The Influence of Adiponectin on Transport of Low-Density Lipoproteins through Human Endothelial Cell Monolayer In Vitro

The influence of adiponectin, a protein secreted by adipocytes, on the activation of transendothelial LDL transport, the initial event of atherogenesis, was studied. The addition of adiponectin to the cultured endothelial hybridoma EA.hy926 cells did not affect both basal and TNF-stimulated transendothelial transport of LDL. In addition, adiponectin affects neither expression levels of CAV1, SCARB1, and ACVRL1 genes encoding proteins involved in transendothelial LDL transport, nor the MMP secretion by the EA.hy926cells. At the same time, adiponectin suppressed the TNF-stimulated IL-8 production and expression of the adhesion molecule gene ICAM1 in these cells. Thus, adiponectin reduces proinflammatory activation of EA.hy926 cells, which is not accompanied by changes in the transendothelial LDL transport. We speculate that anti-inflammatory action of adiponectin is the base for the influence of this adipokine on atherogenesis.

All Kinds of Sunny Colors Synthesized from Methane: Genome-Encoded Carotenoid Production by Methylomonas Species

Carotenoids are secondary metabolites that exhibit antioxidant properties and are characterized by a striking range of colorations from red to yellow. These natural pigments are synthesized by a wide range of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Among the latter, carotenoid-producing methanotrophic bacteria, which display fast growth on methane or natural gas, are of particular interest as potential producers of a feed protein enriched with carotenoids. Until recently, Methylomonas strain 16a and Methylomonas sp. ZR1 remained the only representatives of the genus for which detailed carotenoid profile was determined. In this study, we analyzed the genome sequences of five strains of Methylomonas species whose pigmentation varied from white and yellow to orange and red, and identified carotenoids produced by these bacteria. Carotenoids synthesized using four pigmented strains included C30 fraction, primarily composed of 4,4'-diaplycopene-4,4'-dioic acid and 4,4'-diaplycopenoic acid, as well as C40 fraction with the major compound represented by 1,1'-dihydroxy-3,4-didehydrolycopene. The genomes of studied Methylomonas strains varied in size between 4.59 and 5.45 Mb and contained 4201-4735 protein-coding genes. These genomes and 35 reference Methylomonas genomes available in the GenBank were examined for the presence of genes encoding carotenoid biosynthesis. Genomes of all pigmented Methylomonas strains harbored genes necessary for the synthesis of 4,4'-diaplycopene-4,4'-dioic acid. Non-pigmented "Methylomonas montana" MW1T lacked the crtN gene required for carotenoid production. Nearly all strains possessed phytoene desaturases, which explained their ability to naturally synthesize lycopene. Thus, members of the genus Methylomonas can potentially be considered as producers of C30 and C40 carotenoids from methane.

One Step Closer to Enigmatic USCα Methanotrophs: Isolation of a Methylocapsa-like Bacterium from a Subarctic Soil

The scavenging of atmospheric trace gases has been recognized as one of the lifestyle-defining capabilities of microorganisms in terrestrial polar ecosystems. Several metagenome-assembled genomes of as-yet-uncultivated methanotrophic bacteria, which consume atmospheric CH4 in these ecosystems, have been retrieved in cultivation-independent studies. In this study, we isolated and characterized a representative of these methanotrophs, strain D3K7, from a subarctic soil of northern Russia. Strain D3K7 grows on methane and methanol in a wide range of temperatures, between 5 and 30 °C. Weak growth was also observed on acetate. The presence of acetate in the culture medium stimulated growth at low CH4 concentrations (~100 p.p.m.v.). The finished genome sequence of strain D3K7 is 4.15 Mb in size and contains about 3700 protein-encoding genes. According to the result of phylogenomic analysis, this bacterium forms a common clade with metagenome-assembled genomes obtained from the active layer of a permafrost thaw gradient in Stordalen Mire, Abisco, Sweden, and the mineral cryosol at Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian High Arctic. This clade occupies a phylogenetic position in between characterized Methylocapsa methanotrophs and representatives of the as-yet-uncultivated upland soil cluster alpha (USCα). As shown by the global distribution analysis, D3K7-like methanotrophs are not restricted to polar habitats but inhabit peatlands and soils of various climatic zones.

Genome Analysis and Physiology of Pseudomonas sp. Strain OVF7 Degrading Naphthalene and n-Dodecane

The complete genome of the naphthalene- and n-alkane-degrading strain Pseudomonas sp. strain OVF7 was collected and analyzed. Clusters of genes encoding enzymes for the degradation of naphthalene and n-alkanes are localized on the chromosome. Based on the Average Nucleotide Identity and digital DNA-DNA Hybridization compared with type strains of the group of fluorescent pseudomonads, the bacterium studied probably belongs to a new species. Using light, fluorescent, and scanning electron microscopy, the ability of the studied bacterium to form biofilms of different architectures when cultured in liquid mineral medium with different carbon sources, including naphthalene and n-dodecane, was demonstrated. When grown on a mixture of naphthalene and n-dodecane, the strain first consumed naphthalene and then n-dodecane. Cultivation of the strain on n-dodecane was characterized by a long adaptation phase, in contrast to cultivation on naphthalene and a mixture of naphthalene and n-dodecane.

Characterization and Genomic Analysis of the Naphthalene-Degrading Delftia tsuruhatensis ULwDis3 Isolated from Seawater

Strains of the genus Delftia are poorly studied microorganisms. In this work, the complete genome of the naphthalene-degrading Delftia tsuruhatensis strain ULwDis3 isolated from seawater of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea was assembled. For the first time, genes encoding naphthalene cleavage pathways via salicylate and gentisate were identified in a strain of the genus Delftia. The genes are part of one operon (nag genes). Three open reading frames (ORFs) were found in the genome of D. tsuruhatensis strain ULwDis3 that encode gentisate 1.2-dioxygenase. One of the ORFs is part of the nag operon. The physiological and biochemical characteristics of the strain ULwDis3 when cultured in mineral medium with naphthalene as the sole source of carbon and energy were also studied. It was found that after 22 h of growth, the strain stopped consuming naphthalene, and at the same time, naphthalene 1.2-dioxygenase and salicylate 5-hydroxylase activities were not detected. Later, a decrease in the number of living cells and the death of the culture were observed. Gentisate 1.2-dioxygenase activity was detected from the time of gentisate formation until culture death.

[The relationship between the relative length of leukocyte telomeres and mtDNA copy number and acute coronary syndrome in a 15-year follow-up.]

