Antitumor Properties of Aqueous Extracts from Inonotus rheades Mycelium and Their Evaluation under Various Cultivation Conditions.

The antitumor properties of aqueous extracts of Inonotus rheades basidiomycete mushrooms were evaluated when the fungi were cultured on wood discs and wood shavings (birch) at 25 ± 1°C in the dark and under constant illumination with blue light (12.8 W/m2). The aqueous fraction containing water-soluble polysaccharides was isolated and analyzed: WS-5 fraction cultured on wood discs under blue light illumination, WS-8 fraction grown under similar conditions on wood shavings; WS-6 fraction grown in the dark on wood discs; and WS-7 fraction grown under similar conditions on wood shavings. The antitumor effects of the extracts were studied on the model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice. It was found that the extracts isolated from the basidial fungus Inonotus rheades exhibit antitumor properties and that their accumulation during growth is determined by different cultivation conditions.

[Change of transcription level of photoreceptor-specific CRX gene in the peripheral blood of the participants of an arctic world oceanic international flight]. / Izmenenie urovnya transkriptsii fotoretseptor-spetsifichnogo gena CRX u uchastnikov arkticheskogo krugosvetnogo pereleta.

The CRX gene encoding the cone-rod homeobox protein is a specific photoreceptor transcription factor crucial for retinal function. Persons temporarily residing in the Arctic zone during the polar summer may suffer from disturbances associated with extremely high ambient illumination. These environmental changes are mediated by retinal photoreceptors; therefore, it is important to study the expression of retinal genes in order to assess individual capacities of sensory adaptation to polar day conditions. PURPOSE: To reveal the dynamics of CRX expression level in humans after a prolonged temporary exposure to polar day conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 6 pilots (males from 39 to 69 y.o.) who participated in the Arctic World Oceanic International Flight Sever Vash (West to East, from 62°N 74°E to 72°N 114°E). Samples of peripheral blood for RNA isolation were collected at the start and at the end of the flight. The level of mRNA in the samples was evaluated based on the data of quantitative real-time PCR of the CRX gene, as well as the b2M and TBP housekeeping genes (reference). RESULTS: Expression of the CRX gene in the studied group (p<0.01) was revealed; the total average level of mRNA was about 3 times higher prior to, and approximately 7 times higher after normalization to the b2M gene. Five pilots had increased expression of the CRX gene within the range of -1.53 to -3.07 (Z-score of <0 before the flight and >0 after the flight). In one pilot, the level of CRX expression was higher at the start, but it reduced by the end of the circumnavigation flight. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the hypothesis that the CRX gene is expressed after a prolonged temporary exposure to polar day conditions. It was also revealed that during rapid adaptation, equal changes in the illumination of retinal photoreceptors lead to different individual dynamics of CRX expression.

Serum BDNF levels correlate with regional cortical thickness in minor depression: a pilot study.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) reflects state changes in mood disorders. But its relation to brain changes in depression has rarely been investigated in humans. We assessed the association between serum BDNF, cortical thickness, or gray matter volume in 20 subjects with a minor depressive episode and 40 matched healthy subjects. Serum BDNF positively correlated with cortical thickness and volume in multiple brain regions in the minor depression group: the bilateral medial orbitofrontal cortex and rostral anterior cingulate cortex, left insula, and cingulum, right superior frontal gyrus, and other regions-regions typically affected by major depression. Interestingly, these correlations were driven by subjects with first episode depression. There was no significant association between these imaging parameters and serum BDNF in the healthy control group. Interaction analyses supported this finding. Our findings point to a specific association between serum BDNF and magnetic resonance imaging parameters in first-episode minor depression in a region- and condition-dependent manner. A positive correlation between serum BDNF and structural gray matter estimates was most consistently observed for cortical thickness. We discuss why cortical thickness should be preferred to volumetric estimates for such analyses in future studies. Results of our pilot study have to be proven in future larger-scale studies yielding higher statistical power.

[Comparative assessment of the effectiveness of toothpastes to reduce hyperesthesia in inflammatory periodontal diseases]. / Sravnitel'naia otsenka éffektivnosti zubnykh past dlia snizheniia giperestezii pri vospalitel'nykh zabolevaniiakh parodonta.

