Influence of breed and environment on leukocyte telomere length in cattle

High milk yield is associated with reduced longevity in high-producing dairy cattle breeds. Pre-term culling leads to high replacement heifer demand and economic losses for the dairy industry. Selection for this trait is limited because of low heritability and difficulties in phenotype measurement. Telomeres are elements found at the ends of chromosomes, consisting of repetitive DNA sequences, several thousand base pairs in length, coupled with nucleoprotein complexes. Eventually, in humans and most other animals, telomere length reduces with age. When telomeric DNA is truncated to a critical length, cell ageing, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis are induced. As a result, telomere length can be considered as a predictor of health risks and an individual's lifespan. The leukocyte telomere length may be used as a proxy phenotype of productive lifespan to improve cattle selection. Our objectives were to assess the effects of breed and breed group (dairy vs. beef) on the leukocyte telomere length and to estimate the effect of cold climate on this trait in Kalmyk cattle populations from the South (Rostov Oblast) and Far North (Republic of Sakha) regions of Russia. The leukocyte telomere lengths were estimated computationally from whole-genome resequencing data. We leveraged data on leukocyte telomere length, sex, and age of 239 animals from 17 cattle breeds. The breed factor had a significant effect on leukocyte telomere length across our sample. There was no difference in leukocyte telomere length between dairy and beef groups. The population factor had a significant effect on leukocyte telomere length in Kalmyk animals. In conclusion, we found that breed, but not breed group (dairy vs. beef), was significantly associated with leukocyte telomere length in cattle. Residence in colder climates was associated with longer leukocyte telomere length in Kalmyk breed cattle.

[Status and prospects for improving geriatric care in the Russian Federation.]

The data on legal support, resources, structure, staffing of the geriatric service are given. The state of the geriatric service during the COVID-19 pandemic is discussed, as well as plans and directions for development in the post-COVID period. At the end of 2022, the geriatric service in its development reached the following indicators: 1 303 outpatient rooms; 75 geriatric centers; about 2 000 geriatricians trained; 9,2 million citizens older than working age underwent professional examinations; more than 16.0 million citizens older than working age were under dispensary observation; 106,8 thousand citizens older than working age were hospitalized in geriatric beds. It emphasizes the need to organize the provision of multi-level geriatric care and the need to reorganize geriatric care in general.

[Predictive model for additional intraoperative placement of chest drainage after thoracoscopic lobectomy]

OBJECTIVE

To create a prognostic model determining the risk of tension pneumothorax and the need for intraoperative installation of additional drainage after thoracoscopic lobectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective multiple-center study included patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer between 2016 and 2022. One drainage tube was used after surgery in all cases. We synthesized data to expand patient selection using the Riley method and machine learning algorithm. In total, treatment outcomes in 1458 patients were analyzed. After identifying significant factors, we performed binary logistic regression analysis using backward stepwise inclusion of variables in accordance with the Akaike information criterion. After validating the model using the Bootstrap method (400 iterations) and original data set, we created a nomogram determining scoring characteristics, linear predictors and risk of postoperative tension pneumothorax.

RESULTS

The incidence of tension pneumothorax was 4.53% (n=66). The most significant variables associated with pneumothorax and the need for additional pleural drainage were adhesions, intraoperative lung suturing, unclear interlobar groove, enlarged intrapulmonary lymph nodes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p<0.001). The model's C-index was 0.957, mean absolute calibration error - 0.6%, calibration curve slope - 0.959. A score of 26 indicated a 95% risk of postoperative pneumothorax.

CONCLUSION

We developed a prognostic model for tension pneumothorax after thoracoscopic lobectomy. Nomogram makes it possible to make a decision on intraoperative installation of additional pleural drainage tube and prevent complications associated with postoperative lung collapse.

The course of bullous pemphigoid against the background of vaccination against a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)

The article describes a clinical case of vaccination with the drug "Kovivac" of a patient of an older age group with an established diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid. Scientific data on the prevalence of bullous dermatoses in the Russian Federation (true pemphigus, Lever's bullous pemphigoid, Dhring's herpetiformis dermatitis) are presented. There is a good tolerance of the Kovivac vaccine in a patient suffering from bullous pemphigoid, which allows vaccination, in fact, without interrupting patients from their daily activities and without diverting the resources of the healthcare system to unreasonable inpatient care. The decision to vaccinate should be made on the basis of data on the available indications / contraindications for drugs, taking into account the individual anamnestic data of patients. In addition, it should be borne in mind that until now, all links of the infectious process caused by SARS-CoV-2 have not been fully studied. In this regard, before vaccination, patients must be informed of the need to comply with the anti-epidemic measures recommended for the prevention of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), even after full vaccination, as well as dynamic observation by specialist doctors.

