Further Study Of Changes Research Articles

Dynamics of indicators of the vascular membrane of the ciliary body in predicting the risk of diabetic retinopathy in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: According to statistics, microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus are registered in a third of patients during their lifetime, and diabetic retinopathy is the main cause of irreversible blindness in people of reproductive age. Changes in the vascular membrane of the eye in patients with diabetes mellitus are currently being studied as predictors of the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Further study of changes in the vascular membrane in pregnant women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes may help in identifying criteria for the manifestation and progression of diabetic microangiopathy. AIM: To develop a methodology for predicting the risk of diabetic retinopathy progression by analyzing the dynamics of the state of the vascular membrane of the ciliary body. METHODS: The study was conducted in each trimester of pregnancy. A pregnant patient with confirmed diabetes mellitus 1 or diabetes mellitus 2 underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including visometry with maximally corrected visual acuity, tonometry, biomicroscopy of the anterior segment of the eye, ophthalmoscopy under conditions of drug-induced mydriasis (phenylephrine) with a high-diopter lens (78–90 D), and optical coherence tomography of the anterior and posterior eye segments. RESULTS: With an increase in the thickness of the vascular layer of the ciliary body by ≥10% at one or more points compared with the study conducted in the first trimester of pregnancy, the patients exhibited diabetic retinopathy progression during subsequent routine examinations. Quantitative analysis of the vascular layer of ciliary body revealed the transition of diabetic retinopathy to its next stage; however, photoregistration of the fundus did not show obvious signs of transformation into another stage of the disease. CONCLUSION: Dynamic examination of the thickness of the vascular layer of the ciliary body during gestation and its increase by 10% from the initial one enables prediction of progression of diabetic retinopathy to the next stage.

Study of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma transcriptome after proton therapy

Aim. To evaluate changes in the transcriptome of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissue cells in patients after proton therapy.Materials and methods. Biopsy material obtained from 3 HNSCC patients before and after proton therapy at a total dose of 10 isoGy was homogenized, purified, and concentrated. Then total RNA was isolated with further purification and concentration with the RNA Clean & Concentrator kit (Zymo Research). Library quantitation was assessed using the Qubit 2.0 instrument (Invitrogen, Life Technologies). After isolation of 1 μg total RNA for sequencing, libraries were prepared on the Illumina platform using the TruSeq RNA Sample Prep Kit v2 with a 10-cycle enrichment step according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The quality of RNA and the resulting libraries was checked using the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer system (Agilent Tec. Inc., USA). The RIN parameter for RNA was at least 7. The library concentration was assessed by real-time PCR on the CFX96 Touch Real-Time PCR Detection System (Bio-Rad, USA). Final libraries were pooled in equimolar ratios before sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform using 50 base-pair paired-end reads. The Q20 parameter for all samples was > 97%, and the number of reads averaged 60.2 million per sample. Raw reads were processed using the RTA 1.17.21.3 and Casava 1.8.2 (Illumina). The enrichment analysis was performed using the PANTHER 17.0 software.Results. The transcriptome analysis of HNSCC after proton radiation therapy (5 x 2 isoGy) at a total dose of 10 isoGy revealed 1,414 significantly differentially expressed genes. The 10 most and least expressed genes and their associated signaling pathways were identified. A number of signaling pathways associated with the underexpressed genes were detected in HNSCC after proton therapy, such as: STAT5; PD-1 signaling pathway; marked MET-mediated activation of PTK2 signaling pathway, PDGF signaling; CD22-mediated regulation of BCR; and FCERI-mediated MAPK activation. In addition to the above signaling pathways, activation of collagen degradation, FCGR3A-mediated phagocytosis, and FCGR3A-mediated interleukin (IL)-10 synthesis are of interest. In the enrichment analysis among highly expressed genes, keratinization and biological oxidation processes were activated in HNSCC tissues after proton therapy.Conclusion. Proton therapy in HNSCC leads to overexpression of genes involved in the regulation of keratinization and biological oxidation processes as well as to underexpression of genes associated with suppression of signaling pathways: STAT5, PD-1, MET-mediated activation of PTK2 signaling pathway, PDGF signaling; CD22-mediated regulation of BCR; FCERI-mediated MAPK activation, collagen degradation, FCGR3A-mediated phagocytosis activation, and FCGR3A-mediated IL-10 synthesis. All signaling pathways of underexpressed genes function in HNSCC cells if there is no negative influence on the tumor from outside (irradiation or delivery of antitumor drugs). The predominance of suppressed signaling pathways over activated ones most likely indicates a decrease in the functional potential of cells after proton therapy. The dose-dependence of PT effects necessitates further study of changes in cellular and molecular-genetic signatures of HNSCC after proton irradiation with different doses.

