Evaluation of Allergenic, Immunogenic, and Skin-Irritant Effects of Deicing Chemicals in Warm-Blooded Animals.

We studied allergenic, immunogenic, and skin-irritating effects of deicing chemicals HCM (Volgograd), Bishofit (Turkmenia), and Nordix-P (Russia) in model experiments on various types of laboratory animals (rats, mice, rabbits). All the studied deicing chemicals exhibited weak immunotoxic activity and in high doses can cause delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction that manifested in skin irritant effect on the skin and produced a suppressive effect on the humoral immunity. The modified method for assessing skin irritation proposed by us is more sensitive than standard methods.

[Methodological aspects of the assessment of phytotoxicic properties of ice-melter reagents].

One of the main criteria which determine the possibility of the use of a particular type of ice-melter reagents (IMR) is the degree of their safety for the environment and human health, which is reflected in the establishment of safe doses and concentrations. In this regard, the current area of research is to improve the ecological and epidemiological principles of risk assessment of modern types of anti-icing agents. Currently available data concerning monitoring soil studies and the snow held in various cities of Russia, show that there is a process of accumulation of the main components of IMR - sodium and chlorine ions in the areas related to the roadway. The article is designated a problem of existing methodological approaches to the assessment of the phytotoxic impact in the investigation of anti-icing agents in the laboratory. There was executed the comparative characteristics of the results of the preliminary pilot studies on the phytotoxic properties of IMR under using different substrates for germination of seeds - soil and filter paper. The data obtained are characterized by differences in the degree of phytotoxic action of the same species depending upon ice-melter reagents methodical setting circuit laboratory experiment. As a result, there was shown the imperfection of the existing method of rapid analysis in relation to ice-melter materials (IMM).

[Ecological hygienic assessment of soils quality in urban areas].

Assessment of the soil quality is ofprime importance essential for the characterization of the ecological and hygienic condition of the territory, as the soil is the first link of the food chain, the source of secondary air and water pollution, as well as an integral index of ecological well-being of the environment. Herewith the qualitative analysis of soil complicated by the specifics of the soil genesis in the urban environment, in which an important role is played by manmade land bulk and alluvial soils; the inclusion of construction of material debris and household garbage in upper horizons; the growing up of the profile due to the perpetual introduction of different materials and intensive aeolian deposition. It is advisable to consider the currently neglected question of the study of soil vapor containing volatile chemicals. These pollutants penetrate into the building through cracks in the foundation and openings for utilities. Soil evaporation may accumulate in residential areas or in the soil under the building. Because of this, it is necessary to pay attention to the remediation of areas allocated for the built-up area, possessing a large-scale underground parking. Soil contamination is the result of significant anthropogenic impacts on the environment components. In general, about 89.1 million people (62.6% of the population of the country) live in terms of complex chemical load, determined by contamination offood, drinking water, air and soil. The list of microbiological and sanitary-chemical indices of the assessment of soils of urban areas may vary in dependence on the data obtained in pilot studies due to changes and additions to the assigned tasks. Timely forecast for the possibility of the usage of released lands of urban territories for the construction and the creation of new objects for different purposes should become the prevention of chronic non-infectious diseases in the population residing in urban areas.

[SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE FOR HYGIENIC STANDARDS HARMONIZED WITH INTERNATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRIORITY POLLUITIONS OF SOILS].

In accordance with international approaches the ranking of permissible levels of chemicals in the soil for the Russian Federation was performed with the use of actual maximum permissible concentration (MPC), there were scientifically substantiated 33 standardsfor 26 substances and their combinations in the soil, differentiatedfor 6 groups offunctional areas for soil use. There is presented the algorithm determining the procedure for the establishment of MPC for unstudied chemicals for various functional areas of soil of populated areas, as well as draft of amendments to existing sanitary-hygienic regulations prior to processing the latter in accordance with modern requirements.

[Methodical approaches to the substantiation of hygienic requirements for the application of deicing materials].

