Ratio Of Components Research Articles

Carrier-free delivery of nucleic acid and photosensitizer nanoparticles for enhanced photodynamic and gene antitumour therapy

Activated anti-oxidation reactions in cells partially diminish the anticancer effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT), significantly hindering efforts to increase the efficacy of PDT. The expression of transcription factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), an important redox-regulated transcription factor, can be downregulated by Nrf2 siRNA, leading to greatly enhanced PDT effects. However, the efficient co-delivery of photosensitizers and siRNAs remains a key problem because these agents are complex to synthesize, exhibit poor biocompatibility and load drugs with a low efficiency. Herein, we designed a carrier–free and extremely simple strategy to co-deliver a photosensitizer and Nrf2 siRNA to cancer cells. In this nanoplatform, an indocyanine green photosensitizer, siRNA and FeⅡ were self-assembled to form a spherical hybrid structure with a uniform size, high loading ratio and adjustable component ratio. The platform can effectively transfer photosensitizers and siRNAs into cells and effectively inhibit tumour growth in vivo. Overall, the self-assembly approach shows great potential for clinical application and provides a simple method to achieve photodynamic therapy and enhanced photothermal therapy.

Development of the spectrophotometric method for the determination of meldonium in capsules by using alizarine

The aim of the work was to develop a simple, rapid, economic spectrophotometric method for the determination of meldonium in capsules based on the reaction with alizarin.
 Materials and methods. Analytical equipment: double-beam UV-visible spectrophotometer Shimadzu UV 1800 (Japan), a pair of 1 cm matched quartz cells, software UV-Probe 2.62, laboratory electronic balance RAD WAG AS 200/C, pH-meter И-160МИ. Pharmacopoeial standard sample (CRS) of meldonium dihydrate (Sigma-Aldrich, (≥ 98 %, HPLC)), alizarin (Synbias), capsules Metamax (Darnytsia) 250 mg, Vasopro (Farmak) 500 mg, Mildronate (Grindex) 500 mg, dimethylformamide (“Honeywell Riedel-de Haen”).
 Results and discussion. A spectrophotometric method for determining meldonium in capsules by reaction with alizarine has been developed. The absorption maximum of the formed complex in dimethylformamide was at a wavelength of 517 nm. Stoichiometric ratios of reactive components «meldonium- alizarin» were 1:1. Validation of the developed analytical method for the determination of meldonium in medicines was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the SPhU. The optimal conditions for performing the quantitative determination of meldonium have been established: concentration of alizarin solution – 0.8 %, volume 0.8 % alizarin solution – 0.5 ml, heating time – 20 min, temperature – 95+/- 2 °C. Linearity has been in the concentration range of 0.0402- 0.1073 mg/mL, the limit of detection - 2.84 μg/mL, and the limit of quantification – 8.59 μg/mL. The eco-friendliness of the developed analytical method was carried out using the analytical eco-scale, AGREE, and GAPI methods.
 Conclusions. The developed method can be used as an arbitration method for the routine analysis of meldonium capsules

УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ДЕСЕРТНИХ СТРАВ ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ПРИЗНАЧЕННЯ

The article describes the production technology, recipe composition of low-lactose ice cream. The expediency of using biologically active raw materials in the developed technology is substantiated. A set of data characterizing the quality of the developed dessert dish was obtained, and its high nutritional value was proven. On the basis of studies of the organoleptic indicators of the developed samples, a rational concentration of dietary supplements in the ice cream recipe was determined, which gives the developed food products improved taste properties and consistency compared to the control due to the use of biologically active raw materials. The developed technology of low-lactose ice cream has an increased content of dietary fibers, vitamins and minerals compared to traditional technology. The optimal ratio of components in the recipe of the developed dessert dish was experimentally confirmed. According to the organoleptic indicators, the obtained ice cream meets the established norms in terms of quality. The proposed method of dessert production makes it possible to obtain products of higher nutritional value compared to traditional technology. The quality of finished dessert products is characterized by organoleptic, physico-chemical, biochemical and microbiological indicators, and a comprehensive quality indicator was used to unambiguously assess the quality. The social effect of the introduction of the developed low-lactose dessert is to expand the range of meals for adults and children with an increased content of essential nutrients, improved consumer properties of the products, which will contribute to the preservation of the health of the population and the protection of the body from the negative effects of the environment. The developed culinary products can be recommended for the nutrition of people with partial or complete intolerance to lactose, in the daily diets of workers in heavy industry, living in ecologically polluted areas and all strata of the population.

