Assessment of the Level of Matrix Metalloproteinases, VEGF and MicroRNA-34a in Patients With Non-obstructive and Obstructive Lesions of the Coronary Arteries.

AIM: To assess the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and miRNA-34a expression in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and obstructive and nonobstructive coronary artery (CA) disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 64 patients with IHD (diagnosis verified by coronary angiography or multislice computed tomography coronary angiography), of which 33 (51.6%) were men aged 64.9±8.1 years. 20 patients had nonobstructive CA disease (stenosis <50%), and 44 had hemodynamically significant stenoses. The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers. MMP-1, -9, -13, and -14, miRNA-34a, and VEGF were measured in all patients. RESULTS: The concentration of MMP-1 was significantly higher in patients with ischemia and nonobstructive CA disease (INOCAD) (p=0.016), and the concentration of MMP-9 was the highest in the group with obstructive CA disease (p<0.001). The concentrations of MMP-13 and MMP-14 did not differ significantly between the groups. The highest VEGF concentrations were observed in the INOCAD group (p<0.001). The expression of miRNA-34a significantly differed between the IHD groups with different types of CA disease and controls (p <0.001). Patients with hemodynamically significant stenosis showed moderate relationships between the concentrations of MMP-14 and VEGF (ρ=0.418; p=0.024), as well as between VEGF and miRNA-34a (ρ=0.425; p=0.022). Patients with INOCAD had a significant negative correlation between the concentrations of MMP-13 and VEGF (ρ= -0.659; p=0.003). Correlation analysis showed in all IHD patients a moderate relationship of the concentrations of MMP-1 and MMP-14 with VEGF (ρ=0.449; p=0.002 and p=0.341; p=0.019, respectively). According to ROC analysis, a MMP-9 concentration above 4.83 ng/ml can be a predictor for the presence of hemodynamically significant CA obstruction in IHD patients; a VEGF concentration higher than 27.23 pg/ml suggests the absence of hemodynamically significant CA stenosis. CONCLUSION: IHD patients with INOCAD had the greatest increase in MMP-1, whereas patients with obstructive CA disease had the highest level of MMP-9. According to our data, concentrations of MMP-9 and VEGF can be used to predict the degree of CA obstruction. The expression of miRNA-34a was significantly higher in IHD patients with INOCAD and CA obstruction than in the control group, which suggested a miRNA-34a contribution to the development and progression of coronary atherosclerosis. In the future, it may be possible to use this miRNA as a diagnostic marker for IHD.

[Rotational technique for emulsification of soft lens nucleus]. / Rotatsionnaya metodika emul'sifikatsii myagkogo yadra khrustalika.

Effective and atraumatic removal of a soft lens nucleus requires different surgical techniques compared to phacoemulsification of a dense nucleus. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to develop a non-ultrasound technique for emulsification of a soft lens nucleus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-seven patients (57 eyes) underwent surgery. In 23 cases, early or immature cataracts were detected, and in 34 cases, lens removal was performed for refractive purposes in high myopia and complex myopic astigmatism. Phacoemulsifier Centurion Vision System (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., USA) was used for the surgery. Aspiration of soft lens nucleus was done using a rotational technique. The following aspects were evaluated in the course of the surgery: the volume of the required irrigation solution, and the frequency needing to involve ultrasound for complete emulsification of the lens nucleus. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also assessed. RESULTS: The surgery was uneventful in all cases. There were no violations of the integrity of capsulorhexis edge. The need for short pulses of minimal power ultrasound during the removal of the soft lens using this technique arose only in 11 (19.3%) cases. The effective ultrasound time was less than 1 second. The required volume of irrigation solution was 33.0 (24.0; 43.0) ml, which does not differ significantly from that in ultrasonic phacoemulsification. CONCLUSIONS: The use of modern phacoemulsifiers providing a high vacuum level allows successful removal of a soft lens without using ultrasound, which prevents its negative impact on the ocular tissues. The use of adequate surgical techniques, including the optimal direction of rotation of the lens nucleus in the rotational technique, improves the efficiency of soft lens nucleus removal.

