[Outpatient treatment and quality of life of patients with interstitial cystitis and Hunners lesion: cohort cross-sectional study].

AIM: To assess the quality of life of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and to study effective options used to control symptoms on outpatient basis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of a descriptive prospective cross-sectional cohort study are presented. The medical charts of patients who were treated in the City Clinical Hospital named after Spasokukotsky from 2021 to 2023 were analyzed. Eighty inpatient medical charts of various patients with a final diagnosis of IC with Hunner's lesion were identified. Only 53 patients were interviewed due to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Respondents were asked to complete a survey consisting of 15 questions. The survey was carried out online for patients who did not require surgical treatment at the time of the study, and offline for patients admitted for repeated surgical treatment. RESULTS: The average age of respondents was 59.011.1 years. 58% (31) of patients noted the presence of constant pain in the pelvic area during the day, while 85% (45) of patients reported pain outside the bladder area, in the urethra and perineum. The intensity of pain in the pelvic area was 4.9 (2.3-5.6) points. Higher pain scores 6.24 (5.8-9.0) were observed in 47% (25) of patients admitted for repeat surgical treatment. 62% (33) of patients had a titer of bacteria in a urine test above 104, while 51% (27) of patients experienced relief of symptoms after taking antibacterial drugs. For the treatment and symptomatic relief, the following are most often used: pentosan sodium polysulfate (26%, n=14), antibacterial drugs of the nitrofuran group (25%, n=13), amitriptyline (15%, n=8), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (11%, n=6) patients. 23% (12) of respondents received intravesical therapy. The time from the onset of symptoms to the final diagnosis was 48 (24-96) months. CONCLUSIONS: Although infection is a criterion for excluding the diagnosis of IC, more than 62% of patients have positive urine culture. The results obtained indicate the need to improve existing approaches to the diagnosis of IC, as well as to develop treatment algorithms for painful bladder syndrome to control symptoms.

[Clinical features, diagnostics and treatment of FGF23 secreting tumors: series of 40 clinical cases].

INTRODUCTION: Tumor-induced osteomalacia is an acquired rare disease manifested by hypophosphatemic osteomalacia due to excessive secretion of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). FGF 23 is a non-classical hormone secreted by bone tissue (osteocytes) and regulates phosphorus metabolism.The aim of this work is to present clinical experience in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 patients with clinically-confirmed tumor-induced osteomalacia were included in the study, 34 of whom had the tumor localized, 27 underwent surgical treatment and 21 achieved stable remission. RESULTS: The median age was 48 [41; 63] years, 43% were men, the time left from the the onset of the disease was 8 [4; 10] years. Biochemical findings were hypophosphatemia 0.47 [0.4; 0.53] mmol/l, a decrease in the tubular reabsorption phosphate 62 [52; 67]%, and an increase in alkaline phosphatase of 183 [112; 294] units/l. At the time of diagnosis, 100% had multiple pathological fractures, only 10% could move independently, and 77.5% classified the pain as unbearable (8-10 points according to the 10-point pain syndrome scale ). Among the methods used to detect tumors, the most sensitive were scintigraphy with tectrotide with SPECT/CT 71.4% (20/28) and MRI 90% (18/20). In 35% of cases, the tumor was localized in soft tissues and in 65% in bone tissue; The tumor was most often detected in the lower extremities, followed by the head in frequency of localization. 18 patients currently have no remission and they receive conservative treatment (phosphorus and alfacalcidol n=15 and burosumab n=3). In case of achieving remission (n=21), regression of clinical symptoms and restoration of bone and muscle mass was observed. Extensive excision of the tumor without prior biopsy resulted in the best percentage of remission - 87%. CONCLUSION: Tumor-induced osteomalacia is characterized by severe damage to bone and muscle tissue with the development of multiple fractures, muscle weakness and severe pain syndrome. In laboratory diagnostics, attention should be paid to hypophosphatemia, a decrease in the tubular reabsorption phosphate index and increased alkaline phosphatase. The use of functional diagnostic methods with a labeled somatostatin analogue to the subtype 2 receptor and MRI with contrast enhancement are the most accurate methods of topical diagnostics. In case of localization of the tumor, a wide excision without a preliminary biopsy is recommended.

