[Outcomes of hemi-Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty and phacoemulsification for the treatment of primary Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy combined with cataract]. / Rezul'taty transplantatsii destsemetovoi membrany s endoteliem i fakoemul'sifikatsii pri pervichnoi endotelial'noi distrofii rogovitsy Fuksa, sochetannoi s kataraktoi.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the long-term results of surgical treatment of patients with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy and cataract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 24 patients (24 eyes) with primary Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy and cataract, who underwent cataract phacoemulsification with IOL implantation and of Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty with a semicircular graft (hemi-DMEK). The effect of treatment was assessed by best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell density (ECD). RESULTS: In total, surgical treatment involved 14 donor corneas that were divided in half during the preparation and isolation of the Descemet's membrane (DM). By month 12 after the surgery an increase in visual functions and graft transparency were observed in 23 patients (23 eyes) out of 24. Repeated keratoplasty was required in one case due to fibrosis of the posterior layers of recipient's corneal stroma. At 12 months postoperatively, the study group showed an increase in BCVA from 0.16±0.1 to 0.75±20, a decrease in CCT from 650.9±4.5 µm to 519.6±43.9, and a decreased in ECD from 2850.5±84.7 cells/mm2 up to 1285.5±277.2 cells/mm2. Thus, the loss of endothelial cells at one year after surgery amounted to 54.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The developed method for transplantation of a semicircular DM fragment provides a tissue-saving approach to endothelial keratoplasty, and considering the high percentage of transparent engraftment of grafts and complete visual rehabilitation, it can be recommended in the treatment of patients with cataract and Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy.

[Proteomic Profile of the Bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti Depends on Its Life Form and Host Plant Species].

The importance of root nodule bacteria in biotechnology is determined by their distinctive feature: symbiotic nitrogen fixation resulting in the production of organic nitrogen-containing compounds. While interacting with host legume plants, the cells of these bacteria undergo global changes at all levels of expression of genetic information leading to the formation in root nodules of so-called bacteroids functioning as nitrogen fixation factories. The molecular mechanisms underlying plant-microbial symbiosis are actively investigated, and one of the most interesting and poorly studied aspects of this problem is the species-specificity of interaction between root nodule bacteria and host plants. In this work we have performed the proteomic analysis of the Sinorhizobium meliloti bacteroids isolated from two legume species: alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis L.). It has been shown that the S. meliloti bacteroids produce a lot of proteins (many of them associated with symbiosis) in a host-specific manner, i.e., only in certain host plant species. It has been demonstrated for the first time that the levels of expression in bacteroids of the genes encoding the ExoZ and MscL proteins responsible for the synthesis of surface lipopolysaccha-rides and formation of a large conductance mechanosensitive channel, respectively, depend on a host plant species that confirms the results of proteomic analysis. Overall, our data show that the regulation of bacteroid development by the host plant has species-specific features.

Distinct Mechanisms of Phenotypic Effects of Inactivation and Prionization of Swi1 Protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Prions are proteins that under the same conditions can exist in two or more conformations, and at least one of the conformations has infectious properties. The prionization of a protein is typically accompanied by its functional inactivation due to sequestration of monomers by the prion aggregates. The most of prions has been identified in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One of them is [SWI+], a prion isoform of the Swi1 protein, which is a component of the evolutionarily conserved chromatin remodeling complex SWI/SNF. Earlier, it was shown that the prionization of [SWI+] induces a nonsense suppression, which leads to weak growth of the [SWI+] strains containing mutant variants of the SUP35 gene and the nonsense allele ade1-14UGA on selective medium without adenine. This effect occurs because of [SWI+] induction that causes a decrease in the amount of the SUP45 mRNA. Strains carrying the SWI1 deletion exhibit significantly higher suppression of the ade1-14UGA nonsense mutation than the [SWI+] strains. In the present study, we identified genes whose expression is altered in the background of the SWI1 deletion using RNA sequencing. We found that the ade1-14UGA suppression in the swi1Δ strains is caused by an increase in the expression of this mutant allele of the ADE1 gene. At the same time, the SUP45 expression level in the swi1Δ strains does not significantly differ from the expression level of this gene in the [swi-] strains. Thus, we have shown that the phenotypic effects of Swi1 prionization and deletion are mediated by different molecular mechanisms. Based on these data, we have concluded that the prionization of proteins is not only unequal to their inactivation, but also can lead to the acquisition of novel phenotypic effects and functions.

