Degree Of Destruction Research Articles

Experimental studies of the strength of reinforced concrete beams with a restored protective layer

The article presents the results of experimental studies to assess the strength of reinforced concrete beams with varying degrees of destruction of the protective layer of the working longitudinal reinforcement, followed by its restoration with a repair mixture. The test results of three series of prototypes, three samples in each series, are presented. Within the series, prototypes were made with the same longitudinal reinforcement, and the samples in each series differed in the degree of destruction of the protective layer of the longitudinal working reinforcement in the transverse bending zone. The samples were tested as freely supported beams loaded in the span by two identical concentrated forces. The results obtained made it possible to evaluate the role of longitudinal reinforcement, depending on the degree of destruction of its protective layer, in ensuring strength, forming a stress-strain state and the nature of destruction of reinforced concrete beams of rectangular cross-section in transverse bending zones.

Retrospective analysis and clinical features of periapical tissue regeneration

Background: Chronic periodontitis is associated with changes in periapical tissues. Untimely diagnosis and lack of appropriate mechanical treatment increase the incidence of chronic periodontitis. Periodontitis that causes destructive changes due to long-term inflammation of periapical tissues is of particular concern. Thus, the treatment of destructive periodontal diseases is a pressing issue in modern dentistry. Aim: To assess periapical tissue regeneration following treatment in chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the destruction and regeneration of periapical tissues before and after treatment during 3–6 months was performed in 20 patients. Results: A retrospective analysis of X-ray findings in 20 patients revealed bone destruction of varying degrees. Low-quality root canal preparation was due to various factors, primarily the anatomy and topography of root canals. Of the 20 patients who required treatment for chronic periodontitis with varying degrees of destruction, 16 came back for follow-up appointments and received endodontic treatment. Following treatment, X-ray findings were used to identify taper root canal preparation and assess the quality of obturation up to the root apex. X-ray examination was performed after 3 months in patients with clinical signs of periodontitis and after 6 months in patients without clinical signs of periodontitis. After 3 months, X-ray findings showed a reduction in bone destruction in the causative tooth area, indicating an improvement. Conclusion: The study of periapical tissue regeneration following treatment in chronic periodontitis patients revealed that effective apical preparation, as well as appropriate irrigation and root canal filling, promote regeneration in periodontitis. Healing of periapical tissues is essential for effective root canal treatment.

Результаты исследования взаимосвязи вязкости и механической прочности беленой лиственной сульфатной целлюлозы

An assessment has been made of the relationship between viscosity and mechanical strength of industrial samples of bleached hardwood kraft pulp. To produce this type of semi-finished product, birch and aspen wood has been used, which has been harvested in the Northwestern region of the Russian Federation. The viscosity of a solution of high-molecular polymers provides an idea of the average length of the fibers and, accordingly, their degree of destruction. In turn, the mechanical properties of the fibrous semi-finished product and the strength of the products made from it largely depend on the length of the fiber. Since it takes no more than 2 hours to determine the viscosity of a solution of high-molecular polymers, and 8–10 hours to obtain standard mechanical strength characteristics, viscosity analysis can be considered an express method that provides information on the mechanical strength of a semi-finished product. In this work, the ISO 5351:2010 international standard in cupriethylenediamine solution has been used to analyze the viscosity of the semi-finished product. High values of mechanical strength characteristics have been detected for industrial samples of bleached hardwood kraft pulp with a viscosity of more than 800 ml/g. For pulp samples, a correlation has been established only between the number of double folds and viscosity. Further research has been carried out on samples of bleached hardwood kraft pulp with different degrees of fiber destruction, which have been produced with varying the parameters of sodium hypochlorite treatment. The results have made it possible to establish a range of critical viscosity values for bleached hardwood kraft pulp, which has amounted to 600...700 ml/g, and a polynomial relationship between tear resistance, breaking length, a number of double folds and viscosity with a high confidence coefficient of data approximation of no less than 0.89. It has been shown that viscosity can become an analytical tool in the express diagnostics of the mechanical strength of a fibrous semi-finished product at the intermediate stages of production of bleached hardwood kraft pulp and in quality control of the ready-made semi-finished product.

