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Abstract Background and objectives :The hypothesis of the study was the assumption that the serum levels of soluble ST2 (sST2) and growth differentiation factor (GDF-15) can be predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in long-term period after primary radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA). Methods Of the 165 patients included in the prospective follow-up, the final analysis included 131 patients whose follow-up duration reached 18 months after the end of the blanking period (3 months after RFA). The median age of patients was 59.0 (50.0; 64.0) years, and 80 (61%) were men. Paroxysmal AF was present in 103 (79%) and persistent AF in 28 (21%) patients. All patients underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, and electroanatomic mapping was used to assess the area of low-voltage zones (LVZ). sST2 and GDF-15 levels were determined by ELISA using GDF-15/MIC-1 analytical kits (BioVender, Czech Republic) and Presage ST2 (Critical Diagnostics, USA) before RFA. After RFA, patients had regular follow-up visits at 3-6-9-12-18 months with 12-lead ECG or Holter ECG monitoring and with clinical evaluation. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of the first symptomatic AF recurrence (AFr) lasting > 30 s, recorded on an ECG or during daily ECG monitoring, after a blanking period. Results At the 18-month follow-up, 47 patients (35.9%) had AFr. The groups with and without AFr didn`t differ in the LVZ area. The medians of NT-proBNP, GDF-15 and sST2 also didn`t differ significantly between the groups, but in patients with AFr, the proportion of those with sST2 ≥ 36 ng/ml (the border of the lower and middle terziles) was higher (p = 0.03). According to the one-factor Cox regression analysis, AFr were associated with four factors: AF history ≥ 1 year, early AFr (during the blanking period), left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV)

The work is devoted to method and algorithm for calculating lung ventilation and perfusion based on electrical impedance tomography, which consists in isolating the ventilation or perfusion component of the voltage change on the surface of the chest cavity by filtering, followed by calculating a impedance integral parameter and average value of the voltage change, the law of change of which has a high correlation with lung ventilation. Main approaches to filtering discrete signals, which are measurement data in the calculation of ventilation and lung perfusion based on EIT during mechanical ventilation, namely polynomial filters, a simple Fourier filter and a filter based on discrete wavelet transformation, have been identified and investigated. A block diagram of an algorithm for implementing a simple Fourier filter has been developed.

Pathological resorption is diagnosed quite often in the treatment of periodontitis and is considered a prognostic adverse symptom. Increasing the effectiveness of the therapeutic treatment of destructive periodontitis is associated with the development of methods of instrumental and drug effects on root canals and depends on the correct selection of endo-sealant to achieve the predicted result. The combined pathology of root resorption is no exception in the case of a correctly chosen treatment strategy. The article reports on the successful therapeutic treatment of a tooth with destructive periodontitis and combined root resorption. Radiographically proven that there is a complete recovery of periapical tissues. Long-term results indicate the effectiveness of the treatment.

Aim. To study morphology of external resorption of apical root area of teeth with destructive forms of apical periodontitis in the acute stage.Materials and methods. Microrelief of 10 previously untreated teeth with destructive forms of apical periodontitis in the acute stage was investigated. The material was taken at the moment of dental manipulation of tooth extraction after injecting anesthesia with 2% lidocaine solution or Septanest if indicated with the information consent of the patient.Results. Damaged cement of heterogeneous structure with areas of resorption alternating with areas of undamaged cement in the area of the root tips was found. The resorbed cement looks like large lacunae with clearly outlined ribs, filled with rounded cell clusters – cementocytes.Conclusions. Resorbed tooth root cement of heterogeneous structure with different area and degree of destruction depth was found in the places of periodontal absence. In some cases the resorption of the root cement partially affected the inner area of the apical orifice.

Plankton survey was conducted in the Chukchi Sea in August-September 2019 by two research vessels: RV Professor Levanidov in the western part of the sea and RV Ocean Starr in its eastern part. Parasagitta elegans dominated everywhere in zooplankton. Beside these arrowworms, species of the arctic and arctic-boreal complex were abundant in the northwestern Chukchi Sea, as Calanus glacialis and other species typical for the adjacent East-Siberian Sea. C. glacialis was numerous in the northeastern Chukchi Sea, too, together with species of the Arctic waters and the Beaufort Sea. The southern Chukchi Sea was occupied by the waters invaded from the Bering Sea, so species of the Bering Sea complex were abundant there, as Eucalanus bungii and Neocalanus plumchrus/flemingeri, at Alaska coast together with neritic species typical for the Alaska coastal water mass. The zooplankton community structure corresponded to the spring phase of seasonal succession in the northern area, whereas to the summer phase in the southern area. Total density of zooplankton was estimated as 65 t/km2 for the northwestern part of the sea, presented mostly by large-sized fraction (56 t/km2) including arrowworms (35 t/km2) and copepods (13 t/km2), and as 48 t/km2 for the southwestern part of the sea, also mostly large-sized fraction (40 t/km2). So high zooplankton density in the western Chukchi Sea is considered as result of the Bering Sea waters advection (previously such abundance was observed in 2008 — 40 and 36 t/km2, when the advection was also active). In the eastern Chukchi Sea, the total density of zooplankton was 44 t/km2 in the northeastern area (including 29 t/km2 of large-sized fraction) and 43 t/km2 in the southeastern area, that was higher than in 2017 (15 t/km2) but lower than in 2007 (49 t/km2). However, different phases of seasonal succession should be noted: summer season in 2019, spring season in 2017, and late-summer season in 2007.

Aim. To study the frequency of prescribing antithrombotic agents in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) in real clinical practice, to evaluate changes of prescriptions from 2012 till 2020.Material and methods. The medical records of inpatients (Form 003/y) with the diagnosis AF, hospitalized in the cardiological department were analyzed. According to the inclusion criteria, the patients were over 18 years of age, established diagnosis of non-valvular AF. There were two exclusion criteria: congenital and acquired valvular heart disease and prosthetic heart valves. In retrospective analysis we have included 263 case histories in 2012, 502 ones in 2016 and 524 in 2020. CHA2DS2-VASc score was used for individual stroke risk assessment in AF. The rational use of the antithrombotic therapy was evaluated according with current clinical practice guidelines at analyzing moment.Results. During period of observation the frequency of antiplatelet therapy significantly decreased from 25,5% to 5,5% (р

The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intraosseous injection in the treatment of patients with knee OA stages II-III. Methods: The multicenter randomized study involved 40 patients (27 women, 13 men, average age 67.07.8 years, BMI 32.74.8, duration of disease 17.33.7 months) with knee OA of stages II-III according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) classification. Patients of the main (BMAC group) group (n=19) underwent a single intraosseous injection of BMAC, in the comparison group (n = 21) a PRP injection (PRP group). The results were evaluated after 1, 3, 6, 12 months with the verbal rating scale (VRS), VAS, Leken and WOMAC scales. Results: Comparison of the results in the groups on the VRS showed that at an earlier time (3 and 6 months), the preferences of patients were in favor of the treatment of BMAC (65% and 55% positive reviews) before PRP (55% and 45% positive reviews), whereas after 12 months the differences were insignificant. Analysis of VAS indicators in patients of both groups indicated a more pronounced decrease in the severity of pain syndrome after BMAC intraosseous injection. The analysis of the Leken scale indicators showed in favor of BMAC throughout the entire observation period, the differences were most pronounced in the first 3 months of observation. The ratio of the values of the WOMAC index in both patients groups indicated statistically significant differences that persisted in all periods of follow-up, the increase in indicators occurred to a lesser extent after the introduction of BMAC compared with PRP. Conclusions: A single intraosseous BMAC injection has an advantage over a similar PRP injection in terms of pain, knee function and physical activity of patients at all follow-up periods. Both methods of treatment are equally safe.

