Information openness of the municipal system of education: the experience of social audit

The aim of the investigation is to analyze information openness municipal education system, identify problems and develop practical recommendations in dealing with them. Methods. The conducted study is based on the methodology of the social audit, which includes the content analysis of the official websites of educational institutions in the network «Internet», the diagnosis of awareness among parents about the schools activities, expert assessment of informational openness of schools and the development of practical recommendations for improving information schools transparency. Research methods involve: description, analysis of documents, questionnaires, expert interviews, analysis of statistical data. Results. The article presents the results of a social audit of information openness of the municipal General educational system of Pervouralsk city district. The analysis of the content of the official websites of educational organizations in the network «Internet» was conducted at the first stage of social audit. It showed that only one school website fully complies with the proposed requirements. The best developed parameter of website is technological effectiveness; less developed – the communicativeness and multimedia. Diagnostics of awareness among parents of the pupils of the schools activities was conducted at the second stage of the social audit. A survey of parents has shown that the most popular are the traditional ways of obtaining information: teacher-parent meetings and communication with child. Less than half of parents receive information via the websites of the schools. Expert assessment of the information openness of schools was realized at the third stage. Practical recommendations on improvement of information openness of schools have been developed at the fourth stage. Scientific novelty. A new scientific idea of social audit of information openness municipal education system was set on the basis of the authors’ research that enriches the scientific concept of social audit. Authors have developed a new diagnostic technique that will reveal the state of information openness of municipal education system; proved promising use of social auditing techniques in the practice of evaluation of information openness of the municipal education system. Practical significance. The implications of the research findings prove that the authors of the given paper have developed and tested the diagnostic methods of the social audit of information openness of the municipal education system. The research results demonstrate the prospects of the practical use of the theory of social audit in practice; and the practical recommendations for further improvement of information openness of the municipal education system. The results of the study can be used in the activities of the Department of education Pervouralsk city district and other municipalities, as well as heads of educational organizations can use the investigation data to improve information openness of the municipal education system Цели статьи – проанализировать информационную открытость муниципальной системы образования, выявить проблемы в этой области и разработать практические рекомендации по их решению. Методика и методы. Исследование проведено на основе методики социального аудита, которая включает анализ содержания официальных сайтов образовательных организаций в сети Интернет, диагностику информированности родителей школьников о деятельности школ, экспертную оценку состояния информационной открытости учебных заведений и разработку практических рекомендаций по совершенствованию их информационной открытости. Методы исследования – описание, анализ документов, анкетный опрос, экспертное интервью, анализ статистических данных. Результаты. В статье приводятся результаты социального аудита информационной открытости муниципальной системы общего образования городского округа Первоуральск. На первом этапе аудита был проведен анализ содержания официальных сайтов образовательных организаций в сети Интернет. Он показал, что полностью соответствует требованиям сайт только одной школы. Лучше всего развит такой параметр сайтов, как технологичность, слабее всего – коммуникативность и мультимедийность. На втором этапе диагностировалась информированность родителей о деятельности школ. Опрос продемонстрировал, что наибольшей популярностью пользуются традиционные способы получения информации: родительские собрания и общение с ребенком. Менее половины родителей получают информацию на сайтах школ. На третьем этапе производилась экспертная оценка состояния информационной открытости школ. В заключение аудита были разработаны практические рекомендации по совершенствованию информационной открытости учебных заведений. Научная новизна. На основании выполненных исследований была выдвинута идея о социальном аудите информационной открытости муниципальной системы образования, обогащающая общую научную концепцию социального аудита; авторами предложена новая диагностическая методика определения состояния информационной открытости образования; доказана перспективность использования данной методики в общеобразовательных школах. Практическая значимость. Определены перспективы практического использования теории социального аудита. Результаты исследования могут быть применены в деятельности Управления образования городского округа Первоуральск и других муниципальных образований; они могут быть также полезны руководителям образовательных организаций

Polyunsaturated fatty acid status of leukocyte membranes in COPD patients

The aim of the study was to analyze n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) profile of blood leukocyte cytomembranes in mild and moderate COPD, and to establish possible role of these fatty acids in COPD progression. The study involved 110 patients with mild disease (n = 60) and moderate COPD (50 patients), at average age of 57.5±4.8 years old. The control group consisted of 32 practically healthy non-smoking people with normal pulmonary function (average age 42.0±3.4 years). The immunological study included flow cytometric determination of blood immune cell subpopulations, i.e., T lymphocytes (CD3+), T helper cells (CD4+), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+), and B cells (CD19+) using Becton Dickinson machine (USA). Fatty acid methyl esters redissolved in hexane were analyzed using “Shimadzu GC-2010” gas-liquid chromato-graphic system (Japan). Analysis of the polyunsaturated fatty acid profile of leukocyte membranes in COPD patients revealed a reduced concentration of essential linoleic acid (18:2n-6) regardless of the disease severity. The leukocyte membrane levels of the long-chain n-6 PUFAs, such as dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20:3n-6), arachidonic acid (20:4n-6), and docosatetraenoic acid (22:4n-6), were elevated in patients with COPD compared with the control group. However, the concentration of the described above n-6 PUFAs in leukocyte membranes was increased in patients with moderate COPD compared to the patients with mild COPD. The significant deficiency of a physiologically important n-3 PUFA, eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n- 3), in leukocyte membranes in the COPD patients was revealed. In turn, the low level of 20:5n-3 could result from the deficiency of its precursor, docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). The results of the study indicate the modification in the PUFA composition of blood leukocyte membranes in the patients with COPD. It was shown that altered composition of long-chain fatty acid of leukocyte membranes emerges already at the early stage of the disease. Therefore, the imbalance in fatty acids composition of leukocytes makes a significant contribution to the development and the progression of COPD

Prevalence and biomarkers in metabolic syndrome

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) has a worldwide tendency to increase and depends on many components, which explains the complexity of diagnostics and approaches to the prevention and treatment of this pathology. Age, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, obesity and genetic predisposition are factors influencing the risk of developing and progression of MS. Features of the distribution and dysfunction of adipose tissue are important factors in the development of IR, with obesity, as well as the risk of the formation of cardiometabolic diseases and MS. ­Understanding of mechanisms is linked to advances in metabolic phenotyping. Metabolic phenotyping of obese persons is important for the development of important diseases in relation to the study of the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders, the possible concomitant disease and the search for innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of MS. The understanding of MS mechanisms is associated with advances in metabolic phenotyping. Therefore, the relevance of further study of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying various metabolic phenotypes of MS is one of the promising areas of modern scientific research. This review summarizes the current literature data on the prevalence of MS depending on gender, age, population, area of residence, education, level of physical activity, and many other parameters. Metabolic risks of MS development are detailed. Biological markers of MS are considered. The necessity of metabolic phenotyping of MS has been shown, which may have potential therapeutic value

CLINICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL COMPARISONS IN Th- DEPENDENT IMMUNE RESPONSE MECHANISMS AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global public health problem. Studies in immunological features and their correlations with clinical course of COPD are of importance. The aim of this study was to elucidate clinical and immunological features in COPD of different severity grade, concerning Th1- and Тh17-dependent types of immune response.The study included 132 COPD patients and 32 healthy individuals. According to clinical and functional patterns, the patients with COPD were divided into 3 groups, i.e., 36 cases (28%) of mild severity; 62 individuals (48%), of moderate severity, and 30 patients (23%) of severe clinical grade. We have performed both clinical and immunological evaluation of the patients. The Th1- and Th17-specific lymphocyte subpopulations were assessed according to the serum levels of cytokines, i.e. tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-21, IFNγ, as well as transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). We have also determined expression of IL-6R receptor (CD126+) on mature T lymphocytes (CD3+) and T helper cells (CD4+) from peripheral blood. We have obtained the following results: the patients with mild-grade COPD exhibited three different T cell phenotypes were determined, with a prevalence of Th1-dependent immune response. The IL-6R were mostly expressed on CD3+CD126+ cells for the Th1/Th17 phenotype, and CD4+CD126+ cells in cases of Th17-dependent type immune response. In patients with COPD of moderate severity, the Th1, Th17, or Th1/Th17 types of immune response was revealed at similar rates. The level of IL-6R expression on mature T lymphocytes and T-helper cells increased to the greatest extent in cases of Th17-dependent immune response. In severe COPD patients, we have found a dominance of Th17 and Th1/Th17 type immune response. The levels of IL-6R expressionwere increased in Th17- and Th1/Th17-dependent types of immune response, the most significant increase was observed for CD4+ cells in Th17 phenotype. Clinical features of COPD proved to be associated with the phenotypes of immune response. These results allow of specifying the inflammatory phenotype, predicting the course of chronic disease, and selecting appropriate therapy

The role of fatty acids and lipid inflammatory mediators in the development of small airway dysfunction in asthma complicated with obesity

Background. Small airway involvement is important in determining the phenotypes of bronchial asthma. Establishing the mechanisms of dysfunction of small airways will make it possible to predict the course and control bronchial asthma.The aim. To study the relationship between the modification of the composition of fatty acids, lipid inflammatory mediators (eicosanoids, plasmalogens) and the functional state of small airways and to identify lipid biomarkers for the development of small airway dysfunction in bronchial asthma associated with obesity.Materials and methods. The study included 85 patients with mild, partially controlled asthma. Of these, 39 patients with normal body weight (Group 1) and 46 patients with grade 1–2 obesity (Group 2). The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers. The function of the small airways was assessed according to spirometry and body plethysmography. The composition of fatty acids and plasmalogens in blood plasma was assessed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In the blood serum, the content of thromboxane B2 and leukotriene B4 was determined. Statistical processing was performed using the Statistica 6.1 program (StatSoft Inc., USA). Relationships between pairs of traits were examined using the Spearman correlation test (r). Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.Results. In the combined course of asthma and obesity, dysfunction of the small airways develops against the background of generalized bronchial obstruction. A violation of lipid metabolism was revealed, manifested by an increase in the levels of saturated, monoenoic, n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids against the background of a deficiency of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids with an alkenyl bond – plasmalogens. It has been shown that bronchial asthma, aggravated by obesity, occurs against the background of increased synthesis of inflammatory lipid mediators – eicosanoids (thromboxane B2 and leukotriene B4). Evaluation of the correlation relationships between the studied lipids and the function of small airways revealed a high degree of relationship between their participants.Conclusion. An important pathogenetic link in the formation of small airway dysfunction in bronchial asthma aggravated by obesity is a violation of fatty acid metabolism and plasmalogen synthesis, an increase in the formation of inflammatory lipid mediators

Nerve growth factor and post-infarction cardiac remodeling

The prevalence of sudden death from chronic heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias caused by myocardial infarction is a complex problem in cardiology. Post-infarction cardiac remodeling occurs after myocardial infarction. This compensatory-adaptive reaction, regulated by mechanical, neurohumoral and genetic factors, includes the structural and functional changes of cardiomyocytes, stromal elements and extracellular matrix, geometry and architectonics of the left ventricular cavity. Adverse left ventricular remodeling is associated with heart failure and increased mortality. The concept of post-infarction cardiac remodeling is an urgent problem, since the mechanisms of development and progression of adverse post-infarction changes in the myocardium are completely unexplored. In recent years, the scientist attention has been focused on neurotrophic factors involved in the sympathetic nervous system and the vascular system remodeling after myocardial infarction. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a protein from the neurotrophin family that is essential for the survival and development of sympathetic and sensory neurons, which also plays an important role in vasculogenesis. Acute myocardial infarction and heart failure are characterized by changes in the expression and activity of neurotrophic factors and their receptors, affecting the innervation of the heart muscle, as well as having a direct effect on cardiomyocytes, endothelial and smooth muscle vascular cells. The identification of the molecular mechanisms involved in the interactions between cardiomyocytes and neurons, as well as the study of the effects of NGF in the cardiovascular system, will improve understanding of the cardiac remodeling mechanism. This review summarizes the available scientific information (2019–2021) about mechanisms of the link between post-infarction cardiac remodeling and NGF functions

Features of immune response in different phenotypes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered a heterogeneous disorder exhibiting different phenotypes. Chronic systemic inflammation is an important link in the COPD pathogenesis. The studies of immune response in the context of clinical and functional phenotypes seems relevant. Objective of our work was to study the features of immune response in clinical and functional phenotypes of COPD.Eighty-three COPD patients of different severity grade and 22 apparently healthy volunteers were examined. After determining the COPD phenotype by clinical and functional signs, the patients were divided in two groups, i.e., 38 subjects with bronchitis, and 45 patients with emphysematous phenotype. Clinical, functional and laboratory research was carried out in standard mode. Static lung volumes and respiratory capacities were investigated, i.e., functional residual capacity, residual lung volume, total lung capacity, bronchial resistance on inspiration and expiration to assess phenotype of the disease. Subpopulations of Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes were determined by the level of blood serum cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNFá), interleukins (IL) IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A, IFNã).Different features of immune response were revealed in bronchitic and emphysematous phenotypes of the COPD patients. Activation of inflammatory process with differentiation of naive T lymphocytes along the Th1-dependent pathway was found in 68% of cases with bronchitis and 16% of patients with emphysematous phenotypes. As compared with control group, the patients showed a statistically significant increase in the level of TNFá, IFNã, along with decrease in IL-4. Development of immune response by the Th17 type was found in 32% of cases with bronchitis, and 84% of cases with emphysematous phenotypes. Its emergence was associated with increased IL-17A and IL-10 levels, and a decrease in IFNã/IL-17A compared to the control. Differentiation of T helper cells towards Th1 pathway of immune response has been shown to predominate in bronchitic phenotype and at early stages of the disease. The Th17 type of immune response prevailed with increasing severity of the disorder. In emphysematous phenotype of COPD, the Th17-pathway of immune response develops at early stages of the disease. Some relationships are revealed between the systemic inflammation indexes and functional parameters of external respiration. An inverse relationship between TNFá and the OOL/OEL ratio in Th1 type of immune response has been shown. A direct correlation was found between the level of IL-17A and the parameters of external respiration function (FEV1, FEV1/FVC), as well as between IFNã/IL-17A and functional residual capacity in Th17 type of immune response.The type of immune response is associated with severity of the disease, as well with clinical and functional phenotype of COPD. Progression of the disease, broncho-obstructive disorders and hyperinflation are associated with increased levels of cytokines that provide cell polarization along the Th17 pathway. Determination of COPD phenotype and the type of immune response already at an early stage of the disease will enable prediction of its course and justify the choice of phenotype-oriented therapy

FEATURES OF CYTOKINE PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH BRONCHIAL ASTHMA COMBINED WITH OBESITY

Combination of bronchial asthma (BA) and obesity is a difficult-to-control phenotype. Studies of inflammatory process with respect to severity of the disease are important for understanding the potential influence of obesity on the BA clinical course. The objective of this study was to determine cytokine profile in patients with mild BA combined with obesity. The study involved fifty-three patients with partially controlled mild BA. The patients were recruited as volunteers and signed an informed consent. The first observation group consisted of 27 asthma patients with normal body weight, the second observation group consisted of 26 patients with BA combined with obesity. A control group included 25 healthy volunteers. All the patients underwent clinical and laboratory examination in accordance with clinical standards for BA and obesity. The levels of TNFα, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 were evaluated in blood serum by means of flow cytometry. The ratios of proand anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα/IL-4, TNFα/IL-10, IL-6/IL-4, IL-6/IL-10) were calculated. Asthma patients with obesity (the 2nd group) had elevated levels of IL-2 over control group and group 1, by 38% and 44% respectively(p < 0.05). The concentration of proinflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6 was significanty increased in the both patient groups. Mean TNFα level was increased 2.5 times (p < 0.05), and IL-6 levels were increased by 30% (p < 0.05) in the 1st group as compared to the controls. TNFα and IL-6 concentrations showed a 3-fold increase over control values (p < 0.05) in the 2nd group. The level of antiinflammatory cytokine IL-4 was increased in patients with BA, independently of body mass. It should be noted that the concentration of this cytokine in obese patients was higher by 29% than in patients with normal body weight. IL-10 levels in patients from the 2nd group were reduced more than 2 times than in the 1st group. The patients of the 1st group showed a decrease in the IL-6/IL-10 index, in comparison with control parameters, thus indicative of an imbalance due to the elevation of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine. Among BA patients with obesity (group 2) the TNFα/IL-10 and IL-6/IL-10 indexes were higher than those of the control group (2.3- and 5.5-fold, respectively) and the group 1 (2.6- and 2.5-fold, respectively). Dynamics of these indexes confirms the systemic nature of inflammation and a predominance of non-atopic  inflammation in asthma patients with obesity. Thus, features of the cytokine profile in BA with obesity consist of a significant increase in pro-inflammatory IL-2, IL-6, TNFα cytokines, and a relative decrease in anti-inflammatory IL- 10 cytokine. The development of BA with obesity, even in mild-severity BA, is accompanied by development of a cytokine disbalance, which is typical for a mixed-type inflammation, with a prevalence of neutrophil inflammation

Distance Learning System Moodle

This article discusses the features of the Moodle platform, the principles of creating a course and the main elements of the structure.В данной статье рассматриваются особенности платформы Moodle, принципы создания курса и основные элементы структуры