Hackathon: Definition, Practice and Perspectives of Use in Higher Education

In the article there are represented results of generalization and systematization of scientific and practical information about hackathons as an educational technology that is used in higher education and is of great interest to researchers and practitioners. The review has been made on the basis of Russian and foreign scientific publications considering the features of the organization and application of hackathons in the practice of higher education. The authors selected 494 articles issued in the period from 2011 to 2022 in publishings of the RSCI and SCOPUS databases by keywords “hachathon” and “education”, and 83 articles of them were analyzed in this review. It was found that publications about personal experience of participation and organization of hackathons and analytical articles revealing the author’s position on the issues considered in them dominate in the scientific literature on various aspects of hackathons use in the practice of higher education. Empirical studies and scientific reviews are presented to lesser extent. The analysis of publications made it possible to clarify the definition of the term “hackathon”, to identify the types of hackathons most often mentioned in the educational context (pedagogical, educational), and to define the term “educational hackathon”. A content analysis of publications has shown that various aspects of organizing and conducting hackathons in an educational context, their potential and impact on the educational process and its results are the subject of pedagogical discourse. Hackathons as educational intensives have found their application in university educational practice, providing new opportunities for improving the educational process in higher education, as they allow to implement project-, practice- and business-oriented approaches in training specialists. The main prospects of the hackathons use in education are identified and summarized. Introducing educational hackathons in the event plan of an educational organization make it possible to solve educational and career-oriented tasks, activate heuristic and creative cognitive activity of students. The analysis and evaluation of the hackathons impact on professionalization, academic motivation and educational achievements of students are promising areas of research on the problem of using hackathons in the educational process of higher education

Клинические варианты поражения кожи и слизистых оболочек при системной красной волчанке с ювенильным началом

Skin and mucous membrane lesions are frequently seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with the juvenile onset (juSLE), and they are extremely diverse. Skin manifestations can be the initial sign of the disease, they often respond first to adequate therapy, and recurrence or the appearance of a new type of lesions is the earliest indicator of exacerbation in many patients. In severe cases, skin lesions can lead to irreversible cosmetic defects, significantly affecting the quality of life. The article presents the clinical manifestations of various variants of skin and mucous membrane lesions in SLE with a debut in childhood and adolescence, their recognition is important for the timely diagnosis of SLE, as well as the correction of therapy for an existing disease, which improves the long-term prognosis and quality of life of patients.При ювенильном дебюте системной красной волчанки (СКВ) часто встречается поражение кожи и слизистых оболочек, которое характеризуется чрезвычайным разнообразием. Кожные проявления могут быть начальным признаком заболевания, нередко они одними из первых реагируют на адекватно назначенную терапию, а рецидив либо возникновение нового типа поражения у многих больных является самым ранним показателем обострения. В тяжелых случаях поражение кожи может приводить к необратимым косметическим дефектам, существенно влияя на качество жизни. В статье представлены клинические проявления различных вариантов поражения кожи и слизистых оболочек при СКВ с дебютом в детском и подростковом возрасте, распознавание которых важно для своевременной диагностики СКВ, а также коррекции терапии уже имеющегося заболевания, что позволяет улучшить отдаленный прогноз и качество жизни пациентов

Lipoprotein(a) concentration and the blood content of INFγ-producing T-helpers 17 (Th17/1) in males with premature coronary artery disease