The Magdalenian site Kleszczowa 9, Pilica commune, Silesian voivodship (Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, Poland). Multi-aspectual analysis of the flint inventory and the importance of the site

The site no. 9 in Kleszczowa is located within the region of the so-called Barańskie Mountains, within a distance of ca. 7 km from the locality named Pilica, Silesian voiv. In the course of the field survey and trial excavations conducted in the area of the site since 2012 relics of the Late Palaeolithic settlement were discovered. Based on technological and typological traits flint inventory obtained from the site was classified as typical of the Magdalenian cultural tradition. Distinctive groups of artefacts were single-platform cores for blades with changed orientation, at various stages of exploitation and blade blanks with diagnostic en éperon butts. Amongst tools there were recorded mainly burins, endscrapers, perforators and truncated blades. Raw materials used for production of artefacts were, in great majority, high quality Jurassic flints, the outcrops of which occurred within direct surroundings of the site. Flint assemblage from the site Kleszczowa 9 was subjected to multi-aspect technological and functional analysis. In this paper the authors would like to stress the results of use-wear analysis, in particular, which revealed that nearly half of the artefacts investigated in this respect bore traces of utilisation for processing of wood, meat and hide. On few of them there were detected traces indicating processing of silica plants and elaboration of soaked bone. Moreover, many forms bore traces of hafting and organic substance, being most likely relics of some sort of a binder. Apart from these traces the artefacts under scrutiny were characterised by an extremely high degree of post-depositional destruction, resulting from deep ploughing employed within the area of the site. The results of analysis performed for flint assemblage from the site Kleszczowa 9 correspond well with the current state-of-the-art referring to utilisation of tools by the Magdalenian societies, and they undoubtedly extend our knowledge upon behaviour of humans at the decline of the Pleistocene in the region of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland.

Hydrogen peroxide participates in leaf senescence by inhibiting CHLI1 activity.

Hydrogen peroxide promoted leaf senescence by sulfenylating the magnesium chelating protease I subunit (CHLI1) in the chlorophyll synthesis pathway, and inhibited its activity to reduce chlorophyll synthesis. Leaf senescence is the final and crucial stage of plant growth and development, during which chlorophyll experiences varying degrees of destruction. It is well-known that the higher ROS accumulation is a key factor for leaf senescence, but whether and how ROS regulates chlorophyll synthesis in the process are unknown. Here, we report that H2O2 inhibits chlorophyll synthesis during leaf senescence via the I subunit of magnesium-chelatase (CHLI1). During leaf senescence, the decrease of chlorophyll content is accompanied by the increase of H2O2 accumulation, as well as the inhibition of catalase (CAT) genes expression. The mutant cat2-1, with increased H2O2 shows an accelerated senescence phenotype and decreased CHLI1 activity compared with the wild type. H2O2 inhibits CHLI1 activity by sulfenylating CHLI1 during leaf senescence. Consistent with this, the chli1 knockout mutant displays the same premature leaf senescence symptom as cat2-1, while overexpression of CHLI1 in cat2-1 can partially restore its early senescence phenotype. Taken together, these results illustrate that CAT2-mediated H2O2 accumulation during leaf senescence represses chlorophyll synthesis through sulfenylating CHLI1, and thus inhibits its activity, providing a new insight into the pivotal role of chlorophyll synthesis as a participant in orchestrating the leaf senescence.

SYSTEM OF MONITORING THE DEGREE OF DESTRUCTION FROM ELECTROCHEMICAL CORROSION OF UNDERGROUND METAL ELEMENTS OF OVERHEAD POWER LINE SUPPORTS

In this article, the studies were carried out and the block diagram was developed for a system of monitoring the degree of destruction from electrochemical corrosion of underground metal fastening elements for overhead power line supports. The analysis of the causes of emergency shutdowns of overhead power lines in the CIS and the methods of assessing the consequences used in foreign countries are carried out. The studies were aimed at modernizing the unified power system of Kazakhstan, reducing emergency situations and increasing reliability of power supply to consumers. The article presents a diagram of the design solutions of the proposed monitoring system for the portal-type support mounting unit. One of the aspects was direct controlling the degree of destruction of the support fastening points located underground. The proposed system allows collecting and transmitting to the control center the information of the degree of destruction from electrochemical corrosion of metal fastening elements of portal-type supports. Key words: portal type supports, overhead power lines, power system safety, power system reliability, galvanic corrosion, U-bolt, monitoring system.

Elucidating the bacterial inactivation mechanism by argon cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet through spectroscopic and imaging techniques.

