On the Influence of the Quality of Databases of X-Ray Images of Patients with Tuberculosis on the Diagnostics of Deceases

The reliability of the training samples used for training convolutional neural networks applied for diagnostics of lung diseases has been investigated. By the example of the Kaggle database, it has been shown that the sample containing 3500 roentgenograms of healthy people and 3500 roentgenograms of patients with tuberculosis is very inhomogeneous. When training by using different parts of the sample and recognizing its different parts, the results obtained are significantly different.

Application of Neural Networks for Differential Diagnosis of Pulmonary Pathologies Based on X-Ray Images

This work is devoted to studying the possibility of creating intelligent automated systems for differential diagnosis of pulmonary diseases based on the identification of pathological structures on X-ray images of the thoracic cavity organs (TCO) using neural network technologies. A brief analysis of modern diagnostic techniques is presented; a description of the proposed algorithm for determining the type of lung tissue pathologies used in the visual analysis of X-ray images and based on the identification of the main radiological syndromes, as well as on the evaluation of the quantitative characteristics of differential X-ray diagnostics is given. By the example of classification of radiographs of healthy and tuberculosis patients, the effectiveness of the use of neural network technologies in the computer diagnosis of lung diseases is demonstrated. The studies have been carried out using a publicly available database of X-ray images of thoracic cavity organs containing 3500 images of healthy people and 3500 images of sick people.

[Mathematical planning of the liquid-liquid extraction procedure: a forensic chemical study of verapamil in blood]

The objective of the study is to determine the optimal conditions for blood sample preparation by liquid-liquid extraction using mathematical planning of the experiment by the example of forensic chemical study of verapamil. Evaluation of verapamil recovery from blood samples was performed according to the scheme of multivariate three-level experimental planning using the Box-Behnken design. The effect of aqueous phase pH, the ratio of chloroform to n-butanol in the extraction agent, extraction and centrifugation time, addition of sodium chloride, and the ratio of sample and extraction agent volumes on the recovery was studied. The algorithm using mathematical planning and development of liquid-liquid extraction model of target analyte can be recommended for analysis procedure optimization in forensic chemistry.

Spectroscopic characterization of composite lithium materials irradiated with high-temperature plasma

High-temperature plasma irradiation of materials leads to significant modification of surface structure, growth of deposited composite films and surface layers with induced self-similar granularity on the scale from macroscales to nanoscale due to strong plasma-surface interaction. The aim of this study was to characterize lithium materials irradiated with high-temperature plasma in the T-10 tokamak and PLM device. The reactivity of lithium leads to reactions with impurities in the plasma and on the vessel. Post-mortem analyses by the X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and X-ray analysis have been used to identify deposits composition and morphology. Lithium carbonate composites have been detected by analysis demonstrating materials mixing and evidence of plasma-induced structure. New structures with the high specific surface area of hierarchical granular are registered. The reference industrial powder of lithium carbonate irradiated with steady-state plasma in the PLM device has acquired a new similar structure demonstrating universal influence of plasma on the structure of irradiated materials.

[Ultrastructural changes in the endocardium and endocrine cardiomyocytes in the wall of the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation]

OBJECTIVE

To study ultrastructural changes in endocardial tissues and endocrine cardiomyocytes of the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Electron microscopy was used to examine the endocardium and endocrine cardiomyocytes of the left atrial appendage in 8 patients with long-standing paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation and in one patient with coronary heart disease without rhythm disturbance (a control group).

RESULTS

The investigation revealed that all the patients with atrial fibrillation had similar ultrastructural changes in all endocardial layers and endocrine cardiomyocytes of the left atrial appendage. The endothelium showed massive desquamation of endothelial cells. Predominantly single sharply flattened cells and small cytoplasmic fragments remained on the endocardial surface. The latter devoid of endothelial coating was represented by subendothelial loose connective tissue with noticeable signs of edema. The latter was also observed in the dense fibrous connective tissue of the endocardium. The accumulation of large amounts of edema fluid in the subendothelium led to endothelial cell flattening and desquamation. There was no leukocytic infiltration in the tissue of the endocardium or fibrin and desquamated endothelial cell accumulation on its surface. The endocrine cardiomyocytes exhibited disorders as cytoplasmic swelling, complete or partial lysis (necrosis) of individual myofibrils, and lower levels of endocrine granules and their location near or in direct contact with the sarcolemma.