Box–Behnken experimental design for optimization of chitosan foam materials reinforced with cellulose and zeolite

AbstractFoam materials produced from biopolymers stand out as a more environmentally friendly insulation material solution. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the development and optimization of chitosan‐based foam materials using a Box–Behnken design. The foams were engineered using varying proportions of chitosan (0.5–3%), cellulose (0.5–3%), and zeolite (0.5–3%), targeting their application as thermal insulators. The physical and thermal properties of the foams that were produced were affected by the type and ratios of components, with density and thermal conductivity ranging from 0.0853 to 0.1915 g cm−3 and 0.0324 to 0.0921 W mK−1, respectively. Higher chitosan content improved insulation properties and mechanical strength whereas zeolite increments increased density and thermal conductivity. Using statistical analysis through the Box–Behnken design, we optimized the foam formulations, achieving minimum thermal conductivity and maximum compression strength at an averaged density, suggesting a strong potential for environmental sustainability applications. The recommended optimal chitosan:cellulose:zeolite composition ratio of 3:3:0.88 provides a valuable insight for tailored foam material formulation. This study shows the relationships between the composition of a composite material and its resultant properties, optimizing its preparation for industrial applicability in an environmentally conscious way within the context of insulation and construction. This investigation contributes to the field of material science by highlighting the versatility and potential of biopolymers but also aligns with the increasing need for green building materials.

Possibility of reclamation of ash dumps

Relevance. The need to dispose ash and slag waste from CHPP-1 and CHPP-2 in Ulan-Ude, which have a negative impact on the environment. A promising way to eliminate environmental damage is the biological reclamation of ash dumps. Its result is manifested in greening dumps and reducing ash deflation. Aim. To study ash and slag wastes from thermal power plants in Ulan-Ude and establish the possibility of reclamation of ash dumps to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Objects. Ash and slag wastes from the ash dumps of CHPP-1 (ASW-1) and CHPP-2 (ASW-2) in Ulan-Ude. Methods. Chemical, X-ray phase, granulometric, microscopic methods of analysis. Results. The authors have determined chemical, mineralogical and grain compositions of ash and slag wastes from thermal power plants. It was established that they have a high content of silicon, aluminum and a low content of calcium and magnesium. Ash and slag contain vitreous, crystalline and organic components. In the waste, to a greater extent, there is a crystalline phase containing silica, mullite, hematite, magnetite and, to a lesser extent, a glass phase, represented mainly by minerals of the orthoclase group. In terms of granulometric composition, the waste from CHPP-1 is dominated by a finer fraction compared to CHPP-2. Laboratory studies of soil mixtures based on ash and slag waste and local ameliorants (sewage sludge, lignin and chicken manure) were carried out. The optimal ratio of soil components was determined, equal to 4:1:1:1. A beneficial effect of sewage sludge was revealed, as well as a negative effect of high doses of bird droppings on growth and development of plants. Pure ash and slag from CHPP-1 and CHPP-2 without introduction of ameliorants can act as an independent substrate for perennial grasses.

Development of the composition of anoxidation-stable dressing with high nutritional value

The solution to the problem of developing an oxidation-stable dressing with high nutritional value based on unrefined first cold-pressed linseed, corn and sesame oils is considered. The objects of the study are the following indicators: antioxidant, fatty acid composition, induction period of accelerated oxidation of oils, blends and finished products. The rational range of oilratios in the blend, enriched with a-linolenic acid, stabilized against oxidative spoilage due to natural antioxidants – tocopherols, sesamol, sesamolin, is substantiated. The ratio of linseed, corn and sesame oils is 1:2:1, respectively. The characteristics of the blend are as follows: the ratio of ω-3:ω-6 fatty acids is 1:1.7; the induction period of accelerated oxidation (at 80 °C) – 4.1 h. A model sample of the dressing was produced using the developed blend. It was proven that the sample of the dressing of the proposed composition retains its organoleptic and physico-chemical parameters (titratable acidity, dry matter content, acid and peroxide values of the oil fraction) during 30 days of storage at a temperature of 8±1 °C. A feature of the obtained results is the possibility of increasing the nutritional value of the dressing based on unrefined oils while preserving the extended shelf life of products. From a practical point of view, the development of such products allows expanding the range of competitive dressings with high nutritional value. An applied aspect of using the obtained scientific result is the possibility of modeling the composition of dressings or other oil products based on valuable oil raw materials, depending on the ratios of the oil base components of the product

