Формирование и развитие бренд-капитала высшего учебного заведения

The article presents a methodical approach to assessing the level of development and use of brand equity of HEI, which reflects the relationships and interdependence between the major shares of structural and institutional capital and the possibility of their clear positioning at the educational market.У статті представлено методичні підходи до оцінювання рівня розвитку і використання бренд-капіталу ВНЗ, що відображає відносини і взаємозалежність основних пропорцій структурного та інституційного капіталу і можливість їх чіткого позиціонування на ринку освітніх послуг.В статье представлены методические подходы к оценке уровня развития и использования бренд-капитала вузов, отражающие отношения и взаимозависимость основных пропорций структурного и институционального капитала и возможность их четкого позиционирования на рынке образовательных услуг

Developing optimal ventilation system for a pasta production workshop using mathematical model

The more real conditions differ from the rated ones,the greater error is observed when calculating the aerodynamics and air temperature for specific premises. The paper considers a technique for estimating the efficiency of ventilation systems at the stage of choosing design solutions using mathematical simulation exemplified by a pasta production workshop in Magnitogorsk. Two air change circuits with central and local air conditioners to remove heat have been estimated. Mathematical models were built with the boundary conditions preset,which allowed visually estimating the airflow temperature and velocity field distribution for the circuits studied. Based on the simulation results,conclusions have been drawn on the efficiency of the circuits proposed. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd

Modeling of the process of spherical form correction for rotors of electrostatically suspended gyros

Improvement of the manufacturing technology for gyroscopic devices, which autonomously generate motion parameters of moving objects, has strategic importance and priority for various industries. The object of current research is a spherical rotor of an electrostatically suspended gyroscope which geometric parameters determine the accuracy characteristics of the device. The paper presents results of the process modeling of spherical form correction for rotors of electrostatically suspended gyroscopes at the stage of its manufacture during the coating deposition process. The proposed mathematical model of the deposition process is based on the placement of a movable screen with a hole between a rotor and a spray source. The axis of the hole lies on the dynamic axis of the rotor and it provides a formation of a spherical segment on the coating rotor surface. During deposition of an additional layer, the screen or rotor moves along the dynamic axis of the rotor changing the distance between the rotor and the screen, and there is additional rotation of the rotor around its dynamic axis. It allows adjusting the curvature of the formed coating on the rotor surface. An analytical model of the technological process for correcting the shape of spherical rotors of electrostatically suspended gyroscopes has been developed. A mathematical description, control factors and significant parameters of the process are given. The results of practical testing of the developed model are presented. The presented mathematical model makes it possible to correct the shape of the rotors during the deposition of a functional coating expanding the technological possibilities and increasing the accuracy of rotors

Electroanatomic substrate of atrial fibrillation in patients after COVID-19

Aim. To determine the features of left atrial electroanatomic structure and the arrhythmia substrate in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Material and methods. The pilot study included 20 patients with AF who underwent catheter radiofrequency ablation. Ten patients had COVID-19 and 10 patients were included as a control group. AF substrate was identified using anatomic and bipolar mapping. Zones with following amplitudes were analyzed: <0,25 mV, <0,5 mV, from 0,5 to 0,75 mV inclusive, and >0,75 mV. Left atrial volume was determined based on anatomic map.Results. The groups were homogeneous in AF type, number of patients after prior pulmonary vein isolation, and heart rate during mapping. In the COVID-19 group, there was a higher area of fibrous zones with an amplitude of <0,25 mV (51,5±16,6% vs 29,1±16,1% in the control group, p=0,007), <0,5 mV (76,7±11,5% vs 45,6±22,7% in the control group, p=0,001) and a lower area of intact myocardium with an amplitude >0,75 mV (11,6±8,0% vs 45,0±25,0% in the control group, p=0,001). In 7 COVID-19 patients, the posterior wall was isolated due to low-amplitude zones. Of these, three patients underwent surgery for the first time. According to ROC analysis, in patients after COVID-19, fibrous tissue (<0,5 mV) occupies more than half of the area, while normal tissue (>0,75 mV) — ~30% or less.Conclusion. This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause left atrial remodeling in the form of diffuse fibrosis. The arrhythmia substrate in patients after COVID-19 can be localized not only in pulmonary vein mouths, but also in other left atrial areas. This must be taken into account before ablation, even if the procedure is being performed for the first time. It is recommended to perform amplitude mapping for all patients who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection in order to identify fibrous zones and plan the operation extent

Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism is not a strong risk factor for diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy in Type I diabetes: case-control study

