Lox-dependent gene expression in transgenic plants obtained via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation

Lox sites of the Cre/lox recombination system from bacteriophage P1 were analyzed for their ability to affect on transgene expression when inserted upstream from a gene coding sequence adjacent to the right border (RB) of T-DNA. Wild and mutated types of lox sites were tested for their effect upon bar gene expression in plants obtained via Agrobacterium-mediated and biolistic transformation methods. Lox-mediated expression of bar gene, recognized by resistance of transgenic plants to PPT, occurred only in plants obtained via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. RT-PCR analysis confirms that PPT-resistant phenotype of transgenic plants obtained via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation was caused by activation of bar gene. The plasmid with promoterless gus gene together with the lox site adjacent to the RB was constructed and transferred to Nicotiana tabacum as well. Transgenic plants exhibited GUS activity and expression of gus gene was detected in plant leaves. Expression of bar gene from the vectors containing lox site near RB allowed recovery of numerous PPT-resistant transformants of such important crops as Beta vulgaris, Brassica napus, Lactuca sativa and Solanum tuberosum. Our results demonstrate that the lox site sequence adjacent to the RB can be used to control bar gene expression in transgenic plants.Проанализирована способность lox-сайтов Cre/lox системы рекомбинации бактериофага Р1 влиять на экспрессию трансгенов при расположении этой последовательности непосредственно возле правого бордера (RB) перед кодирующей последовательностью гена. Нативная и мутированная последовательность lox-сайта были размещены в векторах для трансформации возле гена bar и проведена генетическая трансформация растений с помощью агробактерии и биолистическим методом. Lox-опосредованная экспрессия гена bar, обусловливающая устойчивость растений к фосфинотрицину, наблюдалась только у растений, которые получены с помощью агробактериальной трансформации. Методом РТ-ПЦР анализа подтверждено, что в трансгенных растениях, устойчивых к фосфинотрицину, происходит транскрипция гена bar. Сконструирован вектор, в котором ген gus и предшествующий ему lox-сайт размещены вблизи правого бордера, и проведена трансформация табака этим вектором. Экспрессия гена gus задетектирована в листьях трансгенных растений. Векторы, у которых последовательность lox-сайта предшествует гену bar возле правого бордера (RB-lox-bar), успешно использованы для получения устойчивых к фосфинотрицину трансгенных растений таких видов, как Beta vulgaris, Brassica napus, Lactuca sativa и Solanum tuberosum. Наши результаты подтверждают возможность использования последовательности lox-сайта возле правого бордера для контроля экспрессии гена bar в трансгенных растениях

Devising a procedure for defining the general criteria of abnormal behavior of a computer system based on the improved criterion of uniformity of input data samples

