Blood Content Research Articles

Pharmacological Investigation on Unraveling Mechanism of Action of Quisqualis indica Leaves for Predicted Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Background:: With the aid of various ulcer-induced models, the goal of this study was to assess the antiulcer ability of Qusqualis indica (Q. indica) leaf extracts in Wistar rats Method:: The induction of ulcers was done by different models like pylorus ligation method, ethanol-induced and stress-induced models. Group 1 (negative control), Group 2 (standard group) were treated with Sucralfate (8.6 mg/kg), Group 3 was treated with aqueous extract of Q. indica (AEQI,200 mg/kg), Group 4 was treated with aqueous extract of Q. indica (AEQI,400 mg/kg), Group 5 was treated with ethanolic extract of Q. indica (EEQI, 200 mg/kg) and Group 6 was treated with ethanol extract of Q. indica (EEQI, 400 mg/kg). All therapies were given orally twice every day. After the course of treatment was complete, blood and gastrointestinal contents were taken, and biochemical tests were run. The acetylcholine and histamine drug response curves were used to develop the mechanism of the extracts. Results:: The groups treated with extracts experienced a significant decrease in ulcer index. The antiulcer potential of the AEQI and EEQI is dose-dependent. Hematological, hepatic, and cardiac parameters were not significantly affected by the extracts, although high-density lipoprotein production was. Acetylcholine and histamine are blocked by AEQI and EEQI, according to the DRC analysis. The obtained scientific facts are amply supported by histopathological analysis Conclusion:: AEQI and EEQI have antiulcer potential in a dose-dependent manner, but further research must be needed.

Predictors of an unfavorable course of COVID-19

The aim of the study was to identify the features of the unfavorable clinical course of a new coronavirus infection.Material and methods. The analysis of clinical data, laboratory results and comorbidity of 168 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of a new coronavirus infection aged 65,0 [57,0; 74,0] years was carried out. Two groups of patients were distinguished – 126 persons with a moderate course and with clinical recovery in the outcome of the disease and 42 persons with a severe course and a fatal outcome of the disease. Transnosological polymorbidity was assessed by the average number of nosologies corresponding to the three-digit ICD-10 rubricification, transsystemic – by the number of affected systems. Hemogram parameters, blood content of C-reactive protein, creatinine, urea, glucose, prothrombin index, international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, D-dimer concentration were estimated.Results. In the group of patients with fatal outcomes, compared to patients with recovery, there were statistically significantly higher indices of transnosological and transsystemic polymorbidity (1.5 and 2 times, respectively), they were more likely to have ischaemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack in anamnesis, atrial fibrillation, chronic heart failure; blood concentration of C-reactive protein, fasting glucose, urea, D-dimer in the blood serum was higher, the number of thrombocytes was less.Conclusions. A high degree of transnosological and transsystemic polymorbidity, a history of myocardial infarction and transient ischemic attack, comorbid chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, an increase in D-dimer, CRP content, and a decrease in platelet number are predictors of severe course and the lethal outcome of COVID-19.

Abnormal Phenylalanine Metabolism of Procapra przewalskii in Chronic Selenosis in Selenium-Enriched Habitats.

Selenium (Se)-enriched habitats have led to chronic selenosis, seriously affecting the health and survival of Procapra przewalskii (P. przewalskii). Our targets were to explore the molecular mechanisms of chronic selenosis and to look for a new way to protect endangered species. The mineral contents of soils, grass, blood, and muscle were analyzed. The biochemical indices, antioxidant capability, and immune function were also investigated. The analyses of proteomics and metabolomics were also carried out. The results showed that the Se contents in the muscle and blood of P. przewalskii, and the soil and grass in the Se-enriched habitats were significantly higher than those in healthy pastures. The P. przewalskii in the Se-enriched habitats showed symptoms of anemia, decreased antioxidant capability, and low immune function. A total of 44 differential proteins and 36 differential metabolites were screened by analyzing their proteomics and metabolomics. These differential proteins and metabolites were involved in glycolysis pathway, amino acid biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and energy metabolism. In particular, phenylalanine metabolism was the common pathway of proteomics and metabolomics, which was an important finding in studying the mechanism of chronic selenosis in animals. This study will help us to further understand the mechanism of chronic selenosis in P. przewalskii, and it provides a scientific basis for the protection of endangered species in Se-enriched habitats.

