[Non-ischemic priapism (post-traumatic arteriovenous fistula of the right cavernous body) in the background of Landusy-Dejerine myopathy].

Landouzy-Dejerine myopathy (Facial-shoulder-shoulder myodystrophy) is a disease which causes weakness of the muscles of the shoulder girdle, back and hip muscles, which predisposes patients to an increased risk of injury and disability. The article presents a clinical observation of non-ischemic priapism, which developed as a result of perineal trauma with the formation of a fistula of the right cavernous body in a patient against the background of facial shoulder-shoulder myodystrophy. Methods for the differential diagnosis of this condition are also discussed.

Synthesis of New Amidoethanesulfonamides of Betulonic Acid.

New potentially biologically active amidoethanesulfonamides of betulonic acid were synthesized by the acid chloride method via conjugation of betulonic acid with 2-aminoethanesulfonamides as the free bases.

Analysis of Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Patients With Genetically Confirmed Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Russian North Western District Residents.

Aim      To compare results of clinical, laboratory, and genetic examination of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FHC).Material and methods  112 patients aged 40.2±17.9 years (49 men) were examined. The gene of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) was analyzed and evaluated using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criterion of lipid score ≥6. The LDLR gene mutation was searched for using the conformational polymorphism analysis followed by sequencing of the DNA of isolated LDLR gene exons.Results Mean variables of the blood lipid profile were total cholesterol (C), 10.12±2.32 mmol/l, LDL-C, 7.72±2.3 mmol/l. Corneal arcus was observed in 15 % of patients, tendon xanthomas in 31.8 %, and xanthelasma palpebrarum in 5.3 %. The types of LDLR gene mutations included missense mutations (42.8 %), mutations causing a premature termination of protein synthesis (41.1 %), and frameshift mutations (16.1 %). In the presence of a mutation in exon 4, patients with IHD compared to patients with no IHD had significantly higher levels of total C (10.88±2.08 mmol/l vs. 8.74±1.57 mmol/l, respectively, р=0.001) and LDL-C (8.60±2.14 mmol/l vs. 6.62±1.79 mmol/l, respectively, р=0.005). Patients with IHD compared to patients with no IHD and a mutation in LDLR gene exon 9 had only a higher LDL-C level (8.96±1.53 mmol/l vs. 6.92±1.59 mmol/l, respectively, р=0.022). A differentiated comparison of IHD patients using a logistic regression depending on the identified type of LDLR gene mutation produced formulas for calculating the odds ratio of IHD and myocardial infarction (MI) with adjustments for the patient's age and baseline LDL.Conclusion      The detection rate of the LDLR gene mutations was 42.8 % for missense mutations, 41.1 % for mutations causing a premature termination of protein synthesis, and 16.1 % for frameshift mutations. Blood lipid profiles did not differ between patients from different cities and with different types of LDLR gene mutations. Blood lipid profiles were different in IHD patients depending on the mutation type.

[Correlations between vessel stiffness and biomarkers of senescent cell in elderly patients].

Aim    To study the association between vascular wall stiffness and known markers for accumulation of senescent cells in blood, cells, and tissues of old patients.Material and methods    This study included male and female patients aged 65 years and older who were referred to an elective surgical intervention, that included a surgical incision in the area of the anterior abdominal wall or large joints and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. For all patients, traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and arterial wall stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV) were evaluated. Also, biomaterials (peripheral blood, skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue) were collected during the surgery and were used for isolation of several cell types and subsequent histological analysis to determine various markers of senescent cells.Results    The study included 80 patients aged 65 to 90 years. The correlation analysis identified the most significant indexes that reflected the accumulation of senescent cells at the systemic, tissue, and cellular levels (r>0.3, р<0.05) and showed positive and negative correlations with PWV. The following blood plasma factors were selected as the markers of ageing: insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), and vascular endothelium adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). A significant negative correlation between PWV and IGF-1 concentration was found. Among the tissue markers, P16INK, the key marker for tissue accumulation of senescent cells, predictably showed a positive correlation (r=0.394, p<0.05). A medium-strength correlation with parameters of the 96-h increment of mesenchymal stromal cells and fibroblasts and a weak correlation with IL-6 as a SASP (specific senescent-associated secretory phenotype) were noted. Results of the multifactorial linear regression analysis showed that the blood plasma marker, VCAM-1, and the cell marker, 96-h increment of fibroblasts, were associated with PWV regardless of the patient's age.Conclusion    Stiffness of great arteries as measured by PWV significantly correlates with a number of plasma, tissue, and cellular markers for accumulation of senescent cells. This fact suggests PWV as a candidate for inclusion in the panel of parameters for evaluation and monitoring of the biological age during the senolytic therapy.

