ABSTRACT
Many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, enter host cells through a process of cell-viral membrane fusion that is activated by proteolytic enzymes. Typically, these enzymes are host cell proteases. Identifying the proteases that activate the virus is not a simple task but is important for the development of new antiviral drugs. In this study, we developed a bioinformatics method for identifying proteases that can cleave viral envelope glycoproteins. The proposed approach involves the use of predictive models for the substrate specificity of human proteases and the application of a structural analysis method for predicting the vulnerability of protein regions to proteolysis based on their 3D structures. Specificity models were constructed for 169 human proteases using information on their known substrates. A previously developed method for structural analysis of potential proteolysis sites was applied in parallel with specificity models. Validation of the proposed approach was performed on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, whose proteolysis sites have been well studied.
Subject(s)
Computational Biology , Peptide Hydrolases , Proteolysis , SARS-CoV-2 , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry , Humans , SARS-CoV-2/enzymology , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , SARS-CoV-2/metabolism , Computational Biology/methods , Substrate Specificity , Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism , Peptide Hydrolases/chemistry , Peptide Hydrolases/genetics , COVID-19/virology , COVID-19/metabolism , Pandemics , Models, Molecular , Betacoronavirus/enzymology , Betacoronavirus/geneticsABSTRACT
Urinary tract infections, especially recurrent cases, are caused by uropathogens, which, after repeated courses of antibiotic therapy, can develop antibiotic resistance, which requires a search for an alternative treatment strategy. In this regard, the restoration of nonspecific protective factors that normally prevent the adhesion and colonization of pathogens is of interest for clinicians. To date, scientific data has been accumulated about the anti-uropathogenic and antiadhesive activity of many plant extracts. However, studies on the specific action of herbal components are limited. Data on the chemical composition, mechanisms of action, in vivo and in vitro efficacy of medicinal plants growing on the European continent and used for the prevention or treatment of acute and chronic (recurrent) urinary tract infections are presented in the review.
Subject(s)
Urinary Tract Infections , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Dietary Supplements , Humans , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Urinary Tract Infections/drug therapy , Urinary Tract Infections/prevention & controlABSTRACT
In the paper results of long-term exploitation of apparatuses complex of before-doctor examination of patients for monitoring a condition of somatic health of students are presented. Influence of physical preparation on a state of health is discussed. Recommendations are given and the monitoring technique is offered on the basis of the received experience.
Subject(s)
Electronic Data Processing , Health Status , Monitoring, Physiologic/methods , Adaptation, Physiological , Adult , Blood Pressure , Body Height , Body Weight , Female , Heart Rate , Humans , Male , Motor Activity , Sports , StudentsABSTRACT
The case study is based on the theory of functional systems described by Academician P.K. Anokhin and on an experimental model of space-time prognostication enabling the development and classification of test-procedures modality of an activity (generation, tracing, reproduction and prognostication) and by modality (dimension) of space (zero-, 1- and 2D etc.). Test procedures were suggested and investigated for evaluating the parameters of the central nervous system (CNS). A set of experimental test models can be presented as a combination of described space-time modes. The system of indices is based on an evaluation of the time structure of a behavioral model. The activity rate parameter and its variability (mean value and root-mean-square deviation of the trend) were made use of. The rate of erroneous responses in different pattern's points was used as an evaluation tool for the spacious structure of the behavior.
Subject(s)
Central Nervous System/physiology , Models, Neurological , Models, Theoretical , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Stochastic Processes , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Principles of designing software and hardware for new computer equipment for psychophysiological examination were elaborated on the basis of theoretical prerequisites and of analysis of the use of equipment manufactured serially for quantitation of indices of the human higher nervous activity (HNA). The hierarchic structuring of software and hardware enabled, through unification of solutions, the development of new modifications of two equipment sets: computer-based unit "Psihomat" KPFK-99 for psychophysiological examination and computer-based unit "STABILOTEST" ST-01 for the evaluation of the central nervous system by the stability parameters in maintaining the vertical posture. The units have new improved functional features and provide the users with new computer technologies for dealing with research and practical tasks related with examination of human HNA parameters in health and pathology.
