Development of a high dynamic range retarding potential analyzer for electric propulsion plume diagnosis.

A new high dynamic range retarding potential analyzer design is proposed to measure the ion energy distribution in electric propulsion plasma plumes. The main difference between the proposed probe and previous designs is an ion-optical system with a high negative accelerating potential. Applying the principle of acceleration and focusing of the ion flow provides the correct operation of the probe in a dense plasma in which the Debye length can be ten times smaller than the diameter of the grid apertures. As a result, the new probe has high transparency with an extended operating range of measured plasma densities. Another advantage of the probe is its accurately known and time-stable transparency for ions, so the probe can measure the absolute values of the ion current density like the Faraday probe. The analyzer geometry, which provides measurement in the range of ion current densities up to 100 A/m2 at ion energies up to 2000 eV with an error of no more than 2%, was determined using numerical simulation. We present the measurement results of the plasma plume of a Hall effect thruster with a nominal discharge power of 2.3 kW.

[A Modified Lentivirus-Based Reporter for Magnetic Separation of Cancer Stem Cells].

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the most malignant subpopulation of tumor cells that possess a tumorigenic potential and resistantance to chemotherapy. These properties make CSCs a promising target for the development of targeted antitumor therapy which is especially in demand in highly aggressive cancers. However, the correct identification of cancer cells with stem properties remains a challenge. A newly developed lentivirus-based reporter SORE6 allows to directly identify CSCs by measuring gene expression of the embryonic stem cell factors SOX2 and OCT4. In the current study the reporter was modified to enable isolation of SOX2^(+)/OCT4^(+) cells by immunomagnetic separation and then was used to transduce HCC1806 and MDA-MB-453 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. To validate the modified reporter, SOX2^(+)/OCT4^(+) populations were isolated and analyzed for the content of NANOG, a key transcription factor of pluropotency which expression is regulated by SOX2/OCT4. The percentage of SOX2^(+)/OCT4^(+) cells was assessed for each cell line. An increased content of NANOG protein was found in isolated SOX2^(+)/OCT4^(+) cell fractions indicating that the modified reporter is suitable for further studying the CSC subset.

Matrix stimulation in cancer pain: Methodology, safety and effectiveness.

BACKGROUND: This feasibility study addresses the applicability of matrix electrodes for the reduction of ongoing pain in cancer patients via low-frequency electrical stimulation (LFS). METHODS: Low-frequency matrix stimulation (4 Hz) was applied to the skin within the 'Head's zones' referring to the tumour localization of cancer pain patients. Pain at baseline was compared to a 3-day treatment interval consisting of 5 min of matrix stimulation in the morning and evening followed by a 3-day follow-up period without therapy. Main outcome parameters included numeric rating scale values (rating scale 0-100), painDETECT, HADS, and German pain questionnaire, as well as the opioid intake, calculated as the oral morphine equivalent (OME). RESULTS: Twenty patients with cancer pain (aged 64.4 ± 10.3; 9 women) were examined. In the majority of patients, the pain was classified as nociceptive. The mean pain reduction achieved by matrix therapy was 30%, under stable daily controlled-release opioid doses between 177 and 184 mg/day (OME). Seventeen patients (85%) were responders, defined by a pain reduction of at least 30%, while four responders experienced a pain reduction of over 50%. The only side effect was short-term erythema. CONCLUSION: Findings are consistent with the concept of synaptic long-term depression in cancer pain induced after conditioning LFS. Despite the short, but well-tolerated, treatment duration of 2 × 5 min/day, effects persisted throughout the 3-day follow-up. SIGNIFICANCE: Cutaneous neuromodulation using LFS via a matrix electrode has been shown to be a safe intervention for effectively reducing cancer pain in palliative care patients.

[Neuromodulation using matrix stimulation : A treatment for acute pain?] / Neuromodulation mittels Matrixstimulation : Ein Therapieansatz für akute Schmerzen?

