Antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles prepared using Aloe vera extract against Candida albicans.

Background and Aim: Resistance to antifungal agents is a serious public health concern that has not been investigated enough because most studies on antimicrobials are dedicated to antibacterial resistance. This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Aloe vera extract, and to assess its antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by reducing Ag nitrate with aqueous A. vera extracts. Physicochemical properties of synthesized AgNPs were determined by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, photon cross-correlation spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. An antifungal investigation was performed against four clinical C. albicans (C1, C2, C3, and C4) and a reference strain, C. albicans ATCC 10321. Results: Cubic AgNPs with a mean X50 hydrodynamic diameter of 80.31 ± 10.03 nm were successfully synthesized. These AgNPs exhibited maximum absorbance at 429.83 nm, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) confirmed the presence of Ag in AgNPs solution by a characteristic peak in the spectrum at the Ag Kα line of 22.105 keV. Infrared spectra for AgNPs and A. vera extract indicated that the compounds present in the extract play an essential role in the coating/capping of synthesized AgNPs. Different concentrations (200, 100, 50, 25, 10, and 5 µg/mL) of AgNPs were tested. The antifungal activity was shown to be dose-dependent with inhibition zones ranging from 10 mm to 22 mm against C. albicans ATCC 10231, 0 mm to 15 mm against C1, 0 mm to 16 mm against C2 and C3, and 0 mm to 14 mm for C4. Minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 16 µg/mL to 32 µg/mL against clinical C. albicans (C1, C2, C3, and C4) and was 4 µg/mL against C. albicans ATCC 10231. Conclusion: This study showed the ability of A. vera to serve as an efficient reducing agent for the biogenic synthesis of AgNPs with excellent antifungal activity.

[Floating structure of the carotid artery as a cause of microembolism in the basin of cerebral arteries]. / Flotiruiushchaia struktura sonnoi arterii kak prichina mikroémbolii v basseine mozgovykh arterii.

This article describes a rare clinical and diagnostic case report regarding a female patient presenting with frequent transitory attacks in the basin of both middle cerebral arteries. Based on the findings of duplex scanning of the cervical arteries we revealed floating structures with the presence of pronounced slow turbulent blood flow. After excluding all known causes of cerebral artery microembolism, associated with heart pathology or with the presence of unstable atherosclerotic plaques, the leading hypothesis of transitory ischaemic attacks in the woman concerned was the formation of microthrombi in the zone of motility of the structures revealed. The results of bitemporal transcranial Doppler monitoring carried out during 30 minutes detected more than 10 microembolic signals in the middle cerebral artery, thus confirming the embolic nature of transitory ischaemic attacks.

[Mönkeberg's sclerosis: role of calcification in arterial lesions in patients with diabetes mellitus]. / Skleroz Menkeberga: rol' kal'tsinoza v porazhenii arterii u bol'nykh sakharnym diabetom.

The number of patients with diabetes mellitus has steadily been increasing. This disease is associated with the risk for the development of micro- and macroangiopathies. One of the variants of macroangiopathy is Mönkeberg's sclerosis characterized by the presence of calcification of the media of the arterial wall. This article is a literature review reflecting the role of calcification in arterial lesions in patients with diabetes mellitus, also covering the historical aspect of studying Mönkeberg's sclerosis. Special attention is paid to its morphological forms, aetiopathogenetic mechanisms of development, taking into account contemporary studies, demonstrating mechanisms of the effect of medial arterial calcification on haemodynamics and the risk for the development of cardiovascular complications. Also presented herein are the main non-invasive and invasive methods of its diagnosis.

S-glutathionylation of human glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and possible role of Cys152-Cys156 disulfide bridge in the active site of the protein.

