Functional morphology and ultrastructure of the mouth apparatus in the freshwater mite larvae Limnochares aquatica (L., 1758) (Acariformes, Limnocharidae)

The mouth apparatus in larvae of the freshwater mite Limnochares aquatica (L., 1758) (Acariformes, Limnocharidae), belonging to the lower Hydrachnidia, was studied with light microscopy, scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, as well as with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to reveal its main morphological and functional characteristics. The gnathosoma, functioning as a mouth organ takes a prognathous position, and inclines to the body axial line at the angle of around 30°. The gnathosoma is composed of segments of the two pairs of anterior appendages and their derivatives - two-segmented chelicerae lying above the infracapitulum - the compound medial portion of the palpal coxae, and five-segmented palps, articulated with the infracapitulum laterally. The palp tibia bears the bifid palpal claw facing downward nearly at right angle. The basal cheliceral segments are free, i.e., are not covered with the integumental fold posteriorly, and do not fuse with each other. Apically, they articulate with the relatively short movable digits composed of the basal portion (lever) and the distal portion (the cheliceral blades) curved upward by their ends. The flexible fixed digits protrude forward from the distal parts of the basal cheliceral segments. The ventral wall of the gnathosoma (mentum) transforms into a very specific papillary area (velum). A papillary area with long slim papillae is formed of a light cuticle and likely acts as a sucker but does not have contractile elements. The hypostome possesses the well developed lateral lips (galea) tightly embracing the distal portions of the chelicerae and hiding the movable digits. The roof of the infracapitulum (the cervix, or epistome) lying beneath the chelicerae, shows a compound structure. Anteriorly it connects with the inner hypostomal walls forming a particular pharyngeal ring framing the narrow mouth opening. We saw no evidence of a labrum. A characteristic valve projects forward from the dorsal surface of the cervix. A crescent-shaped pharynx runs along the bottom of the infracapitulum and is attached but not fused with the cuticle of the papillary area. The dorsal pharyngeal dilators originate on the cervix, sigmoid pieces and the lateral walls of the infracapitulum at their junction with the dorsal walls of the basal cheliceral segments. A pair of sigmoid pieces having small cavities inside serves for termination of the cheliceral elevators originated on the posterior portions of the dorsal walls of the basal cheliceral segments. The organizational pattern of the gnathosoma in larvae of L. aquatica is rather specific and is quite different from those of other aquatic or terrestrial parasitengonin larvae.

The structural analysis of secretion in the freshwater mite Limnesia maculata (Acariformes, Limnesiidae) supports the idea of a new form of arthropod silk

The structural characteristics of silk secretion of the freshwater mite Limnesia maculata (O.F. Müller) (Acariformes, Limnesiidae) are described and analyzed for the first time based on light, atomic force and electron-microscopical approaches. The common dermal glands (14 pairs scattered over the body) produce silk mostly during the warm summer season. The process of silk secretion lasts from several hours to several days. The silk may appear like barely recognized clouds of a fine whitish substance. An individual silk thread is an indefinitely long uniform unbranched and non-stretchable tube, hollow or with a vesicular electron-dense residual content. In the silk bundle, threads may be freely interlaced, bent, curved or occasionally broken. The diameter of the tubes is in the range of 0.9-1.5 µm. The width of the tube walls varies greatly from 60 to 300 nm. Chaotically interlaced fine fibrils build the tube walls. On the external surface of the tube wall, these fibrils are loosely organized and frequently rising vertically, whereas on the internal side they are packed more tightly sometimes showing a mesh. The walls may reveal a layered structure or, contrary, are quite thin with through foramens. The revealed organization of silk in the freshwater mites is found to be the simplest among that of other arthropods. We propose a role of the silk in the capture of potential prey in the summer season. Silk in water mites significantly widens the wholesome area for the mites' life and gives them better chances in competition for potential resources.