The purpose of the study is a comparative assessment of hygiene products recommended for increased sensitivity of teeth and having an anti-inflammatory effect on periodontal tissue. The study involved 40 people aged 55-65 years with hyperesthesia and chronic mild and moderate periodontitis, which were divided into 2 groups (20 people each) depending on the toothpastes used based on HAP. Over time, indicators of hygiene, sensitivity, bleeding, PMA indices and the periodontal probing depth are evaluated. The study revealed an improvement of the studied indices in both groups after two weeks of using toothpastes. Both of the studied toothpastes lead to a decrease in hyperesthesia and relief of inflammation, which makes it possible to conduct high-quality oral hygiene. However, a more significant improvement in clinical signs was observed when using paste plant components and bifidobacteria extract. Thus, in the complex therapy of inflammatory periodontal diseases accompanied by hyperesthesia, both studied pastes can be recommended for at least 14 days.

[Special aspects of individual oral hygiene in patients with I class gingival recession]. / Osobennosti individual'noi gigieny rta u patsientov s retsessiei desny I klassa.

AIM: To assess the efficacy of additional oral hygiene products in patients with gingival recession. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 30 patients aged from 18 to 35 years with gingival recession participated in the study. The patients were distributed into 2 groups 15 patients in each depending on the use of brushes. The patients in the first group used manual toothbrush Curaprox CS 5460 together with single-tufted brush Curaprox CS 1006 as an additional means of oral hygiene. The patients in the second (control) group used only manual toothbrush Curaprox CS 5460. RESULTS: No significant differences in the values of Silness-Löe and Navy-Rustogi indixes between groups were found at initial examination (p=0.713). However, the values of these hygienic indexes were significantly lower in the first group compared to the control group after 1 week and 1 month of the study (p<0.001). It was shown that oral hygiene in patients with gingival recession was significantly better in case of use of single-tufted brush. CONCLUSION: Maximal efficacy of oral hygiene in patients with gingival grade 1 recession can be achieved by using manual toothbrush Curaprox CS 5460 together with single-tufted brush Curaprox CS 1006.

Effect of Extracellular Vesicles Formed by Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Irradiated Animals.

C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to γ-radiation in a dose of 7.5 Gy. A week later, the experimental group received intravenous injection of extracellular vesicles isolated from the culture medium of human bone marrow multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells. Changes in the physiological parameters of animals were assessed by laser correlation spectroscopy, histological examination, cytometry, and by differential leukocyte count. In 3 and 6 weeks, the parameters of the experimental group occupied an intermediate position between the intact and irradiated groups or did not differ significantly from the parameters of the intact group. The rate and efficiency of recovery varied at different levels of organization. Reduction of damage caused by irradiation in a sublethal dose at different levels of organization of experimental animals was shown.

[Application of oral Foams Splat Oral Care Foam 2 in 1 in patients with false xerostomia]. / Primenenie ochishchaiushchikh polost' rta penok Splat Oral Sare Foam 2 in 1 pri lozhnoi kserostomii.

The purpose of our study was to identify false xerostomies in students of different nationalities studying at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Sechenov University and to assess the effectiveness of Splat Oral Care Foam 2 in 1 against xerostomia stress-induced. Based on the results of Fox test 40 people were selected who used Splat Oral Care Foam 2 in 1 for three weeks. The participants were divided in 4 groups of 10 depending on the nationality. Oral hygiene was assessed by OHI-S and Silness-Loe indices and saliva was collected by the method of M.M. Pozharitskaya to determine salivation rate. It was found that the use of Splat Oral Care Foam 2 in 1 significantly improves the level of oral hygiene and positively affects the rate of salivation, thereby improving the quality of life.

[Comparative effectiveness of therapeutic toothpastes with fluoride and hydroxyapatite]. / Sravnitel'naia otsenka éffektivnosti lechebno-profilakticheskikh zubnykh past, soderzhashchikh ftorid i gidroksiapatit.

