Simulated Microgravity Changes the Number of Mechanically Gated and Mechanosensitive Ion Channels Genes Transcripts in Rat Ventricular Cardiomyocytes.

The mechanoelectrical feedback in the heart is based on the work of mechanically gated (MGCs) and mechanosensitive (MSCs) channels. Since microgravity alters the heart's morphological and physiological properties, we hypothesized that the expression of both MGCs and MSCs would be affected. We employed RNA transcriptome sequencing to investigate changes in the gene transcript levels of MGCs and MSCs in isolated rat ventricular cardiomyocytes under control conditions and in a simulated microgravity environment. For the first time, our findings demonstrated that simulated microgravity induces alterations in the gene transcript levels of specific MGCs, such as TRPM7, TRPV2, TRPP1, TRPP2, Piezo1, TMEM63A, TMEM36B, and known MSCs, including K2P2.1, K2P3.1, Kir6.1, Kir6.2, NaV1.5, CaV1.2, KV7.1. However, other voltage-gated channels and channels lacking a voltage sensor remained unaffected. These findings suggest that the altered expression of MGCs and MSCs could lead to changes in the net currents across the membrane, ultimately impacting the heart's function.

Predictors of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in patients with first-time decompensation of chro-nic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction of nonischemic etiology and persistent atrial tachyarrhythmia.

Aim    To identify possible predictors of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TICMP) in patients with newly developed decompensated chronic heart failure (CHF) of nonischemic origin with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) and with persistent atrial tachyarrhythmias. Material and methods    This study included 88 patients with newly developed decompensated CHF of nonischemic origin with reduced LV EF and persistent atrial tachyarrhythmias. Resting 12-lead electrocardiography (EGC) and transthoracic echocardiography (EchoCG) were performed upon admission and following the electrical impulse therapy for all patients. Also, 24-h ECG monitoring was performed to confirm sinus rhythm stability. After recovery of sinus rhythm, outpatient monitoring was performed for three months, including repeated EchoCG to evaluate the dynamics of heart chamber dimensions and LV EF. Results    The patients were divided into two groups based on the increase in LV EF: 68 responders (TICMP patients with a LV EF increase by >10%) and 20 non-responders (patients with an increase in LV EF by <10% during 3 months following the sinus rhythm recovery). According to results of the baseline EchoCG, LV EF did not significantly differ in the two subgroups (TICMP, 40±8.3 %, 18-50 % and non-responders, 38.55±7.9 %, 24-50 %); moreover, the incidence of cases with LV EF <30% did not differ either (9 patients TICMP and 2 non-responders, р=1.0). TICMP patients compared to non-responders, had significantly smaller left atrial dimensions (4.53±1.14 (2-7) cm and 5.68±1.41 (4-8) cm, р=0.034; 80.8±28.9 (27-215) ml and 117.8±41.3 (46-230) ml, р=0.03, respectively) and left ventricular end-systolic volume (ESV) (67.7±33.1 (29-140) ml and 104.5±44.7 (26-172) ml, р=0.02, respectively). The effect of major EchoCG parameters on the probability of TICMP development was assessed by one-factor and multifactor regression analyses with adjustments for age and sex. The probability of TICMP increased with the following baseline EchoCG parameters: end-diastolic volume (EDV) <174 ml [odd ratio (OR), 0.115, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.035-0.371], ESV <127 ml [OR, 0.034, 95 % CI: 0.007-0.181], left atrial volume <96 ml [OR, 0.08 , 95 % CI: 0.023-0.274], right ventricular dimension <4 cm [OR, 0.042 , 95 % CI: 0.005-0.389].Conclusion    Among patients with newly developed decompensation of CHF with reduced LV EF of non-ischemic origin and persistent atrial arrhythmias, TICMP was detected in 72 % of patients. The probability of TICMP did not depend on baseline EF and duration of arrhythmias, but increased with the following baseline EchoCG parameters: EDV< 174 ml, ESV< 127 ml, left atrial volume <96 ml, right ventricular dimension <4 cm. The multifactorial analysis showed that a right atrial volume <96 ml is an independent predictor for the development of TICMP.

Restructuring of the Optokinetic Reflex during Metamorphosis in Pelobates fuscus Laur.

