Academic literature on the topic '621.816 072'

In this study, thermoelectric chalcostibite (CuSbS2) compounds were fabricated using mechanical alloying (MA) and hot pressing (HP), and phase identification, microstructural observation, and thermal analysis were conducted. The thermal properties were then measured and compared with those of other Cu–Sb–S ternary compounds synthesized by the same solid-state process, namely, skinnerite (Cu3SbS3), famatinite (Cu3SbS4), and tetrahedrite (Cu12Sb4S13). Both the MA powder and HP-sintered samples contained a single-phase chalcostibite with an orthorhombic structure, and relative densities of 94.6–99.7% were obtained based on HP temperature. The full width at half maximum of the X-ray diffraction peak was significantly reduced for the HP specimens compared to that of the MA powder due to stress relaxation and grain growth during HP at elevated temperatures. However, practically no changes were observed in the lattice constants based on HP temperature. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis revealed that one endothermic reaction occurred at 814–815 K for the MA powder and at 818–821 K for the HP specimen, which were interpreted as the melting points of chalcostibite. Densely sintered compacts with densities close to the theoretical density were obtained using HP at temperatures of 623 K or higher. The constituent elements of the chalcostibites were uniformly distributed. As the HP temperature increased, thermal diffusivity and conductivity increased, but they decreased significantly as the measurement temperature increased. For the chalcostibite specimen hot-pressed at 623 K, the thermal diffusivity and conductivity were (0.75–0.36) × 10-2 cm2 s-1 and 1.47–0.72 W m-1 K-1 at 323–623 K, respectively. Compared with other Cu–Sb–S ternary compounds, the thermal diffusivity was higher at low temperatures but similar at high temperatures, and the thermal conductivity above 500 K was lower than 1 W m-1 K-1.

Aim This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and change in bone mineral density (BMD) and functional outcome in hip arthroplasty patients. Methods: Among the 221 patients who had undergone hip arthroplasty, 147 patients were enrolled. All patients were divided into 2 groups according to presence of sarcopenia. Bone mineral density (BMD) at hospitalization and 1-year after surgery and Barthel index was measured at the time of before injury, hospitalization, 3 months and 1-year after surgery. Results: BMD at hospitalization showed .627 ± .082 (g/cm2) in Sarcopenia and .726 ± .059 (g/cm2) in Non-sarcopenia at femur (total) site ( P < .001), .531 ± .085 (g/cm2) vs .629 ± .057 (g/cm2) at femur neck site (P=.002), .715 ± .084 (g/cm2) vs .807 ± .058 (g/cm2) at lumbar (L1-L4) site ( P < .001). BMD at 1-year follow-up period, Sarcopenia showed .626 ± .082 (g/cm2) and Non-sarcopenia showed .725 ± .060 (g/cm2) at femur (total) site ( P < .001), .530 ± .085 (g/cm2) vs .629 ± .058 (g/cm2) at femur neck site ( P < .001), .715 ± .084 (g/cm2) vs .806 ± .058 (g/cm2) at lumbar (L1-L4) site ( P < .001). Change of BMD showed −.01 ± .25% for Sarcopenia and −.15 ± .47% for Non-sarcopenia in femur (total) site (P=.089), −.08 ± .63% vs −.01 ± 1.01% in femur neck site ( P = .058), .00 ± .09% vs −.12 ± .33% for each group in lumbar (L1-L4) site ( P = .052). Barthel index score showed 79.94 ± 5.66 for Sarcopenia and 84.74 ± 5.36 for Non-sarcopenia at pre-injury status ( P < .001), 33.89 ± 4.94 vs 33.87 ± 5.36 at the time of hospitalization ( P = .977), 57.42 ± 7.19 vs 60.06 ± 5.39 at 3 months follow up ( P = .015), 73.86 ± 5.94 vs 80.71 ± 4.81 for each group at 1-year follow up ( P < .001). Conclusions: Our study found that the sarcopenia showed lower BMD than the non-sarcopenia, but there was no significant difference of BMD change in the follow-up period. In addition, the sarcopenia showed poor functional results at all points except at the time of hospitalization.

