Changes In Index Research Articles

Poleward migration of tropical cyclones over the western North Pacific in the CMIP6-HighResMIP models constrained by observations

Tropical cyclones (TCs) have experienced poleward migration in recent years, but whether this exists in future projections with high-resolution climate models remains unclear. This study investigates the poleward migration of TCs over the western North Pacific (WNP) using CMIP6-HighResMIP models. We first assess the model performance in TC genesis frequency and latitude, which differ greatly from the observations, especially in winter and spring due to misinterpretation of extratropical storms. In this study, we put forward a revised constrained detection method based on the sea surface temperature (SST) and the atmospheric conditions to resolve this bias. Results indicate that the revised detection method has good performance in capturing the annual cycle of TC genesis frequency and latitude. Future projections constrained by this method show that the latitude of TC genesis and lifetime maximum intensity (LMI) both undergo a poleward shift, with the former being more significant. Spatial changes in the dynamic potential genesis index and large-scale environment could explain this shift. The regional changes of Hadley circulation and the role of global warming and internal variability are also discussed.

PH-Responsive, Wide Color Gamut Dynamic Color Display Enabled by PDMAEMA Brush-Based Fabry-Perot Resonant Cavity.

Dynamic color-changing materials have attracted broad interest due to their widespread applications in visual sensing, dynamic color display, anticounterfeiting, and image encryption/decryption. In this work, we demonstrate a novel pH-responsive dynamic color-changing material based on a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity with a pH-responsive poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) brush layer as the responsive insulating layer. The pH-responsive PDMAEMA brush undergoes protonation at a low pH value (pH < 6), which induces different swelling degrees in response to pH and thus refractive index and thickness change of the insulator layer of the MIM FP cavity. This leads to significant optical property changes in transmission and a distinguishable color change spanning the whole visible region by adjusting the pH value of the external environment. Due to the reversible conformational change of the PDMAEMA and the formation of covalent bonds between the PDMAEMA molecular chain and the Ag substrate, the MIM FP cavity exhibits stable performance and good reproducibility. This pH-responsive MIM FP cavity establishes a new way to modulate transmission color in the full visible region and exhibits a broad prospect of applications in dynamic color display, real-time environment monitoring, and information encryption and decryption.

Quantitative assessment of static voltage stability for power system with high-penetration wind power based on energy function

As the scale of power systems expands, the penetration of renewable energy sources and power electronic devices are accelerating. With the growing complexity of power system, there is an urgent need for in-depth research on the impact of reactive power on static voltage stability. This paper proposes a quantitative assessment approach of static voltage stability for the power system with high-penetration wind power based on the energy function. A quantitative assessment framework for voltage stability indices based on power flow analysis has been established. The classic static voltage stability index L based on reactive power has been comprehensively analyzed. Additionally, combining the energy function and power flow analysis, a new quantitative index for voltage stability based on bus reactive power injection has been proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of this index has been validated by case studies. With the increasing penetration of wind power, the trend of the change of the assessment index of voltage margin is analyzed.

O-113 Non-invasive evaluation of embryo metabolic activity through hyperspectral microscopy

Abstract Current approaches for assessing embryo quality are subjective (morphology) or invasive (biopsy) and are not always predictive of live birth. Development of an accurate and non-invasive method to assess embryo quality would likely improve IVF success. We have taken a different approach towards developing a non-invasive diagnostic for embryo quality: optical imaging. We use low levels of light to illuminate the embryo and obtain spatial information on cell metabolism as well as biophysical properties of the embryo. Here I will present our work showing that hyperspectral imaging can be used to accurately discriminate between euploid and aneuploid mouse embryos, and in light sheet mode, able to generate 3D metabolic maps of developing embryos. Importantly, we show that this form of imaging is safe: compared to embryos that were not imaged, hyperspectral imaged embryos had similar, and not significantly different, pregnancy and implantation rates, with offspring weight at weaning also comparable. Another potential optical approach to assess embryo quality is digital holographic imaging. To date, little attention has been paid to the physical parameters of an embryo and whether these could be markers of embryo quality. One such physical parameter is refractive index. We have shown that digital holographic microscopy is able to measure very small changes in refractive index between good and poor-quality mouse embryos. Importantly, these optical approaches occur in the absence of stains or exogenous tags. Used alone, or in combination, such optical approaches may prove beneficial in developing an accurate, non-invasive diagnostic for embryo quality.