OBJECTIVE

to study the association of relative leukocyte DNA telomere length with death from natural causes during a 15-year follow-up in a middle-aged and elderly Siberian population. Study of the association of the relative length of leukocyte telomeres (LTL) with fatal outcomes during a 15-year follow-up of a random population sample formed in 2003-2005 (n=9 360, 45-69 years old, Novosibirsk, HAPIEE project). The main group included the persons died from natural causes (except external) without a previous history of CVD and cancer (n=609); controls were stratified by sex and age (n=799). The analysis of relative LTL at baseline was performed using quantitative real-time PCR. We estimated the odds ratio of all-cause death per 1 decile shortening of LTD as a continuous variable in a multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. The carriers of shorter telomere carriers had an increased risk of death from natural causes over the next 15 years (OR=1,37, 95% CI 1,31-1,44) per decile of LTL decrease, regardless of other factors. The risk coefficients were similar for death from CVD (1,39), cancer (1,42), and other non-external causes (1,51). In studied middle-aged and elderly Siberian (Caucasoid) population cohort the LTL was an independent inverse predictor of the 15-year risk of death from natural causes.

Additive Manufacturing of Drug-Eluting Multilayer Biodegradable Films

Drug-eluting films made of bioresorbable polymers are a widely used tool of modern personalized medicine. However, most currently existing methods of producing coatings do not go beyond the laboratory, as they have low encapsulation efficiency and/or difficulties in scaling up. The PLACE (Printed Layered Adjustable Cargo Encapsulation) technology proposed in this article uses an additive approach for film manufacturing. PLACE technology is accessible, scalable, and reproducible in any laboratory. As a demonstration of the technology capabilities, we fabricated layered drug-eluting polyglycolic acid films containing different concentrations of Cefazolin antibiotic. The influence of the amount of loaded drug component on the film production process and the release kinetics was studied. The specific loading of drugs was significantly increased to 200-400 µg/cm² while maintaining the uniform release of Cefazolin antibiotic in a dosage sufficient for local antimicrobial therapy for 14 days. The fact that the further increase in the drug amount results in the crystallization of a substance, which can lead to specific defects in the cover film formation and accelerated one-week cargo release, was also shown, and options for further technology development were proposed.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria in Three Different Functional Zones of the Cities of Moscow and Murmansk

We performed a comparative study of the total bacterial communities and communities of cultivable polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)-degrading bacteria in different functional zones of Moscow and Murmansk that were formed under the influence of the PAH composition in road and leaf dust. The PAHs were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); the bacterial communities’ diversity was assessed by metabarcoding. The degraders were isolated by their direct plating on a medium with the PAHs. The PAH total quantity declined in the leaf dust from the traffic to the recreational zone. For the road dust, a negative gradient with pollution was observed for Rhodococcus and Acinetobacter degraders and for their relative abundance in the microbiome for the functional zones of Moscow. The opposite effect was observed in the Murmansk leaf dust for the Rothia and Pseudomonas degraders and in the Moscow road dust for Microbacterium. The PCA and linear regression analyses showed that the Micrococcus degraders in the dust were sensitive to anthropogenic pollution, so they can be used as a tool for monitoring anthropogenic changes in the biosphere. The data on the degraders’ and microbial communities’ diversity suggest that minor degrading strains can play a key role in PAH degradation.

[Lymphotropic therapy in the treatment of patients with postoperative secondary lymphedema of the maxillofacial region]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of study was to improve the effectiveness of treatment of patients with secondary postoperative lymphedema of the maxillofacial region using lymphotropic therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During 2020-2021 8 patients aged 40 to 70 years with secondary postoperative lymphedema of the maxillofacial region were treated in the Central Research Institute of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery. The article presents the clinical and ultrasound results of a study of the effectiveness of the lymphotropic therapy in the treatment of patients with secondary lymphedema of the maxillofacial region.

RESULTS

Six patients with an early stage of lymphedema had a complete regression of edema and normalization of the ultrasound picture of the soft tissues of the maxillofacial region. In 2 patients with late-stage lymphedema there was a regression of edema, but the preservation of residual swelling of soft tissues and signs of fibro-fatty transformation of soft tissues were revealed on ultrasound examination.

CONCLUSION

Lymphotropic therapy with antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory drugs is one of the effective methods of treating postoperative secondary lymphedema of the maxillofacial region at the early stages of the disease.

[Clinical picture and ultrasound manifestations of secondary lymphedema of the maxillofacial region]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to determine the main clinical symptoms and ultrasound manifestations of secondary lymphedema of the maxillofacial region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study is based on the study of a comprehensive examination and the effectiveness of treatment of 15 patients diagnosed with lymphedema of the maxillofacial region, who are on outpatient treatment at the Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical Research Centre for Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation from 2020-2021 at the age of 18 to 70 years. The examination of patients included the study of complaints, anamnesis of life, anamnesis of the disease, external examination and examination of the oral cavity, palpation of soft tissues of the maxillofacial region, X-ray examination (if necessary). All patients underwent ultrasound examination of the soft tissues of the maxillofacial area.

RESULTS

When examining patients, it was revealed that the main clinical symptoms of lymphedema of the maxillofacial region are the presence of edema, a feeling of heaviness and stiffness of movements in the area of edema and the absence of symptoms of inflammation such as fever, hyperemia and pain. 100% of patients had the following ultrasound manifestations in the area of lymphatic drainage disorders: an increase in tissue thickness, impaired tissue differentiation into layers, a diffuse increase in tissue echogenicity, and the presence of dilated lymphatic vessels.

CONCLUSION

Lymphedema of the maxillofacial region is a polyetiological disease that is difficult to diagnose, requiring a thorough examination of the patient, including basic examination methods, radiography, and mandatory ultrasound examination of soft tissues.

[Personalized medicine in non-communicable diseases: latest advances and future prospects]

Since the human genome was decoded more than 15 years ago, there has been a huge leap forward in the development of genomic and post-genomic technologies. Personalized medicine is engaged in implementing these technologies in clinical practice by developing new methods for risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases taking into account individual features of the patient. Significant progress has been achieved in decoding genetic bases of chronic noninfectious diseases; new markers for the risk of complications and targets for effects of drugs are being searched for. This review highlights promising directions in the development of personalized medicine, the problems facing modern scientists, and possible ways to solve them.

Verification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms rs34554140, rs6670279, and rs6874185 as Novel Molecular Genetic Markers of Sudden Cardiac Death

The aim of the study was to explore the association between sudden cardiac death (SCD) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs34554140, rs6670279, and rs6874185 from the list of potential molecular genetic markers of SCD, obtained in our earlier genome-wide allelotyping on pooled DNA samples.

Materials and Methods

The study is based on the case-control principle. The SCD group included 438 deceased residents of Novosibirsk (average age - 53.2±9.1 years; men - 72.7%, women - 28.3%) with the main postmortem diagnoses of acute circulatory failure or acute coronary failure, which met the criteria of SCD established by the European Society of Cardiology. The control group included 435 live subjects enrolled in the international projects HAPIEE and MONICA (average age - 53.2±8.9 years; men - 70.0%, women - 30.0%). DNA was isolated by phenol-chloroform extraction from the myocardial tissue in the SCD group and from the venous blood in the control group. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction with subsequent analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism in a polyacrylamide gel.

