Endonasal Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy with the Use of Radiofrequency (RF) Surgical Technique

Endonazal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with radiofrequency (RF) surgical technique is a procedure selected for nasolacrimal duct obstruction and chronic dacryostenosis in the setting of patent canaliculi and a functional lacrimal pump. Two major approaches are utilized: external, via a transcutaneous incision and endonasal endoscopically guided. The surgery has the high success rate via both approaches. We review the history, evolution, current techniques, complications and future directions of DCR radiofrequency RF operative technique. The modified endonasal RF-coagulation technique was performed in patients aged 18 - 85 (women-80, men-35) from 2017 to 2023. All patients suffered from chronic dacryocystitis. They had been administered the course of traditional conservative treatment and were provided with the ophthalmologist’s and otorhinolaryngology’s consultations prior to the surgery. In order to verify the diagnosis, the patients were conducted the CT-scan examination of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses as well as the endoscopy of nasal cavity. Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with RF coagulator proved to be effective in 80% of patients;Over 3 - 4 years following the surgery, the recurrence was manifested in 8 patients after 6 months and in 12 patients, after a year. The above mentioned surgical treatment is administered by minimally invasive surgical method. At the same time, the long-term, for about 1 year, implantation of silicone drainage in the nasolacrimal ducts significantly reduces the risk of recurrence. At the present stage, the endoscopic Endo-DCR surgery is being improved, and the diverse treatment methods, including radiofrequency (RF) in endonasal endoscopic microsurgical techniques, are being studied and introduced into practice.

Field and Laboratory Study of Accumulated Debrisflow-Forming Solid Mass Sediment on the Example of River Chokheltkhevi (Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region, Georgia)

The paper presents the results of the field and laboratory research carried out in the Chokheltkhevi river basin, according to which the sediment-forming solid mass accumulated in the bed of the Chokhelthkhevi river was recorded and its granulometric and chemical composition, as well as physical-mechanical characteristics, were studied. Based on the results of the research, it can be said that in the debrisflow channel of the Chokheltkhevi River, coarse and sandy-clay soils are mainly accumulated, which represent an unstable mass for the expected debrisflow in the gorge, which, together with other geological, hydrological and climatic factors, helps to increase the scale of the expected ecological danger. According to the results of the laboratory research, it can be concluded that the soil accumulated in the drainage channel is low in ion concentration, and the humus content in it is minimal, which indicates the possibility of easy displacement of the solid mass accumulated in the drainage channel and, accordingly, the risk of a catastrophic debrisflow.

Laser Induced Fluorescence Studies of Blood Plasma and Tumor Tissue of Men with Prostate Tumors

Objectives: Fluorescence spectroscopy which can be used for optical tissue diagnosis of tumor pathology?deserves special interest. The purpose of the work was to study blood plasma and tumor tissue of men with different forms of prostate tumors by using laser induced fluorescence. Blood plasma and tumor tissue of the patients with benign hyperplasia of the prostate (BHP), BHP with inflammation, BHP with high grade PIN (BHP with HGPIN) and adenocarcinoma of prostate (CaP) have been studied. Results: In case of blood plasma fluorescence,?intensity of the plasma proteins corresponding peak (340 - 360 nm) was increasing in the following manner: control group → BHP → BHP with HGPIN → CaP. The intensity of the nicotinamide coenzymes correspond peak (440 - 460 nm) was increased in case of BHP with HGPIN and CaP patients, but decreased in case of BHP, compared to control. In case of tumor tissue, the changes of the collagen peak (390 - 400 nm) intensity have been revealed in all cases of prostate tumor tissues. These alterations point to altered collagen biosynthesis levels in different tumor tissues, that reflects the structural changes and characteristics of malignant transformation. Also the changes of the nicotinamide coenzymes peak (440 - 460 nm) intensity in all spectra of tumor tissues were observed. The highest intensity of the peak was observed in the spectra of BHP with HGPIN and in prostate cancer tissue. Conclusions: Alterations of the coenzymes peak intensities perfectly reflect and are in accordance with the specific energy metabolism of prostate epithelial cells. Normalization of fluorescent spectra from different forms of prostate tumor tissues has shown that, each form has typical spectral shape and ratio of fluorescence peaks intensities.

