Terminal Part Research Articles

Targeting hydrophobicity in biofilm-associated protein (Bap) as a novel antibiofilm strategy against Staphylococcus aureus biofilm

In this study, a comprehensive in silico characterization was performed on Bap-family proteins to develop novel approaches to deal with Staphylococcus biofilms with a better understanding of the functional, structural, and topological features of Bap proteins. This study showed that Bap-like proteins in staphylococci are highly acidic, large, and cell-wall anchored proteins with tandem repeats. Structurally, Bap-family proteins have two distinct parts. N terminal part, which contains at least 2–3 calcium-binding EF-hand motifs that play a regulatory role in Bap functioning. Whereas the C-terminal part which predominantly consists of tandem repeats (TR), plays a functional as well as structural role. Bioinformatic analysis of Bap proteins and other homologous proteins revealed the presence of an amyloidogenic heptapeptide (STVTVTF) in the hydrophobic core of TRs of protein, responsible for the protein-protein interactions. The synthetic heptapeptide was tested if the masking effect on surface proteins could inhibit the S. aureus biofilm development and act as an ‘antibiofilm-peptide’. The results clearly showed that the heptapeptide was able to inhibit early adhesion as well as biofilm development in the S. aureus biofilms. This approach has a promising potential to treat persistent biofilm-based S. aureus infections where Bap-like proteins do play a significant role.

Lymphatic Drainage Conduit and Macro Anatomy of Lymphoid System in Large Intestine of Post Weaned Pigs

Background: The gut mucosa is effectively protected by a local organization of lymphoid tissue. In large intestine, isolated lymphoid follicles give rise to solitary lymphoid nodules and lympho glandular complexes, which are responsible for sampling of gut antigen and production of local immunity. Large intestine requires higher level of mucosal protection as because it is the site where food staff remains for a longer period and also for ascending rectal infection. Present study was undertaken highlighting the lymphatic drainage from large intestine and solitary lymphoid nodules of pig. Methods: 1% solution of methylene blue up to 100 micro litters in the one place of submucosa of large intestine as per the standard technique advocated by Smedley et al. (2014) and then stained nearest mesenteric lymph nodes were recorded and re-injected to map the drainage to the next draining lymph node to trace the lymphatic tract. Result: The study was designed on 12 (Twelve) apparently healthy weaned crossbred piglets of 3 to 4 months age irrespective of sex. Gross study revealed the presence of two different types of solitary lymphatic nodules (SLN) viz. scrotiform and faviform. The scrotiform SLN consisted of central small pore was appreciated in colon and rectum, whereas the faviform SLN although present in colon and rectum was devoid of a central pore. The average solitary lymphoid nodules in the large intestine was 427, of which 403 in colon and 24 in rectum and in terminal part of rectum patches of solitary lymphoid nodules of more than 100 numbers were observed. The different lymph nodes involved in the lymphatic drainage of large intestine of pig were colic caecal, anorectal , lumbar aortic, renal , medial lumbar and lateral lumbar lymph nodes. Again, except the right and left lumbar duct, one minor lymphatic trunk was observed parallel to the rectum, draining the lymph from anorecral lymph node to caudal mesenteric lymph node and then to renal lymph node. The celiac trunk and the jejunal trunk joined and formed a common trunk which was again joined by the colic trunk that finally opened into the caudal aspect of cysternachyli.