CONCLUSION

The study has shown that long-standing atrial fibrillation deteriorates the main factors that determine normal endothelial function: edema in subendothelial tissue disrupts its interaction with endothelial cells and leads the latter to detach from the endocardium; ultrastructural changes in the endocrine cardiomyocytes that produce hormones can impair systemic blood pressure control and intracardiac hemodynamics.

[Comparison of standard and fast track rehabilitation in patients with acute appendicitis. Intermediate results of multicenter prospective randomized trial]

AIM

To analyze outcomes of fast track rehabilitation in patients with acute appendicitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective, randomized multi-center trial including 86 patients was conducted. There were 38 patients in the main group and 48 in the control group. All patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy under endotracheal anesthesia. Protocol included informing, no premedication, glucose infusion prior to surgery, antibiotics administration, mesoappendix excision, limited deployment of drainage tubes, intraabdominal prolonged anesthesia, minimal pneumoperitoneum, limited irrigation, minimum power monopolar electrocautery, antiemetics, early activation and eating (2 and 6 hours after surgery). Pain was evaluated by visual-analogue scale. Auscultative peristalsis was considered every 2 hours after surgery. Cortisol level was assessed preoperatively, in 6 and 12-24 hours after surgery in 11 (29%) and 15 (31%) patients of the main and control groups respectively. Discharge criteria: no leukocytosis, fever and pain syndrome requiring anesthesia, no signs of complications and patient's consent.

RESULTS

Terms of disease, gender, age and comorbidities were similar in all patients. Duration of surgery under minimal pneumoperitoneum and standard pressure was also similar: 69.2±3.98 and 70.9±3.89 min (p=0.762). Pain syndrome grade and need for analgesics were significantly lower in the main group within entire follow-up. Pain syndrome was absent at the 1^st postoperative day in 16 (42%) and 2 (4.1%) patients of both groups, respectively (score 0-1). Phrenic nerve syndrome was observed in 36.8% of the main group and 60.4% of the control group (p=0.05). Incidence of dyspepsia and terms of peristalsis onset were similar. Length of hospital-stay was 1.45 days in the main group and 3.15 days in the control group (p=0.002). In the main group 18 (47%) patients were discharged on the first day after surgery. There were only 4 (8.3%) patients with similar hospital-stay in the control group (p<0.001). There were no repeated hospitalizations. Postoperative cortisol concentration was similar in both groups as well as in complicated and uneventful postoperative period. In the main group postoperative intestinal paresis (Clavien-Dindo grade 2) occurred in 1 patient. In the control group 7 patients had postoperative infiltrate and 1 patient - intestinal paresis (Clavien-Dindo grade 2). Postoperative drainage tube was deployed in 3 out of 7 patients with postoperative infiltrates and 6 of them received antibiotic therapy. Medication was successfully applied in all patients with complications.

CONCLUSION

There are some advantages of FTR for AA including reduced pain syndrome, morbidity and less length of hospital-stay. Issue of cortisol concentration requires further trials.

Abstract P3-01-15: Sentinel lymph node biopsy by indocyanine green fluorescence detection in breast cancer cT1-4N0M0 patients. Frequency of false-negative results is low

Breast cancer cT1-4N0M0 patients are usually need in a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). SLNB by indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence detection is a modern technique possessing high level of lymph node detection rate, but frequency of false-negative results was not evaluated adequately.

Objective was to determine main diagnostic characteristics of the ICG fluorescence-guided SLNB in BC cT1-4N0M0 patients: node detection rate and frequency of false-negative results.