Devising a procedure for defining the general criteria of abnormal behavior of a computer system based on the improved criterion of uniformity of input data samples / Serhii Semenov, Oleksandr Mozhaiev, Nina Kuchuk, Mykhailo Mozhaiev, Serhii Tiulieniev, Yurii Gnusov, Dmytro Yevstrat, Yuliia Chyrva, Heorhii Kuchuk // Eastern-European Journal of enterprise technologies = Східно-європейський журнал передових технологій. - 2022. - Vol. 6, No 4 (120). – P. 40-49. - DOI: 10.15587/1729-4061.2022.269128.Розглянуто процес виявлення аномалій в комп'ютерних системах. Вирішено завдання своєчасного виявлення аномалій в комп’ютерних системах на основі математичної моделі, в основі якої лежать критерії однорідності вибірок вхідних даних. Визначено необхідність і можливість розробки універсального і водночас науково обґрунтованого підходу до відстеження станів системи. Розроблено методологію визначення загального критерію аномалії поведінки комп’ютерної системи в залежності від вхідних даних. Це підвищить надійність виявлення аномалії в поведінці системи, що, в свою чергу, має підвищити її безпеку. Для розв’язання задачі побудовано математичну модель для виявлення аномалій у поведінці комп’ютерної системи. Математична модель відрізняється від загальновідомих можливістю виділення серії спостережень, результати яких показують аномалію в поведінці комп'ютерної системи. Це дало змогу забезпечити необхідний рівень достовірності результатів моніторингу та досліджень. У процесі моделювання досліджено та вдосконалено критерії однорідності вибірок вхідних даних. Доведено доцільність використання удосконаленого критерію однорідності вибірок вхідних даних у випадку істотно нерівномірного розподілу значень від датчиків комп’ютерних систем. Розроблено алгоритм функціонування засобу тестування програмного забезпечення. Результати дослідження показали, що довірча ймовірність того, що значення статистичних значень зсуву за певним критерієм не відхиляється від математичного сподівання більш ніж на 0,05, приблизно дорівнює 0,94. Область застосування отриманих результатів – системи виявлення аномалій комп’ютерних систем. Необхідною умовою використання запропонованих результатів є наявність серії спостережень за станом комп’ютерної системи.The object of this study was the process of detecting anomalies in computer systems. The task to timely detect anomalies in computer systems was solved, based on a mathematical model underlying which is the criteria for uniformity of samples of input data. The necessity and possibility to devise a universal and at the same time scientifically based approach to tracking the states of the system were determined. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to develop a methodology for determining the general criterion of anomaly in the behavior of a computer system depending on the input data. This will increase the reliability of identifying the anomaly in the behavior of the system, which, in turn, should increase its safety. To solve the problem, a mathematical model for detecting anomalies in the behavior of a computer system has been built. The mathematical model differs from the well-known ones in the possibility of isolating a series of observations, the results of which show the anomaly in the behavior of the computer system. This made it possible to ensure the necessary level of reliability of the results of monitoring and research. In the process of modeling, the criteria for uniformity of samples of input data have been investigated and improved. The expediency of using the improved criterion of uniformity of samples of input data in the case of a significantly unequal distribution of values from the sensors of computer systems has been proved. An algorithm for the functioning of the software test tool has been developed. The results of the study showed that the confidence probability that the value of the statistical values of the shift in a certain criterion does not deviate from the mathematical expectation by more than 0.05 is approximately equal to 0.94. The scope of the obtained results is systems for detecting anomalies of computer systems. A necessary condition for the use of the proposed results is the presence of a series of observations of the state of the computer system.Рассмотрен процесс обнаружения аномалий в компьютерных системах. Решена задача своевременного выявления аномалий в компьютерных системах на основе математической модели, в основе которой лежат критерии однородности выборок входных данных. Определены необходимость и возможность разработки универсального и одновременно научно обоснованного подхода к отслеживанию состояний системы. Разработана методология определения общего критерия аномалии поведения компьютерной системы в зависимости от входных данных

The Association Between Self-reported Low Back Pain and Radiographic Lumbar Disc Degeneration of the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK) Study

Abstract Study design. Cross-sectional study, nested in a prospective cohort (Cohort Hip and Knee, CHECK). Objective.Low back pain (LBP) is very common and the main cause of activity limitations and work absence throughout the world. Although lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is suggested as a cause of LBP, this association remains debatable. Therefore, this study assessed the association between the radiographic features of LDD and the presence of self-reported LBP, LBP persisting longer than three months, the perceived severity of LBP and presence of neuropathic pain. Summary of Background Data. Previous literature suggest an association between LBP and both the LDD definitions osteophytes and disc space narrowing. There are no studies that have explored the association between LDD and neuropathic pain. Methods. Associations between the radiographic LDD using two definitions (i.e. osteophytes, disc space narrowing) versus the presence of LBP, LBP > 3 months, severe LBP and neuropathic pain,were analyzed with logistic regression models. Results. A total of 699 participantscompleted the questionnaire and had a lumbar radiograph. Radiographs were scored by two independent observers. Osteophytes were present in 98% of the population and disc space narrowing in 67%. Osteophytes were not significantly associated with LBP (OR=1.2, 95% CI 0.9-1.7).Disc space narrowing was significantly associated with the presence of LBP and neuropathic pain.(OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.2-2.4 and OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7, respectively). The presence of a LBPseverity score of ≥4, and LBP persisting >3 months were not significantly associated with the two definitions of LDD. Conclusions.This study shows the presence of an association between disc space narrowing, whereas no association was found between osteophytes and LBP. We are the first t

Lashkaryov Institute of Semiconductor Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 8 PACS 85

Abstract. We consider the features of formation of AuTiPd ohmic contacts to p + -Si. Metallization was made by vacuum thermal sputtering of Pd, Ti and Au films onto the Si substrate heated up to 330 С. It is shown that the contact resistivity increases with temperature; this is typical of metallic conductivity. We suggest that the ohmic contact is formed owing to appearance of shunts at Pd deposition on dislocations or other structural defects. The number of shunts per unit area is close to the measured density of structural defects at the metalSi interface

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium intake, and bone mineral density in Spanish adults