[Influence of the pattern of femtosecond laser-assisted lens nucleus fragmentation on the energy and hydrodynamic parameters of phacoemulsification]. / Vliyanie patterna fragmentatsii yadra khrustalika femtosekundnym lazerom na energeticheskie i gidrodinamicheskie parametry fakoemul'sifikatsii.

The influence of various patterns of preliminary femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the lens nucleus on the energy and hydrodynamic parameters of phacoemulsification remains insufficiently studied. PURPOSE: This study evaluates the influence of various patterns of preliminary femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the lens nucleus on the energy, hydrodynamic parameters of phacoemulsification, and the degree of corneal endothelial cell loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hybrid phacoemulsification was performed in 336 patients (336 eyes) with grade IV immature cataract according to the Buratto classification in three age-matched groups. Group 1 included 103 patients (103 eyes) who underwent hybrid phacoemulsification with preliminary femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the nucleus with a «pizza¼ pattern (division of the nucleus with 10 radial cuts). Group 2 included 112 patients (112 eyes) who underwent femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the nucleus with a «cylinders¼ pattern (division of the nucleus with 8 radial cuts in combination with 5 circular cuts). Group 3 included 121 patients (121 eyes) who underwent femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the nucleus with a «grid¼ pattern (division of the nucleus with 8 radial cuts in combination with multiple mutually perpendicular cuts in the central zone in the form of a grid with a 0.5 mm cell). Effective ultrasound time and the volume of irrigation solution for emulsification of the lens nucleus fragments were determined during the operation. The loss of corneal endothelial cells was assessed 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: The minimum effective ultrasound time was noted after using the "grid" pattern - 4.05 (2.88; 4.74) s, which was significantly less than with the "cylinders" pattern - 4.97 (3.78; 5.88) s and the "pizza" pattern - 6.15 (4.52; 7.75) s (p<0.05). The effective ultrasound time when using the "cylinders" pattern was significantly less than with the "pizza" pattern (p<0.05). The volume of irrigation solution used for emulsification of the lens nucleus fragments was significantly less in the "grid" pattern - 41.5 (33.5; 49.5) ml compared to the "cylinders" patterns 58.5 (51.0; 66.0), p<0.05 and "pizza" pattern 75.0 (66.0; 83.5), p<0.01. The volume of irrigation solution when using the "cylinders" pattern was significantly less than when using the "pizza" pattern (p<0.05). The loss of corneal endothelial cells after using the "grid" pattern was 8.82 (7.59; 9.87)%, which was significantly less than after the "cylinders" patterns - 9.97 (8.81; 10.83)%, p<0.05 and "pizza" - 11.70 (10.62; 12.97)%, p<0.05. At the same time, the loss of endothelial cells after using the "cylinders" pattern was significantly less than after the "pizza" pattern (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The choice of the optimal pattern of preliminary femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the lens nucleus provides a significant decrease in the energy and hydrodynamic parameters of phacoemulsification and, accordingly, the loss of corneal endothelial cells.

[Surgical technique for aspiration of soft lens nucleus with preoperative femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation]. / Khirurgicheskaya tekhnika aspiratsii myagkogo yadra khrustalika s predvaritel'noi femtolazernoi fragmentatsiei.

Fragmentation and aspiration of soft cataracts require different surgical techniques and approaches compared to the removal of dense nuclei, including when using a femtosecond laser. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to develop a non-ultrasound technique for aspiration of a soft lens nucleus after its preliminary femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 63 patients (63 eyes) aged 23 to 40 years who underwent surgery. In 27 cases, early or immature cataract was observed, and in 36 cases, cataract removal was performed for refractive purposes in high myopia and complex myopic astigmatism. The VICTUS femtosecond laser surgical system (Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH, Germany) was used for preliminary fragmentation of the lens nucleus. Surgeries were performed using the Centurion Vision System phacoemulsifier (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., USA). The volume of the required irrigation solution was evaluated during the surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: The surgery was performed without complications in all cases. Capsulorhexis edge was completely preserved along its entire circumference. The study showed the fundamental possibility of aspirating a cataract with a nucleus of grade I-II density without low-frequency ultrasound after preliminary femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the nucleus with a "grid" pattern, which ensures minimal fragment size in the central zone of the nucleus. The volume of irrigation solution required for aspiration of the nucleus was 36.0 (27.0; 44.0) ml, which does not significantly differ from the volume of solution during ultrasound phacoemulsification of a nucleus of such density. CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the lens nucleus with a "grid" pattern and phacoemulsifier systems with a high vacuum level allow effective aspiration of a soft lens without using low-frequency ultrasound.

