Effect of Polysaccharides Isolated from Saussurea salicifolia (L.) DC on Th2-Dependent Immune Response.

The effect of polysaccharides isolated from the aboveground parts of Saussurea salicifolia (L.) DC on Th2 type immune response reactions was studied. Administration of water-soluble polysaccharides presented by arabino-galacturonans (weight average molecular weight 158.49 kDa) to mice against the background of experimental Th2 immunity reduced the severity of anaphylactic and local immediate type hypersensitivity reactions. It also suppressed the production of ovalbumin-specific IgE and IgG1 and increased the stability of mast cell membranes. The studied polysaccharide complex increased IFNγ secretion and inhibited IL-4 synthesis. These findings suggest that these polysaccharides may be considered as potential anti-allergic agents that suppress the development of allergy in its early stages.

Effect of Modified Forms of Sodium Humate PowHumus on the Balance of Arginine in Peritoneal Macrophages of Intact Mice.

Substances of silver nanoparticles dialyzed through a 13 kDa membrane, synthesized in a medium of humic ligands modified with hydroquinone and 2-hydroxynaphthoquinone from PowHumus brown coal, specifically enhance the M2 properties of peritoneal macrophages due to inhibition of NO synthase and significant activation of arginase, thus enhancing anti-inflammatory properties of cells. In small, but effective concentrations, they do not have cytotoxic properties and do not contain pyrogenic impurities. The studied humates are able to influence the mechanisms of immune response formation and are an effective means for correcting inflammation and regeneration.

The Role of Intracellular Signaling Molecules in Macrophage Activation by Peat Humic Acids.

Humic acids isolated by sodium pyrophosphate extraction from various types of peat activate macrophages in the classical proinflammatory pathway and stimulate nitric oxide production by these cells. This effect is mediated by activation of intracellular signaling pathways involving MAPK p38, PI3K, MEK 1/2 kinase, cAMP, and NF-κB via TLR-2 and TLR-4 receptors.

Anti-Allergic Properties of Humic Acids Isolated from Pine-Sphagnum-Cotton Sedge Peat.

The course administration of humic acids isolated by the sodium pyrophosphate method from pine-sphagnum-cotton sedge peat reduced the general anaphylaxis reaction in mice and guinea pigs immunized with ovalbumin and decreased serum content of IgG1 and IgE in mice. The serum from mice treated with humic acids and sensitized with ovalbumin did not increase the rate of degranulation of mast cells isolated from intact Wistar rats in the presence of ovalbumin in comparison with the serum of control animals.

Influence of Humic Acids Isolated from Raised Bog Sphagnum Peat on Development of Th1/Th2 Immune Response.

The course administration of humic acids isolated with sodium pyrophosphate from raised bog sphagnum peat reduces the parameters of a Th1-type immune response in C57BL/6 mice, the severity of an anaphylactic shock in outbred CD1 mice, and degranulation of mast cells after their immunization with ovalbumin. The addition of humic acids increases the stimulated production of IL-4, IL-10 and reduces the production of IL-2, IFNγ by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors.

Effect of Gamma Radiation on Cytogenetic and Growth Endpoints of Allium cepa Seedlings in Long-Term Experiments.

The effect of γ-radiation on the growth and cytogenetic endpoints of Allium cepa L. seedlings in a long period after irradiation in absorbed doses from 1.0 to 10.7 Gy were examined. The chromosome aberration rate was most sensitive to the radiation: it increased immediately after exposure at all doses. In the recovery period (up to 216 h) after irradiation, the chromosome aberration frequency naturally decreased but at the end of experiment in maximum doses remained above the control values. The impact of the initial level of chromosome aberrations on the inhibition of onion roots growth in the long terms after irradiation is discussed.

Excited states of modified oxygen-deficient centers and Si quantum dots in Gd-implanted silica glasses: emission dynamics and lifetime distributions.

The emission centers and excited state characteristics of silica glasses implanted with Gd ions were studied by time-resolved pulsed cathodoluminescence. It was found that in the process of ion implantation, two types of new emission centers associated with Gd ions as well as Si quantum dots are formed in glassy silica. The distributions of excited states over the lifetime were found for both new centers and Si quantum dots. The nature of dispersion of the emission decay time was discussed in terms of structural disorder in the matrix. Thermal annealing and an increase in the ion fluence lead to the stimulation of the formation of Gd-related new centers and Si quantum dots. The micromechanisms for the formation of new Gd-related centers and two types of Si quantum dots were proposed on the basis of two scenarios for the introduction of Gd ions into the SiO2 network: insertion of Gd into interstitial voids near oxygen-deficient centers and Gd → Si substitution with subsequent expulsion of Si atoms to the interstitial voids. New emission oxygen-deficient centers and quantum dots created by ion-beam technology in silica glasses are of interest for the development of new functional materials for photonics, and micro- and opto-electronics.