Development of a Method for Determination of brucella suis Biovars Using Multilocus Real-time PCR

The aim of the study was to develop a methodological approach to determination of Brucella suis biovars through multilocus PCR with real-time registration of results.Materials and methods. We used 16 strains of B. suis of various biovars, B. neotomae and B. canis – 2 strains of each. Determination of the taxonomic affiliation of Brucella strains was carried out according to the Bruce-ladder, Suis-ladder, BRU-DIF protocols. The selection of primers and probes was performed using the software on the website www.genscript.com and the GeneRanner 6.5.52 program. Fragment sequencing according to Sanger was performed on a 3500 XL genetic analyzer in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Nucleotide sequence homology was assessed using the BLAST algorithm and the GenBank NCBI database.Results and discussion. An analysis of the structural organization of IncP and GI-3 genomic islands has been carried out in B. suis strains of various biovars. It has been established that in strains of B. suis II, IV biovars and B. canis, the terminal part of the BRA0368 gene, comprising 21 nucleotides (repeated in the BRA0367 gene) and the “TAA” stop codon, as well as almost the entire sequence of the BRA0367 gene were lost, owing to homologous recombination in the IncP genome island. A 21-nucleotide direct repeat and the “TGA” stop codon of the BRA0367 gene replaced the analogous region of the BRA0368 gene which resulted in the deletion the size of 185 bp. No differences have been noted in the structure of GI-3 in biovars. The evidence obtained made it possible to develop the approach (SuisDIF) for differentiating B. suis biovars, based on the amplification of genes located in the IncP and GI-3 genomic islands using real-time PCR. Its specificity was confirmed in the study of B. suis strains from the fund of the State Collection of Pathogenic Bacteria of the Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe”. The conducted studies expand and supplement the data on the genetic heterogeneity of Brucella species and biovars. The proposed method for differentiating biovars of B. suis using multilocus PCR with real-time registration of results enhances the capacities for Brucella identification using molecular-genetic methods.

Surgical management of inferior vena cava: A decade-long experience

Abstract Introduction: The inferior vena cava (IVC) occupies a retroperitoneal position deep inside the abdominal cavity. Its location makes surgical access very difficult. The terminal part of the IVC enters the thoracic cavity behind the heart after traversing the diaphragm. IVC continuously drains the lower half of the body. The surgical management of IVC is thus challenging for surgeons. Objectives: The objective of the study is a retrospective examination of the IVC operations performed by our team members over the last decade. This would help analyze the difficulties of IVC operations. A better understanding of the previous surgeries would build a better management strategy for dealing with the difficult cases of IVC and reducing morbidity and mortality in the future. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted on cases operated between January 2009 and December 2018. Data were collected from patients’ files, admission registrars, operation theater notes, and intensive care unit record books. This study includes 22 patients operated in different hospitals in our country. Results: Among these 22 cases, 10 (45.5%) underwent elective and 12 (54.5%) underwent emergency operations. Of the routine cases, 7 (31.8%) were renal cell carcinoma, 2 (9%) were retroperitoneal sarcoma, and 1 (4.5%) was neurogenic tumor. Moreover, among the emergency cases, 2 (9%) were traumatic (bullet) injuries and the rest of the cases, 10 (45.5%) were iatrogenic injuries during other abdominal or thoracic surgery. There was no in-hospital mortality in this series. Conclusion: IVC surgery is very challenging. Appropriate assessment of the patients, timely management of shock, and proper planning is important for successful outcomes. Adequate operative facilities, a skilled team, blood for transfusion, vascular grafts, and the availability of cardiopulmonary bypass, when required, may play important roles in saving precious lives.

Wellens Syndrome: A Case like No Other!