BACKGROUND: We previously showed that glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is S-glutathionylated in the presence of H2O2 and GSH. S-glutathionylation was shown to result in the formation of a disulfide bridge in the active site of the protein. In the present work, the possible biological significance of the disulfide bridge was investigated. METHODS: Human recombinant GAPDH with the mutation C156S (hGAPDH_C156S) was obtained to prevent the formation of the disulfide bridge. Properties of S-glutathionylated hGAPDH_C156S were studied in comparison with those of the wild-type protein hGAPDH. RESULTS: S-glutathionylation of hGAPDH and hGAPDH_C156S results in the reversible inactivation of the proteins. In both cases, the modification results in corresponding mixed disulfides between the catalytic Cys152 and GSH. In the case of hGAPDH, the mixed disulfide breaks down yielding Cys152-Cys156 disulfide bridge in the active site. In hGAPDH_C156S, the mixed disulfide is stable. Differential scanning calorimetry method showed that S-glutathionylation leads to destabilization of hGAPDH molecule, but does not affect significantly hGAPDH_C156S. Reactivation of S-glutathionylated hGAPDH in the presence of GSH and glutaredoxin 1 is approximately two-fold more efficient compared to that of hGAPDH_C156S. CONCLUSIONS: S-glutathionylation induces the formation of Cys152-Cys156 disulfide bond in the active site of hGAPDH, which results in structural changes of the protein molecule. Cys156 is important for reactivation of S-glutathionylated GAPDH by glutaredoxin 1. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The described mechanism may be important for interaction between GAPDH and other proteins and ligands, involved in cell signaling.

[Analysis of food and energy value of the menu of some municipal pre-school educational institutions of the Kaliningrad Region].

Evaluation of nutrition allows one to foresee the possibility of occurrence of various developmental disorders of children, including diseases associated with the metabolic syndrome. At an early age, not only eating habits are laid, but the foundation for future physical and mental health is created. Lack of attention to compliance with the physiological norms of nutrition can lead to significant economic losses upon the transition of this generation to the status of the economically active population. Aim - an analysis of children's diets in municipal pre-school educational institutions (kindergarten) in Kaliningrad. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated the nutrition of children aged 4-7 years based on a 10-day menu of three full-time kindergarten in Kaliningrad. The actual consumption of meals by the weight method of 9 groups of children (an average of 30 people) was also determined. The content of nutrients was assessed for compliance with the physiological requirements. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: By assessing the array of data on the nutritional value of the diet presented, the main marker indicators of diet compliance with physiological needs were determined, such as animal protein content, PUFA level, the ratio of mineral substances: sodium and potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. The protein content in the diet exceeded the physiological need by 10-14%, while the plant protein prevailed. There was a slight deficit of polyunsaturated fatty acids due to inadequate consumption of fish; carbohydrate intake was within normal limits. The sodium content in the rations significantly exceeded norm (on average, 1800 mg per day), due to the frequent inclusion of dishes with components with high salinity and hidden salt. Despite the inclusion of cottage cheese in the ration, the average calcium content was 18% lower than the recommended level. Vitamin A consumption was about 50% of the physiological norm. It was established, in general, that the studied menu were brought into compliance with the physiological norms. CONCLUSION: It is recommended to provide a variety of menus by introducing animal protein into the rations through the use of fermented dairy products and fish dishes. It is recommended to use local species of aquatic biological resources in order to reduce the price load in the formation of the menu. Suggestions for improving the menu allowing to significantly reduce sodium consumption by changing the formulations of some salads except for the use of salted and pickled vegetables are justified.

[Human resources provision for maxillofacial surgery facilities]. / Obespechenie naseleniia kadrami vrachei po profiliu 'cheliustno-litsevaia khirurgiia'.

The aim of the study was to analyze the key trends of medical staff provision for maxillofacial surgery facilities. It is established that the provision of the population with maxillofacial surgeons staff has slightly decreased from 0.08 (year 2011) to 0.06 (year 2015). The amount of staff positions at this period has increased by 17.22%, the intensity of growth of employed positions has grown by 15.74%, which makes the understaffing rate equal to approximately 8-10%. The coefficient of part-time workers has also varied slightly from 1.4 in 2011 to 1.26 in 2015. Over 93% of maxillofacial surgeons work in hospitals. The qualification category was awarded to over 46.0% of specialists in this field, 97.6% of maxillofacial surgeons have a specialist certificate. The results indicate the need for a new project of personnel policy strategy for further training and professional growth of maxillofacial surgeons.