Results

The frequencies of the genotypes of SNPs rs34554140, rs6670279, and rs6874185 in the control group correspond to those predicted by the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (c²=0.98, 0.009, 3.39, respectively). The AA genotype of rs34554140 is associated with an increased risk of SCD (p=0.002; OR=1.85; 95% CI 1.26-2.71). The AT genotype has a protective effect against SCD (p=0.001; OR=0.53; 95% CI 0.36-0.78). In subgroups separated by gender and age, the differences persist in the subgroups of men, women, and individuals under 50 years old (p<0.05). The AA genotype of rs6670279 is associated with an increased risk of SCD (p=0.005; OR=1.54; 95% CI 1.15-2.06). The AT genotype has a protective effect against SCD (p=0.047; OR=0.73; 95% CI 0.54-0.98). When distributed by sex and age, the differences persist in the subgroups of men, individuals above 50 years old, and men above 50 years old (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of rs6874185 between the SCD and control groups, even after the subgroups specified by gender and age were compared (p>0.05).

Conclusion

The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms rs34554140 and rs6670279 with SCD was confirmed. In contrast, no association of rs6874185 with SCD was detected.

[Morphology of outer retinal tubulations in the outcome of exudative age-related macular degeneration according to optical coherence tomography angiography]

Outer retinal tubulation (ORT) develops in the later stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is associated with low visual acuity, severe loss of photoreceptors, choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and geographic atrophy. Despite the frequent detection of ORTs by optical coherence tomography (OCT), their role in the process of outer retinal atrophy and degenerative changes in photoreceptors remains undetermined.

PURPOSE

To investigate the evolution of ORT in patients with exudative and disciform-stage CNV.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The retrospective study included 340 patients with AMD, among them 235 (69%) women and 105 (31%) men with mean age of 76±7.4 years; in all, the analysis involved 267 eyes with dry AMD and 174 eyes with CNV: 92 eyes - with exudative AMD, 82 eyes - with disciform-stage disease). In addition to standard OCT, all patients underwent OCT-angiography (OCTA). In 10 cases, patients with exudative AMD were followed up after intravitreal injections of Aflibercept.

RESULTS

ORTs were detected in 37 eyes of 32 patients (26%), all of them with CNV: 13 eyes with exudative AMD (group 1) and 24 eyes with disciform scar (group 2; p=0.013).

The groups were similar in the type and morphology of ORTs. The most common were closed, i.e. fully formed ORT (92% of cases in group 1, and 88% in group 2). Destruction of the ellipsoid zone associated with ORT was observed in both groups. In one case, there was an increase in the size of ORT corresponding to the volume of cystic macular edema. Disappearance of ORT was noted only in one of ten patients 3 months after intravitreal injection of Aflibercept, but was not accompanied by visual acuity improvement.

CONCLUSION

Outer retinal tubulations are more common in the later stages of AMD, being an indicator of a deep destructive process in photoreceptors. In exudative AMD, ORTs serve as a predictive marker for poor functional outcomes.

[Head and neck lymphedema. Literature review]

The article is a review of the latest literature data on lymphedema of the head and neck, its etiology, pathogenesis, classification and main clinical manifestations. The main methods of diagnosis and treatment of this pathology are indicated.

Wide distribution of Phycisphaera-like planctomycetes from WD2101 soil group in peatlands and genome analysis of the first cultivated representative

Phycisphaera-like WD2101 'soil group' is one of the as-yet-uncultivated phylogenetic clades within the phylum Planctomycetes. Members of this clade are commonly detected in various terrestrial habitats. This study shows that WD2101 represented one of the major planctomycete groups in 10 boreal peatlands, comprising up to 76% and 36% of all Planctomycetes-affiliated 16S rRNA gene reads in raised bogs and eutrophic fens respectively. These types of peatlands displayed clearly distinct intra-group diversity of WD2101-affiliated planctomycetes. The first isolate of this enigmatic planctomycete group, strain M1803, was obtained from a humic lake surrounded by Sphagnum peat bogs. Strain M1803 displayed 89.2% 16S rRNA gene similarity to Tepidisphaera mucosa and was represented by motile cocci that divided by binary fission and grew under micro-oxic conditions. The complete 7.19 Mb genome of strain M1803 contained an array of genes encoding Planctomycetal type bacterial microcompartment organelle likely involved in l-rhamnose metabolism, suggesting participation of M1803-like planctomycetes in polysaccharide degradation in peatlands. The corresponding cellular microcompartments were revealed in ultrathin cell sections. Strain M1803 was classified as a novel genus and species, Humisphaera borealis gen. nov., sp. nov., affiliated with the formerly recognized WD2101 'soil group'.

Methane-Oxidizing Communities in Lichen-Dominated Forested Tundra Are Composed Exclusively of High-Affinity USCα Methanotrophs

Upland soils of tundra function as a constant sink for atmospheric CH₄ but the identity of methane oxidizers in these soils remains poorly understood. Methane uptake rates of -0.4 to -0.6 mg CH₄-C m^-2 day^-1 were determined by the static chamber method in a mildly acidic upland soil of the lichen-dominated forested tundra, North Siberia, Russia. The maximal CH₄ oxidation activity was localized in an organic surface soil layer underlying the lichen cover. Molecular identification of methanotrophic bacteria based on retrieval of the pmoA gene revealed Upland Soil Cluster Alpha (USCα) as the only detectable methanotroph group. Quantification of these pmoA gene fragments by means of specific qPCR assay detected ~10⁷pmoA gene copies g^-1 dry soil. The pmoA diversity was represented by seven closely related phylotypes; the most abundant phylotype displayed 97.5% identity to pmoA of Candidatus Methyloaffinis lahnbergensis. Further analysis of prokaryote diversity in this soil did not reveal 16S rRNA gene fragments from well-studied methanotrophs of the order Methylococcales and the family Methylocystaceae. The largest group of reads (~4% of all bacterial 16S rRNA gene fragments) that could potentially belong to methanotrophs was classified as uncultivated Beijerinckiaceae bacteria. These reads displayed 96-100 and 95-98% sequence similarity to 16S rRNA gene of Candidatus Methyloaffinis lahnbergensis and "Methylocapsa gorgona" MG08, respectively, and were represented by eight species-level operational taxonomic units (OTUs), two of which were highly abundant. These identification results characterize subarctic upland soils, which are exposed to atmospheric methane concentrations only, as a unique habitat colonized mostly by USCα methanotrophs.

