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Introduction. The theme of metal hypersensitivity (MHS) reactions is among the most controversial and complex issues in orthopedic and trauma practice. MHS diagnoses are diagnostically challenging because they are exclusionary diagnoses. It is currently uncertain which biomarkers can reliably predict a potential pathological response to implants. The aim of this research is to investigate hypersensitivity reactions to orthopedic implants containing nickel (Ni). Materials and methods. This research was conducted on female Wistar rats in accordance with the standards of bioethical principles. To obtain conclusive results, the animals were divided into two experimental groups: with prior sensitization to Freund's adjuvant containing Ni and without it. Nickel plates with a total surface area of 24 mm2 were implanted in the rats under general anesthesia. Five months after the intervention, the animals were removed from the experiment, and histological examination of the obtained samples was conducted. Extracted implants were examined using electron microscopy to assess the implant surface. The local elemental composition of the implants was analyzed using an energy-dispersive spectrometer. Results. Under the experimental conditions, it was demonstrated that after 5 months following the operation, a dense connective tissue capsule with an inflammatory infiltrate in the capsule lumen had formed around the implants in the rats. This suggests a possible manifestation of hypersensitivity reactions to implants containing Ni. Electron microscopy of the surface of the extracted implants revealed corrosion phenomena in all the samples. The degree of corrosion was more pronounced in the group of animals with prior sensitization to Ni, and distant particles of Ni were detected, which can be characterized as the beginning of implant degradation. Conclusions. A connective tissue capsule forms around the implants, and it was found to be 34.8% denser in animals sensitized to Ni prior to implantation, which may indicate tissue reactions with signs of hypersensitivity. Further research will provide a deeper understanding of the fundamental inflammatory and immunological reactions to metals present in implants. This, in turn, will facilitate the identification of clinically useful applications necessary for the development of diagnostic or prognostic tests for patients with metal implants.

Introduction. An experimental study comparing the duration of partial resection of 500 mm3 of meniscus by a combination of arthroscopic punchers with a radiofrequency ablator and a radiofrequency resection tool "Meniscus Resector" was conducted in isolated laboratory conditions. The aim of the study. To determine and compare the duration of partial meniscus resection using arthroscopic punchers, radiofrequency ablator and Meniscus Resector radiofrequency resection tool in isolated laboratory conditions. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 30 macropreparations of human knee menisci obtained during total knee arthroplasty, which were divided into two groups: Group 1 – 15 macroscopic specimens, partial resection of which was performed using an arthroscopic biter, and the contours of the meniscus surface after resection were treated with a radiofrequency ablator; Group 2 – 15 macroscopic specimens, partial resection of which was performed using the Meniscus Resector radiofrequency resection tool. In both groups, the same volume of meniscus was resected – 500 mm3. Visualization and timing were performed using an arthroscopic system (Smith & Nephew, USA; Loran, China). Statistical processing of the study data was performed using the licensed software IBM SPSS Statistics Base v 22. MedCalc (Healthcare Technology, USA). Results and Discussion. In group 1, the mean duration (median, interquartile range) of partial resection of a 500 mm3 fragment was 11.8 (10.2-12.9) seconds, in group 2, the mean duration of partial resection of a 500 mm3 fragment was 1.9 (1.4-2.3) seconds (p=0.000061). Thus, the use of the Meniscus Resector (group 2) contributed to an average of 6.2 times faster partial meniscus resection compared to arthroscopic punchers and radiofrequency ablator (group 1). Conclusions. The study suggests that the use of the Meniscus Resector provides a faster method of radiofrequency meniscus resection compared to arthroscopic punchers and radiofrequency ablators. Further studies and trials are needed to confirm these results and evaluate safety in different clinical settings.

Aim. To assess the condition severity and predict postoperative complications and mortality in elderly and senile patients with perforated gastric and duodenal ulcer using the P-POSSUM score. Materials and methods. To conduct a scientific study, 80 (100.0 %) cases of treatment for patients aged 60 to 89 years with a diagnosis of gastric or duodenal ulcer perforation were analyzed. At the stage of hospitalization, the general condition was assessed using the variables of the P-POSSUM score. All patients underwent emergency surgery. Results. The obtained sum of points was compared with postoperative complications and mortality. We defined the discrimination point as >43 points for postoperative complications and >48 points for mortality. Based on the result, the patients were divided into group A with a sum of points up to 43 inclusive – 39 patients (48.8 %), and with a greater number of points – 41 patients (51.2 %) – group B. Evaluation of the detected complications in the postoperative period and comparison with the sum of points significantly confirmed an increase in their frequency in group B (sum of points >43) as compared to group A (sum of points ≤43) – p = 0.0018, U = 474.0. To compare the mortality rate, all the patients were divided into group C – 48 (60.0 %) patients with a sum of points ≤48, and group D – 32 patients (40.0 %) with a sum of points ≥49. In the group of patients with a total score >48 (group D), the mortality rate was significantly increased compared to group C with a score ≤48, p = 0.0002, U = 384.0. Conclusions. Our study has led to the following conclusions: the P-POSSUM score use in elderly and senile patients with perforated gastric and duodenal ulcers significantly confirms the increase in the frequency of postoperative complications, in group A – 6 (15.4 %) patients, while in group B – 23 (56.1 %), p = 0.0018, U = 474.0 and increased mortality, in group C – 6.3 %, in group D – 56.3 %, p = 0.0002, U = 384.0; the P-POSSUM score provides reliable prediction an increase in the risk of postoperative complications and mortality. This, in turn, makes it possible to predict and change treatment approaches and improve the quality of emergency surgical care for elderly and senile patients.

