Free prior informed consent in the extractive industry: Approaches to involving Indigenous peoples in decision-making in Russia.

Free prior informed consent is a principle for consulting, cooperating, and obtaining consent from Indigenous peoples through their representative institutions on matters affecting them. It is promoted by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which calls on nations to strengthen the civil, political, and economic rights of Indigenous peoples by securing their rights to land, minerals, and other natural resources. Extractive companies have been developing policies to address Indigenous peoples' concerns as part of legal compliance and voluntary actions under corporate social responsibility. The lives and cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples are continuously affected by operations of extractive industries. This is notable in the Circumpolar North, where Indigenous peoples have developed sustainable resource use practices in fragile natural environments. In this paper, we examine corporate social responsibility approaches to implementing free prior informed consent in Russia. We investigate how public and civil institutions influence the policies of extractive companies and their impact on Indigenous peoples' self-determination and participation in decision-making.

Effect of Collagen and GelMA on Preservation of the Costal Chondrocytes' Phenotype in a Scaffold in vivo.

The aim of the study was to compare type I collagen-based and methacryloyl gelatin-based (GelMA) hydrogels by their ability to form hyaline cartilage in animals after subcutaneous implantation of scaffolds. Materials and Methods: Chondrocytes were isolated from the costal cartilage of newborn rats using 0.15% collagenase solution in DMEM. The cells was characterized by glycosaminoglycan staining with alcian blue. Chondrocyte scaffolds were obtained from 4% type I porcine atelocollagen and 10% GelMA by micromolding and then implanted subcutaneously into the withers of two groups of Wistar rats. Histological and immunohistochemical studies were performed on days 12 and 26 after implantation. Tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, alcian blue; type I and type II collagens were identified by the corresponding antibodies. Results: The implanted scaffolds induced a moderate inflammatory response in both groups when implanted in animals. By day 26 after implantation, both collagen and GelMA had almost completely resorbed. Cartilage tissue formation was observed in both animal groups. The newly formed tissue was stained intensively with alcian blue, and the cells were positive for both types of collagen. Cartilage tissue was formed among muscle fibers. Conclusion: The ability of collagen type I and GelMA hydrogels to form hyaline cartilage in animals after subcutaneous implantation of scaffolds was studied. Both collagen and GelMA contributed to formation of hyaline-like cartilage tissue type in animals, but the chondrocyte phenotype is characterized as mixed. Additional detailed studies of possible mechanisms of chondrogenesis under the influence of each of the hydrogels are needed.

Matrix metalloproteinase -12: A marker of preeclampsia?

INTRODUCTION: Enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), play a significant role in trophoblast invasion - the cornerstone of preeclampsia pathogenesis. METHODS: This study aimed to explore the dynamics of the MMP-12 concentration in blood serum during the gestational period at determined weeks in preeclampsia and physiological pregnancy to compare the results with the expression of MMP-12 in placental tissue and reveal the MMP-12 predicting role in preeclampsia. RESULTS: Circulating serum MMP-12 was significantly decreased. The level of 0.5 ng/ml had high sensitivity and low false positivity at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy in women destined to develop pre-eclampsia in the case-control study. The dynamics curve of serum MMP-12 varied between study groups: a sharp decrease in MMP-12 concentration was found from the first trimester to the second trimester, followed by a slight increase in the third trimester of pregnancy in controls compared to the increase in concentration from the first trimester to the second trimester in pre-eclampsia. The absence of a significant difference in the concentration of MMP-12 in the II and III trimesters as well as no difference in the expression of MMP-12 protein in placental tissue in the third trimester indicates a decrease in its role after the end of placentation. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to show the dynamics of serum MMP-12 concentration during the gestational period and indicates a significant role for MMP-12 in the initial stages of placentation. The data obtained may pave the way to new early prediction strategies for preeclampsia.

Heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: prognostic value of biomarkers.

