Classical Definition Research Articles

Securing DNS over HTTPS traffic: a real-time analysis tool

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a developing protocol that uses encryption to secure domain name system (DNS) queries within hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) connections, thereby improving privacy and security while browsing the web. This study involved the development of a live tool that captures and analyzes DoH traffic in order to classify it as either benign or malicious. We employed machine learning (ML) algorithms such as K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN), random forest (RF), decision tree (DT), deep neural network (DNN), and support vector machine (SVM) to categorize the data. All of the algorithms, namely KNN, RF, and DT, achieved exceptional performance, with F1 scores of 1.0 or above for both precision and recall. The SVM and DNN both achieved exceptionally high scores, with only slight differences in accuracy. This tool employs a voting mechanism to arrive at a definitive classification decision. By integrating with the Mallory tool, it becomes possible to locally resolve DNS, which in turn allows for more accurate simulation of DoH queries. The evaluation results clearly indicate outstanding performance, confirming the tool's effectiveness in analyzing DoH traffic for network security and threat detection purposes.

Latent Profiles of Passion and Categories of University Students' Passionate Activities: Difficulties in the Empirical Systematisation of Passion

ABSTRACTBoth classical and contemporary definitions of education emphasise the development of learners and the discovery of their potential. The period of systemic education at all stages is an opportunity to seek this potential both at school and outside it. These are the circumstances of the development of abilities, interests and passions. In the educational process and in the modern world, the most valued are people who are creative, entrepreneurial, open to new experiences and have a passion—since it provides energy, gives wings, is a source of a sense of freedom and meaning and helps maintain well‐being. This study aimed to explore passion profiles, considering their dimensions and categories, and the respondents' field of study and gender, in a sample of Polish university students (n = 2720). The online Self‐Report Passion Inventory (SRPI) was used. Cluster analysis identified three latent profiles, differentiated by the perceived benefits of passion, its origin and its balance with other life activities. In addition, we identified categories of passionate activities typical of each profile. Field of study and gender were represented in similar ways in the distinguished profiles, indicating the universal nature of passion. The qualitative analysis of the results revealed potential reasons for the difficulties respondents experienced while categorising passionate activities.

Impact of new definition on the prognosis of patients with pulmonary hypertension compared to classic definition

Abstract Background The recent European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) 2022 pulmonary hypertension (PH) guidelines have updated the definition of PH from a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥ 25mmHg to > 20mmHg, and the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) threshold for pre-capillary PH (Pre-PH) from > 3 wood units (WU) to > 2 WU. Little is known regarding the implication of this new criteria in all PH subgroups in Asia. Purpose In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of the new PH definition on the prevalence and prognosis of PH subgroups in as Asian cohort. Methods A retrospective analysis of a single-center RHC registry (April 2016 - July 2023) was conducted. 314 patients (median age 62.5, 50.3% men) were included. Patients were categorized into PH subgroups as defined by both the classic and new criteria. The primary outcome included cardiovascular mortality or heart failure hospitalizations, assessed over a maximum follow-up period of 5 years. Clinical outcomes of different PH subgroups using the classic and new definitions were compared using Kaplan-Meier methods, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards models. Continuous parameters were analyzed using restrictive cubic splines within Cox models. Results Based on the new cutoffs (mPAP > 20mmHg, PVR > 2 WU), 76 patents (24.2%) were reclassified. PH increased to 233 (+ 41, +13.1%), Pre-PH increased to 92 (+ 30, +9.6%), Ipc-PH decreased to 27 (- 21, -6.7%), and Cpc-PH increased to 108 (+33, +10.5%). Over a median follow-up of 238.5 days, 65 primary outcomes occurred. Under the new PH definition, 5-year survival rates for Pre-PH, Ipc-PH, and Cpc-PH are 73.2%, 57.5%, and 47.0%, improved from 67.0%, 53.3%, and 44.3% in the classic definition. In the Cox regression analysis, using the Non-PH as a reference, the risk of primary outcome for PH subgroups was lower in the new definition compared to the classic definition (Table 1). Using the classic mPAP cut-off [<25 vs. ≥25 mmHg], patients with PH had a significantly higher risk for primary outcome (HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.26-4.00, p=0.006) compared with patients without PH. However, using the new mPAP cut-off [<20 vs. ≥20 mmHg], it didn’t show significant difference between two groups (HR 1.62, 95% CI 0.86-3.04, p=0.132). Spline analyses suggested a linear relation between the risk of primary outcome and mPAP considering mPAP between 20 and 45mmHg, and a plateau of events for mPAP values over 45mmHg. In patients with PVR > 2 WU, we observed a linear relation between PVR and events for values and a plateau of events for PVR values over 7.5 WU (Figure 1). Conclusion The new definition increased the diagnosis of PH, particularly in Pre-PH and Cpc-PH. This definition faciliates earlier diagnosis, encompassing milder disease states, and demonstrated better prognosis in PH subgroups. However, it dose not identify additional patients at increased risk of primary outcomes.Table 1Figure 1

Evaluating novel in silico tools for accurate pathogenicity classification in epilepsy-associated genetic missense variants.

