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Background: The ongoing horrors of the war in Ukraine have led to enormous consequences: loss of life, severe injuries, and mass movements of civilians. Exposure to war, living in conflict zones, and forced displacement increase the risk of experiencing a broad spectrum of direct and indirect burdens towards physical and mental health, in particular among children. Objective: This letter to the editor aims to provide multiple clinical and 'mental health and psychosocial support' (MHPSS) systems' perspectives by experts working in ongoing aid efforts to bridge and disseminate their current observations towards child and adolescent mental health services involved in the mental health response to the current war in Ukraine. Results and Discussion: The diverse perspectives from three mental health professionals involved in the MHPSS response highlight the different burdens and needs of children being confronted with situations of an existential nature. Children live through transformed social situations, deteriorated life conditions, general uncertainty, and encounter numerous losses. As such, war is the ultimate non-normative and existential stressor. The four perspectives highlight the need to: (1) adjust help toward the needs of the beneficiary, (2) understand help efforts as intersubjective human encounters and enable parents and caregivers in these encounters, (3) recognise losses and embrace finding ways to facilitate grief, and (4) continue to address these needs in a coordinated way that follows inter-agency guidelines. Conclusion: Better understanding the needs of refugee children underlines the importance of investing in their future by providing resources for humanitarian aid and psychosocial interventions during sustained emergencies. The perspectives presented in this letter emphasise that psychosocial care is deeply rooted in intersubjective help-encounters and, therefore, a professionalisation of interventions should co-occur with their humanisation and be adapted to subjective needs, varying sociocultural backgrounds, and the individuals themselves with the goal of reducing suffering and fostering well-being. The three expert humanitarian aid perspectives highlight the need to: adjust help toward the needs of the beneficiary, understand help efforts as intersubjective human encounters and enable parents and caregivers in these encounters, recognise losses and embrace finding ways to facilitate grief, and continue to address these needs in a coordinated way that follows inter-agency guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature-dependent magnetic properties and spin echo decay behavior have been studied for an ensemble of La1−xSrxMnO3 (x = 0.23) nanoparticles (of 30 nm in diameter) synthesized by the sol–gel method. Characteristic magnetic parameters, such as blocking temperature and effective Curie temperature for the ensemble, are determined. Enhanced coercivity and its unusual temperature dependence compared to bulk counterparts are revealed, and possible reasons for this phenomenon are discussed. A conclusion about the non-negligible role of interparticle interactions in the enhancement of the coercivity in the ensembles of substituted manganites is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The main research question of the article is how the perception of help and the style of interpersonal relations are connected. In a broad sense, the question refers to the problem of constant and situational variables of prosocial activity. The main methodological framework is Vygotsky's cultural-historical psychology, in particular, the mechanism of interiorization and the interaction of interpsychological and intrapsychological processes. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: Over 215 participants (students attending school and university, living in Ukraine, aged from 12 to 22 years) took part in our experiment, but because not all of them completed all the necessary forms correctly, only 193 participants' answers were further analyzed. Our two research techniques were Leary's Interpersonal Behavior Circle Personal Inventory and the semantic differential (N = 193). RESULTS: Each disposition from Leary's questionnaire had at least one significant correlation with the way Ukrainian adolescents perceive help. The semantic aspects of perceiving help were investigated with the help of ranking the qualities of the semantic differential for the words "help the other". CONCLUSIONS: The identified correlations contribute to the psychological analysis of the detailed characteristics of perceiving help concerning personal dispositions. Personal, communicational and semantic aspects of help are interconnected and their further research can bring rich insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The DyCu x Ga 4− x −δ alloys ( x = 1.2–0.05) have been studied by the X-ray single-crystal and powder diffraction methods as well as by the magnetometric and XPS techniques. Four individual closely related compounds