Association study of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genetic polymorphism 677C>T with schizophrenia in hospitalized patients in population of European Russia.

The purpose of the research was to investigate the association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (hereinafter MTHFR) genetic polymorphism 677C>T with schizophrenia in the Russian population in comparison with the control group of healthy blood donors. Also some characteristics of schizophrenia were examined in patients with/without defective T-allele of MTHFR677C>T polymorphism. 500 patients with schizophrenia and 499 blood donors were examined for T-allele carriage of polymorphism MTHFR677C>T by PCR method. 150 archival medical records were studied (in the first patients included in the study). The carriage of T-allele of genetic polymorphism MTHFR677C>T was significantly more common in patients than in healthy donors: 255/500 versus 219/499 (p=0,0287, χ2=4,79; OR=1,33, 95%CI [1037; 1707]). The number of patients with chronic type of schizophrenia onset was significantly more among T-allele carriers (n=77) than among normal CC-genotype carriers (n=73): р=0.038. The number of "incapacitated" persons in the group of patients with defective T-allele (n=77) was significantly higher than in patients with normal genotype (n=73, p=0.0439; OR=2.878, 95%CI=1.111-7.456). The results suggest that T-allele of genetic polymorphism MTHFR677C>T in the population of European Russia may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and its unfavorable prognosis, which requires further investigation.

[Isolation and purification of human blood plasma proteins able to form potassium channels in artificial bilayer lipid membrane].

Protein fraction able to induce K(+)-selective transport across bilayer lipid membrane was isolated from human blood plasma with the use of the detergent and proteolytic enzyme-free method developed at our laboratory. After addition of the studied sample to the artificial membrane in the presence of 100 mM KCl, a discrete current change was observed. No channel activity was recorded in the presence of calcium and sodium ions. Channel forming activity of fraction was observed only in the presence of K+. Using a threefold gradient of KCl in the presence of studied proteins the potassium-selective potential balanced by voltage of -29 mV was registered. This value is very close to the theoretical Nernst potential in this case. This means that the examined ion channel is cation-selective. According to data obtained with MS-MALDI-TOF/TOF and database NCBI three protein components were identified in isolated researched sample.

[Interrelation between parameters of thickness of cornea in its optical part and thickness of nerve fibre layer of amphiblestrodes in case of primary open angle glaucoma].

61 patient was checked-up (113 eyes) with the help of optical coherence tomography for the purpose of determination of the interrelation between thickness of cornea in its optical part and thickness of nerve fibre layer of amphiblestrodes in case of primary open angle glaucoma. The average age of patients was 63,9 +/- 10,4 years. Direct moderate interrelation between parameters of thickness of cornea in its central zone and thickness of nerve fibre layer of amphiblestrodes in its temporal part discus nervi optici (r=0,46 u r=0,26, p<0,05) was determined in patients with suspicion on glaucoma. Direct moderate interrelation between parameters of thickness of cornea in its central zone and thickness of nerve fibre layer of amphiblestrodes in its upper part of discus nervi optici (r=0,35 u r=0,43, p<0,05) is determined in patients with progressive glaucoma. Direct interrelation between parameters of thickness of cornea in its central zone and average thickness of nerve fibre layer of amphiblestrodes (r=0,25, p<0,05) is determined in patients with advanced glaucoma. Determined interrelation of figures proves the possibility of fast progression of glaucomic optic neuropathy in patients with progressive glaucoma.

[Detection of parvovirus B19 markers in blood samples of donors].

AIM: To assess detection rate of parvovirus B19 markers in population of donors in one of the regions of Russian Federation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Screening of blood samples from 1000 donors for parvovirus B19 DNA was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Levels of specific antibodies to parvovirus B19 were measured by quantitative enzyme immunoassay (R-Biopharm AG, Germany). RESULTS: Parvovirus B19 DNA was detected in 10 samples (1%) with viral load ranging from 1.0 x 10(3) to 1.0 x 10(6) genome equivalents per 1 ml. All DNA-positive samples contained IgG, and one sample contained IgM also. IgG were detected in 29.7% of DNA-negative samples. In these samples specific IgM were not detected. Mean level of IgG in DNA-negative and DNA-positive groups was 27.52 IU/ml [95% CI (19.6 -35.4) IU/ml] and 107.30 IU/ml [95% CI (55.7 - 158.9) IU/ml] respectively. Level of IgG in DNA-negative group was significantly lower than in the DNA-positive (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Results of the study provide new and important information for making rational decision about screening of donors' blood for parvovirus B19 markers.