Considering the war in Ukraine, it will be necessary to restore the tourism system. The use of foresight as a means of predicting the future will ensure the formation of conditions for its development. The study aims to assess the functioning of the tourism system in Ukraine under martial law and to develop foresight scenarios for its development. The analysis of the main economic indicators of tourism and hotel entities during the war period indicates potential opportunities (a stable or growing trend). The volume of tax revenues to the state budget in 2023 increased by 15.6%. 2023 hotels’ KPIs (RevPAR, ADR, Occupancy) for the main destinations compared to the same period in 2022 increased by 206.0%, 66.0%, and 44.0%, respectively. The study scans the horizon within which the factors affecting the development of the tourism system are determined and assesses the levels of their potential impact and probability of occurrence. The BANI method is used to identify possible α- and β-scenarios of development, and the matrix method is used to interpret the strategic development directions. Industry factors are combined into four groups: development trends, the state of the market, technologies, innovations, and professional competence of staff. Thus, α- (optimistic) and β- (pessimistic) development scenarios future states in the tourism development. A prognostic vision of the future in a situation of prospective uncertainty makes it possible to determine the factors for mitigating the effects of military actions in the post-war period. It stimulates finding alternatives for strengthening the cohesion of the tourism system. Acknowledgment The paper shows the authors’ results within the frameworks of the study, performed in 2021−2023 at Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics at the request of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine “Digital transformation of trade, economic and tourist systems in Ukraine” (state registration number 0121U112231) and “Forecasting the impact of the tourism system on the country’s economy” (state registration number 0122U001559).

Objective. The study of the influence of prolonged stressful situation on world assumptions, peculiarities of thinking and moral decisions. Background. The pandemic situation can be considered as a model stressful situation. The assessment of its impact makes it possible to predict the consequences of society experiencing a high level of stress in a situation of danger and/or uncertainty. Study design. The level of distress, moral decisions, world assumptions, and peculiarities of thinking before the pandemic and in the conditions of the pandemic were compared. Methods of variance analysis, the Kraskal-Wallace criterion, and correlation analysis were used. Participants. "Moral dilemmas" N = 621 (23,4% of men), age – 33,7 ± 11,32; Constructive thinking questionnaire N = 700 (20,7% of men), age – 31,55 ± 9,7; Scale of basic beliefs N = 412 (18,2% of men), age – 35,6 ± 11,2. Measurements. "Moral dilemmas", "World Assumptions Scale” (WAS), “Constructive Thinking Inventory” (CTI), Symptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90R). Results. During the pandemic, the level of distress experienced is higher, the ability to distinguish between personal and "distant" violence is lower, and indicators of constructive thinking and emotional coping are lower. The belief in benevolence, justice of the world, the value of one's own self is reduced. All these changes are associated with a high level of distress. Conclusions. The stressful situation led to a change in moral decisions. The change was not directly related to basic beliefs and thinking patterns and is a consequence of "emotional detachment" in stressful situation.

Today, when it comes to manufacturing parts and components for various mechanisms, the tendency is to use both approaches – the latest technologies and new material combinations- to achieve a longer product's lifetime. That is why the issue of machine parts' working capacity criteria, one of the most important of which is wear and its prediction, remains vitally important. Having studied the prediction theories of the wear process that have been developed over time, one can state that each has shortcomings that might strongly impair the results, thus making unnecessary theoretical calculations. Also, predicting wear based on lengthy, time-consuming, costly experiments is still prevalent. The article discusses a new wear calculation model, which is based on the application of theories from several branches of science. This model considers the surface texture (3D) parameters' values in modelling the surface's micro-topography with the random field theory while the friction surfaces' destruction – with the fatigue theory. The new wear calculation model is synthesised based on a developed friction surface contact model, providing a more complete surface description, which is essential for wear calculation and gives more accurate results. The proposed new wear calculation formula includes parameters that can be easily determined using modern measurement methods, thus speeding up the product design process and significantly contributing to sustainable development. Experimental studies on the steel-bronze sliding friction pair validated the analytical wear calculations' results.

Objective: to identify the features of biomechanical parameters of the fibrous capsule of the eye in patients after radial keratotomy (RK). Materials and methods. 87 eyes were examined after radial keratotomy, the average age was 59.8 ± 0.83 years. With glaucoma 47 eyes, without — in 40 eyes. Patients were divided into three groups: 17 eyes with a central corneal thickness (CCT) of less than 530 microns; 30 eyes with a CCT of 530–580 microns; 40 eyes with a CCT of more than 580 microns. The control group consists of myopic patients without glaucoma, without PES, over 45 years old. Corneal tomography and biomechanical parameters were measured using Pentacam (Oculus) and CorVis ST, respectively. Results. in the eyes after RK, the corneal stiffness (DA ratio, R) is higher in comparison with the control and increases with an increase in CCT. The stiffness of the fibrous capsule of the eye (SP-A1) after RK is reduced in comparison with the control and increases with an increase in CCT. The SSI analysis showed a higher stiffness of the eyeball than in the control, regardless of the CCT. BGF is higher in the eyes after RK compared to the control with the maximum value for thin corneas. Hyperopic shift (HS) after RK is distinctive for eyes with glaucoma. With a CCT of more than 580 microns, HS is a clinical glaucoma detector, with thin corneas, it is not. Conclusion. The eye after RC is characterized by an increase in the stiffness of the cornea, a decrease in the stiffness of the fibrous capsule of the eye, a general increase in the stiffness of the eyeball and HS.

