Collision-Induced Non-Adiabatic Transitions Between The Ion-Pair States Of Molecular Iodine: A Challenge For Experiment And Theory

The ion-pair states of molecular iodine provide a unique system for studying the efficiency, selectivity, and mechanisms of collision-induced non-adiabatic transitions. Non-adiabatic transitions between the first-tier ion-pair states in collisions with molecular partners and rare gases are analyzed and discussed. The qualitative features of the rate constants and product state distributions under single collision conditions are summarized and interpreted in terms of appropriate theoretical approaches. Two mechanisms for the non-adiabatic transitions are clearly identified. The first, operative for collisions involving molecular partners possessing permanent or transition electrostatic moments, is highly selective. It connects the initially prepared level in the E 0(g)(+) electronic state with the near-resonant vibronic level of the D 0(u)(+) state with a minimum change of the total angular momentum. In an extreme quasi-resonant case when the gap between initial and final rovibronic level is less than 1 cm(-1), this mechanism has a giant cross section, 40 times that of a gas kinetic collision. An electrostatic model, which includes the coupling of the giant E-D transition dipole moment with a moment of the colliding partner and the semiclassical Born approximation, provides a plausible interpretation of this mechanism. A second mechanism is shown to govern collisions with rare gas atoms. It results in population of several ion-pair states and broad distributions over rovibronic levels. This mechanism is successfully interpreted by quantum scattering calculations based on the diatomics-in-molecule diabatic potential energy surfaces and coupling matrix elements. The calculations provide good agreement with experimental measurements and reveal different mechanisms for the population of different electronic states. Unexplained features of the non-adiabatic dynamics and directions of future work are outlined

Picropodophyllin causes mitotic arrest and catastrophe by depolymerizing microtubules via Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor-independent mechanism

Picropodophyllin (PPP) is an anticancer drug undergoing clinical development in NSCLC. PPP has been shown to suppress IGF-1R signaling and to induce a G2/M cell cycle phase arrest but the exact mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The present study identified an IGF-1-independent mechanism of PPP leading to pro-metaphase arrest. The mitotic block was induced in human cancer cell lines and in an A549 xenograft mouse but did not occur in normal hepatocytes/mouse tissues. Cell cycle arrest by PPP occurred in vitro and in vivo accompanied by prominent CDK1 activation, and was IGF-1R-independent since it occurred also in IGF-1R-depleted and null cells. The tumor cells were not arrested in G2/M but in mitosis. Centrosome separation was prevented during mitotic entry, resulting in a monopolar mitotic spindle with subsequent prometaphase-arrest, independent of Plk1/Aurora A or Eg5, and leading to cell features of mitotic catastrophe. PPP also increased soluble tubulin and decreased spindle-associated tubulin within minutes, indicating that it interfered with microtubule dynamics. These results provide a novel IGF-1R-independent mechanism of antitumor effects of PPP

Common principles for optimization of the athletes’ acclimatization to hot and humid climate

Objective: to develop an adaptation control technology to the hot climate for elite athletes. Materials and methods: data analysis, summarizing the experience of adaptation and acclimatization measures in preparation of national teams of Russia for the major international competitions; development and testing of integrated technologies for acceleration and optimization of the athletes’ body state in the light of specific features of the sport in a hot and humid climate. Results: materials about preparation of teams of the USSR and Russia for the largest international competition in hot and humid climates were analyzed. ^e plan of implementation of an integrated management technology for adaptation of athletes was developed at the stage of immediate preparation for major competitions and included activities in three areas: organizational, scientific-methodical and educational. Methodological recommendations were developed including monitoring of the athletes’ status and prevention of disorders of the major organs and systems. Conclusions: an acclimatization training camp should be advantageously carried out in an intermediate geographic area, similar in time zone, climatic and geographic characteristics of the competition place. The sport team should be moved to the competition place within two or three days before the championship’s beginning. It is important to monitor hydration status, electrolyte balance and levels of key hormones in the process of adaptation

Representaciones políticas y legales de las sinergias entre el estado y la religión