[Endovenous thermal interventions in treatment of patients with lower limb varicose veins]. / Éndovenoznye termicheskie vmeshatel'stva v lechenii bol'nykh varikoznoi bolezn'iu nizhnikh konechnostei.

The problem regarding treatment of patients suffering from lower limb varicose veins remains a matter of current concern and is important today because of high prevalence of the pathology concerned and a steadily growing number of newly diagnosed cases. Mention should be made that both Russian and foreign phlebologists along with an open surgical operation on veins have more and more often been using minimally invasive endovenous techniques in comprehensive management of patients presenting with varicose veins. The present article is a literature review dedicated to a detailed discussion of two most commonly performed and efficient procedures, namely, radiofrequency ablation of lower limb veins and endovasal laser coagulation. This is accompanied and followed by demonstrating advantages of these techniques, describing the immediate and remote results obtained, as well as possible complications, both typical and rarely occurring. The majority of specialists employing radiofrequency ablation of lower-limb veins and endovasal endovenous laser coagulation report high effectiveness of their use for treatment of patients with lower limb varicose veins, including those diagnosed with pronounced trophic impairments. The findings obtained by many authors while comparing efficacy of various endovenous procedures make it possible to assess them objectively and to correctly determine the indications for a particular intervention.

Intranasal Insulin Restores Metabolic Parameters and Insulin Sensitivity in Rats with Metabolic Syndrome.

We studied the effect of 10-week treatment with intranasal insulin (0.5 IU/day) on glucose tolerance, glucose utilization, lipid metabolism, functions of pancreatic ß cells, and insulin system in the liver of rats with cafeteria diet-induced metabolic syndrome. The therapy reduced body weight and blood levels of insulin, triglycerides, and atherogenic cholesterol that are typically increased in metabolic syndrome, normalized glucose tolerance and its utilization, and increased activity of insulin signaling system in the liver, thus reducing insulin resistance. The therapy did not affect the number of pancreatic islets and ß cells. The study demonstrates prospects of using intranasal insulin for correction of metabolic parameters and reduction of insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome.

[AWAKE CRANIOTOMY: IN SEARCH FOR OPTIMAL SEDATION].

Awake craniotomy is a "gold standard"for intraoperative brain language mapping. One of the main anesthetic challenge of awake craniotomy is providing of optimal sedation for initial stages of intervention. The goal of this study was comparison of different technics of anesthesia for awake craniotomy. Materials and methods: 162 operations were divided in 4 groups: 76 cases with propofol sedation (2-4mg/kg/h) without airway protection; 11 cases with propofol sedation (4-5 mg/kg/h) with MV via LMA; 36 cases of xenon anesthesia; and 39 cases with dexmedetomidine sedation without airway protection. Results and discussion: brain language mapping was successful in 90% of cases. There was no difference between groups in successfulness of brain mapping. However in the first group respiratory complications were more frequent. Three other technics were more safer Xenon anesthesia was associated with ultrafast awakening for mapping (5±1 min). Dexmedetomidine sedation provided high hemodynamic and respiratory stability during the procedure.

[The role of zinc ions and structural polymorphism of ß-amyloid in the Alzheimer's disease initiation].

Aggregation of ß-amyloid peptide (Aß) underlies the development of Alzheimer's disease. Here we review the main stages of Aß formation and aggregation. We highlight the importance of interaction of zinc ions with the metal-binding domain 1-16 of Aß as a molecular mechanism that leads to Aß aggregation. We analyze recent studies of the native modifications of the Aß metal-binding domain that determine its structural polymorphism. The prospects for further studies of these modifications aimed at revealing the pathogenic mechanism of Aß aggregation are discussed.

[The activity of transaminases in the tissues of the Black-Sea mollusk Mytilus galloprovincialis].

The activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST, E. C. 2.6.1.1) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, E. C. 2.6.1.2) were studied in the tissues of the bivalve mollusks differing in shell color. Shell color patterns were assessed by photographing and computer processing in Adobe Photoshop CS-3. The activity of transaminases was determined by the Reitman-Frankel procedure. Four color groups of mollusks were singled out: black, intermediate, dark- and light brown. The AST and ALT activities were found to increase as shells lose color probably reflecting different tolerance of mollusks to habitats with different concentration of oxygen. The ALT distribution pattern differs appreciably in the foot of M. galloprovincialis where the highest values were found in the black-colored mussels, evidently due to the change of the predominant enzyme function. In this tissue, the reaction of transamination replenishes the pool of free amino acids required for the synthesis of byssus threads.

The English (H6R) familial Alzheimer's disease mutation facilitates zinc-induced dimerization of the amyloid-ß metal-binding domain.

Interaction of Zn(2+) with the metal-binding domain of the English (H6R) amyloid-ß mutant results in the formation of peptide dimers. The mutation causes the exclusion of His6 from the zinc chelation pattern observed in the intact domain and triggers the assembly of the dimers via zinc ions coordinated by (11)EVHH(14) fragments.

[REAL AND UNREAL BACKLASHES OF AEROSPACE ACTIVITY FOR THE HEALTH OF POPULATION RESIDING NEAR AREAS OF FALL OF BEING SEPARATED PARTS OF CARRIER ROCKETS].

Since the late 1990s, the ongoing debate about the consequences of the rocket-space activities for the health of people residing near areas offall ofseparatingfrom parts of rockets. Some scientists (Kolyado IB et al., 2001, 2013; Shoikhet YN et al., 2005, 2008; Skrebtsova NV 2005, 2006, Sidorov PI et al., 2007) argue that the main cause of morbidity is the effect of unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH). However, environmentalists find it only in areas offalling fragments of separated parts of carrier rockets. Presented in the article data were obtained as a result of perennial epidemiological and hygienic research. There was performed a hygienic assessment of the content of chemical substances in water soil andfood, nutritional status and health risk near areas of the district of falling 310 and 326. There were studied conditions of work and the health of military personnel at the sites of storage of propellant components. The relationship between revealed diseases and UDMH was not established, but there was their causality due to the influence of environmental factors characteristic of territories and living conditions. In the settlements near the area of falling district 310 the share of extremely anxious persons was shown to be 1.8 times higher than in controls, which is caused by cases of falling fragments stages of carrier rockets in the territory of settlements.

[The comparative evalution of informativeness of immunologic and molecular genetic methods and means during stages of specific indication of melioidosis agent].

The reference-center of monitoring of agents of glanders and melioidosis carried out testing of reagents kits for diagnostic of agent of melioidosis and other close-related species of Burkholderiae in vitro. At the stage of specific identification of pathogenic Burkholderiae the diagnostic possibilities of commercial and experimental kits of reagents for express- and rapid analysis were evaluated. The criteria of evaluation of diagnostic value of kits of reagents were sensitivity, specificity and time of implementation of studies. The analysis with application of mono- and multi-locus amplification systems, including real-time polymerase chain reaction permitted during 5-6 hours to implement identification and differentiation of Burkholderia pseufomallei, B. thailandensis and B. cepacia.

[Comparative characteristic of Burkholderiae pseudomallei group].

AIM: Comparative characteristic of diagnostic value of main cultural-biological characteristics of Burkholderiae pseudomallei group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 59 strains of B. pseudomallei, 14 --B. mallei and 5--B. thailandensis were used in the study. Biochemical characteristics were studied by generally accepted methods, antigenic properties were evaluated in agglutination reaction and immunoelectrophoresis, virulence was determined by Dlm for laboratory animals, antibiotic sensitivity was verified by disc-diffusion method. RESULTS: Passaging of B. pseudomallei and B. mallei in mice results in increase of virulence, preservation of initial sensitivity to antibiotics, contraction of precipitogen specter. During therapy of experimental melioidosis in guinea pigs resistance to chemopreparations of various groups is formed. Varying degree of virulence and sensitivity to antibiotics of various B. thailandensis strains was established. Dependence of sensitivity on in vitro cultivation was not detected. CONCLUSION: Stability of diagnostically significant tests used for identification of Burkholderiae pseudomallei group was established. Relevance of attribute set expansion that facilitates their differentiation is justified.

