Nanoparticle surface-enhanced Raman scattering of bacteriorhodopsin stabilized by amphipol A8-35.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has developed dramatically since its discovery in the 1970s, because of its power as an analytical tool for selective sensing of molecules adsorbed onto noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) and nanostructures, including at the single-molecule (SM) level. Despite the high importance of membrane proteins (MPs), SERS application to MPs has not really been studied, due to the great handling difficulties resulting from the amphiphilic nature of MPs. The ability of amphipols (APols) to trap MPs and keep them soluble, stable, and functional opens up onto highly interesting applications for SERS studies, possibly at the SM level. This seems to be feasible since single APol-trapped MPs can fit into gaps between noble metal NPs, or in other gap-containing SERS substrates, whereby the enhancement of Raman scattering signal may be sufficient for SM sensitivity. The goal of the present study is to give a proof of concept of SERS with APol-stabilized MPs, using bacteriorhodopsin (BR) as a model. BR trapped by APol A8-35 remains functional even after partial drying at a low humidity. A dried mixture of silver Lee-Meisel colloid NPs and BR/A8-35 complexes give rise to SERS with an average enhancement factor in excess of 10(2). SERS spectra resemble non-SERS spectra of a dried sample of BR/APol complexes.

Laughlin anyon complexes with Bose properties.

Two-dimensional electron systems in a quantizing magnetic field are regarded as of exceptional interest, considering the possible role of anyons-quasiparticles with non-boson and non-fermion statistics-in applied physics. To this day, essentially none but the fractional states of the quantum Hall effect (FQHE) have been experimentally realized as a system with anyonic statistics. In determining the thermodynamic properties of anyon matter, it is crucial to gain insight into the physics of its neutral excitations. We form a macroscopic quasi-equilibrium ensemble of neutral excitations - spin one anyon complexes in the Laughlin state ν = 1/3, experimentally, where ν is the electron filling factor. The ensemble is found to have such a long lifetime that it can be considered the new state of anyon matter. The properties of this state are investigated by optical techniques to reveal its Bose properties.

[The influence of root excretions of germinating barley seed (Hordeum vulgare L.) on qualitative and quantitative composition of soil organic components].

The data from scientific publications on excretory activity of herbs root endings were analyzed, along with the data on the role of polyvalent metals cations in stabilization of humus substances (HS) of soil organic mineral complex. On the base of the analysis a working hypothesis was proposed considering root endings influence on fractional composition of soil organic components. To detect the changes taking place in soil HS, the chromatographic fractionation method was chosen. The soil aggregates stuck to root endings of germinating barley seed were washed off, and the washouts were used as the samples for the analysis. The soil from the weighed portion was dissolved directly with extenuating concentrations of LiCl and Li2SO4 alkaline solution. The fractionation was carried out in a chromatographic column. Some changes were detected in optical density of chernozem and dark-grey forest soil leached out after 1-2 days of barley seeds germination. Besides, the experiment showed that the content of organic carbon in HS changes as well.

CYP19 gene expression and aromatase activity in endometrial cancer tissue: importance of the type of the disease.

Aromatase (CYP19) activity in malignant endometrium presents local mechanism with potential ability to support tumor growth. The data on interrelation between activity of this enzyme and its mRNA signal in endometrial cancer (EC) tissue are very scarce and inconclusive. To correct this gap we studied aromatase activity and gene expression totally in 19 samples of EC (17 of them -- from postmenopausal women) collected during surgery. Aromatase activity was evaluated by tritium water release assay and CYP19 gene expression -- with rt-PCR. Additionally, all studied EC cases were divided on the basis of case history and some characteristics of host and tumor and in accordance with existing classification into cases belonging to type I or II of the disease (correspondingly, 13 and 6 observations). Positive correlation between enzyme activity and CYP19 mRNA signal (R(s)=+0.63, p<0.05) was revealed in the whole group of studied samples. Aromatase activity varied in evaluated material between 1.45 fM/mg prot./hr and 11.49 fM/mg prot./hr, and in type II cases it was higher (7.27+/-0.96 fM/mg prot/hr) than in type I observations (4.96+/-0.66 fM/mg prot./hr, p=0.066). CYP19 mRNA expression was not revealed in 6 cases and all of them belonged to the type I of disease. Thus, although type II of EC is frequently considered as hormone non-dependent, increased ability of this tumor type to estrogen biosynthesis (on CYP19 gene and protein level) may lead to reconsideration of such conclusion and warrants further investigation.

