[Glucophot BP-"M" analyzer for blood analysis]. / Analizator Gliukofot BP-"M" dlia opredeleniia gliukozy v krovi.

Miniature analyzer Glucophot BP-"M", intended for express measurements of glucose concentrations in capillary blood, was tested under clinical conditions. The reference method was the hexokinase method for glucose measurements on a Spectrum 11 biochemical analyzer (Abbott); in addition, glucose measurements were carried out on a One Touch-11 glucometer (Johnson-Johnson). The results evidence that the reproducibility and correctness of glucose analysis by the Glucophot BP-"M" analyzer both in health and disease met the requirements to laboratory measurements performed by "dry" chemical methods and demonstrated its high analytical reliability.

[A model system for the assessment of the stability of eukaryotic genes and expressed proteins in extended space flight]. / Model'naia sistema dlia izucheniia stabil'nosti éukarioticheskikh genov i ékspressiruemykh belkov v usloviiakh dlitel'nogo kosmicheskogo poleta.

Evidence was obtained that the changed gravity, tension profiles of the magnetic fields inside the orbital station and other spaceflight factors (SFF) substantially influence the cell genome and synthesis of recombinant proteins. The authors proposed a technique of fixation of possible alterations in genes and expressed recombinant proteins in strains-producers of human alpha-interferon: HuIFN-alpha 2b, HuIFN-alpha 8a, HuIFN-alpha 10a, and HuIFN-alpha 14a. Spaceflight factors were simulated by way of gamma-irradiation at 10 Gy and 50 Gy by a cobalt unit, and centrifugation of samples at 10 g and 50 g. Cultivation of the strains-producers during the SFF simulation yielded HuIFN-alpha proteins with altered functional characteristics. Following exposure to simulated SFF, strains-producers expressed HuIFN-alpha that preserved a high titre of antiviral activity (AVA) but suppressed the antiproliferative activity (APA) inferring some structural/functional shifts in the HuIFN-alpha molecule due to, presumably, mutations in the active center responsible for APA. Determination of species specificity of the HuIFN-alpha recombinant proteins following exposure to SFF revealed dissociation of cross-AVA in homologous and heterologous cell cultures which can be also attributed to the structural/functional shifts in the HuIFN-alpha molecule. These changes can be localized in the receptor cluster of molecule or consequent to modification of the center defining HuIFN-alpha species specificity. The proposed simulation system allows fixation of shifts in the HuIFN-alpha structural/functional characteristics and investigations of the stability of eucaryotic genes in long-term space flights.

[Changes in productivity of plant cells as result of cultivation under the space flight conditions]. / Izmenenie produktivnosti kletok rastenii pri kul'tivirovanii v kosmicheskikh usloviiakh.

Effects of space flight on growth and biosynthetic features of plant cells were studied in two strains of ginseng (Panax ginseng) differing in growth and particularly biosynthetic activities, a strain of Lithospermum Erythrorhizon and a strain of Macrotomia Euchroma which produce biologically active naphroquin-derived pigments. --and also differ in growth and biosynthetic properties. Following exposure aboard MIR and a Space shuttle, cells of the callosal cultures were subjected to callosal or suspension passaging. Biomass yield and biologically active substances--ginseng saponins ginsenoids and shikonin were determined in the cells cultures. There was no evidence for the biomass yield to be significantly altered by space flight; however, the content of biologically active substances was materially changed with the strain.

[Use of laser flow-type fluorescence aerosol particle counter to evaluate the concentration of microbes in the surface air under high dust content]. / Primenenie lazernogo protochno-fliuorestsentnogo schetchika chastits aérozolei dlia otsenki schetnoi i massovoi kontsentratsii mikrorganizmov v prizemnom sloe vozdukha v usloviiakh vysokoi zapylennosti.

The paper deals with the use of a laser flow-type fluorescence aerosol particle counter to evaluate the concentrations of microbes in the surface air under high dust content. Various circuits of flow-type optic aerosol recorders are analyzed. Flow spectral luminescence analysis of some particles flow while exciting the fourth harmonics of a pulse laser on yttrium-aluminium garnet with neodymium by ultraviolet radiation is shown to be the most optimum method for indication of individual aerosol particles. Experiments were conducted on the authors' model of a pilot plant based on this method. The model of a laser flow-type optic analyzer was developed for experimental studies that give a clear display of biological aerosols in complex aerosols. The laser flow-type analyzer-based unit developed may provide a fluorescence signal of aerosol particles in the flow of a sample and that light diffusion signal from them at an exciting light wavelength of 266 nm. Experiments with BVC aerosols and soil dust particles were conducted in different regions of Russia. They showed it possible to detect and to rapidly calculate soil microorganisms by laser flow-type fluorescence assay of individual particles when excited by ultraviolet radiation.