BACKGROUND: There is currently a lack of studies that evaluate the effects of matrix electrode neuromodulation on acute pain. In this prospective and randomized cross-over study, we investigated the efficacy of 4 Hz-matrix stimulation on venipuncture-induced pain in 30 healthy subjects. METHODS: We compared two conditions of neurostimulation: in EC1 (experimental condition 1), we performed venipuncture during stimulation, with 2.5 min of prestimulation with 600 stimuli; in EC2 (experimental condition 2), the length of stimulation was 5 min, at 1200 stimuli, with subsequent venipuncture. A group with no stimulation was used as control condition. RESULTS: The EC2 group did not only show a 77% reduction in puncture pain when compared to the control group (p < 0.001; effect size [ES] d = 1.45), but also had a significant effect compared with EC1 (p < 0.001; ES d = 1.33). EC1, on the other hand, did not demonstrate a significant difference to the control group. The status of the veins was evaluated based on visibility and did not differ significantly between the conditions. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed for the first time that pre-emptive matrix stimulation could be an effective way to reduce acute pain. The duration of stimulation seems to play a key role in the effectiveness of the neurophysiological mechanism of action. Matrix stimulation is a therapeutic intervention with very few side effects, which could, in the future, expand our pain-management options for the treatment of acute pain.

[Role of PDLIM4 and c-Src in Breast Cancer Progression].

High heterogeneity is characteristic of oncology diseases, often complicating the choice of optimal anticancer treatment. One cancer type may combine tumors differing in histogenesis, genetic lesions, and mechanism of cell transformation. Differences in the mechanism of cell malignant transformation result in specifics of cancer cell metabolism and sensitivity to various agents, including anticancer treatments. Hence, the molecular subtype of a tumor is essential to know for choosing the optimal therapeutic strategy. The review considers the role actin-associated proteins and tyrosine kinases, in particular, PDLIM4 and Src kinase, play in the formation of pathological signaling pathways.

[Inhibition of the stellate cells using lisinopril and lovastatin for prophylaxis of pancreatic stump fibrosis after performance of distal resection in a model of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis].

Complex application of lisinopril (inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme) and lovastatin (inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase) inhibits pancreatic fibrosis in the rats, having alcoholic chronic pancreatitis after distal pancreatic resection (DPR). Lisinopril and lovastatin were injected to the rats after DPR in dose 10 mg/kg during 3 weeks. Immunohistochemical markets, such as alpha-smooth-muscle actin (alpha-SMA), desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) as well as inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) were detected for estimation of therapeutic impact on activity and quantity of stellate pancreatic cells. Under the influence of lisinopril and lovastatin there were observed lowering in the stellate pancreatic cells activity and in expression of SMA, desmin, GFAP, vimentin and TIMP-2, the MMP-1 and TIMP-2 ratio have had increased significantly and severity of fibrotic pancreatic affection had reduced trustworthy in comparison w such, occurring in a control group.

[Inhibition of pancreatic stellate cell activation by lisinopril for prevention fibrogenesis in experimental chronic alcoholic pancreatitis].

Lisinopril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) attenuates fibrotic changes in pancreas after distal pancreatectomy in rats with experimental alcohol induced chronic pancreatitis. Lisinopril was administered after distal pancreatectomy in rats with experimental alcohol induced chronic pancreatitis. The animals were treated with lisinopril at the dose of 10 mg/kg body weight per day for 21 days after operation. To estimate the efficacy of the treatment on activity and number of pancreatic stellate cells the immunohistochemical investigation was made with alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), desmin, vimentin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) using. The treatment of rats after operation with lisinopril inhibite activity of pancreatic stellate cells and characterized by significant decrease of the alpha-SMA, desmin, GFAP, vimentin and TIMP-2 expression. The ratio of MMP-1/TIMP-2 was greater in the group with treatment then in the control group. This therapy had a trend to alleviate the fibrotic changes in pancreas.

[Reconstruction techniques preparing jaws for fixed dentures placement].

