Diversity of Chrysophycean Stomatocysts in the Steppe Zone of the South Urals.

Diversity of chrysophycean stomatocysts was studied in the steppe zone of the South Urals. A total of 14 stomatocyst morphotypes were identified, of which four were for the first time observed in Russia. Two morphotypes were described as novel. Morphological descriptions, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images, and geographical locations were provided for all stomatocysts. High diversity of chrysophycean stomatocysts points to significant development of the chrysophyte flora in reservoirs of the steppe zone of the South Urals, making further research relevant.

Diabetic Nephropathy - possibilities of early laboratory diagnostics and course prediction (review of literature).

The medical and social significance of diabetes mellitus is determined by a progressive increase in the incidence of the disease, as well as the development of disabling and reducing the quality of life of macro- and microvascular complications in patients of working age, in particular, with the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN), which develops in one third of patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes. DN is the third leading cause of death after diseases of the cardiovascular system and oncological pathologies. In this regard, the identification of DN at the early stages is an important task both from the standpoint of prevention and a more favorable prognosis of the course of diabetes. This review presents data on the possibilities of early diagnosis of DN using blood and urine biomarkers, as well as information on their diagnostic and prognostic value. The analysis of the interpretation of the indicator of microalbuminuria in type 1 and 2 diabetes was carried out. In addition, the literature data of recent years on the informative value of determining markers of podocyte damage, on the role of oxidative stress products, immune-inflammatory factors, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the process of the onset and development of DN are presented. The possibility of their practical use for the diagnosis of DN in clinical practice is discussed. The literature search for this review was carried out using the databases of the RSCI, CyberLeninka, Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, PubMed for the period from 2011 to 2021. using the following keywords: diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy, markers of diabetic nephropathy; kidney damage, early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.

[Characterization of B1-cells during experimental leukomogenesis.]

BACKGROUND: Bovine leukemia causes a significant polyclonal expansion of CD5+, IgM+ B lymphocytes, known as persistent lymphocytosis (PL), in approximately 30% of infected cattle. However, it is not yet clear what happens to this subpopulation of B cells in the early period of infection of animals. PURPOSE: Quantitative characterization of IgM+ and CD5+ B cells during the immune response, which can provide important information on the mechanisms of lymphocyte priming in BLV infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment used BLV-negative calves of black-motley breed at the age of 8 months (n = 11). Animals (n = 8) were intravenously injected with blood of a BLV-positive cow. Control calves (n = 3) were injected with saline. Studies were performed before and after infection on days 5, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 65 of the immune response. The determination of the number of B-lymphocytes in the blood was carried out by the method of immunoperoxidase staining based on monoclonal antibodies to IgM, CD5. RESULTS: As a result of the studies, it was found that the level of CD5+ B cells increases on the 14th day of the primary immune response, characterized by polyclonal proliferation of CD5+ B cells, which are the primary target for BLV. Our research data confirm that in the lymphocytes of experimentally infected cattle, surface aggregation of IgM and CD5 molecules on B-lymphocytes is absent. DISCUSSION: It is known that the wave-like nature of IgM synthesis, which was shown in previous studies, depends on a subpopulation of B1 cells. After 7 days of the immune response, IgM+ and CD5+ cells do not correlate, which shows their functional difference. The increase in CD5+ cells is probably not associated with B cells, but with T cells differentiating under the influence of the virus. CONCLUSIONS: A subset of B1 cells is the primary target of cattle leukemia virus. The 65th day of the immune response is characterized by the expansion of IgM+ B cells, a decrease in the number of CD5+ cells and a uniform distribution of receptors around the perimeter of the cells.

[Markers of endothelial dysfunction: pathogenetic role and diagnostic significance.]

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is considered one of the pathogenetic mechanisms of a whole range of diseases. Detection of specific biochemical markers in the blood is an effective way to ED diagnostics that characterize the vascular endothelium state. This review highlights the pathogenetic role of the factors synthesized by endotheliocytes whose level changes in biological fluids reflect violations of the endothelium basic physiological properties: vasomotor function, thromboresistance, angiogenesis regulation, barrier and adhesion functions. In particular, the participation of nitric oxide metabolites, asymmetric dimethylarginine, endothelin-1, metabolic products of arachidonic acid, von Willebrand factor, thrombomodulin, vascular endothelial growth factor, vasohibine-1 and adhesion molecules in the onset and development of ED are reviewed. The diagnostic significances of factors damaging endothelium, such as C-reactive protein, homocysteine and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, are discussed. In addition, the literature data of recent years about the prospects of clinical implication the detection of the above-mentioned factors which indicates structural and functional endothelial cells damage are given. Particular attention is paid to the ED markers detection prognostic significance and the possibility of their practical use for the ED diagnosis. The search of literature for the current review was conducted in RSIC, CyberLeninka, Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine and PubMed databases from 2012 to 2018 using the following keywords: endothelial dysfunction, nitric oxide, asymmetric dimethylarginine, endothelin-1, prostacyclin, thromboxane A2, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, von Willebrand factor, thrombomodulin, vascular endothelial growth factor, vasohibin-1, adhesive molecules, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine.