[Transmission and exchange of genetic information during bacterial conjugation in ground-based simulations of the factors of orbital flight]. / Peredacha i obmen geneticheskogo materiala pri bakterial'noi kon"iugatsii v nazemnykh éksperimentakh, imitiruiushikh usloviia orbital'nogo poleta.

Control laboratory experiments on bacterial conjugation under simulated spaceflight conditions were performed with the use of new equipment (bioreactor RECOMB-2 and container BIOMAGNISTAT) within the RSA-NASA science program. External parameters were selected and the plan of simulation of a space experiment was verified to ensure high efficiency of the conjugative transfer of chromosomal and plasmid DNA and storage of hybrids on the ground. Genetic analysis of conjugative hybrids E. coli supported the hypothesized possibility of transfer of a whole bacterial chromosome during conjugation that will lead to relative stabilization of the diploid state. Earlier this hypothesis was used to interpret results of experiments performed on MIR in 1992-1993. Hence, the ground laboratory investigations proved the conclusion about high probability of transfer of large fragments or even a whole chromosome during space flight. Screening of the geomagnetic field by BIOMAGNISTAT increases the probability of conjugative contacts between cells and is likely to slightly inhibit the processes of recombination.

[Development of approaches to studying the structural and functional organization of protein molecules aboard the International space station]. / Razrabotka podkhodov dlia izucheniia strukturno-funktsional'noi organizatsii belkovykh molekul na Mezhdunarodnoi kosmicheskoi stantsii.

To solve the problems of biological safety of the cosmonaut on long-duration space mission and prediction of changes in macroorganism as a whole and constituting protein molecules under these conditions, it is important to study the influence of spaceflight factors (SFF) on microorganisms-carriers of modeled structures, protein molecules and pro- and eukaryotic genes in particular. Within the framework of scientific cooperation NAUKA-NASA, the authors proposed a model system of prokaryotic producers of pro- and eukaryotic proteins--staphylococcus alpha-toxin (SAT)--as a key protein in pathogenesis of staphylococcal infections, and human leukocytic interferon (HuIFN-alpha) as one of the homeostasis regulating proteins with well-studied structural and functional properties. Recombinant strains of E. coli with either a single or duplicated HuIFN-alpha 2b gene or other genes of the HuIFN-alpha family: HuIFN-alpha 8a, HuIFN-alpha 10a and HuIFN-alpha 14a were selected as producers of SAT and HuIFN-alpha. This biotechnologic system allows imitation and assessment of the SFF mutagenic effect both at the levels of genome of strain-carrier and gene-insertion and expressed CAT and HuIFN-alpha molecules including transcription, translation, assembly and post-translatory modifications of the target-protein. The developed methodology allows determination of highly mutable and conservative regions in the primary structure of a hypothetical protein associated with its functional activity, prediction of specific amino acid substitutes in these regions, and comparison of test calculations with a pool of natural mutations in the family of proteins under study. The structural/functional analysis of proteins and HuIFN-alpha genes made it possible to isolate and systematize functionally significant areas in the structure of hypothetical protein HuUFN-alpha, on the basis of which the most probable amino acid substitutions were prognosticated. This will present a possibility to identify expectable mutation events in HuIFN-alpha proteins, which so far have not been found in natural genes of the human interferon. Comparison of results of SFF modeling and space experiments aboard the International Space Station with monitoring of HuIFN-alpha mutant forms will help estimation of the extent of influence of the spaceflight factors on evolution of protein molecules.

[Some bioengineering and hygienic aspects of incorporating sodium light illuminators into space life support systems]. / Nekotorye biotekhnologicheskie i gigienicheskie aspekty primeneniia natrievykh svetovykh obluchatelei v kosmicheskikh sistemakh zhizneobespecheniia.

Some bioengineering aspects of utilizating high-pressure sodium lamps (HPSL) in space plant growth chambers are reviewed. Comparative feasibility analysis of various lighting systems currently used in plant industry, and investigation of HPSL limitations and advantages allow the conclusion about their good prospect as a component of future plant growth facilities aboard long-term space bioengineering life support systems. High appraisal is given to the design of a board prototype of the DnaTSf-70 sodium lamp. Associated sanitary-hygienic regulations developed, HPSL are liable to be also used to lighten the spacecraft interior.

[Biological safety problems on the brink of the 21st century]. / Problemy biologicheskoi bezopasnosti na poroge XXI veka.