CHANGES IN FOOD DEMAND IN POLAND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The aim of the study was to determine changes in the demand for food in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis covered 2017-2021, i.e., the period both before and during the pandemic (2022 was excluded due to the impact of events related to the war in Ukraine). The study uses comparative and descriptive analysis methods. The macroeconomic indicators of the Central Statistical Office were used to identify the macroeconomic determinants of demand for food, while the identification of purchasing changes was determined on the basis of the results of household budget surveys. During the pandemic, despite the decline in the GDP, we could see an improvement in household income. Despite the reduction in total consumption in the first year of the pandemic, household food consumption increased significantly, which continued the following year. In turn, a significant reduction in household spending on catering services indirectly influences the demand for agricultural and food products, but the scale of this impact is difficult to estimate. Further study of changes in food demand should include the period of the war in Ukraine. In its aftermath, agricultural and energy commodity prices rose, and there was an influx of refugees to Poland, which undoubtedly impacted changes in food demand.

Macular and peripapillary Choroidal Vascularity Index in children with different refractive status

ObjectivesTo characterize choroidal vascular changes in children with different refractive status.MethodsA study including 5864 children aged 6–9 years was performed to investigate the choroidal vascular index (CVI) in myopic, emmetropic and hyperopic eyes. Each participant had a comprehensive ocular examination with cycloplegic autorefraction performed, axial length (AL) measured and Swept Source-Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) scans acquired. Choroidal thickness (ChT) was measured by built-in software, and CVI was calculated using a previously validated self-developed algorithm.ResultsThe mean ChT and CVI were 275.88 ± 53.34 μm and 34.91 ± 3.83 in the macula region, and 191.96 ± 46.28 μm and 32.35 ± 4.21 in the peripapillary region. CVI was significantly lowest for myopes, followed by emmetropes and hyperopes (P < 0.001). CVI varied between different sectors separated by the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid (P < 0.001). Macular CVI decreased horizontally from nasal to temporal quadrant with lowest in center fovea, and vertically from superior to inferior quadrants. Peripapillary CVI was highest in the nasal and lowest in the inferior sector. Multiple regression showed that spherical equivalent (SE), AL, intraocular pressure (IOP), ChT, age, and gender were significantly related to CVI (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn children, the distribution of CVI in the posterior pole is not uniform. A decreased CVI was observed from hyperopia to myopia and was associated with decreased SE, elongated AL, and choroidal thinning. Further study of changes in CVI during myopia onset and progression is required to better understand the role of the choroidal vasculature in myopia development.

INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS TRANSFORMATION DUE TO CHANGES IN CONSUMER'S PERCEPTION OF INFORMATION

We have outlined the main aspects of the modern socio-economic space that have led to transformation not only in the business sector but also in human thinking. We have examined the aspects of the studied problem expressed in modern scientific works and explained the need for further study of changes in the thinking processes of consumers in the field of transformation of applied Internet marketing solutions for the requests of Internet users. We have analyzed the dynamics and trends of changes in Internet user behavior, thereby identifying the key aspects that should be taken into account when companies create online marketing strategies. We have proposed a list of steps to optimize the marketing strategy of the business in line with new realities.The relevance of the study is due to the social processes of modern society resulting in the tendency to transform consumers' thinking. COVID-19 and self-isolation have had an impact on this phenomenon, accelerating the massive changeover to online communication and online shopping.The goal of this article is to describe the results of a study of changes in consumer thinking in connection with the transformation of realities caused by the global pandemic.The scientific novelty of the study lies in highlighting the peculiarities of information perception by modern consumers associated with the global pandemic, and in substantiating the ways of transforming Internet marketing solutions for companies in an altered reality.The theoretical importance of the research lies in a better understanding of the reasons and features of the transformation of information perception by consumers in modern realities, as well as in the analysis of scientific works to study the impact of informatization and computerization on society thinking, which can be used to study this component in marketing research, including in online marketing. This is the practical value of this work.The practical value of the study lies in identifying the features of the transformation of the thinking of modern consumers through visitors to the website of Cita Lieta ltd. at ceanocosmetics.com.Like in any scientific article, this one has its research limitations. The author explores the transformation of consumer thinking change using the data from the website analytics of one company in a particular niche.