[Association of polymorphisms of genes TCF7L2, FABP2, KCNQ1, ADIPOQ with the prognosis of the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus]

AIM

To study the possibility of using polymorphisms of genesTCF7L2,FABP2,KCNQ1,ADIPOQas markers for predicting the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in the population of Novosibirsk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

On the basis of prospective observation of a representative population sample of residents of Novosibirsk (HAPIEE), 2 groups were formed according to the case-control principle (case people who had diabetes mellitus 2 over 10 years of observation, and control people who did not developed disorders of carbohydrate metabolism). T2D group (n=443, mean age 56.26.7 years, men 29.6%, women 70.4%), control group (n=532, mean age 56.17.1 years, men 32.7%, women 67.3%). DNA was isolated by phenol-chloroform extraction. Genotyping was performed by the method of polymerase chain reaction with subsequent analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism, polymerase chain reaction in real time. Statistical processing was carried out using the SPSS 16.0 software package.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

No significant effect of rs1799883 of theFABP2gene, rs2237892 of theKCNQ1gene, and rs6773957 of theADIPOQgene on the risk of developing T2D was found. Genotypes TT and TC rs7903146 of theTCF7L2gene are genotypes for the risk of developing T2D (relative risk RR 3.90, 95% confidence interval CI 2.316.61,p0.001; RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.422.43,p0.001, respectively). The CC genotype rs7903146 of theTCF7L2gene is associated with a protective effect against T2D (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.290.49,p0.001). When theTCF7L2gene is included in the model for assessing the risk of developing T2D rs7903146, it retains its significance in both men and women.

CONCLUSION

The rs7903146 polymorphism of theTCF7L2gene confirmed its association with the prognosis of the development of T2D, which indicates the possibility of considering it as a candidate for inclusion in a diabetes risk meter. Variants of risk meters have been developed to assess the prognosis of the development of diabetes mellitus 2 in men and women aged 4569 years during 10 years of follow-up. The association with the prognosis of the development of T2D polymorphisms rs1799883 of theFABP2gene, rs2237892 of theKCNQ1gene and rs6773957 of theADIPOQgene was not found.

[Lymphatic therapy and its importance in the complex treatment of patients]

The article presents literature data on the use of lymphatic methods therapy in complex treatment of patients with diseases of various nosologies in general surgery and dentistry. Clinically and experimentally obtained data on the advantage of lymphatic therapy compared with other methods of drug administration are indicated.

Frigoriglobus tundricola gen. nov., sp. nov., a psychrotolerant cellulolytic planctomycete of the family Gemmataceae from a littoral tundra wetland

Planctomycetes of the family Gemmataceae are characterized by large genome sizes and cosmopolitan distribution in freshwater and terrestrial environments but their ecological functions remain poorly understood. In this study, we characterized a novel representative of this family, strain PL17T, which was isolated from a littoral tundra wetland and was capable of growth on xylan and cellulose. Cells of this isolate were represented by pink-pigmented spheres that multiplied by budding and occurred singly or in short chains and aggregates. Strain PL17T was obligately aerobic, mildly acidophilic chemoorganotrophic bacterium, which displayed good tolerance of low temperatures. The major fatty acids were C18:0, C16:1ω5, and βOH-C16:1; the major polar lipid was trimethylornithine. The genome of strain PL17T consisted of a 9.83 Mb chromosome and a 24.69kb plasmid. The G+C contents of the chromosomal and plasmid DNA were 67.4 and 62.3mol%, respectively. Over 8900 potential protein-coding genes were identified in the genome including a putative cellulase that contains a domain from the GH5 family of glycoside hydrolases. The genome of strain PL17T contained one linked and one unlinked rRNA operons with 16S rRNA gene sequences displaying 94.5% similarity to that in Gemmata obscuriglobus UQM2246T. Based on the results of comparative phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenomic analyses, we propose to classify strain PL17T (= CECT 9407T=VKM B-3467T) as representing a novel genus and species of the family Gemmataceae, Frigoriglobus tundricola gen. nov., sp. nov.

Closely Located but Totally Distinct: Highly Contrasting Prokaryotic Diversity Patterns in Raised Bogs and Eutrophic Fens

Large areas in Northern Russia are covered by extensive mires, which represent a complex mosaic of ombrotrophic raised bogs, minerotrophic and eutrophic fens, all in a close proximity to each other. In this paper, we compared microbial diversity patterns in the surface peat layers of the neighbouring raised bogs and eutrophic fens that are located within two geographically remote mire sites in Vologda region using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Regardless of location, the microbial communities in raised bogs were highly similar to each other but were clearly distinct from those in eutrophic fens. Bogs were dominated by the Acidobacteria (30%–40% of total 16S rRNA gene reads), which belong to the orders Acidobacteriales and Bryobacterales. Other bog-specific bacteria included the Phycisphaera-like group WD2101 and the families Isosphaeraceae and Gemmataceae of the Planctomycetes, orders Opitutales and Pedosphaerales of the Verrucomicrobia and a particular group of alphaproteobacteria within the Rhizobiales. In contrast, fens hosted Anaerolineae-affiliated Chloroflexi, Vicinamibacteria- and Blastocatellia-affiliated Acidobacteria, Rokubacteria, uncultivated group OM190 of the Planctomycetes and several groups of betaproteobacteria. The Patescibacteria were detected in both types of wetlands but their relative abundance was higher in fens. A number of key parameters that define the distribution of particular bacterial groups in mires were identified.

Limnoglobus roseus gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel freshwater planctomycete with a giant genome from the family Gemmataceae

The family Gemmataceae accommodates aerobic, chemoorganotrophic planctomycetes, which inhabit various freshwater ecosystems, wetlands and soils. Here, we describe a novel member of this family, strain PX52T, which was isolated from a boreal eutrophic lake in Northern Russia. This isolate formed pink-pigmented colonies and was represented by spherical cells that occurred singly, in pairs or aggregates and multiplied by budding. Daughter cells were highly motile. PX52T was an obligate aerobic chemoorganotroph, which utilized various sugars and some heteropolysaccharides. Growth occurred at pH 5.0-7.5 (optimum pH 6.5) and at temperatures between 10 and 30 °C (optimum 20-25 °C). The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ɷ7c, C18 : 0 and βOH-C16:0; the major intact polar lipid was trimethylornithine, and the quinone was MK-6. The complete genome of PX52T was 9.38 Mb in size and contained nearly 8000 potential protein-coding genes. Among those were genes encoding a wide repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) including 33 glycoside hydrolases (GH) and 87 glycosyltransferases (GT) affiliated with 17 and 12 CAZy families, respectively. DNA G+C content was 65.6 mol%. PX52T displayed only 86.0-89.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to taxonomically described Gemmataceae planctomycetes and differed from them by a number of phenotypic characteristics and by fatty acid composition. We, therefore, propose to classify it as representing a novel genus and species, Limnoglobus roseus gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is strain PX52T (=KCTC 72397T=VKM B-3275T).

[The trans-dermal therapeutic systems as a convenient alternative of traditional medicinal forms]

The development of new medications increasing bio-availability and efficacy of existing pharmaceuticals is considered as an alternative to implementation of new medications that can significantly reduce time-frame and costs of bringing medication to the market, acquired in recent decades high practical and scientific importance. The new effective medications include trans-dermal therapeutic systems (TTS) that are capable of providing a controlled release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) through the skin into the bloodstream at a therapeutically optimal rate for a long time. The application of TTS is painless and convenient. It eliminates losses associated with metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract and liver and allows wide variation of dosage and to discontinue treatment at any moment. The key problem of trans-dermal delivery is difficulty in penetrating API through the skin, which has complex multilayer structure. The understanding of all aspects affecting permeability of API through the skin is crucial for the development of new TTS and is a subject of special research interest in modern pharmacological science.