Data on rumen and faeces microbiota profiles of Yakutian and Kalmyk cattle revealed by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons

It is known that the rumen microbiome directly or indirectly contributes to animal production, and may be a prospective target for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions [1]. At the same time, feed types and components of diet can influence the composition of the rumen microbiome [2,3]. Fluctuations in the composition of the digestive tract microbiota can alter the development, health, and productivity of cattle [4]. Many studies of cattle microbiomes have focussed on the rumen microbiota, whereas the faecal microbiota has received less attention [5], [6], [7]. Therefore, the features of the faecal and the ruminal microbiomes in different cattle breeds are yet to be studied. Here, we provided 16S rRNA gene amplicon data of the ruminal and the faecal microbiomes from Yakutian and Kalmyk cattle living in the Republic of Sakha, Yakutia, Russia. Total DNA was extracted from 13 faecal and 13 ruminal samples, and DNA libraries were prepared and sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform. Paired-end raw reads were processed, and final operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were assigned to the respective prokaryotic taxa using the RDP (Ribosomal Database Project) database. Analysis of the microbiome composition at the phylum level revealed very similar faecal microbiota between the introduced Kalmyk breed and the indigenous Yakutian breed, whereas the ruminal microbiomes of these breeds differed substantially in terms of relative abundance of some prokaryotic phyla. We believe that the data obtained may provide new insights into the dynamics of the ruminal and the faecal microbiota of cattle as well as disclose breed-specific features of ruminal microbiomes. Besides, these data will contribute to our understanding of the ruminal microbiome structure and function, and might be useful for the management of cattle feeding and ruminal methane production.

Morphological Variability of the Mandible Shape of the Common Vole Microtus arvalis (Rodentia, Arvicolidae) Semi-species from the Hybrid Zone

The mandible shape of the common vole semi-species from the hybrid zone was studied for the first time using the methods of geometric morphometry. The hybrid specimens were found to display high morphological variability being closer to the parental Microtus obscurus than to M. arvalis form. The main trends of changes in the mandible shape were primarily observed in the horizontal plane.

[Features of diagnosis and clinical picture of common dermatoses in the elderly and senile age.]

The review article presents data on common dermatoses in elderly patients. At present, this topic is practically not discussed in the Russian geriatrics. The urgency of the problem is increasing due to the increase in life expectancy and the deterioration in the availability of specialized care (in particular, dermatological care), especially for elderly patients. The review discusses a number of clinical cases in elderly patients. This article is addressed to geriatrics, general practitioners, general practitioners (family doctors).

[Microbiological profile of postoperative infection in current oncology surgery]

AIM

To analyze in-hospital infection in oncology center within 2012-2016.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 98 patients with nosocomial infection who underwent surgery for malignancies. Microbiological examination of biological materials was carried out by appropriate laboratories according to generally accepted methods.

RESULTS

Mono- and polymicrobial infection was observed in 58 and 42% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common agent in patients with microbial infection. Minimal inhibitory concentration of vancomycin (MIC) ≥1.0 μg/ml was revealed in 60% of microbes. Microbial agents isolated were resistant to antibacterial drugs used to prevent postoperative infectious complications.

CONCLUSION

In-hospital infection was accompanied by staphylococci as a rule. Causative agents of nosocomial infections are usually resistant to conventional antibacterial drugs. Moreover, 60.1% of microbes had minimal inhibitory concentration of vancomycin ≥1.0 μg/ml that indicated the need for alternative therapeutic agents.

A HUNDRED YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN NATIONAL DERMATOVENEREOLOGY. STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF DERMATOVENEREOLOGICAL CARE FOR THE POPULATION (PART II)

The stages of the formation of a model for the organization of dermatovenereological care to the population of the Russian Federation during the period from 1917 to 2017 were analyzed.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia and generalized affection of the skin

Doctors from the State Research Center for Dermatology, Venereology and Cosmetology followed up a female patient with a rare diagnosis: angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia. The clinical nature of the skin had a number of specific features: propagation of eruptions all over the skin as well as double-side scrotal lymphadenopathy. The count of eosinophils in the total blood count was normal, which complicated the diagnostics. The authors provide data from literature sources on the etiology and pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnostics methods and therapy of the disease.

Treatment of patients suffering from psoriasis in cases of resistance to Infliximab

The authors describe cases from the clinical practice of efficient use of preformed physical factors, general PUVA baths, in treatment of psoriasis patients who have previously received treatment with Infliximab, an anti-cytokine drug (Remicade).

Efficiency of information technologies in the process of rendering specialized dermatovenerologicalaid to the population of the Russian Federation

The authors present the results of a detailed analysis of information and telecommunications resources of regional dermatovenerological institutions, describe major principles for establishing a common information system in the health care system of the Russian Federation, and substantiate organizational and medical efficiency of introduction of an information analytical system for monitoring the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases.

