Scientific Bulletin of Natural Sciences (Biological Sciences)

Content

2025-05-07T11:48:31+03:00

ISSN 2524-0838 (print)

ISSN 2706-9133 (online)

PROGNOSTIC MODELS FOR IMAGE PROCESSING AND INTERPRETATION IN ONCOLOGY

2025-05-07T12:19:28+03:00

In 2020, the number of newly diagnosed oncological pathologies worldwide amounted to 19.29 million cases, with 9.96 million deaths. In Ukraine, 106,151 cases of newly detected malignant neoplasms were registered in 2023, with 42,642 deaths. In recent decades, the role of artificial intelligence in screening, diagnosis, and prognosis of oncological pathologies and complications has increased. Various neural network models demonstrate the ability to work with different types of data and process large datasets. The aim of the article is to outline the main prospects and challenges of using neural networks in the analysis and interpretation of visual data in oncology, specifically in the diagnosis and prognosis of oncological pathologies based on visual data. Literature sources for analysis were selected from the publicly accessible PubMed database. Keywords used for the search were «oncology», «artificial intelligence», «visualization». Articles published from 2020 to 2025 were selected for analysis. The database query was made on March 21, 2025. A total of 2131 studies were found. The analysis of literature sources demonstrated that deep learning algorithms are predominantly used for the interpretation of images such as histopathological images, endoscopy, ultrasound, MRI, CT, and radiography. All analyzed articles where AI was used for medical image analysis indicated an AUC above 0.75. In studies comparing the effectiveness of malignant neoplasm diagnosis using AI and specialized physicians, no statistically significant differences in AUC were observed. However, the studies are conducted on retrospective data, meaning AI training was performed under idealized conditions.

ASSESSMENT OF THE FUNCTIONAL STATE OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM OF CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT BODY WEIGHTS

2025-05-07T11:48:31+03:00

The aim of this study was to characterize the functional state of the cardiovascular system, adaptive capabilities and regulatory capabilities of the cardiovascular system in children with different body weights. The study involved 125 boys and girls aged 12 years from the city of Slavuta. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the participants' parents. Two groups were identified for comparison: a group with normal body weight (group I, n=62) and with increased body weight (group II, n=63). The functional state of the cardiovascular system was assessed by calculating specific indices and adaptive potential using the Baevsky formula. As the data analysis showed, in group I with normal body weight, a significant number of children with high and above average levels of the Robinson index were found, which indicates parasympathetic and pronounced parasympathetic regulation, high and above average levels of physical health. In contrast, Group II (with excess body weight) included children with below average levels of the Robinson index, which indicates sympathetic regulation (38.28%) and low IR - strongly pronounced dominance of the sympathetic system (3.22% of participants). At the same time, in group II with excess body weight, there are no children with high levels of systolic heart work and only 6.65% of children with parasympathetic regulation and above average levels of aerobic capacity of the heart. The sympathetic and pronounced effect of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system negatively affects the functional capabilities of the body, carries the risk of overstrain of the cardiovascular system and may in the future cause the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

Statistically significant differences in adaptive potential were found (at the significance level p<0.05). Comparing the adaptive capabilities in the second group with increased body weight, unsatisfactory adaptation of the organism to environmental conditions was revealed, which indicates a decrease in the functional capabilities of the cardiovascular system and the organism. Comparative analysis of the data revealed a significant increase in hemodynamic indicators (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate) and worse indicators of the functional capabilities of the cardiovascular system, adaptive potential in children 12 years old of group II, which indicates the negative impact of increased body weight. Among the children of the second group, 41.50% were found with low and below average levels of the Robinson index, which indicates the development of a deficit in the functional capabilities of the cardiovascular system, which in the absence of changes in lifestyle and the absence of correction of factors in the future will lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE FUNCTIONAL STATE OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM IN FEMALE STUDENTS OF DIFFERENT SPECIALTIES