Muscles of the sex organs of Panagrolaimus detritophagus (Chromodorea: Rhabditida: Panagrolaimidae)

The sex organs are important for nematode systematics, but the associated muscles are rarely used as phylogenetic characters. This research aimed to study the musculature of Panagrolaimus detritophagus, using confocal microscopy. The ring-shaped anal sphincter is pierced by a biconical X-structure and connected by two pairs of processes to the subventral stomato-intestinal muscles and dorsal body wall. The female has two pairs of vaginal dilators that are connected to the proximally invaginated vaginal sphincter and subventral body wall. The anal depressor is a pair of dorsoventral muscles. The male has 7-8 pairs of caudal diagonal muscles located beneath the ventral body wall muscles, followed by five pairs of postcloacal oblique muscles. The paired posterior longitudinal muscles are connected to the cloacal opening and tail tip. The paired anterior retractors of the spicule connect the spicule capitula to the lateral body wall; a pair of spicule-gubernacular protractors runs from spicule capitula to the anterior part of gubernaculum, and paired ventral protractors run from spicule capitula to anterior cloacal lip. Two pairs of gubernaculum erectors are attached to the mid-gubernaculum, and the unpaired gubernaculum protractor extends ventrally to attach to the body wall at the posterior cloacal lip. The sex muscle pattern is of the Rhabditidae-Cephalobidae type with a 15-character code for phylogenetic reconstructions: 63313-22234-42243.

A simple and low-cost method to visualize musculature and other aspects of anatomy by confocal microscopy

Confocal microscopy study of musculature and other anatomical structures in whole-mount preparations of arthropods and some other cuticle-bearing animals often presents a significant difficulty because the cuticle poses a barrier to fluorescent dyes and their pigmented tissues can cause attenuation of fluorescent signal. This paper describes a simple and inexpensive procedure based on the use of clove oil as a tissue-clearing, staining, and mounting medium that helps overcome the problem of slow dye penetration and tissue opaqueness and allows muscles and several other organ systems to be visualized by confocal or epifluorescent microscopy. This clove oil-induced fluorescence (COIF) method relies on the ability of clove oil to accumulate in muscles and some other tissues and become steadily fluorescent if irradiated at 488 nm. For this method, animals were fixed in 70% ethanol or 4% formaldehyde, then dehydrated and mounted in clove oil. Heavily pigmented animals were additionally bleached in hydrogen peroxide prior to the dehydration step. The COIF method showed excellent results in all major groups of arthropods and some mollusks and annelids revealing the three-dimensional arrangement of muscles, gonads, glands, cellular nuclei and some parts of the nervous and digestive systems. In the other animal groups tested, clove oil stained all tissues making it difficult to observe the anatomical details. The COIF method is advantageous in some respects over other methods such as phalloidin staining because of its tissue penetration and clearing abilities, low cost of the reagents, resistance to photodamage and the possibility of staining museum specimens.

Neuromuscular organization and haptoral armament of Polyclithrum ponticum (Monogenea: Gyrodactylidae)

Most gyrodactylids have a haptor armed with a pair of hamuli, two connecting bars and 16 marginal hooks. In some gyrodactylids, however, the haptor is disc-shaped and reinforced by additional sclerites. The genus Polyclithrum has arguably the most elaborate haptor in this group. This study aimed to gain better understanding of the anatomy of Polyclithrum by examining neuromusculature and haptoral armament of Polyclithrum ponticum, a species parasitizing Mugil cephalus in the Black Sea, with emphasis on haptoral sclerites and musculature in connection with host-attachment mechanisms. Musculature was stained by phalloidin, the nervous system by anti-serotonin and anti-FMRFamide antibodies, and haptoral sclerites were visualized in reflected light. The study provided new information on sclerites: in addition to previously described supplementary sclerites (A1-6), ear-shaped sclerites (ESSs) and two paired groups of ribs, reflected light revealed a rod-shaped process on the ESSs and a pair of small posterior sclerites. The sclerites were shown to be operated by 16 muscles, the most prominent of which were two transverse muscles connecting the hamular roots, three muscles attached to sclerite A2, the muscle fibres of anterior ribs and a set of extrinsic muscles. The nervous system consists of a pair of cerebral ganglia connected by a commissure and three pairs of nerve cords that unite in the haptor to form a loop between the opposite cords. The arrangement of sclerites and muscles suggests that Polyclithrum initiates the attachment by clamping a host's surface with longitudinally folded haptor and then secures its position with marginal hooks.