Las capacidades físicas de velocidad, fuerza, resistencia y flexibilidad están relacionadas con el potencial metabólico y mecánico del músculo, que al ser orientadas correctamente de acuerdo con las demandas del juego pueden ser factores que contribuyan al rendimiento y al estado de salud de las deportistas. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un análisis descriptivo del rendimiento de la velocidad, la fuerza, la resistencia y la flexibilidad en futbolistas chilenas de primera división en función a la posición de juego. Las participantes de este estudio fueron 30 jugadoras con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y 28 años, las cuales se encontraban iniciando el periodo de preparación. Fueron agrupadas según la posición de juego en 3 guardametas (PO), 4 centrales (CT), 6 laterales (LT), 6 mediocentros (MC), 5 mediocentros de banda (MB) y 6 delanteras (DC). Las jugadoras completaron las pruebas de velocidad en 30 metros lineales (V30M), Arrowhead Agility Test (AAT), Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT) y Elevación de la Pierna Recta (EPR). No se observaron diferencias significativas para las variables de velocidad, fuerza, resistencia y flexibilidad según la posición de juego (p<.05), pero si se encontraron relaciones significativas entre V30M y AAT (r=.435, p=.001), CMJ (r=-.599, p=.000), VIFT (r=-.621, p=.000), VO2máx (r=-.562, p=.001) y EPR-D (r=-.418, p=.019), entre EPR-ND y AAT (r=.448, p=.012), EPR-D y CMJ (r=.537, p=.002), VIFT y VO2máx (r=.934, p=.000), EPR-D y EPR-ND (r=.813, p=.000). En conclusión, las capacidades físicas de velocidad, fuerza, resistencia y flexibilidad no difieren en función a la posición de juego, pero presentan relaciones significativas entre ellas, especialmente la velocidad. Palabras clave: Mujer, Fútbol, Capacidad Física, Posición de Juego. Abstract. The physical capacities of speed, strength, resistance, and flexibility are related to the metabolic and mechanical potential of the muscle, which, when correctly oriented according to the demands of the game, can be factors that contribute to the performance and health status of athletes. The objective of this study was to carry out a descriptive analysis of the performance of the speed, strength, resistance, and flexibility in Chilean soccer players of the first division based the playing position. The participants of this study were 30 players, aged between 18 and 28 years, who were beginning the preparation period. They were grouped according to the position of the game according to 3 goalkeepers (PO), 4 center backs (CT), 6 full backs (LT), 6 midfielders (MC), 5 wide midfielders (MB) and 6 forwards (DC). The players completed the 30 linear meter sprint tests (V30M), Arrowhead Agility Test (AAT), Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT) and Straight Leg Raise (EPR). No significant differences were observed for the variables of speed, strength, resistance, and flexibility according to the game position (p<.05), but if significant relationships were found between V30M and AAT (r=.435, p=.001), CMJ (r=-.599, p=.000), VIFT (r=-.621, p=.000), VO2máx (r=-.562, p=.001) and EPR-D (r=-.418, p=.019), between EPR-ND y AAT (r=.448, p=.012), EPR-D and CMJ (r=.537, p=.002), VIFT and VO2máx (r=.934, p=.000), EPR-D and EPR-ND (r=.813, p=.000). In conclusion, the physical capacities of speed, strength, resistance, and flexibility do not differ depending on the playing position, but they do present significant relationships between them, especially the speed. Keywords: Woman, Soccer, Physical Capacity, Playing Position.

We evaluated whether elevated blood lactate concentration during exercise in anemia is the result of elevated production or reduced clearance. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were made acutely anemic by exchange transfusion of plasma for whole blood. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were reduced 33%, to 8.6 +/- 0.4 mg/dl and 26.5 +/- 1.1%, respectively. Blood lactate kinetics were studied by primed continuous infusion of [U-14C]lactate. Blood flow distribution during rest and exercise was determined from injection of 153Gd- and 113Sn-labeled microspheres. Resting blood glucose (5.1 +/- 0.2 mM) and lactate (1.9 +/- 0.02 mM) concentrations were not different in anemic animals. However, during exercise blood glucose was lower in anemic animals (4.0 +/- 0.2 vs. 4.6 +/- 0.1 mM) and lactate was higher (6.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.5 mM). Blood lactate disposal rates (turnover measured with recyclable tracer, Ri) were not different at rest and averaged 136 +/- 5.8 mumol.kg-1.min-1. Ri was significantly elevated in both control (260.9 +/- 7.1 mumol.kg-1.min-1) and anemic animals (372.6 +/- 8.6) during exercise. Metabolic clearance rate (MCR = Ri/[lactate]) did not differ during rest (151 +/- 8.2 ml.kg-1.min-1); MCR was reduced more by exercise in anemic animals (64.3 +/- 3.8) than in controls (129.2 +/- 4.1). Plasma catecholamine levels were not different in resting rats, with pooled mean values of 0.45 +/- 0.1 and 0.48 +/- 0.1 ng/ml for epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE), respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Background: Eruptive xanthoma is a benign skin lesion caused by the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in the skin's dermis. Xanthoma can be an early clinical manifestation of systemic diseases such as dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus. Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic skin lesions to intense pruritus and tenderness. Aim: This study aims that oral atorvastatin is effective in treating a child with eruptive xanthoma. Case report: A three-year-old boy with an 8.4 kg body weight and 82.5 cm height came to the hospital with the chief complaint of small yellowish-white papules and nodes, discrete, 2-5 mm in size, painless on pressing, itchy, scattered, mainly in the lower extremity around the buttocks. On laboratory examination, Hb 11.5 g/dL, leukocyte 9,900/ul, platelet 413,000/uL, blood glucose 66 mg/dL. Further evaluation revealed total cholesterol 814 mg/dL, LDL 970 mg/dL, HDL 341 mg/dl, triglycerides 621 mg/dL; there is no evidence of familial hypercholesterolemia. The diagnosis is eruptive xanthoma. After starting treatment with atorvastatin 0.2 mg/kg body weight/day in one dose for six months, his cutaneous lesions gradually subsided and significantly decreased cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels. Conclusion: Early therapy with atorvastatin will reduce the morbidity and mortality of eruptive xanthoma.

