Anaerobic oxidation of petroleum hydrocarbons in enrichment cultures from sediments of the Gorevoy Utes natural oil seep under methanogenic and sulfate-reducing conditions.

This article presents the first experimental data on the ability of microbial communities from sediments of the Gorevoy Utes natural oil seep to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons under anaerobic conditions. Like in marine ecosystems associated with oil discharge, available electron acceptors, in particular sulfate ions, affect the composition of the microbial community and the degree of hydrocarbon conversion. The cultivation of the surface sediments under sulfate-reducing conditions led to the formation of a more diverse bacterial community and greater loss of n-alkanes (28%) in comparison to methanogenic conditions (6%). Microbial communities of both surface and deep sediments are more oriented to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), to which the degree of the PAH conversion testifies (up to 46%) irrespective of the present electron acceptors. Microorganisms with the uncultured closest homologues from thermal habitats, sediments of mud volcanoes, and environments contaminated with hydrocarbons mainly represented microbial communities of enrichment cultures. The members of the phyla Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, and Caldiserica (OP5), as well as the class Deltaproteobacteria and Methanomicrobia, were mostly found in enrichment cultures. The influence of gas-saturated fluids may be responsible for the presence in the bacterial 16S rRNA gene libraries of the sequences of "rare taxa": Planctomycetes, Ca. Atribacteria (OP9), Ca. Armatimonadetes (OP10), Ca. Latescibacteria (WS3), Ca. division (AC1), Ca. division (OP11), and Ca. Parcubacteria (OD1), which can be involved in hydrocarbon oxidation.

[AUTOLOGOUS TRANSPLANTATION OF ADIPOSE TISSUE IN RECONSTRUCTIVE AND PLASTIC SURGERY. NEW POSSIBILITIES OF "OLD" MATERIAL].

The work is devoted to the methods of application of own adipose tissue as a plastic material and presents the summary of the currently known data on the use of transplantation of adipose tissue in order to correct various defects of the body in plastic and reconstructive surgery. There are analyzed theoretical basis for the use of adipose tissue, provided the methods of administration depending on the area of the use, the severity of the defect and its localization. Data on new methods of the use of adipose tissue and own observations are presented. As an example of the effective use there is provided a detailed analysis of the use of adipose tissue transplantation in breast cancer patients who have different area defects after reconstructive surgery.

[PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR INTRADERMAL METASTASES OF BREAST CANCER USING THE MATRIX LIGHT-EMITTING DIODES APPARATUS LATUS].

There are presented results of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for patients with chemo- and radioresistant intradermal metastases of breast cancer using the matrix light-emitting diodes apparatus. To all patients prior to irradiation there was performed fluorescence diagnostics to assess the accumulation of the photosensitizer of chlorine series and photobleaching during PDT. The size of the irradiation area was 400 sm, the total dose of irradiation was 250J/cm2. PDT was accompanied by mild pain, which was stopped by administration of non-narcotic analgesics. Complete regression of intradermal lesions was registered in 2 of 4 cases, partial response was observed in 1 patient and the progression of the process in 1 case.

[Whether to apply the standard treatment for breast cancer in older patients: arguments for and against].

Data results of treatment of elderly breast cancer patients in different medical centers are provided, cohort up to 1922 patients. Better survival indicators are recorded within this category when using standard treatment plans (the same as for main category of patients). However it has been noticed that in most cases the patients' age (70-80 years) was considered a barrier to prescription the adequate treatment; 54-98% of patients do not receive standard treatment.

[Markers of effectiveness of preoperative taxane-based chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer].

The absolute sensitivity signs of breast cancer to the drug have not yet been developed. Data from clinical trials on the study of experimental laboratory predictive markers of chemosensitivity: TOP2alpha (topoisomerase 2-alpha), beta-tubulin (subunit of dimeric protein tubulin), and BRCA1 (breast cancer 1) are contradictory and not numerous. Analysis of the results by the end of the clinical trial will allow examining the correlation between the effectiveness of preoperative taxane-chemotherapy and the level of experimental and standard molecular markets that is important for development of algorithm of treatment tactics for patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

[Radical breast resection with skin-muscular latissimus dorsi flap grafting].

The oncological breast surgeries with single-stage replacement of the lost volume by means of autogeneous tissue using distant flaps grafting (particularly by skin--muscular flaps of the latissimus dorsi) allow obtaining satisfactory and stable aesthetic results without the decrease of indices of relapse-free and general survival. The early results of the application of the skin-muscular flaps of the latissimus dorsi for single-stage breast reconstruction after radical breast resection are presented in this work in 3 patients with breast cancer. The technique allows performance of the extensive radical resection with single-stage grafting in patients with breast cancer and obtaining an objective clinical response against the background of neoadjuvant therapy with subsequent applying radiation therapy and systemic treatment.

[Brain metastasis in breast cancer].

Brain metastasis is an important issue in modern neurooncology. Our results of combined treatment of brain metastases are presented and available approaches to brain irradiation and chemotherapy are discussed. There is strong evidence to suggest that maximum combinations of approaches might improve treatment efficacy and extend median overall survival to as long as 6 months (p < or = 0.05).