Infectious process is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease. Prescription of antibacterial drugs should take into account the pharmacokinetic parameters of the medicine and the individual characteristics of the patient. Adequate antibiotic dosing is crucial for positive treatment outcome and minimisation of side effects. The aim of the study was to analyse scientific literature on factors affecting the dosing of antibacterials in patients with chronic kidney disease. Since most antibacterial medicines are eliminated by the kidneys, a decrease in glomerular filtration rate or kidney function should be followed by the dose adjustment in order to prevent the medicine accumulation and reduce the risk of side effects. Antibiotic dosing in such patients should be accompanied by kidney function assessment and be adjusted to ensure effective and safe treatment, as well as prevention of bacterial resistance. The review provides data on the dosing of some antibiotic groups (beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones) at different creatinine clearance rates. Extrarenal excretion of medicines does not usually require the dose adjustment in patients with chronic kidney disease.

To compare trophic characteristics for pelagic and benthic communities of zooplankton and zoobenthos in the Chukchi Sea, isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen (δ15N and δ13С) was measured in two different water masses: i) the Bering Sea water with relatively high δ13С and low δ15N values that occupied the southern part of the sea (south of 71о N), and ii) the cold Arctic water prevailed in its northern part were δ13С value was considerably lower and δ15N value was higher in 1–3 %. Stable difference in the isotopic composition of carbon is found between zooplankton and benthic invertebrates in the southern Chukchi Sea that means that benthic organisms base mainly on the benthic trophic chain and role of organic matter from the upper layer is not significant. About 90 % of the studied species of benthic fish are locked into the benthic trophic web there. In the northern Chukchi Sea, the benthic community consumes mainly the suspended organic matter produced in the water column, with prevalence of ice algae. All samples of benthic fish collected in this area have minimum content of heavy carbon δ13С with the values comparable to pelagic fish that indicates the main role of pelagic objects (60–80 %) in their feeding. The δ15N value reflects predatory habits of the animals. These values vary over a wide range both in the southern and northern areas that corresponds to the diet of the first, second or third order consumers.

Data on feeding of fish are presented collected in the western Chukchi Sea aboard RV «Professor Levanidov» and in the eastern Chukchi Sea aboard RV «Ocean Starr» in August-September, 2019. The feeding was different by areas of the sea and reflected regional features of food base. Copepods and euphausiids were the main components of the diet, though their ratio varied. In the western Chukchi Sea, arctic cod and walleye pollock (40–70 cm) were the main consumers of food resources and consumed on average 3.85 and 8.38 t/km2 per day, respectively. The diet of walleye pollock included fish (4.05 t/km2 . day) and zooplankton (3.01 t/km2 . day, mostly euphausiids — 2.60 t/km2 . day). Arctic cod consumed predominantly zooplankton (3.00 t/km2 . day, mostly copepods — 1.27 t/km2 . day, but also small- and medium-sized species). The total stock of net zooplankton (55.2 t/km2 ) exceeded in 7 times daily consumption of zooplankton. Coelenterates, arrowworms, other plankton species, benthic species, and small-sized nekton were consumed by fish poorly. Daily food ration of arctic cod and walleye pollock was estimated as 7.4–9.4 % and 3.4–4.7 % of their body weight, respectively, so the food supply of these species in the western Chukchi Sea was quite sufficient in 2019. In the eastern Chukchi Sea, the diet of juveniles of walleye pollock, sand lance and arctic cod included mainly copepods (50.5 %), euphausiids (12.0 %) and oikopleura (17.0 %). Ratio of zooplankton stock to daily consumption was twice higher in the southern part of the eastern Chukchi Sea than in its northern part. The consumption was also higher in the southern area where the index of stomach fullness reached 114.8 ‱ for pollock juveniles and 262.0 ‱ for sand lance juveniles, whereas it was 87 ‱ for juvenile arctic cod and 47 ‱ for juvenile sand lance in the northern area.

Zooplankton was sampled from the epipelagic layer (0–200 m) in the Bering Sea using Jedae net (mouth 0.1 m2, mesh size 0.168 mm) in 1986–2018. Arrowworms were the most numerous predators, represented with 3 species: Parasagitta elegans, Eukrohnia hamata, and Pseudosagitta maxima. Their summary biomass was 215.7 mg/m3, on average (26.3 % of the total zooplankton biomass), and varied seasonally from 105.9 mg/m3 in winter to 311.8 mg/m3 in autumn. Parasagitta elegans dominated absolutely (> 99 % WW). Mean stock of this species was 64.36. 106 t; its seasonal yield was estimated as 22.1. 106 t in winter, 78.5. 106 t in spring, 191.9. 106 t in summer, and 130.3. 106 t in autumn, so its mean production was 422.8. 106 t WW per year.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is severe and fatal complication of anticoagulant therapy with an incidence 0.3-0.7% per year. For patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) anticoagulants are administered for decreasing risk of stroke and systemic embolism. In this case the occurrence of intracranial bleeding is hard task for doctor. From the one side it is necessary to reverse the action of the drug for preventing the growth of hematoma. At the same time the discontinuation of therapy increases the risk of systemic embolism for patients with AF significantly. Clinical guidelines and studies have been reviewed about ICH during anticoagulant therapy. Nowadays there is no quality evidence about reversal of anticoagulant effects after ICH and optimal time of resumption of anticoagulant therapy. Firstly, we do not have large randomized controlled trials on this issue. The majority of clinical guidelines were based on retrospective studies and opinions of experts. Soon several randomized controlled trials will be finished and new data will be presented.

The development of a "cytokine storm", characteristic of severe COVID-19 forms, can be defined as a state of uncontrolled release of a large number of inflammatory mediators.The attachment of SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is considered a process that triggers complex molecular interactions that lead to hyperinflammation. In its turn, it is realized through several systems: renin-angiotensin-aldosterone, kallikrein-kinin and a complement system. Knowledge of these mechanisms suggests potential therapeutic interventions that can be targeted by existing therapeutic agents to counter the cytokine storm and treat the acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with COVID-19.The aim of the review article is to summarize the currently known data on the molecular processes underlying the uncontrolled "cytokine storm" in the patients with severe COVID-19, and possible options for their pharmacological correction.Materials and methods. The data base was represented by such systems as Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Elibrary, Google-Academy. A search was carried out for the following keywords and combinations: COVID-19, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, bradykinin, complement system, hyaluronic acid, pharmacotherapy.Results. The development of a "cytokine storm" in COVID-19 is mediated by pathogenetic changes in the body in response to the penetration of SARS-CoV-2 into the cell. In the RAAS, suppression of ACE2 leads to a decrease in its ability to degrade ATII, which, on the one hand, leads to a decrease in the amount of AT1-7, and, on the other hand, to the effect of ATII on AT1R with the subsequent development of vasoconstriction and lung damage. The disturbances in the kallikrein-kinin system are associated, on the one hand, with the increased expression of kallikrein and an increase in the formation of bradykinin and its metabolite des-Arg 9-bradykinin. On the other hand, the disturbances are associated with the suppression of the expression of the C1-esterase inhibitor which prevents the formation of kallikrein, and impaired inactivation of des-Arg 9-bradykinin under the action of ACE 2. The nucleocapsid protein SARS-CoV-2 triggers the activation of the complement system through the lectin pathway. It leads to the production of anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a, which stimulate the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Proinflammatory cytokines are potent inducers of the HAS 2 gene in the endothelium, which encodes the membrane enzymes of hyaluronate synthase. The sweating of the fluid into the alveoli caused by the "bradykinin storm" in combination with the overproduction of hyaluronic acid, which accumulates water 1000 times its own mass, can lead to the formation of a dense jelly-like substance that prevents gas exchange.Conclusion. Promising areas of pharmacotherapy for "cytokine storm" are associated with its impact on the dysfunction of the listed above systems. However, the efficacy and safety of most drugs for the treatment of COVID-19, is to be studied through carefully designed clinical trials.