The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite and fluoride on enamel caries resistance and remineralization rate. Study groups comprised 160 patients divided in 2 groups of 80 patients: 40 - at the age of 15-17 and 40 at the age of 18-25 who have been using toothpastes with hydroxyapatite and fluoride during 1 year. The plaque determination was carried out with the use of OHI-S and Turesky indexes. Litmus test pieces were used to determine oral fluid pH. The clinical determination of enamel remineralization rate, dynamics of acid resistance of enamel were carried out. Oral hygiene at baseline examination was poor in both groups. After oral hygiene training, there was a tendency towards indexes decrease more pronounced in the 18-25 age group regardless of the composition of the toothpastes used. Mean baseline oral fluid pH in the observation group was 6.5±0.4, in the comparison group - 6.8±0.4. By the end of the trial there was a tendency towards the increase of the oral fluid pH, which were 7.3±0.3 and 7.7±0.3, respectively. The enamel acid resistance of the patients of the observation group was significantly higher (p>0.05) compared with the group of patients using fluoride toothpaste, as well as the proportion of patients in whom the enamel recovery occurred within 24 hours (47.5% vs. 22.5%, respectively).

[Three-year dynamics of the changes in the physical fitness, anthropometric development, food preferences, and metabolic changes in the students trained according to the modified methodology of physical culture]. / Trekhgodichnaia dinamika izmeneniia fizicheskoi podgotovlennosti, antropometricheskogo razvitiia, pishchevykh predpochtenii i metabolicheskikh izmenenii u studentov, zanimaiushchikhsia po modifitsirovannoi metodike fizicheskoi kul'tury.

BACKGROUND: The high level of physical activity is known to contribute to the harmonious development of children and adolescents: moreover; it is a factor promoting prevention of hypodynamia. The low level of physical activity is a risk factor for the development of many non-communicable diseases. However, physical education is not considered by many students as an attractive subject. AIM: The objective of the present study was the enhancement of the motivational aspects of physical activity for the prevention of hypodynamia among students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Physical education of the students was carried out with the use of the standard and modified methods. A total of 206 students (including 133 girls and 73 boys) at the mean age of 17.5±1.5 years were available for the examination. The study was conducted before the intervention (1st year) after the termination of the physical culture lessons envisaged by the academic curriculum (3rd year). The evaluation of the physical conditions and fitness of the students was conducted on the basis of the Russian Physical Culture and Sport Complex (GTO), bioimpedance analysis making use of the 'Medass' ABC-01 device; the functional reserves of the organism were assessed by means of hardware-software programs; the changes in food preferences were estimated on the basis of the FLLANK, questionnaire preliminarily adapted to the specific conditions of this country, and the characteristics of the metabolic processes were evaluated by laser correlation spectroscopy. RESULTS: Dynamics of the successful performance of the GTO normatives in the girls manifested itself in the in reduction of time they spent to run the 100 meter distance; the same was true for the boys who had to overcome the distance of 3000 meters. The students of both sexes became capable of increasing the number of repetitions of crunch and jumping rope exercises. The basal metabolism in the girls was increased within one year after the start of classes, and in the boys two years after the onset of the exercises; simultaneously, the positive changes in the metabolic profile were documented in the students of either sex. No adverse events related to the application of the modified training methods were recorded. CONCLUSION: An important aspect of the present study was the impact of new methods of teaching physical education on the composite body composition. The modified methods were found to shift dietary preferences and metabolic processes in the body of the students after the termination of the educational program.

[Efficiency of paste and suspension with nano-hydroxyapatite on the sensitivity of teeth with gingival recession]. / Éffektivnost' vliianiia pasty i suspenzii s nano-gidroksiapatitom na chuvstvitel'nost' zubov pri retsessii desny.

The purpose of our study was to assess the efficiency of toothpaste 'Intensive strengthening of supersensitive teeth with nano-GAP' INNOVA and the suspension 'Liquid Enamel' INNOVA on the sensitivity of teeth with gingival recession. We examined 40 people aged 20-25 years. Each group consisted of 20 people: 10 women, 10 men. The first group (observations) used the paste and the suspension for 14 days, and the second group (comparisons) cleaned teeth only with a brush without a paste. Schiff aerial test was performed to assess the rate of hypersensitivity. As a result of the study, it was found that the combination of paste and liquid suspension with nano-hydroxyapatite for 14 days effectively reduced the hypersensitivity of the teeth with gingival recession that was shown by a statistically significant decrease in the Schiff index in the observation group. Thus, this combination is the method of choice in the treatment of hyperesthesia and can be used as an alternative substitute therapy.

[Assessment of antibacterial efficacy of ozone therapy in treatment of caries at the white spot stage]. / Antibakterial'naia éffektivnost' ozonoterapii pri lechenii kariesa v stadii belogo piatna.

