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Many developing countries lack access to recommended first-line treatments for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) or ICI-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) combinations. As a result, predictive markers are necessary to identify patients who may benefit from single-agent TKIs for long-term response. This study aims to identify such parameters. This was a multi-centre, retrospective study of patients with mRCC who were undergoing first-line treatment with sunitinib or pazopanib. Patients who had been diagnosed with mRCC and had not experienced disease progression for 36 months or more were deemed to have achieved a long-term response. Predictive clinical and pathological characteristics of patients who did not experience long-term disease progression were investigated. A total of 320 patients from four hospitals were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 60 years (range 20-89 years). According to the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk classification, 109 patients were classified as having favourable risk and 211 were in the intermediate-poor risk group. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients were 12.5 months and 76.4 months, respectively. In the long-term responder’s group, the median PFS was 78.4 months. Among all patients, prior nephrectomy, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS)

INTRODUCTION: Posterior circulation ischemia syndrome is a common feature of the poor blood flow to the posterior cerebral regions which is generally caused by atherosclerotic involvement of vertebral arteries (VA). However, the risk factors for VA atherosclerosis remain largely unknown. Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), a modified low-density lipoprotein, has been implicated as a risk factor for coronary and peripheral artery disease. Our aim was to investigate the possible association of Lp(a) with low vertebral artery flow, a marker representing VA atherosclerosis. METHODS: An institutional registry database was used for the present study. A complete dataset, including Doppler ultrasound imaging of the carotid and VA was available in 135 of 718 cases, and these cases were included in the analysis. RESULTS: 29 (21.1%) patients had Lp(a)>30 mg/dL, and total VA flow in these patients was significantly less than in patients with Lp(a)

This research was devoted to the creation of a protection system for electric motors used in industry and transport, based on modern and traditional sensors. In the course of operation, the malfunctions of electric motors have been investigated and it was found that the accident modes occur mainly due to exceeding the permissible values of the current, voltage and temperature parameters. Modern sensors of current, voltage, and temperature have been compared and the most effective ones were selected for use in electric motors. Based on reasoning from these sensors, a protection system for a low-power electric motor has been developed in the laboratory. In addition, in the Multisim application software package, a simulation of the operation of the protection system at different voltage and current values was performed, and a circuit of the sensor control unit and the power source for powering the protection system was constructed. It has been proposed to apply such a multi-parametric complex protection system for electric motors, especially in transport.

We report a systematic study of free-space terahertz (THz) emission from photoconductive antennas (PCAs) nanodecorated with gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) deposited by using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. H-shaped dipole micro-structured PCAs fabricated on semi-insulating GaAs substrates were decorated under various PLD conditions. Thus, by increasing the number of laser ablation pulses (NLP) of the Au target, both the average size of Au-NPs and the surface loading of PCAs increase. Compared with non-decorated PCAs, those decorated with Au-NPs exhibit significant enhancement in the radiated THz pulse amplitude. A maximum enhancement of ∼2.3 was achieved at NLP = 1250. Under this optimal NLP condition, not only is the average Au-NP size (of ∼15 nm) favorable for light absorption via localized surface plasmons, but also the inter-distance between NPs, the light reflectance, and facilitated transport of photocarriers, all combine to yield a stronger THz field emission. For higher NLP (≥2000), NPs coalesce and tend to form continuous film NPs, which not only significantly limits the light scattering toward the GaAs underlying substrate, but also electrically shorts the PCA. Finally, the Au-NP decoration of GaAs PCAs was also found to improve their overall thermal conductivity, making them much more thermally stable than their non-decorated counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is devoted to an investigation of the TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) diagnostics and self-diagnostics problems. The aim of the current research is to prepare the TCAS system built-in diagnostics aid and to build a model of a device for non-contact monitoring of the TCAS unit operational status. The tasks of the research are the following: to