Hyperbaric oxygen can induce neuroplasticity and improve cognitive functions of patients suffering from anoxic brain damage.

PURPOSE: Cognitive impairment may occur in 42-50% of cardiac arrest survivors. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) has recently been shown to have neurotherapeutic effects in patients suffering from chronic cognitive impairments (CCI) consequent to stroke and mild traumatic brain injury.The objective of this study was to assess the neurotherapeutic effect of HBO2 in patients suffering from CCI due to cardiac arrest. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with CCI caused by cardiac arrest, treated with 60 daily sessions of HBO2. Evaluation included objective computerized cognitive tests (NeuroTrax), Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and Quality of life questionnaires. The results of these tests were compared with changes in brain activity as assessed by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain imaging. RESULTS: The study included 11 cases of CCI patients. Patients were treated with HBO2, 0.5-7.5 years (mean 2.6 ± 0.6 years) after the cardiac arrest. HBO2 was found to induce modest, but statistically significant improvement in memory, attention and executive function (mean scores) of 12% , 20% and 24% respectively. The clinical improvements were found to be well correlated with increased brain activity in relevant brain areas as assessed by computerized analysis of the SPECT imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Although further research is needed, the results demonstrate the beneficial effects of HBO2 on CCI in patients after cardiac arrest, even months to years after the acute event.

[Combined surgery in cancer of the proximal section of the stomach]. / Kombinirovannye operatsii pri rake proksimal'nogo otdela zheludka.

The investigation showed combined surgery for cancer of the gastric cardia to be justified from the oncological point of view. Such intervention reaches out to the limit of radical treatment. However, combined surgery should not be performed unless there are substantial indications. Basic indications for excision or resection of an adjacent organ should be gastric tumor extension through organs and tissue or dissemination to the regional lymph nodes which cannot be radically removed unless surgery is performed on adjacent organs.

[Potentials of pneumomediastinography in precisely determining the degree of esophageal cancer spread]. / Vozmozhnosti pnevmomediastinografii v utochnenii stepeni rasprostraneniia raka pishchevoda.

The data presented evidence that parietography is a valuable adjunct to routine roentgenological examination. One of the most complicated problems to be solved by this technic is whether the tumor invaded the adjacent structures, and also its relation to the surrounding tissues and mediastinal organs.

[Pattern of lymphogenic metastasizing of soft tissue malignant tumors]. / Osobennosti limfogennogo metastazirovaniia zlokachestvennykh opukholei miagkikh tkanei.

The examination performed indicated metastases in regional lymph nodes in 34 (7.5%) of 453 patients with soft tissue malignancies. The presence of metastases aggravates considerably the prognosis: a 5-year survival was 6.6%. Great risk of metastatic proliferation is especially characteristic of rhabdomyosarcoma, non-classifiable blastoma and synovial sarcoma. Primary tumors develop metastases more frequently than recurrent ones. The probability of lymphogenic spread of metastases is the higher the larger the tumor size in young individuals, and also with skin involvement. Tumor infiltration of bones does not result in an increased percentage of lymphogenic metastasization. The proximity of a tumor to regional lymph nodes is not inherent in a higher risk of their metastatic involvement.

[Fibrillar structures in poorly differentiated human soft tissue sarcomas]. / Fibrilliarnye struktury v nizkodifferentsirovannykh sarkomakh miagkikh tkanei cheloveka.

Electron-microscopy examination of 13 soft tissue tumors in human subjects has revealed in four of them, diagnosed histologically as polymorphous-cellular sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, monophase and biphase synovioma, the ultrastructural features allowing them to be classified as rhabdomyosarcomas.

[Endoscopic diagnosis of tumors of the esophagus]. / Endoskopicheskaia diagnostika opukholei pishchevoda.

The analysis of the data reported indicates that fibroesophagoscopy is a valuable adjunct in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer, which may be used both under stationary and outpatient conditions. The latter is of special importance for prophylactic examinations of high-risk group individuals. The possibility to establish histological and cytologic diagnosis by means of this method of investigation is essential for tactical aspects of the treatment in such patients. The use of roentgenological and endoscopic methods of study allows a more precise judgement to be formed as to the character of esophageal involvement.

