[Metrological assessment of the averaged phase cardiocycle in solving problems of rehabilitation and sports medicine]. / Metrologicheskaya otsenka fazovogo usrednennogo kardiotsikla v reshenii zadach vosstanovitel'noi i sportivnoi meditsiny.

Electrocardiography is one of the leading and most common methods of instrumental research of heart biorhythms in primary medical and social care. The development of information and digital technologies, robotics for the purpose of preclinical assessment and ranking of myocardial status in different categories of the population for preventive purposes has allowed us to create highly sensitive methods for recording and processing biosignals. Converting and displaying a cardiosignal on the phase plane to obtain a averaged phase cardiocycle (APC) is a demostrative instrumental method of research. AIM OF STUDY: To determine the possibility of measuring the myocardial biosignal using the averaged cardiocycle of a single-channel ECG in the phase space. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Registration and analysis of the averaged biosignal obtained by converting a single-channel ECG in phase space, taking into account age and gender characteristics, was carried out using the FAZAGRAF software and hardware complex, which implements the original information technology for processing an electrocardiogram in phase space using computer graphics ideas and automatic pattern recognition methods. The parameters of the phase averaged cycle were subject to an analytical assessment: duration and amplitude characteristics of the P, Q, R, S, T waves (ms). The construction of a nonlinear mathematical model is carried out using an algebraic model of constructive logic based on predicate logic, followed by a multivariate assessment of the influence of each factor. The massive of verified data is represented by 58 016 values of indicators of the cardiovascular system in 1568 study participants aged 20 to 65 years. All subjects were divided into 2 groups: group 1 - 1087 conditionally healthy patients, group 2 - 471 patients with a verified diagnosis of pathology of the cardiovascular system. The information content of the QTc indicator was determined using ROC analysis. The age-related features of some parameters of the averaged phase cycle were examined in a cohort of 218 conditionally healthy schoolchildren aged 6-17 in Simferopol. The study of the adaptive features of the circulatory system was carried out in 40 sportsmen aged 14-15 with different profile orientation of training activity, which was divided into 2 cohorts. The first cohort included 20 wrestlers, the second - amounted to 20 football players. The gender characteristics of the reaction to natural aroma effects were studied in 30 conditionally healthy young people aged 17-18 (15 boys and 15 girls). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The most significant parameters of the averaged phase cardiocycle for assessing the states and characteristics of their values were revealed. The obtained parameters of the averaged phase cardiocycle with a quantitative assessment of ranges with a significant number of subjects were used to solve preventive (predictive) problems of rehabilitation and sports medicine.

Ants as Object of Gerontological Research.

Social insects with identical genotype that form castes with radically different lifespans are a promising model system for studying the mechanisms underlying longevity. The main direction of progressive evolution of social insects, in particular, ants, is the development of the social way of life inextricably linked with the increase in the colony size. Only in a large colony, it is possible to have a developed polyethism, create large food reserves, and actively regulate the nest microclimate. The lifespan of ants hugely varies among genetically similar queens, workers (unproductive females), and males. The main advantage of studies on insects is the determinism of ontogenetic processes, with a single genome leading to completely different lifespans in different castes. This high degree of determinacy is precisely the reason why some researchers (incorrectly) call a colony of ants the "superorganism", emphasizing the fact that during the development, depending on the community needs, ants can switch their ontogenetic programs, which influences their social roles, ability to learn (i.e., the brain [mushroom-like body] plasticity), and, respectively, the spectrum of tasks performed by a given individual. It has been shown that in many types of food behavior, older ants surpass young ones in both performing the tasks and transferring the experience. The balance between the need to reduce the "cost" of non-breeding individuals (short lifespan and small size of workers) and the benefit from experienced long-lived workers possessing useful skills (large size and "non-aging") apparently determines the differences in the lifespan and aging rate of workers in different species of ants. A large spectrum of rigidly determined ontogenetic trajectories in different castes with identical genomes and the possibility of comparison between "evolutionarily advanced" and "primitive" subfamilies (e.g., Formicinae and Ponerinae) make ants an attractive object in the studies of both normal aging and effects of anti-aging drugs.

Metacaspases versus caspases in development and cell fate regulation.