This study aims to assess the potential bacterial inactivation pathway triggered by argon (Ar) cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (CAPJ) discharge using spectroscopic and imaging techniques. Electrical and reactive species of the Ar CAPJ discharge was characterized. The chemical composition and morphology of bacteria pre- and post-CAPJ exposure were assessed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman micro-spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A greater than 6 log reduction of E. coli and S. aureus was achieved within 60 and 120 s of CAPJ exposure, respectively. Extremely low D- values (< 20 s) were recorded for both the isolates. The alterations in the FTIR spectra and Raman micro-spectra signals of post-CAPJ exposed bacteria revealed the degree of destruction at the molecular level, such as lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, bond breakages, etc. Further, TEM images of exposed bacteria indicated the incurred damages on cell morphology by CAPJ reactive species. Also, the inactivation process varied for both isolates, as evidenced by the correlation between the inactivation curve and FTIR spectra. It was observed that the identified gas-phase reactive species, such as Ar I, O I, OH•, NO+, OH+, NO2-, NO3-, etc. played a significant role in bacterial inactivation. This study clearly demonstrated the effect of CAPJ exposure on bacterial cell morphology and molecular composition, illuminating potential bacterial inactivation mechanisms.

Climate and land use/land cover changes increasing habitat overlap among endangered crested ibis and sympatric egret/heron species

Climate and land use/land cover (LULC) changes have far-reaching effects on various biological processes in wildlife, particularly interspecific interactions. Unfortunately, interspecific interactions are often overlooked when assessing the impacts of environmental changes on endangered species. In this study, we examined niche similarities and habitat overlaps between wild Crested Ibis and sympatric Egret and Heron species (EHs) in Shaanxi, China, using Ecological niche models (ENMs). We aimed to forecast potential alterations in habitat overlaps due to climate and LULC changes. The results showed that although EHs possess a broader niche breadth compared to the Crested Ibis, they still share certain niche similarities, as indicated by Schoener’s D and Hellinger’s I values exceeding 0.5, respectively. Notably, despite varying degrees of habitat reduction, the shared habitat area of all six species expands with the changes in climate and LULC. We suggest that with the climate and LULC changes, the habitats of sympatric EHs are likely to suffer varying degrees of destruction, forcing them to seek refuge and migrate to the remaining wild Ibis habitat. This is primarily due to the effective conservation efforts in the Crested Ibis habitat in Yangxian County and neighboring areas. Consequently, due to the niche similarity, they will share and compete for limited habitat resources, including food and space. Therefore, we recommend that conservation efforts extend beyond protecting the Crested Ibis habitat. It is crucial to control human activities that contribute to LULC changes to safeguard the habitats of both Crested Ibis and other sympatric birds.

ANALYSIS OF THE CHANGE IN THE RHEOLOGICAL CURVE OF THE FLOW OF NON-NEWTONIAN OILS IN THE FIELDS OF WESTERN KAZAKHSTAN

In order to improve oil recovery technologies, the task of studying the rheological properties of oil, which largely determine the development indicators of the development target, namely, the rate of oil withdrawal, the stability and nature of the movement of the front of displacement of oil by water or gas, and, as a result, final oil recovery, is becoming urgent. In this regard, there is a need for in-depth studies of the rheoviscidity properties of produced oils.This article presents the results of laboratory studies to study the rheological characteristics of both high-paraffin and heavy high-viscosity oils using the example of oil from fields in Western Kazakhstan. Since structured oils are thixotropic systems, all experiments were carried out with the same degree of structure destruction in oil, both anhydrous oils and those with different water cuts were studied. The authors also showed the nature of the change in the rheological curve of the flow of oil emulsion of various water cuts to identify the temperature interval where non-Newtonian properties of various oils are manifested. Their main physical and chemical properties are also given, and kinematic viscosities of oil with different densities are compared. The results of laboratory studies of viscosity change with temperature increase for Karazhanbas oil emulsion with different water cut are considered. Despite differences in viscosity values of different degrees of watered samples of highly paraffinic oil, the tendency of oil viscosity change depending on the shear gradient is the same. The formation of structured systems of resin and asphaltene particles is observed in flows with relatively low shear gradients. As a result, oil viscosity dependence on the shear gradient in the range of low values from 0 to 20 s-1 must be taken into account when solving tasks for high-paraffin production. The results obtained are of practical interest, since when creating a compositional model and technological modeling of the collection and transport system, the rheological characteristics of the oil of a particular field, as well as the presence of thixotropic properties, must be taken into account.

