[Opportunistic fungal infections of ent organs. Part 2]. / Opportunisticheskie mikozy LOR-organov. Chast' 2.

The review of literature summarized information about main fungal pathogens and theirs proportions in infections affecting the ENT areas. Different nosological forms of fungal diseases of upper respiratory tract and ear were considered, and listed the main clinical manifestations. Microbiological diagnosis of mycoses affecting the ENT organs is based on microscopic, mycological, immunological and molecular-genetic studies. The review paid particular attention to the treatment of fungal infections of the areas. It presented the classification of modern antifungal drugs, and described regimens and duration of treatment depending on fungus type, disease severity and other patient's condition. It was noted that success of therapy of fungal infections affecting upper respiratory tract and ear now provided by using of complex antimycotics, immunotropic agents, antihistamines and probiotics. The emergence of resistant strains of micromycetes was observed as the main reason for decreased effectiveness of antifungal agents. Prospective solution of this problem were indicated by way of using of biologically active plant compounds, nanoantiseptics, metal ions, enzymes and photodynamic therapy. The review suggested relevance of increasing rates of fungal morbidity affecting the ENT areas, the necessity of early diagnosis, the search of new antifungal agents and compounds with fungicidal activity and theirs introduction into clinical practice.

[Opportunistic mycoses of ENT organs. Part 1]. / Opportunisticheskie mikozy LOR-organov. Soobshchenie 1.

The present literature review summarizes information about the diseases of the upper respiratory tract and the ears caused by opportunistic fungi. The factors responsible for the increased frequency of opportunistic infections, among which mycosis is the leading one, are given. The exogenous and endogenous risk factors are described. The main pathogens of opportunistic mycotic infections of the ENT-organs are listed. Special attention is given to the mechanism underlying the development of anti-colonial immunity of the upper respiratory tract and the ears and the formation of the antifungal immunity of the macroorganism as a whole. The data on the pathogenetic factors of mycelial and yeast-like micromycetes are presented. The main variants of the pathogenetic mechanisms, such as adhesion, invasive growth, and penetration, behind the formation of the mycotic lesions are considered. These biological properties of the fungi contribute to their ability to cause a wide range of pathological changes - from the superficial lesions of the skin and mucous membranes of the ENT organs to the deep invasive processes. The protective cellular and humoral immune reactions of a macroorganism that develop in response to the introduction of a pathogenic fungus are described. The review lists the main nosological forms of mycosis known to affect the ENT-organs with special reference to the leading role of the yeast-like fungi belonging to the genus Candida in the development of mycotic lesions of these biotopes (64.65%). The most pathogenic species, Candida albicans, prevails in the structure of the yeast-like fungi biome whereas the leading role in the development of mycosis of the ENT organs by micromycetes of mold belongs to the species Aspergillus niger.

Active Plasma Lensing for Relativistic Laser-Plasma-Accelerated Electron Beams.

Compact, tunable, radially symmetric focusing of electrons is critical to laser-plasma accelerator (LPA) applications. Experiments are presented demonstrating the use of a discharge-capillary active plasma lens to focus 100-MeV-level LPA beams. The lens can provide tunable field gradients in excess of 3000 T/m, enabling cm-scale focal lengths for GeV-level beam energies and allowing LPA-based electron beams and light sources to maintain their compact footprint. For a range of lens strengths, excellent agreement with simulation was obtained.

Histoenzymological characteristics of the heart conduction system: comparative study with left or right ventricle afterload.

Histoenzymological changes, indicating inhibition of the main metabolic processes, were found in the conduction cardiomyocytes of the left ventricle and ventricular septum in experimental stenosis of the aorta. The histoenzymological changes in the conduction system of both ventricles and ventricular septum were similar in experimental stenosis of the pulmonary artery and indicated primarily activation of glycolysis. The histoenzymological profile of conduction cardiomyocytes differed little in cases when the increase of the pressure load was complicated or not complicated by the development of heart failure, particularly in pulmonary artery stenosis. The histoenzymological changes in the conduction system in response to increased afterload differed significantly from those in the contractile myocardium and correlated with the level of cellular functional activity and sensitivity to the regulatory and alterative exposure. These data attest to minor role of metabolic shifts in conduction cell injuries with increasing afterload, primarily, of the right ventricle.