identified here were shown to be the derivatives of BaAl 4 -type structure (tetragonal or orthorhombically distorted) with the increased multiplicity of their a and b sublattice constants, namely, I-DyCu 1.25−1.12 Ga 2.67−2.80 (1 × 1), II-DyCu 1.07 Ga 2.74 (3 × 3), III-DyCu 0.92−0.76 Ga 2.84−3.00 (3 × 3) and IV-DyCu 0.63−0.06 Ga 3.00−3.57 (9 × 9). All alloys studied are paramagnets at (300–650) K temperature range. The effective paramagnetic moment per Dy atom was found to exceed the value for the Dy 3+ ion (10.65 μ B ). Besides, it increases up to 11.2 μ B with Ga content increasing. Magnetic properties of these alloys are discussed based upon crystal and electronic structure changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystal structures of the ternary DyMn x Ga 3 alloys ( x < 0.45) annealed stepwise at 873 and then at 773 K have been studied by the X-ray powder diffraction method. It was shown that four individual phases are formed in the vicinity of the specific stoichiometric compositions as a result of embedding of the manganese atoms into the octahedral holes of the high temperature DyGa 3 compound. These phases are I-Dy 5 Mn 1− y Ga 15 , II-Dy 4 Mn 1− y Ga 12 , III-Dy 3 Mn 1− y Ga 9 and IV-Dy 2 Mn 1− y Ga 6 . The crystal structures of these phases have been determined and considered as externally or/and internally distorted variants of the AuCu 3 -type structure. The temperature dependencies of magnetic susceptibility were determined by using the Faraday technique. All compounds studied are paramagnets in the temperature range of 300–650 K. The XPS analysis has confirmed that the crystal structure features of the DyMn x Ga 3 alloys and their magnetic properties are caused by the changing of an oxidation degree of the manganese atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our research was to assess the state of red blood cell (RBC) membranes in rats orally administered caffeinated energy drinks during two months using the fluorescent probe O1O (2-(2'-OHphenyl)- 5-phenyl-1,3-oxazole). Fluorescent probe O1O (2-(2'-OH-phenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3-oxazole), which locates in the area of glycerol backbones, carbonyl groups of phospholipids, and hydrocarbon chains of phospholipids (near carbonyl groups) in the bilayer, was used to assess the state of RBC membranes in suspensions prepared from whole blood samples obtained from ten female adult WAG rats orally administered a caffeinated energy drink at a dose of 12 ml/kg during two months and ten controls. Energy drink consumption was associated with a higher fluorescence intensity of the phototautomer form of the probe O1O (the fluorescence maximum is at a wavelength of 480 nm) in erythrocyte suspensions compared with the control animals. The observed change in the fluorescence of the probe is attributed to the increase in the viscosity of the probe environment in the membrane. It was revealed using the fluorescent probe O1O that the long-term oral administration of caffeinated energy drinks to rats caused the increased membrane viscosity (i.e. reduced fluidity) in RBCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to optimize the hydrolysis conditions of wheat straw by complex enzyme preparation from Fennellia sp. 2806 with endo-, exoglucanase, xylanase and P-glucosidase activities. Bioconversion of wheat straw was carried out by an enzyme preparation obtained from the culture filtrate of Fennellia sp. 2806. The two methods of statistical optimization of the experiment — the Plackett-Burman (determination of significant factors) and Box-Behnken (determination of optimal values of defined significant factors) methods were used consequentially to optimize the hydrolysis conditions. Endo-, exoglucanase, xylanase and P-glucosidase activities were assayed in enzyme preparation. Reducing sugars were determined by the modified Bertrand method. As a result of two-stage optimization of the bioconversion process of wheat straw by enzyme preparation from Fennellia sp. 2806, it was found that the highest reducing sugars values were formed at temperature 50 °C, pH 5.0, substrate concentration 100 mg/ml, endoglucanase activity — 0.012 u/mg substrate, process duration — 18 h and pre-treatment by 4.5% alkali solution with further exposure to a microwave irradiation 6 W /g WS for 10 min. So it was established that temperature, pH, substrate concentration, pre-treatment of wheat straw by alkali solution and microwave irradiation were the significant factors for the hydrolysis process of substrate by enzyme preparation from Fennellia sp. 2806. Reducing sugars concentration was increased 1.5-2.0 times compared with the results obtained for the native wheat straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We study phase equilibria in ternary Ni–Al–Ga in the whole concentration range. [•] Ni(Al,Ga), Ni2(Al,Ga)3, Ni5(Al,Ga)3 extended solid solutions exist in this system. [•] Isothermal section (700°C) of the Ni–Al–Ga system has been constructed. [•] Small additions of Ga increase compressive strength of Ni3(Al,Ga) solid solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To estimate the state of phospholipid bilayer of rats WBCs exposed to a common food additive E407a, which is used as a thickener and emulsifier, during 4 h using a fluorescent probe − ortho-hydroxy derivative of 2,5-diaryl-1,3-oxazole. Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy: a study by the environment-sensitive fluores-cent probe − 2-(2′-hydroxy-phenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3-oxazole (probe O1O). Changes are detected in the spectra of the fluorescent probe bound to rat WBCs treated with the solutions of E407a of various concentrations in comparison with the corresponding spectra of the probe incubated with the untreated leukocytes. The decrease in polarity and proton-donor ability is observed in the lipid membranes of leukocytes in the region, where the probe locates. Our findings suggest a higher dehydration of leukocyte membranes of rats treated with a common food additive E407a at high concentrations and, thus, indicate that exposure to high doses of E407a leads to the increase in the lipid order (i.e. to decrease in fluidity) of the membranes of rat WBCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ternary alloys of the Y–Cu–Ga system have been reinvestigated and the refined data on the compositions and crystal structures of the ternary compounds were received. It was shown that each extended solid solution (ThMn12-, PrFe7-, CaCu5-, BaAl4-, La3Al11-, KHg2-, CaIn2- and CsCl-type structures) consists of several individual isostructural phases, each of them reveals a partial fillings of the certain positions by yttrium or/and copper/gallium atoms. The composition of these phases gradually shifts to the higher yttrium content with increase in Ga-content. Taking into account the structural peculiarities of the extended solid solutions, 23 phases in total were found to exist in the Y–Cu–Ga system at 700°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim To assess the impact of semi-refined carrageenan (E407a) on hydrophobic regions of phosphololipid bilayer in cell membranes of leukocytes collected from rats orally administered this food additive and white blood cells incubated with E407a. Methods Fluorescent probes (ortho-hydroxy derivatives of 2,5-diaryl-1,3-oxazole) were used to estimate the state of lipid bilayer in leukocytes obtained from rats orally exposed to the food additive E407a and in white blood cells incubated with E407a. Results No noticeable changes in the physico-chemical properties were observed in the lipid membranes of leukocytes in the region where the probes locate in response to oral intake of semi-refined carrageenan. Incubation of leukocytes with E407a solutions resulted in a decrease in polarity and proton-donor ability of leukocytes in the area of carbonyl groups of phospholipids and in the area of hydrocarbon chains of phospholipids near the polar region of the bilayer. Conclusion Membrane fluidity abnormalities found in cells exposed to E407a are similar to those observed in patients with IBD suggesting that contribution of carrageenan to IBD development may be partially explained by leukocyte membrane modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the lipid membranes of rat enterocytes in chronic carrageenan-induced gastroenterocolitis accompanied by the activation of apoptotic processes. Methods Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy: a study by fluorescent probes - by ortho-hydroxy derivatives of 2,5-diaryl-1,3-oxazole. Activity of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase in small intestinal homogenates, blood serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and caspase-3 and the level of DNA fragmentation in small intestinal homogenates were determined. Results Biochemical analysis revealed that an activation of apoptotic processes occurred in the intestinal epithelium of rats during chronic carrageenan-induced gastroenterocolitis. The fluorescence probes showed that activation of apoptotic processes in carrageenan-induced gastroenterocolitis was accompanied by changes in polar regions of rat enterocyte membranes, while no changes were revealed in more hydrophobic regions of the membranes. Conclusion The increase in hydration of membranes was attributed to the activation of the apoptosis of enterocytes. It has been shown that a fluorescent probe (2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3-oxazole) can be used for the detection of apoptosis of enterocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to screen and to study the effect of inducers on the synthesis of the cellulolytic enzyme complexes by microscopic fungi. Cellulolytic and xylanolytic activities were determined by reducing sugar with DNS reagent, and β-glucosidase activity by pNPG hydrolysis. The enzyme preparations were obtained by ammonium sulphate precipitation. Among 32 studied strains of microscopic fungi 14 produced cellulo- and xylanolytic enzyme complexes. Fusarium sp. 5 and Fennellia sp. 2806 demonstrated the