In this paper, some aspects of the polarography of indium(III) in azide/hydrazoic acid buffer are presented. The electrode process is mostly governed by diffusion in the complexing medium. Nevertheless, for controlled-potential coulometry (involving a large time window) a catalytic process was observed, ascribed to the reaction of the hydrazoic acid and indium amalgam. The stability of azide complexes of In(III) was studied polarographically, and the formation of four mononuclear species was confirmed by computational analysis of data obtained from polarograms of In(III) in different azide concentrations. The values of the global constants obtained are: β1 = 3.7 × 103 M−1, β2 = 8.6 × 105 M−2, β3 = 5.0 × 107 M−3, β4 = 2.1 × 109 M−4, in a constant ionic strength medium held at 2.0 M with NaClO4. These data are in good agreement with those obtained by potentiometry. The value found for E0′ of the In(III)/In couple was −512.2 mV vs. calomel electrode (3 M NaCl), the mean diffusion coefficient of the complex being (6.1 ± 0.2) × 10−6 cm2 s−1 in perchlorate medium (T = 25 °C). Keywords: polarography, indium(III), azide, stability constants, catalytic wave.

Abstract Background Myeloablative chemotherapy with support of autologous peripheral blood stem cells (APBSC) has widely been accepted as a standard of care in patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). High-dose (HD) melphalan (Mel) 200 mg/m2 was considered superior to total-body irradiaton (TBI) plus Mel 140 mg/m2 for toxicity reasons. Since MM plasma cells are inherently responsive to irradiation, our group evaluated TBI aimed at reduced organ toxicity by shielding lungs and liver (total-marrow irradiation [TMI], 9 Gy) combined with busulfan (Bu, 12 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (Cy, 120 mg/kg) in a previous phase I/II trial (Einsele et al, Bone Marrow Transplant, 2003). Patients and methods In the current study (DSMM I), subjects with previously untreated MM in Durie-Salmon stages II/III were randomly assigned to either receive one course of TMI/Bu/Cy versus two cycles of HD Mel 200 mg/m2 each with APBSC transplantation if having had an adequate number of stem cells collected and at least stable disease. Primary end point was event-free survival (EFS), secondary end points overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results A total of 294 pts (median age, 54 years), 246 of whom completed stem cell harvest were enrolled between 8/1998 and 1/2002 by 46 centres. Eventually, 198 (n=100 TMI/Bu/Cy and n=98 HD Mel) pts were randomized and included into the ITT population. The safety population (n=80 TMI and n=118 HD Mel, due to 18 pts switching to Mel) was analyzed for toxicity and response. CR rate before HD therapy was 7.0% (7/100) in the TMI and 6.1% (6/98) in the Mel arm respectively. Significantly more pts receiving TMI/Bu/Cy experienced WHO grades 3 and 4 pulmonary and gastrointestinal toxicity and pain. Following HDT, CR rate increased to 17.5% (14/80, TMI) and 32.2% (38/118, HD Mel; p=.022) respectively. After a median follow-up of 1447 days, median EFS in the TMI group was 1161 days versus 1090 days for HD Mel (p=.812). Probability of 4-year OS was 72.7% (95%-CI: 62.1–80.7) with TMI and also 72.7% (95%-CI: 61.7–81.1) after HD Mel (p=.754). For pts in CR following HD therapy, probability of 4 year DFS was 62.4% (95%-CI: 33.6–81.6) for TMI vs. 50.4% (95%-CI: 30.6–67.3) for HD-Mel (p=.138). Conclusion In this randomized trial on pts with newly diagnosed MM, the irradiation-based regimen was associated with more pulmonary and GI toxicity when compared to HD Mel. Incidences of other toxicities including hepatotoxicity, however, were not different between the two treatment arms. CR rate was superior for HD-Mel, while there was no difference in OS and EFS between the two treatment arms. Subjects achieving CR may be more likely to enjoy prolonged DFS after TMI/Bu/Cy.