[Fullerene C60 exhibits immunomodulatory activity during adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats].

The effect of fullerene C60 (FC60) on the immune processes during experimental adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) in rats has been studied. The results indicate the inhibitory action of FN60 during AA on cellular splenocyte proliferation, neutrophil phagocytic and oxygen-stimulatory activities in the NBT test, and humoral immune mechanisms involved in the production of antinuclear antibodies, formation of circulating immune complexes, and restoration of morphological structure of spleen. Taken together, these results allow FC60 to be considered as a new potential pharmacological agent that can realize its effects mainly through anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity.

[Quantitative analysis of individual groups of microorganisms, extracted from atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries in patients depending upon ASP299GLY polymorphism of TLR4 gene].

The estimation data of contamination by separate groups of microorganisms and dependence of the microbial content level upon TLR4 gene 896A/G polymorphism in 20 samples of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary arteries has been presented. The presence of TLR4 gene polymorphic allele G in the individual genotype determines the increased contamination of atherosclerotic plaque tissues by the representatives of the following genera: Lactobacillus sp., Enterobacterium sp., Sneathia sp./Leptotrihia sp./Fusobacterium sp., Mobiluncus sp./Corynebacterium sp., Peptostreptococcus sp. The emergence of new correlation pairs with participation of Lachnobacterium sp./Corynebacterium sp. among the carriers of G allele has been revealed via the intragroup correlation analysis. The obtained results confirm the possible involvement of the represented groups of microorganisms in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the role of the TLR4 gene polymorphic variant G in the increased microbial contamination of the coronary arteries tissues.

[Effect of fullerene C60 on free-radical induced lipid peroxidation processes in bronchial asthma].

Lipids peroxidative oxidation as well as antioxidative enzymes superoxidedismutase and catalase activity state at the mice sensibilization with ovalbumine, its correction with fulleren FC60 as well as by its forms (FC60-OVA, mFC60 mFC60-OVA) modified and conjugated with ovalbumines have been studied. It has been demonstrated that the mice sensibilization with ovalbumin leads to the tissues peroxidative lipid oxidation processes enforcement as well as lowering antioxidative enzymes activity in lungs and spleen. Used different rulleren forms expressed antioxidative effect and modifying effect to antioxidative protection enzymes at a given pathology. The influence of fulleren FC 60 and its modified form (1,2-methanofulleren-C60)61-carbolacid was the mostly effective. The data recieved testify to the prospects of the fullerens further investigation as the potential medicines.

[Role of several periodontopathogenic microorganisms and tlr4 gene Asp299Gly polymorphism in atherosclerosis pathogenesis].

AIM: Establishment of presence of periodonto-pathogenic microorganisms in atherosclerosis plaque and surrounding tissues, and possible relation of development of atherosclerosis and TLR4 gene Asp299Gly polymorphism in ischemic heart disease patients (IHD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of coronary vessels obtained during autopsy of 31 individuals deceased from IHD and 5 individuals deceased due to reasons not related with IHD were studied. PCR was used to determine DNA of the microorganisms. TLR4 gene polymorphic segment was amplified by using specific primers. RESULTS: Analysis of coronary vessel atherosclerotic plaques revealed presence of the studied periodontopathogenic microorganisms in 83.9% of cases. The most frequently detected were Porphyromonas gingivalis (64.5%), Treponema denticola (41.9%), Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (32.3%), less frequently--Bacteroides forsythus and Prevotella intermedia (12.9% and 6.5% respectively). In 51.6% of cases 2 or more microorganisms were detected. Only in 11.1% ofcoronary artery samples, with plaques containing microorganisms, the microorganisms were detected in undamaged tissues. Patients deceased from IHD had TLR4 gene 299Gly allele significantly more frequently. CONCLUSION: The studied periodontopathogenic microorganisms can play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic injury of coronary arteries in IHD. The presence of TLR4 gene allele 299Gly significantly contributes to these processes.

