[Traumatic gallbladder rupture in a 9-year-old child]. / Travmaticheskii razryv zhelchnogo puzyrya pri sochetannoi travme u rebenka 9 let.

We present gallbladder rupture following trauma. A 9-year-old boy admitted in 1.5 hours after injury. Considering clinical and ultrasound data, we diagnosed traumatic damage to the spleen and hemoperitoneum, biliary dyskinesia, cholestasis, sludge. Hemostatic therapy was carried out. After 3 days, signs of peritonitis appeared. Follow-up ultrasound revealed gallbladder enlargement with heterogeneous content, fluid in all parts of abdominal cavity. Intraoperatively, the gallbladder was enveloped in omentum soaked in bile. After mobilization of the gallbladder, we found longitudinal linear tear up to 3 cm clogged with omentum. Cholecystectomy was performed. Thus, we present a patient with combined injury and damage to the spleen. However, gallbladder wall thickening and heterogeneous content were interpreted as concomitant pathology. Delayed manifestation of peritonitis was due to gallbladder enveloped in omentum. The last one soaked in bile partially entered the gallbladder through perforation and prevented bile leakage into abdominal cavity. Timely diagnosis of gallbladder damage presents certain difficulties, especially in case of combined injury. Ultrasound signs of traumatic gallbladder rupture in this case were wall thickening, heterogeneous content and gradual gallbladder enlargement. It is necessary to analyze all organs at the damage site including computed tomography in patients with combined trauma.

[Geometric Approach to Phylogeographic Analysis Molecular Genetic Sequences: Principal Components and Dendrograms].

Currently, the search for manifestations of selection under the influence of the environment in molecular sequences is usually carried out within closely related species or at the intraspecific level. It is believed that at high taxonomic levels this is unpromising due to phylogenetic relationship. Cytochrome b amino acid sequences of 67 rodent and lagomorph species with known geographic coordinates were digitized using the AAindex database. Based on more than 200 thousand characters, the principal components were obtained. A well-known statistical method, which has not been previously used for such problems, was used, which makes it possible to orthogonally decompose multidimensional variability into intra- and intertaxon variability and analyze them separately. The subfamily level was selected. For the second principal component (17.05% of intertaxon variability), a correlation with latitude was found (r = 0.561; n = 67; p < E-5). The clear division into two groups, revealed by the first principal component (39.48% of intertaxon variability), which does not coincide with the taxonomic one, indicates a possible physicochemical underlying cause for the differences between them. This requires further research.

[Cytogenetic effects in peripheral blood lymphocytes in the offspring of Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident liquidators under the influence of mitomycin C in vitro and folic acid in vivo].

The data on cytogenetic examination concerning the offspring of the Chernobyl accident liquidators (cleanup personnel) have been obtained. It has been established that spontaneous chromosomal aberrations level before folic acid administration was 1,8 times higher than that value after its employment (4,45 to 2,42 %, p < 0,01). In lymphocyte cultures treated with mitomycin C accompanied by folic acid it was 4,5 times higher before their administration (23,95 to 5,36 %, p < 0,001). The data obtained confirm a possibility of stabilization of genetic apparatus in offspring of the Chernobyl disaster liquidators after folic acid administration.

[Correspondence analysis and combination of molecular genetic and morphological data in zoological systematics].

A new algorithmic approach is proposed for correspondence analysis of different types of data in zoological systematics. The algorithm is tested on actual data. A high degree of correspondence is shown for morphometric and genetic distances in the tested set of species. Two directions of variation in both character spaces have clearly appeared. The first direction discriminates families; the second discriminates orders. The characters responsible for these differences have been revealed. After uniting both distance matrixes, the morphological one and the molecular genetic one, into a single matrix, and displaying the summarized distances between species on a plane, the configuration of species remained principally unchanged. The principal directions of variations were preserved and marked the differences between orders, families, and genera.

Low-filled suspensions of α-chitin nanorods for electrorheological applications.

