Monochromatic computed microtomography using laboratory and synchrotron sources and X-ray fluorescence analysis for comprehensive analysis of structural changes in bones

A combination of X-ray tomography at different wavelengths and X-ray fluorescence analysis was applied in the study of two types of bone tissue changes: prolonged presence in microgravity conditions and age-related bone growth. The proximal tail vertebrae of geckos were selected for investigation because they do not bear the supporting load in locomotion, which allows them to be considered as an independent indicator of gravitational influence. For the vertebrae of geckos no significant differences were revealed in the elemental composition of the flight samples and the synchronous control samples. In addition, the gecko bone tissue samples from the jaw apparatus, spine and shoulder girdle were measured. The dynamics of structural changes in the bone tissue growth was studied using samples of a human fetal hand. The hands of human fetuses of 11–15 weeks were studied. Autonomous zones of calcium accumulation were found not only in individual fingers but in each of the investigated phalanges. The results obtained are discussed

High frequency of BRCA1, but not CHEK2 or NBS1 (NBN), founder mutations in Russian ovarian cancer patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A significant portion of ovarian cancer (OC) cases is caused by germ-line mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. BRCA testing is cheap in populations with founder effect and therefore recommended for all patients with OC diagnosis. Recurrent mutations constitute the vast majority of BRCA defects in Russia, however their impact in OC morbidity has not been yet systematically studied. Furthermore, Russian population is characterized by a relatively high frequency of CHEK2 and NBS1 (NBN) heterozygotes, but it remains unclear whether these two genes contribute to the OC risk.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study included 354 OC patients from 2 distinct, geographically remote regions (290 from North-Western Russia (St.-Petersburg) and 64 from the south of the country (Krasnodar)). DNA samples were tested by allele-specific PCR for the presence of 8 founder mutations (BRCA1 5382insC, BRCA1 4153delA, BRCA1 185delAG, BRCA1 300T>G, BRCA2 6174delT, CHEK2 1100delC, CHEK2 IVS2+1G>A, NBS1 657del5). In addition, literature data on the occurrence of BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2 and NBS1 mutations in non-selected ovarian cancer patients were reviewed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>BRCA1 5382insC allele was detected in 28/290 (9.7%) OC cases from the North-West and 11/64 (17.2%) OC patients from the South of Russia. In addition, 4 BRCA1 185delAG, 2 BRCA1 4153delA, 1 BRCA2 6174delT, 2 CHEK2 1100delC and 1 NBS1 657del5 mutation were detected. 1 patient from Krasnodar was heterozygous for both BRCA1 5382insC and NBS1 657del5 variants.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Founder BRCA1 mutations, especially BRCA1 5382insC variant, are responsible for substantial share of OC morbidity in Russia, therefore DNA testing has to be considered for every OC patient of Russian origin. Taken together with literature data, this study does not support the contribution of CHEK2 in OC risk, while the role of NBS1 heterozygosity may require further clarification.</p

Effect of aliskiren on post-discharge outcomes among diabetic and non-diabetic patients hospitalized for heart failure: insights from the ASTRONAUT trial

Aims The objective of the Aliskiren Trial on Acute Heart Failure Outcomes (ASTRONAUT) was to determine whether aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, would improve post-discharge outcomes in patients with hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) with reduced ejection fraction. Pre-specified subgroup analyses suggested potential heterogeneity in post-discharge outcomes with aliskiren in patients with and without baseline diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods and results ASTRONAUT included 953 patients without DM (aliskiren 489; placebo 464) and 662 patients with DM (aliskiren 319; placebo 343) (as reported by study investigators). Study endpoints included the first occurrence of cardiovascular death or HHF within 6 and 12 months, all-cause death within 6 and 12 months, and change from baseline in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) at 1, 6, and 12 months. Data regarding risk of hyperkalaemia, renal impairment, and hypotension, and changes in additional serum biomarkers were collected. The effect of aliskiren on cardiovascular death or HHF within 6 months (primary endpoint) did not significantly differ by baseline DM status (P = 0.08 for interaction), but reached statistical significance at 12 months (non-DM: HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.64-0.99; DM: HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.91-1.47; P = 0.03 for interaction). Risk of 12-month all-cause death with aliskiren significantly differed by the presence of baseline DM (non-DM: HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50-0.94; DM: HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.15-2.33; P < 0.01 for interaction). Among non-diabetics, aliskiren significantly reduced NT-proBNP through 6 months and plasma troponin I and aldosterone through 12 months, as compared to placebo. Among diabetic patients, aliskiren reduced plasma troponin I and aldosterone relative to placebo through 1 month only. There was a trend towards differing risk of post-baseline potassium ≥6 mmol/L with aliskiren by underlying DM status (non-DM: HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.71-1.93; DM: HR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.30-4.42; P = 0.07 for interaction). Conclusion This pre-specified subgroup analysis from the ASTRONAUT trial generates the hypothesis that the addition of aliskiren to standard HHF therapy in non-diabetic patients is generally well-tolerated and improves post-discharge outcomes and biomarker profiles. In contrast, diabetic patients receiving aliskiren appear to have worse post-discharge outcomes. Future prospective investigations are needed to confirm potential benefits of renin inhibition in a large cohort of HHF patients without D

