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© 2020 Elsevier Ltd A laser technology has been developed for fabricating structures from composite layers based on biopolymers: albumin, collagen, and chitosan with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). The structures are intended for cardiovascular devices and tissue-engineered implants. This is evidenced by the results of studies. The composite layers were fabricated due to the phase transition of biopolymers and SWCNT aqueous dispersion under the influence of laser pulses. At the same time branched 3D networks of SWCNT were formed in the biopolymer matrix. The threshold energy fluence of laser pulses was determined (0.032–0.083 J/cm2) at which a bimodal distribution of pores was observed. The calculation of contact resistances between nanotubes at percolation units of 3D networks (20–100 kOhm) was carried out. Composite layers fabricated by laser demonstrated conductivity values that were higher (12.4 S/m) than those for layers by thermostat (4.7 S/m). The maximum hardness of the composite layers with SWCNT (0.01 wt%) by laser was 482 ± 10, 425 ± 10, and 407 ± 15 MPa for albumin, collagen and chitosan, respectively. The hardness of the thermostat layers was less than 100 MPa. The viability of endothelial cells in composite layers was improved. The composite layers ensured a normal level of hemolysis during interaction with erythrocytes.

© 2020 Elsevier B.V. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) are crucial for the peripheral and central nervous system development, respectively, and differential brain and blood levels in Intra Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and prematurity have been found. As reduced growth of brain regions, measured at 30−40 days of postnatal period, has been demonstrated in preterm and IUGR neonates who showed impaired neuro-development at two years of age, in this study, the levels of NGF and BDNF were evaluated in the urine samples of 30−40 day-old subjects who were full-term, preterm and IUGR and showed a normal or an abnormal neuro-development at follow up after two years. Neurotrophins were measured concurrently with volumes of whole brain, thalamus, frontal cortex and cerebellum. Values were then correlated with later neuro-developmental outcome. Biochemical parameters and cerebral volumes were assessed using colorimetric ELISA kits and three-dimensional ultra-sonography (3DUS), respectively. Neuro-development was estimated using the Griffiths-II test. Urinary NGF and brain volumes significantly correlated and were lower in preterm and IUGR subjects characterized by poor neuro-development. No differences were seen in the case of BDNF. The present investigation demonstrates, for the first time, the strong and direct association of NGF with brain growth at the initial phase of the postnatal period and with neuro-developmental outcome in later life. Remarkably, urinary NGF may be suggested as an early prognostic indicator of high long-term risk of motor and cognitive impairment in IUGR and preterm neonates.

© 2020 Elsevier B.V. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) are crucial for the peripheral and central nervous system development, respectively, and differential brain and blood levels in Intra Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and prematurity have been found. As reduced growth of brain regions, measured at 30−40 days of postnatal period, has been demonstrated in preterm and IUGR neonates who showed impaired neuro-development at two years of age, in this study, the levels of NGF and BDNF were evaluated in the urine samples of 30−40 day-old subjects who were full-term, preterm and IUGR and showed a normal or an abnormal neuro-development at follow up after two years. Neurotrophins were measured concurrently with volumes of whole brain, thalamus, frontal cortex and cerebellum. Values were then correlated with later neuro-developmental outcome. Biochemical parameters and cerebral volumes were assessed using colorimetric ELISA kits and three-dimensional ultra-sonography (3DUS), respectively. Neuro-development was estimated using the Griffiths-II test. Urinary NGF and brain volumes significantly correlated and were lower in preterm and IUGR subjects characterized by poor neuro-development. No differences were seen in the case of BDNF. The present investigation demonstrates, for the first time, the strong and direct association of NGF with brain growth at the initial phase of the postnatal period and with neuro-developmental outcome in later life. Remarkably, urinary NGF may be suggested as an early prognostic indicator of high long-term risk of motor and cognitive impairment in IUGR and preterm neonates.

Recently, organ-on-a-chip models, which are microfluidic devices that mimic the cellular architecture and physiological environment of an organ, have been developed and extensively investigated. The chips can be tailored to accommodate the disease conditions pertaining to many organs; and in the case of this review, the lung. Lung-on-a-chip models result in a more accurate reflection compared to conventional in vitro models. Pharmaceutical drug testing methods traditionally use animal models in order to evaluate pharmacological and toxicological responses to a new agent. However, these responses do not directly reflect human physiological responses. In this review, current and future applications of the lung-on-a-chip in the respiratory system will be discussed. Furthermore, the limitations of current conventional in vitro models used for respiratory disease modeling and drug development will be addressed. Highlights of additional translational aspects of the lung-on-a-chip will be discussed in order to demonstrate the importance of this subject for medical research.