[Diagnostic advantages of the test system "DS-EIA-HBsAg-0.01" for detection of HBV surface antigen].

The new highly sensitive test system "DS-EIA-HBsAg-0.01" (Priority Certificate No. 2006129019 of August 10, 2006) in detecting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was assessed. The sensitivity of the test was estimated using the federal standards sample HBsAg 42-28-311-06, panels' samples Boston Biomedica Inc. (West Bridgewater, Mass, USA) and ZeptoMetrix Corp. (Buffalo, NY, USA). The findings have indicated that "DS-EIA-HBsAg-0.01" is equally effective in detecting different subtypes of HBsAg during a seroconversion period earlier than alternative assays. Along with its high analytical and diagnostic sensitivity, the system shows a high diagnostic specificity.

Coronary endarterectomy during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

Coronary endarterectomy (CEA) is often combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), which is performed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Recent advances in off-pump surgical technique and cardioanesthesiology, along with the increasing number of patients with high risk of CPB complications made it possible and desirable to execute CEA on a beating heart. Russian scientific literature lacks reports on these interventions. The study was aimed at evaluation of off-pump CEA feasibility and early outcomes. From 59 patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD), who underwent combined CABG and CEA, off-pump technique was used for 16 (27.1%) patients, including 12 men and 4 women, mean age 55.3 +/- 6.4. All of them had long-lasting history of IHD; 2 patients had angina CCS class II, 12--class III and 2 patents--class IV. Total number of anastomoses was 51 for 16 patients or 3.18 per patient. Open endarterectomy was used in 7 (9%) CEAs, semi-closed--in 9 (11.5%) CEAs. The technique of atherosclerotic plaque extraction, coronary artery reconstruction and bypass was similar in both groups. Complete revascularization was achieved for all patients. At discharge clinical improvement was evident in patients with functional classes 0-1. Diffuse involvement of coronary arteries is not considered to be contraindication for CABG. Simultaneous CEA with off-pump technique helps to achieve complete myocardial revascularization and good early outcomes, comparable with the results of conventional CPB-assisted procedures.

[Coronary artery of the heart reconstructions after endarterectomy].

Coronary endarterectomy is necessary in up to 37% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Bypass grafting of "inoperable arteries" allows complete revascularization, improves prognosis and quality of life of patients with diffusely diseased coronary arteries. The article considers reconstructive techniques for coronary arteries after endarterectomy.

[Revascularization of the anterior wall of the heart using the radial artery].

An experience with the application of the radial artery for revascularization of the heart anterior wall is described as compared with the internal thoracic artery. Using the radial artery for shunting the anterior interventricular artery is followed by good immediate and long-term results.

[Revascularization of the myocardium with the radial artery]. / Revaskuliarizatsiia miokarda s pomoshch'iu luchevoi arterii.

The experience with using the radial artery (RA) includes 561 patients. RA was used in 203 minimally invasive operations on the working heart and in 358 traditional operations with extracorporeal circulation. Early postoperative ultrasonic and angiographic examinations have shown high immediate patency of RA. The loading tests have revealed the absence of syndrome of hypoperfusion and good tolerance to physical exercise of the patients. Long-term results up to 8 years were followed-up in 231 patients. The average period of observations of 4.3 years showed the survival in 97.9% of cases, acute myocardial infarction was endured by 6.3% of the patients, recurrent stenocardia took place in 8.3%. The investigation of RA have shown good immediate and long-term results of the clinical application of it, that allows this conduit to be recommended for a wider use in coronary surgery.