Methods: 99 patients with 100 cases of breast cancer cT1-4N0M0 (T1 – 43, T2 – 55, T3 – 1, T4 – 1) were operated, axillary part of operation consisted from the ICG fluorescence-guided SLNB and axillary lymphadenectomy of levels I–II or I–II–III. 12 patients had neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 8 – neoadjuvant hormonotherapy. Photodynamic Eye C9830 (Hamamatsu Photonics K.K) was using for emit near infrared radiation and fluorescent image registration. 2 ml 0.25% solution of ICG were injected inra- and sub- cutaneous periareolary or in a tumor projection, 2-5 minutes later it can be see fluorescent way to axillary. The procedure starting from injection of the ICG to the identification of a signal lymph node takes 15–30 minutes.

Results. Transcutaneous fluorescent lymphatic duct was visible in all 100 procedures, but not lymphatic node. Last can be found usually in a wound after Fascia superficialis and Fascia axillaris dissection. A signal lymph node was detected in 98 cases (98 %). Mean amount of sentinel lymphatic nodes = 1.9±0.1 (1-7 nodes). Mean amount of lymphatic nodes took with axillary dissection = 10.5±0.5 (5-26 nodes). In 28 (28.6%) cases of 98 were found to have metastases in signal lymph nodes. Other than signal lymph nodes had metastatic lesion only in 35.7% in signal lymph nodes N+ cases. False negative result occurred in 3 (3.1%) cases of 98, including 2 with metastases in signal lymph node finding by plan histological investigation, but not at froze section. No cases of allergic reactions or other adverse effects were diagnosed with standard subcutaneous use of indocyanine.

Conclusion. Fluorescence technique of the detection of signal lymph nodes has its own methodological issues: in most cases a signal lymph node is not visualized through the skin, it should be visualized in surgical wound using the course of lymphatic duct as guidance. Application of ICG fluorescence-guided SLNB in cN0 breast cancer patients allows high signal lymph node detection rate and low false negative rate, - 3%.

Acknowledgments. The authors thank Professor Gordon C. Wishart for the Sentinel Lymph Node Detection by ICG Fluorescence Technique teaching.

Citation Format: Portnoy SM, Kuznetsov AV, Shakirova NM, Kozlov NA, Maslyaev AV, Karpov AV, Kampova-Polevaya EB, Mistakopulo MG, Egorov YS, Anurova OA, Shendrikova TA, Gornostaeva AS. Sentinel lymph node biopsy by indocyanine green fluorescence detection in breast cancer cT1-4N0M0 patients. Frequency of false-negative results is low [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-15.

Fission barrier of superheavy nuclei and persistence of shell effects at high spin: cases of 254No and 220Th

We report on the first measurement of the fission barrier height in a heavy shell-stabilized nucleus. The fission barrier height of 254No is measured to be Bf=6.0±0.5  MeV at spin 15ℏ and, by extrapolation, Bf=6.6±0.9  MeV at spin 0ℏ. This information is deduced from the measured distribution of entry points in the excitation energy versus spin plane. The same measurement is performed for 220Th and only a lower limit of the fission barrier height can be determined: Bf(I)>8  MeV. Comparisons with theoretical fission barriers test theories that predict properties of superheavy elements.

[Molecular-biological properties of the rubella virus strains isolated in St. Petersburg]

In the surveillance of rubella in the northwest region of Russia samples of nasopharyngeal swabs from 37 patients with rubella, which were treated in the 442nd district military hospital named after Z.P. Solovyov in autumn 2007 were screened for the rubella virus using RK-13 cell line, 22 strains of rubella virus were isolated. Gene sequencing of E1 region of rubella virus isolates was carried out. Rubella virus strains isolated in St. Petersburg during the 2007 outbreak belonged to rubella virus genotype 1E. The morphogenesis of RK-13 cells with formation of replication complexes and enveloped virions of rubella virus was shown.