Highly anisometric α-chitin nanoparticles isolated by TEMPO-oxidation were investigated as filler for electrorheological fluids. The dimensions of rod-like particles were determined by AFM and cryo-TEM methods. The rheological behavior of α-chitin nanoparticles in polydimethylsiloxane changes from viscous to elastic under electric field. The yield stress reaches about 220 Pa at 7 kV/mm for 1.0 wt% fluid. Despite the nanosize of particles, the suspensions sedimentation ratio was found to be low (~23%). The electrorheological behavior of the fluids was discussed in terms of the Mason numbers. The stability of fluids response under switching electric field was shown. The activation energy of polarization processes in suspensions was calculated as 58 ± 2 and 64 ± 1 kJ/mol for 0.5 and 1.0 wt% filler content from the impedance spectra. The high aspect ratio (~70) and dielectric permittivity result in high electrorheological activity of α-chitin suspensions at extremely low concentrations (≤1.0 wt%).

[Tiotropium bromide for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

Five different types of muscarine-sensitive receptors were identified until now. In routine practice, the nonselective antagonist of cholinoreceptors are replaced by ipratropium bromide that is selectively blocking M1, M2, and M3 subtypes with the same affinity to each of them. However, the blockage of M2 subtype leads to bronchoconstriction and is accompanied by inhibition of M3 receptors in bronchial smooth muscles. The new drug tiotropium bromide selectively inhibits only the M1 and M3 types of receptors and does not affect the M2 subtype. This drug is administered only once a day, which is very important in clinical practice. Thus tiotropium bromide is the drug of choice for basic therapy of COPD.

VACUOLELESS1 is an essential gene required for vacuole formation and morphogenesis in Arabidopsis.

Most plant cells are characterized by the presence of a large central vacuole that in differentiated cells accounts for more than 90% of the total volume. We have undertaken a genetic screen to look for mutants that are affected in the formation of vacuoles in plants. In this study, we report that inactivation of the Arabidopsis gene VACUOLELESS1 (VCL1) blocks vacuole formation and alters the pattern of cell division orientation and cell elongation in the embryo. Consistent with a role in vacuole biogenesis, we show that VCL1 encodes the Arabidopsis ortholog of yeast Vps16p. In contrast to yeast mutants that lack a vacuolar compartment but are viable and morphologically normal, loss of the plant vacuole leads to aberrant morphogenesis and embryonic lethality.

The plant vacuolar sorting receptor AtELP is involved in transport of NH(2)-terminal propeptide-containing vacuolar proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Many soluble plant vacuolar proteins are sorted away from secreted proteins into small vesicles at the trans-Golgi network by transmembrane cargo receptors. Cleavable vacuolar sorting signals include the NH(2)-terminal propeptide (NTPP) present in sweet potato sporamin (Spo) and the COOH-terminal propeptide (CTPP) present in barley lectin (BL). These two proteins have been found to be transported by different mechanisms to the vacuole. We examined the ability of the vacuolar cargo receptor AtELP to interact with the sorting signals of heterologous and endogenous plant vacuolar proteins in mediating vacuolar transport in Arabidopsis thaliana. AtELP extracted from microsomes was found to interact with the NTPPs of barley aleurain and Spo, but not with the CTPPs of BL or tobacco chitinase, in a pH-dependent and sequence-specific manner. In addition, EM studies revealed the colocalization of AtELP with NTPP-Spo at the Golgi apparatus, but not with BL-CTPP in roots of transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Further, we found that AtELP interacts in a similar manner with the NTPP of the endogenous vacuolar protein AtALEU (Arabidopsis thaliana Aleu), a protein highly homologous to barley aleurain. We hypothesize that AtELP functions as a vacuolar sorting receptor involved in the targeting of NTPP-, but not CTPP-containing proteins in Arabidopsis.

[Mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of immunoglobulins in the treatment of bronchial asthma].