[Detection of specific antibodies of classes G and M to bovine leukemia virus in the blood serum.]

INTRODUCTION: Bovine leukemia is a widespread infection worldwide, the causative agent of which is the bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in structural structure and functional features similar to human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) and It is considered as an actual medical and social problem. The study of the immune response in experimentally infected calves at an early stage of the disease development, synthesis of specific antibodies of classes G and M (IgG and IgM), diagnostic informativeness of detection of IgM in cattle leukemia is relevant and determines the purpose of this study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples of blood and serum of cattle: animals experimentally infected with VLCRS, patients with cattle leukemia; control negative; specific to heterologous pathogens of cattle diseases. Indirect and sandwich variant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); commercial ELISA kits (IDEXX, USA; Hema LLC, FKP Kursk Biofactory Firm BIOK, Russia) for the detection of specific IgG and IgM for BLV in the agar gel immunodiffusion reaction (RID). RESULTS: The humoral immune response develops shortly after infection - by 1-8 weeks. IgM are detected starting from the 3rd day, and IgG from the 7th day after infection. Up to 97% of coincidence of positive results in RID and indirect variant of TF ELISA based on monoclonal antibodies to cattle IgM (IgMbovine) were found. DISCUSSION: The dynamics of the synthesis of antibodies of classes M and G to the glycoprotein gp 51 BLV has a dosedependent wave-like character, is consistent with the levels of increase / decrease in the absolute and relative number of leukocytes / blood lymphocytes of infected calves. FINDINGS: Serum specific IgM was detected starting 3 days after infection with BLV. Early detection of IgM in serum of cattle can be used as an additional test for the detection of sick animals.

[(INFESTATION OF FISHES OF THE FAMILY CYPRINIDAE IN THE FOCI OF TREMATODES OF THE ECOSYSTEM OF THE BELAYA RIVER (THE REPUBLIC OF BASHKORTOSTAN)].

In the ecosystem of the Belaya River, fishes of the family Cyprinidae were infected with three epidemically important species oftrematodes of the family Opisthorchidae: Opisthorchisfelineus, Metorchis bilis, and Pseudamphistomum truncatumn. No biotopes of mollusks of the genus Codiella were detected. The contamination of underyearlings with-Ofelineus and M.bilis metacercariae indicates that there are cores of opisthorchiasis and metorchiasis (M.bifis) foci in the ecosystem of the lower course of the river. The presence of biotopes of the genus Bithynia mollusks, the first intermediate host.for P. truncatum, in the waters, but the absence of fishes infected with P.truncatum metacercariae among the examined under- yearlings may lead to the conclusion that there are no cores of pseudamphistomiasis foci. Infestation of onein 97 older individual muvarica (Albumus alburnus) with trematode metacercariae is evidence of its infection outside the floodplain river ecosystems of the Belaya River and subsequent migration of the fish into the lowerreaches of the river, where a barren zone of a pseudamphistomiass focus is formed. In this ecosystem there is a risk of human infection with epidemically important species of trematodes of the family Opisthorchidae (O.felineus, M.bifis, and P.truncatum)-when eating the fish caught in the river, its tributaries, and floodplain waterbodies. When identifying the metacercariae and detecting the natural foci of trematodes, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the fishes of the family Cyprinidae in the river ecosystem have four types of Opisthorchis metacercariae (after D.A.Razmashkin).

Characteristics of the nutrition organization and nutrient consumption in toddlers' living in the Central Federal District, Russian Federation (Moscow, Ivanovo, Yaroslavl).