Introduction: Wellens syndrome or anterior interventricular artery (AIV) disease is an electrocardiographic abnormality defined by the presence, apart from painful episodes, of biphasic T waves in the anterior leads (type 1), or deeply inverted T waves (type 2) in association with critical stenosis of the proximal AIV. It warrants aggressive management given the rather high incidence of death and re-infarction. Objectif: To report an atypical form of this syndrome through this observation and to provide an update on this rare entity through a literature review. Case report: A 48-year-old patient, chronic smoker with 40 BPs still active, admitted following an episode of infarct chest pain. At admission, the patient was asymptomatic. The clinical examination was unremarkable. The ECG showed biphasic T waves, negative in its terminal part in V2-V3-V4, without planed R waves, nor Q waves of necrosis or significant ST abnormality evoking a WELLENS type 1 syndrome. Ultrasensitive troponin was measured at 260 ng/L. The evolution was marked by the appearance of a fleeting negativation of T waves, without chest pain. Chest echocardiography showed a non-dilated left ventricle with preserved systolic function and no detectable segmental or global kinetic disorders, associated with concentric left ventricular hypertrophy. The coronary angiography performed in emergency shows tritroncular lesions, a very tight stenosis of the middle interventricular and the first diagonal, a tight stenosis of the middle circumflex and the middle right coronary, revealing a coronary artery bypass graft. Discussion and conclusion: Wellens syndrome is characterized by T-wave abnormalities that often fluctuate (from type 1 to type 2 or vice versa) during pain-free intervals, reflecting spontaneous reperfusion and the unstable nature of the coronary lesion found, which is represented mainly by involvement of the proximal AVI. Involvement of the middle IVA associated with other lesions is rarely observed. It is associated with a greater risk of anterior infarction or sudden death if not recognized and treated rapidly, so it seems essential to recognize the electrocardiographic criteria of this syndrome in order to propose coronary angiography for early revascularization.

First Report of Cape Gooseberry Scab Caused by Cladosporium exasperatum in Thailand

First Report of Cape Gooseberry Scab Caused by <i>Cladosporium exasperatum</i> in Thailand

Selenium in Proteins: Conformational Changes Induced by Se Substitution on Methionine, as Studied in Isolated Model Peptides by Optical Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemistry.

The side-chain of methionine residues is long enough to establish NH⋯S H-bonds with neighboring carbonyl groups of the backbone, giving rise to so-called intra-residue 6δ and inter-residue 7δ H-bonds. The aim of the present article is to document how the substitution of sulfur with a selenium atom affects the H-bonding of the Met system. This was investigated both experimentally and theoretically by conformation-resolved optical spectroscopy, following an isolated molecule approach. The present work emphasizes the similarities of the Met and Sem residues in terms of conformational structures, energetics, NH⋯Se/S H-bond strength and NH stretch spectral shifts, but also reveals subtle behavior differences between them. It provides evidence for the sensitivity of the H-bonding network with the folding type of the Sem/Met side-chains, where a simple flip of the terminal part of the side-chain can induce an extra 50 cm−1 spectral shift of the NH stretch engaged in a 7δ NH⋯S/Se bond.

Peel Adhesion Strength between Epoxy Resin and Hydrated Silica Surfaces: A Density Functional Theory Study.

Adhesive strength is known to change significantly depending on the direction of the force applied. In this study, the peel and tensile adhesive forces between the hydroxylated silica (001) surface and epoxy resin are estimated based on quantum chemical calculations. Here, density functional theory (DFT) with dispersion correction is used. In the peel process, the epoxy resin is pulled off from the terminal part, while in the tensile process, the entire epoxy resin is pulled off vertically. As a result of these calculations, the maximum adhesive force in the peel process is decreased to be about 40% of that in the tensile process. The adhesion force–displacement curve for the peeling process shows two characteristic peaks corresponding to the process where the adhesive molecule horizontally oriented to the surface shifts to a vertical orientation to the surface and the process where the vertical adhesive molecule is dissociated from the surface. Force decomposition analysis is performed to further understand the peel adhesion force; the contribution of the dispersion force is found to be slightly larger than that of the DFT force. This feature is common to the tensile process as well. Each force in the peel process is about 40% smaller than the corresponding force in the tensile process.