Planctomycetes in boreal and subarctic wetlands: diversity patterns and potential ecological functions

Members of the phylum Planctomycetes are common inhabitants of boreal Sphagnum peat bogs and lichen-dominated tundra wetlands. These bacteria colonize both oxic and anoxic peat layers and reach the population size of 107 cells per gram of wet peat. The 16S rRNA gene sequences from planctomycetes comprise 5%-22% of total 16S rRNA gene reads retrieved from peat samples. Most abundant peat-inhabiting planctomycetes affiliate with the families Isosphaeraceae and Gemmataceae, and with as-yet-uncultured Phycisphaera-related group WD2101. The use of metatranscriptomics to assess the functional role of planctomycetes in peatlands suggested the presence of versatile hydrolytic capabilities in these bacteria. This evidence was further confirmed by the analysis of genome-encoded capabilities of isolates from wetlands. Large (up to 12 Mbp) genomes of planctomycetes encode wide repertoires of carbohydrate-active enzymes including many unclassified putative glycoside hydrolases, which suggests the presence of extremely high glycolytic potential in these bacteria. Experimental tests confirmed their ability to grow on xylan, pectin, starch, lichenan, cellulose, chitin and polysaccharides of microbial origin. These results provide an insight into the ecological roles of peat-inhabiting planctomycetes and suggest their participation in degradation of plant-derived polymers, exoskeletons of peat-inhabiting arthropods as well as exopolysaccharides produced by other bacteria.

Lacipirellula parvula gen. nov., sp. nov., representing a lineage of planctomycetes widespread in low-oxygen habitats, description of the family Lacipirellulaceae fam. nov. and proposal of the orders Pirellulales ord. nov., Gemmatales ord. nov. and Isosphaerales ord. nov

Pirellula-like planctomycetes are ubiquitous aquatic bacteria, which are often detected in anoxic or micro-oxic habitats. By contrast, the taxonomically described representatives of these bacteria, with very few exceptions, are strict aerobes. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of the facultatively anaerobic planctomycete, strain PX69^T, which was isolated from a boreal lake. Its 16S rRNA gene sequence is affiliated with the Pirellula-related Pir4 clade, which is dominated by environmental sequences retrieved from a variety of low-oxygen habitats. Strain PX69^T was represented by ellipsoidal cells that multiplied by budding and grew on sugars, some polysaccharides and glycerol. Anaerobic growth occurred by means of fermentation. Strain PX69^T grew at pH 5.5–7.5 and at temperatures between 10 and 30 °C. The major fatty acids were C18:1ω9c, C16:0 and C16:1ω7c; the major intact polar lipid was dimethylphosphatidylethanolamine. The complete genome of strain PX69^T was 6.92 Mb in size; DNA G + C content was 61.7 mol%. Among characterized planctomycetes, the highest 16S rRNA gene similarity (90.4%) was observed with ‘Bythopirellula goksoyri’ Pr1d, a planctomycete from deep-sea sediments. We propose to classify PX69^T as a novel genus and species, Lacipirellula parvula gen. nov., sp. nov.; the type strain is strain PX69^T (=KCTC 72398^T = CECT 9826^T = VKM B-3335^T). This genus is placed in a novel family, Lacipirellulaceae fam. nov., which belongs to the order Pirellulales ord. nov. Based on the results of comparative genome analysis, we also suggest establishment of the orders Gemmatales ord. nov. and Isosphaerales ord. nov. as well as an emendation of the order Planctomycetales.

Hydrolytic Capabilities as a Key to Environmental Success: Chitinolytic and Cellulolytic Acidobacteria From Acidic Sub-arctic Soils and Boreal Peatlands

Members of the Acidobacteria are among the most efficient colonizers of acidic terrestrial habitats but the key traits underlying their environmental fitness remain to be understood. We analyzed indigenous assemblages of Acidobacteria in a lichen-covered acidic (pH 4.1) soil of forested tundra dominated by uncultivated members of subdivision 1. An isolate of these bacteria with cells occurring within saccular chambers, strain SBC82^T, was obtained. The genome of strain SBC82^T consists of a 7.11-Mb chromosome and four megaplasmids, and encodes a wide repertoire of enzymes involved in degradation of chitin, cellulose, and xylan. Among those, four secreted chitinases affiliated with the glycoside hydrolase family GH18 were identified. Strain SBC82^T utilized amorphous chitin as a source of carbon and nitrogen; the respective enzyme activities were detected in tests with synthetic substrates. Chitinolytic capability was also confirmed for another phylogenetically related acidobacterium isolated from a Sphagnum peat bog, strain CCO287. As revealed by metatranscriptomic analysis of chitin-amended peat, 16S rRNA reads from these acidobacteria increased in response to chitin availability. Strains SBC82^T and CCO287 were assigned to a novel genus and species, Acidisarcina polymorpha gen. nov., sp. nov. Members of this genus colonize acidic soils and peatlands and specialize in degrading complex polysaccharides.

Tundrisphaera lichenicola gen. nov., sp. nov., a psychrotolerant representative of the family Isosphaeraceae from lichen-dominated tundra soils

Two strains of aerobic, budding, pink-pigmented bacteria, P12T and P515, were isolated from a lichen-dominated peatland and a forested tundra soil of north-western Siberia, respectively. Cells of these isolates were represented by non-motile spheres that occurred singly or were arranged in short chains and aggregates. While growing on solid media, cells of strains P12T and P515 attached to the surface by means of holdfast-like appendages. These isolates were mildly acidophilic (optimum growth at pH 5.5-6.0), psychrotolerant bacteria, which displayed tolerance of low temperatures (4-15 °C), grew optimally at 15-22 °C and did not grow at temperatures above 28 °C. The preferred growth substrates were sugars and some heteropolysaccharides. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and C14 : 0. Trimethylornithine lipid was the major polar lipid. The only quinone was MK-6, and the G+C content of the DNA was 61.2-62.2 mol%. Strains P12T and P515 possessed identical 16S rRNA gene sequences, which affiliated them with the family Isosphaeraceae, order Planctomycetales, and these displayed the highest similarity (93-94 %) to 16S rRNA gene sequences from members of the genus Singulisphaera. However, the signature fatty acid of species of the genus Singulisphaera, i.e. C18 : 2ω6c,12c, was absent in cells of strains P12T and P515. They also differed from members of the genus Singulisphaera by substrate utilization pattern and a number of physiological characteristics. Based on these data, the novel isolates should be considered as representing a novel genus and species of planctomycetes, for which the name Tundrisphaera lichenicola gen. nov., sp. nov, is proposed. The type strain is P12T (=LMG 29571T=VKM B-3044T).