A multicenter cross-sectional study with the participation of 356 healthy children aged 1 to 3 years from the cities of the Central Federal District: Moscow (n=106), Ivanovo (n=126), Yaroslavl (n=124) has been carried out. Questionnaire method, the method of 24-hour diet recall for 3 days (2 weekdays and 1 weekend) and the method of diary recording of food intake were used. The average daily volumes of food were consistent with the recommended age norms only in 31.2% of the surveyed children; after 1 year of life children actively started to transfer to nutrition from the family table and only 51.7% of children continued to receive individually prepared for baby food. The recommended dietary allowances were inadequate in macro- and micronutrients: 48.6% of all children received excessive amounts of protein and fat, and 74.1% were less in carbohydrates. The consumption of vitamins D and A and minerals (calcium, iron and zinc) did not correspond to existing recommendations in the majority of cases: only 10-30% of the examined children received physiological norms of vitamins from food and 13-34% - some minerals and trace elements. These results indicate that the nutrition of young children living in the Central Federal District is imbalanced on daily caloric, macro- and micronutrient composition, does not fully meet the requirements of the balanced diet and needs serious optimization.

[EPIZOOTOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TREMATODIASIS FOCI IN THE ECOSYSTEM OF THE AMUR RIVER IN THE KHABAROVSK TERRITORY].

Investigations were conducted in late June to early June 2013. The population density of mollusks of the genus Juga in the shoreline and littoral covered by meadow waters was 10 to 30 specimens/m2; there were solitary specimens of the genus Parafossarulus. Fourteen out of 39 fish species were invaded by metacercariae of Clonorchis. Manchurian spiny loaches (Leptobotia) and Light's bitterling (Rhodeus lighti) are first registered to be hosts of Clonorchis. The metacercariae of Metagonimus yokogawai were detected in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and those of Nanophyetus salmincola schikhobalowi were in the kidneys, fin muscles, and gills of taimen (Hucho) and lenok (Brachymystax lenok) from the Khor River. The invasion rate for the taimen was greater than 1000 metacercariae and that for the lenok was not more than 720 metacercariae per fish.

[AEROMONAS BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM BITHYNIIDAE MOLLUSKS AND THEIR HABITATS: SPECIES COMPOSITION AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES. COMMUNICATION 1].

The purpose of this investigation was to study the species composition and biological properties of Aeromonas bacteria isolated from Bithyniidae mollusks and their habitat (a water reservoir). The Bithyniidae mollusks and water from their habitat were the material to be studied. A total of 176 Aeromonas strains were isolated from the mollusks and water. A. veronii, A. hydrophila, and A. ichthiosmia were most common in the mollusks and A. veronii and A. ichthiosmia were in the water. All the strains isolated had hemolytic activity and no lysozyme or plasma coagulase activity. The magnitude of lecithinase and antilysozymic activities and biofilm formation of the Aeromonas bacteria varied with the isolation source of their strains.

[THE STRUCTURE AND SOME BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA CONSTITUTING THE MICROSYMBIOCENOSIS OF PROSOBRANCHIA MOLLUSKS (BITHYNIIDAE). COMMUNICATION 2].

The goal of this investigation was to study the structure and biological properties (antilysozymic, activity and biofilm formation) of gram-negative bacteria isolated from Bithyniidae mollusks and their habitat (water reservoir waters and soil). A total of 160 gram-negative bacterial strains isolated from the mollusks of the Bithyniidae family and their habitat were the material to be, studied. Psedomonas, Comamonas, and Acinetobacter held the lead in the structure of microbiocenosis of Bithyniidae mollusks, the first intermediate host of Opisthorchis filineus, while Acinetobacter did in the habitat. The antilysozymic activity of the water strains was shown to be an order of magnitude higher than that of the strains isolated from the mollusks.

[MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES ON KIDNEY STONES].

The clinical material obtained surgically in patients with kidney stone disease (KSD) was tested for content of the stone microflora using PCR and standard microbiological methods. It was demonstrated that about 50% of stones in patients with KSD were infected with various infection agents as observed using standard microbiological and molecular genetic methods. The percentage of detection of the Mycoplasma hominis using cultural method is lower than the percentage detected using PCR, which is due to difficult isolation and cultivation, as well as DNA fragments of mycoplasma observed after antibiotic therapy. Studies based on modern microscopy methods showed that microorganisms on the surface of the kidney stone formed multispecies biofilms.

[Protein profile strain specificity of Bifidobacterium genus members].