Muscles of the male and female copulatory organs of Bursaphelenchus mucronatus and Chiloplacus sp. (Nematoda: Rhabditida)

Male and female copulatory organs figure prominently in nematode taxonomy, but the associated musculature remains insufficiently explored. The aim of this study was therefore to further our knowledge of the musculature of the vulva and male copulatory organs in nematodes by using phalloidin staining and confocal microscopy to examine two nematode species, Bursaphelenchus mucronatus and Chiloplacus sp. The musculature of the round vulva in Chiloplacus sp. comprises three pairs of radial vulval dilators and another pair of dilators of the anterior inner vulval plate. This arrangement is similar to that of the Rhabditida, but in Chiloplacus the anterior pair appears to have been transformed into the vulval plate muscles. The musculature of the slit-like vulva in B. mucronatus includes dilators of the vulval lips and external vulval flap, constrictors of the vulval slit and posterior transverse muscle bands. The opposing pairs of vulval dilators show quadrilateral symmetry as observed in the Rhabditida, but the constrictors running along the rim of the vulva have no counterparts in other species. The musculature of the male copulatory organ in Chiloplacus sp. comprises two pairs of spicule protractors and retractors and three pairs of gubernacular muscles. In B. mucronatus, as in the other Aphelenchoididae, the gubernaculum is absent and there is one pair of spicule protractors and two pairs of muscles inserted on the saddle (angular bend) of the spicules. The arrangement of the spicule saddle muscles resembles those of the gubernaculum, which may indicate that in this family the gubernaculum has become fused to the spicules. The literature review of muscles of nematode copulatory organs are given in a table for 15 muscle groups; it can be used for phylogenetic reconstruction and classification of the order Rhabditida.

[Flow cytometry evaluation of the rhesus monkey cellular immunity following the Zaire ebolavirus (Filoviridae; Ebolavirus: Zaire ebolavirus) experimental infection]

INTRODUCTION

The outbreaks of the Zaire ebolavirus (ZE) disease (ZED) that have arisen in the last decade determine the need to study the infection pathogenesis, the formation of specific immunity forming as well as the development of effective preventive and therapeutic means. All stages of fight against the ZED spread require the experimental infection in sensitive laboratory animals, which are rhesus monkeys in case of this disease .The aim of the study is to evaluate the rhesus monkey cellular immunity following the ZE experimental infection by the means of flow cytometry (cytofluorimetry).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male rhesus monkeys were intramuscularly infected by the dose of 15 LD50 (dose of the pathogen that causes 50% mortality of infected animals) of the ZE, the Zaire strain (ZEBOV). Levels of 18 peripheral blood lymphocyte populations of the animals before the ZE experimental infection and at the terminal stage of the disease were assessed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The certain changes in the levels of the lymphocyte populations were observed following infection, indicating simultaneous activation and suppression of the immune system during ZED. The increase in content was observed for T-lymphocytes, T-helper and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes expressing the corresponding markers of early activation. The decrease was recorded for T-lymphocytes and double-positive T-lymphocytes expressing corresponding markers of late activation, as well as natural killer cells expressing CD8 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

For the first time in the Russian Federation, the rhesus monkey cellular immunity before and after the ZE experimental infection was assessed using flow cytometry.

Impact of lanadelumab on health-related quality of life in patients with hereditary angioedema in the HELP study

Background

An objective of the phase 3 HELP Study was to investigate the effect of lanadelumab on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE).

Methods

Patients with HAE‐1/2 received either lanadelumab 150 mg every 4 weeks (q4wks; n = 28), 300 mg q4wks (n = 29), 300 mg every 2 weeks (q2wks; n = 27), or placebo (n = 41) for 26 weeks (days 0–182). The Angioedema Quality of Life Questionnaire (AE‐QoL) was administered monthly, consisting of four domain (functioning, fatigue/mood, fears/shame, nutrition) and total scores. The generic EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire was administered on days 0, 98, and 182. Comparisons were made between placebo and (a) all lanadelumab‐treated patients and (b) individual lanadelumab groups for changes in scores (day 0–182) and proportions achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID, −6) in AE‐QoL total score.