Given the global trend of population aging, it is natural to see an increase in the number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) performed in patients of older age groups.The aim of this study was to compare the results of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in different age groups and find a predictors of hospital mortality. Methods. Data were collected from 1649 patients with STEMI who were admitted to the coronary care unit and underwent PCIs from2006 to 2017. Patients were divided into 3 age groups according to World Heals Organization classification. The first group consisted of 850 patients aged from 18 to 59 years, the second group consisted 620 patients aged from 60 to 74 years, and third group consisted of 179 patients aged from 75 years and older. Results. The rate of in-hospital death was statistically significant lower in younger groups (groups 1-2: 2.2 % vs 5.8 %, р180 minutes (OR=4.39; 95 % CI 1.78-10.8, р=0.001). Conclusions. PCIs for STEMI in older age groups were associated with worse in-hospital outcomes. Age, anterior myocardial infarction, Syntax score, ventricular arrhythmias, blood glucose level at admission, PCI failure, Killip class III-IV, total ischemia time >180 minutes were the independent predictor of death.

Aim of the research. Тo evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination of kidneys in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with a dose of 0.5 ml of contrast agent administered.Materials and methods. We examined 12 patients with a verified diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The age of the examined patients was 31–59 years, the mean age was 49 ± 1.3 years. All patients underwent complex diagnostics, including ultrasound examination of the kidneys in B-mode with further renal vessels color Doppler imaging to assess vessels hemodynamics. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination of the kidneys was carried out using Sonovue contrast agent at the doses of 2.5 ml (according to the European Good Clinical Practice Recommendations for Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound) and 0.5 ml (an improved technique of contrast agent intravenous bolus administration).Results. The improved technique (0.5 ml of contrast agent intravenous bolus administration) in comparison with the European Recommendations technique (2.5 ml of contrast agent intravenous bolus administration) used in patients with type 2 diabetes showed no or minor differences in the qualitative and quantitative indicators of contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination which did not affect the interpretation of the results.Conclusion. The improved contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination technique using 0.5 ml of a contrast agent showed its possibilities in diagnosing diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes, and also revealed the potential of an economically beneficial distribution of a contrast agent without losing the quality and information content of the study.

New representations concerning plasticity physics in crystals are discussed. The model of plastic flow is suggested, which can describe its main regularities. With the use of the experimental investigation, it is shown that the plastic flow localization plays the role in the evolution of plastic deformation. Obtained data are explained with the application of the principles of nonequilibrium-systems’ theory. The quasi-particle is introduced for the description of plasticity phenomenon. It is established the relation between plasticity characteristics of metals and their position in Periodic table of the elements. A new model is elaborated to address localized plastic-flow evolution in solids. The basic assumption of the proposed model is that the elementary plasticity acts evolving in the deforming of medium would generate acoustic emission pulses, which interact with the plasticity carriers and initiate new elementary shears. As found experimentally, the macrolocalization of plastic flow involves a variety of autowave processes. To address the phenomenon of localized plastic-flow autowaves, a new quasi-particle called ‘autolocalizon’ is introduced; the criterion of validity of the concept is assessed.

Total biomass and production are evaluated for taxonomic groups of zooplankton sampled with Juday net (mesh size 0.168 mm) from the 0-200 m layer in the Bering Sea in 1986-2018. The annual mean stock of zooplankton is assessed as 245.1 . 106 t WW, or by taxonomic groups: copepods — 135.0 . 106 t (55.1 %), chaetognaths — 664.4 . 106 t (26.3 %), euphausiids — 30.8 . . 106 t (10.8 %), medusas — 7.9 . 106 t (3.2 %), and hyperiids — 7.0 . 106 t (2.9 %). The gross annual yield is estimated as 1378.6 . 106 t for copepods (P/B = 9.3), 422.5 . 106 t for chaetognaths (P/B = 6.0), 212.5 . 106 t for euphausiids (P/B = 9.0), 132.4 . 106 t for net medusas (P/B = 16.7), and 90.9 . 106 t for hyperiids (P/B = 12.3). The total annual yield of 2281.9 . 106 t, on average, was formed as a sum of 107.4 . 106 t produced in winter (P/B = 1.0), 889.6 . 106 t — in spring (P/B = 2.4), 755.2 . 106 t — in summer (P/B = 2.8), and 529.6 . 106 t — in autumn (P/B = 2.2). This annual yield was produced mostly by non-predatory zooplankton (1613.8 . 106 t), but also by predatory zooplankton (668.1 . 106 t). Mean annual P/B-ratio for the entire zooplankton in the Bering Sea was 8.5 that was in 1.4 times lower than in the Okhotsk Sea (P/B = 11.8), mainly because of predominance of less productive Copepoda species.

On the data of long-term surveys, mean biomass of plankton in the epipelagic layer of the Bering Sea is evaluated as 821.3 mg/m3 (1058.2 mg/m3 in shelf areas and 760.6 mg/m3 in the deep-water areas) and the stock as 245.1•106 t WW (64.4 • 106 t over the shelf and 180.7 • 106 t in the deep-water sea). By taxa, the average annual portions are: 55.1 % for copepods, 26.3 % for arrowworms, 10.8 % for euphausiids, 3.2 % for medusas, and 2.9 % for amphipods. The dominant species are the arrowworm Sagitta elegans (26.3 %) and the copepod Eucalanus bungii (19.7 %); other mass species are: large-sized copepods Neocalanus cristatus (10.4 %), Neocalanus plumchrus + Neocalanus flemingeri (7.8 %) and Calanus glacialis + Calanus marshallae (5.1 %), euphausiids Thysanoessa raschii (3.5 %) and Thysanoessa longipes (3.4 %), small-sized copepods Metridia pacifica (3.5 %) and Oithona similis (3.5 %), medusa Aglantha digitale (3.2 %).

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that affects almost all organs and systems. The main target is the respiratory system, but cardiovascular involvement is also common. Today, it is relevant to study the effect of complicated COVID-19 course on the patient’s cardiovascular system after hospital discharge — in particular, echocardiographic parameters.Aim. To study the echocardiographic parameters of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia 3 months after discharge from the hospital.Material and methods. The study included 106 patients with documented COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients underwent a comprehensive examination during hospitalization and 3 months ± 2 weeks after hospital discharge. The mean age of participants was 47±16 years (from 19 to 84 years), while 49% were women.Results. Three months after discharge, the average body mass index of the subjects was 28,2±5,7 kg/m2. Obesity was noted in 37,1%, cardiovascular diseases — in 52%. According to echocardiography, the prevalence of right ventricular (RV) dilatation was 2,9%, a decrease in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) — 9,5%, grade ≥2 tricuspid regurgitation — 1,9%, pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary artery systolic pressure >36 mm Hg) — 3,8%. The mean value of RV global longitudinal myocardial strain (GLMS RV) and global longitudinal myocardial strain (GLES RV) was 19,6±4,5 and 20,6±4,6, respectively. We found moderate correlations between GLMS RV and blood flow time through the left ventricular outflow tract (OT) (r=-0,436), through the mitral valve (r=-0,390; both p

The paper analyzes the elastoplastic transition in Fe–0.025 wt. % C at a temperature of 296–503 K and strain rate of 6.67·10−6–3.33·10−3 s−1. The analysis shows that the lower yield stress increases by a power law with increasing the strain rate, and that its rate sensitivity decreases linearly with increasing the test temperature. At temperatures lower than 393 K, the rate sensitivity of the lower yield stress is normal, and at 393–503 K, it is zero. In the range 393–503 K, the kinetics of the Lüders bands is changed from steady to discrete, and the higher the strain rate, the higher the temperature of this transition. Using the available data on the dynamics of dislocations and diffusion of interstitial impurities in the test alloy, it is demonstrated that the kinetics of Lüders bands are controlled by the effect of dynamic strain aging. If the arrest time of mobile dislocations tw at barriers which are overcome via thermal activation is comparable with the precipitation time of interstitial atoms ta at these dislocations, the motion of a Lüders band is discrete, and the band represents an excitation wave of localized plasticity; its refractory period is determined by the time of dynamic strain aging. If ta >> tw, the band moves monotonically and represents a switching autowave. The results of the analysis suggest that the effect of serrated yielding at the lower temperature boundary of blue brittleness can be suppressed by increasing the strain rate. When the arrest time of dislocations tw decreases, the comparability of tw and ta is broken, and no excitation autowave is formed. The data reported in the paper can be used to develop warm rolling technologies for materials with a sharp elastoplastic transition.

