Magnetocaloric Effect, Structure, Spinodal Decomposition and Phase Transformations Heusler Alloy Ni-Mn-In.

Ni46Mn41In13 (close to 2-1-1 system) Heusler alloy was studied by magnetization measurement dependence on the temperature in magnetic fields of up to 13.5 T. The magnetocaloric effect measured by the direct method in quasi-adiabatic conditions showed a maximum value of ∆Tad = -4.2 K at a temperature T = 212 K in a magnetic field of 10 T in the region of martensitic transformation. The structure of the alloy was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as a function of the temperature and the thickness of the sample foil. In the temperature range from 353 to 215 K, at least two processes were established. The results of the study indicate that the concentration stratification occurs according to the mechanism of spinodal decomposition (conditionally spinodal decomposition) into nanoscale regions. At a temperature of 215 K and lower, martensitic phase with 14 M modulation is observed in the alloy at thicknesses greater than 50 nm. Some austenite is also observed. In foils with thickness of less than 50 nm in a temperature range from 353 to 100 Km only the initial austenite, which has not transformed, was found.

[Impact of kidney biopsy on the management of patients in the rheumatology department: retrospective study].

BACKGROUND: Kidney involvement is a common manifestation of the systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Kidney biopsy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of kidney diseases, however this method has not yet become the standard-of-care in rheumatology practice. AIM: To assess the diagnostic value of kidney biopsy in the management of patients of the rheumatology department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective observational study we analyzed the medical documentation including kidney morphology findings in the patients of the Department of Rheumatology at Tareev Clinic of Internal Diseases. All patients included in the research had signs of kidney involvement and had undergone needle biopsy of the kidney or re-evaluation of the kidney tissue received previously. RESULTS: From June 2016 to October 2021, 3110 patients were admitted to the rheumatology department. Among them 63 (2%) underwent kidney biopsy and were included in the study. Twenty (32%) were male. Mean age was 42.513.9 years. The most common preliminary diagnoses before kidney biopsy were ANCA-associated vasculitis (n=17), systemic lupus erythematosus (n=12), and AA-amyloidosis associated with inflammatory joint diseases (n=7). In 14 (27%) patients diagnosis was unspecified at the time of biopsy. Among 49 patients with established preliminary diagnosis morphological findings were in line 38 (78%) with the pre-liminary diagnosis. However, in 11 (22%) patients morphological findings resulted in the change of the diagnosis. In all 14 patients with unspecified condition kidney biopsy helped to establish clinical diagnosis. Ultrasound evaluation demonstrated hematoma formation in 18 (31%) patients, and among them two required blood component transfusions. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates significant value and safety of kidney biopsy in the patients with autoimmune rheumatic conditions. We suggest that kidney biopsy should be implemented in the management of this category of patients.

1H NMR in a quasi-one-dimensional zig-zag spin chain of hambergite, Be2BO3(OH).

One-dimensional spin chains are important testbeds for the investigation of quantum many-body systems. Here, we introduce a new quasi-one-dimensional chain of spin-1/2 1H nuclei in hambergite (Be2BO3(OH)) crystal. The distinctive feature of hambergite is the zig-zag arrangement of the spins in the chains compared to the systems reported earlier. A single crystal of hambergite was investigated experimentally using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance at different orientations in the external magnetic field. The experimental spectra were compared with the Van Vleck's second moments calculated from the structural data. For the orientation of the chain along the external magnetic field the resonance resembles that of the linear spin chains and the calculated contributions to the second moment from spins within one chain of hambergite amount to 96%. For other orientations the spectra demonstrate features specific to the zig-zag chain. Our results show that 1H nuclei in hambergite crystals could serve a good model of a well-isolated zig-zag spin chain.

[Diagnostic accuracy of predictive indexes of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C].