The present study aimed to finding out the influence of each of these variables-actual self-concepts, ideal self-concepts, social self-concept, ideal social concept and ought to self-concept on consumer’s product adoption. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study was 620 drawn from students of high institutions in Nigeria. The study adopted census sample sample size determination. The findings of the study indicated that consumers' actual self-concept has a significant and positive effect on product adoption (r = 0. 856; t = 31. 072; p< 0.05) .There is a significant positive relationship between consumers' ideal self-concept and product adoption (r =.819, P<.05). There is a significant positive relationship between consumes' ideal social self-concept and product adoption (r =.769, P<.05). There is a significant positive relationship between Consumers' social self-concept and traits of product adoption (r =.843, P<.05). Implication of the study is that the manufacturers of consumer products should differentiate products that ‘fit into one of the aforementioned variables to improve consumer’s self-perception. The study recommends that consumers should match the knowledge of self-concept to product adoption to determine areas of optimal strengths, eliminate areas of unprofitable laggards, and ignite the culture of product quality adoption excellence. Among other things, conclusions were made that the perception and the way and manner consumers see themselves serve as a determinant of the response that may lead to product adoption.

We evaluated whether acute anemia results in altered blood glucose utilization during sustained exercise at 26.8 m/min on 0% grade, which elicited approximately 60–70% maximal O2 consumption. Acute anemia was induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by isovolumic plasma exchange transfusion. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were reduced 33% by exchange transfusion to 8.6 +/- 0.4 g/dl and 26.5 +/- 1%, respectively. Glucose kinetics were determined by primed continuous infusion of [6–3H]glucose. Rates of O2 consumption were similar during rest (pooled means 25.1 +/- 1.8 ml.kg-1.min-1) and exercise (pooled means 46.8 +/- 3.0 ml.kg-1.min-1). Resting blood glucose and lactate concentrations were not different in anemic animals (pooled means 5.1 +/- 0.2 and 0.9 +/- 0.02 mM, respectively). Exercise resulted in significantly decreased blood glucose (4.0 +/- 0.2 vs. 4.6 +/- 0.1 mM) and elevated lactate (6.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.5 mM) concentrations in anemic animals. Glucose turnover rates (Rt) were not different between anemic and control animals at rest and averaged 58.8 +/- 3.6 mumol.kg-1.min-1. Exercise resulted in a 30% greater increase in Rt in anemic (141.7 +/- 3.2 mumol.kg-1.min-1) than in control animals (111.2 +/- 5.2 mumol.kg-1.min-1). Metabolic clearance rates (MCR = Rt/[glucose]) were not different at rest (11.6 +/- 7.4) but were significantly greater in anemic (55.2 +/- 5.7 ml.kg-1.min-1) than in control animals (24.3 +/- 1.4 ml.kg-1.min-1) during exercise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The aim of this study is to elucidate the effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6) on the expression and activity of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), which is one of the key mechanisms underlying tubular sodium reabsorption. M-1 cortical collecting duct cells were treated with IL-6 (100 ng/ml) for 12 h. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting were employed to examine the mRNA and protein abundance. Transepithelial voltage ( Vte) and resistance ( Rte) were measured with an ohm/voltmeter (EVOM, WPI). The equivalent current was calculated as the ratio of Vte to Rte. Treatment with IL-6 ( n = 5) increased the mRNA abundance of α-ENaC by 11 ± 7% ( P = not significant), β-ENaC by 78 ± 14% ( P = 0.01), γ-ENaC by 185 ± 38% ( P = 0.02), and prostasin by 29 ± 5% ( P = 0.01), all normalized by β-actin. Treatment with IL-6 increased the protein expression of α-ENaC by 19 ± 3% ( P = 0.001), β-ENaC by 89 ± 21% ( P = 0.01), γ-ENaC by 36 ± 12% ( P = 0.02), and prostasin by 33 ± 6% ( P = 0.02). The amiloride-sensitive sodium current increased by 37 ± 5%, from 6.0 ± 0.4 to 8.2 ± 0.3 μA/cm2 ( P < 0.01), in the cells treated with IL-6 compared with controls ( P = 0.01). Aprotinin (28 μg/ml), a prostasin inhibitor, reduced the amiloride-sensitive sodium current by 61 ± 5%, from 6.1 ± 0.3 to 3.7 ± 0.2 μA/cm2 ( P = 0.01). The magnitude of the IL-6-induced amiloride-sensitive sodium current in the presence of aprotinin dropped by 57 ± 2%, from 8.6 ± 0.2 to 4.9 ± 0.2 μA/cm2 ( P < 0.01). This study has identified a novel function of IL-6, namely, IL-6 may activate ENaC. Therefore, renal inflammation mediated by IL-6 likely contributes to impaired pressure natriuresis.