[Modern techniques and features of selective keratoplasty]. / Sovremennye tekhnologii i vozmozhnosti selektivnoi keratoplastiki.

Selective keratoplasty involves replacing the affected layers of the cornea with similar donor tissue. In case of pathological changes in the middle and posterior stroma, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) is performed. Chronic corneal edema caused by endothelial dysfunction is an indication for endothelial keratoplasty - Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) or Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK). Compared to penetrating keratoplasty (PK), these operations are characterized by a low risk of damage to intraocular structures and a relatively short rehabilitation period. Complications of selective keratoplasty include the formation of a false chamber between the lamellar graft and the recipient's cornea, ocular hypertension during anterior chamber air tamponade. Persistent epithelial defect can be a sign of primary graft failure in DALK, DSAEK and DMEK. Selective keratoplasty is characterized by a lower incidence of immune rejection than PK. In some cases, DALK can be complicated by corneal changes related to suture fixation of the graft. Long-term postoperative use of topical glucocorticoids can cause ocular hypertension and cataracts.

[Current capabilities of anterior segment optical coherence tomography]. / Sovremennye vozmozhnosti opticheskoi kogerentnoi tomografii perednego segmenta glaza.

Optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment of the eye (AS-OCT) is a non-invasive method based on the principles of optical reflectometry (measurement of the degree of backscattering of light passing through transparent or translucent media). Limitations of the first devices of this type were associated with insufficient image quality of the details of the anterior chamber angle and the posterior parts of the lens, primarily due to the "working" level of the scanning wavelength (within 800 µm). Fundamentally new possibilities in the structural and functional assessment of the anterior segment of the eye are associated with the introduction into clinical practice of swept-source AS-OCT device - the CASIA2 anterior optical coherence tomograph (Tomey Corporation, Japan). Its high scanning speed (50 000 A-scans per second) with a wavelength of 1310 µm allows high-quality visualization by building a scan at a depth of 13 mm. The previous model (CASIA SS-1000, Tomey Corporation, Japan) supported scan depth of only 6 mm. This review summarizes the results of research on the clinical use of CASIA2 tomograph.

[Long-term efficacy and safety of divozilimab during 2-year treatment of multiple sclerosis patients in randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial BCD-132-4/MIRANTIBUS]. / Effektivnost' i bezopasnost' dvukhletnei terapii divozilimabom u patsientov s rasseyannym sklerozom v ramkakh randomizirovannogo dvoinogo slepogo platsebo-kontroliruemogo klinicheskogo issledovaniya BCD-132-4/MIRANTIBUS.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody divozilimab (DIV) used as an intravenous infusion at a dose of 500 mg every 24 weeks during 100 weeks for the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS) with relapses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The multicenter, randomized, double-blind and double-masked phase III clinical trial (CT) BCD-132-4/MIRANTIBUS (NCT05385744) included 338 adult patients with MS distributed in a 1:1 ratio into two groups: DIV 500 mg and teriflunomide (TRF) 14 mg. After screening, subjects were included in the main CT period, which consisted of two cycles of therapy over 48 weeks, then entered an additional period from weeks 49 to 100, which included three cycles of therapy. The efficacy was assessed based on the results of brain MRI and registration of data on relapses. RESULTS: 308 subjects completed 5 therapy cycles according to the study protocol. An analysis of the effectiveness of DIV therapy over 2 years showed a persistent suppression of MRI and clinical activity of the disease in comparison with TRF, which was confirmed by all the studied MRI indicators (including CUA; total number of gadolinium-enhancing (GdE) lesions on T1-weighted scans ; number of new or enlarged lesions on T2-weighted scans; lesions volume change on T2-weighted scans; change in the volume of hypointense lesions on T1-weighted scans). The use of DIV was associated with a statistically significant decrease in ARR compared to TRF (p=0.0001). The ARR in the DIV group was 0.057, in the TRF group - 0.164 with 95% confidential interval for the frequency ratio [0.202; 0.593]. The incidence of GdE lesions on T1-weighted scans in the DIV group was significantly lower than in the TRF group. The average number of such lesions was 0.0±0.08 and 1.0±4.46 in the DIV and TRF groups, respectively (p<0.0001). Progression of EDSS was detected in 18 (10.7%) and 36 (21.3%) patients in the DIV and TRF groups, respectively (p=0.0075). The proportion of patients with relapses was 11.2% (n=19) in the DIV group and 23.1% (n=39) in the TRF group (p=0.0039). In the subpopulation of patients with SPMS, no cases of increase in EDSS were detected, and not a single case of exacerbation was recorded over 2 years of using DIV. Also, DIV has shown a favorable safety profile. Among the adverse reactions (AR), infusion reactions and laboratory abnormalities, such as a decrease in the number of leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, were most often recorded. Identified AR were expected, had mild to moderate severity, and resolved without any negative consequences. CONCLUSION: The results of the BCD-132-4/MIRANTIBUS CT indicate a high sustained efficacy and safety of long-term use of DIV in comparison with TRF during 2 years of therapy.