[Features of clinic, diagnostics and treatment of typhoid fever in young patients]

Typhoid fever is a dangerous infection. The article analyzes the clinical aspects, diagnostic possibilities and casual treatment of the young men in organized group with typhoid. It's shown that despite early hospitalization (at average of 5.5 days) the main manifestations peculiar to the "classical" infection retained. The majority (61.5%) had disease of moderate severity, mild form were at 37,4% of patients. Complications occurred in 5.0% of the patients: pneumonia (2.8%), myocarditis (2.2%) and pancreatits (2.2%). Pathogen isolated from patients with typhoid fever had reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones. Antimicrobial therapy showed the advantage of the 3 generation cephalosporin (ceftriaxone) compared with ciprofloxacin or a combination of the latter with cefotaxime.

[Phenanthrene degradation by bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas and Burkholderia in model soil systems]

Degradation of phenanthrene by strains Pseudomonas putida BS3701 (pBS1141, pBS1142), Pseudomonas putida BS3745 (pBS216), and Burkholderia sp. BS3702 (pBS1143) was studied in model soil systems. The differences in accumulation and uptake rate of phenanthrene intermediates between the strains under study have been shown, Accumulation of 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid in soil in the course of phenanthrene degradation by strain BS3702 (pBS143) in a model system has been revealed. The efficiency of phenanthrene biodegradation was assessed using the mathematical model proposed previously for assessment of naphthalene degradation efficiency. The efficiency of degradation of both phenanthrene and the intermediate products of its degradation in phenanthrene-contaminated soil is expected to increase with the joint use of strains P. putida BS3701 (pBS1141, pBS1142) and Burkholderia sp. BS3702 (pBS1143).

[Complex treatment of atherosclerotic lesions of the aorta abdominal segment and of the peripheral arteries, with critical ischemia of the lower extremities in senior patients]

Here, we summarize the experience of surgical treatment of atherosclerotic lesions of the aorta in its terminal region and of the peripheral arteries, in 136 senior patients with critical ischemia of the lower extremities. We have designed a sequential strategy of examination and risk factor detection, combined with an investigation of other arterial basins. Isolated consecutive and simultaneous "two-story" reconstructions have been evaluated. The efficiency of using endovascular and open operations has been assessed, as well as using endovascular interventions alone in some cases, considering the severe condition of the patient. We demonstrate the superior qualities of an autovein in situ as compared to an allotransplant, especially in reconstructions below the cleft of the knee joint.

[Method of surgical treatment of critical ischemia of lower extremities in patients with occlusive injuries of shin arteries]

The work describes a new method of restoration of blood circulation in patients with critical ischemia of the lower extremities of atherosclerotic genesis with a distal type of damage of the arterial bed. In 52 patients with the saved lumen of the distal part of the shin and little capacity of the distal bed reconstructive operations were performed by the developed technique. Reconstructive operations were fulfilled on 45 (86.5%) patients with the saved patency of the distal third of the posterior tibial artery, in 7 (13.5%) patients--of the anterior tibial artery. Thrombosis of the arterial bed occurred in 2 patients with saved patency of the vein in 3 weeks after operation. No recurrence of the critical ischemia of the extremity was observed. Thrombosis of the distal segment of the foot vein was found in 3 patients with the saved patency of the arterial bed in the period from 3 days to 4 weeks. Thrombosis of the venous shunt due to embolism of the cut off cusps of the venous valve was observed in 2 patients on the first day after operation. Thromboectomy from the shunt was fulfilled in these patients followed by recovery of blood circulation. Long-term results were followed up to 24 months. The shunt patency was 68%, the extremity was saved in 87% of the cases.

[Combined operations in cases of critical ischemia of the lower extremities in senior patients with generalized atherosclerosis]

Here, we present the experience of surgical treatment of senior patients with generalized arterial lesions. We have determined the diagnostic principles for the lesions of other arterial basins, and designed the tactics of surgical treatment in haemodynamically significant stenoses of the carotid and coronary arteries. The indications for and assessment of sequential and simultaneous interventions have been defined, and the complications arising after the consecutive operations have been analyzed. We have also studied the remote results of reconstructive operations in senior patients with critical ischemia of the lower extremities. Surgical tactics aimed at blood flow correction in clinically significant lesions of all arterial basins was recognized as the method of choice when treating patients with generalized atherosclerosis. Blood flow in the carotid and coronary basins should be restored in the first place. When performing revascularization of the extremities, blood flow in all the arterial segments (iliac, femoral, and tibial) should be restored.