AIM: Assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of predictive indexes of liver fibrosis for the identification of severe fibrosis and cirrhosis (F3F4) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective design study included 127 patients with chronic hepatitis C (mean age 44.511.1 years). To assess the degree of liver fibrosis, all patients underwent transient elastography using a Fibroscan (EchoSens, France) and predictive indexes of liver fibrosis were calculated (APRI, FIB-4, discriminant Bonacini score). Transient elastography was considered as a reference method for assessing the degree of liver fibrosis for subsequent comparison of results with predictive fibrosis indixes. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the APRI index for the identification of severe fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver (F3F4) was 79%, and specificity was 69%. The FIB-4 index showed greater specificity (86%), but less sensitivity (68%). The sensitivity of the discriminant Bonacini scale was 81%, and the specificity was 77%. The positive predictive value of the APRI index, FIB-4 and the Bonacini scale for the identification of severe fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver (F3F4) in patients with chronic hepatitis C was 66; 78 and 72% respectively, and negative predictive value 82; 78 and 84% respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate the relatively high diagnostic accuracy of a number of predictive indexes for evaluating liver fibrosis (APRI, FIB-4, discriminant Bonachini scale) in identifying severe fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver (F3F4) in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

[Perthes disease: immunological aspects.]

The values of cellular, humoral immunity, cytokine status, those of phagocytic activity of neutrophils (PAN) have been studied in patients with Perthes disease II and III Stages. Considering a stage of the pathological process patients (boys at the age of 8-12 years) were divided into two (2) groups. Group I included 14 patients with the fragmentation stage (Perthes disease Stage II). Group 2 include d 15 children with Perthes disease Stage III (the stage of re-ossification). Perthes disease regardless of the stage of the disease was characterized by the increase in oxygendependent and lysosomal phagocytic activity of neutrophils, the increase in the number of early extracellular traps, as well as by increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and TNFa), IgЕ, decreased concentrations of IL-18. The fragmentation stage was characterized by moderate activation of cellular immunity with a prevailing increase in the number of T-lymphocytes with early activation markers (CD25). At the re-ossification stage the predominance of T-lymphocytes was observed with late activation markers (HLADR), being accompanied by moderate activation of humoral immunity (increased concentrations of class A and G serum immunoglobulins). The obtained data can be used as additional criteria for clarifying Perthes disease stage, predicting osteonecrosis development when making decision of the feasibility of performing reconstructive surgeries on the joint.

[Oxygen-dependent mechanisms and oxidative stress in children for femoral head osteochondropathy.]

Degenerative-dystrophic processes in the articular tissues are accompanied by the changes in the values of congenital immunity, being a result of immune responses to aseptic inflammation. The purpose of this study - to investigate the oxygen-dependent mechanisms of neutrophil phagocytic activity (NBT-test, myeloperoxidase activity), the biochemical values of lipid peroxidation, the oxidative modification of proteins and the activity of enzyme antioxidant protection in children (at the age of 12-16 years) with osteochondropathy of the femoral head.The increase in spontaneous NBT-test and myeloperoxidase content in neutrophils, the decrease in NBT stimulation index, as well as the statistically significant increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase, the main producer of hydroperoxide, was revealed in the group examined. At the same time, no increase in catalase activity and in the content of lipoperoxidation products was observed, however, redistribution of the products of oxidative modification of proteins with ketone predominance was found. In case of osteochondropathy development in children the activation of the oxygendependent mechanisms of neutrophil phagocytic activity is observed, as well as the increase in the number of the secondary products of protein peroxidation - ketones. An increase in SOD activity, with a simultaneous and significant decrease in catalase activity evidence of accumulation of hydroperoxide causing neutrophil activation and chemotaxis. The study data can be used for predicting osteonecrosis development as additional criteria when decision-making of the advisability of performing reconstructive surgeries of the joint.

Lipid Fatty Acids from the Pericarp of Cydonia oblonga Mill. and Mespilus germanica L. are Involved in Plant Adaptation to Altitudinal Zonality.