Determining the pathogenicity of missense variants in clinical genetic tests for individuals with epilepsy is crucial for guiding personalized treatment. However, achieving a definitive pathogenic classification remains challenging, with most missense variants still classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and with the availability of many computational tools which may provide conflicting predictions. Here, we aim to evaluate the performance of state-of-the-art computational tools in pathogenicity prediction of missense variants in epilepsy-associated genes. This will assist in selecting the most appropriate tool and critically assess their use in clinical setting. We assessed the performance of nine in silico pathogenicity prediction tools for missense variants in epilepsy-associated genes on three carefully curated data sets. The first two data sets comprise missense variants in epilepsy associated genes that have been uploaded to ClinVar in the last year and were, therefore, not part of the training set of any of the nine considered tools. These two data sets are based on two different lists of epilepsy-associated genes and comprise ~700 and ~ 250 missense variants, respectively. The third data set includes ~400 missense variants within epilepsy-associated genes for which the functional effects have been determined experimentally and are therefore used here to infer pathogenicity. These three data sets represent the best available approximation to blind and independent test sets. Among the nine assessed tools, AlphaMissense (area under the curve [AUC]: .93, .88, and .95) and REVEL (AUC: .93, .88, and .93) showed the best classification performance, also outperforming other tools in the number of classified variants. We show which recently developed prediction tools achieve higher performance in epilepsy-associated genes and should be integrated, therefore, into the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association of Molecular Pathology (AGMC/AMP) variant classification process. Periodic reevaluation of genetic test results with newly developed or updated tools should be incorporated into standard clinical practice to improve diagnostic yield and better inform precision medicine.

Социально-философское исследование проблемы классификации правовых оценок и правовых ценностей

The scientific article presents the results of socio-philosophical study of one of the unresolved problems in many evaluation-value theories, namely, the problem of creating a unified classification of values and evaluations. In this context, the problem of classification of legal values and legal evaluations is not an exception. Classification of legal values as opposed to the classification of legal evaluations is a sufficiently researched topic in modern philosophy of law and jurisprudence. However, in social philosophy the issue of classification of the concepts of “legal values” and “legal assessments” has not been the subject of a separate study. In order to conduct this classification, it is necessary to thoroughly understand the content of these concepts. Legal values and legal assessments are defined by means of the generic concepts of “social values” and “social assessments”. In addition to the classical definition in the socio-philosophical study of legal values and legal assessments, contextual definition and comparative analysis are applied. As a result, the problem of classification of legal assessments and legal values is solved through social-philosophical understanding of existing classifications of these concepts and proposing their own variants of classification.

On-demand insurance: idea, development, impact on market equilibrium

The article presents the definition, idea, development, and current state of a new business model known as on-demand insurance which has been in existence since the early 21st century. Moreover, the article does not only describe the premises behind the development of this new method of creating value for clients of insurance companies and the opportunities that appear in the market but also addresses the challenges that insurance providers can encounter. Based on the analysis and available source materials, the most interesting types of these insurance products and the entities that include such products in the portfolios were presented. In addition, some new regulatory challenges and trends were described. The purpose of this study is to analyse the behaviour of the insurance market after the introduction of on-demand products in light of the classical definition of equilibrium in a competitive insurance market under conditions of information asymmetry. The authors analysed the economic implications of implementing on-demand insurance, demonstrating its potential to enhance the overall welfare of the insured population by increasing utility for certain risk groups of clients.