Introduction. The study of the duration of surgery and the course of the postoperative period in 38 patients with damage to the medial meniscus of the knee joint who underwent partial meniscus resection in the traditional way was conducted and the analysis of the dependence of the duration of surgery and patient activity in the postoperative period on such technical parameters as the number of resection cycles and the frequency of intraoperative instrument change was performed. The aim of the study. To determine the dependence of the duration of surgery and functional activity of the patient in the postoperative period on the technical parameters of partial resection of the knee meniscus. Materials and methods. The study involved 38 patients aged 21 to 53 years with unstable damage to the medial meniscus of the knee joint of III or IV degree according to Stoller, who underwent partial meniscus resection. To assess functional activity, patients underwent periodic clinical examination and questionnaires using the Tegner activity scale from the first day to 6 weeks after surgery. Statistical processing of the study data was performed using the licensed software IBM SPSS Statistics Base v 22. MedCalc (Healthcare Technology, USA). Results. A direct strong correlation (ρ=0.857) was found between the number of meniscus resection cycles performed during surgery and the number of intraoperative instrument change (p0.05). Conclusions. The need for intraoperative instrument change is directly related to the number of resection cycles required to perform partial resection of the medial meniscus. The duration of the surgical intervention is related to the need for intraoperative instrument change and the number of resection cycles required for partial resection of the medial meniscus. However, the functional activity of the patient in the early and medium-term postoperative period is not directly related to the duration of the operation.

Abstract Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype that exhibits a high incidence of distant metastases and lacks targeted therapeutic options. Here we explored how the epigenome contributes to matrix metalloprotease (MMP) dysregulation impacting tumor invasion, which is the first step of the metastatic process. Methods We combined RNA expression and chromatin interaction data to identify insulator elements potentially associated with MMP gene expression and invasion. We employed CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt the CCCTC-Binding Factor (CTCF) binding site on an insulator element downstream of the MMP8 gene (IE8) in two TNBC cellular models. We characterized these models by combining Hi-C, ATAC-seq, and RNA-seq with functional experiments to determine invasive ability. The potential of our findings to predict the progression of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), was tested in data from clinical specimens. Results We explored the clinical relevance of an insulator element located within the Chr11q22.2 locus, downstream of the MMP8 gene (IE8). This regulatory element resulted in a topologically associating domain (TAD) boundary that isolated nine MMP genes into two anti-correlated expression clusters. This expression pattern was associated with worse relapse-free (HR = 1.57 [1.06 − 2.33]; p = 0.023) and overall (HR = 2.65 [1.31 − 5.37], p = 0.005) survival of TNBC patients. After CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of IE8, cancer cells showed a switch in the MMP expression signature, specifically downregulating the pro-invasive MMP1 gene and upregulating the antitumorigenic MMP8 gene, resulting in reduced invasive ability and collagen degradation. We observed that the MMP expression pattern predicts DCIS that eventually progresses into invasive ductal carcinomas (AUC = 0.77, p

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) constitute the backbone of modern acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) prophylaxis regimens but have limited efficacy in the prevention and treatment of chronic GVHD (cGVHD). We investigated the effect of CNIs on immune tolerance after stem cell transplantation with discovery-based single-cell gene expression and T cell receptor (TCR) assays of clonal immunity in tandem with traditional protein-based approaches and preclinical modeling. While cyclosporin and tacrolimus suppressed the clonal expansion of [CD8.sup.+] T cells during GVHD, alloreactive [CD4.sup.+] T cell clusters were preferentially expanded. Moreover, CNIs mediated reversible dose-dependent suppression of T cell activation and all stages of donor T cell exhaustion. Critically, CNIs promoted the expansion of both polyclonal and TCR-specific alloreactive central memory [CD4.sup.+] T cells ([T.sub.CM]) with high self-renewal capacity that mediated cGVHD following drug withdrawal. In contrast to posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy), CSA was ineffective in eliminating IL-17A-secreting alloreactive T cell clones that play an important role in the pathogenesis of cGVHD. Collectively, we have shown that, although CNIs attenuate aGVHD, they paradoxically rescue alloantigen-specific [T.sub.CM], especially within the [CD4.sup.+] compartment in lymphoid and GVHD target tissues, thus predisposing patients to cGVHD. These data provide further evidence to caution against CNI-based immune suppression without concurrent approaches that eliminate alloreactive T cell clones., Introduction Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell or bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a curative therapy for many hematological diseases and metabolic disorders. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) contributes to considerable morbidity and [...]

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are known to frequently suffer from comorbid cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). There are abundant data on cytokine levels and their role in the pathogenesis of SLE, while growth factors have received much less attention. The aim of this study was to analyze growth factor levels in SLE patients and their association with the presence of comorbid CVDs. The serum concentrations for the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), nerve growth factor β (NGFβ), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and neuregulin-1 β (NRG-1β) were determined in the SLE patients (n = 35) and healthy individuals (n = 38) by a Luminex multiplex assay. The NGFβ and NRG-1β concentrations were shown to be significantly higher in the total group of SLE patients (median [Q1–Q3]: 3.6 [1.3–4.5] and 52.5 [8.5–148], respectively) compared with the healthy individuals (2.9 [1.3–3.4] and 13.7 [4.4–42] ng/mL, respectively). The GM-CSF and GDNF levels did not differ. Interestingly, elevated NRG-1β levels were associated with the presence of CVDs, as SLE patients with CVDs had significantly higher NRG-1β levels (99 [22–242]) compared with the controls (13.7 [4.4–42]) and patients without CVDs (19 [9–80] ng/mL). The model for the binary classification of SLE patients with and without CVDs based on the NRG-1β level had an average predictive ability (AUC = 0.67). Thus, altered levels of growth factors may be associated with comorbid CVDs in SLE patients.

In this work, two different composite nanostructures, YAG:Ce and Ga0.9In0.1N, were prepared by the Urea Glass Route method and tested for the production of white light. The first composite was prepared by synthetizing the Ga0.9In0.1N nanoparticles in the presence of YAG:Ce nanoparticles. The second one was prepared by synthetizing YAG:Ce nanoparticles in the presence of Ga0.9In0.1N nanoparticles. These systems can be useful for the production of white light. X-ray Diffraction and Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopies (TEM and SEM) were used to evaluate their structural and morphological properties. Excitation and emission spectra, the quantum yield and colour of the emitted light were acquired to evaluate the optical properties of the systems.