Dental implantation is a widespread method of dental arch reconstruction. Alveolar bone quantity in implantation area is crucial for proper implant placement. The paper presents author's experience in alveolar bone reconstruction with mandibular autografts, bone height reconstruction with parietal partial thickness grafts, as well as jaw defects reconstruction with microvascular flaps with subsequent implantation.

[Toxicity of ethyl-3-(8-fluoro-2-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyrido[4,3-b]indol-5-yl)-propionate dihydrochloride possessing antiallergic properties].

The toxicity of new gamma-carboline derivative [ethyl 3-(8-fluoro-2-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-gamma-carbolin-5-yl)-propionate dihydrochloride, CD-008-040] has been studied.

[Anti-allergic properties of a novel ethyl 3-(8-fluoro-2-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyrido[4,3-b]indol-5-yl)propionate dihydrochloride].

The influence of ethyl-3-(8-fluoro-2-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-gamma-carboline-5-yl)propionate dihydrochloride belonging to the class of gamma-carbolines on the allergic reactions (inflammation and systemic anaphylaxis) has been studied on laboratory animals. It was established that the given substance administered in a dose of 5 - 20 mg/kg exhibits a pronounced antiallergic action. Unlike many other antihistamine drugs, this gamma-carboline derivative probably does not produce sedative effect.

[Side face part computer modelling use as background for low invasive access for TMJ puncture].

Computer modelling of the anatomic structures of different parts of maxillofacial region helps to widen surgeon's possibilities when planning and carrying out operative interventions, to improve doctor's training and to optimize students education in medical institutions. The use of 3D computer modeling for side face parts as the background for low invasive access for TMJ puncture. Results of the practical use of the worked off access (on 3D modell) to the upper part of TMJ confirm the practical efficacy of computer modelling.

[Diagnosis of temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction caused by occlusion pathology and treatment of such patients].

Patients with temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction need complex treatment that includes prosthetic treatment in intrajoint relation stabilization. In cases of TMJ pathology it is necessary to examine patients and make axiography, function analysis, MPI-analysis, magnetic resonance tomography and zonography of TMJ, electromyography of the masticatory muscles. The authors examined 47 patients with TMJ dysfunction, 43 of them had occlusion pathology. We managed to eliminate the dysfunction symptoms and to receive stable result of the treatment in all the patients.

[Results of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with rhinosinusitogenic orbital complications]. / Nekotorye rezul'taty obsledovaniia i lecheniia bol'nykh s rinosinusogennymi orbital'nymi oslozhneniiami.

Examination and treatment data are available for 20 patients with rhinosinusogenic inflammation of the orbit. All the patients underwent computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses and the orbit. Nonpurulent orbital complications were treated conservatively, purulent ones were treated surgically. The therapy also included novel antibacterial drugs, dysaggregants, intravenous immunoglobulins.

[Changes in systemic and local immunity in patients with acute and chronic purulent sinusitis in response to regional lymphotropic immunostimulating therapy]. / Izmeneniia obshchego i mestnogo immuniteta u bol'nykh s ostrymi i khronicheskimi gnoinymi sinusitami pod vozdeistviem regionarnoi lymphotropnoi immunostimulating therapy.

We studied the effects of regional lymphotropic immunostimulating therapy on alterations in immunoglobulins levels both in blood serum and paranasal sinuses mucosal secretion in patients with acute and chronic purulent sinusitis. Solutions of tactivin, lidase and novocain were administered into the area of the submaxillary lymph nodes. The effect was compared to that obtained after subcutaneous administration of tactivin and conventional therapy. No reliable alterations in systemic humoral immunity in response to lymphotropic immunostimulating therapy was reported in acute sinusitis, while in chronic sinusitis an increase in initially low IgA occurred. Regional lymphotropic administration of tactivin promoted a pronounced decrease in the initially elevated levels of SIgA, IgA and IgG in the secretion of paranasal mucosa in acute purulent sinusitis, and an increase of basaline lowered SIgA, a fall in the IgG concentration in chronic purulent sinusitis. This is indicative of effectiveness of this method of immunostimulator administration on local immunological reactivity of the mucous membrane.