[Microflora in patients with complicated forms of acute cholecystitis treated by low-frequency ultrasonics and sulfacrylate glue]. / Dinamika mikroflory u bol'nykh s oslozhnennymi formami ostrogo kholetsistita, lechennykh nizkochastotnym ul'trazvukom i sul'fakrilatnym kleem.

Investigation of microflora in patients with complicated acute cholecystitis treated with low frequency ultrasound in combination with sulfacrylate glue showed that Staphylococcus and Escherichia played the leading role in the complication etiology. Among the nonsporulating organisms bacteroides predominated. The combined use of low frequency ultrasound and sulfacrylate glue in treatment of complicated acute cholecystitis proved to be an efficient procedure providing more rapid sanation of the purulent inflammation foci.

[Comparative evaluation of surgical and combined treatment of cancer of the proximal region of the stomach]. / Sravnitel'naia otsenka khirurgicheskogo i kombinirovannogo lecheniia raka proksimal'nogo otdela zheludka.

The paper deals with an analysis of the results of treatment of 351 cases of radical surgery for cancer of the proximal part of the stomach (surgery-303, surgery + preoperative large-fractionated radiation-48). It was found that radiation was not followed by increased blood loss during operation nor did it interfere with application of any surgical procedure. Concentrated irradiation did not involve an increment in postoperative lethality and complication rates. Five-year survival rates were 37.4 +/- 8.0 in cases of combined treatment and 20.4 +/- 2.7% in those of surgery. The improvement in survival rates recorded in cases of combined treatment was largely due to a decreased incidence of local recurrences.

[Rehabilitation of patients with cancer of the proximal section of the stomach]. / O reabilitatsii bol'nykh rakom proksimal'nogo otdela zheludka.

A clinical and socio-psychological study showed that more than 50% of patients with cancer of the proximal part of the stomach may be rehabilitated following radical treatment (surgery or radiation plus surgery). Large contingents of cancer patients may return to work if a number of requirements e. g. provision of regular meals at the place of work, sparing diet, reduced working hours, healthy psychological climate, etc. are met.

[Treatment of lung metastasis in patients with soft-tissue sarcoma]. / Lechenie legochnykh metastazov u bol'nykh sarkomami miagkikh tkanei.

The study group included 104 patients with soft-tissue sarcoma and metastases into the lung, treated at the Institute Clinic in 1960-1992. Surgery for lung metastasis was given to 10 and chemotherapy-to 48 patients; the remaining 48 cases received treatment for symptoms only. Overall 5-year survival was 13.5% (after surgery-30.0%; chemotherapy-19.1%). All the 46 patients treated for symptoms died within two years after detection of lung metastasis. Chemotherapy proved effective in the treatment of multiple metastasis when detected shortly after removal of the first lesion.

[Genetic polymorphism of steroid 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17) and hyperinsulinemia in endometrial carcinoma]. / Polymorfism gena steroid-17-al'fa-gidroksilazy/17,20-liazy (CYP17) i giperinsulinemiia pri rake tela matki.

Initiation and/or promotion of endometrial carcinoma is considered to be associated with estrogens and androgens (androstendione) excess as well as hyperinsulinemia and resistance to insulin. It is possible that certain polymorphisms of the genes involved in steroidogenesis or steroid metabolism contribute to carcinoma susceptibility. In the current study, we compared the role of CYP17 biallelic MspA1) polymorphism in 114 endometrial carcinoma patients and 182 healthy women. According to our data, A2/A2 CYP17 genotype traditionally regarded as "unfavorable" was less frequent in cancer patients than in control which confirmed the results of two previous publications. For the first time, carriers of the genotype were shown to have relatively low levels of blood insulin and C-peptide. No significant difference was found between mean concentrations of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and those of estradiol in the carriers of various CYP17 genotypes with endometrial cancer. Hence, CYP17 polymorphism which is represented by the "normal" A1/A1 genotype might be a factor of risk for endometrial carcinoma. Since this genetic variety may develop through an unconventional (nonsteroid) pathway, taking relevant preventive measures in high-risk groups should be recommended.

[Results of radiotherapy and combined, comprehensive treatment of pancreatic cancer]. / Rezul'taty luchevogo, kombinirovannogo i kompleksnogo lecheniia raka podzheludochnoi zhelezy.

