Laughlin anyon complexes with Bose properties.

Two-dimensional electron systems in a quantizing magnetic field are regarded as of exceptional interest, considering the possible role of anyons-quasiparticles with non-boson and non-fermion statistics-in applied physics. To this day, essentially none but the fractional states of the quantum Hall effect (FQHE) have been experimentally realized as a system with anyonic statistics. In determining the thermodynamic properties of anyon matter, it is crucial to gain insight into the physics of its neutral excitations. We form a macroscopic quasi-equilibrium ensemble of neutral excitations - spin one anyon complexes in the Laughlin state ν = 1/3, experimentally, where ν is the electron filling factor. The ensemble is found to have such a long lifetime that it can be considered the new state of anyon matter. The properties of this state are investigated by optical techniques to reveal its Bose properties.

Hyperbaric oxygen can induce neuroplasticity and improve cognitive functions of patients suffering from anoxic brain damage.

PURPOSE: Cognitive impairment may occur in 42-50% of cardiac arrest survivors. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) has recently been shown to have neurotherapeutic effects in patients suffering from chronic cognitive impairments (CCI) consequent to stroke and mild traumatic brain injury.The objective of this study was to assess the neurotherapeutic effect of HBO2 in patients suffering from CCI due to cardiac arrest. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with CCI caused by cardiac arrest, treated with 60 daily sessions of HBO2. Evaluation included objective computerized cognitive tests (NeuroTrax), Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and Quality of life questionnaires. The results of these tests were compared with changes in brain activity as assessed by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain imaging. RESULTS: The study included 11 cases of CCI patients. Patients were treated with HBO2, 0.5-7.5 years (mean 2.6 ± 0.6 years) after the cardiac arrest. HBO2 was found to induce modest, but statistically significant improvement in memory, attention and executive function (mean scores) of 12% , 20% and 24% respectively. The clinical improvements were found to be well correlated with increased brain activity in relevant brain areas as assessed by computerized analysis of the SPECT imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Although further research is needed, the results demonstrate the beneficial effects of HBO2 on CCI in patients after cardiac arrest, even months to years after the acute event.

Nanoparticle surface-enhanced Raman scattering of bacteriorhodopsin stabilized by amphipol A8-35.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has developed dramatically since its discovery in the 1970s, because of its power as an analytical tool for selective sensing of molecules adsorbed onto noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) and nanostructures, including at the single-molecule (SM) level. Despite the high importance of membrane proteins (MPs), SERS application to MPs has not really been studied, due to the great handling difficulties resulting from the amphiphilic nature of MPs. The ability of amphipols (APols) to trap MPs and keep them soluble, stable, and functional opens up onto highly interesting applications for SERS studies, possibly at the SM level. This seems to be feasible since single APol-trapped MPs can fit into gaps between noble metal NPs, or in other gap-containing SERS substrates, whereby the enhancement of Raman scattering signal may be sufficient for SM sensitivity. The goal of the present study is to give a proof of concept of SERS with APol-stabilized MPs, using bacteriorhodopsin (BR) as a model. BR trapped by APol A8-35 remains functional even after partial drying at a low humidity. A dried mixture of silver Lee-Meisel colloid NPs and BR/A8-35 complexes give rise to SERS with an average enhancement factor in excess of 10(2). SERS spectra resemble non-SERS spectra of a dried sample of BR/APol complexes.

[The influence of root excretions of germinating barley seed (Hordeum vulgare L.) on qualitative and quantitative composition of soil organic components].

The data from scientific publications on excretory activity of herbs root endings were analyzed, along with the data on the role of polyvalent metals cations in stabilization of humus substances (HS) of soil organic mineral complex. On the base of the analysis a working hypothesis was proposed considering root endings influence on fractional composition of soil organic components. To detect the changes taking place in soil HS, the chromatographic fractionation method was chosen. The soil aggregates stuck to root endings of germinating barley seed were washed off, and the washouts were used as the samples for the analysis. The soil from the weighed portion was dissolved directly with extenuating concentrations of LiCl and Li2SO4 alkaline solution. The fractionation was carried out in a chromatographic column. Some changes were detected in optical density of chernozem and dark-grey forest soil leached out after 1-2 days of barley seeds germination. Besides, the experiment showed that the content of organic carbon in HS changes as well.

