Evaluating the influence of marine protected areas on surf zone fish.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) globally serve conservation and fisheries management goals, generating positive effects in some marine ecosystems. Surf zones and sandy beaches, critical ecotones bridging land and sea, play a pivotal role in the life cycles of numerous fish species and serve as prime areas for subsistence and recreational fishing. Despite their significance, these areas remain understudied when evaluating the effects of MPAs. We compared surf zone fish assemblages inside and outside MPAs across 3 bioregions in California (USA). Using seines and baited remote underwater videos (BRUVs), we found differences in surf zone fish inside and outside MPAs in one region. Inside south region MPAs, we observed higher abundance (Tukey's honest significant difference [HSD] = 0.83, p = 0.0001) and richness (HSD = 0.22, p = 0.0001) in BRUVs and greater biomass (HSD = 0.32, p = 0.0002) in seine surveys compared with reference sites. Selected live-bearing, fished taxa were positively affected by MPAs. Elasmobranchs displayed greater abundance in BRUV surveys and higher biomass in seine surveys inside south region MPAs (HSD = 0.35, p = 0.0003 and HSD = 0.23, p = 0.008, respectively). Although we observed no overall MPA signal for Embiotocidae, abundances of juvenile and large adult barred surfperch (Amphistichus argenteus), the most abundant fished species, were higher inside MPAs (K-S test D = 0.19, p < 0.0001). Influence of habitat characteristics on MPA performance indicated surf zone width was positively associated with fish abundance and biomass but negatively associated with richness. The south region had the largest positive effect size on all MPA performance metrics. Our findings underscored the variability in species richness and composition across regions and survey methods that significantly affected differences observed inside and outside MPAs. A comprehensive assessment of MPA performance should consider specific taxa, their distribution, and the effects of habitat factors and geography.

Evaluación de la influencia de las áreas marinas protegidas sobre los peces de la zona de rompientes Resumen Las áreas marinas protegidas (AMP) cumplen los objetivos de conservación y manejo de pesquerías a nivel mundial, lo que genera efectos positivos en algunos ecosistemas marinos. Las zonas de rompientes y las playas arenosas, ecotonos importantes que conectan la tierra con el mar, tienen un papel esencial en el ciclo de vida de varios peces y fungen como áreas óptimas para la pesca recreativa y de sustento. A pesar de su importancia, estas áreas están poco estudiadas con respecto a la evaluación del efecto de las AMP. Comparamos la composición de peces del área de rompientes dentro y fuera de las AMP de tres bioregiones de California, EUA. Usamos chinchorros y videos submarinos con carnada (BRUVs) y descubrimos diferencias en los peces de la zona de rompientes dentro y fuera de las AMP en una región. Dentro de las AMP de la región sur observamos una mayor abundancia (diferencia significativa honesta de Tukey [DSH]  =  0.83, p = 0.0001) y riqueza (DSH  =  0.22, p = 0.0001) en los BRUV y una mayor biomasa (DSH  =  0.32, p = 0.0002) en los censos con chinchorro en comparación con los sitios de referencia. Los taxones seleccionados de peces de sustento fueron afectados de manera positiva por las AMP. Los elasmobranquios mostraron una mayor abundancia en los BRUV y una mayor biomasa en los censos con chinchorro dentro de las AMP de la región sur (DSH  =  0.35, p = 0.0003 y DSH  =  0.23, p = 0.008, respectivamente). Aunque no observamos una señal generalizada de las AMP para la familia Embiotocidae, la abundancia de Amphistichus argenteus juveniles y adultos, la especie pescada más abundante, fue mayor dentro de las AMP (prueba K­S D  =  0.19, p < 0.0001). La influencia de las características del hábitat sobre el desempeño de las AMP indicó que el ancho de la zona de rompientes está asociado de forma positiva con la abundancia y biomasa de los peces, pero de forma negativa con la riqueza. La región sur tuvo el mayor tamaño de efecto positivo sobre todas las medidas de desempeño de las AMP. Nuestros hallazgos destacan la variabilidad en la riqueza y composición de especies en todas las regiones y los censos que afectan significativamente las diferencias observadas dentro y fuera de las AMP. Una evaluación completa del desempeño de las AMP debe considerar taxones específicos, su distribución y el efecto de los factores de hábitat y la geografía.

[CLINICAL AND ENDOSCOPIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GASTRODUODENAL MUCOSAL LESIONS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C INFECTION WITH DIFFERENT BODY MASS STATUS].