Summary Vitamin D insufficiency is very common among Spanish community-dwelling adult subjects. A threshold of serum 25(OH)D around 30 ng/ml would be necessary for the prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism and hip bone loss in our population, regardless of the dairy calcium ingestion. Introduction This study aims to assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D?25(OH)D?status in Spanish adult subjects and to analyze its relationships with serum PTH levels, calcium intake, and bone mineral density (BMD). Methods A total of 1811 individuals (1154 postmenopausal women and 657 men) aged 44?93 years participated in the study. Serum 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), aminoterminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP), and Cterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (?-CTX) levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence. BMD was determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip. Results Serum 25(OH)D levels were below 10, 20, and 30 ng/ml in 5, 40, and 83%of participants, respectively. There was a significant seasonal difference in mean serum 25(OH)D, with higher levels in summer?autumn. In multivariate analysis, 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with age, serum PTH and creatinine, body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, and a number of chronic diseases, but positively with dairy calcium intake. The magnitude of the difference in serum PTH according to 25(OH)D quartiles was not influenced by calcium intake. A threshold of serum 25(OH)D around 30 ng/ml was observed for serum PTH and hip BMD. Conclusions Vitamin D insufficiency is very common among Spanish community-dwelling adult subjects. A threshold of serum 25(OH)D around 30 ng/ml would be necessary for the prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism and hip bone loss in our population, regardless of the dairy calcium ingestion. Programs to improve vitamin D status may be required in our country

Theoretical and technological aspects of intelligent systems: problems of artificial intelligence

Theoretical and technological aspects of intelligent systems: problems of artificial intelligence / Denys Frolov, Wojciech Radziewicz, Volodymyr Saienko and etc. // International journal of computer science and network security. – 2021. – Vol . 21, No 5. – P. 35-38. -DOI :https://doi.org/10.22937/IJCSNS.2021.21.5.6.Досліджено підходи до визначення і розуміння штучного інтелекту. Розглянуто штучний інтелект в антропологічному вимірі. Наголошено на важливості системного підходу як методологічної основи проектування інтелектуальної системи. Визначено структурно-функціональні компоненти інтелектуальної системи; інтелектуальні системи в технологічному аспекті. Розкрито проблеми та перспективи відносин у системі «людина – інтелектуальна система".The article discusses approaches to the definition and understanding of artificial intelligence, research directions in the field of artificial intelligence; artificial intelligence in the anthropological dimension; the importance of the systems approach as a methodological basis for the design of intelligent systems; structural and functional components of intelligent systems; intelligent systems in the technological aspect; problems and prospects of relations in the system "man - intellectual system".Исследованы подходы к определению и пониманию искусственного интеллекта. Рассмотрен искусственный интеллект в антропологическом измерении. Отмечено важность системного подхода как методологической основы проектирования интеллектуальной системы. Определены структурно-функциональные компоненты интеллектуальной системы; интеллектуальные системы в технологическом аспекте. Раскрыты проблемы и перспективы отношений в системе «человек – интеллектуальная система»

Management of osteoporosis in patients hospitalized for hip fractures

Hip fracture is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and economic burden worldwide. It is also a major risk factor for a subsequent fracture. A literature search on the management of osteoporosis in patients with hip fracture was performed on the Medline database. Only one clinical drug trial was conducted in patients with a recent hip fracture. Further studies that specifically address post-fracture management of hip fracture are needed. The efficacy of anti-osteoporosis medication in older individuals and those at high risk of fall is reviewed in this paper. Adequate nutrition is vital for bone health and to prevent falls, especially in malnourished patients. Protein, calcium, and vitamin D supplementation is associated with increased hip BMD and a reduction in falls. Fall prevention, exercise, and balance training incorporated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program are essential to improve functional disability and survival. Exclusion of secondary causes of osteoporosis and treatment of coexistent medical conditions are also vital. Such a multidisciplinary team approach to the management of hip fracture patients is associated with a better clinical outcome. Although hip fracture is the most serious of all fractures, osteoporosis management should be prioritized to prevent deterioration of health and occurrence of further fracture

Why Are Outcomes Different for Registry Patients Enrolled Prospectively and Retrospectively? Insights from the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF).