© 2019 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH  &  Co. KGaA, Weinheim Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a long-standing material of significant interest in microfluidics due to its unique features. As such, rapid prototyping of PDMS-based microchannels is of great interest. The most prevalent and conventional method for fabrication of PDMS-based microchips relies on softlithography, the main drawback of which is the preparation of a master mold, which is costly and time-consuming. To prevent the attachment of PDMS to the master mold, silanization is necessary, which can be detrimental for cellular studies. Additionally, using coating the mold with a cell-compatible surfactant adds extra preprocessing time. Recent advances in 3D printing have shown great promise in expediting microfabrication. Nevertheless, current 3D printing techniques are sub-optimal for PDMS softlithography. The feasibility of producing master molds suitable for rapid softlithography is demonstrated using a newly developed 3D-printing resin. Moreover, the utility of this technique is showcased for a number of widely used applications, such as concentration gradient generation, particle separation, cell culture (to show biocompatibility of the process), and fluid mixing. This can open new opportunities for biologists and scientists with minimum knowledge of microfabrication to build functional microfluidic devices for their basic and applied research.

© 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Vitamin D (25(OH)D) insufficiency and deficiency are highly prevalent in adult soccer players and can exceed 80% even in regions with high insolation; however, the treatment of this condition is often complicated. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in youth Russian soccer players and the efficacy of its treatment. Participants were 131 young male football players (age 15.6 ± 2.4 years). Low vitamin D levels (below 30 ng/mL) were observed in 42.8% of the analyzed participants. These athletes were split in two groups composed of persons with vitamin D deficiency (serum vitamin D below 21 ng/mL) and insufficiency (serum vitamin D in range of 21-29 ng/mL). A dietary supplement of 5000 IU cholecalciferol per day was administered for two months. After the treatment, an average 92% increase in vitamin D concentration was observed (before treatment—19.7 ± 5.4 ng/mL, after treatment—34.7 ± 8.6 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and 74% of the post-treatment values were within the reference range (30-60 ng/mL). Serum concentration of vitamin D increased by 200% ± 98% (p < 0.001) during the first month of treatment with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency being successfully treated in 83% of the football players. In summary, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was high in young Russian soccer players. Furthermore, it was indicated that the daily usage of cholecalciferol in a dose 5000 IU was an effective and well-tolerated treatment for vitamin D insufficiency. No linear dependency between the duration of treatment and increase in vitamin 25(OH) D concentration was observed.

© 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. Objective An estimated 336 per 100 000 people in Russia are infected with hepatitis C virus, including up to 75% with genotype (GT) 1b. In the TURQUOISE-II/-III trials, a 12-week regimen of the direct-acting antiviral agents ombitasvir (OBV), paritaprevir (PTV), ritonavir, and dasabuvir (DSV) in GT1b-infected patients with compensated cirrhosis resulted in 12-week sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of 100%. Patients and methods In TURQUOISE-IV, GT1b-infected patients (n=36) from Russia and Belarus with compensated cirrhosis, who were treatment naive or previously treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin (RBV), received OBV/PTV/ritonavir+DSV+RBV for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was SVR at 12 weeks. Safety assessments included adverse event (AE) monitoring and laboratory testing. Results At baseline, patients had Child-Pugh scores of 5 (92%) or 6 (8%). Overall, 69% were treatment experienced (44% prior null responders, 32% relapsers, and 16% partial responders). All patients achieved SVR at 12 weeks (36/36; 100%). No patient experienced a serious AE or discontinued treatment prematurely. Treatment-emergent AEs possibly related to study drugs occurring in greater than or equal to 10% of patients were asthenia (19%), anemia (14%), cough (14%), and headache (11%); most events were mild in severity. Clinically significant laboratory abnormalities were infrequent. Conclusion In Russian and Belarusian patients with hepatitis C GT1b infection and compensated cirrhosis, 100% achieved SVR at 12 weeks after 12 weeks' treatment with OBV/PTV/ritonavir+DSV+RBV. The treatment was well tolerated.