Association of Polymorphism in SCN5A, GJA5, and KCNN3 Gene with Sudden Cardiac Death

We studied association of single-nucleotide SCN5A (rs1805124), GJA5 (rs35594137), and KCNN3 (rs13376333) polymorphisms and sudden cardiac death. Humans died suddenly from cardiac causes (N=379) and unrelated sex- and age-matched control subjects were genotyped. No significant intergroup differences were found in the frequency of rs1805124 and rs13376333 genotypes and alleles. In women under 50 years, enhanced risk of sudden cardiac death was associated with rs35594137 GG genotype (OR=3.6; 95%CI=1.2-10.4; p=0.022), while in older women it was associated with rs35594137 AA genotype (OR=3.0; 95%CI=2.3-3.9; p=0.041). In women under 50 years, GA rs35594137 genotype was associated with a protective effect against sudden cardiac death (OR=0.3; 95%CI=0.1-0.8; p=0.036). Thus, GJA5 gene rs35594137 polymorphism is significantly associated with sudden cardiac death in the examined group.

Fimbriiglobus ruber gen. nov., sp. nov., a Gemmata-like planctomycete from Sphagnum peat bog and the proposal of Gemmataceae fam. nov

An aerobic, budding, dark pink to red-pigmented bacterium was isolated from an acidic boreal Sphagnum peat bog and designated strain SP5T. Cells of this strain were non-motile spheres that were uniformly covered with crateriform pits and fimbria, and tended to form aggregates during growth in liquid media. Strain SP5T was capable of growth between pH 4.0 and pH 6.8 (optimum at pH 5.5-6.0) and at temperatures between 10 and 30 °C (optimum at 20-25 °C). The preferred growth substrates were sugars and some heteropolysaccharides. The major fatty acids were C20 : 1ω9c, C16 : 1ω9c and C16 : 0, and the major polar lipid was trimethylornithine. Cells contained also significant amounts of bound (ω-1)OH-C30 : 1 fatty acid. The quinone was menaquinone-6, and the G+C content of the DNA was 60.7 mol%. Strain SP5T was a member of the order Planctomycetales and belonged to the phylogenetic lineage defined by the genus Gemmata. It displayed 88 and 89 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Gemmata obscuriglobusUQM 2246T and 'Gemmata massiliana' IIL30, 89 % to Zavarzinella formosa A10T and 86 % to Telmatocola sphagniphila SP2T. However, strain SP5T differed from members of these genera by cell morphology, substrate utilization pattern and fatty acid composition. Based on these data, the novel isolate should be considered as representing a novel species of a new genus of planctomycetes, for which the name Fimbriiglobus ruber gen. nov., sp. nov, is proposed. The type strain is SP5T (=LMG 29572T=VKM B-3045T). We also suggest the establishment of a novel family, Gemmataceaefam. nov., which includes the phylogenetically related genera Gemmata, Zavarzinella, Telmatocola and Fimbriiglobus.

Comparative Genomics of Four Isosphaeraceae Planctomycetes: A Common Pool of Plasmids and Glycoside Hydrolase Genes Shared by Paludisphaera borealis PX4T, Isosphaera pallida IS1BT, Singulisphaera acidiphila DSM 18658T, and Strain SH-PL62

The family Isosphaeraceae accommodates stalk-free planctomycetes with spherical cells, which can be assembled in short chains, long filaments, or aggregates. These bacteria inhabit a wide variety of terrestrial environments, among those the recently described Paludisphaera borealis PX4T that was isolated from acidic boreal wetlands. Here, we analyzed its finished genome in comparison to those of three other members of the Isosphaeraceae: Isosphaera pallida IS1BT, Singulisphaera acidiphila DSM 18658T, and the uncharacterized planctomycete strain SH-PL62. The complete genome of P. borealis PX4T consists of a 7.5 Mb chromosome and two plasmids, 112 and 43 kb in size. Annotation of the genome sequence revealed 5802 potential protein-coding genes of which 2775 could be functionally assigned. The genes encoding metabolic pathways common for chemo-organotrophic bacteria, such as glycolysis, citrate cycle, pentose-phosphate pathway, and oxidative phosphorylation were identified. Several genes involved in the synthesis of peptidoglycan as well as N-methylated ornithine lipids were present in the genome of P. borealis PX4T. A total of 26 giant genes with a size >5 kb were detected. The genome encodes a wide repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) including 44 glycoside hydrolases (GH) and 83 glycosyltransferases (GT) affiliated with 21 and 13 CAZy families, respectively. The most-represented families are GH5, GH13, GH57, GT2, GT4, and GT83. The experimentally determined carbohydrate utilization pattern agrees well with the genome-predicted capabilities. The CAZyme repertoire in P. borealis PX4T is highly similar to that in the uncharacterized planctomycete SH-PL62 and S. acidiphila DSM 18658T, but different to that in the thermophile I. pallida IS1BT. The latter strain has a strongly reduced CAZyme content. In P. borealis PX4T, many of its CAZyme genes are organized in clusters. Contrary to most other members of the order Planctomycetales, all four analyzed Isosphaeraceae planctomycetes have plasmids in numbers varying from one to four. The plasmids from P. borealis PX4T display synteny to plasmids from other family members, providing evidence for their common evolutionary origin.

High Diversity of Planctomycetes in Soils of Two Lichen-Dominated Sub-Arctic Ecosystems of Northwestern Siberia

A wide variety of terrestrial ecosystems in tundra have a ground vegetation cover composed of reindeer lichens (genera Cladonia and Cetraria). The microbial communities of two lichen-dominated ecosystems typical of the sub-arctic zone of northwestern Siberia, that is a forested tundra soil and a shallow acidic peatland, were examined in our study. As revealed by molecular analyses, soil and peat layers just beneath the lichen cover were abundantly colonized by bacteria from the phylum Planctomycetes. Highest abundance of planctomycetes detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization was in the range 2.2-2.7 × 107 cells per gram of wet weight. 16S rRNA gene fragments from the Planctomycetes comprised 8-13% of total 16S rRNA gene reads retrieved using Illumina pair-end sequencing from the soil and peat samples. Lichen-associated assemblages of planctomycetes displayed unexpectedly high diversity, with a total of 89,662 reads representing 1723 operational taxonomic units determined at 97% sequence identity. The soil of forested tundra was dominated by uncultivated members of the family Planctomycetaceae (53-71% of total Planctomycetes-like reads), while sequences affiliated with the Phycisphaera-related group WD2101 (recently assigned to the order Tepidisphaerales) were most abundant in peat (28-51% of total reads). Representatives of the Isosphaera-Singulisphaera group (14-28% of total reads) and the lineages defined by the genera Gemmata (1-4%) and Planctopirus-Rubinisphaera (1-3%) were present in both habitats. Two strains of Singulisphaera-like bacteria were isolated from studied soil and peat samples. These planctomycetes displayed good tolerance of low temperatures (4-15°C) and were capable of growth on a number of polysaccharides, including lichenan, a characteristic component of lichen-derived phytomass.