Exploration of the SIRT1-mediated BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway in the mechanism of brain damage and learning and memory effects of fluorosis.

Fluoride is considered an environmental pollutant that seriously affects organisms and ecosystems, and its harmfulness is a perpetual public health concern. The toxic effects of fluoride include organelle damage, oxidative stress, cell cycle destruction, inflammatory factor secretion, apoptosis induction, and synaptic nerve transmission destruction. To reveal the mechanism of fluorosis-induced brain damage, we analyzed the molecular mechanism and learning and memory function of the SIRT1-mediated BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway cascade reaction in fluorosis-induced brain damage through in vivo experiments. This study constructed rat models of drinking water fluorosis using 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, and 150 mg/L fluoride, and observed the occurrence of dental fluorosis in the rats. Subsequently, we measured the fluoride content in rat blood, urine, and bones, and measured the rat learning and memory abilities. Furthermore, oxidative stress products, inflammatory factor levels, and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity were detected. The pathological structural changes to the rat bones and brain tissue were observed. The SIRT1, BDNF, TrkB, and apoptotic protein levels were determined using western blotting. All rats in the fluoride exposure groups exhibited dental fluorosis; decreased learning and memory abilities; and higher urinary fluoride, bone fluoride, blood fluoride, oxidative stress product, and inflammatory factor levels compared to the control group. The fluoride-exposed rat brain tissue had abnormal AchE and ChAT activity, sparsely arranged hippocampal neurons, blurred cell boundaries, significantly fewer astrocytes, and swollen cells. Furthermore, the nucleoli were absent from the fluoride-exposed rat brain tissue, which also contained folded neuron membranes, deformed mitochondria, absent cristae, vacuole formation, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic chromatin. The fluoride exposure groups had lower SIRT1, BDNF, and TrkB protein levels and higher apoptotic protein levels than the control group, which were closely related to the fluoride dose. The findings demonstrated that excessive fluoride caused brain damage and affected learning and memory abilities. Currently, there is no effective treatment method for the tissue damage caused by fluorosis. Therefore, the effective method for preventing and treating fluorosis damage is to control fluoride intake.

Content of selected heavy metals in the umbilical cord blood and anthropometric data of mothers and newborns in Poland: preliminary data

The ability to accumulate metals in organs and tissues leads to disturbances in the physiological functioning of the body, causing oxidative stress. This negatively affects the functioning of the placenta and may result in miscarriages, premature birth and fetal growth disorders. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the levels of selected heavy metals in umbilical cord blood and anthropometric parameters of mothers and the newborns. Content of elements in umbilical cord blood has been assessed by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The study results were collected and statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (PS IMAGO). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test for associations between selected variables. Regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of anthropometric parameters of studied women and newborns. The study group consisted of women aged 19–41, whose pregnancy was uncomplicated and were not exposed to heavy metals due to their work or smoking. The following metals were identified in all collected cord blood samples: lead (26.25 ± 9.32 µg/L), zinc (2025.24 ± 717.83 µg/L), copper (749.85 ± 203.86 µg/L), manganese (32.55 ± 13.58 µg/L), chromium (8.34 ± 2.16 µg/L) and selenium (158.46 ± 41.58 µg/L). The conducted statistical analysis indicated the relationship between the copper content in the umbilical cord blood and the weight gain of pregnant women. A significant relationship was observed between newborn head circumference and chromium content. In addition, significant positive correlations were found between the content of zinc and copper, manganese and lead, manganese and selenium, lead and selenium, and lead and chromium in umbilical cord blood. The ratio of zinc to copper concentrations was related to neonatal head circumference. Weight gain in pregnant women is positively correlated with the copper level in umbilical cord blood. There is an association between head circumference at birth and the chromium concentration in umbilical cord blood. Copper and zinc levels in umbilical cord blood are positively correlated with head circumference at birth.

