[Transpupillary laser photocoagulation of ocular fundus: history, the present, and the future]. / Transpupillyarnaya lazernaya fotokoagulyatsiya tkanei glaznogo dna: proshloe, nastoyashchee i budushchee.

The present review covers the use of chorioretinal photocoagulation, which is now a popular treatment for many diseases of the ocular fundus. The review includes a detailed 50-year history of the technology with account to both Russian and foreign achievements. The current state of the field is shown through Russian and foreign literature data. A particular emphasis is placed on subthreshold, pattern, and navigated techniques. Breakthrough solutions, such as optoacoustic monitoring, that ensure high precision of the procedure, maximum saving of tissues, and high therapeutic effectiveness are described.

[Double-component bacterial regulation systems as a target for searching new antimicrobial agents].

A review of the literature data concerning double-component bacterial regulation systems was given. The observed data concern: a) structural and functional organization based on the example of systems of the family OmpR (EnvZ/OmpR, PhoQ/PhoP), which regulate a number of processes providing adaptation to stress conditions in the environment and host body providing the virulence and biofilm formation, the cause of different human chronic infections; b) the genes and functions regulated by the double-components systems, based on the example of EnvZ/OmpR system, especially OmpR protein, and PhoQ/PhoP system. The possibilities for the searching of the double-component system protein inhibitors and their role in depressing pathogenic bacteria virulence were discussed.

[Mobile ISCR elements: structure, functions, and role in the emergence, increasing and spreading of blocks of bacterial genes of multiple antibiotic resistance].

The recently discovered method of horizontal distribution of bacterial genes with atypical ISCR sequences is reviewed using an example of drug resistance genes. The adjacent DNA segment mobilization is provided by the transposition of such elements, including rolling circle replication, formation of autonomous nonreplicable circular structures, and homological recombination. The gene distribution capacity with the ISCR elements is more significant than the capacity of transposons and integrons, thereby providing formation of groups of mobile genes, including antibiotic-resistance genes of pathogenic bacteria. The structure and functions of the ISCR elements were discussed together with their similarity and dissimilarity with the group of IS91-similar elements and their role in the emergence of blocks of bacterial genes encoding of multiple antibiotic resistance and their contribution to evolution of bacterial and plasmid genes.

[Laser cyclodestructive procedures in glaucoma treatment].

The history of development of cyclodestructive procedures is given, their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Different techniques of laser use, relative and absolute contraindications to various laser cyclophotodestructive procedures are considered. Their potential complications and effecting mechanisms are discussed.

[Alternative of laser treatment optimization in retinoschisis].

In this study a new original technique is proposed for treatment of II-III retinoschisis using diode laser Milon Lachta (Saint-Petersburg). Laser radiation parameters were wave length 0,83 microm, energy 350-850 m W, time 0,2-0,3 s, spot diameter 150-200 microm. Original technique of gradual progressive laser coagulation was performed in 72 patients with II-I1 retinoschisis using diode laser. This treatment allowed to preserve macular function to the maximum.

[Efficiency of laser coagulation in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment].

A hundred and seventeen (143 eyes) patients with different types of retinal detachment were examined. The patients were treated by laser coagulation on a LAHTA device (Milon). The clinical findings indicated the efficiency of retinal laser coagulation as an independent treatment for retinal rhegmatogenous detachment and indications for laser coagulation were defined in the following types of retinal detachment: subclinical local retinal detachment; fresh mobile retinal detachment (Stages A and B); non-mobile retinal detachment occupying not more than one quadrant, and partially self-circumscribed retinal detachment (Stages B and C1) taking up the lower quadrants. The benefits of this method are noninvasiveness and high functional results, which enables laser coagulation to be regarded as an independent effective treatment for the above types of retinal detachment.

[Interaction of bacteria of the genus Bartonella with the host: inhibition of apoptosis, induction of proliferation, and formation of tumors].

The bacteria of the genus Bartonella are the causative agents for earlier not diagnosed or re-emergent diseases of the humans, danger of which increases in relation with increasing number of persons with the disturbed immune status. Bartonellae are intracellular parasites, the places of their habitation in the humans and animals are the endothelial cells of blood vessels and erythrocytes. The modern data concerning major factors of the Bartonellae virulence and host-bacteria interactions were considered and discussed in this article. The induction of the type IV secretion system, effector protein transmission, inhibition of the endothelial cells apoptosis, and induction of their proliferation lead to formation of new blood vessels and tumors.

[An avirulent vibrio cholerae strain--producer of the cholera toxin B subunit: obtaining and molecular genetic analysis].