New fossil Xyelidae (Insecta, Hymenoptera) from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of northeast China

Three new species, Brachyoxyela conjunctiva sp. nov., Brachyoxyela leei sp. nov. and Brachyoxyela elliptica sp. nov., in the tribe Macroxyelini, subfamily Macroxyelinae of the family Xyelidae, are described and illustrated. All type specimens were collected from the Lower Cretaceous (Barremian–Aptian) Yixian Formation. Brachyoxyela conjunctiva sp. nov. and Brachyoxyela leei sp. nov. were from Huangbanjigou, Beipiao City, Liaoning Province, China, and Brachyoxyela elliptica sp. nov. from Sandaogou, Duolun County, Inner Mongolia, China. These specimens are assigned to a previously erected genus Brachyoxyela Gao, Zhao and Ren, 2011 based on the characters: vein Sc joining R distad origin of Rs and antenna with thread (terminal part of flagellum distal to the enlarged first flagellomere) longer than the first flagellomere. A key to species of Brachyoxyela is provided.

Contribution to the Knowledge of Freshwater Shrimps (Crustacea, Decapoda) and Their Spatial Distribution in the Malebo Pool (Congo River), R.D Congo

Background and Objective: Crustaceans play a considerable role in the ecological process of aquatic ecosystems, acting at different trophic levels as herbivores, detritivores, predators and prey and constitute an important source of animal protein for humans and livestock. This study investigated the diversity of shrimp from the left bank of the Malebo Pool in the Congo River.&#x0D; Study Area: Five sampling campaigns were organized from July 2020 to August 2021 in six sites (Ngamanzo 1, Ngamanzo 2, Kinkole 1, Kinkole 2, Kinsuka 1 and Kinsuka 2) in the Malebo Pool, the terminal part of the middle Congo River.&#x0D; Methods: Shrimp samples were collected using dip nets and creels during the experimental fisheries. Physical parameters were measured monthly in situ at six sites. Chemical parameters were assessed using an ultraviolet atomic spectrophotometer. Systematic identification of shrimp was done using appropriate systematic identification keys. The structure of the shrimp populations was studied using several ecological indices.&#x0D; Results: A total of 1422 shrimp specimens were sampled. These individuals belonged to three different species (Caridina africana Macrobrachium dux and Macrobrachium sollaudii), two genera (Caridina and Macrobrachium) and two families (Atyidae and Palaemonidae). Shanon and Weaver's diversity index values ranged from 0 to 1.3 indicating that the shrimp fauna is not diverse in Malebo Pool. These species are better represented at Ngamanzo 1, Ngamanzo 2 and Kinkole 2. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that environmental variables such as dissolved oxygen level, conductivity, water temperature, transparency, water flow velocity, plant debris, aquatic plants and canopy strongly influence taxonomic diversity across sites.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results obtained showed that the shrimp fauna is rich and diversified in the studied part of the Malebo Pool in the Congo River and, these organisms are essential in maintaining the ecological balance in this aquatic ecosystem.

Оценка результатов применения фумарата натрия, фуросемида и маннитола на начало и исход тепловой ишемии почек в экспериментальном исследовании

