[A case of pleuropulmonary dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens. Case report].

The differential diagnosis of neoplasms of various localizations is the primary task in clinical practice of all physicians. We present a description of the case of invasion with Dirofilaria repens in the lung of a 68-year-old patient. In 2016 the patient was diagnosed with cancer of the left kidney and underwent a left-sided nephrectomy. During the dynamic observation in 2019, a lump was found in the left lung, which was regarded as a metastasis. An atypical SIX resection of the left lung was performed. Microscopy of the removed lump revealed the presence of a nematode of the genus Dirofilaria, presumably D. repens. The species identity of D. repens was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using species-specific primers. It is known that the morphological identification of parasites up to the species in the surgical material presents certain difficulties and requires high professional training of the researcher. Therefore, the diagnosis of dirofilariasis in atypical localizations of nematodes in the human body is of great importance in the differentiation of malignant and benign formations, and the use of the polymerase chain reaction method can significantly increase the accuracy in establishing the final diagnosis.

[DNA Phenotyping of Remains from Elite Burials of the Khazar Period of Southern Russia].

Ancient DNA analyses help to solve the problems related to the genogeographic origin and migration patterns of populations. The Khazar Khaganate is a subject of controversy among researchers. Its complex historical development, lack of a sufficient number of artistic and written sources, the disappearance of representatives of Khazar culture leaves open the question of the appearance of the Khazars. DNA phenotyping of bone remains from elite burials of the Khazar period of Southern Russia was carried out with respect to eye color, hair color, skin color, and AB0 blood groups. Eight out of 10 individuals had brown eyes, dark hair (to varying degrees), and a predominantly dark skin during their lifetime. Individuals from two burials had gray-blue eyes, and one individual had blond hair. The most probable AB0 blood group was identified in eight people, of which five blood group 0 (I) group, four had blood group A (II), and one had blood group B (III). The allele frequency distribution was assessed for ten population-specific autosomal markers and suggested high heterogeneity for the ethnogeographic origin of the Khazars examined. The results are evidence for ethnocultural, genetic, and phenotypic diversity of the Khazar Khaganate.

[Inguinal lymphadenitis due to invasion of Dirofilaria repens].

The paper presents the case of the right-sided inguinal inflammation of a lymph node as a result of invasion of Dirofilaria repens, the parasitic pathogen of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in animals of the canine family. The diagnosis was verified on the basis of the parallel application of morphological studies of cross sections of the nematode in histological samples and the molecular biological method polymerase chain reaction of scrapings of histological material. The localization of this helminth inside the cavities of the human body is extremely rare. Only isolated cases of atypical localization of D. repens are described: in the organs of the chest, cervical lymphatic node in the spermatic cord and epididymis, which led to pseudotumor formations that needed to be differentiated with neoplastic processes. This case is of great interest to experts of various fields (surgeons, oncologists, infectious disease specialists and pathologists), primarily in the differential diagnosis of malignant neoplasms of the lymphatic system.

[Structural and Functional Organization of the Mitochondrial DNA Control Region in the Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius)].

The woolly mammoth mitochondrial genome (including the Malolyakhovsky mammoth) has been previously sequenced, followed by the annotation of all its genes (MF770243). In this study, based on the Malolyakhovsky mammoth, we describe for the first time the sites of functional significance in the control region of the woolly mammoth mitogenome.

[Termination of Replication and Mechanisms of Heteroplasmy in Sturgeon Mitochondrial DNA].

The control region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in sturgeon contains one to seven tandem nucleotide repeats 78-83 bp in size. Some sturgeon species are homoplasmic by the D-loop size (Acipenser nudiventris, A. oxyrinchus, A. sturio), some are mildly heteroplasmic (A. fulvescens, Huso huso) and some are markedly heteroplasmic (A. brevirostrum, A. medirostris, A. mikadoi, A. naccarii, and A. transmontanus). This work presents a comparison of the D-loop sequences associated with the termination of mtDNA replication in fish and the conservative sequences determining the termination of replication (TAS) in these organisms. It is proposed that the D-loop heteroplasmy in sturgeon may be associated with variation in the number of tandem repeat sequences, which can form stable spatial structures during mtDNA replication. In most sturgeon species with pronounced heteroplasmy, the energy levels required for the folding of tandem repeats containing variable number of repeated units differ minimally.