[The effect of carnosine on inflammatory processes during contusion of the eyeball].

The effect of dipeptide carnosine on proteolytic processes accompanying inflammation was investigated in lacrimal fluid of patients with eyeball contusion. Eye drops containing 5% carnosine in combination with traditional treatment reduced elastase-like activity in lacrimal fluid and increased effectiveness of therapy.

[Biological role of carnosine and its use in ophthalmology (mini-review)].

Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) exhibits various biological effects underlying its potential therapeutic use. In ophthalmology carnosine was effective in treatment of corneal metabolic diseases, senile cataract. It accelerated cornea reepithelization after photorephraction ceratoectomia.

CYP19 gene expression and aromatase activity in endometrial cancer tissue: importance of the type of the disease.

Aromatase (CYP19) activity in malignant endometrium presents local mechanism with potential ability to support tumor growth. The data on interrelation between activity of this enzyme and its mRNA signal in endometrial cancer (EC) tissue are very scarce and inconclusive. To correct this gap we studied aromatase activity and gene expression totally in 19 samples of EC (17 of them -- from postmenopausal women) collected during surgery. Aromatase activity was evaluated by tritium water release assay and CYP19 gene expression -- with rt-PCR. Additionally, all studied EC cases were divided on the basis of case history and some characteristics of host and tumor and in accordance with existing classification into cases belonging to type I or II of the disease (correspondingly, 13 and 6 observations). Positive correlation between enzyme activity and CYP19 mRNA signal (R(s)=+0.63, p<0.05) was revealed in the whole group of studied samples. Aromatase activity varied in evaluated material between 1.45 fM/mg prot./hr and 11.49 fM/mg prot./hr, and in type II cases it was higher (7.27+/-0.96 fM/mg prot/hr) than in type I observations (4.96+/-0.66 fM/mg prot./hr, p=0.066). CYP19 mRNA expression was not revealed in 6 cases and all of them belonged to the type I of disease. Thus, although type II of EC is frequently considered as hormone non-dependent, increased ability of this tumor type to estrogen biosynthesis (on CYP19 gene and protein level) may lead to reconsideration of such conclusion and warrants further investigation.

[Diseases of fatty appendices of the colon]. / Zabolevaniia zhirovykh podveskov obodochnoi kishki.

Seventy-one patients with volvulus of fatty appendix of the colon (sigmoid colon--52 patients, caecum--12, ascending colon--5, vermicular appendix--2 patients) were treated. Volvulus of epiploic appendix was seen in 67.6% operated patients, inflammatory changes--in 28.1% (primary inflammation was diagnosed in 4.2% patients). Symptoms of fat metabolism disorders were detected in 44 patients. There are no specific symptoms. Diagnostic laparoscopy permitted to improve diagnosis of epiploic appendices diseases. Target surgical approach permitted to reduce rate of postoperative complications and to improve results of treatment.

[Genetic polymorphism of steroid 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17) and hyperinsulinemia in endometrial carcinoma]. / Polymorfism gena steroid-17-al'fa-gidroksilazy/17,20-liazy (CYP17) i giperinsulinemiia pri rake tela matki.

Initiation and/or promotion of endometrial carcinoma is considered to be associated with estrogens and androgens (androstendione) excess as well as hyperinsulinemia and resistance to insulin. It is possible that certain polymorphisms of the genes involved in steroidogenesis or steroid metabolism contribute to carcinoma susceptibility. In the current study, we compared the role of CYP17 biallelic MspA1) polymorphism in 114 endometrial carcinoma patients and 182 healthy women. According to our data, A2/A2 CYP17 genotype traditionally regarded as "unfavorable" was less frequent in cancer patients than in control which confirmed the results of two previous publications. For the first time, carriers of the genotype were shown to have relatively low levels of blood insulin and C-peptide. No significant difference was found between mean concentrations of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and those of estradiol in the carriers of various CYP17 genotypes with endometrial cancer. Hence, CYP17 polymorphism which is represented by the "normal" A1/A1 genotype might be a factor of risk for endometrial carcinoma. Since this genetic variety may develop through an unconventional (nonsteroid) pathway, taking relevant preventive measures in high-risk groups should be recommended.