THE PROBLEM OF SOIL HEAVING IN PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION AND METHODS FOR ITS ELIMINATION

Background The article is devoted to the actual problem of construction and operation of pipelines in difficult geological conditions. The work analyzes the interaction of permafrost soils with underground structures, studies the heaving of soils - the ability of water-saturated soils to increase their volume when frozen. Aims and Objectives The aim of the work is to analyze the existing methods and means of protecting the linear part of the main pipelines in the areas where heaving soils are spread. Objectives: o study of the peculiarities of construction and operation of pipelines in areas where heaving soils are spread; o analysis of existing methods of preventing heaving, their advantages and disadvantages; o determination of the most effective ways to protect main pipelines from soil deformations. Results It was revealed that the problems associated with the phenomenon of changes in the volume of soils at temperature extremes remain relevant to this day. Despite the wide range of means of protecting pipelines from soil deformations, each of the presented ones has a number of significant disadvantages, which limits their scope. Since the dependence of the radiating forces on the time and temperature of the environment and the influence of these forces on underground pipelines have been studied rather poorly by now, the need for further study of changes in the characteristics of soils with a temperature difference has been determined, as well as computer modeling of the stress-strain state of structures in contact with permafrost soils.

Anglemetry of neural axis cell differentiation genes by structural pressurotopy of DNA loop strand segment tropy in reference to tissue macro-compliance