[Chordoma as a neurosurgical pathology]. / Khordoma kak neirokhirurgicheskaya patologiya.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the significance of chordoma as a neurosurgical pathology, taking into account the latest edition of the WHO classification of soft tissues and bone tumors (2020). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis of 28 chordomas was carried out. All chordomas were histologically verified, including using immunohistochemical markers of notochordal differentiation (S100, EMA, keratin, brachiuria protein). RESULTS: Patients with chordomas accounted for 0.25% of the total number of neurosurgical patients. The vast majority (27) of chordomas had a cranio-vertebral localization. Sacral localization (S3-S5) of the tumor was detected in 1 patient. In 4 (15%) cases, operations were performed for the recurrence of chordoma. The tumors tended to grow into the structures of the skull, overgrown the vessels and nerves, and compress the adjacent brain structures. This was manifested by pain syndrome, neurological symptoms, impaired liquorodynamics. According to histopathological criteria, 27 (96%) cases of tumors were classified as conventional (usual) chordoma type, among them 7 corresponded to the chondroid subtype of the chordoma. In 1 case (4%), a dedifferentiated chordoma was detected. CONCLUSION: Chordoma, due to its axial localization, naturally involves adjacent structures of the nervous system, has clinically significant neuropathological manifestations, and often provides direct indications for a special neurosurgical approach. This requires its consideration not only as a bone, but also as a neurosurgical oncological pathology, along with other non-meningothelial (mesenchymal) tumors of the CNS.

Reconstruction of Electric Discharge Patterns and Electrogenesis Mechanism in African Sharptooth Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae, Siluriformes).

Electrical discharges (EDs) in the African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus were studied. Irregular monopolar EDs, lasting for 8-10 ms and longer, and more complex EDs, lasting for 20-50 ms and characterized by specific indentation of the discharge pattern, were recorded in pairs of individuals exhibiting both aggressive and defensive behavior. The pattern of long discharges was reconstructed by adding short EDs with different latencies and amplitudes. The conditions for the formation of long EDs with asynchronous activity of electromotor neurons and the possibility of coordinated operation of the electric generator and electroreceptor systems in catfish were considered, since an increase in the duration of EDs lowers the threshold of their perception.

Hybrid cube-in-cup nanoantenna: towards ordered photonics.

The most significant goal of nanophotonics is the development of high-speed quantum emitting devices operating at ambient temperature. In this regard, plasmonic nanoparticles-on-mirror are potential candidates for designing high-speed photon sources. We introduce a novel hybrid nanoantenna (HNA) with CdSe/CdS colloidal quantum dots (QDs) based on a silver nanocube in a metal cup that presents a nanoparticle-in-cavity coupled with an emitters system. We use focused ion beam nanolithography to fabricate an ordered array of cups, which were then filled with colloidal nanoparticles using the most simple drop-casting and spin coating methods. The spectral and time-resolved studies of the samples with one or more nanocubes in the cup reveal a significant change in the radiation characteristics of QDs inside the nanoantenna. The Purcell effect causes an increase in the fluorescence decay rate (≥30) and an increase in the fluorescence intensity (≥3) of emitters in the HNA. Using the finite element method simulations, we have discovered that the proximity of the cups wall affects the oscillation modes of the gap plasmon, which, in turn, leads to changes in the electric field enhancement inside the nanoantenna gap. Additionally, substantial variations in the behavior of the gap plasmons at different polarizations of the exciting radiation have been revealed. The proposed nanoantenna can be useful in the development of plasmonic sensors, display pixels, and single-photon sources.

Synthesis of 2-Aminoethanesulfonamides of Betulinic and Betulonic Acids.

New potentially biologically active sulfonamide derivatives of pentacyclic lupane-type triterpenoids, the sulfonamide group of which was bonded to C-17 of the triterpene skeleton through an amidoethane spacer, were synthesized via conjugation of 2-aminoethanesulfonamides to betulinic and betulonic acids in the presence of Mukaiyama reagent (2-bromo-1-methylpyridinium iodide).