Initially found to be critically involved in inflammation and apoptosis, caspases have since then been implicated in the regulation of various signaling pathways in animals. How caspases and caspase-mediated processes evolved is a topic of great interest and hot debate. In fact, caspases are just the tip of the iceberg, representing a relatively small group of mostly animal-specific enzymes within a broad family of structurally related cysteine proteases (family C14 of CD clan) found in all kingdoms of life. Apart from caspases, this family encompasses para- and metacaspases, and all three groups of proteases exhibit significant variation in biochemistry and function in vivo. Notably, metacaspases are present in all eukaryotic lineages with a remarkable absence in animals. Thus, metacaspases and caspases must have adapted to operate under distinct cellular and physiological settings. Here we discuss biochemical properties and biological functions of metacaspases in comparison to caspases, with a major focus on the regulation of developmental aspects in plants versus animals.

The influence of dimensionality on the behavior of magnetic dipolar soft spheres: calculation of the pressure.

We investigate the influence of dimensionality of a sample on the properties of magnetic dipolar soft spheres. Molecular dynamics simulations and diagram expansion are employed to analyze the pressure and microscopic structure of model monodisperse magnetic fluids in a bulk and in a monolayer. We found that, for a broad range of densities and dipolar interaction strengths, strong geometrical confinement weakens the influence of the dipole-dipole interaction on the pressure and, as a result, steric repulsion of dipolar particles provides the main contribution to the thermodynamic properties of ferrofluids in strong confinement.

Subcellular localization and self-interaction of plant-specific Nt-4/1 protein.

The Nicotiana tabacum Nt-4/1 protein is a plant-specific protein of unknown function. Analysis of bacterially expressed Nt-4/1 protein in vitro revealed that the protein secondary structure is mostly alpha-helical and suggested that it could consist of three structural domains. Earlier studies of At-4/1, the Arabidopsis thaliana-encoded ortholog of Nt-4/1, demonstrated that GFP-fused At-4/1 was capable of polar localization in plant cells, association with plasmodesmata, and cell-to-cell transport. Together with the At-4/1 ability to interact with a plant virus movement protein, these data supported the hypothesis of the At-4/1 protein involvement in viral transport through plasmodesmata. Studies of the Nt-4/1-GFP fusion protein reported in this paper revealed that the protein was localized to cytoplasmic bodies, which were co-aligned with actin filaments and capable of actin-dependent intracellular movement. The Nt-4/1-GFP bodies, being non-membrane structures, were found in association with the plasma membrane, the tubular endoplasmic reticulum and endosome-like structures. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiments and inhibition of nuclear export showed that the Nt-4/1 protein was capable of nuclear-cytoplasmic transport. The nuclear export signal (NES) was identified in the Nt-4/1 protein by site-directed mutagenesis. The Nt-4/1 NES mutant was localized to the nucleoplasm forming spherical bodies. Immunogold labeling and electron microscopy of cytoplasmic Nt-4/1-containing bodies and nuclear structures containing the Nt-4/1 NES mutant revealed differences in their fine structure. In mammalian cells, Nt-4/1-GFP formed cytoplasmic spherical bodies similar to those found for the Nt-4/1 NES mutant in plant cell nuclei. Using dynamic laser light scattering and electron microscopy, the Nt-4/1 protein was found to form multimeric complexes in vitro.

[Ergoferon and oseltamivir in treatment of influenza: results of multicentre randomized comparative clinical trial].