Even as the eukaryotic stranded DNA is known to heterochromatinize at the nuclear envelope in response to mechanical strain, the precise mechanistic basis for alterations in chromatin gene transcription in differentiating cell lineages has been difficult to determine due to limited spatial resolution for detection of shifts in reference to a specific gene in vitro. In this study, heterochromatin shift during euchromatin gene transcription has been studied by parallel determinations of DNA strand loop segmentation tropy nano-compliance (esebssiwaagoTQ units, linear nl), gene positioning angulation in linear normal two-dimensional (2-D) z, y-vertical plane (anglemetry, 0), horizontal alignment to the z, x-plane (vectormetry; mA, mM, a.u.), and by pressuromodulation mapping of differentiated neuron cell sub-class operating range for neuroaxis gene expression in reference to tissue macro-compliance (Peff). The esebssiwaagoTQ effective pressure unit (Peff) maxima and minima for horizontal gene intergene base segment tropy loop alignment were determined (n = 224); the Peff esebssiwaagoTQ quotient were determined (n = 28) for analysis of gene intergene base loop segment tropy structure nano-compliance (n = 28; n = 188); and gene positioning anglemetry and vectormetry was performed (n = 42). The sebs intercept-to-sebssiwa intercept quotient for linear normalization was determined (bsebs/bsebssiwa) by exponential plotting of sub-episode block sum (sebs) (x1, y1; x2, y2) and sub-episode block sum split integrated weighted average (sebssiwa) functions was performed, and the sebs – sebssiwa function residuals were determined. The effective cell pressure (Peff)-to-angle conversion factor was determined, ϴA = (1E + 02) {0.90 – [(0.000 + a ≥ x 0.200 ≤ 0.300; n = 6), between tier 1 and tier 3 (Peff > 0.300; n = 8), and between tier 3 and tier 2 (α = 0.05). Based on the results of this study, I) heterochromatin strand DNA loop micro-segmentation structural nano-compliance is either amorphousity, anisotropy or mesotropy loop segment forms perceiving various grades of the asymmetric tropy viscosity effect, where between 3-to-5 and 8-to-11 genes are arranged as one or two in-tandem alternating anisotropic and mesotropic gene(s), or as in-tandem anisotropic or mesotropic genes in juxtaposition separated by intergene tropy base distance; for example, the anisotropy loop segment form between positions − 12 to + 15 in reference LMNA (Peff, 0.184; θA = 68.40) on human 1q22 (+) is: 5′-0.234-(a− 12)-0.272 (m− 11)-0.229 (a− 10)-0.211 (a− 9)-0.269 (m− 8)-0.144 (a− 7)-0.314 (m− 6)-0.268 (m− 5)-0.176 (a− 4)-0.260 (m− 3)-0.259 (m− 2)-0.270 (m− 1)-0.184 (a0)-0.135 (m+ 1)-0.395 (m+ 2)-0.146 (a+ 3)-0.212 (a+ 4)-0.336 (m+ 5)-0.287 (m+ 6)-0.153 (a+ 7)-0.283 (m+ 8)-0.193 (a+ 9)-0.269 (m+ 10)-0.199 (a+ 11)-0.146 (a+ 12)-0.190 (a+ 13)-0.188 (a+ 14)-0.243 (a+ 15)-3′, which begins at the 5′ end with DAP3 (Peff 0.234); II) mesotropy loop form genes are positioned between 11.7 and 60.40 (CD34) in the z, y-vertical plane, whereas anisotropy loop form genes positioned between 60.5 and 82.30 (MIR4537) in the z, y-vertical plane; III) the relationship between effective pressure and momentum is inverse proportionality, Peff (0.064 ≥ x 0.305), between a Peff of 0.305 and 0.213 for cerebrocortical upper motor neurons, between a Peff of 0.318 and 0.203 for hippocampocortical neurons, and between a Peff of 0.298 and 0.217 for basal ganglia spiny neurons; therefore, there exists an inverse relationship between effective range of whole cell compliance and tissue macro-compliance (Reffective whole cell compliance ˑ Tmacro-compliance = k), in which case the range for mesenchymal cell (MSC) gene expression is delineable as being between a Peff of 0.648 and <= 0.118 esebssiwaagoTQ units; and V) RGS18 (Peff 0.205; θM = 65.20), RGS16 (Peff 0.251; θM = 59.70; human paralog of murine RGS4), lnc-RXFP4–5 (Peff, 0.314; θM = 52.10; pituit), RGS13 (Peff; 0.360, θM = 46.50), CEACAM1 (Peff, 0.384; θM = 43.60), SLC25A44 (Peff, 0.395; θM = 42.30) and RGS21 (Peff, 0.413; θM = 40.10) are expressed within the lower motor neuron (lmn)-upper motor neuron (umn) neural cell axis; and TSACC (Peff, 0.336; θM = 49.40) and JUND (Peff, 0.344; θM = 48.40) are non-cell specific developmental biomarkers. Based on the findings of this study considered together, the precise mechanistic basis for alterations in chromatin gene transcription eukaryotic stranded heterochromatin arranged by structural pressurotopy nano-compliance in DNA stand loop segments is effective cell pressure (Peff) regulated shifting of transcriptionally active DNA in-between the inner nuclear envelope margin and the peripheral nucleoplasm edge and the z, x-plane horizontal alignment of a gene by gene specific Peff within the cell specific effective range of whole cell compliance in reference to tissue macro-compliance. The findings of this study are therefore applicable to the further study of changes in gene transcription in response to applied mechanical strain-mediated alterations in nuclear envelope deformability in silico.

Level of proinflammatory cytokines in children with various clinical forms of functional dyspepsia

Objective was to study the level of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1α (IL-1α) in the blood of children with various forms of functional dyspepsia in accordance with various endoscopic changes of the gastric mucosa. Materials and methods. 79 school age children with functional dyspepsia were examined. The diagnosis was made in accordance with the recommendations of the Rome Criteria IV (2016). All patients underwent endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to exclude destructive changes of the mucous membrane. The level of TNF-α and IL-1α in the blood serum was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Statistical processing of the results obtained was performed using Microsoft Excel 2010. Results. The average level of TNF-α in the total group was 463.22±27.4 pg/ml, which statistically significantly exceeded this indicator in the control group (26.76±1.10 pg/ml; p&lt;0.01). The IL-1α value in the total group was 148.6±6.06 pg/ml and was significantly higher in comparison with the control group (53.29±3.28 pg/ml; p&lt;0.01). The level of proinflammatory cytokines in the group of children with epigastric pain syndrome was significantly higher than in the group of children with postprandial distress syndrome. Endoscopic examination showed the presence of unchanged mucous membrane in only 25.3% of children. Erythematous gastroduodenopathy was observed in 74.7% of children and was typical mainly for patients with epigastric pain syndrome (97.7%; p&lt;0.05). Conclusions. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in children with functional dyspepsia is increased. When comparing the clinical variants of the disease, a significant increase in the level of TNFα, and IL-1α in children with epigastric pain syndrome was found. In the same group of children, endoscopic changes in the gastric mucosa were more pronounced. Further study of changes in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in children with functional dyspepsia may allow this to be used as one of the methods for the differential diagnosis of functional dyspepsia and chronic gastritis.