Condition of the Right Heart in Patients With COVID-19­Associated Pneumonia: Follow-Up During Hospitalization.

Aim      Dynamic assessment of the right heart in patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia of different severity during regression of the systemic inflammatory response (SIR).Material an methods    This single-center prospective study included 46 patients with the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 and viral pneumonia according to chest multispiral computed tomography (CT). Laboratory and echocardiographic examinations of patients were performed.Results Based on the results of evaluation with the Clinical Condition Scale (CCS-COVID), patients were divided into two groups: group A, patients with a score from 6 to 9 and group B, patients with a score from 10 to 14. The study results of both groups were evaluated twice: on day 10±2.5 from the onset of symptoms (groups A10 and B10, respectively) and again on day 17±1.8 (groups A17 and B17, respectively). Patients of group B10 had more pronounced SIR (C-reactive protein, 111.38±52.5 mg / l) and a larger volume of ground-glass opacity (38.3±9.6 %). At the first stage, higher values of right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) were detected in group B10 compared to group A10 (23.2±4.8 % vs. 19.9±3.5 %, р=0.048). During the regression of SIR intensity and the positive dynamics of CT, lower values of Е / А were observed in group B17 (1.0 [0.98; 1.2]) vs. group А17 (1.4 [1.18; 1.5, p=0.015), and е' / a' in group B17 (0.66 [0.58; 0.85]) vs. 0.95 [0.79; 1.12] in group B17 (p=0.010). Е / А and е' / a' ratios were correlated with total lactate dehydrogenase fraction (r= -0.452 and p=0.006; r= -0.334 and p=0.050, respectively).Conclusion      In patients with severe COVID-19-associated pneumonia during regression of SIR intensity, changes in the parameters that reflected RV diastolic dysfunction were observed.

[STATUS FOR A FEMALE DOCTOR IN MODERN UROLOGY. THE RESULTS OF A WOMEN UROLOGISTS SURVEY IN RUSSIA].

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the role of women in medicine, particularly in surgical practice, has increasingly become a subject for discussion. Traditionally, male doctors have dominated in surgical specialties, especially in urology. Slow rhythm of changes in the structure of the specialty remains the problem relevant, despite the optimistic perspectives of the world urological community gender heterogeneity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have conducted an anonymous survey. Respondents were asked to complete a survey, which included questions from the survey of the European Association of Urology. The sample included 63 women, who were divided into two groups. RESULTS: Despite the opinion of both groups about the lack of a separation into «female¼ and «male¼ specialties, there are concerns about a conflict with stereotypes and ideas about the impossibility of women working in a surgical specialty. Respondents of both groups had more than 70% assurance that in order to achieve professional success, a female surgeon needs more efforts than a male surgeon. In the question of the future status after 10 years, the student population in more than 60% noted the option «operating urologist¼ and less than 10% of respondents chose the «researcher¼. At the same time, the ratio among female-doctors has 41 and 33%, respectively. Among female students, in most cases, indicated the lack of such a dilemma (family/career). Female doctors have a ratio of 50:50, respectively. In the question about pay, more than 75% of respondents were confident about receiving equal pay, similar to male doctors. CONCLUSION: The increasing number of female urologists across the world is a nowadays reality. Rejection of existing stereotypes, elements of gender discrimination from colleagues and patients, mentoring, awareness-building - will help attract young female doctors to the urological specialty. These aspects will be the first step in changing of the current urology.

The Quest to Identify a New Virus Disease of Sunflower from Nebraska.

