[A rare observation of amyloidosis of the larynx simulating a tumor]. / Redkoe nabliudenie amiloidoza gortani, simulirovavshego opukhol'.

Presented a clinical case of a rare localization amyloidosis of the larynx, simulating a tumor. Considered the features of diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

[A mucosal melanoma of the larynx (a case report)]. / Nabliudenie melanomy slizistoi obolochki gortani.

In this article describe the clinical case of treatment of melanoma of the larynx mucous membrane.Presented the clinic, immunohistochemistrydiagnostics and methods of surgical treatment.

Effects of ROCK inhibitor Y27632 and EGFR inhibitor PD168393 on human neural precursors co-cultured with rat auditory brainstem explant.

Hearing function lost by degeneration of inner ear spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the auditory nervous system could potentially be compensated by cellular replacement using suitable donor cells. Donor cell-derived neuronal development with functional synaptic formation with auditory neurons of the cochlear nucleus (CN) in the brainstem is a prerequisite for a successful transplantation. Here a rat auditory brainstem explant culture system was used as a screening platform for donor cells. The explants were co-cultured with human neural precursor cells (HNPCs) to determine HNPCs developmental potential in the presence of environmental cues characteristic for the auditory brainstem region in vitro. We explored effects of pharmacological inhibition of GTPase Rho with its effector Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling on the co-cultures. Pharmacological agents ROCK inhibitor Y27632 and EGFR blocker PD168393 were tested. Effect of the treatment on explant penetration by green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled HNPCs was evaluated based on the following criteria: number of GFP-HNPCs located within the explant; distance migrated by the GFP-HNPCs deep into the explant; length of the GFP+/neuronal class III ß-tubulin (TUJ1)+ processes developed and phenotypes displayed. In a short 2-week co-culture both inhibitors had growth-promoting effects on HNPCs, prominent in neurite extension elongation. Significant enhancement of migration and in-growth of HNPCs into the brain slice tissue was only observed in Y27632-treated co-cultures. Difference between Y27632- and PD168393-treated HNPCs acquiring neuronal fate was significant, though not different from the fates acquired in control co-culture. Our data suggest the presence of inhibitory mechanisms in the graft-host environment of the auditory brainstem slice co-culture system with neurite growth arresting properties which can be modulated by administration of signaling pathways antagonists. Therefore the co-culture system can be utilized for screens of donor cells and compounds regulating neuronal fate determination.

[The use of the lactate-fortified milk whey for the prolongation of the functional life of the voice prostheses].

The objective of the present study was to develop the method for the prolongation of the functional life of the voice prostheses in the patients who underwent laryngectomy with special reference to the decrease of the risk of mycotic infection in the laryngo-oesophageal region. The original method is proposed with the application of the lactate-fortified milk whey that makes it possible to maintain the high concentration of living lactic acid bacteria in the laryngo-oesophageal segment where the voice prosthesis is located. The method was tested on 73 patients. It permitted to significantly prolong the functional life of the voice prostheses (from 12 to 20 months) and prevent mycotic infection. It is concluded that the proposed method promotes the improvement of the patients' quality of life following laryngectomy for the treatment of cancer.

[Primary hyperparathyroidism in oncological practice].

In the period from 1999 till 2009 there were 18 patients (14 women and 4 men) with adenomas of the parathyroid gland (PTG). Solitary lesions of the bones were diagnosed in 12 of them, 6 patients had multiple lesions. In 5 patients bone lesions were combined with nephrolithiasis and cholelithiasis. Operations resulted in osteodystrophy, normalization of hormonal and biochemical indices. One adenoma of PTG was found in 17 patients, in one woman there were two adenomas on both sides of the trachea, but they were diagnosed not at once. Reoperation gave recovery of the patient.

[Complications in tracheoesophageal bypass with vocal prosthesis].

A total of 112 cases of laryngeal and laryngopharyngeal cancer of stage III-IV have been analysed. The patients have undergone laryngectomy with tracheoesophageal bypass and prosthesis. In advanced tumors this operation is made in extremely unfavorable conditions due to the presence of severe inflammation in the tissues, chondroperichondritis and postradiation fibrosis, airways contamination with microbial flora. Complications arising in tracheoesophageal bypass and methods of their management are described. The knowledge of the problems and approaches to their management can help ENT doctors practicing vocal rehabilitation after laryngectomy.

[Reestablishment of the vocal function in patients with pharyngospasm after laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer].