The restructuring of the gaze stabilization system in Pelobates fuscus was investigated by quantitative analysis of the optomotor response using video imaging. Gaze stabilization is an important component in the system of neural mechanisms of visual depth perception. It was shown that the optomotor response in aquatic tadpoles of P. fuscus is similar to that of fish (movement of the animal in the direction of the visual background movement and eye nystagmus consisting of a fast and a slow phase). During metamorphosis (transition from the aquatic to the terrestrial lifestyle), froglets of P. fuscus responded to the movement of the visual background by eyes and head movements. One year after metamorphosis, P. fuscus responded to movement of the visual background as adult Anura: only by head movements (a slow and a fast phase), while eye movements were absent. Possible causes of the loss of active eye movements by Anura amphibians in the process of evolution are discussed.

Relationship of collagen as the component of the extracellular matrix with the mechanisms of autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system under simulated conditions of long-term isolation.

The study of proteins - potential markers, associated signal transduction pathways, and their targets - provides a new understanding of the fundamental mechanisms occurring at the level of regulatory processes in the cardiovascular system (CVS), especially in space flight, as well as in model experiments that reproduce its individual effects on the human body. The article presents the results of studies in an experiment with 120-day isolation within the framework of the SIRIUS project in which 6 volunteers aged 28 to 44 years (three men and three women) participated. SIRIUS (Scientific International Research in Unique Terrestrial Station) is the international research project, which studies the issues of biomedical and psychological support of long-term manned space flights. The possible involvement of collagen different types, an extracellular matrix protein, in the mechanisms of autonomic regulation of the CVS was studied. Using chromatic mass spectrometry in urine samples and analysis of heart rate variability, we have established that the extracellular matrix collagen, which is present, in particular, in the structure of the blood vessel wall, are markers associated with the modulating effect of the autonomic nervous system on the regulatory mechanisms of blood circulation. We hypothesized that these proteins may be a biomarker of the autonomic balance in the regulatory mechanisms of the circulatory system. In addition, these proteins can also be markers of the aging process, which increases the risks of developing autonomic dysfunction of the cardiovascular system (dominance of sympathicotonia) and changes in the quality of the tissue of the heart muscle and blood vessels, provoking the development of prenosological conditions and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Evaluation of the Efficiency of Oxygen-Helium Therapy for Patients with Covid-19-Associated Pneumonia.

This article summarizes the experience of managing patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia treated in one of the intensive care units of a multidisciplinary hospital with and without a heated oxygen-helium mixture. It has been shown that the use of a heated oxygen-helium mixture in the complex therapy of pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 is effective. A comparative analysis of the clinical manifestations of the disease and the results of laboratory tests in the main and control groups of patients confirm with a high degree of reliability the improvement of blood oxygenation, the normalization of the acid-base balance and the positive dynamics of the main parameters, which ultimately increases the efficacy and reduces the time of treatment.

[Remote monitoring of population health and performance reserves]. / Distantsionnyi monitoring rezervov zdorov'ya i rabotosposobnosti naseleniya.

The deterioration of the demographic situation and the public health problem in Russia in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries has assumed menacing proportions. In this regard, the need to improve the health care system, the formation of a culture of health, and the responsibility of citizens for the preservation of health and high performance has become apparent. OBJECTIVE: Design and development of a system for remote monitoring and improvement of health reserves and performance of an individual and the whole population based on the prenosological examination, the numerical assessment of body systems reserves, and implementation of adequate individual health improvement programs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Targeted population survey 2000-2020 with measurement of 18 morphofunctional indices allowed to form a database (760 thousand subjects) and develop the Health Navigator technology with the numerical assessment of health and performance reserves of individuals of different ages. This technology formed the basis for the design of the system of remote monitoring and improvement of population health reserves with results processing, storage, and analysis on local and remote servers. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Monitoring of health and performance reserves of the population was developed as a browser-based telemedicine technology consisting of a number of sequential actions (operations) performed by healthcare providers and patients: 1) targeted examination of the patient; 2) computer processing of the results using a software and information complex; 3) presentation to the patient and discussion of a formalized «Health Reserve Profile¼ and a draft personal wellness program; 4) implementation of 100-150 days health improvement program based on the means of natural therapy. CONCLUSION: Appraisal of the remote monitoring system in several country regions confirmed its efficiency and the considerable interest of specialists and the population in its use. The developed system allows to accelerate and standardize the work of health care providers, establish continuous cooperation with patients, increasing their health culture and protection from early diseases.

