Transtraumatic Epidural Electrostimulation of the Spinal Cord in a Pig Model.

The effect of transtraumatic epidural electrostimulation (TEES) above (T5) and below (L2) spinal cord injury in the lower thoracic region (T8-T9) in combination with treadmill exercise in pigs was evaluated using electrophysiological examination methods and behavioral tests. Two weeks after spinal cord injury, motor evoked potentials of m. soleus were recorded during electrostimulation at the level of T5 and L2 segments, which indicated activation of spinal cord structures above and below the focus of injury. After 6 weeks of TEES in combination with physical training, restoration of the characteristics of M-response and H-reflex of the soleus muscle in response to stimulation of the sciatic nerve, improvement of joint mobility, and appearance of voluntary motor activity in the hindlimbs were observed. Neuromodulation with TEES had been proven to be an effective way to stimulate posttraumatic spinal cord regeneration and can be used in the development of a neurorehabilitation protocol for patients with spinal cord injury.

Technical considerations depending on the level of vascular ligation in laparoscopic rectal resection.

AIM: In addition to ischemia there is also anastomotic ends tension proven to be a risk factor for anastomotic leak. HT vascular ligation is accepted as a rule, in attempt to achieve tension-free anastomosis. LT is a preferred option, based on the more accurate preservation of proximal intestinal segment microperfusion and lower risk of damage to the hypogastric plexus. The aim of this study is evaluation of comparative indicators in high tie (HT) and low tie (LT) laparoscopic rectal resections. METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized comparative cohort study of patients in our department with cancer of the rectum in clinical stage I-III, operated on in laparoscopic approach over a 6-years period. RESULTS: For the period 2015-2020, a number of 208 laparoscopic surgeries have been done for rectal cancer. Patients were divided into three groups-group A with HT vascular ligation 116 pts. (69%), group B-53 pts. (25%), underwent low ligation-LT and group C-39pts. (19%) low tie plus lymph node dissection of the apical LN group (LT-appic LND). The distribution was made without randomization, based on the operators' expertise. Anastomotic leaks were 3.8% in group A, 3.0% in group B and 2.9% in group C (p > 0.05) with no significance difference. There is no significant difference in the number of lymph nodes obtained in group A and group B, while in group C the number of the harvested lymph nodes was higher (p < 0.05). The indicators for intestinal / defecation dysfunction, as well as for urinary/sexual dysfunction, according to our data, are significantly more favorable in patients with LT, in contrast to the other two groups. CONCLUSION: HT vascular ligation attempts to achieve tension-free anastomosis and more harvested lymph nodes. However, LT could be a preferred option, based on the lack of significant evidence for a difference in specific oncological survival and due to more accurate preservation of proximal intestinal segment microperfusion to prevent anastomosis dehiscence, also for its lower risk of damage to the hypogastric plexus. Splenic flexure mobilization provides elongation of the proximal intestinal segment, but has no proven effect on anastomotic leakage incidence. It increases surgical duration and is in fact necessary in up to 30% of the cases. At the present moment there is no precise data whether LT has an advantage in terms of prevention of autonomic nervous and urogenital dysfunction. New prospective randomized and highly probative studies are needed to standardize the procedures in specific clinical situations.

Etiology and therapy indication for cochlear implantation in children with single-sided deafness : Retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The characteristics of children with single-sided deafness (SSD) who become candidates for unilateral cochlear implantation (uCI) were identified. STUDY DESIGN: In all, 118 children with SSD presenting from 2013-2019 to a tertiary pediatric children's hospital were retrospectively assessed regarding candidacy for uCI. RESULTS: Of the 118 children, 103 had completed uCI candidacy assessment, while 15 were undergoing this assessment at the time of review. More than half of children did not go on to implantation (63/103, 61%), with the 2 main reasons being (1) half (31/63) did not meet candidacy criteria for implantation, most commonly due to cochlear nerve aplasia/hypoplasia (31/82 who were assessed with MRI, 38%) and (2) families (30/103; 29%) declined participation in the surgical arm of the trial. The most common etiologies of SSD in the 37/103 (36%) children who both met candidacy and consented to implantation were congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV; 16/37, 43%), unknown (6/37, 16%), cochleovestibular anomaly and trauma (each 5/37, 14%). CONCLUSIONS: Many children with SSD who present for implant candidacy assessment do not ultimately receive uCI. Major factors contributing to noncandidacy are cochlear nerve aplasia and parental acceptance of the intervention. While approximately half of children with SSD in our cohort were candidates for implantation, only 1/3 of the total cohort proceeded with implantation with the main predictors of acceptability of this intervention being an etiology (i.e., cCMV) that carries risk of progressive deterioration in the better hearing ear or SSD that was sudden in onset. These findings provide important insight into this new population of cochlear implant users and the emerging acceptance of intervention in children with SSD.

