Resource function of conceptual and metacognitive abilities in adolescents with different forms of dysontogenesis.

This study investigated the level of conceptual and metacognitive abilities and their interaction in adolescents with different forms of dysontogenesis. The total sample (N= 173) included four groups of young adolescents (11-12 years old): with normal development, with infantile cerebral palsy (CP), with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and with delayed intellectual development (DID). We measured the adolescents’ performance on tests of conceptual abilities (the use of categories at different grades of generalization, the discovery of abstract meaning and implicit connections between concepts) and metacognitive abilities (attention selectivity, as measured by Mtinsterberg’s test and the understanding of hidden pictures, and attention organization, as measured by indices of cognitive styles). The results showed, first, that in comparison with normal adolescents, the adolescents with CP and ADHD had a deficit of metacognitive abilities, but they did not differ in rates of conceptual abilities. As for adolescents with DID, even though they had lower rates of conceptual abilities and attention selectivity, they did not differ from the “norm” group on some indices of attention organization. Second, a tendency for the disintegration of conceptual and metacognitive abilities (as measured by correlation and factor analysis) was most clearly seen in the adolescents with ADHD and DID. The adolescents with CP and ADHD had conceptual (categorial and generative) abilities as a mental resource, and the adolescents with DID had metacognitive abilities as a mental resource. The resource function of conceptual and metacognitive abilities was determined not only by their level but also by the extent of their interaction (integration)

Содержание лептина и адипонектина в крови у больных хроническим гепатитом С с наруш ениями уг леводно-жирового обмена

Aim: to analyze leptin and adiponectin serum levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C in comparison with metabolic syndrome components, biochemical features and stage of hepatitis.Materials and methods: In 93 patients with chronic HCV in age 20-55 with a few symptomatic HCV-infection and minimal liver fibrosis stage serum leptin and adiponectin was measured. Associations between leptin, adiponectin and metabolic abnormalities, biochemical features, and hepatic fibrosis were determined.Results: Abdominal obesity was revealed at 40% patients, overweight – at 41%, insulin resistance – at 36,6% cases. The leptin and adiponectin levels were within normal limits range at most patients. Patients with minimal liver fibrosis had higher index of leptin by comparison to patients with moderate and severe fibrosis (r= – 0,402, р= 0,018). In patients with HCV genotype 3a the adiponectin level was below, than in HCV genotype 1b. Patients with abdominal obesity and overweight had higher leptin and lower adiponectin indexes by comparison to patients without these metabolic abnormalities. Direct cross-correlation between the leptin level and body mass index (r=0,358, p=0,001), waist circumference (r=0,292, p=0,01); negative cross-correlation between the adiponectin level and body mass index (r=- 0,435, р <0,021), waist circumference (r=- 0,386, р =0,001) were displayed.Conclusion: Leptin and adiponectin blood levels in HCVpatientis associated with abdominal obesity and overweight. The connection of leptin level and liver fibrosis stage was revealed. Difference of adiponectin level in HCV-patients with 3a and 1b genotypes of virus was found.Цель: оценить содержание лептина и адипонектина в крови больных хроническим гепатитом С в сопоставлении с компонентами метаболического синдрома, биохимическими характеристиками и стадией фиброза печени. Материалы и методы. Содержание лептина и адипонектина в крови определили у 93 больных хроническим гепатитом С в возрасте от 20 до 55 лет с малосимптомным течением заболевания и минимально выраженным фиброзом печени в большинстве случаев. Оценивали связь между содержанием лептина и адипонектина в крови и метаболическими нарушениями, биохимической активностью гепатита, стадией фиброза печени.Результаты. Абдоминальное ожирение выявлено в 40% случаев, избыточная масса тела – в 41%, инсулинорезистентность – в 36,6%. У большинства больных уровень лептина и адипонектина был в пределах нормальных колебаний. Средний показатель лептина был достоверно выше у пациентов с минимальным фиброзом печени в сравнении с выраженным и тяжелым фиброзом (r= – 0,402, р= 0,018).У больных гепатитом, вызванным HCV генотипа 3a, средний уровень адипонектина был ниже, чем у пациентов, инфицированных HCV генотипа 1b. Достоверно более высокие показатели лептина и низкие адипонектина были у больных хроническим гепатитом С с абдоминальным ожирением, повышенной массой тела в сравнении с пациентами без этих нарушений обмена. Выявлена прямая корреляционная связь между уровнем лептина и индексом массы тела (r=0,358, p=0,001), окружностью талии (r=0,292, p=0,01); отрицательная корреляционная связь между уровнем адипонектина и индексом массы тела (r=-0,435, р <0,021), окружностью талии (r=- 0,386, р =0,001).Заключение. У больных хроническим гепатитом С уровень лептина и адипонектина в крови ассоциирован с абдоминальным ожирением, избытком массы тела. Выявлена связь уровня лептина со стадией фиброза печени, найдены различия уровня адипонектина в крови у больных, инфицированных HCV генотипа 3a и 1b

