OCTDL: Optical Coherence Tomography Dataset for Image-Based Deep Learning Methods

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique with extensive clinical applications in ophthalmology. OCT enables the visualization of the retinal layers, playing a vital role in the early detection and monitoring of retinal diseases. OCT uses the principle of light wave interference to create detailed images of the retinal microstructures, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing ocular conditions. This work presents an open-access OCT dataset (OCTDL) comprising over 2000 OCT images labeled according to disease group and retinal pathology. The dataset consists of OCT records of patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), Epiretinal Membrane (ERM), Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO), Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO), and Vitreomacular Interface Disease (VID). The images were acquired with an Optovue Avanti RTVue XR using raster scanning protocols with dynamic scan length and image resolution. Each retinal b-scan was acquired by centering on the fovea and interpreted and cataloged by an experienced retinal specialist. In this work, we applied Deep Learning classification techniques to this new open-access dataset.

Prevalence of HIV drug resistance at antiretroviral treatment failure across regions of Russia

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate mutations associated with, the causes of, and the conditions that contribute to HIV drug resistance (DR). This research provides crucial insights into the mechanisms through which HIV evades antiretroviral drugs and suggests strategies to counter this phenomenon. Our objective was to assess the prevalence and structure of DR in HIV-1 across various regions in Russia and identify the primary factors influencing the development of HIV DR.

METHODS

The study used nucleotide sequences from the HIV-1 pol gene obtained from 1369 patients with a history of therapy and virological failure between 2005 and 2019 to analyze the frequency and structure of DR and the factors associated with it.

RESULTS

The analysed HIV-1 genotypes included viruses resistant to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs; 11.8%), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs; 6.4%), and NRTIs + NNRTIs (31.7%). The mutations M184V/I and G190A/S/E were the most prevalent, accounting for 54.5% and 26.6%, respectively. The dominance of multiple DR persisted throughout the entire observation period. The likelihood of encountering drug-resistant variants was increased among men, patients in the late stage of infection, and those with a viral load <30 000 RNA copies/mL. Injection drug use was not associated with DR.

CONCLUSION

This study has yielded new insights into HIV DR in Russia, offering valuable information to identify clinical or programmatic events warranting closer attention and support.

Recombinant Forms of HIV-1 in the Last Decade of the Epidemic in the Russian Federation

Currently, HIV-1 displays a substantial level of genetic diversity on a global scale, partly attributed to its recombinant variants. This study seeks to identify and analyze HIV-1 recombinants in Russia during the last decade of the epidemic. A comprehensive examination was conducted, encompassing 3178 partial pol sequences. Subtyping was achieved through various programs including COMET, the Stanford Database, REGA, jpHMM, RIP, and RDP4 for recombination analysis. The study also involved phylogenetic analysis to trace the origins of the identified recombinants. Primary resistance (PrimDR) prevalence and Drug Resistance Mutations (DRMs) were assessed. The study uncovered an overall proportion of recombinants at 8.7%, with a statistically significant increase in their frequency observed over time (p < 0.001). The Northwestern (18.5%) and Siberian (15.0%) Federal Districts exhibited a high prevalence of recombinants, while the Volga (1.9%) and Ural (2.8%) Federal Districts had a lower prevalence. Among HIV-1 recombinants, a PrimDR prevalence of 11.4% was identified. Notably, significant differences in DRMs were observed, with a higher prevalence of M184V in sub-subtype A6 (p = 0.018) and K103N in CRF63_02A6 (p = 0.002). These findings underscore the increasing HIV-1 genetic diversity and highlight a substantial prevalence of PrimDR among its recombinant forms, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing systematic monitoring.

Features of Tat Protein in HIV-1 Sub-Subtype A6 Variants Circulating in the Moscow Region, Russia

Tat, the trans-activator of transcription, is a multifunctional HIV-1 protein that can induce chronic inflammation and the development of somatic diseases in HIV-infected patients. Natural polymorphisms in Tat can impact the propagation of the inflammatory signal. Currently, Tat is considered an object for creating new therapeutic agents. Therefore, the identification of Tat protein features in various HIV-1 variants is a relevant task. The purpose of the study was to characterize the genetic variations of Tat-A6 in virus variants circulating in the Moscow Region. The authors analyzed 252 clinical samples from people living with HIV (PLWH) with different stages of HIV infection. Nested PCR for two fragments (tat1, tat2) with subsequent sequencing, subtyping, and statistical analysis was conducted. The authors received 252 sequences for tat1 and 189 for tat2. HIV-1 sub-subtype A6 was identified in 250 samples. The received results indicated the features of Tat1-A6 in variants of viruses circulating in the Moscow Region. In PLWH with different stages of HIV infection, C31S in Tat1-A6 was detected with different occurrence rates. It was demonstrated that Tat2-A6, instead of a functional significant 78RGD80 motif, had a 78QRD80 motif. Herewith, G79R in Tat2-A6 was defined as characteristic amino acid substitution for sub-subtype A6. Tat2-A6 in variants of viruses circulating in the Moscow Region demonstrated high conservatism.

Current Trends of HIV Infection in the Russian Federation

Russia remains one of the areas most affected by HIV in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The aim of this study was to analyze HIV infection indicators and study trends in Russia using data from the Federal Statistic Form No. 61 "Information about HIV infection". HIV incidence, prevalence, HIV testing and mortality rates (from 2011 to 2022), and treatment success rates (from 2016 to 2022) were analyzed. These indicators were compared across different federal districts (FDs) of Russia. The findings revealed a significant downward trend in HIV incidence, while a significant upward trend was observed for HIV prevalence. The mortality rate has stabilized since 2018. The coverage of HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy increased over time. The number of people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) with a suppressed viral load in Russia as a whole varied between 72% and 77% during the years under observation. The Siberian and Ural federal districts recorded the highest HIV incidence, while the North Caucasian FD reported the lowest. An increase in HIV testing coverage was observed across all FDs. This comprehensive evaluation of HIV infection indicators within the regional context contributes to the timely implementation of measures aimed at preventing the spread of HIV.

