Genetic Diversity of Species of Microtus Generic Group (Arvicolinae, Rodentia): New Data from the Greater Caucasus.

Using the cytochrome b gene (1143 bp), species identification and the phylogenetic analysis of voles of the generic group Microtus from the eastern part of the Greater Caucasus, including the Ismayilli, Khizi, and Balakan Districts of Azerbaijan, have been carried out. Three species, the Major's pine vole (M. majori), the social vole (M. socialis), and the common vole (M. arvalis form obscurus), have been identified, and five new haplotypes have been described for them. Genetic analysis with the inclusion of the new data showed that for each of the species, the physiographic conditions of the Greater Caucasus played a certain role (isolation, migration route or refugium) during the formation of the modern genetic structure. The obtained results indicate that any new data from the Caucasus could be of critical importance for the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of the modern biodiversity both within the region itself and in adjacent territories.

XUV frequency comb production with an astigmatism-compensated enhancement cavity.

We have developed an extreme ultraviolet (XUV) frequency comb for performing ultra-high precision spectroscopy on the many XUV transitions found in highly charged ions (HCI). Femtosecond pulses from a 100 MHz phase-stabilized near-infrared frequency comb are amplified and then fed into a femtosecond enhancement cavity (fsEC) inside an ultra-high vacuum chamber. The low-dispersion fsEC coherently superposes several hundred incident pulses and, with a single cylindrical optical element, fully compensates astigmatism at the w0 = 15 µm waist cavity focus. With a gas jet installed there, intensities reaching ∼ 1014 W/cm2 generate coherent high harmonics with a comb spectrum at 100 MHz rate. We couple out of the fsEC harmonics from the 7th up to the 35th (42 eV; 30 nm) to be used in upcoming experiments on HCI frequency metrology.

THYROID STATUS: IS IT POSSIBLE TO RESTORE MYELIN?

The number of demyelinating diseases of central nervous system are prone to grow nowadays. The most socially significant and well studied one is multiple sclerosis. The search of susbstances that would stop demyelinisation or reinforce the process of remyelination is in great request. Thyreoid gland hormones play a sufficient role in nervous system functioning and developing. Some studies show, that triiodothyronine regulates myelin synthesis through thyroid-sensitive nuclear receptors. In our study process of demyelination were modelled via сuprizone model, which appears to be an optimal method, since it allows to witness the process of demyelination without an autoimmune component. Results of the study show effectiveness of thyroid hormones for myelin and axon protection. In rats, under the influence of cuprizone, behavioral reactions are inhibited and changes in the structures of neurons in the cerebral cortex and lumbar spinal cord are noted. The severity of these disorders also depends on the thyroid status of the rat organism. In the normal hormonal balance, less significant changes are noted, when in a state of hypofunction these disorders are more pronounced. The cuprizone model of demyelination is an adequate experimental model of neurodegeneration and behavior disorders, and thyroid hormones can be considered as one of the components of new drugs aimed at treating multiple sclerosis.

100 MHz frequency comb for low-intensity multi-photon studies: intra-cavity velocity-map imaging of xenon.

We raise the power from a commercial 10 W frequency comb inside an enhancement cavity and perform multi-photon ionization of gas-phase atoms at 100 MHz for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. An intra-cavity velocity-map-imaging setup collects electron-energy spectra of xenon at rates several orders of magnitude higher than those of conventional laser systems. Consequently, we can use much lower intensities ${\sim}{{10}^{12}} \;{\rm W}/{{\rm cm}^2} $∼1012W/cm2 without increasing acquisition times above just a few seconds. The high rate and coherence of the stabilized femtosecond pulses are known to be transferred to the actively stabilized cavity and will allow studying purely perturbative multi-photon effects, paving the road towards a new field of precision tests in nonlinear physics.

Phylogenetic Relationships of Burbot (Lota lota L., 1758) of the Volga-Kama River Basin Inferred from the Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA Markers.