An unusual case of a de novo high-grade B cell neoplasm with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements, strong TdT expression, and BRAF V600E mutation

Abstract Introduction/Objective Aggressive de novo B cell neoplasms can rarely exhibit overlapping features of B- lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (B-ALL) and high-grade B cell lymphoma (HGBL) making their definitive classification challenging. The distinction between mature and immature B cell neoplasms is critical as treatment approaches differ. We report a unique case of an aggressive B cell neoplasm that not only posed diagnostic difficulties but was also found to harbor a BRAF V600E mutation, an unusual finding in such cases. Methods/Case Report A 33-year-old man without any significant past medical history presented for evaluation of a large tonsil mass and diffuse lymphadenopathy. The tonsil was excised, and histologic examination showed a diffuse atypical infiltrate composed of medium to large monomorphic lymphoid cells with high-grade cytology. By immunohistochemistry, the atypical cells were positive for CD19, CD79a, CD22, PAX5, CD10 (strong), CD45 (strong), BCL2, MYC, and TdT (strong). Ki67 showed a high proliferation index (80%). The atypical cells were negative for CD20, CD34, CD1a, CD30, Cyclin D1, T cell markers, myeloid markers, HHV8, and EBER. Flow cytometry detected a CD10 positive B cell population that was negative for CD20, CD34, and surface light chain expression. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) detected BCL2 and MYC rearrangements. Staging marrow showed diffuse involvement by a neoplastic infiltrate with similar features to those observed in the tonsil. Chromosome analysis showed a complex karyotype. The patient was treated with two cycles of da-EPOCH-R. A neck lymph node biopsy two months later showed persistent disease. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) on this sample demonstrated a BRAF V600E mutation at 31% allele frequency. A mutation-specific BRAF-VE1 immunostain was diffusely positive. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion This was a diagnostically challenging case of a de novo B-cell lineage neoplasm with high-grade features, MYC and BCL2 rearrangements, and strong diffuse TdT expression. There is limited literature on mutational profiles and prognostic data for such cases, and whether they are best classified (and treated) as HGBL or B-ALL remains challenging and controversial. In our case, we also discovered an unexpected finding of a BRAF V600E mutation, which has not been reported in similar cases in the existing literature and could serve as a potential therapeutic target. Additional reporting and genetic profiling of such cases may help further elucidate their biology and guide treatment protocols.

Conceptualizing National Security in an Era of Great Power Rivalry: Implications for International Economic Law

AbstractUntil recently, the national security exception in investment and trade was understood in terms of defense against military invasion or attack and possibly extendable to economic collapse. However, national security is increasingly understood far beyond the classical contours of territorial integrity. Driven primarily by the China-U.S. hegemonic competition, the new conceptualization is exemplified in a dramatic expansion in U.S. investment and trade measures based upon conceptualizing national security as encompassing threats to a fusion of interrelated spheres of national strength including economic, technological, and ideological power. Moreover, the U.S. now understands security as the retention of superiority in an array of power spheres and encompasses denying China access to emerging technologies. China has similarly expanded her definition of security which is often referenced as “national interests” and embraces political stability (Party dominance), social stability, ideological security, and the defense of Chinese overseas interests, all of which lie far outside the classical definition of security. The untethered expansion in both the U.S. and Chinese conceptualization of security raises significant ramifications for the international economic architecture. As the guardrails of security are abandoned in pursuit of policy goals, a potentially overly broad and excessive notion of security risks deepening several overlapping perils to the current international legal landscape. The focus of this article is on the expansion of the national security exception in investment and trade and potential implications arising from an unfettered expansion.

Interrelationships of Non-cooperative, Classical and Pareto Coalitional Stability Definitions

Theorems are established on the interrelationships among non-cooperative, classical and Pareto coalitional stability definitions within the framework of the graph model for conflict resolution. The classical coalition stability concepts are first redefined and then, based on the concept of Pareto coalition improvement, new definitions are proposed for Pareto coalition Nash, Pareto coalition general metarational, Pareto coalition symmetric metarational, and Pareto coalition sequential stability. Relations among Pareto coalition stability definitions, earlier coalition stability definitions, and non-cooperative analogues are explained. The practical applicability of these stability definitions is illustrated through their application to a real-world conflict, a 2014 offshore oil exploration dispute in the South China Sea. The equilibrium results confirm the theoretical validity of the new definitions, and show that valuable insights that can be garnered using the Pareto coalition stability approach.