The objective was to measure anthropophysiological variables in patients with FOP, comparing them to standards. For this, ECG / ECC, tomography, pulmonary functions, manovacuometry, bioimpedance, blood analysis and goniometry were performed. The resultsAA = 27 mm; LA = 26 mm; LV = 41 mm; RV = 30 mm; FSD-LV = 20 mm; septum = 5 mm; LV-BWLV = 5 mm; LA/AA = 0.96, FE = 83%; septum/BWLV = 1.00, FDV = 74 ml; SV = 61 ml; volume/mass = 1.03 ml / g; Normalized GSF-LV; under bronchodilator, FVC, FEV1 and PEF = 54%, 64% and 81% of the predictors; FEV1% and 2575 = 118% and 116% of the predictors; MEP = 65 mmH (↓42.7%) and MIP = 55 mmHg (↓63.2%); BM = 39.0 kg; h = 1.57 m; BMI = 15.8 k/m2; AC = 64 cm; % FM = 26%; MM = 27.39 kg; BMC = 1.53 kg; FLM = 28.92 kg; RIMM = 4.5 kg / m2; OI = 63.50%; normal blood glucose, triglycerides and CRP; RS, LS, LH, RA and LA = 0º, LK = 25º, RK = 40º, LE = 55º, RH = 110º, RE = 150º. The cardiovascular differences did not cause any dysfunction. FOP caused moderate restrictive respiratory disorder, Pimax / Pmax below the predictors, MC, h, BMI, CA, bone mineral content, low MLG and IO, immobility in 05 joints and impairment in 03, with 02 preserved. It was concluded that FOP is significantly compromising the respiratory system, with moderate restrictive respiratory disorder caused by the sharp convexity thoracic scoliosis directed to the left, due to the compromised position of bipedation due to the new calcifications, in addition to compromised movement and walking.

Биохимический и опухолевый ответ на лечение аналогами соматостатина 1-й генерации (АС1) зависит от мембранной плотности 2-го подтипа (п/т) соматостатиновых рецепторов (СР) и интактности пострецепторных механизмов в опухолевых клетках. В отличие от плотногранулированных соматотрофных опухолей (ПСО), редкогранулированные соматотрофные опухоли (РСО) отличаются низкой плотностью 2-го п/т СР, агрессивным течением и резистентностью к АС1. Поскольку АС1 являются препаратами 1-й линии, то с учетом морфофункциональной гетерогенности соматотрофных опухолей актуальным является определение клинических и иммунофенотипических предикторов, позволяющих на ранних этапах прогнозировать эффективность медикаментозной терапии (МТ) АС1. ЦЕЛЬ: оценка информативности фармакотерапевтического тестирования (% снижения уровня ИРФ-1 через 3 и 6 месяцев от начала лечения) для прогноза рецепторного фенотипа соматотрофной опухоли и эффективности МТ АС1. МАТЕРИАЛЫ И МЕТОДЫ: в сравнительное исследование были включены 33 и 47 больных с ПСО и РСО, получающих вторичную МТ вследствие нерадикальности проведенной аденомэктомии. Возраст диагноза составил 48,4±11,4 и 39,4±12,7 лет (р=0,0027), объем резидуальной опухоли – 1,6±3,5 и 2,7±4,8 см3 (р=0,2), исходная величина ИРФ-1 индекса [ИРФ-1/верхняя возрастная норма (ИИ)] до МТ – 2,8±0,8 и 2,7±0,9 (р=0,6), соответственно. В лечении использовались продленные формы ланреотида и октреотида. Длительность МТ составила 21,5±21,8 месяцев. Биохимическая ремиссия констатировалась при значении ИИ ≤1. Контрольными точками являлись показатели ИРФ-1 до МТ, через 3, 6, 12 месяцев лечения и при последнем визите. РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ: итоговая величина ИИ у больных с ПСО составила 0,95±0,27 и 1,4±0,64 у пациентов с РСО, (р=0,0002). ПСО отличались от РСО большим числом баллов 2-го п/т по IRS (10,4±2,7 против 6,7±3,5), разницей (6,1±2,7 против 0,6±4,5) и соотношением между 2-м и 5-м п/т СР (3,5±2,6 против 1,5±1,7), а также меньшим значением Ki-67 [4,4±3,0 против 8,6±8,8%, (p<0,001)]. Процент снижения уровня ИРФ-1 через 3 и 6 месяцев лечения АС1 прямо коррелировал с экспрессией 2-го п/т по IRS (r=0,44; r=0,36), а также разницей и соотношением между 2-м и 5-м п/т СР [r=0,46; r=0,46 и r=0,41; r=0,43; (p<0,05)]. Величина снижения уровня ИРФ-1 в группах больных с ПСО и РСО составила через 3 месяца 54,8±19,6 против 28,4±23,7%, через 6 месяцев – 58,4±18,0 против 31,6±24,5%, соответственно (р=0,0002). Выявлено наличие обратной корреляции между процентом снижения уровня ИРФ-1 через 3 и 6 месяцев лечения АС1 и итоговой величиной ИИ [r=-0,59; r=-0,72; (p <0,001)]. В ходе ROC-анализа площади под кривой информативности величин снижения ИРФ-1 через 3 и 6 месяцев для прогноза эффективности АС1 составили 0,841 и 0,853. Отрезными точками являлись снижение уровня ИРФ-1 через 3 и 6 месяцев >46 и >49% от исходного уровня. Чувствительность данных маркеров составила 63 и 75%, специфичность – 79 и 80%. ВЫВОДЫ: 1. Величина снижения ИРФ-1 через 3 и 6 месяцев лечения АС1 отражает выраженность экспрессии 2-го п/т СР, а также интактность пострецепторных механизмов в опухолевых клетках. 2. Фармакотерапевтическое тестирование может использоваться в качестве дополнительного предиктора результативности долгосрочного лечения АС1.

