Changes in coastal ecosystems affected by overburden dumping from amber open-cut mining on the Sambia Peninsula (Baltic Sea).

The Sambia Peninsula (Kaliningrad region) is historically well known for its amber mining. The 2019 year was the last year of direct overburden disposal into the Baltic Sea as a part of technological amber mining process. The extremely high-suspended particulate matter concentrations during that disposal were recorded immediately after the discharge of significant volumes of pulp and reached 200 mg/L. The impact of pulp discharge had sequentially suppressed plankton communities development due to the high content of suspended solids and afterwards stimulated plankton development due to the glauconite infusion. Cladocera were the most sensitive group to the effects of suspended matter. According to the preliminary forecast, when the pulp discharge stops, the restoration of plankton communities may take from 1 to 2 seasons to 1 year for different groups. This is due to the timing of the removal of fine suspended particulate matter from sediments and the possibility of secondary entry during resuspension.

A Sorbent with Synthetic Ligand for Removing Pro-atherogenic and Pro-inflammatory Components from Human Blood Plasma.

Elevated levels of apoB-100 containing lipoproteins and markers of systemic inflammation are often observed in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The concentrations can be reduced by pharmacotherapy or extracorporeal treatment. The sorbent, which removes CRP and atherogenic lipoproteins, simultaneously reduces the bloodstream concentration of these components. The efficacy and selectivity of the designed sorbent were studied, desorption constants of CRP (Kd = 4.2 × 10-8 M) and LDL (Kd = 7.7 × 10-7 M) were distribution coefficients of CRP (Kc = 101) and Lp(a) (Kc = 38) were calculated, and the ability to bind large amounts of atherogenic lipoproteins (up to 32 mg of TC per mL of the sorbent gel) was demonstrated. Our sorbent can be recommended for performing complex removal of CRP and atherogenic lipoproteins from the blood plasma in patients with refractory hyperlipidemia and CVD that are accompanied by elevated levels of CRP.

[The periprocedural myocardial infarction and probability of the developing of the contrast-induced acute kidneys injury in clinical practice. Case report].

Nowadays, taking into account the number of elderly patients with sеveral associated diseases requiring percutaneous transluminal balloon coronary angioplasty (PTCA), the risk of the development of unwanted complications is also growing. In this article we present the clinical case, where the PTCA had complications with myocardial infarction of the 4a type without contrast-induced acute kidney injury (contrast-induced nephropathy).

[Influenza vaccination and prognosis for patients with high cardiovascular risk].

Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases have been one of the leading causes of mortality in the world for over 15 years. According to the results of various studies, a clear connection was revealed between the incidence of influenza and the decompensation of cardiovascular diseases, which leads to the development of acute coronary syndrome, acute heart failure and myocardial infarction. Also, the incidence of influenza is associated with an increase in the length of hospitalization, treatment costs and patient mortality. Influenza vaccination, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk, is one of the most important secondary prevention measures. The article is dedicated to an overview of the problems of vaccination against influenza, the study of the prognosis of patients with high cardiovascular risk, as well as general points in the pathogenesis of influenza and cardiovascular diseases.

Fluorescence properties and quantum-chemical modeling of tert-butyl-substituted porphyrazines: Structural and ionization effect.

Synthesis and identification of tetrakis-[5,6-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)pyrazino] porphyrazine, tetra-(4-tert-butyl)phthalocyanine and octakis-(4-tert-butylphenyl)porphyrazine were carried out. Spectrophotometric method was used to study the spectral, acidic and fluorescence properties of the synthesized compounds. It was determined that the synthesized tert-butyl-substituted porphyrazines exhibit a high sensitivity of fluorescence to the molecule ionization. To understand the features of the spectral properties the geometry optimization and an analysis of energy levels and localization of highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals of the studied compounds were performed on the basis of density functional theory with the BP86 functional and the def2-TZVP basis set. The effect of substituents in molecular fragments of the macrocycle on the acidic and electro-optical properties of the studied compounds is revealed. Materials with pH-tunable fluorescence were designed.

New Sorbent on the Basis of Covalently Immobilized Lysozyme for Removal of Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide (Endotoxin) from Biological Fluids.