Oblique Lateral Versus Extreme Lateral as Approaches for Lumbar Disc Inter-Body Fusion

Abstract Background In the current surgical therapeutic regimen for the degenerative lumbar disease, both oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) and extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) are gradually accepted. Aim of the Work In this research, we aimed to compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of OLIF and XLIF for the degenerative lumbar disease. Subjects and Methods This was a Meta-analysis study, The review considered case-control studies, case report studies, and retrospective case follow-up comparing radiographic and clinical outcomes of OLIF and XLIF for the degenerative lumbar disease. Results Change in Oswestry disability index (ODI) was reported in 9 studies. The effect estimate is - 28.247 with Random model applied. There is heterogeneity p = 0.001.Moreover, it was noted that change in visual analog scale (VAS) was reported in all 10 studies. The effect estimate is -3.796 with Random model applied. There is heterogeneity p &amp;lt; 0.001. Conclusion The two groups are similar in terms of radiographic outcomes, operative blood loss, operative time and the length of hospital stay. The OLIF group shows advantages in VAS and ODI scores improvement. Though the incidence of perioperative complications of OLIF and LLIF is similar, the incidence of main complications is significantly different.

Rapamycin-encapsulated nanoparticle delivery in polycystic kidney disease mice

Rapamycin slows cystogenesis in murine models of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) but failed in clinical trials, potentially due to insufficient drug dosing. To improve drug efficiency without increasing dose, kidney-specific drug delivery may be used. Mesoscale nanoparticles (MNP) selectively target the proximal tubules in rodents. We explored whether MNPs can target cystic kidney tubules and whether rapamycin-encapsulated-MNPs (RapaMNPs) can slow cyst growth in Pkd1 knockout (KO) mice. MNP was intravenously administered in adult Pkd1KO mice. Serum and organs were harvested after 8, 24, 48 or 72 h to measure MNP localization, mTOR levels, and rapamycin concentration. Pkd1KO mice were then injected bi-weekly for 6 weeks with RapaMNP, rapamycin, or vehicle to determine drug efficacy on kidney cyst growth. Single MNP injections lead to kidney-preferential accumulation over other organs, specifically in tubules and cysts. Likewise, one RapaMNP injection resulted in higher drug delivery to the kidney compared to the liver, and displayed sustained mTOR inhibition. Bi-weekly injections with RapaMNP, rapamycin or vehicle for 6 weeks resulted in inconsistent mTOR inhibition and little change in cyst index, however. MNPs serve as an effective short-term, kidney-specific delivery system, but long-term RapaMNP failed to slow cyst progression in Pkd1KO mice.

Magnetic Dipole and Magnetic Quadrupole Scattering Enhanced Graphene‐based Tunable Plasmonic Metasurface‐ Design and Sensor Applications

In this paper, we have proposed a graphene-based tunable plasmonic sensor in the far-infrared region. Our structure consists of patterned graphene disks on a SiO2 gap dielectric structure. On a SiO2 substrate, a monolayer of graphene is placed. On top of that, with a gap dielectric structure, graphene is disk patterned, forming a 2D metastructure. At the resonance wavelength where the dominating electric dipole due to plasmonic resonance is suppressed, the scattering is enhanced due to the magnetic dipole and magnetic quadrupole. The parameter tuning of the proposed device can tune this scattering. We have shown a dominating tunable magnetic quadrupolar scattering at some geometrical parameters. Moreover, graphene has a tunable chemical potential, allowing us to tune the resonance wavelength up to 30 µm. We have shown two tuning schemes to this range with the advantage of a double graphene structure. Along with the interplay of the multipole analysis of these plasmonic resonances, we have shown practical application to sensing. A chemical solvent sensor for detecting hazardous solvents like benzene and nitrobenzene has been proposed, considering the experimental dispersion of these compounds. The chemical solvent sensor has shown a maximum sensitivity of 1307.716 nm/RIU. We also have shown a potential application for high-sensitivity sensing where the refractive index changes only a fraction compared to the base parameter of the air environment, reporting a maximum sensitivity of 4830.95 nm/RIU.