Tracheoesophageal bypass was made in 114 patients after laryngectomy for reestablishment of voice. Of them, 17 (14.4%) patients had pharyngospasm which hinders voice recovery. To prevent this complication, the authors propose a special surgical policy which is different for delayed and primary (intraoperative) prosthesis.

[Establishment of acannular tracheostoma].

Creation of flat tracheostoma of a stable size is one of the key moments of tracheoesophageal bypass with prosthesis. The authors present original techniques of creation of a wide acannular tracheostoma for rehabilitation of voice function and providing adequate respiration after laryngectomy.

[Restoration of voice function in patients without larynx and pharyx: myth or reality?].

The article presents an original technique of voice restoration in patients who have undergone laryngopharyngectomy with resection of esophageal cervical part; analyses mechanism of phonation. Four cases of prosthetic reconstruction are reported. The necessity and feasibility of voice rehabilitation in patients with this severe condition are validated.

Role of calcium influx through voltage-operated calcium channels and of calcium mobilization in the physiology of Schistosoma mansoni muscle contractions.

We tested the hypothesis that voltage-operated Ca2+ channels mediate an extracellular Ca2+ influx in muscle fibres from the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni and, along with Ca2+ mobilization from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, contribute to muscle contraction. Indeed, whole-cell voltage clamp revealed voltage-gated inward currents carried by divalent ions with a peak current elicited by steps to +20 mV (from a holding potential of -70 mV). Depolarization of the fibres by elevated extracellular K+ elicited contractions that were completely dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and inhibited by nicardipine (half inhibition at 4.1 microM). However these contractions were not very sensitive to other classical blockers of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, indicating that the schistosome muscle channels have an atypical pharmacology when compared to their mammalian counterparts. Futhermore, the contraction induced by 5 mM caffeine was inhibited after depletion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum either with thapsigargin (10 microM) or ryanodine (10 microM). These data suggest that voltage-operated Ca2+ channels do contribute to S. mansoni contraction as does the mobilization of stored Ca2+, despite the small volume of sarcoplasmic reticulum in schistosome smooth muscles.

Neuropeptide signalling systems in flatworms.

Two distinct families of neuropeptides are known to endow platyhelminth nervous systems - the FMRFamide-like peptides (FLPs) and the neuropeptide Fs (NPFs). Flatworm FLPs are structurally simple, each 4-6 amino acids in length with a carboxy terminal aromatic-hydrophobic-Arg-Phe-amide motif. Thus far, four distinct flatworm FLPs have been characterized, with only one of these from a parasite. They have a widespread distribution within the central and peripheral nervous system of every flatworm examined, including neurones serving the attachment organs, the somatic musculature and the reproductive system. The only physiological role that has been identified for flatworm FLPs is myoexcitation. Flatworm NPFs are believed to be invertebrate homologues of the vertebrate neuropeptide Y (NPY) family of peptides. Flatworm NPFs are 36-39 amino acids in length and are characterized by a caboxy terminal GRPRFamide signature and conserved tyrosine residues at positions 10 and 17 from the carboxy terminal. Like FLPs, NPF occurs throughout flatworm nervous systems, although less is known about its biological role. While there is some evidence for a myoexcitatory action in cestodes and flukes, more compelling physiological data indicate that flatworm NPF inhibits cAMP levels in a manner that is characteristic of NPY action in vertebrates. The widespread expression of these neuropeptides in flatworm parasites highlights the potential of these signalling systems to yield new targets for novel anthelmintics. Although platyhelminth FLP and NPF receptors await identification, other molecules that play pivotal roles in neuropeptide signalling have been uncovered. These enzymes, involved in the biosynthesis and processing of flatworm neuropeptides, have recently been described and offer other distinct and attractive targets for therapeutic interference.

[Clinical and acoustic characteristics of tracheoesophageal bypass with prosthesis]. / Klinicheskie i akusticheskie kharakteristiki trakheopishchevodnogo shuntirovaniia s protezirovaniem.

The authors analyse different aspects of tracheoesophageal bypass with prosthesis, how to prolong operation of voice prostheses. It is shown that replacement of the prostheses is frequently necessary not because of wear but rather due to fungal or microfloral affection. Radiotherapy had no adverse effects on prosthesis. Complications of tracheoesophageal bypass with prosthesis, acoustic characteristics of the repaired voice are described.

[Microflora of the voice prostheses]. / Mikroflora golosovykh protezov.

