Introduction of a new model for time-continuous and non-contact investigations of in-vitro thrombolysis under physiological flow conditions

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Thrombolysis is a dynamic and time-dependent process influenced by the haemodynamic conditions. Currently there is no model that allows for time-continuous, non-contact measurements under physiological flow conditions. The aim of this work was to introduce such a model.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The model is based on a computer-controlled pump providing variable constant or pulsatile flows in a tube system filled with blood substitute. Clots can be fixed in a custom-built clot carrier within the tube system. The pressure decline at the clot carrier is measured as a novel way to measure lysis of the clot. With different experiments the hydrodynamic properties and reliability of the model were analyzed. Finally, the lysis rate of clots generated from human platelet rich plasma (PRP) was measured during a one hour combined application of diagnostic ultrasound (2 MHz, 0.179 W/cm²) and a thrombolytic agent (rt-PA) as it is commonly used for clinical sonothrombolysis treatments.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All hydrodynamic parameters can be adjusted and measured with high accuracy. First experiments with sonothrombolysis demonstrated the feasibility of the model despite low lysis rates.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The model allows to adjust accurately all hydrodynamic parameters affecting thrombolysis under physiological flow conditions and for non-contact, time-continuous measurements. Low lysis rates of first sonothrombolysis experiments are primarily attributable to the high stability of the used PRP-clots.</p

Translocation t(1;11)(p32;q23) with MLL-EPS15 fusion gene formation in acute leukemias: a review and 6 new case reports. Approaches to minimal residual disease monitoring

We performed clinical and laboratory characterization of patients with rare translocation t(1;11)(p32;q23) leading to MLL-EPS15 fusion gene formation. Study cohort consisted of 33 primary acute leukemia (AL) cases including 6 newly diagnosed and 27 patients previously described in literature. Among study group patients t(1;11)(p32;q23) was found most frequently in infant AL cases (median age 8 months). In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) male/female ratio was 1:3, in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) it was 1:1. Additional cytogenetic aberrations in 38 % of patients were revealed. The most frequent breakpoint position in EPS15 gene was intron 1. Four different types of MLLEPS15 fusion gene transcripts were detected. Primers-probe-plasmid combination for MLL-EPS15 fusion gene transcript monitoring by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) was developed and successfully applied. In 3 patients RQ-PCR was done on genomic DNA for absolute quantification of MLL-EPS15 fusion gene. High qualitative concordance rate (92 %) was noted between minimal residual disease data obtained in cDNA and genomic DNA for MLL-EPS15 fusion detection.</p

Can pulsed ultrasound increase tissue damage during ischemia? A study of the effects of ultrasound on infarcted and non-infarcted myocardium in anesthetized pigs

BACKGROUND: The same mechanisms by which ultrasound enhances thrombolysis are described in connection with non-beneficial effects of ultrasound. The present safety study was therefore designed to explore effects of beneficial ultrasound characteristics on the infarcted and non-infarcted myocardium. METHODS: In an open chest porcine model (n = 17), myocardial infarction was induced by ligating a coronary diagonal branch. Pulsed ultrasound of frequency 1 MHz and intensity 0.1 W/cm(2 )(I(SATA)) was applied during one hour to both infarcted and non-infarcted myocardial tissue. These ultrasound characteristics are similar to those used in studies of ultrasound enhanced thrombolysis. Using blinded assessment technique, myocardial damage was rated according to histopathological criteria. RESULTS: Infarcted myocardium exhibited a significant increase in damage score compared to non-infarcted myocardium: 6.2 ± 2.0 vs. 4.3 ± 1.5 (mean ± standard deviation), (p = 0.004). In the infarcted myocardium, ultrasound exposure yielded a further significant increase of damage scores: 8.1 ± 1.7 vs. 6.2 ± 2.0 (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest an instantaneous additive effect on the ischemic damage in myocardial tissue when exposed to ultrasound of stated characteristics. The ultimate damage degree remains to be clarified