An investigation of structural, thermo-physical, and photoelectric properties of glassy As2Se3–Tl2Te3 alloys

Glass formation and the nature of the chemical interaction in the As2Se3–Tl2Te3 system were studied by differential-thermal (DTA), X-ray phase (XRD), microstructural (MSA) analysis. Based on the performed experiments T-x phase diagram is constructed. It is established that the phase diagram of the system is a partially quasi-binary section of the quaternary system Tl,As//Se,Te. Eutectic equilibrium and peritectic transformation process occur in the system. When the ratio of As2Se3 and Tl2Te3 components is 1:1, a new quaternary compound Tl2As2Se3Te3 is formed. It has been established that the Tl2As2Se3Te3 compound melts with an open maximum at 568[Formula: see text]K and crystallizes in a hexagonal symmetry. In the system, under normal cooling, the glass formation area reaches −80[Formula: see text]mol.% Tl2Te3, and in the mode of quenching in liquid nitrogen up to −100[Formula: see text]mol.% T12Te3. The photoelectric properties of glassy alloys (As2Se[Formula: see text](Tl2Te[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]; 0.3; 0.05) have been studied. Depending on the Tl2Te3 concentration of the system, the observed changes in the photoelectric properties and calculated parameters are presented.

Soil Substrate Characteristics for Planting Hole Greening Technology for High, Steep, Rocky Slope Vegetation in Semi-Arid Areas

Soil substrate plays a central role in the vegetation restoration of high and steep slopes, especially in semi-arid regions. This study aims to develop an optimal soil substrate that can provide a favorable environment for the vegetation growth of the high and steep rocky slopes in semi-arid areas. Within the framework of planting hole greening technology, we developed a synthetic substrate comprising base soil, peat, water-retaining and agglomerating agents, biochar, and controlled-release compound fertilizer. We conducted pot experiments to assess the impact of compound additions on soil properties and Parthenocissus himalayana growth. Field tests on exposed, high, and steep rocky slopes in a semi-arid region validated the optimal ratio of substrate components. The results showed that the base soil-to-peat ratio significantly influenced soil density, moisture, pH, organic matter, nitrogen content, and vegetation growth (Ps < 0.05). The controlled-release compound fertilizer significantly affected soil electrical conductivity and alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content (Ps < 0.05). Meanwhile, the water-retaining agent, biochar, and agglomerating agent had inconsequential effects on soil characteristics and plant growth. The optimal substrate composition included a 7:3 ratio of base soil to peat, 1.5 g/L of water retainer, 10 mg/L of agglomerating agent, 5 g/L of biochar, and 5 g/L of controlled-release compound fertilizer. The field verification showed that the developed optimal substrate possessed desirable pore structure, moisture, and nutrients, resulting in excellent growth of Parthenocissus himalayana. This optimal soil substrate could be suitable for establishing vegetation on high, steep, rocky slopes in semi-arid areas using planting hole greening technology.

Reservoirs and Hydrogeochemical Characterizations of the Yanggao Geothermal Field in Shanxi Province, China

Geothermal water is the product of deep circulation within the crust, and the understanding of its hydrogeochemical process can provide effective information for integrated research on its circulation pattern and formation mechanism. Based on the geothermal geological conditions of the Yanggao geothermal field, this study analyzed water samples from thermal springs and geothermal wells in the geothermal field, ascertaining their hydrochemical components, along with their hydrogen and oxygen isotopes. Using methods like piper diagrams, ionic component ratio characterization, Na–K–Mg equilibrium diagrams, and reverse path simulations, this study elucidated the recharge source of geothermal water in the study area, revealed the water–rock interactions the geothermal water experienced, and evaluated the geothermal reservoir temperatures. The results show that the geothermal water has hydrochemical types of Na–Cl–HCO3 and Na–HCO3–Cl, and is primarily recharged by the atmospheric precipitation in the northern mountainous area. The geothermal water has experienced extended water runoff and deep thermal circulation, and its hydrochemical composition primarily results from the weathering and dissolution of silicate rocks and evaporites. The major hydrogeochemical processes of the geothermal water involve the dissolution of calcite, dolomite, gypsum, and kaolinite. In addition, the canon-exchange also changes the chemical component of the geothermal water. The SiO2 Geothermometer, a multimineral equilibrium diagram, and the silica–enthalpy model reveal the presence of deep and shallow geothermal reservoirs in the study area, which exhibit temperatures of 73 °C and ranging from 125 to 150 °C, respectively. The open geothermal reservoir environment results in the mixing of geothermal water and cold water, with shallow and deep geothermal water mixing with cold water at ratios of 57% and 76%, respectively.