INFLUENCE OF CD68 POSITIVE CELLS ON THE PROCESSES OF PROLIFERATION AND APOPTOSIS IN THE STRUCTURES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Aim: To study the influence of macrophages or CD68 positive cells on the processes of proliferation and apoptosis in the respiratory system. Materials and Methods: Experimental modeling of chronic hypoxic hypoxia in combination with inhalation of natural gas was carried out on 133 outbred male rats. Hypoxia was simulated using special seed chambers and natural gas from the Astrakhanskoye Conventional Gas Field at a concentration of 3 mg/m3. The animals were placed under these conditions four hours a day for five days a week for four months. The animals were removed once a month - after 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. The activity of proliferation and apoptosis processes was studied by immunohistochemical method, followed by analysis of the expression of the proliferation marker Ki67, the apoptosis marker p53. The morphofunctional activity of macrophages was determined by the distribution of CD68 positive cells in structural components of respiratory system and the cytokine content in arterial blood taken from the abdominal aorta, that is, at the exit from lungs. Results: With the increase of the chronic experiment duration, the formation of two types of multidirectional morphological changes was revealed: thinning and stretching of the interalveolar septa, an increase in the volume of the alveoli in the peripheral parts of the lungs, and thickening of the interalveolar septa due to increased blood supply and edema-swelling in the early stages and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in later periods; whereas the diameter and volume of the alveoli became smaller. Under chronic hypoxia combined with the action of natural gas, in all studied structures of the respiratory system there was an increase in the activity of CD68 positive cells. This is manifested by an increase in their number and activation of spontaneous and induced production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα. Besides, in areas of the lungs with changes in the type of atelectasis, an increase in the expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 and the apoptosis marker p53 was revealed. The latter is most likely associated with a deterioration in blood supply and oxygenation of these areas and the migration of leukocyte and fibroblast cells here, followed by their proliferation and formation pulmonary fibrosis. In areas with emphysematous changes, a decrease in the content of Ki67 positive cells was revealed with a simultaneous increase in the number of p53 positive cells. Conclusion: Thus, it is possible to determine a direct relationship between the increase in the morphofunctional activity of CD68 positive cells and the intensity of proliferation and apoptosis processes in the structural components of the respiratory system under chronic hypoxia combined with natural gas inhalation.

Dietary alfalfa hay or lipid-soluble alfalfa extract may improve broiler growth, but fiber presence may be detrimental during Eimeria vaccine challenge

Lipid-soluble components in late-cutting alfalfa are linked to beneficial immune and microbiota responses in mouse challenge models; therefore, responses in a comparative poultry Eimeria challenge model were investigated. The study objective was to evaluate performance, immunity, and the cecal microbiota in broilers fed ground hay or lipid-soluble extract from late (fifth) cutting alfalfa during Eimeria challenge. At hatch, 432 Ross 708 broilers were placed in 24 floor pens (18 birds/pen) and assigned to 3 isocaloric/isonitrogenous dietary treatments consisting of control, 5% ground hay, or 0.25% lipid-soluble extract for a 42-d trial divided into 14 d starter, grower, and finisher periods. On d 14, 4 birds/treatment were euthanized to collect blood and cecal contents before half the remainder were inoculated with 10X Merck Coccivac-B52 (Kenilworth, NJ). Tissue samples were collected at 3, 7, 14, and 28 d postinoculation (pi; 4 birds/diet×Eimeria group) with body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) recorded weekly. Immune populations within peripheral blood mononuclear cells were characterized by flow cytometry while cecal microbial communities were profiled by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Data were normalized when appropriate and analyzed to evaluate the effects of diet, Eimeria challenge, and timepoint (SAS 9.4; P ≤ 0.05). Before challenge, dietary alfalfa hay or extract increased FI 6.9 to 8.0% and increased CD3+ T cells 19.3 to 24.9% compared to control-fed birds (P ≤ 0.007). Alfalfa did not significantly affect post-Eimeria performance, but Eimeria-challenged birds fed hay showed the greatest numeric reduction in final BW compared to their unchallenged counterparts (0.17 kg) vs. control and extract-fed birds (0.02-0.04 kg). Immune cell changes did not indicate recruitment from peripheral blood to local infection sites; however, alfalfa hay may have accelerated Bu-1+ B cell development by 7 d in unchallenged birds (P < 0.0001). During Eimeria-challenge, dietary alfalfa extract preserved alpha diversity measures related to species richness (P ≤ 0.007). Collectively, these results indicate potential benefits of feeding lipid-soluble extract from late cutting alfalfa to broilers during Eimeria challenge.

