The glacial geomorphology of western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

Reconstructing the response of present-day ice sheets to past global climate change is important for constraining and refining the numerical models which forecast future contributions of these ice sheets to sea-level change. Mapping landforms is an essential step in reconstructing glacial histories. Here we present a new map of glacial landforms and deposits on nunataks in western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. Nunataks are mountains or ridges that currently protrude through the ice sheet and may provide evidence that they have been wholly or partly covered by ice, thus indicating a formerly more extensive (thicker) ice sheet. The map was produced through a combination of mapping from Worldview satellite imagery and ground validation. The sub-metre spatial resolution of the satellite imagery enabled mapping with unprecedented detail. Ten landform categories have been mapped, and the landform distributions provide evidence constraining spatial patterns of a previously thicker ice sheet

Effect of Intraoperative Propofol-Induced Sedation on the Neurotransmitter Levels (Pilot Study)

The aim of the study was to determine the changes in the levels of various neurotransmitters depending on the depth of propofol-induced sedation.Material and methods. Twenty-four patients were included in a prospective, simple blinded study. All patients underwent elective orthopedic intervention with subarachnoid anesthesia and moderate (group 1, n=12) or deep (group 2, n=12) propofol-induced sedation. Peripheral blood sampling for measurement of neurotransmitter levels was performed before regional blockade (Stage 1), 35–40 min after the start of sedation (Stage 2), and 10–15 min after sedation was terminated and consciousness was recovered (Stage 3).Results. Deep propofol-induced sedation resulted in a decrease in norepinephrine level at stages 2 and 3. Under moderate sedation, its level decreased at Stage 2 and returned to baseline after restoration of consciousness. The initial concentration of norepinephrine (Stage 1) was higher in Group 2.Conclusion. Propofol-induced sedation resulted in reduced level of the main stress hormone, which suggests its stabilizing effect on autonomic nervous system

Tuberculosis outcomes related to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotype

Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains of different phylogenetic lineages and genetic families differ in biological properties that determine, to some extent, epidemiological features and clinical manifestation in tuberculosis (TB) patients.The aim of the study was to assess the risk of an adverse outcome of the disease in TB patients caused by various M. tuberculosis genotypes.Materials and methods. A total of 425 patients with respiratory TB were enrolled in this study. They were registered at phthisiatric facilities in the Omsk region from March 2015 to June 2017 period and included: males — 73.1%, mean age 39.9 years, females — 26.9%, mean age 42.0 years. M. tuberculosis culture and drug susceptibility testing and DNA extraction were performed in accordance with standard methods. Strains were assigned to the M. tuberculosis Beijing genotype and its epidemiologically relevant clusters B0/W148 and 94-32 by PCR based detection of specific markers. Non-Beijing strains were subjected to spoligotyping.Results. We found that 66.5% isolates belonged to the Beijing genotype, 12.8% — to LAM, 10.1% — to T, and 4.7% — to the Ural genotype. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) to anti-TB drugs was observed in 195 M. tuberculosis strains (45.9%). Moreover, Beijing genotype was more often isolated from patients with MDR-TB infection (PR = 2.09 (95% CI 1.6–2.74) and TB infection associated with HIV infection (PR = 1.14 (95% CI 1.01–1.31). Lethal outcome was double higher in patients infected with Beijing vs. non-Beijing strains, 28.6% vs. 14.0% (PR = 2.03; 95% CI 1.3–3.17). The risk factors were identified as follows: young age 18–44 years (RR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.18–2.7), co-morbidity with HIV (RR = 5.0; 95% CI 3.39–7.45), multiple (RR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.14–2.55) and extensive drug resistance (RR = 2.57; 95% CI 1.35–4.92), and association with the Beijing genotype (RR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.3–3.17).Conclusion. M. tuberculosis spread in the Omsk region is characterised by significant prevalence of the Beijing genotype, associated with multiple and extensive drug resistance. A significant association of adverse clinical outcomes and various factors, including association with the Beijing genotype, requires development of new approaches in the fight against tuberculosis

