Main Groups Research Articles

Phosphorescence Properties of Boron/Bismuth Hybrid Conjugated Materials.

By introducing main-group elements such as boron and bismuth to π-conjugated systems, it is possible to modify the optical properties of π-conjugated materials through orbital interactions between the orbital on the elements and π/π*-orbitals, and the heavy atom effect. Moreover, bismuth, which is the heaviest stable element, induces a significant heavy atom effect, making organobismuth compounds promising for applications as phosphorescent materials. In this study, we synthesized new room-temperature phosphorescent materials by incorporating bismuth into thiophene units. The phosphorescence properties of these materials, such as emission lifetime and wavelength, could be further controlled by combining tricoordinate boron with the thienylbismuth structures. The synthesized bismuth- and boron-containing thiophene compounds exhibited phosphorescence at room temperature in both solution and solid states. Furthermore, the introduction of boron raised the energy of the triplet state in the π-conjugated system, resulting in a blue shift of the phosphorescence wavelength. The analysis of photoluminescence properties and TD-DFT calculations revealed that the introduction of bismuth enhances phosphorescence properties, whereas the introduction of boron further promotes intersystem crossing.

Enhanced magnetostriction of 〈001〉 oriented Fe81Ga19 by non-rare-earth element doping

Previous studies have suggested that doping rare-earth elements is one of the few methods that have a positive effect on the magnetostriction of Fe81Ga19 bulks. However, in this paper, we will show that a cheap main-group element Sn has a similar effect on the magnetostriction as rare-earth elements. Fe81Ga19-xSnx bulks with 〈001〉 preferred orientation were fabricated using directional solidification process. Remarkably, the magnetostriction is improved by 17.5% when the optimal Sn doping is 1 at.%, i.e. from 228 ppm in undoped-Fe81Ga19 to 268 ppm in Sn-doped-Fe81Ga19. Microstructural characterization reveals that the formation of a higher density of the modified-D03 nanoprecipitates through Sn doping is a key factor in enhancing magnetostriction. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanism by which element doping affects magnetostrictive behavior and accelerate the design of large magnetostrictive Fe-Ga.

Sleep quality relates to language impairment in children with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify sleep quality profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to compare these profiles with those of typically developing (TD) children, and to verify whether there are differences between them in terms of language skills. MethodsWe evaluated the sleep quality and language skills of 47 children with ASD without intellectual disability (ID) and 32 children with TD. Using a hierarchical cluster analysis, we identified two sleep quality ASD profiles (poor and good). We then performed a series of MANCOVAs and ANOVAs to compare the sleep quality and language skills of the two ASD clusters and the TD group. ResultsA main group effect (TD, “poor” cluster, and “good” cluster) was found in the total sleep quality and all its dimensions. Significant differences were revealed between the “good” and “poor” clusters in the total structural language score (F1,46 = 10.75, p < 0.001) and three of its subscales (speech: F1,46 = 9.19, p < 0.001; syntax, F1,46 = 8.61, p = 0.001; coherence: F1,46 = 11.36, p < 0.001); the total pragmatic language score (F1,46 = 7.00, p = 0.001) and three of its subscales (inappropriate initiation: F1,46 = 8.02, p = 0.001; use of context: F1,46 = 8.07, p = 0.001; nonverbal communication: F1,46 = 7.35, p = 0.001); and the social relations score (F1,46 = 9.97, p = 0.003). ConclusionsSleep quality in children with ASD (especially a subgroup) is worse than in children with TD. There is an association between sleep quality and language skills, both at the pragmatic and structural levels.

Sustainability and Resilience Assessment Methods: A Literature Review to Support the Decarbonization Target for the Construction Sector