Morphometry and morphology of the gypsum tumuli from the Sorbas karst region, SE Spain

In the Sorbas region of Spain, the gypsum karst is known for occurrences of gypsum tumuli, the peculiar weathering landforms that appear on gypsum rocks in semi-arid areas. Tumuli are small-scale domes (diameter: < 15 m, height: < 1.35 m) with empty internal chambers formed by local detachment and uplift of the surface layer of gypsum bedrock. Their origin is attributed to cyclic wetting and drying and expansive re-precipitation of gypsum in near-surface voids and pores of the rocks. Morphometric and morphological analyses of these gypsum landforms were conducted to verify and supplement data regarding their morphology. Based on linear regression equations, the geometry of the tumuli was analyzed quantitatively using pairs of the following parameters: horizontal long and short axes, relative height, thickness of the uplifted rock layer, height of the internal chamber, and others. The tumuli are limited in size – they rarely exceed 4.0 m in horizontal extension and 0.5 m in height above the surface of the surrounding terrain. Regardless of their size, they tend to preserve a rather constant plan shape, from circular to elliptical. The relative height of the tumuli is as a rule 7 to 8 times smaller than the length of their long horizontal axis, and ca. 6 times smaller than the length of the short axis. Aerial photogrammetry was used to estimate the destruction degree of gypsum tumuli, which helps to interpret their morphological changes during erosion. The appearance of a hole at the top of the form leads to the development of narrow-crater and then wide-crater tumuli. The side inlet opening leads to the formation of half-moon and then sickle shaped tumuli.

A Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy of Bacterial Lysate versus Antibiotic Therapy in the Treatment of Experimental Peri-Implantitis in Rats.

Peri-implantitis (PI) is a current concern whose understanding and resolution are ongoing. We aimed to evaluate in vivo a new treatment with antibacterial properties, based on bacterial lysates obtained from the strains of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Streptococcus oralis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. This research was conducted on 30 rats with PI which were divided into three groups and treated with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory (AAi) drugs, bacterial lysates (BLs), and saline (C), respectively. The monitoring period included the clinical and paraclinical examination where hematological, immunological, imaging, and histopathological analysis were performed. No particular clinical signs were observed, but the radiological examination showed the loss of all implants in group C, in contrast to group BL which had the highest survival rate of devices. White cells showed a decrease from the PI period, as did the immunological analysis. Only IL-6 showed an increase in the AAi and BL groups. Histopathologically, the C group presented a high degree of bone destruction, and in the BL group, many attenuated inflammatory phenomena appeared compared to the AAi animals. Bacterial lysates have similar effects to antibiotic-based therapeutic regimens for PI, and their future use may help to improve the current therapeutic management of the disease.

Visual insights into surface destruction differences of the large flake graphite ground with gangue minerals

In this study, the destruction differences among three levels of large flake graphite (−1.0+0.3, −0.3+0.18, and −0.18+0.15 mm) ground with gangues were investigated. The results revealed that the destruction degree and destruction rate descended with the decrease of graphite flake granularity, and the most severe destruction occurred for −1.0+0.3 mm. The internal microstructure differences of the large flake graphite are precisely the key reason for destruction degree and rate differences. The results of X-ray computed tomography showed that the −1.0+0.3 mm large flake graphite with a high porosity of 12.73 % contained more pores, cracks, and gangues than the −0.18+0.15 mm graphite with a low porosity of 0.097 % from 2D and 3D dimensions. These results indicate that the effective protection of the large flake graphite, particularly the super-large flake graphite (−1.0+0.3 mm), requires timely separation of them from gangues and individual purification to avoid grinding and flotation with fine flake graphite.

Research on Improving Moisture Resistance of Asphalt Mixture with Compounded Recycled Metallurgical Slag Powders.