Abstract A brief review is provided of characterization of the spine and of the various biomechanics models for the head/neck/spine system. This work was motivated by several biomechanics problems currently under consideration. First effort was to assess and discuss status of the leading intervertebral disc implants, and secondly to formulate numerous suitable dynamic models of biomechanical response, for example: for the “whiplash” problem, for a seated and helmeted crew member during a crash scenario, analysis of the High Altitude Low Opening Parachute (HALO) jump, and the effects of artillery fire on crews of combat vehicles . Therefore both quasi-static response and dynamic behavior were of interest. Characterization of the mechanical properties of the human body remains a challenge to biomedical engineers. The spine is a segmented structure containing \iscoelastic and kinematic elements. Efforts to characterize this complex structure have included in-vivo range of motion, head/neck response to forward, backward and lateral impact “jerks”, intervertebral disc pressure measurements, cadaveric whole spine tests, experiments on vertebrae and discs as well as isolated spinal ligament studies. With regard to crash survivability, a great deal of biodynamics research has been conducted and some general guidelines have been determined. But much more research is needed to provide accurate, proven figures. Whole body survival criteria have been derived based on test subjects seated with “correct” upright posture, and for single peak impacts. The magnitude, direction and duration of applied accelerative force have definite effects on human tolerance, as shown in a widely used data summary. For instance a spineward chest-back accelerative force of 45 G has been tolerated voluntarily when pulse duration is less than 0.044 seconds. However when the pulse duration increases to 0.2 seconds the tolerable force magnitude is 25 G. This paper reviews the readily available literature and concludes with parametric data for dynamic analysis of occupant response. Consideration of the available data indicates a wide range in mechanical properties of spinal ligaments, vertebrae and muscle groups. Coefficients of variance, cv, (standard deviation divided by mean value) were found to range as follows: Spinal ligament failure load cv’s from 30 to 85%, maximum deformation-35 to 72%, and stiffness from 33 to 84%; Vertebrae failure stresses from 44 to 64%, failure strains from 30 to 41%; Intervertebral discs with normal disc failure loads with c.v. of 10 % compared to 6% for degenerated discs, while cadaveric Spine failure loads variances were from 27 to 72%, and equivalent bilinear spine stiffness K1 had 40% and K2 62% variance. K1 = 101(40)[.40]**, K2 = 153(94)[.62] Newtons/mm. Range of motion and reflex times and neck strengths are observed to be influenced by sex and age. Both range of motion and neck strength decreased with aging. Coefficients of variance of male reflex times and strengths were found to be less variable than those of females, in the young and middle age groups. In general, male neck strengths were 1 1/2 to 2 times that of females. A recent study in Quebec of 5000 whiplash cases found that women are 50 % more likely than men to suffer whiplash injuries. The annual incidence of whiplash was found to be 86 per 100,000 for females compared with 54 for men. Mass moments of inertia, masses and associated centers of gravity and segment lengths are provided for a 50th percentile U.S. male aviator and for the “SOMLA” occupant man model. Regarding artificial intervertebral disc implants, review of the state-of-the-art indicates that no existing implants duplicate the full range of capabilities of the human disc or spine. As for crash survivable aircraft seats, civil aircraft, US Army helicopters and even NASA’s space shuttle crew seats could be significantly improved use of advanced materials, and properly design impact attenuation systems. The wide variation of spine strengths indicates the probabilistic design and analysis techniques should be applied. Finally it is evident that application of advanced composites and so-called smart materials must be based on an in-depth understanding of biomechanics and likely failure modes of the human body.

