Effect of physical activity on structural asymmetry of mouse hippocampus

The relevance of studies of adult neurogenesis is evident in connection with the potential use of these new neurons to replace neurons lost in the process of life. Despite considerable efforts, little is known about the fnal fate of these cells, the functional signifcance of their connections and the regulation of their development. It is known that physical activity signifcantly increases the number of fssile progenitors, the precursors of new neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. The existing immunohistochemical methods for labeling new neurons do not allow tracing the temporal dynamics of changes in the volume of brain structures in the same animal, induced by external impacts, such as voluntary exercise. This makes it an urgent task to develop and improve methods for long­term control of changes that occur in the adult hippocampus due to the induction of neurogenesis. The main purpose of this work was to non­invasively track, by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the temporal dynamics of changes in the volume of the hippocampus in the same animals that had voluntary physical activity. It was found that voluntary exercise did not change the total volume of the mouse hippocampus. However, the difference in the volume ratio between the right and left parts of the hippocampus was signifcantly lower compared with the control group. The reconstruction and analysis of protein­protein interactions that ensure the survival of a large number of new neurons and their integration into existing neural networks in the hippocampus have been carried out. The proposed approach allows the non­invasive registration of changes in the ratio of the volumes of these paired brain structures

Применение современных психолого-педагогических технологий в формировании познавательного интереса и мотивации на занятиях иностранного языка

This article discusses how modern psychological and pedagogical technologies at English lessons can influence on the teaching process and its results. It reveals the essence and content of the concepts of «pedagogical technologies», «personality-oriented approach to learning», «method of projects», «information technologies», «method of brainstorming», «method of role play». In this article, the «method of projects» is considered from the point of the application of modern psychological and pedagogical technologies, which requires the integrated knowledge and research in the formation of motivation and cognitive interest in English classes. A special place in the article is devoted to the objectives of this method: practical, theoretical, cognitive significance of the intended results; independent activity; structuring the content of the project; using of the research methods. Also, the article focuses on the «Brainstorming method», the usage of this method in foreign languages teaching, its advantages and peculiarities, classification of the main types of brainstorming. It describes the experience of applying this method in English classes, the distinctive features and advantages of this method are gradually revealed. All these pedagogical technologies contribute to more effective teaching by increasing students' interest and motivation. The article studies the usage of modern psychological and pedagogical technologies in foreign languages teaching, its advantages and peculiarities for language and professional socialization. This paper dwells upon the problems of students» professional training: the specificity of professional identity, professional adaptation, mastering students' communicative awareness and professional skills. These methods contributes to the development of communication skills, expand horizons, formation of general educational skills and the development of independent search activities.В статье рассматривается, как современные педагогические технологии могут повлиять на процесс обучения и его результаты. Раскрываются сущность и содержание понятий «педагогические технологии», «личностно-ориентированный подход в обучении», «метод проектов», «информационные технологии», «метод мозгового штурма», «метод ролевой игры». В статье метод проектов рассматривается с позиции применения современных психолого-педагогических технологий, требующих интегрированного знания и исследовательского поиска при формировании мотивации и познавательного интереса на занятиях английского языка. Отдельное место в статье отведено целям данного метода: практическая, теоретическая, познавательная значимость предполагаемых результатов; самостоятельная деятельность; структурирование содержательной части проекта; использование исследовательских методов. Также в статье уделяется внимание методу «мозгового штурма», специфике его использования в обучении иностранным языкам в вузе, его преимущества, особенности и классификация его основных разновидностей. Описан опыт применения этого метода на занятиях по английскому языку, поэтапно раскрываются отличительные особенности и достоинства данного метода. Все эти педагогические технологии способствуют более эффективному обучению за счёт повышения интереса и мотивации к нему у учащихся. Рассматривается специфика использования современных психолого-педагогических технологий в обучении иностранным языкам в вузе, их преимущества и особенности, проблемы профессиональной подготовки будущих специалистов: специфика профессиональной идентичности, профессиональной адаптации, повышение у студентов уровня коммуникативной компетентности. Представленные методы способствуют развитию коммуникативных навыков, расширению кругозора, формированию общеучебных навыков и развитию самостоятельной, поисковой деятельности