Reliability of near-infrared spectroscopy in measuring muscle oxygenation during squat exercise

Monitoring of changes in skeletal muscle oxygenation during exercise has increased in recent years. Tissue oxygenation, which is related to fatigue and muscle hypertrophy, is often measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the Test–Retest reliability of a non-portable NIRS (NIRO200Nx) during the full-squat exercise and recovery in young healthy men. DesignTwenty-five male participants (21.8 ± 2.6 years) were recruited for this original research. Each participant completed an 8-repetition test with a load that elicited a velocity of 1 m·s−1. The test was conducted twice, with a 48-h washout period between sessions. MethodsThe NIRS measured the changes of oxygenated-Hemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxygenated-Hemoglobin (HHb) and Tissue Oxygenation Index (TOI) in both Vastus Lateralis and Vastus Medialis during rest, exercise, and recovery. Coefficient of Variation (CV), Standard Error Measurement (SEM) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were used to evaluate the reliability of the data. Significance was set at p < 0.05. ResultsThe results indicated that TOI had good to acceptable absolute reliability (CVTOI = 2.7–10.2 %). A good relative relativity for the overall test was found for Vastus Medialis O2Hb (ICC = 0.851), HHb (ICC = 0.852), and TOI (ICC = 0.864), and Vastus Lateralis O2Hb (ICC = 0.898), HHb (ICC = 0.899), and TOI (ICC = 0.897). ConclusionsWe conclude that NIRO200Nx is a reliable instrument for measuring muscle oxygen saturation through the TOI parameter in not-to-failure dynamic resistance exercises (1 set of 8 reps against ~40 % 1 repetition Maximum). Tissue oxygenation assessment could be a new way of individualizing exercise through dynamic resistance exercises.

Cold atmospheric plasma therapy for Malassezia folliculitis: Laboratory investigations and a randomized clinical trial.

Current treatment options for Malassezia folliculitis (MF) are limited. Recent research has demonstrated the inhibitory effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on the growth of Malassezia pachydermatis in vitro, suggesting CAP as a potential therapeutic approach for managing MF. The objective of our study is to assess the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia yeasts to CAP. Additionally, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of CAP in treating patients with MF. We initially studied the antifungal effect of CAP on planktonic and biofilm forms of Malassezia yeasts, using well-established techniques such as zone of inhibition, transmission electron microscopy, colony count assay and 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide salt assay. Subsequently, a randomized (1:1 ratio), active comparator-controlled, observer-blind study was conducted comparing daily CAP therapy versus itraconazole 200mg/day for 2weeks in 50 patients with MF. Efficacy outcomes were measured by success rate, negative microscopy rate and changes in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events (AEs) and local tolerability. In laboratory investigations, CAP time-dependently inhibited the growth of Malassezia yeasts in both planktonic and biofilm forms. Forty-nine patients completed the clinical study. At week 2, success was achieved by 40.0% of subjects in the CAP group versus 58.3% in the itraconazole group (p=0.199). The negative direct microscopy rates of follicular samples were 56.0% in the CAP group versus 66.7% in the itraconazole group (p=0.444). No significant differences were found in the proportion of subjects achieving DLQI scores of 0/1 (p=0.456) or in the GAIS responder rates (p=0.588) between the two groups. Three patients in the CAP group and one patient in the itraconazole group reported mild AEs. CAP demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Malassezia yeasts in vitro and exhibited comparable efficacy to itraconazole in treating MF patients. Without the associated adverse effects of oral antifungal drugs, CAP can be considered a promising and safe treatment modality for MF.