A complex interferon inducer potentiates the functional macrophage activity during Staphylococcal infection

The antibacterial effect of a new type I interferon inducer, an yeast RNA-tilorone molecular complex (MC), was studied using a model of staphylococcal infection. The MC taken in experimental doses being optimal interferon-inducing ones accelerates the Staphylococcus aureus elimination from mice organisms accompanied by increased functional ability (phagocytosis and bactericide activity) of peritoneal macrophages. The conclusion is that the MC antibacterial activity detected is mediated by its interferon-inducing properties.

[Allergenic and immunotropic properties of yeast RNA-tilorone hydrochloride molecular complex]

Immunotropic properties of the interferon-inducing molecular complex (MC) yeast RNA--tilorone hydrochloride have been under study. MC was experimentally studied in vivo to establish its influence on the amount of antibody-forming cells and the level of antibody formation. The influence of MC on the oxygen-generating activity of spleen macrophages was established in the HCT test. MC in a dose of 1.25 mg/kg was shown to considerably activate immunocompetent cells, thus producing pronounced influence on humoral immunity. In addition, the study showed the dose dependence of the influence of MC on individual elements of the immune system as well as differences in the dynamics of immunomodulation caused by the use of high and low doses of MC. The data thus obtained made it possible to regard MC as a promising immunomodulator.

[Viruses as the etiological factor of type 1 diabetes. Animal models]

Type 1 diabetes (TID) results from the destruction of pancreatic beta-cells. In spite of genetic pre-disposition, being the major component for the development of this type of diabetes, nongenetic factors also play an important role in the disease development. Among these factors viruses are implicated in the pathogenesis of TID. Basing on the literature data we have attempted to elucidate possible role of viruses in TID pathogenesis. Viruses may be involved in the TID pathogenesis in at least two distinct mechanisms. Firstly, viruses may trigger beta-cell-specific autoimmunity with or without direct infection of beta-cells. Secondly, viruses may directly infect and destroy beta-cells resulting in TID. Moreover viruses not only cause diabetes, but also may prevent from the disease in animals susceptible to diabetes. Further studies are necessary to understand the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of human virus-induced TID.

[Interferonogenic activity of immobilized ribopolynucleotides in vitro]

In vitro experiments the authors have studied a property of yeast RNA--tilorone hydrochloride complex covalently linked to spheron to induce the synthesis of interferons type I (alpha- and beta-interferons) in the culture of peripheral mononuclear human cells. Such a complex is shown to possess a marked interferonogenic activity. The data obtained appear to be a proof of the interferon induction to be realised by a mechanism needing at the first stage the contact between the inducer and the cell surface without its penetration into the cell.

Endogenous and exogenous interferons in HIV-infection

The interferons (IFNs) belong to the body's natural defensive response mechanisms directed against virus infections including also the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This review discusses the current knowledge concerning the role of IFNs types I and II during the HIV infection. The author analyzes the HIV-driven process of endogenous IFNs induction in different cell types as well as the development of unusual acid-labile IFN following the HIV infection, its nature and clinical significance. Possible action mechanisms of different exogenous IFN types against the HIV-infection are reviewed taking into consideration the stages of HIV replication accompanied by these mechanisms of action and describing both positive and negative roles of IFNs during this disease. The author discusses also some well-known IFN-inducible antiviral pathways participating in the anti-HIV mechanisms and enzymes realizing antiviral action (PKR, 2'5'-OAS, iNOS, IDO, Mx and 9-27 proteins). A problem of HIV defense against the anti-HIV IFN action as well as some aspects of HIV-accelerating IFN effects are also examined in detail.