A New Approach for Split Renal Function Assessment Based on 3D-Models Generated from Contrast-enhanced Multi-slice Computed Tomography (Msct) Scans and Mathematical Analysis: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Instrumental methods of examination may alter the course of treatment and patients’ management: from minimally invasive nephron-sparing procedures to radical operations. Objective:to present preliminary data on split kidney function assessment (in a kidney volume, e.g. segment) in patients with urological diseases.Materials and methods: A prospective study was launched in aResearch Institute for Uronephrology and Reproductive Health from November, 2015 to February, 2017. 31 patients were enrolled into the study: 15 with stone kidney disease, 2 with kidney anomalies, 14 with renal tumors. Contrast-enhanced CT with 3D-models andmathematical analysis were performed in all patients. Correlation between CT-based and renal scintigraphy-based measures of split renal function was estimated. Results: CT-based methods for the calculation of split renal function with 3D-models showed correlation with renal scintigraphy (p<0.004, ttest). Conclusion: A new approach for split kidney function assessment based on contrast-enhanced CT with 3D-models and mathematical analysis allows for both acquiring detailed data on clinical anatomy and evaluation of renal function to promote preoperative decision-making

Blood biomarkers and Ki-67 proliferation marker in breast cancer

Metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with breast cancer (BC). It is known that the lesion of regional lymph nodes by tumor cells is more common in tumors with higher proliferative activity. Moreover, there is literature evidence on effects of cytokines and proteins upon the migration potential of the tumor. The aim of our work was to study the correlation between the concentrations of cytokines, proteins, and expression of Ki-67 proliferation marker in breast cancer with histology of non-specific invasive carcinoma.On the basis of pathological findings, 16 patients had metastases in regional lymph nodes (group I), and 18 patients had no detectable metastases (group II). Solid-phase enzyme immunoassay was used to determine concentrations of 14 cytokines in the supernatants of immunocompetent blood cells, i.e., IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-1ra, TNFα, IFNγ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF and MCP-1, and concentrations of 6 proteins were determined in blood serum: estrogen and progesterone receptors, cadherin-E (CDH1), plasminogen activator type 1 (PAI-1), mucin 1 (MUC1), heat shock protein 90αA1 (HSP90αA1). Immunohistochemical study of Ki-67 expression was performed in paraffin sections of tumors using monoclonal antibodies.The study showed that Ki-67 expression in tumor tissues and blood concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNFα were higher in group I patients. On the contrary, blood concentrations of CDH1 and PAI-1 were higher in group II patients. It was found that Ki-67 showed both inverse correlations with CDH1 and PAI1, and direct correlations with IL-8 and TNFα. CDH1 had a direct correlation with PAI1, and inverse correlations with IL-6, IL-1β and TNFα. The studied cytokines showed direct correlations with each other. The analysis of ROC curves showed good quality and optimal values of the cut-off points for Ki-67 expression, cytokine and protein concentrations, thus allowing best prediction for detectable lymphatic metastasis.On the basis of these results, a quotient was proposed, which represents a ratio of CDH1 contents to the sum of IL-1β and TNFα concentrations in blood samples, which can help identification of the patients with breast cancer at risk for lymphatic metastasis

Cytokinesproduction by blood immune cells in patients of different age groups with invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type and lymphatic metastases

The aim of this study was to evaluate production of cytokines by the blood immune cells in patients of different age groups with invasive non-specified type mammary ductal carcinoma, with or without metastases. Production of cytokines by periphery blood immunocompetent cells, either spontaneous and stimulated with polyclonal activators, was assessed in 82 patients with invasive mammary ductal carcinoma. The concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1p, IL-1ra, TNFa, IFNy, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF и MCP-1 were determined by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The patients were divided into 2 age groups: the first group consisted of 48 patients from 45 to 60 years old; the second group consisted of 34 older patients (61 to 75 years old). Metastases in local lymph nodes were documented in twenty patients from the first group and nine patients from the second group. The younger patients (45-60 years old) with metastases in local lymph nodes showed higher polyclonal activation index of IL-4 and IL-1ra production, when compared to the patients without lymphatic metastases. As for the older patients (61 to 75 years old), their polyclonal activation index of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ra, G-CFS, GM-CSF production was significantly lower in cases of local lymph nodes metastases. The latter was due to higher level of spontaneous production, which suppressed the influence of polyclonal activators. The index of polyclonal activation upon production of cytokines in patients with lymphatic metastases was shown to be significantly higher for the age group of 45 to 60 years than in the age group of 61 to 75 years old. This fact suggested a highly stimulating effect of polyclonal activators in patients younger than 60 years. It was found that correlation between the index of polyclonal activation of cytokine production, and the indexes of ER, PR, HER2/NEU and Ki-67 receptor expression, which are used for the determination of molecular genetic subtype of the tumor, differ significantly for the distinct age groups