[The first experience of using femtosecond laser in the treatment of anterior capsular contraction syndrome]. / Pervyi opyt primeneniya femtosekundnogo lazera dlya lecheniya perednekapsulyarnogo kontraktsionnogo sindroma.

Prevention and treatment of anterior capsular contraction syndrome (ACCS) is a relevant problem in cataract surgery. PURPOSE: The study was performed to develop a femtosecond laser-assisted technique for anterior capsulotomy in anterior capsular contraction syndrome and assess its preliminary results in preventing the progression of pathological changes in the capsular bag. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examination and femtosecond laser-assisted treatment without additional surgical intervention was performed in 6 patients (6 eyes) aged 69 to 73 years with anterior capsular contraction syndrome. Femtosecond laser-assisted anterior capsulotomy was performed using the VICTUS system (Technolas Perfect Vision, Germany). Capsulotomy diameter was 4.0-4.5 mm, laser radiation energy - 9000 nJ, laser exposure depth 900-1000 µm. RESULTS: The diameter of the anterior capsulotomy before treatment was 2.85 mm [2.75; 2.93]. After 1 month, the diameter of the anterior capsular opening was 2.88 mm [2.78; 2.96] (p>0.05). One year after femtosecond laser intervention, the anterior capsulotomy opening was almost the same shape and diameter - 2.84 mm [2.74; 2.94] (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser-assisted circular capsulotomy is an effective and safe method for preventing the progression of anterior capsular contraction syndrome in the absence of severe IOL decentration and for maintaining the diameter of the anterior capsular opening of at least 2.5-3.0 mm.

Mathematical modeling in assessing the risk of restenosis after carotid endarterectomy.

Carotid endarterectomy is the main way to combat atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries, which disrupts cerebral circulation. The generally accepted marker of atherogenesis risk are hemodynamic indices associated with near-wall shear stress. The purpose of the work is to conduct a comparative analysis of hemodynamic indices in various carotid bifurcation models. The influence of a virtual change in the geometric shape of the model in order to optimize hemodynamic indices is also being studied. On the basis of computed angiography data, carotid bifurcation models are constructed, in which critical zones of hemodynamic indices are built using computational fluid dynamics. A comparative analysis of the critical zones for different classes of models is carried out. Comparison of averaged indices for critical zones between 'normal' and post-operative groups gave more than 5-x worse results for the latter. The same results for the near-bifurcation parts of the zones give a 25% better result for postoperative models. Virtual 'removal' of insignificant plaques leads to a deterioration of the indices of up to 40% in the places of the plaque's former location. The described method makes it possible to build the indices critical zones and compare them for various types of models. A technique for virtual changing the shape of a vessel (virtual surgery) is proposed. The novelty of the approach lies in the use for comparative analysis both real vessel models and hypothetical 'improved' virtual ones, as well in the proposed division of post-operative model's critical zones into subzones of different genesis.

