Effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with oncological diseases:State-of-the-art

Although the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic was declared to be no longer“a public health emergency of international concern”with its wide range of clinical manifestations and late complications,severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection proved to be a serious threat,especially to the elderly and patients with comorbidities.Patients with oncologic diseases are vulnerable to severe infection and death.Indeed,patients with oncohematological diseases have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 and impaired post-vaccination immunity.Unfortunately,cancer patients are usually excluded from vaccine trials and investigations of post-vaccinal immune responses and the effectiveness of the vaccines.We aimed to elucidate to what extent patients with cancer are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 and what is their overall case fatality rate.We also present the current concept and evidence on the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines,including boosters,in oncology patients.In conclusion,despite the considerably higher mortality in the cancer patient group than the general population,countries with high vaccination rates have demonstrated trends toward improved survival of cancer patients early and late in the pandemic.

Electromagnetic nature of the nuclear forces and toroid structure of the deuteron and triton

In this paper we model in a new way the nuclei of deuterium and tritium. We consider the nucleons as toroids that rotate at a constant angular velocity around a line perpendicular to their rotation plane and passing through the center of mass of the nuclei. Based on exact analytical formulas obtained by us for the electrostatic interaction between two spheres with arbitrary radii and charges, we obtain that the known binding energy of the deuteron and triton has an electromagnetic nature. We also obtain through these formulas the force of interaction inside these nuclei. Besides that, within the framework of the classical model we use, we calculate the volumes and mass densities of the nucleons. Throughout all that we use the experimentally obtained results for the radii and masses of the nucleons and nuclei under study. Through our toroid model we confirm the main experimental results obtained for the deuteron and triton not only for the binding energy but also for the magnetic moments, spins and stability.

IMPULSIVE DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH GAMMA DISTRIBUTED MOMENTS OF IMPULSES AND P-MOMENT EXPONENTIAL STABILITY

Differential tigated. We study the properties of solutions sufficient conditions for equations with impulses at random moments are set up and invescase of Gamma distributed random moments of impulses. Several are studied based on properties of Gammma distributions. Some p-moment exponential stability of the solutions are given.

Short-range action and long-range action of the electrostatic forces within atomic nuclei

We study the interaction forces in atomic nuclei based on our expressions for the electrostatic interaction between spheres of arbitrary radii and charges. We prove that at small distances the proton-neutron electrostatic attraction forces are short-range-acting and the proton-proton electrostatic repulsion forces are long-range-acting. We obtain that these forces are commensurate with the nuclear forces. The protonneutron electrostatic attraction forces and the proton-proton electrostatic repulsion forces at the same distance between nucleons differ in absolute value by about an order of magnitude. It follows that based on electromagnetic interactions the neutrons are the binding building blocks in nuclear structures.

User Interface for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This paper describes the requirements for building accessible user interface for users with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and presents the user interface (UI) of Open Book, a reading assistive tool for people with ASD. The requirements are extracted from both existing research on improving reading comprehension for people with ASD, and from the feedback of users and clinical professionals. The findings are applied in practice to create the user interface of Open Book tool. Key screens of the user interface are presented. It is implied that the features of the UI for people with ASD can be successfully applied to improving overall accessibility of any graphical user interface.

Gastrointestinal mucosal immunity and COVID-19

As the gastrointestinal tract may also be a crucial entry or interaction site of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),the role of the gut mucosal immune system as a first-line physical and immunological defense is critical.Furthermore,gastrointestinal involvement and symptoms in coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients have been linked to worse clinical outcomes.This review discusses recent data on the interactions between the virus and the immune cells and molecules in the mucosa during the infection.By carrying out appropriate investigations,the mucosal immune system role in SARS-CoV-2 infection in therapy and prevention can be established.In line with this,COVID-19 vaccines that stimulate mucosal immunity against the virus may have more advantages than the others.

Immunological aspects of COVID-19:What do we know?

The newly emerged coronavirus(severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2)and the disease that it causes coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)have changed the world we know.Yet,the origin and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 remain mostly vague.Many virulence factors and immune mechanisms contribute to the deteriorating effects on the organism during SARS-CoV-2 infection.Both humoral and cellular immune responses are involved in the pathophysiology of the disease,where the principal and effective immune response towards viral infection is the cell-mediated immunity.The clinical picture of COVID-19,which includes immune memory and reinfection,remains unclear and unpredictable.However,many hopes are put in developing an effective vaccine against the virus,and different therapeutic options have been implemented to find effective,even though not specific,treatment to the disease.We can assume that the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the individual's immune system determines the onset and development of the disease significantly.

ON A CLASS OF KTHE SEQUENCE SPACES WITH NORMAL STRUCTURE

In this note, we investigate the generalized modulus of convexity δ（λ） and the generalized modulus smoothness p（λ）. We obtain some estimates of these moduli for X=lp. We obtain inequalities between WCS coefficient of a KSthe sequence space X and δX（λ）. We show that, for a wide class of class the sequence spaces X, if for some ε∈（0, 9/10] holds δx（e） 〉 1/3（1- √3/2）ε, then X has normal structure.