Background. Every fifth ischemic stroke is caused by a patient’s history of atrial fibrillation. Nowadays, direct and indirect oral anticoagulants are widely used to prevent thromboembolic complications in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, despite the prescription of this group of drugs, every year 1–2% of patients with atrial fibrillation have an ischemic stroke. In this situation, a number of questions take rise: if it is possible to carry out thrombolytic therapy in the patients who have been taking anticoagulants; if it is worth resuming anticoagulant therapy after a stroke; when exactly this should be done; and what drugs should be used to prevent another stroke.The aim of this review was to summarize the available clinical guidelines and research results on the study of the anticoagu- lant therapy characteristics in patients with atrial fibrillation after an ischemic stroke.Materials and methods. For this review, the information presented in the scientific literature from open and available sourc- es, has been used. The information had been placed in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sci- ence Core Collection, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov; Elibrary, Cyberleninka, Google Academy. The covering period was 1997–2020. The search queries were: “ischemic stroke + atrial fibrillation + anticoagulants”; “ischemic stroke + atrial fibrillation + direct oral coagulants” and “atrial fibrillation + ischemic stroke + warfarin” in both Russian and English equivalents.Results and conclusion. Currently, the problem of the use of anticoagulants for the prevention of recurrent thromboembolic complications in patients with AF in the acute period of a stroke, is studied insufficiently. The difficulties are caused by the delivery of TLT in the patients who have been taking DOACs, first of all, due to the impossibility of an accurate assessment of the hemostasis state because of the unavailability of routine specific tests; and second, as a result of the lack of registered antidotes for most drugs, and their high costs. Besides, there are no RCTs dedicated to the study of the optimal time for the resumption or initiation of anticoagulant therapy in the acute period of an IS, and the optimal drugs for this group of patients. Most of the existing recommendations on these aspects, are based on the consensus of experts, and this fact indicates the need for further research in the area under review.

This study combines a fundamental analysis of the rationale for conservative investors’ transactions, as well as long-term, low-risk strategies, and a technical analysis of the search for entry points into short-term, high-risk speculation. A hypothesis about the possible adaptation of high-risk foreign-exchange-market strategies to a low-risk stock market, based on a multi-timeframe analysis of the intersection of 3 EMA plus stochastic (a combination of three moving averages and a stochastic oscillator), is proven. The study’s modeling is based on walk-forward, blind simulation, cross procedure for realistically testing a hypothesis that can be performed in nine steps (Colby, 2003.) Colby’s algorithm Its subject is ordinary shares of Sberbank of Russia, and its analysis shows an absence of uncharacteristic movements in the chosen period of maximum volatility, from 2007 to the present. This analysis was conducted for two timeframes (more than five years for the trend direction and less than three years for the entry point). For the EMA, parameters were set at 20, 50, and 200; for stochastic parameters were set at 14, 3, and 3, 80/20. The “failure swing” reversal pattern and new support and resistance lines were detected. The study’s main conclusions are that the simultaneous use of three EMAs makes determining a corridor or a trend fairly reliable, as well as setting stop-losses. Moreover, the use of an oscillator is found not to always be reasonable; its main task is to confirm a signal. A stochastic oscillator with an explicit trend should not be analyzed for the whole period under consideration—only the last values should be considered. Moving averages and oscillators give fewer false signals on medium-term timeframes than on short-term timeframes. Due to a change in trend direction, identifying new (defined and correct) support and resistance lines is found to be necessary.

The article is devoted to the development of a unit for collecting, primary processing and transmitting measurement information for electrical impedance tomography tasks. The developed block provides the ability to connect one of the terminals of the current source to a common point, and the second terminal to any of the electrodes on the surface of the biological object under study; provides the ability to measure the amplitude of potential changes on any of the electrodes on the surface of a biological object relative to a common point. Control is carried out using a control program installed on a personal computer, connected to it via a universal USB port. It is possible to control the current source (amplitude, shape and frequency) through voltage. An experimental verification of the accuracy of generating a control signal for a current source in a given range of frequencies and amplitudes of the control signal was carried out. It has been established that the error in the amplitude of the control signal does not exceed 0.7%, and the error in the frequency of the control signal does not exceed 0.008%.

To implement an electrical impedance tomography device, it is necessary to develop one of its most important components - an injected current source, which characteristics affect the metrological characteristics of whole device. In this regard, the task was set to develop such a current source that satisfies a number of requirements regarding the stability of its operation in a given range of frequencies and output current amplitudes, as well as load resistances. As a result of the work performed, a voltage-controlled injected current source for an electrical impedance tomography device was developed, manufactured, and investigated. The error of the amplitude of the output current and the error of the frequency of the output current were studied using a mathematical model and during a full-scale experiment. Active resistance and a biological object were used as a load. As a result of the simulation, it was found that the error in the amplitude of the output current does not exceed 1-5% for a given range of load resistances and frequencies.

This article describes the development of software for an electrical impedance tomography device that solves the problems of controlling the acquisition unit, primary processing and transmission of measurement data, their further processing on a personal computer, reconstruction, visualization and saving of results. Software modules are defined, algorithms for their functioning are developed, and their block diagrams are shown. An algorithm for the interaction of electrical impedance tomography device software modules with each other has been developed. A graphical interface for the device software has been developed. An algorithm for interaction with EIDORS software has been developed.Criteria for experimental testing of the functioning of the developed software have been developed, and possible errors in the operation of each module have been identified.

An efficient, rigorously substantiated algorithm for solving electrical impedance tomography problems is proposed and tested. The features of the algorithm are the use of a methodology based on solving conditionally correct inverse problems and the presence of a search stage for the optimal current configuration that provides the maximum sensitivity of the problem functionals to the desired parameters, which allows to speed up the iterative process and improve the accuracy of the problem solution. The algorithm can be used in medicine and industry to solve diagnostic problems.

The paper proposes a method for calculating the heterogeneity of the linear dimensions of the EIT image. The essence of the method is to identify the region of inhomogeneity Gn by the method of binarization and segmentation and determine its geometric dimensions. The ROI represents a matrix, each element of which is the color value of a particular pixel p. The reconstructed image is being processed. The binarization algorithm processes and determines each element of the matrix, bringing it to a binary form. Next, a w × h matrix is formed and the image is divided into sets p, where, according to the selection criterion Gn, the segmentation procedure is performed using the two-pass ABC-mask method. At the last stage, the geometric dimensions of the inhomogeneity are determined. The results of the analysis of the reconstructed image are presented, the image of the inhomogeneity Gn filtered as a result of binarization and segmentation operations, as well as its geometric parameters are obtained. The operation of the method on computer models for inhomogeneities has been verified. The proposed method allows you to get a clearer and more accurate visualization of the internal structures of the object under study, reduce measurement errors and incorrect solution of the inverse problem.