The aim of the article is devoted to analyzing political and legal representations of the concepts of relations between two public institutions: the Church and the State, suggested by modern academics. Emphasis has been placed on the fact that the model of the religious and power synergy has been transformed by the existing system of values and is legally enshrined. The general dialectical scientific method enabled the authors to consider the problem of reformation of the religious legislation in the Russian Federation at the present stage; to demonstrate the changes in the religious legislation of the Russian Federation depending on a combination of internal and external factors affecting it. The results of the study let the authors draw the following conclusions:  the institution of religion in the modern world cannot avoid participation in settlement of political processes. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a mechanism for implementation of constitutional principles for the ties between the State and the Church.El objetivo del presente artículo es considerar los estudios de los científicos sobre el poder y la sinergia religiosa en las relaciones entre el Estado y la religión como institución social. El método científico dialéctico general permitió a los autores considerar el problema de la reforma de la legislación religiosa en la Federación de Rusia en la etapa actual; demostrar los cambios en la legislación religiosa de la Federación de Rusia en función de una combinación de factores internos y externos que la afectan. Los resultados del estudio permitieron a los autores sacar las siguientes conclusiones: la institución de la religión en el mundo moderno no puede evitar la participación en el arreglo de los procesos políticos. Por tanto, es necesario desarrollar un mecanismo de implementación de los principios constitucionales para los vínculos entre el Estado y la Iglesia

Retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex thickness assessment in patients with Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment. Preliminary results

Purpose: to investigate the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) in patients with Alzheimer`s disease and mild cognitive impairment.Methods: this study included 10 patients (20 eyes) with Alzheimer`s disease, 10 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 10 age- and sex-matched healthy controls that had no history of dementia. All the subjects underwent psychiatric examination, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and complete ophthalmological examination, comprising optical coherence tomography and scanning laser polarimetry.Results: there was a significant decrease in GCC thickness in patients with Alzheimer`s disease compared to the control group, global loss volume of ganglion cells was higher than in control group. there was no significant difference among the groups in terms of RNFL thickness. Weak positive correlation of GCC thickness and MMSE results was observed.Conclusion: Our data confirm the retinal involvement in Alzheimer`s disease, as reflected by loss of ganglion cells. Further studies will clear up the role and contribution of dementia in pathogenesis of optic neuropathy

Тулиевый лазер при уротелиальной карциноме мочевого пузыря с распространением на устье мочеточника