HIV-1 Drug Resistance among Treatment-Naïve Patients in Russia: Analysis of the National Database, 2006-2022

In Russia, antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage has significantly increased, which, in the absence of routine genotyping testing, could lead to an increase in HIV drug resistance (DR). The aim of this study was to investigate the patterns and temporal trends in HIV DR as well as the prevalence of genetic variants in treatment-naïve patients from 2006 to 2022, using data from the Russian database (4481 protease and reverse transcriptase and 844 integrase gene sequences). HIV genetic variants, and DR and DR mutations (DRMs) were determined using the Stanford Database. The analysis showed high viral diversity, with the predominance of A6 (78.4%), which was the most common in all transmission risk groups. The overall prevalence of surveillance DRMs (SDRMs) was 5.4%, and it reached 10.0% in 2022. Most patients harbored NNRTI SDRMs (3.3%). The prevalence of SDRMs was highest in the Ural (7.9%). Male gender and the CRF63_02A6 variant were association factors with SDRMs. The overall prevalence of DR was 12.7% and increased over time, primarily due to NNRTIs. Because baseline HIV genotyping is unavailable in Russia, it is necessary to conduct surveillance of HIV DR due to the increased ART coverage and DR prevalence. Centralized collection and unified analysis of all received genotypes in the national database can help in understanding the patterns and trends in DR to improve treatment protocols and increase the effectiveness of ART. Moreover, using the national database can help identify regions or transmission risk groups with a high prevalence of HIV DR for epidemiological measures to prevent the spread of HIV DR in the country.

Reconstructing the Temporal Origin and the Transmission Dynamics of the HIV Subtype B Epidemic in St. Petersburg, Russia

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Russia is among the fastest growing in the world. HIV epidemic burden is non-uniform in different Russian regions and diverse key populations. An explosive epidemic has been documented among people who inject drugs (PWID) starting from the mid-1990s, whereas presently, the majority of new infections are linked to sexual transmission. Nationwide, HIV sub-subtype A6 (previously called A_FSU) predominates, with the increasing presence of other subtypes, namely subtype B and CRF063_02A. This study explores HIV subtype B sequences from St. Petersburg, collected from 2006 to 2020, in order to phylogenetically investigate and characterize transmission clusters, focusing on their evolutionary dynamics and potential for further growth, along with a socio-demographic analysis of the available metadata. In total, 54% (107/198) of analyzed subtype B sequences were found grouped in 17 clusters, with four transmission clusters with the number of sequences above 10. Using Bayesian MCMC inference, tMRCA of HIV-1 subtype B was estimated to be around 1986 (95% HPD 1984-1991), whereas the estimated temporal origin for the four large clusters was found to be more recent, between 2001 and 2005. The results of our study imply a complex pattern of the epidemic spread of HIV subtype B in St. Petersburg, Russia, still in the exponential growth phase, and in connection to the men who have sex with men (MSM) transmission, providing a useful insight needed for the design of public health priorities and interventions.

Sleep-related breathing disorders and cardiometabolic risk factors in pediatric kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

SRBDs have been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a significant cause of mortality in kidney transplant recipients. Few studies have investigated the association between SRBDs and cardiometabolic risk factors in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of pediatric kidney transplant recipients using baseline cardiometabolic data from a previous clinical trial (NCT01007994). Parents/guardians of pediatric kidney transplant recipients filled out 22-item PSQ. A score greater than 33% was defined as a diagnosis of a SRBD. Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and regressions were used to determine associations.

RESULTS

Among the 58 transplant recipients enrolled, 14.80% (n = 8) of participants identified as Black and 40.7% (n = 22) were male. The median age was 13 (IQR 8.25, 17) years and median number of years post-transplant for participants was 2 (IQR 1, 4). The prevalence of SRBDs was 26% (n = 14). The presence of a SRBD was associated with abnormalities in multiple cardiometabolic risk factors including total cholesterol level (β = 23.63; 95% CI 3.58-43.67), LDL level (β = 24.94; 95% CI 6.37-43.50), triglyceride level (β = 54.62; 95% CI 8.74-100.50), and LVH (OR = 5.12; 95% CI 1.12-23.45) when adjusted for age, sex, and race.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to associations reported in the general pediatric and general CKD populations, SRBD is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.

Identification of the novel HLA‐C *02:212 allele detected in a potential hematopoietic stem cell donor

The novel HLA-C*02:212 allele was characterized using next generation sequencing technology.

Molecular Epidemiology of HIV-1 in Eastern Europe and Russia

The HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Russia is large and not well-controlled. To describe the more recent molecular epidemiology of HIV-1, transmitted drug resistance, and the relationship between the epidemics in this region, we sequenced the protease and reverse transcriptase genes of HIV-1 from 812 people living with HIV from Ukraine (n = 191), Georgia (n = 201), and Russia (n = 420) before the initiation of antiretroviral therapy. In 190 Ukrainian patients, the integrase gene sequence was also determined. The most reported route of transmission was heterosexual contact, followed by intravenous drug use, and men having sex with men (MSM). Several pre-existing drug resistance mutations were found against non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) (n = 103), protease inhibitors (n = 11), and nucleoside analogue RTIs (n = 12), mostly polymorphic mutations or revertants. In the integrase gene, four strains with accessory integrase strand transfer inhibitor mutations were identified. Sub-subtype A6 caused most of the infections (713/812; 87.8%) in all three countries, including in MSM. In contrast to earlier studies, no clear clusters related to the route of transmission were identified, indicating that, within the region, the exchange of viruses among the different risk groups may occur more often than earlier reported.

Identifying HIV-1 Transmission Clusters in Uzbekistan through Analysis of Molecular Surveillance Data

The CRF02_AG and sub-subtype A6 are currently the predominant HIV-1 variants in the Republic of Uzbekistan, but little is known about their time-spatial clustering patterns in high-risk populations. We have applied molecular evolution methods and network analyses to better understand the transmission patterns of these subtypes by analyzing 316 pol sequences obtained during the surveillance study of HIV drug resistance. Network analysis showed that about one third of the HIV infected persons were organized into clusters, including large clusters with more than 35 members. These clusters were composed mostly of injecting drug users and/or heterosexuals, with women having mainly high centrality within networks identified in both subtypes. Phylogenetic analyses of the 'Uzbek' sequences, including those publicly available, show that Russia and Ukraine played a role as the main sources of the current subtype A6 epidemic in the Republic. At the same time, Uzbekistan has been a local center of the CRF02_AG epidemic spread in the former USSR since the early 2000s. Both of these HIV-1 variants continue to spread in Uzbekistan, highlighting the importance of identifying transmission networks and transmission clusters to prevent further HIV spread, and the need for HIV prevention and education campaigns in high-risk groups.