While performing surgical treatment of the localized form of renal cell cancer by means of open or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, renal warm ischemia is an important issue. Using renal warm ischemia allows to prevent parenchymal bleeding, to optimize conditions for resection of the tumor and to increase significantly the efficiency of hemostasis. However, an important problem is the probability of ischemic hypoxic damage of the remaining part of the kidney tissue during renal warm ischemia and renal functional impairment in the postoperative period.To compare nephroprotective activity of sodium fumarate, mannitol and furosemide using experimental model of 30- and 60-minute renal warm ischemia in rabbits.The experiments were carried out on 360 conventional male-rabbits of the "Chinchilla" breed weighed 2,6+/-0,3 kg which were allocated into 10 groups. The control group No1 included intact animals, the control group No2 included the rabbits in which renal artery was not clamped. For the animals from the trial groups (No3-No10) the experimental model of 30- and 60-minute renal warm ischemia was used. In groups No3 and No4 no drugs were provided. Other rabbits undergone renal warm ischemia with a protection by sodium fumarate (groups No5 and No6 - 1,5 ml/kg IV), lasix (groups No7 and No8 - 3,0 mg/kg IV) and mannitol (No9 and No10 - 1,0 g/kg IV). The influence of renal warm ischemia on the renal tissue ultrastructure and the levels of NGAL, Cystatin-C and creatinine in blood and urine were studied.During experimental pharmacologically uncorrected 30-minute renal warm ischemia in animals, edema of the terminal part of microvilli of the proximal tubules epithelium, an increase of lysosome number in the hyaloplasm of epithelial cells, appearance of flaky content of medium electronic density in the lumens of distal tubules and collecting tubules, as well as sharp peak-like increase of NGAL and cystatin-C in blood and urine were observed. Increasing the time of ischemia up to 60 minutes was accompanied by more severe disturbances. In groups where sodium fumarate, lasix and mannitol were used the observed ultrastructural disturbances were expressed to lesser extent, whereas sodium fumarate demonstrated the best nephroprotective activity. After using mannitol the severity of disturbances was less than in the groups where mannitol, lasix or sodium fumarate were not given. Lasix and sodium salt of fumaric acid showed a higher nephroprotective activity. The best results were received in the animals received sodium fumarate.The studied drugs provided a nephroprotective effect regarding ischemia of rabbit kidney. The effect of sodium fumarate was the most pronounced, followed by furosemide and, to a lesser extent, mannitol. Use of sodium fumarate allows to protect and stimulate the kidney tissue effectively during oxygen deprivation under ischemic state.

ClC‐K2 Cl‐ Channel exhibits discrete actions on acid‐base transport of A‐ and B‐Type Intercalated Cells of the Collecting Duct

The collecting duct is a highly adaptive terminal part of the nephron, which is essential for maintaining systemic homeostasis. Principal and intercalated cells perform different physiological tasks and exhibit distinctive morphology. However, acid‐secreting A‐ and base secreting B‐type of intercalated cells cannot be easily separated in functional studies despite virtually mirror opposite localization of their transport acid‐base systems.Here, we used BCECF‐sensitive intracellular pH (pHi) measurements in split‐opened collecting ducts followed by immunofluorescent microscopy in WT and intercalated cell‐specific ClC‐K2‐/‐ mice to demonstrate that ClC‐K2 inhibition enables to distinguish signals from A‐ and B‐ types of intercalated cells.We show that ClC‐K2 Cl‐ channel is expressed on the basolateral side of intercalated cells, where it governs Cl‐‐dependent H+/HCO3‐ transport. ClC‐K2 blocker, NPPB, caused acidification or alkalization in different subpopulations of intercalated cells in WT but not ClC‐K2 ‐/‐ mice. Immunofluorescent assessment of the same collecting ducts revealed that NPPB increased pHi in AE1‐positive A‐type and decreased pHi in pendrin‐positive B‐type of intercalated cells. Induction of metabolic acidosis led to a significantly augmented abundance and H+ secretion in A‐type and decreased proton transport in B‐type of intercalated cells, whereas metabolic alkalosis caused the opposite changes in intercalated cell function, but did not substantially change their relative abundance.Concluding, we show that inhibition of ClC‐K2 can be employed to discriminate between A‐ and B‐type of intercalated cells in split‐opened collecting duct preparations. We further demonstrate that this method can be used to independently monitor changes in the functional status and abundance of A‐ and B‐types in response to systemic acid/base stimuli.

Statistical Description of SaO2–SpO2 Relationship for Model of Oxygenation in Premature Infants

A pulse oximeter model linking arterial (SaO2) and peripheral (SpO2) oxygen saturation is the terminal part of a mathematical model of neonatal oxygen transport. Previous studies have confirmed the overestimation of oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry in neonates compared to arterial oxygen saturation and the large variability of measured values over time caused by measurement inaccuracies. This work aimed to determine the SpO2 measurement noise that affects the biased SpO2 value at each time point and integrate the noise description with the systematic bias between SaO2 and SpO2. The SaO2–SpO2 bias was based on previously published clinical data from pathological patients younger than 60 days requiring ventilatory support. The statistical properties of the random SpO2 measurement noise were estimated from the SpO2 continuous recordings of 21 pathological and 21 physiological neonates. The result of the work is a comprehensive characterization of the properties of a pulse oximeter model describing the transfer of the input SaO2 value to the output SpO2 value, including the bias and noise typical for the bedside monitoring of neonates. These results will help to improve a computer model of neonatal oxygen transport.

