Effect of canine hyperimmune plasma on TNFα and inflammatory cell levels in a lipopolysaccharide-mediated rat air pouch model of inflammation

The purpose of this study was to test the effect of canine hyperimmune frozen plasma (HFP), which is known to contain elevated levels of soluble TNFα receptor 1 (sTNFR1), on TNFα and inflammatory cell levels in a LPS-mediated rat air pouch model of inflammation. There appears to be a correlation between elevated levels of sTNFR1 and depression of TNFα and neutrophil levels in the pouch fluid of HFP dosed rats (r = -0.73, P < 0.0001). The data suggest that canine HFP, which has been demonstrated to contain elevated levels of sTNFR1 compared with FFP, has a direct effect on depressing TNFα levels and neutrophil sequestration in the rat air pouch model of inflammation. These data suggest that HFP may be worthy of further investigation to determine whether such preparations have a therapeutic potential for treatment of acute inflammatory diseases in which TNFα is implicated

Range of validity and intermittent dynamics of the phase of oscillators with nonlinear self-excitation

A range of active systems, particularly of chemical nature, are known to perform self-excited oscillations coupled by diffusion. The role of the diffusion is not trivial so that the differences in the phase of the oscillations through space may persist, depending on the values of the controlling parameters of the system. Firstly, we analyse a 6th-order nonlinear partial differential equation describing such dynamics. We evaluate the range of the parameters leading to different finite versions of the equation, specifically a version based on nonlinear excitation and a version based on linear excitation. In the second part of the work we solve the equation in two spatial dimensions by finite difference discretization in space and subsequent numerical integration of a system of ordinary differential equations in time. A forced variant of the equation is derived and selected exact solutions are presented. They are also used to verify the numerical code. For the unforced equation, irregular dynamics intermitting with periods of slow evolution are recorded and discussed

Influence of the long-term cold on isolated maize immature embryos in vitro

Вивчено вплив тривалої дії низької позитивної температури на ізольовані незрілі зародки різних генотипів кукурудзи при їх зберіганні в умовах in vitro. Показано можливість одержання життєздатних зелених проростків після тримісячного зберігання зародків на холоді. Порівнюється здатність до проростання за даних умов зародків ліній та гібридів F2. Розглядаються перспективи подальших досліджень для з’ясування умов ефективного зберігання ізольованих незрілих зародків і отримання з них життєздатних проростків.Вивчено вплив тривалої дії низької позитивної температури на ізольовані незрілі зародки різних генотипів кукурудзи при їх зберіганні в умовах in vitro. Показано можливість одержання життєздатних зелених проростків після тримісячного зберігання зародків на холоді. Порівнюється здатність до проростання за даних умов зародків ліній та гібридів F2. Розглядаються перспективи подальших досліджень для з’ясування умов ефективного зберігання ізольованих незрілих зародків і отримання з них життєздатних проростків.The influence of the long-term effect of low positive temperature on isolated immature embryos of different maize genotypes during their in vitro maintenance was studied. The possibility of obtaining vigorous green seedlings after 3-month cold storage of embryos was shown. The abilities of embryos of different lines and F2hybrids to germinate under the given conditions are compared. Perspectives of further investigations to ascertain the conditions of effective maintenance of isolated maize immature embryos and further obtaining vigorous seedlings are discussed

A pragmatic cluster randomised trial evaluating three implementation interventions

Background Implementation research is concerned with bridging the gap between evidence and practice through the study of methods to promote the uptake of research into routine practice. Good quality evidence has been summarised into guideline recommendations to show that peri-operative fasting times could be considerably shorter than patients currently experience. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of three strategies for the implementation of recommendations about peri-operative fasting. Methods A pragmatic cluster randomised trial underpinned by the PARIHS framework was conducted during 2006 to 2009 with a national sample of UK hospitals using time series with mixed methods process evaluation and cost analysis. Hospitals were randomised to one of three interventions: standard dissemination (SD) of a guideline package, SD plus a web-based resource championed by an opinion leader, and SD plus plan-do-study-act (PDSA). The primary outcome was duration of fluid fast prior to induction of anaesthesia. Secondary outcomes included duration of food fast, patients' experiences, and stakeholders' experiences of implementation, including influences. ANOVA was used to test differences over time and interventions. Results Nineteen acute NHS hospitals participated. Across timepoints, 3,505 duration of fasting observations were recorded. No significant effect of the interventions was observed for either fluid or food fasting times. The effect size was 0.33 for the web-based intervention compared to SD alone for the change in fluid fasting and was 0.12 for PDSA compared to SD alone. The process evaluation showed different types of impact, including changes to practices, policies, and attitudes. A rich picture of the implementation challenges emerged, including inter-professional tensions and a lack of clarity for decision-making authority and responsibility. Conclusions This was a large, complex study and one of the first national randomised controlled trials conducted within acute care in implementation research. The evidence base for fasting practice was accepted by those participating in this study and the messages from it simple; however, implementation and practical challenges influenced the interventions' impact. A set of conditions for implementation emerges from the findings of this study, which are presented as theoretically transferable propositions that have international relevance. Trial registration ISRCTN18046709 - Peri-operative Implementation Study Evaluation (POISE