[Effect of fullerene C60 on functional activity of phagocytic cells].

The effect of aqueous dispersion of fullerene C60 (FC60) on the functional activity of cells involved in the phagocytosis reactions was studied. FC60 (0.01 microM/l and 0.1 microM/l) produced mainly negative effects on the activity ofnonspecific immunity cells by inhibiting the myeloperoxidase enzymatic activity, decreased the level of induced chemiluminescence, and suppressed the expression of molecules CD54 involved in the adhesion. The only exception was a slight stimulating effect on the NBT test. The results indicate the FC60 influences various stages and mechanisms of phagocytosis.

Chronotropic and inotropic components of cardiac reflexes in cats.

The relationship between chronotropic and inotropic components of cardiac reflexes were studied in cats using intravenous blood injections, occlusion of the abdominal aorta, pressing on eyeballs (Aschner maneuver), and occlusion of the carotid arteries. Inotropic reactions were characterized by the contractility index DPxHR/MSAP. Different reflexes were shown to be characterized by different ratio of chronotropic and inotropic components, in addition, heart rate and contractility were often altered in opposite directions.

[FULLERENE C60 INHIBITED FREE RADICAL AND DESTRUCTIVE PROCESSES IN CONNECTIVE TISSUE DURING ADJUVANT ARTHRITIS IN RATS].

The effects of fullerene C60 (FC60) on the level of free radical and destruction processes were studied in rats with experimental adjuvant arthritis (AA). It was shown the protective effect of FC60 during AA. The effect was accompanied by an increase of the antioxidant enzymes activity, superoxide dismutase in the liver (15.96 ± 0.38 µmol/kg x s) and in the kidneys (5.36 ± 0.27 µmol/kg x s) and catalase in the kidneys (9.56 ± 0.78 µmol/kg x s) and in the heart (2.26 ± 0.41 µmol/kg x s) in comparison to control group (43.83± 5.69%; 54.55 ± 6.18%; 11.68 ± 0.52 µmol/kg x s; 3.43 ± 0.47 µmol/kg x s; 4.77 ± 0.5 µmol/kg x s; 0.98 ± 0.12 µmol/kg x s accordingly). It was shown a protective effect of FC60 during AA directed on the depression of the destructive processes in connective tissue that was expressed through the reduction of the total collagenolitic activity level in cartilage (10.05 ± 0.06 µmol/g/min) and bone (11.21 ± 0.04 µmol/g/min) tissues, free hydroxyproline contents (1.54 ± 0.04 µg/ml) and alkaline phasphatase activity (1.24 ± 0,14 µmol/l x sec) in comparison to control group (11.91 ± 0.49 µmol/g/min; 13.19 ± 0.15 µmol/g/min; 2.25 ± 0.07 µg/ ml; 2.19 ± 0.24 µmol/l x sec accordingly). Taken together, these results accentuate the perspective of future investigations of action FC60 during rheumatoid arthritis as a feasible therapeutic agent.

Simulations of a hydrogen-filled capillary discharge waveguide.

A one-dimensional dissipative magnetohydrodynamics code is used to investigate the discharge dynamics of a waveguide for high-intensity laser pulses: the gas-filled capillary discharge waveguide. Simulations are performed for the conditions of a recent experimental measurement of the electron density profile in hydrogen-filled capillaries [D. J. Spence et al., Phys. Rev. E 63, 015401 (R) (2001)], and are found to be in good agreement with those results. The evolution of the discharge in this device is found to be substantially different to that found in Z-pinch capillary discharges, owing to the fact that the plasma pressure is always much higher than the magnetic pressure. Three stages of the capillary discharge are identified. During the last of these the distribution of plasma inside the capillary is determined by the balance between ohmic heating, and cooling due to electron heat conduction. A simple analytical model of the discharge during the final stage is presented, and shown to be in good agreement with the magnetohydrodynamic simulations.