SkQ1 Controls CASP3 Gene Expression and Caspase-3-Like Activity in the Brain of Rats under Oxidative Stress.

Here, we studied the effect of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 (plastoquinone cationic derivative) on the CASP3 gene expression and caspase-3 activity in rat cerebral cortex and brain mitochondria under normal conditions and in oxidative stress induced by hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO). Under physiological conditions, SkQ1 administration (50 nmol/kg, 5 days) did not affect the CASP3 gene expression and caspase-3-like activity in the cortical cells, as well as caspase-3-like activity in brain mitochondria, but caused a moderate decrease in the content of primary products of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and an increase in the reduced glutathione (GSH) level. HBO-induced oxidative stress (0.5 MPa, 90 min) was accompanied by significant upregulation of CASP3 mRNA and caspase-3-like activity in the cerebral cortex, activation of the mitochondrial enzyme with simultaneous decrease in the GSH content, increase in the glutathione reductase activity, and stimulation of LPO. Administration of SkQ1 before the HBO session maintained the basal levels of the CASP3 gene expression and enzyme activity in the cerebral cortex cells and led to the normalization of caspase-3-like activity and redox parameters in brain mitochondria. We hypothesize that SkQ1 protects brain cells from the HBO-induced oxidative stress due to its antioxidant activity and stimulation of antiapoptotic mechanisms.

SkQ1 Regulates Expression of Nrf2, ARE-Controlled Genes Encoding Antioxidant Enzymes, and Their Activity in Cerebral Cortex under Oxidative Stress.

The administration of SkQ1 to rats at the dose of 50 nmol/kg for five days significantly increased the mRNA levels of transcription factor Nrf2 and of Nrf2-controlled genes encoding antioxidant enzymes SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx4, whereas changes in the level of mRNA of SOD3 in the cerebral cortex of the rat brain were not significant. This was accompanied by activation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST) and increase in reduced glutathione concentration. Under oxidative stress induced by hyperoxia (0.5 MPa for 90 min), the mRNA level of transcription factor Nrf2 decreased, whereas changes in the transcriptional activity of Nrf2-induced genes (SOD1-3, CAT, GPx4) encoding antioxidant enzymes in the cortex of the rat brain hemispheres were insignificant. Under conditions of hyperoxia, lipid peroxidation intensity was increased, CAT was inhibited, and GST activity was moderately increased, whereas SOD and GPx activities in the rat brain cerebral cortex remained at the stationary level. Pretreatment with SkQ1 before the exposure to hyperbaric oxygenation led to an increase in mRNA level of transcription factor Nrf2 and of Nrf2-induced genes (SOD1-2, CAT, and GPx4) encoding antioxidant enzymes, whereas SOD3 expression in the cerebral cortex of the rat brain under oxidative stress was not changed. Concurrently, we observed an increase in activities of these antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST) and in level of reduced glutathione. We hypothesize that the protective effect of SkQ1 under hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress could be realized via direct antioxidant activity and through stimulation of the signaling defense system Keap1/Nrf2/ARE.

[The problem of molecular-genetic identification of sweat and grease deposits in the human fingerprints].

The objective of the present experimental molecular-genetic study of DNA contained in of human fingerprints was to establish the relationship between the reference genetic profiles and the genotypes of the individuals leaving their fingerprints on a smooth metal object. The biological material for the purpose of the investigation was sampled at different time intervals. The were taken using a scotch tape and used to obtain the complete genetic profile immediately after the fingerprints had been left as well as within the next 24 hours and one week. It proved impossible to identify the complete genetic profile one month after the fingerprints had been left. The alleles not typical for reference samples were identified within one week after swabbing the material from the metal surface. The results of the sudy can be explained by the decrease of the concentration of the initial DNA-matrix in the samples due to its degradation in the course of time. It is concluded that the parallel genetic analysis is needed if reliable evidence of identity of the profiles of interest or its absence is to be obtained.

Influence of SkQ1 on Expression of Nrf2 Gene, ARE-Controlled Genes of Antioxidant Enzymes and Their Activity in Rat Blood Leukocytes under Oxidative Stress.

