Integrative Modeling of Electrical Properties of Pacemaker Cardiac Cells

This work represents modeling of electrical properties of pacemaker (sinus) cardiac cells. Special attention is paid to electrical potential arising from transmembrane current of Na{+}, K{+} and Ca{2+} ions. This potential is calculated using the NaCaX model. In this respect, molar concentration of ions in the intercellular space which is calculated on the basis of the GENTEX model is essential. Combined use of two different models allows referring this approach to integrative modeling

The possibility of administration of glutamate receptors antagonists in the treatment of parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is the slow-progressing chronic neurodegenerative disease. Modern medicine has not yet found methods of curing disease, however, the existing methods of conservative and surgical treatment significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and slow the progression of the diseas

Quality flags for GSP-Phot Gaia DR3 astrophysical parameters with machine learning: Effective temperatures case study

Gaia Data Release 3 (DR3) provides extensive information on the astrophysical properties of stars, such as effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity, and luminosity, for over 470 million objects. However, as Gaia's stellar parameters in GSP-Phot module are derived through model-dependent methods and indirect measurements, it can lead to additional systematic errors in the derived parameters. In this study, we compare GSP-Phot effective temperature estimates with two high-resolution and high signal-to-noise spectroscopic catalogues: APOGEE DR17 and GALAH DR3, aiming to assess the reliability of Gaia's temperatures. We introduce an approach to distinguish good-quality Gaia DR3 effective temperatures using machine-learning methods such as XGBoost, CatBoost and LightGBM. The models create quality flags, which can help one to distinguish good-quality GSP-Phot effective temperatures. We test our models on three independent datasets, including PASTEL, a compilation of spectroscopically derived stellar parameters from different high-resolution studies. The results of the test suggest that with these models it is possible to filter effective temperatures as accurate as 250 K with ~ 90 per cent precision even in complex regions, such as the Galactic plane. Consequently, the models developed herein offer a valuable quality assessment tool for GSP-Phot effective temperatures in Gaia DR3. Consequently, the developed models offer a valuable quality assessment tool for GSP-Phot effective temperatures in Gaia DR3. The dataset with flags for all GSP-Phot effective temperature estimates, is publicly available, as are the models themselves.Comment: 13 pages, 10 figure

The Determinants of the 13-Year Risk of Incident Atrial Fibrillation in a Russian Population Cohort of Middle and Elderly Age

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and a predictor of the complications of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs), particularly thromboembolic events and the progression of heart failure. We analyzed the determinants of the 13-year risk of incident AF in a Russian population cohort of middle and elderly age. A random population sample (n = 9360, age 45–69 years) was examined at baseline in 2003–2005 and reexamined in 2006–2008 and 2015–2017 in Novosibirsk (the HAPIEE study). Incident AF was being registered during the average follow-up of 13 years. The final analysis included 3871 participants free from baseline AF and cardiovascular disease (CVD) who participated in all three data collections. In a multivariable-adjusted Cox regression model, the 13-year risk of AF was positively associated with the male sex (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–3.87); age (HR = 1.10 per year; 95% CI 1.07–1.14); body mass index (BMI), (HR = 1.11 per unit; 95% CI 1.07–1.15); systolic blood pressure (SBP), (HR = 1.02 per 1 mmHg; 95% CI 1.01–1.02), and it was negatively associated with total cholesterol (TC), (HR = 0.79 per 1 mmol/L; 95% CI 0.66–0.94). In women, the risk of AF was more strongly associated with hypertension (HT) and was also negatively related to total cholesterol (TC) level (HR = 0.74 per 1 mmol/L; 95% CI 0.56–0.96). No independent association was found with mean alcohol intake per drinking occasion. These results in a Russian cohort have an implication for the prediction of AF and ASCVD complications in the general population

Specificity of youth political actcionizm in Russia (on the base of review sociolological researches)