[A comparative study of the activity of a natural peptide complex in the kidneys and its synthetic analogs in autoimmune nephritis]. / Sravnitel'noe izuchenie aktivnosti estestvennogo peptidnogo kompleksa pochek i ego sinteticheskikh analogov pri autoimmunnom nefrite.

The activity of the natural peptide complex of the kidneys and of its synthetic analogs (PEKDLRK, PEKDSRK, PEKDDRL) in autoimmune nephritis was studied on golden hamsters. All the peptides under study demonstrated therapeutic activity but were characterized by peculiarity of their effect. The peptide PEKDLRK possessed the most marked capacity for stimulating phagocytic reactions, PEKDDRL apparently activated the system of natural killers. It is concluded that the study of peptides-analogs as potential drugs is promising.

[Apoptosis in the cells of parenchymatous organs in subacute sodium nitrate poisoning]. / Apoptoz v kletkakh parenkhimatoznykh organov pri podostroi intoksikatsii nitratom natriia.

Subacute intoxication was induced by the oral administration of sodium nitrate 200 mg/kg during 150 days to Wistar rats. After the time had been up severe damaging were found in liver, kidney, heart and thymic tissues. In the liver cells the DNA fragmentation in "scale" manner was found, but not in kidney and heart cells. Simultaneously, the Ca2+, Mg(2+)-depended endonucleases activity were increased in the liver nuclei extracts under intoxication. It was suggested that increasing of apoptosis in liver is the universal reaction to toxins.

[Effects of regulator peptides on expression of mannose-containing membrane structures in leukocytes in acute stress]. / Vliianie reguliatornykh peptidov na ékspressiiu mannozosoderzhashchikh membrannykh struktur leikotsitov pri ostrom stresse.

We have investigated the influence of regulative peptides (oxytocin, pituitrin, thyroid-releasing hormone and SNC) on the expression of mannose-containing membrane structures (MCMS) of lymphocytes and neutrophils in acute stress (3-hour immobilization on the back). MCMS were assayed by the indirect lectin-peroxidase test. We have found that MCMS-expression of lymphocytes significantly decreased but neutrophil MCMS-expression changed in different directions. SNC and thyroid-releasing hormone decreased and MCMS expression increased, respectively. Acute stress activated MCMS expression of lymphocytes. This activation was uncorrectable by the investigated peptides, MCMS expression of neutrophils was corrected by oxytocin, thyroid-releasing hormone and pituitrin. Thus, MCMS expression of leukocytes changed as a multimodal system by acute stress and peptide administration. This system may take part in pathogenesis of the stress reaction.

[Human physiological blood protection systems in the late periods after ionizing radiation exposure related to the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station]. / Sostoianie fiziologicheskikh zashchitnykh sistem krovi cheloveka v otdalennye periody posle vozdeistviia ioniziruiushchei radiatsii, sviazannoi s avariei na Chernobyl'skoi AES.

During a 5-year follow-up of rescue party members exposed to radioactive effects of the Chernobyl accident no material changes were observed versus healthy donors in the content of calcium, cholesterol, atherogenic lipoproteins, dienic conjugates, insulin, thyroxin, triiodothyronine, thyroglobulin, IgA, IgG and fibrinogen. Inhibition of peroxidation and emergence of hypocoagulation are attributed to a reduced respiratory splash of the neutrophils. Concentrations of hydrocortisone, testosterone, IgM rose, while the activity of some antioxidant enzymes remained stable.

Chronotropic and dromotropic components of cardiac reflexes in the cat.

The relationship between dromotropic and chronotropic components of various cardiac reflexes was studied in cats. Intravenous infusion of blood was mainly accompanied by unidirectional negative chronotropic and dromotropic effects, but the dynamics of these effects was different. Clumping of the carotid arteries in most animals induced unidirectional negative chronotropic and dromotropic effects. Their dynamics was also different and differed from that observed during intravenous blood infusion. Pulsatile increase in blood pressure in the carotid artery was accompanied by a unidirectional negative effect in the majority of animals. The opposite chronotropic and dromotropic effects with similar temporal dynamics were revealed in 1/3 animals. The ratio of positive and negative effects was similar during clumping of the abdominal aorta (1/3 unidirectional, 1/3 opposite, and 1/3 isolated chronotropic and dromotropic effects). Aschner test was characterized by the prevalence of isolated chronotropic effect (negative effect in the majority of animals; positive effect in 1/3 animals). Hence, different cardiac reflexes are characterized by different ratio between chronotropic and dromotropic components.