Background: Retrospective and prospective observational studies are designed to reflect real-world evidence on clinical practice, but can yield conflicting results. The GARFIELD-AF Registry includes both methods of enrolment and allows analysis of differences in patient characteristics and outcomes that may result. Methods and Results: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and ≥1 risk factor for stroke at diagnosis of AF were recruited either retrospectively (n = 5069) or prospectively (n = 5501) from 19 countries and then followed prospectively. The retrospectively enrolled cohort comprised patients with established AF (for a least 6, and up to 24 months before enrolment), who were identified retrospectively (and baseline and partial follow-up data were collected from the emedical records) and then followed prospectively between 0-18 months (such that the total time of follow-up was 24 months; data collection Dec-2009 and Oct-2010). In the prospectively enrolled cohort, patients with newly diagnosed AF (≤6 weeks after diagnosis) were recruited between Mar-2010 and Oct-2011 and were followed for 24 months after enrolment. Differences between the cohorts were observed in clinical characteristics, including type of AF, stroke prevention strategies, and event rates. More patients in the retrospectively identified cohort received vitamin K antagonists (62.1% vs. 53.2%) and fewer received non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (1.8% vs . 4.2%). All-cause mortality rates per 100 person-years during the prospective follow-up (starting the first study visit up to 1 year) were significantly lower in the retrospective than prospectively identified cohort (3.04 [95% CI 2.51 to 3.67] vs . 4.05 [95% CI 3.53 to 4.63]; p = 0.016). Conclusions: Interpretations of data from registries that aim to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with AF must take account of differences in registry design and the impact of recall bias and survivorship bias that is incurred with retrospective enrolment. Clinical Trial Registration: - URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier for GARFIELD-AF (NCT01090362)

Improved risk stratification of patients with atrial fibrillation: an integrated GARFIELD-AF tool for the prediction of mortality, stroke and bleed in patients with and without anticoagulation.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an accurate, web-based tool for stratifying patients with atrial fibrillation to facilitate decisions on the potential benefits/risks of anticoagulation, based on mortality, stroke and bleeding risks. DESIGN: The new tool was developed, using stepwise regression, for all and then applied to lower risk patients. C-statistics were compared with CHA2DS2-VASc using 30-fold cross-validation to control for overfitting. External validation was undertaken in an independent dataset, Outcome Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (ORBIT-AF). PARTICIPANTS: Data from 39 898 patients enrolled in the prospective GARFIELD-AF registry provided the basis for deriving and validating an integrated risk tool to predict stroke risk, mortality and bleeding risk. RESULTS: The discriminatory value of the GARFIELD-AF risk model was superior to CHA2DS2-VASc for patients with or without anticoagulation. C-statistics (95% CI) for all-cause mortality, ischaemic stroke/systemic embolism and haemorrhagic stroke/major bleeding (treated patients) were: 0.77 (0.76 to 0.78), 0.69 (0.67 to 0.71) and 0.66 (0.62 to 0.69), respectively, for the GARFIELD-AF risk models, and 0.66 (0.64-0.67), 0.64 (0.61-0.66) and 0.64 (0.61-0.68), respectively, for CHA2DS2-VASc (or HAS-BLED for bleeding). In very low to low risk patients (CHA2DS2-VASc 0 or 1 (men) and 1 or 2 (women)), the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED (for bleeding) scores offered weak discriminatory value for mortality, stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding. C-statistics for the GARFIELD-AF risk tool were 0.69 (0.64 to 0.75), 0.65 (0.56 to 0.73) and 0.60 (0.47 to 0.73) for each end point, respectively, versus 0.50 (0.45 to 0.55), 0.59 (0.50 to 0.67) and 0.55 (0.53 to 0.56) for CHA2DS2-VASc (or HAS-BLED for bleeding). Upon validation in the ORBIT-AF population, C-statistics showed that the GARFIELD-AF risk tool was effective for predicting 1-year all-cause mortality using the full and simplified model for all-cause mortality: C-statistics 0.75 (0.73 to 0.77) and 0.75 (0.73 to 0.77), respectively, and for predicting for any stroke or systemic embolism over 1 year, C-statistics 0.68 (0.62 to 0.74). CONCLUSIONS: Performance of the GARFIELD-AF risk tool was superior to CHA2DS2-VASc in predicting stroke and mortality and superior to HAS-BLED for bleeding, overall and in lower risk patients. The GARFIELD-AF tool has the potential for incorporation in routine electronic systems, and for the first time, permits simultaneous evaluation of ischaemic stroke, mortality and bleeding risks. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier for GARFIELD-AF (NCT01090362) and for ORBIT-AF (NCT01165710)