Data on the therapeutic effectiveness of intravenous injections of immunoglobulins in high doses in patients with bronchial asthma are analyzed. Some possible mechanisms of this therapeutic effect are considered, which are related to of immunoglobulin fragments capable of interacting with cytochrome P-450 and NO-synthase systems of the liver.

Multicenter validation of cancer gene panel-based next-generation sequencing for translational research and molecular diagnostics.

The simultaneous detection of multiple somatic mutations in the context of molecular diagnostics of cancer is frequently performed by means of amplicon-based targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). However, only few studies are available comparing multicenter testing of different NGS platforms and gene panels. Therefore, seven partner sites of the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) performed a multicenter interlaboratory trial for targeted NGS using the same formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimen of molecularly pre-characterized tumors (n = 15; each n = 5 cases of Breast, Lung, and Colon carcinoma) and a colorectal cancer cell line DNA dilution series. Detailed information regarding pre-characterized mutations was not disclosed to the partners. Commercially available and custom-designed cancer gene panels were used for library preparation and subsequent sequencing on several devices of two NGS different platforms. For every case, centrally extracted DNA and FFPE tissue sections for local processing were delivered to each partner site to be sequenced with the commercial gene panel and local bioinformatics. For cancer-specific panel-based sequencing, only centrally extracted DNA was analyzed at seven sequencing sites. Subsequently, local data were compiled and bioinformatics was performed centrally. We were able to demonstrate that all pre-characterized mutations were re-identified correctly, irrespective of NGS platform or gene panel used. However, locally processed FFPE tissue sections disclosed that the DNA extraction method can affect the detection of mutations with a trend in favor of magnetic bead-based DNA extraction methods. In conclusion, targeted NGS is a very robust method for simultaneous detection of various mutations in FFPE tissue specimens if certain pre-analytical conditions are carefully considered.

Interactions between syntaxins identify at least five SNARE complexes within the Golgi/prevacuolar system of the Arabidopsis cell.

The syntaxin family of soluble N-ethyl maleimide sensitive factor adaptor protein receptors (SNAREs) is known to play an important role in the fusion of transport vesicles with specific organelles. Twenty-four syntaxins are encoded in the genome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. These 24 genes are found in 10 gene families and have been reclassified as syntaxins of plants (SYPs). Some of these gene families have been previously characterized, with the SYP2-type syntaxins being found in the prevacuolar compartment (PVC) and the SYP4-type syntaxins on the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Here we report on two previously uncharacterized syntaxin groups. The SYP5 group is encoded by a two-member gene family, whereas SYP61 is a single gene. Both types of syntaxins are localized to multiple compartments of the endomembrane system, including the TGN and the PVC. These two groups of syntaxins form SNARE complexes with each other, and with other Arabidopsis SNAREs. On the TGN, SYP61 forms complexes with the SNARE VTI12 and either SYP41 or SYP42. SYP51 and SYP61 interact with each other and with VTI12, most likely also on the TGN. On the PVC, a SYP5-type syntaxin interacts specifically with a SYP2-type syntaxin, as well as the SNARE VTI11, forming a SNARE complex likely involved in TGN-to-PVC trafficking.

AtVPS45 complex formation at the trans-Golgi network.

The Sec1p family of proteins are thought to be involved in the regulation of vesicle fusion reactions through interaction with t-SNAREs (target soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) at the target membrane. AtVPS45 is a member of this family from Arabidopsis thaliana that we now demonstrate to be present on the trans-Golgi network (TGN), where it colocalizes with the vacuolar cargo receptor AtELP. Unlike yeast Vps45p, AtVPS45 does not interact with, or colocalize with, the prevacuolar t-SNARE AtPEP12. Instead, AtVPS45 interacts with two t-SNAREs, AtTLG2a and AtTLG2b, that show similarity to the yeast t-SNARE Tlg2p. AtTLG2a and -b each colocalize with AtVPS45 at the TGN; however, AtTLG2a is in a different region of the TGN than AtTLG2b by immunogold electron microscopy. Therefore, we propose that complexes containing AtVPS45 and either AtTLG2a or -b define functional subdomains of the TGN and may be required for different trafficking events. Among other Arabidopsis SNAREs, AtVPS45 antibodies preferentially coprecipitate AtVTI1b over the closely related isoform AtVTI1a, implying that AtVTI1a and AtVTI1b also have distinct functions within the cell. These data point to a functional complexity within the plant secretory pathway, where proteins encoded by gene families have specialized functions, rather than functional redundancy.