ОЦЕНКА СЕРДЕЧНОГО ВЫБРОСА У ДЕТЕЙ ПОСЛЕ КАРДИОХИРУРГИЧЕСКИХ ОПЕРАЦИЙ: СРАВНЕНИЕ ИЗМЕРЕНИЙ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОГО МОНИТОРА СЕРДЕЧНОГО ВЫБРОСА И ЭХОКАРДИОГРАФИИ

The objective: to assess the accuracy of cardiac output measurement by ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM) versus echocardiography (ECHO) in the children after cardiac surgery.Subjects and methods: A prospective observational trial was conducted (288 patients were assessed for eligibility, and data from 88 patients were analyzed). Cardiac output was measured by USCOM and ECHO.Results. The age of the patients was 305 ± 177 days. Cardiac output measured by USCOM, was 1.310 ± 0.605 [1.182; 1.438] L/min, while the one measured by ECHO made 1.298 ± 0.608 [1.169; 1.427] L/min. ANOVA demonstrated no statistically significant difference (p = 0.89). A significant positive correlation was found between cardiac output rates measured by two methods (r = 0.945 [0.918, 0.964], p &lt; 0.0001). The Bland-Altman plot demonstrated the shift of 0.012 ± 0.200 L/min. and agreement limits from -0.38 to 0.4 L/min. There was no correlation between the shift and median values of cardiac output (r = -0.015 [-0.224, 0.195], p = 0.89).Conclusions. USCOM credibly measures the cardiac output versus the reference method of ECHO. Despite the known limitations, both methods can be used in children after cardiac surgery: USCOM − for screening, ECHO ‒ for deeper examination.Цель: оценка точности измерения сердечного выброса (СВ) с помощью устройства ультразвукового мониторирования сердечного выброса (USCOM) по сравнению с эхокардиографией (ECHO) у детей после кардиохирургических операций.Материалы и методы: проспективное обсервационное исследование (оценивались на приемлемость 288 пациентов, подвергнуты анализу данные 88 пациентов). CВ измеряли с помощью USCOM и ECHO.Результаты. Возраст пациентов составил 305 ± 177 дней. CВ, измеренный на устройстве USCOM, составлял 1,310 ± 0,605 [1,182; 1,438] л/мин, а с помощью ECHO ‒ 1,298 ± 0,608 [1,169; 1,427] л/мин. ANOVA не показал статистически значимых различий (p = 0,89). Обнаружена сильная положительная корреляция между показателями СВ двух методов измерений (r = 0,945 [0,918, 0,964], p &lt; 0,0001). Метод Блэнда ‒ Альтмана показал смещение 0,012 ± 0,200 л/мин и пределы согласования от -0,38 до 0,4 л/мин. Не было корреляции между смещением и средними значениями СВ (r = -0,015 [-0,224, 0,195], p = 0,89).Выводы. USCOM достоверно определяет значения CВ по сравнению с эталонным методом ECHO. Несмотря на известные ограничения, оба метода могут использоваться у детей после кардиохирургических операций: USCOM − для скрининга, ECHO ‒ для расширенных исследований

Effectiveness of an Interactive Website Aimed at Empowerment of Disability Benefit Claimants: Results of a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an interactive website aimed at empowerment of disability claimants, prior to the assessment of disability by an insurance physician. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Claimants applying for a work disability pension after being sick-listed for 104 weeks, were randomized into either an intervention group or control group. Participants who were randomized into the intervention group were able to logon to the website www.wiagesprek.nl, which mainly consisted of five interactive modules aimed at increasing knowledge, self-awareness, expectations, self-efficacy, and active participation. Participants from the control group were directed to a ‘sham’ website with commonly available information only. The primary outcome was empowerment. Secondary outcomes included coping, knowledge, claimant satisfaction, perceived justice, and physician satisfaction. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 2 days before the disability assessment, as well as 1 day after, 6 weeks, and 4 months after the disability assessment. Results Claimants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 123) or a control group (n = 119). The intervention had no significant short- and long-term effects on empowerment, but the intervention increased claimants’ knowledge significantly compared to the control group. Claimant satisfaction with the disability assessment interview and claimant perceived justice on the outcome of the assessment were lower in the intervention group (statistically not significant). Furthermore, the intervention had a significant negative effect on claimants perceived procedural justice. Conclusion Although knowledge increased significantly, the intervention www.wiagesprek.nl was not successful in reaching its primary target, that is, to increase levels of empowerment among disability claimants, prior to the assessment of disability