Aim. To analyze the relationship of blood lipid profile parameters, including the level of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), and the content of circulating CD4+ T-lymphocytes with premature coronary artery disease (CAD).Material and methods. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 76 men aged 40 to 79 years. Patients were divided into following groups: main group — patients with CAD (58 [54;64] years, n=56) onset before the age of 55; control group — patients (62 [57;66] years, n=20) without CAD and obstructive CAD and peripheral arterial disease. Statins were taken by 51 (91%) and 9 (45%) patients in the main and control groups, respectively. In serum and plasma samples, lipid spectrum parameters and Lp(a) concentration were determined. Cellular phenotyping was performed by direct immunofluorescence in a culture of mononuclear leukocytes isolated from blood. To determine cytokines, cells were in vitro activated with inhibitor of intracellular transport of secretory proteins. Cell fluorescence was determined using flow cytometry.Results. Patients of both groups were comparable in age, body mass index, prevalence of hypertension and diabetes. Blood Lp(a) concentrations were higher in the CAD group than in the control group (49 [10;102] mg/dL vs 12 [4,3;32] mg/ dL, p<0,05). The content of INFγ-producing T-helpers 17 (Th17/1) was also higher in the CAD group (19 [15;24] vs 13 [11;22], % of Th17, p=0,05). Logistic regression revealed that elevated Lp(a) levels (≥30 mg/dL) and relative amounts of Th17/1 (>14% of Th17) independently of each other, atherogenic lipoprotein cholesterol levels, classical risk factors, and statin use were associated with premature CAD in the general group of patients with odds ratio (OR) of 4,6 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1,1-20,2) and 10,9 (2,1-56,7), p<0,05, respectively. The combination of Lp(a) >30 mg/dl and Th17/1 over 14% significantly increased the risk of premature CAD (OR, 28,0, 95% CI, 4,31-181,75, p=0,0005).Conclusion. We have shown for the first time that an increased Lp(a) concentration with an increased Th17/1 content is associated with the premature CAD in men

BIOINFORMATION SEARCH AND ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES OF CRISPR/CAS SYSTEMS IN PHAGE STAPHYLOCOCUS AUREUS GENOME AND ESTIMATION OF PROFILES OF PHAGE DETECTED THROUGH CRISPR-CASSETTE BACTERIA

The emergence of resistance among the most important bacterial pathogens is generally recognized as one of the major public health problems. The most important of these organisms are penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, vancomycin-resistant enterococci and methicillin- and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. These antibiotic resistance in common pathogens have made antimicrobial therapy of many infections. Scientists need to look for new ways of treating bacterial infections in the work, using the developed algorithm from the methods of search software in the genomic structure of Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus ST228, the CRISPR/Cas locus and the division structures of its CRISPR cassette. The results of the bacteriophage search through the decoded spacer sequences of CRISPR-cassettes of this strain were also obtained using the developed algorithm of the software methods of bioinformatics. It was determined that the CRISPR/Cas system of strain of ST228 of S. aureus was of type IIIA. It is shown that cas-genes are in the immediate vicinity of CRISPR cassettes. The spacer structures in the detected CRISPR cassette are the Staphylococcus, Mycobacterium, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Gordonia, Arthrobacter, Streptomyces. The implementation of the algorithm of program methods for locating CRISPR/Cas-loci can be applied to many other decoded bacterial genomes to return bacteriophage therapy

Myeloid Heme Oxygenase-1 Haploinsufficiency Reduces High Fat Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance by Affecting Adipose Macrophage Infiltration in Mice

Increased adipose tissue macrophages contribute to obesity-induced metabolic syndrome. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a stress-inducible enzyme with potent anti-inflammatory and proangiogenic activities in macrophages. However, the role of macrophage HO-1 on obesity-induced adipose inflammation and metabolic syndrome remains unclear. Here we show that high-fat diet (HFD) feeding in C57BL/6J mice induced HO-1 expression in the visceral adipose tissue, particularly the stromal vascular fraction. When the irradiated C57BL/6J mice reconstituted with wild-type or HO-1+/− bone marrow were fed with HFD for over 24 weeks, the HO-1+/− chimeras were protected from HFD-induced insulin resistance and this was associated with reduced adipose macrophage infiltration and angiogenesis, suggesting that HO-1 affects myeloid cell migration toward adipose tissue during obesity. In vivo and in vitro migration assays revealed that HO-1+/− macrophages exhibited an impaired migration response. Chemoattractant-induced phosphorylation of p38 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) declined faster in HO-1+/− macrophages. Further experiments demonstrated that carbon monoxide and bilirubin, the byproducts derived from heme degradation by HO-1, enhanced macrophage migration by increasing phosphorylation of p38 and FAK, respectively. These data disclose a novel role of hematopoietic cell HO-1 in promoting adipose macrophage infiltration and the development of insulin resistance during obesity