Follicular vegetative dyskeratosis complicated with a secondary infection

A patient with a rare form of dermatosis, follicular vegetative dyskeratosis (Darier-White disease), was under observation. Particular features of the case under examination are described: prevalent skin eruptions with affected mucous coats of the oral cavity; pathologic process complicated with a secondary infection. The efficacy of neotigason, a drug belonging to the group of synthetic retinoids, was demonstrated.

Psoriatic arthritis: particular features of its clinical course

The number of patients suffering from severe forms of psoriatic arthritis has increased for the recent years. Psoriatic arthritis is accompanied by synovitis and exudation in the joint cavity in some patients. Healing depends on the timely and correct treatment

Potential and prospects of rendering high-end medical aid todermatovenerological patients

The authors defined stages of development of high-end medical aid for skin and hypoderm diseases and presented particular features of such aid based on their many years experience and analysis of normative and legal acts as well as methodical guidelines. A study of the potential of regional medical institutions in rendering high-end dermatovenerological aid conducted by the authors enabled them to substantiate further ways of development for this type of medical aid.

Telecommunications technologies used in dermatovenerology

The article discusses key lines of activities of the State Research Center for Dermatology and Venereology related to the development of telemedicine in the process of rendering specialized medical aid to dermatovenerological patients and distance education for experts in the field of dermatology, venereology and cosmetology. It presents up-to-date data on the potential and level of development of information and telecommunications technologies in specialized dermatovenerological medical institutions.

[Chromosomal instability of peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients with precancer gastric cases]

Results of clinical and instrumental-laboratory study of 17 cases are presented. According to the rapid urease test (CLO) and histological studies, the helicobacter infection was found in 12 (70.6%) cases out of the group of 17 suffering from chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcer adenomatous polyposis. Analyses of Helicobacter pylori dissemination over the gastric mucosa manifested the I (weak) degree (up to 20 microbes within field of vision) prevailing in 8 (66.7%) of 12 cases, while the II (medium) degree (up to 50 microbes within field of vision) and III (high) degree (over 50 microbes within field of vision) occurred only in 4 cases (33.3%). By comparative cytogenetic research of the peripheral blood lymphocytes we found the immunogenetic markers and characteristic features of cytogenetic disturbances in the immunocompetent cells in cases of pre-cancer Helicobacter pylori-associated diseases (chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcer, adenomatous polyposis). Statistical data confirmed an increase in the percentage of cells with chromosomal aberrations, which amounted to 4.25+/-0.51 in the chronic atrophic gastritis cases, 3.5+/-0.46 in the gastric ulcer cases, 5.75+/-0.60 in the adenomatous polyposis cases for 100 analyzed metaphases. Considering the questionable role of Helicobacter pylori as a direct initiator of mutagenesis, the immune disturbances may be caused by the damage of DNA of lymphocytes resulting from the genotoxic effect of some intermediates of inflammation.

Tokamak equilibria with reversed current density

Observations of nearly zero toroidal current in the central region of tokamaks (the "current hole") raises the question of the existence of toroidal equilibria with very low or reversed current in the core. The solutions of the Grad-Shafranov equilibrium equation with hollow toroidal current density profile including negative current density in the plasma center are investigated. Solutions of the corresponding eigenvalue problem provide simple examples of such equilibrium configurations. More realistic equilibria with toroidal current density reversal are computed using a new equilibrium problem formulation and computational algorithm which do not assume nested magnetic surfaces.

[Ultrastructure of myocardial capillaries in chronic ischemic heart disease]

Intraoperative myocardial biopsy specimens taken from 50 patients with coronary heart disease were studied to examine ultrastructure of myocardial capillaries. It was found that this disease was characterized by abundant myocardial capillaries with a narrowed lumen. Quantitative stereological analysis indicated that the ultrastructure of the capillaries with narrowed lumen was not substantially different from that of open capillaries. The findings showed that the narrowed capillaries to be reserve and capable of providing an adequate blood supply of cardiomyocytes after aortocoronary bypass surgery.

[Factors determining the success of the surgical treatment of chronic postinfarct heart aneurysm]

Evaluation of instrumental findings in relation to clinical course of the early postoperative period in 105 patients operated on for chronic postinfarction aneurysm of the heart demonstrated that regional left-ventricular contractility, particularly that of unscarred myocardial tissue, is the principal determinant of surgical success, followed by the severity of attendant coronary sclerosis and, consequently, the adequacy of the chosen surgical procedure. Preoperative congestive heart failure, indicative of disrupted left-ventricular myocardial compensatory potential, is an aggravating factor.