© 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd. Maintaining the epithelial status of cells in vitro and fabrication of a multilayered epithelial lining is one of the key problems in the therapy using cell technologies. When cultured in a monolayer, epithelial cells change their phenotype from epithelial to epithelial-mesenchymal or mesenchymal that makes it difficult to obtain a sufficient number of cells in a 2D culture and to use them in tissue engineering. Here, using buccal epithelial cells from the oral mucosa, we developed a novel approach to recover and maintain the stable cell phenotype and form a multilayered epithelial lining in vitro via the 2D/3D cell self-assembling. Transitioning the cells from the monolayer to non-adhesive 3D culture conditions led to formation of self-assembling spheroids, with restoration of their epithelial characteristics after epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In 7 days, the cells within spheroids restored the apical-basal polarity, and the formation of both tight (ZO1) and adherent (E-cadherin) intercellular junctions was shown. Thus, culturing buccal epithelial cells in a 3D system allowed us to recover and durably maintain the morphological and functional characteristics of epithelial cells. The multilayered epithelial lining formation was achieved after placing spheroids for 7 days onto a hybrid matrix, which consisted of collagen layers and reinforcing poly (lactide-co-glycolide) fibers and was proven promising for replacement of the urothelium. Thus, we offer an effective technique of forming multilayered epithelial linings on carrier-matrices using cell spheroids that was not previously described elsewhere and can find a wide range of applications in tissue engineering, replacement surgery, and regenerative medicine.

© 2018 Elsevier B.V. Development of efficient biodegradable, environmentally responsive, biocompatible and non-toxic delivery system is needed for efficient gene delivery. As well known, properties of the vehicle are determined by the structure of carrier components. The aim of the current study was to estimate in vitro transfection efficacy of aliphatic di-, tri- and tetrapeptide-based cationic lipoplexes loaded with siRNA in function of a number of cationic groups using 2D (monolayer culture) and 3D (multicellular tumor spheroids) in vitro models. Physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity of the liposomes were found to be dependent upon a number of amino acid derivatives in an amphiphilic polar head. Uptake of liposomes loaded with nucleic acid (lipoplexes) and their localization in HEK293T cells was studied by confocal microscopy. The liposomes based on lipotripeptides had the highest transfection efficiency which was 20-fold higher than those fabricated from lipotetrapeptides.

© 2018 Russian Electronic Journal of Radiology. All rights reserved. Some pathologic processes compromise renal function and as result worsen glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) equation was developed in an effort to create a more correct formula to estimate GFR, however, it is not able to assess split renal function. Objective. This paper aims to present how numerical analysis of abdominal multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) results correlate with data of CKD-EPI equation. Materials and methods. In this Institutional prospective cohort study, MSCT scans of 16 patients undergoing multiphasic renal protocol with 3D-reconstruction and numerical estimation were reviewed. Comparison was made by means of Pearson coefficient and Youden index. Results. MSCT-based methods for the calculation of split renal function with 3Dmodels showed strong correlation with CKD-EPI (p<0.001). Conclusion. Data received using the 3D-MSCT in comparison with CKD-EPI equation are equally accurate with low bias in GFR-assessment. However new approach has great advantages, because allows for both acquiring detailed data on clinical anatomy and evaluation of renal function, that made it not only precise but also more informative for decision-making in clinical practice. Such application of high-tech imaging method applied to the field of radiology may alter the course of patients' management when pathologic process is just beginning to correct premorbid conditions.

© 2018, Media Sfera. All rights reserved. Changes in ocular anatomy and topography that occur due to congenital development anomalies are often of complex, composite nature. Such pathologies are accompanied by not only refractive errors, but also changes in eye’s macrostructure. Careful analysis of the changes is necessary to better understand the clinical picture. Purpose - to study the specifics of structural and morphological changes of the eye in certain ocular congenital pathologies and in some orphan diseases using the results of three-dimensional ultrasound analysis and digital acoustic imaging. Material and methods. The study included 60 patients (119 eyes) with congenital ocular changes, some of which are registered as independent orphan diseases, as well as with systemic manifestations including congenital changes in eye membranes, lens and the vitreous body. The examination involved three-dimensional scanning followed by digital processing of the imaging data obtained using general medical ultrasound systems Voluson 730 Pro Kretz and Voluson E8. Results. Digital ultrasound technologies significantly expand the scope of data on eye morphology in various congenital changes obtainable in vivo. Conclusion. The advantage of this investigation method is the possibility to reliably detect congenital spatially complex morphological deformations in the eye tissues, which in some cases are impossible to observe with other methods.