Cytotoxic effect of the VVGMCSF-Lact oncolytic virus against 3D cultures of human glioblastoma cells U-87 MG

Background. One of the promising methods of treating tumors is virotherapy, which is based on direct lysis of cancer cells by a virus and a virus-mediated antitumor immune response of the body. For the recombinant vaccinia virus strain VVGMCSF-Lact, producing human GMCSF and the oncotoxic protein lactaptin, cytotoxic and antitumor effects were shown in experiments in vitro and in vivo, respectively, when using adhesive cultures of U-87 MG human glioblastoma cells. 3D cultures are a more relevant tumor model than adhesive models, as they more fully reflect the realistic scenario of cancer development, as well as the response of the tumor to anticancer therapy.The aim. To evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the oncolytic virus VV-GMCSF-Lact against 3D cultures of human glioblastoma U-87 MG.Materials and methods. The following methods were used in the work: cultivation of 3D cell cultures, cytofluorometry, microscopic analysis, virus titration, statistical analysis.Results. U-87 MG cells were transduced with a lentiviral vector carrying the GFP reporter gene. The cytotoxicity of the VV-GMCSF-Lact virus (IC50) against the studied cells was 0.024 PFU/cell. U-87 MG cells were cultured under conditions for the formation of 3D structures. Microscopic analysis showed the oncolytic effect of the virus on the cells of 3D cultures as early as 24 hours after the start of incubation. Flow cytometry showed an increase in the granularity of glioblastoma cells under the action of the virus, which indicates active replication of the virus in the cells. The virus titer was 0.44 PFU/cell.Conclusions. The recombinant VV-GMCSF-Lact virus has a cytotoxic effect on 3D human glioblastoma U-87 MG cell cultures and actively replicates in them. In the future, to test the oncolytic effect of VV-GMCSF-Lact, it is planned to use not only 3D human glioblastoma cultures, but also cerebral organelles obtained in the process of cocultivation of glioblastoma cells and induced human pluripotent cells

ЗНАЧЕНИЕ МЕСТНОГО ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ТРАНЕКСАМОВОЙ КИСЛОТЫ ПРИ КАРДИОХИРУРГИЧЕСКИХ ОПЕРАЦИЯХ С ИСКУССТВЕННЫМ КРОВООБРАЩЕНИЕМ

Peri-operative bleeding in surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass results in the increase of post-operative complications and mortality. Fibrinolysis hyperactivation is the common cause of non-operative bleeding. Materials and methods. 60 patients who had cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled into the study. The antifibrinolytic agent (tranexamic acid) was administered to all patients: 32 patients (TA1) received an intravenous loading dose of tranexamic acid basing on 15 mg/kg during 20 min. with the consequent infusion of 1 mg/(kg × h-1) + 500 mg during cardiopulmonary bypass; 28 patients (TA2) received intravenous loading dose of tranexamic acid (15 mg/kg for 20 minutes) with the consequent infusion of 1 mg/(kg × h-1) + 500 mg during cardiopulmonary bypass + 1000 mg administered into the pericardial cavity and sternum before its closure. The peri-operative blood loss and volume of blood transfusion (erythrocyte suspension, fresh frozen plasma, platelet concentrate) were assessed. Results. Intra-operative blood loss made 815 (800–862) ml in TA1 group and 700 (650–735) ml in TA2 group. The volume of the post-operative blood loss in TA2 group was confidently lower compared to TA1 group: 170 (100–240) ml versus 275 (180–307) ml respectively. The frequency of erythrocyte suspension transfusion in the post-operative period did not differ significantly and the frequency of fresh frozen plasma transfusion was 2.5 lower in TA2 group compared to TA1 group. Conclusions. Blood-saving effect of the system administration of tranexamic acid is enhanced by local its administration into the pericardial cavity and sternum. Периоперационное кровотечение при операциях с искусственным кровообращением (ИК) приводит к увеличению уровня послеоперационных осложнений и смертности. Причинами нехирургического кровотечения нередко является гиперактивизация фибринолиза. Материалы и методы. В исследование включено 60 больных, оперированных на сердце с применением ИК. Всем больным был введен антифибринолитик (транексамовая кислота): в 32 случаях (ТК1) введена внутривенная нагрузочная доза ТК из расчета 15 мг/кг в течение 20 мин с последующей инфузией 1 мг/(кг ∙ ч-1) + 500 мг в АИК; у 28 больных (ТК2) использована внутривенная нагрузочная доза ТК (15 мг/кг за 20 мин) с последующей инфузией 1 мг/(кг ∙ ч-1) + 500 мг в АИК + 1 000 мг в полость перикарда и за грудину перед ее сведением. Оценивали периоперационную кровопотерю и объем гемотрансфузии (эритроцитарная взвесь, свежезамороженная плазма, тромбоцитарная масса). Результаты. Интраоперационная кровопотеря составила в группе ТК1 815 (800–862) мл, в ТК2 – 700 (650–735) мл. Объем послеоперационной кровопотери в группе ТК2 был достоверно ниже, чем в группе ТК1: соответственно 170 (100–240) мл против 275 (180–307) мл. Частота переливания эритроцитарной взвеси в послеоперационном периоде существенно не различалась, частота переливания свежезамороженной плазмы в ТК2 была в 2,5 раза ниже, чем в ТК1. Выводы. Кровосберегающий эффект системного применения транексамовой кислоты усиливается местным использованием препарата при введении его в полость перикарда и за грудину.