Background: Microsporum canis (Bodin, 1902) is a dermatophyte, which is widely represented in the developing and the developed world alike. Commonly transmitted from domestic animals it is particularly dangerous for immunosuppressed patients due to AIDS, cancer or transplant surgery. Search for new perspective antimycotic derivatives becomes an urgent task in the disease containment. Previously, several quinolinium analogs were screened for their antibacterial activity (E. coli, St. aurous) by our research team. Furthermore, some N-phenylbenzoquinaldinium derivatives have shown antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Candida krusei. Aims: In this study, we sought to investigate fungicidal properties of N-arylbenzoquinaldinium derivatives against a clinical strain of Microsporum canis for future medicinal applications. Materials and Methods: N-phenyl-[f]-benzoquinaldinium salts were prepared by a variation of the previously described technique and tested against a clinical strain of the fungus of Microsporum canis 114 harvested from pathogenic material of a patient (Perm, Russia, 2014). Results: N-phenyl-[f]-benzoquinaldinium tetrafluoroborate has shown antifungal activity par to (or exceeding) that of commercially available medication. Moreover, this benzoquinaldinium analog can be potentially labelled with tritium by our nuclear-chemical method, making it amenable for the sensitive pharmacokinetic studies. Conclusions: N-phenyl-[f]-benzoquinaldinium tetrafluoroborate has been shown as a promising compound for the further development of potent antifungal agents as well as radiotracers for further elucidation of biological pathways of antifungal activity. Keywords: Antifungal activity, dermatophytes, microsporum canis, N-arylbenzoquinaldinium derivatives, Author(s): Nadezhda E. Shchepina [1]; Galina A. Alexandrova [2]; Svetlana Y. Balandina [2]; Igor I. Boiko [3]; Sandeep Chaudhary (corresponding author) [4]; Roman V. Shchepin [5] Introduction Microsporum canis (Bodin, [...]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The reduction of fresh water deficit and water-related morbidity is the most important problem of the state’s national security. The effective treatment of natural water in industrialized areas from natural and anthropogenic pollutants is the main ecological task. Coagulation is one of the effective methods used to treat water chemically to purify it. Aluminum polyoxychlorides have gained popularity because of their advantages over coagulants—aluminum and iron sulfates. No production of aluminum polyoxychloride occurs in Kazakhstan despite the need for coagulants (the minimum need is assessed at about 11 thousand tons). The work is aimed at theoretical justification and experimental proof of a principally new approach to the development of aluminum polyoxychloride production technology based on activated aluminum alloys containing metal activators, such as gallium, indium , and tin from 0.5 to 5 percent weight. In addition, the goal is solving environmental issues associated with improving the drinking water quality and related to environmental pollution with wastewater.METHODS: The microstructures, phase components, and elemental compositions of alloys and reaction products were studied by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The thermal effects of alloys were investigated usin thermogravimetry methods. Oil content in wastewater was determined by spectrophotometry. Oil particle dimensions and wastewater zero potentials were determined using electrophoretic light scattering method and residual turbidity by turbidimetry. Water quality assessment was included in the purified water analysis and comparison with the sanitary and epidemiological standards established for drinking water supply and wastewater intended for water discharge.FINDINGS: The structures and compositions of activated aluminum alloy containing metal activators - gallium, indium, and tin - from 0.5 to 5 weight percent and aluminum polyoxychlorides based on it were studied using modern instrumental methods. The efficiency of the treatment of natural and oil-contaminated wastewater with aluminum polyoxychloride was assessed. The treated water parameters were within the norms established for drinking water supply and wastewater disposal by Sanitary Rules and Norms 2.1.4.559-96. The efficiency of potable water treatment reached 90–99 percent.CONCLUSION: An effective and technologically simple method is developed for producing aluminum polyoxychloride. It involves dissolving an activated alloy in 1–5 percent hydrochloric acid, with an aluminum content of 98.5–85 percent. Alloy processing is carried out at temperatures ranging from 60 to 65 degree celsius. The temperature rises from 20 to 25 degree celsius to the specified optimum without heat supply from the outside due to the interaction among reagents. The process is completed in 2–3 hours. The results confirm that aluminum polyoxychloride is an effective coagulant for drinking and wastewater treatment. The treated water is within the established limits in terms of hydrogen potential, chemical oxygen demand, and turbidity. The water treatment method can be easily implemented.

Abstract NOAA has developed a global reference evapotranspiration (ET0) reanalysis using the UN Food and Agriculture Organization formulation (FAO-56) of the Penman-Monteith equation forced by MERRA phase 2 (MERRA2) meteorological and radiative drivers. The NOAA ET0 reanalysis is provided daily from January 1, 1980 to the near-present at a resolution of 0.5° latitude × 0.625° longitude. The reanalysis is verified against station data across southern Africa, a region presenting both significant challenges regarding hydroclimatic variability and observational quantity and quality and significant potential benefits to food-insecure populations. These data are generated from observations from the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) network. We further verified globally against spatially distributed ET0 derived from two reanalyses–the Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) and Princeton Global Forcing (PGF)–and these verifications produced similar results, yet demonstrated wide regional and seasonal differences. We also present cases that verify the operational applicability of the reanalysis in long-established drought, famine, crop- and pastoral-stress metrics, and in predictability assessments of drought forecasts.