[Genetics of anthocyaninless rye].

Six nonallelic genes have been discovered in rye, the recessive mutations of which lead to a lack of anthocyanin. Crosses with these mutants showed that 13 new anthocyaninless lines carry mutations in the gene vi1, whereas vi2/6 mutations were identified only in single cases. Inheritance of the vi1/6 mutations in the progeny of hybrids with the wild type (Line 7, L7) corresponds to a monohybrid segregation. Segregation for three of these mutations (vi2, vi4, and vi5) in hybrids with line 2 is characterized by anthocyaninless deficiency in plants. We discuss the reasons for such deviations and the previously published data for the identification of the six anthocyanin pigmentation genes in the rye using trisomic analysis.

[Results of aromatherapeutic rehabilitation of women after extended exposure in altitude chamber for recompression treatment].

In recent years recreational diving has gained popularity among women. Occasional decompression sickness and pulmonary barotraumata are cured with the use of recompression tables. To evaluate factors in therapeutic recompression, experiment Rusalka-2004 (Mermaid) was performed with participation of a female crew "descended" at air pressure of 70 m H2O and maintained in hyperoxic (pO2 = 0.45-0.5 kgs/cm2) heliox at 40-0 m H2O for four days. On "ascent" the crew was given a course of aroma rehabilitation. To assess effects of this therapy, entries in a dedicated questionnaire were made and the Spilberger-Khanin SAM (self-appraisal-activity-mood) test and a modification of the Dembau--Rubinshtein self-appraisal method were fulfilled on the daily basis. The best result was achieved in the subjects who were particularly favourable to this sensory stimulation and made own choice of scents of 100% natural essences.

[The effect of water with varying isotopic composition on the proliferative activity of endothelial cell in vitro].

Effects of water with varying isotopic composition (high and low deuterium content) were studied on the model of cultivated human endothelial cells. In laboratory conditions, changes in the isotopic content of water in nutrient substrate did not affect significantly the cell proliferative activity. In cells cultivated in no-serum medium increased deuterium concentration inhibited growth with a consequent of cell death. Both decreased and increased concentration of deuterium activated proliferation in originally low-density cell cultures supplemented with serum. It is hypothesized that changed isotopic composition of water has an effect only when combined with some other cell cultivation factors.

[Results of the psychophysiological investigations of female test-subjects during long-term stay in pressurized chamber under the regime of therapeutic recompression].

IBMP has developed and applied protocols of therapeutic recompression of patients with delayed admission after the onset of decompression sickness or pulmonary barotraumas the occurrence of which increases among recreational divers including females. Experiment Rusalka-2004 was performed to validate a therapeutic recompression protocol with participation of female test-subjects subjected to experimental descents at air pressure of 40 and 80 m H2O (training) and of 70 m H2O (experimental) followed by 4 days at 40 to 0 m H2O in a hyperoxic (pO2 = 0.45-0.5 kgs/cm2) helium-oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere. Psychophysiological investigations during the experiment revealed only weak changes of the parameters evaluated by the well-being - activity - mood, Spilberg - Khanin, Luscher, and proof-read tests. Significant deviations in self-feeling (modified method by Dembaut - Rubinstein) and mental performance assessment (Krepelin's tables) were associated with the air pressure elevation to 40-80 m H2O both during the training and experimental descents, and symptoms of nitrogen narcosis. Based on these results, the therapeutic recompression protocol can be recommended for treatment of as males, so females.