Abstract Cyclic Functional Relation and Taxonomies of Cyclic Signals Mathematical Models: Construction, Definitions and Properties

This work is devoted to the procedure of the construction of an abstract cyclic functional relation, which summarizes and extends the known results for a cyclically correlated random process and a cyclic (cyclically distributed) random process to the case of arbitrary cyclic functional relations. Two alternative definitions of the abstract cyclic functional relation are given, and the fundamental properties of its cyclic and phase structures are presented. The theorem on the invariance of cyclicity attributes of an abstract cyclic functional relation to shifts of its argument, and which are determined by the rhythm function of this functional relation, is formulated and proved. This theorem gives the sufficient and necessary conditions that the rhythm function of an abstract cyclic functional relation must satisfy. By specifying the range of values and attributes of the cyclicity of an abstract cyclic functional relation, the definitions of important classes of cyclic functional relations are formulated. A deductive approach to building a wide system of taxonomies of classes of deterministic, stochastic, fuzzy and interval cyclic functional relations as potential mathematical models of cyclic signals is demonstrated. A comparative analysis of an abstract cyclic functional relation with the known mathematical models of cyclic signals was carried out. The results obtained in the article significantly expand and systematize the mathematical tools of the description of cyclic signals and are the basis for the development of effective model-based technologies for processing and computer simulation of signals with a cyclic space-time structure.

Brain-first forms of Parkinson's disease are over-represented in patients with non-responsive resting tremor

Motor subtypes in Parkinson's Disease (PD) are unstable over time, limiting mechanistic insights and biomarker discovery. We focused on Rest Tremor (RT) as a symptom to test for phenotype stability and link it to specific circuits and disease mechanisms. Using the PPMI cohort data over 5 years we found that RT is more stable than classical Tremor-Dominant definitions, a stability also seen for RT response to therapy. At time of diagnosis, the population of therapy-resistant RT patients was enriched with a brain-first PD profile as predicted by a-Synuclein origin site and connectome (SOC) model. Resistant-RT patients have lower gastrointestinal and cardiovascular symptoms, lower prevalence of probable REM-Sleep behaviour disorder, and higher dopaminergic asymmetry compared to therapy-responsive or no tremor patients. Treating RT as a distinct phenomenon revealed a relative phenotypic stability with treatment response being linked to different patterns of disease progression.

Study of the Weddell Sea Anomaly Using Novel Satellite Altimeter TEC Maps

AbstractThe Weddell Sea Anomaly (WSA) is a phenomenon of unique intensity and geographic extent that occurs in December (Southern Hemisphere summer) over the southeastern Pacific and southwestern Atlantic oceans regions. Historically, the classic definition of the WSA refers to a situation in which the midnight NmF2 (or TEC) values are greater than the noon NmF2 (or TEC) values. However, several articles published in the last decades have shown that the WSA is a much more complex phenomenon, and its definition might need to be reformulated. This paper presents a phenomenological description of the WSA using a novel type of vertical Total Electron Content (TEC) maps, obtained from altimeter satellite TEC data. The focus of this study is on the possible connection between the WSA and the unexpected expansion and contraction periods observed on the Equatorial Ionospheric Anomaly (EIA) throughout the Southern Hemisphere. The data analysis revealed that the WSA is only one of a number of observed anomalies. Furthermore, we show a significant correlation between the behavior of the EIA and the Y component of the geomagnetic field, which maximizes in the WSA region. We then present a possible hypothesis for interpreting these results.

Oxygenation Index, Oxygen Saturation Index vs PaO2/FiO2 *PEEP: A Secondary Analysis of OXIVA-CARDS Study.

The classification of Berlin definition is based on the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, which has been found to have a poor association with mortality. Airway pressures reflect lung compliance and the settings of mechanical ventilators. In this study, we aimed to investigate the change in the severity of COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) classification using [PaO2/FiO2 × PEEP] (P/FP) ratio compared to the traditional P/F ratio, and whether the P/FP ratio improves the predictive validity of in-hospital mortality. Our study sample included patients from the OXIVA-CARDS study. In this secondary analysis, we examined the oxygenation index and oxygen saturation index in relation to the P/FP ratio, as well as the risk of P/FP in mortality. We used Pearson's correlation to assess the relationships between various parameters. Receiver operating characteristic analysis with Youden's index was used to compare the prognostic value of the oxygenation index (OI), oxygen saturation index (OSI), P/F ratio, P/FP ratio, and SaO2/FiO2 ratio for predicting overall mortality. Multiple logistic regression was also performed to determine the impact of mean airway pressure (Pmean), S/F ratio, OI, and P/FP ratio on mortality. A total of 201 patients (with 1543 measurements) were included in the analysis. Overall, 522 (34%) were reclassified into either more or less severe categories. Patients who were classified as having severe ARDS based on the P/FP ratio had significantly lower P/FP ratio, oxygenation index, and A-a O2 gradient as compared to those classified as having severe ARDS based on the P/F ratio (p < 0.05) at all levels of ARDS severity. On multivariate regression analysis, only the OI significantly impacted mortality (p < 0.05). We observed that the oxygen index and oxygen saturation index were more sensitive than the PaO2/FiO2 ratio and P/FP ratio. Additionally, only the oxygenation index had a significant impact on mortality. By including airway pressures in the calculation of the OI, its predictive ability is enhanced compared to using the S/F ratio, P/F ratio, or P/FP ratio. The sensitivity of mortality by including Pmean is higher as compared to when only PEEP is taken into consideration. P/FP is a weak predictor of mortality as compared to OI and OSI. Vadi SMR, Sanwalka N, Suthar D. Oxygenation Index, Oxygen Saturation Index vs PaO2/FiO2 *PEEP: A Secondary Analysis of OXIVA-CARDS Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(10):917-922.