The utilization of steel slag as an alternative material in asphalt mixtures is considered the solution to the problem of the shortage of natural aggregates. However, asphalt mixtures with steel slag show susceptibility to damage caused by moisture, especially in powder form. Therefore, blast furnace slag powders were used to compound with steel slag powders as fillers to improve the moisture resistance of asphalt mixtures. The characteristics of the steel slag powders and blast furnace slag powders were investigated initially. Subsequently, the adhesion properties of the asphalt mastics with the powders to the aggregates were evaluated. Finally, the moisture resistances of the asphalt mixtures were identified. The results indicate that the steel slag powder exhibited a notable prevalence of surface pores, which had a more uniform size distribution. In contrast, the blast furnace slag powder exhibited a greater average pore size. The larger specific surface area of the steel slag powder was over 30% larger than that of the blast furnace slag powder, and the superior gelling activity of the blast furnace powder enhanced the adhesion property. Both the steel slag powder and blast furnace slag powder were found to enhance the adhesion properties of the asphalt mastics, while the effect of the steel slag powder was more pronounced, the maximum force difference of which exceeded 200 N. The antagonistic effect of the steel slag powder and blast furnace slag powder on the resistance of the adhesive interface to moisture damage was confirmed by the contact angle test. The incorporation of the blast furnace slag powder markedly enhanced the moisture resistances of the asphalt mixtures. The phenomenon of dynamic moisture damage to the asphalt mixtures was more pronounced under the multicycle times, obviously severer than that in a stable water environment. As the dynamic moisture cycles increased, the degree of destruction gradually approached a steady state.

Гистологические исследования мясной продукции по Sous vide на основе обзора известных подходов к формированию качества

Sous vide technology came to Russia in the early 2000s. Its quality standards require a multidimensional comprehensive study to develop theoretical and methodological foundations. The research featured the effect of various Sous vide modes on beef quality based on histological analysis and sensory assessment. The review of best practices in this sphere included publications registered in Scopus, Web of Science, and eLIBRARY.RU. Beef from sacral part underwent Sous vide processing at two modes, i.e., 57 and 64°C for 24 h and 80°C for 12 h. The samples obtained were subjected to histological analysis and sensory assessment. The histology showed that the cooking process at 100°C and the Sous vide modes at 57, 64, and 80°C increased the intercellular space and dissolved the connective tissue. Higher temperature modes led to more pronounced shrinking and deformation of muscle fibers. Under the Sous vide conditions, fibrous structures demonstrated the most severe destruction after 12 h at 80°C. As the destruction of muscle fibers increased, more nuclei entered intercellular space. Moreover, perimysium and sarcolemma demonstrated signs of granulation between muscle fiber bundles. The Sous vide samples received the best score for juiciness and tenderness. The research revealed a certain contradiction between the growing degree of fibrous destruction caused by thermal treatment and the improving consistency index for juiciness and tenderness. The authors consider it necessary to investigate the matter further and invite specialists to submit their ideas.

БИОТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ ПОТЕНЦИАЛ НОВЫХ ШТАММОВ УГЛЕВОДОРОДОКИСЛЯЮЩИХ БАКТЕРИЙ

The ingress of oil has a depressing effect on the soil biocenosis, which is enhanced in the presence of other pollutants (heavy metals, chlorides, herbicides), which ultimately leads to the withdrawal of significant land areas (including agricultural ones) from the target turnover. For the bioremediation of such areas, oil-degrading microorganisms are needed that are resistant to additional pollutants, as well as a set of useful properties that increase the efficiency of cleaning and restoring disturbed soils. In this work, three isolates were isolated that actively grew in a liquid medium containing oil. As a result of sequencing the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, it was reliably established that all strains belong to the species Acinetobacter calcoaceticus . The bacteria showed a high oil-oxidizing ability (89.7-97.0%), which was assessed by the degree of destruction of the aliphatic fraction, including in the presence of herbicides based on 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (Octapon extra), imazethapyr (Tapir) and tribenuron-methyl ( Special forces) (degree of biodestruction 40.4-54.1%). Microorganisms used aromatic hydrocarbons (including polycyclic ones) as a carbon source. They demonstrated high cell surface hydrophobicity (78-85%) with respect to hexadecane and exhibited emulsifying activity of more than 50%. The bacteria were tolerant to the herbicides Tapir and Spetsnaz in amounts up to 1% volume (mass). The herbicide Octapon extra was more toxic to bacteria - the growth of all strains occurred at its concentration in the medium not higher than 0.5% volume. Microorganisms showed resistance to sodium chloride in an amount of 3.0-5.0% and lead ions (1.00-1.25 g/l). They produced the enzyme lipase and were capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen and dissolving inorganic phosphate (including in the presence of oil or herbicides). The studied Acinetobacter spp. stimulated the growth of barley (aboveground and underground parts), especially the A. calcoaceticus strain P32 (elongation of shoots and roots by 15.3 and 49.5%, respectively). The data obtained indicate that all three strains have certain prospects for use in the purification of complexly contaminated soils.