The high prevalence and incidence of the chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC) is associated with the considerable medical and social problems, development of variety of clinical signs, hepatic and extrahepatic lesions. Due to the wide spread of this infection, there is a high comorbidity with other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, especially of its upper parts. The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical and pathological features of mucosal lesions (ML) of the gastroduodenal zone (GDZ) and the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C with different body mass status. The study included 150 patients with chronic hepatitis C. All patients underwent fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy (FEGD), determination of Helicobacter pylori infection (H. pylori) was done by the quick urease test (CLO-test), as well as by the stool test (CITO TEST, Farmasko LLC), the intra-esophageal pH-metric test and assessment of body mass status. The Los Angeles (LA) classification (1998) was used for endoscopic assessment of the degree of esophageal damage. Depending on the body weight of the patients, two groups were formed: A group - n=35 patients with CHC with overweight (OBW) and B group, n=115 patients with CHC with normal body weight (NBW). We found that in patients with chronic hepatitis C, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is significantly more frequently registered in patients with overweight status than in those with NBW (48.6% vs. 31.3%, p<0.05). Endoscopically, in patients with chronic hepatitis C and OBW, reflux esophagitis with the LA-B degree of mucosal damage is most common (72.7%), while in patients with chronic hepatitis C and NBW the LA-A degree is most frequent (69.4%). Therefore, in patients with CHC + OBW, there are deeper ML than in patients with NBW. Our data demonstrates a high frequency of motor impairments in patients with chronic hepatitis C in the absence of erosive and ulcerative lesions of the mucosa of the GDZ, namely duodenogastric reflux with a predominance in persons with CHC + OBW against patients with CHC + NBW (47.0% vs. 13.9%, p<0.05). In patients with CHC, occurrence of the H. pylori infection is 34.7%, with no significant difference between patients with OBW and NBW. The high frequency of registered GERD and H. pylori in patients with chronic hepatitis C, indicates to the importance of the development of an optimal eradication treatment regimen that would be most effective, but at the same time, sufficiently safe and even gentle to the affected liver, taking into account the hepatotoxic effect of some proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), especially those that inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450, as well as the hepatotoxicity of some antibiotics.

[ОPTIMIZATION OF TREATMENT OF THE PATIENTS, SUFFERING NEUROPATHICALLY-ІNFECTED FORM OF THE DIABETIC FOOT SYNDROME, USING THE IODINE PREPARATIONS AND LOW-INTENSIVE LASER IRRADIATION].

The changes in antibiotic sensitivity of the purulent-necrotic processes agents under the low-intensive laser irradiation impact were studied in experimental part of the investigation. There were 156 patients, suffering neuropathically-infected form of the diabetic foot syndrome, examined and treated, in 41 of them the iodine deficiency was revealed. Durable regional intaarterial infusion, low-intensive laser irradiation and preparations of iodine in a daily dose of 200 mcg were applied. High efficacy of the antibacterial therapy photomodification was proved, it have permitted to improve the results of treatment, to refuse from disabling operations in majority of the patients, to secure the foot bearing function. While the iodine deficiency presence the results of treatment are improved due to application of the iodine preparations.

In vivo determination of optical properties of normal and tumor tissue with white light reflectance and an empirical light transport model during endoscopy.

Determination of tissue optical properties is fundamental for application of light in either therapeutical or diagnostics procedures. In the present work we implemented a spatially resolved steady-state diffuse reflectance method where only two fibers (one source and one detector) spaced 2.5 mm apart are used for the determination of the optical properties. The method relies on the spectral characteristics of the tissue chromophores (water, dry tissue, and blood) and the assumption of a simple wavelength dependent expression for the determination of the reduced scattering coefficient. Because of the probe dimensions the method is suited for endoscopic measurements. The method was validated against more traditional models, such as the diffusion theory combined with adding doubling for in vitro measurements of bovine muscle. Mean and standard deviation of the absorption coefficient and the reduced scattering coefficient at 630 nm for normal mucosa were 0.87+/-0.22 cm(-1) and 7.8+/-2.3 cm(-1), respectively. Cancerous mucosa had values 1.87+/-1.10 cm(-1) and 8.4+/-2.3 cm(-1), respectively. These values are similar to data presented by other authors. Blood perfusion was the main variable accounting for differences in the absorption coefficient between the studied tissues.

Cellular and lipopolysaccharide fatty acid composition of the type strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Klebsiella nonpathogenic species.

The cellular and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) fatty acid compositions of the type strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, K. oxytoca, K. terrigena, K. planticola, and "K. trevisanii" were studied. The cellular fatty acids of klebsiellae were presented by straight-chain saturated and monounsaturated, cyclopropane, and hydroxy fatty acids. Hexadecanoic, methylenehexadecanoic, octadecenoic and hexadecenoic acids prevailed. The K. pneumoniae strain mainly differed from the strains of other species by two and more times lower level of dodecanoic acid in cells. Variations of cyclopropane and unsaturated fatty acid contents in cells were observed. LPS fatty acids profiles of klebsiellae mainly consisted of straight-chain saturated and hydroxy fatty acids with predominance of tetradecanoic and 3-hydroxytetradecanoic acids. LPS fatty acids profiles of K. oxytoca, K. terrigena, K. planticola, and "K. trevisanii" strains were very similar and differed from that of the K. pneumoniae strain by higher levels of dodecanoic acid (approximately 5-6 times) and absence of 2-hydroxytetradecanoic acid. The obtained data indicated more close relatedness of K. oxytoca, K. terrigena, and K. planticola and some their remoteness from K. pneumoniae.