A checklist of bat-associated macronyssid mites (Acari: Gamasina: Macronyssidae) of Russia, with new host and geographical records.

The family Macronyssidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) comprises mostly obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) and some other animals, such as small mammals, reptiles and birds. Here, we document and curate previously known data, and, based on our extensive survey, provide this article of bat-associated macronyssid mites of the Russian Federation. We record a total of 24 mite species belonging to 4 genera (Ichoronyssus, Macronyssus, Steatonyssus, and Cryptonyssus). Twenty-seven new host-parasite associations are reported. In addition, were provide data on five major Russian regions, for which bat-associated mite records were lacking.

Space Medicine: Scientific Foundations, Achievements, and Challenges.

This article, based on a report presented at the Scientific Session of the Russian Academy of Sciences, highlights the history of the formation of space medicine, its theoretical foundations, and the role of scientists of the Academy of Sciences in the preparation and implementation of the first manned flight into space. The achievements of domestic specialists in space physiology, biology, and medicine promoting the development of manned cosmonautics are considered. Examples are given of the implementation of the results of space research, as well as instruments and devices for medical support of space crews, into practical health care. The problems of medical support of future interplanetary flights and the ways of their solution are analyzed.

Influence of a 1000 Times Weakened Magnetic Field on Embryogenesis and Ontogenesis of the Japanese Quail in Several Generations.

The paper presents experimental data on the influence of a 1000-fold weakening of the Earth's magnetic field on the embryonic and postembryonic development of the Japanese quail in three generations. It has been shown that the weakening of the earth's magnetic field by a factor of 1000 affects the formation of blood vessels in Japanese quail embryos, in particular, causing a decrease in angiogenesis in seven-day-old embryos of both the first generation (F1) and the next two ones (F2 and F3). Pathological and anatomical studies of embryos of different ages in three generations have revealed various pathologies associated with vascular system disorders, as well as disorders in the development of the beak and eyes. In the ontogenesis of F3 quails, there is a decrease in the hatchability of chicks.

The Biological Threat: The Threat of Planetary Quarantine Failure as a Result of Outer Space Exploration by Humans.

The paper presents the results of experiments with spore-forming bacteria and microscopic fungi performed in the framework of the Russian Research Program outside the International Space Station. It has been found that microorganisms not only survive in this extreme environment, but also retain reproductive ability. Moreover, most microorganisms exhibit an increase in biochemical activity and resistance to antimicrobial agents, specifically antibiotics. These findings are of obvious interest to the developers of both planetary quarantine methods and biomedical safety systems for manned space exploration missions. In addition, they demonstrate the necessity of experiments on the exposure of bio-objects to simulated environmental factors beyond Earth's magnetosphere.

Historic and geographic surveillance of Pseudogymnoascus destructans possible from collections of bat parasites.

Specimens archived in wet collections represent valuable material for scientific research. Here, we show that bat fly (Diptera, Nycteribiidae) samples contain DNA of Pseudogymnoascus destructans, a fungus pathogenic to bats. Using dual-probe quantitative PCR, we detected P. destructans DNA on bat flies collected in the Samara, Sverdlovsk and Irkutsk regions of Russia between 2005 and 2017. Fungal load was significantly lower on bat flies from wet collections than on freshly collected mites in the Czech Republic. The bat pathogen was present in the Samara region (European part of Russia) in 2005, that is, a year before recognition of white-nose syndrome in North America. As Samara and Irkutsk regions were identified as new positive locations of P. destructans, our data expand the known geographic distribution of P. destructans. We conclude that ethanol-stored ectoparasites can be used to identify the presence of pathogens in historic bat populations and understudied geographical regions.

[MODERN INSTRUMENTS FOR EAR, NOSE AND THROAT RENDERING AND EVALUATION IN RESEARCHES ON RUSSIAN SEGMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION].

The paper reports the results of testing some diagnostic video systems enabling digital rendering of TNT teeth and jaws. The authors substantiate the criteria of choosing and integration of imaging systems in future on Russian segment of the International space station kit LOR developed for examination and download of high-quality images of cosmonauts' TNT, parodentium and teeth.

[Lamellar Inclusion Bodies in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium of Diurnal Rodents].