conduct analysis of the features and capabilities of the TCAS diagnostic techniques and aids; to develop a model which can detect the spurious actuation of the system and false decision-making; to prepare techniques which can detect such behavior of the system during a flight; to construct a model of a device for built-in diagnostics based on an non-contact monitoring of the TCAS states. The applied techniques of the researches are the following: application of signs, facts, and heuristic information about faults, implementation of an instrumental approach and diagnostic techniques based on an estimation of measured and monitored parameters. The system state monitoring method was proposed to carry out non-contact diagnostics of the system and to monitor the operating modes. This method is based on operating current variations by means of current measure using non-contact meters. It was proposed to apply the Hall sensor and the Rogowski coil to carry out such diagnostics. The schematic model to monitor the operation of the TCAS receiving and computing unit is developed considering Hall sensors’ capabilities to measure both direct and alternating currents. It was proposed the method and schematics to monitor TCAS system transmitter operating modes due to the fact that Rogowski coil is capable to measure both pulse and HF currents. This promotes to carry out diagnostics of the system proper operation. Several model versions of Rogowski coil are developed. Researches were carried out applying self-contained testing device (АКИП – 3407/2А) and Tektronics TSB digital oscilloscope. Conclusions. The novelty of the carried researches is follows: it is proposed a method for monitoring the variations of operating currents applied by the TCAS basic units for providing the self-contained diagnostics system; it is proposed a method for monitoring the system state according to the operating current variations, based on current measurements applying the Hall sensor and the Rogowski coil to provide the TCAS non-contact diagnostics. The research includes analysis of the laboratory measurements which were performed applying several versions of the Rogowski coil. Functional diagrams of the coil connections to the circuit are developed applying MultiSim14. The logical unit of the TCAS electrical modes built-in monitoring device is developed applying MatLab and MultiSim14

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is an inheritable cardiac disease that typically manifests with an increased left ventricular outflow tract gradient. In most cases, basal septal hypertrophy and systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral valve leaflet are the key components of the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The goal of septal reduction therapy, a widely accepted treatment modality, is to remove this obstruction. Although myectomy is a well-established and effective surgical technique for septal reduction therapy, transcoronary alcohol septal ablation is an alternative therapy for patients who decline to have surgery or who are not suited to a surgical intervention. A new septal reduction method has also been described in the literature. This case report describes the successful treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in a 57-year-old female using the new septal reduction technique.

Copyright of Bosphorus Medical Journal / Boğaziçi Tıp Dergisi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Bosphorus Medical Journal / Boğaziçi Tıp Dergisi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The fracture mechanics problem for isotropic plate weakened by a periodic system of circular holes and straight through cracks is considered. The plate is bending. The stress in- tensity factors were found.

Objective: Visceral adipose tissue performs an important role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Expressing its close association with epicardial adipose tissue simplifies the understanding of visceral adipose tissue in terms of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk and facilitates the implementation of necessary lifestyle changes. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue and visceral adipose tissue proxies such as visceral fat rating, visceral adiposity index, and lipid accumulation product index as well as anthropometrics and lipid profile. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 244 participants (131 female, 113 males), aged 18-83 years without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Epicardial adipose tissue was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Visceral fat rating, total body fat percentage, and mass were assessed by a bioimpedance analyzer. Mathematical formulas calculated the visceral adiposity index and lipid accumulation product index. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical information of the participants was provided from the hospital's data system. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance -insulin resistance was calculated using fasting insulin and glucose. Results: Epicardial adipose tissue was significantly correlated with the visceral fat rating, visceral adiposity index, lipid accumulation product index, age, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-hip ratio, total body fat percentage and mass, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and cigarette smoking. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that age (β = 0.036, P = .001), visceral fat rating (β = 0.221, P < .001), systolic blood pressure (β = 0.033, P < .001), diastolic blood pressure (β = -0.048, P < .001), and cigarette smoking (β = 0.042, P < .001) were independent variables related to epicardial adipose tissue. Conclusion: Epicardial adipose tissue is associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors and indices of visceral adiposity in people without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhen 11 block is located in the deep sag of Gaoyou Sag, North Jiangsu basin, China. It is the main oil-bearing block in the Zhenwu oilfield, which contains multiple types of faults with complex tectonic structures. The Sanduo formation is the target horizon of the study area that has been divided into two members. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the sedimentology and diagenetic impact on reservoir characteristics. To fulfill the main objective of the study, the core data analysis, thin-section analysis, SEM, CL, and MICP techniques have been used to evaluate the sedimentary facies, reservoir characteristics, and diagenesis of E2s1 in the Zhen 11 block. The reservoir rock of E2s1 in the Zhen 11 block is mainly lithic arkoses and feldspathic litharenite. The grain sorting and rounding are poor, with low composition and structural maturity, reflecting the characteristics of near provenance. The formation comprises primary pores, secondary pores, and microfractures. The porosity and permeability range from 10 to 31% and 0.4 × 10−3μm2 to 8000 × 10−3μm2, respectively. The diagenesis includes compaction, cementation, alteration of clay minerals, and feldspar dissolution. The dissolution of feldspar developed in the early and late burial stages. The mechanical compaction increases by increasing burial depth, due to that mechanism the reservoir characteristics have been reduced. The dissolution of feldspar and the fracturing mechanism is common that enhance the reservoir quality. Carbonate cement and clay contents block pores and pore throats and significantly reduces reservoir quality. E2s1 sandstone is commonly deposited in the braided river and meandering stream depositional environment. It consists of an abundance of quartz and feldspar grains with minor calcite cement. Grains are mostly sub-angular to angular, sub-rounded, and moderate sorting, with primary intergranular porosity that increases the reservoir quality. The meandering channel sandstone is comprised of coarse gravel, sandstone, and siltstone from bottom to top with fair reservoir characteristics. Overall the studied formation consists of moderate to good porosity and permeability that is why it can be acting as a good reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Data related to the existence of left ventricular (LV) abnormalities in normal functional bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is scarce. In addition, the impact of afterload and the involved mechanisms are unclear. In this work, we study the relationship between LV function assessed with myocardial work index (MWI) and arterial stiffness in a cohort of normal functioning BAV patients. Methods: In this study, we included a total of 38 consecutive patients with isolated BAV and 44 age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects with tricuspid aortic valve. All participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography to assess conventional parameters and global longitudinal strain (GLS). In addition, MWI was measured by the noninvasive LV pressure‐strain cycle method. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and wave reflection were evaluated by applanation tonometry. Results: The mean aortic PWV was significantly higher in BAV patients (6.4 ± 0.80, 7.02 ± 0.1.2, p =.01, respectively). LV‐MWI related parameters such as global work efficiency (GWE) (96.261.69 and 97.051.27, p =.02) and global wasted work (GWW) (78.232.1 and 61.824.4, p =.01) were found significantly different between the BAV and control groups. However, global working index and global constructive working were not different between groups (1969 ± 259 and 2014 ± 278, p =.45; 2299 ± 290 and 2359 ± 345, p =.39, respectively). Multivariable ordinary least squares regression analysis revealed that BAV (ß = 8.4; 95% CI: 1.5–15.3; p =.04) and PVW (ß = 5.6; 95% CI: 0.7–10.5; p =.01) were significant predictors of GWV. Conclusion: GWW is increased and GWE is decreased in patients with BAV compared with controls, and these changes are related to arterial stiffness. The relationship between aortic PWV and GWW may help to explain the exact mechanism of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with isolated BAV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the question of the possibility of using underground gravity prospecting for exploration of mineral deposits, in particular ore minerals and hydrocarbon deposits. As is known, recently in the world practice of applying geophysical methods, digital instruments are widely used, which provide high accuracy of measured geophysical data. In particular, gravimagnetic work is being carried out