Проблематика. Pseudomonas aeruginosa – опортуністичний патоген, що характеризується високим рівнем вірулентності та віднесений до патогенів із критичним рівнем пріоритетності щодо необ­хідності розробки нових антимікробних препаратів. Вплив на фактори вірулентності є одним із перспективних напрямів створення антимікробних препаратів. Мета. Дослідити антивірулентні властивості похідного аміноадамантану 4-(адамантил-1)-1-(1-амінобутил)бензолу щодо P. aeruginosa. Методика реалізації. Мінімальну інгібуючу концентрацію (МІК) 4-(адамантил-1)-1-(1-амінобу­тил)бензолу (шифр АМ-166) щодо клінічного тест-штаму P. aeruginosa 449 визначали загальноприйнятим методом серійних мікророзведень. Для визначення впливу АМ-166 на експресію генів проводили кількісну полімеразну ланцюгову реакцію в реальному часі. Вивчали синтез піоціаніну, гемолітичну та протеазну активність і рухливість P. aeruginosa за впливу AM-166. Результати. Отримані дані свідчать, що МІК сполуки АМ-166 становить 100 мкг/мл. За дії АМ-166 (0,5 МІК) відзначено зниження транскрипційної активності генів lasI, lasR, pqsR, aprA, exoA, exoS та збільшення експресії гена rhlR. Встановлено, що АМ-166 не змінює експресію гена toxA. АМ-166 збільшує продукцію піоціаніну, не впливає на протеазну активність, пригнічує гемолітичну ак­тивність і рухливість P. aeruginosa 449. Висновки. Похідне адамантану АМ-166 порушує функціонування систем Quorum sensing і віру­лентність P. aeruginosa, змінює транскрипційну активність генів, що регулюють синтез факторів вірулентності.

Our herbarium inventory revealed that the collection of specimens of the genus Artemisia (Asteraceae) in the memorial collection of W.S.J.G. Besser (KW-BESS) at the National Herbarium of Ukraine (KW) contains at least 1186 herbarium sheets. The collection of specimens of Artemisia is stored in folders Nos. 234–249 of the Besser herbarium. Each folder contains individual paper folders (here termed taxon covers). In total, there are 217 individual taxon folders. Our analysis of protologues and herbarium labels demonstrated that the KW-BESS collection contains types and/or other original specimens in 118 taxon folders, but much more actual types of species-rank and infraspecific names. Additional analysis of their possible type status is needed for specimens in 28 taxon folders. The KW-BESS collection contains authentic and historical specimens of such famous researchers and collectors of the 19th century as A. Bunge, L.K.A. Chamisso, A.P. de Candolle, D. Douglas, J.F.G. Eschscholtz, F.E.L. Fischer, J.É. Gay, A. Gray, J.D. Hooker, V.V. Jacquemont, G.S. Karelin and I.P. Kirilov, K.F. Ledebour, A.F. Marschall von Bieberstein, C.A. Meyer, T. Nuttall, J.D. Prescott, Ch. Steven, N.S. Turczaninow, N. Wallich, etc. We present and discuss here some examples of labels written by Besser and several other famous botanists. Our preliminary assessment of this globally important collection established the foundations for further nomenclatural and taxonomic studies of Artemisia, in particular, those based on historical specimens at KW.

In recent decades, an increase in the number of cases of detection of the Usutu virus (Usutu, USUV, Orthoflavivirus usutuense) (family Flaviviridae, genus Orthoflavivirus) has caused great concern among medical professionals, including virologists and specialists in infectious diseases, especially since its appearance in Europe, where the pathogen caused mass birds die-off, and annually registered human cases. This review provides information about the structure of the virus and its genetic variants, geographical distribution and features of circulation in Europe and Africa, the methods and principles used to indicate and identify this pathogen, as well as the main symptoms of the disease it causes. An assessment of the environmental prerequisites for the occurrence of outbreaks of the disease caused by the Usutu virus on the territory of the Russian Federation was also carried out.

Effective treatment of HIV-infected patients has changed the previous view of the clinical picture of cytomegalovirus uveitis (CMV uveitis).Purpose: to determine the prevalence and structure of clinical forms of CMV uveitis in HIV-infected patients.Material and methods. 66 patients (97 eyes), aged 39.6 ± 3.91, were diagnosed with stage 4c HIV infection. In 35 patients (53%), the duration of infection exceeded 5 years, in 13 patients (19.7%), it exceeded 10 years, and another 13 patients (19.7%) had the condition for over 15 years. The ophthalmological follow-up of patients diagnosed with CMV uveitis ranged from 6 months to 13 years (the median of 45.5 months).Results. By the time CMV uveitis was detected, the median CD4 cell count was 34 cells/μL (the norm being 570–1100 cells/μL). The content of whole blood CMV DNA was 2.43 lg copies/105 cells. The main form of the disease was chorioretinitis, diffuse and generalized forms of the disease were diagnosed in 68.0% of cases. In predicting visual acuity, the leading regression criterion was the clinical form of the disease.Conclusion. Diffuse and generalized forms of the disease prevailed in clinical practice. The prevalence of chorioretinal lesion determined visual acuity, which in 39.2% of the eyes met the criteria for blindness according to the WHO classification (1977)

Background. Non-invasive ventilatory support for artificial lung ventilation (ALV) in infants with congenital heart disease after cardiac surgery helps to reduce the duration of invasive ALV, reduce the number of mechanical and infectious complications, and reduce or eliminate the need for sedation. The aim. To analyze the experience of using non-invasive ventilatory support after surgical correction of congenital heart disease in infants and compare its effectiveness with invasive mechanical ventilation. Materials and methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the use of non-invasive ALV and its effectiveness compared to invasive mechanical ventilation in children under 1 year of age after cardiac surgery from 2020 to 2022 at the Department of Cardiac Arrest in Newborns and Young Children of the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. During this period, 134 patients were operated on (38 children under 1 month old, 96 children under 1 year old). In the postoperative period, 85 children (55.9%) needed prolonged mechanical ventilation (more than 24 hours), of which non-invasive ventilation support was used in 32 patients (37.6%) and invasive ventilation in 53 (62.3%) patients. Results. The patients on non-invasive ALV (n = 32) had lower weight (p = 0.23), shorter ventilation time (p = 0.56), and the time spent at the intensive care unit (p = 0.61), required less sedation (p = 0.29), and had lower mortality (p = 0.42) compared to the group of children who received only invasive ventilatory support (n = 53), but this difference was not statistically significant. The need for non-invasive ventilation was higher in 9 (28.12%) infants than in 8 (15.09%) other infants and was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Our study showed that the use of non-invasive ALV can shorten the length of stay at the intensive care unit and the time spent on ventilation, reduce or avoid the use of sedation, and prevent pulmonary complications (infectious and mechanical) with long-term treatment. However, there was no significant difference between non-invasive and invasive ventilation in terms of mortality.