Subject(s)
Computers , Higher Nervous Activity/physiology , Psychophysiology/instrumentation , Software Design , Software , HumansABSTRACT
Scientific aspects providing a foundation for working out the instruments and equipment systems designed for psychophysiological examinations are presented in the article. The already developed instruments and equipment systems for psychophysiology are described; projects implemented jointly with the leading institutions and experts of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences and Ministry of Health of Russia, and which are already related with the use of the developed instruments and equipment systems in the field psychophysiology, are also described.
Subject(s)
Neurologic Examination/instrumentation , Neurophysiology/instrumentation , Psychology, Clinical/instrumentation , Humans , RussiaABSTRACT
The paper deals with studying and with analyzing a variety of mathematical models designed for constructing the behavior under the conditions of mastering the determinate patterns of stimuli. Models of random reaction choice and of random strategy choice are viewed as basic ones. A two-parameter model designed for shaping a strategy choice was investigated and suggested. The model describes a strategy choice on the basis of commemorating the previous experience with regard for an intensity of forgetting the mastered experience and on the basis of an independent and spontaneous shaping of patterns. The model was used to interpret the changes, observed in the behavioral indices of patients with schizophrenia and oligophrenia versus the virtually healthy subjects, as changes of actualization of applying the previously mastered experience and those of the forgetting speed up.
Subject(s)
Choice Behavior , Models, Psychological , Serial Learning , Adolescent , Adult , Humans , Intellectual Disability/psychology , Male , Mathematics , Motion , Neuropsychological Tests , Reference Values , Schizophrenic Psychology , Social Behavior Disorders/psychologyABSTRACT
Studies of higher mental functions in children are shown to present great difficulties in many parameters. Analysis has provided a number of requirements for medical devices and complexes and principles of their construction. Based on these data, the authors have developed and put computer test systems into practice, their advantages being shown. The studies of cognitive functions in children by using computer test systems are dealt with.
Subject(s)
Central Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis , Cognition , Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted , Mental Disorders/diagnosis , Psychological Tests , Adolescent , Child , Child Behavior Disorders/diagnosis , Epilepsy/diagnosis , Humans , Neuropsychological TestsABSTRACT
The paper outlines new engineering decisions of provision of medical engineering technologies of the quantitative assessment of the status and rehabilitation of higher mental functions of children and adolescents in health and in diseases. The theoretical and experimental rationales for the development of new technologies, basic principles and examples of their realization are given.
Subject(s)
Brain Diseases/diagnosis , Mental Disorders/diagnosis , Mental Processes , Psychophysiology , Adolescent , Age Factors , Biomedical Engineering , Brain Diseases/rehabilitation , Cerebral Palsy/diagnosis , Child , Child, Preschool , Epilepsy/diagnosis , Humans , Mental Disorders/rehabilitationABSTRACT
The paper outlines the computer-aided testing diagnostic systems used at the Moscow Therapeutical Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Mental and Nervous Disability. They are based on the complex factorial approach. This approach takes into account the developmental vectors in a child. These include motor, perceptive, intellectual, and communicative vectors. The complex approach makes it possible not only to establish the actual level of development of basic higher mental functions, but to determine treatment-induced developmental changes and prognosis.
Subject(s)
Brain Diseases/diagnosis , Developmental Disabilities/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted , Age Factors , Child Development , Child, Preschool , Developmental Disabilities/psychology , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Infant , Mother-Child Relations , Neuropsychological Tests , NeuropsychologyABSTRACT
The paper presents the results of the study whose aims were to reveal the specific features of vertical posture maintenance in patients with various motor disorders by using a computer stabilographic complex with a bilateral platform, to draw up computer rehabilitative programmes that take into account the detected features of posture stability disorders in these groups of patients, to evaluate the efficiency of use of programmes drawn up to train vertical posture stability in the rehabilitation of patients with motor disorders of various origin.
Subject(s)
Diagnostic Equipment , Hemiplegia/diagnosis , Parkinsonian Disorders/diagnosis , Posture , Adult , Aged , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Hemiplegia/etiology , Hemiplegia/rehabilitation , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Parkinsonian Disorders/rehabilitation , Stroke/complicationsABSTRACT
Study of the movement of the human body gravity center projection to the horizontal plane (the stabilometric method) is widely used in neurologic, orthopedic, mental, physiological, and other studies. The paper reflects principles in construction and examples of using the stabilometric method as a software package intended for the diagnosis and rehabilitation of motor dysfunctions in regulating the vertical posture in practical medicine and researches.