© 2018 Russian Electronic Journal of Radiology. All rights reserved. Introduction. Instrumental methods of examination may alter the course of treatment and patients' management. Several studies have shown that interobserver variability in values obtained with renal scintigraphy (RS) can be as high as 10%, however, RS remains the standard investigation for the assessment of split renal function. Objective. This paper aims to present how numerical analysis of abdominal MSCT results can be used to evaluate split renal function. Materials and methods. A prospective study was launched in a Research Institute for Uronephrology and Reproductive Health from November, 2015 to May, 2017. 88 patients were enrolled into the study (2 with hydronephrosis, 10 with hypertensive kidney disease, 5 with stone kidney disease, 2 with kidney anomalies, 69 with renal tumors). Comparison made between renal scintigraphy data and 3D MSCT-based models. Results. CT-based methods for the calculation of split renal function with 3D-models showed correlation with renal scintigraphy (p<0.004). Conclusion. A new approach for split kidney function assessment based on contrast-enhanced CT with 3D-models and mathematical analysis allows for both acquiring detailed data on clinical anatomy and evaluation of renal function to promote preoperative decision-making. It showed strong correlation with no significant difference in comparison with RS in terms of glomerular filtration rate, perfusion and plasma flow.

© 2018 Russian Electronic Journal of Radiology. All rights reserved. Purpose. To demonstrate the effectiveness of volumetric multispiral computer tomography at the planning of focal liver masses treatment. To present visual 3D reconstructions of the liver, its vessels and focal masses. Material and methods. A group of patients included 25 patients with different focal liver masses. The age of the patients was from 29 to 83 years (mean age 62.1 years). Each patient had MSCT of abdomen with intravenous contrast injection. The following diagnoses were made according to the results of the examination, most of which were subsequently confirmed histologically: hemangioma-3 (12%), focal nodular hyperplasia-2 (8%), abscess-1 (4%), hepatocellular carcinoma-2 (8 %), cysts-4 (16%), metastases-13 (52%) cases. Results. Three-dimensional modeling allows effectively and without distortion to combine all the phases of contrasting in a single image, which gives complete information about the anatomical features affected by the pathological process of the liver. Conclusion. Processing DICOM images with the construction of 3D models of the liver helps the surgeon at the planning of surgical treatment, improves the spatial perception of the anatomical relationship of the organ, its vessels and pathological formations. However, three-dimensional modeling requires additional time and its clinical significance remains insufficiently studied.

© 2018 ABC-press Publishing House. All rights reserved. Objective: to compare the predictive value of RENAL, PADUA, C-index nephrometry score systems according to projection of complexity of operative measure in terms of warm ischaemic time, extent of blood loss and rate of postoperative complications. Materials and methods. Information for the research was collected from 314 patients with localized kidney cancer, who had laparoscopic partial nephrectomy from January 2012 to May 2017. In 210 (66.8 %) cases, in addition to the routine examinations, 3D modelling and operative measure planning were carried out. The average tumor volume of the patients was equal to 62.5 ± 33.5 mm3. All patients before the operation were estimated the complexity of operative measure on the nephrometry score systems: PADUA, RENAL, C-index. The average sum of balls according to scale RENAL - 7.56 ± 1.12, on scale PADUA - 7.98 ± 1.55, on scale C-index - 2.76 ± 1.14. Then in retrospect by the method of logistic regression analysis was determined predictive value of RENAL, PADUA, C-index nephrometry score systems for prediction of warm ischaemic time, duration of operative measure, extent of intraoperative blood loss and possibility of rate of postoperative complications. Results. In 265 (84.4) cases transperitoneal approach was perfomed and in 49 (15.6 %) cases it was retroperitoneal approach. The average time of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is 140.15 ± 55.8 min, the average time of ischaemic warm is 13.35 ± 7,65 min. The average extent of blood loss during the laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is 291.95 ± 196.5 ml. Intraoperative complications were found in 8 (2.54 %) cases. Postoperative complications were estimated according to the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications and were found in 31 (9.9 %) cases, among them 12 (3.8 %) patients had surgical complications. The index of the RENAL nephrometry scoring system had the highest predictive value in the multivariant analysis for warm ischaemic time, extent of intraoperative blood loss and possibility of development after complications (p = 0.049; 0.028; 0.046). None of indices were significant for multivariant analysis of prognosis the duration of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The indices of the RENAL (p = 0.032) and C-index (p = 0.040) nephrometry score systems were significant for univariate analysis of prognosis the duration of the laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Conclusion. The usage of RENAL, PADUA, C-index nephrometry score systems is useful for the prediction of warm ischaemic time, extent of blood loss, duration of operative measure and possibility of rate of postoperative complications at laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. According to our data the index of RENAL nephrometry scoring system has the highest predictive value. Applications of 3D modelling for counting nephrometry indices in preoperative period makes the process of counting balls easier on all three nephrometry score systems.