Between 2010 and 2018, sunflower plants exhibiting virus-like symptoms, including stunting, mottling, and chlorotic ringspots on leaves, were observed from commercial fields and research plots from four sites within three distinct counties of western Nebraska (Box Butte, Kimball, and Scotts Bluff). Near identical symptoms from field samples were reproduced on seedlings mechanically in the greenhouse on multiple occasions, confirming the presence of a sap-transmissible virus from each site. Symptomatic greenhouse-inoculated plants from the 2010 and 2011 Box Butte samples tested negative for sunflower mosaic virus (SuMV), sunflower chlorotic mottle virus (SuCMoV), and all potyviruses in general by ELISA and RT-PCR. Similar viral-like symptoms were later observed on plants in a commercial sunflower field in Kimball County in 2014, and again from volunteers in research plots in Scotts Bluff County in 2018. Samples from both of these years were again successfully reproduced on seedlings in the greenhouse as before following mechanical transmissions. Symptom expression for all years began 12 to 14 days after inoculation as mild yellow spots followed by the formation of chlorotic ringspots from the mottled pattern. The culture from 2014 tested negatively for three groups of nepoviruses via RT-PCR, ruling this group out. However, transmission electron microscopy assays of greenhouse-infected plants from both 2014 and 2018 revealed the presence of distinct, polyhedral virus particles. With the use of high throughput sequencing and RT-PCR, it was confirmed that the infections from both years were caused by a new virus in the tombusvirus genus and was proposed to be called Sunflower ring spot mottle virus (SuRSMV). Although the major objective of this project was to identify the causal agent of the disease, it became evident that the diagnostic journey itself, with all the barriers encountered on the 10-year trek, was actually more important and impactful than identification.

[Protective properties of urothelium and possibilities of targeted pathogenetic therapy of chronic pelvic pain: sodium pentosan polysulfate].

The review article is devoted to the possibilities of using targeted therapy for urothelial diseases, namely painful bladder syndrome (BPS). The protective structural components of the bladder mucosa, as well as their chemical features, are described in detail. Pentosanpolysulfate (PPS), being an oral heparinoid, can be used as part of pathogenetic therapy to restore the mucous membrane of the bladder. The efficacy and safety of this drug has been proven by us in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. An additional assessment of the effectiveness and safety of the use of PPS in BPS was confirmed as part of our systematic review and meta-analysis. Thus, PPS is a pathogenetically sound tool in the treatment of patients with painful bladder syndrome.

[The laboratory biochemical markers of severity of trauma in acute period after multiple fractures of bones of extremities].

The article presents results of studying alterations of biochemical indices of blood serum in 47 patients of both genders with multiple fractures of bones of lower extremities occurred in period up to 5 days after trauma. All examined patients were allocated in 5 groups: group I (n=10, average age 41±9 years) - patients received during 24 hours after trauma; group II (n=10, average age 42±7 years) - patients received during 24-48 hours after trauma; group III (n=10, average age 42±6 years) - patients received after 72-96 hours after trauma; group IV (n=8, average age 43±6years) - patients received 72-96 hours after trauma; group V (n=9 average age 39±8 years) - patients received after 96-120 hours after trauma. It is established that in examined patients the higher level of lactate (rate 0.745) and increased activity of aspartate aminotransferase (rate 0.553) are established most often. The high rate of increasing of activity of creatinine phosphatase was marked. The reliable correlation dependence on treatment period had three indices: total creatinine kinase, r=-0.534 (p=0.03); total protein, r=-0.477 (p=0.02) and lactate, r=0.406 (p=0.04). It was established also that average periods of treatment of received patients with both increased activity of total creatine kinase and level of lactate or decreased level of total protein, were reliably higher than average periods of treatment of patients with normal indices at the moment of reception into hospital. These three indices can be included into listing of tests for evaluation of trauma severity in patients with multiple fractures of bones of lower extremities with possibility of application of these tests as additional criteria of monitoring under management of patients in post-traumatic period.

[DIRECTIONALITY OF THE BIOLOGICAL EFFECT OF DRINKING WATER].