Change of Erythrocytes Transport Function in Blood of Men with Prostate Adenocarcinoma (before and after Plastic Orchiectomy)

The changes of blood erythrocytes transport function in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma have been studied according to alterations in Na+/K+-ATP-ase activity and permeability of Na+ and K+ ions, before and after the plastic orchiectomy. The results of the study revealed that activity of Na+/K+-ATP-ase was increased compared with the data before the orchiectomy, but this parameter was reduced compared with control group. The increased amounts of the Na+ as well as K+ ions were also observed in the extracellular area compared with the same data before the orchiectomy. The amount of cholesterol, after plastic orchiectomy, was reduced compared with the data gained before orchiectomy, but the data were greater than those of the control group. It may be presumed that one of the reasons for change of Na+/K+-ATP-ase activity is variation of cholesterol content in erythrocyte membrane. Changes of the active transport system, in turn, affect the transport function of the erythrocyte membrane. In spite of surgical intervention, full recovery of patients does not take place after the plastic orchiectomy. Comparative normalization and approaching to the control group of the given indices in post-operation period (~6 months after surgery) indicate strengthening of the immune system and correspondingly—protective abilities of an organism, which was proved by the anamneses of patients.

Exposure to Hyaluronan and Radon-Containing Water during the Treatment of Periodontal Pockets

Hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations have emerged as pivotal components in contemporary dentistry, gaining widespread recognition for their multifaceted roles in various biological functions. Extensive literature underscores the significance of HA in maintaining tissue water balance, fostering cell proliferation, promoting rapid cell migration, influencing cell differentiation during organism development, and facilitating tissue regeneration. Notably, HA’s interactions with cell surface receptors contribute to the viscosity of synovial fluid, activate the immune system, and enhance cartilage elasticity. Beyond these established functions, HA has also been investigated for its potential involvement in determining and studying the hormetic effects of radon water, adding a novel dimension to its applications in dental research. A thorough exploration of existing studies reveals a nuanced understanding of how HA interventions impact the outcomes of dental procedures. The comprehensive scope of these investigations allows for a more accurate assessment of the potential effectiveness of specific interventions and provides valuable insights into post-procedural prognoses for individual patients. This synthesis of literature serves as the foundation for elucidating the intricate interplay between HA, radon exposure, and their relevance in modern dental practices.

Segment-Centric Geo-Competitive Environment of a Tourism Destination (A Case of Georgia)

This work aims to introduce a conceptual approach to determining the competitive environment for a particular tourist destination by considering popular outbound destinations of its leading segments.This approach we name as a concept of a segment-centered geo-competitive environment of a tourism destination(SGE-TD).The applied methodology includes consideration of the popularity of tourist destinations for each selected segment and the indicators of leading segments of the studied destination.The practical application of the proposed concept is examined in the case of Georgia as a tourist destination by selecting its leading segments and identifying their popular travel destinations.The integrated consideration and application of the mentioned indicators define the competitive position of a destination(in this case Georgia)among the specified tourism destinations,considered as the geo-competitive environment.This research suggests an innovative version of the universal conceptual approach to identify the leading competing destinations for a specific studied one.It fills the gap in similar studies where competing destinations for the analysis are selected based on specific research objectives,missing the universal conceptual approach in this regard.

Natural Environment and Landscape Energy of Western Georgia

The particularly great practical importance of modern physical geography and, in particular, landscape science, is first of all manifested in the detection and study of the resource potential of landscapes, as well as in the optimization of the environment. The resource potential, on the other hand, greatly depends on the balance of substance and energy exchange in the natural resources, i.e. the energy of the landscape. In this case, one of the important things is to study the functioning of natural-territorial complexes (NTC). Through it, it is possible and relatively easy to explain, model and, most importantly, predict many complex processes taking place in NTC, including the role of landscape energy balance in increasing the productivity and yield of agro-landscapes, which was the first attempt to research this problem in Georgia.

A One Century Record of Changes at Nenskra and Nakra River Basins Glaciers, Causasus Mountains, Georgia

The article considers the variability of Nenskra and Nakra River basins glaciers’ parameters in the years of 1911-2014. Nenskra and Nakra River basins are located on the southern slope of the Great Caucasus, between the Kharikhra, Shdavleri and Tsalgmili ranges, in Georgia, in particular in the Enguri River basin. In our research we used the catalogue of the glaciers of Georgia compiled by K. Podozerskiy in 1911. We also used the military topographic maps with the scale of 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 drawn up in 1960 (in former Soviet Union), where there are the glaciers mapped in detail and the ends of their ice tongues on the southern slope of Great Caucasus of those times. We also used the remote sensing method, which is the best modern way for the study of the dynamics of glaciers and this method is remarkable by a quick obtaining of results. The spectral images of the Landsat L8 OLI/TIRS (Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor) (USGS) received from the “Landsat” artificial satellite are the necessary materials for our study. We also used the field survey materials of 2014 (GPS data). The latest statistical information is also given about the glaciers located in the individual river basins;their morphological types, exposition and the dynamics are considered according to the individual years.