The composition of fatty acids of total lipids of the outer and parenchymal parts of the pericarp in Cydonia oblonga Mill. and Mespilus germanica L. (Maloideae, Rosaceae), growing in the Northern Caucasian mountains at altitudes of 300, 500, 700, and 1200 m above sea level in various natural zones from experimental sites, was studied for the first time. It is established that the altitude of plant growth is largely correlated with the changes in the FA composition of the outer, but not the parenchymal, part of the pericarp. The nature of this variability suggests that the adaptation of plants to the conditions of significant temperature differences in the mountains is associated with the regulation of cell membrane fluidity, based on the interaction of opposite processes of synthesis of polyunsaturated and very-long-chain fatty acids.

[Lymphangioma of the penis].

Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a rare, benign condition, predominantly characterized by the malformation of lymphatic skin vessels. The most common sites include the oral mucosa, tongue, skin of the extremities and torso. Lymphangioma of the penis is rare disease. In the paper a clinical case of cystic lymphangioma of the penis, which was initially diagnosed as herpes and human papillomavirus infection, is described. Early diagnosis of skin tumors of anogenital area allows to prescribe a timely therapy. After the CO2-laser vaporization there was no recurrence during the 6-month follow-up period.

[Kidney injury molecules (KIM-1, MCP-1) and type IV collagen in the assessment of activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis]. / Molekuly povrezhdeniia pochechnoi tkani (KIM-1, MCP-1) i kollagen IV tipa v otsenke aktivnosti assotsiirovannogo s antineitrofil'nymi tsitoplazmaticheskimi antitelami glomerulonefrita.

AIM: To assess the significance of determining the serum and urinary concentrations of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and type IV collagen in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) to estimate the activity of renal involvement in AAV. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 78 patients (32 men and 46 women) (median age 55 (45; 61) years) with AAV were examined. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the AAV activity estimated using the Birmingham vasculitis activity Score (BVAS): 1) 25 patients with active ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis (GN); 2) 26 patients with active AAV without renal involvement; 3) 27 patients in sustained AAV remission. The serum and urinary concentrations of the markers were measured by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: The urinary concentration of all 3 biomarkers was higher in patients with renal involvement (Group 1); the differences in the levels of MCP-1 and type IV collagen were statistically significant as compared to Groups 2 and 3 (p<0.01), while that in KIM-1 level was only in Group 2. There were statistically significant correlations between the urinary concentration of these biomarkers and the traditional GN activity indices (erythrocyturia, daily proteinuria (DPU), total BVAS scores that reflect renal involvement, as well as serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the urinary MCP-1 excretion of ≥159 pg/ml had the highest (92%) sensitivity and urinary type IV collagen excretion of ≥3.09 µg/l had the highest (86%) specificity in assessing the activity of ANCA-associated GN. At the same time, their diagnostic value increased in terms of a combination of DPU and ESR (96% sensitivity, 84.9% specificity). CONCLUSION: The urinary excretion of MCP-1, KIM-1, and type IV collagen reflects the severity of local renal inflammation in AAV patients and a study of these indicators is a promising diagnostic tool for assessing the activity of ANCA-associated GN.

[The indicators of immunity in patients with aseptic instability of knee joint].

The examination was applied to sampling of 17 patients with stable implants after 18-36 months after endoprosthesis replacement of knee joint and to sampling of 17 patients with developed within this time-frame aseptic instability of endoprosthesis within the same time-frame. The typing of lymphocytes of peripheral blood was implemented using laser flow cytometry. The detection of immunoglobulins, cytokines, circulating immune complexes was made applying the technique of enzymoimmunoassay. In case of development of aseptic instability the signs testifying moderate activation of immune system and starting dysfunction of monocyte macrophage component of immune system. At that, IL-6, TNFα, CD14+HLA-DR provided the most complete information on the side of diagnostic of developing aseptic instability of joint.

[Neurotoxic the effects of chemotherapy on the function of the central nervous system in children with lymphoid tumors].