The article is based on the secondary analysis of all-russian and interregional sociological surveys of youth social political actionism. It is mentioned that youth is characterized by ambivalent behavior, mixing passivity in conventional political sphere with political ambitions, big potential of civic activity and political mobilization. Authors underline the growing role of ICTs in self-organization of youth. Peculiarities of social situation and social demographic characteristics, factors of development of youth actionism are analyzed, methodological principles are deduced for further investigation.В статье приводится результаты вторичного анализа всероссийских и межрегиональных социологических исследований молодежного общественно-политического акционизма. Отмечается противоречивый характер поведения молодежи, сочетания пассивности в сфере конвенциональной политики с политическими карьерными амбициями, потенциалом гражданской активности и политической мобилизации, подчеркивается возрастающая роль информационных компьютерных технологий в процессе самоорганизации молодежи, анализируются особенности социального положения и социально-демографические характеристики молодежных активистов, факторы развития молодежного акционизма, обобщаются методологические принципы исследования

Экспрессия интерферон-стимулированных генов у пациентов с ревматоидным артритом на фоне анти-В-клеточной терапии (предварительные результаты)

Objective: to evaluate the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISG) – interferon (IFN) signature – in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its dynamics during anti-B-cell therapy.Patients and methods.We examined 20 patients with RA who received two infusions of the biosimilar rituximab (RTM) Acellbia® in a total dose of 1200 mg. Five genes were selected to evaluate IFN signature: IFI44L, MX1, IFIT1, RSAD2, EPSTI1. The expression of IFI44L and IFIT1 could not be determined for technical reasons, and further analysis included three genes – MX1, EPSTI1, RSAD2. IFN signature was calculated as the average value of the expression of three selected genes (IFN-score).Results and discussion. The initial expression level of MX1 was 11.48 (5.45–19.38), EPSTI1 – 12.83 (5.62–19.64), RSAD2 – 5.16 (2.73–10.4) and IFN-score –10.3 (5.18–17.12), in patients with RA it was statistically significantly higher than in healthy donors: 1.26 (0.73–1.6); 1.06 (0.81–1.48); 0.93 (0.72–1.19) and 1.09 (0.92–1.42), respectively (p<0.05). The IFN-score was high in 15 (75%) patients, low in 5 (15%). The use of RTM was accompanied by a statistically significant decrease in disease activity and the level of acute phase parameters (ESR, CRP) after 12 and 24 weeks of therapy (p<0.05). In the group as a whole, as well as in patients with a moderate effect of therapy or its absence, by the 24th week of treatment, an increase in the expression of RSAD2 (p<0.05) and a tendency to an increase in the IFN-score level (p=0.06) were observed.Conclusion. In patients with RA, an increased expression of ISH was found compared to healthy donors. An increase in the expression of RSAD2 and IFN-score is observed both in patients with a satisfactory effect of RTM and with no effect. The obtained results can be important for predicting the course of the disease and personalizing therapy.Цель исследования – оценить экспрессию интерферон-стимулированных генов (ИСГ) – интерфероновый (ИФН) «автограф» – у пациентов с ревматоидным артритом (РА) и ее динамику на фоне анти-В-клеточной терапии.Пациенты и методы. Обследовано 20 больных РА, получивших две инфузии биоаналога ритуксимаба (РТМ) Ацеллбия® в суммарной дозе 1200 мг. Для оценки ИФН-«автографа» были отобраны пять генов: IFI44L, MX1, IFIT1, RSAD2, EPSTI1. Экспрессию IFI44L и IFIT1 определить не удалось по техническим причинам и в дальнейшем анализе учитывали три гена – MX1, EPSTI1, RSAD2. ИФН-«автограф» был рассчитан как среднее значение экспрессии трех выбранных генов (ИФН-score).Результаты и обсуждение. Исходный уровень экспрессии MX1 – 11,48 (5,45–19,38), EPSTI1 – 12,83 (5,62–19,64), RSAD2 – 5,16 (2,73–10,4) и ИФН- score – 10,3 (5,18–17,12) у пациентов с РА были статистически значимо выше, чем у здоровых доноров: 1,26 (0,73–1,6); 1,06 (0,81–1,48); 0,93 (0,72–1,19) и 1,09 (0,92–1,42) соответственно (р<0,05). Показатель ИФН-score был высоким у 15 (75%) больных, низким – у 5 (15%). Применение РТМ сопровождалось статистически значимым снижением активности заболевания и уровня острофазовых показателей (СОЭ, СРБ) через 12 и 24 нед терапии (p<0,05). В группе в целом, а также у пациентов с умеренным эффектом терапии или его отсутствием к 24-й неделе лечения отмечались повышение экспрессии RSAD2 (p<0,05) и тенденция к повышению уровня ИФН-score (р=0,06).Заключение. У пациентов с РА выявлена повышенная экспрессия ИСГ по сравнению со здоровыми донорами. При удовлетворительном эффекте РТМ или его отсутствии наблюдается повышение экспрессии RSAD2 и ИФН-score. Полученные результаты могут иметь значение для прогнозирования течения заболевания и персонификации терапии