The plant vesicle-associated SNARE AtVTI1a likely mediates vesicle transport from the trans-Golgi network to the prevacuolar compartment.

Membrane traffic in eukaryotic cells relies on recognition between v-SNAREs on transport vesicles and t-SNAREs on target membranes. Here we report the identification of AtVTI1a and AtVTI1b, two Arabidopsis homologues of the yeast v-SNARE Vti1p, which is required for multiple transport steps in yeast. AtVTI1a and AtVTI1b share 60% amino acid identity with one another and are 32 and 30% identical to the yeast protein, respectively. By suppressing defects found in specific strains of yeast vti1 temperature-sensitive mutants, we show that AtVTI1a can substitute for Vti1p in Golgi-to-prevacuolar compartment (PVC) transport, whereas AtVTI1b substitutes in two alternative pathways: the vacuolar import of alkaline phosphatase and the so-called cytosol-to-vacuole pathway used by aminopeptidase I. Both AtVTI1a and AtVTI1b are expressed in all major organs of Arabidopsis. Using subcellular fractionation and immunoelectron microscopy, we show that AtVTI1a colocalizes with the putative vacuolar cargo receptor AtELP on the trans-Golgi network and the PVC. AtVTI1a also colocalizes with the t-SNARE AtPEP12p to the PVC. In addition, AtVTI1a and AtPEP12p can be coimmunoprecipitated from plant cell extracts. We propose that AtVTI1a functions as a v-SNARE responsible for targeting AtELP-containing vesicles from the trans-Golgi network to the PVC, and that AtVTI1b is involved in a different membrane transport process.

[The protector properties of a pseudopeptide drug ingamine studied on a model of bronchospasm in guinea pigs].

The original pseudopeptide drug ingamine (4-[N-[2-(imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]-carbamoyl] butyric acid) was studied on the traditional model of antigen-induced bronchospasm in actively sensitized guinea pigs. The drug was introduced using various methods (by inhalation, via intragastric tube, and by intraperitoneal injections) in a range of doses (20, 50, 150, or 500 mg/kg). The new drug exhibited a pronounced dose-dependent protector action for all ways of introduction, but the most significant effect was observed upon inhalation, whereby the degree of bronchospasm inhibition exceeded 80%. In comparison to the reference drug sodium cromoglycate, ingamine (in equimolar doses) showed a higher activity with respect to the antigen-dependent bronchospasmic reactions. It can be expected that ingamine will provide for the effective treatment of bronchial obstruction under clinical conditions.

[THE CONTENT OF LIPIDS AND PRODUCTS OF THEIR PEROXIDATION OF RAT THYMOCYTES IN EXPERIMENTAL ULCEROGENESIS].

