Maximum time between cardiac cycles in atrial fibrillation for assessing the risk of arterial thromboembolism

Aim. To assess the development of thromboembolic events in different types of atrial fibrillation (AF), which differ in the maximum time between cardiac cycles.Material and methods. The main group included 80 patients with permanent AF, while the control one — 88 people without AF. The following investigations were performed: echocardiography, 24-hour electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring; ultrasound of extracranial arteries, aortic branches, lower limb arteries; sphygmography of the common carotid and posterior tibial arteries. If required, coronary angiography, cerebral angiography, brain computed tomography were performed. According to 24-hour ECG monitoring, all patients of the main group were divided into 2 subgroups (A and B) depending on the maximum time between cardiac cycles in AF: subgroup A (n=42) — patients with a maximum time between cardiac cycles <1,5 seconds, subgroup B (n=38) — ≥1,5. The followup period lasted 1 year. During the follow-up period, the development of arterial thromboembolic events was analyzed.Results. The patients were comparable in key paraclinical characteristics and comorbidity profile. One-year follow-up period revealed a significantly higher incidence of stroke, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, and distal arterial embolism of lower limb arteries in subgroup B. With an increase in the maximum time between cardiac cycles in AF, an increase in hemodynamic parameters of arterial vessels occurred as both proximal and distal arteries. A similar trend was also observed in the analysis of arterial kinetic parameters.Conclusion. Not only the fact of AF presence is important for assessing the risk of arterial thromboembolism, but also its features. The most unfavorable for prognosis is AF with a maximum time between cardiac cycles ≥1,5 seconds. An increase in intra-arterial hemodynamic parameters after a long pause between ventricular contractions in AF without intracardiac thrombosis can become a key factor in the development of complications with existing plaques, which can become a source of distal embolism

AUTODIDACTIC FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN STUDYING IN MULTI-ETHNIC SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

Purpose: The article is aimed at describing a model of self-education of primary school children's parents and the results of its testing in a primary school in a multi-ethnic educational space. The leading technology of organizing self-education for parents of primary students and formation of their methods of auto-didactics is the technology of poly directional pedagogical counseling. Methodology: The following methods of measuring the effectiveness of the offered program were used: SWOT - analysis of educational problems of primary school children in a multi-ethnic educational organization, analysis of research data on related topics, pedagogical modeling, studying students' work, observation, and survey methods with graphical interpretation of the data. Result: The result of the study was a unique model of inclusion of primary students’ parents in the educational space of a multi-ethnic school. In accordance with the authors' model, an awareness program was launched for parents of primary school children. Applications: The research materials can be useful for primary school teachers, for parents of primary students, as well as for specialists in the system of additional education in working with multi-ethnic children groups, as well as for social teachers in working with migrant families to build a non-conflict educational environment. Novelty/Originality: The originality of the study lies in the development of a model for the inclusion of parents of younger schoolchildren in the educational space of a multi-ethnic school through parental self-education organized by school teachers

Modeling of restenosis of main arteries after the intravascular stenting interventions

Objectives to study the mechanism of restenosis after the intra-arterial stenting using the original device for modeling of intra-arterial blood flow. Material and methods. To perform the experiment, we have created the original device simulating the intra-arterial blood flow. A glass tube of rotameter was the imitation of the arterial vessel. The closed system was filled with the liquid imitating blood, specifically the solution of glycerin the same viscosity as the human blood plasma. Using our original model of intra-artetial blood flow, we were able to study the intra-arterial hemodynamics under different conditions of cardiovascular system functioning, including arrhythmias. Results. In extrasystolic arrhythmia, during the spread of the first post-extrasystolic wave, we observed the intensive impact of pressure wave (the indicator was the silk thread) on the vessel walls with forming of reflected and standing waves. Putting the piezo crystal probe of pressure inside the tube, we verified our observations. The increase of pressure during the spread of the first post-extrasystolic wave in multiple measurements had a mean value of 160% in comparison with the pressure during the regular heart rhythm. Conclusion. The hydraulic shock appears during the spread of the first post-extrasystolic wave in the arterial vessel. Its effect on hemodynamics grows in case of the frequent extrasystoles and allorhythmia. The mechanical impact of hydraulic shock in extrasystoles can be the starting point of the restenosis onset and progressing in the intra-arterial stent

Comparative Evaluation of Custom-Made Components and Standard Implants for Acetabular Reconstruction in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background.The use of custom-made acetabular components is one of the promising methods for reconstruction of the acetabulum in cases of significant defects, including those associated with pelvic bone dissociation. It allows achieving stable fixation and restoring the biomechanics of the hip joint. Aimofthestudy to compare the results of using individually designed components, supportive antiprotrusion rings, augments, and hemispherical components in revision total hip arthroplasty for type IIIB bone defects according to Paprosky classification. Methods.The study analyzed the treatment outcomes of 90 patients with type IIIB bone defects who underwent revision total hip arthroplasty between 2017 and 2022. Patients were divided into three groups: the first group received individually designed acetabular components, the second group received augments with hemispheres, and the third group had antiprotrusion cages implanted. The analysis included the reasons for revision surgery, operation duration, blood loss volume, and type of revision procedure. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed with WOMAC, Harris Hip Score, and VAS scales. Results.3D-printed constructs were more frequently implanted in patients with pelvic bone dissociation. The first group showed a significantly positive dynamic in functional outcomes. Complications were diagnosed in 27 (30%) cases: joint instability (dislocation) in 10 (11.1%) patients, periprosthetic infection in 8 (8.8%), aseptic loosening in 4 (4.4%), and sciatic nerve neuropathy in 5 (5.5%) patients. The number of these complications was higher in the second and third groups of patients. Conclusion.Custom-made implants using 3D technologies are a preferable option for revision total hip arthroplasty in patients with type IIIB defects according to Paprosky classification, especially in cases of pelvic bone dissociation

