An Evaluation of Lymphedema Using Optical Coherence Tomography: A Rat Limb Model Approach.

Lymphedema is a pathology caused by poor lymphatic flow which may lead to complete disability. Currently, precise, non-invasive techniques for quantifying lymphedema are lacking. In this paper, the results of an in vivo assessment of lymphedema via a developed small-animal model using the hindlimbs of rats and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) technique are presented. This model of lymphedema was based on a surgical lymph node resection and subsequent two-step X-ray exposure. The development of lymphedema was verified via the histological examination of tissue biopsies. The properties of the lymphedematous skin were analyzed in vivo and compared with healthy skin via OCT. The main differences observed were (1) a thickening of the stratum corneum layer, (2) a thinning of the viable epidermis layer, and (3) higher signal attenuation in the dermis layer of the lymphedematous skin. Based on the distribution of the OCT signal's intensity in the skin, a machine learning algorithm was developed which allowed for a classification of normal and lymphedematous tissue sites with an accuracy of 90%. The obtained results pave the way for in vivo control over the development of lymphedema.

Estimation of the Regenerative Potential of para-Tyrosol in the Model of Testicular Insufficiency Caused by Damage to Spermatogonial Stem Cells.

The regenerative properties of p-tyrosol were investigated in a model of testicular insufficiency caused by a toxic effect on spermatogonial stem cells (single administration of paclitaxel in the maximum tolerable dose). Against the background of p-tyrosol administration, we observed an increase in the number of normal spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, stimulation of spermatogenesis, and renewal of the spermatogenic tissue. The treatment with p-tyrosol also led to a decrease in DNA damage in cells of the testicular tissue. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in the level of free radicals, an increase in antioxidant protection, and normalization of the redox potential.

Analysis of Collagen Spatial Structure Using Multiphoton Microscopy and Machine Learning Methods.

Pathogenesis of many diseases is associated with changes in the collagen spatial structure. Traditionally, the 3D structure of collagen in biological tissues is analyzed using histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, magnetic resonance imaging, and X-radiography. At present, multiphoton microscopy (MPM) is commonly used to study the structure of biological tissues. MPM has a high spatial resolution comparable to histological analysis and can be used for direct visualization of collagen spatial structure. Because of a large volume of data accumulated due to the high spatial resolution of MPM, special analytical methods should be used for identification of informative features in the images and quantitative evaluation of relationship between these features and pathological processes resulting in the destruction of collagen structure. Here, we describe current approaches and achievements in the identification of informative features in the MPM images of collagen in biological tissues, as well as the development on this basis of algorithms for computer-aided classification of collagen structures using machine learning as a type of artificial intelligence methods.

Experimental Study of the Effectiveness of Phenolic Antioxidants in Male Infertility Caused by Pathospermia.

The effect of phenolic antioxidants (dihydroquercetin, p-tyrosol, dibornol) on the morphology, functions, and redox processes in the reproductive cells of male rats was studied on the model of experimental pathospermia. All antioxidants reduced the percentage of degenerative forms of spermatozoa. Dibornol was most effective. Dihydroquercetin and p-tyrosol did not increase the total number of spermatozoa and the percentage of their mobile forms. These indicators were improved only by dibornol. After administration of all test drugs, the antioxidant potential of spermatozoa increased and did not significantly differ from the baseline values.

Dihydroquercetin effects on the morphology and antioxidant/prooxidant balance of the prostate in rats with sulpiride-induced benign hyperplasia.

A course of dihydroquercetin (antioxidant) injections to 5-month-old Wistar rats with sulpiride-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia led to reduction of proliferative activity in the glandular structures and to attenuation of the inflammatory reaction in the tissue. Prostatic antioxidant/prooxidant balance returned to normal after the treatment.

[Prooxidant and antioxidant activity of blood plasma and histology of internal organs of rats after intravenous administration of magnetite nanoparticles].

The effect of a single and multiple intravenous injections of a nanosized magnetite suspension on total prooxidant and antioxidant activity of blood plasma has been investigated by the method of luminol-dependent chemoluminescence. Magnetite nanoparticles possess dose-dependent prooxidant properties due to their iron atoms and at the same time their trigger compensatory activation of antioxidant systems in the rat blood plasma. After a single intravenous administration of magnetite the studied parameters of blood plasma returned to the normal level by the end of the experiment as due to removal ofnanoparticles from the body. In the case of multiple administration of the magnetite suspension dose-dependent changes in the pro- and antioxidant plasma activity persist during the whole experiment. Accumulation of magnetite particles in the cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system in the rats' liver, lungs and kidneys is associated with hemodynamic damages, local dystrophic and necrotic changes of parenchyma in these organs. After a single intravenous injection magnetite nanoparticles are identified in the rat organs for 40 days, but their number decreases by the end of the experiment.