In the paper there is presented a review of existing guidelines and rules of operation of deicing materials (DIM), as well as opportunities for their processing with the aim to ensure the security for the environment and public health. There are described the ecological- hygienic and toxicological properties of chemicals. There are reported results of a pot experiment for the assessment of the impact of DIM on the lawn.

[Analysis of genetic diversity of Russian regional populations based on common STR markers used in DNA identification].

We conducted the first genetic analysis of a wide a range of rural Russian populations in European Russia with a panel of common DNA markers commonly used in criminalistics genetic identification. We examined a total of 647 samples from indigenous ethnic Russian populations in Arkhangelsk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Rostov, Ryazan, and Orel regions. We employed a multiplex genotyping kit, COrDIS Plus, to genotype Short Tandem Repeat (STR) loci, which included the genetic marker panel officially recommended for DNA identification in the Russian Federation, the United States, and the European Union. In the course of our study, we created a database of allelic frequencies, examined the distribution of alleles and genotypes in seven rural Russian populations, and defined the genetic relationships between these populations. We found that, although multidimensional analysis indicated a difference between the Northern gene pool and the rest of the Russian European populations, a pairwise comparison using 19 STR markers among all populations did not reveal significant differences. This is in concordance with previous studies, which examined up to 12 STR markers of urban Russian populations. Therefore, the database of allelic frequencies created in this study can be applied for forensic examinations and DNA identification among the ethnic Russian population over European Russia. We also noted a decrease in the levels of heterozygosity in the northern Russian population compared to ethnic populations in southern and central Russia, which is consistent with trends identified previously using classical gene markers and analysis of mitochondrial DNA.

[Regulation of safe levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in soil: Russian and international experience].

The article presents data on the levels of soil pollution by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in different regions of Russia and foreign countries. For the time present proposed regulatory value for the regulation of PCBs in soils of different land uses have been established to be set mainly on the results of the calculations of risk. However used initial values and features of the methodology for calculating determine significant variability of proposed levels of PCBs in soils. Analysis of the discussed problem of regulation of PCBs in soils in different countries permitted to make the conclusion that for the sound management of PCBs in the environment, it is necessary, first of all, the solution of questions of selection of a single standardized PCBs sample and the most appropriate method for risk assessment for the characterization of the state of contaminated soils.

[Skin resorptive effect of petroleum on some biochemical and immunological parameters in experimental animals].

Petroleum and its transformation products accumulated in soil along multiple trophic chains enter the human body, which increases the risk of environmentally induced diseases. A thirty-day experiment studied the cutaneous effect of different doses (4250, 850, and 425 mg/kg) of sunflower oil-emulsified petroleum. Its sensitizing and allergic effects were studied on albino guinea pigs. The activity of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and catalase was determined in the sera of non-inbred male albino rats. Petroleum given in a dose of 4250 mg/kg was found to have a negative effect. When its bioeffect occurred, a protective adaptive response of the body revealed in early stages gave way to tension of its adaptive capacities.

[The Russian gene pool: gene geography of Alu-insertions (ACE, APOA1, B65, PV92 TPA25)].

The analysis of five Alu insertion loci (ACE, AP4OA1, B65, PV92, TPA25) has been carried out for the first time in 10 Russian populations (1088 individuals), covered all parts of historical area of the Russian ethnos. Depending on locus, Russian populations exhibit similarity with their western (European populations) or with the eastern (populations of the Ural region) neighbors. Considering frequencies of the studied Alu-insertions, Russian gene pool exhibits low variation: average difference between populations is d = 0.007, whereas on classical markers, mtDNA and Y chromosome heterogeneity of Russian gene pool is essentially higher (0.013, 0.033 and 0.142 respectively). Therefore, this set of five Alu insertions has lower variability on the intra-ethnic level. However in inter-ethnic comparisons the clear pattern was obtained: 13 Eastern European ethnic groups formed three clusters, according with their historical and geographical position--East Slavic, Caucasian and South Ural clusters. The obtained data confirms efficiency of using Alu insertions for studying genetic differentiation and history of a gene pool of the Eastern European populations.