Results

Compared with the placebo group, the lanadelumab total group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in AE‐QoL total and domain scores (mean change, −13.0 to −29.3; p < 0.05 for all); the largest improvement was in functioning. A significantly greater proportion of the lanadelumab total group achieved the MCID (70% vs 37%; p = 0.001). The lanadelumab 300 mg q2wks group had the highest proportion (81%; p = 0.001) and was 7.2 times more likely to achieve the MCID than the placebo group. Mean EQ‐5D‐5L scores at day 0 were high in all groups, indicating low impairment, with no significant changes at day 182.

Conclusion

Patients with HAE‐1/2 experienced significant and clinically meaningful improvements in HRQoL measured by AE‐QoL following lanadelumab treatment in the HELP Study.

Lanadelumab demonstrates rapid and sustained prevention of hereditary angioedema attacks

Background

Lanadelumab demonstrated efficacy in preventing hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in the phase 3 HELP Study.

Objective

To assess time to onset of effect and long‐term efficacy of lanadelumab, based on exploratory findings from the HELP Study.

Methods

Eligible patients with HAE type I/II received lanadelumab 150 mg every 4 weeks (q4wks), 300 mg q4wks, 300 mg q2wks, or placebo. Ad hoc analyses evaluated day 0‐69 findings using a Poisson regression model accounting for overdispersion. Least‐squares mean monthly HAE attack rate for lanadelumab was compared with placebo. Intrapatient comparisons for days 0‐69 versus steady state (days 70‐182) used a paired t test for continuous endpoints or Kappa statistics for categorical endpoints.

Results

One hundred twenty‐five patients were randomized and treated. During days 0‐69, mean monthly attack rate was significantly lower with lanadelumab (0.41‐0.76) vs placebo (2.04), including attacks requiring acute treatment (0.33‐0.61 vs 1.66) and moderate/severe attacks (0.31‐0.48 vs 1.33, all P ≤ .001). More patients receiving lanadelumab vs placebo were attack free (37.9%‐48.1% vs 7.3%) and responders (85.7%‐100% vs 26.8%). During steady state, the efficacy of lanadelumab vs placebo was similar or improved vs days 0‐69. Intrapatient differences were significant with lanadelumab 300 mg q4wks for select outcomes. Lanadelumab efficacy was durable—HAE attack rate was consistently lower vs placebo, from the first 2 weeks of treatment through study end. Treatment emergent adverse events were comparable during days 0‐69 and 70‐182.

Conclusion

Protection with lanadelumab started from the first dose and continued throughout the entire study period.

Non-steady-state photo-EMF interferometer for detection of mechanical oscillations in transparent scattering objects

The operation of an adaptive non-steady-state photo-electromagnetic field (EMF) sensor is studied in an interferometric arrangement including a diffuse scattering object-fiber optic plate. The mechanical oscillations of this plate induce the strains and stresses of the medium, which modulates the phase of the propagating light wave across the plate. The resonant frequencies of the mechanical system and the distribution of the phase modulation amplitude across the plate's surface are measured. The minimal detectable stress amplitude is estimated.

Architecture of the nervous system in metacercariae of Diplostomum pseudospathaceum Niewiadomska, 1984 (Digenea)

The development of metacercariae of Diplostomum pseudospathaceum Niewiadomska, 1984 is accompanied by profound morphological transformations often characterized as metamorphosis, which makes these metacercariae an interesting case for studying the morphogenesis of the digenean nervous system. Although the nervous system of D. pseudospathaceum is one of the most extensively studied among digeneans, there are still gaps in our knowledge regarding the distribution patterns of some neuroactive substances, most notably neuropeptides. The present study addresses these gaps by studying pre-infective metacercariae of D. pseudospathaceum using immunochemical staining and confocal microscopy to characterize the distribution patterns of serotonin (5-HT) and two major groups of flatworm neuropeptides, FMRFamide-related (FaRPs) and substance P-related (SP) peptides. The general morphology of the nervous system was examined with antibodies to alpha-tubulin. The nervous system of the metacercariae was shown to conform to the most common morphology of the nervous system in the hermaphroditic generation, with three pairs of posterior nerve cords and four pairs of anterior nerves. The patterns of FaRP- and 5-HT immunoreactivity (IR) were similar to those revealed in earlier studies by cholinesterase activity, which is in accordance with the known role of these neurotransmitters in controlling muscle activity in flatworms. The SP-IR nervous system was significantly different and consisted of mostly bipolar cells presumably acting as mechanoreceptors. The architecture of the nervous system in D. pseudospathaceum metacercariae is discussed in comparison to that in cercariae of D. pseudospathaceum and metacercariae of related digenean species.