[Influence of simulated hypomagnetic environment in a far space flight on the rhythmic structure of rat's behavior].

Behavior of a group of rats was observed visually and tape recorded continuously from day 19 till the end of 25-d hypomagnetic experiments. Results were statistically processed with the help of Statistica 6.0, time series spectral analysis, and cosinor analysis. The 25-d HM exposure was shown to suppress food-motivated behavior in the mornings on the background of step-up in serotoninergic processes in the brain, and exaggerate the intraspecific violent conduct at night. The hypogeomagnetic environment impacted diurnal system adaptability to the seasonal light period drifting and produced exo- and endogenous desynchronosis.

[Antioxidant activity of blood plasma of south Altai's indigenous population of low and medium height altitude areas].

Due to the fact that age change theories are still under discussion a study has been conducted on the estimation of antioxidant and antiradical activity of blood plasma. For the experiment was taken a homogeneous group of people which separate populations differ in geographical and climatic parameters of their living conditions. As a result there has been discovered a dependence of Altaians' antioxidant system upon geographical and climatic conditions, and age.

Air detoxification with nanosize TiO2 aerosol tested on mice.

A method for fast air purification using high concentration aerosol of TiO(2) nanoparticles is evaluated in a model chemical catastrophe involving toxic vapors of diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP). Mice are used as human model in a closed 100 dm(3) chamber. Exposure of mice to 37 ppm of DFP vapor for 15 min resulted in acute poisoning. Spraying TiO(2) aerosol in 2 min after the start of exposure to DFP vapors resulted in quick removal of DFP vapors from the chamber's air. Animals did not show signs of poisoning after the decontamination experiment and exposure to TiO(2) aerosol alone. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant activity (AOA) of mice blood plasma were measured for animals exposed to sound of aerosol generator, DFP vapors, TiO(2) aerosol and DFP vapors+TiO(2) aerosol. Reduced ROS and increased AOA were found for mice exposure to sound, DFP and TiO(2) aerosol. Exposure to DFP and decontamination with TiO(2) nanoparticles resulted in decreased AOA in 48 h following the exposure. The results suggest that application of TiO(2) aerosol is a powerful method of air purification from toxic hydrolysable compounds with moderate health aftermaths and requires further study and optimization.

[Study of interactions between the glycoprotein composition and the antioxidant activity of parietal mucus of the gastrointestinal tract].

Main characteristica of polymerised and degraded glycoproteins of the gastrointestinal tract mucus were revealed. The correlation connections were found between antioxidant activity of the polymerised glycoproteins and their contents ofpolypeptides and M-acetylneuramine acid. In the soluble phase of the mucus (the degraded glycoproteins and other components of the mucus layer), the level of antioxidant activity correlated with the contents of hexosamines.

[The evaluation of the gastroprotective effect of sucralfate in Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric ulcer].

The purpose of the investigation was to study the effects of sucralfate on the biochemical composition as well as the anti-radicals and antioxidative activity (ARA; AOA) of the gastric supra-epithelial mucosal layer (GSEML) in patients with Helicobacter pylori (HP)-associated gastric ulcer (GU). A hundred patients suffering from HP-associated GU were examined. The biochemical composition as well as the ARA and AOA of the GSEML were studied before and after eradication therapy as well as after additional administration of sucralfate. Biochemical and chemoluminescence techniques were used. All the patients with HP-associated GU displayed significant changes in all the mentioned parameters vs. healthy persons, which consisted in the secretion of premature glycoproteins and elevated ARA and AOA of the native gastric mucus. Effective antisecretory and eradication therapy by triple regimen recommended by Maastricht consensus-2 (2000), with ulcerous defect scarring, did not normalize the biochemical composition of the GSEML. Additional administration of sucralfate led to positive changes in ARA and AOA, as well as the biochemical composition of the GSEML.

[Development of protective functions of the pig digestive tract in ontogenesis].

It has been found that the state of protective functions of the digestive tract change during postnatal period. The biosynthesis and secretion of glycoproteins of mucus layer which is the main protective structure of digestive tract depend on the hormonal background and the nutrition conditions. The biosynthesis stages and secretion glycoproteins result in sexual maturity and in conditions of definitive nutrition. Opposite to that, the antiradical activity of adherent mucous layer decreases with age. The allocation of the studied components of adherent mucous layer in the stomach and in the intestine is determined.

[Detection of nucleic acids in stomach and duodenal contents in patients with gastroduodenal pathology]. / Metodika opredeleniia nukleinovykh kislot v fazakh zheludochnogo i duodenal'nogo soderzhimogo u bol'nykh s patologiei gastroduodenal'noi sistemy.