Broadband, thin thickness and low filling ratio microwave absorption by constructing Sm2Fe17/Fe(Sm) hard/soft magnetic nanoparticles in Sm2O3-doped porous carbon matrix

Exchange-coupled hard/soft magnetic composites are supposed to be promising microwave absorber, due to the multiple-resonance peaks in permeability. However, due to insufficient magnetization and dielectric loss, soft/hard ferrite magnets are difficult to achieve further breakthroughs in microwave absorption performance. In this work, the special hard/soft magnetic composites are successfully fabricated, in which Sm2Fe17/Fe(Sm) hard/soft hybrid nanoparticles are embedded in ∼5 nm Sm2O3-doped porous carbon matrix. The hard/soft magnetic exchange-coupling result in the multiple-resonance peaks beyond Snoek’s limitation at broad wave band and the Sm2O3-doped carbon supplements dielectric loss capacity. Multiple-resonance effect is modified by adjusting the ratio of hard and soft magnetic components and the dielectric loss capacity is supplemented by Sm2O3-doped carbon. Herein, the hard/soft magnetic exchange-coupling and dielectric matrix are dexterously integrated to achieve broad absorption band with thin matching thickness and low filling ratio. By varying the ratio of Fe3+/Sm3+ in raw material, 20 wt% Sm2Fe17/Fe(Sm)-paraffin composites can reach the maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 6.8 GHz with matching thickness of 1.6 mm, the minimal reflection loss of −47.15 dB with 1.5 mm and the optimal microwave absorption efficiency of 71.1 dB·GHz/mm with 1.4 mm. Overall, this work provides a simple approach to introduce multi-resonance effect, which broadens the path for advanced absorbers with broad band and thin thickness and low filling ratio.

A modified CEUS risk stratification model for adnexal masses with solid components: prospective multicenter study and risk adjustment.

To evaluate the additional advantages of integrating contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) into the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) ultrasound (US) for the characterization of adnexal lesions with solid components. This prospective multicenter study recruited women suspected of having adnexal lesions with solid components between September 2021 and December 2022. All patients scheduled for surgery underwent preoperative CEUS and US examinations. The lesions were categorized according to the O-RADS US system, and quantitative CEUS indexes were recorded. Pathological results served as the reference standard. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors for malignancy in adnexal lesions with solid components. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to assess diagnostic performance. A total of 180 lesions in 175 women were included in the study. Among these masses, 80 were malignant and 100 were benign. Multivariable analysis revealed that serum CA-125, the presence of acoustic shadowing, and peak intensity (PI) ratio (PImass/PIuterus) of solid components on CEUS were independently associated with adnexal malignancy. The modified CEUS risk stratification model demonstrated superior diagnostic value in assessing adnexal lesions with solid components compared to O-RADS US (AUC: 0.91 vs 0.78, p < 0.001) and exhibited comparable performance to the Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adnexa (ADNEX) model (AUC 0.91 vs 0.86, p = 0.07). Our findings underscore the potential value of CEUS as an adjunctive tool for enhancing the precision of diagnostic evaluations of O-RADS US. The promising performance of the modified CEUS risk stratification model suggests its potential to mitigate unnecessary surgeries in the characterization of adnexal lesions with solid components. • The additional value of CEUS to O-RADS US in distinguishing between benign and malignant adnexal lesions with solid components requires further evaluation. • The modified CEUS risk stratification model displayed superior diagnostic value and specificity in characterizing adnexal lesions with solid components when compared to O-RADS US. • The inclusion of CEUS demonstrated potential in reducing the need for unnecessary surgeries in the characterization of adnexal lesions with solid components.

Three-in-One Strategy Enables Single-Component Organic Solar Cells with Record Efficiency and High Stability.