[Sleep-wake cycle regularity and cardiometabolic indicators]. / Regulyarnost' ritma «son ­ bodrstvovanie¼ i kardiometabolicheskie pokazateli.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between sleep-wake rhythm and cardiometabolic parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 103 participants, aged 25-64 years, underwent actigraphy study with Actigraph Actilife GT3X + device (USA) for 7 days. We assessed actigraphy indicators (physical activity and sleep data), anthropometric indicators, blood pressure and laboratory parameters. Actigraphy data was processed using the nparACT package in the R program with the calculation of nonparametric indicators: intraday variability, interday stability, the average level of lowest activity for five hours (L5) and ten hours with the highest activity (M10), relative amplitude is the ratio of M10/L5. RESULTS: The nonparametric analysis showed an association of the higher night activity with sleep effectiveness, wake after sleep onset, indicators of physical activity. A more stable sleep pattern is associated with more steps, less weight and waist circumference, lower levels of diastolic blood pressure, creatinine and insulin. Increased fragmentation of sleep patterns is associated with increased CRP and increased sedentary time. Participants with higher activity contrast have less waist circumference, hips and body mass index, lower levels of CRP and insulin. CONCLUSIONS: Rhythm and quality of sleep are important parameters associated with cardiometabolic indicators. Stable sleep patterns, higher activity during the day and lower night activity are associated with a more favorable condition of cardiovascular system.

Multiplex label-free biosensor for detection of autoantibodies in human serum: Tool for new kinetics-based diagnostics of autoimmune diseases.

A multiplex label-free biosensor is developed for diagnostics of autoimmune diseases by highly sensitive measuring in human serum both critical characteristics of autoantibody: concentration and native kinetic parameters that reflect autoantibody aggressiveness to the organism's tissues. The biosensor is based on the spectral-correlation interferometry and image processing of a microarray glass biochip, affordable to be single-used in medical applications. Simultaneous 25-min detection and activity characterization of several autoantibodies in the same serum sample have been demonstrated for anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) as models. The biosensor offers extremely high sensitivity: limits of detection in serum are 1.7 IU/mL and 6 IU/mL for anti-TPO and anti-TG, respectively. The dynamic range covers the whole range of clinically relevant concentrations of the autoantibodies up to 1000 IU/mL. The developed method of characterization of autoantibody activity by recording the kinetics of their binding with free native antigens is based on autoantibody polyvalency. The measurements in clinical serum samples have shown that the native kinetic parameters are independent of concentration. The proposed biosensor and method of native kinetic registration can be used to develop new criteria for comprehensive diagnostics of autoimmune diseases, based not only on traditional measurements of concentration but also on quantitative evaluation of autoantibody aggressiveness. The developed method can be adapted to other label-free sensors such as those based on the surface plasmon resonance, optical waveguides, etc.

Data on characterization of glass biochips and validation of the label-free biosensor for detection of autoantibodies in human serum.

The data represent in-depth characterization of a novel method for highly sensitive simultaneous measuring in human serum of both critical parameters of autoantibodies: concentration and native kinetics. The latter refers to autoantibody interaction with free, not immobilized, antigen. The method and related biosensors are based on the spectral-correlation and spectral-phase interferometry. The data cover: multi-factor optimization and quantitative characterization of the developed affordable single-used biochips, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) control of chemical modifications of the surface during fabrication; antibody screening; optimization and verification of protocols for label-free biosensing in human serum; mathematical model for fitting experimental data and calculation of kinetic constants of interaction of autoantibodies with free antigen; comprehensive verification of the method specificity; correlation between the data obtained with the developed biosensor and with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); comparison of analytical characteristics of the developed biosensor with the most advanced label-based methods. The data importance is confirmed by a companion paper (DOI 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112187), which shows that the combination of mentioned autoantibody parameters is promising for more accurate criteria for early diagnostics and efficient therapy of autoimmune disorders. The obtained data can be used in development of a wide range of biosensors, both label-free and based on various labels.

Transformation of the radionuclides composition of river sediments in the area of the exploited Lomonosov diamond deposit (NW Russia).

The article is devoted to the study of the activity of the natural radionuclides 40K, 232Th, 226Ra and technogenic 137Cs radionuclide in the river sediments of watercourses around the Lomonosov diamond deposit (northwestern Russia). This is the only large diamond mining and beneficiation complex in Europe. Samples of river sediments and surface waters were taken from the Zolotitsa River and its tributaries in the area of the diamond deposit. Samples of rocks were taken from quarries. Samples of kimberlites used for enrichment and rocks entering the dumps were selected. Measurements of the activity of radionuclides in bottom sediments and rocks were conducted using the low-background semiconductor gamma spectrometry method. For measurements, a detector from high-purity germanium was used. The study of uranium isotopes in bottom sediments and waters was conducted using the alpha spectrometry method. The average activity of 137Cs, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 5.4, 9.0, 11.2, 318.8 Bq·kg-1 respectively. The impact of the development of the field on the change in the radioecological state of the bottom sediments was evaluated. Several patterns of radionuclide accumulation have been found depending on the physicochemical parameters of river sediments. These patterns are due to the technogenic influence of the mining and beneficiation complex. The performed studies present the first evaluation of the impact of diamond mining on natural radionuclides' distribution and accumulation in the river sediments within the adjacent territories.

