Spatially resolved simulation of a radio frequency driven micro atmospheric pressure plasma jet and its effluent

Radio frequency driven plasma jets are frequently employed as efficient plasma sources for surface modification and other processes at atmospheric pressure. The radio-frequency driven micro atmospheric pressure plasma jet ($\mu$APPJ) is a particular variant of that concept whose geometry allows direct optical access. In this work, the characteristics of the $\mu$APPJ operated with a helium-oxygen mixture and its interaction with a helium environment are studied by numerical simulation. The density and temperature of the electrons, as well as the concentration of all reactive species are studied both in the jet itself and in its effluent. It is found that the effluent is essentially free of charge carriers but contains a substantial amount of activated oxygen (O, O$_3$ and O$_2(^1\Delta)$). The simulation results are verified by comparison with experimental data

Structurall features of the pancreas in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: Observation of changes in the volume and size of the pancreas has a long history, however, the results of studies are still not unambiguous, the specific causes of changes in pancreatic volume, as well as their consequences, are not clear. According to some data, the decrease of pancreas volume in life expectancy is 35–45% in the population of patients with a long history of type 1 diabetes, and about 20–25% during the first year of the disease. Interestingly, in T1D in 20–45% of cases, the development of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is noted, one of the manifestations of which is pancreatic atrophy, leading to a decrease in life expectancy.AIM: Assess the volume and size of the pancreas, as well as factors that can influence on their changes.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 78 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the control group consisted of 23 people without previously identified disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, comparable in age and anthropometric parameters with the study group. RESULTS: The volume and dimensions of the pancreas were statistically significantly less in patients with T1D than in the control group. In addition, the influence of the duration of T1D and the age of onset of the disease on these indicators has been proven.CONCLUSION: The volume and size of the pancreas in patients with T1D is less than in healthy individuals. It is necessary to  study the effect of these changes on the function of the pancreas

Investigation of initiation of gigantic jets connecting thunderclouds to the ionosphere

The initiation of giant electrical discharges called as "gigantic jets" connecting thunderclouds to the ionosphere is investigated by numerical simulation method in this paper. Using similarity relations, the triggering conditions of streamer formation in laboratory situations are extended to form a criterion of initiation of gigantic jets. The energy source causing a gigantic jet is considered due to the quasi-electrostatic field generated by thunderclouds. The electron dynamics from ionization threshold to streamer initiation are simulated by the Monte Carlo technique. It is found that gigantic jets are initiated at a height of ~18-24 km. This is in agreement with the observations. The method presented in this paper could be also applied to the analysis of the initiation of other discharges such as blue jets and red sprites.Comment: 12th International Congress on Plasma Physics, 25-29 October 2004, Nice (France

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy and Graves’ disease: A predictor of treatment efficiency

Current therapeutic approaches to the treatment of endocrine ophthalmopathy (EOP) are based on nonspecific immunosuppression with glucocorticosteroids (GCs) and radiation therapy of the eye orbits. However, some patients exhibit resistance to the treatment. In a previous study, we have detected high levels of soluble cytokine receptors: sTNFα-R1, sTNFα-R2, sIL-2R, and the TGF-β1 cytokine in euthyroid patients with long-lasting non-treated EOP and Graves’ disease (GD). TGF-β1 level was significantly higher in the patients with EOP compared to healthy individuals, and increased with prolonged EOP duration, thus suggesting activation of the factors regulating immune system which promote suppression of the autoimmune process. The aim of this work was to study the dynamics of TGF-β1 and cytokine receptors: sTNFα-R1, sTNFα-R2, sIL-2R in the course of immunosuppressive therapy with high doses of GCs, as possible predictors of treatment efficacy. The study included 49 patients (98 eye orbits) with GD of euthyroid state and subclinical thyrotoxicosis, and the persons with EOP in active phase, who had not previously treatment for EOP. Concentrations of TGF-β1 cytokine, sTNFα-RI and sTNFα-R2, sIL-2R, antibodies to the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (rTSH), free fractions of thyroxine (fT4) and triiodothyronine (fT3), TSH in blood serum were determined in blood serum. Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland (ultrasound of the thyroid gland), multi-layer computed tomography (MSCT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbits were also performed. The patients were administered immunosuppressive therapy with high doses of HCs (methylprednisolone) in the course of pulse therapy, at a standard dosage of 4500-8000 mg, taking into account the severity and activity of the EOP clinical manifestations. The examination was carried out 3, 6, 12 months after starting the treatment. 3 and 6 months after the GC administration, more than 30% of patients remained resistant to treatment. The levels of TGF-β1 did not change significantly in the patients with positive EOP dynamics. In the patients resistant to GC treatment, the level of TGF-β1 was significantly decreased compared with patients who showed positive clinical dynamics. The level of sNFR1 and sNFaR2 did not change significantly. There were no significant differences in the levels of antibodies to rTSH, thyroid hormones in the patients resistant to GC treatment and with positive dynamics.Immunosuppressive therapy with high-dose of methylprednisolone in pulse therapy regimen showed high efficacy and good tolerability, while some patients remain resistant to treatment. Lower levels of TGF-β1 cytokine at initial time and during the treatment allow usage of TGF-β1 levels as a biomarker of the activity of the process, treatment efficiency, and prognosis of the disease. Activation of TGF-β1, a fibroblast growth factor, may contribute to the development of fibrosis, strabismus, and diplopia

A case of 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency type 3 in adult endocrinologist practice

17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 deficiency (17HSD3) is a rare autosomal recessive cause of 46, XY disorders of sex development resulting from HSD17B3 gene mutations, in which conversion of androstenedione to testosterone is impared. The clinical signs of 17HSD3 deficiency depend on the residual activity of the enzyme. The diagnosis of 17HSD3 deficiency is based on reduced testosterone/androstenedione ratio (T/AD < 0.8). Patients are usually assigned at birth and raise as female. If the diagnosis is made before puberty, gonadectomy is recommended, taking into account the risk of masculinization during the puberty and estrogen therapy initiation in this period. If the diagnosis of 17HSD3 deficiency is established during puberty, when virilization manifests, the therapeutic strategy is based on the results of comprehensive psychological testing and gender identity of a patient. In patients with more pronounced masculinization or diagnosis established shortly after birth, who are assigned at birth and raise as male, testosterone therapy is used to achieve a male phenotype. The 17HSD3 deficiency and virilization often result in a change of gender identity during puberty. The article presents a clinical case of 17-βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 deficiency with late diagnosis due to parental will. The diagnostic approaches and management of the disease are also described

Structure and features of antihypertensive therapy in railway employees hospitalized with cardiac arrhythmia

The purpose of the study is to evaluation of the structure and antihypertensive (AHT) railway employees with cardiac arrhythmia observed in outpatient health care facilities.Цель исследования – оценка структуры и антигипертензивной (АГТ) у сотрудников железной дороги с нарушением ритма сердца наблюдающихся в условиях амбулаторно-поликлинических учреждений здравоохранения