It is a well-known issue that the 2050 target of carbon emissions neutrality will be reached only with the co-operation of all the interested sectors, and the construction sector could be one of the main contributors to this change. With the built environment globally responsible for about 40% of annual global energy-related CO2 emissions, the construction sector offers an important opportunity to drive transformative change and presents the most challenging mitigation potential among all industrial sectors, which also brings opportunities for adopting sustainability practices and increasing resilience. This paper presents a systematic literature review of those two pivotal concepts to reach the decarbonization goal: sustainability and resilience. Starting from an extensive literature review (2536 scientific documents) based on the PRISMA statement, the definitions and assessment methodologies of those concepts for the construction sector have been studied. The methodological approach followed for their analysis has been conducted on a first selection of 42 documents, further reduced to 12 by using clear inclusion criteria to identify the integrated assessment procedures. The main goal of this study is to clarify the correlation between sustainability and resilience concepts for constructions and their integrated assessment, in line with the latest regulations and market needs. The results show that, currently, sustainability and resilience are mainly evaluated in a distinct way to obtain building energy performance certificates, as well as to quantify the building market value and its complementary contribution to the ‘energy efficiency first’ principle and energy-saving targets towards the emergent issue of climate change. Few works focus on the integrated assessment of both concepts considering the construction industries’ point of view about materials and/or systems for buildings. The novelty of this study is the critical review of the current sustainability and resilience integrated assessment methods used for the construction value chain, declined for four main target groups. Researchers, policymakers, industries, and professionals could gain dedicated insights and practical suggestions to put in practice the elements of circular economy, ecological innovation, and cleaner production, which are essential in order to drive the decarbonization of the built environment.

Pattern identification in data about unmodified waste eggshell application as an adsorbent for metal ion removal from aqueous media

Abstract In recent years, a significant increase in the amount of research published about the application of eggshells for the removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions has been observed. The paper presents different aspects of metal adsorption from aqueous solutions on untreated eggshells. Pretreatment procedures and tested parameters for the adsorption differ significantly across all the reviewed data, providing a source of variance for the results. For untreated eggshells, the range of the reported BET surface area is from 0.07 m2/g to 8.941 m2/g. Correlation between particle size and BET surface area has been highlighted. Reported removal efficiencies for the untreated eggshell have been compared. Reported results show that eggshell is most employed for the removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. Eggshell capacity to remove metal ions from the main group elements has also been demonstrated. While results look promising, not enough data are present to make reliable conclusions about its efficiency with other (mainly transition) metal ions – which makes it a possible research direction. Based on the reported data, multiple removal pathways are involved. Several eggshell modification methods and possibilities of creating new adsorbents using eggshells only as a part of the raw material have been assessed. Finally reported eggshell modification methods have been assessed and it is clear that to compare different material’s effectiveness as an adsorbent, comparing only materials adsorption capacities is insufficient. Certain environmental water pollution removal studies using adsorption demand further study, such as metal ion specification in aqueous solution, in different processing water, and even in wastewater.

Central nervous system adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may trigger immune-related adverse events which rarely affect the central nervous system (CNS-irAEs). Over the past few years, cumulative data have led to the characterization of well defined syndromes with distinct cancer and antibody associations as well as different outcomes. The most frequent CNS-irAE is encephalitis, which includes three main groups: meningoencephalitis, a nonfocal syndrome usually responsive to corticosteroids; limbic encephalitis, associated with high-risk paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) antibodies (e.g. anti-Hu, anti-Ma2) and neuroendocrine cancers, characterized by poor treatment response and outcomes; and cerebellar ataxia, with variable outcomes (worse when high-risk PNS antibodies are detected). Additionally, a diffuse encephalopathy without inflammatory findings, with poor response to corticosteroids and high mortality has been described. The spectrum of CNS-irAEs also includes meningitis, myelitis, and rarer presentations. A subset of CNS-irAEs (i.e. limbic encephalitis and/or rapidly progressive cerebellar ataxia) is undistinguishable from ICI-naïve PNS. The clinical and outcomes diversity of CNS-irAEs suggests different pathogenic mechanisms, which need to be understood to establish more effective and specific treatment modalities. It is crucial to identify biomarkers able to predict which patients will experience severe CNS-irAEs, to anticipate their diagnosis, and to predict long-term outcomes.

Non-ferrous metal of the Bronze Age of Northern Kazakhstan: geochemical characteristics and ore base