In this article, a computer model for the collection, processing, analysis and visualization of measurement data by the method of electrical impedance tomography has been developed. The essence of the work performed is to build a computer model of the phantom, electrodes, conductive medium and inhomogeneities in the COMSOL Multiphysics environment to study the conductivity of objects in order to reduce the error in determining the size of the inhomogeneity in the reconstructed image. The study is performed by placing an inhomogeneity phantom in the conductive region. Based on the data obtained, a matrix of potential differences is constructed using the “near neighbor” algorithm. On its basis, in the GNU Octave environment, using the EIDORS package, a reconstruction of the conducted studies is obtained. With the help of the developed software that implements the method and algorithm for refining the boundaries, filtered images of reconstructions of the results of the studies are obtained. The use of this algorithm makes it possible to reduce the measurement error by a factor of 1.44.

This article proposes an algorithmic solution to refine the boundaries of heterogeneity in a dynamic image for EIT. The essence of the method is to calculate the rate of change of the color value of each pixel p(i,j) Gn for a given research area. Next, the received data array is processed and the initial image of the heterogeneity region Gn is scaled. Software has been developed that implements the proposed algorithmic solutions. The method of automatic control of the parameters of the EIT examination is implemented, which consists in the automatic mode of operation without operator intervention from the moment of setting the parameters of the examination to the receipt of the final result. The operation of the method for refining the boundaries of inhomogeneity has been tested on computer models. According to the results of the study, the error in determining γ was reduced by 1.44 times. Thus, it seems possible to reduce it when transmitting and digitizing measurement data.

Aim. To analyze thromboembolic risk factors and identify additional predictors of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis, which are not included in the CHA2DS2VASc scale, in long-term Far North residents with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).Material and methods. The study included 162 patients (men, 108; women, 54; mean age, 55,3±8,7 years) with non-valvular AF, living in the Far North, and 684 patients (men, 408; women, 276; mean age, 56,9±9,3 years), living in the temperate latitudes, hospitalized for catheter ablation. All patients underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. According to transesophageal echocardiography, Far North patients were divided into two groups: group 1 — 21 patients with LAA thrombosis, group 2 — 141 patients without LAA thrombosis.Results. Compared to patients living in the temperate latitudes, Far North patients were younger (p=0,021) and were more likely to have type 2 diabetes (14,2% vs 8,3%, p=0,022), class ³II obesity (29,6% vs 21,1%, p=0,019), persistent AF(47,5% vs 33,2%, p=0,0019), LAA thrombosis (13% vs 6,6%, p=0,006), and severe structural and functional cardiac abnormalities (biatrial and right ventricular enlargement, lower left ventricular ejection fraction). In Far North patients, using logistic regression, independent predictors of LAA thrombosis were identified: an increase in left ventricular mass index (odds ratio (OR), 1,029; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1,011-1,048; p=0,001), persistent AF (OR, 3,521; 95% CI, 1,050-11,800; p=0,041).Conclusion. In Far North patients with nonvalvular AF, scheduled for catheter ablation, compared with patients from temperate latitudes, with a similar profile of cardiovascular diseases at a younger age, type 2 diabetes, grade ³II obesity, persistent AF, and LAA thrombosis were more common. The presence of persistent AF and an increase in left ventricular mass index are independent predictors of LAA thrombosis in Far North patients with nonvalvular AF.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects the function of all organs and systems. Today, studying the effect of COVID-19 on cardiovascular system, including on echocardiographic characteristics, is relevant.Aim. To study the prevalence of symptoms, cardiovascular disease and changes in echocardiographic data in persons after documented COVID-19 pneumonia 3 months after discharge from the hospital.Material and methods. The study included 106 patients after documented COVID-19 pneumonia. The patients underwent a comprehensive examination during hospitalization and 3 months±2 weeks after discharge from the hospital. The mean age of participants was 47±16 years (19-84 years); 49% of subjects were women.Results. Three months after hospital discharge, the symptoms persisted in 86% of examined patients. There were significant echocardiographic changes as follows: a decrease in LV end-diastolic, end-systolic and stroke volume (113,8±26,8 ml vs 93,5±29,4 ml; 37,7±13,0 ml vs 31,3±14,2 ml; 77,2±17,8 ml vs 62,2±18,7 ml, respectively, p

Insufficient understanding of the microbial communities and associated microbial processes in geological reservoirs hinders the utilization of this rich data source for improved resource management. In this study, along with four interwell tracer tests at a 1478-m deep fractured crystalline-rock aquifer, we analyzed the microbial communities in the injected and produced water by high-throughput sequencing. The microbial community similarities across boreholes during an interwell flow scenario frequently encountered in reservoir development was explored. Despite the significant tracer recoveries (~30%) in all tracer tests and the cumulatively >100,000 L of exogenous water (carrying exogenous microbes) injected into the 10-m-scale reservoir, the overall structure of produced-fluid microbiome did not increasingly resemble that of the injectate. However, producers with better connectivity with the injector (based on tracer test results) did have more amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) that overlapped with those in the injectate. We identified possible drivers behind our observations and verified the practicality of repeated microbial sampling in the context of reservoir characterization and long-term monitoring. We highlight that injector-producer microbial profiling could provide insights on the relative connectivities across different producers with a given injector, and that the associated logistical needs may be comparable or even less than that of classic tracer tests.

The theoretical analysis of scientific sources was conducted in Chornobayiv Region to define general characteristics, including soil farmland. The soil fertility in Chornobayiv Region is one of the highest in Ukraine. The soils and environmental conditions of Chornobai zoning district are fully suitable to use agro-industrial qualities of agricultural areas (moisture resources and natural potential of soils), for development and introduction of selective farming systems and technologies adapted to specific natural conditions according to soil monitoring soil data. According to eco-geographical atlas of Ukraine and our results the soil cover characteristics were determined. To control the soil quality the data of agrochemical and eco-certification that allows them to assess the Agroecological state. Studies were carried out on slightly saline medium loam typical chernozems JV "Mayak". The environmental and agrochemical soil indices were studied. On the basis of data from ecological and agrochemical passports of fields soil quality indexes were defined by their suitability for agriculture. About 91% of all agricultural lands belong to the land of average quality. The soils of the first field crop rotation belong to moderate quality soils namely Class VI (fair lands) allowing them to be characterized as moderately supplied by nutrients and productive moisture. The pronounced negative properties of soils and technological properties of land decrease the quality and require additional measures to eliminate the negative effects.

Aim. Based on clinical parameters and diagnostic investigations, to create a complex model of personalized selection of patients with heart failure (HF) for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). To establish the diagnostic value of the created model in predicting 5-year survival.Material and methods. The study included 141 patients with HF (men, 77,3%; women, 22,7%). The mean age of patients at the time of implantation was 60,0 [53,0; 66,0] years. All patients had New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-IV HF, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, and QRS ≥130 ms. Patients were randomly divided into training (n=95) and test (n=36) samples, which were comparable in main clinical and functional characteristics.Results. The index included parameters that had a significant relationship with 5-year survival according to the Cox regression: male sex, prior myocardial infarction, hypertension, QRS