Prognostic value of baseline and interim [18F]FDG PET metabolic parameters in pediatric Hodgkin's lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in pediatric populations has a high survival rate but poses risks for long-term morbidities. Although [18F]fluoro­2­deoxy­2­d­glucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG PET) scans offer potential for improved risk stratification, the definitive prognostic value of quantitative [18F]FDG PET parameters remains unclear for pediatric HL. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study included pediatric patients diagnosed with HL between 2016 and 2023 treated according to EuroNet-PHL-C1 and DAL/GPOH-HD protocols. Patients underwent baseline and interim PET/CT scans after two chemotherapy cycles. Event-free survival (EFS) was the primary endpoint, Deauville score was the secondary endpoint. Quantitative [18F]FDG PET parameters included SUVmax, metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) that were evaluated using two segmentation methods (SUV 2.5, 41% SUVmax). Survival outcomes were assessed using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients (50 males, median age 14.2 years) were studied, with a median follow-up period of 35 months. During this period, 16 cases (13.9%) of relapse or progression were noted. Baseline and interim MTV 2.5, MTV 41%, TLG 2.5, and TLG 41%, along with interim SUVmax, were significantly associated with worse EFS and correlated with post-treatment Deauville scores. In multivariable analysis, interim MTV 2.5 > 0 ml (adj. hazard ratio, HR: 3.89, p = 0.009) and interim TLG 41% ≥ 30 g (adj. HR: 7.98, p = 0.006) were independent risk factors for EFS. CONCLUSION: Baseline and interim [18F]FDG PET parameters can serve as significant prognostic indicators for EFS and treatment response in pediatric HL. These quantitative measures could enhance individualized, risk-adapted treatment strategies for children and adolescents with HL.

Unusual Sequence of the Critical Magnetic Fields Hc1, Hc2, and Hc in Multicomponent Superconductors.

All superconductors in a magnetic field are characterized by three critical magnetic fields: lower critical Hc1, upper critical Hc2 and thermodynamic critical field Hc. Only two sets of inequalities Hc2>Hc>Hc1 or Hc1>Hc>Hc2 are possible in a single-component superconductor. Here, we report our study of the critical fields in multicomponent superconductors with two superconducting components in the framework of the Ginzburg-Landau functional. We derive the relationship between the phases of the components of the superconducting complex order parameter from the charge conservation law in explicit form and insert it into the Ginzburg-Landau functional. Using the modified Ginzburg-Landau equation, we acquire the single vortex state including the analytical expression for asymptotics. Also, we obtain the analytical form for the state in the upper critical field. We find that in some cases an unusual sequence of critical fields Hc1,Hc2>Hc can be realized in multicomponent superconductors.

[Development of adaptive reactions when applying drinking mineral water and electromagnetic radiation against the background of a high-calorie diet on the model of experimental metabolic syndrome]. / Razvitie adaptivnykh reaktsii pri primenenii pit'evoi mineral'noi vody i elektromagnitnogo izlucheniya na fone deistviya vysokokaloriinoi diety na modeli eksperimental'nogo metabolicheskogo sindroma.

OBJECTIVE: To identify features of development of adaptive protective reactions when applying drinking sulfate mineral water (MW) and low-intensity electromagnetic radiation of extremely high frequency (EMR EHF) against the background of a high-calorie diet and after its elimination at an early stage of development of experimental metabolic syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experiments were conducted on 40 non-linear male rats with 200-220 g. weight. The model of metabolic syndrome was reproduced for 60 days. All animals were divided into 5 groups: 2 study groups, 2 control groups and 1 intact one. Rats of the 1st study group were given sulfate MW in combination with EMR EHF against the background of a high-calorie diet, controlled by rats receiving only a high-energy diet. Rats of the 2nd study group also received sulfate MW in combination with EMR EHF but when the metabolic syndrome simulation was finished and the high-calorie diet was eliminated, control was done by rats that were given standard food after eliminating the high-energy diet. Liver, testes and blood were objects of the study. Light-optical, morphometric methods of examination and electron microscopy were used. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The use of sulfate MW in combination with EMR EHF against the background of the high-calorie diet was the most cause of increased activity of the antioxidant system and the plastic processes were weaker; the activation of natural adaptive reactions was noted after the elimination of the diet that in combination with actions of MW and EMR EHF led to the further intensification of protein synthesis (RNA, DNA, total protein), intensification of cellular and intracellular regeneration processes. The identified adaptive shifts during the action of the studied factors were caused by their antioxidant, membrane stabilizing and detoxifying actions. CONCLUSION: The results of the study can be used to develop the problem of regulating adaptive reactions with the application of therapeutic physical factors and to create new highly effective methods of preventing and treating metabolic syndrome.