It was demonstrated for the first time that immobilized lysozyme can efficiently remove Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharides (endotoxins) from solutions. Experimentally confirmed sorption capacity for the developed sorbent was at least 400 ng of endotoxin per ml sorbent. The new sorbent is compatible with the whole human blood and can be potentially used in extracorporeal therapy in the treatment of sepsis.

Interleukins 1 and 6 as Main Mediators of Inflammation and Cancer.

The idea of a potential link between cancer and inflammation was first proposed by R. Virchow in the nineteenth century. However, clear evidence regarding a key role of inflammation in oncogenesis appeared only during the last decade. Now the tumor microenvironment is commonly considered as an obligatory and significant component of almost all types of cancer, and the cells infiltrating such microenvironment are a source of inflammatory cytokines. Such cytokines play a key role in regulating inflammation during both normal immune response and developing cancer. In this review, we explore the role of two inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1 and interleukin 6 in cancer development. These cytokines have pleiotropic effects on various cell types in the tumor microenvironment, particularly being able to regulate pro-oncogenic transcription factors NF-κB and STAT3. For this reason, such cytokines influence key parameters of oncogenesis, increasing cell resistance to apoptosis, proliferation of cancer cells, angiogenesis, invasion and malignancy as well as the ability of tumor cells to respond to anticancer therapy. Here we summarize novel experimental data regarding mechanisms underlying the interaction between chronic inflammation and malignant neoplasms.

Lowering of lipoprotein(a) level under niacin treatment is dependent on apolipoprotein(a) phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a cardiovascular risk factor; in addition to being a low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-like particle, it contains highly heterogeneous apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)]. No prior studies have evaluated extended-release (ER) niacin effect on Lp(a) level depending on apo(a) phenotype. METHODS: For this 24-week, prospective, open-label clinical trial we recruited 30 men (mean age 46.2 ± 7.5 years) with Lp(a) levels >20 mg/dL. No participant had previously received lipid lowering therapy, and started ER niacin 500 mg with stepwise dose increasing up to 1.5-2.0 g. Subjects were evaluated for Lp(a), lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), and fibrinolytic markers (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tissue plasminogen activator/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 complex, plasmin-antiplasmin complex). Patients were divided into two groups with major low- (LMW) or high-molecular weight (HMW) apo(a) isoforms determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of plasma under reducing conditions followed by immunoblotting. RESULTS: At baseline, groups were comparable in age, lipid, inflammatory and fibrinolytic biomarkers levels. There was a significant difference in baseline Lp(a) concentrations: 92 ± 29 mg/dL versus 54 ± 46 mg/dL in LMW and HMW apo(a) groups, respectively, p < 0.01. During the course of niacin treatment Lp(a) decreased by 28% (p < 0.003), Lp-PLA2 by 22% (p < 0.001), C-reactive protein by 24% (p = 0.07) in LMW apo(a) group, whereas no changes in Lp(a) and biomarkers levels were obtained in HMW apo(a) group. CONCLUSION: High-dose ER niacin declines elevated Lp(a) level in male subjects with low- but not high-molecular weight apo(a) phenotype.

[Detection of uncultivable bacteria forms in probiotic lyophilized preparations].

AIM: Detection of viable but uncultivable forms among lyophilized cells of commercial probiotics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 9 series of probiotic preparations (colibacterin, bificol, bifidumbacterin, bifiform) with expired (up to 30 years of storage) or valid shelf life were objects of the study. Total quantity of the bacteria was calculated under the microscope in Goryaev chamber, the number of viable cells was determined in luminescence microscope after staining by an array of fluorescent dyes, the quantity of CFU/ml was evaluated by method of seeding into the respective solid or semi-liquid cultivation medium. RESULTS: Juxtaposition of the specified parameter values allowed to establish that in lyophilized preparations of colibacterin with expired shelf life the amount of viable but not forming colonies (uncultivable forms) cells varied from 4.13 to 99.73% depending on date of production. For bifidumbacterin with unexpired shelf life live cells constituted 95.45 and 70.73%. The amount of viable bifidobacteria forming colonies was on the level of 100 and 50%, respectively. In bifidopreparations micro colonies that may possibly be formed spontaneously by awakened uncultivable forms were noted. A possibility of growth stimulation of these cells by 1 and 10% aminopeptide was shown. CONCLUSION: The presence of uncultivable forms in lyophilized preparations of probiotics was proven experimentally.

