[Adjuvant effect of dispersed fullerene C60 on the immune response to constructs harboring amino acid and nucleotide sequences of hepatitis C virus nonstructural NS5B protein].

INTRODUCTION: A vaccine against hepatitis C has not yet been developed. Recombinant proteins and plasmids encoding hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins, the components of candidate vaccines, induce a weak immune response and require the use of adjuvants. The aim of the work was to study the adjuvant action of an aqueous solution of fullerene C60 during immunization of mice with HCV recombinant protein NS5B (rNS5B) that is an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, or with NS5B-encoding pcNS5B plasmid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An aqueous solution of dispersed fullerene (dnC60) was obtained by ultrafiltration. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with rNS5B subcutaneously, pcNS5B intramuscularly mixed with different doses of dnC60 three times, then the humoral and cellular response to HCV was evaluated. RESULTS: Mice immunization with rNS5B in a mixture with dnC60 at doses of 250 g/mouse significantly induced humoral response: a dose-dependent increase in IgG1 antibody titers was 720 times higher than in the absence of fullerene. There was no increase in the cellular response to rNS5B when administered with dnC60. The humoral response to DNA immunization was weak in mice of all groups receiving pcNS5B. The cellular response was suppressed when the plasmid was injected in a mixture with dnC60. CONCLUSIONS: Dispersed fullerene dnC60 is a promising adjuvant for increasing the immunostimulating activity of weakly immunogenic proteins including surface and other HCV proteins, important for a protective response. Further research is needed to enhance the ability of dnC60 to boost the cellular immune response to the components of the candidate vaccine.

[Efficiency of magnetic therapy techniques in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with joint diseases from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine]. / Éffektivnost' metodov magnitoterapii v lechenii i reabilitatsii patsientov s zabolevaniiami sustavov s pozitsii dokazatel'noi meditsiny.

This article provides information on currently proven effective treatment methods for patients with joint diseases, by using magnetic fields with various physical characteristics. A wide range of biotropic parameters allows obtaining various primary physicochemical changes in biological tissues, which was a rationale for including magnetic therapy (MT) in the combination treatment of degenerative-dystrophic and inflammatory diseases. Analysis of scientific publications suggests that there are a large number of randomized, placebo-controlled studies providing evidence for reduced pain, improved joint functional activity and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis under magnetic fields with varying inductions, frequencies, and exposures. There are few randomized clinical trials identifying the efficiency of MT for a number of other joint diseases and after arthroplasty. Despite the fact that there are differences in methodological approaches, it is possible to draw a general conclusion on the scientific validity of using MT in the complex treatment and rehabilitation programs for patients with joint diseases and on the prospects of further developments in this area.

Metabolic correction by pyruvate halts acquired epilepsy in multiple rodent models.

Metabolic intervention strategy of epilepsy treatment has been gaining broader attention due to accumulated evidence that hypometabolism, manifested in humans as reduced brain glucose consumption, is a principal factor in acquired epilepsy. Therefore, targeting deficient energy metabolism may be an effective approach for treating epilepsy. To confront this pathology we utilized pyruvate, which besides being an anaplerotic mitochondrial fuel possesses a unique set of neuroprotective properties as it: (i) is a potent reactive oxygen species scavenger; (ii) abates overactivation of Poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP-1); (iii) facilitates glutamate efflux from the brain; (iv) augments brain glycogen stores; (v) is anti-inflammatory; (vi) prevents neuronal hyperexcitability; and (vii) normalizes the cytosolic redox state. In vivo, chronic oral pyruvate administration completely abolished established epileptic phenotypes in three accepted and fundamentally different rodent acquired epilepsy models. Our study reports metabolic correction by pyruvate as a potentially highly effective treatment of acquired epilepsies.

[DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF 4-O-CARBOXYPHENYL-D-GLUCOPYRANOSIDE SODIUM SALT ADMINISTERED VIA DIFFERENT ROUTES].

It was compared the diuretic activity of the sodium salt of 4-(O-ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy)benzoic acid for enteral (intragastric) and parenteral ways of administration. The test substance was administered enterally and parenterally (subcutaneously in the region of the withers) in a daily dose of 18 µmol/kg for the first seven days and in a dose of 54 mmol/kg for the next seven days. Diuretic activity of the sodium salt of 4-(O-ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy)benzoic acid was evaluated in terms of urine volume. Urine was analyzed for creatinine and the concentration of sodium, potassium and chloride ions. Experiments showed that the sodium salt of 4-(O-ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy)benzoic acid produced a diuretic effect only for the enteral administration route.

[Content of heavy metals and petroleum products in the soil on the territory of oilproducing areas of the Republic of Tatarstan].