Method of Calculation of Stability Constants of Fulvic Complexes on the Example of Copper

On the example of copper fulvate, it is discussed the method of calculation of stability constants of fulvic complexes. At pH = 8, the complex formation of copper（ll） ions with fulvic acids was studied by the solubility method. Fulvic acids were separated from the river Mtkvari by the adsorption-chromotographic method. The charcoal （BAU, Russia） was used as a sorbent. The suspension of copper（If） hydroxide was used as the solid phase, on which was added the increasing quantity of standard solution of fulvic acids. In diluted solutions, at pH = 8 the dominant form of copper（lI） is copper dihydroxo complex Cu（OH）^zO. It was established that in the Cu（OH）2 （solid）-Cu（OH）^20 （solution）-FA^2-H20 system, dominates copper dyhydroxo fulvate complex with the structure 1：1, [Cu（OH）2FA]^2. The average stability constant of copper dyhydroxo fulvate complex was calculated based on experimental data fl [Cu（OH）2FAJ^2 = 4.5× l0^5.

Synthesis and Study of Heteronuclear Citrates

Terms of synthesis were determined for creation of new generation premixes and for their testing in experiments. Heteronuclear chelate citrates of general formula： M12MnL2.nH2O （where, M^I = Zn, Co, Fe, Mn, Cu; MH = Mn, Zn, Co, Cu; n = 0/4） were synthesized. Identity and composition of synthesized compounds were defined by microelemental analysis, determination of melting temperature and X-ray diffraction analysis. X-ray diffraction method was used also to define crystallinity of the compounds and their citric acid （H4L） component. X-ray amorphous and iso-structural orders were also revealed.

Geoecological Monitoring of Karst Water in Georgia, Caucasus (Case Study of Racha Limestone Massif)

Karst groundwater is the major natural resource of drinking water for many countries in the world. Especially in karstic regions, karst water requirements for settlements are provided from karst aquifers. Also, we should consider, that karst groundwater is becoming more and more valuable for drinking water supply. Thus, karst groundwater quality and permanent ecological monitoring are very important for populations. Moreover, if we consider that the karst landscape is the extremely sensitive system towards anthropogenic activities, since exaclty the anthropogenic activities largely identify the karst water pollution-turbidity causing factors. This paper presents a new study regarding the quality of the karst groundwater of the study area, which contains important resource of drinking water. In the mentioned study, 12 water samples were collected from different locations of the 4 main karst springs (Krikhula, Dolabistavi, Kidobana and Sakishore) during the spring and summer of 2014 and 2015 years. The main aim was to identify chemical compositions (Ni, Ag, Co, Cd, Zn, Pb, Al, Mg, Fe, F, Cu), and also, it was important to detect Escherichia coli (E. coli). Our research regarding all these chemical compositions shows that all the values are low and under the environmental limit according to the Georgian standards. We measured chemical parameters of all these samples by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) in the chemical laboratory of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, country of Georgia.

Belt and Road Initiative： Implications for Georgia and China-Georgia Economic Relations

Georgia＇s economic relations with China have been especially activated in the past couple of years. This includes both direct trade relations between the two countries as well as Chinese directinvestment in the Georgian economy.

Speleological Investigation of the Largest Limestone Massif in Georgia (Caucasus)

Georgia is home to multiple, widespread limestone massifs with well-developed karst areas and their associated landscape features found throughout the country. Due to geological, geomorphological, and speleological characteristics of the limestone massifs in Georgia, there are developments in classical karst processes and landforms, which contain very impressive karst features, such as dolines, caves, calcite depositions and others. For example, in Georgia, the world’s deepest caves are found, such as: Krubera-2197 m;Sarma-1830 m;Pantyukhina-1508;Ilyukhina-1275 m;Kuibyshev-1110 m, and others. Of these, Krubera Cave is currently the deepest in the world. The goal of this work is to present speleological investigation of Muradi Cave, which is developed in Racha limestone massif. Muradi Cave is unique as the fact that it contains almost all types and subtypes of speleothems and sediments recorded nowadays in the caves of the Caucasus region, and the mineral aggregates found in Muradi Cave are rare for the caves of the Caucasus region. Unlike many of the hypogene caves in the region, Murdai Cave is formed from a more traditional mechanism of speleogenesis, but the influence of tectonic activity and complex hydrologic regimes led to the development of speleothems and passage morphology less common in the region and likely from hypogenic overprinting. The primary objectives of this study of Muradi Cave included undertaking important investigation in this country, to better understand the speleogenetic processes.