Single-component organic solar cells (SCOSCs) with covalently bonding donor and acceptor are becoming increasingly attractive because of their superior stability over traditional multicomponent blend organic solar cells (OSCs). Nevertheless, the efficiency of SCOSCs is far behind the state-of-the-art multicomponent OSCs. Herein, by combination of the advantages of three-component and single-component devices, this work reports an innovative three-in-one strategy to boost the performance of SCOSCs. In this three-in-one strategy, three independent components (PM6, D18, and PYIT) are covalently linked together to create a new single-component active layer based on ternary conjugated block copolymer (TCBC) PM6-D18-b-PYIT by a facile polymerization. Precisely manipulating the component ratios in the polymer chains of PM6-D18-b-PYIT is able to broaden light utilization, promote charge dynamics, optimize, and stabilize film morphology, contributing to the simultaneously enhanced efficiency and stability of the SCOSCs. Ultimately, the PM6-D18-b-PYIT-based device exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.89%, which is the highest efficiency of the reported SCOSCs. Thanks to the aggregation restriction of each component and chain entanglement in the three-in-one system, the PM6-D18-b-PYIT-based SCOSC displays significantly higher stability than the corresponding two-component (PM6-D18:PYIT) and three-component (PM6:D18:PYIT). These results demonstrate that the three-in-one strategy is facile and promising for developing SCOSCs with superior efficiency and stability.

Fault Location Method for Distribution Network Using an Additional Inductance Strategy

In distribution networks, time asynchrony exists between the phasor measuring unit (PMU) at both ends of a line, and the effective measurement time of the devices is short, leading to insufficient accuracy in phasor measurements. This paper proposes a fault location method for distribution networks that employ an additional inductance strategy to address the limited location accuracy caused by time asynchrony and the inadequate accuracy of phasor measurement devices. The method enhances the stability and accuracy of phase measurement by connecting an additional inductance after the online circuit breaker, thus extending the effective measurement time. It uses the symmetrical component method to obtain the positive-sequence and negative-sequence networks following a fault. Time asynchrony is treated as an equivalent asynchronous phase angle, which is then applied to the positive and negative-sequence voltage components. The impact of time asynchrony is mitigated by compensating for the phase angle difference using the ratio of the positive-sequence voltage component to the negative-sequence voltage component. This approach provides the fault location function and has improved the accuracy of fault location, which is advantageous for rapid fault repair.

ВИКОРИСТАННЯ В ОСВІТНЬОМУ ПРОЦЕСІ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ

The integration of Ukraine into the European educational space involves strengthening the requirements for the quality of professional training of future specialists. The main task is to create all the conditions for learning, personal and professional development of students, to ensure the effective formation of their professional competence, regardless of the modern challenges and dangers faced by society in the 21st century. Currently, higher education institutions have a dilemma: are they able to move away from the traditional academic style of teaching to innovations, to focus not on knowledge and skills, but to ensure the process of forming the competence of the future specialist. Considering the circumstances, digital technologies are becoming more and more widespread, and in scientific publications there is a debate about the effectiveness of their use in the educational process of higher education. The integration of digital technologies in higher education creates new opportunities for both students and teachers, making learning more interesting, dynamic, visual, etc. The advantages and features of the use of remote technologies to improve the quality of professional training of future specialists in the conditions of a mixed form of organization of the educational process in institutions of higher education, which creates new conditions of learning and cooperation for all participants of the educational process, are considered. The most promising technologies of distance learning are characterized, which have important advantages, taking into account the peculiarities of the professional training of future specialists in the conditions of mixed learning in institutions of higher education. Such technologies include: gamification of the process of professional training of future specialists, quest technologies, cloud-based learning technologies, intelligent information systems in education, mobile learning technologies, immersive technologies. Currently, in the conditions of modern existence and development of society, innovative technologies are offered to higher education seekers, which gradually replace traditional methods of learning and ensure flexibility and quality of the educational process. We see the prospects for further research in the improvement of the educational process by determining the optimal ratio of classroom and remote components in the conditions of a mixed form of education in the process of developing the professional competence of future specialists and developing appropriate educational and methodological support.