2025-05-07T11:48:31+03:00

The aim of this study is to assess the functional state, adaptive capacity, and regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system of the cardiovascular system in female students of various specialties. A study of the functional indicators of the cardiovascular system of the body was conducted in 210 female students from the Faculty of Primary Education (group A) and the Faculty of Foreign Languages (group B). Physiometric indicators of hemodynamics were measured; calculated Robinson index values and the adaptive potential of the cardiovascular system. Analyzing the value of the Robinson index in the participants of both groups, it was found that in group A the Robinson index was above average, which indicates the level of reserve capabilities of the cardiovascular system above average, and in group B the level of reserve capabilities of the cardiovascular system and systolic heart work is below average. In group A, a significant number of subjects with a pronounced effect of the parasympathetic department of the autonomic nervous system and a parasympathetic type of regulation (55%) was found, which positively affects their functional capabilities of the body. Data analysis showed the presence of a significant number of female students in group B with a pronounced effect of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system and a sympathetic regulation pattern (58%), which negatively affects the aerobic capabilities of the heart, functional capabilities, increases the risk of cardiovascular overload, which in the future, in the absence of lifestyle correction, can lead to pathologies and diseases of the cardiovascular system. Comparative analysis of data on hemodynamics indicators, functional capabilities of the cardiovascular system, adaptive capabilities, aerobic capabilities of the heart, and the level of functional state of the circulatory system revealed significantly better indicators in female students in group A, which suggests a positive impact of the academic discipline profile of their specialty.Such results give reason to say that the presence of creative disciplines in the lives of female students in group A has a positive effect on the functional state of the cardiovascular system. In order to improve the functional state of the cardiovascular system of female students, especially group B, it is necessary to introduce health-saving technologies (including art therapy).

ECOLOGICAL FEATURES OF BEETLE SPECIES OF THE SUBFAMILY DASYTINAE (COLEOPTERA: MELYRIDAE) IN THE FAUNA OF THE UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS

2025-05-07T11:48:31+03:00

The paper analyzes the ecological characteristics of the Dasytinae beetles of the family Melyridae. Most species in the imago stage inhabit semi-open and shaded habitats, where they can be found on grassy, shrubby, and woody vegetation. Based on the analysis of imago hygropreferences, we identified the following groups: forest mesophiles, forest mesoxerophiles, forest-meadow mesophiles, forest-meadow mesoxerophiles, polytopic mesoxerophiles, and polytopic mesophiles. Among Dasytinae, the largest proportion of species belongs to forest mesophiles (34%). According to vegetation layer preferences, the studied beetles were classified into hortobionts, dendrobionts, and dendro-hortobionts with proportions of 40%, 33.3% і 26.7% of the subfamily's species, respectively. A detailed analysis of the contents of dissected esophagi revealed fragmented and intact pollen grains, as well as small remains of arthropod cuticular coverings with bristles and hairs. Additionally, experiments were conducted to detect pollen in the digestive tract of imagos. Microscopic analysis showed that most pollen grains belonged to plants from the Poaceae family. The conducted research allowed us to identified two trophic groups among Dasytinae beetles: palynophages – more than 93% of species, and palyno-zoophages – approximately 7%. Among Dasytinae beetles, the highest number of species feed on plants from the Fagaceae family – 10 species in total. Representatives of the subfamily Dasytinae, inhabiting a wide range of natural and artificial biocenoses of the Ukrainian Carpathians, act as primary consumers of biological communities in both open meadow and forest ecosystems. Imagos of Dasytinae primarily inhabit the herbaceous layer of vegetation, with most species being primary consumers. Feeding on pollen, these beetles serve as pollinators of plants from the families Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae, Polygonaceae, Brassicaceae, Grossulariaceae, Apiaceae, and Cyperaceae.

DOES LEUCINE-ENRICHED PROTEIN REALLY AFFECT PROTEIN LEVELS IN THE MUSCLES OF OLD MICE?

2025-05-07T11:48:32+03:00

Sarcopenia, characterised by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and functionality, represents a significant health concern in the aging population. One of the promising approaches to preventing sarcopenia is the use of the amino acid leucine, which activates the mTOR signalling pathway and promotes muscle protein synthesis. Reduced muscle strength and coordination increase the risk of falls, which can lead to severe injuries, such as hip or vertebral fractures. Such injuries often require prolonged recovery and may result in disability. Sarcopenia is often accompanied by an increase in fat mass against the background of muscle loss. This reduces the basal metabolic rate, contributing to the development of obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Loss of muscle mass lowers overall physical endurance, complicating the function of the heart and blood vessels, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and related complications. The study was conducted on aged mice (25 months old), divided into three groups: a control group, a group receiving pure leucine supplementation, and a group receiving leucine-enriched whey protein. At the end of the experiment, the levels of leucine, glucose, and insulin in the blood, as well as protein synthesis in muscle tissue, were assessed. The results showed that the administration of pure leucine significantly increased its concentration in the blood (8-fold) and muscle tissue (3.8-fold) but did not promote muscle protein synthesis. In contrast, administering leucine in a whey protein mixture showed a less pronounced increase in leucine levels but effectively enhanced protein synthesis (by 1.2-fold) and reduced glucose levels. Insulin levels increased in both experimental groups, but this effect was less pronounced in the leucine mixture group. These findings underscore the potential efficacy of using leucine in combination with whey protein as an effective strategy for maintaining muscle mass and function during ageing. The obtained data have practical significance for the development of dietary and pharmacological strategies in combating sarcopenia.