Поиск протеомных маркеров рака молочной железы в составе суммарных экзосом крови

To improve early detection of cancer, search for tumor markers in biological fluids is of great importance. A significant portion of exosomes is associated with the surface of blood cells, however, the protein spectrum of such exosomes has not been previously studied. The use of total blood exosomes (plasma exosomes and exosomes associated with the surface of blood cells) can not only significantly increase the specificity and sensitivity of existing methods, but also suggest new tumor markers for liquid biopsy.Objective. Search for candidate protein tumor markers of breast cancer by comparing 2D-proteomic maps of total blood exosomes of healthy females (HFs) and breast cancer patients (BCPs).Methods. Exosomes were isolated from plasma and total blood of HFs and BCPs by ultrafiltration followed by ultracentrifugation and were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunocytochemistry. Protein concentration in exosomes was determined using the NanoOrange Protein Quantitation kit (Invitrogen) commercial kit. Proteomes of exosomes were studied using 2d electrophoresis followed by protein identification by mass spectrometry.Results. Highly purified samples of vesicles from plasma and total blood of no more than 100 nm in size were obtained, on the surface of which markers specific for exosomes were detected by monoclonal antibodies CD9. A comparative analysis of the proteomic maps of exosomal proteins of the HFs and BCPs obtained by 2D-electrophoresis allowed us to establish significant differences in the expression level and protein set in normal and pathological conditions. The 11 proteomic markers of breast cancer were identified by the peptide fingerprint method, of which LRG и у-chain FGB were detected in the composition of exosomes for the first time (according to the Exocarta database). Using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, 99 proteins were identified in the exosome preparations of the blood of HFs and BCPs, of which 35% were detected in the composition of the exosomes for the first time (according to the Exocarta database). 17 (53%) proteins associated with breast cancer were detected in total blood exosomes of cancer patients.Conclusion. The results obtained indicate that total blood exosomes are a promising source of diagnostic material for the search for proteomic markers of breast cancer. The identified proteomic tumor markers require further validation.Актуальность. Актуальной задачей повышения эффективности ранней диагностики онкологических заболеваний является поиск высокоспецифичных опухолевых маркеров в биологических жидкостях организма. Значительная часть экзосом ассоциирована с поверхностью форменных элементов крови, однако белковый спектр таких экзосом ранее не исследовался. использование суммарных экзосом крови (экзосом плазмы и экзосом, ассоциированных с поверхностью клеток крови) может не только значительно повысить специфичность и чувствительность существующих методов, но и выявить новые онкомаркеры для жидкостной биопсии.Цель работы - поиск кандидатных белковых онкомаркеров рака молочной железы (РМЖ) путем сравнения 2D-протеомных карт суммарных экзосом крови здоровых женщин и больных РМЖ.Материал и методы. Экзосомы выделены из крови здоровых женщин и больных РМЖ методом ультрафильтрации с последующим ультрацентрифугированием и охарактеризованы при помощи трансмиссионной электронной микроскопии и иммуноцитохимии. Концентрацию белка в экзосомах определяли при помощи коммерческого набора NanoOrange Protein Quantitation kit (Invitrogen). Протеом экзосом исследован с помощью 2D-электрофореза с последующей идентификацией белков методом масс-спектрометрии.Результаты. Получены высокоочищенные препараты микровезикул суммарной крови размером не более 100 нм, на поверхности которых иммуноцитохимически были выявлены специфические для экзосом маркеры (CD63, CD9 и CD24). Сравнительный анализ протеомных карт экзосомальных белков здоровых женщин и больных РМЖ, полученных с помощью 2D-электрофореза, позволил установить значимые различия в уровне экспрессии и наборе белков в норме и патологии. Методом пептидного фингерпринта идентифицировано 11 перспективных протеомных маркеров РМЖ, из них LRG и у-цепь FGB выявлены в составе экзосом впервые (согласно базе Exocarta). Методом MALDI-TOF масс-спектрометрии идентифицировано 99 белков в препаратах экзосом крови здоровых женщин и больных РМЖ, из них 35 % выявлены в составе экзосом впервые (согласно базе Exocarta). В составе суммарных экзосом крови онкологических больных выявлено 17 (53 %) белков, ассоциированных с РМЖ.Заключение. Полученные результаты свидетельствуют о том, что суммарные экзосомы крови являются перспективным источником диагностического материала для поиска протеомных маркеров РМЖ. идентифицированные протеомные онкомаркеры в их составе требуют дальнейшей валидации