The paper presents data on the hygienic assessment of the content of heavy metals and petroleum products in the soil on the territory of oil-producing areas of the Republic of Tatarstan. The average total content of lead (10,1 mg/kg), cadmium (0.073 mg/kg), manganese (792.4 mg/kg), cobalt (14.2 mg/kg), chromium (87.6 mg/kg), nickel (65.2 mg/ kg), arsenic (8.0 mg/kg), copper (36.6 mg/kg) and zinc (521 mg/kg) in soil for agricultural purposes near objects oil production was shown not to exceed the established hygienic standards. Soil contamination with oil products leads to an increase in its toxicity and mutagenicity. Soil contamination with oil products at the level of as low as 30 mg/ kg leads to the gain in its toxicity (low toxicity) and mutagenicity (average) (specific gravity of germinated seeds was 70.7±0.67%, aberrations - 1.78±0.19%).

[ZINK IS ACTIVATOR OF ENTERAL CALCIUM METABOLISM].

Experiments on goats and rabbits showed that zinc supplement to the diet leads to calcium concentration rise in muscle, bone and blood of animals. However, this rise was not adequate to increase in.zinc consumption. The bulk of alimentary zinc stayed in soluble fraction, dense endogen fraction and infusoria fraction of digesta and stimulated calcium release from food particles, it's accumulation in digesta fractions and calcium utilization on the whole. Authors estimate animal digesta as homeostatic, spatial organized, endogenic formation in which zinc and calcium are functionally dependent through enteral mucosa.

[Hygienic evaluation of the effectiveness of the concept of improvement the water supply in the south-eastern region of the Republic of Tatarstan].

In the paper there is presented the hygienic assessment of the effectiveness of the implementation of a program aimed at improving conditions of the water supply in the oil producing regions of the Republic of Tatarstan. As a result of realization of measures it was able to improve the quality of drinking water in terms of chemical safety and to reduce the risk to public health. For the present time the following factors: water quality of the water source, the mismatch of sanitary protective zone to requirements of sanitary laws and failure to comply with security measures on its territory, deterioration of water quality during transport and imperfection of laboratory control monitoring were shown to make the highest contribution to the disadvantage of centralized drinking water systems.

[Transthoracal puncture biopsy under ultrasonic induction in tumors of the anterior mediastinum].

Differential diagnostics of tumors of anterior mediastinum is one of the most difficult problems of thoracic surgery and oncology. The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of the results of transthoracal puncture biopsy under ultrasonic induction in 44 patients with the tumors of the anterior mediastinum. Transthoracal biopsy was carried out using the device for biopsy (Multiple Biopsy Device-MBD-23) and ultrasonic scanner (Voluson 730 Expert), the patients being under intravenous (38 patients) and under local (6 patients) anesthetization. The diagnosis was made as a result of morphological research in all 100% of patients, the biopsy being performed the second time in one patient. The general information value of puncture biopsy under ultrasonic induction was 98%. A complication (localized pneumothorax, cupping off by itself) took place only in one of the follow-up study (2%). The analysis of presented material let the authors make a conclusion that transthoracal puncture biopsy under ultrasonic induction is a safe and highly informative method of diagnostics of tumors of the anterior mediastinum in selected patients.

[Effect of a mineral organic complex on mice radioresistance].

Experiments showed that drinking water supplemented with a complex of 12 microelements and organic acids stimulates body mass gain and strengthening of radioresistance in mice. Obviously, availability of water with the mineral and organic complex before and after irradiation was the factor in survival of a part of mice exposed to the absolutely lethal dose (7.6 Gy from gamma-quanta 60Co) and reduction of chromosomal aberrations rate in bone marrow cells in consequence of nonlethal (1 Gy) irradiation.

Resonant magnetic exciton mode in the heavy-fermion antiferromagnet CeB6.

Resonant magnetic excitations are recognised as hallmarks of unconventional superconductivity in copper oxides, iron pnictides and heavy-fermion compounds. Model calculations have related these modes to the microscopic properties of the pair wave function, but the mechanisms of their formation are still debated. Here we report the discovery of a similar resonant mode in the non-superconducting antiferromagnetic heavy-fermion metal CeB(6). Unlike conventional magnons, the mode is non-dispersive and is sharply peaked around a wave vector separate from those characterising the antiferromagnetic order. It is likely associated with a co-existing order parameter of the unusual antiferro-quadrupolar phase of CeB(6), which has long remained hidden to neutron-scattering probes. The mode energy increases continuously below the onset temperature for antiferromagnetism, in parallel to the opening of a nearly isotropic spin gap throughout the Brillouin zone. These attributes are similar to those of the resonant modes in unconventional superconductors. This unexpected commonality between the two disparate ground states indicates the dominance of itinerant spin dynamics in the ordered low-temperature phases of CeB(6) and throws new light on the interplay between antiferromagnetism, superconductivity and 'hidden' order parameters in correlated-electron materials.