Virus-inhibitory effect of a yeast RNA-tilorone molecular complex in cell cultures

The virus-inhibitory activity of a molecular complex (MC) of tilorone and yeast RNA was studied in vitro on three virus-cell systems: vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) - murine fibroblast L929 cells, Venezuelan equine encephalittis virus (VEEV) - swine embryo kidney (SEK) cells and encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) - established piglet testicular (EPT) cells. In all these systems the MC exerted an antiviral effect similar to that of polynucleotide interferon (IFN) inducers such as poly(I)-poly(C), larifan and ridostin. The antiviral effect of the MC was similar when the compound was applied before or after virus adsorption to cells. The MC may be regarded as a perspective antiviral agent of common use.

[Effect of synthetic muramyl dipeptide derivatives on staphylococcal infection in mice]

The work deals with the results of experimental evaluation of the influence of some new modified derivatives of muramyldipeptide (MDP) on the course of staphylococcal infection in mice. The preparations under study were found to produce rapid elimination of bacteria from kidneys and the increase of phagocytic activity of blood macrophages in animals. At the same time MDP and its derivatives stimulated natural killer cells whose activity was inhibited during infection. The dependence between the structure of these compounds and their protective action in staphylococcal infection, as well as the increase of the natural immunity characteristics of the body was followed.

Description and identification of difficulties arising from the application of a cleaning process in operating conditions for the treatment of components used on liquid metal fast reactors (LMFR). A technical designed approach to avoid these situations

The cleaning process is one of the major maintenance operation for liquid metal fast reactors (LMFRs), both in operation and in their decommissioning stage. Russian and French cleaning processes are briefly described, including problems which have arisen during the processes. It appears that the cause of these problems is always connected to bad draining of the component, resulting in a vigorous reaction between vapour or liquid water and the bulk of sodium. From this discussion, the paper makes major recommendations for the efficient and safe cleaning of sodium wetted components, and proposes several processes which should be developed in order to deal with difficult situations, for example the removal of large amounts of undrainable sodium.

[Economic expediency and medical efficiency of methods for active detection of tuberculosis]

The data collected in the Novgorod region show a significant deterioration of the tuberculosis epidemiological situation. The economic and medical efficiencies of the current methods of active detection of tuberculosis are comparatively assessed. There is evidence for high effectiveness of enzyme immunoassay in detection of blood tuberculosis antibodies. A new concept of a differentiation system for of organization of goal-oriented prophylactic population surveys for tuberculosis.

[Comparative cytotoxic characteristics of the interferon-inducing yeast RNA-tilorone complex]

Cytotoxicity of the yeast RNA-tilorona molecular complex (MC) with interferonogenic properties and its influence on the DNA replicative synthesis were studied in experiments with human lymphocytes and 3 cell lines. It was shown that the MC doses of 25, 100 and 250 micrograms/ml were absolutely nontoxic for all the cell lines. The main parameters of the MC toxicity based on the cell viability were calculated. The parameters were found to correlate in the order of their magnitude with those relating to interferonogens of the polynucleotide nature. Within the dose ranges of 10 to 100 micrograms/ml the MC had a stimulating effect on replicative processes in the cells. It was concluded that the use of the MC as an inductor in large-scale manufacture of human and animal interferons of type 1 was promising.

Hydrolysis of tripolyphosphate by purified exopolyphosphatase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cytosol: kinetic model

The kinetics of hydrolysis of tripolyphosphate by purified exopolyphosphatase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cytosol has been studied in the presence of Mg2+. Two kinetic models suggesting the formation of complexes of tripolyphosphate and the enzyme with Mg2+ are compared. Both models suggest that only enzyme--substrate complexes containing Mg2+ and tripolyphosphate simultaneously are able to hydrolyze the tripolyphosphate. The first model suggests that the enzyme is able to bind to Mg2+ independently from substrate binding. The second model does not consider this possibility, but suggests that both complexes containing tripolyphosphate and Mg2+ in proportion 1:1 and 1:2 can serve as the reaction substrates. The description of the experimental data by both models is essentially the same. The complex containing tripolyphosphate and Mg2+ in proportion 1:1 is optimal for the enzyme activity, the complex containing tripolyphosphate and Mg2+ in proportion 1:2 being hydrolyzed at a lower rate.