The phylogenetic relationships of burbot (Lota lota L., 1758) of the Volga-Kama River basin are reconstructed for the first time. The sequences of the gene cytochrome b and the mtDNA control region obtained for 44 samples from the Kama River and Mezhevaya Utka River (the Volga River tributaries) are studied. New haplotypes of both markers were revealed. The results of phylogenetic reconstructions based on cytochrome b and control region mtDNA do not contradict the existing ideas about the phylogenetic structure of the species, and indicate inclusion of burbot from the Volga-Kama basin in Eurasian haplogroup. According to obtained data, the Volga-Kama River basin could play an important role in shaping the genetic diversity of burbot in Europe, and during certain periods it served as a corridor connecting the river systems of the European and Asian parts of the species range.

[The genetic diversity of burbot (Lota lota L., 1758) of Western Siberia (the analysis of the mtDNA control region polymorphism)].

The genetic variability of burbot (Lota lota L., 1758) inhabiting the Ob-Irtysh and Taz river basins in Western Siberia has been studied based on the polymorphism of the hypervariable fragment of mtDNA control region (407 bp). The analysis of 134 fish samples revealed 30 haplotypes, 23 of which were new. Among haplotypes, previously detected in Eurasia and North America, EB30 was the most frequently found in Western Siberia (45.5% frequency). The results of our study are in agreement with previous research pointing to the genetic differentiation of two burbot subspecies, L. l. lota and L. l. maculosa, and indicate that burbot inhabiting the Ob-Irtysh and Taz river basins belong to the Eurasian-Beringian clade (nominative subspecies L. l. lota). However, a high genetic diversity of burbot in Western Siberia, along with a relatively high differentiation of burbot groups within studied territory, points to a regional specificity of burbot population.

[Endovascular surgery for critical ischemia of lower extremities with suppurative-necrotic lesion of the feet]. / Rentgenoéndovaskuliarnaia khirurgiia pri kriticheskoi ishemii nizhnikh konechnostei s gnoino-nekroticheskim porazheniem stop.

AIM: To improve treatment of patients with grade IV chronic ischemia of lower extremities via endovascular angioplasty combined with surgical methods for suppurative-necrotic lesions of the feet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 51 patients with grade IV chronic ischemia of lower extremities underwent endovascular interventions (balloon angioplasty, stenting). A total of 23 stents were deployed in 16 patients including 12 stents in superficial and common femoral arteries, 5 in popliteal artery, 6 in iliac artery. There were no stents in crural arteries. The most perspective artery for wound healing was preferred in case of revascularization below popliteal segment. Necrectomy was performed along with angioplasty in patients with suppurative-necrotic lesion of the feet followed by delayed reconstructive operations if it was necessary. RESULTS: Endovascular surgery for grade IV chronic ischemia of lower extremities was associated with good immediate results in most cases due to revascularization and organ-sparing interventions for suppurative lesions of the feet. Current endovascular methods allow to perform successful re-operations to restore blood flow in previously repaired arteries and implanted stents with restenosis or thrombosis.

Ontogenetic and evolutionary trends in the tooth enamel features in Craseomys voles (Arvicolinae, Rodentia).

In Craseomys rufocanus and Craseomys rex, the age-related and species differences in thickness and microstructure of the first lower molars (ml) have been identified and studied. The results suggest that the enamel dimensional and microstructural features may serve as additional indicators of the vole tooth evolutionary stage within a single phyletic lineage.

First data on genetic diversity of burbot (Lota lota L.) in the Western Siberian.

Analysis of genetic diversity of burbot (Lota lota Linneus, 1758) mitochondrial control region (mtCR) haplotypes from geographically distant localities in the Ob-Irtysh River basin in comparison with distribution of known burbot haplotypes was conducted. mtCR fragments from burbot samples, obtained in two localities (longitudinal part of the Irtysh near Tobolsk and the Sob River, a left-bank tributary of the Ob River), were sequenced.

[Infectious arthritis of sternoclavicular joint: surgical approach to the issue].