Report from the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) anthropology component of the 15th International Histocompatibility Workshop: worldwide variation in the KIR loci and further evidence for the co-evolution of KIR and HLA.

The killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) anthropology component of the 15th International Histocompatibility Workshop (IHIWS) sought to explore worldwide population variation in the KIR loci, and to examine the relationship between KIR genes and their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) ligands. Fifteen laboratories submitted KIR genotype and HLA ligand data in 27 populations from six broad ethnic groups. Data were analyzed for correlations between the frequencies of KIR and their known HLA ligands. In addition, allelic typing was performed for KIR2DL2 and 3DL1 in a subset of populations. Strong and significant correlations were observed between KIR2DL2, 2DL3 genotype frequencies and the frequency of their ligand, HLA-C1. In contrast, only weak associations were seen for 3DL1, 3DS1 and the HLA-Bw4 ligand. Although some aspects of the correlations observed here differ from those reported in other populations, these data provide additional evidence of linked evolutionary histories for some KIR and HLA loci. Investigation of allele-level variation for the B haplotype locus KIR 2DL2 showed that two alleles, *001 and *003, predominate in all populations in this study. Much more allelic variation was observed for the A haplotype locus 3DL1, with several alleles observed at moderate frequencies and extensive variation observed between populations.

[Evaluation of the hazard of soil-polluting chemicals upon exposure of experimental animals].

The experimental study of the biological activity of the modified calcium chloride produced by a Volgograd plant and that of ash-and-slag of the pharmaceuticals resulting after combustion of a pyrolytic mixture of filtration burning could establish various hazards of these substances.

[Tuberculosis in HIV-infected and AIDS patients]. / Tuberkulëz u VICh-infitsirovannykh i bol'nykh SPIDom.

The course of the combined infection (tuberculosis plus HIV-infection) has been analysed in 41 patients. Of them, 24 patients developed tuberculosis in the presence of HIV-infection (group 1) and 17 were infected with HIV when they already had tuberculosis running up to 5 years. HIV-infection in group 1 ran a more severe course, the patients developed generalized, disseminated and complicated forms of tuberculosis with more frequent lethal outcome. 39 patients of both groups received specific antituberculous therapy including 1-5 drugs. A response to treatment was achieved in 23 (60%) patients (52 and 47.8% at early and late HIV-infection stages, respectively). Treatment failure was explained by development of severe opportunistic infections and secondary diseases (generalized cytomegalovirus infection, advanced candidiasis, toxoplasmosis), poor compliance, asocial life style, advanced tuberculosis process, late diagnosis, inadequate treatment. It is shown that in late HIV-infection positive results of treatment can be expected only in early detection of tuberculosis and active long-term treatment.

HLA profile of three ethnic groups living in the North-Western region of Russia.

HLA class II alleles were determined by PCR-SSO and PCR-SSP typing of DNA samples from 55 Nentsy, 81 Saami and 73 Pomor individuals from the North-European part of Russia. The results were compared with similar data from Russians. A high frequency of the DRB1*04-DQA1*0301-DQB1*0302 haplotype and a low frequency of the DRB1*11-DQA1*0501-DQB1*0301 haplotype, observed in all three ethnic groups, may indicate a common aboriginal component in their ancestry. Saami and Pomors displayed a similar pattern of allele and haplotype distribution, with the exception of the DRB1*04-DQA1*0304-DQB1*0301 haplotype, which was significantly higher among Saami compared Nentsy, Pomors and Russians. Nentsy individuals had a particularly high frequency of the DRB1*09-DQA1*0301-DQB1*0303 and the DRB1*12-DQA1*0501-DQB1*0301 haplotypes. Genetic distances and correspondence analysis show that Pomors have a close relationship with Norwegians and Finns, whereas Nentsy and Saami are more closely related to Oriental populations.