Prevalence and risk factors of post-COVID-19 condition in adults and children at 6 and 12 months after hospital discharge: a prospective, cohort study in Moscow (StopCOVID)

BACKGROUND

Previous studies assessing the prevalence of COVID-19 sequelae in adults and children were performed in the absence of an agreed definition. We investigated prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) (WHO definition), at 6- and 12-months follow-up, amongst previously hospitalised adults and children and assessed risk factors.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study of children and adults with confirmed COVID-19 in Moscow, hospitalised between April and August, 2020. Two follow-up telephone interviews, using the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium survey, were performed at 6 and 12 months after discharge.

RESULTS

One thousand thirteen of 2509 (40%) of adults and 360 of 849 (42%) of children discharged participated in both the 6- and 12-month follow-ups. PCC prevalence was 50% (95% CI 47-53) in adults and 20% (95% CI 16-24) in children at 6 months, with decline to 34% (95% CI 31-37) and 11% (95% CI 8-14), respectively, at 12 months. In adults, female sex was associated with PCC at 6- and 12-month follow-up (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.57 to 2.65) and (OR 2.04, 1.54 to 2.69), respectively. Pre-existing hypertension (OR 1.42, 1.04 to 1.94) was associated with post-COVID-19 condition at 12 months. In children, neurological comorbidities were associated with PCC both at 6 months (OR 4.38, 1.36 to 15.67) and 12 months (OR 8.96, 2.55 to 34.82) while allergic respiratory diseases were associated at 12 months (OR 2.66, 1.04 to 6.47).

CONCLUSIONS

Although prevalence of PCC declined one year after discharge, one in three adults and one in ten children experienced ongoing sequelae. In adults, females and persons with pre-existing hypertension, and in children, persons with neurological comorbidities or allergic respiratory diseases are at higher risk of PCC.

Proactive approach to recreation and efficiency of recovery in flexible work arrangements

Introduction

Flexible work arrangements promote not only acceptable and convenient work modes; for many professionals flexible work leads to increase in workload and in working time (Rubery et al., 2016; Thompson et al., 2015). As the result, lack of recreation time could be named as a direct consequence of high workload (Pang, 2017). The key problem is the investigation of attitudes towards recreation and recovery: are professionals more reactive or proactive in their recreation planning, and do they recover well?

Objectives

The aim of the research: to reveal (1) typical types of recreation planning for professionals with high level of work flexibility and (2) recovery efficiency level.

Methods

The research was conducted in representatives of various professions, who work in flexible work arrangements (n=378). The diagnostic set included inventories for assessment of recreation planning type (Luzyanina, Kuznetsova, 2014) and recovery efficiency (Leonova, 2019).

Results

Two types of recreation planning have been found: proactive (26% of respondents) and reactive (74%). For the reactive approach lack of targeted strategies of recreation planning has been found. Proactive approach is characterized by tracking signs of resources decrease and advance planning of work breaks. There are differences in recovery efficiency (p<0,001) in proactive and reactive professionals: non-efficient recovery is typical for the majority of professionals with the reactive type to recreation planning.

Conclusions

The detailed analysis of proactive/reactive approaches manifestations and peculiarities of recreation planning could help to predict not only the recovery level, but the mechanisms of advanced self-regulation, adequate to high work flexibility.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Effects of relaxation slide-films on the functional state of psychology students

Introduction

Visual images and music have long been known as a means to optimize emotions (Galeev, 1976; Gotsdiner, 1993). Together (eg in audio-visual slide-films) they may help students and professional cope with the negative side of intensive workloads (fatigue, stress, anxiety).

Objectives

Our study attempts a multi-level assessment of the relaxation effect of a slide-film as part of student education.

Methods

Sample - 46 psychology students. The 20 minute relaxation film was shown after lectures and discussion of a forthcoming examination. Measures: standard psychological and physiological functional state tests and a cognitive task before and after the film (Leonova & Kapitsa, 2003); an original questionnaire revealing individual associations and experiences felt during the film.

Results

The results showed pronounced subjective discomfort and anxiety before the film. The relaxation film resulted in lowered blood pressure, increased subjective comfort, decreased fatigue and acute anxiety, and negative emotion scores, as well as higher productivity in performing the cognitive test (Student t-test, p<0.005-0.001). Concentration on the film subject, as well as the combination of the student’s thoughts and associations around the plot, showed a positive correlation with the amount of relaxation effect.

Conclusions

Our research showed that using the relaxation slide-film (with imagery and music) can provide positive effects on students’ functional state. It also revealed the importance of the relevance of individual experience to the subject of the film to obtain optimal positive effects.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Efficient self-regulation of human functional states as a predictor of work success under long-term innovation stress

Introduction

Research data indicate the necessity of efficient human functional states’ (HFS) self-regulations for successful work execution, and not only for those professionals, who work under extreme work conditions; efficient HFS self-regulation is discussed as one of the key professional competences in socionomic jobs as well (Friedman, 2003; Landy & Conte, 2021). Moreover, ability of efficient HFS self-regulation could be viewed as a differentiative competence for separation of professionals with normal and high work achievements (Spencer L. & Spencer S., 1993).

Objectives

The empirical study was targeted to investigate HFS self-regulation efficiency as a predictor of work success under long-term innovation stress.

Methods

The longitudinal research was conducted in college teachers (n=50) during the period of organizational innovations. The empirical data were obtained by the diagnostic set of methods for self-assessment of attitudes towards innovations as a factor of long-term work strain, coping strategies and self-regulation means, chronic fatigue and burnout as the main consequences of long-term stress manifestations (Hobfoll, Dunahoo, Ben-Porath & Monnier, 1994; Leonova, 2012).

Results

The significant diversity in the level of HFS self-regulation efficiency in teachers with different work success has been found (p<0,05). Teachers with the highest level of work results have a well-developed system of self-regulation means, which allows them to cope with innovation stress.

Conclusions

The empirical data revealed patterns of effective self-regulation means, which are adequate to situational requirement, professional norms and rules of organizational behavior. Obtained results formed the basis for the elaboration of training course for HFS self-regulation skills development.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Pre‐existing singleton E138A mutations in the reverse transcriptase gene do not affect the efficacy of first‐line antiretroviral therapy regimens using rilpivirine in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patients

General consensus suggests that even singleton E138A mutations in HIV reverse transcriptase at baseline are associated with resistance to rilpivirine (RPV). We detected 11 pre‐existing E138A carriers treated with RPV in the pan European EuResist database. However, all 11 patients presented with full virological efficacy for first‐line RPV‐based ART regimens.