Bioluminescent Study of the Distribution of High-Molecular-Weight Protein Fraction of Cellex Daily Preparation in the Brain after Intranasal Administation.

Permeability of the blood-brain barrier for protein fractions 50-100 kDa (PF50-100) of Cellex Daily preparation labeled with fluorescent tracer FITC and non-conjugated FITC were compared after intranasal administration of the preparations to healthy rats. Fluorimetrical analysis of the serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples showed that Cellex Daily PF50-100-FITC administered intranasally penetrated into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid with maximum accumulation in 2 h after administration and persists in the circulation for 24 h probably due to binding with plasma proteins. The differences in the kinetic profile of PF50-100-FITC and free FITC indirectly suggest that the major part of the preparation is not degraded within 24 h and FITC is probably not cleaved from the protein components of the preparation. In vivo fluorescence analysis showed significant fluorescent signal in the olfactory bulbs in 6 h after intranasal administration; hence, the preparation administered via this route can bypass the blood-brain barrier. Scanning laser confocal microscopy of rat brain sections confirmed penetration of the high-molecular weight protein fraction PF50-100-FITC into CNS structures. The most pronounced accumulation of the labeled drug was observed in the olfactory bulb in 6 and 12 h after administration. In contrast to free FITC administered in the control group, significant accumulation of PF50-100-FITC in the olfactory cortex and frontal cortex neurons with functionally active nuclei was observed in 6, 12 and 24 h after intranasal administration.

[Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells of adipose tissue].

Experimental investigation were conducted with the objective to determine a stem cells, capacity to differentiate in adipogenic direction, if they were obtained from adipose tissue. The investigation results have witnessed, that the cells, obtained from adipose tissue, are capable for a tissue-speciphic differentiation in osteogenic, chondrogenic, and, principally--in adipogenic direction, what confirms a multypotent nature of mesenchymal stem cells of adipose tissue. Adipose tissue constitutes an alternative to the bone marrow, as a source of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells, which may be applied in further investigations, concerning determination of their defense possibility for the transplanted autologous adipose tissue from the tissue resorption, made in a lipophiling way.

Coordination-induced condensation of [Ta6O19](8-): synthesis and structure of [{(C6H6)Ru}2Ta6O19](4-) and [{(C6H6)RuTa6O18}2(µ-O)](10-).

Reaction of [(C6H6)RuCl2]2 and Na8[Ta6O19] gives two new hybrid organometallic POM complexes, Na10[{(C6H6)RuTa6O18}2(µ-O)]·39.4H2O (Na10-1) and Na4(trans-[{(C6H6)Ru}2Ta6O19]·20H2O (Na4-2). In both cases the half-sandwich fragments {(C6H6)Ru}(2+) are coordinated as additional vertices to the {Ta3(µ2-O)3} triangles of the hexatantalate. According to NMR and ESI-MS data, the dimeric complex [{(C6H6)RuTa6O18}2(µ-O)](10-) dissociates in water with the formation of monomeric [(C6H6)RuTa6O19](6-) species (1a). X-ray structural characterization and aqueous speciation of the complexes by (13)C, (1)H, and DOSY NMR; ESI-MS; and capillary electrophoresis (CE) have been carried out.

[Assurance of intestinal transplant quality].

Issues of preservation of function and the intestinal transplant quality, security for a recipient, prophylaxis of rejection reaction, immunosuppressive therapy were enlighted.

Are military fitness tests safe for members with a total hip arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION: Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members must complete an annual fitness evaluation. Members with a total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be at risk of injury during these strenuous tests. To inform CAF policy, we sought expert consensus on the safety of fitness testing for members with a THA. METHODS: We conducted a three-round Delphi study with a panel of hip arthroplasty experts to determine the safety of CAF operational fitness evaluations for members with a THA. The experts evaluated videos of the 10 individual tasks included in the evaluations. RESULTS: All individual tasks were judged to be safe by consensus. One task, which involves digging with a shovel, was considered safe provided that participants avoid deep hip flexion. The nine other tasks were judged to be safe without modifications or interventions. The experts also supported a policy recommendation that would allow members to perform military fitness evaluations if they (1) have a primary THA, (2) had no episodes of instability, (3) are at least 12 months postoperatively and (4) have been cleared by an orthopaedic surgeon and a physiatrist/physiotherapist. CONCLUSION: A panel of arthroplasty experts concluded, based on video analysis, that CAF fitness evaluations are generally safe for members with a THA.

[Rapid methods for the genus Salmonella bacteria detection in food and raw materials].