In the first quarter of 2024, the figures of the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE in Spanish) showed that the economy achieved annual growth of 0.9%. Although this result was moderate, it confirmed the economy's recovery path. Monetary policy has played a critical role in containing inflationary pressures. This has allowed inflation to trend downwards, continuing into the first half of 2024. Net foreign reserves totaled USD 60,901 million as of 30 June 2024, a slight increase over the course of the year. For 2024, the profit of Banco de la República (the Central Bank of Colombia) is projected at COP 8,795 billion. International macroeconomic environment The global economy would continue to grow in 2024 at a rate slightly higher than 3.0%, according to forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (3.2%) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (3.1%). This dynamic is lower than the pre-pandemic historical average due to the long-term consequences of COVID-19, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and growing geoeconomic fragmentation, among other reasons. Various advanced and emerging economies, particularly the United States and some Asian countries, have seen favorable growth due to strong aggregate demands, dynamic private consumption, and high public spending. Meanwhile, inflation has been on a downward trend, but with values exceeding the goals of its central banks. In several developing countries, inflationary pressures have been significant due to the transfer of high international food, energy, and fertilizer costs and higher-than-expected currency declines. These factors have affected growth in these economies amid tight monetary policies. Economic activity in Colombia In the first quarter of 2024, DANE figures showed that the economy achieved annual growth of 0.9%. Although the result was moderate, it confirmed the economy's recovery path after the annual contraction in the third quarter of 2023 (-0.7%), followed by 0.4% annual growth in the last quarter of the previous year. On the expenditure side, the annual growth seen in the first quarter of 2024 was driven by net external demand, given an annual drop in imports (-13.3%) and an annual increase in exports (2.4%). On the supply side, the agriculture sector, public administration, health and education services, and arts and entertainment activities grew the most annually. The tight monetary policy and higher tax rates that characterized the 2023 adjustment continued to impact the economy's aggregate spending, which was also affected by low levels of business and consumer confidence. During the second quarter, the economy would have continued to increase its growth rate, driven by the good performance of the agriculture sector and the dynamics of some services related to public administration, health, education, and entertainment. Banco de la República’s (Banrep) technical staff expects that in the second half of the year, the economy will continue to gradually improve its dynamics to achieve growth of around 1.8% throughout 2024 and approach its potential growth in 2025. Employment Early 2024 saw unemployment rate increases driven by deteriorating employment, after which this indicator has remained relatively stable. Thus, between December 2023 and May 2024, the unemployment rate for the domestic aggregate rose 0.2 percentage points (pp) to reach 10.5% in May. The number of employed people remained relatively stable for the domestic aggregate, with levels close to 22.9 million (m) jobs. The reduction in salaried employment, coupled with recent growth in the non-salaried segment, explains the increased informality rate. This rate stood at 56.2% in May 2024, one percentage point higher than in December 2023. Inflation and Monetary Policy Headline inflation in June was 7.2%, lower than that seen in December (9.3%) and well below the high level reached in March 2023 (13.3%). The downward trend in inflation has primarily resulted from tight monetary policy carried out by the Board of Directors of Banco de la República (BDBR) through progressive increases in the benchmark interest rate initiated as of September 2021. The BDBR’s decision to undertake a monetary policy easing cycle as of last December was based on the downward trend that annual inflation had been exhibiting since April 2023 and evidence that tight monetary policy was meeting its goal of reducing excess spending in the economy. A cumulative 2.5 percentage point policy interest rate cut was completed by July 2024, bringing it to 10.75%. Balance of payments As a share of quarterly gross domestic product (GDP), the current account