Clinical Value of cfDNA Content in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Objective: To explore the value of circulating free (cfDNA) content in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods: A total of 39 TNBC patients, 45 non-TNBC patients, and 50 healthy individuals admitted to the Baoding First Central Hospital during 2019–2022 were recruited. The clinical data, peripheral blood cfDNA concentration, and clinicopathological indicators of the patients were observed and analyzed. Results: The difference in clinical indicators such as age, age range, tumor size, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis between patients with TNBC and non-TNBC was insignificant (P &gt; 0.05). The cfDNA concentrations (ng/mL) of the TNBC group, non-TNBC group, and healthy group were 24.12 ± 4.98, 15.36 ± 4.12, and 3.12 ± 1.02, respectively, and they are statistically different (P &lt; 0.05). The difference in cfDNA concentration was insignificant between TNBC patients with tumors ≤ 2 cm and &gt; 2 cm (P &gt; 0.05) but was significant between TNBC patients with clinical stages I+II and III+IV (P &lt; 0.05). The cfDNA concentration in TNBC patients with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than those without lymph node metastasis (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: cfDNA has an important application value in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. By detecting the cfDNA level and its gene variation, valuable information about the progress and treatment effects of breast cancer can be obtained. This non-invasive detection method has a wide range of applications and can be used for early screening, auxiliary diagnosis, efficacy evaluation, and recurrence monitoring of breast cancer.

Parietal and occipital hair loss patterns in initial stages of androgenic alopecia in men

Background. The initial stages of androgenetic alopecia in men are characterized by a variety of clinical manifestation in the parietal or occipital scalp regions. However, the differences in the pathogenesis of hair loss patterns are not well understood, selective treatment has not been developed.&#x0D; Aims. Trichological characteristics of patients with initial stages of androgenetic alopecia with identification of genetic and non-genetic factors that determine the hair loss in the different scalp regions, and their response to conservative therapy.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Trichograms were photodocumented using an AramoSG microcamera (Republic of Korea). The genetic factor was analyzed by mini-sequencing of single nucleotide polymorphisms rs929626, rs5919324, rs1998076, rs12565727, rs756853. The non-genetic factors study included hormonal status (total and free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 17OH-progesterone, dehydroepiandrostenone, SHBG) and blood content of trace elements (Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, Se, Fe) and vitamins (B12, D, E, folic acid). Conservative treatment was topical application of a minoxidil 5% (twice-a-day, 4 months) and a micronutrient deficiencies personalized correction.&#x0D; Results. The study included 47 man with initial stages of androgenetic alopecia. Their trichological examination showed two patterns, consisting a predominant decrease in the hair density and diameter in the parietal and occipital scalp regions, which were subgroups formation criteria. An intergroup comparison revealed similar genetic risk, while hormonal parameters (increased dihydrotestosterone levels, a decrease in free testosterone) characterized the subgroup with parietal hair loss pattern. Also, a multiple deficiency of Zn, Cu, Se and vitamins B12, D, folic acid was detected in all patients. Subsequent conservative treatment had a positive effect in patients with parietal hair loss pattern, while in patients with occipital pattern no significant response was observed.&#x0D; Conclusions. The study develops ideas about differences between androgen-dependent parietal and androgen-independent occipital hair loss patterns in the initial stages of androgenetic alopecia, which requires different approaches to their conservative therapy.

Towards Simultaneous Noninvasive Arterial and Venous Oxygenation Monitoring with Wearable E-Tattoo.