Measurements of electron density profile by frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer in the T-10 tokamak using high magnetic field side probing and extraordinary mode lower cutoff

A new, previously unused combination of the high magnetic field side probing and the lower extraordinary mode cutoff was used in the T-10 tokamak for the electron density profile measurements by using a frequency modulation continuous wave reflectometer. This scheme has a significant advantage for large fusion machines where flat electron density profiles and high electron temperatures are expected. The reflectometer design is based on a common scheme with voltage controlled oscillators, active multipliers, and in-phase/quadrature signal detection. Iterative procedures were applied to calibrate a microwave source frequency and compensate the dispersion of probing signals in the conventional rectangular waveguides used as the transmission lines. About 0.2% stability of the beating frequency was reached after the calibration procedure had been finished. An advanced finite-difference scheme was proposed for the reconstruction of the electron density profile to reduce errors and improve the overall performance of the algorithm. Reconstructed electron density profiles demonstrate good agreement with conventional T-10 diagnostic data. Some specific technical and physical aspects of the diagnostic were also discussed on the basis of T-10 operation experience.

CHANGES IN SPINATION PATTERNS OVER THE COURSE OF METACERCARIAL DEVELOPMENT OF DIPLOSTOMUM PSEUDOSPATHACEUM NIEWIADOMSKA, 1984 (TREMATODA, DIPLOSTOMIDAE)

Metacercarial development of most Diplostomum species including D. pseudospathaceum occurs in the eye lenses of their fish hosts and is accompanied by radical morphological changes often referred to as metamorphosis. One of the structures undergoing substantial changes in D. pseudospathacewn are tegumental spines. The present study used phalloidin staining and confocal microscopy to examine these changes in D. pseudospathaceum over the course of development from 3-day-old to infective metacercariae. Although the general pattern of spination remained essentially unchanged, most larval spines continued growing in size until late in metacercarial development. From day 10 of development, larval spination was gradually replaced by small incipient definitive spines and the infective metacercariae had only definitive spination. The possible adaptive role of spines in developing metacercariae is discussed.

Buffalopox

Buffalopox is a contagious viral disease affecting milch buffaloes (Bubalus Bubalis) and, rarely, cows. The disease has zoonotic implications, as outbreaks are frequently associated with human infections, particularly in the milkers. Buffalopox is associated with high morbidity (80%). The clinical symptoms of the disease are characterized by wartline lesions on the udder, teats, inguinal region, base of the ears, and over the parotid. In the severe form, generalized rash is observed. Although the disease does not lead to high mortality, it has an adverse effect on the productivity and working capacity of the animals resulting in large economic losses. The outbreaks of buffalopox occurred frequently in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Iran, Egypt, and Indonesia, where buffaloes are reared as milch animals. The buffalopox is closely related with other Orthopoxviruses. In particular, it is close to the vaccinia virus. There is a view that the buffalopox virus might be derived from the vaccinia virus. It is possible that it became pathogenic to humans and animals through adaptive evolution of the genome by obtaining the virulence genes. PCR is performed for the C18L gene for the purpose of specific detection and differentiation of the buffalopox virus from other orthopoxviruses. The C18L gene encodes the ankyrin repeat protein, which determines the virus host range. The open reading frame of this gene is only 150-nucleotide long as against 453 nucleotide in the vaccinia virus, 756 - in the camelpox virus, and 759 - in the cowpox virus. It can be concluded that a systematic study based on the epidemiology of the virus, existence of reservoirs, biological transmission, and the molecular organization of the buffalopox virus from buffalo, cow, and humans may pave the way to a better understanding of the circulating virus and contribute to the control of the disease using the suitable diagnostic and prophylactic measures.

