normalization of the lactate/pyruvate concentration ratio and decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity, alongside elevated alanine aminotransferase levels, suggested a decrease in oxidative stress in the liver. Moreover, exogenous 2-oxoglutarate exhibited a positive effect on superoxide dismutase activity and cytochrome C concentration, indicating a reduction in oxidative tension in the liver and progressive mitochondrial function recovery. Based on these findings, exogenous 2-oxoglutarate emerges as a promising metabolitotrope and adaptogen for managing oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function.

The article studies the amino acid composition of the developed biscuit semi-finished products. When developing the recipe for gluten-free products, special attention was paid to the protein composition of the raw materials and the calculation of the amino acid score, since the lack of a certain amino acid affects the ability of gluten formation during the kneading process. In addition, an unbalanced amino acid composition can cause an imbalance in the human body and negatively affect the functioning of muscles, heart, brain and other organs, leading to diseases. The objectives of the research included the following: determination of the amino acid composition of gluten-free biscuit semi-finished products; analysis of amino acid composition and calculation of the amino acid score of gluten-free biscuit products. The amino acid composition was calculated according to well-known methods, taking into account the chemical composition of food products. During the calculation, the biological value of proteins was assessed, the utility coefficient, the amino acid composition balance coefficient, and the amino acid score difference coefficient were determined. It was established that the developed gluten-free biscuit contained a significant amount of threonine, namely 11.38 g per 100 g of protein. As a result of calculations, it was determined that the first limiting amino acid was tryptophan, the second was the compound «phenylalanine + tyrosine», the shares of which in the amino acid score were 0.12 and 0.90, respectively. An assessment of the complex balance of a gluten-free biscuit semi-finished product showed an insufficient level of balance in human nutrition, but the indicators of individual amino acids compared to the control made from wheat flour were higher, for example, valine by 1.8 times, isoleucine, leucine and lysine by 1.1 times, metheonine + cysteine 2.7 times and threonine 2.8 times.

Purpose of the study. Determination of pathogenetic substantiation and indication criteria for the inclusion of extracorporeal detoxification methods in preoperative preparation of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) complicated by inflammation.Patients and methods. This study included the data on 222 patients with newly diagnosed stage I–IV NSCLC referred for elective surgical treatment to the Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Medical Centre for Oncology, in 2017–2019. Endogenous intoxication was evaluated in all patients depending on the leukogram results: leukocytic intoxication index (LII), body resistance index (BRI), reactive neutrophil response (RNR), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Indicators of the inflammatory response, i. e. interleukin 6 and procalcitonin, were also studied.Results. 36.5 % of NSCLC patients developed inflammation. That over 70 % of the NSCLC patients showed pronounced clinical and laboratory signs of endogenous intoxication and inhibited protective systems of homeostasis. Initial sub- or decompensated endotoxicosis together with reduced overall reactivity of the body poses a high risk of systemic inflammatory response to antitumor surgical treatment. This justifies the inclusion of extracorporeal detoxification into preoperative preparation of this category of patients as an active preoperative therapy.Conclusions. Simultaneous elevation of LII, RNR and NLR characterizing the presence of endotoxicosis in sub- and decompensation of endogenous intoxication by own physiological detoxification systems requires an active preoperative preparation with extracorporeal detoxification.

The purpose of the research is to study the effect of insect compost obtained as a result of the vital activity of insects of the Coleoptera order Ulomoides dermestoides on the quantitative and qualitative composition of soil nematodes of various ecological and trophic groups, as well as on the morphological and physiological state of plants and infection of tomato plants with root-knot nematodes.Materials and methods. Under laboratory conditions, soil containing a diverse fauna of nematodes was treated with 1% dry and 0.5; 0.75 and 1% aqueous solutions of biocompost. Insect compost was obtained by keeping the U. dermestoides on a dry nutrient mixture. Then a mixture of lawn grasses was sown in the ground. After 30 days, the composition of nematodes was analyzed. The ability of insect compost to suppress parasitic nematode species was studied using the tomato-knot nematode model system. Tomatoes were infected with Meloidogyne incognita at a rate of 500 larvae (J2) per plant and simultaneously treated with a 0.5% aqueous biocompost solution.Results and discussion. The insect compost U. dermestoides has an effect on quantitative and qualitative indicators in the community of soil nematodes, increasing the number of predatory and saprobiotic nematodes and displacing parasitic ones. And due to the content of various biologically active compounds, it affects the development of rootknot nematodes in tomato roots. When tomatoes are treated with an aqueous solution of insect compost, the infection score and the number of nematodes that penetrate the roots are reduced. The introduction of compost when growing a mixture of lawn grasses and tomatoes can improve the condition of the plants.