The study demonstrated that oxidative stress induced by hyperoxia (0.5 MPa for 90 min) resulted in reduction of mRNA levels of transcription factor Nrf2 and Nrf2-induced genes encoding antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, CAT, GPx4) in peripheral blood leukocytes of rats. The changes in gene expression profiles under hyperoxia were accompanied by disbalance of activity of antioxidant enzymes in the leukocytes, namely activation of superoxide dismutase and inhibition of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase. Pretreatment of rats with SkQ1 (50 nmol/kg for five days) significantly increased mRNA levels of transcription factor Nrf2 and Nrf2-induced genes encoding antioxidant enzymes SOD2 and GPx4 and normalized the transcriptional activity of the SOD1 and CAT genes in the leukocytes in hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress. At the same time, the activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase was increased, and the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase returned to the control level. It is hypothesized that protective effect of SkQ1 in hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress can be realized via a direct antioxidant property and the stimulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 redox-sensitive signaling system.

[Study of Chloroplast DNA Polymorphism in the Sunflower (Helianthus L.)].

The polymorphism of microsatellite loci of chloroplast genome in six Helianthus species and 46 lines of cultivated sunflower H. annuus (17 CMS lines and 29 Rf-lines) were studied. The differences between species are confined to four SSR loci. Within cultivated forms of the sunflower H. annuus, the polymorphism is absent. A comparative analysis was performed on sequences of the cpDNA inbred line 3629, line 398941 of the wild sunflower, and the American line HA383 H. annuus. As a result, 52 polymorphic loci represented by 27 SSR and 25 SNP were found; they can be used for genotyping of H. annuus samples, including cultural varieties: twelve polymorphic positions, of which eight are SSR and four are SNP.

Influence of SkQ1 on Expression of Nrf2 Transcription Factor Gene, ARE-Controlled Genes of Antioxidant Enzymes and Their Activity in Rat Blood Leukocytes.

This study demonstrated that pretreatment of rats with mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 (50 nmol/kg during 5 days) significantly increased the mRNA levels of Nrf2 transcription factor and Nrf2-induced genes encoding antioxidant enzymes SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx4 in rat peripheral blood leukocytes. The increase in expression of these genes with SkQ1 addition was accompanied by increased activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase in leukocytes. These results indicate that antioxidant properties of SkQ1 might be realized via induction of expression of the genes regulating activity of antioxidant system elements.

Y-SNP L1034: limited genetic link between Mansi and Hungarian-speaking populations.

Genetic studies noted that the Hungarian Y-chromosomal gene pool significantly differs from other Uralic-speaking populations. Hungarians show very limited or no presence of haplogroup N-Tat, which is frequent among other Uralic-speaking populations. We proposed that some genetic links need to be observed between the linguistically related Hungarian and Mansi populations.This is the first attempt to divide haplogroup N-Tat into subhaplogroups by testing new downstream SNP markers L708 and L1034. Sixty Northern Mansi samples were collected in Western Siberia and genotyped for Y-chromosomal haplotypes and haplogroups. We found 14 Mansi and 92 N-Tat samples from 7 populations. Comparative results showed that all N-Tat samples carried the N-L708 mutation. Some Hungarian, Sekler, and Uzbek samples were L1034 SNP positive, while all Mongolians, Buryats, Khanty, Finnish, and Roma samples yielded a negative result for this marker. Based on the above, L1034 marker seems to be a subgroup of N-Tat, which is typical for Mansi and Hungarian-speaking ethnic groups so far. Based on our time to most recent common ancestor data, the L1034 marker arose 2,500 years before present. The overall frequency of the L1034 is very low among the analyzed populations, thus it does not necessarily mean that proto-Hungarians and Mansi descend from common ancestors. It does provide, however, a limited genetic link supporting language contact. Both Hungarians and Mansi have much more complex genetic population history than the traditional tree-based linguistic model would suggest.

[Forensic medical evaluation of hereditary predisposition to thrombophilia in the case of thrombotic complications of a mechanical injury].

The objective of the present work was to develop the forensic medical criteria for the assessment of the significance of hereditary predisposition to thrombophilia in the case of thrombotic complications of a mechanical injury. The results of analysis of the frequency of genes responsible for hereditary predisposition to thrombogenesis (FII, FV, MTHFR, FGB, PAL-1) among the victims of mechanical injuries are presented. A total of 251 subjects were available for the examination. They were divided into 4 groups as follows: the subjects presenting with deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremities (DVTLE) after the injury (group 1), subjects with DVTLE without the preceding trauma (group 2), those with an injury to the locomotor apparatus without a subsequent thrombotic complication (group 3), and practically healthy persons (group 4). It was shown that the subjects of group I had the highest frequency of mutations and polymorphisms of MTHFR and PAl-1 genes. It is concluded that genetic typing for the detection of mutations in these two genes is indispensable for the subjects presenting with thrombotic complications after mechanical injuries to the locomotor organs.