AIM: To study the features of occurrence, diagnosis, clinical course of infectious arthritis of sternoclavicular joint, as well as to develop differentiated therapeutic tactics depending on the clinical form and stage of disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was analyzed treatment of 18 patients with infectious arthritis of sternoclavicular joint aged 27 to 88 years who were hospitalized for the period 2008-2014. Acute or chronic forms were determined depending on clinical course and serous arthritis, para-articular phlegmon and osteoarthritis--according to nature of tissue damage. Hypothermia and blunt trauma were often preceded to onset of disease. Diabetes and drug addiction were present as comorbidities. Also disease as the variant of purulent metastasis in case of sepsis was noted. Bone scintigraphy, CT and magnetic resonance imaging are the most informative. RESULTS: Infectious arthritis of sternoclavicular joint often had hematogenous origin, and Staphylococcus aureus was the most common cause. At the stage of serous arthritis antibacterial therapy was effective. Incision and drainage were performed urgently in case of para-articular phlegmon. Sternoclavicular joint resection was performed usually in 2-3 months after subsidence of inflammation.

[Mathematical modelling of delayed calcium deregulation in brain neurons caused by hyperstimulation of glutamate receptors].

Mathematical model presented in this paper is based on the data obtained in experimental studies of the mechanism of glutamate-induced deregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial depolarization in cultured nerve cells. According to our hypothesis the secondary Ca2+ increase during a prolonged glutamate challenge is mainly due to a profound mitochondrial depolarization which stops mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in the face of continuous Ca2+ influx into the cell. It is supposed that a progressive decrease in mitochondrial NADH during glutamate exposure greatly enhances sensitivity of mitochondria to intracellular Ca-neurotoxicity. A system of equations developed in this work made it possible to provide a satisfactory simulation of most of experimental events observed in the present study.

[A modular approach to studying of fluctuating asymmetry of complex morphological structures in rodents with the mandible of the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus, Arvicolinae, Rodentia) as an example].

The expediency of a modular approach to estimating fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of complex morphological structures was shown using the mandible of the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus Schreber, 1780) as an example. FA of the shape of two mandibular regions (modules) defined developmentally and functionally, was assessed by means of geometric morphometrics. The differences between mandibular regions in the FA levels were found for both individual landmarks and integral indices of asymmetry. Regardless of age, gender or sampling year, FA estimates obtained for posterior region including part of the ramus and processes were higher than those for anterior region including the diastemal area. The results suggest that modularity of complex morphological structures should be taken into account when analyzing FA.

Transformation of terahertz spectra emitted from dual-frequency femtosecond pulse interaction in gases.

We demonstrate that the two basic physical mechanisms of terahertz (THz) generation in a femtosecond filament, namely, the free electron photocurrent and the nonlinear polarization of neutrals, can be identified through the spectral analysis of THz radiation. The contribution from the photocurrent peaks at the units of THz, while the neutrals yield the peak at the tens of THz. We suggest the practical implementation of such spectral analysis by varying the initial transform-limited laser pulse duration.

Manipulation of individual hyperfine states in cold trapped molecular ions and application to HD+ frequency metrology.

Advanced techniques for manipulation of internal states, standard in atomic physics, are demonstrated for a charged molecular species for the first time. We address individual hyperfine states of rovibrational levels of a diatomic ion by optical excitation of individual hyperfine transitions, and achieve controlled transfer of population into a selected hyperfine state. We use molecular hydrogen ions (HD+) as a model system and employ a novel frequency-comb-based, continuous-wave 5 µm laser spectrometer. The achieved spectral resolution is the highest obtained so far in the optical domain on a molecular ion species. As a consequence, we are also able to perform the most precise test yet of the ab initio theory of a molecule.

Resonant IR multi-photon dissociation spectroscopy of a trapped and sympathetically cooled biomolecular ion species.