The ultrastructure of the retinal pigment epithelium of a diurnal rodent (Brandt's vole) was described taking into account 1) the functions of the pigment epithelium as a participant in the renewal of photoreceptor outer segment and. 2) digestion of outer segment membranes into phagosomes of the retinal pigment epithelium. The myeloid bodies were observed after exposure of the pigment epithelium to light (200 lux, 4 hours) and darkness (0,1 lux, 1,5-hour). In the cytoplasm of the pigment epithelium of the vole no myeloid bodies were observed. Instead of it small lamellar bodies, which have the spiral form and size (from - 200 to 400 nm) were found. The structure of these lamellar bodies was described. Furthermore, the structures, which were presumably responsible for the transport of the digested material, were revealed. The evidence of it is the presence of 1) dense precipitate in the apical domain of the pigment epithelium and 2) microtubules which participate in transport of this precipitate.

[The BION-M1 project: overview and first results].

Biosatellite BION-M1 was launched on April 19 and landed on May 19, 2013. The mission program was largely a continuation of the earlier flown 11 BION projects, FOTON-M2 and FOTON-M3. The biosatellite was inhabited by a great variety of living organisms used for experiments and studies in gravitational physiology, gravitational biology, biotechnology, astrobiology and radiation biology, dosimetry and spectrometry. This was the first time in the history of national biology and physiology when male mice C57bl/6 were chosen for a long-term space experiment focused upon molecular biology investigations. Unfortunately, because of technical failures during the flight a part of the animals were lost. However, the major objectives were attained through reconsideration of biomaterial division among investigators and completion of virtually the total scope of investigations.

Biogenesis of multilamellar membrane incorporations (myeloid bodies) in the Eolagurus luteus pigmented epithelium.

The study detected common ultrastructure of pigmented epithelium cells of Eolagurus luteus and other mammals and described its features characteristic of this species. Stages of interactions between the pigmented epithelium cells and external segments of retinal rod cells were studied. Migration of the external segments to the apical zone of a pigmented epithelium cell was observed. A pigmented epithelium cell was characterized by the presence of tubular endoplasmic reticulum and electron dense cytoplasm with processes directed to the retina. Multilamellar formations were detected, regarded as the initial stages of the myeloid body formation. These structures were characterized by periodicity of layers of ~4.2 and ~13.3 nm. The periodicity of layers in the formed myeloid body was ~23 nm. Interactions between the external segments and cells of pigmented epithelium, leading to formation of myeloid bodies, and the significance of this process for normal work of retinal elements are discussed.

[New records of ectoparasites of the eastern water bat Myotis petax Hollister, 1912 (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera) and the revision of the previous material collected from Myotis daubentonii s. lato in Eastern Palaearctic].

New findings of ectoparasites from the eastern water bat Myotis petax Hollister, 1912, belonging to the Siberian-Russian Far Eastern complex and earlier attributed as a subspecies of the Daubenton's bat Myotis daubentonii s. lato, is given. Fourteen species of bloodsucking arthropods feed on M. petax; these species include 4, 3, and 7 species of gamasid mites, fleas, and bloodsucking flies, respectively.

[Conception of health: space-earth].

In article the new approach to an estimation of a health state of cosmonauts, sportsmen, pilots, drivers, operators, persons of dangerous trades is considered. It has been created and developed in Institute of biomedical problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences under the direction of academician A.I. Grigoriev. Results of works of last decade, by the Program of Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences carried out at support of "Fundamental sciences--are submited to medicine". The new system for an estimation of a functional states of an organism at stressful influences in submitted. The methodology of remote studying of influence of ecological factors on health which has begun a new scientific--practical direction--to telemedical ecology is created. In conclusion of the article it is discussed questions of the further introduction of new concept of health and technologies prenosological diagnostics in practice of public health services.

[Dynamics of systemic and local physiological indices while changing intensity of physical load].

It is well known that metabolic, cardiovascular and respiratory indices during exercise of moderate intensity are linearly related to exercise power. After the load reaches the definite level this relationship changes for nonlinear. Different methods of evaluating the intensity of load at which this transition takes place are discussed. The methods for investigation of transient process dynamics in energy supply of muscle contractions with changing intensity of contractions is described. The dependence of dynamic characteristics of physiological indices from fitness level and in its turn from age and level of physical activity is discussed.