NEW FINDS OF NAKED FILOSE AND LOBOSE AMOEBAE IN FRESHWATER BODIES AND SOILS OF UKRAINE

2025-05-07T11:48:32+03:00

In the natural biotopes of Ukraine, 12 species of naked amoebae were identified, of which seven species are lobose and five are filose. The molecular cluster Amoebozoa includes seven species of amoebae, Opisthokonta includes two species, and Rhizaria includes three species. The following species were recorded: Leptomyxa spec., Chaos nobile Penard, 1902, Chaos carolinense Wilson, 1900, Deuteramoeba algonquinensis Baldock, Rogerson & Berger, 1983, Polychaos annulatum Penard, 1902, Saccamoeba limna Bovee, 1972, Trichamoeba sinuosa Siemensma & Page, 1986, Nuclearia simplex Cienkowski, 1865, Nuclearia radians Greeff, 1869, Filoreta spec., Leptophrys spec., Vernalophrys algivore Gong et al., 2015. All protist species were infrequently encountered (ranging from 1.5% to 24%), except for Leptomyxa spec. (30%). Naked lobose amoebae belong to polytactic (C. nobile, C. carolinense, D. algonquinensis, P. annulatum), monopodial (S. limna, T. sinuosa) and branched (Leptomyxa spec.) morphotypes. Water temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration were measured at the sites where naked amoebae species were recorded. Accordingly, N. simplex, P. annulatum were recorded at a water temperature of +13 °C, at 10.42 mg/l dissolved oxygen in water; N. radians, V. algivore – +17 °C, 9.35 mg/l; Leptophrys spec. – +15 °C, 9.74 mg/l; C. carolinense – +15 °C, 9.85 mg/l; C. nobile, D. algonquinensis – +16 °C, – 8.95 mg/l; S. limna – +12 °C, 10.50 mg/l; T. sinuosa – +15 °C, 9.65 mg/l. The values of abiotic environmental factors at which soil amoebae species were recorded were established. Thus, Filoreta spec. and Leptomyxa spec. were found at soil temperatures of +12 °C and +10 °C and humidity levels of 90.34% and 94.45%, respectively. The filose amoeba Nuclearia simplex was identified through 18S rRNA gene sequencing (GenBank accession No. PV030488). This is the first report of these naked amoeba species in the fauna of Ukraine.

CHIRONOMIDAE (INSECTA, DIPTERA) FAUNA OF THE LOWER DNIPRO. PART 2: SUBFAMILY ORTHOCLADIINAE

2025-05-21T17:40:25+03:00

The current work is the second part of a series of articles intended to describe the state of Chironomidae (Insecta, Diptera) fauna of the Lower Dnipro, based on the long-term studies of this family as part of the benthic, plankton and zoophytos communities and widely represented in the different types of water bodies of this area. This part of research is focused on the subfamily Orthocladiinae. The research was conducted on following water bodies, both the flowing and the standing waters, located in the delta and pre-delta areas of the Lower Dnipro: the Dnipro River, the Koshova River, the Viryovchyna River, the strait into Lake Bobrove, the strait into Lake Kruhle, the Hadiuchka Strait, the Chaika River, the Kozak River, Lake Liahushache, Lake Chychkuvate, Lake Skadovsk-Pohorile, Lake Stebliivskyi Liman, Lake Nazarove-Pohorile, Lake Zakitne, Lake Bobrove, Lake Kruhle, Lake Kardashynskyi Liman and Lake Sabetskyi Liman. Based on larval and pupal specimens, 14 species/taxa of the subfamily Orthocladiinae are recorded and described: Corynoneura scutellata Winnertz, 1846, Cricotopus (Cricotopus) bicinctus (Meigen, 1818), Cricotopus (Cricotopus) sp., Cricotopus (Isocladius) intersectus (Staeger, 1839), Cricotopus (Isocladius) cf. sylvestris (Fabricius, 1794), Hydrobaenus lugubris Fries, 1830, Limnophyes sp., Nanocladius (Nanocladius) dichromus (Kieffer, 1906), Orthocladius (Euorthocladius) sp., Propsilocerus lacustris Kieffer, 1923, Psectrocladius (Psectrocladius) cf. psilopterus (Kieffer, 1906), Psectrocladius (Psectrocladius) cf. sordidellus (Zetterstedt, 1838), Psectrocladius (Psectrocladius) cf. zetterstedti Brundin, 1949, Psectrocladius (Psectrocladius) sp. The biological and ecological characteristics of the Orthocladiinae species were given, including frequency indexes, indicators of quantitative development, seasonality, habitats, macrophytes association and abiotic factors. The distribution of widespread, common and rare species of the subfamily Orthocladiinae in the water bodies of the Lower Dnipro area have been determined.