Aim      To study the role of soluble ST2 (sST2), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and С-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with chronic heart failure and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (CHF with pLVEF) and syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea (SOSA) in stratification of the risk for development of cardiovascular complications (CVC) during one month of a prospective observation.Material and methods  The study included 71 men with SOSA with an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) >15 per hour, abdominal obesity, and arterial hypertension. Polysomnographic study and echocardiography according to a standard protocol with additional evaluation of left ventricular myocardial fractional changes and work index were performed for all patients at baseline and after 12 months of observation. Serum concentrations of sST2 , NT-proBNP, and CRP were measured at baseline by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA).Results The ROC analysis showed that the cutoff point characterizing the development of CVC were sST2 concentrations ≥29.67 ng/l (area under the curve, AUC, 0.773, sensitivity 65.71 %, specificity 86.11 %; p<0.0001) while concentrations of NT-proBNP (AUC 0.619; p=0.081) and CRP (AUC 0.511; р=0.869) were not prognostic markers for the risk of CVC. According to data of the ROC analysis, all patients were divided into 2 groups based on the sST2 cutoff point: group 1 included 29 patients with ST2 ≥29.67 ng/l and group 2 included 42 patients with ST2 <29.67 ng/l. The Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed that the incidence of CVC was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (79.3 and 28.6 %, respectively, p<0.001). The regression analysis showed that adding values of AHI and left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMMI) to sST2 in the model increased the analysis predictive significance.Conclusion      Measuring sST2 concentration may be used as a noninvasive marker for assessment of the risk of CVC development in patients with CHF with pLVEF and SOSA within 12 months of observation. Adding AHI and LVMMI values to the model increases the predictive significance of the analysis.

Photodynamic Therapy of Melanoma B16 with Chlorin E6 Conjugated with a PSMA-Ligand.

The efficacy of a new photosensitizer of chlorin E6 conjugated with a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in photodynamic therapy of murine melanoma B16 was studied in in vivo experiments. The dynamics of photosensitizer accumulation in the tumor and surrounding tissues was evaluated and antitumor efficacy of photodynamic therapy was assessed by parameters of regression and morphological characteristics of experimental transplanted melanoma B16. The inhibitory effect of photodynamic therapy on melanoma was evaluated by complete regression of the tumor, absolute tumor growth coefficient in animals with continuation of tumor growth, and the increase in life span in comparison with the control; the criterion of cure was the absence of signs of tumor recurrence in mice within 90 days after therapy. The therapeutic potential of photodynamic therapy was determined by devitalization of tumor cells (histological examination of the zones of laser exposure on day 21 after treatment). The photosensitizer with PSMA-ligand exhibited high antitumor activity in photodynamic therapy for melanoma B16. Photodynamic therapy carried out at the optimum time after photosensitizer injection with experimentally determined parameters of laser exposure allows achieving the maximum inhibitory effect on melanoma. Pathomorphological study in the zones of exposure detected no survived tumor cells.

Effect of Vitrification on Functional Morphology and Viability of the Ovarian Tissue.

The results of a complex morphofunctional study with markers of proliferation (PCNA and Ki-67), angiogenesis (CD31 and CD34), and structural integrity of mesenchymal cells (vimentin) suggest that the pool of primordial follicles was well preserved in vitrified ovarian tissue and that viability of its cellular components can be rapidly restored during incubation at 37°C within 4 h after thawing.

Preclinical Toxicological Study of Release-Active Preparations for Prediction of Their Pharmacological Activity and Side Effects.

We studied chronic toxicity of a few release-active preparations: Dietressa (release-active preparation of affinity-purified antibodies to type 1 cannabinoid receptor), Divasa (releaseactive preparation containing a combination of affinity-purified antibodies to brain-specific S-100 protein and endothelial NO-synthase), Cardostin (release-active preparation containing a combination of affinity-purified antibodies to C-terminal fragment of angiotensin II type 1 receptor and endothelial NO-synthase), and Bation (release-active preparation containing a combination of affinity-purified antibodies to IFN-γ and CD4). We evaluated not only side and toxic effects, but also the relationships between these effects and pharmacological activities of the preparations. The data of preclinical toxicological studies of the release-active preparations can be used for prediction of their pharmacological activity.

[Comorbid state in coal miners suffering from lumbosacral radiculopathy].

The authors considered topics of occupational and general comorbidity of occupational lumbosacral radiculopathy in coal miners (2791 examinees) observed over 1976-2014 in occupational center. In patients having lumbosacral radiculopathy without occupational mixed diseases, the occupational disease was diagnosed at the age 3-5 years younger, and 2-4 years earlier from primary visit. Analysis of occurrence of general comorbid conditions with lumbosacral radiculopathy revealed some regularities: patients manifested with symptoms due to vibration have more frequent arterial hypertension than in those with lumbalgia, whereas in risk group of hearing affected by noise IHD was more possible.

[Prevention of lumbosacral radiculopathy in coal miners].