Electrogenesis in Two African Upside-Down Catfishes, Synodontis sorex and S. batensoda (Mochokidae, Siluriformes).

Weak electric discharges generated by the two species of the African upside-down catfishes, Synodontis sorex and S. batensoda are described. In both species two types of discharges were recorded in the course of aggressive-defense interactions in the pairs of individuals: short simple biphasic and longer (duration >20 ms) discharges with more complex waveform. The discharges of the latter type seem to result from a temporal summation (with various latency) of simple discharges. It is suggested that formation of the long quasimonopolar discharges enhances the coincidence of frequency spectrum of the catfish discharges with maximum sensitivity range of their ampullary electroreceptors.

[Office and 44-hour ambulatory blood pressure and central haemodynamic parameters in the patients with end-stage renal diseases undergoing haemodialysis].

AIM: To assess the incidence of blood pressure (BP) control and various phenotypes of BP by comparing the results of office and 44-hour ambulatory brachial and central BP measurement in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on program hemodialysis (HD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 68 patients ESRD receiving renal replacement therapy we evaluated office peridialysis BP and performed 44-hour ambu latory monitoring (ABPM) of brachial and central BP during peridialysis period using a validated oscillometric device BPLabVasotens (OOO "Petr Telegin"). Results were considered statistically significant with p<0.05. RESULTS: The frequency of control of peripheral office BP before the HD session was 25%, after - 23.5%; control of central BP - 48.6% and 49%, respectively. According to office measurement the frequency of systolic-diastolic hypertension was 44.1%, isolated systolic hypertension - 25%, isolated diastolic hypertension - 5.9%. The values of peripheral and central office systolic BP (SBP) before and after HD were not consistent with the corresponding mean and daily SBP levels for 44 hours and for the first and second days of the interdialysis period. The frequency of true uncontrolled arterial hypertension (AH) according to peripheral ABPM was 66.5%, masked uncontrolled AH - 9%. Circadian rhythm abnormalities for 44-h peripheral BP were detected in 77%, for central - in 76%. In 97% of patients agreement between phenotypes of the daily profile of peripheral and central BP was observed. 73% of patients had a significant increase in peripheral and central SBP and pulse pressure (PP) and an increase in the proportion of non-dippers from the 1st to the 2nd day. CONCLUSION: Patients with ESRD on HD were characterized by poor control of BP control and predominance of unfavourable peripheral and central ambulatory BP phenotypes. A single measurement of clinical peripheral and central BP in the peridialysis period was not sufficient to assess the control of hypertension in this population. The 24-h BP profiles in the 1st and 2nd days of interdialysis period had significant differences.

[Cytomorphometric study on the effect of smoking on tissues adjacent to dental implants]. / Vliianie kureniia na sostoianie tkanei, prilezhashchikh k dental'nym implantatam, po dannym tsitomorfometricheskogo issledovaniia.

The aim of the study was determination of the effectiveness of peri-implantation zone tissues control by means of cytomorphometry in cellular imprints obtained from the area of dental implantation on a model applying a comparison of the state of the tissues of the peri-implantation zone of smokers and non-smokers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cytomorphometry was used for tissue monitoring in implant-adjacent areas by the Index of Destruction (ID) and the Inflammatory-Destructive Index (IDI) in the group of smoking patients: 6 females and 9 males (41 implant) and in the group of non-smoking patients: 13 females and 14 males (97 implants). Follow-up terms in both groups from the moment of gingival former or provisional crown placement comprised 1, 5, 15, 25, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 720 days. Significant increase of ID within 25-120 days was revealed in smokers. The study of Inflammation-Distraction Indices revealed a statistically significant increase in the values in group of smokers at 5 to 60 days. The results of using of cytomorphometric method allow conclude that smoking is a pathogenic factor that exerts its influence through initiation and sustentation of an inflammatory process in the tissues adjacent to dental implants.