The study was made of the condition of voice prostheses Provox and Blom-Singer in 27 patients wearing them. The prostheses were to be replaced by new ones as they lost impermeability for water. The prostheses were used for 6 months to 2 years. At the prosthesis removal from the tracheoesophageal bypass it was found that the esophageal flange and protective valve were contaminated with fungi and pathogenic bacteria. The valve was deformed, had limited motility and did not close tightly the esophageal opening of the prosthesis as the result of which liquid leaked into the airways. Bacteriological examination identified C.albicans, C.krusei, C.glabralis in 11 patients. Nistatin, flucostat, fluconasol, amphotericin were used in antifungal therapy. Prophylactic use of these drugs against fungi prolonged use of the prostheses 2-fold.

[Rehabilitation of a voice function by means of prosthetic repair of voice after removal of the larynx for cancer]. / Reabilitatsiia golosovoi funktsii s pomoshch'iu golosovykh protezov posle udaleniia gortani po povodu raka.

The paper presents treatment results in 223 patients who have undergone tracheoesophageal anastomosis with prosthetic repair of voice (PRV) after laryngectomy for cancer. PRV was made both simultaneously with laryngectomy (n=126) and after it (n=97). The procedure, complications and their prevention are described. The authors support the idea of the "gold standard"--voice repair for each laryngectomized patient. Tracheoesophageal anastomosis opens great prospects: loud intelligible speech recovered in 91.9% patients.

[Four levels (types) of immune reponse in children with viral parotitis infections]. / Chetyre urovnia (tipa) immunnogo otveta u detei, perenosiashchikh parotitno-virusnuiu infektsiiu.

Four levels (types) of immune response, differing by expression of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-4, and gamma-IFN) and immunoglobulins IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, and IgE) and by expression and time course of specific cell-mediated and humoral immune response, were detected in children with different clinical forms of mumps. Types 1 and 3 immune response are predominantly cell-mediated, while types 2 and 4 predominantly humoral during the acute phase of the disease. The cytokine and antigen-specific profiles of each type of immune response correlate with the severity of clinical course of mumps.

[The protective role of postvaccinal immunity in mumps in children]. / Protektivnaia rol' postvaktsinal'nogo immuniteta pri parotite u detei.

The immunological study of children with infectious parotitis (IP) without complications and with such complications as pancreatitis, meningitis or orchitis in the glandular form was carried out. In accordance with the previously proposed principle, 4 types of immune response (IR) were established on the basis of differences in initial resistance and the IR profile: cell-mediated immunity (types I and III) and humoral immunity (types II and IV). The patients included nonvaccinated children, as well as children vaccinated on epidemic indications, 3-6, 7-9, 10 and more years before infection. The comparative analysis of the number of IP cases with and without complications in the groups of children, divided according to their immunization history and the type of IR, revealed that postvaccinal immunity in children vaccinated on epidemic indications (less than a month ago) or 3-6 years before infection had protective potential, sufficient for the prevention of complicated forms of IP. Immunity obtained 7-9 years ago was effective for the protection from IP complications only in cell-mediated, but not humoral IR. Postvaccinal immunity obtained more than 10 years ago did not ensure the decrease in the occurrence of complicated forms of IP (in comparison with that in nonvaccinated patients) in children with any type of IR.

[Use of fluorescent probes for identifying certain animal viruses and antibodies to them]. / Ispol'zovanie fliuorestsentnykh zondov dlia identifikatsii nekotorykh virusov zhivotnykh i antitel k nim.

Virus adsorption on cell receptors changed the state of cellular membranes, as was shown on a model of 25 viruses belonging to 13 families. This is indicated by an increase in the fluorescence of the DSM probe. Homologous antibodies block the virus adsorption on the cell membrane, this permitting identification of viruses and detection of antibodies to them.

[Changes in the level of seizure readiness of KM strain rats undergoing systematic stimulation by light and sound]. / Izmenenie urovnia sudorozhnoi gotovnosti u krys linii KM pri sistematicheskom deistvii svetovykh i zvukovykh stimulov.

A possibility of reflex change in the rats seizure activity level of KM line in which an intensive sound causes epileptiform seizures has been studied. Interrupted light stimulation (non-specific for the given form of seizures) does not cause any seizures. It has been found however that the initial presentations of light stimulation favour the increase of seizure activity level in rats. Prolonged systematic stimulation by an intensive sound or by the light + sound complex cause a gradual drop in the seizure activity level. The light cancellation following a prolonged systematic stimulation by light + + sound causes a short-term rise in the seizure activity level.