While noninvasive arterial blood oxygenation is easily estimated using peripheral pulse oximeters, noninvasive venous blood oxygenation monitoring is still a critical unmet need. Critical conditions that lead to inefficient extraction of oxygen from the blood, such as sepsis or shock, can only be detected by analyzing the oxygen content of the venous blood. In this work, we introduce a soft wearable e-tattoo sensor that simultaneously measures the arterial and venous pulses from the wrist. First, we prove that the origin of the signal is venous pulsatility. We hypothesize that a significant obstacle for simultaneous SaO2 and SvO2 extraction is the close proximity of the artery and vein, thus leading to crosstalk. We characterize this crosstalk with simulation, in vitro, and in vivo experiments. Finally, we offer a potential solution for minimizing the crosstalk through spatial filtering.Clinical Relevance- This lays foundational work for a novel method of noninvasively and simultaneously measuring arterial and venous blood oxygenation to improve clinical diagnoses of sepsis, shock, and metabolic abnormalities.

Antibody-Dependent Enhancement with a Focus on SARS-CoV-2 and Anti-Glycan Antibodies.

Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) is a phenomenon where virus-specific antibodies paradoxically cause enhanced viral replication and/or excessive immune responses, leading to infection exacerbation, tissue damage, and multiple organ failure. ADE has been observed in many viral infections and is supposed to complicate the course of COVID-19. However, the evidence is insufficient. Since no specific laboratory markers have been described, the prediction and confirmation of ADE are very challenging. The only possible predictor is the presence of already existing (after previous infection) antibodies that can bind to viral epitopes and promote the disease enhancement. At the same time, the virus-specific antibodies are also a part of immune response against a pathogen. These opposite effects of antibodies make ADE research controversial. The assignment of immunoglobulins to ADE-associated or virus neutralizing is based on their affinity, avidity, and content in blood. However, these criteria are not clearly defined. Another debatable issue (rather terminological, but no less important) is that in most publications about ADE, all immunoglobulins produced by the immune system against pathogens are qualified as pre-existing antibodies, thus ignoring the conventional use of this term for natural antibodies produced without any stimulation by pathogens. Anti-glycan antibodies (AGA) make up a significant part of the natural immunoglobulins pool, and there is some evidence of their antiviral effect, particularly in COVID-19. AGA have been shown to be involved in ADE in bacterial infections, but their role in the development of ADE in viral infections has not been studied. This review focuses on pros and cons for AGA as an ADE trigger. We also present the results of our pilot studies, suggesting that AGAs, which bind to complex epitopes (glycan plus something else in tight proximity), may be involved in the development of the ADE phenomenon.

Associations between the detailed milk mineral profile, milk composition, and metabolic status in Holstein cows

The causes of variation in the milk mineral profile of dairy cattle during the first phase of lactation were studied under the hypothesis that the milk mineral profile partially reflects the animals' metabolic status. Correlations between the minerals and the main milk constituents (i.e., protein, fat, and lactose percentages), and their associations with the cows' metabolic status indicators were explored. The metabolic status indicators (MET) that we used were blood energy-protein metabolites [nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, and urea], and liver ultrasound measurements (predicted triacylglycerol liver content, portal vein area, portal vein diameter and liver depth). Milk and blood samples, and ultrasound measurements were taken from 295 Holstein cows belonging to 2 herds and in the first 120 d in milk (DIM). Milk mineral contents were determined by ICP-OES; these were considered the response variable and analyzed through a mixed model which included DIM, parity, milk yield, and MET as fixed effects, and the herd/date as a random effect. The MET traits were divided in tertiles. The results showed that milk protein was positively associated with body condition score (BCS) and glucose, and negatively associated with BHB blood content; milk fat was positively associated with BHB content; milk lactose was positively associated with BCS; and Ca, P, K and S were the minerals with the greatest number of associations with the cows' energy indicators, particularly BCS, predicted triacylglycerol liver content, glucose, BHB and urea. We conclude that the protein, fat, lactose, and mineral contents of milk partially reflect the metabolic adaptation of cows during lactation and within 120 DIM. Variations in the milk mineral profile were consistent with changes in the major milk constituents and the metabolic status of cows.

Study of blood rheological parameters and NO in coronary artery disease patients with and without collaterals.

