Search

Diseases associated with bacterial vaginosis lead to chronic inflammatory processes of the internal genitals, the development of adhesions of the pelvic organs, infertility, spontaneous abortion at different times, as well as the development of malignant neoplasms. Vaginal microflora is an indicator of a woman’s health, which can form changing in hormonal and immunological status during various pathological conditions. The aim of the study was to create a system for prediction of the dysbiosis development according to the levels of nonspecific humoral factor of immune defense. Materials and methods. The study was performed in 298 women aged 16 to 64 years, 53 of whom were diagnosed with normocenosis, and 245 have dysbiosis. Women were divided into 3 groups according to age. Regression analysis was used. Research results and their discussion. Our previous research have shown a correlation between increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the blood and vaginal secretions with the stage of dysbiosis. A logistic regression model was constructed during the study, which showed that the risk of developing dysbiosis in terms of normobiota increases with increasing levels of interleukin 2 in the blood, tumor necrosis factor α. Significant features of the three-factor model for predicting the risk of developing dysbiosis (IL2, IL4 and TNFα) were selected by the method of genetic algorithm. The levels of these indicators in the blood were related to the severity of dysbiosis according to the results of discriminant analysis. Conclusions. Thus, a linear neural network model was developed for determination of dysbiosis severity according to the levels of nonspecific humoral factors of immune defense such as the C4 component of the complement system and γ-interferon in vaginal secretions, as well as the amount of circulating immune complexes and tumor necrosis factor α in the blood. Kappa Cohen’s agreement for this model on the training set was 0.87 (95% CI 0.82-0.91), and on the confirmatory set was 0.89 (95% CI 0.77-1.00). These indicators show the adequacy of the constructed model. The interface of the expert system for the dysbiosis severity prediction has been created. Key words: normobiota, bacterial vaginosis, linear neural network model for determination of the dysbiosis severity, humoral factor of immune defense.

Relevance of the study. Contemporary performance has recently increasingly turned to ancient music, striving for historical authenticity in musical interpretations. In this regard, important questions arise, related both to the technical side of interpretation and deepening into the historical processes that influenced the emergence of certain genres, as well as the context of the creation of baroque works. «Archaeological excavations» are becoming justified, aimed at understanding the historical processes that influenced the formation of the baroque genre system, as well as the development of European musical culture in general. Of particular importance is the study of the specifics of such works as serenatas, which are difficult for genre identification due to their similarity with other works established in the genre coordinate system, such as opera and cantata. Main objective(s) — to analyze the historical and cultural processes that influenced the emergence and popularization of the baroque serenata at the Habsburg court, to identify the characteristic features of the genre, to show the significance of the serenata for the formation and development of musical art in Vienna. Methodology the methodology is based on cultural-historical and structural-functional analysis, which allow for a comprehensive consideration of the issues of art and politics and provide for highlighting among the colorful life of the Viennese aristocrats important trends that were related to the trends of the era and had a certain influence on the musical environment. Genre analysis was used to determine the specific features of works "in occasione". Results/findings and Conclusions. The article considers the musical and theatrical genre of the Baroque era, the serenata, popular in the aristocratic environment. The characteristic features inherent in the works of the serenate type are revealed, which makes it possible to identify them as a separate genre. The fate of the serenata at the Vienna court of the Habsburg emperors is traced, starting from the first third of the 17th to the middle of the 18th centuries, the historical and political context of the life of the Austrian sovereigns is highlighted. It is shown that the spread of the serenata genre in Vienna occurred as a result of the Italian cultural expansion associated with the prolongation of the Counter-Reformation and the frequent marriages of emperors with princesses of influential Italian houses. It is indicated that the consequences of the Italian expansion influenced the further fate of the development of musical art in Vienna. On the example of the compositions of A. Bertali, M. A. Cesti, G. Bononcini, A. Caldara and others, the place of compositions in occasione at court is shown, the variety of their genre definitions associated with certain circumstances of their performance is revealed.

A single-step ultrasonic method (20 kHz) is demonstrated for the complexation of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)–ZnO–graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles with an average size of

A single-step ultrasonic method (20 kHz) is demonstrated for the formation of acetylsalicylic acid-Fe3O4-graphene oxide nanocomposites (∼80 nm) in aqueous solution. The electronic molecular structu...

A single step ultrasonic method (20 kHz, 18 W/cm2) is demonstrated for the functionalization of pristine nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: acetylsalicylic acid and diclofenac with preformed gra...