© 2018 Russian Transplant Society. All Rights Reserved. Aim. To study the efficacy and safety of the use of paritaprevir, ritonavir, ombitasvir and dasabuvir in combination or without ribavirin in liver recipients with recurrence of HCV 1 genotype after transplantation. Materials and methods. The study included 46 patients after orthotopic liver transplantation with recurrence of HCV 1 genotype. 37 patients completed a 24-week course of antiviral therapy, including paritaprevir, ritonavir, ombitasvir and dasabuvir in combination or without ribavirin. The effectiveness of the therapy was calculated as the proportion of patients who achieved aviremia 12 weeks after the end of the course of treatment. The safety of therapy was assessed by the number of adverse events that occurred during the course of antiviral therapy. Results. A sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of the course of antiviral therapy, including paritaprevir, ritonavir, ombitasvir and dasabuvir, reached 100% of the recipients of the liver. Reduction in the intensity of cytolytic and cholestatic syndromes was noted at week 4 of therapy. Adverse events were recorded in 56.7% of the subjects, mostly they were not severe and were stopped on their own. Acute cellular rejection of the transplant developed in 1 patient (2.7%). There have been no cases of irreversible liver transplant dysfunction or death of the recipient. The conclusion. The use of paritaprevir, ritonavir, ombitasvir and dasabuvir is safe and effective in the treatment of relapse of HCV infection of 1 genotype after liver transplantation.

© 2018, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved. The objective of the present study was the analysis of the results of the medical criminalistics expertises of the blood stains with reference to their different characteristics including the occurrence across the years, variability, the forms and parameters of the traumatizing impacts, the properties of the objects with which the injuries were inflicted, etc. The majority of the data necessary for the analysis were extracted from the archive materials of the Medical and Criminalistic Department of the Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise of the Moscow Health Department for the period from 2011 till 2015. A total of 5749 expertises performed during this time included 107 analyses of blood stains, 98 trace-evidence and 9 situational analyses. The specific features of such expertises include a large number of objects carrying blood stains available for the analysis. In the majority of the cases, such objects are stained with blood of several types differing in the mechanisms of their formation. 3D-scanning of the scene of the event with the subsequent three-dimensional computer-assisted simulation of the actions of each participant of the accident is considered to be the most promising method for the medical criminalistic expertise of the blood stains. The application of this approach is believed to make the work of the forensic medical experts significantly easier.

© 2018, Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy. All rights reserved. 3D printing became a widely used technique for tissue engineering applications. This additive technology enables easy fabrication of very complicated structures. However, selection and preparation of initial compositions for 3D printing satisfying high biocompatibility and processability requirements still remains challenging. One of the most promising materials for mimicking of the living tissues are hydrogels possessing properties close to native tissues. In this work, the printability of hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives dissolved in phosphate buffer saline in presence of flavin mononucleotide as an endogenous photosensitizer has been studied. To produce a hydrogel pattern, the extrusion of photocurable composition has been combined with its simultaneous photoinduced crosslinking under laser irradiation at 450 nm. Cytotoxicity of fabricated films and 3D scaffolds has been tested in vitro using human fibroblasts BJ-5ta.