The authors consider results of retrospective analysis of primary consultations of 2791 coal miners with occupational lumbosacral radiculopathy over 1976-2014 in Rostov regional occupational center. Findings are that 975 miners (34.9%) underwent examination of the disease connection with occupation, and occupational lumbosacral radiculopathy was diagnosed on primary consultation, but in 1816 miners (65.1%) recurrent lowerback pain and health-injury by occupational hazards were diagnosed. Recurrent lower back pain in miners was considered as a predictor of occupational lumbosacral radiculopathy. The authors suggested a way of prevention for occupational lumbosacral radiculopathy and comorbid conditions in miners during periodic medical examinations in occupational pathology center.

[Factors forecasting risk of lumbosacral radiculopathy and comorbid diseases development in coal miners].

The authors constructed forecasting models of risk for occupational lumbosacral radiculopathy combined with vibration disease and occupational neurosensory deafness in coal miners suffering from lower back pain and signs of occupational hazards influence on health state. Scientific basis covered determination of high and low risk groups for health disorders in miners, according to calculations within suggested formula in forecasting models. Findings are that each year following primary diagnosis of lower back pain and signs of occupational hazards influence on health state, probability of occupational lumbosacral radiculopathy combined with vibration disease increased by-1S% (OR = 1.15 1; 95% CI = 1.105-1.200), combined with occupational neurosensory deafness - by 5% (OR = 1.054, 95% CI = 1.097- 1.507). Probability to get occupational neurosensory deafness combined with occupational lumbosacral radiculopathy was maximal in miners aged 30-39, and combination of vibration disease and radiculopathy was more frequent in miners aged 40-49 (OR = 1.542; 95% CI = 1.154-2.062).

[Evaluation of cardiovascular health state in teachers].

Comparative analysis covered cardiovascular system state in teachers of primary school, secondary school and additional education in Rostov region educational institutions. Evaluation covered 7 levels of "ideal cardiovascular health" parameters.

Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects of Divaza and Brizantin.

The anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of complex preparations divaza and brizantin containing antibodies to brain-specific protein S100 were estimated using Vogel conflict test and Nomura forced swimming test. Course treatment (5 days) of brizantin in a dose of 2.5 ml/kg and divaza in a dose of 7.5 ml/kg significantly increased punished drinking in the Vogel conflict test in comparison with the control. Both drugs also improved general emotional behavior during training prior to the test procedure. Brizantin and divaza in a dose of 7.5 ml/kg increased the number of wheel revolutions in the Nomura forced swimming test in comparison with the control; the effect of divaza was more pronounced. High correlation coefficients between the number of wheel revolutions during the first and second 5-min sessions are also indicative of antidepressant action of divaza and brizantin.

[Follow-up in coal miners suffering from lumbo-sacral radiculopathy].

The results of a retrospective dynamic monitoring in 1976-2014 of the workers of coal mines of main (n = 1732) and auxiliary (n = 1059) occupations, with diagnosed occupational sciatica (OS) in the center of occupational medicineare viewed. It was found that the workers of the main occupationson average of 3 years earlier than initially treated at the center of occupational medicine, and occupational disease OS sets for them 1.5-2 years earlier. The analysis of the formation of risk groups depending on the diagnosis and treatment of the primary analysis of the incidence of OS.

[THE ANALYSIS OF LIFE SPAN AND MORTALITY OF PATIENTS WITH SPINOCEREBELLAR ATAXIA TYPE I].

The article presents results of investigation of certain unclear aspects of mortality of patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type I including patients with the same number of CAG-repetitions. The analysis of mortality of patients observed from 1993 to nowadays was implemented. Sampling included 112 patients during that period 53 patients died. The comparative analysis was implemented concerning received data and results of analysis of mortality of patients died prior to 1980. According received data, average value of CAG-repetitions of normal allele was equal to 30.2, and ofpathologic allele--48.7. The average life span made up to 52.8 years, average age of disease onset--38 years and natural duration of disease--14.8 years. The analysis of life span of patients with equal length of repetitions demonstrated that range of life span of patients makes up to from 8 to 23 years. It is established that life of patients becomes shorter because of accidents, cancer and concomitant diseases of cardiovascular system. The presence of such concomitant disease as tuberculosis of lungs results in no shortening of life of patients. The comparative analysis of mortality during the period over 34 years demonstrated that age of disease onset turned out to be more conservative and stable indicator of morbidity. Despite of lacking of effective methods of treatment of disease, the natural duration of disease increased statistically reliable up to 1.8 times during period of observation. The analysis of life span ofpatients with spinocerebellar ataxia type I demonstrated that their life span except length of CAG-expansion depends on a number of factors accelerating and retarding development of disease. At that, life span of patients with the same number of CAG-repetitions can significantly differ The malignant neoplasms, diseases of cardiovascular system and external causes are to be referred to factors accelerating and retarding development of main disease. The addition oftuberculosis in our case resulted in no alteration of natural course of disease. The other factors exist prolonging life of patients, including factors of social economic and medical character They require additional specification and thorough investigation with the purpose of developing methods ofpreventive correction of neuro-degeneration processes.