The results of irradiation, combined and complex treatment of pancreatic cancer have been evaluated versus stage, site and extent of surgery. Radiotherapy was carried out in 63 patients (1988-1999): prior to gastropancreaticoduodenectomy (GPDE)--7; after GPDE--12; for local recurrence after GPDE--4, before and after left-sided resection--4, before and after conservative surgery--19, and after diagnostic verification (exploratory laparotomy or ultrasound-controlled fine-needle biopsy)--17. Diagnosis was established on the basis of clinical data and case histories, ultrasonographic, CT, histological, cytological, biopsy, blood serum-marker CA 19-9 and CEA findings. Two months after treatment, complete remission was registered in 5 (13%), partial response--5 (13%), stabilization--13 (33%), tumor progression--16 (41%). Before and after GPDE, tolerance to radiotherapy was sufficient. Median survival in this group was 12.9 months, controls--8.1 months; for conservative surgery--7.3 and 4.1 months, respectively; radiotherapy + exploratory laparotomy alone--16.8 and 4.3 months, respectively. Irradiation of locally-advanced tumors of the body and/or tail of pancreas proved effective: median survival was 7.3 months, control--2.2 months. Hence, radiotherapy made an important contribution to treatment of locally-advanced and resectable pancreatic tumors and longer survival.

[A polymorphism study of the CYP19 gene in endometrial cancer patients]. / Izuchenie polimorfizma gena CYP19 u bol'nykh rakom éndometriia.

A strong connection is known to exist between initiation/promotion of endometrial cancer and excess of estrogens. Therefore, participation of certain alleles of genetic polymorphisms in steroid biosynthesis or metabolism may be responsible for predisposition to the disease. The present study, comparing CYP19 (aromatase) gene polymorphism in 85 patients and 110 healthy females, pointed to a more frequent occurrence of relatively longer alleles (A6 and A7) of the CYP19 gene in the former group. Furthermore, precisely those genotypes co-occurred more frequently with elevated blood levels of estradiol and testosterone in postmenopausal patients. Hence, CYP19 gene polymorphism may be regarded as a factor of genetic risk for endometrial carcinoma.

[Liver injuries]. / Povrezhdenie pecheni.

The analyses of literature data on the results of the treatment of patients with mechanical injuries of the liver have been done. Analyses of 458 cases of open and closed liver traumas made it possible to determine 2 clinical forms of liver injuries: hemorrhagic and peritoneal. The separate subforms of traumatic liver disease in isolated multiple and combined injuries are determined. A diagnostic role of various methods was evaluated. Use of laparoscopy in 17 patients has exposed a superficial character of liver injuries and allowed not to perform surgery. Use of low-frequency ultrasound and polymeric adhesive sulfacrilat for the treatment of liver wounds in 63 patients has decreased the rate of postoperative complications to 18%, and the rate of mortality in mechanical liver injuries to 11.4% (in patients with mechanical liver injuries operated on with the use of ligature-free suture).

[Concentrated irradiation as a stage of multimodal treatment of cancer of the proximal part of the stomach]. / Kontsentrirovannoe obluchenie kak étap kombinirovannogo lecheniia raka proksimal'nogo otdela zheludka.

The postradiation changes in carcinoma of the proximal part of the stomach were studied in 32 patients: the parenchymal volume (PV), the damage index (DI), and the mitotic index (MI). The controls were 15 cases in which radiotherapy was not applied. Radiotherapy with large fractions (5 Gy 4 times daily) reduced the PV to 27 +/- 0.8 u on average as compared to the controls (77 +/- 1 u) and lowered the MI to 2.3 +/- 0.5% as compared to the controls (8% +/- 1), the DI ranged widely (3-67%). The methods of quantitative morphological study of tumors may be useful in objective evaluation of the efficacy of various schemes of preoperative concentrated irradiation.

[Diseases of fatty appendices of the colon]. / Zabolevaniia zhirovykh podveskov obodochnoi kishki.

Seventy-one patients with volvulus of fatty appendix of the colon (sigmoid colon--52 patients, caecum--12, ascending colon--5, vermicular appendix--2 patients) were treated. Volvulus of epiploic appendix was seen in 67.6% operated patients, inflammatory changes--in 28.1% (primary inflammation was diagnosed in 4.2% patients). Symptoms of fat metabolism disorders were detected in 44 patients. There are no specific symptoms. Diagnostic laparoscopy permitted to improve diagnosis of epiploic appendices diseases. Target surgical approach permitted to reduce rate of postoperative complications and to improve results of treatment.