in Azerbaijan using digital gravimeters and magnetometers, which ensures the high efficiency of geophysical work. Underground gravity exploration covers gravimetric work in wells and mines and other underground structures and workings. Underground gravimetric work is usually carried out in conditions of approaching to anomalous geological objects, which provides amplification the intensity of the recorded gravimetric data on the one hand and makes it possible to clarify the location of the desired minerals and, in particular, ore bodies. The article analyzes the question of the possibility and effectiveness of underground gravimetric work on the basis of individual practical examples in the world practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was devoted to the creation of a protection system for electric motors used in industry and transport, based on modern and traditional sensors. In the course of operation, the malfunctions of electric motors have been investigated and it was found that the accident modes occur mainly due to exceeding the permissible values of the current, voltage and temperature parameters. Modern sensors of current, voltage, and temperature have been compared and the most effective ones were selected for use in electric motors. Based on reasoning from these sensors, a protection system for a low-power electric motor has been developed in the laboratory. In addition, in the Multisim application software package, a simulation of the operation of the protection system at different voltage and current values was performed, and a circuit of the sensor control unit and the power source for powering the protection system was constructed. It has been proposed to apply such a multi-parametric complex protection system for electric motors, especially in transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the issue of digital modeling of the analytical continuation of gravitational anomalies, the solution of which plays an important role in the separation of a complex observed field and determining the location of a geological source. On the example of a two-dimensional homogeneous horizontal cylinder lying at a certain depth, with using the SURFER program, an analytical continuation of the gravitational field to the upper and lower half-space was performed and built 2D and 3D maps, which gives the most complete picture about the location of the geological object - source of anomaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of the Turkish Society of Cardiology / Türk Kardiyoloji Derneği Arşivi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Shahejie Formation is a fundamental rock unit for hydrocarbon exploration and production in the Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. Methodology including thin sectioning, core observations, fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence, fluid inclusion, laser scanning confocal microscopy and geochemical analysis (C, O isotopes) were all utilized to investigate the reservoir characteristics and origin of the Es1 Sandstone. Thin section study showed that the reservoir rock consisted of feldspathic litharenite and lithic arkose. The reservoir pores are categorized as intergranular pores, fracture pores, dissolution pores and intergranular cement dissolution pores. The studied sandstone had good porosity (0.05%–35%) and permeability (0.006–7000 mD). The Es1 reservoir is classified as a fractured reservoir, a primary intergranular pore‐associated reservoir and a dissolution reservoir. Deposition, diagenesis and tectogenesis are the main factors that played important roles in the development of the reservoir. Sedimentation is the foundation and assumption for reservoir development, but the effective reservoir is primarily controlled by primary pores, fractures, lithofacies, tectonic elements and dissolution pores. Moreover, compaction, fracture filling and cementation were the primary sources of reservoir densification. The reservoir was progressively formed through the influence of different geological and diagenetic events. The present study provides significant information and references for hydrocarbon exploration and development in the Nanpu Sag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we study THz generation and detection using cadmium telluride (CdTe) crystals pumped by amplified (1.025 μm wavelength) and oscillator (1.045 μm wavelength) ytterbium (Yb) lasers. For each laser, we compare the performances of the CdTe THz emitter and detector to those of GaP crystals. Under optimum conditions, we demonstrate that the former shows 3 and 5 times better performances compared with the latter for detection and generation, respectively. When pumped by an amplified Yb laser, we find that the CdTe crystal is more efficient than the GaP crystal for emission at optical fluences lower than 250 μJ/cm2. Although CdTe has some limitations in comparison with GaP, such as high THz absorption above 1 THz and the appearance of two-photon absorption at relatively low optical intensity, our findings demonstrate the potential of this crystal to be used as the emitter and detector in combination with the Yb laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we demonstrate intense extreme-ultraviolet optical vortices generated using