[The evaluation of economic damage due to premature mortality of population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)]

The evaluation of economic damage was implemented in relation to premature mortality of population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the region with particular social economic and natural climatic conditions specific to territories of the North. The calculation of economic damage is based on methodology proposed by number of ministries of the Russian Federation and Rosstat in 2012. The presented evaluations and analysis of materials give an idea about total amount of economic damage because of mortality of population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) which is necessary to consider during development of regional programs of decreasing of population mortality.

Paludisphaera borealis gen. nov., sp. nov., a hydrolytic planctomycete from northern wetlands, and proposal of Isosphaeraceae fam. nov

Two isolates of aerobic, budding, pink-pigmented bacteria, designated strains PX4^T and PT1, were isolated from a boreal Sphagnum peat bog and a forested tundra wetland. Cells of these strains were non-motile spheres that occurred singly or in short chains. Novel isolates were capable of growth at pH values between 3.5 and 6.5 (optimum at pH 5.0-5.5) and at temperatures between 6 and 30 °C (optimum at 15-25 °C). Most sugars and a number of polysaccharides including pectin, xylan, lichenin and Phytagel were used as growth substrates. The major fatty acids were C_16 : 0, C_18 : 1ω9 and C_18 : 0; the major polar lipids were phosphocholine and trimethylornithine. The quinone was menaquinone-6, and the G+C content of the DNA was 66 mol%. Strains PX4^T and PT1 were members of the order Planctomycetales and displayed 93-94 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Aquisphaera giovannonii, 91-92 % to species of the genus Singulisphaera and 90-91 % to Isosphaera pallida. The two novel strains, however, differed from members of these genera by cell morphology, substrate utilization pattern and a number of physiological characteristics. Based on these data, the novel isolates should be considered as representing a novel genus and species of planctomycetes, for which the name Paludisphaera borealis gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is PX4^T ( = DSM 28747^T = VKM B-2904^T). We also suggest the establishment of a novel family, Isosphaeraceae fam. nov., to accommodate stalk-free planctomycetes with spherical cells, which can be assembled in short chains, long filaments or shapeless aggregates. This family includes the genera Isosphaera, Aquisphaera, Singulisphaera and Paludisphaera.

Heat stress induces formation of cytoplasmic granules containing HSC70 protein

Using indirect immunofluorescence, in this study we showed that the constitutive heat shock protein HSC70 forms granule-like structures in the cytoplasm of human cells several days after the exposure to heat stress. It was shown that this effect is not the result of HSC70 overexpression under heat stress and is not due to the formation of hyperthermia-induced translational stress granules in the cytoplasm.

[Ethnic aspects of hereditary breast cancer in the region of Siberia]

BACKGROUND

Ethnic diversity of the population in the region of Siberia suggests the existence of different germline mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer in different ethnic populations, but spectrum of these mutations has not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of the most common mutations BRCA1/2 (BRCA1 5382insC, BRCA1 185delAG, BRCA1 4153delAG, BRCAI T300G, BRCA2 6174delT) in women diagnosed with breast cancer among indigenous people and newcomers living in Siberia.

METHODS

We tested 1281 genomic DNA samples for the presence of BRCA1 5382insC mutation in patients diagnosed with breast cancer considering no family history. 72 patients having hereditary cancer signs were tested for the mutations BRCA1 185delAG, BRCA1 4153delAG, BRCA1 T300G, BRCA2 6174delT.

RESULTS

Out of 765 patients of Slavic ethnic group, 27 women (3.5%) were carriers of allele BRCA1 5382insC. The frequencies of mutations in patients with signs of hereditary cancer were: 8.3% in group of young patients (under 40 years), 20.0% in patients with bilateral cancer and 5.7% in patients with family history of breast or ovarian cancers. We tested 516 BC patients residing on the territory of the Buryat-Aginsky district, Republics of Tyva and Altai. Out of them, there were 197 patients among the indigenous population (buryats, tuvinians, altaians), and 319 patients among newcomers (Slavic ethnics). Mutations BRCA1 5382insC were detected only in women from Slavic ethnic groups. The frequency of BRCA1 5382insC mutation was 6% in the group where family history was excluded and 14% in the group of patients with characteristics of family cancer. Allele BRCA1 5382insC was not found in indigenous breast cancer patients, although 59 patients had signs of hereditary cancer. In women from Slavic ethnic group, the BRCA1 185delAG, BRCA1 4153delAG and BRCA1 T300G mutations were detected in 9.1% of cases and were not found in patients among the indigenous population.

CONCLUSION

studies of mutations in the BRCA1 gene in breast cancer patients from Siberia confirmed data on the high frequency of "founder mutation" BRCA1 5382insC in Slavic population and indicate the advisability of further studies to identify the genes responsible for the occurrence of hereditary breast cancer in the indigenous population.

Planctomicrobium piriforme gen. nov., sp. nov., a stalked planctomycete from a littoral wetland of a boreal lake

An aerobic, budding, non-pigmented and rosette-forming bacterium was isolated from a littoral wetland of a boreal lake located in Valaam Island, northern Russia, and designated strain P3T. Ellipsoidal to pear-shaped cells of this bacterium were covered with crateriform pits and possessed stalks suggesting a planctomycete morphotype. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed that strain P3T was a member of the order Planctomycetales and belonged to a phylogenetic lineage defined by the genus Planctomyces , with 89 and 86 % sequence similarity to Planctomyces brasiliensis and Planctomyces maris , respectively. Strain P3T was a mildly acidophilic, mesophilic organism capable of growth at pH values between pH 4.2 and 7.1 (with an optimum at pH 6.0–6.5) and at temperatures between 10 and 30 °C (optimum at 20–28 °C). Most sugars, a number of polysaccharides and several organic acids were the preferred growth substrates. Compared with Planctomyces brasiliensis and Planctomyces maris , which require NaCl for growth, strain P3T was salt-sensitive and did not develop at NaCl concentrations above 0.5 % (w/v). The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c; the cells also contained significant amounts of C18 : 1ω7c and C18 : 0. The major intact polar lipids were diacylglycerol-O-(N,N,N-trimethyl)homoserine (DGTS) lipids; the major neutral lipids were long-chain 1,(ω-1)-diols and C31 : 9 hydrocarbon. The quinone was MK-6, and the G+C content of the DNA was 59.0 mol%. Strain P3T differed from Planctomyces brasiliensis and Planctomyces maris by cell morphology, substrate utilization pattern and a number of physiological characteristics. Based on these data, the novel isolate should be considered as representing a novel genus and species of planctomycetes, for which the name Planctomicrobium piriforme gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is P3T ( = DSM 26348T = VKM B-2887T).