The purpose of the article. The article examines an important component of the performance of baroque works – vocal vibrato, which often becomes an obstacle to the historically informed performance. A scholarly work that draws on a historical context outlines guidelines regarding the appropriateness of the use of vibrato. The methodology is based on the application of observation, generalization, modeling, and analysis using the historical and logical method. The indicated approach allows us to consider, generalize and summarize information about vocal vibrato, which can be useful both for students and teachers of academic singing and for performers who are looking for answers to questions regarding mastering baroque vocal forms and techniques. The scientific novelty consists in the fact that the data on the vocal vibrato is systematized and analyzed based on historical sources, research by leading foreign art historians, as well as on recordings of ancient works. Highlighted important questions concerning the appropriateness of using vibrato in baroque music. Conclusions. When mastering the vocal techniques for performing musical works of the Baroque era, vibrato issues occupy one of the main places. The use or limitation of this characteristic of the voice must be considered from the point of view of the historical context of the works performed, as well as their content. In addition to high-level technical training, the intellectual qualities, the ability to think analytically, erudition, and musical taste of the performer play an important role. Keywords: vibrato, baroque music, historically informed performance, ornamentation.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized by gas phase chemical deposition (CVD) using methane as a hydrocarbon reagent and using a catalyst of iron oxide deposited on fine aluminum oxide, as well as the same catalyst with the addition of molybdenum oxide deposited on fine magnesium oxide. The synthesized materials were treated with concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) or a mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids (HNO3 / H2SO4) in a volume ratio of 2: 1, at a temperature of 110-120 ° C for 1 h. Some of them were subjected to peroxide action (H2O2) before oxidative acid treatments for 1-2 h at a temperature of 100-110 ° C. Structural features, elemental compositions of synthesized CNTs were investigated before and after liquid-phase oxidative treatments by methods such as transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray phase analysis. In this work, the ability of CNTs that were undergone treatment in various oxidizing environments to form stable concentrated aqueous suspensions was studied. It was established that the initial defectity of the CNT molecules significantly affects the hydrophilic properties of oxidized CNT modifications. This causes their different ability to form concentrated, stable aqueous suspensions, predetermines the choice of combinations of oxidizing liquid-phase treatments that most contributing to this. It was revealed that HNO3 and HNO3 / H2SO4 mixture at the used temperature conditions of treatments and their duration do not have a strong destructive effect on the structure of CNT. The oxidative effect of these reagents on the molecules of this material is manifested mainly in defective places. The cleaning of the catalytic components of the synthesis from the catalytic components contributes to the more efficient purification of HNO3 / H2SO4 with the formation of stable aqueous suspensions from the molecules of this material, and this does not depend on the characteristics of the synthesis of the CNTs.

A feasible sonochemical approach is described for the preparation of copper/iron-modified graphene oxide nanocomposites through ultrasonication (20 kHz, 18 W cm-2 ) of an aqueous solution containing copper and iron ion precursors. Unique copper-, copper/iron- and iron-modified graphene oxide nanocomposites have a submicron size that is smaller than that of pristine GO and a higher surface area enriched with Cu2 O, CuO, and Fe2 O3 of multiform phases (α-, β-, ϵ-, or γ), FeO(OH), and sulfur- or carbon-containing compounds. These nanocomposites are sonochemically intercalated with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketorolac, which results in the formation of nanoscale carriers. Ketorolac monotonically disintegrates from these nanoscale carriers in aqueous solution upon adjustment of the pH from 1 to 8. The disintegration of ketorolac proceeds at a slower rate from the copper/iron-modified graphene oxide at increased pH, but at a faster rate from the iron-modified graphene oxide under acidic conditions.

Metallodrugs are in clinical use for the treatment of some diseases. A feasible sonochemical method is described for the complexation of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ketorolac, with an Fe3O4–graphene oxide nanocomposite. The extraction of ketorolac from this nanocomposite was studied in aqueous solutions at pH = 1, 5 and 8, imitating the gastrointestinal medium.

Обосновано применение клинико-лингвистического метода обследования для определения лингвистических маркеров психических нарушений у больных c ВИЧ-инфекцией, не получавших специфическую противовирусную терапию. Материал исследования: больные ВИЧ- инфекцией, находящиеся на диспансерном наблюдении в Санкт-Петербургском государственном центре по профилактике и борьбе со СПИД и инфекционными заболеваниями (Центр СПИД) и не получающие антиретровирусную терапию (АРТ). Основные критерии включения: отсутствие органических изменений ЦНС, тяжелых психических расстройств, синдромов зависимости от ПАВ в анамнезе. Определены психолингвистические маркеры ухудшения физического и психического состояния. Выявленные психолингвистические маркеры являются дополнительными признаками, которые могут использоваться врачами любого профиля для диагностики психических нарушений у больных с ВИЧ-инфекцией., Objective of the study: Substantiation of the application of the clinical and linguistic examination method to determine the linguistic markers of mental disorders in patients with HIV infection who did not receive specific antiviral therapy. Research material: HIV-infected patients undergoing dispensary observation at the St. Petersburg State Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases (AIDS Center) who are not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The main inclusion criteria were the absence of organic changes in the central nervous system, severe mental disorders, and a history of psychoactive substance dependence syndromes. Psycholinguistic markers of the deterioration of the physical and mental state were determined. The identified psycholinguistic markers are additional signs that can be used by doctors of any profile to diagnose mental disorders in patients with HIV infection.