ОЦЕНКА КОНЦЕНТРАЦИИ РАСТВОРИМОГО РЕЦЕПТОРА CD14 В ПЛАЗМЕ У ВИЧ-ИНФИЦИРОВАННЫХ ПОТРЕБИТЕЛЕЙ ОПИАТОВ

Chronic immune activation is one of the main causes of HIV disease progression. Bacterial components passed to the bloodstream from the gut as a result of microbial translocation, are known to induce immune activation. Component of Gram-negative bacteria’s cell walls, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is considered to be the major marker of microbial translocation. Through the activation of myeloid cells (predominantly monocytes) LPS causes the secretion of soluble CD14, thus making it a marker of LPS bioactivity. Besides sCD14 was shown to correlate with immune status in HIVinfected patients and to be an independent predictor of disease progression.Hypothesis: opiates increase microbial translocation from the gut in HIV-infected patients that is manifested by a higher concentration of sCD14 in plasma.Aim: to estimate the influence of opiate use on the level of sCD14 in plasma of HIV-infected patients.Materials and methods. Longitudinal study of 351 HIV positive individuals. Concentration of sCD14, was evaluated at 3 time points: baseline, after 12 and 24 months. Following groups were studied: 1) current opiate users – opiate use within past 30 days; 2) opiate users, who denied consumption of opiates within past 30 days; 3) people claiming to never have used opiates.Results. In dynamic assessment sCD14 mean was significantly higher in current opiate users (2222,46±39,02 ng/ml) against patients who denied opiates within past 30 days (1930±597 ng/ml) and those, claiming to never have used opiates (1915±577 ng/ml) (p<0,001).Conclusion. Opiate use in the course of HIV disease leads to increase in LPS induced monocyte activation which therefore signifies more intensive microbial translocation.Хроническая активация иммунной системы является одним из основных факторов патогенеза ВИЧ-инфекции. Значительная роль в хронической иммунной активации принадлежит транслокации бактериальных компонентов из кишечника в кровоток, в первую очередь липополисахарида (ЛПС) клеточной стенки грамотрицательных микроорганизмов. Растворимая форма рецептора CD14 (sCD14) является маркером моноцитарной активации, индуцированной ЛПС. Гипотеза исследования: у больных ВИЧ-инфекцией потребление опиатов способствует усилению микробной транслокации из кишечника, проявляющейся более высокой концентрацией sCD14 в плазме крови.Цель исследования: оценить влияние употребления опиатов на концентрацию sCD14 в плазме крови у больных ВИЧ-инфекцией.Материалы и методы: у 351 больного ВИЧ-инфекцией определена концентрация растворимого рецептора CD14 в плазме в трёх временных точках: при включении в исследование, через 12 и 24 мес. Сопоставлены значения концентрации sCD14 в группах: 1) активных потребителей опиатов; 2) наркопотребителей, отрицающих употребление опиатов за последние 30 дней; 3) пациентов, отрицающих факт употребления опиатов в анамнезе.Результаты: у активных опиатных наркопотребителей выявлено значимо более высокое среднее значение концентрации sCD14 в плазме крови (2213±596 нг/мл) в сравнении с пациентами, не употреблявшими опиаты за последние 30 дней (1930±597 нг/мл), и лицами, отрицающими употребление опиатов (1915±577 нг/мл) (р<0,001).Заключение: полученные результаты указывают, что у больных ВИЧ-инфекцией употребление опиатов приводит к усилению ЛПС-индуцированной моноцитарной активации, что, в свою очередь, свидетельствует о более интенсивной транслокации бактериальных компонентов