Subjective perception of treatment in patients first referred to radiotherapy and its relationship to their well-being

Introduction

There are wide-spread fears and expectations about radiotherapy in people referred to it that are not only unrealistic (Shaverdian et al., 2018) but also lead to poorer compliance with doctors and poorer satisfaction with treatment (Dong et al., 2014).

Objectives

The aim was to reveal relationship between different aspects of subjective perception of radiotherapy in patients and their well-being.

Methods

34 patients first referred to radiotherapy, 23-70 years old (mostly females with breast cancer) filled modified version of Beliefs about Medication Questionnaire including items about radiotherapy (Horne et al., 1996), Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985), Scale of Positive And Negative Experience (Diener et al., 2009).

Results

Six scales were revealed by factor analysis in the structure of beliefs about radiotherapy (Cronbach’s alphas .74-.85): confidence in the effectiveness of radiation therapy, subjective need for it, lack of understanding of it, concern and general negative attitudes towards radiotherapy, doubts about the effectiveness of radiation therapy. Elder patients reported higher need for radiotherapy but also higher concerns about it (r=.35-.37). Concerns about radiotherapy were related to lower satisfaction with life and positive emotions (r=-.44 - -.34) while subjective need of radiotherapy was related to higher health anxiety (r=.71) and lower positive emotions (r=-.41).

Conclusions

Subjective concerns of patients regarding radiotherapy are related to poorer well-being and could be addressed in psychotherapy.

Emotional intelligence as a factor in the efficient self-regulation of functional states under work strain

Introduction

Self-regulation of emotions is viewed as one of the key skills in various socionomic professions (Kuznetsova & Titova, 2016; Spencer & Spencer, 2008), including psychology. Emotional intelligence (EI) can be seen as a vital competence for counseling psychologists, as well as a factor in an efficient human functional state’s (HFS) self-regulation under stressful work conditions.

Objectives

This study aims to assess the EI level in psychologists involved in a long-term relief programme for people affected by an industrial accident, and to reveal interrelations between EI and the efficiency of acquisition of new self-regulation skills.

Methods

The training course was designed for psychologists (n=15) in order to develop new stress-management counseling skills. It included: progressive relaxation, ideomotor and visualization exercises; autogenic formulae. Data were obtained from HFS evaluation questionnaires (Leonova, Zlokazova, Kachina & Kuznetsova, 2013), and the EI inventory (Manoylova, 2004).

Results

The mean EI level was high among the psychologists, although there were variations. Data confirmed rapid progress in the acquisition of self-regulation skills, and demonstrated a prolonged effect of stress (p=0,052) and fatigue (p<0,001) reduction (Friedman’s test). The EI level showed correlations (Spearman’s test) with HFS measures: by the end of the course psychologists with a higher EI reported higher psychological comfort (p<0,05) and lower acute fatigue (p<0,01) after relaxation exercises.

Conclusions

Although the sample size was small, the data, obtained from described above unique group of counseling psychologists, helped reveal the link between EI and efficient HFS self-regulation.

Personality risk factors in assessing the reliability of the performance of operating personnel

Introduction

The development of complex human-machine systems has led to greater demands on operators’ skills, and has increased the importance of human error (Pribytkova et al, 2012; Vondráčková et al, 2017; Jian Ai Yeow, 2014). For this reason performance reliability, defined as operators’ capacity to conduct essential work processes in a high-quality and timely manner (Bodrov, Orlov, 1998) has become a topical subject.

Objectives

This study concerns an investigation of subjective predictors of operators’ reliability, namely personality risk factors (supported by the RFBR #19-013-00799).

Methods

Subjects: 67 operators and 69 engineers at a hydro-power station. Personality traits were assessed using Sobchik’s verbatim Russian translation of the MMPI (Sobchik, 1990). Performance reliability was assessed using simple and complex sensorimotor reaction tests as standard procedures for the pre-shift assessment of operators.

Results

In the operators’ group significant correlations (Spearman’s test) were found between the level of quality of complex sensorimotor reactions and the level of such personal traits as impulsiveness and individualism: a higher manifestation of these traits was associated with a higher level of mistakes in conducting the pre-shift psychophysiological test (p<0,05). With the engineers there was a significant link between the higher speed of simple sensorimotor reactions and higher optimism scores.

Conclusions

The results suggest that a tendency to behave spontaneously, and orientation to one’s own needs, could be risk factors in terms of operator reliability. They also reveal the specifics of reliability predictors in different professions at the power plant.

Age-related differences in the use of relaxation techniques during intensive professional training

Introduction

Intensive professional training is widely used in modern organizations, as it helps employees adapt to dynamic work and technology changes (Noe, 2010; Patrick, 2000). Relaxation techniques may reduce the negative effects of intense learning processes (i.e. fatigue, anxiety and stress). They can also enhance the productivity of the training itself by helping to achieve optimal states for the completion of learning goals.

Objectives

Our study concerns differences in mastering relaxation techniques by employees of younger and middle-age groups during intensive professional training.

Methods

Sample - 62 employees, participants of communication training. The 15-min session of progressive relaxation combined with autogenic formulae was conducted after 5 hours of intensive training. Measures: standard psychological and physiological functional state tests (Leonova & Kapitsa, 2003); an information perception task.

Results

The efficiency of the relaxation techniques varied between different age groups: younger participants (aged 20-30) were more successful in managing both tasks – learning new relaxation skills and achieving deeper rest (including more apparent positive physiological effects). They were also more prepared for completing the information perception task (they made less mistakes). Older participants (aged 30-50) experienced more difficulties with the new relaxation skills and used relaxation primarily to restore their psychophysiological resources, rather than to prepare for the upcoming training task.