We report on a new method for fabrication of saturable absorbers for operation in ring fiber lasers as a mode-locking element taking advantages of the manufacturing technologies of fiber couplers and microfiber tapers coated with carbon nanotubes. It is demonstrated in the experiment that the transmittance of the fabricated saturable absorber increases with an increase of the input radiation power. Also, we have shown that the fabricated saturable absorber enables generation of picosecond soliton pulses in ring fiber laser configuration.

Features of the reduction of graphene from graphene oxide in media containing hydrazine hydrate, ethylene glycol, and hydrogen are studied. X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy data indicate that this process proceeds through the high-temperature annealing of graphene oxide in a hydrogen environment. doi: 10.18720/MPM.4112019_1

A new accessible sonochemical assembly method is developed for the preparation of photoluminescent oil-filled silica@CuS/Cu2O/CuO–graphene oxide (GO) microspheres that emit light of green, yellow, and red colors. This method is based on the ultrasonic emulsification of a biphasic mixture consisting of CuS/Cu2O/CuO–graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) (aqueous phase) and tetraethyl orthosilicate with sunflower oil (organic phase). CuS/Cu2O/CuO–GO nanocomposites are composed of sonochemically formed three phases of copper: covellite CuS (p-type semiconductor), cuprite Cu2O (Bloch p-type semiconductor), and CuO (charge-transfer insulator). The photoluminescence properties of microspheres result from H-bridging between PVA and CuS/Cu2O/CuO–GO nanostructures, light absorption ability of Cu2O, and charge-transfer insulation by CuO. Substitution of PVA by S-containing methylene blue quenches fluorescence by enhanced dye adsorption on CuS/Cu2O/CuO–GO because of CuS and induced charge ...

Objective. To determine tolerability and effectiveness of continuous vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in patients with drug resistance epilepsy (DRE). Patients and Methods. A VNS system was implanted to 9 adults (aged 14–38) with DRE. The duration of catamnesis was 8–12 months. Results. During the first 2–3 months after the VNS system had been implanted, seizure frequency reduced by over 50% in half of the patients with DRE. The remaining patients showed a similar positive effect 8–12 months after the VNS parameters had been adjusted. A decrease in seizure frequency, duration and severity, as well as shortening of the post-seizure period were observed in 12.5% of patients. Negative side effects, such as dysphonia and throat discomfort, were found in 12.5% of patients. These undesirable effects were eliminated by adjusting magnetic stim- ulation parameters. Significant positive EEG dynamics, such as regression of paroxysmal epileptic activity, were obtained in 62.5% the cases. Conclusions. VNS therapy is a safe and effective treatment method for reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with DRE.

New accessible sonochemical methods were developed for the functionalization of synthesized graphene oxide (GO) with copper/iron compounds and drug intercalation into their structure in aqueous solution at ambient conditions by using ultrasound (20[Formula: see text]kHz) treatment. The sonochemical formation mechanism of a new nanomaterial was revealed through the structural analysis of three types of nanocomposites: (i) copper@graphene oxide, (ii) copper/iron@graphene oxide and (iii) iron@graphene oxide. Unique copper/iron-modified graphene oxide nanocomposites can be used as nanocarriers for the anti-inflammatory drug (ketorolac) delivery in aqueous solution due to the reduced submicron size and enlarged surface area. Disintegration of the ultrasonically intercalated ketorolac followed the exponential decay curve fit at higher pH values of the aqueous solution with a higher decay constant observed in copper/iron-modified graphene oxide nanocomposites.

The properties of the composite nanomaterials (CNM) based on bovine serum albumin (BSA) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), both functionalized and non-functionalized, were investigated. In order to obtain the solid-state bulk CNM from the ultradispersed aqueous solutions of 25 wt.% BSA and (0.0015 - 0.04) wt.% MWCNT, the methods of nanotechnology and laser technology were used. It is revealed that the CNM density is 10% - 20% higher than that of water and the hardness is higher than that of BSA by a factor of 3 - 6 times. An increase in hardness Hv (by Vickers) of CNM correlated with an increase in the concentration of MWCNT, and Hyreached ~300 MPa for the case of the non-functionalized MWCNT, while for the case of the functionalized MWCNT, i.e. MWCNTf, Hy was 25% lower.