Стаття є спробою визначення нового напрямку абстрактного живопису ХХI ст. із метою виявлення характерних особливостей у виконанні і сприйнятті асоціативно-образних колірних композицій. У ході роботи розглянуто основні етапи становлення та розвитку асоціативно-образного живопису. Проведено порівняльний аналіз асоціативно-образних колірних композицій і творів мистецтва оп-арту, які спираються на особливості візуального сприйняття. Порівняльний аналіз цих напрямів виявляє принципові відмінності, що полягають у відсутності у творах оп-арту художнього образу в гонитві за спецефектами ілюзорного сприйняття. Мистецтво оп-арту навмисно руйнує цілісність сприйняття дійсності, порушуючи психічну рівновагу глядача, в той час як асоціативно-образний живопис створює єдність образу, використовуючи універсальні закони всесвіту. Асоціативний художній образ створюється завдяки закономірній взаємодії двох енергетичних потоків, які символізують предмет - фон на рівні підсвідомості. Розвиток кольору може йти або в бік висвітлення, або в бік затемнення. Семантично перехід кольору в білий або чорний знаменує смерть кольору, повернення до витоків. Вихід за межі кольору означає в разі білого – перехід до вічного буття, а в разі чорного – до вічного небуття. При розробці художнього образу в асоціативно-образних композиціях використовуються рух кольору до ахроматики відповідно до задуму твору. У результаті дослідження визначено закономірності створення асоціативно-образних колірних композицій як самостійних творів нефігуративного мистецтва, які будуються за універсальними законами гармонії, де дотримуються принцип дискретності, принцип безперервності, принцип полярності, принцип ритму, принцип «золотого перетину», принцип ієрархії, принцип єдності та цілісності. У підсумку, всі задіяні при побудові асоціативно-образних колірних композицій принципи та закономірності працюють на створення самобутнього асоціативного художнього образу. Асоціативно образні колірні композиції можуть успішно використовуватися в різних галузях дизайну й існувати як самостійні художні твори. Таким чином, асоціативно-образний живопис можна розглядати як самостійний напрям нефігуративного образотворчого мистецтва.

The purpose of this review is to examine the possibilities and prospects for the use of direct oral anticoagulants for the prevention of thromboembolic complications in patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications. Atrial fibrillation is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease and more rapid progression of existing renal pathology. The presence of chronic kidney disease in atrial fibrillation on the one hand leads to an increased risk of thromboembolism, and on the other to an increased risk of bleeding when using anticoagulants. The standard for the prevention of thromboembolic complications in atrial fibrillation, including those with concomitant renal pathology, was considered warfarin for many years. However, modern studies have shown that the use of warfarin may enhance vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease, which in turn may lead to an increased risk of ischemic strokes.Analyzing clinical recommendations, randomized studies, meta-analyzes and a systematic review on the use of anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation and renal pathology, revealed the advantage of using direct oral anticoagulants over warfarin at stage 1-3 of chronic kidney disease. Data on the use of direct oral anticoagulants with a more pronounced renal dysfunction and in patients on dialysis is limited due to the lack of a sufficient number of large randomized studies. Due to the presence of renal clearance in all oral anticoagulants, their pharmacokinetics changes to some extent with a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate, which requires dose adjustment of drugs depending on creatinine clearance. Therefore, the use of anticoagulants for the prevention of thromboembolic complications during atrial fibrillation requires special attention in patients with chronic kidney disease.

New data on matter and energy transfer between major components of the Okhotsk Sea ecosystem are obtained on the base of trophodynamic modeling, taking into consideration their production and food consumption rates. The main trophodynamic relationships in the pelagic and bottom communities are determined from observations on zooplankton and nekton abundance, organic carbon content, food habits of marine organisms, and their isotope composition in 2000–2014. The total zooplankton production in the entire Okhotsk Sea in these years is assessed as 2616 . 106 t in raw weight, including 2275 . 106 t for non-predatory plankton, and 341 . 106 t for predatory plankton. So high total production of zooplankton is conditioned by favorable environmental conditions and dominance of high-productive species. Taking into account the rate of zooplankton consumption by predators, only 22.4 % of the total annual zooplankton production was consumed annually, with 16.2 % grazed by predatory plankton and 6.2 % by nekton. In carbon units, 831.0 . 106 tC was produced annually in the Okhotsk Sea at the first trophic level, 177.4 . 106 tC at the second trophic level, 18.1 . 106 tC at the third trophic level, 0.74 . 106 tC at the fourth trophic level, and 0.016 . 106 tC at the fifth trophic level. Pelagic nekton consumed 159 . 106 tC annually. The nekton prey included 85.5 % of zooplankton, 12.8 % of nekton, and 1.7 % of zoobenthos, by biomass. The main part of zooplankton consumed by nekton (50.7 %) was grazed by walleye pollock, 18.9 % by herring, 16.6 % by squids, 7.6 % by capelin, 5.3 % by deep-sea smelt, and 0.9 % by salmons. The total annual production of organisms in the epipelagic layer of the Okhotsk Sea exceeded 109 tons of C (1027.4 . 106 tC/year equal to the biomass of 17.85 . 109 t in wet weight). Primary production is estimated as 67.60 % of gross production in carbon units, microheterotrophic organisms produce 13.30 %, dominant zooplankton groups — 18.60 % (copepods 11.40 %, euphausiids 5.50 %, sagittas 1.20 %, and hyperiids 0.50 %), the portion of nekton production is estimated as 0.13 % of gross production.

Aim. To identify the relationship of atrial fibrillation (AF) with features of lesions of the main coronary arteries or primary branches in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Material and methods. From the local database of coronary angiography, 6978 patients with hemodynamically significant (50% of the lumen and more) coronary lesions were selected. The main group consisted of 205 patients with AF. To create an age-matched comparison group, 810 patients without AF were selected from the remaining 6773 patients using a method based on equalizing the frequency distributions.Results. Patients with AF accounted for 2,9% of all patients with hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis. In patients with AF, obesity (56,6% vs 44,5%, p=0,002) and severe (III-IV) classes of chronic heart failure (CHF) according to NYHA classification (51,8% vs 22,8%, p

The main bioenergetic parameters of pacific salmons are presented on the data obtained in marine expeditions in 2003–2015. Among the examined species, the minimum energy content is registered in the muscle tissue of chum salmon and pink salmon, and the maximum energy content — in the muscles of king salmon. Total amount of the energy accumulated by juvenile pink salmon during its life within the Okhotsk Sea is estimated as 532 kcal or 27 % of the total energy accumulated in the whole marine period of its life, for juvenile chum salmon this amount is 492 kcal (11 %). The rest is accumulated by adults during their feeding in the ocean: pink salmon, without ranking by age and sex, gains in the North Pacific on average 1 442 kcal or 73 % of the total energy accumulated in the marine period of life, chum salmon — 4 071 kcal (89 %).

Critical analysis is done of the main conclusions in the article published by Yury Zuenko and co-authors in this issue of «Izvestia TINRO» journal about changes in the Okhotsk Sea biota in 2008–2018. In that paper, a continuing warming in all layers of the sea is shown quite convincingly, but weight explanations of the observed changes in marine communities and commercial stocks are not offered. Moreover, the authors ignore results of long-term studies of the Okhotsk Sea bioresources conducted from ecosystem positions. From this alternative point of view, some integrated quantitative data on dynamics of zooplankton, zoobenthos, fish, and other biota in the Okhotsk Sea are presented, as well as the schemes of organic matter and energy flows through trophic networks that show a normal functioning of the Okhotsk Sea ecosystem at the present time. On the base of these data, doubts are claimed in correctness of Zuenko’s concept of the ecosystem restructuring in direction to lower productivity and higher efficiency of its functioning.

Aim. To study the frequency of prescribing antithrombotic agents in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who were hospitalized in the cardiology department of a multidisciplinary hospital.Material and methods. A retrospective one-time study of medical records of 765 patients with non-valvular AF treated in the cardiology department of a multidisciplinary hospital in 2012 and 2016 was performed.Results. All patients were stratified in three groups depending on the CHA2DS2-VASc score. The frequency of prescribing antithrombotic agents was evaluated in each group. A low risk of thromboembolic complications was found in 1% (n=3) of patients in 2012 and 0.6% (n=3) in 2016. All these patients received antithrombotic agents. CHA2DS2-VASc=1 was found in 6% (n=15) of patients with AF in 2012 and in 3.4% (n=17) in 2016. A significant number of patients in this group received anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonists (warfarin) or with direct oral anticoagulants. A high risk of thromboembolic complications (CHA2DS2-VASc≥2) was found in 93% of patient (n=245) in 2012 and in 96% (n=482) in 2016. Anticoagulant therapy was prescribed in 70.2% (n=172) patients with high risk in 2012 and 80% (n=387) in 2016. However, some patients with high risk of thromboembolic complications did not have the necessary therapy.Conclusion. Positive changes in the structure and frequency of prescribing anticoagulant drugs in patients with AF and a high risk of thromboembolic complications were found during the years studied.