Clinical Efficacy of Permanent Internal Mammary Artery Occlusion in Chronic Coronary Syndrome: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial

The CLIMACCS trial, a randomized, sham-controlled trial tested the CLinical efficacy of permanent internal mammary artery (IMA) device occlusion on symptoms in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), on coronary artery occlusive blood supply, and on myocardial ischemia. This was a prospective trial in 101 patients with CCS randomly allocated (1:1) to IMA device occlusion (verum group) or to IMA sham intervention (placebo group). The primary study endpoint was the change in treadmill exercise time (ΔET in seconds, s) at 6 weeks after trial intervention. Secondary study endpoints were the changes in collateral flow index (CFI), and angina pectoris during a simultaneous 1-minute proximal balloon occlusion of a coronary artery. CFI is the ratio between simultaneous mean coronary occlusive divided by mean aortic pressure both subtracted by central venous pressure. In the verum and placebo group, exercise time changed from 398±176s to 421±198s in the verum group (p=0.1745), and from 426±162s to 430±166s in the placebo group (p=0.55); DET amounted to +23±116s and +4±120s, respectively (p=0.44). CFI change during follow-up equalled +0.022±0.061 in the verum and-0.039±0.072 in the placebo group (p<0.0001). Angina pectoris at follow-up during the coronary balloon occlusion for CFI measurement had decreased or disappeared in 20/48 patients of the verum, and in 9/47 patients of the placebo group (p=0.0242). In conclusion, permanent IMA device occlusion tends to augment treadmill exercise time in response to heightened coronary artery occlusive blood supply, the fact of which is reflected by mitigated symptoms and signs of myocardial ischemia.

An Evaluation of the Fire Safety of Waste Paper-Based Internal Finishing Materials Combined with Expandable Graphite According to Changes in Magnesium Hydroxide Content

Inflammable building finishing materials act as a major cause of fire propagation, and they, therefore, pose significant risks to life and can lead to property damage. To replace such flammable building finishing materials, many countries have established regulations limiting their use, which has led to extensive research on the development of flame-retardant building finishing materials. Such methods have included adding flame retardants to construction materials to reduce the heat release rate and total heat release. The present study aimed to enhance the fire performance of cellulose-based architectural finishing materials by creating a dual flame-retardant mixture using expandable graphite and magnesium hydroxide added to recycled paper waste. Specimen fabrication involves using a pressing method to apply uniform pressure to compress the mixture in a mold. The total heat release (THR), CO, and CO2 production of the produced specimens were measured using a cone calorimeter while varying the magnesium hydroxide additive ratio. The combustion gases were measured through NES 713 experiments to determine any changes in the Toxic Index corresponding to variations in the magnesium hydroxide content. The experiment results established a correlation between the magnesium hydroxide additive ratio and the total heat release, as well as the existence of variations in CO and CO2 production for the dual flame-retardant recycled paper material. A database for combustion gases was also obtained. It was confirmed that the fire performance was improved by confirming that the total heat release decreased by 52% from the previous one in the magnesium hydroxide content of 30 g, and it was confirmed that the inflection points of the Toxic Index value due to the change in CO and CO2 gas production occurred in the magnesium hydroxide content of 20 g due to the improvement of the fire performance. Through the ISO 5660-1 experiment data, we have secured data that can be used as foundational information for performance-oriented fire risk assessments, thereby ensuring the fire safety of cellulose materials that are vulnerable to fire.

Dual-wavelength dye laser combined with betamethasone injection for treatment of keloids: protocol of a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionKeloids, benign fibroproliferative tumours characterised by excessive fibroblast proliferation and over-deposition of extracellular matrix, pose a therapeutic challenge with high recurrence rates. Betamethasone (diprospan) injection (BI) is one of the...

Blood pressure increases are associated with weight gain and not antiretroviral regimen or kidney function: a secondary analysis from the ADVANCE trial in South Africa.

