ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSION OF MIRNA AND MRNA IN THE CELLULAR MATERIAL OF THE STOMACH LINING OBTAINED BY ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY IN ORDER TO DETECT DYSPLASIA AND STOMACH CANCER

miRNA and mRNA are highly specific molecular markers, with their own unique expression profile for each type of tissue. They can become a valuable tool in clinical practice in addition to routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy.Purpose. To study the prospects of using a classifier based on miRNA and mRNA profiling in cytological samples for detecting dysplasia and stomach cancer, as well as to compare the obtained data with the results of profiling of 7 miRNAs used for the analysis of both histological and cytological material.Materials and methods. The study included 221 cytological preparations: 108 samples of adenocarcinoma, 27 samples of dysplasia, 86 samples of normal mucosa. The expression level of miRNA-145-5p, -150-5p, -21,-20a, -31-5p, -34a-5p, -375, -125b, -196b, -106b and mRNA of the following genes: TERT, CDKN2A, CKS2, FN1, was determined using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Quantitative comparison of two independent samples for was performed using the Mann-Whitney test. The samples were stratified into different groups using the C5.0 algorithm.Results: when examining cytological samples in cases of miRNA-125b, 145, -196b, -21, -375 and TERT, СKS2, FN1 mRNA, there was achieved a high level of significance of differences in the cancer/norm group; miRNA-375 and FN1 mRNA in the cancer/dysplasia group and miRNA-145, -196b, -20a, and СKS2, TERT mRNA in the norm/dysplasia groups. When comparing the results for the 7 miRNAs that were used to analyze both histological and cytological material, several differences was noted.Conclusion. The practical use of miRNA and mRNA expression (in cytological material data mining technology does not allow differentiating dysplasia and cancer but can help in identifying "high-risk patients" who should repeat esophagogastroduodenoscopy with multifocal forceps biopsy, with mandatory molecular genetic research.

Verspreiding van persoonlikheidstipes by predikante in die gereformeerde Kerke van Suid-Afrika – om risikogroepe vir diensverlating te identifiseer

Distribution of personality types among ministers in the Reformed Churches of South Africa – to identify groups at risk for leaving service. With the use of a personality assessment based on the Hippocratic personality module, the researcher established that there is a significant distribution of personality types among pastors in the Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA). The main focus was to establish whether high-risk groups groups, which may be predisposed to leave the ministry prematurely, exist. This study revealed significant results in a group of pastors posing as possibly at risk for leaving the ministry, as well as a group of pastors that will function optimally within the RCSA. To establish this risk factor, the concept of ‘goodness of fit’ was used. In this way, the information gathered was used to develop a norm group, making it possible to effectively compare the individual pastor’s personality within the larger scope of pastors in the RCSA. With the use of this norm group, the researcher was able to make conclusions that are specifically applicable to the pastors in the RCSA. It was established that the Phlegmatic personality type has the largest representation among ministers in the RCSA. This is significant due to the fact that ministers with this personality type are largely drawn to the ministry in the RCSA. On the other side of the spectrum, the Sanguine and Melancholic personality types have the lowest representations. This may represent a possible higher risk group for leaving the ministry.Contribution: The research presented in this artcle, therefore, focused on the degree to which some pastors in the RCSA’s personal tendencies influence their ministerial work and the likelihood of leaving the ministry.

The prospects for NT-pro BNP level determining in physical activity conditions in patients during the rehabilitation period after the myocardial infarction, complicated with decompensated heart failure

The aim of the study was to determine the futility of NT-pro BNP level analysis during dosed physical exercise for diagnosing decompensated HF in the postinfarction period and the possibility to determine the HF functional class. Materials and methods. 160 patients with previous MI were examined, patients’ average age was (56.67±5.72) years. The patients were randomized in 2 groups dependently on the presence of the signs of II А-B according to V. Kh. Vasylenko and M. D. Strazhesko classification and FC III-IV (according to NYHA) decompensated chronic HF. Group I consisted of 120 patients with Q-QS and non-Q MI; group II (the control one) had 40 patients with MI without signs of decompensated HF; 20 healthy people made up a norm group. Results. Signs of coronary insufficiency such as dizziness and signs of poor peripheral perfusion (cyanosis/paleness) occurred in 104 (86.7 %) and 79 (65.8 %) cases that differ from the same values in the second group 4 (10.0 %) and 14 (35.0 %) respectively. 88 (73.3 %) patients with the signs of decompensated HF felt general weakness, fatigue, and expressed a request to stop the test. The HR in the postinfarction patients with the signs of decompensated HF was before the exercise (88.2±3.18) bpm (p≤0.05); in the patients with past MI without the signs of decompensated HF, it was (75.32±3.41) bpm (p≤0.05); and in the practically healthy people, it was (77.73±3.02) bpm. We found out a reverse moderate correlation between the distances that had been covered by a patient during the 6MWT NT-proBNP level in blood serum of examined patients. Conclusions. Inadequate response to dosed physical exercises and increased immunological parameters as quantitative HF markers could be useful not only for diagnostics, but also for the risk stratification for decompensated HF that had occurred in patients on different rehabilitation stages after an acute MI.