Analysing the impact of comorbid conditions and media coverage on online symptom search data: a novel AI-based approach for COVID-19 tracking

Background Web search data have proven to bea valuable early indicator of COVID-19 outbreaks. However, the influence of co-morbid conditions with similar symptoms and the effect of media coverage on symptom-related searches are often overlooked, leading to potential inaccuracies in COVID-19 simulations. Method This study introduces a machine learning-based approach to estimate the magnitude of the impact of media coverage and comorbid conditions with similar symptoms on online symptom searches, based on two scenarios with quantile levels 10–90 and 25–75. An incremental batch learning RNN-LSTM model was then developed for the COVID-19 simulation in Australia and New Zealand, allowing the model to dynamically simulate different infection rates and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Result The COVID-19 infected person-directed symptom searches were found to account for only a small proportion of the total search volume (on average 33.68% in Australia vs. 36.89% in New Zealand) compared to searches influenced by media coverage and comorbid conditions (on average 44.88% in Australia vs. 50.94% in New Zealand). The proposed method, which incorporates estimated symptom component ratios into the RNN-LSTM embedding model, significantly improved COVID-19 simulation performance. Conclusion Media coverage and comorbid conditions with similar symptoms dominate the total number of online symptom searches, suggesting that direct use of online symptom search data in COVID-19 simulations may overestimate COVID-19 infections. Our approach provides new insights into the accurate estimation of COVID-19 infections using online symptom searches, thereby assisting governments in developing complementary methods for public health surveillance.

Signal‐to‐noise errors in free‐running atmospheric simulations and their dependence on model resolution

AbstractEnsemble forecasts have been shown to better predict observed Atlantic climate variability than that of their own ensemble members. This phenomenon—termed the signal‐to‐noise paradox—is found to be widespread across models, timescales, and climate variables, and has wide implications. The signal‐to‐noise paradox can be interpreted as forecasts underestimating the amplitude of predictable signals on seasonal‐to‐decadal timescales. The cause of this remains unknown. Here, we examine sea level pressure variability from a very large multi‐model ensemble of uninitialized atmosphere‐only simulations, focusing on boreal winter. To assess signal‐to‐noise errors, the ratio of predictable components (RPC) is examined globally, as well as for regional climate indices: the North Atlantic Oscillation, Arctic Oscillation, Southern Annular Mode, and an Arctic index. Our analyses reveal significant correlations between the multi‐model ensemble‐mean and observations over large portions of the globe, particularly the tropics, North Atlantic, and North Pacific. However, RPC values greater than one are apparent over many extratropical regions and in all four climate indices. Higher‐resolution models produce greater observation‐model correlations and greater RPC values than lower‐resolution models in all four climate indices. We find that signal‐to‐noise errors emerge more clearly at higher resolution, but the amplitudes of predictable signals do not increase with resolution, at least across the range of resolutions considered here. Our results suggest that free‐running atmospheric models underestimate predictable signals in the absence of sea surface temperature biases, implying that signal‐to‐noise errors originate in the atmosphere or in ocean–atmosphere coupling.

Highly-conductive proton exchange membrane of sulfonated poly(biphenyl alkylene) copolymers for H2/O2 fuel cell with 2.62 W cm-2 power density

Ether-free proton exchange membranes (PEMs) based on aromatic polymers are considered as potential alternatives to perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) PEMs due to their low cost, less reactant crossing, exceptional chemical stability and outstanding thermal stability. Herein, a series of high-performance sulfonated poly(biphenyl alkylene) (BPSA-PT-x) membranes with full carbon chain backbones were synthesized to investigate the effect of different ratios of hydrophobic components on membrane properties. Among the prepared membranes, the BPSA-PT-10 % PEM with the highest proton conductivity (311 mS cm-1 at 80 °C water) possessed excellent dimensional stability (in-plane swelling rate ≤19.7 %, through-plane swelling rate ≤24.9 %), mechanical properties (elongation at break: 89.8 % in wet state), thermal stability (glass transition temperature >450 °C) and low H2 crossover (1.80 mA cm-2). Further, the assembled H2/O2 fuel cell based on BPSA-PT-10 % PEM exhibited competitive performance with a peak power density of 2.62 W cm-2. The developed poly(biphenyl alkylene)-based PEMs should have potential applications in hydrogen energy field.