Effect on cariogenic flora is the key toremineralizing therapy efficacy in treatment of initial caries (at the white spot stage). Ozone in dentistry is used as a highly effective antibacterial agent. Treatment of white spot lesions with the ozone-air mixture leads to significant increase of efficacy in non-invasive treatment of initial caries. OBJECTIVE: clinical and microbiological assessment of antibacterial efficacy of ozone therapy in treatment of caries at the white spot stage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The trial recruited 86 patients for non-invasive treatment of caries at the white spot stage which included the complex of professional oral hygiene, medicamental treatment of white spot lesions with hydrogen peroxide 3% and chlorhexidinedigluconate 0,2%, treatment with the ozone-air mixture and application of hydroxyapatite Са2+. Material for microbiological study was received before the treatment, after the complex of professional oral hygiene and medicamental treatment of white spot lesions conducted as well as after the treatment with the ozone-air mixture. RESULTS: Before the treatment up to 16 kinds of microorganisms on the surface of white spot lesion were detected with the following shares: S. mutans (19.9%), S. salivarius (15.1%), S. epidermidis (8.7%), S. mitis (6.5%), Lactobacillus (6.5%) and different kinds of staphylococci (10.8%). After the complex of professional oral hygiene and medicamental treatment conducted decrease in number of cariogenic microorganisms was indicated as follows: S. mutans - from 1·105 to 1·104, S. salivarius - from 1·107 to 1·106, S. epidermidis - from 1·105 to 1·104, S. mitis - from 1·104 to 1·103, Lactobacillus - from 1·104 tо 1·103. After the treatment of tooth enamel with the ozone-air mixture increase in microorganisms was not observed. The efficacy of ozone on cariogenic microorganisms exceeds significantly the efficacy of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 0,2% chlorhexidinedigluconate. CONCLUSION: It is strongly advisable to include ozone in protocol of non-invasive treatment of initial dental caries.

Effect of long term application of toothpaste Apadent Total Care Medical nano-hydroxyapatite. / Otsenka effektivnosti dlitel'nogo primeneniya zubnoi pasty Apadent Total Care, soderzhashchei Meditsinskii nano-gidroksiapatit.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of toothpaste «Apadent Total Care¼ containing nanocalciumhydroxyapatite and its influence on caries resistance of tooth enamel and teeth sensitivity. The study involved 30 people: 15 patients aged 17-25 years and 15 aged 35-44 years. Study participants used «Apadent Total Care¼ toothpaste with nanocalciumhydroxyapatite. To evaluate the effectiveness of toothpastes clinical assessment of enamel remineralization rate was carried out, as well as the dynamics of enamel acid resistance and teeth sensitivity (Shiff index). Clinical evaluation of tooth enamel before the procedure and after 3 months of use of toothpaste with nanohydroxyapatite showed the improvement of all indices. Time for complete remineralisation of enamel in both groups did not exceed 3 days. Acid resistance of tooth enamel increased by 1.65 in group I and 1,75 in group II. The Schiff index after 3 months of using «Apadent¼ toothpaste also decreased in both groups.

[Ecological interpretation of higher units of steppe vegetation in southern mountains of Middle Siberia via quantitative ordination method].

Detrended correspondent analysis is used for constructing an ecological ordination model of higher units of steppe vegetation in southern mountains of Middle Siberia. The model is based on 326 complete geobotanical descriptions and correlation analysis between the values of major axes and climatic, soil-ground, and geographical parameters. In the space of two first principal ordination axes, ecological series of steppe vegetation coenofloras are observed which are orientated along climatic factors of annual and seasonal precipitation, temperature, oceanity-continentality, and ground stoniness. A syntaxonomic interpretation of observed ecological-geographical steppe types is given, and the hierarchy of higher classification units is substantiated from the ecological point of view.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Antidepressive Effect of Electroconvulsive Therapy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of the Preclinical and Clinical Literature.