The review deals with the prospects of development of means of bioindication, one of the key elements in the country's biological safety system. The level of their development is determined by the state-of-the-art of methodology and techniques for detection of ultralow concentrations of biomolecular markers and by the advances in bioengineering and molecular diagnosis. In the authors' opinion, great progress should be soon obvious in the design of specific indication means (biosensor devices and systems for multicomponent analysis due to the use of laser sources of stimulation and new long-luminescent markers (chelates of lanthanoids and metallic porphyrins) for the homogeneous and non-dissociative schemes of solid-phase analysis. This review is followed by the collected subject-matter papers of the scientists of the State Research Institute of Biological Instrument-Making Industry who have been actively engaged in the design of bioindication technical facilities.

[Endogenous regulatory peptides, interferons and cytokines as adaptogens in exposure of the body to adverse environmental factors]. / Endogennye reguliatornye peptidy, interferony i tsitokiny kak adaptogeny pri vozdeistvii na organizm neblagopriiatnykh faktorov vneshnei sredy.

The authors summarize data on the efficacy of various prefabricated recombinant interferons against virus, bacterial, and chlamydial infections, and in unfavorable environments. The spaceflight factors were shown to have a negative influence on natural killers in the human body providing the immunological resistance and defence not only from foreign microorganisms but also the body cells transformed because of a virus infection or malignancy. Entalferon awakes a particular interest for its convenience in extreme conditions, space flight included. It is still an open issue whether the interferon sensitivity of natural killers is compromised by space flight. This trend of investigation seems to be of paramount importance and promise in the context of enhancing the antiviral, antimicrobic and antineoplastic immunity of cosmonauts.

[Study of antiinfectious potential of recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha]. / Izucheniie antiinfekstionnogo potentiala rekombinantnogo faktora nekroza opukholi alpha.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) was shown to have an antiinfectious effect on murine and rat models of viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. The effective antiinfectious dose of TNF was determined to be 10(2)-10(3) U/kg body weight. TNF, interferon, and antibiotics were demonstrated to potentiate the antibacterial effect of each. Clinical trials of TNF in the treatment of slowly progressive, latent, and chronic infections and in the emergency prevention of acute infections are advisable.

[Anti-Trichomonas activity of metronidazole in the presence of immunobiological preparations]. / Protivotrikhomonadnaia aktivnost' metronidazola v prisutstvii immunobiologicheskikh preparatov.

The minimal doses of metronidazole, capable of the irreversible immobilization of Trichomonas in the presence of one antiprotozoan preparation and after the addition of recombinant tumor necrosis factor (TNF), recombinant gamma-interferon and complex immunoglobulin preparation (CIP) into the culture medium, were determined on 4 T.vaginalis isolates, obtained on day 2 after the inoculation of material from the mucous membrane of the urogenital organs of patients (incubation at 37 degrees C). After 12-hour incubation of Trichomonas with immunobiological preparations their sensitivity to metronidazole increased 2-fold. After the simultaneous introduction of TNF, gamma-interferon and CIP into the culture medium, the sensitivity of Trichomonas to the action of metronidazole increased 5- to 7-fold. The introduction of an additional dose of TNF into the culture medium, but without CIP led to the preservation of the motility in a small number of these microorganisms. The use of human albumin instead of CIP at the same concentration (15 g/l) in the presence of TNF and gamma-interferon ensured the complete immobilization of Trichomonas in all isolates.

[Use of recombinant alpha2-interferon and a complex immunoglobulin preparation for the treatment of chlamydiosis in pregnancy women]. / Primenenie rekombinantnogo alpha2-interferona i kompleksnogo immunoglobulinovogo preparata pri lechenii khlamidioza u beremennykh.

The comparative study of the efficiency of using erythromycin and the combination of recombinant alpha 2-interferon with complex immunoglobulin preparation (CTP) for the treatment of chlamydiosis in pregnant women was made. 31 patients (group 1) received erythromycin orally in doses of 500 mg twice a day for 15-14 days. 30 other pregnant women were prescribed vaginal suppositories containing 300 mg. Of CTP, 2.0 x 10(6) I.U. of recombinant alpha 2-interferon and the intravaginal application of 15(2)-30 ml of solution containing the analogous amount of CTP and recombinant alpha 2-interferon. Immediately after treatment 7 patients with clinical signs of chlamydiosis were found in group 1 and 3 such patients, in group 2. In the pregnant women of group 1 the laboratory confirmation of chlamydial infection after treatment occurred 5.8 times more frequently than in the patients of group 2. In 7 women of group 1 vaginal candidiasis was diagnosed after treatment. In no case any side effects resulting from the proposed treatment were observed. Pathology caused by chlamydiae was shown to be absent in newborns and in parturient women who had received complex treatment for chlamydiosis.