File carving techniques are important in the field of digital forensics. At the same time, the rapid growth in the amount and types of data requires the development of file carving methods in terms of capabilities, accuracy, and computational efficiency. However, most of the methods are developed to solve specific tasks and are based on a certain set of assumptions and a priori knowledge about the files to be recovered. There is a lack of research that systematizes methods and structures approaches to identify gaps and determine perspective directions for development, considering the latest advances in information technology and artificial intelligence. The subject matter of this article is the structure, factors, efficiency criteria, methods, and tools of file carving, as well as the current state and tendencies of development of file carving methods. The goal of this study is to systematize knowledge about advanced file carving methods and identify perspective directions for their development. The tasks to be solved are as follows: to identify the main stages of file carving and analyze approaches to their implementation; to build an ontological scheme of file carving; and to identify perspective directions for the development of carving methods. The methods used were literature review, systematization, and summarization. The obtained results are as follows. An ontological scheme for the file carving concept is constructed. The scheme includes the principles, properties, phases, techniques, evaluation criteria, tools used, and factors influencing file carving. The features, limitations, and fields of application of the data recovery methods are provided. It was established that the most widespread approach to file reconstruction is still a manually detailed analysis of the internal structure of files and/or their contents, identifying specific patterns that allow reassembling the sequence of data fragments in the correct order. However, most of the methods do not provide one hundred percent guaranteed results. This article analyzes the current state and prospects of using artificial intelligence methods in the field of digital forensics, particularly for identifying data blocks, clustering, and reconstructing files, as well as restoring the contents of media files with damaged or lost headers. The necessity of having priori information about the file structure or content for successfully carving fragmented data is determined. Conclusions. The scientific novelty of the obtained results is as follows: for the first time, advanced file carving methods are systematized and analyzed by directions of development and the perspectives of using artificial intelligence for identifying data blocks, clustering, and file content restoration; for the first time, an ontological scheme of file carving is constructed, which can be used as a roadmap for developing new advanced systems in the digital forensics field.

Introduction: With advancements in sensor and communication technologies, sleep monitoring is moving out of specialized clinics and into everyday homes. Extracting sleep-related data using far less complicated tools and procedures is possible than polysomnography. Respiratory and cardiovascular data are extracted from the signals such as the electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), and ballistocardiogram (BCG) to identify the aberrant respiratory events of apnea/hypopnea as well as to estimate sleep parameters. However, due to the different sleeping positions, such systems lack accuracy and/or complicated sensor network topology. In this work, we proposed an optimal topology of forcesensitive resistor (FSR) sensors to simplify the system design by identifying the region of interest for estimating cardiorespiratory parameters with minimal error. The sensors are deployed under the mattress and located on the bed frame. Methods: We proposed a low-cost, unobtrusive, non-invasive, and reliable solution with robust signal processing algorithms for cardiorespiratory measurements and automatic signal validation based on signal quality. The solution is established based on a multi-physical layer (MPL) and sensor interfaces coping with the embedded system’s specifications, and signal processing is performed onboard with two independent and simultaneous pipelines for heart rate and respiratory rate using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and bandpass filter, respectively. Results: We identified the three most contributing FSR sensors forming a triangle shape covering the left upper side of the subject (in the supine position) as the region of interest. We reduced the mean absolute error (MAE) to as low as 3.94 and 2.35 for heart rate and respiratory rate. Conclusions: The approach with the topology of triangle-shaped performs appropriately in estimating the cardiorespiratory parameters in all four regular sleeping positions, i.e. supine, prone, left lateral, and right lateral.

The intensity of growth of piglets, their preservation during rearing, and the payment of feed by the increments of animals that were placed for rearing with a design live weight of 7 kg and 20 % less than the design weight – 5.5 kg were studied. Also, the ratio of consumption of compound feed of different recipes during rearing, their cost, and the efficiency of rearing piglets at different staged live weights were studied. It was established that piglets that weighed 1.58 kg less at the beginning of rearing, when placed on rearing during this period, showed 20.9 % lower growth energy, due to which they had 19.6 % lower absolute growth during this period, which caused together with a lower production weight, a 20.3 % lower weight when transferred to fattening and an 8.8 % worse feed payment in increments, they consumed 31.4 % more of the expensive first pre-starter feed during the growing period, and 11.9 % less than the second cheaper pre-starter compound feed and 42.6 % less than the cheapest starter compound feed, as a result of which the cost of feed consumed by the animals of the experimental group was 10.6 % lower compared to the analogs of the experimental group. But taking into account the significantly lower absolute growth of the animals of the experimental group, the cost of feed for 1 kg of growth was 11.2 % higher in comparison with the similar indicator of animals that were put on growing at a designed live weight of 7.0 kg. At the same time, rearing piglets under the conditions of putting them into this process with the design live weight contributed to a decrease of 11.2 % in the cost of feed per kilogram of growth, an increase of 20.3 % in the cost of one piglet after the completion of rearing, and a 23.1 % increase in the income from its sale and 1.07 % higher profitability of raising one head, but resulted in 10.6 % higher feed and operating cost of rearing 1 head and 19.6 % higher operating cost of one piglet at the end of rearing.