Group Dynamics in Online Games: A Literature Review in Terms of Social Identity, Conformity to Norms and Social Behavior

Online multiplayer games offer players social opportunities such as meeting and communicating with new people or being part of a team. From the point of group dynamics, the players develop dynamics similar to real life in the game environment. Players develop social identity based on the team membership in the game, create norms and conform to the norms in the team. Also, it is observed that players generally exhibit in group favoritism in the game environment; they have adopted norms containing prejudices against out group members; and it is seen that they carry some real life stereotypes into the game environment. Accordingly, the players may exhibit negative behaviors between groups in the game environment. Besides, findings indicate that in some cases, intergroup biases can be reduced and positive outcomes can be obtained in games, in terms of group dynamics. In this article, firstly, some findings of the literature on social identity acquisition, norm development and negative behaviors between groups are given and the features of games that encourage negative norms and behaviors are mentioned. Then, in the light of the findings in the literature, suggestions were made to improve the negative group dynamics in games. In this respect, the article can give readers an idea about group dynamics in online multiplayer games; it is thought that it can shed light to researchers and game producers on how to create more positive game environments and, beyond this, how games can be used to give people positive behavior. Keywords: Online multiplayer game, social identity, norm, group behavior

Generator of PRN's on the norm group

Let $p$ be a prime number, $d\in\mathds{N}$, $\left(\frac{-d}{p}\right)=-1$, $m>2$, and let $E_m$ denotes the set of of residue classes modulo $p^m$ over the ring of Gaussian integers in imaginary quadratic field $\mathds{Q}(\sqrt{-d})$ with norms which are congruented with 1 modulo $p^m$. In present paper we establish the polynomial representations for real and imagimary parts of the powers of generating element $u+iv\sqrt{d}$ of the cyclic group $E_m$. These representations permit to deduce the ``rooted bounds'' for the exponential sum in Turan-Erd\"{o}s-Koksma inequality. The new family of the sequences of pseudo-random numbers that passes the serial test on pseudorandomness was being buit.

Ostracism and nationalism in the workplace: discursive exclusionary practices between cultural and geographic neighbors

So far, management research on mechanisms of exclusion of employee groups has mainly applied constructs of racism to understanding issues of origin-based ostracism. This research has primarily focused on issues faced by employees whose heritage is markedly different from the heritage shared by the norm group in the given socio-cultural, linguistic, and geographical setting. Against this backdrop, the present study investigates how ostracism plays out when the heritages involved are similar, as exemplified by German employees in Austria. Study 1 examines the discursive production of Austrian stereotyping of Germans in the usage of different terms of reference for ‘Germans’ in Austrian discourse. A corpus analysis of online comments on newspaper sites highlights the implicit Austrian need for delineation against Germany. Study 2 analyzes Germans’ perception of Austrians’ exclusionary linguistic practices and how this impacts on their employment experience and turnover intention. A quantitative analysis of survey data from 600 German nationals employed in Austria reveals that the degree of exposure to these demarcating practices is associated with lower job satisfaction, a higher burnout level and an increase in turnover intention. This study is amongst the first to shed light on the central role of nationalism and national identities in organizational mechanisms of exclusion.

Application of machine learning to the identification of joint degrees of freedom involved in abnormal movement during upper limb prosthesis use

To evaluate movement quality of upper limb (UL) prosthesis users, performance-based outcome measures have been developed that examine the normalcy of movement as compared to a person with a sound, intact hand. However, the broad definition of “normal movement” and the subjective nature of scoring can make it difficult to know which areas of the body to evaluate, and the expected magnitude of deviation from normative movement. To provide a more robust approach to characterizing movement differences, the goals of this work are to identify degrees of freedom (DOFs) that will inform abnormal movement for several tasks using unsupervised machine learning (clustering methods) and elucidate the variations in movement approach across two upper-limb prosthesis devices with varying DOFs as compared to healthy controls. 24 participants with no UL disability or impairment were recruited for this study and trained on the use of a body-powered bypass (n = 6) or the DEKA limb bypass (n = 6) prosthetic devices or included as normative controls. 3D motion capture data were collected from all participants as they performed the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JHFT) and targeted Box and Blocks Test (tBBT). Range of Motion, peak angle, angular path length, mean angle, peak angular velocity, and number of zero crossings were calculated from joint angle data for the right/left elbows, right/left shoulders, torso, and neck and fed into a K-means clustering algorithm. Results show right shoulder and torso DOFs to be most informative in distinguishing between bypass user and norm group movement. The JHFT page turning task and the seated tBBT elicit movements from bypass users that are most distinctive from the norm group. Results can be used to inform the development of movement quality scoring methodology for UL performance-based outcome measures. Identifying tasks across two different devices with known variations in movement can inform the best tasks to perform in a rehabilitation setting that challenge the prosthesis user’s ability to achieve normative movement.