In this work we demonstrate vibrational spectroscopy of polyatomic ions that are trapped and sympathetically cooled by laser-cooled atomic ions. We use the protonated dipeptide tryptophan-alanine (HTyrAla(+)) as a model system, cooled by barium ions to less than 800 mK secular temperature. The spectroscopy is performed on the fundamental vibrational transition of a local vibrational mode at 2.74 µm using a continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator (OPO). Resonant IR multi-photon dissociation spectroscopy (R-IRMPD) (without the use of a UV laser) generates charged molecular fragments, which are sympathetically cooled and trapped, and subsequently released from the trap and counted. We measured the cross section for R-IRMPD under conditions of low intensity, and found it to be approximately two orders smaller than the vibrational excitation cross section. The observed rotational bandwidth of the vibrational transition is larger than the one expected from the combined effects of 300 K black-body temperature, conformer-dependent line shifts, and intermolecular vibrational relaxation broadening (J. Stearns et al., J. Chem. Phys., 2007, 127, 154322-154327). This indicates that as the internal energy of the molecule grows, an increase of the rotational temperature of the molecular ions well above room temperature (up to on the order of 1000 K), and/or an appreciable shift of the vibrational transition frequency (approx. 6-8 cm(-1)) occurs.

[Treatment tactics by frostbites].

317 patients with frostbitten limb injuries of various severity were healed. A differential treatment tactics were worked out, basing on localization, area, time of frost exposure and concurrent vascular disease. Surgical treatment of IV stage congelation stipulates early necrectomy by lower limbs affection, whereas, congelation of the upper limbs requires delayed necrectomy; both should be followed by appropriate wound healing and early reconstructive operations. Indications for primary amputations by deep congelation were formulated.

[Arterial hypertension, echocardiographically determined left ventricular hypertrophy and N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide levels in women population aged 56-65 years].

Aim of the study was to investigate relationship between arterial hypertension (AH), left ventricular myocardial mass (LVMM), and levels of N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (pro-NT BNP) in a population of women inhabitants of Tallinn aged 56-65 years. Of 163 women aged 50-59 years who had participated in epidemiological study in 2000 in 132 measurement of arterial pressure (AP), electrocardiography, echocardiography, complex laboratory diagnostics including determination of pro-NT BNP were repeated in 2007. Most frequent risk factor was AH which was detected in 56.1% of cases. In women with normal AP normal LVMM was noted in 81.1% of cases, while in women with elevated AP normal LVMM was significantly less frequent (28.4%). Only in 5 of 28 women with elevated pro-NT BNP deviations of systolic-diastolic function were observed. Elevated levels of pro-NT BNP were found with almost equal rates among patients with normal and increased LWMM (in 9.1 and 8.3% of cases, respectively). Thus increase of content of pro-NT BNP is of limited significance for diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in women aged 56-65 years without clinical signs of disease.

[Balo's concentric sclerosis]. / Kontsentricheskii skleroz Balo.

Balo's concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare demyelinating disease, first described by Hungarian neurologist Josef Balo in 1928. BCS occurs predominantly in young adults, the average age of onset of the disease - 34 years (range from 3 to 62 years). Our case report describes a 27-year woman with acute onset progressive right-side pyramidal weakness, MRI results showed a variant of demyelination as Balo's concentric sclerosis.

[Mitochondrial disorders in multiple sclerosis]. / Mitokhondrial'nye narusheniia pri rasseiannom skleroze.

AIM: To determine the mitochondrial dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen adult patients with MS and 23 healthy people were examined. Cytochemical analysis of lymphocytes in peripheral blood was carried out. The activity of the mitochondrial enzymes involved in metabolism of carbohydrates (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH), amino acids (glutamate dehydrogenase, GDH), fatty acids (alpha-glycerophosphate, α-GPDH) and II complex of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (succinate dehydrogenase, LDH), and the level of lactate in the blood were measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The activity of α-GPDH was reduced in 62.5% patients and increased in 37.5%. GDH activity in all patients was lowered. LDH activity was reduced in 71.4% patients and compensatory increased in 28.6%. In 66.7% patients, LDH activity was reduced and in 33.3% compensatory increased. Increased blood lactate was observed in 33.3% patients before meal and 44.4% after carbohydrate loading. After carbohydrate loading, in 33.3% patients lactate levels in the blood increased and in 11.1% increased above normal values. Therefore, the enzyme activity have decreased in most patients that suggests the decompensation of mitochondrial function. The results indicate the advisability of administering the energotrophic drugs carnicetin and coenzyme Q10 (idebenone) in patients with MS.