Pathomorphology of myocardial circulation: comparative study in increased left or right ventricle afterload.

Comparative study of pathomorphology of myocardial circulation under conditions of increased afterload of the left or right ventricles showed similar changes. All compartments of the coronary bed were plethoric, capillary blood stasis and perivascular edema, more pronounced in arterial vessels, were detected in both cases. These changes equally involved both ventricles and the ventricular septum. Significant differences consisted in local increase in the density of functioning capillaries. The increase was the maximum in hemodynamically overloaded ventricle and ventricular septum, presumably due to increase of their contractile activity. The density of functioning capillaries in the intact (vs. pressure overloaded) ventricle also increased, but to a lesser degree, which could be due to systemic neurohumoral effects. If increased afterload was complicated by the development of heart failure, circulatory disorders in the myocardium progressed. Significant increase in the density of functioning capillaries in all cardiac compartments indicated decreased vascular tone and exhaustion of coronary reserve. This was paralleled by a sharp arterial plethora in case of increased afterload of the left ventricle and sharp blood stasis in the microcirculatory bed in case of increased right ventricle afterload. Reduction of effective perfusion pressure in the presence of coronary dystonia can cause coronary insufficiency and myocardial ischemia in case of increased right ventricle afterload.

Effect of pentobarbital on spectral characteristics and phase ratios of wave oscillations of cardiac contraction period and time of atrioventricular conduction in cats.

Effects of pentobarbital on spectral characteristics and phase ratios of wave oscillations of the cardiac contraction period (RR interval) and time of atrioventricular conduction (AV interval) were studied in experiments of cats. Pentobarbital moderately reduced the mean values of both intervals and significantly reduced their standard deviations and spectral powers in all frequency bands (high-frequency, low-frequency, and very low-frequency). Pentobarbital treatment led to deceleration of breathing, the frequency range of respiratory oscillations of RR and AV intervals shifted in some cases from high to low frequencies; evaluation of spectral power in the intermittent band corresponding to respiration frequency (instead of standard fixed high-frequency band) showed that pentobarbital suppressed the respiratory oscillations in these bands. Pentobarbital induced inversion of phase ratio between respiratory oscillations of RR and AV intervals: oscillations of both intervals before pentobarbital coincided by phase, while after pentobarbital injection they were in antiphase. The mechanisms of the latter phenomenon deserve further investigation.

Role of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in heart rate regulation in cats.

The effects of atropine and beta-adrenoceptor blockers on mean HR, wave structure of the cardiac rhythm, and chronotropic reaction to noise stress were examined in cats. Atropine (0.5 mg/kg) increased the mean HR and significantly decreased the spectrum power of HF, LF, and VLF oscillations. The decrease in HF power was most pronounced, which enhanced LF/HF ratio. Propranolol (0.5 mg/kg) decreased the mean HR and slightly increased the power of HF, LF, and VLF oscillations. Atenolol (2 mg/kg) exerted similar but more pronounced effects. beta-Adrenoceptor blockers increased HF power to a greater extent than LF and VLF power, which led to a decrease in LF/HF ratio. Atropine markedly decreased the chronotropic reaction to stress. beta-Adrenoceptor blockers produced no effect on the amplitude of this reaction, but accelerated restoration of initial HR. It is established that the changes in power spectrum of HR and the phase reflex reactions in cats are mediated by parasympathetic influences; the sympathetic system is involved only in the control of mean HR, probably in response to the level of animal activity. The changes in LF/HF ratio during blockade of sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are caused by opposite influences of these systems on HF oscillations, but not by hypothetic "sympathetic" and "parasympathetic" nature of LF and HF oscillations of the heart rhythm.