The chemical composition of 29 copper and bronze artifacts from the sites of the Petrovka and Alakul Cultures located be-tween the Tobol and Ishim Rivers (the burial grounds of Bekteniz and Dzhangildy 5, and the sites of Novonikolskoye 1 and Semioz-ernoye 2; Northern Kazakhstan) were analysed using mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma and laser ablation. The sites are 14C dated to the interval between the 19th–17th centuries BC. In the examined sample, the leading metallurgical group with a slight prevalence in both Petrovka and Alakul metals was “pure” copper; the second part of the metal was represented by tin bronzes — low-alloyed (up to 8 wt.% Sn) in the Petrovka, and high-alloyed (Sn up to 21 wt.%) in the Alakul Culture. The statistical analysis of the main components of trace elements in the metal demonstrated a division into six main geochemical groups. Among these, tin bronzes with an uninterpretable copper component (10 specimens), “pure” copper of Ural origin with Fe-Co-Ni-As-Zn correlations (9 specimens), and “pure” copper with polymetallic Sn-Pb-As-Ag-Se specialization (10 copies), corresponding to the ores of copper deposits of the Kokshetau anticlinorium, can be identified. An overview of the tectonic structures of Northern Ka-zakhstan shows the nearby presence of several porphyry copper and skarn deposits with ancient mines (Imantau, Baksinskoye, Akkan-Burlukskoye, etc.), which likely served as sources of copper ore. Closely associated with these are Greisen and quartz-vein-greisen tin deposits, but there is no reliable information about their use in ancient times. According to the composition of tin alloys in the analysed metal, two main types can be distinguished: tin (without correlation with other impurity elements) when using pure cassiterite, and tin-lead (with increased concentrations and correlation of As, Au, Bi, etc.) when using cassiterite-sulfide ores. The data show the association of the Bronze Age sites of Northern Kazakhstan with the ore and raw materials base in this region, and the intensity of trade exchange of metallurgical products between the Ural and Kazakhstan centers of metal production.

Atomically Dispersed p-Block Aluminum-Based Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

The main group metals are commonly perceived as catalytically inert in the context of oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) due to the delocalized valence orbitals. Regulating the local environment and structure of metal center coordinated by nitrogen ligands (M-Nx) is a promising approach to accelerate catalytic dynamics. Herein, we, for the first time, report the atomically dispersed Al catalysts coordinated with N and C atoms for 4-electron ORR. The axial coordinated pyrrolyl N group (No) is constructed in the Al-N4-No moiety to regulate the p-band structure of Al center, effectively steering the local environment and structure of the square planar Al-N4 sites, which typically exhibit too strong interaction with ORR intermediates. The dynamic covalency competition of axial Al-No and Al-O bonding could endow the Al center with moderate hybridization between Al 3p orbital and O 2p orbital, alleviating the binding energy of ORR intermediates. The as-prepared Al-N4-No electrocatalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity, selectivity, and durability, along with the rapid kinetics as demonstrated by in situ Raman spectroscopy. This work offers a fundamental comprehension of the fine regulation on p-band and guides the rational design of main-group metal-based single atom catalysts.

Transcriptional profile features in patients with early and late preeclampsia

Aim: to assess the molecular mechanisms in developing various clinical phenotypes of preeclampsia (PE) by analyzing specific placental tissue transcriptome patterns.Materials and Methods. The prospective observational comparative study in parallel groups enrolled 43 pregnant women divided into 2 groups: main group – 23 pregnant women with diagnosed PE and control group – 20 apparently healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancy course, delivery and the postpartum period. To examine PE phenotypic features, the main group of pregnant women with PE was subsequently divided into 2 subgroups according to the date of pathology onset: early (n = 10) and late (n = 13) PE. Using the whole-genome next-generation sequencing (NGS), a comparative analysis of altered 18 microRNA level in placental tissue was carried out.Results. Pregnant women with early PE compared to the control group were characterized by significantly low expression level for hsa-miR-656-3p (p &lt; 0.001), hsa-miR-323a-5p (p = 0.017), hsa-miR-519c-3p (p = 0.019), hsa-let-7i-5p (p = 0.019), hsa-miR-433-3p (p = 0.019), hsa-let-7g-5p (p = 0.030), hsa-miR-214-5p (p = 0.030), hsa-miR-27a-5p (p = 0.031), hsa-miR-339-5p (p = 0.041), hsa-miR-524-5p (p = 0.045), hsa-miR-1283 (p = 0.049) and high expression for hsa-miR-151a-5p (p = 0.007), hsa-miR-4521 (p = 0.018), hsa-miR-30d-5p (p = 0.026), hsa-miR-548l (p = 0.027), hsa-miR-133b (p = 0.034), hsa-miR-424-5p (p = 0.042), hsa-miR-211-5p (p = 0.049). Patients with late PE had significantly decreased expression for hsa-miR-656-3p (p = 0.050) and hsa-miR-574-3p (p = 0.017) as well as a significantly higher for hsa-miR-211-5p (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. Subgroup of women with early vs. late onset PE was characterized by significantly decreased expression level for hsa-miR-323-5p (p = 0.007) and overexpressed hsa-miR-30d-5p (p = 0.002), hsa-miR-5481 (p = 0.027).Conclusion. The noted multidirectional expression for some microRNAs in subgroups of PE patients confirms the validity for stratification of such pathology based on two distinct phenotypic manifestations (early and late forms) and indicates the existence of different pathophysiological vectors in PE formation.