The narrow range of choice and virus resistance to the most common drugs require search and introduction of new drugs with proven efficacy and safety for the treatment of influenza. Ergoferon is a new combined medicine containing release active antibodies to interferon-gamma (anti-IFNgamma), CD4-coreceptor and histamine. The formulation influences various links of antiviral defense and provides antiinflammatory effect. The efficacy of the drug is related to its production process during which multiple reduction of the initial concentration of every component leads to release of special release activity. Previous experimental studies showed that anti-IFNgamma had antiviral activity against pandemic influenza virus A (H1N1) 2009 comparable to that ofoseltamivir (suppression of virus replication in the lung tissue, increase of the lifespan and reduction of the laboratory animals mortality). The aim of the multicentre randomized clinical trial was to compare (versus oseltamivir) the efficacy and safety of ergoferon in the treatment of influenza in adults. 213 patients with flu-like symptoms were examined in 8 medical centres of Russia during two epidemiological seasons (2010-11 and 2011-12). The inclusion criteria were: the first 48 hours after the onset; fever > or =37.8 degrees C, at least one common symptom and at least one respiratory symptom. Influenza was confirmed in 52 patients by QuickVue rapid diagnosis. 23 patients received ergoferon according to the treatment scheme and 29 received oseltamivir (daily dose 150 mg). Duration of the treatment was 5 days. The patients were followed up for 7 days. The primary endpoint was the percentage of the patients with the body temperature normalization for 2-5 days of the treatment. The maximum efficacy of ergoferon was observed on the second day of the treatment: almost half (48%) of the initially febrile patients had normal body temperature (versus 28% in the patients treated with oseltamivir). The comparison of the two groups of the patients by the morning and evening measurements of the body temperature every five days of the treatment by Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel revealed a significant difference between the two groups (chi2 = 7.1; p = 0.008). The average duration of the fever in the group of ergoferon was 2.3 +/- 1.2 days, in the group of oseltamivir--2.6 +/- 1.3 days (the efficacy of oseltamivir in the present study was comparable with the previously published data). The percentage of the patients treated with antipyretics because of hyperthermia on the second day of the treatment lowered 3 times and amounted to 17% (versus 41% in the oseltamivir group). The severity of common and respiratory symptoms (nose/throat/chest) significantly decreased on the third day of the treatment in both groups, the majority of the patients had either minimum severity or no signs of influenza. The clinical improvement was associated with positive changes in the life quality. No cases of the disease aggravation were recorded. Complications requiring antibiotic treatment or hospitalization were not observed during the followup. There were no adverse events recorded due to the drug use. No deviations in the laboratory indices were stated. Ergoferon is a new safe drug for the treatment of influenza. Its clinical efficacy was comparable to that of oseltamivir. The therapeutic effects of the drug were evident from: significant reduction of the disease severity, duration of febricity and general toxicity and respiratory flu symptoms, lower percentage of the patients with fever for 2 days. The febrile period in most of the patients did not exceed 2 days.

[Predictive value C-reactive protein assessment level in women with arterial hypertension].

Classic modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and dyslipidaemia are incorporated into clinical practice to estimate the 10-year risk of fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD): the SCORE project. To improve CVD risk estimation in women we compared predictive value of two models: risk chart based on the SCORE study and the Reynolds Risk Score in 134 women with hypertension to optimise risk stratification and preventive strategies in high-risk individuals. We concluded that Reynolds Risk model causes clinically relevant changes in risk category classification compared to risk chart SCORE and improves risk stratification. Addition of C-reactive protein to Reynolds Risk model improves it predictive value regardless of other risk factors. C-reactive protein is a strong marker of atherosclerosis, can be useful in women for risk stratification in daily practice regardless of risk prediction model.

Oligomerization of the potato virus X 25-kD movement protein.

A 25-kD movement protein (25K protein) encoded by the first gene of the potexvirus Potato virus X triple gene block of transport genes is essential for the viral movement in infected plants. The 25K protein belongs to superfamily 1 of NTPase/helicases and exhibits in vitro RNA helicase, Mg2+-dependent NTPase, and RNA-binding activities. In the present work, the ability of 25K protein for homologous interactions was studied using the yeast two-hybrid system, protein chemical cross-linking in the presence of glutaraldehyde, far-Western blotting, and ultracentrifugation in sucrose density gradients. The 25K protein was shown to form homodimers and homooligomers. Sites of homologous protein-protein interactions were found in both the N- and C-terminal portions of the protein.

Localization of Poa semilatent virus cysteine-rich protein in peroxisomes is dispensable for its ability to suppress RNA silencing.

Subcellular localization of the Poa semilatent virus cysteine-rich gammab protein was studied by using different approaches. In infected tissue, gammab was detected mainly in the P30 fraction as monomers, dimers and oligomers. Green fluorescent protein-fused gammab was found to localize in punctate bodies in the cytoplasm. Colocalization with marker proteins demonstrated that these bodies represent peroxisomes. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that gammab was localized in the peroxisomal matrix and that localization of gammab in peroxisomes required the C-terminal signal tripeptide SKL. An SKL-deletion mutant exhibited a diffuse localization, but retained the protein's ability to suppress RNA silencing, determine infection phenotype and support virus systemic spread. These data indicate that gammab functions are not associated with the protein's localization to peroxisomes.

n-p short-range correlations from (p,2p+n) measurements.