Recent evidence has raised questions about whether newer HIV treatment regimens, including dolutegravir (DTG) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF),are associated with increases in blood pressure (BP). Weassessed changes in BP by treatment regimen andevaluated the relative contribution of kidney function and weight gain to these changes among participants in the ADVANCE phase-3 trial clinical trial in South Africa (study dates: January 2017-February 2022). Our primary outcome of interest was a change in systolic BP (SBP) at 96 and 192 weeks, among those not receiving antihypertensive medication. The secondary outcome was treatment-emergent hypertension at these same time points, defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg on two occasions, or initiation of antihypertensive medication after week 4 among individuals without hypertension at enrolment. We used linear regression to evaluate the relationship between change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and change in SBP; and Poisson regression to evaluate the relationship between change in eGFR and treatment-emergent hypertension at each time point. All models were adjusted for age, sex, treatment group and change in body mass index (BMI). Over 96 weeks, the average changes in SBP were 1.7 mmHg (95% CI: 0.0-3.4), -0.5 mmHg (95% CI: -2.2 to 1.7) and -2.1 mmHg (95% CI: -3.8 to 0.4) in the TAF/emtricitabine (FTC)/DTG, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/FTC/DTG and TDF/FTC/efavirenz (EFV) groups, respectively. This difference was significant for the TAF/FTC/DTG compared to the TDF/FTC/EFV group (p = 0.002). Over 96 weeks, 18.2% (95% CI: 13.4-22.9), 15.4% (95% CI: 11.0-19.9) and 13.3% (95% CI: 8.9-17.6) of participants developed treatment-emergent hypertension, respectively. In adjusted models, there was no significant relationship between change in eGFR and either outcome. Change in BMI was significantly associated with an increase in SBP, while age was associated with an increased risk of treatment-emergent hypertension. Adjustment for BMI also mitigated the unadjusted relationship between HIV treatment regimen and SBP where present. In the ADVANCE cohort, weight gain and age accounted for increases in BP and risk of treatment-emergent hypertension. HIV treatment programmes may need to integrate the management of obesity and hypertension into routine care. NCT03122262.

Permethrin exposure impacts zebrafish lipid metabolism via the KRAS-PPAR-GLUT signaling pathway, which is mediated by oxidative stress.

Permethrin (Per) is a widely used and frequently detected pyrethroid pesticide in agricultural products and the environment. It may pose potential toxicity to non-target organisms. Per has been reported to affect lipid homeostasis, although the mechanism is undefined. This study aims to explore the characteristic transcriptomic profiles and clarify the underlying signaling pathways of Per-induced lipid metabolism disorder in zebrafish liver. The results showed that environmental exposure to Per caused changes in the liver index, histopathology, and oxidative stress in zebrafish. Moreover, transcriptome results showed that Per heavily altered the pathways involved in metabolism, the immune system, and the endocrine system. We conducted a more in-depth analysis of the genes associated with lipid metabolism. Our findings revealed that exposure to Per led to a disruption in lipid metabolism by activating the KRAS-PPAR-GLUT signaling pathways through oxidative stress. The disruption of lipid homeostasis caused by exposure to Per may also contribute to obesity, hepatitis, and other diseases. The results may provide new insights for the risk of Permethrin to aquatic organisms and new horizons for the pathogenesis of hepatotoxicity.

Impact of Transplant Body Mass Index and Post-Transplant Weight Changes on the Development of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction Phenotypes

Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is a lung transplant complication for which four phenotypes are recognized: Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), Restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS), mixed and undefined phenotypes. Weight gain is common after transplant and may negatively impact lung function. Study objectives were to describe post-transplant weight trajectories of patients who developed (or did not) CLAD phenotypes and examine the associations between BMI at transplant, post-transplant changes in weight and BMI, and the risk of developing these phenotypes. Adults who underwent a bilateral lung transplant between 2000 and 2020 at our institution were categorized as having (or not) one of the four CLAD phenotypes based on the proposed classification system. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were retrospectively collected from medical records and analyzed. Study population included 579 recipients (412 [71.1%] CLAD-free, 81 [14.0%] BOS, 20 [3.5%] RAS, 59 [10.2%] mixed, and 7 [1.2%] undefined phenotype). Weight gains of greater amplitude were seen in recipients with restrictive phenotypes than CLAD-free and BOS patients within the first five years post-transplant. While the BMI category at transplant was not statistically associated with the risk of developing CLAD phenotypes, an increase in weight (Hazard ratio [HR]: 1.04, 95% CI [1.01-1.08]; P = .008) and BMI (HR: 1.13, 95% CI [1.03-1.23]; P = .008) over the post-transplant period was associated with a greater risk of RAS. Post-LTx gain in weight and BMI modestly increased the risk of RAS, adding to the list of unfavorable outcomes associated with weight gain following transplant.

High-sensitive glucose sensor based on tilted fiber Bragg gratings

In this paper, we proposed a high-sensitive glucose sensor using the tilted fiber Bragg gratings (TFBGs). The TFBGs with different tilt angle has been fabricated by phase mask scanning method with an argon ion double-frequency 244 nm laser. As tilt angle increases, the bandwidth of the cladding mode excited by TFBGs gradually expands and cladding mode region shifts towards shorter wavelengths. The higher-order cladding modes appeared at the shorter wavelength side demonstrate a larger separation in the spectrum. TFBGs with different tilt angles for glucose concentration measurement have been investigated experimentally. When the concentration of glucose solution increases, the surrounding refractive index changing make the cut-off mode resonance shift to a longer wavelength. In addition, the tilt angle of TFBGs does affect the glucose sensitivity, that the larger tilt angle is, the higher sensitivity could achieve. In this work, a maximum glucose sensitivity of 80.91 pm/(mg/ml) could be obtained for TFBGs with tilt angle of 10°. The proposed TFBGs with superiorities of high glucose sensitivity and wider detection range, makes it potential for glucose detection in the field of chemical and biomedical sensing.

An Optofluidic Young Interferometer for Electrokinetic Transport-Coupled Biosensing

Label-free optical biosensors, such as interferometers, can provide a comparable limit of detection to widely used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays while minimizing the number of steps and reducing false positives/negatives. In 2020, the authors reported on a novel optofluidic Young interferometer (YI) that could provide real-time spatial information on refractive index changes occurring along the length of the sensor and reference channels. Herein, we exploit these features of the YI to study interactions of biomolecules with recognition elements immobilized in selected regions of agarose gel in the sensor channel. We show that the YI is well suited for the biosensing of an exemplar biomolecule, streptavidin, in the absence and presence of the bovine serum albumin interferent. Equally, we couple the YI with electrokinetic transport to reduce the time needed for biosensing.

Assessment of surface water quality in the Siversky Donets river within Kharkiv region in 2023

Purpose. Provide an assessment of the quality of the massif of surface waters of the Siverskyi Donets River within the Kharkiv region in 2023 based on the determination of water quality indices. Methods. The methods of the modified water pollution index (WPI) and the combinatorial water pollution index (CWPI). Results. State of the river water at the observation point of the v. Pechenigy according to the method of the modified water pollution index WPIF is estimated as II class characterized as "clean", WPIH - I class, "very clean"; according to the method of the combinatorial index of water pollution CWPIF - class III a, "dirty", CWPIH - class I, "slightly polluted". State of the river water at the observation point of the v. Eschar according to the method of the modified water pollution index of WPIF is estimated as III class characterized as "moderately polluted", WPIH - II class, "clean"; according to the method of the combinatorial index of water pollution CWPIF - class III b, "dirty", CWPIH - class II, "polluted". State of the river water at the observation point of the v/ Zadonetskyi according to the method of the modified index of water pollution, WPIF is estimated as III class characterized as "moderately polluted", WPIH is II class, "clean"; according to the method of the combinatorial index of water pollution CWPIF - class III b, "dirty", CWPIH - class I, "slightly polluted". Conclusions. It was determined that there are changes in water quality along the watercourse of the Siverskyi Donets River within the Kharkiv Region in 2023. There is a deterioration of water quality after the confluence of the Uda River, by 1.69 times the magnitude of the index change, then the state of water quality improves by 1.25 times the magnitude index changes, probably due to self-cleaning processes and lower anthropogenic load. The quality of water according to WPI indicators varies from 0.25 to 1.47 (from "very clean" to "moderately polluted"). The quality of water according to the CWPI indicators varies from 1.0 to 3.83 (from "slightly polluted" to "dirty"). It was established that according to both assessment methods and both standards, the quality of water in the Pechenigy reservoir, p. Pechenegs the best, and the worst water quality in the Siverskyi Donets River below the mouth of the Uda River, village Eschar.