Internet of Things-Based Risk Warning System for Distribution Grid Operation State

The distribution network is the most terminal part of the power system. The safety and stability of its operation directly affect the power supply reliability of the power system. The operation status of the equipment has always been the focus of researchers. Once a problem occurs in the operation of the distribution network, it will have a significant impact on public safety and social development. Therefore, real-time monitoring of the operation status of the distribution network is very important. In order to meet the needs of real-time intelligent detection of the operation status of the distribution network, this paper introduces a risk warning system based on the Internet of Things for the operation status of the distribution network. This paper firstly analyzes the weight of risk indicators to determine the detection indicators of the risk early warning system, and secondly, through the analysis of the risk early warning indicator system of the distribution network operation status and the establishment of the risk early warning evaluation model, to determine the operation status of the distribution network the following risk early warning detection needs, and finally the Internet of Things technology is used in the design of the risk early warning system of the operating state of the distribution network, and then the system is tested. The test shows that the real-time detection data error of the system is less than 5%.

ClC-K2 Cl- channel allows identification of A- and B-type of intercalated cells in split-opened collecting ducts.

The collecting duct is a highly adaptive terminal part of the nephron, which is essential for maintaining systemic homeostasis. Principal and intercalated cells perform different physiological tasks and exhibit distinctive morphology. However, acid-secreting A- and base secreting B-type of intercalated cells cannot be easily separated in functional studies. We used BCECF-sensitive intracellular pH (pHi ) measurements in split-opened collecting ducts followed by immunofluorescent microscopy in WT and intercalated cell-specific ClC-K2-/- mice to demonstrate that ClC-K2 inhibition enables to distinguish signals from A- and B-intercalated cells. We show that ClC-K2 Cl- channel is expressed on the basolateral side of intercalated cells, where it governs Cl- -dependent H+ /HCO3- transport. ClC-K2 blocker, NPPB, caused acidification or alkalization in different subpopulations of intercalated cells in WT but not ClC-K2-/- mice. Immunofluorescent assessment of the same collecting ducts revealed that NPPB increased pHi in AE1-positive A-type and decreased pHi in pendrin-positive B-type of intercalated cells. Induction of metabolic acidosis led to a significantly augmented abundance and H+ secretion in A-type and decreased proton transport in B-type of intercalated cells, whereas metabolic alkalosis caused the opposite changes in intercalated cell function, but did not substantially change their relative abundance. Overall, we show that inhibition of ClC-K2 can be employed to discriminate between A- and B-type of intercalated cells in split-opened collecting duct preparations. We further demonstrate that this method can be used to independently monitor changes in the functional status and abundance of A- and B-type in response to systemic acid/base stimuli.

Personalizing Deep Brain Stimulation Using Advanced Imaging Sequences.