Conclusions

The results showed that relaxation techniques provide a system optimization effect on the participants of intensive training programs, though participants’ individual differences (ie age, length of service) should be taken into account when planning the outcomes of such interventions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The efficiency of self-regulation training program for coping with distant work stress under COVID-19 lockdown

Introduction

Under COVID-19 lockdown, mostly all organizations in non-productive sphere had to implement distant work forms. The personnel obligatory and rapidly switched to unknown work conditions and faced new stressors: COVID-19 fears, unstable internet connections, tensed communications, permanent noise, work hours extension. In order to cope with increased daily stress, the new version of self-regulation training program (Leonova, Kuznetsova, 2019) was implemented in distant format in order to train people: to evaluate the impact of distant work stressors; to measure stress manifestations during work hours; to choose self-regulation skills, effective for distant stress reduction.

Objectives

In order to verify the distant training program, the empirical study was conducted, targeted to estimate effectiveness of self-regulation means during COVID-19 pandemic period.

Methods

The program included progressive relaxation exercises as means for anxiety reduction and negative emotions control, and autogenic exercises for achievement an optimal for different work situations mental state. The empirical data were obtained by diagnostic methods for self-assessment of the main distant stress manifestations: anxiety and high fatigue (Spielberger, 1994, Leonova, 2012).

Results

The program verification was conducted in employees of municipal administration offices (n = 214). The empirical data revealed high effectiveness of relaxation and autogenic means in decrease of anxiety (t=8,64; p<0,001) and fatigue (t=9,18; p<0,001).

Conclusions

The first variant of distant program could be recommended for stress-management under pandemic lockdown. At the same time, advanced evaluating procedures are necessary to measure the coping effect of such programs, and to prove stress-reduction capacities of specialized distant training modules.

The interrelation between proactive coping and job stressors subjective evaluation in healthcare professionals during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

Proactive coping helps to reduce stress “in advance” – by possible stressors’ anticipating (Greenglass & Fiksenbaum, 2009). Does it helps to reduce distress in hazardous work environment with extremely high uncertainty level – like in healthcare professionals’ work at the beginning COVID-19 pandemic? Data showed the lover level of proactive coping in healthcare professionals in comparison with non-medical group (Pearman, Hughes, Smith & Neupert, 2020). The acute issue is to investigate proactive coping among medical professionals with different stress level.

Objectives

Specialists of Moscow public dispensaries (doctors, n=209; nurses, n=131) were checked during pandemic breakout (April 2020) - in order to compare proactive coping and job stressors’ subjective evaluation in groups with high and low chronic states.

Methods

The diagnostic set included: the job stress survey (Spielberger, 1994); the proactive coping inventory (Greenglass, 2002); the chronic stress and fatigues inventories (Leonova, 2012).

Results

Cluster analysis by combination of stress-fatigue scores extracted equal 22% of professionals in risk subgroups. Surprisingly no proactive coping differences were found in nurses; among doctors preventive coping is significantly lower in risk subgroup (t=7.05; p=0.009). Revealed job stressors in risk groups for nurses are quite typical; but for doctors they are unusual: extreme workload (t=33.97; p<0.001), low coworkers support (t=48.94; p<0.001), lack of positive feedback (t=62.29; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Despite the undeniable workload increase, well-to-do professionals perceived no high job stressors. In risk subgroup with lack of preventive coping, perceived stressors are likely connected with inability to predict strain increase and to minimize the impact of its negative effects (Moore, 2017).

The study of multivariance in realization of the plum graft and rootstock combinations adaptivity systems to the changing conditions of environment in the Krasnodar region with the use of digital technologies

The study of rootstocks group, providing the average vigor of growth for the grafted fruit plants, discovered their significant influence on the frost hardiness of the “graft-rootstock” system. The adaptivity of the plum varieties in the different graft and rootstock combinations was studied according to the “frost hardiness” criterion in the stages of the winter and spring development of the flower buds. The computer maps of the plum efficient allocation were created on the studied rootstocks, permitting to lay down the plantings with the lesser risks in the terms of climate fluctuation. It was established, that in the south of Russia the climatic conditions to cultivate Stanley variety on PK SK 1 rootstock, as compared with the rootstock of cherry plum seedling, mostly often used in industrial plantings of plum are mostly favorable. The conducted research contributes to isolation and allocation of the most adaptive graft and rootstock combinations based on their frost hardiness and, consequently, regularity of fruit-bearing and yielding capacity.

Tralokinumab for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: results from two 52-week, randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled phase III trials (ECZTRA 1 and ECZTRA 2)

Background

Tralokinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, specifically neutralizes interleukin‐13, a key cytokine driving peripheral inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD). In phase II studies, tralokinumab combined with topical corticosteroids provided early and sustained improvements in AD signs and symptoms.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tralokinumab monotherapy in adults with moderate‐to‐severe AD who had an inadequate response to topical treatments.

Methods

In two 52‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase III trials, ECZTRA 1 and ECZTRA 2, adults with moderate‐to‐severe AD were randomized (3 : 1) to subcutaneous tralokinumab 300 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) or placebo. Primary endpoints were Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1 at week 16 and ≥ 75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI 75) at week 16. Patients achieving an IGA score of 0 or 1 and/or EASI 75 with tralokinumab at week 16 were rerandomized to tralokinumab Q2W or every 4 weeks or placebo, for 36 weeks. The trials were registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03131648 and NCT03160885.

Results

At week 16, more patients who received tralokinumab vs. placebo achieved an IGA score of 0 or 1: 15·8% vs. 7·1% in ECZTRA 1 [difference 8·6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4·1–13·1; P = 0·002] and 22·2% vs. 10·9% in ECZTRA 2 (11·1%, 95% CI 5·8–16·4; P < 0·001) and EASI 75: 25·0% vs. 12·7% (12·1%, 95% CI 6·5–17·7; P < 0·001) and 33·2% vs. 11·4% (21·6%, 95% CI 15·8–27·3; P < 0·001). Early improvements in pruritus, sleep interference, Dermatology Life Quality Index, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis and Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure were observed from the first postbaseline measurements. The majority of week 16 tralokinumab responders maintained response at week 52 with continued tralokinumab treatment without any rescue medication (including topical corticosteroids). Adverse events were reported in 76·4% and 61·5% of patients receiving tralokinumab in ECZTRA 1 and ECZTRA 2, respectively, and in 77·0% and 66·0% of patients receiving placebo in ECZTRA 1 and ECZTRA 2, respectively, in the 16‐week initial period.

Conclusions

Tralokinumab monotherapy was superior to placebo at 16 weeks of treatment and was well tolerated up to 52 weeks of treatment.

What is already known about this topic?

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic interleukin (IL)‐13‐mediated disease.