Современные подходы к визуализации головного мозга при наркомании (обзор литературы)

Background. Brain neuroimaging studies provided information about the neurobiological effects of narcotic substances, and established the mechanisms of their systematic use, as well as provided important information about the subjective experience and behavior of people with drug addiction, including their struggle for recovery. Until recently, five main methods of brain neuroimaging were considered – structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI (fMRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). These methods allow us to identify various aspects of the structure or function of the brain. Microwave thermometry (MR thermometry) is also used as a neuroimaging method of the brain, which allows us to study the temperature homeostasis of the brain in various human conditions.Materials and methods. The search for domestic publications was carried out in the database on the RSCI website, foreign – in the PubMed, Google Scholar databases in the period 1990–2022. When analyzing the PubMed database, the query «neuroimaging drug addiction» found 16066 links. We also studied works on the following keywords: «neurotransmitters and drug abuse». Publications describing the clinical picture, diagnosis, and poisoning with psychoactive substances were analyzed. A total of 45 articles were analyzed.Conclusion. The obtained results strongly confirm that drug addiction is a brain disease that causes important disorders in many areas, including pathways affecting encouragement and cognition. Neuroimaging methods allow researchers to observe the effect of drug substances on the brain and compare the structure, functions and metabolism of the brain in people who abuse and do not abuse drug’s substances. MR thermometry allows measuring the temperature of the brain, which is a reflection of the metabolism of the brain and allows assessing the effect of various substances on the brain. However, nowadays, there is not enough information about the change in cerebral temperature when using psychoactive substances.Актуальность. Исследования нейровизуализации мозга предоставили информацию о нейробиологических эффектах наркотических веществ и установили механизмы возникновения систематического их употребления, а также позволили получить важные сведения о субъективном опыте и поведении людей с наркозависимостью, включая их борьбу за выздоровление. До недавнего времени рассматривалось 5 основных методов нейровизуализации мозга – структурная магнитно-резонансная томография (МРТ), функциональная МРТ (фМРТ), магнитно-резонансная спектроскопия (МРС), позитронно-эмиссионная томография (ПЭТ) и однофотонная эмиссионная компьютерная томография (ОФЭКТ). Данные методы позволяют выявить различные аспекты структуры или функции мозга. Также в качестве нейровизуализационного метода головного мозга используется микроволновая термометрия (МР-термометрия), которая позволяет изучить температурный гомеостаз головного мозга при различных состояниях человека.Материалы и методы. Поиск отечественных публикаций проводился в базе данных на сайте РИНЦ, зарубежных – в базах PubMed, Google Scholar в период 1990–2022 гг. При анализе базы данных PubMed запрос «neuroimaging drug addiction» обнаружил 16066 ссылок. Также изучали работы по ключевым словам «neurotransmitters and drug abuse». Были проанализированы публикации, описывающие клиническую картину, диагностику при отравлении психоактивными веществами. Всего было проанализировано 45 статей.Заключение. Полученные на сегодняшний день результаты твердо подтверждают, что наркомания – это болезнь мозга, вызывающая важные нарушения во многих областях, включая пути, влияющие на поощрение и познание. Методы нейровизуализации позволяют исследователям наблюдать за действием наркотических веществ на мозг и сравнивать структуру, функции и метаболизм головного мозга у людей, злоупотребляющих и не злоупотребляющих наркотическими веществами. МР-термометрия позволяет измерить температуру головного мозга, что является отображением его метаболизма и позволяет оценить влияние различных веществ на головной мозг. Однако на данный момент нет достаточно информации об изменении церебральной температуры при употреблении психоактивных веществ

AIDing Contraception: HIV and Recent Trends in Abortion Rates

Since the onset of HIV/AIDS awareness in the early 1980s, much attention has centered around the substantial negative effects of the disease throughout the world. This paper provides evidence of a secondary effect the disease has had on sexual behavior in the United States. Using a difference-in-differences estimation framework and state level data, we show that the perceived threat of HIV resulted in a drop in unwanted pregnancies, as demonstrated by a lower incidence of abortions. Our results suggest that each additional reported case of HIV per 1,000 individuals resulted in 85.5 fewer abortions per 1,000 live births