PLZF induces an intravascular surveillance program mediated by long-lived LFA-1–ICAM-1 interactions

PLZF-expressing NKT cells establish residence at intravascular locations, failing to enter the circulation because of constitutive interactions with LFA-1 and ICAM-1

Development and Function of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Producing TH2- and TH17-Cytokines

Four distinct subsets of invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells are shown to differentiate in the thymus, then migrate to peripheral tissues where they retain their phenotypic and functional characteristics

Interactions between marine megafauna and plastic pollution in Southeast Asia

Southeast (SE) Asia is a highly biodiverse region, yet it is also estimated to cumulatively contribute a third of the total global marine plastic pollution. This threat is known to have adverse impacts on marine megafauna, however, understanding of its impacts has recently been highlighted as a priority for research in the region. To address this knowledge gap, a structured literature review was conducted for species of cartilaginous fishes, marine mammals, marine reptiles, and seabirds present in SE Asia, collating cases on a global scale to allow for comparison, coupled with a regional expert elicitation to gather additional published and grey literature cases which would have been omitted during the structured literature review. Of the 380 marine megafauna species present in SE Asia, but also studied elsewhere, we found that 9.1 % and 4.5 % of all publications documenting plastic entanglement (n = 55) and ingestion (n = 291) were conducted in SE Asian countries. At the species level, published cases of entanglement from SE Asian countries were available for 10 % or less of species within each taxonomic group. Additionally, published ingestion cases were available primarily for marine mammals and were lacking entirely for seabirds in the region. The regional expert elicitation led to entanglement and ingestion cases from SE Asian countries being documented in 10 and 15 additional species respectively, highlighting the utility of a broader approach to data synthesis. While the scale of the plastic pollution in SE Asia is of particular concern for marine ecosystems, knowledge of its interactions and impacts on marine megafauna lags behind other areas of the world, even after the inclusion of a regional expert elicitation. Additional funding to help collate baseline data are critically needed to inform policy and solutions towards limiting the interactions of marine megafauna and plastic pollution in SE Asia

Cross-national variations in reported discrimination among people treated for major depression worldwide: The ASPEN/INDIGO international study

Background: No study has so far explored differences in discrimination reported by people with major depressive disorder (MDD) across countries and cultures. Aims: To (a) compare reported discrimination across different countries, and (b) explore the relative weight of individual and contextual factors in explaining levels of reported discrimination in people with MDD. Method: Cross-sectional multisite international survey (34 countries worldwide) of 1082 people with MDD. Experienced and anticipated discrimination were assessed by the Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC). Countries were classified according to their rating on the Human Development Index (HDI). Multilevel negative binomial and Poisson models were used. Results: People living in 'very high HDI' countries reported higher discrimination than those in 'medium/low HDI' countries. Variation in reported discrimination across countries was only partially explained by individual-level variables. The contribution of country-level variables was significant for anticipated discrimination only. Conclusions: Contextual factors play an important role in anticipated discrimination. Country-specific interventions should be implemented to prevent discrimination towards people with MDD

Research Priorities to Support Effective Manta and Devil Ray Conservation

Manta and devil rays are filter-feeding elasmobranchs that are found circumglobally in tropical and subtropical waters. Although relatively understudied for most of the Twentieth century, public awareness and scientific research on these species has increased dramatically in recent years. Much of this attention has been in response to targeted fisheries, international trade in mobulid products, and a growing concern over the fate of exploited populations. Despite progress in mobulid research, major knowledge gaps still exist, hindering the development of effective management and conservation strategies. We assembled 30 leaders and emerging experts in the fields of mobulid biology, ecology, and conservation to identify pressing knowledge gaps that must be filled to facilitate improved science-based management of these vulnerable species. We highlight focal research topics in the subject areas of taxonomy and diversity, life history, reproduction and nursery areas, population trends, bycatch and fisheries, spatial dynamics and movements, foraging and diving, pollution and contaminants, and sub-lethal impacts. Mobulid rays remain a poorly studied group, and therefore our list of important knowledge gaps is extensive. However, we hope that this identification of high priority knowledge gaps will stimulate and focus future mobulid research

Social preferences and network structure in a population of reef manta rays

Understanding how individual behavior shapes the structure and ecology ofpopulations is key to species conservation and management. Like manyelasmobranchs, manta rays are highly mobile and wide ranging species threatened byanthropogenic impacts. In shallow-water environments these pelagic rays often formgroups, and perform several apparently socially-mediated behaviors. Group structuresmay result from active choices of individual rays to interact, or passive processes.Social behavior is known to affect spatial ecology in other elasmobranchs, but this isthe first study providing quantitative evidence for structured social relationships inmanta rays. To construct social networks, we collected data from more than 500groups of reef manta rays over five years, in the Raja Ampat Regency of West Papua.We used generalized affiliation indices to isolate social preferences from non-socialassociations, the first study on elasmobranchs to use this method. Longer lastingsocial preferences were detected mostly between female rays. We detectedassortment of social relations by phenotype and variation in social strategies, with theoverall social network divided into two main communities. Overall network structurewas characteristic of a dynamic fission-fusion society, with differentiated relationshipslinked to strong fidelity to cleaning station sites. Our results suggest that fine-scaleconservation measures will be useful in protecting social groups of M. alfredi in theirnatural habitats, and that a more complete understanding of the social nature of mantarays will help predict population response