In coronary artery disease (CAD), an alternative way of improvement of blood circulation in the ischemic area of the myocardium is coronary collateral circulation. Our study aimed to investigate the rheological parameters of blood and nitric oxide (NO) content in patients with various degrees of collateral development and the likelihood of the influence of blood fluidity on collateral angiogenesis. We studied patients with stable CAD who underwent elective coronary angiography and a control group with the same mean age. We investigated patients with different degrees of developing collaterals and those without them. In studied patients, the blood plasma viscosity, aggregability, and deformability of erythrocytes, as the main indicators of blood rheology. We recorded content of stable metabolic end products of nitric oxide (NOx). Results of the studies showed that in the blood of studied patients with CAD erythrocyte aggregation was increased and NO content decreased compared to the control level; NO content was as lower, as less was the number of developed collaterals was recorded. In this work, the role of the aggregation ability of erythrocytes and the endothelial origin of NO in the direct and feedback regulatory mechanism of angiogenesis in patients with CAD are discussed.

Haematological parameters of laying hens under different group size.

The relevance of this study lies in its potential implications for poultry farming practices and animal welfare. Understanding the impact of group size on the blood parameters of hens can provide valuable insights for optimising their health and well-being in farming environments. The aim of the study was an analysis of haematological parameters of laying hens under the influence group size with the same stoking density in analogous cages by design. Hens were kept for 34 weeks in cages of multilevel batteries at different group sizes: I group-93 birds, II group-52 birds, III group-17 birds and IV group-9 birds. The study analysed blood samples from laying hens at 18 and 52 weeks of age. Results showed that reducing the group size from 93 to 52 birds led to a haematological status within the physiological norm, characterized by increased heterophils and decreased monocyte levels. Whereas, the decrease in group size to 17 birds was accompanied by a decrease in the hens' blood content of thrombocytes, an increase of heterophile, a decrease of monocytes and lymphocytes within the physiological norm, as well as an increase in the heterophiles to lymphocytes ratio.

Sandwich-type electrochemical aptasensor based on HMCS@PDA@AuNPs and PtCu DNs/MUN-CuO-TiO2 for ultrasensitive detection of cardiac troponin I

The key to diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) lies in the sensitive and accurate analysis of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) content in human blood. Herein, in order to detect the content of cTnI, a novel sandwich-type cTnI electrochemical aptasensor was developed by utilizing dendritic platinum-copper alloy nanoparticles loaded on graphene-like CuO-TiO2 mesoporous ultrathin nanosheet (PtCu DNs/MUN-CuO-TiO2) as label material, and AuNPs loaded on polydopamine modified hollow mesoporous carbon spheres (HMCS@PDA@AuNPs) as electrode-modified material. On the one hand, with its advantages of assistance of Au and PDA coating, abundant pore structure, and large specific surface area, the HMCS@PDA@AuNPs exhibited excellent electronic conductivity but with a low catalytic capacity for the reduction of H2O2, thus enhancing the sensitivity of aptasensor. On the other hand, because of combining the structural and electrochemical performance superiority of MUN-CuO-TiO2 and PtCu DNs, such as short electron transfer distance and abundant reactive sites, the catalytic performance of obtained PtCu DNs/MUN-CuO-TiO2 towards H2O2 reduction was enhanced and realized signal amplification. The constructed electrochemical aptasensor for cTnI detection exhibited a satisfactory dynamic range from 0.01 pg/mL to 500.0 ng/mL and a lower detection limit of 2.3 fg/mL. The recommended sensor has been utilized to detect human serum samples with acceptable results, exhibiting potential for clinical application.

A one-step method for quantitative microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography.

Electrical conductivity directly correlates with tissue functional information such as blood and water contents, and quantitative extraction of tissue conductivity is of significant importance for disease detection and diagnosis using microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography (TAT). The existing quantitative TAT (qTAT) approaches capable of extracting tissue conductivity require two steps for the recovery of conductivity. Such two steps approaches depend on an accurate knowledge of the microwave energy loss distribution in tissue and offer a slow computational convergence rate. The purpose of this study is to develop a new algorithm to reconstruct tissue conductivity with higher reconstruction accuracy and greater computational efficiency. We propose an improved qTAT method for direct recovery of tissue conductivity from thermoacoustic data measured along the boundary with only one step without the dependence of microwave energy loss information. The feasibility of our one-step qTAT method is validated in both simulated and tissue-mimicking phantom experiments with single-target and multi-target configurations with different contrast levels. Compared with the previous two-step methods, our one-step qTAT method improves the accuracy of conductivity recovery with approximately one-fold reduction in the mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) with p-values greater than 0.05. In addition, the convergence rate is improved by more than two folds for the one-step method. The study demonstrates that new method can quantitatively reconstruct conductivity of tissue more accurately and efficiently over the existing qTAT methods, leading to potentially enhanced accuracy for disease detection and diagnosis.