The EXCEL Study: Long-term Observation of the Effectiveness of Drug and Non-drug Rehabilitation in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure.

AIM: To study the long-term effect of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy on exercise tolerance, quality of life (QoL), and indicators of the structural and functional state of the cardiovascular system in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (IHD) complicated by chronic heart failure (CHF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This open randomized EXCEL study included 120 patients with verified IHD complicated by NYHA II-III functional class CHF with reduced or mid-range left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. Patients were randomized into group 1 (n=40), optimal drug therapy (ODT) and EECP (35 hours, 2 courses per year); group 2 (n=40), ODT and EECP (35 hours, 1 course per year); and group 3 (control; n=40), ODT and placebo counterpulsation (35 h, 1 course per year). All patients underwent a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), evaluation of clinical status, QoL with the MLHFQ and SF-36 questionnaires, structural and functional state of large blood vessels and microvasculature, measurement of brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP), and echocardiography at baseline and after 12 months. RESULTS: In groups 1 and 2 after 12 months, the 6MWT distance increased statistically significantly (44.5 and 24.9%, respectively) and the following indexes improved: QoL (SF-36, MLHFQ), the condition of large blood vessels (phase shift, radial augmentation index, central aortic systolic pressure (CASP)) and microvasculature (occlusion index, percentage of perfused capillaries, percentage of capillary recovery), and the LV systolic function (from 40.6±7.5 to 47.5±10.2% and from 41.3± 6.8 to 43.9±10.3%, respectively). The proportion of patients with a >20% increase in the 6MWT at 12 months was 97.5, 72.5, and 7.7%, respectively. A statistically significant decrease in NT-proBNP was observed in all groups. In group 3, the incidence of hospitalizations for CHF and the risk of the composite endpoint were significantly higher. CONCLUSION: For the 12-month study period, the effects of EECP in patients with IHD complicated by CHF included improvements in exercise tolerance, QoL, vascular and cardiac functional parameters, and a decrease in the incidence of adverse outcomes.

The value of T2-weighted MRI contrast ratio combined with DWI in evaluating the pathological grade of solid lung adenocarcinoma.

AIM: To assess the predictive value of T2-weighted (T2W) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for determining the pathological grading of solid lung adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and imaging data from 153 cases of solid lung adenocarcinoma (82 men, 71 women, mean age 63.2 years) confirmed at histopathology in The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2017 to May 2022 were analysed retrospectively. Adenocarcinomas were classified into low-grade (G1 and G2) and high-grade (G3) groups following the 2020 pathological grading system proposed by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. The T2-weighted contrast ratio (T2CR), calculated as the T2 signal intensity of the lung mass/nodule divided by the T2 signal intensity of the right rhomboid muscle was utilised. Two experienced radiologists reviewed the MRI images independently, measured the T2CR, and obtained apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare general characteristics (sex, age, maximum diameter), T2CR, and ADC values between the low-grade and high-grade groups. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test determined differences in T2CR and ADC values among the five adenocarcinoma subtypes. Receiver characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, along with area under the curve (AUC) calculation, assessed the effectiveness of each parameter in distinguishing the pathological grade of lung adenocarcinoma. A Z-test was used to compare the AUC values. RESULTS: Among the 153 patients with adenocarcinoma, 103 had low-grade adenocarcinoma, and 50 had high-grade adenocarcinoma. The agreement between T2CR and ADC observers was good (0.948 and 0.929, respectively). None of the parameters followed a normal distribution (p<0.05). The ADC value was lower in the high-grade adenocarcinoma group compared to the low-grade adenocarcinoma group (p=0.004), while the T2CR value was higher in the high-grade group (p=0.011). Statistically significant differences were observed in maximum diameter and gender between the two groups (p<0.001 and p=0.005, respectively), while no significant differences were noted in age (p=0.980). Among the five adenocarcinoma subtypes, only the lepidic and micropapillary subtypes displayed statistical differences in ADC values (p=0.047), with the remaining subtypes showing no statistical differences (p>0.05). The AUC values for distinguishing high-grade adenocarcinoma from low-grade adenocarcinoma were 0.645 for ADC and 0.627 for T2CR. Combining T2CR, ADC, sex, and maximum diameter resulted in an AUC of 0.778, sensitivity of 70%, and specificity of 75%. This combination significantly improved diagnostic efficiency compared to T2CR and ADC alone (p=0.008, z = 2.624; p=0.007, z = 2.679). CONCLUSION: The MRI quantitative parameters are useful for distinguishing the pathological grades of solid lung adenocarcinoma, offering valuable insights for precise lung cancer treatment.