Special evaluation of work conditions: drawbacks of method and ways to improve

The authors present analysis of <<Method of special evaluation of work conditions>> by RF Labor Ministry. Thorough consideration covers preparatory stage of special evaluation of work conditions and stage of identification of hazards. Drawbacks of the methods are revealed, improvement ways are suggested.

[DETECTION OF VENEZUELAN EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS VIRUS RNA IN BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES BY REVERSE-TRANSCRIPTION POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION]

AIM

Detection-and identification of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus RNA in biological samples by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RT-PCR in real time (rRT-PCR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

VEE, Sindbis, West Nile, Japanese and tick-borne encephalitis viruses were studied. Cell culture of chicken fibroblasts, outbred mice and rats, Javanese macaques were used in the experiments. Biological activity determination of the running culture of causative agents used in the experiments was carried out by negative colony method in monolayer cell culture under agar coating. and using intra-cerebral infection of mice. Reagent kits developed in the 48th Central Research Institute and Institute of Analytical Instrument Engineering were used during execution of experiments of VEE virus RNA detection by RT-PCR and rRT-PCR.

RESULTS

VEE virus was detected in biological samples by various methods. Data from RT-PCR and rRT-PCR are in accordance with the results of virus detection in samples using sensitive animals.

CONCLUSION

Use of molecular-diagnostics methods for detection in biological samples of a causative agent of a dangerous infectious disease is important for procuring biological safety of Russian Federation.

[EPIDEMIOLOGIC ANALYSIS OF OUTBREAKS OF DISEASES CAUSED BY AMERICAN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS CAUSATIVE AGENTS IN ENDEMIC REGIONS]

Epidemiologic analysis of epidemic outbreaks caused by American equine encephalitis causative agents is carried out in the review. Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), Western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE) and Venezuela equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) viruses are etiologic agents of dangerous transmissive diseases that are usually accompanied by fever and neurologic symptoms. Among the New World alphaviruses, VEE virus has the most potential danger for humans and domestic animals. Currently, enzootic strains of VEE play an increasing role as etiologic agents of human diseases. Most of the VEE cases in humans in endemic regions during inter-epidemic period are caused by infection with VEE subtype ID virus. A possibility of emergence of novel epidemic outbreaks of VEE is determined by mutations of ID subtype strains into IC subtype, and those currently pose a potential threat as an etiologic agent of the disease. Despite low morbidity, EEE and WEE are a problem for healthcare due to a relatively high frequency of lethal outcomes of the disease.

[The vaccines based on the replicon of the venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus against viral hemorrhagic fevers]

The status of the various recombinant DNA and RNA-derived candidate vaccines, as well as the Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus (VEEV) replicon vaccine system against extremely hazardous viral hemorrhagic fevers, were reviewed. The VEEV-based replication-incompetent vectors offer attractive features in terms of safety, high expression levels of the heterologous viral antigen, tropism to dendritic cells, robust immune responses, protection efficacy, low potential for pre-existing anti-vector immunity and possibility of engineering multivalent vaccines were tested. These features of the VEEV replicon system hold much promise for the development of new generation vaccine candidates against viral hemorrhagic fevers.

[Giant abdominal urate tumor-like mass with multiple crystalline deposits in the bowel and lung walls in a patent with terminal heart failure]

The paper describes a unique case of a large abdominal urate mass with a peculiar inflammatory process with giant cells and smaller urate deposits in the lung and small bowel without articular changes and kidney injury in a patient with terminal heart failure.

[The molecular genetic characteristic of RNA of human enterovirus detected in bio-test from child with serous meningitis]

The article considers molecular genetic characteristic of RNA of human enterovirus detected in bio-test from child with serous meningitis. The nucleotide sequence of genome DNA is analyzed. In 98% it is identical to corresponding nucleotide sequences of strains of human enterovirus A serotype 71 detected in China.

[The separation, identification and molecular biologic analysis of isolates of pandemic influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09]

The article presents data concerning analysis of bioassays under suspicion of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. The technique of back transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing was applied. The separation of native influenza virus A was implemented using passaging through developing chick embryos.