Role of Angiopoietic Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.

The angiopoietic endothelial dysfunction in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) remains unexplored. The identification of the imbalance of endothelial dysfunction mediators and the number of endothelial progenitor (EPC) and desquamated (EDC) cells in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) with and without ICMP. A total of 87 patients (47 with ICMP and 40 without ICMP) were observed. The content of EPCs (CD14+CD34+VEGFR2+) in vein blood and EDCs (CD45-CD146+) in the blood from the coronary sinus and cubital vein was determined by flow cytometry. The contents of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in vein blood as well as that of ADMA and endothelin-1 in sinus plasma and angiopoietin-2, MMP-9 and galectin-3 in both samples were assessed using ELISA, and VEGF, PDGF, SDF-1 and MCP-1 contents using immunofluorescence. ADMA and endothelin-1 levels in the sinus blood were comparable between the patient groups; a deficiency of HIF-1α and excess of HIF-2α were detected in the vein blood of ICMP patients. The EDC content in the vein blood increased in CHD patients regardless of ICMP, and the concentrations of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, PDGF, MCP-1, angiopoietin-2, and MMP-9 were normal. In ICMP patients, vein blood was characterized by an excess of galectin-3 and sinus blood by an excess of EDCs, angiopoietin-2, MMP-9 and galectin-3. ICMP is accompanied by angiopoietic endothelial dysfunction.

Phospholipid composition of bile and blood in rats under correction of experimental fatty hepatosis

To date, the aetiology and molecular mechanisms of the development of fatty hepatosis, which is quite common in mammals, have not yet been sufficiently explained. This pathology requires detailed study not only because of functional disorders of the liver and biliary system, but also because of the high probability of dangerous complications – fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to determine marker changes in the phospholipid composition of bile and blood in rats with experimental fatty hepatosis and with the use of corrective therapy. Hepatopathology was modelled in Wistar laboratory rats by intragastric administration of a 4% solution of tetracycline hydrochloride at the rate of 0.25 g/kg body weight for seven days. Using the method of thin-layer chromatography, the phospholipid components of animal bile and blood were studied. It was found that during experimental fatty hepatosis in rats, there was a decrease in the total phospholipid content in bile, mainly due to a decrease in the level of phosphatidylcholine (by 22.4-27.0%), the total fraction of inositol phosphatide and phosphatidylinositol (by 20.0-27.3%), and phosphatidylethanolamine (by 17.5-25.2%). Conversely, the introduction of milk phospholipids in the form of a dietary supplement “FLP-MD” in sick animals contributed to an increase in bile levels of phosphatidylserine by 67.1-99.8%, inositol phosphatide and phosphatidylinositol by 48.6-57.6%, phosphatidylcholine by 38.8-60.2%, phosphatidylethanolamine by 45.6-57.4%, and sphingomyelin by 30.4-46.3%. In the blood of such rats, a significant decrease in the content of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin was found, which was not observed after administration of the “FLP-MD” dietary supplement to sick animals. In the case of using the supplement in healthy animals, only a 29.3% increase in the blood content of inositol phosphatide and phosphatidylinositol was noted. The determination of the most sensitive indicators in the phospholipid spectrum of blood and bile reveals the features of changes in molecular processes for the development of fatty hepatosis in animals, and also contributes to preclinical tests of the corrective effectiveness of newly created drugs according to established markers

Mercuric chloride induced brain toxicity in mice: The protective effects of puerarin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles.