Critical Exponents of the N-vector model

Recently the series for two RG functions (corresponding to the anomalous dimensions of the fields phi and phi^2) of the 3D phi^4 field theory have been extended to next order (seven loops) by Murray and Nickel. We examine here the influence of these additional terms on the estimates of critical exponents of the N-vector model, using some new ideas in the context of the Borel summation techniques. The estimates have slightly changed, but remain within errors of the previous evaluation. Exponents like eta (related to the field anomalous dimension), which were poorly determined in the previous evaluation of Le Guillou--Zinn-Justin, have seen their apparent errors significantly decrease. More importantly, perhaps, summation errors are better determined. The change in exponents affects the recently determined ratios of amplitudes and we report the corresponding new values. Finally, because an error has been discovered in the last order of the published epsilon=4-d expansions (order epsilon^5), we have also reanalyzed the determination of exponents from the epsilon-expansion. The conclusion is that the general agreement between epsilon-expansion and 3D series has improved with respect to Le Guillou--Zinn-Justin.Comment: TeX Files, 27 pages +2 figures; Some values are changed; references update

Взаимосвязь лабораторных биомаркеров и ультразвуковых признаков воспаления у пациентов с ревматоидным артритом на фоне терапии биоаналогом ритуксимаба

Objective: to assess the relationship between laboratory biomarkers and ultrasonographic signs of inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis during therapy with a rituximab (RTM) biosimilar.Patients and methods. 20 patients with definite diagnosis of RA were examined. All patients received 2 infusions of RTM (Acellbia®), at a dose of 600 mg intravenously 2 weeks apart during therapy with methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids. Clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed immediately before the start of therapy, and then 12 and 24 weeks after the first infusion of the drug.Results and discussion. By the 24th week of RTM therapy, a good/moderate effect according to the EULAR criteria was registered in 17 (85%) patients; remission according to DAS28 (<2.6) was achieved in 4 (20%) patients, SDAI (≤3.3) – in 2 (10%), CDAI (≤2.8) – in 1 (5%). Prior to the start of treatment, active synovitis was detected in 13 (65%) patients by power Doppler imaging (PD), and in 20 (100%) patients by gray scale scanning. During therapy with the RTM biosimilar, a significant decrease in inflammatory changes in the joints was observed, and by the 24th week after the start of treatment, the median PD was 0.5; active inflammation persisted in 7 (35%) patients. As shown by ROC analysis, the initial level of interleukin (IL) 6 >100.0 pg/ml is associated with the persistence of inflammatory activity according to PD by the 24th week of therapy with the RTM biosimilar, while the sensitivity was 85% and the specificity was 62% (AUC 0.78, 95% CI 0.57–0.99)Conclusion. An association was found between an increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mainly IL6, and the activity of synovial inflammation according to ultrasound data. IL6 is the most promising marker for predicting persistent inflammatory activity based on the results of PD; other analyzed parameters have worse sensitivity and specificity parameters.Цель исследования – оценить взаимосвязь лабораторных биомаркеров и ультразвуковых признаков воспаления у пациентов с ревматоидным артритом на фоне терапии биоаналогом ритуксимаба (РТМ).Пациенты и методы. Обследовано 20 больных с достоверным диагнозом РА. Всем пациентам проведено по 2 инфузии РТМ (Ацеллбия®) в дозе 600 мг внутривенно с интервалом в 2 нед на фоне терапии метотрексатом, нестероидными противовоспалительными препаратами и глюкокортикоидами. Клинические и лабораторные показатели анализировались непосредственно перед началом терапии, а затем через 12 и 24 нед после первой инфузии препарата.Результаты и обсуждение. К 24-й неделе терапии РТМ хороший/умеренный эффект по критериям EULAR зарегистрирован у 17 (85%) пациентов; ремиссия по DAS28 (<2,6) достигнута у 4 (20%) больных, SDAI ( ≤3,3) – у 2 (10%), CDAI ( ≤2,8) – у 1 (5%). До начала лечения активный синовит по данным энергетического допплеровского картирования (ЭД) выявлен у 13 (65%) пациентов, а при сканировании в режиме серой шкалы – у 20 (100%). На фоне терапии биоаналогом РТМ наблюдалось значимое уменьшение воспалительных изменений в суставах, и к 24-й неделе после начала лечения медиана ЭД составила 0,5; активное воспаление сохранялось у 7 (35%) больных. Как показал ROC-анализ, исходный уровень интерлейкина (ИЛ) 6 >100,0 пг/мл ассоциируется с сохранением воспалительной активности по данным ЭД к 24-й неделе терапии биоаналогом РТМ, при этом чувствительность составила 85% и специфичность – 62% (AUC 0,78, 95% доверительный интервал 0,57–0,99)Заключение. Выявлена ассоциация между повышенным уровнем провоспалительных цитокинов, в основном ИЛ6, и активностью синовиального воспаления по данным УЗИ. Для прогнозирования сохраняющейся воспалительной активности по результатам ЭД наиболее перспективным маркером является ИЛ6, другие анализируемые показатели имеют худшие параметры чувствительности и специфичности