Synthesis, structure and photocatalytic properties of nanoparticles from a carbon-containing composite based on silicon oxide modified with titanium dioxide

A pulsed plasmochemical method was used to obtain carbon-containing nanocomposites based on silicon oxide modified with titanium dioxide. The material contained a SixCyOz carrier with an average size of 50–150 nm and a shell of fine particles with an average size of 5–10 nm. The phase composition and morphology of the synthesized composites was studied by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The optical and photocatalytic properties of the nanoparticles from the carbon-based composite based on silicon oxide encapsulated in titanium dioxide were studied. The synthesized composite showed a high photocatalytic activity due to the decomposition of methylene blue under the influence of visible light in the wavelength range of 460–630 nm

Academic textbooks as a medium for students’ intellect development in teaching mathematics

The aim of the publication is to demonstrate the implementation results of the “Mathematics, Psychology, Intellect” (MPI) educational project used for selecting and devising the new textbook content for multipurpose learning activities and students’ intellect development in comprehensive schools. The methodology, based on the psycho-didactic approach, involves the analysis of the existing experience of textbooks development, including the traditional reference and narrative books, and the ones, organized as a dialogue with a student-reader and oriented toward the facts comprehension and reasoning. In the context of the reader-oriented theory, the author proves the advantages of special developmental materials complying with the enrichment model. Research results describe mathematical textbooks and learning materials development for secondary schools including students’ books, practicum and workbooks for independent study, and computer software for the 5 to 9th -year students. Secondly, the authors denote the psycho-didactic typology of and requirements for developmental texts. Scientific novelty is related to the specificity of the given academic texts, conveying the structure of the formal mathematical knowledge on the one hand, and on the other hand - developing the basic components of students’ mental experience (including cognitive, conceptual, metacognitive and intentional ones), and creating the conditions for exercising the individual cognitive styles. Practical significance results from activating the individual intellectual resources of school leavers, developing their learning ability and readiness for the future innovative professional and personal lifeЦель публикации – познакомить читателей с некоторыми результатами реализации образовательного проекта "Математика. Психология. Интеллект" (МПИ), в соответствии с которым отбирается и разрабатывается содержание учебников и учебных материалов нового типа, способствующих развитию интеллекта у учащихся средних общеобразовательных школ и формированию у них универсальных учебных действий. Методы. С позиций психодидактического подхода анализируется опыт конструирования учебных текстов – традиционных справочно-повествовательных и организованных как диалог с учеником-читателем, ориентированных на понимание фактов и обретение умений рассуждать (анализировать, сравнивать, обобщать, делать выводы). Аргументированно, в контексте "теории читателя" (reader-oriented theory), согласно которой ученик активно конструирует значения (понятия) в процессе чтения, доказываются преимущества специальных развивающих учебных материалов, составляющихся на базе "обогащающей" модели. Результаты. Описан процесс конструирования учебников и учебных материалов (учебных книг, практикумов, тетрадей для самостоятельной работы, компьютерных программ) нового поколения по математике для учащихся основной школы (5–9-х классов). Разработана психодидактическая типология развивающих учебных текстов и сформулированы требования к ним. Научная новизна. Особенность предлагаемых развивающих учебных текстов заключается в том, что они, будучи проекцией структуры научного математического знания, в то же время, во-первых, обеспечивают формирование основных компонентов ментального (когнитивного, понятийного, метакогнитивного, интенционального) опыта ученика и, во-вторых, создают условия для проявления индивидуальных познавательных стилей учащихся. Практическая значимость. Содержание учебников математики нового поколения, которое отвечает психодидактическим требованиям, способствует активизации индивидуальных интеллектуальных ресурсов выпускников школы, закладывает основы умения учиться, готовит детей к будущей инновационной жизнедеятельности, причем как профессиональной, так и личной и бытово

Leptin and Adiponectin Levels in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C with Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism Disorders