With a growing appreciation for interindividual anatomical variability and patient-specific brain connectivity, advanced imaging sequences offer the opportunity to directly visualize anatomical targets for deep brain stimulation (DBS). The lack of quantitative evidence demonstrating their clinical utility, however, has hindered their broad implementation in clinical practice. Using fast gray matter acquisition T1 inversion recovery (FGATIR) sequences, the present study identified a thalamic hypointensity that holds promise as a visual marker in DBS. To validate the clinical utility of the identified hypointensity, we retrospectively analyzed 65 patients (26 female, mean age=69.1 ± 12.7 years) who underwent DBS in the treatment of essential tremor. We characterized its neuroanatomical substrates and evaluated the hypointensity's ability to predict clinical outcome using stimulation volume modeling and voxelwise mapping. Finally, we determined whether the hypointensity marker could predict symptom improvement on a patient-specific level. Anatomical characterization suggested that the identified hypointensity constituted the terminal part of the dentatorubrothalamic tract. Overlap between DBS stimulation volumes and the hypointensity in standard space significantly correlated with tremor improvement (R2 =0.16, p=0.017) and distance to hotspots previously reported in the literature (R2 =0.49, p=7.9e-4). In contrast, the amount of variance explained by other anatomical atlas structures was reduced. When accounting for interindividual neuroanatomical variability, the predictive power of the hypointensity increased further (R2 =0.37, p=0.002). Our findings introduce and validate a novel imaging-based marker attainable from FGATIR sequences that has the potential to personalize and inform targeting and programming in DBS for essential tremor. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:613-628.

Surface functionalization strategy to enhance the antibacterial effect of nisin Z peptide

One of the main challenges when building antibacterial surfaces with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is to preserve their antimicrobial activity after stable immobilization of the peptides. Among all parameters, order/conformation of self-assembled monolayers, used as spacer, is one the most important. Herein we report the covalent immobilization of the nisin Z peptide on a gold surface functionalized with a self-assembled monolayer of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) alone or mixed with 6-mercaptohexanol, used as a spacer. The MUA acid is activated by treatment with carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimidine and then reacts with nisin Z to form amide bonds via the N terminal part of the peptide. We have characterized each step of the surface modification using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FTIR-ATR spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. The combined results show the success of each functionalization step. Additionally, SFG brings information on the orientation and conformational ordering of the self-assembled monolayers. Indeed, a better order of MUA25 layers compared to MUA was observed due to the spacing of carboxylic acid groups. The antibacterial activity of the immobilized AMPs against Staphylococcus aureus is evaluated using confocal microscopy and bacterial counting: it increases with a better order of the SAMs rather than a greater peptide concentration. This study provides fundamental insights on how to engineer AMPs and substrate to produce efficient biocidal surfaces.

The Thickness of Talus Deposits in the Periglacial Area of SW Spitsbergen (Fugleberget Mountainside) in the Light of Slope Development Theories

Periglacial slopes are susceptible to recent climate change. The rate of morphogenetic processes depends on numerous factors. The most important of these is the warming of the air and ground, increased precipitation (extreme rainfall in particular), and the rate of snow cover decay. The dynamics of these processes may effectively modify contemporary slope development models. The paper shows the structure of selected talus slopes on a Fugleberget mountainside, based on field observations and radar (GPR) soundings. The results are then compared to classical slope models. The radar survey in April and May 2014 used a RAMAC CU II Malå GeoScience system equipped with a 30 MHz RTA antenna (Rough Terrain Antenna). Five GPR profiles of different lengths were obtained along the talus axes, transversally on Fugleberget and partly on the Hansbreen lateral moraine. According to the radar soundings, the maximum thickness of the debris deposits is 25–30 m. The thickness of the weathered material increases towards the talus cone’s terminal part, and debris deposits overlap marine sediments. The talus slopes’ morphometry shows that their current forms differ from standard slope models, which may be due to the significant acceleration of geomorphic processes resulting from climate change, including rapid warming in the last four decades.

Kinematics of an Alpine rock glacier from multi-temporal UAV surveys and GNSS data