The article considers sanitary and epidemiological aspects and the impact of Salmonella food poisoning in Russia and abroad. The main characteristics of the agent (Salmonella enterica subsp. Enteritidis) are summarized. The main sources of human Salmonella infection are products of poultry and livestock (poultry, eggs, dairy products, meat products, etc.). Standard methods of identifying the causative agent, rapid (alternative) methods of analysis of Salmonella using differential diagnostic medium (MSRV, Salmosyst, XLT4-agar, agar-Rambach et al.), rapid tests Singlepath-Salmonella and PCR (food proof Salmonella) in real time were stated. Rapid tests provide is a substantial (at 24-48 h) reducing the time to identify Salmonella.

[The mechanoreceptor tactile diagnostics of thoracic diseases].

The novel system of tactile analysis was used in the mechanoreceptor device. The local pressure measurement is carried out in in cameras, divided by the elastic membrane from the analyzed organ. The devise allows fast and adequate real-time measurement of tissue density and elasticity. The results, acquired with the use of the mechanoreceptor device were checked microscopically. The study showed high compatibility and adequacy of the novel mechanoreceptor.

[Accelerated method for microbiological control of the safety of foodstuffs].

The action and devices of rapid Singlepath (Merck KGaA) tests are considered. The Singlepath tests are used for the accelerated detection of pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157) in the raw products and foodstuff. The tests as compared to conventional methods showed a high similarity of results in identifying Salmonella in raw meat material. The immunochromatographic test requires no equipment and it is characterized by simple sample preparation and high reliability. The tests are also effectively used for the rapid identification of pathogenic bacteria. The introduction of the rapid Singlepath tests reduces the time of analysis to 24-48 hours. The Singlepath tests are officially recommended by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for practical application.

[About the estimation of non specific protective effect of vaccination against infections actual for military personnel].

Flue and other respiratory diseases morbidity of servicemen of training students are researched. Epidemiological and economic effectiveness of flue vaccine "Bakcuspun" (Vaksigrip) is estimated. Its non-specific protective effect in case of acute respiratory diseases and pyodermia is shown.

[About non-specific prophylaxis of infections typical for organized groups].

Respiratory tract infections and pyodermia are typical for personnel doing military service under conscription. Risk of progression of these infections is connected with activation of carry-over of causative agents among military personnel during replacement and decrease in immunity of conscripts. Usage of medication "Karmolis Kapli" for the purpose of prophylaxis allows to reduce cases of respiratory tract infections among the military personnel. Among the military servicemen who had take "Karmolis Kapli" was noted reduction of community-acquired pneumonia, tonsillitis and pyodermia morbidity. Non-specific protective effect of medication "Karmolis Kapli" is conditioned by increase of the common resistance of the body. For the purpose of prophylaxis it is necessary to use this medication during the personnel formation before the beginning of seasonal morbidity.

[Petrifilm--up-to-date tests for microbiological control of food products, raw materials and environmental objects].

The principle of action, advantages and different types of Petrifilm as alternative test to the classical microbiological analysis are considered. Petrifilm is up-to-date high technology test systems for the rapid quantitative microbiological control in foodstuff of sanitary-significant and pathogenic microorganisms--yeast and moulds, coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus, Listeria spp. and Lactobacilli spp. Automatic testing of colonies on Petrifilm with use of the Petrifilm-Reader allows to reduce time for colony counting, to exclude errors of personnel and to document results of the analysis.

Laryngeal cancer in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

With improved survival, more AIDS patients, especially heavy smokers and alcohol abusers, may be confronted with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Since curative treatment may require aggressive combined therapy, these patients, often suffering from immunosupression and poor general condition, present unique therapeutic challenges. The objective of the study was to describe treatment dilemmas. This case report presents a detailed description of an AIDS patient with carcinoma of the larynx. A patient with T3N0M0 laryngeal carcinoma and AIDS underwent tracheotomy and biopsy, followed by severe neck and pulmonary infection. After convalescence, radiotherapy was administered, with no evidence of a disease during a 3.5-year follow-up. During his remaining life, the patient developed severe psychoaffective disorder, his immune state deteriorated until he demised from sepsis. In conclusion, patients with HIV infection, especially having a history of tobacco or alcohol abuse, should be carefully examined for head and neck carcinoma that is likely to be more aggressive. Following surgery, AIDS patients may have worse wound healing and a greater tendency to contract infections. Radiotherapy and especially chemotherapy may cause life-threatening complications. Although early detection may increase survival, curative treatment should involve many disciplines and extra caution.

[Mathematical modeling of the spatial distribution of the pollen produced by genetically modified crops].

We represent and analyze the results of mathematical simulation of pollen dispersion from the origin, a field sowed by genetically modified plants. Factors responsible for the genetic isolation of such fields are discussed.

Measurements of electron density profile by frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer in the T-10 tokamak using high magnetic field side probing and extraordinary mode lower cutoff.