The proposed method shows the velocity of gastroduodenal epitheliocyte exchange by evaluating the total content of nucleic acids in gastric and duodenal aspirates. The concentration of nucleic acids in the cavitary secretion phase reflects the state of the gastroduodenal mucosa and physicochemical properties of the mucus. Sixty patients with gastroduodenal diseases (chronic gastritis, chronic duodenitis from surface to atrophic and during exacerbation) were examined. Changes in the distribution of nucleic acids by phases of cavitary secretion were revealed. A decrease in the total content of nucleic acids in cavitary contents was paralleled by decreased activity of chronic gastritis and duodenitis and normalization of colloid and gel-forming properties of the mucus, which manifested by an essential increase of nucleic acids concentrations in the mucus and decrease in the gastric juice.

[Effect of prolonged dietary zeolites on survival rate and intestinal reaction toward irradiation in mice of different age]. / Vliianie dlitel'nogo potrebleniia s pishchei tseolitov na vyzhivaemost' i kompensatornye reaktsii kishechnika u myshei raznogo vozrasta posle pblucheniia.

In model experiments on mice the influence of prolonged dietary consumption of zeolites on a survival rate, an average lifetime and a status of adherent mucous layer of a digestive tube was investigated. It was found that zeolite increased a survival rate and average lifetime in 55- and 95-day old mice exposed to a dose of 4 Gy. Zeolite shivirtuin caused more expressed effect, than pegasin. Apparently, shivirtuin causes the more expressed radioprotective effect, because it does not hinder in the development of compensatory responses in a structurally functional status of adherent mucous layer of an intestine after the exposure.

[Forming of the Pavlov pouch changes functional condition of the adherent mucosal layer in upper regions of the digestive tract]. / Posle formirovaniia malogo pavlovskogo zheludochka izmeniaetsia funktsional'noe sostoianie pristenochnogo slizistogo sloia verkhnikh otdelov pishchevaritel'nogo trakta.

In result of forming the Pavlov small gaster, secretion of pepsine in isolated part and, probable, in other parts of the gaster, was increased. This entailed a decrease in the pepsin sorption level on the luminal surface of adherent mucous layer of the gaster parts and intestine under study. This led to a drop of the level of structure glycoproteins and to increase in the per cent contents of polymeric glycoproteins in the whole pool of the mucous layer glycoproteins. The data obtained suggest that forming of the Pavlov small gaster indices significant changes of the adherent mucous layer structure-functional condition both in the gaster and in lower parts of the intestine.

[The condition of the intestinal mucosa of the proximal digestive tract subjected sectioning of the jejunal wall]. / Sostoianie pristenochnogo slizistogo sloia verkhnikh otdelov pishchevaritel'nogo trakta pri peresechenii stenki toshchei kishki.

The balance between secretion and degradation of the mucosa glycoproteins in the dog intestine is preserved with the aid of local reflexes in both serous-muscular and mucous-submucous layers of the wall. Irrespective of major alterations in the glycoproteins synthesis in the mucosa, protective properties of the submucous layer are maintained owing to a high content of acetylneuraminic acid and low level of mucous glycoproteins degradation.

[Functional state of the supraepithelial mucous layer of the digestive tract in mice in the postnatal period after irradiation]. / Funktsional'noe sostoianie nadépitelial'nogo slizistogo sloia pishchevaritel'nogo trakta u myshei v postnatal'nyi period posle oblucheniia.

It was studied the condition of mucous layer of intestine in mice model experiments after ionizing radiation. It were found out the differences in reaction of intestine on radiation in mice at the age of 55 and 95 days. In mice at the age of 55 days at the whole stretch of intestine was marked increased secretion of the polymeric glycoproteins, whereas in mice at the age of 95 days such alterations were marked at smaller degree. In both groups mice was marked increased secretion of bicarbonate after radiation, that is possible to count as characteristic compensative mechanism.

[The effect of the intragastric administration of prostaglandin E2 on mucus secretion in dogs]. / Vliianie vnutrizheludochnogo vvedeniia prostaglandina E2 na sekretsiiu slizi u sobak.

3 mcg/kg PGE2 did not affect secretion of gastric juice, H+, pepsin and biochemical structure of secreted glycoproteins in dogs. However, a decrease in the quantity of degraded glycoproteins entailed an increase in polymeric glycoproteins in the general pool of glycoproteins of the mucous layer which contributed to formation of a more solid and viscous mucous gel.

[The species characteristics of the composition of the supraepithelial mucous layer of the digestive tract in rats and mice]. / Vidovye osobennosti sostava nadépitelial'nogo slizistogo sloia pishchevaritel'nogo trakta u krys i myshei.

The concentration of protein part of glycoprotein of the adherent mucus gel barrier was found to be the same in respective portions of the rat and mouse digestive tract, whereas the concentration of hexosamines, galactose, fucose was higher in rats rather than in mice. Specific differences in distribution of enzymes, HCO3-, nuclear acids, were shown.