The quantification of rock glacier dynamics has gained increasing importance in recent years. In this study, the spatial and temporal flow patterns of perennially frozen debris in the active Gran Sometta rock glacier (Western Italian Alps) were investigated with repeated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) surveys (2016–2019), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) campaigns (2012−2020), geophysical prospections (2015) and ground surface temperature data (2014–2020).UAV data were used to generate maps of changes and elevation differences of the rock glacier surface by 3D point cloud comparison to evaluate surface lowering and accumulation processes. Horizontal velocities were quantified by an automatic image correlation technique and the results were then compared with horizontal surface velocities from GNSS measurements on selected points. The horizontal velocities estimated with the automatic method agree well with the GNSS velocities with an R2 = 0.99 and a RMSE lower than 0.07 m/y.Point cloud comparisons show surface lowering in the orographic left-hand side of the terminal part and in the central body of the rock glacier. The upper part exhibits almost absence of subsidence and any movement. This is explained by the lack of permafrost in this sector due to its overriding by the development of a small glacier during the Little Ice Age. As a result of the downslope movement, zones of surface rising occurred at the advancing front and at the moving ridge and furrow complexes. Surface velocity decreases from the orographic left to the right-hand side of the rock glacier tongue, where a thaw subsidence of up to 0.05 m/y was also observed. According to the GNSS measurements, the range of flow velocity of the rock glacier increased from 0.17–1.1 m/y in 2013 to 0.21–1.45 m/y in 2015 and then decreased until 2018 when the smallest surface velocity is detected. Since 2018, the creep velocities gradually started to increase again reaching values of 0.23 m/y up to a maximum of 1.9 m/y in the orographic left-hand side of the rock glacier tongue. This agrees with observations from other rock glaciers in the European Alps in recent decades.The complex Gran Sometta rock glacier dynamics can be explained by the heterogeneous distribution of permafrost and related subsurface perennially frozen ground which is thick enough (about 20–30 m) for permafrost creep to occur. Creep rates of the rock glacier permafrost depend also on the ground thermal regime: annual warmer surface conditions promote an acceleration of the creep rates within the rock glacier permafrost, whereas ground surface cooling causes a slight deceleration.

Tolerance Of Dosed Physical Loads In The Rehabilitation Of Patients With A Recent Experience Of Myocardial Infarction Or Unstable Angina

The study of reaction to dosed physical load of patient with recent experience of myocardial infarction or unstable angina to assess objectively physical condition and performance, to appoint an adequate individual program of physical rehabilitation and to optimize the effectiveness of the sanatorium stage of rehabilitation of this category of patients. Design: Study and observational analysis. Parameter: The subsidiary«Sanatorium-resort rehabilitation center «Slaviansk resort», the sanatorium «Yubileiny», Ukraine. Participants: Patients with recent experience of myocardial infarction or unstable angina who arrived at the sanatorium stage of rehabilitation from cardiological hospitals of Donetsk and Lugansk regions (Ukraine). Intervention: Non-invasive treatment (i.e., therapeutic exercise). Results: 3530 patients who arrived at the sanatorium stage of rehabilitation from cardiological hospitals of Donetsk and Lugansk regions (Ukraine) on 29,4 ±2,4 day of illness were examined. Men accounted for 64%, women-36%. The average age of the patients was 54,4 ±1,8 years old. 1127 people (31,93%) had a Q-positive myocardial infarction (MI), 388 people (10,99%)-a Q-negative, 2015 people (57,08 %)-an unstable angina. When studying the tolerance to dosed physical activity, threshold or inadequate reactions were observed in 144 patients (12.78%) who had Q-positive myocardial infarction, 13 patients (3.35%) who had Q-negative myocardial infarction and 89 patients (4.42%) who had unstable angina. Threshold or inadequate responses in patients with recent experience of Q-positive myocardial infarction were recorded 3-4 times more often. The electrocardiographic examination revealed most often changes in the terminal part of the ventricular complex in the form of inversion or reversal of T waves, to a greater extent in patients who had Q-positive myocardial infarction. Conclusion: It was found during study that patients with recent experience of Q-positive myocardial infarction master less physical activity at the sanatorium stage of rehabilitation than patients of other groups. Our study has shown that an insufficient level of physical activity does not give an optimal effect in increasing the functional reserves of the cardiovascular system and the body, and insufficient control of an increase in the level of physical activity is fraught with negative consequences. Careful selection of optimal physical activity for this category of patients allowed to prescribe adequate physical activity to patients and avoid possible complications.