Ocrelizumab versus Interferon Beta-1a in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Supported by F. Hoffmann–La Roche

Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome: factors predicting the clinical course of the disease

Introduction. Etiology of the Bladder pain syndrome/Interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) remains completely unknown. BPS/ IC is a chronic disease in which bladder biopsy specimens show varying degrees of inflammation`s severity, detrusor fibrosis and mastocytosis. With BPS/IC, cellular mechanisms of inflammation and processes leading to tissue damage and fibrosis are still not entirely clear. However, the results of studies have shown that fibrosis and mastocytosis of the detrusor are associated with the need for various types of treatment and suggest the failure of standard therapy.Purpose of research. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between the anatomical capacity of the bladder and detrusor fibrosis with the clinical course of BPS/IC.Materials and methods. 110 patients with BPS/IC were examined from 2010 to 2014 in the University Urological Clinic MSMU, A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry. Patients` pain severity was assessed by a 10-point Visual Analogue Pain scale (VAS). Clinical manifestations of the disease were assessed using international questionnaires: an index of symptoms and quality of life of patients with interstitial cystitis (Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Indexes; ICSI, ICPI) and scales of symptoms of pelvic pain, urgency and frequency of urination (the Urine and Frequency Questionnaire, PUF), Female Sexual Dysfunction Index (FSDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. All patients underwent cystoscopy with general anesthesia for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Bladder biopsy was performed in 36 patients (33%) for the treatment of other bladder`s diseases, as well as for the degree`s pathological assessment of the inflammatory process and the severity of detrusor fibrosis.Results. In 65% of patients, the anatomical capacity of the bladder was 200-350 ml, and in 5% of cases, its reduction to 100 ml was found. The average capacity of the bladder was 297 ± 90.2 ml. The results of the study suggest a significant decrease in the anatomical capacity of the bladder due to progressive inflammation and fibrosis in the bladder`s wall an essential factor affecting the clinical course of the BPS/IC, causing the severity of the organ-specific symptoms of the disease. A direct correlation was found between the indicators of the nature of alterative changes in urothelia, the severity of inflammatory infiltration and the severity of pain, symptoms of dysuria, in particular, frequency of urination and imperative urges, quality of life and mental health. The severity of fibrosis, the presence of perineuritis and mastocytosis are directly dependent on the duration of the disease.Conclusions. Reduced bladder capacity and detrusor fibrosis are markers of bladder damage in BPS/IC. These changes are characteristic of a certain patients` subgroup who require endovesical treatment, unlike patients with a systemic phenotype and comorbid conditions

THE INFLUENCE OF ATORVASTATIN AND ROSUVASTATIN IN ATHEROSCLEROSIS ON THE PARAMETERS OF CELLULAR IMMUNITY AND IN VITRO LEUCOCYTE ACTIVATION