Investigation of Lung Cancer Cell Response to Cryoablation and Adjunctive Gemcitabine-Based Cryo-Chemotherapy Using the A549 Cell Line.

Due to the rising annual incidence of lung cancer (LC), new treatment strategies are needed. While various options exist, many, if not all, remain suboptimal. Several studies have shown cryoablation to be a promising approach. Yet, a lack of basic information pertaining to LC response to freezing and requirement for percutaneous access has limited clinical use. In this study, we investigated the A549 lung carcinoma cell line response to freezing. The data show that a single 5 min freeze to -15 °C did not affect cell viability, whereas -20 °C and -25 °C result in a significant reduction in viability 1 day post freeze to <10%. These populations, however, were able to recover in culture. Application of a repeat (double) freeze resulted in complete cell death at -25 °C. Studies investigating the impact of adjunctive gemcitabine (75 nM) pretreatment in combination with freezing were then conducted. Exposure to gemcitabine alone resulted in minimal cell death. The combination of gemcitabine pretreatment and a -20 °C single freeze as well as combination treatment with a -15 °C repeat freeze both resulted in complete cell death. This suggests that gemcitabine pretreatment may be synergistically effective when combined with freezing. Studies into the modes of cell death associated with the increased cell death revealed the increased involvement of necroptosis in combination treatment. In summary, these results suggest that repeat freezing to -20 °C to -25 °C results in a high degree of LC destruction. Further, the data suggest that the combination of gemcitabine pretreatment and freezing resulted in a shift of the minimum lethal temperature for LC from -25 °C to -15 °C. These findings, in combination with previous reports, suggest that cryoablation alone or in combination with chemotherapy may provide an improved path for the treatment of LC.

Clinicopathological study on diameter of extranodal extension of cervical metastatic lymph nodes in the prognosis of oral cancer

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between the degree of destruction of the cervical lymph node capsule, extranodal invasion distance, and the prognosis of extranodal extension (ENE)-positive patients Study designWe retrospectively examined microscopic slides from neck dissection specimens of ENE-positive patients of our hospital. The ENE distance was measured by a pathologist who set up a virtual lymph node and measured the maximum extranodal invasion distance. The maximum distance was used for multiple ENEs. Forty patients with ENE were enrolled in this study. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate survival. ResultsAmong the ENE-positive cases, the capsule was completely destroyed and partially destroyed in seven and 33 cases, respectively. Disease-specific survival (DSS) was 1251 days (range 156–3009 days). The median distance of extranodal invasion was 2500 µm (392–8500 µm) in the 33 ENE-positive cases in which the capsule was not completely destroyed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of these 33 cases showed that the cutoff value of extranodal invasion distance for progression-free survival was 2241 µm. ConclusionsENE is a prognostic predictor of oral cancer; ENE was an independent prognostic factor; and ENE size cutoff of 2241 µm was a significant prognostic factor.

PTHrP participates in the bone destruction of middle ear cholesteatoma via promoting macrophage differentiation into osteoclasts induced by RANKL.