Motion machines of second kind

The second law of thermodynamics, i.e. the law stating that the entropy in isolated macroscopic system can never decrease, is tightly connected to the work of the device called perpetual motion machine of second kind. Often this law is also defined as the inability to construct such a device. In the current paper we give complete, independent and consistent definitions of static, stationary and changing physical field. Based on that for the first time we give summarising, correct and complete definitions of natural resource machine and perpetual motion machine of second kind as well as motion machine of second kind in the set of tardyons and luxons. We present a principal structure of a motion machine of second kind using which we show that the Clausius statement and its equivalent statements in the thermodynamics can be violated for a practically big interval-time even under equilibrium fluctuations.

Electromagnetic nature of nuclear forces and the toroid structure of the helion and the alpha particle

In the present paper, we consider the nucleons in the helium-3 and helium-4 nuclei as tori. These tori rotate with constant angular velocity around an axis, which is perpendicular to the rotation plane and passes through the centre of mass of the nuclei. Based on exact analytical expressions for the electrostatic interaction between two spheres with arbitrary radii and charges derived by us recently, we find that the well-known potential binding energy for the helion and for the alpha particle is of electromagnetic character. Using the above mentioned formulae, we find the interaction force in the nuclei under consideration. Our toroid model recovers the basic experimental results not only for the binding energy, but also for the stability, radii, spins and the magnetic moments of the helion and the alpha particle.

Integrated Assessment of the Ecological Status of Bulgarian Lowland and Semi-Mountain Natural Lakes

This work focuses on an integrated approach for lake ecological status assessment, elaborated according to the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). Data from five lowland and semi-mountain lakes in Bulgaria (Southeast Europe) collected from two years (2011-2012) form the basis for an integrated assessment and the definition of reference conditions. Several metrics were applied in combination, to classify lakes into five ecological status classes. Assemblages of aquatic organisms: phytoplankton, macrophytes and benthic macroinvertebrates, together with 11 supporting physico-chemical parameters were studied. The assessed unique conditions suggested that reference conditions of Bulgarian lakes have natural variability. This first baseline study illustrated specific cases within the lake types that should be assessed in details before providing standardized classification systems in compliance with the requirements of WFD.

Carcinosarcoma of the Palatine Tonsil—Diagnostic and Treatment Approach. Literature Review: Clinical Case

Introduction: Carcinosarcoma of the head and neck is a very rare pathology < 1%. This is a mixed tumor with epithelial and mesenchymal components. It is characterized by high recurrence, metastasis, and mortality rates. Aim: The sporadic nature of carcinosarcomas of the oral cavity, sinonasal tract, larynx, and hypopharynx causes difficulties with the diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Our clinical case is an example of a rare localization of carcinosarcoma, which allows for a detailed examination thereof. Materials and methods: We present a clinical case of a 67-year-old male, admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic of University Hospital “Sv. Georgi”—Plovdiv, presenting with difficulty swallowing and a lump on the right side of the neck for several months. Computed tomography was performed and a tumor involving the right palatine tonsil was found. The tonsil was surgically removed. The histopathological findings showed a biphasic tumor with epithelial and mesenchymal components—carcinosarcoma. Results: Following monotonsillectomy, the patient was referred to radiotherapy. The local status does not indicate any progression and infiltration into soft tissue. Conclusion: Carcinosarcoma is a malignant mixed tumor with high recurrence, metastasis, and mortality rates. It is difficult to diagnose due to its non-typical location and the need for immunohistochemistry testing, which is not always possible. The therapy for carcinosarcoma of the head and neck is delivered as per protocol for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma due to the absence of a specific one.

Mucosal COVID-19 vaccines:Risks,benefits and control of the pandemic

Based on mucosal immunization to promote both mucosal and systemic immune responses,next-generation coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)vaccines would be administered intranasally or orally.The goal of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)vaccines is to provide adequate immune protection and avoid severe disease and death.Mucosal vaccine candidates for COVID-19 including vector vaccines,recombinant subunit vaccines and live attenuated vaccines are under development.Furthermore,subunit protein vaccines and virus-vectored vaccines have made substantial progress in preclinical and clinical settings,resulting in SARS-CoV-2 intranasal vaccines based on the previously successfully used nasal vaccines.Additional to their ability to trigger stable,protective immune responses at the sites of pathogenic infection,the development of‘specific’mucosal vaccines targeting coronavirus antigens could be an excellent option for preventing future pandemics.However,their efficacy and safety should be confirmed.

Imaging related to underlying immunological and pathological processes in COVID-19

The introduction of coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)as a global pandemic has contributed to overall morbidity and mortality.With a focus on understanding the immunology and pathophysiology of the disease,these features can be linked with the respective findings of imaging studies.Thus,the constellation between clinical presentation,histological,laboratory,immunological,and imaging results is crucial for the proper management of patients.The purpose of this article is to examine the role of imaging during the particular stages of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection–asymptomatic stage,typical and atypical COVID-19 pneumonia,acute respiratory distress syndrome,multiorgan failure,and thrombosis.The use of imaging methods to assess the severity and duration of changes is crucial in patients with COVID-19.Radiography and computed tomography are among the methods that allow accurate characterization of changes.