[Bioremediation of oil-polluted soils: using the [13C]/[12C] ratio to characterize microbial products of oil hydrocarbon biodegradation]

We compared data on the extent of bioremediation in soils polluted with oil. The data were obtained using conventional methods of hydrocarbon determination: extraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, extraction IR spectroscopy, and extraction gravimetry. Due to differences in the relative abundances of the stable carbon isotopes (13C/12C) in oil and in soil organic matter, these ratios could be used as natural isotopic labels of either substance. Extraction gravimetry in combination with characteristics of the carbon isotope composition of organic products in the soil before and after bioremediation was shown to be the most informative approach to an evaluation of soil bioremediation. At present, it is the only method enabling quantification of the total petroleum hydrocarbons in oil-polluted soil, as well as of the amounts of hydrocarbons remaining after bioremediation and those microbially transformed into organic products and biomass.

SIMULATION OF GENERAL ANESTHESIA ON THE "SIMMAN 3G" AND ITS EFFICIENCY

In recent years in medical educational process new innovative technologies are widely used with computer simulation, providing the reality of medical intervations and procedures. Practice-training teaching with using of simulation allows to improve the efficiency of learning material at the expense of creating imaginary professional activity and leading barring material to practical activity. The arm of the investigation is evaluation of the students training efficiency at the Medical Institute on the topic "General Anesthesia with using a modern simulation "SimMan 3 G". The material of the investigation is the results, carried out on the basis of the Centre of Practical skills and medical virtual educational technologies (Simulation Centre) at the Medical Institute of NEFU by M.K. Ammosov. The Object of the investigation was made up by 55 students of the third (3) course of the Faculty of General Medicine of the Medical Institute of NEFU. The investigation was hold during practical trainings (April-May 2014) of the General Surgery Department on the topic "General Anesthesia". A simulation practical course "General Anesthesia" consisted of 12 academic hours. Practical training was carried out using instruments, equipments and facilities to install anesthesia on the SimMan 3G with shooting the process and further discussions of the results. The methods of the investigations were the appreciation of students background knowledge before and after practical training (by 5 points scale) and the analysis of the results. The results of the investigation showed that before the practical course only 23 students (41.8%) had dot positive marks: "Good"--7 students (12.7%) and "Satisfactory"--16 (29.1%) students. The rest 22 (58.2%) students had bad results. The practical trainings using real instruments, equipments and facilities with imitation of installation of preparations for introductory anesthesia, main analgesics and muscle relaxants showed a patients reaction on the virtual trainer SimMan 3 G. Students were divided into anesthetic team, co-assisting of an anesthesiologist, an assistant and nurses anesthetist, who conducted general anesthesia (the mask anesthesia, intravenous anesthesia, endotracheal anesthesia). After finishing the practical course 16 students (29.1%) got 5 marks (Excellent), 35 students (63.6%)--4 (Good) and 4 students (7.3%)--3 mark (Satisfactory).

[The children health centers: first results of functioning and perspectives of development]

The article presents analysis of functioning of children health centers organized in allsubjects of the Russian Federation. For the first time, according data of report form 68, the information are received concerning visits of children in following age groups: 0-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years, 15 and 16-17 years. The average Russian indicators of visits of children health centers are calculated that can be applied in territories as markers of their effectiveness. The main flows of arrival of children population to health centers and determining factors are established. The particular attention is paid to analysis of repeated visits. The regional experience of their payments in the system of mandatory medical insurance is presented. The experience of implementation of Internet resources in propaganda of healthy life-style in adolescents and young parents is examined. The results of the carried out study were used as a basis to establish in n prevention activities of children health centers problem zones of medical organizational, technological and informational character. The proposals are given concerning enhancement of children health centers functioning.

REGIONAL TRENDS IN THE WORKING-AGE POPULATION MORTALITY RATE IN THE REPUBLIC OF SAKHA (YAKUTIA) IN 1990-2012

Regions of the Russian Federation differ in climatic-geographic, medical-demographic and social-economic situations. One of the regions with distinct peculiarities is the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Ranking first by the territory (3,103.2 thousand sq x km), Yakutia is on the 81th place by the population density among regions of the Russian Federation (0.3 people per 1 km2).Yakutia is one of the most isolated and inaccessible regions of the world: 90% of the territory lacks all-the-year-round transportation. Regions of the republic, as well, differ significantly in the climatic conditions and the levels of social-economic development, which influences the population health indicators, including mortality. This survey aimed to study the trends of mortality in the working-age population in different groups of regions. To do this, basing on the statistical data, we compared the levels, trends and structure of mortality in 1990-2012. It was established that the different groups of regions show a significant variation in the working-age population mortality, depending on the social-economic conditions. Since 2000, the Arctic group of regions has demonstrated higher mortality in working-age men and women, especially of cardiovascular and digestive system diseases, and external causes. Lying beyond the Arctic Circle, these regions have severe conditions and a relatively low level of social-economic development. As for the rural regions, despite the relatively favourabe situation, they also show a high level of mortality of external causes. The industrial regions are characterized by higher social-economic development, better transport infrastructure, a satisfactory material base of medical institutions. They also have sufficient resources of health institutions, including the staff and modern equipment for treatment and diagnostics, as well as, which is critical, the full range of medical specialists. Thus, these regions demonstrate lower population mortality; however, there is still mortality of infectious diseases, neoplasms, and respiratory diseases.

[The organizational principles and technologies of prevention of the XXI century]

The article considers organizational principles, technologies and criteria of effectiveness of actual preventive activities considering indicators of health condition of children and adolescents. The structures participating in implementation of general and specific prevention among children and adolescents are presented. The structures' functions are enumerated concerning development of succession and unity of preventive environment. The particular attention is paid to development of informational and telecommunication technologies in the fields of health care legal support of health care of children and adolescents, manpower development in area of preventive pediatrics.

[Phylogeny of beta-xylanases from Planctomycetes]

Here, we present the results of a computational analysis of a group of hypothetical GH10 endo-beta-xylanases from the Planctomycetes, a bacterial phylum with poorly characterized functional capabilities. These proteins are encoded in all analyzed genomes of heterotrophic Planctomycetes and form a phylogenetically distinct and tight cluster. In addition, we determined nucleotide sequences for endo-beta-xylanase genes from five strains of Isosphaera-Singulisphaera group of the Planctomycetes. The trees constructed for the 16S rRNA genes and the inferred amino acid sequences of endo-beta-xylanases were highly congruent, thus suggesting the vertical transfer of endo-beta-xylanase genes and their functional importance in Planctomycetes.

[The economic aspects of mortality of population in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutiya)]

The article presents data concerning dynamics of level and structure of mortality of population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutiya) during 1990-2012. The study revealed gender differences and main causes of population mortality. The standardized indicators of mortality due certain causes are presented. The economic losses because of population mortality in 2006-2011 are calculated. It is established that the most input into economic losses because of population mortality was made by diseases of blood circulation system, external causes and neoplasms.

Formation of spatial and nonspatial memory in different condensed versions of short-term learning in Morris water maze

We studied the formation of spatial and nonspatial memory in mice during learning in three different condensed versions of Morris water maze task. Learning in combined version caused the formation of both spatial and nonspatial memory, whereas learning in condensed versions (spatial and nonspatial) led to memory formation specific for the version.