Aim. To compare the influence of “lipophilic” atorvastatin and “hydrophilic” rosuvastatin on the parameters of cellular immunity in atherosclerosis patients.Material and methods. Totally, 35 participants included, mean age 62 [57;68] y.o., 18 males and 17 females, directed for follow-up to Myasnikov Cardiovascular Center with preliminary diagnosis coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis of coronary and carotid arteries, and with indications for intensified statin therapy. In 17 patients the dosage of atorvastatin was increased from 20 to 80 mg, in 18 — dosage of rosuvastatin from 10 to 40 mg. All patients at baseline and in 1 month, by the methods of direct immune fluorescence and cytofluometry underwent the measurement of content of monocytes and lymphocyte populations in peripheral blood, incl. regulatory and effectory subpopulations of the latter. Under the circumstances of cellular culture the influence studied, of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on CD4+ T-lymphocytes populations, as the lipopolysaccharideinduced synthesis of cytokines by monocytes of donors blood.Results. At the background of atorvastatin, there was marked increase of relative content of circulating regulatory T-lymphocytes (Treg), increase of the relation of Treg/Thelper 17 (Th17) and changes of cellular immunity parameters. Statins did not influence subpopulations of blood monocytes. There was dose-dependent inhibition by statins of CD4+ T-lymphocytes proliferation: atorvastatin action was noted in 10 nM/L, rosuvastatin — in 10 times higher concentration. Introduction ofstatins, 10-100 nM/L, to the culture of monocytes did not influence neither spontaneous, nor endotoxin induced secretion of cytokines.Conclusion. In therapeutic dosages atorvastatin shows immune modulating activity presenting with an increase of relative content of regulatory T-lymphocytes subpopulations that might be determined by suppression of effectory cells proliferation

PROSPECTS OF NEPHROPROTECTION AGAINST TYPE 2 DIABETES USING THE DPP-4 INHIBITOR VILDAGLIPTIN

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), which increases morbidity and mortality. Accumulated evidence, mostly experimental ones that DPP-4 inhibitors have non-glycemic tissue effects including renal protection. Clinical data confirming these effects are insufficient. This makes it relevant to study the influence of iDPP-4 on the renal function in patients with Type 2 diabetes.To study the effects of iDPP vildagliptin on glycemic, metabolic and renal parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes with CKD 1–2 receiving insulin therapy 44 patients were randomized to continue therapy with insulin or insulin + vildagliptin at a dose of 50 mg/day, with the evaluation of results in 6 months.In group of vildagliptin therapy a significant decrease of HbA1c, postprandial glycemia, diastolic blood pressure, HOMA-IR, insulin demand and a reduction in the frequency of hypoglycemia occurred. The positive dynamics of indicators of glomerular functions of the kidney were noted in this group - a significant reduction in albuminuria and a significant increase in eGFR by cystatin C and decreased urinary excretion of type IV collagen. The findings suggest the positive effect of vildagliptin on metabolic status and indicators of glycaemia and hemodynamics as earlier confirmed in clinical studies and the ability of vildagliptin independent from glycemic effects to slow the development of glomerular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and the initial manifestations of DN

Lipoprotein(a), Immune Cells and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Premature Coronary Heart Disease

The detection of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in the artery wall at the stage of lipid-bands formation may indicate that it participates in the atherosclerosis local nonspecific inflammatory process. Innate immune cells are involved in atherogenesis, with monocytes playing a major role in the initiation of atherosclerosis, while neutrophils can contribute to plaque destabilization. This work studies the relationship between Lp(a), immune blood cells and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with the early manifestation of coronary heart disease (CHD). The study included 200 patients with chronic CHD, manifested up to the age of 55 in men and 60 in women. An increased Lp(a) concentration [hyperLp(a)] was shown to predict cardiovascular events in patients with premature CHD with long-term follow-up. According to the logistic regression analysis results, an increase in the monocyte count with OR = 4.58 (95% CI 1.04–20.06) or lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio with OR = 0.82 (0.68–0.99), (p < 0.05 for both) was associated with MACE in patients with early CHD, regardless of gender, age, classical risk factors, atherogenic lipoproteins concentration and statin intake. The combination of an increased monocyte count and hyperLp(a) significantly increased the proportion of patients with early CHD with subsequent development of MACE (p = 0.02, ptrend = 0.003). The odds of cardiovascular events in patients with early CHD manifestation were highest in patients with an elevated lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and an elevated Lp(a) level. A higher neutrophil blood count and an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio determined the faster development of MACE in patients with a high Lp(a) concentration. The data obtained in this study suggest that the high atherothrombogenicity of Lp(a) is associated with the “inflammatory” component and the innate immune cells involvement in this process. Thus, the easily calculated immunological ratios of blood cells and Lp(a) concentrations can be considered simple predictors of future cardiovascular events