Analysis of the Effect of Dry Magnetic Separation on the Process of Ferruginous Quartzites Disintegration

The paper considers the results of the application of dry magnetic separation on samples of ferruginous quartzites of the Kostomuksha ore field, represented by refractory ore, free-milling ore, and their mixture. The assessment of the influence of the ore texture on the technological parameters of dry magnetic separation indicates their insignificant changes: the yield of the non-magnetic product varies from 12.4 to 13.5%, and the Fetotal content in the magnetic product increases by 1.11–1.14 times. A decrease of at least 15% in the number of harmful impurities was found: S by 16.2–17.3%, SiO2 by 15.5–21.1%, and Al2O3 by 39.1–48.4%. The authors have performed a comparative assessment of the granularity of the initial ore and the magnetic product with the measurement of energy consumption, as well as an analysis of the magnetite liberation on particle sizes of less than 2 mm. It was found that due to the release of a non-magnetic product in the amount of 12.3–14.5%, represented by non-magnetite or weakly mineralized rock varieties, energy consumption for the crushing process is reduced by at least 5%. The mineral liberation assessment showed that mainly free magnetite is contained in the −0.4 mm fineness class. It was found that in the magnetic separation product of the refractory ore sample, the amount of liberated magnetite in the size class −1 + 0 mm increases by 12.1% compared to the initial ore sample. For the free-milling ore sample, the opposite trend is observed: a decrease in the amount of free magnetite by 30.9% in the magnetic product. Analysis of the magnetite liberation in the mixture indicates deterioration in the results obtained during the separate crushing of refractory and free-milling ore and a decrease in the amount of liberated magnetite in the magnetic product by 60% compared to the initial ore

In Situ Study of the Painting “Hiroshima I” (1958) by Werner Tübke (1929–2004)

This article presents the results of technical studies of the oil painting by the artist of German origin Werner Tübke “Hiroshima I” (1958). The creative heritage of this author has not been studied enough and represents scattered data on the technology of painting and artistic techniques. The aim of this work was to determine the art materials and painting technology described in his diaries, using the example of his only painting represented in Russia: “Hiroshima I”. For this purpose, an in situ approach was implemented using some simple museum instrumentations—UV-induced visible luminescence, infrared reflectography (IRR), radiography, portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and polarizing microscopy using microprobes. As a result, the pigment composition of the painting layers could be determined, the painting technology refined, and a previously unknown hidden portrait of Werner Tübke’s father revealed

Влияние процессов конвекции в жидкости на погрешности измерения теплопроводности методом прямого подогрева термистора

