[Polymorphism of the myogens locus in some representatives of sturgeons (Acipenseridae)].

This study investigates muscle proteins in Russian (Acipenser gueldensiaedtii Brandt), Siberian (Acipenser baerii Brandt), and Amur (Acipenser shrencki Brandt) sturgeons using the method of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A group of fractions, which is presumably the product of a polyallelic duplicated MY-1* locus, is recorded among the general pool of proteins. Data from densitometric analysis makes it possible to put forward a hypothesis about an eight-gene determination of this system of proteins. The highest heterogeneity and polymorphism was revealed in the Russian sturgeon. Analysis of the genotype distribution in samples of the studied species allowed us to make an assumption that the genetic structure of spawning sturgeon stocks is significantlymetamorphosed under the influence of anthropogenic and natural factors.

[Discrete phenotypical variability of electrophoretic specters of one of myogen systems in the Acipenseridae family].

Analysis of electrophoregrams of water-soluble proteins of white skeletal muscle of 10 fish species belonging to three genera of the Acipenseridae family has allowed revealing an earlier not described system that can serve as a biochemical marker. This protein system represents a set of five fractions (A, B, C, D, E). A part of the studied species is monomorphous for one of these fractions (sterlet, starred sturgeon, great sturgeon, and big shovelnose had phenotype A, barbel sturgeon--phenotype C, great Siberian sturgeon--phenotype D). In all individuals of the Amur sturgeon the identical three-component specter (phenotype ACE) was revealed. In the Sakhalin, Siberian, and Russian sturgeons a clearly expressed polymorphism was observed. Among the studied species the Russian sturgeon was characterized by the highest degree of heterogeneity and polymorphism. In the studied sample of this species all five protein variants are found, whereas in other species--only a part of this set.

(E)-N'-(4-Pyridylmethyl-ene)-4-(8-quinol-yl-oxy)butanohydrazide 0.25-hydrate.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(19)H(18)N(4)O(2)·0.25H(2)O, contains two organic mol-ecules and a solvent water mol-ecule with 50% occupancy. The two molecules differ in their conformations: in one mol-ecule it is (+)gauche-trans-trans-(+)gauche-trans, whereas in the other it is (-)gauche-trans-trans-(-)gauche-trans. The dihedral angles between the pyridine ring and the quinoline ring system are 67.4 (3) and 68.0 (2)°. Mol-ecules are linked into a supra-molecular two-dimensional array via N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, with each partially occupied water mol-ecule connected via an O-H⋯O hydrogen bond. C-H⋯O inter-actions are also present.

[Analysis of creatine kinase variation in some members of the family Acipenseridae].

Creatine kinase (E.C. 2.7.3.2) was examined in stellate sturgeon Acipenser stellatus Pallas, Russian sturgeon A. gueldenstaedtii Brandt, European sterlet A. ruthenus L., Siberian sterlet A. ruthenus marsiglii Brandt, and great sturgeon (beluga) Huso huso L., using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Two loci for creatine kinase were identified: CK-A* in white skeletal muscle and CK-C* in stomach wall muscle. Most species proved to be monomorphic at the CK-A* locus, showing the same phenotype represented by a single band. Heterogeneity and polymorphism in creatine kinase, determined by the CK-A* locus, were found only in Russian sturgeon. Based on the results of densitometric analysis of band staining intensity, we have advanced a hypothesis that synthesis of subunits of the CK-A* product in this species was controlled by eight genes. However, the genotype frequencies in the sample were significantly different from those theoretically expected upon free and independent gene recombination. The results of this study support the hypothesis on the absence of heterodimeric creatine kinase molecules in the skeletal muscle of Russian sturgeon. Locus CK-C* in sterlet was revealed as a single, intensely stained, rapidly migrating fraction, whereas in Russian sturgeon, the enzyme activity in this zone was very weak. No creatine kinase was found in liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, and intestine mucous tunic.

Repeat A2 Into B Kidney Transplantation After Failed Prior A2 Into B Transplant: A Case Report.

Kidneys from donors with blood type A2 can be successfully transplanted into blood type B and O recipients without the need for desensitization if the recipient's starting anti-A hemagglutinin titer is within an acceptable range. National kidney allocation policy now offers priority for eligible B recipients to receive A2 or A2B deceased donor kidneys, and therefore, the frequency with which A2 or A2B to B transplants will occur is expected to increase. The precise mechanisms by which antibody-mediated rejection is averted in these cases despite the presence of both circulating anti-A antibody and expression of the A2 antigen on the graft endothelium are not known. Whether this process mirrors proposed mechanisms of accommodation, which can occur in recipients of ABO incompatible transplants, is also not known. Repeated exposure to mismatched antigens after retransplantation could elicit memory responses resulting in antibody rebound and accelerated antibody-mediated rejection. Whether this would occur in the setting of repeated A2 donor exposure was uncertain. Here we report the case of a patient with history of a prior A2 to B transplant which failed owing to nonimmunologic reasons; the patient successfully underwent a repeat A2 to B transplant. Neither rebound in anti-A2 antibody nor clinical evidence of antibody-mediated rejection were observed after the transplant. Current kidney allocation will likely enable more such transplants in the future, and this may provide a unique patient population in whom the molecular mechanisms of incompatible graft accommodation may be investigated.