[Clinical characteristics of tick-borne encephalitis complicated by Lyme borreliosis]. / Klinicheskaia kharakteristika kleshchevogo éntsefalita pri ego sochetanii s Laim-borreliozom.

Clinical characteristics of mixed tick borne encephalitis (TBE) + Lyme borrelliosis (LB) infection and monoinfections are compared. Eighty-five patients with TBE + LB mixed infection serologically verified by EIA and 87 with isolated TBE, who fell ill in 1996, were examined. Among patients with mixed infection, cases with blurred TBE predominated; severe forms (meningeal and focal) were almost two times less incident than in TBE monoinfection. Typical clinical symptoms of LB were observed in 63.5% patients, while in the rest 36.5% LB manifested only by circulation of antibodies to B. burgdorferi. Comparative analysis of patients with mixed TBE + LB infection and TBE monoinfection confirmed a more benign course of TBE during the acute period in patients with mixed infection. Mixed infection should be ruled out or confirmed by thorough clinical examinations with obligatory detection of antibodies to agents of both diseases.

[Sensitivity in vitro of test-cultures and collection s of microoganisms isolated from surfaces of a pressurized complex to detergents]. / Chuvstivitel'nost' in vitro test-kul'tur i kollektsii mikroorganizmov, vydelennykh s poverkhnostei giperbaricheskogo kompleksa, k dezinfitsiruiushchim sredstvam.

Human subjects are a prime source of microbial contamination of the diving gear and the interior of deep-water diving complexes (DWDC). Disinfecting measures cannot ensure infectious safety of deep-water dives. Investigations in vitro were to compare effectiveness of a standard and a novel detergent against the microorganisms isolated from DWDC-250 at SRC-IBMP. It was discovered that 21% of microbial strains were resistant to the standard 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Diluted in ratio 1:10, polycept Demos (alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride AB 0.5%) demonstrated 100% effectiveness in usual conditions and in hyperbaric experiments with various gaseous mixtures. Biocide Demos should be further tested during simulation of dives in DWDC-250.

[Effect of increased pressure and changed gaseous media on biological properties of microorganisms]. / Issledovanie vliianiia povyshennogo davleniia i izmenennoi gazovoi sredy na biologicheskie svoistva mikroorganizmov.

Bacterial contamination of diving outfit and inner surfaces of pressure complex increases at the expense of expansion of gram-negative microflora during long exploitation of undersea complexes. Gram-negative bacteria were hypothesized to effectively adapt to hyperbaric conditions. We investigated the effect of hyperbaric conditions and changed gaseous environment on the cultural and morphological characteristics of colonies, growth rate and time of generation of test cultures (P. aeruginosa ATCC 10145, E. coli Tg1, and Bac. subtilis GB2036). Phenotypically modified clones were selected for subsequent analysis of changes at a genetic level. Experiments revealed no essential changes in the studied properties under the effect of extreme conditions.

[Comparative study of results of serological diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoenzyme analysis]. / Sravnitel'noe izuchenie rezul'tatov serologicheskoi diagnostiki Laim-Borrelioza v reaktsii nepriamoi immunofliuorestsentsii i immunofermentnom analize.

A total of 176 sera from 73 patients with verified Lyme borreliosis at different stages of the disease are examined. Serological diagnosis was carried out by 2 methods: indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) with corpuscular B. burgdorferi antigen and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with purified flagellar B. burgdorferi antigen (Dako). EIA with Dako antigen is more sensitive for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis at any period of the disease than IIF. Analysis of correlations between the results of IIF and EIA showed correlation in the levels of IgG but not IgM antibodies. The findings confirmed a previous hypothesis that inadequate antibacterial therapy before investigation decreases the level of antibodies to Borrelia. In patients with a history of Lyme borreliosis, antibodies to B. burgdorferi are detected less frequently by both IIF and EIA. Patients with persistent levels of antibodies to B. burgdorferi, even without clinical signs of infection, are in need of regular check-ups, because the prognostic significance of antibodies to B. burgdorferi is unknown and relapses may occur after months and years.