Effect of Magnetic-Lattice Transformations on Low-Temperature Plasticity and Fracture of Chromium Single Crystals

Analysis of the literature indicates an interconnection of the lattice and magnetic subsystems of chromium, which suggests the further study of changes in low-temperature plasticity and fracture of chromium resulting from magneto-lattice transformations during thermal cycling in the range of 373↔77 K. For the initial microalloyed Eu single crystals of Cr (the content of impurities Ci ≈ 10–3 wt.%) with orientations [110] and [112] along the compression axes, a monotonous growth of the yield point was observed in the temperature range from room temperature to T = Tx ≈ 170 K (Tx is the temperature of cold-brittleness or the temperature of ductile-brittle transition). When the temperature was lowered in the range of Tx–4.2 K, the samples became brittle, with a decrease in the fracture stress, which is due to the growth of local stresses at the concentrators. As a result of thermal cycling accompanied by multiple phase transformations from the paramagnetic to the antiferromagnetic AF1 and AF2 states and vice versa, a decrease in the Tx value of chromium was observed of ≈ 20 K. The effect is related to the occurrence of relaxation processes near stress concentrators due to the displacement of the walls of domain structures and also cyclic striction deformations that compensate for the volume change caused by overheating and supercooling of the sample due to a rapid change in temperature.

Wide Range of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae Incidence and Trends in Emerging Infections Program Surveillance, 2012–2015

BackgroundCarbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are an urgent threat in the United States because of high morbidity and mortality, few treatment options, and potential for rapid spread among patients. To assess for changes in CRE epidemiology and risk among populations, we analyzed CDC Emerging Infections Program (EIP) 2012–2015 surveillance data for CRE.MethodsActive, population-based CRE surveillance was initiated in January 2012 at 3 EIP sites (GA, MN, OR) and expanded to 5 additional sites (CO, MD, NM, New York, TN) by 2014. An incident case was the first Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, or Klebsiella isolate (non-susceptible to at least one carbapenem and resistant to all third-generation cephalosporins tested) collected from urine or a normally sterile body site from a patient during a 30-day period. Data were collected from patients’ medical records. Cases were hospital-onset (HO) or long-term care facility (LTCF) onset if patients were in the respective facility ≥3 days prior to culture or at the time of culture; and community-onset (CO) otherwise. We calculated incidence rates based on census data for EIP sites and described by type of infection onset.ResultsA total of 1,582 incident CRE cases were reported in 2012–2015. Most cases (88%) were identified through urine cultures; 946 (60%) were female, and median age was 66 years (interquartile range: 55–77). The median incidence by site was 2.95 per 100,000 population (range: 0.35–8.98). Among the three sites with four full years of data, a different trend was seen in each (Figure). Trends in GA and MN were statistically significant, and no significant trend was seen in OR. Overall, 480 cases (30%) were HO, 524 (33%) were LTCF onset, and 578 (37%) were CO. Of CO cases, 308 (53%) had been hospitalized, admitted to a long- term acute care hospital or were a LTCF resident in the prior year.ConclusionCRE incidence varied more than 20-fold across surveillance sites, with evidence of continued increases in MN. Measuring impact of programs aimed at reducing CRE transmission in other regions will require obtaining local data to identify cases occurring during and after healthcare facility discharge. Further study of changes in incidence in some settings and areas might offer opportunities to refine and expand effective control strategies.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Peculiarities of gas-discharge luminescence of biological fluid from the achilles tendon in the late postmortem period