INTRODUCTION: In children with lymphoid tumors (LT) chemotherapy is the main treatment. It is known, that many chemotherapy drugs have toxic effects on the central nervous system and is a factor, that leads to significant cognitive impairment. Purpose: Search of neurophysiological, neurochemical, and psychological correlates of neurotoxicity in children with LT when programmed therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 39 children (4-16 years) with LT, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) - 25, with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) - 14 who were treated according to the scheme m-BFM-90: for patients with ALL (mALL-BFM -90) and the NHL (mNHL - BFM-90). Investigated the EEG, REG, ECHO EG. In 12 children with LT in blood serum levels of middle molecules (MM) - indicator of general toxicity, N-acetylneuraminic acid (N-ANA) - indicator of neurotoxicity, malondialdehyde (MDA) - lipid peroxidation, tocopherol, retinol - indicators of antioxidant protection, level of catalase - as free radical oxida- lion; vanilmindalic acid levels (VMA) - as indicator of the state catecholaminergic system. Studies were performed before treatment, after induction of remission, after M-protocol, after the end of chemotherapy. In 23 children (11-16 years) with LT during chemotherapy, performed a comparison of EEG and the level of anxiety (Ch.D.Spilberger), <> (Thomas-Kilman). Control group - healthy children of the same age. RESULTS: The main results obtained in the present study were that 1) Prior to initiation of treatment of children with LT had a EEG changes, indicating certain dysfunction of diencephalic structures of the brain, and probably due to metabolic disorders that affect the neurotransmitter metabolism. 2) Toxic effects of chemotherapy on the CNS program was shown on a range of indicators: according to EEC-increasing values of relative power in the band δ- and Θ-frequency range, lower α-activity, increase of relative power in the band betal,2; according to REG-hemodynamic compromise; increasing levels of neurochemical indicators N-ANA and the VMA. This was accompanied by behavior strategies <> and <>, are not peculiar to healthy peers. Identified individual predictors of neurotoxicity in the software of chemotherapy in children with LT.

[Severe adverse events from treatment with genetically engineered biological agents in patients with rheumatic diseases].

AIM: To assess the risk of severe adverse events (AEs) within 6 months after treatment with biological agents in patients with rheumatic diseases (RD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The 6-month open-label trial included 107 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other RDs who received genetically engineered biological agents (GEBAs), primarily rituximab (n = 66) and infliximab (n = 31). RESULTS: The majority of patients were noted to have improvements, including complete and partial remission in 62 (57.9%) and 42 (39.3%), respectively. There were mild or moderate AEs in 22 (20.6%) of the 107 patients, severe AEs in 6 (5.6%): grade IV neutropenia in 2 patients (after the use of rituximab), severe infusion reactions in 2 (after the administration of infliximab and rituximab), and systemic infections in 2 (fatal nocardial sepsis after rituximab treatment and unspecified sepsis after infliximab treatment). CONCLUSION: The rate of serious AEs, mainly infusion AEs and infections during treatment with infliximab, rituximab, and other GEBAs proved to be relatively low in patients with different RDs. At the same time, the use of biological agents could lower RD activity in the presence of severe visceral injuries refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy.

[Hygienic substantiation of rational nutrition for grammar schoolchildren].

The article presents the results of a study of factual nutrition and nutritional status of schoolchildren and grammar schoolchildren. The data obtained indicate that the nutrition of pupils is irrational and inadequate and does not satisfy the needs of the body of the grammar-schoolchildren in nutrients, which leads to a decrease in the level of efficiency, adaptive reserve capacity of the body and the low supply of vitamin B2, A, E, compared with schoolchildren.

[Study of functional parameters of prosthetic cardiac valves]. / Issledovaniia funktsional'nykh kharakteristik iskusstvennykh klapanov serdtsa.

A set of methods is offered, which enables to examine, with more details, the functional characteristics of the valves and to analyze them comparatively. The thus obtained functional characteristics make it possible to compare the valves and to select the best one prior to implantation. The results of a clinical study of the functioning of a valve, implanted by a new method involving a high-sensitivity solid sensor, are described.