Exciton interactions of chlorophyll tetramer in water-soluble chlorophyll-binding protein BoWSCP.

The exciton interaction of four chlorophyll a (Chl a) molecules in a symmetrical tetrameric complex of the water-soluble chlorophyll-binding protein BoWSCP was analyzed in the pH range of 3-11. Exciton splitting ΔE = 232 ± 2 cm-1 of the Qy band of Chl a into two subcomponents with relative intensities of 78.1 ± 0.7 % and 21.9 ± 0.7 % was determined by a joint decomposition of the absorption and circular dichroism spectra into Gaussian functions. The exciton coupling parameters were calculated based on the BoWSCP atomic structure in three approximations: the point dipole model, the distributed atomic monopoles, and direct ab initio calculations in the TDDFT/PCM approximation. The Coulomb interactions of monomers were calculated within the continuum model using three values of optical permittivity. The models based on the properties of free Chl a in solution suffer from significant errors both in estimating the absolute value of the exciton interaction and in the relative intensity of exciton transitions. Calculations within the TDDFT/PCM approximation reproduce the experimentally determined parameters of the exciton splitting and the relative intensities of the exciton bands. The following factors of pigment-protein and pigment-pigment interactions were examined: deviation of the macrocycle geometry from the planar conformation of free Chl; the formation of hydrogen bonds between the macrocycle and water molecules; the overlap of wave functions of monomers at close distances. The most significant factor is the geometrical deformation of the porphyrin macrocycle, which leads to an increase in the dipole moment of Chl monomer from 5.5 to 6.9 D and to a rotation of the dipole moment by 15° towards the cyclopentane ring. The contributions of resonant charge-transfer states to the wave functions of the Chl dimer were determined and the transition dipole moments of the symmetric and antisymmetric charge-transfer states were estimated.

[Intraoperative optical coherence tomography in vitreoretinal surgery]. / Intraoperatsionnaya opticheskaya kogerentnaya tomografiya v vitreoretinal'noi khirurgii.

This article reviews literature on the use of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) in vitreoretinal surgery, describes the historical aspects of the development of this technology from portable devices to optical coherence tomographs integrated into the surgical microscope, considers the advantages, limitations and disadvantages of this technology, which are now becoming obvious due to the accumulated experience. The review also explores the prospects for the development of iOCT and possible ways to solve its problems. In addition, the review presents and systematizes clinical findings that can be revealed with iOCT in such diseases as rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, macular pathology, etc.

[Assessment of systemic inflammation activity, myocardial structure and functional features, their relationship in patients with multiple myeloma, receiving bortezomib therapy].