Rearrangement of the Prefrontal Cortex Neural Activity in Both Hemispheres during Learning.

Neuronal activity of both right and left hemispheres of the rat prefrontal brain cortex was recorded in the two-ring maze during animal learning to operate in response to signals. At the beginning of learning, pairwise comparison of neural activity that accompanied correct and incorrect choice of the right and left sides showed significant differences in the left hemisphere and the lack of differences in the right one. With increasing percentage of correct choices during a session of learning, the differences in neuronal responses appeared in the right hemispheres and were reduced in the left one. The opposite trends in rearrangement of the total impulse activity are believed to be related to different roles of hemispheres in the construction of the internal behavioral model.

Diversity of the CO1 Gene of Mitochondrial DNA in Representatives of Genus Antimora (Moridae, Gadiformes) in the World Oceans.

The frequency of occurrence of the COI gene of mitochondrial DNA in the Pacific flatnose Antimora microlepis and blue antimora Antimora rostrata (Moridae, Gadiformes) was analyzed in samples collected in different areas of the World Ocean. The revealed maximum haplotype diversity of COI in the blue antimora in the North Atlantics may indicate that this species emerged in this region, from which it widely distributed in the World Ocean. The Pacific flatnose Antimora microlepis originated from Antimora rostrata. Antimora might penetrate into the North Pacific by several routes: through the Panama Strait, along the coast of Antarctica, or through the Indian Ocean along the coast of Australia.

Data on characterization and validation of assays for ultrasensitive quantitative detection of small molecules: Determination of free thyroxine with magnetic and interferometric methods.

The presented data refer to optimization and quantitative characterization of a rapid lateral flow assay based on high-affinity bifunctional ligand and magnetic nanolabels, which was developed for detection of small molecules of thyroid hormones. The results were obtained by several techniques, including the magnetic particle quantification method, spectral-correlation interferometry and spectral-phase interferometry, dynamic light scattering, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The long-term stability of "antibody - magnetic nanoparticle" conjugates is shown. The assay specificity is confirmed, and verification of successful combination of magnetic particles and antibodies is demonstrated. The kinetic and equilibrium dissociation constants are determined for interactions between thyroxine and monoclonal antibodies. The obtained data could be used for design of other platforms for detection of small molecules.

Large artery stiffness according to different assessment methods in adult population of St.Petersburg.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of increased arterial stiffness by different diagnostic methods and its association with cardiovascular risk in Russian population-based cohort. DESIGN AND METHODS: In terms of Russian epidemiological study ESSE-RF a random selection of 452 apparently healthy Saint-Petersburg inhabitants aged 25-65 years was performed. Fasting lipids, glucose and blood pressure measurements were performed. We used 3 diagnostic methods of arterial stiffness assessment: pulse wave velocity by applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor - PWV-S) and pulse wave velocity by volumetric sphygmography (VaSera - PWV-V), and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) by VaSera. RESULTS: 341 (75,4%) had normal parameters of arterial stiffness assessed by all methods. Spearmen's coefficient of correlation and "kappa" coefficient for PWV-S and CAVI were 0,74 and 0,04, for PWV-S and PWV-V - 0,10 and 0,06, for CAVI and PWV-V - 0,28 and 0,03, respectively. There was a significant correlation between cardiovascular risk (defined by SCORE) and PWV-S (r = 0,38, p < 0,001) and a non-significant trend of increasing CAVI along with cardiovascular risk (r = 0,35, p = 0,14). CONCLUSIONS: Different methods of arterial stiffness assessment showed a weak correlation with each other. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity detected by applanation tonometry is associated with high cardiovascular risk score and might be considered as better additional risk marker for cardiovascular risk stratification.

Electric Organ Discharges of Cyphomyrus petherici (Mormyridae, Osteoglossiformes) from the White Nile Basin.

The waveform and some characteristics of the electric organ discharges have been studied in 11 individuals of Cyphomyrus petherici, the only representative of the genus in the Nilotic fauna. The discharge is characterized by three to five phases with a prevalence of the second phase in terms of the relative amplitude and a wide variability of the total duration of discharge (from 212 to 558 µs). The comparison of the discharges of the species under study with those in the congeneric species and representatives of the genus Pollimyrus (which previously encompassed C. petherici) demonstrates a general similarity of the C. petherici discharges with those of Cyphomyrus, but not Pollimyrus. This is in agreement with the correspondence of the discharge characteristics observed in other mormyrids to the phylogenetic position and taxonomic status of the species.