[Experimental study of the hydrodynamics of modern artificial heart valves]. / Eksperimental'noe issledovanie gidrodinamiki sovremennykh iskusstvennykh klapanov serdtsa.

The paper presents the results of experimental studies of the hydrodynamics of currently available artificial cardiac valves (ACV). Photo chromatographic visualization was used to study the hydrodynamics of ACV. The hydrodynamic characteristics of a MIX discal valve (Russia) and a St. Jude two-leaflet one (USA), which have been clinically applied for more than 15 years, are presented.

[Psychological features of patients with bronchial asthma during long-term basic therapy at the "Asthma School"]. / O psikhologicheskikh osobennostiakh bol'nykh bronkhial'noi astmoi vo vremia dlitel'noi bazisnoi terapii i zaniatii v "Astma-shkole".

AIM: To evaluate changes in psychological status of bronchial asthma (BA) patients in the course of the basic treatment (BT) and attending "Asthma-school". MATERIALS AND METHODS: 107 patients with BA were observed for 2 years. 26 of them had BA stage II (group 1), 54 had stage III (group 2) and stage IV was in 27 patients (group 3). The criteria of PQBI (personal questionnaire of the Bekhterev Institute) and MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) were used. Also, clinical symptoms and external respiration (ER) were studied. RESULTS: 2 years of treatment led to a decline in clinical symptoms (p < 0.001) and ER (p < 0.05) in patients of groups 1 and 2. Their attitude to the disease and treatment has also improved in many cases (p < 0.05). In all the groups the number of patients with neurotic reaction decreased (p < 0.05). In group 3, more patients had sensitive and egocentric reactions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BT and studies in "Asthma-school" brought about harmonic changes in personality and attenuation of neurotic disorders without application of routine psychotherapeutic methods.

[Long-term therapy of bronchial asthma with ingacort]. / Resul'taty dlitel'nogo lecheniia ingakortom bol'nykh bronkhial'noi astmoi.

68 patients with bronchial asthma (BA) were followed up for 2 years. 11 of them suffered from BA stage III (group 1), 27 patients had BA stage IV (group 2). All the patients were administered ingacort as a basic medicine in daily dose 1000-2000 micrograms/day. Before ingacort treatment, patients of group 2 received prednisolone in daily dose 5-40 mg for 2-20 years. As a result of the treatment with ingacort group 1 and group 2 patients improved to stage II and III, respectively. The cost of the treatment was reduced 3.6-fold.

[Results of neuroleukemia prevention in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]. / Rezul'taty profilaktiki neiroleikoza u detei s ostrym limfoblastnym leikozom.

The follow-up of 318 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia given program therapy that included different treatments including chemo- and radioprevention of neuroleukemia demonstrated the high efficacy of the measures carried out, which reduced the incidence of neuroleukemia to 5.6%. No gross changes on the part of the neuropsychic status were revealed in the course of the follow-up of children who received the combined prophylaxis of neuroleukemia. The derangement of the CNS was recorded in 17 patients and ran its course in the form of leukemic meningitis and meningoencephalitis.

[Bioelectric activity of the brain of children with long-term remission of acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving chemoradiation prevention of neuroleukemia]. / Bioélektricheskaia aktivnost' golovnogo mozga u detei s dlitel'noi remissiei ostrogo limfoblastnogo leikoza, poluchivshikh khimioluchevuiu profilaktiku neiroleikoza.

Investigation of the bioelectrical activity of the brain (EEG, echoEG) in 60 patients aged 8 to 20 years with a long relapse-free course of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (6-10 years) made it possible to distinguish 3 groups of patients in accordance with the changes seen on the EEG. A reverse relationship was noted between the characteristics of the leukemic process during disease diagnosis and neurophysiological disorders after intensive therapy including chemoradiation prophylaxis of neuroleukemia. It is recommended that the dose of radiation of the brain of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia may be reduced, if there are no risk factors of the development of disease relapses.