There have been performed the studies of the dimensional parameters of peroxide associates in drinking water, per- forming regulatory functions in cellular metabolism, that determine the character of the biological response of the human body to drinking water The direction of action of peroxide associates type Σ [(HO2-(*) ... OH-(*) (H2O) tp)]q, (where (H2O) tp is an associate with the tetragonal structure (Walrafen pentamer Is ice VI), q is the degree of association p--parameter of ion coordination) on the cellular structures of the organism is associated with their quantum properties, determining the macroscopic parameters of the electron wave packets. Research has confirmed the addressness of the nonlocal entering electron to certain cellular structures of the body, which is determined by the structural similarity of centers of condensation of electrons in the cells of systems and organs of the body with the parameters of the electron wave packets in the associates. Methodology for the estimation of the orientation of biological effect of the drinking water to the systems of the body on the base of the analysis of variations in heart rhythm under non-contact influence of water on the human body and its relationship with the dimensional parameters and peroxide activity of associates in drinking water can be suggested for the implementation of screening tests for drinking water quality, taking into account both the individualfeatures of responses of body systems to drinking water and its group action.

[RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PREVALENCE OF CHRONIC NONINFECTIOUS DISEASES AND ELECTROPHYSICAL STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT].

In the paper there is evaluated the relationship of features of electronic state of the environment with a level of chronic, noninfectious diseases (CNID) in the regions of Russia, obtained on the basis of the monitoring measurements of the intensity of natural background electronic Bose condensate (BEBC) of natural ecosystems in a number of Russian regions and seas of the Arctic Ocean. The assessment of BEBC was implemented on results of measurements of redox state of distilled water being in the contact with natural water. The equilibrium redox state of distilled water, determined by the influx of electrons (quantum reduction) outside, is proportional to the intensity of BEBC. The obtained data attest to an increase in the intensity of the background of EBC in Siberia regions and, especially, within the limits ofwaters of Lake Baikal (the redox potential of the surface water in the lake ~ -70mV). Also there is observed a strong dependence of the background EBC in the latitudinal direction. Low levels of background EBC were noted in the Arkhangelsk region and the north-eastern Chukotka. Functioning of international systems of plasma sounding of ionosphere (such systems as HAARP) were established to have a detrimental effect on the background EBC in these regions. According to the results of measurements of the relative values of intensities of natural background of Bose condensate of electrons there was constructed the dependence reflecting the relationship of the prevalence of noninfectious diseases in the regions of Russia with the redox state of distilled water which can be characterized as a significant (regression coefficient R2 = 0.78). The relationship between noninfectious diseases (NID, %) with the intensity of the background of EBC (Ib rel. units) is estimated by the equation: NID [%] = 0.24Eh [mV]-25, where Eh ~ I/Ib. Numerical evaluations show that an increase in the biosphere redox potential of water by 90mV leads to an increase of the primary incidence by 20% (relatively to the average values for Russia). Analysis of results attests to the relationship of CNID with the electrophysical state of the environment that allows from different positions to arrive to true causes of their emergence, associated with changes in the electrophysical conditions of habitation and human activities that lead to the nascency of cellular metabolic disturbances.

[The laboratory evaluation of pathogenic factors under retarded consolidation of fractures of bones of lower extremities].

The study was carried out to comparatively analyze metabolic profile and content of growth factors in blood serum of patients with retarded consolidation of fractures of bones of lower extremities. The evaluation was applied to concentration of metabolites, growth factors and enzyme activity of blood serum in 13 patients with retarded consolidation of fractures of thigh and shank bones (main group). The comparative group included 14 patients with solid fractures of thigh and shank bones. The analysis established that as compared to patients with solid fractures of bones, in patients with retarded consolidation of fractures blood serum contained reliably higher concentration of triglycerides, products of glycolysis, epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factors TGF-α and TGF-ß2. The content of vitamin E and insullin-like growth factor (IGF-1) was decreased The given markers can be labeled as potential markers of diagnostic and prognosis of development of retarded consolidation of fractures.