There is a need for safe and effective long‐term treatment options for AD.

Tralokinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to IL‐13 with high affinity, thereby preventing receptor interaction and subsequent downstream signalling.

Tralokinumab combined with topical corticosteroids showed early and sustained efficacy and safety in a 12‐week, phase IIb trial in moderate‐to‐severe AD.

What does this study add?

These are the first pivotal phase III trials demonstrating that by specifically targeting IL‐13 alone, patients can achieve significant improvements in AD signs and symptoms and quality of life, and maintain these improvements over time without the requirement for topical corticosteroids.

These trials provide evidence that tralokinumab offers a long‐term, well‐tolerated treatment option for patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD.

Linked Comment: Morra and Drucker. Br J Dermatol 2021; 184:386–387.

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Physiological state of plants and quality of plum fruits grafted on the rootstocks of various strength of growth depending on the plant nutrition mode

The influence of the nutrition mode on the physiological state, productivity, and quality of the plum harvest of the Stanley variety on the rootstocks of various strengths of growth was investigated. The fertilizer system included the intra-soil application of the complex organic-mineral fertilizer based on peat and non-root dressings combined with the “Novosil” phytoregulator. The nutrition mode of plum plants was studied by the method of gross content diagnostics of elements in leaves and fruits. The significant increase of nitrogen and phosphorus content, number of functional pigments, free amino acids, and protein synthesis, especially in plants on the rootstock Best, was established during the period of the intensive shoot and ovary growth. In the early summer, the increase of calcium content and decrease of secondary metabolite one was found against the background of a decline of growth activity in plum leaves on the dwarf and medium rootstocks. The statistically reliable positive correlation between nitrogen, potassium, calcium and their content in plum fruits on the rootstock VVA 1 (r = 0.68, r = 0.74, r = 0.52) and rootstock Best (r = 0.75, r = 0.84, r = 0.61) was identified against the background of the application of fertilizers during the period of stress influence of abiotic factors in July. The green pigment content was also increased. The decline of protein content in leaves in the trees on the rootstock Best and rootstock PK SK 1 was minimal. At that time maximum losses of shared water were in plants on the rootstock cherry plum seedlings and minimum ones were on the rootstock PK SK 1. In early August the gross content of nitrogen, potassium, and calcium in the leaves of shoots increased with the application of fertilizers. In early September the excess of the sum of amino acids in plum leaves was 26,6-30,8% while the one in plum fruits was 12.5 and 23.5%; 24.2 and 11.5%; 17.3 and 19.6% on the rootstock VVA 1, rootstock Best, rootstock PK SK 1 respectively. The nutrition mode optimization promoted increasing of plant productivity on the rootstock Best and fruit weight on the rootstock VVA 1, rootstock Best, and rootstock PK SK 1.

PET-CT and Occupational Exposure in Oncological Patients

The paper describes the results of retrospective epidemiological study on low dose effects of diagnostic radiation exposure to humans. The data used in the study has been collected from archives of Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Center of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine during the project for creating the local electronic database of Ozyorsk patients examined with computed tomography (CTDB). The study group consisted of oncological patients who have received positron-emission computed tomography (PET-CT). All patients in the study group were residents of Ozyorsk – the town in South Ural where the “Mayak” production association, also known as 1st Russian nuclear enterprise is located. The main purpose of the study was to understand whether the number of PET-CT scans, as well as other radiation risk factors influences the mortality in the exposed group. The follow-up period started in 2010 since the first PET-CT scans has been performed, and ended in June, 2019. Radiation dose for oncological patients exposed to PET-CT has been compared with the cumulative dose from occupational exposure. Vital status and cause of death of patients who died to the end of follow-up has been established using the data of National Cancer Registry in part located in the Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Center of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine. Cancer mortality has been analysed depending on age of patient, sex, number of PET-CT examinations, and presence of occupational exposure, using the logistic regression model. Main radiation risk factors influencing cancer mortality has been established.

The impact of Pseudomonas syringae bacteria on the plant pathogenic fungi and cherry plants

The investigations are made of cherry biological peculiarities and disease excitants composition. The domination of necrotrophic fungi and Pseudomonas syringae van Hall bacteria in pathocenosis is shown. The fact of microbiota associative lesion of plants is established. The antagonist action of isolated bacterium in relation to Cytospora leucostoma (Pers.) Sacc., Alternaria alternata Keissl., Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht., Monillia cinerea Bonord is detected. The character of isolated bacterium metabolites, pathogenic fungi and their association effect on a host-plant is established. The ability of bacterium to lower the activity of phytotoxins secretion in fungi when cultivated together is identified. It has been found that it is the fungal pathogens causing the development of die-back in cherry in investigated gardens, whereas P. syringae bacterium, when in latent state, plays a part of protector and permits to suppress the development of fungal infection. Taking into account the fact that this bacterium is pathogenic, the works of advanced breeding for resistance of the horticultural crops to bacterial blight are recommended.

The genetic-selection improvement of approaches to the study of the fruit cultures adaptation to the stresses of the spring and summer period

The happening global and local fluctuations of climate caused the changes in manifestation of the temperature stresses in the plants in terms of their strength and time of occurrence in vegetation period. The most regions of the south of Russia (especially in the plain territories) experienced warming of climate, and the temperature stresses began to appear more frequently in spring and in summer. With an aim to analyze the direction of change in temperature regime the structure and spectrums of variability in the mean-diurnal fluctuations of the maximum and minimum temperatures of air were studied for a long period (1950-2019) in the Kuban river horticulture zone of Krasnodar Territory. The defense and adaptive reactions of the sweet cherry varieties (in their drought resistance) to the change in external environment limits were brought to light. The yielding capacity of the genotypes of plants was studied from position of their response to the temperature stresses. The obtained results permitted to identify the varieties of sweet cherry, resistant to the stresses of the spring and summer period, when they are grown in conditions of the higher temperatures and considerable moisture deficit. The results of work will be helpful in control of the sweet cherry varieties productivity on the basis of knowledge on manifestation of the varieties’ genetic peculiarities in their phenotype in the new climatic conditions.