В роботі досліджено кінетику змін компонентів рідини з ахіллового сухожилля, які відбуваються в тканини ахіллового сухожилля в результаті процесів аутолізу протягом 2-3, 4-6, 7-9 і 10-20 діб після розтину. Досліджували газорозрядну люмінесценцію біологічної рідини на рентгенівській плівці. Було вивчено понад 50 крапель для кожної групи. На гістограмах проаналізовано яскравість амплітудних піків в 7 піддиапазонах кожного зразка рідини. Визначали медіану отриманих значень вибірки і різницю між медіанами числа пікселів в поточній яскравості піддиапазону з попередньої, а також співвідношення відмінностей подальшого діапазону до попереднього, з метою оцінки швидкості зміни інтенсивності люмінесценції. Виявлено відмінності газоразрядного світіння рідини з ахіллового сухожилля в дослідних групах залежно від часу смерті. Встановлено, що використання гістограм для виявлення відмінностей і особливостей в люмінесценції біологічних об'єктів можуть мати практичне значення для вирішення питання про час настання смерті. Доцільно подальше вивчення змін у змісті різних компонентів тканин трупів в поєднанні з біофізичними дослідженнями. Це може надати цінний науково-практичний матеріал для потреб патоморфології та судової медицини. The work was explored the kinetics of the changes in the components of the liquid from Achilles tendon, that occur in the tissue of the Achilles tendon as a result of processes of autolysis, within 2-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-20 days post-mortem period. The gas-discharge luminescence of biological fluid was studied on x-ray film. More than 50 droplets for each group were investigated. The histograms were analyzed the brightness of the amplitude peaks in the 7 sub-bands of each sample liquid. Median was determined of the obtained sample values and the difference between the medians of the number of pixels in the current sub-band brightness with of the previous. The ratio of the differences of the subsequent diapason the previous was established, to assess the rate of change of luminescence intensity. The differences of GR-glow liquid of the Achilles tendon in the compared groups was revealed depending on the time of death. It was established that to use histograms to detect differences and peculiarities in the luminescence of biological objects, could have practical value for solving the question of the time of death. It is appropriate to further study of changes in the content of the various components of corpses' tissues in conjunction with the biophysical studies. This can provide valuable scientific and practical material for the needs of pathomorphology and forensic medicine.

Pathogenesis of cerebral palsy through the prism of immune regulation of nervous tissue homeostasis: literature review.

The cerebral palsy is highly actual issue of pediatrics, causing significant neurological disability. Though the great progress in the neuroscience has been recently achieved, the pathogenesis of cerebral palsy is still poorly understood. In this work, we reviewed available experimental and clinical data concerning the role of immune cells in pathogenesis of cerebral palsy. Maintaining of homeostasis in nervous tissue and its transformation in case of periventricular leukomalacia were analyzed. The reviewed data demonstrate involvement of immune regulatory cells in the formation of nervous tissue imbalance and chronicity of inborn brain damage. The supported opinion, that periventricular leukomalacia is not a static phenomenon, but developing process, encourages our optimism about the possibility of its correction. The further studies of changes of the nervous and immune systems in cerebral palsy are needed to create fundamentally new directions of the specific therapy and individual schemes of rehabilitation.

Immunological mechanisms in the pathogenesis of cerebral palsy

The cerebral palsy is highly actual issue of pediatrics, causing significant neurological disability. Though the great progress in the neuroscience has been recently achieved, the pathogenesis of cerebral palsyis still poorly understood. In this work we reviewed available experimental and clinical data concerning the role of immunocompetent cells in pathogenesis of cerebral palsy. Maintaining of homeostasis in nervous tissue and its transformation in case of periventricular leukomalacia were analyzed. The reviewed data demonstrate involvement of immune regulatory cells in the formation of nervous tissue imbalance and chronicity of inborn brain damage. The supported opinion, that periventricular leukomalacia is not a static phenomenon, but developing process, encourages us optimism about possibility of its correction. The further study of changes of the nervous and immune systems in cerebral palsy will contribute to creating fundamentally new directions of the specific therapy and individual schemes of rehabilitation.