Stressed out symbiotes:hypotheses for the influence of abiotic stress on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Abiotic stress is a widespread threat to both plant and soil communities. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can alleviate effects of abiotic stress by improving host plant stress tolerance, but the direct effects of abiotic stress on AM fungi are less well understood. We propose two hypotheses predicting how AM fungi will respond to abiotic stress. The stress exclusion hypothesis predicts that AM fungal abundance and diversity will decrease with persistent abiotic stress. The mycorrhizal stress adaptation hypothesis predicts that AM fungi will evolve in response to abiotic stress to maintain their fitness. We conclude that abiotic stress can have effects on AM fungi independent of the effects on the host plant. AM fungal communities will change in composition in response to abiotic stress, which may mean the loss of important individual species. This could alter feedbacks to the plant community and beyond. AM fungi will adapt to abiotic stress independent of their host plant. The adaptation of AM fungi to abiotic stress should allow the maintenance of the plant-AM fungal mutualism in the face of changing climates. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00442-016-3673-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

New trends and competition in the market of higher education services in the context of digitalization

The aim of the study was to analyze new trends, competition and structural changes in higher education in the context of digitalization. The main directions of higher education development in the XXI century are identified. It is shown that by 2020, new trends in the market of higher education services have appeared and fully manifested themselves, due to three key factors: 1) increased global competition; 2) the active introduction of digital technologies in higher education; 3) the impact of the global COVID pandemic on educational technologies. It is shown that the coronavirus pandemic was a powerful incentive for the transition to digital technologies in higher education. Thanks to digitalization, the structure of the market has changed, and the number of players has increased significantly, and the market consists of private and public institutions, ministries of education and government agencies, educational, consulting and test (rating) companies, etc. Moreover, the global competition of universities for quality is becoming more organized and technically equipped; it increasingly relies on impersonal methods of assessing quality using digital technologies. At the same time, the authors draw a number of conclusions about the negative consequences of distance education. It is shown that competitiveness and accessibility of educational services for different categories of citizens in the difficult conditions of global challenges and threats, the wave pandemic, is ensured through high-quality interaction of all participants in the process, the activity of scientists and practitioners around the world, and state support for teaching initiatives in all regions of the country

RESEARCH OF THE POSSIBILITY OF USING VEGETABLE FILLERS IN THE PRODUCTION OF GRANULATED COTTAGE CHEESE

The article shows the feasibility of using vegetable fillers in the production of granulated cottage cheese. The theoretical and experimental substantiation has been given. The possibility of using vegetable fillers in the production of granulated cottage cheese has been investigated. The objects of the study are: grained cottage cheese; «Half-sour dill pickles» vegetable filler; sample tests of cottage cheese with vegetable filler «Half-sour dill cucumbers»; control sample without the filler. Production of the studied samples was carried out in accordance with the TI TC following the generally accepted technology for the production of grained cottage cheese. Organoleptic and physical and chemical evaluation of experimental samples has been carried out in accordance with the established requirements of the standards.As part of the research, technological compatibility of the «Half-sour dill pickles» vegetable filler and cottage cheese has been studied, the effect of vegetable fillers on the organoleptic and physical and chemical characteristics of the finished product has been shown.The optimal ratio of the main ingredients in the formulation has been experimentally revealed. The optimal formulation has been calculated and the technology for the production of a new product developed. The results of the study indicate that the developed product meets the requirements of regulatory and technical documentation and can be recommended as dietary and sport nutrition due to its physical and chemical, organoleptic and  microbiological indicators

640-SLICE CT CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY IN THE EARLY POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD AFTER CIRCUMFLEX ARTERY STENTING IN A PATIENT WITH ANOMALOUS ORIGIN OF THE RIGHT CORONARY ARTERY FROM THE LEFT SINUS OF VALSALVA

The paper describes a clinical observation showing the capabilities of three-dimensional dynamic 640-slice CT coronary angiography in the postoperative period after coronary artery stenting and in the presence of anomalous origin of coronary arteries from a single coronary sinus. Patient K. aged 76 years who had sought medical advice for his complaints of pressing retrosternal pain radiating to the inter-scapular region when walking 20–30 meters, as well as intermittent episodes of crushing pain at rest was examined. The patient underwent coronary angiography, circumflex artery stenting, and three-dimensional dynamic 640-slice CT-coronary angiography in the early postoperative period. Three-dimensional dynamic 640-slice CT coronary angiography after circumflex artery stenting could determine the status of the operated artery and stent and identify a variant of anomalous origin of the right coronary artery, which had not been previously diagnosed using two invasive coronary angiographies