The conjugative recombinant plasmid pIEM3 (KmR TcR) was constructed in order to introduce the cloned ctxB gene encoding the cholera toxin B subunit into the Vibrio cholerae cells. The plasmid was obtained as a result of co-integration of two plasmids: a conjugative plasmid, pIEM1(KmR), carrying mini-kan transposon and IS1 element, as well as the pCTdelta27(TcR) plasmid that is a derivative of the pBR322 which carries the cloned ctxB gene. The avirulent Vibrio cholerae strain eltor biovar deprived (according to the PCR analysis) of the key structural and regulatory pathogenicity genes and carrying a mutation in a single gene of the O1 antigen was chosen as the pIEM3 plasmid carrier strain. The cointegrate uncoupling was shown to take place in 5% the cholera vibrio cells followed by retention of only the multi-copy pCTdelta7 plasmid. This event leads to the formation of the TcRKmS clones characterized by high levels of the cholera toxin secreted B subunit production (10 to 14 microg/ml), one of these (KM93) being selected as a strain-producer of the protein. Molecular-genetic and biochemical assays were used to elucidate peculiar features of inheritance and expression of the cloned ctxAB gene within the KM93 cells. The expression of the cloned ctxB gene was shown to be independent of the presence of the toxR, tcpP, tcpH, toxT regulatory genes suggesting the existence of some other mechanisms that might exert their control over the transcriptional activity of the cholera toxin B subunit gene. Effective production of the cholera toxin B subunit would be also observed if the constructed producer strain was cultured under the conditions of industrial process. This indicates a possibility of its employment as a source of this protein involved in manufacturing cholera immunodiagnostic and prophylactic preparations.

[Influence of iridial anatomic and structural characteristics on the choice of the optimum laser interventions in the treatment of glaucomas].

Long-term studies using a great deal of clinical material (200 eyes) have revealed a role of iridial anatomic and structural characteristics in the choice of the optimum laser interventions in the treatment of both closed- and open-angle glaucoma. A differential approach to choosing a method for laser iridectomy, by taking into account the iridial structure in angle-closure glaucoma enables iridial coloboma to be formed in the vast majority (98.3%) of cases. Clinical studies of the efficiency of laser treatment in open-angle glaucoma have shown that the magnitude of iridial tissue dystrophy is an informative clinical sign, which makes it possible to elaborate preferable indications for both laser goniopuncture and laser trabeculoplasty.

[Bacterial superintegrons, a source of new genes with adaptive functions].

Data on the structural organization of the platform of integrons, gene cassettes, and integrons with integrated cassettes of genes encoding drug resistance are briefly summarized. Data obtained during recent years about superintegrons or chromosomal integrons, characteristics of their organization, the presence of genes with known adaptive and unidentified functions in them, as well as data on the differences between superintegrons and previously described multiple resistance integrons, are considered in more detail. Studies that provide evidence for translocations of gene cassettes from stationary chromosomal integrons into integrons associated with mobile elements resulting in gene flows in natural bacterial populations, which favors their survival and adaptation to changing environment, are also reviewed.

[Wild small mammals are the reservoir hosts of the Bartonella genus bacteria in the south of Moscow region].

A total of 103 blood samples collected from wild small mammals captured in the Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve on the south of Moscow region were studied to determine the bartonellae prevalence. The examined species were the yellow-necked mice Apodemus flavicollis (35 samples), the European wood mouse Apodemus uralensis (10 samples), the bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus (51 samples), the house mouse Mus musculus (3 samples), the common vole Microtus arvalis (2 samples), and the shrew Sorex araneus (2 samples). Initially, we obtained 76 bacterial Bartonella-like isolates after plating onto the surface of the solid nutrient media. 66 of them were PCR-positive at least for three of four targets, gltA, ftsZ, ribC and 16S RNA. Thus, the percentage of the infection in the studied community was 64%. Subsequent RFLP assay showed that obtained isolates belonged to the Bartonella grahamii and/or B. taylorii species. In 7 cases we found both bartonellae species in one animal. These data were confirmed by direct sequencing of four ftsZ, four ribC and two gltA amplicons. According to our data, there is no any marked host specificity for these bartonellae species. Now we have laid the bartonellae strain collection consisting of 31 isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of the bartonellae prevalence in wild small mammals performed in Russia. The comparison of our data with those obtained by European researchers and issues of coinfection by different bartonellae species and host specificity are discussed.

[Formation of biofilms as an example of the social behavior of bacteria].

This paper is a brief review of data on bacterial biofilms that occur inside and outside of host organisms. Such biofilms are of great ecological and clinical importance. The role of interspecies communications in the development of bacterial biofilms and infectious diseases is particularly emphasized. Considerable attention is given to the electron microscopic study of biofilms formed by Salmonella typhimurium cells incubated as a broth culture in microtubes without aeration. Bacterial samples taken from the biofilm and planktonic culture grown in the same microtube were comparatively investigated by transmission electron microscopy.

[Communication systems in bacteria and their role in pathogenicity].