Basis Set Requirements of σ-Functionals for Gaussian- and Slater-Type Basis Functions and Comparison with Range-Separated Hybrid and Double Hybrid Functionals.

σ-Functionals belong to the class of Kohn-Sham (KS) correlation functionals based on the adiabatic-connection fluctuation-dissipation theorem and are technically closely related to the random phase approximation (RPA). They have the same computational demand as the latter, with the computational effort of an energy evaluation for both methods being lower than that of a preceding hybrid DFT calculation for typical systems but yield much higher accuracy, reaching chemical accuracy of 1 kcal/mol for quantities such as reactions and transition energies in main group chemistry. In previous work on σ-functionals, rather large Gaussian basis sets have been used. Here, we investigate the actual basis set requirements of σ-functionals and present three setups that employ smaller Gaussian basis sets ranging from quadruple-ζ (QZ) to triple-ζ (TZ) quality and represent a good compromise between accuracy and computational efficiency. Furthermore, we introduce an implementation of σ-functionals based on Slater-type basis sets and present two setups of QZ and TZ quality for this implementation. We test the accuracy of these setups on a large database of various physical properties and types of reactions, as well as equilibrium geometries and vibrational frequencies. As expected, the accuracy of σ-functional calculations becomes somewhat lower with a decreasing basis set size. However, for all setups considered here, calculations with σ-functionals are clearly more accurate than those within the RPA and even more so than those of the conventional KS methods. For the smallest setup using Gaussian-type basis functions and Slater-type basis functions, we introduce a reparametrization that reduces the loss in accuracy due to the basis set error to some extent. A comparison with the range-separated hybrid ωB97X-V and the double hybrid DSD-BLYP-D3 shows that σ functionals outperform in accuracy both of these accurate and, for their class, representative functionals.

Nut bush pesticide limits: urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address current and emerging insect pests and insecticide options in the Australian macadamia industry.

In Australia, macadamia orchards are attacked by four main insect pest groups. Management and control of three of these key pests currently relies on broad-spectrum insecticides whose long-term future is questionable. Of the 23 insecticides registered for use in macadamia in Australia, 19 face issues affecting their availability and 12 are presently not approved in the EU, the USA or Canada. These international markets may refuse produce that does not adhere to their own insecticide use standards, hence Australian produce may be excluded from market access. Many of the potential replacement integrated pest management methods of pest control are generally considered less effective by the industry and have not been adopted. There are 17 insect pest groups identified by the industry, any of which have potential to become major problems if broad-spectrum insecticide options become unavailable. Thirteen pest groups need urgent attention as they are at risk of losing current effective control methods, and no replacement solutions have yet been developed. The lag period for research and development to identify new chemical and biological control solutions means there is now an urgent need for the macadamia industry to craft a strategy for sustainable pest management for each pest. Critically, this industry strategy needs to address the vulnerabilities identified in this paper, identify potential solutions for any cases of market failure and consider funding mechanisms to address these gaps. On economic and sustainability grounds, potential biological control options should be explored, especially in cases where insecticide control options are vulnerable. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhancing Electrical Transport Performance of Polycrystalline Tin Selenide by Doping Different Elements

In the face of ever‐evolving energy and environmental challenges, tin selenide (SnSe) has garnered significant attention due to its outstanding thermoelectric performance. The article focuses on the research of easily accessible and highly practical polycrystalline SnSe thermoelectric materials, providing an overview of their crystal structure, band structure, and electrical transport performance. Compared with previous studies, this research classifies elements based on their own properties, mainly dividing them into alkali metals, transition metals, main group metals, halogens, and rare earth (Re) elements. The study systematically summarizes the experimental results of doping SnSe with these elements and analyzes the mechanisms by which different elements enhance the electrical transport performance and thermoelectric figure of merit of polycrystalline SnSe. The enhanced mechanism is mainly achieved by increasing the conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. Finally, a systematic analysis is conducted to identify the factors that improve electrical transport performance, and strategies for enhancing the electrical transport and thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline SnSe through precise doping techniques are discussed, with a prospect for their application in the future.