[Results of radiotherapy and combined, comprehensive treatment of pancreatic cancer]. / Rezul'taty luchevogo, kombinirovannogo i kompleksnogo lecheniia raka podzheludochnoi zhelezy.

The results of irradiation, combined and complex treatment of pancreatic cancer have been evaluated versus stage, site and extent of surgery. Radiotherapy was carried out in 63 patients (1988-1999): prior to gastropancreaticoduodenectomy (GPDE)--7; after GPDE--12; for local recurrence after GPDE--4, before and after left-sided resection--4, before and after conservative surgery--19, and after diagnostic verification (exploratory laparotomy or ultrasound-controlled fine-needle biopsy)--17. Diagnosis was established on the basis of clinical data and case histories, ultrasonographic, CT, histological, cytological, biopsy, blood serum-marker CA 19-9 and CEA findings. Two months after treatment, complete remission was registered in 5 (13%), partial response--5 (13%), stabilization--13 (33%), tumor progression--16 (41%). Before and after GPDE, tolerance to radiotherapy was sufficient. Median survival in this group was 12.9 months, controls--8.1 months; for conservative surgery--7.3 and 4.1 months, respectively; radiotherapy + exploratory laparotomy alone--16.8 and 4.3 months, respectively. Irradiation of locally-advanced tumors of the body and/or tail of pancreas proved effective: median survival was 7.3 months, control--2.2 months. Hence, radiotherapy made an important contribution to treatment of locally-advanced and resectable pancreatic tumors and longer survival.

[Valvular pyloroplasty in the treatment of pyloroduodenal ulcers]. / Klapannaia piloroplastika v lechenii oslozhnennykh piloroduodenal'nykh iazv.

Original method of treatment of complicated pyloroduodenal ulcers is proposed. The results of different organ-saving operations in complicated pyloroduodenal ulcers were analyzed in 136 patients aged from 15 to 89 years. Evaluation of the results was based on the data obtained during study of secretory and motor-evacuatory function of the stomach, state of gastric and duodenal mucous membrane, degree of duodenogastric reflux. Gastroscopy in remote period after organ-saving operations enabled visual evaluation of state of anew formed pyloric canal. Results of treatment of complicated pyloroduodenal ulcers by different methods of pyloroplasty demonstrate the advantages of valvular pyloroplasty.

[Prognostic factors influencing results of the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer]. / Prognosticheskie faktory, vliiaiushchie na rezul'taty khirurgicheskogo lecheniia pri rake podzheludochnoi zhelezy.

In patients with carcinoma of the pancreas 128 gastropancreatoduodenal resections (GPDR), 15 distal resections of the pancreas and 3 pancreatectomies were performed. After GPDR 5-year survival was 12%, the survival median was 24.3 months. Only one patient is living 6 years after left-sided resection and pancreatectomy. Long-term results of the operative treatment for carcinoma of the pancreas depended on the amount of regional metastases, degree of differentiation of the tumor, its size and invasion into the vessels. The long-term results were considerably worse if the tumor was localized in the uncinate process, body and tail of the pancreas. The 5-year survival was noted mainly in patients with the 0 and I stages of the disease. It shows the early diagnostics to be necessary.

[A polymorphism study of the CYP19 gene in endometrial cancer patients]. / Izuchenie polimorfizma gena CYP19 u bol'nykh rakom éndometriia.

A strong connection is known to exist between initiation/promotion of endometrial cancer and excess of estrogens. Therefore, participation of certain alleles of genetic polymorphisms in steroid biosynthesis or metabolism may be responsible for predisposition to the disease. The present study, comparing CYP19 (aromatase) gene polymorphism in 85 patients and 110 healthy females, pointed to a more frequent occurrence of relatively longer alleles (A6 and A7) of the CYP19 gene in the former group. Furthermore, precisely those genotypes co-occurred more frequently with elevated blood levels of estradiol and testosterone in postmenopausal patients. Hence, CYP19 gene polymorphism may be regarded as a factor of genetic risk for endometrial carcinoma.