Glaciers Amount and Extent Change in the Dolra River Basin in 1911-1960-2014 Years, Caucasus Mountains, Georgia, Observed with Old Topographical Maps and Landsat Satellite Imagery

The article presents the changes in the number and area of the Dolra River basin glaciers during the last century in connection with the climate elements. Dolra River basin is located in the south-ern slope of the Central Caucasus, in the territory of Zemo Svaneti and joins the Enguri River basin, which in its turn is the main center of the contemporary glaciation in Georgia. During the study, we used the 1:42,000 scale topographic maps of the 19th century, which were drawn up during the first topographic survey by using the plane-table surveying method. Also, we used the catalog of the glaciers of the southern slope of the Caucasus compiled on the basis of the 19th century maps in 1911 by a well-known researcher of the Caucasus K. Podozerskiy. In order to identify the area and number of the glaciers of the 60s of the 20th century, we used the work of R. Gobejishvili—the Georgian glaciologist of the 20th-21st centuries, composed on the basis of 1:50,000 scale topo-graphic maps of 1960. The data of 2014 have been obtained by the Landsat aerial images of L8 OLI/TIRS (Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor) taken in August 2014. In the mentioned study, except of the old topographic maps and aerial images, we used the climate in-formation that we have collected from Mestia weather stations (Mestia is the regional center of Zemo Svaneti, where the only operating weather station is located at present). Along with the dy-namics of glaciers, the course of the air temperature and atmospheric precipitation has been iden-tified in the 20th century and in the beginning of the 21st century.

Sedimentological Study of Caves in the Zemo Imereti Plateau, Georgia, Caucasus Region

The Zemo Imereti Plateau is located in the easternmost part of the limestone region of western Georgia and is Caucasus’ only karst plateau. It is centrally located in a relatively elevated part of the intermountain plain of the country of Georgia. Lithostratigraphical (petrographic, mineralogical, and XRD) research on terrigenous sediments found in caves in the region was conducted in the Upper Cretaceous limestones located at different hypsometric levels (400 - 700 m). This study focused on allochthonous deposits, which, due to sedimentological features, contains significant and complete information for paleogeographic reconstruction as opposed to the autochthonous sediments. Source provinces of the sediments’ origin were determined using petrographic analysis. Lithological study of the terrigenous sediments indicated their origin from the Racha range, as well as their transportation mechanisms, and sedimentation conditions during deposition. Approximate ages (the end of the Middle Pleistocene and the beginning of the Late Pleistocene) of ancient terrestrial sediments in Rganisklde Cave were achieved by taking into account the geological and geomorphological development of the region. Lithostratigraphical analysis of the cave deposits and modern archaeological data indicate that the formation of the caves in the Zemo Imereti plateau took place mainly during the end of the Middle Pleistocene and in the beginning of the Pleistocene;while on the southern slope of the Racha range and in the surrounding area of Ertso-Tsona (Caucasus southern slope), they formed in the Early Pleistocene.

Magnetometry and Hyperthermia Study of Magnetic Fluid Preparation UNIMAG

We investigated the hyperthermal and magnetic properties of the stable magnetic suspension of magnetite nanoparticles. With this purpose in mind, we designed a low-frequency oscillator, 300 W, 300 KHz. A sample of the magnetic suspension was placed in the induction coil and heated up to 55°C for 30 minutes. Based on the results of measurements of transverse susceptibility, we can infer that the suspension was superparamagnetic at room temperature and transformed into the magnetic state at nitrogen temperature. Comparing the obtained experimental results with the literature data, we assessed the mean size of nanoparticles, which made up about 10 nm. Computer simulation assessment on the basis of magnetization curve gives close results.

ECONOMICAL DIFFERENCE SCHEME FOR ONE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL NONLINEAR SYSTEM

The multi-dimensional system of nonlinear partial differential equations is considered. In two-dimensional case, this system describes process of vein formation in higher plants. Variable directions finite difference scheme is constructed. The stability and convergence of that scheme are studied. Numerical experiments are carried out. The appropriate graphical illustrations and tables are given.