[Effect of arsenite on the physiological and cytological properties of Pseudomonas putida strains capable of degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons]

Some physiological and cytological properties of Pseudomonas putida strains resistant to arsenite and capable of degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were studied. The resistance of P. putida BS202 (NPL-1) to arsenite proved to be determined by chromosomal genes, while the arsenite resistance of P. putida BS238 (pBS2; pBS3031) was by plasmid-borne genes. Arsenite affected the pattern and rate of growth of strain BS202 (NPL-1) in media with naphthalene or salicylate as carbon sources; particularly, it lengthened the lag phase. Electron-microscope analysis of the strains studied did not reveal any arsenite-induced destructive changes in the cell envelope. At the same time, arsenite in the growth medium induced some alterations in the structure of the outer membrane of strain BS202 (NPL-1) and the cytoplasmic membrane of strain BS238 (pBS2; pBS3031) and, in both strains, led to an increase in the density of intramembrane particles on the EF face of the freeze-fractured cytoplasmic membrane. Arsenite resistance probably evidently protects cells of both strains from greater damage. Physiological and cytological data suggest that the mechanisms of arsenite resistance in the strains studied are different.

[The antibacterial efficacy of preparations of interferon and its inducers]

Experimental data have been presented which prove antibacterial efficiency of interferon preparations and inducers under infection processes evoked by Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae. It is shown that the system of phagocytizing cells and natural cells-killers plays the basic protective role in the organism under the persistence of these microbes. The basic regularities of activating effect of interferon preparations and its inducers on the functional activity of the above mentioned cells have been found. The methods of treatment with interferon drugs based on experimental data have been developed for the first time. They were used to cure patients with pyo-septic diseases.

[Use of blast transformation test with different tuberculin dilutions to evaluate functional activity and directivity vector of T-cell activation in patients with tuberculosis during chemotherapy]

The lymphocyte blast transformation test (LBTT) with three tuberculin dilutions was used to examine 190 patients with varying pulmonary tuberculosis activity, of them 63 patients received chemotherapy. According to the blast formation in the patients' cultured peripheral blood cells by three tuberculin dilutions, a correlation was found between the clinical manifestations of the process and the functional activity of T lymphocytes. Thus, the greatest percentage (500 TU) of blasts in LBTT per mean PPD dose was detectable in patients with low LBTT results by three tuberculin dilutions with positive dynamics during chemotherapy. With further positive dynamics, the proportion of blasts in the cultured peripheral blood cells was highest per high PPD doses (5000 TU). On the contrary, patients with progressive tuberculosis displayed a oppositely directed phasic pattern.

Competition of plasmid-bearing Pseudomonas putida strains catabolizing naphthalene via various pathways in chemostat culture

Plasmid-carrying Pseudomonas putida strains degrade naphthalene through different biochemical pathways. The influence of various combinations of host bacteria and plasmids on growth characteristics and competitiveness of P. putida strains was studied in chemostat culture at a low dilution rate (D = 0.05 h-1) with naphthalene as the sole source of carbon and energy. Under naphthalene limitation, the plasmid-bearing strains degrading naphthalene that use catechol 1,2-dioxygenase for catechol oxidation (ortho pathway), were the most competitive. The strains bearing plasmids that control naphthalene catabolism via catechol 2,3-dioxygenase (meta pathway), were less competitive. Under these conditions the strain carrying plasmid pBS4, which encodes for naphthalene catabolism via gentisic acid, was the least competitive.

[Study of anti-HIV activity of the yeast RNA-tilorone molecular complex]

Anti-HIV activity of the molecular complex forming during interaction between yeast RNA and tilorone was studied in vitro on the models of acute and chronic infection. Addition of this agent to the cells infected with HIV-1/IIIB and HIV-1/BRU decreased the virus reproduction controlled by assessing the viability of cells, syncytium production, and accumulation of p24 antigen in culture medium. The authors hypothesize that the detected anti-HIV effect is due to its capacity to produce type I interferon and direct antiviral action.

