[Three dimensional structure of the dimeric gene-engineered variant of green fluorescent protein EGFP-K162Q in P6(1) crystal space group].

The crystal structure of the dimeric green fluorescent protein EGFP-K162Q with C-terminal deletion MDELYK (EGFPv) has been determined in space group P6 at resolution 1.34 A. The obtained structure has been compared with that of the monomeric form of EGFP (green biomarker with enhanced photophysical properties) determined in other crystal space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) at resolution 1.50 and 1.35 A [1, 2]. Two subunits in the EGFPv structure are packed at 75 degrees with the contact surface approximately 800 A2. The dimeric structure is stabilized by six hydrogen bonds and the central hydrophobic core built of six residues. The RMSD value for Calpha atoms of 3-230 residues in the superimposed P61 and P2(1)2(1)2(1) structures is 0.55 A. The distinguishing feature of EGFPv- P6(1) structure, compared with that of EGFP-P2(1)2(1)2(1), is the noticeable difference in orientation of the Glu222 side chain and also new conformation of the loop fragment 155-159 with deviations among the Calpha atoms of superimposed structures reaching for Lys156 - 4.6 A and Lys158 - 5.5 A

Psychological correlates of elevated arterial pressure and smoking in adolescents.

Psychological characteristics of adolescents with risk factors of cardiovascular disease (elevated arterial pressure - EAP - and smoking) were examined in Moscow secondary school pupils aged 12-14 years, using an abridged variant of the psychodiagnostic MMPI questionnaire. The following characteristics were found to differentiate these youngsters from a comparable control group of youngsters without the mentioned risk factors: increased anxiety, insufficient self-confidence, deficient understanding of the motives of their own behaviour, and a tendency to deny their own psychological problems. These characteristics are most pronounced in youngsters with neurocirculatory asthenia of hypertensive type. There were also found specific psychological characteristics differentiating youngsters with EAP from smokers without EAP. The authors point to the possibility of working out differentiated methods of psychological intervention in EAP and smoking in adolescents.

[Development of methodical principles and approval of new forms of contact with school children (ages 12-13 years) in carrying out preventive measures (results of a pilot study)]. / Razrabotka metodicheskikh printsipov i aprobatsiia novykh form kontakta so shkol'nikami 12-13 let pri provedenii profilakticheskikh meropriiatii (rezul'taty predvaritel'nogo issledovaniia).

The results of the screening and 1-year follow-up of pupils from two Moscow schools of general education (Moscow secondary schools) are presented. The program on preventive measures was conducted by using the playing forms of contact and influence, at one of the above schools (experimental school). Most of the adolescents of the experimental school (mean 80%) participated in the preventive measures. By the completion of the program the number of the participants increased up to 94%. A reliably significant increase in the education level on the problems about the adverse effects of smoking and beneficial effects of regular nutrition in adolescents of the experimental school was observed. The analysis of the results of the screening and follow-up of schoolchildren aged 12-13 years enables us to conclude that it is necessary to work out new criteria for the assessment of preventive measures among adolescents.