[The application of external and internal control objects in case of using of polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcription of polymerase chain reaction]

The external and internal control samples are used in case of polymerase chain reaction application to ensure validity of results. The external control samples are used to establish operability of reagents included into diagnostic kit. The internal control samples make it possible to check not only all the stages of reaction but also the process of amplification in each individual test tube with reaction mixture.

[Cytoprotectors and their application in sports medicine]

The article presents data of literature review on potential use of cytoprotectors in sports medicine (exemplified by Mildronat medication). This group of medications improve metabolism and energy supply in tissues. One of leading indications to Mildronat use is state of low mental and physical performance, including that of athletes.

Muscle fibers in the central nervous system of nemerteans: spatial organization and functional role

The system of muscle fibers associated with the brain and lateral nerve cords is present in all major groups of enoplan nemerteans. Unfortunately, very little is known about the functional role and spatial arrangement of these muscles of the central nervous system. This article examines the architecture of the musculature of the central nervous system in two species of monostiliferous nemerteans (Emplectonema gracile and Tetrastemma cf. candidum) using phalloidin staining and confocal microscopy. The article also briefly discusses the body-wall musculature and the muscles of the cephalic region. In both species, the lateral nerve cords possess two pairs of cardinal muscles that run the length of the nerve cords and pass through the ventral cerebral ganglia. A system of peripheral muscles forms a meshwork around the lateral nerve cords in E. gracile. The actin-rich processes that ramify within the nerve cords in E. gracile (transverse fibers) might represent a separate population of glia-like cells or sarcoplasmic projections of the peripheral muscles of the central nervous system. The lateral nerve cords in T. cf. candidum lack peripheral muscles but have muscles similar in their position and orientation to the transverse fibers. The musculature of the central nervous system is hypothesized to function as a support system for the lateral nerve cords and brain, preventing rupturing and herniation of the nervous tissue during locomotion. The occurrence of muscles of the central nervous system in nemerteans and other groups and their possible relevance in taxonomy are discussed.

[Production of 70 kDa recombinant human heat shock protein in baculovirus expression system and assessment of its antiviral activity]

AIM

To obtain human recombinant 70 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70) in baculovirus expression system and to study its antiviral activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Baculovirus expression system was used to obtain recombinant HSP70. Plasmid pFastBacHTb-Hsp70 containing sequence coding HSP70 gene with insertion of 6 histidine residues in protein reading frame was constructed. Competent cells MAX Efficiency DH 10 Bac were transfected with pFastBacHTb-Hsp70 plasmid with following extraction of recombinant bacmid Bac-Hsp70. In order to obtain baculovirus expressing HSP70, Sf-9 cells were transfected with Bac-Hsp70 bacmid. Hsp70 extraction and purification was performed with column metal-chelating affinity chromatography using Ni2+ ions. Protective efficacy of recombinant human HSP70 was estimated using model of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) in mice.

RESULTS

Recombinant bacmid Bac-Hsp70 was constructed based on Bac-to-Bac expression system. Baculovirus expressing human HSP70 have been produced after transfection of Sf-9 cells with Bac-Hsp70 bacmid. Cultivation of recombinant baculovirus in Sf-9 cells and application of metal-chelating affinity chromatography allowed to extract purified fraction of HSP70. Experiments on mice infected with VEE virus demonstrated significant protection from death after administration of HSP70 in dose 15 mcg/mice.

CONCLUSION

Application of baculovirus expression system and insect cell line for accumulation of recombinant baculoviruses in combination with Ni(2+)-mediated metal-chelating affinity chromatography allowed to obtain highly purified human recombinant HSP70 with marked antiviral activity.

[Metastatic glioblastoma in a submandibular lymph node (a rare case)]

Extraneural metastases from glioblastoma are rare. A case of metastatic right parietal lobe glioblastoma in cervical node after repeat craniotomy is presented.

[Long-term results of treatment in patients with oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas of the cerebral hemispheres]

BACKGROUND

the current approach to treating patients with cerebral oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas involves surgical treatment with the maximum tumor resection in reasonable ranges, by taking into account the anatomic and physiological availability, followed by chemo- and radiotherapy. Nevertheless, it should be recognized that criteria for choosing the optimum regiment for the treatment of these tumors have not conclusively established.