[Features of dynamics of growth and formation of uncultivable forms in Lactococcus lactis].

AIM: Study strain differences in dynamics of viability and formation of uncultivable forms of Lactococcus lactis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3 strains of L. lactis--MSU, 729 and F116 were used in the study. Uncultivable forms were obtained by prolonged incubation of cultures of lactococcus in synthetic medium under conditions of carbohydrate deprivation. Medium was inoculated by cultures grown in Elliker broth, washed by saline and without washing. The populations obtained were incubated at 30 degrees C without mixing for 4 months. Samples of cultures were studied periodically for viability and cultivability. RESULTS: In cultures obtained by using unwashed inoculate active growth of quantity of bacteria in the first days after seeding was noted. Speed of formation of uncultivable forms is the faster the higher the level of metabolic activity of cells in the population. A fact of phenotypic dissociation in lactococcus culture under stress was detected. CONCLUSION: The speed of formation of uncultivable forms of L. lactis, as well as stability of their existence may probably depend on the strain, cultivation conditions and metabolic activity of cells in the population.

[Soluble receptors for tumor necrosis factor and lipid metabolism as potential prognostic factors in patients with prostate cancer].

There was investigated the relationship of lipid metabolism, humoral immunity, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and soluble receptors for TNF-alpha with the presence, severity and prognosis of the disease in 85 patients with morphologically verified diagnosis of prostate cancer. Connection with the dynamics of change in PSA as a major predictor of the disease was observed for concentration sRI and sRII to TNF, PSA baseline, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. During follow-up the relative risk of poor prognosis increased by 3 times, and death-in 8.7 times with increasing concentrations of soluble receptors for TNF. The concentration of soluble receptors for TNF may serve as an additional predictor of the presence and clinical course of disease in patients with prostate cancer.

[Antiarrhythmic therapy of paroxysmal tachycardias and extrasystoles in patients with sinus node dysfunction].

Antiarrhythmic therapy of patients with disturbed automatism of the sinus node and impaired atrioventricular conductance may be complicated by hemodynamically significant bradycardias and contraindications for implantation of a cardiac electrical stimulator This study aimed at estimating effect of antiarrhythmic therapy with allapinin on the function of sinus and atrioventricular nodes. It included 20 patients (mean age 37.5+-2.3 years) with disturbed cardiac rhythm and sinus node dysfunction treated with allapinin (37.5 - 50 mg/d per os). This therapy had well apparent antiarrhythmic effect manifest as improvement of supraventricular and ventricular ectopic activities in the absence of negative influence on the function of sinus and atrioventricular nodes.

[Approaches to the improvement of forensic medical expertise in the cases of sexual crimes and doubtful gender status].

The authors analyzed the results of the forensic medical expertise of the cases of sexual assaults and covert sexual abuse. Special attention is given to the peculiarities of forensic-medical expertise in the cases of veneral diseases and HIV-infection, injuries to sexual organs in women and men. The specific approaches to the examination of corpses in the cases of atypical sexual behavior or a murder supposedly committed for sexual motives are considered.

[Forensic medical expertise of injuries in the anorectal region and rectum related to the sexual assault].

Injuries to the anorectal region and rectum associated with sexual crimes require forensic medical assessment even though this issue remains to be poorly developed. The results of 84 forensic medical expertises are presented based on the materials obtained by examining both women and men who applied with complains of sexual abuse (anogenital penetration) to the Primorskoye territorial Bureau of forensic medical expertise during 5 years, from 2005 to 2009. The study has demonstrated correlation between dynamics of applications of the victims of either sex and the lack of a tendency toward a decrease in their frequency. The signs characteristic of acute injuries and chronic conditions are described. The causes of diagnostic errors during forensic medical expertise of sexual abuse are discussed.

[Forensic medical expertise of injuries in the anorectal region and rectum unrelated to attempts at sexual abuse].