An analysis of the influence of breeding bulls of the Norwegian Red (NR) breeds with different breeding values (BV) on the milk productivity of daughters, their health, reproductive characteristics, udder characteristics, exterior, and indices of productive use. The study material was the data from the electronic catalog of breeding bulls of the NR breed as of April 4, 2023. The sample was formed from the data of only those breeders recommended for reproduction in 2023 by Geno SA. The animals were grouped according to the Total Merit Index (TMI). Breeding bulls with the highest TMI – 53-35 (n = 24) were assigned to the I group, to the II group – with an average TMI – 34-25 (n = 25), and to the III group – bulls with the lowest TMI – 24-10 (n = 22). As a result of the research, it was established that the most significant influence on the indices of productive use of daughters was observed in breeding bulls of the NR breed of the I group (High production index (HPI) – 118.13 % (Р < 0.001), Grazing index (GI) – 110.88 % (Р < 0.05)). According to the TMI index, bulls of the I and II groups prevailed over the sires of the III group, according to their improving effect, on such signs of milk productivity of daughters as milk yield (Р < 0.01), amount of milk fat (Р < 0.05; Р < 0.01) and protein (Р < 0.01; Р < 0.001) and milk productivity index (Р < 0.001 and Р < 0.01) in daughter cows. The greatest improving effect on the udder health of the daughter cows was observed in breeding bulls of the NR breed with TMI 53-35. Bull-sires of groups I and II reduced the number of somatic cells count in the milk of daughter cows by 15.58 and 9.16 %, and bulls of III – only by 3.82 %. Breeder bulls of groups I and III increased milking speed in daughter cows by 4.25 and 1.68 %, and breeders of group II decreased it by 1.96 %. However, the difference was significant only between groups I and II (P < 0.05). Studied breeding sires increased daughters' stature (height) in all groups. Group I sires had the most significant influence on daughters' stature – 114.88, and III group sires had the most minor influence – 102.00. However, the difference was significant between the I and II and I and III groups (Р < 0.05; Р < 0.001). Bull-sires of the I group of the NR breed increased the feet and legs index in daughter cows, as well as the foot angle by 7.58 and 7.38 %, II breeders by 3.48 and 2.48 %, and bulls III reduced these traits in daughters by 0.41 and 0.14 %. The difference between the I and III groups was significant (P < 0.05). Breeder bulls of the NR breed with TMI 53–35 were leaders in improving the udder index of daughters, as well as in reducing its udder depth, strengthening the fore udder attachment, increasing the rear udder width and rear udder height. Therefore, the most significant impact on most of the studied traits was observed in breeding bulls of the NR breed with the highest BV – TMI 53-35. The influence of sires with TMI 53-35 and 34-25 on daughters' milk production was almost the same and improving. However, in terms of the effect on the reproductive characteristics of daughter cows, no significant difference was found between all experimental groups of breeding bulls.

The world economy has entered a new phase of its development — the destruction of the technological system created after the WWII. The purpose of the article is to argue that the destruction of the standardized economy is the main cause of the most acute problems of the world economy. The common features of standardized production and economy of scale are investigated. The key role of dual use technologies in the development of a global system of standardized production and a special role of the Chinese economy in the development of the economy of scale, which the country played in the 21th century, are described. The author comes to the conclusion that the cyclical downturn of the world economy is caused mainly by the exposition of the techno-economic model of standardized production, which leads to the aggravation of international economic conflicts and contradictions such as trade wars, global supply chain disruption, disintegration and many others. The destruction of the standardized economy of scale is manifested in the increase in the production and transportation costs, the global inflation growth, the global supply chain disruption. In the study the author applies the methods of empirical research and theoretical cognition. Methodological novelty is presented in the argumentation of the global economic transition from a standardized economy of scale to a non-standardized economy of scope. The business localization, the new trend towards resource saving mode in production, the necessary diversification of industrial production consistent with the specifics of the given locality are just a few among others arguments that testify to this transformation. The article highlights preliminary features of economy of scope, based on the non-standardized technologies, such as heterogeneity, diversification of production, continues technological improvement, compliance with a specific regional comparative advantage in business clustering.

Introduction. One of the promising strategies for the development of injectable formulations of poorly water-soluble drugs is the preparation of their nanosuspensions stabilized with albumin. A well-known example of the successful implementation of this technology is Abraxane® (nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel). In the present study, this approach is used for the development of the injectable formulation of a hydrophobic etoposide prodrug.Aim. Development of the injectable formulation of a novel 4'-О-benzyloxycarbonyl derivative of etoposide (ETP-cbz) based on human serum albumin and evaluation of its cytotoxicity against breast carcinoma cells (BC).Materials and methods. The structure of ETP-cbz was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis; log P was calculated in silico using Molinspiration Cheminformatics. The ETP-cbz-HSA nanoparticles were prepared by high pressure homogenization. The particle size, size distribution, and disintegration concentration were evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The contents of ETP-cbz and albumin in the formulation were determined by HPLC. The conversion ETP-cbz-HSA to etoposide was studied in a model medium in the presence of esterase. The cytotoxicity of ETP-cbz-HSA compared to etoposide and free ETP-cbz was assessed on BC cells (HBL-100 and MCF-7) using a colorimetric MTT assay.Results and discussion. ETP-cbz exhibited higher hydrophobicity as compared to the etoposide (log P 2.42 vs 0.7, respectively). Due to easy cleavage of the carbonate bond in the presence of esterase, ETP-cbz can be considered an etoposide prodrug. The ETP-cbz-containing HSA nanoparticles prepared by a high-pressure homogenization technique had the particle size of 110 ± 9 nm (DLS) and a low disintegration concentration of 3.0 ± 0.1 μg/mL. The drug content was 1.75 mg/mL. The nanoformulation demonstrated high cytotoxic activity in vitro against MCF-7 and HBL-100 cells that was comparable to the activity of substances etoposide and ETP-cbz.Conclusion. The obtained nanoformulation of etoposide prodrug based on albumin, suitable for injection, showed high cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells in vitro and deserves further study to assess the possibility of its use in breast cancer chemotherapy.