Studies on the soft intermediate state X-ray flare of MAXI J1535−571 during its 2017 outburst

ABSTRACT We analysed an observation with the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array of the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1535−571 in the soft intermediate state, in which we detected a 2.5-ks long flare. Our spectral fitting results suggest that MAXI J1535−571 possesses a high spin of $0.97_{-0.10}^{+0.02}$ and a low inclination of approximately 24°. We observed a gradual increase in the inner disc radius, as determined from fits to the continuum spectrum. This trend is inconsistent with an increased flux ratio of the thermal component, as well as the source evolving towards the soft state. This inconsistency may be attributed to a gradual decrease of the colour correction factor. Additionally, with a flare velocity of approximately 0.5 c and a higher hardness ratio during the flare period, the quasi-simultaneous detection of a type-B QPO in the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer data, and quasi-simultaneous ejecta launch through radio observations collectively provide strong evidence supporting the possibility that the flare originated from a discrete jet ejection.

Diagnostic accuracy of eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and eosinophil-to-neutrophil ratio as biomarkers for differentiating between fungal and bacterial infection in necrotising otitis externa.

Necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) is a serious, progressive, and potentially life-threatening infection of the external auditory canal, affecting soft tissue and bone. The most common organism causing NOE is Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and less common are Fungal infections. When managing a patient with NOE, a culture is taken from the EAC in order to tailor the appropriate antimicrobial treatment, however commonly, the culture is sterile. Inflammation biomarkers may be used as adjuncts to inform on the differential diagnosis and as prognostic markers. To characterize and compare values and ratios of components of the complete blood count (CBC) at admission, at patients with positive swab culture. A retrospective study of NOE patients was conducted. We included all patients admitted between the years 2001-2023, for whom a culture swab tested positive. We compared CBC findings at hospitalization between bacteria and fungi-positive culture patients. Eosinophils-to-Neutrophils Ratio (ENR) was significantly lower in the fungal group compared to the bacterial group 0.023 ± 0.02 and 0.04 ± 0.03, respectively (p-value = 0.025). Eosinophils-to-Leukocyte Ratio (ELR) was significantly lower in the fungal group compared to the bacterial group 0.058 ± 0.04 and 0.12 ± 0.1 respectively (p-value = 0.009). For definition of ELR ≤ 0.1 we found that, sensitivity was 88% (95%CI = 0.679-0.979) and NPV 90% (95%CI = 0.709-0.982). For definition of ENR ≤ 0.03 sensitivity was 88% (95%CI = 0.679-0.979) and NPV 88% (95%CI = 0.679-0.979). Lower values of ELR and ENR in patients with NOE are associated with fungal infection and can serve as a tool in adjusting an appropriate antimicrobial therapy in cases of sterile or when no culture is available.

Impact of COVID-19-associated Dysautonomia Phenotypes on the Effectiveness of Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

RELEVANCE. It is known that patients with severe cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are characterized by the development of COVID-19-associated dysautonomia (COVID-19-DA). At the moment, there are no studies examining the impact of this phenomenon on the course and outcomes of the disease in the most severe cohort of patients with COVID-19, namely those requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO). AIM OF STUDY. The purpose of the presented work is to study the effect of different COVID-19-DA phenotypes on the performance parameters and effectiveness of VV ECMO, gas exchange and hemodynamics in patients with COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study included 20 patients, 12 (60%) women, 8 (40%) men, with COVID-19 who underwent VV ECMO. Patients underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring with assessment of the spectral parameters of heart rate variability (HRV): the low-frequency component (LF), the high-frequency component (HF), the ratio of the low-frequency component to the high frequency component (LF / HF) on days 1, 3, 5 of the VV ECMO. Patients were divided into three groups based on the identified COVID-19-DA phenotypes. The groups were compared in terms of gas exchange, hemodynamics, and VV ECMO performance parameters. RESULTS. The level of partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (paCO2) in the phenotype with low sympathetic tone and high tone of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) (lShP) was significantly higher than in the phenotype with normal sympathetic tone and high tone of the parasympathetic division of the ANS (nShP) with equal VV ECMO performance parameters. The heart rate (HR) in the nShP phenotype was significantly lower than in the lShP phenotype. A significant increase in respiratory dysfunction was revealed over time in the lShP phenotype. Weaning from VV ECMO in the nShP phenotype was successful in 50 %, whereas in the lShP phenotype, weaning from VV ECMO was observed in 7,2 % of patients. No significant differences in the mortality rate were obtained. The most common cause of death in both groups was septic shock. CONCLUSIONS. The COVID-19-DA phenotype, manifested by decreased tone of the sympathetic division and increased tone of the parasympathetic division of the ANS, leads to low efficiency of VV ECMO, resulting in a statistically significantly less frequent ECMO discontinuation in those patients.