Effect of delta sleep-inducing peptide on the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes in the brain and blood of rats during physiological aging.

Subcutaneous injections of exogenous delta sleep-inducing peptide in a dose of 100 µg/kg (monthly, 5-day courses) to rats of various age groups (2-24 months) were followed by an increase in the expression of genes for SOD 1 (Sod1) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) in the brain and nucleated blood cells. The expression of these genes was shown to decrease during physiological aging of the body.

[The evaluation of stability of blood stains immobilized on the FHA cards during their prolonged storage].

We have studied the samples of dry blood immobilized on the FTA cards following a 15-year period of their storage at room temperature. The DNA preparations were obtained based on the protocol recommended by the manufacturer including washing up with the FTA reactant and in parallel by means of complete extraction with the use of robotic stations. The preparations were compared in terms of the content of amplificationally active DNA and the effectiveness of typing STR-loci of chromosomal DNA. The complete genetic profile was derived only from 41 (82%) of the 50 FTA cards with immobilized blood samples available for the investigation that had been treated with the FTA reactant and stored during 15 years at room temperature. In 9 (18%) cases, incomplete genetic profiles were obtained that were characterized by the absence of PCR-products, as well as missing of true alleles and the presence of pseudoalleles. Such poor results are supposed to be attributable to the occurrence of the residual inhibitors of DNA-polymerase activity due to the incomplete purification of the samples. This disadvantage was overcome by the application of robotic stations for the total DNA extraction. This approach made it possible to obtain the acceptable genetic profiles for each blood samples stored at the FTA cards during 15 years. Nevertheless, even these preparations exhibited the reduced matrix activity of high molecular weight SRT-loci. This observation suggests that long-term storage of dry blood samples on FTA cards at room temperature does not guarantee the absence of degradation of their DNA.

[Comparison of biochemical and molecular genetic approaches for identification of environmental strains].

In order to confirm the taxonomic position of environmental strains determined based on their biochemical, cultural, andmorphological characteristics, molecular genetic identification was carried out. A number of problems in identification of microorganisms were shown to be associated with contamination of the cultures in the course of isolation. Advantages of a comprehensive approach, combining 16S rRNA gene sequencing with a set of biochemical, cultural, and morphological parameters; for identification of microorganisms isolated from environmental objects and clinical samples are discussed.

[Investigations into post-traumatic complications in the practice of forensic medical expertise of living people].

Statistical data on the incidence and spectrum of thrombotic complications presented in this paper are based on the materials collected by the Department of Expertise of Living Subjects, Rostov Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise, during 2004-2010. The cases of interest were analysed by age, sex, time of injury, character of traumatic impact, and time of surgical intervention. It is concluded that such cases require forensic medical expertise by standardized methods.

[Use of quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction in the invasive prenatal diagnosis of Down's syndrome].

A quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) technique based on the determination of triple-dose chromosome-specific short tandem repeats (STR) has been recently developed for the prenatal diagnosis of numeral abnormalities of chromosomes 21, 18, 13 and X and Y. This investigation examined 55 blood samples from healthy donors, 17 amniotic fluid samples, 27 blood samples from children with regular trisomy 21, 1 sample with a translocation variant of Down's syndrome, and 3 samples with triploidy. The heterozygosity of 4 STR markers specific for chromosome 21 was determined, which were used in QF-PCR to detect Down's syndrome.

[The regularity of occurrence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the hypervariability sites control region of the human mitochondrial DNA].

mtDNA D-loop is a non-coding locus actively used as an individualizing marker in molecular genetic research. Uneven distribution of SNP in D-loop suggests about irregular functional load within this region. The structural-functional role of various sites in D-loop of single individual's mtDNA and the degree of its (functional) importance from the point of phylogenetic conservatism are considered based on the analysis of nucleotide sequences. The role of duplication of various (functional) elements of the mtDNA D-loop (TAS, ETAS, CSB-elements) affecting the increase in functional reliability of the initiation and termination systems of the mtDNA replication is discussed.