Проблематика. Розглянуто питання підбору оптимального діаметра посуду для досліджуваних рідин на основі дослідження впливу явища конвекції на похибку при вимірюванні коефіцієнта теплопровідності рідин методом прямого підігріву термістора. Мета дослідження. Метою роботи є проведення експериментальних досліджень з визначення впливу конвекції на похибку при вимірюванні коефіцієнта теплопровідності рідин. Методика реалізації. Проведено оцінку точності вимірювання температури розігріву термістора методом прямого підігріву термістора для досліджуваної рідини в посудинах різного діаметра при визначенні коефіцієнта теплопровідності. Виконано серію експериментальних досліджень за допомогою установки для вимірювання теплофізичних характеристик (ТФХ) рідин з метою визначення оптимальної конструкції зонда і термостата, вибору оптимального об’єму досліджуваного матеріалу та вибору конструктивних матеріалів. Результати дослідження. Надано результати експериментальних досліджень з контрольними рідинами за допомогою розробленого приладу на основі методу прямого підігріву термістора, встановлено значення коливання температури розігріву термістора залежно від діаметра посудини з досліджуваною рідиною. Висновки. Обґрунтовано, що при проектуванні приладів для вимірювання ТФХ рідин необхідно враховувати індивідуальні властивості досліджуваних рідин і забезпечити максимально можливе рівномірне нагрівання або охолодження посудини з досліджуваним матеріалом. Також необхідно використовувати посуд мінімального діаметра. Рекомендовано для зменшення похибки вимірювання теплопровідності рідин використовувати посуд для досліджуваної рідини діаметром до 10 мм.Background. The problems of choosing the optimal utensil diameter for the test liquids on the basis of the investigation of the convection phenomenon effect on the error when measuring the thermal conductivity of liquids by the method of direct heating of a thermistor are considered. Objective. The aim of the paper is to carry out experimental studies to determine the effect of the convection phenomenon on the error in measuring the thermal conductivity of liquids. Methods. An estimation of the thermistor heating temperature measuring accuracy by the method of direct heating of the thermistor for the test liquid in utensils of different diameters in determining the coefficient of thermal conductivity is carried out. Series of experimental research was carried out with the help of a device for measuring the liquids TPC in order to determine the optimum design of the probe and the thermostat, to select the optimum volume of the material research and to choose the materials of construction. Results. The results of experimental research with control liquids using the developed instrument based on the method of direct heating of the thermistor are presented, the thermistor heating temperature fluctuation values depending on the utensil diameter with the test liquid are determined. Conclusions. It is substantiated that when designing devices for measuring the TPC of liquids, it is necessary to take into account the individual properties of the liquids under investigation and to create the greatest possible uniform heating or cooling of the utensil with the test material. Also, it is necessary to use the minimum diameter utensils. It is recommended to use utensils for the test liquid with a diameter of up to 10 mm to reduce the error in measuring the liquid thermal conductivity.Проблематика. Рассмотрены вопросы подбора оптимального диаметра посуды для исследуемых жидкостей на основе исследования влияния явления конвекции на погрешность при измерении коэффициента теплопроводности жидкостей методом прямого подогрева термистора. Цель исследования. Целью работы является проведение экспериментальных исследований по определению влияния конвекции на погрешность при измерении коэффициента теплопроводности жидкостей. Методика реализации. Проведена оценка точности измерения температуры разогрева термистора методом прямого подогрева термистора для исследуемой жидкости в посуде разного диаметра при определении коэффициента теплопроводности. Проведена серия экспериментальных исследований с помощью установки для измерения теплофизических характеристик (ТФХ) жидкостей с целью определения оптимальной конструкции зонда и термостата, выбора оптимального объема изучаемого мате­риала и выбора конструктивных материалов. Результаты исследования. Представлены результаты экспериментальных исследований с контрольными жидкостями с помощью разработанного прибора на основе метода прямого подогрева термистора, определены значения колебания температуры разогрева термистора в зависимости от диаметра посуды с исследуемой жидкостью. Выводы. Обосновано, что при проектировании приборов для измерения ТФХ жидкостей необходимо учитывать индивидуальные свойства исследуемых жидкостей и обеспечить максимально возможное равномерное нагревание или охлаждение посуды с исследуемым материалом. Также необходимо использовать посуду минимального диаметра. Рекомендовано для умень­шения погрешности измерения теплопроводности жидкостей использовать посуду для исследуемой жидкости диаметром до 10 мм

Baseline characteristics of patients with HF with mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction: DELIVER trial

Objectives: This report describes the baseline clinical profiles and management of DELIVER (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure) trial participants and how these compare with those in other contemporary heart failure with preserved ejection fraction trials. Background: The DELIVER trial was designed to evaluate the effects of the sodium-glucose cotransporter–2 inhibitor dapagliflozin on cardiovascular death, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, or urgent HF visits in patients with HF with mildly reduced and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: Adults with symptomatic HF and LVEF &gt;40%, with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus, elevated N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, and evidence of structural heart disease were randomized to dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily or matching placebo. Results: A total of 6,263 patients were randomized (mean age: 72 ± 10 years; 44% women; 45% type 2 diabetes mellitus; 45% with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2; and 57% with history of atrial fibrillation or flutter). Most participants had New York Heart Association functional class II symptoms (75%). Baseline mean LVEF was 54.2 ± 8.8% and median NT-proBNP of 1,399 pg/mL (IQR: 962 to 2,210 pg/mL) for patients in atrial fibrillation/flutter compared with 716 pg/mL (IQR: 469 to 1,281 pg/mL) in those who were not. Patients in both hospitalized and ambulatory settings were enrolled, including 10% enrolled in-hospital or within 30 days of a hospitalization for HF. Eighteen percent of participants had HF with improved LVEF. Conclusions: DELIVER is the largest and broadest clinical trial of this population to date and enrolled high-risk, well-treated patients with HF with mildly reduced and preserved LVEF. (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure [NCT03619213])