[Cell therapy of critical lower limb ischemia (problems and prospects)].

Critical limb ischemia is a syndrome that combines several peripheral artery diseases with different ethiology and pathogenesis but with similar prognosis, high morbidity and mortality. Possibility of surgical and conservative treatment of critical limb ischemia almost completely exhausted. Some hopes have arisen due to progress in cell technology. The article provides a critical analysis of pathogenic prerequisites of stem/progenitor cells for the treatment of patients with a critical limb ischemia in detail the basic results of preclinical and clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of cell technology. Unsolved problems and prospects of practical application are also discussed.

First Report of Recombinant Potato virus Y Strains in Potato in Jalisco, Mexico.

Potato virus Y (PVY) is a serious problem for potato production worldwide. The virus reduces both tuber yield and quality, and recent spread of recombinant strains of PVY in potato production areas is largely credited with the spread of potato tuber necrotic ringspot disease (PTNRD) (1). In Mexico, recombinant strains of PVY were reported in at least two states, Chihuahua (4) and the State of Mexico (3); however, no surveys have been conducted in other potato-producing areas, and the spectrum of PVY isolates circulating in the country has remained uncharacterized. In October 2011, a small-scale survey of seed potato was conducted in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, to identify PVY isolates present in fields. Twelve seed potato fields were inspected visually. These represented various generations of seed potato, from nuclear to G2. Leaf samples were collected from plants displaying mosaic, crinkling, and yellowing symptoms, and were tested for PVY. Fifty samples were collected from cultivars Fabula, Mondial, Fianna, Gigant, Caesar, and Adora. Of the 50 leaf samples collected, seven were PVY-positive using the Immuno-strip Kit (Agdia, Elkhart, IN), and six of these were determined to have a N-serotype according to the typing by the Pocket Diagnostics lateral flow kit (Forsite Diagnostics, Ltd., York, UK). PVY-positive samples came from cultivars Fabula (2 with N serotype), Mondial (4 with N serotype), and Fianna (1 with O serotype). Extracts of the seven PVY-positive leaf samples were applied to Whatman FTA cards (Sigma, St. Louis, MO), dried, and transported to the Plant Virology Laboratory at the University of Idaho for further characterization. All samples immobilized on FTA cards were subjected to RNA extraction and standard reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR typing using a set of PVY-specific primers (2) to determine the strain type. All PVY isolates were recombinant. The six N-serotype samples were found to contain recombinant PVYNTN isolates and produced characteristic bands of 181 and 452 bp in RT-PCR, which indicated the presence of two recombination junctions in the HC-Pro/P3 and VPg regions typical of European PVYNTN isolates. The one O-serotype sample was identified as a recombinant PVYN-Wi/N:O isolate, and produced 181 and 689 bp bands in RT-PCR, which indicated the presence of one recombination junction in the HC-Pro/P3 region. Sequence analysis of RT-PCR products amplified from five samples with N serotype identified them as PVYNTN isolates, and from the one with O serotype identified it as PVYN-Wi/N:O isolate. Sequence comparisons confirmed that N serotype samples contained PVY isolates most closely related to typical PVYNTN sequences (Accession No. EF026075), while the O serotype sample contained the PVY isolate most closely related to PVYN-Wi from Europe (HE608963). The data obtained suggest the presence of two different types of PVY recombinants, PVYNTN and PVYN-Wi, in seed potato in Jalisco. Additional surveillance for these recombinant isolates may be needed, as well as a survey of their effects on tuber quality in production areas. This is the first report of recombinant isolates of PVY often associated with PTNRD circulating in seed potato in Jalisco, Mexico. References: (1) S. M. Gray et al. Plant Dis. 94:1384, 2010. (2) J. H. Lorenzen et al. Plant Dis. 90:935, 2006. (3) V. R. Ramirez-Rodriguez et al. Virol. J. 6:48, 2009. (4) L. Robles-Hernandez et al. Plant Dis. 94:1262, 2010.