Problems of assessing the balance of economic systems

Subject. The article investigates a model of the balance of the national economic system. Objectives. The study aims at identifying the main characteristics of the balance of economic systems to create a methodology for assessing the balance of the national economic system, and factors affecting it. Methods. We employed general scientific methods of cognition. The systems approach and logical generalization enabled to develop priority areas of the proposed methodology. We also applied methods of statistical analysis of economic data, economic-mathematical methods. Results. We proposed our own methodology for distribution of economic activities by type of subsystems, based on the proposed by G.B. Kleiner model, in two versions, i.e. excluding and including exports and imports. We also offered recommendations and strategies for improving the balance of the economy, which contribute to increasing its competitiveness and sustainability in the face of modern challenges and changes in the world arena. Our model enables to assess the impact of external factors, like global economic trends, changes in the world trade and crisis situations, on the economic stability of a country and development of its industries. Conclusions. The analysis of changes in the balance index in the context of foreign trade and industries helps assess the dynamics of balance and identify factors, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, that may affect the economic stability and development of the country.

Changes in Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers after a Combined Exercise Program in Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

We investigated the effects of a 16-week combined exercise training on body composition, metabolic and inflammatory markers in sedentary middle-aged workers. We also assessed whether significant alterations in metabolic markers were associated with changes in health-related outcomes. This randomized controlled trial involved 46 participants randomly allocated into control and exercise groups. The exercise group performed 16-week combined aerobic and resistance training for 75 min/session, 3 times/week. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and after 16-week intervention to determine lipid profile, metabolic and inflammatory markers as primary outcomes. A total of 36 participants completed the intervention (53.70 ± 6.92 years old) (n = 18 in each group). Waist circumference (interaction effect: F = 7.423, p = 0.002), fat mass (interaction effect: F = 5.070, p = 0.011), and muscle mass (interaction effect: F = 5.420, p = 0.007) were improved in the exercise group compared to the control group. Fasting glucose increased after the 16-week follow-up (time effect: F = 73.253, p < 0.001), without an intergroup difference. Insulin levels were greater in the control compared to exercise group (group effect: F = 6.509, p = 0.015). The control group tended to increase the HOMA-IR index (interaction effect: F = 3.493, p = 0.070) and to decrease the QUICKI index (interaction effect: F = 3.364, p = 0.075) to a greater extent compared to the exercise group. Exercise group reduced leptin (interaction effect: F = 11.175, p = 0.002) and adiponectin (interaction effect: F = 4.437, p = 0.043) concentrations in a greater magnitude than control group. IL-6 (time effect: F = 17.767, p < 0.001) and TNF-α (time effect: F = 9.781, p = 0.004) concentrations decreased after the intervention, without an intergroup difference. IL-17A levels increased in the control compared to exercise group (interaction effect: F = 5.010, p = 0.033). Effects on adiponectin, IL-6 and IL-17A levels seem to depend on baseline BMI, age, and sex. Percentage changes in leptin correlated positively with changes in HOMA-IR index in the exercise (r = 0.565, p = 0.015) and control (r = 0.670, p = 0.002) groups. A combined training program can be an effective strategy to improve body composition and inflammatory markers and prevent marked reductions in insulin sensitivity among middle-aged workers.