BACKGROUND: The gene encoding apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been proposed as a candidate gene for vascular complications in Type I diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the influence of three-allelic variations in the APOE gene for the development of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. RESULTS: Neither APOE alleles frequencies or APOE genotypes frequencies differed between Type I diabetic groups either with or without nephropathy. Similar results were found for patients with and without diabetic retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: APOE gene polymorphism does not determine genetic susceptibility for the development of diabetic retinopathy in Type I diabetes patients. Association between APOE gene polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy may be weak or moderate, but not strong

The comparison of 2D and 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography values in young athletes

Objective: to analyze the parameters of 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography (TEE) with speckle-tracking technology in young athletes. Materials and methods: 79 athletes (52 male, 27 female, median age 20,5±3,7 years) undergone prospective analysis. Participants were divided into groups by level of training (group A-professionals and group B-amateurs) and by gender (group 1-men and group 2-women). Athletes underwent 12-lead ECG, 2D TTE and 3D TTE with a speckle-tracking. The evaluation of LV function was performed using the speckle-tracking method with the assessment of LV longitudinal strain in the Automated Function Imaging mode. Results: significant differences in LDV (

Прогностические и предиктивные биомаркеры рака предстательной железы (обзор литературы)

In the era of personalized treatment, oncologists are striving to tailor medical treatment to the characteristics of the individual patient, emphasizing the importance of a continuous search for accurate biomarkers. Prognostic biomarkers reflect the intricate underlying biology that enables cancer to progress. Intratumoural heterogeneity includes genetic, epigenetic and functional heterogeneity. Genetic intratumour heterogeneity is a consequence of clonal evolution and a cause of desease progression. Herewith specific mutations are associated with particular stages of tumour development, correlates with specific histopathological disease stages. Many patients with prostate cancer have disease recurrence after resection of the tumor despite adjuvant therapy, while some patients dont have a relapse despite the absence of treatment. So the reassessment of the current criteria and better prognostic and predictive biomarkers for the selection of patients who might benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy are urgently needed. A prognostic biomarker reflects the natural history of the tumor and provides information on the likely outcome and prognosis, independent of a specific treatment. Predictive biomarkers indicate the sensitivity or resistance of the tumor to a given treatment. Some markers can be both prognostic and predictive. Gene mutations and epigenetic changes that modify the intracellular signaling pathways may be important factors in oncogenesis. In this context, oncogenes, genes-tumor suppressors and miRNAs have attracted attention as potential biomarkers and regulators of oncogenesis and evaluate in clinical trials.В эпоху персонализированного лечения онкологи стремятся адаптировать его к особенностям конкретного пациента, подчеркивая важность непрерывного поиска точных биомаркеров. Прогностические биомаркеры отражают сложную биологию, позволяющую злокачественной опухоли прогрессировать. Внутриопухолевая гетерогенность включает в себя генетическую, эпигенетическую и функциональную гетерогенность. Генетическая внутриопухолевая гетерогенность является следствием клональной эволюции и причиной прогрессирования заболевания. При этом специфические мутации ассоциированы с определенными стадиями развития опухоли, которые коррелируют с конкретными гистопатологическими стадиями заболевания. Многие пациенты с раком предстательной железы имеют рецидив заболевания после куративного лечения, несмотря на адъювантную терапию, в то время как у некоторых больных рецидив не развивается даже при отсутствии лечения. Поэтому срочно необходимы переоценка существующих критериев и новые прогностические и предиктивные биомаркеры для отбора пациентов, которые могли бы получить пользу от адъювантной химиотерапии. Прогностический биомаркер отражает естественную историю развития опухоли и предоставляет информацию о вероятном исходе и прогнозе независимо от специфического лечения. Предиктивные биомаркеры указывают на чувствительность или резистентность опухоли к определенному лечению. Некоторые биомаркеры могут быть одновременно прогностическими и предиктивными. Генные мутации и эпигенетические изменения, влияющие на внутриклеточные сигнальные пути, могут быть важными факторами онкогенеза. В этом контексте онкогены, гены-супрессоры опухолей и микроРНК привлекают внимание в качестве потенциальных регуляторов и биомаркеров онкогенеза и оцениваются в клинических исследованиях

Secretory phospholipase A2: a biomarker of inflammation in autoimmune, bacterial and viral diseases

Secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2) represent a large superfamily of enzymes with a molecular weight of 14-19 kDa, including 15 groups and more than 30 isoforms belonging to four types: secretory (sPLA2), cytosolic (cPLA2), calcium-independent (iPLA2) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2, PAF-AH). Eleven species of secretory sPLA2s (IB, IIA, IIC, IID, IIE, IIF, III, V, X, XIIA, and XIIB) have been found in mammals, performing versatile functions and participating in the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases. On the one hand, sPLA2 may promote elimination of damaged, apoptotic cells by hydrolyzing membrane phospholipids, and exerts a strong bactericidal and antiviral properties, including pronounced effects against antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms. In this regard, the use of sPLA2 may represent a new strategy for the treatment of bacterial and viral infections. Moreover, due to the action of sPLA2 on its substrates, a number of biologically active molecules (arachidonic, lysophosphatidic acids, lysophospholipids, fatty acids, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes) are formed, which provide strong inflammatory, detergent, coagulating effects and increase vascular permeability. This pro-inflammatory role of sPLA2 may explain its increase levels and activity in cardiovascular, respiratory, autoimmune, metabolic, oncological, bacterial and viral disorders. The review article presents a classification of sPLA2 isoforms, their substrates, regulatory factors, biological significance, and mechanisms of their strong bactericidal, virucidal, and pro-inflammatory activity in the heart and lung disorders, autoimmune, metabolic, bacterial, and viral diseases. In particular, the mechanisms of the selective action of sPLA2 against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms are discussed. We consider diagnostic and prognostic significance, correlations between elevated levels and activity of sPLA2 and distinct clinical symptoms, severity and outcome in the patients with coronary heart disease (CAD), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), atherosclerosis, acute inflammatory lung injury (ALI), respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, bacterial infections, septicemia and viral (COVID-19) infections. The opportunity of using sPLA2 as a biomarker of the severity and outcome of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bacterial infections, sepsis and viral infections, including COVID-19, is also considered

Оценка in vitro адсорбционных свойств различных устройств для селективной гемосорбции липополисахарида (экспериментальное исследование)

The objective: to study in vitro adsorption properties of various devices for selective lipopolysaccharide (LPS) adsorption.Subjects and Methods: Various methods of closed circuit circulating bovine serum endotoxin solutions were used. The serum was perfused using an LPS sorption device for 240 min. Serum samples were collected before the start of perfusion, and 30, 60, 120, 150, and 240 minutes after the start of circulation. LPS concentrations were measured by the turbidimetric method. One column for polymyxin hemoperfusion and three devices for selective adsorption of lipopolysaccharides were assessed.Results: When using the device for polymyxin hemoperfusion, the concentration of endotoxin in bovine serum decreased by 61% during 120 minutes, and in 120 minutes after additional administration of endotoxin, it went down by 57%. When using the other three devices, these parameters made 9% and 6%, 10% and 8%, 5% and 10%, respectively. Conclusion. By definition, an in vitro study cannot provide for complex pathophysiological reactions occurring in the body during sepsis. Тhis fact leads to limitations in extrapolating the results obtained to clinical practice.Цель исследования: изучить in vitro адсорбционные возможности различных устройств для селективной гемосорбции липополисахарида (ЛПС).Методы. Использовали методики циркуляции раствора эндотоксина в бычьей сыворотке в замкнутом контуре. Сыворотка перфузировалась через устройство для ЛПС-сорбции в течение 240 мин. Образцы сыворотки собирали до начала перфузии, через 30, 60, 120, 150 и 240 мин после начала циркуляции. Концентрации ЛПС измеряли турбидиметрическим методом. Изучали одну колонку для проведения полимиксиновой гемоперфузии и трех устройств для выполнения селективной адсорбции ЛПС.Результаты: при применении колонки для проведения полимиксиновой гемоперфузии степень снижения концентрации эндотоксина в бычьей сыворотке в течение 120 мин составила 61%, через 120 мин после дополнительного введения эндотоксина – 57%. При использовании остальных трех устройств данные показатели составили 9 и 6%, 10 и 8%, 5 и 10% соответственно.Вывод. Исследование in vitro по определению не может предусмотреть сложный комплекс патофизиологических реакций, протекающих в организме при сепсисе, что обусловливает ограничения в экстраполировании полученных результатов на клиническую практику

The changing pattern of human brucellosis: clinical manifestations, epidemiology, and treatment outcomes over three decades in Georgia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Brucellosis is an endemic infection in Georgia. We conducted a review of patient records with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of brucellosis over three decades at the central referral hospital for brucellosis cases, the Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (IPTM) in Tbilisi. The purpose was to describe the demographic profile and clinical characteristics as well as diagnostic and treatment strategies in patients with brucellosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data were abstracted from randomly selected patient records at the IPTM. In total, 300 records were reviewed from three time periods: 1970-73, 1988-89, and 2004-2008.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The age distribution of patients shifted from a median age of 40 years in the first time period to 20 years in the third time period. Azeri ethnicity was an increasing proportion of the total number of cases. The frequency of relapsed infection was 14.7% (44 cases). A total of 50 patients received vaccine therapy, and although the vaccine produced immune responses, demonstrated by an increase in agglutination titers, it was not associated with improved outcome.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The demographics of brucellosis in Georgia fit a profile of persons that tend sheep. Osteoarticular complications were commonly detected, especially in children. The changing pattern of brucellosis in Georgia suggests clinicians should be updated about different trends in brucellosis in their country.</p