Progressive bone resorption and destruction is one of the most critical clinical features of middle ear cholesteatoma, potentially leading to various intracranial and extracranial complications. However, the mechanisms underlying bone destruction in middle ear cholesteatoma remain unclear. This study aims to explore the role of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) in bone destruction associated with middle ear cholesteatoma. A total of 25 cholesteatoma specimens and 13 normal external auditory canal skin specimens were collected from patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expressions of PTHrP, receptor activator for nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in cholesteatoma and normal tissues. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to detect the presence of TRAP positive multi-nucleated macrophages in cholesteatoma and normal tissues. Mono-nuclear macrophage RAW264.7 cells were subjected to interventions, divided into a RANKL intervention group and a PTHrP+ RANKL co-intervention group. TRAP staining was used to detect osteoclast formation in the 2 groups. The mRNA expression levels of osteoclast-related genes, including TRAP, cathepsin K (CTSK), and nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) after the interventions. Bone resorption function of osteoclasts was assessed using a bone resorption pit analysis. Immunohistochemical staining showed significantly increased expression of PTHrP and RANKL and decreased expression of OPG in cholesteatoma tissues (all P<0.05). PTHrP expression was significantly positively correlated with RANKL, the RANKL/OPG ratio, and negatively correlated with OPG expression (r=0.385, r=0.417, r=-0.316, all P<0.05). Additionally, the expression levels of PTHrP and RANKL were significantly positively correlated with the degree of bone destruction in cholesteatoma (r=0.413, r=0.505, both P<0.05). TRAP staining revealed a large number of TRAP-positive cells, including multi-nucleated osteoclasts with three or more nuclei, in the stroma surrounding the cholesteatoma epithelium. After 5 days of RANKL or PTHrP+RANKL co-intervention, the number of osteoclasts was significantly greater in the PTHrP+RANKL co-intervention group than that in the RANKL group (P<0.05), with increased mRNA expression levels of TRAP, CTSK, and NFATc1 (all P<0.05). Scanning electron microscopy of bone resorption pits showed that the number (P<0.05) and size of bone resorption pits on bone slices were significantly greater in the PTHrP+RANKL co-intervention group compared with the RANKL group. PTHrP may promote the differentiation of macrophages in the surrounding stroma of cholesteatoma into osteoclasts through RANKL induction, contributing to bone destruction in middle ear cholesteatoma.

Digital reconstruction of partially lost altarpieces. The case of the Rosary's altarpiece of Sant Pere Màrtir de Manresa

An important challenge of Digital Cultural Heritage is to contribute to the recovery of artworks with their original shape and appearance. Many altarpieces, which are very relevant Christian art elements, have been damaged and/or partly or fully lost. Therefore, the only way to recover them is to carry out their digital reconstruction. Although the procedure that we present here is valid for any altarpiece with similar characteristics, and even for other akin elements, our test bench is the altarpieces that were damaged or destroyed or that disappeared during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) in Catalonia, where most suffered these effects. The first step of our work has been the classification of these artworks into different categories on the basis of their degree of destruction and of the available visual information related to each one. This article proposes, for the first time to our knowledge, a workflow for the virtual reconstruction, through photogrammetry, digital modeling, and digital color restoration, of whole altarpieces partially preserved with very little visual information. Our case study is the Rosary’s altarpiece of Sant Pere Màrtir de Manresa church. Currently, this altarpiece is partially preserved in fragments in the Museu Comarcal de Manresa (Spain). But it cannot be reassembled physically owing to the lack of space (actually the church does not exist anymore) and the cost of such an operation. Thus, there is no other solution than the digital one to contemplate and study the altarpiece as a whole. The reconstruction that we provide allows art historians and the general public to virtually see the altarpiece complete and assembled as it was until 1936. The results obtained also allow us to see in detail the reliefs and ornaments of the altarpiece with their digitally restored color.

Ulinastatitis in Complex Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis (Literature Review)

The purpose of this literature review is to assess the completeness and significance of recent research on the treatment of a destructive form of pancreatitis for public health and scientific achievements, highlighting areas that require further detailed study. A review of foreign literature on the use of the protease inhibitor ulinastatin in the complex conservative treatment and prevention of acute pancreatitis is made. The clinical and laboratory effectiveness of the drug in preventing the transition of uninfected pancreatic necrosis into a complicated purulent-necrotic form with the development of abdominal sepsis, as well as the effect on treatment results and mortality, has been demonstrated. Existing schemes and modes of application are given. In recent years, significant scientific achievements have been presented in the field of treatment of acute pancreatitis, especially in the context of its destructive forms. The results of numerous studies have made it possible to formulate recommendations aimed at optimizing treatment approaches and improving the prognosis of this condition. Studies have identified key factors affecting the prognosis and outcome of treatment of acute pancreatitis, including the degree of destruction of the pancreas, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients, as well as complications associated with various treatment methods. These data will allow surgeons to develop individual treatment strategies, taking into account the specifics of each case. Ulinastatin is not only a protease inhibitor, but also has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Based on the results of numerous foreign studies, the high clinical and laboratory effectiveness of ulinastainin the complex drug therapy of acute pancreatitis has been proven. And also, to prevent it and/or hyperfermentemia during ERCP and extended operations on the organs of the pancreato-duodenal zone. Ulinastatin is most effective in the edematous form of AP and aseptic pancreatic necrosis. In case of infected pacreonecrosis with severe organ-systemic failure or the formation of purulent-necrotic foci in the retroperitoneum (abdominal sepsis), the drug is not effective.