Urothelial transitional cell cancer in developed countries is the 4th most common. In terms of frequency, it is outstripped only by prostate, breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. In the vast majority of cases, urothelial carcinoma develops in the bladder. It accounts for 90—95 % of all cases of transitional cell cancer of the urinary tract. Much less often, in 5—10 % have to deal with its localization in the upper urinary tract (in the calico-pelvic system or ureter). In 17 % of upper urinary tract cancers, bladder cancer is simultaneously diagnosed. The incidence of urothelial transitional cell cancer has increased over the past few decades as a result of improved diagnosis and improved survival of patients with this nosology. The use of modern, high-tech equipment for visualization and direct surgical intervention contributes to such results. The use of laser energy as the main tool for tissue dissection in endoscopic oncourology reveals the undeniable advantages of this method in comparison with the traditional electrosurgery.We present a clinical observation of the diagnosis and surgical treatment of urothelial bladder cancer with invasion of the ureter, performed by en-bloc tulium laser. An operation was performed-transurethral resection of a urothelial bladder tumor with invasion of the ureter, performed by en-bloc tulium laser. Intraoperatively, ureteropieloscopy was performed, and the tumor did not spread to the upper urinary tract beyond the intramural part of the ureter. Thanks to the precision of the action of the tulium laser on the tissue, not resection, but, in fact, dissection of the bladder wall, a high-quality macropreparation was obtained, which made it possible to establish a final diagnosis. Histological conclusion: from the bladder — non-invasive urothelial cancer G2-3; from the mouth of the left ureter — fragments of fibrous tissue lined with urothelium from atypia. 3 months after the operation — no recurrence of urothelial cancer was revealed, which indicates a high quality of the operation.This clinical observation demonstrates the superiority of laser en-bloc dissection compared to the treatment of bladder tumors. Obtaining a macro-product of urothelial transitional cell cancer of the highest quality can contribute to avoiding unjustified radical nephrureterectomies and conducting organ-preserving treatment, for absolute and elective indications. The 1.94 µm Tulium Erbium laser is an effective tool for performing minimally invasive transurethral interventions in non-invasive bladder cancer.Уротелиальный переходно-клеточный рак в развитых странах занимает 4-е место по распространенности. По частоте встречаемости его опережают только рак предстательной железы, молочной железы, легкого и колоректальный рак. В подавляющем большинстве случаев уротелиальная карцинома развивается в мочевом пузыре. На ее долю приходится 90—95 % всех случаев переходно-клеточного рака мочевыводящих путей. Значительно реже (5—10 %) приходиться иметь дело с его локализацией в верхних мочевыводящих путях (в чашечно-лоханочной системе или мочеточнике). В 17 % случаев при раке верхних мочевыводящих путей одновременно диагностируют рак мочевого пузыря. За последние несколько десятилетий частота встречаемости уротелиального переходно-клеточного рака возросла в результате улучшения диагностики и увеличения выживаемости пациентов с данной нозологией. Таким результатам способствует применение современного, высокотехнологичного оборудования для визуализации и непосредственного проведения оперативного вмешательства. Использование лазерной энергии в качестве основного инструмента для диссекции тканей в эндоскопической онкоурологии раскрывает неоспоримые преимущества данного метода по сравнению со ставшей уже традиционной электрохирургией.представляем клиническое наблюдение диагностики и оперативного лечения уротелиального рака мочевого пузыря с инвазией в мочеточник, проведенного en-bloc тулиевым лазером. Пациентке en-bloc тулиевым лазером выполнена трансуретральная резекция уротелиальной опухоли мочевого пузыря с инвазией в мочеточник. Интраоперационно проведена уретеропиелоскопия, выявлено отсутствие распространения опухоли в верхние мочевыводящие пути за пределы интрамурального отдела мочеточника. благодаря прецизионности воздействия тулиевого лазера на ткань, не резекции, а, по сути, диссекции стенки мочевого пузыря получен макропрепарат высокого качества, позволивший установить окончательный диагноз. Гистологическое заключение: из мочевого пузыря — неинвазивный уротелиальный рак G2-3; из устья левого мочеточника — фрагменты фиброзной ткани, выстланные уротелием из атипии. Через 3 мес после вмешательства данных о наличии рецидива уротелиального рака не выявлено, что говорит о высоком качестве проведенной операции.приведенное клиническое наблюдение демонстрирует превосходство лазерной en-bloc диссекции по сравнению с трансуретральной резекцией опухолей мочевого пузыря. Получение макропрепарата уротелиального переходно-клеточный рака наивысшего качества позволяет избегать необоснованных радикальных нефроуретерэктомий и способствует проведению органосохраняющего лечения по абсолютным и элективным показаниям. Тулий-эрбиевый лазер с длиной волны излучения 1,94 мкм — эффективный инструмент для выполнения малоинвазивных трансуретральных вмешательств при неинвазивном раке мочевого пузыря

Association of the AGT, ACE, NOS3 polymorphism with subclinical arterial wall changes and cardiovascular diseases risk factors

Background. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System activation (RAAS) and nitric oxide (NO) reduction lead to the changes in the arterial wall, which, in turn, create a favourable environment for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). There is only limited knowledge of the influence of proteins participating in the RAAS activation and providing NO bioavailability on the parameters of the arterial wall state (pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT), endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDVD), presence of atherosclerotic plaques) and risk factors of CVD. Aim. Finding the association between the AGT, ACE, NOS3 polymorphism and PWV, cIMT, EDV, presence of atherosclerotic plaques and risk factors of CVD in healthy subjects. Methods. Using intergroup analysis and models of multiple logistic regression, we examined the association of AGT с.521СТ polymorphism, AСE InsDel polymorphism, NOS3 с.894GT polymorphism with arterial wall changes and risk factors of CVD in 160 healthy people of different ages. Results. The CT genotype of AGT с.521СТ polymorphism was associated with lower levels of systolic blood pressure (BP) (p=0.013) and central systolic BP (p=0.029), higher level of Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) (p=0.027). The DD genotype of ACE InsDel polymorphism was associated with a higher waist/hip ratio (p=0.044), lower level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.01), lower index of EDVD (p=0.042), higher incidence ofendothelial dysfunction (ED) (p=0.026). The GG genotype of NOS3 с.894GT polymorphism was associated with higher levels of central systolic BP (p=0.022) and central mean BP (p=0.033), total cholesterol (p=0.025), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.014) and IGF (p=0.042), higher incidence of ED (p=0.007), albuminuria (p=0.032) and insulin resistance (p=0.03). Conclusion. We have found the association of the AСE and NOS3 polymorphism with endothelial dysfunction and the metabolic status