[Treatment of patients with foreign bodies in rectum]. / Lechenie bol'nykh s inorodnymi telami priamoi kishki.

The analysis of treatment results in 112 patients with foreign bodies in the rectum, aged from 16 to 80 years, was carried out. 99.1% of the patients were men. All the patients were examined and treated in proctology department of the Moscow municipal clinical hospital N 67 from 1969 to 1998. The examination was made by standard scheme, including rectal touch, rectoromanoscopy, X-ray and ultrasonic examinations. In 107 patients the foreign body was removed without surgery, 5 patients required laparotomy. When possible it was removed by fingers and also with use of forceps. When small foreign bodies could not be reached by finger, they were removed through rectoscope. Foreign bodies of big sizes, proximal end of which was in the sigmoid colon, were removed under anasthesia with the help of the assistant who fixed the foreign body through the abdominal wall in the left ileac region. In impossibility of the subject removal by these methods and presence of complications (perforation, peritonitis), laparotomy with subsequent transanal subject removal without colon section was performed, in case of perforation--with wound suturing or colostomy.

[Surgical treatment of extraperitoneal rectal and perineal injuries]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie vnebriushinnykh ranenii priamoi kishki i promezhnosti.

The aim of this study was to analyse the results of the treatment of extraperitoneal rectal and perineal injuries for 153 patients. All the patients were examined according to the scheme. Therapeutic-diagnostic algorithm was developed for perineal, anal, rectal injuries. Wide opening and drainage of the wound was used. The method allows to avoid colostomy and its subsequent operative closing in extraperitoneal injury of the rectum. The method of surgical treatment is recommended in extraperitoneal rectal and perineal injuries.

[Nonoperative treatment of liver superficial injuries]. / Neoprativnoe lechenie poverkhnostnykh povrezhdenii pecheni.

The study is based on the results of conservative and operative surgical treatment of 184 victims with open and closed, isolated and combined injuries of the liver. The patients' age was from 15 to 80 years. All patients were examined and treated in 1991 to 1996 in Moscow clinical hospital No 67. Conservative treatment for superficial injuries of the liver were carried out in 72 patients. 112 patients underwent urgent operations. Conservative treatment included: examination, control diagnostic laparoscopy and introduction of control drainage followed by dynamic laparoscopy. Operative treatment included: laparotomy, revision of the abdominal cavity, sutures or resection of the liver, surgical treatment of the other abdominal organs. Comparative analysis of two methods of treatment demonstrated possibility and necessity of the use of conservative treatment for superficial injuries of the liver, especially in combined traumas.

[Liver injuries]. / Povrezhdenie pecheni.

The analyses of literature data on the results of the treatment of patients with mechanical injuries of the liver have been done. Analyses of 458 cases of open and closed liver traumas made it possible to determine 2 clinical forms of liver injuries: hemorrhagic and peritoneal. The separate subforms of traumatic liver disease in isolated multiple and combined injuries are determined. A diagnostic role of various methods was evaluated. Use of laparoscopy in 17 patients has exposed a superficial character of liver injuries and allowed not to perform surgery. Use of low-frequency ultrasound and polymeric adhesive sulfacrilat for the treatment of liver wounds in 63 patients has decreased the rate of postoperative complications to 18%, and the rate of mortality in mechanical liver injuries to 11.4% (in patients with mechanical liver injuries operated on with the use of ligature-free suture).

[Treatment of lung metastasis in patients with soft-tissue sarcoma]. / Lechenie legochnykh metastazov u bol'nykh sarkomami miagkikh tkanei.

The study group included 104 patients with soft-tissue sarcoma and metastases into the lung, treated at the Institute Clinic in 1960-1992. Surgery for lung metastasis was given to 10 and chemotherapy-to 48 patients; the remaining 48 cases received treatment for symptoms only. Overall 5-year survival was 13.5% (after surgery-30.0%; chemotherapy-19.1%). All the 46 patients treated for symptoms died within two years after detection of lung metastasis. Chemotherapy proved effective in the treatment of multiple metastasis when detected shortly after removal of the first lesion.