A new, previously unused combination of the high magnetic field side probing and the lower extraordinary mode cutoff was used in the T-10 tokamak for the electron density profile measurements by using a frequency modulation continuous wave reflectometer. This scheme has a significant advantage for large fusion machines where flat electron density profiles and high electron temperatures are expected. The reflectometer design is based on a common scheme with voltage controlled oscillators, active multipliers, and in-phase/quadrature signal detection. Iterative procedures were applied to calibrate a microwave source frequency and compensate the dispersion of probing signals in the conventional rectangular waveguides used as the transmission lines. About 0.2% stability of the beating frequency was reached after the calibration procedure had been finished. An advanced finite-difference scheme was proposed for the reconstruction of the electron density profile to reduce errors and improve the overall performance of the algorithm. Reconstructed electron density profiles demonstrate good agreement with conventional T-10 diagnostic data. Some specific technical and physical aspects of the diagnostic were also discussed on the basis of T-10 operation experience.

Hyphenated techniques in speciation analysis of polyoxometalates: identification of individual [PMo12-xVxO40]-3-x (x = 1-3) in the reaction mixtures by high performance liquid chromatography and atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma.

Unambiguous identification of polyoxometalate (POM) species generated in self-assembly reactions in solution is rather problematic due to close similarity of their properties such as solubility and spectral characteristics. The situation is made more complex by protonation equilibria (which can change their analytical signals) and the lack of individual compounds to serve as standards for individual members of these mixtures. In the present work a new approach to the study of such POMs has been suggested, taking molybdovanadates [PMo12-xVxO40]-3-x as a model. The key feature of this approach consists of generation of so-called "conditional model systems" that include most of the expected components of a mixture formed by self-assembly, tracked down by reliable detection techniques, e.g., 51V NMR-spectroscopy in this particular case. Then the proposed composition of the mixture is verified and corrected by means of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-AES).

Microarray analysis of differentially expressed genes after exposure of normal human fibroblasts to ionizing radiation from an external source and from DNA-incorporated iodine-125 radionuclide.

Exposure of cells to ionizing radiation (IR) produces changes in the expression level of a large number of genes. However, less is known of gene-expression changes caused by local radiation exposure from radionuclides within cells. We studied changes in the genome-wide gene expression induced by decay of 125I incorporated into DNA as [125I]-iododeoxyuridine (125I-IUdR) in normal IMR-90 human lung fibroblasts and compared them with the changes produced by external gamma-radiation delivered at high (HDR) or low (LDR) dose rate. We found that more than 2000 genes were consistently up- or down-regulated following HDR and LDR gamma-radiation. The profiles of differentially expressed genes following HDR and LDR shared about 64% (up) and 74% (down) genes in common, with many genes identified as radiation-responsive for the first time. In contrast, in all only 206 genes changed their expression level in the 125I-IUdR-treated cells, even though the total number of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) produced by 125I-IUdR exceeded that produced by the gamma-radiation. With few exceptions, the expression levels of 125I-IUdR-responsive genes were also altered following gamma-irradiation. Therefore, nuclear DNA-localized decays of 125I produce 10 times fewer differentially expressed genes than whole-cell exposure to gamma-radiation of comparable dose. These results suggest that the effect of IR on the changes in global gene expression depends on the distribution of energy depositions within the cell. In contrast to cell survival, DNA DSB may not be the major factor modulating changes in gene expression following irradiation.

Genome-wide gene expression changes in normal human fibroblasts in response to low-LET gamma-radiation and high-LET-like 125IUdR exposures.

Functional genomics studies were carried out to characterize the transcriptional response of normal human fibroblasts to ionizing radiation (IR) of different types. To this end, lung fibroblast IMR-90 cultures were exposed either to external beam gamma-radiation or to internal irradiation from decay of (125)I-labeled deoxyuridine ((125)IUdR) incorporated into the cellular DNA. A relatively small dose of 1 Gy of gamma-radiation was delivered to cell cultures either at a high dose-rate (HDR, 1 Gy, 1 min) or at a low dose-rate (LDR, 1 Gy, 22 h). More than 41,000 transcripts were assayed by oligo DNA microarray featuring all known and predicted genes in human genome. Gene expression profiles following gamma-radiation and decays of high-linear energy transfer (LET)-like (125)I share the majority of genes in common, indicating the involvement of similar pathways in signal transduction after IR exposures of different modalities. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that the oxidative phosphorylation, metabolism of nt, protein kinase cascade and cell cycle are among the up-regulated biological processes mostly affected by gamma-radiation in IMR-90 cells. The translational elongation, negative regulation of cell growth, antigen processing and protein targeting are down-regulated following IR exposures. About one-third of genes differentially expressed following either HDR or LDR gamma-radiation exposures in the same absorbed dose were different, indicating the involvement of distinct transcriptional programs in cellular response to irradiation delivered with the different dose rates.