Some approaches to conceptual and practical decision of the remediation problems of Chernobyl NPP exclusion zone and the zone of absolute resettlement

The problems of the substantiation and implementation of a complex rehabilitation of territory of the exclusion zone and the zone of absolute resettlement (EZ&ZAR), as a process of implementation of the countermeasures system, directed to recovery of its normal economic operation, are considered. Normative-legal base, principles, criterion, methods and scenarios of rehabilitation, concept of a full and partial rehabilitation, direction of rehabilitation activity both without change of the territory status and directed on return of territories under the jurisdiction of local government bodies, re-evacuation of the population and maintenance of normal conditions of its residing and habitability are discussed. The preliminary estimations of a capability of practical implementation of different directions of rehabilitation activity on EZ&ZAR territory, obtained with usage of GIS-technologies with taking into account of dynamics of a radioecological situation in natural and semi-natural ecosystems, state of the art of natural and technogenic objects on territory of EZ&ZAR are discussed. The priority kinds of the practical activity, which has been rendered concrete in the normative-legal acts, in EZ&ZAR concepts, namely, - activity on environmental protection, maintenance in a normal condition of phyto- and zoo-sanitary situation; forestry activity, activation of landscape-recovery processes etc. are considered

INTERMOLECULAR INTERACTIONS IN NEURONAL FUNCTIONAL SYSTEMS

Neuronal synaptic contacts are among the basic elements that determine the plasticity of the nervous system. Changes in the efficiency of synaptic transmission mediate sensation, conduction of excitation, learning, and memory. Dendritic spines are the postsynaptic part of excitatory synapses in higher divisions of mammalian brains. Protein–protein networks of spine microdomains form the functional system of neuronal synapses. Reconstruction of the conceptual model of molecular interactions has been performed. The model represents activity-dependent changes of the synaptic transmission efficiency, integration of excitation in the local dendritic network of a neuron, and prolonged maintenance of the new level of neurotransmission

Non-Fat Yogurt Fortified with Whey Protein Isolate: Physicochemical, Rheological, and Microstructural Properties

The demand for low- and non-fat products has recently increased due to the health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, that have resulted from high-fat products. However, the reduction in fat can affect the quality of products adversely. The objective of this work was to explore the potential of whey protein isolate (WPI) in improving the quality of non-fat yogurt prepared using skim milk powder (SMP). Yogurt mixes (standardized at 14% total solids) were formulated using SMP as a milk base enriched with WPI. The SMP was replaced by WPI in the yogurt mixes at a rate of 3, 5, 7, and 9%. Full-fat and non-fat set-style yogurts were prepared from whole milk and skim milk, respectively, as controls. Yogurts were fermented at 43 °C to get a pH of 4.6 and stored at 4 °C for the next day. The texture, microstructure, rheological characteristics, and sensory properties of the yogurt samples were studied. The incorporation of WPI increased the water holding capacity to 50% as compared to the non-fat control. This improved the rheological properties while the yogurt viscosity increased in direct proportion with increasing the WPI. The firmness of yogurt was inversely proportional to the increase in WPI, which resulted in 180 g firmness when 9% WPI was added to the non-fat yogurt formulations. Yogurts’ microstructure improved by the addition of WPI. The non-fat yogurt incorporated with 3 and 7% WPI had comparable sensory and textural characteristics to the full-fat yogurt. WPI can be used as a fat replacer to develop low-fat yogurt with desired features. WPI may be a natural and economical ingredient for producing low- and non-fat fermented dairy food products