The study aims to develop speech interaction skills in language learning of pre-service restaurant managers with focus on professional skills – decision-making in conflict and non-conflict communication situations using business simulation games; to explore the effectiveness of GPTChat as a tool for the development of students’ speech interaction competence in the context of business simulation games. A mixed research design was employed which involved 44 pre-service restaurant managers of the National University of Food technologies (Kyiv, Ukraine) in 2023. The quantitative research method was used to assess the students’ level of speech interaction competence using the Fisher Criterion. The qualitative research method was used for analyzing and interpreting data of the experimental learning. The results showed that the pre-service restaurant managers who were consulted by teachers, used GPTChat and business simulation games for developing their speech interaction and decision-making skills had higher results than those who only used GPTChat. It has been found that business simulation games allow pre-service restaurant managers to better understand the nature of conflict and non-conflict situations in their professional field, develop speech interaction competence, practice in decision-making in simulation environment. GPTChat can be used as a tool for creating various professional situations, analysing the algorithms of decision-making in conflict and non-conflict situations.

The relevance of this study is determined by the fact that financing is a key element of the effective economic activity of agricultural enterprises and the industry as a whole, its food security and the restoration of the work of agricultural enterprises, especially amidst a full-scale war and in the post-war period. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the obtained net profit (loss) and the sources of financing of agricultural enterprises of Ukraine for 2014-the first half of 2023. The study used general scientific methods (analysis of the dynamics of the volume of financing sources (equity, loans, capital investments, state aid, and deposits), analysis of the net profit of agricultural enterprises, formation of the structure of financing sources, determination of growth rates of indicators), and specific research methods (correlation analysis and multivariate regression method). The authors of the study suggested using the method of correlation-regression analysis with further forecasting of indicators using Chaddock’s tables, Fisher’s and Student’s tests. The correlationregression analysis established that a decisive share in financial support is own capital, while the smallest share is state aid. But in connection with the full-scale war in the country and limited own resources, the authors of the study proposed to involve bank loans and state aid more widely in their own economic activities. A correlationregression analysis was developed to identify the dependence of the financial results of agricultural enterprises (net profit (loss)) and their sources of financing for 2014-2021, a regression equation was developed, and a forecast of the possible net profit (loss) of agricultural enterprises for the future period of 2023-2027 was made. The practical value of the findings is that these results can be used by the host activities of the agricultural enterprise of Ukraine and during the development by state bodies of the Strategy for the Development of the Agricultural Sector and their support programs

This paper focuses on the efficiency of cognitive-discursive approach to the study of diachronic plurality in translation on the material of Shakespeare’s plays as time-remote original texts and their chronologically distant Ukrainian retranslations of the 19th-21st centuries. Complex research methodology based on the methods of cognitive translation studies together with methodological principles of discourse analysis is implemented to reveal the influence of discursive and cognitive factors on the process and result of retranslation. Discourse analysis substantiates the discursive factor that becomes a prerequisite of diachronic plurality in translation of Shakespeare’s plays in cases when chronological and ideological, cultural and individual frameworks of the original and translated texts are different. Methods of cognitive translation studies prove the cognitive factor to become the determinant of the diachronic plurality in translation of Shakespeare’s plays because cognitive consonance or cognitive dissonance of the translators with the author’s ideas cause different interpretations of the original texts by the translators and—consequently—different degrees of cognitive proximity of the translated text with the original one. The correlation of cognitive consonance and cognitive dissonance with the degrees of cognitive proximity appears to be the following: cognitive consonance correlates with cognitive equivalents (full and partial) or cognitive analogues (functional and stylistic); cognitive dissonance correlates with cognitive variants (referential, valorative, and notional). Methodology of cognitive translation studies helps determine the translator’s choice of effective translation strategies (achaization, modernization, and neutralization of temporal distance) and tactics (reproductive or adaptive) while translating a time-remote original work.

The relevance of the study is determined by the need to cover the significance, uniqueness and means of performance of one of the masterpieces of the Viennese Classical School — Fantasia in c minor, op. 80 for mixed choir, piano and orchestra by Beethoven. The aim of this publication was to study the problems of performance interpretation of the legacy of the Viennese Classical School using the example of L. Beethoven’s Fantasia for piano, soloists, mixed chorus, and orchestra. Research methods were: creation of an information background; comparative analysis and structuring of information; identification of the categories that make the basis of the problem; generalization of obtained data. The materials based on audio and video recordings of the work by prominent representatives of the performing arts were used. The literature on the stylistic and compositional atmosphere of the era of Viennese classicism, as well as on features of the genres of the work was also used. The results of the study revealed the interrelationship of all components of the problem being studied. They evidenced the inseparability of such elements as genre, musical form, instrumentation, manner of performance, a certain historical period, as well as the stylistic orientation prevailing within it. Its main categories were identified while studying the chosen topic, as well as their dependency on the temporal, stylistic, individual, and psychological (performers’ personalities) context was established. These facts became a theoretical and methodological contribution to art science, history of performance, as well as music pedagogy. As a conclusion of the study on performing interpretation of the Viennese classics using the example of Fantasia by Beethoven, its genre stylistic and compositional technical universality was determined; the process during which the piano becomes a solo concert instrument; the role of improvisation in the large-scale synthetic genre; development of a single performance concept by the conductor, pianist and choirmaster, diversity of artistic and psychological types of performance while preserving the main author’s idea. The research of this topic has wide prospects in the future, thanks to its volume, multi-vector nature, connection with a wide range of musical subjects, and sensitivity to individual styles of interpretation in the context of different epochs. This is emphasized by the value of classical heritage, the need to preserve and popularize it.