Abstract 4863: The histone lysine-methyltransferase NSD1 and its functional role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Abstract NSD-1 (Nuclear receptor-binding SET domain protein 1) belongs to the epigenetic family of histone methyltransferases (HMTs), which are frequently found to be mutated in overgrowth syndromes. In cancer, NSD-1 is found as part of fusion proteins (e.g., NUP98-NSD1), which play a major role in the etiology of AML. In contrast to data from hematological tumors, little is known regarding the role of NSD-1 in cancers from solid origin, except that high level expression of NSD-1 has been correlated with poor survival in breast cancer patients (Miller, 2005). NSD-1 over-expression as well as copy number gain for the NSD-1 gene has been described in a variety of tumor cell lines. We studied the role of NSD-1 in the NSCLC line NCI-H460 using an inducible knockdown system (pSLIK). We found that knockdown of NSD-1 (&amp;gt;70% reduction in target mRNA expression) led to a significant decrease in cell proliferation as well as nearly 100% inhibition of anchorage-independent growth, whereas an empty vector transfected stable cell line did not. NSD-1 knockdown induced apoptosis in a time-dependent manner as measured by flow cytometry-based Annexin V staining. Cell death was found to follow a PARP-dependent mechanism suggesting that apoptosis is a contributor to growth inhibition/cell death. By conducting immuno-blot experiments against a panel of histone modifications, we examined putative in vivo histone substrates of NSD1. Our data suggest that NSD1 knockdown in NCI-H460 cells leads to a decrease in histone H4K20 trimethylation (64% inhibition after 24h), but did not affect H3K36 trimethylation as previously reported for NSD1 fusion proteins in AML. Further studies of changes in additional histone modifications are ongoing. In summary, we describe for the first time a functional role for NSD-1 in a NSCLC cell line with implications for this HMT in solid tumor growth/survival. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4863.

Thiamine supplementation increases serum thiamine and reduces pyruvate and lactate levels in burn patients

The importance of vitamins for optimal metabolism is well established. However, currently little is known about the optimal vitamin levels required for burn patients. As a consequence, current practice both for macronutrient supplementation and vitamin supplementation varies widely between burn units. A better understanding of the effects of vitamins on metabolism may lead to better nutrition and subsequently improved outcomes for burn patients. Thiamine is an important co-factor required for multiple enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. We have examined the levels of thiamine (B1) in burn patients as well as the effects of thiamine supplementation on the levels of serum thiamine, pyruvate and lactate. Twenty patients had blood samples taken on the day of admission, then on days 1, 3, and 7 post-admission and weekly thereafter until discharge. Of these, nine received enteral feeding. Six patients received thiamine supplementation. Serum thiamine, pyruvate and lactate levels were measured at each time point. Serum thiamine levels increased significantly with thiamine supplementation ( p < 0.001). Serum thiamine levels also increased with time of supplementation ( p < 0.001). Serum thiamine level was closely associated with pyruvate and lactate levels, with a decrease in both pyruvate and lactate associated with increased serum thiamine. Lastly, pyruvate and lactate levels appear closely associated in a linear relationship. This study suggests thiamine supplementation increases serum thiamine and that this increase is associated with a decrease in pyruvate and lactate levels. Further study of changes in metabolic flux associated with thiamine supplementation and a randomised control trial of thiamine supplementation are required to establish whether thiamine supplementation is beneficial to burn patients’ metabolism and recovery.

Sometimes Less Is More: Perinatal Bacterial Exposure May Be More Important than Hepatitis for Liver Tumor Development

Vol. 116, No. 10 EnvironewsOpen AccessSometimes Less Is More: Perinatal Bacterial Exposure May Be More Important than Hepatitis for Liver Tumor Development David A. Taylor David A. Taylor Search for more papers by this author Published:1 October 2008https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.116-a440bAboutSectionsPDF ToolsDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail Helicobacter hepaticus, a bacterium discovered in 1994 and widespread in many experimental mouse populations, is associated with a high incidence of liver tumors in aging mice. A new mouse study shows that perinatal exposure to this pathogen, rather than development of hepatitis itself, may be the single most important factor in the development of liver tumors caused by H. hepaticus[EHP 116:1352–1356; Diwan et al.]. The results support evidence from other studies that progressive hepatitis and liver tumors in older mice may stem from early-life exposure.The researchers isolated a strain of H. hepaticus from infected A/J mice. Female mice received injections with a single dose of the bacteria. Females testing positive for the bacteria were bred with uninfected males. The researchers assessed liver histopathologic findings and tumor growth in male offspring aged 2 weeks to 2 years. Uninfected weanling males from another lab were injected at 3–4 weeks.The results showed a significant incidence of liver tumors in the offspring after intraperitoneal maternal exposure to the bacteria: 33% developed liver tumors, usually multiple tumors, and 18% developed hepatocellular carcinoma. None of the mice injected with the bacteria as young adults developed any tumors.Another striking result was that tumor outcome was not closely linked to severity of hepatitis; mice that contracted hepatitis did not necessarily develop hepatic tumors. Rather, it appeared that early exposure to the bacteria, not the hepatitis itself, was key to fostering tumor growth.The type of additional perinatal event required to induce tumor development is unknown but could involve DNA damage at that vulnerable early stage, followed by subacute inflammation of the liver in response to H. hepaticus infection. The authors note that similar scenarios could apply to human infection with Helicobacter pylori and other pathogens linked with cancer. The results point to the need for further study of changes in perinatal tissues in response to such infections.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Vol. 116, No. 10 October 2008Metrics About Article Metrics Publication History Originally published1 October 2008Published in print1 October 2008 Financial disclosures License information EHP is an open-access journal published with support from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health. All content is public domain unless otherwise noted. Note to readers with disabilities EHP strives to ensure that all journal content is accessible to all readers. However, some figures and Supplemental Material published in EHP articles may not conform to 508 standards due to the complexity of the information being presented. If you need assistance accessing journal content, please contact [email protected]. Our staff will work with you to assess and meet your accessibility needs within 3 working days.