AIM: To study the dynamics of calculated indices [neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR); systemic inflammation index (SIV)] and biomarkers of systemic inflammation [interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß); high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)], parameters of the structure-and-function state of the myocardium and intracardiac hemodynamics, and their relationship in patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) at the onset of the disease and after 6 courses of chemotherapy (CT) containing the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included 30 patients aged 63.8±10.0 years diagnosed with MM; 17 (56.7 %) of them were men. The following tests were performed for all patients: measurement of IL-1ß and hsCRP, calculation of the inflammation indexes NLR and SIV, transthoracic echocardiography before and after 6 courses of bortezomib-containing CT. At the time of study completion, 9 patients dropped out due to reasons not related to cardiovascular complications of CT. RESULTS: The antitumor therapy was associated with increases of immune-inflammation indexes: NLR increased from 1.54 [1.02; 1.83] to 2.9 [1.9; 4.35] (p=0.009) and SIV increased from 402.95 [230.5; 534.0] to 1102.2 [453.1; 1307.9] (р=0.014). IL-1ß increased from 5.15 [4.05; 5.77] to 6.22 [5.66; 6.52] pg/ml remaining within the reference range (p=0.142) whereas hsCRP decreased from 1.02 [0.02; 2.71] to 0.02 [0.02; 0.82] IU/l (p=0.138). Statistically significant changes in parameters of heart remodeling and clinical picture of cardiovascular complications were not observed. A correlation analysis showed significant inverse correlations of hsCRP with left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) (r= -0.557; p=0.003), the number of plasma cells (PC) with LV EF (r= -0.443; p=0.023), and a direct correlation of the number of PC with hsCRP (r=0.433; p=0.022). CONCLUSION: During the study, the accepted criteria for cardiotoxicity of bortezomib-containing chemotherapy in patients with MM, were not met. The identified correlations between the level of markers for acute inflammation, indexes of intracardiac hemodynamics, and the immediate MM substrate may indicate the role of chronic low-intensity inflammation in the pathogenesis of myocardial remodeling in patients with MM. This necessitates further studies on larger samples of patients to assess the prognostic significance.

RvE1 Promotes Axin2+ Cell Regeneration and Reduces Bacterial Invasion.

Vital pulp therapy and root canal therapy (RCT) are the dominant treatment for irreversible pulpitis. While the success rate of these procedures is favorable, they have some limitations. For instance, RCT leads to removing significant dentin in the coronal third of the tooth that increases root-fracture risk, which forces tooth removal. The ideal therapeutic goal is dental pulp regeneration, which is not achievable with RCT. Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) are well known for inflammatory resolution. The resolution of inflammation and tissue restoration or regeneration is a dynamic and continuous process. SPMs not only have potent immune-modulating functions but also effectively promote tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Resolvins have been shown to promote dental pulp regeneration. The purpose of this study was to explore further the cellular target of Resolvin E1 (RvE1) therapy in dental pulp regeneration and the impact of RvE1 in infected pulps. We investigated the actions of RvE1 on experimentally exposed pulps with or without microbial infection in an Axin2Cre-Dox;Ai14 genetically defined mouse model. Our results showed RvE1 promoted Axin2-tdTomato+ cell expansion and odontoblastic differentiation after direct pulp capping in the mouse, which we used to mimic reversible pulpitis cases in the clinic. In cultured mouse dental pulp stem cells (mDPSCs), RvE1 facilitated Axin2-tdTomato+ cell proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation and also rescued impaired functions after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. In infected pulps exposed to the oral environment for 24 h, RvE1 suppressed inflammatory infiltration, reduced bacterial invasion in root canals, and prevented the development of apical periodontitis, while its proregenerative impact was limited. Collectively, topical treatment with RvE1 facilitated dental pulp regenerative properties by promoting Axin2-expressing cell proliferation and differentiation. It also modulated the resolution of inflammation, reduced infection severity, and prevented apical periodontitis, presenting RvE1 as a novel therapeutic for treating endodontic diseases.

[Features of the appeal for pediatric otorhinolaryngological care in conditions of increased biological risks].

The combined effect of close contact between child patients and otorhinolaryngologists, as well as the practice of aerosol-generating procedures, justify the need to take prompt organizational measures to reduce risks in the provision of pediatric otorhinolaryngological care in conditions of increased biological risks. In the pediatric ENT community, these adaptations have resulted in: judicious distribution of care to treat the most severe conditions, minimizing the risk of long-term consequences, ensuring the safety of child patients and healthcare workers through better communication methods, changing procedural precautions, the rapid introduction of telemedicine for diagnosis and treatment of patients, as well as the development of protective protocols to limit exposure to aerosol-generating procedures or manipulations to reduce the risk of exposure to a high viral load.