Subject(s)
Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted , Diagnostic Equipment , Movement Disorders/diagnosis , Posture , Humans , Movement Disorders/rehabilitation , Psychomotor Disorders/diagnosis , Psychomotor Disorders/rehabilitation , Software , Time FactorsABSTRACT
The paper covers the results of the study whose aim was to determine the quantitative and structural features of neurological and neuropsychological disorders in elderly patients with normotensive hydrocephalus and dyscirculatory encephalopathy from neuropsychological findings and by means of computer test systems.
Subject(s)
Brain Diseases/diagnosis , Cerebrovascular Disorders/diagnosis , Dementia/diagnosis , Neuropsychological Tests , Psychomotor Performance , Age Factors , Aged , Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Extrahospital monitoring of the body's status is an effective method for health promotion of man and the general population. The paper presents medical engineering rationale for the software of health monitoring under different conditions, identifies three base-line configurations of these complexes: for use in health institutions: for that in the institutions lacking permanent medical staff; for individual and familial use.
Subject(s)
Biomedical Engineering , Monitoring, Physiologic/instrumentation , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Health Promotion , Humans , SoftwareABSTRACT
The paper describes a basically new approach to solving the most pressing sociomedical approach, i.e. timely rendering a medical aid when acute vital dysfunctions suddenly occur in real daily life. A new concept of medical instrument making for human life and health protection has been developed on the basis of the theory of functional systems which discloses the universal mechanisms of self-regulation of the body's function. Its practical application is the design and patent a number of original devices of the protective signalling system which may be classified as information microprocessor devices designed for daily individual continuous control and notification of the first objective signs of physiological dysfunctions.
Subject(s)
Cybernetics , Electronics, Medical , Monitoring, Ambulatory , Polysomnography , Biofeedback, Psychology , Biomedical Engineering , HumansABSTRACT
The current increase in the incidence of nervous and mental diseases makes it necessary to use monitoring means for dysfunctions of the central nervous system. The paper analyzes promising ways of development of medical engineering technologies for studies, diagnosis, and rehabilitation in higher mental dysfunctions. Particular emphasis is laid on the instrumental methods for examining the higher nervous performance and relevant technical means.
Subject(s)
Biomedical Engineering , Higher Nervous Activity , Mental Disorders/diagnosis , Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis , Psychophysiology/instrumentation , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted , HumansABSTRACT
The paper describes devices used to examine motor functions in preschool children, methods of examinations and presents their results. Instrumental indices of the development of large and small motility in preschool children and objective criteria for the efficiency of stimulant therapy are proposed. It is shown that the devices for examination of motor functions may be successfully used to train coordination functions of a child and to correct static motor and ocular motor performance.
Subject(s)
Ataxia/diagnosis , Cerebral Palsy/diagnosis , Motor Activity , Physical Examination/instrumentation , Age Factors , Ataxia/physiopathology , Ataxia/therapy , Cerebral Palsy/physiopathology , Cerebral Palsy/therapy , Child , Child, Preschool , Eye Movements , Female , Humans , Male , Physical Examination/methods , Posture , SoftwareABSTRACT
The paper presents an approach to standardizing the methodical and technical aids used for qualitative and quantitative instrumental assessment of some human higher cortical functions in health and in disease. The formulated approach and some experience in developing and using instrumental tools to examine higher nervous performance enable one to define the basic characteristics and parameters to be standardized.
Subject(s)
Higher Nervous Activity/physiology , Neurologic Examination/standards , Humans , Psychometrics , Psychophysiology , Reference Values , Reflex/physiology , SoftwareABSTRACT
The authors discuss the possibility and efficacy of instrumental methods of psychophysiological examinations: automated devices Ritmotest, Mnemotest, and Binatest for assessing the disorders of the higher cortical functions in children with psychoneurological diseases. The main protocols and parameters for examination of children aged 7 to 15 years with various diseases are offered, test performance by children of different age shown, and score values fit for practical use of the above devices obtained.