Chemomagnetism, magnetoconcentration effect and "fishtail" anomaly in chemically-induced granular superconductors

Within a 2D model of Josephson junction arrays (created by 2D network of twin boundary dislocations with strain fields acting as insulating barrier between hole-rich domains in underdoped crystals), a few novel effects expected to occur in intrinsically granular material are predicted including: (i) Josephson chemomagnetism (chemically induced magnetic moment in zero applied magnetic field) and its influence on a low-field magnetization (chemically induced paramagnetic Meissner effect), and (ii) magnetoconcentration effect (creation of oxygen vacancies in applied magnetic field) and its influence on a high-field magnetization (chemically induced analog of "fishtail" anomaly). The conditions under which these effects can be experimentally measured in non-stoichiometric high-T_c superconductors are discussed.Comment: 5 LaTeX pages (jetpl.sty included), 3 EPS figures. To be published in JETP Letters (January 2003

The regulatory role of cystatin C in autophagy and neurodegeneration

Autophagy is a dynamic cellular process involved in the turnover of proteins, protein complexes, and organelles through lysosomal degradation. It is particularly important in neurons, which do not have a proliferative option for cellular repair. Autophagy has been shown to be suppressed in the striatum of a transgenic mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Cystatin C is one of the potent regulators of autophagy. Changes in the expression and secretion of cystatin C in the brain have been shown in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and in some animal models of neurodegeneration, thus proving a protective function of cystatin C. It has been suggested that cystatin C plays the primary role in amyloidogenesis and shows promise as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases). Cystatin C colocalizes with the amyloid β-protein in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease. Controlled expression of a cystatin C peptide has been proposed as a new approach to therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. In Parkinson’s disease, serum cystatin C levels can predict disease severity and cognitive dysfunction, although the exact involvement of cystatin C remains unclear. The aim: to study the role of cystatin C in neurodegeneration and evaluate the results in relation to the mechanism of autophagy. In our study on humans, a higher concentration of cystatin C was noted in cerebrospinal fluid than in serum; much lower concentrations were observed in other biological fluids (intraocular fluid, bile, and sweat). In elderly persons (61–80 years old compared to practically healthy people at 40–60 years of age), we revealed increased cystatin C levels both in serum and intraocular fluid. In an experiment on C57Bl/6J mice, cystatin C concentration was significantly higher in brain tissue than in the liver and spleen: an indication of an important function of this cysteine protease inhibitor in the brain. Using a transgenic mouse model of Parkinson’s disease (5 months old), we demonstrated a significant increase in osmotic susceptibility of brain lysosomes, depending on autophagy, while in a murine model of Alzheimer’s disease, this parameter did not differ from that in the appropriate control

ПЕРВИЧНЫЙ ПЕРИТОНИТ ДЕТСКОГО ВОЗРАСТА КАК ПРОЯВЛЕНИЕ СПОНТАННОЙ ФОРМЫ ВТОРИЧНОЙ ИММУННОЙ НЕДОСТАТОЧНОСТИ

The aim of the study was to reveal specificity of the anemnesis and of the immune system condition in children with primary peritinitis who had undergone a cavitory operation that failed to reveal the cause of the inflammation and to improve their health. There was some increase of the relative content of activated monocytes with the classic phenotype CD14 bright CD16 - HLA-DR + versus the total number of monocytes with a phenotype CD14 bright.Целью исследования было выявление особенностей анамнеза и состояния иммунной системы детей с первичным перитонитом, т. е. детей, перенесших хирургическое вмешательство (полостную операцию), которая не выявила причины воспаления и не улучшила здоровье ребенка. Выявлено повышение относительного содержания активированных классических моноцитов с фенотипом CD14 bright CD16 -HLA-DR+ относительно общего количества моноцитов с фенотипом CD14 bright. Сделано предположение, что дети, перенесшие первичный перитонит, страдают спонтанной формой вторичной иммунной недостаточности