Chronic Hand Eczema.

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a complex, challenging, and frequently multifactorial skin disease of the hands. It is very common in the general population, especially in certain professions. When hand eczema (HE) persists for longer than 3 months or has a minimum of two relapses per year after initial manifestation with complete clearance, it is considered chronic. In this case, health-related quality of life and the patient's working life are often impaired. CHE can be considered as an umbrella term because it covers different clinical pictures and etiologies. To date, there is no definite and unique HE classification. Treatment starts with identifying the individual HE etiology paralleled by symptomatic therapy (local and/or systemic and/or ultraviolet phototherapy). Sustainable management of HE requires the identification and avoidance of its triggering factors, from the professional and private environment. This includes ruling out allergic contact dermatitis if any HE persists for more than 3 months despite adequate therapy. Randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy in HE are lacking for several treatment modalities. Patient education measures of skin protection and prevention complete the multimodal treatment.

Proven Distributed Memory Parallelization of Particle Methods

We provide a mathematically proven parallelization scheme for particle methods on distributed-memory computer systems. Particle methods are a versatile and widely used class of algorithms for computer simulations and numerical predictions in various applications, ranging from continuum fluid dynamics to discrete granular flows and molecular dynamics simulations. Particle methods naturally lend themselves to implementation on parallel computing systems. So far, however, a mathematical proof of correctness and equivalence to sequential implementations was only available for shared-memory parallelism. Here, we leverage a formal definition of the algorithmic class of particle methods to provide a proven parallelization scheme for distributed-memory computers. We prove that thus parallelized particle methods on distributed-memory computers are formally equivalent to their sequential counterpart for a well-defined class of particle methods, and we provide analytical expressions for the speed-up and scalability bounds of this class of algorithms in function of their parameters. The parallelization scheme analyzed here is the basis of many real-world software designs for parallel particle methods. The present analysis is, therefore, of direct relevance to existing and new parallel implementations of particle methods and places them on solid theoretical grounds, rationalizing best practices and providing useful scalability and speedup bounds for benchmarking.

Multi-Objective Design of DNA-Stabilized Nanoclusters Using Variational Autoencoders With Automatic Feature Extraction.

DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters (AgN-DNAs) have sequence-tuned compositions and fluorescence colors. High-throughput experiments together with supervised machine learning models have recently enabled design of DNA templates that select for AgN-DNA properties, including near-infrared (NIR) emission that holds promise for deep tissue bioimaging. However, these existing models do not enable simultaneous selection of multiple AgN-DNA properties, and require significant expert input for feature engineering and class definitions. This work presents a model for multiobjective, continuous-property design of AgN-DNAs with automatic feature extraction, based on variational autoencoders (VAEs). This model is generative, i.e., it learns both the forward mapping from DNA sequence to AgN-DNA properties and the inverse mapping from properties to sequence, and is trained on an experimental data set of DNA sequences paired with AgN-DNA fluorescence properties. Experimental testing shows that the model enables effective design of AgN-DNA emission, including bright NIR AgN-DNAs with 4-fold greater abundance compared to training data. In addition, Shapley analysis is employed to discern learned nucleobase patterns that correspond to fluorescence color and brightness. This generative model can be adapted for a range of biomolecular systems with sequence-dependent properties, enabling precise design of emerging biomolecular nanomaterials.