A review of the literature about the bacterial systems of regulation of expression of the genes controlled by signals generated by the bacteria themselves is given. Three types of presently known Quorum sensing systems contributing to the expression of the pathogenicity factors, infection process, and formation of biofilms by pathogenic bacteria are described. Possible mechanisms of enhanced resistance of bacteria in films to antibacterial preparations and factors of immune protection of human body are discussed. The perspectives of the development of new approaches to treatment of chronic diseases caused by the pathogens producing bacterial films are considered.

[Biofilms as a mode of existence of bacteria in external environment and host body: the phenomenon, genetic control, and regulation systems of development]. / Bioplenki kak sposob sushchestvovaniia baketerii v okruzhaiushchei srede i organizme khoziaina: fenom, geneticheskii kontrol' i sistemy reguliatsii ikh razvitiia.

Studies of the last decade have shown that most bacteria exist in natural ecosystems as specifically organized, attached to substrates biofilms rather than as freely floating plankton cells. The formation of these biofilms is a complex and highly regulated process. The development of biofilm communities is a primary strategy of bacterial survival not only in the external environment but also in the bodies of infected macroorganisms. In these organisms, bacteria are joined by complicated cell-cell associations, which makes them functionally similar to multicellular organisms. In the present review, we consider the structural organization of biofilms, factors affecting initiation of the biofilm formation, differential expression of bacterial genes at various stages of the biofilm development and their regulation. The significance of studies in this field for medicine, in particular, for prevention and protection against pathogenic bacteria, is discussed.

[Prevention of complications in combined (laser and extrascleral) treatment of retinal detachment]. / Profilaktika oslozhnenií pri kombinirovannom (lazernom i ékstraskleral'nom) lechenii otsloek setchatki.

The main factors of risk were analyzed and indications for preventive laser coagulation were specified in the paper. An approach was defined to ensure a maximally sparing surgical and stage-based laser treatment in retinal detachment, which is targeted at preventing its relapses and at improving the functional results.

[Bacteria of Bartonella genus: characteristics, pathogenicity factors and methods of molecular-genetic investigation]. / Bakterii roda Bartonella--kharakteristika, faktory patogennosti i metody molekuliarno-geneticheskogo issledovaniia.

Bartonella bacteria are an agent of a variety of human and animal diseases whose etiology used to be unknown. The survey contains a description of the above bacteria with the established pathogenicity factors and with the molecular and genetic approaches to studies of genes' functions and of their regulation being in the focus of attention. Modern methods related with the genus-specific and species-specific determination and identification of Bartonella bacteria are discussed.

[The mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer: the role of bacteriophages and integrons in the evolution of pathogenic bacteria]. / Mekhanizmy gorizontal'nogo perenosa genov: rol' bakteriofagov i integronov v évoliutsii patogennykh bakterii.

The role of bacteriophages, e.g. filamentous phages, whose single-stranded DNA comprise the coding virulence factors, as well as of certain suspected bacteriophage derivatives like constin-elements, integrons and chromosomal super-integron, played by them in the horizontal gene transfer and in the evolution of bacteria is under discussion.

["Quorum sensing" or social behavior of bacteria]. / "Quorum sensing" ili sotsial'noe povedenie bakterii.

The review deals with the data of literature on the role of the "quorum sensing" (QS) system ensuring the social behavior of bacteria in the regulation of virulence genes. The mechanisms of the action of these systems in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as the influence of acyl-homoserine lactones, one of the components of the QS system, on the immune response of the infected host are discussed. In addition, in this review the data of literature on the existence of bacteria in the form of biofilms are presented. The methods of the identification of biofilms, the methods of their experimental preparation and the role of the QS system in the process of their formation are considered.

[Current techniques of laser therapy in glaucoma]. / Sovremennye tekhnologii lazernogo lecheniia glaukom.

The role of new technologies in glaucoma treatment, related with the use of semi-conductor laser irradiation, is described. Indications for laser therapy in glaucoma of different types have been significantly enlarged. Diode laser trabeculoplasty (DLTP) is a qualitatively new surgery based on the traction and perforation components. Diode transscleral cyclocoagulation (DTCC) enabled treatment of late stages glaucoma (sub-terminal and terminal ones), which previously was not subject to laser therapy. A combined method (DLTP and DTCC) ensured, in many cases, an effective treatment of resistant and already-operated glaucoma.

[Bacterial genomic islands: organization, function, and role in evolution]. / Genomnye ostrova bakterii: organizatsiia, funktsiia, rol' v évoliutsii.

Data on the structural organization and evolutionary role of specific bacterial DNA regions known as genomic islands are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the most extensively studied genomic islands, pathogenicity islands (PAIs), which are present in the chromosome of Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria and absent from related nonpathogenic strains. PAIs are extended DNA regions that harbor virulence genes and often differ in GC content from the remainder of the bacterial genome. Many PAI occur in the tRNA genes, which provide a convenient target for foreign gene insertion. Some PAI are highly homologous to each other and contain sequences similar to ISs, phage att sites, and plasmid ori sites, along with functional or defective integrase and transposase genes, suggesting horizontal transfer of PAI among bacteria.