[The laboratory diagnosis of spring-summer infections in Yekaterinburg in the epidemic season for tick-borne encephalitis]. / Laboratornaia diagnostika vesenne-letnikh infektsii v Ekaterinburge v épidemicheskii sezon kleshchevogo éntsefalita.

The authors propose a comprehensive approach to laboratory diagnosis of seasonal transmissible infections, based on modern methods permitting etiological deciphering of disease. A universal diagnostic algorithm notably accelerated the laboratory diagnosis due to cutting the period between collection of material from a patient and consecutive screening for antibodies to agents of tick-borne encephalitis, Lyme disease, and California encephalitis.

[The characteristics of peripheral nervous system involvement in Lyme borreliosis in an endemic region of Russia]. / Osobennosti porazheniia perifericheskoi nervnoi sistemy pri Laim-borrelioze v éndemichnom raione Rossii.

Clinical and laboratory data are available on affection of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in 27 patients with Lyme-borreliosis (LB) in the endemic region of Russia. PNS disorders arose early, 88.9% of the patients had them within one month of the disease. 9 (37.5%) patients had meningoradiculoneuropathy (MRN) which emerged in the acute period in 77.8% of the patients. Inflammation in the cerebrospinal fluid was registered only in patients with clinical signs of meningitis. MRN developed more frequently in facial nerve neuritis (FNN) than in radiculopathy (RP)-80.0% and 14.3%, respectively, p = 0.01. Intrathecal synthesis of antibodies to B. burgdorferi in combination with pleocytosis was found only in FNN patients (16.7%). In 6 (37.5%) of 16 patients with neuroborreliosis concentrations of C-reactive protein were elevated. Its high level occurred significantly more frequently in RP (83%) than in FNN (17%) (p = 0.05). 5 out of 14 LB patients exhibited high level of Willebrand factor antigen. No clear clinical relations between this value and PNS lesions in LB were found.

[Late effects of damaging action of doxorubicin on the reproductive system and progeny of rats]. / Otdalennye éffekty povrezhdaiushchego deistviia doksorubitsina na reproduktivnuiu sistemu i potomstvo krys.

The effect of doxorubicin, an anthracycline antibiotic, on the reproductive system and progeny was studied in rats 1 month after a single administration of the drug in the MID of 6.85 mg/kg. It was shown that doxorubicin induced a decrease in the number of the mature oocytes in the rat ovary and an increase in the pre- and post-implantation death rate. The rats exposed to the antibiotic 1 month before the mating with intact male rats had unchanged fertility and pregnancy. In the fetuses isolated from the female rats treated with the antibiotic, development of some parts of the skeleton appeared to be retarded. One fetus and one young rat had severe developmental anomalies in the skeletons: shorter right anterior and hind extremities and finger aplasia. The survival rate of the progeny from the female rats exposed to the antibiotic was markedly decreased. No retardation in the physical development of the progeny was observed.

[Myelotoxicity of epirubicin]. / O mielotoksichnosti épirubitsina.

Epirubicin (pharmorubicin, India), an antitumor antibiotic of the anthracycline group, was studied in regard to its effect on peripheral blood, bone marrow and lymphoid organs (the thymus and spleen) of CBA mice after its intraperitoneal administration in a single dose equal to the MIC (7.8 mg/kg) and in a course dose (1/5 of the MIC 5 times a day). The cytogenetic impairments induced by the cytostatic were estimated on metaphase plates with the bone marrow specimens and by counting the peripheral blood erythrocytes with micronuclei (the micronuclear test). It was shown that epirubicin induced cytogenetic disturbances in the hemopoietic cells within the first 72 hours. The antibiotic had a marked reversible effect on the erythroid population and lymphoid tissues and a moderate toxic action on the granulocyte population. The antibiotic did not affect thrombocytopoiesis. The single administrations had a more pronounced and prolonged myelotoxic and lymphotropic effect.