highest levels of all studied enzyme activities. Enzyme preparations with high endo-, exoglucanase, xylanase and β-glucosidase activities were obtained from these strains. Fusarium sp. 5 and Fennellia sp. 2806 were active producers of cellulase enzyme complexes during growth on natural substrates. It was shown that inductors of cellulolytic enzymes in Fusarium sp. 5 and Fennellia sp. 2806 differed from the ones in Trichoderma reesei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) formerly known as chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a severe and distressing skin condition that remains uncontrolled in approximately one half of patients, despite the use of licensed, recommended doses of modern, second-generation H1-antihistamines. So far, the humanistic, societal and economic burden of CSU/CIU has not been well quantified. Therefore it is important to broaden our understanding of how CSU/CIU impacts patients, society, and healthcare systems, by determining the disease burden of CSU/CIU and the associated unmet need; as well as to further guide the use of new treatments in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Methods: ASSURE-CSU is an observational, multicenter study being conducted in the UK, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, and The Netherlands. The study comprises a retrospective medical chart review in conjunction with patient surveys (including validated tools for assessment of disease impact) and an 8-day patient diary. The primary objectives of the study are to describe patient demographics, medical history, treatments, and healthcare resource utilization based on medical-record data and to assess the impact of disease, healthcare resource utilization, work days missed, and productivity loss based on patient-reported data. Approximately 700 patients (aged ≥18 years) will be enrolled who have CSU/CIU despite currently receiving treatment, and have had persistent symptoms for at least 12 months. Data will be collected retrospectively for the 12 months (±1 month) prior to enrolment wherever possible, and prospectively for the week following enrolment. Discussion: ASSURE-CSU will be the first study to examine the economic and humanistic burden of disease in patients diagnosed with CSU/CIU who are symptomatic despite treatment. By combining retrospective evaluation of medical records with prospective patient surveys and 8-day diaries, across seven different countries, the ASSURE-CSU study will contribute to a better understanding and acknowledgement of the burden of disease in patients with symptomatic chronic spontaneous urticaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We study the crystal structure of GdAl x Ga4−x compounds with 8–66at.% Ga. [•] Existing range of these compounds is fragmented into seven individual regions. [•] The effective magnetic moments have been calculated. [•] The excess magnetic moments are caused by the contribution of the non-4f electrons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The safety of food additives E407 and E407a has raised concerns in the scientific community. Thus, this study aims to assess the local and systemic toxic effects of the common food additive E407a in rats orally exposed to it for two weeks. Complex evaluations of the effects of semi-refined carrageenan (E407a) on rats upon oral exposure were performed. Local effects of E407a on the intestine were analyzed using routine histological stains and CD68 immunostaining. Furthermore, circulating levels of inflammatory markers were assessed. A fluorescent probe O1O (2- (2′-OH-phenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3-oxazole) was used for evaluating the state of leukocyte cell membranes. Cell death modes of leukocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry using Annexin V and 7-aminoactinomycin D staining. Oral administration of the common food additive E407a was found to be associated with altered small and large intestinal morphology, infiltration of the lamina propria in the small intestine with macrophages (CD68+ cells), high systemic levels of inflammation markers, and changes in the lipid order of the phospholipid bilayer in the cell membranes of leukocytes, alongside the activation of their apoptosis. Our findings suggest that oral exposure to E407a through rats results in the development of intestinal inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The crystal structures of seven Ga-rich compounds that exist in the Y–Cu–Ga system were studied by the X-ray single-crystal and powder diffraction methods. The crystal structures of six phases were shown to be constructed from the orthorhombic distorted BaAl4-like fragments by multiplication of its a and b lattice constants. These compounds are: 1-Y1.02Cu1.35Ga2.63 (modified BaAl4-type structure, 1×1 multiplication), 2-Y1.04Cu1.12Ga2.84 and 3-Y1.05Cu1.00Ga2.95 (own type structure, 3×3), 4-Y1.08Cu0.72Ga3.20 (own, 9×9), 5-Y3Cu4Ga7 and 6-Y3.21Cu3.09Ga7.70 (La3Al11, 3×1), 7-YCuGa2 (own, 3×3). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]