A Static-99R Validation Study on Individuals With Mental Disorders: 5 to 20 Years of Fixed Follow-Up After Sexual Offenses

‘The Static-99R is one of the most commonly used risk assessment instruments for individuals convicted of sexual offenses. It has been validated for use on many populations, but few studies specifically target and describe individuals with mental disorders. Additionally, research on the discriminative properties (how well the instrument separates recidivists from non-recidivists) of the instrument over longer follow-up periods is scarce. This article evaluated the validity of the Static-99R using a cohort of individuals with mental disorders convicted of sexual offenses in Sweden (N = 146) with fixed 5-year (n = 100), 10-year (n = 91), 15-year (n = 79), and 20-year (n = 36) follow-up periods. A Static-99R cut score of 6 demonstrated the highest Youden index, maximizing sensitivity (72.7%) and specificity (74.2%), with 25.8% of recidivists correctly assumed to reoffend sexually and 95.7% of non-recidivists correctly assumed not to. The Static-99R instrument demonstrated adequate discrimination (AUC = 0.79, CI 95% = 0.70–0.87, and OR = 1.45, CI 95% = 1.14–1.84, p < 0.001, 5-year fixed follow-up), with only marginal differences for 10-, 15-, and 20-year fixed follow-up (AUC = 0.73, 0.74, and 0.74 and OR = 1.31, 1.36, and 1.40, respectively). Calibration (quantifying risk and correspondence with the instrument’s norms) was acceptable (Brier = 0.088, P/E = 0.70, E/O = 1.43), with the routine sample norms displaying a decisively better fit to the study cohort compared to the high-risk/high-need sample norms. The results affirm the recommendation that, when in doubt and where there is no recent local norm group large enough available, the Static-99R routine sample found in the evaluators’ workbook should be used.

Earlier chronotype in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients show an earlier circadian rhythm (i.e. serum melatonin peaks earlier during the night, indicating an earlier timing of the internal circadian pacemaker). In the current study, we examined whether the chronotype, which is influenced by the circadian rhythm, is also earlier. In addition, we explored whether chronotype is related to disease activity and patient-reported outcomes. Methods The chronotype (Munich Chronotype Questionnaire) of patients with RA (n = 121; mean age 60 years, 73% female) was compared with that of subjects from the general population (norm group; n = 1695) with a one-sample t test. In addition, we investigated chronotype in relation to disease activity (Disease Activity Score; DAS), reported morning stiffness, fatigue (Checklist Individual Strength), and health-related quality of life (RAND-36). Results The chronotype of patients with RA was, on average, 23 min (95% CI, 15 to 31 min) earlier than that of the norm group (t(115) = − 5.901, p < 0.001, d = 0.55). Chronotype was not related to disease activity or patient-reported outcomes (p > 0.05). Conclusion As expected, chronotype was earlier in RA patients. However, in this correlational study, chronotype was not related to disease activity or patient-reported outcomes. An experimental study is needed to examine whether delaying the circadian rhythm has a positive influence on these outcomes. This insight could improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of RA and contribute to exploring new treatment possibilities. Key Points• This is the first study examining chronotype in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and how chronotype relates to disease activity and patient-reported outcomes.• We found an earlier chronotype in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than in subjects from the general population.• In this correlational study, chronotype was not related to disease activity or patient-reported outcomes. An experimental study is needed to examine whether delaying the circadian rhythm positively influences these outcomes.

Values, Self-Identification and Personality Motivation of Persons Charged with Particularly Serious Crimes

The article presents the results of examination of personality specifics in the individuals charged with particularly serious crimes. The sample consisted of 59 men aged 18-60, the average age was 33.7 years. At the same time, 54 men with socially normative behavior and with no criminal record served as a comparison group. We used the following: "Value Spectrum" technique by D.A. Leontyev, "Who am I?" test by M.Kuhn &amp; T. McPartland (adapted by T.V.Rumyantseva), Motivational Induction method by Joseph R. Nuttin. It has been established that in persons who were under investigation on charges of particularly serious crimes the personality values have been appropriated at the nominal level and don't serve as effective control of their behavior or activities. This category of persons are distinguished by the following: a narrowed down time perspective of one year, problem and nonadaptive self-identity, less prominent (as compared to the norm group) moral and educational needs and the need for creativity. Persons charged with particularly serious crimes have psychological self-protection and autonomy as their prevalent motivations. The results of the research can be used by experts in their investigative actions with regard to persons under discussion both at the stage of pre-trial investigation and during judicial proceedings, as well as be taken into account at forensic psychological examinations.