The work is dedicated to the research of the content of lipids and products of their peroxidation in rats thymocytes in experimental ulceration. It was found significant increase of the content of lipid peroxidation products diene conjugates (DC), malondialdehyde (MDA), schiff base (SB) in experimental models of gastric ulcers (ethanol and stress). It was established that under ethanol gastric the contents of DC increases by 1.8 times, MDA by 2.1 and SB by 1.3 times relative to control values. Under stress model it was observed an increase in the number of DC by 2 times, MDA by 1.9 and SB by 1.3 times relative to control. When ethanol and stress ulcers cholesterol increased by 1.7 and 1.5 times, triacylglycerol by 2 and 2.3 times and fatty acids by 2.2 and 1.9 times, respectively, relative to controls. Phosphatidylethanolamine content decreases by 1.5 and 1.3 times compared to control. Also, the stress model, it was observed reduction of phosphatidylinositol by 1.3 times and increased lizofosfatydylholinu by 1.7 times compared to control. Therefore, our studies indicate quantitative changes of lipid content (neutral- and phospholipids) in rats' thymocytes under experimental (ethanol and stress) ulceration. The reason of this changes may be activation of lipid peroxidation, as shown by the increase of lipid peroxidation products' (DK, MDA, SB) content.

[Effect of the ionophore antibiotic valinomycin on the lymphocyte blast-transformation reaction induced by phytohemagglutinin]. / Vliianie ionofornogo antibiotika valinomitsina na reaktsiiu blasttransformatsii limfotsitov, indutsirovannuiu fitogemaggliutininom.

The effect of valinomycin on blast-transformation of human lymphocytes has been studied. The lymphocyte response was assayed by incorporation of radioactive precursor into DNA. DNA synthesis by PHA-stimulated lymphocytes was inhibited by valinomycin at concentration of 10(-8) M. The effect of high concentrations of valinomycin on the cells appeared to be irreversible. Excess of potassium in the medium was not effective in preventing the inhibitory action of valinomycin. An extensive washing of cells did not result in any release of the bound drug in the 10(-8) M concentration. The results are consistent with a hypothesis that lymphocyte stimulation is critically dependent on the level of intracellular K+.

Antitussive activity of Anar.

Affinity-purified antibodies to morphine (mixture of homeopathic dilutions C30+C200) produced an antitussive effect on male and female guinea pigs with cough induced by citric acid and capsaicin.

Ultralow doses of antibodies to inflammatory mediators: antitussive properties of antibodies to bradykinin, histamine, and serotonin.

We studied antitussive activity of antibodies to inflammatory mediators (bradykinin, histamine, and serotonin) in ultralow doses. Experiments were performed on guinea pigs with cough induced by citric acid and capsaicin. Test preparations suppressed cough produced by citric acid. Antibodies to bradykinin in ultralow doses were most potent in relieving capsaicin-induced cough (up to 85%); antibodies to serotonin and, particularly, to histamine produced a smaller effect. Potentiated histamine and serotonin possessed polymodal properties.

[Use of the oblique illumination method for characterizing N. meningitidis cultures]. / Primenenie metoda kosogo osveshcheniia dlia kharakteristki kul'tur N. meningitidis

The authors used the method of oblique illumination for detection of the state of the population of meningococcus cultures. In studying 48 strains there were revealed three types of fluorescence of the colonies: bright orange with a transition into greenish-light blue along the lower margin (the I type), bright light blue with a narrow orange or green upper margin (the II type) and greyish-light blue colonies (the III type). The type of fluorescence was not associated with the sero-group specificity. Populations of meningococcus cultures, depending on conditions and duration of growth on the nutrient medium could consist both of the colonies with the same type of fluorescence, and also represent a combination of colonies with a different type of fluorescence. The colonies of the I and II types of fluorescence had marked group specificity, but mutation occurred during passage and the III type of fluorescence formed with a loss of serological specificity. Continuous selection of the colonies of the I and the II types of fluorescence permitted to preserve the population with specific properties necessary for production of diagnostic and vaccine preparations for a long time.

[Incidence of staphylococcal carriage in pregnant women]. / Rasprostranenie stafilokokkovogo nositel'stva u beremennykh.

In 1,494 pregnant women (on weeks 32-36) staphylococcal carriership was studied. One-third of the women under investigation were found to be carriers, their bacterial discharge increasing in spring and summer. The isolated strains proved to be polyresistant to antibiotics and belonged to epidemic strains. About a half of Staphylococcus aureus strains could not be identified with the use of the international set of phages.