A double-blind comparison of oral versus rectal mesalamine versus combination therapy in the treatment of distal ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of mesalamine rectal suspension enema (Rowasa) alone, oral mesalamine tablets (Asacol) alone, and the combination of mesalamine enema and mesalamine tablets in patients with active mild-to-moderate distal ulcerative colitis. METHODS: Sixty outpatients with ulcerative colitis at least 5 cm above the anal verge and not more than 50 cm, inclusive, and a total disease activity index (DAI) score between 4 and 10, inclusive, were randomized to either mesalamine rectal enema (n = 18) once nightly, oral mesalamine 2.4 g/day (n = 22), or a combination of both treatments (n = 20). Placebo capsules and enemas were used to maintain a blind procedure. Total DAI scores and abbreviated DAI scores were evaluated at wk 3 and 6, and wk 1 and 2, respectively. Patients recorded the amount of blood in stools, urgency, straining at stools, and abdominal pain in daily diaries. Physicians and patients rated overall improvement at each visit. RESULTS: At wk 6, combination therapy produced a greater improvement (-5.2) in total DAI scores than did either mesalamine enema (-4.4) or mesalamine tablet (-3.9) therapy alone; similar treatment differences were observed at wk 3. Compared with patients given mesalamine enemas or mesalamine tablets, combination-therapy patients reported an absence of blood in stools significantly sooner and, at all visits, the combination therapy group had the highest percentage of patients who reported no blood in their stools. Physicians' and patients' ratings of improvement indicated that combination therapy significantly improved disease status, compared with mesalamine tablet therapy alone. All treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of oral and rectal mesalamine therapy was well tolerated and produced earlier and more complete relief of rectal bleeding than oral or rectal therapy alone.

[Features of metabolism of Klebsiella genus bacteria]. / Osobennosti metabolizma bakterii roda Klebsiella.

Some metabolic peculiarities of bacteria of the genus Klebsiella were investigated. The bacteria under study were isolated from different sources and varied in virulence. The pathogenic and saprotrophic enterobacteria were discriminated based on their response to the addition of carbohydrates or nitrate to the medium. Pathogenic Klebsiella spp. exhibited mainly the mixed formic-acid type of fermentation and were more resistant to nitrates than saprotrophic bacteria with the butanediol type of fermentation. The bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae isolated from different sources, such as patients, healthy persons, or the environment, exhibited no substantial differences in metabolism and virulence. It was inferred that these bacteria themselves cannot cause disease, and their isolation in morbid states is an indirect result of dysbacteriosis.

[A micronucleus analysis of the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the professional contingent and of the self-settlers in the exclusion zone of the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station]. / Mikroiadernyi analiz limfotsitov perifericheskoi krovi profkontigenta i samoselov zony otchuzhdeniia Chernobyl'skoi AES.

The chromosomal damage (micronuclei) of the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the group of professionals who had participated in the liquidation of the Chernobyl NPP accident and have continued their work at the "Shelter" and of the group of self-settlers who living for about ten year in the Chernobyl NPP alienation zone were studied. Residents of Kyïv were the group for comparison. It was found that in professionals the number of micronuclei was higher due to the presence of cells with several micronuclei while in the self-settlers it was due to the increase in the number of cells with one micronucleus. Also was determined the correlation between the frequency of micronuclei in the lymphocytes of the self-settlers on the one hand and the level of radionuclides contamination of territory and dose loading on the other.

[The content of mimicry antigens in bacteria of the genus Klebsiella when they are cultured in plant tissue]. / Soderzhanie antigenov mimikrii u bakterii roda Klebsiella pri kul'tivirovanii ikh v rastitel'noi tkani.

Bacteria of genus Klebsiella were found to possess group-specific antigens of ABO system. Representatives of conditionally pathogenic species, K. rhinoscleromatis, K. pneumoniae, K. ozaenae, K. oxytoca, contain 9.4 to 38% of the antigens. In the process of interaction of plant organisms and Klebsiella, which passed three times in green tomato fruits, the latter have been found to influence some biological features of the bacteria which is manifested in the loss of the mimicry antigens by a considerable part of the strains as well as in developing capsules by some capsule-free variants of klebsiellae.

[The physiological-biochemical properties of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains of different origins]. / Fiziologo-biokhimicheskie svoistva shtammov Klebsiella pneumoniae razlichnogo proiskhozhdeniia.