Emerging data suggest that Electro-Convulsive Treatment (ECT) may reduce depressive symptoms by increasing the expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Yet, conflicting findings have been reported. For this reason we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the preclinical and clinical literature on the association between ECT treatment (ECS in animals) and changes in BDNF concentrations and their effect on behavior. In addition, regional brain expression of BDNF in mouse and human brains were compared using Allen Brain Atlas. ECS, over sham, increased BDNF mRNA and protein in animal brain (effect size [Hedge's g]: 0.38-0.54; 258 effect-size estimates, N = 4,284) but not in serum (g = 0.06, 95% CI = -0.05-0.17). In humans, plasma but not serum BDNF increased following ECT (g = 0.72 vs. g = 0.14; 23 effect sizes, n = 281). The gradient of the BDNF increment in animal brains corresponded to the gradient of the BDNF gene expression according to the Allen brain atlas. Effect-size estimates were larger following more ECT sessions in animals (r = 0.37, P < .0001) and in humans (r = 0.55; P = 0.05). There were some indications that the increase in BDNF expression was associated with behavioral changes in rodents, but not in humans. We conclude that ECS in rodents and ECT in humans increase BDNF concentrations but this is not consistently associated with changes in behavior.

Prevalence of minor depression in elderly persons with and without mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Minor depression (MinD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are common disorders in late life that often coexist. The aim of the present review is to demonstrate prevalence rates of minor depression in older patients with and without MCI. METHODS: Electronic database searches were performed through Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, Psycinfo, and Cochrane library. Two independent reviewers extracted the original studies based on inclusion criteria: representative study population aged 55 and older, diagnostics of MinD according to DSM. Data on prevalence rates, risk factors, comorbidity and health care usage were analyzed. RESULTS: Point prevalence for MinD is higher in medical settings (median 14.4%) than in the community-based settings (median 10.4%) and primary care patients (median 7.7%). Although minor depression is rarely investigated in elderly persons with MCI, nearly 20% of patients with MCI seem to suffer from MinD. No data was found on the prevalence of MCI in patients with MinD. Risk factors associated with MinD include female gender, history of cerebrovascular diseases, generalized anxiety disorder, loneliness, and long-term institutional care. LIMITATIONS: Methodological differences of included studies resulted in a broad range of prevalence rates. No data is shown regarding the prevalence of MCI in MinD group due to insufficient evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Our review indicates that MinD is frequent in elderly population. MCI among those subjects has not been sufficiently investigated. Future studies based on clinical structured interviews should be performed in longitudinal design in order to differentiate late-life depression from progressive MCI or early manifestation of Alzheimer's disease.

The non-invasive diagnosis of precancerous changes of stomach mucosa.

PURPOSE: To detect the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastric precancerous lesions leading to cancer formation, and to evaluate the possibility of non-invasive screening of dyspeptic patients to identify those having high risk of gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 178 consecutive H. pylori-positive dyspeptic patients after assessment of serum pepsinogen-1 (PG-1) and gastrin-17 (G-17) levels by enzyme immunoassay were examined with endoscopy and histology. The serologic and morphologic results were compared with estimating the sensitivity, specificity and prognostic values of the tests. RESULTS: There was statistically significant reverse dependence between the presence and severity of stomach mucosal atrophy (in antrum or corpus) and the proper serologic markers of stomach functional activity (G-17 or PG-1). On the other hand, the presence and the degree of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and gastric cancer did not correspond to the serum levels of G-17 or PG-1. The serologic method was quite sensitive in the diagnosis of non-atrophic and severe antral and corpus gastritis. Also, it was characterized by the high positive and negative prognostic values. Additionally, we have established the obvious advantage of the chromoendoscopy method in the diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia in the stomach epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: The assays of serum G-17 and PG-1 levels can be offered as the screening tool for atrophic gastritis. The positive serologic results require further chromoendoscopic examination with mucosal biopsy to disclose the probable progression of atrophic process with development of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia or gastric cancer.

Dynamics of the temporal parameters of sensorimotor reactions as a function of movement type in man.

An investigation consisting of two series was carried out on nine healthy male subjects, age 20-24 years. In the first series, a warning signal and then four symbols which required a simple or a complex reaction were presented sequentially on a display screen. In the second series, asterisks were presented instead of the symbols. The sequence of reactions was performed from memory. The results of the investigations made possible the identification of two specific features: a significant decrease in RT in the series of reaction from memory, and a successive decrease in RT with a decrease in the number of the remaining signals in the block of signals. In the first series, the RT decreased successively by 35-40 msec, and in the second, by 16-20 msec. It is hypothesized that the difference in RT between the series characterizes the time of analysis of one signal, and the difference, on the other hand, in the RT within the limits of a single block in the second series characterizes the time for the retrieval from memory of the motor program.