MATERIALS

the long-term results of treatment were analyzed in 80 patients with oligoglial tumors (oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas in 31 and 49 patients, respectively) treated at the A.L. Polenov Russian Institute of Neurosurgery in 1990 to 2004. The patients' mean age was 18.9 years. 38.5% of tumors were located in the frontal lobe. In 67 (83.75%) patients, Karnoffsky score was 70-90. Radiotherapy was used in the treatment of 71 patients and postoperative chemotherapy in 52 (87,5%) patients.

RESULTS

After complex therapy, the mean survival was 80.6 months in patients with oligodendrogliomas, 63.3 months in those with anaplastic oligoastrocytomas, and 42 months in those with anaplastic oligodendrogliomas.

B0-B(-)0 mixing beyond factorization in QCD sum rules

We present a calculation of the B0-B(-)0 mixing matrix element in the framework of QCD sum rules for three-point functions. We compute alpha(s) corrections to a three-point function at the three-loop level in QCD perturbation theory, which allows one to extract the matrix element with next-to-leading order (NLO) accuracy. This calculation is imperative for a consistent evaluation of experimentally measured mixing parameters since the coefficient functions of the effective Hamiltonian for B0-B(-)0 mixing are known at NLO. We find that radiative corrections violate factorization at NLO; this violation is under full control and amounts to 10%. The resulting value of the B parameter is found to be B(B)(m(b))=1+0.1(PT)-0.05(non-PT).

Experience With the Nidek MK-2000 Microkeratome in 1220 Cases

PURPOSE

To evaluate the performance of the Nidek MK-2000 microkeratome.

METHODS

The Nidek MK-2000 microkeratome was used in 1,220 cases of LASIK with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. Patients had a wide range of myopia (-0.75 to -25.00 D), hyperopia (+0.75 to +9.00 D) and/or astigmatism (-7.00 to +6.50 D). The flap was created with the 130-microm microkeratome plate for 859 eyes, and the 160-microm plate for 361 eyes. In 632 eyes, the 8.5-mm ring was used, and the 9.5-mm ring was used in 588 eyes. The flap hinge was placed nasally, superiorly, or inferiorly depending on the needs of the case. An easy external modification allowed us to gently increase and decrease the vacuum level and to perform the procedure using a low vacuum regimen, if necessary.

RESULTS

The edges of the flaps and the corneal surface were of good quality in all eyes. No free flaps were noted. One case was aborted because of inappropriate flap formation in a patient with a large difference (6.50 D) in corneal curvature in two main meridians. This patient successfully underwent LASIK 1 month later, placing the flap hinge in the opposite direction. Small epithelial shrinkage was noted in 38 eyes. No other flap complications were noted. In all patients the flap diameter and thickness were close to that estimated by the manufacturer. The vacuum level was adequate and stable in all cases.

CONCLUSION

The Nidek MK-2000 microkeratome was easy to use, predictable, and safe. However, we suggest a modification, adding an adjustable head movement to create wider hinge-to-center-of-pupil distance and an additional 9.0-mm suction ring.

Measuring gamma cleanly with CP-tagged B(s) and B(d) decays

We propose a new method for measuring the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa phase gamma using the partial rates for CP-tagged B(s) decays. Such an experiment could be performed at a very high luminosity symmetric e(+)e(-) collider operating at the Upsilon(5S) resonance, where the B(s)&Bmacr;(s) pair is produced in a state of definite CP. We also discuss CP tagging in the B(d) system at the Upsilon(4S), where a time-dependent analysis is required to compensate for the anticipated large CP violation in B(d)-&Bmacr;(d) mixing.

[The characteristics of the anesthesiological support for surgical interventions in patients earlier operated on the heart]

The article presents an analysis of the authors' experiences with anesthesiological maintenance of operations on patients after revascularization of the myocardium, implantation of permanent cardiostimulant and heart value prosthesis. Main risk factors responsible for severe complications were found to be congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction which took place 6 months before the operation, certain forms of arrhythmias, unstable stenocardia, pronounced stenosis of the aortic valve, age older than 70 years, diabetes mellitus. The comprehensive preoperative preparing, choice of the adequate methods of anesthesia and maintenance of the up-to-date intraoperative monitoring create the conditions for a less risk of the surgical treatment.