AIM: Analysis of differences in protein spectra of various bifidobacteria strains of intestine microsymbiocenosis using identification results from MALDI-TOF mass-spectrometer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Results of mass-spectrometry ("Bruker Daltonics", Germany) for 57 intestine isolates' of Bifidobacterium spp. are provided. 500,laser impulses were used for obtaining every mass-spectrum; parameters of mass-spectrometer were optimized for the 1000-18000 m/z (mass to charge) range. RESULTS: Comparative analysis of mass-spectrometry biomarkers for Bifidobacterium genus members has detected variations in the quantity of peaks (4 to 56) among both various species and within bifidobacteria species, that reflects uniqueness of the protein profile of separate strains. Along with biomarkers, specific for most cultures, significant differences of the examined peaks were detected; including among microorganisms, that belong to the same species. As such, for B. bifidum species strains--only in 67 ± 7.5% of cultures the presence of common peaks in'the 9282-9901 m/z was detected, whereas protein spectra in other ranges differed by both quantity and molecular mass. CONCLUSION: Differences in protein profile of Bifidobacterium genus microorganisms reflect uniqueness of protein spectra (proteome) of every separate strain; determining their functional activity, features of interaction, with associative microsymbionts and host organism in human associative symbiosis.

[BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF BACTERIA OF THE FAMILY ENTEROBACTERIACEAE AS COMPONENTS OF MICROSYMBIOCENOSIS OF THE FIRST INTERMEDIATE HOSTS OF O.FELINEUS].

The objective of the investigation was to study the biological properties (antilysozyme activity (ALA), biofilm formation (BFF), and virulence factors) of different Enterobacteriaceae species isolated from Bithyniidae mollusks and their habitats. A total of 117 strains isolated from Bithyniidae mollusks of the genera Codiella and Bithynia and those from their habitats were the material to be studied. Thus, comparison of the mean values of ALA in Enterobacteriaceae species suggests that the strains isolated from the mollusks and their aqueous habitat did not virtually differ in this indicator. Also, there were no statistically significant differences in the detection rate of the Enterobacteriaceae strains having a pronounced antilysozyme activity and in that of mollusks circulating in the aqueous habitat when compared with the strains isolated from the mollusks. Comparison of BFF in the aqueous bacterial strains and mollusk microbiota representatives revealed the highest values in the former; just lower value was noted in the latter. Soil Enterobacteriaceae isolates had very low BFF values.

[Parasitocenotic relationships in the marita micropopulations of Opisthorchis and opportunistic microorganisms (an in vitro model)].

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relation of exometabolites of Opisthorchis maritas and the bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, by studying some physiological functions of mature Opisthorchis and the properties of bacteria in the artificial media during co-cultivation. Its modified procedure was used to examine tile hature of relationships in the micro- population of the parasite and opportunistic bacteria. The Opistorchis felineus maritas obtained from the liver of an infested animal were the object of helminthological examinations. Co-cultivation of the bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus with Opistorchis felineus maritas showed that the latter exerted some inhibitory effects on the growth and reproduction of bacteria; moreover, there were no changes in their biochemical processes, virulence factors; and antibiotic susceptibility.

[Renal calculus microflora in urolithiasis and search for agents of control of biofilms formed by uropathogenic bacteria].

AIM: Study bacterial biofilms in native material (renal calculus) by electron microscopy method and developmeit of biofilm model by isolates in vitro on sterile calculi of various chemical composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bacterial spectra of microflora of renal calculus lavages were studied, isolated pure cultures were identified up to species. Comparisons of urine microflora obtained before operation in patients with urolithiasis with microflora of removed renal calculi were carried out. RESULTS: Urease activity and genes coding pathogenicity factors were detected, and the ability to form biofilms by isolates was studied. Model of formation of biofilms in vitro on sterile renal calculi was developed and candidate agents reducing the biofilm forming ability were tested. CONCLUSION: Uropathogenic microorganisms infecting renal calculi and forming biofilms on them not only support chronic infection by increased resistance to therapy but also facilitate novel lithogenesis.

[Epizootiological characteristics of clonorchiasis foci in the Amur River ecosystem in the Jewish autonomic region].