First Report of Grapevine fleck virus in Idaho Grapevines.

Idaho has a growing viticulture industry, with nearly 1,600 acres of wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L.). Production is largely concentrated in two locations, the Snake River valley, which includes Canyon County in the southwest, and the Clearwater River valley, primarily Nez Perce County in the northwest. Grapevine fleck virus (GFkV) belongs to the genus Maculavirus, family Tymoviridae, comprising positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses with ca. 7.6-kb genome (3). It is one of five non-mechanically transmitted viruses associated with the fleck disease complex and has been previously documented to occur in the neighboring state of Washington (2). Main sources of wine grape nursery material imported to Idaho reside in Washington or in California, and it is important to monitor virus status of the planting material brought to the state. However, no information was available on the occurrence and prevalence of GFkV in wine grapes in Idaho. During three growing seasons in 2009 through 2011, random grapevine samples were collected in 14 vineyards in Canyon, Elmore, Ada, and Nez Perce counties. A total of 434 samples were tested by one step RT-PCR using GFkV-specific primers, GFkVf: 5'-TGACCAGCCTGCTGTCTCTA-3' and GFkVr: 5'-TGGACAGGGAGGTGTAGGAG-3' designed to amplify a fragment of the GFkV capsid protein gene (1). Twenty-four samples tested positive for GFkV by RT-PCR and produced the expected 179-bp DNA fragment. These samples came from five vineyards sampled across all surveyed counties, and represented seven wine grape cultivars, including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Lemberger, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and one unknown table grape cultivar. Twelve PCR products were cloned into the pGEM-T Easy plasmid vector (Promega), sequenced (numbered ID1 to 12, available upon request), and confirmed to represent fragments of the GFkV CP gene between positions 6,453 and 6,631 in the genome of GFkV isolate MT48 (GenBank Accession No. AJ309022.1). Eight of the Idaho GFkV sequences (ID2, ID3, ID7 to 11, and ID12) matched closely with other GFkV sequences from Washington State, Italy, India, and South America, showing 97 to 99% identity at the nucleotide level in pair-wise comparisons. Four GFkV sequences from Idaho (ID1 and ID4 to 6) showed only modest (90 to 92%) identity in pair-wise comparisons with GFkV sequences available in GenBank. Consequently, in phylogenetic reconstructions eight Idaho GFkV sequences clustered in the same lineage with the six GFkV sequences deposited in GenBank, and four other GFkV sequences were placed outside of this main clade. It is possible that this phylogeny of the Idaho GFkV reflects different sources of the virus-infected planting material brought to the state. In the absence of symptoms expressed in wine grape cultivars infected with GFkV, laboratory methods remain the only tool to detect the virus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of GFkV found in wine grapes in Idaho demonstrating its substantial presence in production areas. References: (1) G. Gambino and I. Gribaudo. Phytopathology 96:1223, 2006. (2) R. A. Naidu et al. Plant Dis. 94:784, 2010. (3) S. Sabanadzovic et al. J. Gen. Virol. 82:2009, 2001.