Magnetic resonant mode in the low-energy spin-excitation spectrum of superconducting Rb2Fe4Se5 single crystals.

We have studied the low-energy spin-excitation spectrum of the single-crystalline Rb(2)Fe(4)Se(5) superconductor (T(c)=32 K) by means of inelastic neutron scattering. In the superconducting state, we observe a magnetic resonant mode centered at an energy of ℏω(res)=14 meV and at the (0.5 0.25 0.5) wave vector (unfolded Fe-sublattice notation), which differs from the ones characterizing magnetic resonant modes in other iron-based superconductors. Our finding suggests that the 245-iron selenides are unconventional superconductors with a sign-changing order parameter, in which bulk superconductivity coexists with the √5×√5 magnetic superstructure. The estimated ratios of ℏω(res)/k(B)T(c)≈5.1±0.4 and ℏω(res)/2Δ≈0.7±0.1, where Δ is the superconducting gap, indicate moderate pairing strength in this compound, similar to that in optimally doped 1111 and 122 pnictides.

[Rhythmosuggestive compensation and unconscious mechanisms of regulation].

The article describes rhythm suggestive compensation (RSC), a new method of autonomous crew psychological support based on recruitment of cerebral mechanisms of regulation (psychological defense). The method integrates several ways of optimization such as rhythmic stimulation, binaural drumming and verbal suggestion. Procedure of rhythm suggestive compensation is tailored to each individual person with allowance for actual functional interaction of the brain hemispheres, person specific reaction to suggestive information and psychological defense. Meaningful suggestive patterns are modulated by an algorithm and harmonize with rhythmic sensory stimulation. Hence, the controlled change in activities of the hemispheres and different regions of the brain is combined with the effective form of suggestion. Effectiveness of rhythm suggestive compensation was verified with two groups of participants in combat operations (n=5). Compensatory procedure for Group-1 consisted of a simple combination of rhythmic audiovisual stimulation and verbal suggestion. Effectiveness was evaluated by cerebral potentials evoked by emotionally engaging images. Group-2 was treated with the RSC procedure. RSC was found to outdo rhythmic audiovisual stimulation. In addition, it was shown that regular repetition of the rhythm/suggestive procedures does optimize mental state and builds up a stable mental set.

Discrimination of apple juice and herbal liqueur brands with solid-state electrodes covered with polyaniline and thiacalixarenes.

Solid-contact ion-selective electrodes based on glassy carbon electrode covered with electropolymerized polyaniline and tetrasubstituted thiacalix[4]arene ionophores with hexyl and o-pyridylamido functional groups at the lower rim have been developed and examined in the discrimination of the brands of apple juices and herbal liqueurs. For this purpose, the liquids tested were diluted and spiked with a constant amount of Fe(3+) ions. The variation of the signal toward Fe(3+) ions was achieved due to their involvement in the reactions with the organic ligands and the antioxidants present. As was shown, the combination of the three electrodes with various receptors makes it possible to predict the brand of apple juices and herbal liqueurs using linear discriminant analysis in 95-100% cases. The discrimination procedure makes it possible to discriminate liquids within 20 min. Besides, the electrodes developed make it possible to detect individual antioxidants (ascorbic, malic, oxalic acids, hydroquinone, and quercetin) in the range from 5.0x10(-6) to 1.0x10(-2) M in direct potentiometric measurements and redox titration.

[Significance of underground waters for population water supply of oil- producing regions in the Republic of Tatarstan].

The paper provides the hygienic characteristics of the underground waters used for water supply of the population of oil-producing regions in the Republic of Tatarstan (RT). The most common indicators of poor-quality drinking water of centralized water-supply systems from underground sources are shown to be its high mineralization, hardness, and higher than normal hygiene levels of chlorides, sulfates, and iron. The primary reason for drinking water quality deterioration is a high (as high as 70%) wear of water mains. It is noted that industrially based sanitary-and-hygienic and nature-conservative measures to improve water supply conditions for the population are being implemented under the financial backing of OAO "Tatneft" in the oil-producing regions. Considerable development-and-survey work is under way to detect and approve underground water reserves; underground reserves of fresh water have been today industrially introduced for the water supply of the towns of Zainsk, Bugulma, Nurlat, and the industrial community of Urussu. More than 400 springs and sources have been constructed, by meeting all the sanitary-and-hygienic requirements.

[Hygienic assessment of soil pollution on the territory of oil-producing regions in the Republic of Tatarstan].