Immunomodulating Properties of Humic Acids Extracted from Oligotrophic Sphagnum magellanicum Peat.

Humic acids extracted with sodium pyrophosphate from Oligotrophic Sphagnum magellanicum peat reduce mitogen-stimulated production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by mouse peritoneal macrophages and do not affect the secretion of IL-4 by lymphocytes. The studied humic acid sample stimulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-12, TNFα, IL-1ß, and IFNγ by immunocompetent mouse cells and human mononuclear cells. Course administration of humic acids to mice enhances the humoral immunity, increasing the number of antibody-forming cells in the spleen and the titer of antibodies in the blood serum after immunization with sheep red blood cells.

The Influence of Water-Soluble Polysaccharides of Crataegus sanguinea Pall. on Nitric Oxide Production by Macrophages.

The in vitro addition of water-soluble polysaccharides isolated from the leaves of Crataegus sanguinea Pall. to culture of mouse peritoneal macrophages induced classical activation of antigen-presenting cells by increasing NO synthase activity and reducing arginase expression.

The Role of Intracellular Signaling Molecules in the Production of Granulocytic CSF Mononuclear Phagocytes in Stress and Cytostatic Influence.

Under conditions of steady-state hemopoiesis, nuclear factor NF-κB, in contrast to MAP kinase p38, plays an important role in the maintenance of the initial level of secretory activity of monocytes. The increase in the production of G-CSF under stress conditions (10-h immobilization) is mainly regulated by the alternative p38MARK signaling pathway via activation of p38 synthesis. It was shown that under conditions of cytostatic-induced myelosuppression, the production of protein kinase p38 in cells decreases, and it, like NF-κB, is not the main one in the production of hemopoietin by mononuclear phagocytes.

Effects of Humic Acids, Isolated from High-Moor Pine-Peat Moss-Cotton Grass Peat on the Production of Cytokines by Mouse and Human Immunocompetent Cells and on Humoral Immune Response.

A course of treatment with humic acids extracted with sodium pyrophosphate from high-moor pine-peat moss-cotton grass peat improves humoral immune response of C57BL/6 mice, stimulates the production of TNFα, IL-1ß, and IL-12 by the animal peritoneal macrophages and the production of IFNγ and TNFα by donor peripheral blood mononuclears, causing no changes in the production of IL-10 in vitro.

Study of Immunotropic Properties of Water-Soluble Polysaccharides Isolated from Conium maculatum Grass.

Addition of water-soluble polysaccharides isolated from Conium maculatum L. to the mouse peritoneal macrophage culture induces classical activation of antigen-presenting cells due to an increase in NO synthase activity and a decrease in arginase expression.

Effects of Gamma-Radiation on DNA Damage in Onion (Allium cepa L.) Seedlings.

The effect of γ-radiation on the level of nuclear DNA damage in onion seedlings (Allium-test) was studied using the comet assay. DNA breaks were first found in cells of onion seedlings exposed to low-dose radiation (≤ 0.1 Gy). Dose dependence of DNA damage parameters showed nonlinear behavior: a linear section in the low-dose region (below 0.1 Gy) and a dose-independent plateau in the dose range between 1 and 5 Gy. Thus, the comet assay can be used to estimate the biological effects of low-dose γ-radiation on Allium cepa seedlings.

Cytogenetic Effects of γ-Radiation in Onion (Allium cepa L.) Seedlings.

The effect of γ-radiation on the cytogenetic parameters of root meristem cells of onion seedlings was studied in laboratory experiments (Allium-test). An increase in the overall frequency of chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus frequencies in seedling cells at low γ-radiation doses (≤0.1 Gy) was detected for the first time. At a maximum absorbed dose of 13 Gy, chromosomal aberrations were detected in the majority of cells in the anaphase and telophase stages of the cell cycle, and the number of cells with multiple aberrations increased. The main contribution to the overall frequency of chromosomal aberrations, in addition to multiple aberrations, is made by the bridge-type aberrations, fragments, and lagging chromosomes. The data obtained allow using the cytogenetic indices of Allium cepa seedlings to assess the biological effects of lowdose γ-radiation.

[Ruptures of popliteal artery aneurysms]. / Razryv anevrizmy podkolennoi arterii.