ACTN3 and AMPD1 Polymorphism and Genotype Combinations in Bulgarian Athletes Performing Wingate Test

The aim of the study was to investigate ACTN3 （ct-actinin-3） and AMPD1 （adenosine monophosphate deaminase） polymorphism and genotype combinations in Bulgarian athletes competing in various sports and the relation to peak power output. A mixed group of athletes （n = 52） competing at national and international level and a matching genetic control group （n = 109） of volunteers were recruited. Participants were genotyped for ACTN3 and AMPD1 by polymerase chain reaction. There were no significant differences in ACTN3 genotype distribution between athletes performing Wingate test （38% RR, 46% RX, 16% XX） and controls （41.2% RR, 46% RX, 12.8% XX）. AMPD1 distribution was （73% CC, 27% CT, 0% TT） and in controls （73.2% CC, 25% CT, 1.8% TT）. Athletes performing Wingate test showed equal 33% frequency of RR/CC and RX/CC combination, and 12% RX/CT. Significantly higher （P 〈 0.05） peak power output （11.10 W kg1） was found in athletes with RX/CT combination compared to other combinations （range： 8.83-9.71 W kg-1） and in R-power （RR ＋ RX） and C-power （CC ＋ CT） dominant models （9.91 W kgl）. Mean power was higher （P 〈 0.05） in RX/CT combination （8.93 W kg-1） compared to RR/CC （7.75 W kg-1） and RR/CT （7.95 W kgl）. In conclusion, the low frequency of T AMPD1 allele in Bulgarian athletes might indicate that this mutant allele is related to the physical performance. The prevalence of R ACTN3 and C AMPD1 alleles suggests that they could contribute to anaerobic performance. Higher peak power in Wingate test is associated with RX/CT genotype combination and R- and C-power dominant models.

Pandemic control-do's and don'ts from a control theory perspective

Managing a pandemic is a difficult task.Pandemics are part of the dynamics of nonlinear systems with multiple different interactive features that co-adapt to each other(such as humans,animals,and pathogens).The target of controlling such a nonlinear system is best achieved using the control system theory developed in engineering and applied in systems biology.But is this theory and its principles actually used in controlling the current coronavirus disease-19 pandemic?We review the evidence for applying principles in different aspects of pandemic control related to different goals such as disease eradication,disease containment,and short-or long-term economic loss minimization.Successful policies implement multiple measures in concordance with control theory to achieve a robust response.In contrast,unsuccessful policies have numerous failures in different measures or focus only on a single measure(only testing,vaccines,etc.).Successful approaches rely on predictions instead of reactions to compensate for the costs of time delay,on knowledge-based analysis instead of trial-and-error,to control complex nonlinear systems,and on risk assessment instead of waiting for more evidence.Iran is an example of the effects of delayed response due to waiting for evidence to arrive instead of a proper risk analytical approach.New Zealand,Australia,and China are examples of appropriate application of basic control theoretic principles and focusing on long-term adaptive strategies,updating measures with the evolution of the pandemic.

COVID-19 in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Recommendations for management and vaccination

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic profoundly affected the management and treatment of patients with malignancies.Based on the progress reported in the literature,we reviewed the recommendations for treatment and vaccination in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)during COVID-19.We focus on whether there is a risk and what could be the possible effects of vaccinating patients with GIST/cancer.Since the situation is quickly changing,and the health services have been severely disrupted,the diagnosis,treatment and recommendations for vaccination of these patients against COVID-19 are still not updated.The approval of vaccines in the pandemic gave hope that we would soon be able to return to a more normal life.However,the oncology community needs to adapt and provide the most effective treatment and care models for patients with rare cancer,such as GIST.Collecting data on the impact of vaccination in patients with GIST/cancer also will be beneficial in expanding knowledge about the future planning of treatment strategies and optimizing care in the event of a subsequent pandemic.

Magnetic and XPS studies of lithium lanthanide tetraphosphates LiLnP_4O_(12)(Ln=Nd,Gd,Er)

Magnetic susceptibilities of flux-grown single crystals of LitnP4012 （Ln=Nd, Gd, Er） were measured in the temperature range of 2-300 K. The compounds were paramagnetic, and obeyed the Curie-Weiss law in the entire temperature interval, without magnetic phase transitions, and with effective magnetic moments close to those of the corresponding free Ln3＋ ions. X-ray photoelec- tron spectroscopy was applied to determine the positions of core-level electrons relative to the Fermi level： Li is; Ln 4f, 5p, 5s, 4d, 3d; P 2s, 2p; O 1s, 2s. The binding energies in these compounds were found slightly shifted compared to the respective values of the same elements.