We studied the 12C(p,2p+n) reaction at beam momenta of 5.9, 8.0, and 9.0 GeV/c. For quasielastic (p,2p) events p(f), the momentum of the knocked-out proton before the reaction, was compared (event by event) with p(n), the coincident neutron momentum. For |p(n)|>k(F)=0.220 GeV/c (the Fermi momentum) a strong back-to-back directional correlation between p(f) and p(n) was observed, indicative of short-range n-p correlations. From p(n) and p(f) we constructed the distributions of c.m. and relative motion in the longitudinal direction for correlated pairs. We also determined that 49+/-13% of events with |p(f)|>k(F) had directionally correlated neutrons with |p(n)|>k(F).

Energy dependence of nuclear transparency in C (p,2p) scattering.

The transparency of carbon for (p,2p) quasielastic events was measured at beam momenta ranging from 5.9 to 14.5 GeV/c at 90 degrees c.m. The four-momentum transfer squared (Q2) ranged from 4.7 to 12.7 (GeV/c)(2). We present the observed beam momentum dependence of the ratio of the carbon to hydrogen cross sections. We also apply a model for the nuclear momentum distribution of carbon to obtain the nuclear transparency. We find a sharp rise in transparency as the beam momentum is increased to 9 GeV/c and a reduction to approximately the Glauber level at higher energies.

BMP and Ihh/PTHrP signaling interact to coordinate chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation.

During endochondral ossification, two secreted signals, Indian hedgehog (Ihh) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), have been shown to form a negative feedback loop regulating the onset of hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), another family of secreted factors regulating bone formation, have been implicated as potential interactors of the Ihh/PTHrP feedback loop. To analyze the relationship between the two signaling pathways, we used an organ culture system for limb explants of mouse and chick embryos. We manipulated chondrocyte differentiation by supplementing these cultures either with BMP2, PTHrP and Sonic hedgehog as activators or with Noggin and cyclopamine as inhibitors of the BMP and Ihh/PTHrP signaling systems. Overexpression of Ihh in the cartilage elements of transgenic mice results in an upregulation of PTHrP expression and a delayed onset of hypertrophic differentiation. Noggin treatment of limbs from these mice did not antagonize the effects of Ihh overexpression. Conversely, the promotion of chondrocyte maturation induced by cyclopamine, which blocks Ihh signaling, could not be rescued with BMP2. Thus BMP signaling does not act as a secondary signal of Ihh to induce PTHrP expression or to delay the onset of hypertrophic differentiation. Similar results were obtained using cultures of chick limbs. We further investigated the role of BMP signaling in regulating proliferation and hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes and identified three functions of BMP signaling in this process. First we found that maintaining a normal proliferation rate requires BMP and Ihh signaling acting in parallel. We further identified a role for BMP signaling in modulating the expression of IHH: Finally, the application of Noggin to mouse limb explants resulted in advanced differentiation of terminally hypertrophic cells, implicating BMP signaling in delaying the process of hypertrophic differentiation itself. This role of BMP signaling is independent of the Ihh/PTHrP pathway.

[Phenotypic and genotypic variability in signs of productivity of a new Siberian type of the Sovetskaya meat-wool species of sheep]. / Fenotipicheskaia i genotipicheskaia izmenchivost' preznakov produktivnosti novogo sibirskogo tipa sovetskoi miaso-sherstnoi porody ovets.

The heritability of major productivity traits in the new Siberian type of mutton-wool sheep was estimated by different methods. The repeatability of these traits was analyzed. The correlation between various productivity traits and the change in correlation throughout the formation of the new Siberian type of mutton-wool sheep were studied. The traits studied were demonstrated to be important for estimation of the efficiency of selection for commercially important traits and for predicting and planning their development.

[Antigenic properties of the cells of 4 variants of Bacillus brevis var. G.-B]. / Antigennye osobennosti kletok chetyrekh variantov Bacillus brevis var. G.-B

The antigenic composition was studied among the cells of four variants of Bacillus brevis var. G.-B. (R, S, P+, P-). The variants have a common antigen. Each variant has also an additional antigen. These data confirm that the variants of Bac. brevis var. G.-B. are related.