First Report of Beet severe curly top virus in Jalapeño Pepper in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Curly top is a serious problem in many irrigated crops in the semiarid areas in the western United States. The disease is caused by a complex of leafhopper-transmitted curtoviruses, one of which, Beet mild curly top virus (BMCTV), was previously found in chili pepper in Zacatecas and Aguascalientes, Mexico (3). During the past few years, sporadic symptoms similar to curly top disease were observed in jalapeño pepper in the south-central area of Chihuahua State. Symptomatic plants were scattered in otherwise healthy looking pepper stands and displayed stunting and yellowing. Affected leaves were brittle, showed upward curling, and a distinct green vein pattern with interveinal yellowing. In June and August of 2010, field surveys were conducted in Cordillera-Escuadra, Meoqui-Estacion Consuelo, Meoqui-Lomas del Consuelo, and Delicias-Presa Francisco I Madero. Ninety-four leaf samples were collected from symptomatic jalapeño pepper plants and subjected to ELISA and PCR testing for curly top. Of the 94 samples, 11 were found to be positive by triple-antibody sandwich-ELISA with polyclonal antibodies against curly top (2). To confirm the identification of curly top and type the specific curtovirus identified, four ELISA-positive samples were subjected to a PCR analysis using a virus-specific primer set for curtovirus typing designed by Chen et al. (1). All four samples tested produced a single 720-bp band with primers BSCTVv2688 and BGc396 (1) characteristic of the Beet severe curly top virus (BSCTV). These curly top-specific PCR amplicons were sequenced and found to be 99% similar to the BSCTV nucleotide sequence in the C1 gene region (GenBank Accession No. X97203); corresponding sequences were deposited in GenBank under Accession Nos. JF437870 to JF437873. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the curly top virus in the State of Chihuahua, demonstrating that curly top is established and common in jalapeño pepper here and will need surveillance in other vegetable crops under irrigation. References: (1) L. F. Chen et al. Plant Dis. 94:99, 2010. (2) J. Durrin et al. Plant Dis. 94:972, 2010. (3) R. Velásquez-Valle et al. Plant Dis. 92:650, 2008.

Monitoring of motor disorders in 7-day-old rats with severe hypoxic-ischemic injury of the brain.

Seven-day old rats were subjected to unilateral ligation of the common carotid artery followed by 2-h exposure to a gas mixture consisting of 8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen. Locomotor function of rats was monitored weekly. Functional deficit in these animals persisted for at least 3 months. The exercise tests of rotarod, hanging, and narrowing track were most informative. Our results can be used in preclinical studies of new drugs for the therapy of perinatal brain injury.

[An example of anthropogeneous succession in the ecosystem of the Verkhnetulomsky Water Reservoir (the Tuloma River Basin, the Kola region)].

The destruction of initial biocenoses in the ecosystem of the Verkhnetulomsky Water Reservoir caused deep succession processes. As a result of the loss of the amphipod group in the benthos, replacement of the trophic links in fishes took place in the biocenosis of the reservoir. Benthos feeders changed over to the feeding on zooplankton and, as a result, became the constituent of the predators'diet. The structure of parasitic systems has changed. The parasites using amphipods as intermediate hosts have been and, on the contrary, the abundance of parasites infesting fishes through feeding of the latter on zooplankton has increased. Among the parasites, Triaenophorus crassus Forel became the cause of the appearance of stable triaenophorosis focus.

Molecular characterization of pea enation mosaic virus and bean leafroll virus from the Pacific Northwest, USA.

The family Luteoviridae consists of eight viruses assigned to three different genera, Luteovirus, Polerovirus and Enamovirus. The complete genomic sequences of pea enation mosaic virus (genus Enamovirus) and bean leafroll virus (genus Luteovirus) from the Pacific Northwest, USA, were determined. Annotation, sequence comparisons, and phylogenetic analysis of selected genes together with those of known polero- and enamoviruses were conducted.

Study of the efficiency of transplantation of human neural stem cells to rats with spinal trauma: the use of functional load tests and BBB test.

Human ensheating neural stem cells of the olfactory epithelium were transplanted to adult male rats immediately after contusion trauma of the spinal cord at T9 level rostrally and caudally to the injury. Voluntary movements (by a 21-point BBB scale), rota-rod performance, and walking along a narrowing beam were monitored weekly over 60 days. In rats receiving cell transplantation, the mean BBB score significantly increased by 11% by the end of the experiment. The mean parameters of load tests also regularly surpassed the corresponding parameters in controls. The efficiency of transplantation (percent of animals with motor function recovery parameters surpassing the corresponding mean values in the control groups) was 62% by the state of voluntary motions, 37% by the rota-rod test, and 32% by the narrowing beam test. Morphometry revealed considerable shrinking of the zone of traumatic damage in the spinal cord and activation of posttraumatic remyelination in animals receiving transplantation of human neural stem cells.