While comparatively analyzing the properties of Klebsiella pneumoniae from three studied sources (patients, healthy people, environment), no reliable differences between the comparable strains have been revealed. No differences have been found in the toxin formation, hemagglutinating and antilysozymic activity, adhesivity and invasive properties as well as in the peculiarities of gas exchange, while growing on media with different nitrogen and carbon sources. The studied microorganisms differed only in antibiotic resistance: strains isolated from the environment were sensitive to antibiotics, whereas strains of human origin were resistant to them.

[The biological effects in animals related to the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station. 1. The experimental model. The radiation loads on animals kept continuously under external and internal radiation exposure in the area of the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station]. / Biologicheskie éffekty u zhivotnykh v sviazi s avariei na Chernobyl'skoi AES. Soobshchenie 1. Model' éksperimenta. Radiatsionnye nagruzki u zhivotnykh, postoianno nakhodivshikhsia v usloviiakh vneshnego i vnutrennego radiatsionnogo vozdeistviia v zone ChAES.

Irradiation conditions in which laboratory animals were kept in experimental laboratories of Chernobyl and Kiev after the accident at the Chernobyl A.P.S. are described. The data are presented on the spectral structural and activity of radionuclides in the diet as well as in the organs and tissues of the animals. The radiation loads have been estimated with regard to an external gamma component and the internal one contributed by the incorporated radionuclides. It has been shown that radiation doses received by the animals during their lifetime due to these contributions do not exceed units of cGy.

[The biological effects in animals related to the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station. 2. The state of bone marrow hematopoiesis in rats]. / Biologicheskie éffekty u zhivotnykh v sviazi s avariei na Chernobyl'skoi AES. Soobshchenie 2. Sostoianie kostnomozgovogo krovetvoreniia u krys.

It has been shown that rats born during the first months after the Chernobyl A.P.S. disaster exhibit essential changes in the peripheral blood and bone marrow haemopoiesis throughout the entire lifetime. Rats brought up in Chernobyl from the age of three months on display even more pronounced changes. It is assumed that the changes in the haemopoiesis develop due to the continuous influence of low-level radiation of different quality and are attributed to the effect of the incorporated radionuclides.

[X-ray semeiotics of changes in the soft tissues and bones of the lower extremities in disorders of the venous outflow]. / Rentgenosemiotika izmenenii miagkikh tkanei i skeleta nizhnikh konechnostei pri narushenii venoznogo ottoka.

In order to improve radiodiagnosis of chronic and venous insufficiency of the lower limbs, the soft tissues and skeleton of the affected limbs were x-rayed in 120 patients with disturbed venous outflow (60 with varicosity and 60 with the post-thrombophlebitic syndrome - PTPS). The limb soft tissue changes in this disease were shown to be of one type and looked like the thickening of subcutaneous fat; obscure boundaries of the muscles with subcutaneous fat, the narrowing of intermuscular layers, the absence of differentiation of separate muscular groups, visible varices, calcifications of soft tissues and phleboliths. Bone changes appeared later than the clinical signs of disease and were as follows: regional and diffuse osteoporosis, various kinds of periostoses (scaled or partially assimilated linear, multilayer and pectiniform) and hyperostosis. Longitudinal platypodia and transverse foot flattening caused by dysfunction of the musculoligamentous apparatus and increasing venous congestion in the lower limbs were seen in most of the patients.

[Changes in the lymphatic system of the lower limbs in varices and post-thrombophlebitic syndrome]. / Izmeneniia limfaticheskoi sistemy nizhnikh konechnostei pri varikoznoi bolezni i posttromboflebiticheskom sindrome.

The complex study of the venous and lymphatic system in 151 patient with different forms of the impairement in venous outflow was carried out. The direct dependence of the state of the lymphatic system of the lower extremities on the state of hemodynamics was noted.

Aggressive angiographic diagnosis in acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

To assess the value of recently developed aggressive pharmacologic angiographic techniques for the diagnosis of acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, we reviewed our experience with 63 consecutive patients referred for angiography. Hemorrhage was severe as indicated by a mean blood transfusion requirement of 9.4 units. Extravasation of contrast (46%), or an obvious vascular abnormality suggestive of a bleeding site (32%), was identified in 78% of patients. Extravasation was seen more frequently in patients with greater than or equal to 3 units of transfusion (66%) than in those with less than 3 units of transfusion (17%, P less than 0.001). After the introduction of pharmacologic techniques using heparin, tolazoline, streptokinase, and indwelling arterial catheters, the percentage of studies with extravasation of contrast increased from 32 to 65% (P less than 0.01). Application of aggressive angiographic techniques increases the diagnostic yield of angiography in acute severe lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage while exposing the patient to modest increased procedure-related risks which can be accepted in selected patients.