Treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG): Biological markers and simulation studies

AbstractIntravesical Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccine is the preferred first line treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC) in order to prevent recurrence and progression of cancer. There is ongoing need for the rational selection of i) BCG dose, ii) frequency of BCG administration along with iii) synergistic adjuvant therapy and iv) a reliable set of biochemical markers relevant to tumor response. In this review we evaluate cellular and molecular markers pertinent to the immunological response triggered by the BCG instillation and respective mathematical models of the treatment. Specific examples of markers include diverse immune cells, genetic polymorphisms, miRNAs, epigenetics, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology ‘beacons’ as exemplified by cell surface proteins, cytokines, signaling proteins and enzymes. We identified tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, a combination of Ki-67/CK20, IL-2, IL-8 and IL-6/IL-10 ratio as the most promising markers for both pre-BCG and post-BCG treatment suitable for the simulation studies.The intricate and patient-specific nature of these data warrants the use of powerful multi-parametral mathematical methods in combination with molecular/cellular biology insight and clinical input

Effective Communication in the Media Sphere: Creation of Cultural Identity

The article discusses the conditions of effective communication, the key social and cultural process of society. On the basis of sociological survey among youth made in the social networks, the authors show modern trends of communication. The study draws on identity theory, cultural study, theory of consumption and motivation, as well as on psychoanalysis. The authors come to the conclusion that the appeal to a permanent process of identity-building by audiences is a prerequisite for the effectiveness of communication. Described structures, schemas, communication strategies allow to optimize communication, to come to a satisfactory and desirable results for both the communicator and the recipient

Satellite traceology: experience of using in the interests of mammalogy for protection of ice-associated marine mammals

Advanced technology of satellite traceology is presented on the base of using the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) with high space and deep resolution installed for the first time onboard Soviet space station Almaz and now functioning successfully onboard the satellites Envisat and RADARSAT. The SAR traceology is the central issue of the satellite eco-criminology and concerns to theory of the traces formation, variability, and preservation in undamaged state. Ships coordinates, their traces and complexity of ice routing are fixed by the method of satellite charting, and their possible influence on ice-associated marine mammals is assessed. Numerous examples of SAR satellite control on navigation in stormy weather and ships’ presence in ice with different compactness, origin and age are overviewed, as well as impact of travel facilities on ice-associated animals welfare. Some incidents potentially dangerous for marine mammals are considered for the Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea). Parameters of the ice cover, as openings, large fractures, and polynyas made by icebreakers in this area were determined on the base of the satellite SAR data, comprehensive digital ice maps with scheme of real ships’ routes in the ice were prepared, and the routes correspondence with ESIMO demands was assessed. The satellite SAR survey in the Kandalaksha Bay (White Sea) allowed to fix that winter navigation in the White Sea provoked formation of fractures and polynyas and reduced the sea ice area suitable for reproduction of greenland seals. For validation of this situation, airborne control was organized aboard the aircraft L-410 «Nord» that provided panoramic and IR images of ship channel through the rookeries of the seals in time of their reproduction. Besides, the aircraft made observations of pacific walruses behavior in the Bering Sea which were superposed with the satellite SAR and passive microwave survey in frame of the project «Pacific Walrus». Traceological control of the sea ice in the Anadyr Bay (Bering Sea) allowed to determine the size of openings in the ice and to assess the influence of tide and wind on welfare of ice-associated marine mammals. Some cases of infringement the regulation of navigation were revealed by means of the satellite SAR traceology

The Study of Species Diversity of Fungi-Litaliano Allocated with Samples of Cement Composites Containing Limestones of Different Origin and Subjected to Aging at Conditions of the Black Sea Climate

The article presents the results of a study of the decay resistance of cement composites filled with carbonate and silicate rocks. The investigated composites exhibited for one year under conditions of the black sea climate in the open air under a canopy of sea coast and sea water. Species and generic diversity of fungi-Litvinov on the samples, depending on the origin of carbonate rocks and the conditions of aging. By results of researches it is stated that fouling, the number of species in the community, as well as specific species composition to a greater extent depends on the operating conditions of the material, and to a lesser extent on the mineral composition of the filler. The authors give a classification of biological agents- destructors of building materials in their preferred conditions of growth that may be promising for the further development of approaches to deal with them. Installed rational compositions of concrete composites derived from limestones of different origin

Assessment of the state of natural resources for organization of screening of urothelial tumors

The article provides basic information about the influence of natural factors on the development of urothelial carcinoma in humans. The social significance of an early examination of the inhabitants of Russia to identify the initial signs of malignancy of the transitional epithelium was determined, based on the dynamics of medical and statistical indicators, data from sanitary and epidemiological studies and the absence of a system of preventive measures to prevent urothelial carcinoma. The rate of formation of neoplastic changes in the urothelium is largely determined by the degree of air and soil contamination with potentially dangerous carcinogens, the lack of proper water purification and the peculiarities of the state of the health care system in the region. The results of screening for urothelial carcinoma, with a detailed study of the state of the environment, are given in a few publications. Lack of technical and personnel staffing in most rural healthcare institutions, their remoteness from the place of residence of a significant part of the population of small towns and rural settlements, and emergency measures to combat the new acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) will contribute to an increase in mortality of the Russian population from this onco-urological pathology. It is advisable to organize new oncological-epidemiological protocols, accompanied by a correction of the staffing table and the treatment approach for urothelial carcinoma in different municipal districts of Russia, in order to reduce the mortality rate of the population from the development of this aggressive tumor

The Effectiveness of Materials Different with Regard to Increasing the Durability

The article considers contemporary materials and structures for construction of buildings. The article conducts an economic study of the problem of durability. It addresses the issue of increasing longevity, affecting the term of service to building structures and the efficiency of their operation. Revealed the main factors affecting the durability. It identifies measures its realisation. The method of calculation of economic efficiency of improving the durability of building constructions

The Effectiveness of Materials Different with Regard to Increasing the Durability

The article considers contemporary materials and structures for construction of buildings. The article conducts an economic study of the problem of durability. It addresses the issue of increasing longevity, affecting the term of service to building structures and the efficiency of their operation. Revealed the main factors affecting the durability. It identifies measures its realisation. The method of calculation of economic efficiency of improving the durability of building constructions