The paper provides the hygienic characteristics of soil resources on the territory of oil-producing regions in the Republic of Tatarstan (RT). Soil pollution with heavy metals and oil was evaluated. Oil at the detectable concentrations was shown to cause changes in the physiochemical properties of soil, to impair its self-purification, to increase the resistance of soil pollutants, thus deteriorating the ecological-and-hygienic state of soil as a whole. The soils on the territory of oil-producing regions in RT were observed to be characterized by the low levels and poor ratio of essential trace elements, such as copper, zinc, and chromium. Significant soil manganese concentrations, the presence of arsenic and lead may be considered as factors aggravating the problem associated with deficiency of essential trace elements in the body and with the generation of endocrine biopathotype.

[The characteristics of medical demographic conditions on the territories of the petroleum producing areas of the Republic of Tatarstan].

The dynamics of medical demographic indicators from 1996 to 2005 on the territory of 12 administrative petroleum producing administrative areas of the Republic of Tatarstan was analyzed and examined. Factually, in all the petroleum producing areas the decrease in the birth rate indicators was registered. On average, the rate of decrease on the investigated territory consisted 18%. The lower birth rate indicators against the background of the higher levels of mortality are the cause of unnatural decrease of population. The analysis of the overall coefficient of mortality revealed that during the last decade the adverse tendency towards increase of this indicator is established. In the structure of the causes of population mortality on the petroleum producing areas the leading positions belong to the diseases of circulatory system, traumas and intoxications, neoplasms. The study revealed that in the development of the long-term characteristics of the medical demographic indicators of the population living in the petroleum producing areas of the Republic of Tatarstan the age structure, the social economic situation, the population's quality of life and the condition of the components of ecologic system play a substantial part.

[Assessment of some oxidative stress parameters in bronchial asthma patients beyond add-on selenium supplementation].

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of selenium deficit replenishment in patients with bronchial asthma (BA) on manifestations of oxidative stress and conditions of the antioxidant system (AOS). The need of correction of selenium deficit in BA-patient is determined by the increased needs in antioxidants due to chronic inflammatory process responcible for pathogenesis of BA. Latvia and also Eastern Finland, Byelorussia, some regions of Ukraine, some regions of the NorthWestern Russia, New Zealand belong to endemic areas with marked selen deficit in soils and foodstuff. Twenty patients (7 men and 13 women) with selen deficit and verified diagnosis of BA have been examined. In addition to basic therapy all patients received organic selenium SelenoPRECISE, ("PharmaNord") 200 microg daily for 16 weeks. This caused statistically significant increase of plasma selenium from 50.94+/-7.58 microg/l to 63.59+/-10.87 microg/l (p<0.001), the increase of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (from 38.64+/-10.72 U/g Hb to 58.57+/-14.64 U/g Hb, p<0.001). Treatment of patients with selenium also normalized parameters charecterizing oxidative stress (chemiluminescence). The use of selenium in addition to basic therapy allows to abolish or alternate manifestations of oxidative stress by correcting the antioxidant system.

[External respiration function and quality of life in patients with bronchial asthma in correction of selenium deficiency].

AIM: To examine the effect of selenium (Se) adjuvant therapy on external respiration function (ERF) and quality of life (QOL) in bronchial asthma (BA) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 26 patients with BA received standard therapy and adjuvant 200 mcg/day selenium (SelenoPRECISE, PharmaNord, Denmark) for 16 weeks. ERF was estimated by FEV1 and FVC, QOF--by the response to Juniper Adult Asthma Quality of life Short Questionnaire (AQLQ-S) at initiation and end of the study. Difference with the baseline was assessed using Paired Samples T-Test, SPSS 14.0. RESULTS: Paired-samples T-test showed that FVC increased significantly from 76.5 +/- 23.8% to 81.8 +/- 23.2% (p = 0.015). FEV1 showed a significant increase from 62.3 +/- 29.6% to 67.7 +/- 28.1% (p = 0.018). Total AQLQ score elevated from 3.25 to 4.71 (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Correction of Se deficiency in BA patients on standard therapy improves ERF and BA-related QOL. Mechanisms of a protective Se action are involved in antioxidant defense by means of Se participation in enzymatic detoxication of peroxides and a stabilizing effect on biomembranes.

[Hygienic evaluation of water supply in the oil-producing areas of the Republic of Tatarstan].

The paper gives hygienic characteristics of water supplying conditions in the oil-producing areas of the Republic of Tatarstan. A long-term intensive oil-field development, without taking into account its environmental influence, is shown to have resulted in the pollution of water resources and broken the conditions of water consumption by the population. There has been a considerable increase in the total mineralization (1.8-2.3 g/l) of rivers, the levels of chlorides (300-1200 mg/l) and sulfates (300-1800 mg/l), and the salinity of springs. The implementation of nature-conserving and sanitary-and-hygienic measures have stabilized and improved the qualitative composition of water sources used for drinking water supply in the oil-producing areas of the Republic of Tatarstan, leading to a marked trend for improving water supplying conditions and accordingly the quality of the population's life.