Long‐term organic management: Mitigating land use intensity drawbacks and enhancing soil microbial redundancy

AbstractBackgroundSoils under organic farming systems exhibit better quality and higher biological activity than conventional systems. Manure addition, especially coupled with reduced or no tillage, significantly enhances microbial biomass and activity by improving soil physical properties and providing carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) sources. While several studies have examined the effects of transitioning from conventional to organic farming on soil chemistry and biochemistry, limited research has explored the influence of land use variations on soil fertility within long‐term organic farming systems.AimsTherefore, the aim of this study was to assess how three different land uses—pasture, vegetable crops, and orchard—affected soil fertility under a long‐term organic farming system.MethodsSoil samples were collected from the 0 to 15 cm layer of plots used for pasture, vegetable crops and orchard, being the latter cover cropped with legumes, and analyzed to determine chemical and biochemical soil parameters.ResultsContrary to expectations, high land use intensity (vegetable crops and orchard soils) resulted in increased soil organic C and total N, compared to low intensity (pasture). Such an increase was ascribed to farmyard manure addition that counteracted the negative impact of tillage. Consequently, microbial biomass C and activity also increased. The greatest availability of organic substrates favored bacteria, particularly gram‐positive strains, shaping the microbial community. However, despite changes of microbial biomass and of the main microbial groups, microbial activity was only slightly affected, suggesting high functional redundancy of microorganisms in long‐term organic farming soil.ConclusionsResults suggested that if land use intensification provides for organic supply, its negative impact on soil fertility may be mitigated.

Pharmacological correction of the activity of bone remodelling markers in the oral fluid of patients with generalised periodontitis depending on blood type

This article presents the data on the effectiveness of the treatment complex we developed on the activity of bone remodelling markers in the oral fluid during the treatment of generalized periodontitis, depending on the blood group. The use of our proposed drugs of general and local action in patients with generalized periodontitis of different blood groups allowed to reduce the average content of TRACP in the oral fluid by 18.25%, while increasing the level of BSALP by 27.64% in comparison with the corresponding data before treatment, p, р1&amp;lt;0.05, 0.01, which indicates the predominance of bone remodelling processes over osteoresorption processes in patients of the main group. The tactics of treatment of patients with generalized periodontitis of different blood groups, which we propose, is more effective than the conventional therapy and contributes to a faster achievement of remission of generalized periodontitis.

A Computational Multiscale Modeling Method for Nanosilver-Sintered Joints with Stochastically Distributed Voids

A high power density is required in wide band gap power semiconductor packaging, which has led to the popularity of sintered nanosilver as an interconnecting material. However, affected by stochastically distributed voids in its microstructure, this material in practice exhibits instability leading to reduced reliability. In this paper, a computational multiscale modeling method is proposed to simulate the influence of micro-voids on macro-properties, providing an efficient tool to analyze the aforementioned problem. At the micro-scale, the three-parameter Weibull distribution of the equivalent Young’s modulus and the normal distribution of the equivalent Poisson’s ratio are captured by Monte Carlo-based finite element simulation on the reconstructed stochastic representative elements, where the density and distribution morphology of micro-voids are taken into consideration. At the macro-scale, the effect of the microscopic voids is transferred through a random sampling process to construct the multiscale model. The effectiveness and validity of the proposed method are verified through experimental case studies involving the modeling of nanosilver-sintered joints sintered at temperatures of 275°C and 300°C. In addition, the effects of the sintering temperature on the dispersion of the micro-voids, the distribution fluctuation of the constitutive parameters, and the mechanical properties are also discussed based on numerical and experimental results.Graphical

Clinical and Laboratory Features and Maternal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Critical Lung Damage in the COVID-19