Methodology of interdisciplinary projects in a foreign languagein the university

The study presents methodology of interdisciplinary projects in a foreign language as one of the effective teaching tools not only in the aspect of teaching a foreign language but also research work, intercultural interaction, information and communication technologies and professional communication.В данном исследовании представлен метод междисциплинарных проектов на иностранном языке, как один из эффективных методов обучения не только иностранному языку, но и научно-исследовательской работе, межкультурному взаимодействию, использованию информационно-коммуникационных технологий и профессиональной коммуникации

ВЛИЯНИЕ ИНТРАОПЕРАЦИОННОЙ НОРМОВОЛЕМИЧЕСКОЙ ГЕМОДИЛЮЦИИ НА ГЕМОСТАЗ, КРОВОПОТЕРЮ И ПОКАЗАНИЯ К ТРАНСФУЗИИ ДОНОРСКИХ ЭРИТРОЦИТОВ ПРИ ОПЕРАЦИЯХ НА СЕРДЦЕ В УСЛОВИЯХ ИСКУССТВЕННОГО КРОВООБРАЩЕНИЯ

Intra-operative acute normovolemic hemodilution or autologous blood transfusion, is one of the factors of the patient's blood conservation and reduction of the donor blood use.The objective: to assess the value of acute normovolemic hemodilution for the normalization of intra-operative homeostasis, reduction of blood loss and transfusion of donor erythrocytes during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.Methods. 270 patients undergoing surgery on heart valves and coronary vessels at the age from 18 to 79 patients were examined. 600−1,200 ml of autoblood were collected before cardiopulmonary bypass against the background of the patient's heparinization and installation of aortic cannula. The following parameters were studied: the frequency of normovolemic hemodilution use, volume of autohemoexfusion of blood, hemostasis rates in the early post-perfusion period, the volume of intra- and post-operative blood loss, frequency and volume of hemotransfusion.Results. Intra-operative autologous blood transfusion from right atrial appendage against full heparinization of the patient in the volume of 600–1,200 ml before cardiopulmonary bypass allowed reducing intra-operative blood loss by 1.3 times, the volume of transfused erythrocytes by 1.3–1.7 times and the frequency of the demand for it by 4–6 times in the patients having surgery with myocardial revascularization and cardiac defect management. The analysis of coagulation parameters in the post-perfusion period after modified acute normovolemic hemodilution proved the reduction of hemostasis dysfunction mostly due to the platelet factor.Conclusion. Intra-operative acute normovolemic hemodilution is an effective and safe way to reduce intra-operative blood loss, use of donor blood and restoration of hemostasis in the patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.Интраоперационная острая нормоволемическая гемодилюция (ОНГ), или аутогемотрансфузия, является одним из факторов сохранения крови больного и снижения частоты использования донорской крови.Цель: оценить значение острой нормоволемической гемодилюции в нормализации интраоперационного гемостаза, уменьшении кровопотери и трансфузии донорской эритромассы при кардиохирургических вмешательствах в условиях искусственного кровообращения (ИК).Методика. Обследовано 270 кардиохирургических больных в возрасте 18−79 лет, оперированных на клапанах сердца и коронарных сосудах. Забор аутокрови в количестве 600−1 200 мл осуществляли перед ИК на фоне гепаринизации больного и постановки аортальной канюли. Изучали частоту использования нормоволемической гемодилюции, объем аутогемоэксфузии крови, показатели гемостаза в раннем постперфузионном периоде, величину интра- и послеоперационной кровопотери, частоту и объем гемотрансфузии.