Molecular geometry and vibrational spectroscopy of potassium O,O-diethyldithiophosphate

The aim of this work was to build a good theoretical and experimental basis for the further study of changes in structure and spectra of the O,O-diethyldithiophosphate anion upon its adsorption on the surfaces of transition metal sulfides. Infrared and Raman spectra of potassium O,O-diethyldithiophosphate were recorded. High level quantum chemical calculations were carried out to optimize the molecular geometry of both the potassium salt and its anion. Vibrational force constants were calculated from the second derivative of the molecular energy function with respect to the Cartesian coordinates of the atoms. With the aid of the optimized geometry and the calculated vibrational force constants a normal coordinate analysis was carried out to characterize the molecular vibrational modes and to assign the vibrational frequencies.

Changes in alcoholic patients' coping responses predict 12-month treatment outcomes.

Patient subtypes (Types A and B alcoholism), determinants, and outcomes associated with changes in coping responses of 133 alcoholic patients in the year following admission to treatment were examined. In general, patients' use of avoidance coping declined and use of approach coping increased. Type B patients used more avoidance coping than did Type A patients, but the subtypes did not differ in rate of change in coping. As a determinant of coping, cognitive appraisal of threat showed a trend toward predicting avoidance coping at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Decreased cognitive avoidance coping (e.g., daydreaming) predicted fewer alcohol, psychological, and interpersonal problems. Increased behavioral approach coping (e.g.. taking action) predicted lower severity of alcohol problems. Further study of changes in the cognitive aspects of coping (i.e., appraisals and cognitive avoidance coping) is needed to determine mechanisms underlying cognitive processes associated with treatment outcomes.

Changes in alcoholic patients' coping responses predict 12-month treatment outcomes.

Patient subtypes (Types A and B alcoholism), determinants, and outcomes associated with changes in coping responses of 133 alcoholic patients in the year following admission to treatment were examined. In general, patients' use of avoidance coping declined and use of approach coping increased. Type B patients used more avoidance coping than did Type A patients, but the subtypes did not differ in rate of change in coping. As a determinant of coping, cognitive appraisal of threat showed a trend toward predicting avoidance coping at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Decreased cognitive avoidance coping (e.g., daydreaming) predicted fewer alcohol, psychological, and interpersonal problems. Increased behavioral approach coping (e.g., taking action) predicted lower severity of alcohol problems. Further study of changes in the cognitive aspects of coping (i.e., appraisals and cognitive avoidance coping) is needed to determine mechanisms underlying cognitive processes associated with treatment outcomes.

Rurality in England and Wales 1991: A Replication and Extension of the 1981 Rurality Index

This paper sets out to create rurality indexes for 222 non‐urban Local Authority Districts (LADs) in England and Wales 1991, replicating the earlier work of Cloke (1977) and Cloke and Edwards (1986) for 1971 and 1981 respectively. The same technique is employed to generate the rurality indices for 1991 as that used by those previous researchers. The results for 1991 are then compared to those for 1981, illustrating the robustness of the rurality index. Despite the robustness of the rurality index, it was felt that too much of the variation in rurality was left unexplained by the previous construction. Therefore, principal components analysis is used to identify two new dimensions of rurality: Structural Rurality and Demographic Rurality. The remainder of the paper investigates the ways in which these new, or additional, indices of rurality may prove useful to the further study of change in rural areas of England and Wales.