Analysis of FMR1 (CGG)(n) alleles and DXS548-FRAXAC1 haplotypes in three European circumpolar populations: traces of genetic relationship with Asia.

Fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited mental retardation, is caused by expansion of a (CGG)(n) repeat located in the FMR1 gene. The molecular factors involved in the mutation process from stable (CGG)(n) alleles towards unstable alleles are largely unknown, although family transmission studies and population studies have suggested that loss of AGG interruptions in the (CGG)(n) repeat is essential. We have analysed the AGG interspersion pattern of the FMR1 (CGG)(n) repeat and the haplotype distribution of closely located microsatellite markers DXS548 and FRAXAC1, in three circumarctic populations: Norwegians, Nenets and Saami. The data confirm the conservation, reported in all human populations studied so far, of an AGG interruption for each 9-10 CGG and support the stabilising effect of AGG interruptions. The data also indicate the existence of chromosomes of Asian origin in the Saami and Nenets population, thereby confirming a genetic relationship between Northern Europe and Asia. DXS548-FRAXAC1 haplotype frequencies were compared between 24 Norwegian fragile X males and 119 normal males. Significant linkage disequilibrium were found between the fragile X mutation and haplotype 6-4 and between normal (CGG)(n) alleles and haplotype 7-3.

The Eurasian heartland: a continental perspective on Y-chromosome diversity.

The nonrecombining portion of the human Y chromosome has proven to be a valuable tool for the study of population history. The maintenance of extended haplotypes characteristic of particular geographic regions, despite extensive admixture, allows complex demographic events to be deconstructed. In this study we report the frequencies of 23 Y-chromosome biallelic polymorphism haplotypes in 1,935 men from 49 Eurasian populations, with a particular focus on Central Asia. These haplotypes reveal traces of historical migrations, and provide an insight into the earliest patterns of settlement of anatomically modern humans on the Eurasian continent. Central Asia is revealed to be an important reservoir of genetic diversity, and the source of at least three major waves of migration leading into Europe, the Americas, and India. The genetic results are interpreted in the context of Eurasian linguistic patterns.

[Genetic polymorphism of blood group and erythrocyte enzymes in three ethno-territorial groups of the northern European part of Russia]. / Geneticheskii polimorfizm grupp krovi i éritrotsitarnykh fermentov v trekh étno-territorial'nykh gruppakh severa evropeéskoé chasti Rossii.

Using the data on five red cell markers (AB0, PGM1, ACP1, GLO1, and ESD) polymorphisms, the population genetic structure of three ethnic territorial groups from the north of European Russia (Continental Nentsy, Kola Saami, and Russian Coast-dwellers) was described. In general, the groups studied a Caucasoid pattern of the frequency distribution of erythrocytic marker alleles. However, a substantial contribution of a Mongoloid component to the Nenets gene pool, expressed as a high frequency of the PGM1*1 allele along with a low frequency of the GLO1*1 allele, was observed. Three ethnic territorial groups examined were close to one another with respect to the distribution of classical biochemical markers. The interpopulation diversity was low (the mean FST = 0.015). The differences observed were for the most part caused by the genetic characteristics of Nentsy. The maximum interpopulation diversity was observed for the GLO1 locus (FST = 0.056).

[The determination in the polyclinic of the genetic risk for the development of chronic cholecystitis]. / Ustanovlenie v usloviiakh polikliniki geneticheskogo riska razvitiia khronicheskogo kholetsistita.

Studies into the genealogical anamnesis and a number of genetic characteristics of patients with chronic cholecystitis allowed one to confirm the significance of hereditary burden in the development of cholecystitis and to identify genetic markers (B(III) blood group), type Hp 1-1, HLA A3, HLA A30 and HLA B5, as well genetic protectors (O(I) blood group), HLA B8, HLA B14 of the disease. It has been established that hereditary factors play the most important role in the development of chronic calculous cholecystitis as compared to acalculous cholecystitis, which manifests itself in greater significance of hereditary burden and greater power of association with genetic markers of the disease.