Результаты. Интраоперационная аутогемотрансфузия из ушка правого предсердия на фоне полной гепаринизации больного в количестве 600−1 200 мл перед ИК позволила уменьшить интраоперационную кровопотерю в 1,3 раза, объем перелитой эритроцитарной массы в 1,3−1,7 раза и частоту потребности в ней в 4−6 раз у больных при операции реваскуляризации миокарда и коррекции пороков сердца. Анализ параметров коагуляции в постперфузионном периоде после модифицированной острой нормоволемической гемодилюции показал уменьшение дисфункции гемостаза преимущественно за счет тромбоцитарного фактора.Заключение. Интраоперационная острая нормоволемическая гемодилюция является эффективным и безопасным методом уменьшения интраоперационной кровопотери, использования донорской крови и восстановления гемостаза у кардиохирургических больных, оперированных с ИК

Genetic variation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis circulating in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A persistent increase of tuberculosis cases has recently been noted in the Ukraine. The reported incidence of drug-resistant isolates of <it>M. tuberculosis </it>is growing steadily; however, data on the genetic variation of isolates of <it>M. tuberculosis </it>circulating in northern Ukraine and on the spectrum and frequency of occurrence of mutations determining resistance to the principal anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampicin have not yet been reported.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Isolates of <it>M. tuberculosis </it>from 98 tuberculosis patients living in Kharkiv Oblast (Ukraine) were analyzed using VNTR- and RFLP-IS6110-typing methods. Mutations associated with resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid were detected by RFLP-PCR methods, and also confirmed by sequencing.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We identified 75 different genetic profiles. Thirty four (34%) isolates belonged to the Beijing genotype and 23 (23%) isolates belonged to the LAM family. A cluster of isolates belonging to the LAM family had significant genetic heterogeneity, indicating that this family had an ancient distribution and circulation in this geographical region. Moreover, we found a significant percentage of the isolates (36%) belonged to as yet unidentified families of <it>M. tuberculosis </it>or had individual non-clustering genotypes. Mutations conferring rifampicin and isoniazid resistance were detected in 49% and 54% isolates, respectively. Mutations in codon 531 of the <it>rpoB </it>gene and codon 315 of the <it>katG </it>gene were predominant among drug-resistant isolates. An association was found for belonging to the LAM strain family and having multiple drug resistance (R = 0.27, p = 0.0059) and also for the presence of a mutation in codon 531 of the <it>rpoB </it>gene and belonging to the Beijing strain family (R = 0.2, p = 0.04).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Transmission of drug-resistant isolates seems to contribute to the spread of resistant TB in this oblast. The Beijing genotype and LAM genotype should be seen as a major cause of drug resistant TB in this region.</p

TRY plant trait database - enhanced coverage and open access

Plant traits-the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants-determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait-based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits-almost complete coverage for 'plant growth form'. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait-environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives