Size of Left Cardiac Chambers Correlates with Cerebral Microembolic Load in Open Heart Operations

Background. Microemboli are a widely recognized etiological factor of cerebral complications in cardiac surgery patients. The present study was aimed to determine if size of left cardiac chambers relates to cerebral microembolic load in open heart operations. Methods. Thirty patients participated in the study. Echocardiography was performed in 2-3 days before surgery. A transcranial Doppler system was used for registering intraoperative microemboli. Results. Preoperative left atrium and left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic sizes significantly correlated with intraoperative microembolic load (rs = 0.48, 0.57 and 0.53, Ps < .01, resp.). The associations between left ventricular diameters and number of cerebral microemboli remained significant when cardiopulmonary bypass time was included as a covariate into the analysis. Conclusions. The present results demonstrate that increased size of left heart chambers is an influential risk factor for elevated cerebral microembolic load during open heart operations. Mini-invasive surgery and carbon dioxide insufflation into wound cavity may be considered as neuroprotective approaches in patients with high risk of cerebral microembolism

Invasion Genetics of the Horse-Chestnut Leaf Miner, Cameraria ohridella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), in European Russia: A Case of Successful Involvement of Citizen Science in Studying an Alien Insect Pest

Based on the intensive monitoring conducted by our team and volunteers in 2021, the secondary range of an alien horse-chestnut leaf miner, Cameraria ohridella Deschka &amp; Dimi&#263;, 1986 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), was specified in European Russia. This invasive pest was confirmed in 24 out of 58 administrative regions of Russia, which it has occupied for approximately 16 years. Analysis of the COI mtDNA gene sequenced in 201 specimens collected in 21 regions of the European part of Russia indicates the occurrence of two haplotypes (A and B), which are also present in the secondary range of C.&nbsp;ohridella in Eastern and Western Europe. The haplotype A dominated and was present in 87.5% of specimens from European Russia. In 2021, C. ohridella produced spectacular outbreaks in Aesculus hippocastanum in southern Russia, where it damaged more than 50% of the leaves in trees in 24 out of 30 distant localities. In the south of the country, the pest infested Acer pseudoplatanus, whereas other species of Acer of European, East Asian, and North American origin showed no signs of attacks. Taking into account that Ae. hippocastanum is present in most regions of European Russia, we expect a further range expansion of C. ohridella up to the Ural Mountains

Invasion Genetics of the Horse-Chestnut Leaf Miner, <i>Cameraria ohridella</i> (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), in European Russia: A Case of Successful Involvement of Citizen Science in Studying an Alien Insect Pest

Based on the intensive monitoring conducted by our team and volunteers in 2021, the secondary range of an alien horse-chestnut leaf miner, Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimić, 1986 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), was specified in European Russia. This invasive pest was confirmed in 24 out of 58 administrative regions of Russia, which it has occupied for approximately 16 years. Analysis of the COI mtDNA gene sequenced in 201 specimens collected in 21 regions of the European part of Russia indicates the occurrence of two haplotypes (A and B), which are also present in the secondary range of C. ohridella in Eastern and Western Europe. The haplotype A dominated and was present in 87.5% of specimens from European Russia. In 2021, C. ohridella produced spectacular outbreaks in Aesculus hippocastanum in southern Russia, where it damaged more than 50% of the leaves in trees in 24 out of 30 distant localities. In the south of the country, the pest infested Acer pseudoplatanus, whereas other species of Acer of European, East Asian, and North American origin showed no signs of attacks. Taking into account that Ae. hippocastanum is present in most regions of European Russia, we expect a further range expansion of C. ohridella up to the Ural Mountains

Influence of Chitosan Ascorbate Chirality on the Gelation Kinetics and Properties of Silicon-Chitosan-Containing Glycerohydrogels

The influence of the chirality of chitosan ascorbate on the gelation kinetics and the properties of hybrid silicon-chitosan-containing glycerohydrogels were studied with a deep estimation of the stereospecificity of chitosan polysalts with l- and d-ascorbic acid diastereomers and their biological effects. It has been established that l- and d-diastereomerically enriched chitosan ascorbates are characterized by a positive Cotton effect and differ in the wavelength of the maximum of the dichroic band (250 and 240 nm), as well as in the values of its specific ellipticity (21.8 × 105 and 39.2 × 105 deg·mL·dm−1·g−1), the sign of specific optical rotation (+ and −), the type of dispersion curves (anomalous and smooth), as well as the condensed phase morphology (anisodiametric particles with optical anisotropy and confocal domains of spherical shape, respectively). In the biomimetic sol-gel synthesis of silicon-chitosan-containing glycerohydrogels using silicon tetraglycerolate as a precursor, it was found that chitosan d-ascorbate retarded gelation. Thin congruent plates obtained from the corresponding glycerohydrogels based on chitosan d-ascorbate have higher mechanical strength and elasticity under uniaxial stretching and lower values of Young’s modulus. It has been shown that the systems based on chitosan d-ascorbate show the greatest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus 209P and Escherichia coli 113-13 and significantly promote the viability of normal human dermal fibroblasts. The results of our assessment of the biological properties of chitosan polysalts are unexpected, since ascorbic acid exhibits biological activity as its l-isomer only

Glucose sensors with increased sensitivity based on composite gels containing immobilized boronic acid

Copolymerization of N-acryloyl-m-aminophenylboronic acid (NAAPBA) with acrylamide (AAm) on the surface of glass plates resulted in the formation of a hydrogel film with porous structure and capable of optical response to the changes in concentration of glucose in the contacting solution. The boronate specific dye, Alizarin Red S (ARS) was incorporated into hydrogel film to increase the sensitivity towards glucose and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) was incorporated to prevent the dye leakage. The obtained boronate-containing polymer film responded to submicromolar concentration Of glucose with optical density changes being a linear function of glucose concentration in the range from 0.1 to 1 mM. The PVP-ARS-containing gel exhibited a 10-fold higher glucose sensitivity compared with the colorless NAAPBA-AAm gel. The equilibrium dissociation constants of soluble ARS-PVP and ARS-NAAPBA-containing copolymer complexes at pH 7.3 were found to be 1.4 and 0.44 mu M, respectively. The low dissociation constants enabled the preparation of the sensor with increased operational stability of at least two months allowing more than 20 assays of with no loss in the sensitivity or dye leakage. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Invasive Insect Pests of Forests and Urban Trees in Russia: Origin, Pathways, Damage, and Management

Invasive alien insects cause serious ecological and economical losses around the world. Here, we review the bionomics, modern ranges (and their dynamics), distribution pathways, monitoring, and control measures of 14 insect species known to be important invasive and emerging tree pests in forest and urban ecosystems of Russia: Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae), Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), Corythucha arcuata (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae), Agrilus fleischeri, A. mali, A. planipennis, Lamprodila (Palmar) festiva (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), Ips amitinus, Polygraphus proximus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), Cydalima perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Acrocercops brongniardella, Cameraria ohridella, Phyllonorycter issikii, and P. populifoliella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). We identified three major scenarios of tree pest invasions in the country and beyond: (1) a naturally conditioned range expansion, which results in the arrival of a pest to a new territory and its further naturalization in a recipient region; (2) a human-mediated, long-distance transfer of a pest to a new territory and its further naturalization; and (3) a widening of the pest's trophic niche and shift to new host plant(s) (commonly human-introduced) within the native pest's range frequently followed by invasion to new regions

Integral Algorithms to Evaluate TiO₂ and N-TiO₂ Thin Films’ Cytocompatibility

Titanium oxide (TiO2) and oxynitride (N-TiO2) coatings can increase nitinol stents’ cytocompatibility with endothelial cells. Methods of TiO2 and N-TiO2 sputtering and cytocompatibility assessments vary significantly among different research groups, making it difficult to compare results. The aim of this work was to develop an integral cytocompatibility index (ICI) and a decision tree algorithm (DTA) using the “EA.hy926 cell/TiO2 or N-TiO2 coating” model and to determine the optimal cytocompatible coating. Magnetron sputtering was performed in a reaction gas medium with various N2:O2 ratios and bias voltages. The samples’ morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The cytocompatibility of the coatings was evaluated in terms of their cytotoxicity, adhesion, viability, and NO production. The ICI and DTA were developed to assess the cytocompatibility of the samples. Both algorithms demonstrated the best cytocompatibility for the sample sputtered at Ubias = 0 V and a gas ratio of N2:O2 = 2:1, in which the rutile phase dominated. The DTA provided more detailed information about the cytocompatibility, which depended on the sputtering mode, surface morphology, and crystalline phase. The proposed mathematical models relate the cytocompatibility and the studied physical characteristics

Советские исследования неоколониализма

The article reviews Soviet and East German studies of neocolonialism that have been translated into Russian. A total of more than 60 monographs on Western neocolonialism have been systematically studied and finally compiled into an electronic archive in preparation for this publication. Based on the materials of Soviet studies, the article presents the main features of Western neocolonialism, related both to political manoeuvres and the economic arsenal of the former metropolitan powers. A detailed analysis of the narratives used by Western countries to emphasize their proximity to the “Third World” is given. Particular attention is paid to neocolonial theories, both “variants of well-known bourgeois and reformist concepts addressed to developing countries” and “concepts and theories specially created to support neocolonialism.” Neocolonial approaches were studied both in the context of individual Western countries and groups of states (Great Britain, France, Germany, the European Economic Community (EEC), USA) and by functional areas (technical assistance, food neocolonialism, international organizations). Regarding the UK, the differences in neocolonial policy between Labor Party and Conservatives are examined. The main instruments of France’s neocolonial policy are described and it is concluded that they have hardly changed in recent decades. The role of the FRG in the strategy of “European neocolonialism” is shown, and major characteristics of the neocolonial policy of the EEC are highlighted. With regard to the, authors speak of a new type of imperialist colonialism associated with American leadership in the institutions of the “collective West.” As for the United States, a new type of imperialist colonialism is being put forward, associated with America’s leadership in the institutions of the “collective West.” The origins and “running-in” of the US neocolonial tools are shown in detail, using the actual American colonial experience in the Philippines as an example. The main directions of critical analysis of the participation of Western countries in technical and food aid systems and in the activities of international organizations are presented. In conclusion, some remarks are formulated on the practical component of Soviet studies of neocolonialism. It is also stressed that in the mid-1980s, after the proclamation of the “New Political Thinking” the critical degree of Soviet studies of neocolonialism declined significantly.Проведен обзор советских и переведенных на русский язык восточногерманских исследований неоколониализма. В общей сложности проведено системное изучение более 60 работ по проблематике западного неоколониализма, объединенных в электронный архив, специально созданный авторами данной работы в Российском университете дружбы народов. Опираясь на материалы советских исследований, авторы выявляют основные особенности западного неоколониализма, связанные как с политическими маневрами, так и экономическим арсеналом бывших метрополий. Представлен подробный анализ нарративов, используемых западными странами для подчеркивания своей близости к «третьему миру». Особое внимание уделено неоколониалистским теориям, как «адресованным развивающимся странам вариантам общеизвестных буржуазных и реформистских концепций», так и «концепциям и теориям, специально созданным для поддержки неоколониализма». Неоколониальные подходы исследуются как в разрезе отдельных западных стран и групп стран (Великобритания, Франция, Федеративная Республика Германия (ФРГ), Европейское экономическое сообщество (ЕЭС), США), так и по функциональным сферам (техническая помощь, продовольственный неоколониализм, международные организации). Применительно к Великобритании исследуются различия в неоколониальной политике между лейбористами и консерваторами. Описаны также основные инструменты неоколониальной политики Франции и сделан вывод об их практической неизменности на протяжении последних десятилетий. Показана роль ФРГ в стратегии «европейского неоколониализма», а также выделены основные особенности неоколониальной политики ЕЭС. В случае США авторы выявляют черты империалистического колониализма нового типа, связанного с американским лидерством в институтах «коллективного Запада». Показаны истоки и «обкатка» неоколониального инструментария США на примере реального колониального опыта на Филиппинах. Представлены основные направления критического анализа участия западных стран в системах технической и продовольственной помощи, а также в деятельности международных организаций. В заключении делается вывод о практической составляющей советских исследований неоколониализма. Также отмечается, что в середине 1980-х гг. после принятия положений «нового политического мышления» объем советских исследований неоколониализма существенно снизился

Effect of the Nanorough Surface of TiO₂ Thin Films on the Compatibility with Endothelial Cells

The cytocompatibility of titanium oxides (TiO2) and oxynitrides (N-TiO2, TiOxNy) thin films depends heavily on the surface topography. Considering that the initial relief of the substrate and the coating are summed up in the final topography of the surface, it can be expected that the same sputtering modes result in different surface topography if the substrate differs. Here, we investigated the problem by examining 16 groups of samples differing in surface topography; 8 of them were hand-abraded and 8 were machine-polished. Magnetron sputtering was performed in a reaction gas medium with various N2:O2 ratios and bias voltages. Abraded and polished uncoated samples served as controls. The surfaces were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The cytocompatibility of coatings was evaluated in terms of cytotoxicity, adhesion, viability, and NO production. It has been shown that the cytocompatibility of thin films largely depends on the surface nanostructure. Both excessively low and excessively high density of peaks, high and low kurtosis of height distribution (Sku), and low rates of mean summit curvature (Ssc) have a negative effect. Optimal cytocompatibility was demonstrated by abraded surface with a TiOxNy thin film sputtered at N2:O2 = 1:1 and Ub = 0 V. The nanopeaks of this surface had a maximum height, a density of about 0.5 per 1 µm2, Sku from 4 to 5, and an Ssc greater than 0.6. We believe that the excessive sharpness of surface nanostructures formed during magnetron sputtering of TiO2 and N-TiO2 films, especially at a high density of these structures, prevents both adhesion of endothelial cells, and their further proliferation and functioning. This effect is apparently due to damage to the cell membrane. At low height, kurtosis, and peak density, the main factor affecting the cell/surface interface is inefficient cell adhesion