The results of analysis of 46 commission forensic medical expertises are presented based on the materials concerning injuries and changes in the anorectal region and rectum unrelated to attempts at sexual abuse. The materials were collected and stored by the Primorskoye territorial Bureau of forensic medical expertise during 5 years, from 2005 to 2009. All injuries and changes were categorized into several groups in terms of their origin, viz. car accidents, inadequate medical care, insertion of foreign bodies, falls on sharp and protruding objects, gunshot wounds, chemical and thermal burns, sports training, etc. The occurrence of the injuries is illustrated by the examples from forensic medical practice. It is concluded that experts describing injuries and changes in the anorectal region and rectum must act in conformity with the order of the Russian Ministry of Health No 346 dated October 21, 2010) and use instrumental methods and terminology accepted in modern proctology. The severity of harm to health in subjects presenting with injuries and changes in the anorectal region and rectum should be evaluated in terms of both the degree of the threat to life and the outcome of the treatment with special reference to the duration of health impairment, severity of the trauma, and its consequences (anorectal dysfunction).

Pulsed-laser atom probe studies of a precipitation hardened maraging TRIP steel.

A precipitation hardened maraging TRIP steel was analyzed using a pulsed laser atom probe. The laser pulse energy was varied from 0.3 to 1.9 nJ to study its effect on the measured chemical compositions and spatial resolution. Compositional analyses using proximity histograms did not show any significant variations in the average matrix and precipitate compositions. The only remarkable change in the atom probe data was a decrease in the ++/+ charge state ratios of the elements. The values of the evaporation field used for the reconstructions exhibit a linear dependence on the laser pulse energy. The adjustment of the evaporation fields used in the reconstructions for different laser pulse energies was based on the correlation of the obtained cluster shapes to the TEM observations. No influence of laser pulse energy on chemical composition of the precipitates and on the chemical sharpness of their interfaces was detected.

[Preparation of affinity sorbents with immobilized synthetic ligands for therapeutic apheresis].

Preparation and stability of a few examples of medical sorbents are described. A simple and practical technique has been developed for sorbent preparation with the low weight synthetic ligands such as amino acids, peptides or oligosaccharides. This approach to sorbent preparation enables the development of the new affine columns generation for medicine and biotechnology to be carried out with ease.

[Effect of fasting-dietary therapy in patients with arterial hypertension and obesity].

35 patients with arterial hypertension and obesity against the background of fasting-diet therapy and after 1 and 6 months after treatment conducted daily monitoring of blood pressure, microalbuminuria and glomerular filtration rate, the study of color and contrast sensitivity of retinal eyes. Fasting-diet therapy within 11 days results in reliable reduced daily average AD and stabilization of load pressure indicators; reduction originally pathological microalbuminurii at 18%, increase in the number of patients with normal speed glomerular filtering 48%; improving of eyes function, these changes are saved within 1-6 months after treatment without the using of antihypertensive therapy.

[Estimated methods of predicting risk of analgetic interstitial renal disease].

AIM: Screening of renal pathology and investigation of its dependence on intake of metamisol, the risk of nephritis associated with metamisol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 1446 inpatients (mean age 49.63 +/- 0.43 years, 690 males--48%, 756 females--52%). Analysis of the urine, tests for urea, blood creatinine, estimation of glomerular filtration rate were made. Metamisol doses and duration of analgetic treatment were controlled in 658 patients. Statistical processing was made with Statistica 6.0 soft. RESULTS: Of 1446 examinees, 346 (23.9%) patients took analgetics. Out of 98 patients treated with metamisol, 34 (34.7%) had pathology of urinary sediment, 18 (18.4%) had suppression of renal function (RF) while in patients untreated with analgetics this percentage was 7.4 and 16.1%, respectively, p < 0.05. In intake of metamisol from 0.5 to 5.0 kg and more changes in urine analysis parameters and regress of RF were more prominent than in intake up to 0.5 kg (p < 0.05). Application of nonlinear logistic regression analysis provided equations of logistic regression making it possible to assess probability of changes in urine analysis and renal function decline depending on the drug dose and duration of its intake. CONCLUSION: Inpatients often take analgetic drugs, especially metamisol. Its high doses are associated with risk of renal function decline and pathology of urinary sediment. Equations of calculation of renal affection risk in administration of metamisol are presented.