Mercury is a toxic, environmentally heavy metal that can cause severe damage to all organs, including the nervous system. The functions of puerarin include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, nerve cell repair, regulation of autophagy, and so forth. But because of the limited oral absorption of puerarin, it affects the protective effect on brain tissue. The nano-encapsulation of Pue can improve its limitation. Therefore, this study investigated the protective effect of Pue drug-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (Pue-PLGA-nps) on brain injury induced by mercuric chloride (HgCl2 ) in mice. The mice were divided into normal saline (NS) group, HgCl2 (4 mg/kg) group, Pue-PLGA-nps (50 mg/kg) group, HgCl2 + Pue (4 mg/kg + 30 mg/kg) group, and HgCl2 + Pue-PLGA-nps (4 mg/kg + 50 mg/kg) group. After 28 days of treatment, the mice were observed for behavioral changes, antioxidant capacity, autophagy and inflammatory response, and mercury levels in the brain, blood, and urine were measured. The results showed that HgCl2 toxicity caused learning and memory dysfunction in mice, increased mercury content in brain and blood, and increased serum levels of interleukin(IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the mice. HgCl2 exposure decreased the activity of T-AOC, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and increased the expression of malondialdehydein the brain of mice. Moreover, the expression levels of TRIM32, toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), and LC3 proteins were upregulated. Both Pue and Pue-PLGA-nps interventions mitigated the changes caused by HgCl2 exposure, and Pue-PLGA-nps further enhanced this effect. Our results suggest that Pue-PLGA-nps can ameliorate HgCl2 -induced brain injury and reduce Hg accumulation, which is associated with inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and TLR4/TRIM32/LC3 signaling pathway.

CHANGES IN MARKERS OF NEURO-IMMUNE DISINTEGRATION IN THE SUB-ACUTE PHASE OF ISCHEMIC STROKE

Background. The increase in the prevalence of CVZ gives reasons to consider the problem of combating stroke as a priority area of treatment and prevention work of medical workers all over the world.&#x0D; Aim: assessment of the role of changes in markers of neuroimmune disintegration in the acute phase of ischemic stroke.&#x0D; Material and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the clinical units of the Medical Institute of the Black Sea National University named after Peter Mohyla (Mykolaiv, Odesa) in 2020-2022. At the first stage, a retrospective analysis of 150 disease histories of patients who underwent II and were undergoing rehabilitation at the "Expert Health" medical center was carried out. At the second, prospective stage, 28 patients who had II in the subacute period were examined with an in-depth immunological examination. An analysis of the dynamics of leukogram indicators, CRP, procalcitonin and other markers of inflammation was carried out. At the prospective stage, the blood content of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL1, IL2, Il6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL4, IL10) was additionally determined. Statistical processing was carried out by methods of dispersion and correlation analysis using Statistica 14.0 software (TIBCO, USA).&#x0D; Results. According to the retrospective analysis, the severity of changes in leukogram and CRP content correlated with the severity of II (r=0.11-0.29). With an average NIHSS score of 10.8±0.9, the content of lymphocytes in the peripheral pool averaged 17.3±0.4%, while the total content of leukocytes was 9.4±0.2 G/l. 76 (50.7%) patients had records in their medical records regarding the assessment of the CRP level, which averaged 7.7±0.9 mg/l. In 72.7% of patients, manifestations of atherosclerosis of brachiocephalic vessels were determined, including in 31.3% - signs of critical stenosis of the carotid arteries. When comparing the levels of CRP and the severity of the atherosclerotic process, a positive correlation of average strength was found (r=0.31).&#x0D; It is shown that in the subacute period at the stage of rehabilitation, the leukogram normalizes, the manifestations of the systemic inflammatory response decrease. At the same time, there are signs of stress on neuroimmune regulatory mechanisms and the need to monitor inflammatory biomarkers both in the acute and subacute stages of stroke.&#x0D; Conclusions. The expressiveness of changes in leukogram and CRP content correlates with the severity of II, and high levels of CRP are a predictor of an adverse clinical outcome. When comparing the levels of CRP and the severity of the atherosclerotic process, a positive correlation of average strength was found (r=0.31). With an ischemic stroke, neuroimmune regulatory mechanisms are stressed in the subacute stage of the disease. It is advisable to monitor inflammatory biomarkers both in the acute and subacute stages of stroke.