laser-ablation plume as the nonlinear medium. We used two types of plumes that are known to generate intense high-order harmonics for driving lasers with Gaussian beam profiles, but through different mechanisms, namely, carbon (diatomic carbon molecules) and tin (resonance with the autoionizing state). We find that the harmonic fluxes for diatomic carbon molecules are similar for Gaussian and vortex driving fields. However, for harmonics from the autoionizing state of tin (∼26.3 eV), the enhancement factor of the resonant harmonic intensity decreases by ∼50% when using the vortex driving field. The intense extreme-ultraviolet optical vortices demonstrated in this study will be useful for many applications including a material characterization technique known as optical angular momentum dichroism as well as the spectroscopy of spin-forbidden electronic transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with worse prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Early identification and intervention for patients with a high risk of CIN are very important to improve clinical outcomes. Inflammation plays important role in the development of CIN in the setting of ACS. The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) is a novel inflammatory marker. Bleeding is also associated with worse prognosis in such patients. We aimed to investigate whether the preprocedural MHR had a predictive role for CIN development in such patients. In addition, using the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction classification, we aimed to assess whether there was any relationship between bleeding and CIN. A total of 647 patients (496 males; age: 63.3 ± 12.7 years) with ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included in the study. Seventy patients (10.8%) had developed CIN. Age, diabetes mellitus, contrast volume, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and MHR were independent predictors for CIN. Preprocedural MHR may be used as a simple marker of CIN. It may help with the early identification of patients with ACS who underwent PCI who are at high risk of CIN thus allowing the planning of protective measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of the Turkish Society of Cardiology / Türk Kardiyoloji Derneği Arşivi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents a case study related to 72-year-old hypertensive male patient has admitted to the emergency ward with chest discomfort and exertional dyspnea because his chest pain has suggestive of ischemia and his troponin has elevated a coronary angiography has planned. Topics inlcude the angiographic has obtained at the end of catheterization, the diastolic murmur at the left sternal border upon physical evaluation, and the first diagnosis has been suspected aortic regurgitation.

The original version of this paper was published with error. The correct spelling of author name is "Orkhan Isgandarov" instead of "Orkhan Isgandrove". Corresponding author failed to provide a correction during proofing stage. Given in this article is the correct name. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was aimed to assess the risk of serious adverse outcomes in patients with hypertension related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Subject and method: The case and control study was conducted based on sampling 905 male and female patients aged 25-75 years. Socio-demographics, clinical, lab tests and comorbidities data were obtained and evaluated within the scope of this research. Results: A significant difference was observed between hypertensive versus normotensive regarding age groups, BMI, cigarette smoking, nargile and alcohol use, Metabolic Syndrome (ATP III), Metabolic Syndrome (IDF), thyroid, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), infection, stroke Coronary Heart Failure (CHF), malignite, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease and vitamin D Levels. Significant differences were detected between hypertensive versus normotensive subjects also regarding BMI, hemoglobin, vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, HDL, fasting blood glucose, creatinine, Total Cholesterol, HDL, triglyceride, uric acid, ferritin, Fe, TSH, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, WBC, CK, CK-MB, D-dimer, Hematocrit, Neutrophil, Lymphocyte, Platelet, Creatinine, AST, ALT, CRP, Procalcitonin, respectively. Importantly, the multivariate stepwise regression analysis estimated that total cholesterol (p < 0.001), Systolic BP (p < 0.001), procalcitonin (p < 0.001), calcium (p < 0.001), ferritin (p < 0.001), creatine kinase (p < 0.001), vitamin D (p = 0.004), smoking (Yes) (p = 0.005) and BMI (p = 0.012) can be regarded as risk predictors of the hypertension among COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: The presented work highlighted the presence of comorbid symptoms in roughly one-third of the population in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, substantial differences in clinical biochemistry properties were detected between hypertensive and normotensive individuals among COVID-19 positive patients. Consequently, this report provides novel insights into clinical characteristics and impact of hypertension in COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]