Introduction. The spread of the delta strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the third and fourth waves of the pandemic led to the fact that a large cohort of pregnant women and maternity women needed respiratory support, standard treatment methods had no effect, and negative outcomes for the mother and fetus has increased.Purpose of the study. The aim is to determine clinical and laboratory features and maternal outcomes in pregnant women with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and critical lung damage.Materials and methods. A comparative study was conducted, followed by a retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory features, maternal outcomes in 56 pregnant women with COVID-19 treated in this maternity hospital in the first-fourth wave of the pandemic. The research method is continuous, sequential. The first group (main) consisted of 28 women with severe or extremely severe form of the course of COVID-19 and critical lung damage (more 75 %); The second group (comparison) — 28 pregnant women with a moderate form of the disease and lung damage of 25–50 %. Screening assessment of the degree of endogenous intoxication was carried out. The severity of the disease was determined by the evaluation scale National Early Warning Score (NEWS).Results. Laboratory parameters of patients at admission and at the height of the disease have statistically significant differences in the general blood test, such as higher levels of leukocytes, eosinophils, rod-shaped neutrophils, hemoglobin, as well as lymphopenia and monocytopenia in women of the main group at the height of the disease. At the same time, the hematological indices of intoxication in the main group exceed the value of these indicators in the comparison group by two times. Patients of both groups had high levels of acute-phase markers of inflammation — C-reactive protein and ferritin, — an indicator of tissue destruction of lactate dehydrogenase, however, both at admission and at the height of the disease, these indicators were statistically significantly higher in the group of women with critical lung damage. In general, 20/28 patients (71.4 %) of group 1 had an extremely severe course of the disease, 8/28 (28.6 %) had a severe course. In second group, 28/28 patients (100 %) had moderate-severe NCI (p = 0.000), while recovery was noted in all of them. Outcomes of COVID-19 in women with critical lung damage: recovered — 25/28 (89 %); 3/28 (10.7 %) the patients died from complications of COVID-19 of an extremely severe degree.Discussion. The most frequent laboratory anomaly was leukocytosis and a rod-shaped shift in the midst of the disease in women with critical lung damage, as well as a statistically significant increase in the level of C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer. Pulmonary complications (parapneumonic pleurisy, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, hydrothorax, lung abscess) and extrapulmonary complications (encephalopathy, panic attacks, acute liver injury, sepsis, thromboembolic complications) were observed only with critical lung damage.Conclusion. In the laboratory, at the height of the disease, in the group of pregnant women with critical lung damage, leukocytosis and stab shift are statistically significantly more common. Hematological indices of intoxication, leukocyte and hematological, confirm endogenous intoxication at the height of the disease. A statistically significantly higher level of aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, D-dimer is determined upon admission to the hospital and at the height of the disease as markers of systemic inflammatory response and cytolysis, which demonstrates the defeat of several organ systems simultaneously.

Problematic smartphone use among russian and foreign medical students: prevalence, content consumed, associations with other forms online behavior

Aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of problematic smartphone use, the characteristics of the content consumed and associations with other forms of online behavior among Russian and foreign medical students. Material and methods. 296 medical students were examined using the online survey method: 219 Russians (main group) and 77 foreigners (comparison group); 107 (36.2 %) boys and 189 (63.8 %) girls; age 20 [18; 21] years (median [lower quartile; upper quartile]). The structure of online behavior was assessed: adaptive, non-adaptive, and pathological (PIU) Internet use; specific forms of PIU: problematic use of computer games and social networks, mixed and undifferentiated form of PIU. The values of the total score of the scales of the applied psychometric questionnaires were determined. The indicators were compared in the general group of subjects, in groups of Russians and foreigners, including gender. Results. Problematic smartphone use is typical for 14.2 % of all surveyed. The share of smartphone addicts is higher among foreigners than among Russians (27.3 and 8.0 %, respectively), both boys and girls. PIU prevailed among foreigners (16.1 and 7.4 %), they are more often dependent on social networks (34.5 and 2.4 %). Foreign women were distinguished by a high incidence of problematic use of computer games (20.0 and 3.6 %) and social networks (25.0 and 3.1 %), as well as a mixed form of PIU (20.0 and 2.5 %). The content consumed by Russians (boys + girls) was dominated by being on social networks (77.6 Russians and 46.7 % foreigners) and listening to music (50.7 and 31.2 %, respectively). Gender differences in content included more frequent use of social networks by Russian students, both boys (81.1 and 48.1 %) and girls (76.5 and 43.5 %); more frequent listening to music by Russian males in comparison with foreign males (66.0 and 29.6 %) and Russian females (66.0 and 45.8 %). Foreign boys use smartphones for games more often than foreign girls, the preoccupation with smartphone games is higher among Russian women as well. Conclusions. The prevalence of problematic smartphone use, the characteristics of the content consumed and associations with other forms of PIU among Russian and foreign students were established. In our opinion, it is necessary to carry out further research aimed at solving an urgent medical and social problem of timely diagnosis of smartphonedependent behavior and prevention of somatic and neuropsychic health disorders associated with it in young people. The current range of indicators to be studied in people with problematic smartphone use should include an analysis of comorbid psychosomatic disorders (recurrent pain: headaches, abdominal pain, back pain) and features of psychosocial characteristics, taking into account age, sex and ethnic differences of electronic gadget users. 