Aim: to analyze leptin and adiponectin serum levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C in comparison with metabolic syndrome components, biochemical features and stage of hepatitis.Materials and methods: In 93 patients with chronic HCV in age 20-55 with a few symptomatic HCV-infection and minimal liver fibrosis stage serum leptin and adiponectin was measured. Associations between leptin, adiponectin and metabolic abnormalities, biochemical features, and hepatic fibrosis were determined.Results: Abdominal obesity was revealed at 40% patients, overweight – at 41%, insulin resistance – at 36,6% cases. The leptin and adiponectin levels were within normal limits range at most patients. Patients with minimal liver fibrosis had higher index of leptin by comparison to patients with moderate and severe fibrosis (r= – 0,402, р= 0,018). In patients with HCV genotype 3a the adiponectin level was below, than in HCV genotype 1b. Patients with abdominal obesity and overweight had higher leptin and lower adiponectin indexes by comparison to patients without these metabolic abnormalities. Direct cross-correlation between the leptin level and body mass index (r=0,358, p=0,001), waist circumference (r=0,292, p=0,01); negative cross-correlation between the adiponectin level and body mass index (r=- 0,435, р <0,021), waist circumference (r=- 0,386, р =0,001) were displayed.Conclusion: Leptin and adiponectin blood levels in HCVpatientis associated with abdominal obesity and overweight. The connection of leptin level and liver fibrosis stage was revealed. Difference of adiponectin level in HCV-patients with 3a and 1b genotypes of virus was found

LEVELS OF PLASMA SOLUBLE CD14 IN HIV-INFECTED OPIATE USERS

Chronic immune activation is one of the main causes of HIV disease progression. Bacterial components passed to the bloodstream from the gut as a result of microbial translocation, are known to induce immune activation. Component of Gram-negative bacteria’s cell walls, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is considered to be the major marker of microbial translocation. Through the activation of myeloid cells (predominantly monocytes) LPS causes the secretion of soluble CD14, thus making it a marker of LPS bioactivity. Besides sCD14 was shown to correlate with immune status in HIVinfected patients and to be an independent predictor of disease progression.Hypothesis: opiates increase microbial translocation from the gut in HIV-infected patients that is manifested by a higher concentration of sCD14 in plasma.Aim: to estimate the influence of opiate use on the level of sCD14 in plasma of HIV-infected patients.Materials and methods. Longitudinal study of 351 HIV positive individuals. Concentration of sCD14, was evaluated at 3 time points: baseline, after 12 and 24 months. Following groups were studied: 1) current opiate users – opiate use within past 30 days; 2) opiate users, who denied consumption of opiates within past 30 days; 3) people claiming to never have used opiates.Results. In dynamic assessment sCD14 mean was significantly higher in current opiate users (2222,46±39,02 ng/ml) against patients who denied opiates within past 30 days (1930±597 ng/ml) and those, claiming to never have used opiates (1915±577 ng/ml) (p<0,001).Conclusion. Opiate use in the course of HIV disease leads to increase in LPS induced monocyte activation which therefore signifies more intensive microbial translocation

Investigation of the influence of the energy conditions of pulsed plasma-chemical synthesis on the morphological and structural properties of copper-containing silica-based nanocomposites

This paper presents the results of a study of the effect of energy conditions (additional heating of the walls of the reaction chamber and subsequent action of an electron beam on the synthesized powder) of pulsed plasma-chemical synthesis on the morphology, average geometric size, phase and chemical composition of copper-containing silica-based nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were synthesized using a TEA-500 pulsed electron accelerator. It was the first time that copper-containing silica-based nanocomposites had been prepared using the pulsed plasma-chemical synthesis. The values of the band gap for the as-prepared nanocomposites were calculated. The nanocomposites were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The analysis revealed the changes in the morphology and phase composition of the nanocomposites upon energy conditions

Pulsed plasma chemical synthesis of TiO2@TixCyOz nanocomposite

In this work, the TiO2@TixCyOz nanocomposite was obtained by adding a buffer gas to the initial mixture of reagents by the pulsed plasma-chemical method. Argon was used as a buffer gas. Pulsed plasma-chemical synthesis was realized using a TEA-500 electron accelerator. The physicochemical properties of the obtained TiO2@TixCyOz nanocomposites (morphology, average particle size, elemental, and phase composition) were studied. It was shown that by changing the buffer gas concentration, it was possible to control the phase composition, particle size, and shell thickness of TiO2@TixCyOz nanocomposites. The values of the band gap were calculated for the synthesized TiO2@TixCyOz nanocomposites. The photocatalytic and adsorption properties of TiO2@TixCyOz nanocomposites were studied