[Evolution of surgical and endonasal methods for correction of main-stem venous reflux in patients with primary varicosis of the lower extremities].

Adequate high-quality diagnostics of primary varicosis of the lower extremities is a challenging problem bearing in mind its high prevalence and social significance. This review focuses on historical aspects of the problem and current views of domestic and foreign specialists. Special attention is given to the treatment of main-stem venous reflux as a principal pathogenetic mechanisms of progressive venous insufficiency. The history of development and improvement of surgical methods for the treatment of the disease, from traumatic to minimally invasive outpatient interventions is expounded with the emphasis on modern endovasal techniques for correction of pathological venous reflux (radiofrequency obliteration and laser coagulation). The important role of phleboscleroobliteration in the treatment of primary varicosis is underscored. It is maintained that sclerotherapy remains an accessible effective method for the correction of varicose disease. Intraoperative catheter stem scleroobliteration of the main vessels yields good results provided the main principles of surgical intervention are met. Some unresolved problems include the choice of more informative indications for the treatment of primary varicosis of the lower extremities on an individual basis.

[Elimination of volatile compounds of leaf tobacco from air emissions using biofiltration].

The composition of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of various leaf tobacco brands and their blends has been studied. The differences in the content of nicotine, solanone, tetramethyl hexadecenol, megastigmatrienones, and other compounds, determining the specific tobacco smell, have been revealed. A microbial consortium, which is able to deodorize simulated tobacco emissions and decompose nicotine, has been formed by long-term adaptation to the VOCs of tobacco leaves in a laboratory reactor, functioning as a trickle-bed biofilter. Such a biofilter eliminates 90% of the basic toxic compound (nicotine) and odor-active compounds; the filtration efficiency does not change for tobacco brands with different VOC concentrations or in the presence of foreign substances. The main strains, isolated from the formed consortium and participating in the nicotine decomposition process, belong to the genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Rhodococcus. An examination of the biofilter trickling fluid has shown full decomposition of nicotine and odor-active VOCs. The compounds, revealed in the trickling fluid, did not have any odor and were nontoxic. The obtained results make it possible to conduct scaling of the biofiltration process to eliminate odor from air emissions in the tobacco industry.

[Proteinopathies--forms of neurodegenerative disorders with protein aggregation-based pathology].

A number of neurodegenerative disorders have recently been coalesced into a group of proteinopathies because of the similarity of molecular mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis. A key step in the development of proteinopathies is a structural change that triggers aggregation of proteins, which are intrinsically prone to form aggregates due to their physical and chemical properties. Present review is devoted to the recent progress in the field of proteinopathies with specific focus on properties of aggregate-prone proteins, main stages of the development of molecular pathology and the role of cellular clearance systems in progression of neurodegeneration. Recent modifications in the nomenclature of neurodegenerative diseases will also be addressed.

[Restenosis of carotid arteries after carotid endarterectomy: current aspects of the problem: (local and systemic risk factors). Part 1].

Carotid endarterectomy is currently the most effective surgical means of preventing ischaemic stroke. Despite the fact that this type of intervention is widely used, there seems to be no tendency toward decreased incidence of such a complication as restenosis of carotid arteries.The present review deals with the results of analyzing the literature on the problem concerning carotid artery restenosis after carotid endarterectomy. Considered herein are the problems of epidemiology and prevalence of the complication involved. Special attention is paid to local and systemic risk factors for the development of restenosis. Studying risk factors of restenosis after carotid endarterectomy is of considerable importance for both prevention and choice of pathogenetically targeted treatment of patients presenting with atherosclerotic lesions of brachiocephalic vessels.