A note on generalized Floater–Hormann interpolation at arbitrary distributions of nodes

AbstractThe paper is concerned with a generalization of Floater–Hormann (briefly FH) rational interpolation recently introduced by the authors. Compared with the original FH interpolants, the generalized ones depend on an additional integer parameter $$\gamma &gt;1$$ γ &gt; 1 , that, in the limit case $$\gamma =1$$ γ = 1 returns the classical FH definition. Here we focus on the general case of an arbitrary distribution of nodes and, for any $$\gamma &gt;1$$ γ &gt; 1 , we estimate the sup norm of the error in terms of the maximum (h) and minimum ($$h^*$$ h ∗ ) distance between two consecutive nodes. In the special case of equidistant ($$h=h^*$$ h = h ∗ ) or quasi–equidistant ($$h\approx h^*$$ h ≈ h ∗ ) nodes, the new estimate improves previous results requiring some theoretical restrictions on $$\gamma $$ γ which are not needed as shown by the numerical tests carried out to validate the theory.

Generalized boson and fermion operators with a maximal total occupation property

Abstract We propose a new generalization of the standard (anti-)commutation relations for creation and annihilation operators of bosons and fermions. These relations preserve the usual symmetry properties of bosons and fermions. Only the standard (anti-)commutator relation involving one creation and one annihilation operator is deformed by introducing fractional coefficients, containing a positive integer parameter p. The Fock space is determined by the classical definition. The new relations are chosen in such a way that the total occupation number in the system has the maximum value p. From the actions of creation and annihilation operators in the Fock space, a group theoretical framework is determined, and from here the correspondence with known particle statistics is established.

Adrenal tumours in patients with pathogenic APC mutations: a retrospective study

BackgroundAdrenal tumours are associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). In the literature, most studies use the clinical definition of FAP (more than 100 adenomatous polyps found in endoscopic studies). However, not all patients that meet clinical criteria for FAP carry pathogenic mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, as there is genetic heterogeneity responsible for FAP with the polyposis sometimes explained by genetic and environmental factors other than pathogenic APC mutations. Reciprocally, not all the patients with pathogenic APC variants will fulfil the classic criteria of FAP.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the characteristics of adrenal tumours in patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic APC variants and explore the hormonal function of these patients.MethodThis is a retrospective cohort study. Patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic APC variants were recruited and their radiological assessments were reviewed. Patient demographic data, APC variants, adrenal mass characteristics and hormonal testing results were collected.ResultThe prevalence of adrenal mass was 26.7% (24/90) among patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic APC variants. Using the classic definition, the prevalence was 32.4% (22/68). Four patients had adrenal hormone testing, two of which had Conn’s syndrome and two had nonspecific subclinical results.ConclusionIn our cohort, the prevalence of adrenal tumours among patients with pathogenic and likely pathogenic APC mutations is at least twice to three times higher than the general population prevalence reported from international population-based studies. The hormonal functions of patients with pathogenic APC variants and adrenal tumours can be investigated with routine testing in further research.

Анализ изменения стойкости бетонных конструкций в промышленности при химическом воздействии с учетом потенциальных рисков для работников и окружающей среды

The requirements for industrial facilities’ resistance to external impacts and reliability are higher when compared with other facilities. The most common construction material, inter alia, in various industrial sectors is concrete due to its easy production and use, relatively low cost, and wide application. The environmental cleanliness is traditionally considered one of the advantages of concrete. All lifecycle stages of concrete, however, from the production process until the end of the service life of ready-to-use objects, imply serious environmental risks. Therefore, already at the design stage of (ferro)concrete structures, it is necessary to consider, in addition to the functions of the future object, the external impacts it will be exposed to. Concrete properties are not constant and change from the moment of mixing, during the transportation, and until its complete hardening. Apart from the composition and compliance with standards, many factors affect the properties. One of the main factors is an aggressive environment, whose impact can not only damage but completely disable building structures. The design service life of structures must exceed the operation lifecycle or comply with it. Concrete is considered durable if, during the design service life, it withstands loads and negative impacts of external factors and remains undamaged, taking into account industrial operation and timely maintenance. Already at the beginning of design jobs, the duration of the design service life must be estimated correctly. Both under- and overestimation of the design service life of ferroconcrete structures reduce safety and reliability and cause an unjustified rise in production and operating costs. The authors of the study analyze problems that may arise at the plants of the chemical industry in case of destruction of concrete under the impact of the aggressive liquid medium by conducting a practical study in conditions as realistic as possible. Within the framework of accelerated study, the authors examined the changes in concrete strength by control samples under pressure impacted by hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Test trials have clearly demonstrated the importance of the correct definition of concrete class in accordance with the medium of application. This must be considered during the practical work of employees of disaster protection agencies at industrial facilities with tanks to collect and store aggressive liquids, including firewater.