The evaluation of adaptation systems for apricot culture in the phases of its development for selection improvement and location of the future varieties in conditions of climate fluctuation

Apricot is one of the most valuable fruit cultures. This is a minor culture in Russia and other countries primarily because of irregular fruit-bearing by the reason of its flower buds death in the winter and spring period, caused by the low temperatures. The increased regularity of its fruit-bearing may be achieved in two primary ways: the creation of new varieties, more resistant to the temperature fluctuations of the winter and spring period and their rational allocation in the zones and microzones of the growing territories. The solution of both set tasks calls for the knowledge of protective and adaptive reactions of genotypes in the stages of their development. The investigations of the last years showed the levels of agricultural plants productivity to be determined not only by the genes of quantitative characters, but to significant extent by the effects of their interaction with environment at the different stages of the plants development. As a new factor of outdoor environment, limiting the growth and development of plants becomes evident, the spectrum and number of genes, determining one and the same quantitative character (freezing tolerance in this case) is changed at the particular stage of development on a particular territory. The climatic change permits to analyze more profoundly the regularities in manifestation of genotype peculiarities in phenotype. The response of apricot culture (Armeniaca vulgaris) to display of the winter temperature stresses in the different stages of temporal (1990-2019) and spatial - Krasnodar and Stavropol Territory, Kabardino-Balkar Republic and Kazakhstan - development was studied. The analysis was undertaken for the new terms of deadly temperatures occurrence at the different stages of development. There was studied mechanism of the apricot culture biological potential realization in the new temperature conditions in the phases of winter and spring period, permitting to open the more efficient process of apricot selection for freezing tolerance and its rational location.

The Internet's Effect on Parental Trust in Pediatrician Diagnosis of Autism and Likelihood of Seeking a Second Opinion

This study assessed how web-based information affects parental trust in physician's diagnosis of autism (PDA) and likelihood of seeking a second opinion. Participants of an online survey were randomly allocated to one of three hypothetical scenarios, all were given a vignette of a non-verbal 18-month-old child followed by (1) not viewing Internet results, (2) viewing results suggesting autism, or (3) viewing results suggesting language delay and rated their trust and likelihood of seeking a second opinion. When Internet results contradicted PDA, parents reported less trust in PDA and greater likelihood of seeking a second opinion. Due to the Internet's influence on parents' response to PDA, clinicians should discuss their differential diagnosis with parents, address Internet-related concerns, and recommend trustworthy sources.

Data Mining in Institutional Economics Tasks

The paper discusses problems associated with the use of data mining tools to study discrepancies between countries with different types of institutional matrices by variety of potential explanatory variables: climate, economic or infrastructure indicators. An approach is presented which is based on the search of statistically valid regularities describing the dependence of the institutional type on a single variable or a pair of variables. Examples of regularities are given.

Abacavir usage patterns and hypersensitivity reactions in the EuroSIDA cohort

OBJECTIVES

Five to eight per cent of HIV-positive individuals initiating abacavir (ABC) experience potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). We sought to describe the proportion of individuals initiating ABC and to describe the incidence and factors associated with HSR among those prescribed ABC.

METHODS

We calculated the proportion of EuroSIDA individuals receiving ABC-based combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) among those receiving cART after 1 January 2009. Poisson regression was used to identify demographic, and current clinical and laboratory factors associated with ABC utilization and discontinuation.

RESULTS

Between 2009 and 2016, of 10 076 individuals receiving cART, 3472 (34%) had ever received ABC-based cART. Temporal trends of ABC utilization were also heterogeneous, with 28% using ABC in 2009, dropping to 26% in 2010 and increasing to 31% in 2016, and varied across regions and over time. Poisson models showed lower ABC utilization in older individuals, and in those with higher CD4 cell counts, higher cART lines, and prior AIDS. Higher ABC utilization was associated with higher HIV RNA and poor renal function, and was more common in Central-East and Eastern Europe and lowest during 2014. During 779 person-years of follow-up (PYFU) in 2139 individuals starting ABC after 1 January 2009, 113 discontinued ABC within 6 weeks of initiation for any reason [incidence rate (IR) 14.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.1, 17.5) per 100 PYFU], 13 because of reported HSR [IR 0.3 (95% CI 0.1, 1.0) per 100 PYFU] and 35 because of reported HSR/any toxicity [IR 4.5 (95% CI 3.2, 6.3) per 100 PYFU]. There were no factors significantly associated with ABC discontinuation because of reported HSR/any toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

ABC remains commonly used across Europe and the incidence of discontinuation because of reported HSR was low in our study population.

Antimicrobial activity of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole released from environmentally friendly nanostructured layered double hydroxides

AIMS

The objective of this work was to assess the antibacterial effect of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), used as model-biocide, immobilized in a layered double hydroxide (LDH) structure, under different conditions of pH and salinity, envisaging possible applications of the system in active antifouling and anticorrosion coatings.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Biological effects of MBT immobilized in LDH were assessed by monitoring bacterial bioluminescence of cell suspensions of either Allivibrio fischeri or a recombinant strain of Escherichia coli, as a proxy for bacterial activity. Salinity (1, 2 and 3% NaCl) and pH (4, 5, 6 and 7) of the suspension media were experimentally manipulated and biocide release tests were performed in parallel. The release profiles obtained by UV-visible spectrophotometry indicated a fast release of biocide from MBT@LDH, slightly enhanced in 3% NaCl and under alkaline conditions. However, biological effects were more pronounced at 1% NaCl and at neutral pH.

CONCLUSIONS

The release and toxic effect of MBT immobilized in LDH is dependent on the concentration of solutes in the suspension medium.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results confirm LDH as a biologically compatible material with potential to be used for biocide delivery.

Enhancement of active corrosion protection via combination of inhibitor-loaded nanocontainers

The present work reports the synthesis of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) nanocontainers loaded with different corrosion inhibitors (vanadate, phosphate, and 2-mercaptobenzothiazolate) and the characterization of the resulting pigments by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The anticorrosion activity of these nanocontainers with respect to aluminum alloy AA2024 was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The bare metallic substrates were immersed in dispersions of nanocontainers in sodium chloride solution and tested to understand the inhibition mechanisms and efficiency. The nanocontainers were also incorporated into commercial coatings used for aeronautical applications to study the active corrosion protection properties in systems of industrial relevance. The results show that an enhancement of the active protection effect can be reached when nanocontainers loaded with different inhibitors are combined in the same protective coating system.