[A comparative study of the information value of the immunofluorescence and immunochromatographic identification of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in smear material from the cervical canal and of the cytological picture of a vaginal discharge in pregnant women]. / Sravnitel'noe izuchenie informativnosti immunofliuorestsentnoi i immunokhromatograficheskoi identifikatsii antigenov Chlamydia trachomatis v soskobnom materiale iz tservikal'nogo kanala i tsitologicheskoi kartiny vaginal'nogo otdeliaemogo u beremennykh.

The cytological picture of the vaginal discharge and scrape material, obtained from 30 pregnant women of the control group (not infected with C.trachomatis) and 61 pregnant women with chlamydiosis; of these, in 42 women the comparative identification of chlamydiae by the methods of direct immunofluorescence and immunochromatography was carried out. Direct immunofluorescence was carried out with the use of a set of reagents "MicroTrak" (USA) and immunochromatographic identification was made with the use of a set of reagents "Clearview Chlamydia" (Britain). The comparison of the results of immunochromatography and direct immunofluorescence revealed that the sensitivity of the set "Clearview Chlamydia" was 100.0% in comparison with the data obtained in the examination of women with the use of the set "MicroTrak". The negative results coincided in 90.1% of cases. The common features of the cytological picture of vaginal samples taken from pregnant women were established. The optimum system of the examination of pregnant women suspected for chlamydiosis, as well as for the evaluation of the effectiveness of its treatment, was proposed.

[A highly sensitive, homogeneous method for determining antibodies and antigens by using liposomes, monoclonal antibodies and complement]. / Vysokochuvstvitel'nyi, gomogennyi metod opredeleniia antital i antigenov s pomoshch'iu liposom, monoklonal'nykh antitel i komplementa.

A simple and sensitive method for the determination of Francisella tularensis antigen and antibodies to this antigen by means of the complement lysis of liposomes sensitized with F. tularensis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is proposed. The possibility of participation of monoclonal antibodies (McAb) in the complement-dependent lysis of liposomes has been studied. The method permits the detection of 50-100 ng/ml of soluble LPS antigen in the presence of antiserum or McAb IgG F-B11-x and of 50-10 ng/ml of it in the presence of IgG F-B11-x and anti-IgG within 90 minutes.

[The use of solid-phase liposomal immunoassay for determining a bacterial antigen of lipopolysaccharide nature]. / Ispol'zovanie tverdofaznogo liposomal'nogo immunoanaliza dlia opredeleniia bakterial'nogo antigena lipopolisakharidnoi prirody.

The solid-phase liposomal immunoassay procedure for the determination of Francisella tularensis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been developed. This assay has been made with the use of monolayer liposomes, on the average, 360 nm in diameter with their phospholipid bilayer modified with F. tularensis LPS and their internal space filled with calcein used as fluorescent marker. The assay is based on the principle of the competitive immunosorption of liposomes and antigenic LPS on the surface of polystyrene plates sensitized with specific monoclonal antibodies. The dynamic range of the method is 50-2,500 mg/ml, the variation index being 2.3-11.5%. Optimization of this method and its comparison with the enzyme immunoassay system for the given antigen-antibody pair has been made.

[The results of clinical trials and the prospects of using the Soviet preparation of human recombinant interferon alpha-2 (reaferon) in medical practice]. / Rezul'taty klinicheskikh ispytanii i perspektivy primeneniia v meditsinskoi praktike otechestvennogo rekombinantnogo preparata chelovecheskogo interferona al'fa-2 (reaferona).

The results of the clinical trials of human recombinant interferon alpha-2 (reaferon) make it possible to come to the conclusion that the preparation is well-tolerated and produces a pronounced therapeutic effect in a number of viral and oncological diseases. The Pharmacological Committee of the USSR has recommended reaferon for use in acute hepatitis B, hairy cell leukemia, renal cancer at stage IV, disseminated sclerosis, ocular herpes. The use of reaferon has been found to be promising in the treatment of papillomatosis of the larynx, Kaposi's sarcoma, mycosis fungoides, chronic myeloleukemia.

[Experimental (preclinical) study of genetically engineered human interferon based on recombinant clones of E. coli 74 and Pseudomonas Sp VG-84]. / Eksperimental'noe (doklinicheskoe) izuchenie genno-inzhenernogo chelovecheskogo interferona, poluchennogo na osnove rekombinantnykh klonov E. coli 74 i Pseudomonas Sp VG-84.

The results of the experimental (preclinical) study of interferon alpha2 from Pseudomonas sp VG-84 obtained from the All-Union Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms in comparison with the preparations of interferon alpha2 from E. coli 74 and natural human interferon (obtained from the Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology) are presented. Interferon alpha2 from Pseudomonas, a highly purified preparation, has been shown to possess pronounced biological activity (antiviral and antiproliferative) in the culture of human cells. The medicinal form of the preparation has proved to be completely safe and areactive for animals, which makes it possible to recommend the preparation for testing on volunteers.