Liver structural transformation after partial hepatectomy and repeated partial hepatectomy in rats: A renewed view on liver regeneration

BACKGROUND The phenomenon of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy(PH)is still a subject of considerable interest due to the increasing frequency of half liver transplantation on the one hand,and on the other hand,new surgical approaches which allow removal of massive space-occupying hepatic tumors,which earlier was considered as inoperable.Interestingly,the mechanisms of liver regeneration are extensively studied after PH but less attention is paid to the architectonics of the regenerated organ.Because of this,the question“How does the structure of regenerated liver differ from normal,regular liver?”has not been fully answered yet.Furthermore,almost without any attention is left the liver's structural transformation after repeated hepatectomy(of the re-regenereted liver).ATM To compare the architectonics of the lobules and circulatory bed of normal,regenerated and re-regenerated livers.METHODS The livers of 40 adult,male,albino Wistar rats were studied.14 rats were subjected to PH-the 1st study group(SG1);10 rats underwent repeated PH–the 2nd study group(SG2);16 rats were subjected to sham operation-control group(CG);The livers were studied after 9 months from PH,and after 6 months from repeated PH.Cytological(Schiff reaction for the determination of DNA concentration),histological(H&E,Masson trichrome,CK8 Immunohistochemical marker,transparent slides after Indian Ink injection,),morphometrical(hepatocytes areas,perimeters and ploidy)and Electron Microscopical(Scanning Electron Microscopy of corrosion casts)methods were used.RESULTS In the SG1 and SG2,the area of hepatocytes and their perimeter are increased compared to the CG(P<0.05).However,the areas and perimeters of the hepatocytes of the SG1 and SG2 groups reveal a lesser difference.In regenerated(SG1)and re-regenerated(SG2)livers,the hepatocytes form the remodeled lobules,which size(300-1200μm)exceeds the sizes of the lobules from CG(300-600μm).The remodeled lobules(especially the“mega-lobules”with the sizes 1000-1200μm)contain the transformed meshworks of the sinusoids,the part of which is dilated asymmetrically.This meshwork might have originated from the several portal venules(interlobular and/or inlet).The boundaries between the adjacent lobules(including mega-lobules)are widened and filled by connective tissue fibers,which gives the liver parenchyma a nodular look.In SG2 the unevenness of sinusoid diameters,as well as the boundaries between the lobules(including the mega-lobules)are more vividly expressed in comparison with SG1.The liver tissue of both SG1 and SG2 is featured by the slightly expressed ductular reaction.CONCLUSION Regenerated and re-regenerated livers in comparison with normal liver contain hypertrophied hepatocytes with increased ploidy which together with transformed sinusoidal and biliary meshworks form the remodeled lobulli.

Waste Water Treatment in Direct Borohydride Fuel Cell with Bipolar Membrane

It was established that application of bipolar membrane in a direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) with H2O2 co-generation enabled to keep constant pH in catholyte within 2.5 - 3.2 limits, which allowed us to carry out treatment of water polluted by organic compounds in fuel cell catholyte. Treatment of water was carried out by electro-Fenton and photo-electro-Fenton methods. With the view of efficiency, photo-electro-Fenton method of treatment was the most efficient, which enabled to decrease COD of catholytes containing (in each case) phenol, valsaren, 400 g/L dymethoate (BI-58) and valsaciper from 500 ppm to 30, 11, 9 and 3 ppm, respectively after 180 min treatment. By increasing the catholyte temperature from 20℃?to 40℃?in the same period, phenol COD fell to 5 ppm.

About New Inorganic Polymers-Double Condensed Phosphates of Silver and Trivalent Metals

A distinctive feature of phosphates is their special and significant ability to form inorganic polymeric compounds---condensed phosphates, which are destined to play a considerable role in our ＂high-tech＂ society in the future. Numerous olygophosphates, polyphosphates, double condensed phosphates and cyclophosphates with diverse formula, such as double tetra-, octa- and dodecaphosphates were obtained and described by us last years. The offered data are the outcomes of our scientific researches： of synthesis, analysis, and estimation of results in correlation with new achievements in inorganic polymer＇s chemistry. Many double condensed compounds, containing monovalent metals are obtained by us during systematic investigation of polycomponent systems, containing mono- and trivalent metals at temperature range 100-600 ~C. Synthesised condensed phosphates, in fact--inorganic polymers were examined in detail by chemical and thermogravimetric analysis, most compounds were examined by paper chromatography and the structures are determined by X-ray structural techniques/diffraction analysis. During our fundamental researches numerous new （about 70） unknown until now condensed phosphates have been obtained. Dependency of composition VS temperature and molar ratio, reliance of structure from duration of synthesis and radius of the ions are revealed.