Three-loop critical exponents, amplitude functions, and amplitude ratios from variational perturbation theory

We use variational perturbation theory to calculate various universal amplitude ratios above and below T_c in minimally subtracted phi^4-theory with N components in three dimensions. In order to best exhibit the method as a powerful alternative to Borel resummation techniques, we consider only to two- and three-loops expressions where our results are analytic expressions. For the critical exponents, we also extend existing analytic expressions for two loops to three loops.Comment: Author Information under http://www.physik.fu-berlin.de/~kleinert/institution.html . Latest update of paper (including all PS fonts) at http://www.physik.fu-berlin.de/~kleinert/kleiner_re318/preprint.htm

Rhinocerebral Form of Invasive Mycosis in COVID-19 Patients: Clinical Course, Diagnosis, Treatment Experience

Background. The incidence of invasive mycoses is reported to increase among patients with a history of new coronavirus infection COVID-19. Adhesion and damage of endothelial cells by zygomycetes lead to fungus angioinvasion, release of a large number of fungal proteases, lipases and mycotoxins, as well as vascular thrombosis, subsequent necrosis of tissues.Objectives. Improvement of the diagnosis and treatment for COVID-19 associated invasive mycosis.Methods. Examination and treatment of 143 patients with invasive mycosis of the maxillofacial area in the period from August 2021 to May 2022 at the Maxillofacial Unit of Regional Clinical Hospital of Emergency Medical Care, Krasnodar Krai, Russia. The diagnosis was confi rmed by cytological, culture-based methods, as well as pathomorphological study of surgical specimen. Follow-up monitoring was carried out in 1, 3, 6 months, with repeated CT and MRI investigations. The group under follow-up monitoring included 91 patients. The incidence of signs was determined via descriptive statistics methods in proportion of the total number of observations and expressed as a percentage. Statistika 12.5 and Excel 2010 (Windows 10) were used in the study, the graphical representation of the material was made in the same programs.Results. Manifestation of invasive mycoses of the maxillofacial area occurred during the early convalescent period of coronavirus infection in specialized infectious hospitals or within two weeks after discharge from the hospital. A typical clinical picture includes rhinocerebral zygomycosis with the development of fungal osteomyelitis of the upper jaw, nasal bones, zygomatic bone, ethmoidal labyrinth bones, sphenoid bone, frontal bone. 17 cases (11.9%) had a lethal outcome as a result of disseminated form of fungal infection caused by Mucorales (14 patients), Aspergillus (3 patients) with damage to the brain, lungs, kidneys and fatal massive necrotic lesions of the craniofacial area. An integrated approach embraced early antifungal therapy (Amphotericin B) as well as surgical debridement of the lesions and provided a positive effect in treatment.Conclusion. Invasive fungal infections require prompt diagnosis and early prescription of antifungal therapy (prior to histological confi rmation of diagnosis) to minimize consequences and prevent fatal outcome. Due to the nonspecifi c nature of clinical symptoms and diffi culties of early diagnosis of invasive zygomycosis and aspergillosis, it is necessary to be alert to potential invasive aggressive mycoses in immunocompromised patients who have a history of a new coronavirus infection COVID-19