Measurements of surgeons' exposure to ionizing radiation dose: comparison of conventional and mini C-arm fluoroscopy.

This study was performed to measure the equivalent scattered radiation dose delivered to susceptible organs while simulating orthopaedic surgery using conventional and mini C-arm fluoroscopy. In addition, shielding effects on the thyroid, thymus, and gonad, and the direct exposure delivered to the patient's hands were also compared. A conventional and mini C-arms were installed in an operating room, and a hand and an operator phantom were used to simulate a patient's hand and a surgeon. Photoluminescence dosimeters were used to measure the equivalent dose by scattered radiation arriving at the thyroid, thymus, and gonad on a whole-body phantom in the position of the surgeon. Equivalent scattered radiation doses were measured in four groups: (1) unshielded conventional C-arm group; (2) unshielded mini C-arm group; (3) lead-shielded conventional C-arm group; and (4) lead-shielded mini C-arm group. Equivalent scattered radiation doses to the unshielded group were significantly lower in the mini C-arm group than those in the conventional C-arm group for all organs. The gonad in the lead-shielded conventional C-arm group showed the highest equivalent dose among operator-susceptible organs, and radiation dose was reduced by approximately 96% compared with that in the unshielded group. Scattered radiation was not detected in any susceptible organ in the lead-shielded mini C-arm group. The direct radiation dose to the hand phantom measured from the mini C-arm was significantly lower than that measured from the conventional C-arm. The results show that the equivalent scattered radiation dose to the surgeon's susceptible organs and the direct radiation dose to a patient's hand can be decreased significantly by using a mini C-arm rather than a conventional C-arm. However, protective lead garments, such as a thyroid shield and apron, should be applied to minimize radiation exposure to susceptible organs, even during use of mini C-arm fluoroscopy.

[Population analysis of electrophoretic variation in blood serum albumins of European (Acipencer ruthensis L.) and Siberian (A. ruthensis marsiglii Brandt) sterlet].

We studied blood serum albumins in European (Acipencer ruthensis L.) and Siberian (A. ruthensis marsiglii Brandt) sterlet using disk electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel. The albumins were shown to be controlled by three codominant alleles of a single locus (ALB*a, b, c). In European sterlet, all three theoretically possible genotypes were described, one of which (ALB*c/c) occurred extremely rarely (one individual). Siberian sterlet was found to be monomorphic for albumins: all fish examined had the ALB*a/a genotype. There was no correlation between albumin patterns and fish fatness. In a number of samples from the Volga River basin, spatial and temporal differentiation was found and analyzed. The results suggest that construction of hydroelectric plants may provoke massive and prolonged starlet migrations.

[Milk fluoridization efficacy in a controlled study and dental caries experience dynamics in conditions of wide availability of local F-containing means].

Cross-over, controlled, randomized and triple-blind study of F-milk efficacy and monitoring of F excretion with urine under conditions of wide availability of fluoride containing toothpastes was performed in Voronezh during last 10 years. F-milk project increasingly covered annually from 10 to 15 thousand of pre-school children. From them 335 children (11 kindergarteners -- age 6 years) regularly consuming F-milk during 3 years and 175 children (6 kindergarteners -- age 6 years) of the control group were examined. Statistics of the received data with 2 tail t-test has shown that between dmf (1.59+/-1.82) in children consuming F-milk and dmf (2.58+/-2.67) in children of the control group there is significant difference (p<0.001) with 96% of the statistical power. When implementing F-milk for 10 years running there were collected and analyzed data on caries experience in children 3, 6, 9 and 12 years (2004 vs. 1994). There is considerable reduction of caries incidence in all age groups in 2004, probably due to F containing toothpastes wide use and very active hygienic education of the population in Voronezh. At the same time dmf index in 6 year old children receiving F-milk was by 39% lower than in their contemporaries from the control group. F-intake monitoring in children 3, 4, 5 and 6 years of age has shown that F-milk (daily appr. 0.2 l with the level 2.5 ppm) use is a very effective method of F-deficiency elimination, leaving out any possibility of F-overdosage exceeding its physiologic needs.

[Creation of a hybrid protein gene based on Bacillus thuringiensis delta endotoxins CryIIIA and CrIA(a) and expression of its derivatives in Escherichia coli]. / Sozdanie gena gibridnogo belka na osnove delta-éndotoksinov Bacillus thuringiensis CryIIIA i CryIA(a) i ékspressiia ego proizvodnykh v Escherichia coli.