[Production of type I interferons in the body exposed to yeast RNA-tiloron molecular complexes]

Molecular complexes forming as a result of interaction between yeast RNA preparations with 2,7-bis[-(diethylaminoethoxy)-fluorene]-9-on dihydrochloride (tilorone) administered parenterally to mice cause the appearance of interferon in high titers compatible to those induced by standard inductors of polyribonucleotide origin, poly(I)-poly(C) and larifan. Some physiologic conditions of interferonogenesis have been studied. The above molecular complexes in the dose range used experimentally were completely nontoxic. Hence, these complexes are promising agents for interferon induction.

[The interferonogenic properties of yeast RNA-tilorone complexes in a cell culture]

The use of molecular complexes of yeast RNA with thyloron as inductors of type I interferons (alpha/beta-interferons) in the culture of cells L929 is described. It was shown that the complexes induced the interferon synthesis in the cells at the level comparable to that of the standard inductors of the polyribonucleotide nature i.e. larifan and poly(I)-poly(C). In the experimental doses the complexes proved to be nontoxic. It was concluded that the use of the yeast RNA and thyloron complexes as inductors in large-scale production of type I interferons was promising.

[The isolation and purification of porcine interferon-gamma]

Porcine immune interferon (IF-gamma) was generated by stimulation with bacterial lectins. Physicochemical analysis showed porcine IF-gamma to be a glycoprotein with an isoelectric point around 8.4-8.8 and an apparent molecular weight of 28000 to 30000. A purification process used in this work included sequential steps of precipitation with ammonium sulphate and chromatographic separation on GPG-glass, con A-Sepharose and biogel P-100. This purification process gave a preparation of IF-gamma with specific activity of around 7 x 10(4) units per mg of protein.

[Nucleotide sequence of phospholipase C and sphingomyelinase genes from Bacillus cereus BKM-B164]

A BamHI-EcoRV DNA fragment, containing tandemly arranged genes for the Bacillus cereus VKM-B164 phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C and sphingomyelinase, has been cloned and sequenced in pUC19 plasmid (EMBL accession No X64141). The obtained gene sequences have been compared with those the B. cereus strains SE-1, IAM-1208 and GP-4 reported previously. Both phospholipase C and sphingomyelinase gene sequences of the VKM-B164 strain were found to be identical to those of the strain SE-1 and to differ from the sequences of GP-4 and IAM-1208 strains, containing another version of the gene sequences.

[Changes in the lymphatic system in the crush syndrome]

In vivo indirect electrolymphoroentgenography was conducted to study the reaction of lymphatics during prolonged compression syndrome (PCS). The studies were made on white rats, Wistar-line, males. It was found out that the early period of clinical course of PCS was characterized by lymphostasis. The intermediate period of PCS corresponds to the stage of the collateral lymphokinesis. At the edge of intermediate and late period of PCS the electrolymphoroentgenogram shows the removal of lymphostasis and recovery of main lymphokinesis.

[Noninvasive determination of oxyhemoglobin in arterial blood]

The authors describe the principles of noninvasive measurements of oxyhemoglobin content in the arterial blood by processing the signals obtained as a result of passing the light waves of the infrared (940 nm) and red (660 nm) wave bands through tissues. The data obtained with the first Russian pulse oximeter and with the hemoximeter were found to coincide. The diagnostic value of oximetry is discussed.

[Possibilities of restoration of the regional lymphatic channel by the use of sorbents in the treatment of experimental generalized purulent peritonitis]

Regional lymphatic bed in local application of mineral sorbent SUMS-2p in 80 white noninbred rats with experimental generalized purulent peritonitis is studied with the use of indirect intravital lympho-roentgenography. The correlation between lympho-dynamics and generalized purulent peritonitis stage was observed. It is shown that the peritoneo-sorption with the mineral sorbent SUMS-2p led to early restoration of lympho-drainage.