Aim - to conduct a comparative analysis of markers of inflammatory reaction of the vascular wall in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) after implantation of bioresorbable scaffolds (BS) and everolimus-eluting stents during short observation period. Material and methods. 20 patients with stable CAD and mono-vessel coronary bed lesion with indication to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were studied. Group 1 consisted of 9 patients with implanted stent covered with everolimus; group 2 consisted of 11 patients with implanted BS. Biochemical inflammatory markers were defined at the admission time, in 1 day, 4 days and 1 month after PCI. Results. In 1 day after PCI both groups expectedly showed cytokine level growth, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), as a respond to the vascular wall lesion with the following decrease in 4 days to the initial level. On the second day after PCI serum content of matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMPs-9) was increased in groups 1 and 2 of patients. Lowering of MMPs-9 with no reaching the initial level in 1 month was noticed only in group 2, whereas group 1 kept high concentration of MMPs-9. The comparable groups had the maximum content of soluble CD40-ligand (sCD40L) on the 4th day with a little lowering after 1 month only in group 2. High level of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) remained during the entire follow-up period in both groups. Conclusion: Patients with stable CAD after implantation of BS and everolimus covered stents did not have any differences in dynamics of mediators of acute inflammation phase. Persistent high levels of MMPs-9, sCD40L and also elevated concentration of CRP assume prolonged character of the vascular wall inflammatory respond, being more expressed after implantation of everolimus covered stents.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a method for detection of nonsignificant coronary lesions using clinical and functional parameters in suspected CAD men without obstructive coronary atherosclerosis by CAG. Methods. From 17.784 consecutive patients from the local CAG database we selected men with non-significant coronary lesions (Ј30 % of lumen) and with smooth coronary arteries by CAG with suspected CAD without acute coronary syndrome, unstable angina, myocardial infarction. Selected 1.957 patients were divided into two groups in a random way (1.389 - studied group and 568 - test group). We divided studied group in two subgroups: with nonsignificant coronary lesions (1.085 patients) and with smooth coronary arteries (304 patients). Results: Patients with nonsignificant coronary lesions compared to patient without were older, arterial hypertension, and II-III NYHA classes and angina pectoris were observed more often in these patients. Atherogenic index, echocardiographic indexes of aortic root diameter and left ventricular (LV) mass were higher in patients with nonsignificant coronary lesions, and echocardiographic signs of ascending aorta atherosclerosis were more frequent in these patients. For selection of scoring variables, we used the values of the Cramer coefficient and the information value index - IV. All quantitative variables were converted into categorical using the binning procedure. Based on the values of WoE, the model of logistic regression was constructed using stepwise variable selection. The model includes independent variables with an average and high prognostic ability: age, atherogenic index, arterial hypertension, echocardiographic signs of atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta. By converting the coefficients of the logistic regression equation obtained into scores, a scoring model was developed to assess the probability of non-obstructive coronary atherosclerosis in men. Based on ROC analysis, in studied group the specificity of the model for detection of nonsignificant coronary atherosclerosis was 67 %, the sensitivity was 65 %, the area under the ROC curve - 0.711. For patients of test group sensitivity was 68 % and specificity 63 %, the area under the ROC curve - 0.687. Conclusion. Nonsignificant coronary atherosclerosis can be predicted in men with suspected CAD before CAG by screening test based on age, atherogenic index, arterial hypertension and echocardiographic signs of aortic atherosclerosis.

Main bioenergetic parameters are evaluated for 14 species of pelagic fsh and squids from the Okhotsk Sea, with special attention to walleye pollock and pacifc herring. Caloric value of the muscle tissues varies from 867 cal.g–1 (squid) to 2062 cal.g–1 (chinook salmon) in wet weight and from 5151 to 6484 cal/g in dry weight. The studied nekton species are mostly distinguished by high caloric value of the muscle tissue, with exception for pollock and squids with the value < 1000 cal/g WW. Lipid fraction in the pollock tissues varies from 0.7 to 1.1 %, proteins are 15.5–17.9 %, and carbohydrates — 0.6–0.7 % in wet weight, the average caloric value is 979–1131 cal.g–1 WW or 5154–5264 cal.g–1 DW. Dynamics of the main biochemical parameters and the total caloric value shows weak ontogenetic changes for the pollock muscles, without signifcant difference between different stages of gonad maturity both for males and females. During maturation, amount of accumulated energy remains constant in soma, but changes in liver and gonads of pollock, and their energy content is noticeably higher for females than for males: on average in 3 times in gonads and in 1.5 times in liver. The total amount of energy accumulated by pollock during its life cycle from juvenile (< 17 cm) to extra large individuals (> 60 cm) is estimated as 1964 kcal for females and 1465 kcal for males. Caloric value for the muscle tissue of mature herring is lower in spring (on average 1498 cal.g–1 WW) than in autumn (1676 cal.g–1 WW), and for the whole body (mince) is in 1.2 times higher for juveniles, in 1.7–1.8 times higher for adults in spring, and in 2.1–2.2 times higher for adults in autumn after fattening, with average exceeding in 20–40 %. Lipid fraction in the herring tissues is on average 6.2 % in spring and 6.6 % in autumn. In spring, the maximum values of biochemical parameters are registered for the herring with gonad maturity at stage III. Later, during transition to the stage IV, and especially to the stage V, the fat decreasing and proteins watering is observed in its muscles. On opposite, the post-spawning herring at stage VI–II has the minimum parameters and caloric value in spring but enhances them to autumn, after intensive fattening, when caloric value of its mince becomes twice higher than for muscle tissue because of lipids accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue. The main energy parameters of the mature herring tissues in autumn are close to those in spring (by maturity stages), with only slight increase of fatness and caloric value, which are the maximum in autumn for mince, mostly because of fat accumulation in viscera and subcutaneous tissue. Caloric value of the herring gonads varies from 1330 to 1714 cal.g–1 WW, 4809–5894 cal.g–1 DW for females and from 1155 to 1604 cal.g–1 WW, 4809–5894 cal.g–1 DW for males, with the maximum at the maturity stage IV (the same as fat content), both for males and females. The gonads caloric value is higher in spring, immediately before spawning. For herring, the major amount of energy is concentrated in soma, and its portion increases during the life cycle from 55.0 to 72.1 %, on average. Males and females of herring have common patterns of this value dynamics in the process of ontogenesis, though females have higher percentage for gonads. In annual cycle, the maximum portion of energy concentrates in the herring gonads in spring (16.7–22.1 % for females and 13.1 % for males) and decreases to autumn. The total amount of energy accumulated by herring during its life cycle is estimated as 542 kcal for females and 476 kcal for males. Females accumulate more because the oogenesis requires more energy than spermatogenesis.