AIM: To improve diagnosis and surgical outcomes in patients with ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight patients with ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm have undergone surgery for the period from 1999 to 2015 at the Vascular Surgery Department of Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Care. Incidence of rupture was 2.9% from total number of popliteal artery aneurysm. 7 patients with rupture had signs of lower limb ischemia (acute form grade I in 2 (25%) cases, grade IIA in 1 (12.5%), grade IIB in 1 (12.5%) case, chronic ischemia grade IIB in 2 (25%) patients, grade III in 1 (12.5%) patient). 1 (12,5%) patient had not lower limb ischemia. Preoperatively all patients underwent sonography of lower limb arteries and soft tissues, computed tomography of the same structures was carried out in 3 patients, 5 patients underwent subtraction digital angiography. Presence and dimensions of soft tissues hematoma, arterial perfusion proximally and distally to popliteal artery, aneurysms of contralateral limb and other localizations were assessed. RESULTS: Amputations after surgical repair were absent in 6 patients. Five patients were discharged with patent graft, completely compensated blood flow and primary healing of postoperative wound. Severe postoperative complications followed by amputation occurred in 2 patients. One patient died with reperfusion syndrome, hematoma and graft infection, sepsis. CONCLUSION: 1) Ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm is extremely rare complication, however it is a formidable event with high risk of amputation and death. 2) Early diagnosis of popliteal artery aneurysm and surgical treatment prior to embolism, thrombosis and rupture are necessary to prevent formidable complications. 3) Timely detection of aneurysms and their complications by general practitioners is extremely low due to rarity and specificity of the disease, presence of various symptoms. It is necessary to popularize knowledge about this disease among general practitioners. 4) Sonography is screening method for differential diagnosis. 5) CT-angiography or subtraction angiography are advisable to assess distal perfusion if patient's state is stable without severe ischemia. 6) Aneurysm repair with popliteal artery replacement should be performed in early period after rupture in order to reduce time of ischemia and to prevent infection of hematoma in view of ischemia and anemia.

[The Optimization of Amount of Laboratory Analyses in the Federal Orthopedic Clinic].

The article presents the analysis of efficiency of medical services support related to laboratory analyses in case of alteration of system of Federal clinic financing. The analysis was implemented using the example of functioning of three departments of endoprosthesis replacement of the Federal State Budget Institution "The Academician G. A. Ilizarov Russian Research Center 'Restorative Traumatology and Orthopedics' " in 2013-2015. It is established that during examined period in the structure of laboratory analyses of the Center decreasing of total number of prescriptions to all types of laboratory analyses occurred. The observed decreasing of laboratory analyses had no impact to quality of treatment of patients of the departments of endoprosthesis replacement. In particular, percentage of post-surgery complications among patients of these departments was decreasing during the examined period. The study demonstrated that to the end of 2015 decreasing of average costs in rubles per patient of departments of endoprosthesis replacement related to laboratory analyses occurred up to 20.28% as compared with 2013. The proposals were made concerning structuring of laboratory analyses for patients with endoprosthesis replacement of large joints.

Influence of Humic Acids Extracted from Peat by Different Methods on Functional Activity of Macrophages in Vitro.

We studied activation of macrophages with humic acids extracted from peat of large deposits in the Tomsk region by two extraction methods: by hydroxide or sodium pyrophosphate. Humic acid of lowland peat types containing large amounts of aromatic carbon, phenolic and alcohol groups, carbohydrate residues and ethers, irrespectively of the extraction methods contained LPS admixture that probably determines their activating properties. Humic acid of upland peat types characterized by high content of carbonyl, carboxyl, and ester groups enhance NO production and reduce arginase expression, but these effects were minimized when sodium hydroxide was used as an extraction solvent. Pyrophosphate samples of the upland peat types were characterized by aromaticity and diversity of functional groups and have a significant advantage because of they induce specific endotoxin-independent stimulating action on antigen presenting cells.

New data on the effect of ionizing radiation on the growth of the aquatic plant Elodea canadensis in the laboratory.

Toxicological experiments with radioactive bottom sediments and extrinsic γ-irradiation have demonstrated that the growth of common elodea roots is suppressed by irradiation at doses several times lower than the established threshold dose. The effect of γ-irradiation on the growth of elodea stems has not been observed at any dose used. The data obtained show that elodea could be recommended for use as an indicator of biological effects of radiation in the range of low radiation doses.

Effects of Humic Acids Isolated from Peat of Various Origin on in Vitro Production of Nitric Oxide: a Screening Study.

A screening study of biological activity of native humic acids isolated from peat was performed; several physical and chemical parameters of their structures were studied by UV- and infrared spectroscopy. Spectroscopy yielded similar shape of light absorption curves of humic acids of different origin, which can reflect similarity of general structural principles of these substances. Alkaline humic acids have more developed system of polyconjugation, while molecular structures of pyrophosphate humic acids were characterized by higher aromaticity and condensation indexes. Biological activity of the studied humic acids was assessed by NO-stimulating capacity during their culturing with murine peritoneal macrophages in a wide concentration range. It was shown that due to dose-dependent enhancement of NO production humic acids can change the functional state of macrophages towards development of pro-inflammatory properties. These changes were associated with high activity of humic acids isolated by pyrophosphate extraction, which allows considering effects of isolation method on biological activity.

Immunotropic Properties of Immobilized Interferon-α2b.

Course treatment with IFN-α2b immobilized on polyethylene glycol stimulates phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages and neutrophils, enhances humoral immune response in CBA/CaLac mice, stimulates IL-4 synthesis, and suppresses IFN-γ production by mitogenstimulated splenocytes from experimental animals.