Morphofunctional study of the therapeutic efficacy of human mesenchymal and neural stem cells in rats with diffuse brain injury.

We studied the effect of transplantation of human stem cells from various tissues on reparative processes in the brain of rats with closed craniocerebral injury. Combined treatment with standard drugs and systemic administration of xenogeneic stem cells had a neuroprotective effect. The morphology of neurons rapidly returned to normal after administration of fetal neural stem cells. Fetal mesenchymal stem cells produced a prolonged effect on proliferative activity of progenitor cells in the subventricular zone of neurogenesis. Adult mesenchymal stem cells had a strong effect on recovery of the vascular bed in ischemic regions.

Biochemical markers of apoptosis in different parts of the brain during learning.

Caspase-3 activity and the levels of DNA fragments of 200-600 and >4000 b.p. were estimated in the cerebellar vermis, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex of the brains of adult rats four and 24 months after training to extinction of the acoustic startle reaction and conditioned fear. Differently timed changes in the levels of biochemical markers of apoptosis were seen to different extents in these brain areas after training. These changes were characterized by a decrease in caspase-3 activity in the cerebellar vermis and the hippocampus, with decreases in DNA fragmentation in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex and increases in measures of programmed cell death in the hypothalamus. These experimental data support the view that the apoptosis of cells in the mature brain is involved in the mechanisms of learning and memory.

[Platelet membrane pathology in vascular complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus].

The purpose of the present study was to define a role of the impaired structural and functional organization of the platelet membrane in the mechanisms of development and progression of vascular complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Seventy-seven type 1 DM patients (34 males and 23 females) with different stages of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy, whose age was 18 to 55 years, were examined. Tlie patients with type 1 DM were found to have pronounced membranous structural and functional changes in the platelets (the increased microviscosity of a lipid phase, the inhibited activity of Na+,K+-ATPase), whose degree correlates with that of vascular complications. Platelet membranous structural and functional impairments are most marked in the phase of decompensation of type 1 DM. Knowledge of the pathogenetic bases of changes in the mlcrorheologlcal properties of blood cells in diabetic microangiopathies permits the use of membrane-stabilizing agents for their correction.

Ultrastructure of the pineal gland after gamma-irradiation under conditions of inhibition of adrenocortical function.

Electron microscopy showed that whole-body gamma-irradiation in sublethal doses led to the appearance of injuries in pinealocytes, glial cells, and vessels of the pineal gland in rats. Limitation of the nonspecific effect of gamma-irradiation via inhibition of adrenocortical function with metopirone in physiological doses reduced the radiation-induced ultrastructural damage to the pineal gland.

Modification of delayed radiation-induced reactions of duodenal vessels and mast cells in old rats.

Pronounced ultrastructural changes in vessels and mast cells were observed in duodenal lamina propria of Wistar rats 1 year after single whole-body gamma-irradiation in a dose of 7.5 Gy. Inhibition of adrenocortical function with methopyrone reduced structural damage and improved animal survival.

Ecology and community health in the north.

Health of a nation is a sensitive barometer of the environmental situation, especially in the North, where vulnerable nature cannot resist intensive industrial development. The geographical location and severe climatic conditions of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) significantly sharpen any negative impact of industrial activity on the state of the environment. The impact of ecological factors on the health of population has been studied in the case of a diamond province (Vilyuy region), where a complex of chemical pollutants from diamond mining, products of wood decay in places of flooding of the water reservoir for the Vilyuisk power station, highly mineralised underground waters and consequences of underground explosions have caused a substantial negative effect on the environment and people. Studies on the health of the population in the Vilyuy region has shown that sickness and morbidity rates of viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, pathologies during pregnancy and other diseases are higher in comparison to rates in the Republic as a whole, a feature which has been attributed to environmental degradation in the area.