[Radionuclide visualization of lymphatic flow from primary breast cancer].

Our study was concerned with evaluation of patterns of lymph flow from primary breast cancer. Radionuclide scintigraphy (RS) of lymph nodes was performed in 92 patients. Scinitigraphic images were obtained 30-60 and 240-360 min after intratumoral injection of 75-150 MBq (0,5-1 vl) of 99mTc nanocolloids. The pool sites of the radiodrug collection were as follows: axillary (Ax), sub-supraclavicular (SSCL) and internal mammary (IM). Imaging proved effective in 86 cases. No drug transport was recorded in 5 cases; 4 of them revealed macroscopic metaststases to the lymph nodes. External involvement of the axillary lymph nodes was visualized in 51 patients out of 52 while in 26 it occurred on the axillary site only. In another 25 patients, images of lymph nodes were obtained on 2 or 3 sites: drainage Ax+SSCL (12;23.1%), Ax+IM (6;11.6%) and Ax+SSCL+IM (7;13.4%). In patients with tumors in internal quadrants (34), the lymph flow patterns were as follows: Ax (12;35.3%), IM (2;5.8%), Ax+SSCL (8;23.5%), Ax+IM+SSCL (5;14.7%). Hence, the efficacy of lymph node visualization after intratumoral injection of nanocolloids was 98%. Visualization on Ax sites was further confirmed by lymph flow to SSCL and IM (29.1%) and (35.9%), respectively. The likelihood of lymph flow to IM is significantly higher in patients with internal localization of breast cancer (37.1%) but it is not negligible (22.9%) in cases of external quadrants.

New viral biogeochemical roles revealed through metagenomic analysis of Lake Baikal.

BACKGROUND: Lake Baikal is the largest body of liquid freshwater on Earth. Previous studies have described the microbial composition of this habitat, but the viral communities from this ecosystem have not been characterized in detail. RESULTS: Here, we describe the viral diversity of this habitat across depth and seasonal gradients. We discovered 19,475 bona fide viral sequences, which are derived from viruses predicted to infect abundant and ecologically important taxa that reside in Lake Baikal, such as Nitrospirota, Methylophilaceae, and Crenarchaeota. Diversity analysis revealed significant changes in viral community composition between epipelagic and bathypelagic zones. Analysis of the gene content of individual viral populations allowed us to describe one of the first bacteriophages that infect Nitrospirota, and their extensive repertoire of auxiliary metabolic genes that might enhance carbon fixation through the reductive TCA cycle. We also described bacteriophages of methylotrophic bacteria with the potential to enhance methanol oxidation and the S-adenosyl-L-methionine cycle. CONCLUSIONS: These findings unraveled new ways by which viruses influence the carbon cycle in freshwater ecosystems, namely, by using auxiliary metabolic genes that act upon metabolisms of dark carbon fixation and methylotrophy. Therefore, our results shed light on the processes through which viruses can impact biogeochemical cycles of major ecological relevance. Video Abstract.

Interconnection of bacterial and phytoplanktonic communities with hydrochemical parameters from ice and under-ice water in coastal zone of Lake Baikal.

We analysed the relationship between the chemical complex (concentration of dissolved ions, nutrients, pH) and biological parameters (primary production, biomass of phytoplankton, abundance and activity of bacterial communities) at estuaries of rivers and coastal waters of Southern Baikal during the under-ice period. Correlation network analysis revealed CO2 to be the main limiting factor for the development of algae and microbial communities in the coastal zone of Lake Baikal. This study indicates that primarily reverse synthesis of bicarbonate and carbonate ions associated with the development of phytoplankton and accumulation of dissolved CO2 during photosynthesis regulates pH in the Baikal water. We did not detect the anthropogenic factors that influence the change in pH and acidification. Near the Listvyanka settlement (Lake Baikal, Listvennichnaya Bay), there was a great number of organotrophs and thermotolerant bacteria with low bacterioplankton activity and high concentration of organic carbon. This evidences eutrophication due to the influx of organic matter having an anthropogenic source. Nutrients produced during the bacterial destruction of this matter may explain the changes in bottom phytocenoses of Listvennichnaya Bay.

Methane hydrate emergence from Lake Baikal: direct observations, modelling, and hydrate footprints in seasonal ice cover.

This paper provides a novel report of methane hydrates rising from bottom sediments to the surface of Lake Baikal, validated by photo and video records. The ascent of hydrates in the water column was confirmed by hydroacoustic data showing rising objects with velocities significantly exceeding the typical speeds (18-25 cm s-1) of gas bubbles. Mathematical modelling along with velocity and depth estimates of the presumed methane hydrates coincided with values observed from echograms. Modelling results also showed that a methane hydrate fragment with initial radius of 2.5 cm or greater could reach the surface of Lake Baikal given summer water column temperature conditions. Results further show that while methane bubbles released from the deep sedimentary reservoir would dissolve in the Lake Baikal water column, transport in hydrate form is not only viable but may represent a previously overlooked source of surface methane with subsequent emissions to the atmosphere. Methane hydrates captured within the ice cover may also cause the formation of unique ice structures and morphologies observed around Lake Baikal. Sampling of these ice structures detected methane content that exceeded concentrations measured in surrounding ice and from the atmosphere demonstrating a link with the methane transport processes described here.