Malacofaunal and ichthyoparasitological studies were conducted in the floodplain-river ecosystem in the middle course of the Amur River. The studies covered its channels and tributaries, such as Big and Small Bira, Bidzhan, In, and Vertoprashikha Rivers, in the Birobidzhan, Leninskoye, and Smidovich districts of the Jewish Autonomic Region in the second half of August 2011. It was established that there were biotopes of the mollusk Parafossalurus manchouricus, the first intermediate host of Clonorchis sinensis, in the exosystems of the In, Bira, and Bidzhan Rivers. Sporadic P. manchouricus specimens were found in the Bidzhan channel in the vicinity of its estuary and on the flooded bank of the In River. The bay of the Bira River (the town of Birobidzhan) exhibited a biotope of P. manchouricus with a mollusk population density of 180 to 300 specimens/m2. Seven of 16 examined fish species showed metacercariae of Clonorchis. Among them there were not only Cyprinidae, but also representatives of other families and orders. The two-year-olds of orca-skripuns (Pseudobagrus fulvidraco), orca-whips (Tachysyrus ussuriensis), and Brazhnikov's orsas (Liocassis braschnikowi) were infected with C. sinensis metacercariae. Clonorchis metacercariae were first detected in Amur sleepers (Percottus glehni). This fish species has not been heretofore recorded as the second intermediate host ofC. sinensis. The highest invasion extent for C. sinensis metacercariae was revealed in Amur bitterlings (Rhodeus sericeus) born during the current year. In the biotopes ofdifferent water reservoirs, it changed from 10.0 to 48.0%. In 4 of 6 water reservoirs, Amur bitterlings were found to have larvae of this species of trematodes. The invasion rates were in the range from 1 to 4 metacercariae per fish. Only in individual cases, they were as great as 28 parasitic larvae per fish.

[Age-related features of colonic dysbiosis in Lamblia infestation].

The purpose of the investigation was to comparatively study and to define the specific features of intestinal microbiocenosis in patients with lambliasis in different age groups of children and adults. Characterizing the age-related features of microbiocenosis in Lamblia infestation showed differences in 3 age groups: children aged less than 7 years and those aged 8-14 years, and adults; there were no statistically significant differences in the characteristics of microbiocenosis between age groups I and II, as well as age groups IV and V. Intestinal microbiocenotic changes in Lamblia infestation were less evident in the 8-14-year-old children: grade 1 microbiological changes characterized by a decrease in the normal flora were most common.

Cancer-preventive activities of secondary metabolites from leaves of the bilberry Vaccinium smallii A. Gray.

Ten secondary metabolites including flavonoids (1-8), caffeic (9) and chlorogenic (10) acids were structurally identified from the extract of Sakhalin bilberry Vaccinium smallii leaves and studied in vitro as potential cancer-preventive agents. The results showed that compounds 1-10 inhibited EGF-induced neoplastic transformation of mouse JB6 Cl 41 P+ cells in soft agar with an inhibition concentration (INCC50) of 20-80 µm. Moreover, all these natural products were non-toxic against JB6 Cl 41 P+ cells up to a concentration of 200 µm.

[Age-related features of dysbiosis of large intestine].

AIM: To compare rate of detection of stage II-III intestinal dysbiosis with normal and decreased quantities of bacteria from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families in different age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microflora of large intestine was studied in 600 persons of different ages with normal quantity or deficit of bacteria from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families. RESULTS: Decrease of bifidobacteria level in structure of large intestine microflora increases rate of detection of opportunistic microorganisms--predominantly, bacteria from Klebsiella genus and Staphylococcus aureus. Decrease of lactobacilli level had lesser influence on rate of detection of opportunistic microorganisms. CONCLUSION: Results of bacteriologic studies of large intestine microbiocenosis demonstrate that intestinal microflora has its own characteristics in each age group.

[Persistence of Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteria in vivo in dependence of their ability to form biofilms].

AIM: To select the most susceptible line of mice which allows to conduct comparative studies of infectious process caused by different strains of B. cepacia in order to explore correlation between ability to form biofilms and persistence of bacteria in organs of infected animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Strain B. cenocepacia 370, which is a clinical isolate, and its mutants with modified ability to form biofilms were used. Conditional microbiologic methods and biological models of intraperitoneal and intranasal inoculation of mice belonging to 4 lines: BALB/c, BLACK, I/St, and A/Sn derived in Central Institute of Tuberculosis were employed. Criteria of persistence was duration of isolation of different strains of bacteria from lungs and spleen of inoculated animals as well as number of CFU. RESULTS: The most susceptible line of mice which enables to conduct comparative studies of infectious process caused by Burkholderia species was determined. It was shown that even after intraperitoneal inoculation the agent was better preserved in lungs than in spleen that corresponds to natural localization of this infection. At any time of observation the number of cells of mutant strain, which is a superproducer of biofilms, isolated from organs of inoculated mice was 2 - 10 times higher than number of isolated cells of mutant, which do not produce biofilms. CONCLUSION: Correlation of more prolonged persistence of B. cenocepacia in organs of inoculated animals in vivo with ability of the agent to form biofilms determined in vitro is experimentally established. The susceptible line of mice which allows to conduct comparative studies of dynamics of infectious process caused by various strains of Burkholderia species was revealed. It was shown that irrespective from method of inoculation B. cepacia are able to continuously persist in organism of susceptible animals with lungs as a predominant localization.