[Complex evaluation of the long-term results of resection of postinfarct aneurysms of the left ventricle]

Late results of left ventricular postinfarction aneurysm resection were studied in 112 patients. The results were good or satisfactory in 84.7% of patients, who mostly showed no hemodynamically significant coronary arterial stenoses or with one major branch affected, and a dyskinetic aneurysm. Clinical improvement was accompanied by a significant increase in stress tolerance, an increase in maximum oxygen utilization per 1 kg body weight, a decrease in the proportion of oxygen debt to oxygen want and better myocardial contractility, evidence of increased physical working capacity of the postoperative patients. The results were poor in patients with multiple coronary arterial stenoses and heart failure uncontrollable by medication.

[Choice of the surgical intervention method in patients with chronic abdominal ischemia]

An experience with the treatment of 111 patients with chronic abdominal ischemia resulting from the alteration of the unpaired visceral branches of the abdominal aorta is presented. In 74 of the patients 77 operations have been performed. Criteria for the choice of the method of surgery in such patients are proposed depending on etiology, localization and spread of the pathological process. Positive results were obtained in 76% of the patients.

[Surgery of complicated aneurysms of the abdominal aorta]

Results of the surgical treatment of 107 patients with a complicated aneurysm of the abdominal aorta are presented. The general lethality for the period from 1966 to 1984 was 49,5%. In the recent years the postoperative lethality in patients with ruptured aneurysms has been reduced from 79,4% to 47,2%, in patients with threatening ruptures from 41,6% to 16%. The positive changes were due to a number of factors: less amount of prehospital diagnostic errors; earlier admission to the hospital, better urgent diagnosis of the abnormality by up-to-date non-invasive methods of examination (ultrasonic scanning, computer tomography, radionuclide angiography); using balloon catheters obturating the aorta above the ruptured aneurysm for temporary preoperative arrest of bleeding; selection of a less traumatic method of operation of the aneurysm resection without dissection of the aorta with intra-aortal prosthesis specific under conditions of the HBO-operating room; better resuscitation and anesthesiologic aid for this critical category of patients.

[Physical work capacity prognosis of hypertensive patients]

From the results of the examination of 176 patients with hypertensive disease the authors compared 49 signs, including sex, age, the findings of medical history, inspection, X-ray, ECG and consultations of an ophthalmologist with the power of physical exertion on a bicycle ergometer. Fifteen signs with a marked correlative connection with the power of exertion (r greater than 0.5) were distinguished. Systolic arterial pressure (170 mm Hg and more), circulatory insufficiency, concomitant ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis of the peripheral arteries and hypokinetic type of circulation proved to be the most important factors limiting the physical working capacity of patients with hypertensive disease. A table for prognosticating the working capacity was compiled.

[Evaluation of the adequacy of myocardial protection during aortocoronary shunting by electron microscopy data on intraoperative heart biopsies]

To evaluate the efficacy of combined cold and pharmacological protection of the myocardium in aortocoronary shunting, study of myocardial ultrastructure with quantitative stereological analysis of the mitochondria was conducted in 56 puncture biopsies; the material was collected in 28 patients with chronic ischemic heart disease before the aorta was clamped and after the clamp was removed. The period of anoxia did not exceed 68 minutes. The absence of irreparable morphological changes in the cardiomyocytes correlated with the character of restoration of cardiac activity and function after the operation, which allowed the conclusion that this is an effective method for protecting the myocardium of patients with chronic ischemic heart disease from anoxia during 68 minutes of cardioplegia.

[Ultrastructure of the contractile myocardium in chronic ischemic heart disease]

The ultrastructure of the contractile myocardium of the left ventricle of the heart in chronic ischemic heart disease was studied in 24 puncture myocardial biopsies. Marked dystrophic changes were revealed in the cell organelles, both in the membrane systems and in the myofibrillary apparatus, which the authors believe were caused by long-term increasing ischemia of the organ. Besides dystrophy, signs of intracellular regeneration were found in some myocytes. These signs were the presence of euchromatin in the nuclei of the myocytes, and increase in the amount of RNA granules and granular sarcoplasmic reticulum in the sarcoplasm. The prevalence of dystrophic changes on the level of the myocyte ultrastructure may be among the causes of cardiac insufficiency in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease.

[Indications for a multiple aortocoronary bypass]

Coronarograms recorded from 101 patients with ischemic heart disease are appraised. Four hundred coronary arteries were examined, a marked stenosing process was found in 259, i. e. 2.5 affected arteries on the average per each heart. In diffuse coronary sclerosis, the most complete myocardial revascularization is only possible when the blood flow is restored in several coronary arteries. A shunt should be created on no more than 4 arteries. The anterior interventricular and right coronary arteries and the diagonal and lateral branches of the left coronary artery are used most frequently for establishing aorticocoronary shunts. The volume of the operation in multiple shunting is determined by the number of affected arteries and their anatomical distribution and physiological importance in the myocardial blood supply. It is necessary to create 2.3 shunts on the average.