Attitude towards the risk-based approach implementation into the russian healthcare system among employees of medical organizations

Aim of the study was to develop recommendations for improving procedures and unifying the content of risk management of the healthcare system to preserve public health based on an analysis of the opinions of doctors, organizers and experts of the healthcare system. Material and methods. As part of a quantitative online survey conducted from September to December, 2022, 104 respondents working in the healthcare system of the Russian Federation were interviewed. Additionally, 6 in-depth interviews were conducted with the organizers and experts of the healthcare sector as part of a qualitative sociological study. Desk research included analysis of scientific literature, and the regulatory framework related to the introduction of a risk-based approach to healthcare. Results and discussion. The article presents an analysis the perception of risks in healthcare by doctors, organizers and experts at the level of a medical organization, of the healthcare system and of public health (macro level), with the identification and classification of the main risk groups, on the basis of which risk-management’ measures can be built. The results of the study testify to the insufficiently deep introduction of risk management into the management system of medical organizations. The half of the respondents noted the low and extremely low level of risk management principles’ usage in their own organizations (50 % of respondents) and in Russian medical organizations in general (58.6 % of respondents). At the same time, from a third to a half of the participants found that it was difficult to answer about risk management implementation in their organizations, due to the lack of a unified methodology, imperfection of standards and quality control system of this set of measures, lack of specialists who could manage risks, lack of educational activities. To introduce a systematic approach to the unification of risk management processes, it is necessary to develop and approve the methodology of best practices, as well as take care of the training of specialists. Conclusions. In order to implement a systematic approach to the unification of risk management processes, it is necessary to develop and approve a methodology of best practices, as well as to take care of the training of specialists. It is imperative that hospital managers and staff focus on improving the organizational culture of patient safety management as the basis for their mission to preserve public health. It is necessary to continue further research in this direction in order to develop a strategy for countering risks at the level of public health as a medical and social resource of society.

Indicators of Mineral Metabolism in the Oral Fluid in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Disruption of the digestive system in the gastrointestinal tract, namely in gastroesophageal reflux disease, leads to the development of pathological processes in the oral cavity, changing the homeostasis of the viscoelastic gel layer of the esophageal mucosa. Thus, it has been proven that there are reflex connections between the receptor apparatus of the esophageal mucosa and the efferent nerve fibers of the salivary glands, which can be disrupted in GERD. Therefore, saliva is involved in providing effective protection of the esophagus. As a result, the content of mineral components changes significantly: in particular, the level of calcium and enzyme composition.&#x0D; Aim to study the indicators of mineral metabolism: the content of calcium, alkaline, and acid phosphatases in mixed saliva in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.&#x0D; Methods 60 patients of various ages who underwent inpatient treatment at the IFNMU University Clinic were examined, where pH-metry was performed to determine acidity. The main group consisted of patients diagnosed with GERD, with decreased and increased acidity. The content of indicators of mineral metabolism in saliva was determined as follows: calcium (Ca) - photometric method with arsenase -111; acid phosphatase (AC) was determined by the Hillman method, alkaline phosphatase (AL) by hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate at pH -10.4, release of p-nitrophenol and phosphate. The norm of indicators of mineral metabolism was established on 30 practically healthy volunteers. Statistical processing of data was carried out using the Microsoft Excel program by calculating the arithmetic mean.&#x0D; Conclusions thus, the results obtained indicate that in GERD there is a violation of mineral metabolism in the oral fluid. The oral fluid is the first to come into contact with the reflux agent. This leads to a violation of saliva neutralization, so the study of saliva mineral composition can be considered as an early diagnostic marker for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Asymmetrically coordinated main group atomic In-S1N3 interface sites for promoting electrochemical CO2 reduction

Asymmetrically coordinated main group atomic In-S1N3 interface sites for promoting electrochemical CO2 reduction