Interactions of the C-terminus of lung surfactant protein B with lipid bilayers are modulated by acyl chain saturation

Lung surfactant protein B (SP-B) is critical to minimizing surface tension in the alveoli. The C-terminus of SP-B, residues 59-80, has much of the surface activity of the full protein and serves as a template for the development of synthetic surfactant replacements. The molecular mechanisms responsible for its ability to restore lung compliance were investigated with circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry, and (31)P and (2)H solid-state NMR spectroscopy. SP-B(59-80) forms an amphipathic helix which alters lipid organization and acyl chain dynamics in fluid lamellar phase 4:1 DPPC:POPG and 3:1 POPC:POPG MLVs. At higher levels of SP-B(59-80) in the POPC:POPG lipid system a transition to a nonlamellar phase is observed while DPPC:POPG mixtures remain in a lamellar phase. Deuterium NMR shows an increase in acyl chain order in DPPC:POPG MLVs on addition of SP-B(59-80); in POPC:POPG MLVs, acyl chain order parameters decrease. Our results indicate SP-B(59-80) penetrates deeply into DPPC:POPG bilayers and binds more peripherally to POPC:POPG bilayers. Similar behavior has been observed for KL(4), a peptide mimetic of SP-B which was originally designed using SP-B(59-80) as a template and has been clinically demonstrated to be successful in treating respiratory distress syndrome. The ability of these helical peptides to differentially partition into lipid lamellae based on their degree of monounsaturation and subsequent changes in lipid dynamics suggest a mechanism for lipid organization and trafficking within the dynamic lung environment.

Comparison of cognitive functions between people with silent and wild-type butyrylcholinesterase

In the human brain, butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) is expressed in neurons and glia. For example, many nuclei in the human thalamus, with projections to the cerebral cortex, contain a large number of neurons with intense BuChE activity. Thalamocortical projections subserve a variety of cognitive functions. Due to genetic mutations, there are individuals who do not have detectable BuChE activity (silent BuChE). While the prevalence of silent BuChE is only 1:100,000 in European and American populations, it is 1:24 in the Vysya community in Coimbatore, India. To examine whether there are differences in cognitive functions between individuals with silent BuChE and those expressing normal BuChE (wild-type), twelve healthy individuals with silent BuChE and thirteen healthy individuals with wild-type BuChE, all from the Vysya community in Coimbatore, were tested for cognitive function using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics test battery. The silent BuChE group was slightly faster on simple reaction tasks, but slower on a visual perceptual matching task. Furthermore, discriminant function analyses correctly classified 11/12 silent and 8/13 wild-type BuChE subjects (76% correct classification overall) based on BuChE status. Different profiles of cognitive test performance between individuals with silent and wild-type BuChE were observed. These observations suggest a function for BuChE in cognition.

Oxygen-containing functional groups on single-wall carbon nanotubes: NEXAFS and vibrational spectroscopic studies

Single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) produced by plasma laser vaporization (PLV) and containing oxidized surface functional groups have been studied for the first time with NEXAFS. Comparisons are made to SWNTs made by catalytic synthesis over Fe particles in high-pressure CO, called HiPco material. The results indicate that the acid purification and cutting of single-walled nanotubes with either HNO3/H2SO4 or H2O2/H2SO4 mixtures produces the oxidized groups (O/C = 5.5-6.7%), which exhibit both pi*(CO) and sigma*(CO) C K-edge NEXAFS resonances. This indicates that both carbonyl (C=O) and ether C-O-C functionalities are present. Upon heating in a vacuum to 500-600 K, the pi*(CO) resonances are observed to decrease in intensity; on heating to 1073 K, the sigma*(CO) resonances disappear as the C-O-C functional groups are decomposed. Raman spectral measurements indicate that the basic tubular structure of the SWNTs is not perturbed by heating to 1073 K, based on the invariance of the ring breathing modes upon heating. The NEXAFS studies agree well with infrared studies which show that carboxylic acid groups are thermally destroyed first, followed by the more difficult destruction of ether and quinone groups. Single-walled nanotubes produced by the HiPco process, and not treated with oxidizing acids, exhibit an O/C ratio of 1.9% and do not exhibit either pi*(CO) or sigma*(CO) resonances at the detection limit of NEXAFS. It is shown that heating (to 1073 K) of the PLV-SWNTs containing the functional groups produces C K-edge NEXAFS spectra very similar to those seen for the HiPco material. The NEXAFS spectra are calibrated against spectra measured for a number of fused-ring aromatic hydrocarbon molecules containing various types of oxidized functional groups present on the oxidized SWNTs.

Prognosis of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy for superficial bladder cancer by immunological urinary measurements: statistically weighted syndrome analysis

PURPOSE

The goal of this research was to discover new biological indicators in urine which could be used for short-term prognosis of local Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy outcome in patients with superficial bladder cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We measured and statistically evaluated soluble immunological molecules in urine from bladder cancer patients (n = 34) receiving BCG intravesically. Urine was collected following each of 6 weekly treatments, processed and assayed. The data base included measurements of interleukin-1 (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), soluble CD14 (sCD14), interferon-gamma (IFN gamma), GM-CSF, volume of urine and its pH. The clinical response was evaluated by urine histology and random quadrant biopsy 3 months after the start of therapy. Patients were divided into 2 groups, with good and poor therapeutic effect. The initial complete response rate was 62% (21/34). The data base was analyzed using traditional multivariate statistical methods and a pattern recognition method which deals with combinatorial-statistical analysis (statistically weighted syndromes (SWS) method) of the gradated features. The SWS method is capable of identifying robust patterns in small "fuzzy" sets with high dimensional objects and some missing values.

RESULTS

Only one parameter gave significant differences at p < 0.05, GM-CSF at instillation 6. Repeated measurement analysis of variance, backward stepwise multiple logistic regression and linear discriminant analysis failed to show any significance. However, significant differences in the structure of correlation between features in the groups with and without therapeutic effect were observed and four highly informative variables (the masses of sICAM-1, TNF alpha, sCD14 and pH) relating to 5th-6th installations were selected by SWS. These features provided accurate individual prediction of therapeutic outcome for all our patients. Cross-validation analysis and computer simulation showed the statistically significant stability of the prediction.

CONCLUSION

We have selected a set of urinary variables that could be considered as a perspective combination of indicators (syndromes) of outcome of pre-operation BCG therapy of patients with superficial bladder cancer. A larger patient database will provide testing and evaluation of the biological and clinical significance of selected features. The computational syndrome-disease approach should be applicable for the solution of decision-making problems for management of cancer.