deficit of the balance of payments decreased from 3.7% of GDP in the first quarter of 2023 to 1.9% in the first quarter of this year. The decrease in the current account deficit balance was explained by the favorable variation in factor income, the services trade balance, and net income from current transfers. By 2024, the technical staff projects a current account deficit close to 2.8% of GDP, moderately higher than the 2.5% deficit observed in 2023 and significantly lower than the 6.1% deficit of GDP recorded in 2022. The smaller current account deficit makes the Colombian economy less vulnerable to negative external shocks. Public finance The 2024 Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF-24), presented by the Ministry of Finance in mid-June, shows that the General Government produced a 2.7% deficit of GDP in 2023, which means a reduction of 3.6 pp vis-a-vis 2022. This adjustment is explained by the improvement in the balances of the social security sub-sector, of the rest of the central level to which the Fuel Price Stabilization Fund (FEPC in Spanish) belongs, and of the Central National Government (CNG). The surplus of the FEPC, which closed at 0.4% of GDP in 2023, stands out in contrast to the 1.3% deficit registered a year earlier. The adjustment of the CNG’s public finances in 2023 was supported by the boost in tax collection derived from the reforms approved in 2021 and 2022, as well as by the good dynamics of economic and oil activity in those years. According to the MTFF-24, in 2023, the CNG's fiscal deficit and net debt reached 4.3% and 53.8% of GDP, respectively. MTFF-24’s fiscal deficit forecasts are consistent with compliance with the fiscal rule. However, as stated by the Independent Fiscal Rule Committee (CARF in Spanish), there are risks around collection and spending expectations. Foreign reserves Net foreign reserves totaled USD 60,901 m as of 30 June 2024, an increase of USD 1,293 m over the course of the year. This increase is primarily due to the program to accumulate international reserves announced by the BDBR in December 2023. The return on the foreign reserves for the year, excluding the foreign exchange component, amounts to 1.43% (USD 864 m). This result is mainly explained by higher interest rates, which have positively impacted the return on foreign reserves. An economy is considered to maintain adequate reserve levels if, among other indicators, the ratio of the reserves to the appropriate level is between 1.0 and 1.5. With information available as of June 2024, the ARA calculated for Colombia by the IMF was 1.24. Profits of Banco de la República Banco de la República's profit at the end of the first half of 2024 amounted to COP 4,088 billion (b), as a result of revenues of COP 5,903 b and expenses of COP 1,815 b. This profit was COP 39 b higher than that recorded in the same period of 2023. Revenues during this period were mainly due to the yield on foreign reserves, which amounted to COP 3,770 b, with an increase of COP 237 b compared to that received in the first half of the previous year. Expenses originated mainly from the remuneration on national government deposits in Banrep, which amounted to COP 683 b with a reduction of COP 812 b compared to the first half of 2023, mainly due to the lower average balances held in Banrep. For 2024, a profit of COP 8,795 b is projected, COP 431 b lower than that observed in 2023. This estimate has a high degree of uncertainty, taking into account the risks associated with the evolution of foreign reserves yield and the growth and sources of expansion of the monetary base. Boxes Box 1: Comments of Banco de la República (the Central Bank of Colombia) regarding its appointment as Administrator of Reserve Fund of the Contributory Pillar - Report of the Board of Directors to the Congress of Colombia, July 2024 Law 2381 of 2024, “Whereby the Comprehensive Social Protection System for Old Age Disability, and Death (Sistema de Protección Social Integral para la Vejez, Invalidez y Muerte, in Spanish) of common origin is established, and other provisions are issued,” creates the Reserve Fund of the Contributory Pillar (Fondo de Ahorro del Pilar Contributivo, in Spanish), hereinafter the Fund, and assigns its administration to Banco de la República (Banrep). This box highlights the main issues involved in the designation of Banrep as the Fund’s administrator within the framework of its constitutional functions: Box 2: Determinants of the Speed of Adjustment of the MPR Box 3: Primary Liquidity Supply by Banco de la República, 2023-2024