The 5'-terminal fragment (containing 1-565th codons) of Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis gene for the Coleoptera-specific delta-endotoxin CryIIIA was cloned. This sequence was extended with either only a homologous fragment of CryIA(a) or that one together with in-frame NPTII or GUS coding sequences. The obtained gene derivatives were expressed in E. coli. The analysis of hybrid polypeptides confirmed the enzymatic activities of bifunctional proteins and showed toxic properties of "insectotoxin-NPTII" against Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata).

[Allozyme variation of nonspecific esterases in Russian sturgeon (Acipenser güldenstädti Brandt]. / Allozimnaia izmenchivost' nespetsifichnykh ésteraz russkogo osetra (Acipenser güldenstädti Brandt).

Electrophoresis in 7% polyacrylamide gel was used to analyze nonspecific esterases from different organs and tissues of Russian sturgeon. The basic enzymatic activity was observed the four zymogram zones. In sixteen cases the patterns of isozyme distribution in these zones allowed to consider them as allele systems (14 polymorphic and 2 monomorphic) corresponding to the four structural genes. The observed genotype frequencies of the nine of these systems (EST-1* of brain and intestine; EST-2* of serum and intestine; EST-3* of spleen and kidney; and EST-4* of spleen, brain, and heart) were largely concordant with Hardy-Weinberg proportions for codominant disomic inheritance. Genetic control of other polymorphic systems is unknown, but, high enzymatic activity of these esterases, sufficient for qualitative electrophretic detection, permits utilization of these polymorphisms for phenotypic monitoring of Russian sturgeon populations.

Nebulized thiocyanate improves lung infection outcomes in mice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nebulized saline solutions are used in the treatment of multiple pulmonary diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The benefits of these therapies include improved lung function, phlegm clearance and fewer lung infections. The thiocyanate anion (SCN) is a normal component of the airway epithelial lining fluid (ELF) secreted by pulmonary epithelia with antioxidant and host defence functions. We sought to test if SCN could be nebulized to combat lung infection by bolstering innate immune defence and antioxidant capacity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We established an effective antioxidant concentration of SCN in vitro using a bronchiolar epithelial cell line. We then developed a nebulization method of SCN in mice that increased ELF SCN above this concentration up to 12 h and used this method in a prolonged Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection model to test if increasing SCN improved host defence and infection outcomes. KEY RESULTS: SCN protected against cytotoxicity in vitro from acute and sustained exposure to inflammation-associated oxidative stress. Nebulized SCN effectively reduced bacterial load, infection-mediated morbidity and airway inflammation in mice infected with P. aeruginosa. SCN also sustained adaptive increases in reduced GSH in infected mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: SCN is a dually protective molecule able to both enhance host defence and decrease tissue injury and inflammation as an antioxidant. Nebulized SCN could be developed to combat lung infections and inflammatory lung disease.

Incidence and risk factors for hypogammaglobulinemia in pediatric patients following allo-SCT.

We evaluated the incidence and risk factors for hypogammaglobulinemia after allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) in pediatric patients. Ig levels were measured pre-transplant, every 2 weeks until day 100 and then monthly post SCT in 185 patients undergoing myeloablative HSCT. Median age was 9 years; 142 (77%) had malignant disease and 114 (62%) received stem cells from an unrelated source. Hypogammaglobulinemia (IgG <500 mg/dL) developed in 143 (77%) of the patients at a median of 56 days (range 15-339) post SCT. The cumulative incidence of hypogammaglobulinemia at 1 year was higher among patients who developed acute GVHD (97% vs 54%, P<0.001), and for those receiving stem cells from an unrelated source (94% vs 51%, P<0.001). The cumulative incidence of TRM was significantly higher for patients with hypogammaglobulinemia (P=0.026). In multivariable analysis, lower pre-transplant IgG level (P<0.001), younger age (P=0.012), diagnosis of malignant disease (P<0.001), receiving unrelated SCT (P<0.001) and development of acute GVHD (P<0.001) were all significantly associated with higher risk of hypogammaglobulinemia post HSCT. We conclude that hypogammaglobulinemia is common, following allogeneic HSCT in pediatric patients, especially in those with malignant diseases, those who receive an unrelated transplant or patients who develop GVHD.

Global plasma turbulence simulations of q = 3 sawtoothlike events in the RTP tokamak.

A two-fluid computer model of electromagnetic tokamak turbulence, CUTIE, is used to study the dynamic structure and turbulent transport in the Rijnhuizen Tokamak Project tokamak. A discharge with dominant, off-axis electron cyclotron heating is the main focus of the simulations which were extended over several resistive diffusion times. CUTIE reproduces the turbulent transport and MHD phenomena of the experiment. The noninductive components of the current density profile, viz., the dynamo current and the bootstrap current, are identified as key players in the turbulent transport and its suppression and in off-axis MHD events.