[Phase II clinical trial of neoadjuvant hormone therapy in comparison with chemotherapy of patients with breast cancer].

Data are presented on a randomized study (stage II) which was undertaken to assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (doxorubicin+paclitaxel) vis-a-vis endocrine therapy with aromatase inhibitors (anastrazole or exemestane) in postmenopausal women with ER-positive and/or PgR-positive tumors. Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy was well tolerated and showed similar rates of overall response as compared with the latter regimen.

[Correlation of hormone-metabolic status in breast cancer and effectiveness of adjuvant hormone therapy].

Hormono-metabolic status was assayed before and after month 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 54 and 60 of therapy in 72 patients with receptor-positive tumors of the breast who completed 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen (20 mg/24 hrs) or letrozole (2.5 mg/24 hrs). Eleven patients were not followed up, 11 relapsed and had metastases while 50 completed therapy. Significant fall in body mass (Ketle's index), in C-peptide concentration after an insignificant rise and C-peptide/insulin ratio 129 min after glucose loading, low basal blood level of estradiol as well as stable estradiolemia throughout treatment were characteristic of cases of pre-treatment recurrence and metastastic spread. Insulin resistance status, basal serum-estradiol level and fasting its course of development during hormonotherapy should be the subject of further research in criteria for adjuvant hormonotherapy efficacy.

[Detection of methane in the water column at gas and oil seep sites in central and southern Lake Baikal].

Microbiological and biogeochemical investigation of the water column of oligotrophic Lake Baikal at the sites of the K2 and Bolshoy mud volcanoes and the Gorevoy Utes oil seep was carried out in July 2013. Total microbial numbers (TMN), cell numbers of type I and type II methanotrophs, and methane concentrations were measured; the rate of methane oxidation was determined. Methane concentrations in Lake Baikal water column varied from 0.09 to 1 µL/L, while methane oxidation rates varied from 0.007 to 0.9 nL/(L day). The highest rates of methane oxidation were revealed in the near-bottom water horizons at the sites of the Bolshoy mud volcano and the Gorevoy Utes oil seep. These were the sites where the most pronounced anomalies in methane concentration were also detected. TMN varied from 0.123 x 10(6) to 1.64 x 10(6) cells/mL. Methanotrophic bacteria were revealed in the water column at all sites, their abundance did not always correlate with methane concentrationsand the rates of methane oxidation. Methanotrophs constituted not more than 1.63% of the total microbial number, with their highest abundance in the upper 200 m of the water column.

[Karyotype of the lizard Eumeces taeniolatus]. / Kariotip shchitkovogo stsinka

Using bone marrow cell preparations, the karyotype of Eumeces taeniolatus Blyth was examined. The diploid chromosome set of E. taeniolatus is found equal to 28 (24 meta- and 4 submetacentrics), NF=56. Sex chromosomes do not differ morphologically.

[Role of sialic acids in the immune response formation in tick-borne encephalitis]. / Rol' sialovykh kislot v formirovanii immunnogo otveta pri kleshchevom éntsefaliti.

The content of individual forms of sialic acids and total sialic acids in the lymphocytes of tick-borne encephalitis patients has been studied. The level of sialic acids has been found to depend on the clinical form of the disease and on the content of specific IgM and IgG to tick-borne encephalitis virus. Similar dependence has been established with respect to total sialic acids in lymphocytes.

[Relationships between the content of circulating immune complexes, the concentration of serum immunoglobulins and the titers of specific antibodies in patients with tick-borne encephalitis]. / Vzaimootnosheniia mezhdu soderzhaniem tsirkuliruiushchikh immunnykh kompleksov, kontsentratsiei syvorotochnykh immnoglobulinov i titrov spetsifitseskikh antitel u bol'nykh kleshchevym éntsefalitom.

In the blood serum of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) patients the detection rate and concentration of circulating immune complexes, as well as the content of serum IgA, IgM and IgG, were evaluated. The formation of immune complexes was found to depend on IgM and IgG specific antibodies to TBE virus, the period of the disease and the clinical form of virus infection.

[Indices of biopolymer metabolism in connective tissue during repeated stress]. / Pokazateli obmena biopolimerov soedinitel'noi tkani pri mnogokratnom stresse.

Experiments on rats have shown that daily strong stress actions (immobilization) brought about the marked increase in the 11-oxycorticosteroid level and indices of the biopolymer exchange in the connective tissue (free oxyproline, glycosaminoglycanes, sialic acids). Under the acupuncture action (weak stresses) all the above indices were changed mainly after the first influence. Preliminary acupuncture stimulations prevent deep changes in the exchange of biopolymers in the connective tissue, developing under strong stresses.