Aim. To compare the cardiovascular and psychological profile of young military population after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with/without pneumonia.Material and methods. We examined 26 military men under 30 years of age (22,3±3,7 years/21,0 [19,8; 24,3] years) with documented COVID 19 (3 months±2 weeks after two virus-negative polymerase chain reaction tests). The participants were divided into 2 groups: experimental group (n=16) — those with COVID-19 pneumonia; comparison group (n=10) — those without pneumonia. All subjects underwent a complex of clinical and diagnostic tests.Results. Military men with COVID-19 pneumonia were significantly older (23,0 [20,5; 28,5] years vs 19,5 [19,0; 20,0] years, p=0,001). They had a prolonged PQ interval (154,5 [140,0; 163,5] ms vs 137,0 [134,0; 144,0] ms; p=0,014). According to echocardiography, the following parameters were significantly larger in experimental group: anteroposterior right ventricular dimension (26,0 [24,5; 27,5] mm vs 23,5 [22,0; 25,0] mm, p=0,012), right atrium length (48,0 [46,0; 51,5] mm and 45,5 [44,0; 47,0] mm, p=0,047), tricuspid regurgitation peak gradient (18,0 [15,5; 22,0] mm vs 14,0 [12,0; 20,0] mm, p=0,047), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) (30,3 [27,6; 34,0] mm Hg vs 23,0 [20,5; 30,5] mm Hg, p=0,038), mean pulmonary artery pressure (20,3 [18,9; 22,7] mm Hg vs 16,8 [14,5; 20,6] mm Hg, p=0,038). The estimated pulmonary vascular resistance was significantly higher in the study group (1,50 [1,2; 1,8] Wood units vs 1,17 [1,1; 1,2] Wood units, p

Aim. To evaluate the effect of biomarkers of inflammation on the long-term prognosis in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure (HF) with preserved and mid-range ejection fraction according to a registry of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).Material and methods. A total of 135 patients with MI included in the PCI registry in 2012-2013 were examined. Group 1 included 89 patients with HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) — 40-49%; group 2 included 46 patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) — ≥50%. Biomarkers of inflammation were determined at admission to the hospital, after 12 and 60 months.Results. Eighteen people died during the follow-up period. The survival rate of patients in the compared groups after 60 months did not differ (group 1 — 85,0%; group 2 — 89,1%, p=0,492). Mortality predictors were the platelet count (HR, 1,011; 95% CI, 1,003-1,019; p=0,010), homocysteine level (HR 1,172; 95% CI, 1,008-1,364; p=0,040), MMP-9 >249 ng/ml (HR, 7,052; 95% CI, 1,346-36,950; p=0,021). In both groups there was a decrease in survival in patients with high levels of MMP-9 (>249 ng/ml). In group 1, mortality was higher among patients with platelet count >245*109/l. In both groups the levels of inflammatory markers exceeded the standard values for the entire period of follow-up. The dynamics of NT-proBNP, hs-CRP, TNF-α and homocysteine had a unidirectional pattern, in particular, a decrease in parameters after 12 months, followed by their increase after 60 months.Conclusion. Levels of MMP-9, homocysteine, and platelets were the factors that influenced 5-year survival in the general group of patients after MI and PCI. In the group with HFmrEF, MMP-9 and platelets had a negative impact on the prognosis. In patients with HFpEF, reduced survival was associated only with high levels of MMP-9. The dynamics of markers of systemic inflammatory response and NT-proBNP indicates the prolonged inflammatory process in both groups of patients, persisting for 5 years after MI.

Aim. To identify predictors of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and/or left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who are referred for elective cardioversion or catheter ablation (CA).Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of data from 638 patients with nonvalvular AF who were hospitalized from 2014 to 2017 for cardioversion or CA was performed. All patients underwent diagnostic tests, including transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).Results. According to the TEE results, two groups of patients were formed: group 1 — 95 patients (14,9%) with signs of SEC and/or thrombosis in LAA; group 2 — 543 patients (85,1%) without SEC or thrombosis in LAA. Patients with the phenomenon of SEC and/or LAA thrombosis were older, had a higher risk on the CHA2DS2-VASc score. These patients were more likely to have coronary heart disease (CAD), hypertension, stage IIA chronic heart failure, obese class >II, persistent or permanent AF Patients in both groups did not differ in anticoagulant therapy. Patients in group 1 had a larger size of the left and right atria, right ventricle, left ventricular (LV) end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters, higher LV mass index, lower values of LV ejection fraction and blood flow velocity in LAA. Logistic regression revealed following independent predictors of SEC and/or LAA thrombosis: CAD (odds ratio (OR) 2,289; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1,313-3,990; p=0,003), persistent or permanent AF (OR 2,071; 95% CI 1,222-3,510; p=0,007), LA diameter >43 mm (OR 3,569; 95% CI 2,0822-6,117; p43 mm, concentric or eccentric LV hypertrophy are independent predictors of SEC and/or LAA thrombosis.

У статті розглядаються принципи та закономірності створення асоціативно-образних колірних композицій як окремих творів нефігуративного мистецтва або елементів дизайну інтер'єру, середовища, одягу, сцени. Асоціативно-образні колірні композиції можна назвати музикою кольору, так як вони будуються за аналогічними законами гармонії і відповідності. Як з окремих звуків сплітається мелодія з використанням усього декількох нот, так із основних спектральних кольорів можна створити подібну композицію, не вдаючись до допомоги форми. При цьому дотримується принцип дискретності, який реалізується шляхом нанесення модульної сітки, а також принцип безперервності, оскільки один і той же спектральний колір не переривається в рамках композиції. Спираючись на принцип полярності, в композиції організовуються взаємодії вертикальних і горизонтальних ритмів модульної сітки, а також взаємодії двох різних спектральних кольорів, які розгортаються в певних зустрічних ритмах. Таким чином, один колір є для іншого тлом прояви при постійній зміні світлотності кожного кольору, що викликає закономірний рух кольору в композиції, оскільки світлотність кожного кольору змінюється відповідно до закладеного ритму. Так реалізується принцип ритму, що призводить композицію до єдності й цілісності. Композиційний центр визначається за принципом «золотого перетину» як максимальний контраст за світлотою, за колірним тоном та насиченістю. Для об'ємно-просторового рішення композиції вибудовується зменшення контрасту щодо периферійних областей композиції відповідно до принципу ієрархії. Для гармонізації колірного рішення в композицію вводиться третій спектральний колір, т. зв. домінантний, який об'єднує два протидіючих кольори шляхом додавання його в кожен елемент модульної сітки. У підсумку всі задіяні при побудові композиції принципи працюють на створення асоціативного художнього образу як втілення принципу єдності й цілісності. Ключові слова: композиція, гармонія, ритм, колір, світлота, насиченість, контраст.

The paper explores the conceptual vision of BRICS in the contemporary world. The study focuses on language and images that are used within BRICS-related institutional communication. We argue that the research is important because of the increasing impact of BRICS on the development of the multilateral and multipolar world. The research aims to offer preliminary considerations with regard to key topics, features and tools of multimodal discourse that comes from the BRICS nations and representatives of other international/regional organisations. This area has not been subject to academic analysis so far. This confirms the novelty of the present study. The research material includes 600 image-text correlated items from BRICS official sources of information and from organisation and institutions, which are not affiliated with the BRICS and refer to national or international actors. The research combined theoretical analysis of literature, empirical investigation of materials within qualitative paradigm, through content-based analysis and manual coding on thematic and pragmatic criteria. The findings reveal different approaches to BRICS that are introduced by different actors through specific coordination of verbal and visual tools, in explicit and implicit ways. The findings show that BRICS sources contain proportioned use of texts and photos of high-ranking official events, socio-cultural features of BRICS countries, and pictures of youth with regard to BRICS mission, values, goals, and policies. This strengthens the concept of equality and human rights provision in the modern world in general and leads to the understanding of the need to include the issues of youth rights and their equality on the BRICS agenda in an explicit way.

The problem of synthesis of the optimal control for a stochastic dynamic system of a random structure with Poisson perturbations and Markov switching is solved. To determine the corresponding functions for Bellman functional and optimal control the system of ordinary differential equation is investigated.