Atomic and Molecular Gas Components in Spiral Galaxies of the Virgo Cluster

Based on two models, we investigate the molecular-to-atomic gas ratio in Virgo cluster galaxies in comparison with field galaxies. We show that the enhanced metallicity for cluster members and the ram pressure stripping of atomic gas from the disk periphery cannot fully explain the observed gas component ratios. The additional environmental factors affecting the interstellar medium and leading to an increase in the molecular gas fraction should be taken into account for cluster galaxies.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figure

Controlling atomic vapor density in paraffin-coated cells using light-induced atomic desorption

Atomic-vapor density change due to light induced atomic desorption (LIAD) is studied in paraffin-coated rubidium, cesium, sodium and potassium cells. In the present experiment, low-intensity probe light is used to obtain an absorption spectrum and measure the vapor density, while light from an argon-ion laser, array of light emitting diodes, or discharge lamp is used for desorption. Potassium is found to exhibit significantly weaker LIAD from paraffin compared to Rb and Cs, and we were unable to observe LIAD with sodium. A simple LIAD model is applied to describe the observed vapor-density dynamics, and the role of the cell's stem is explored through the use of cells with lockable stems. Stabilization of Cs vapor density above its equilibrium value over 25 minutes is demonstrated. The results of this work could be used to assess the use of LIAD for vapor-density control in magnetometers, clocks, and gyroscopes utilizing coated cells.Comment: 10 pages, 11 figure

The thickness of HI in galactic discs under MOND: theory and application to the Galaxy

The outskirts of galaxies are a very good laboratory for testing the nature of the gravitational field at low accelerations. By assuming that the neutral hydrogen gas is in hydrostatic equilibrium in the gravitational potential of the host galaxy, the observed flaring of the gas layer can be used to test modified gravities. For the first time we construct a simple framework to derive the scaleheight of the neutral hydrogen gas disc in the MOND scenario and apply this to the Milky Way. It is shown that using a constant gas velocity dispersion of ~9 km/s, MOND is able to give a very good fit to the observed HI flaring beyond a galactocentric distance of 17 kpc up to the last measured point (~40 kpc). Between 10 and 16 kpc, however, the observed scaleheight is about 40% more than what MOND predicts for the standard interpolating function and 70% for the form suggested by Famaey & Binney. Given the uncertainties in the non-thermal pressure support by cosmic rays and magnetic fields, MOND seems to be a plausible alternative to dark matter in explaining the Milky Way flaring. Studying the flaring of extended HI discs in external edge-on galaxies may be a promising approach to assess the viability of MOND.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figure

Silkworm Thermal Biology: A Review of Heat Shock Response, Heat Shock Proteins and Heat Acclimation in the Domesticated Silkworm, Bombyx mori

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are known to play ecological and evolutionary roles in this postgenomic era. Recent research suggests that HSPs are implicated in cardiovascular biology and disease development, proliferation and regulation of cancer cells, cell death via apoptosis, and several other key cellular functions. These activities have generated great interest amongst cell and molecular biologists, and these biologists are keen to unravel other hitherto unknown potential functions of this group of proteins. Consequently, the biological significance of HSPs has led to cloning and characterization of genes encoding HSPs in many organisms including the silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). However, most of the past investigations in B. mori were confined to expression of HSPs in tissues and cell lines, whereas information on their specific functional roles in biological, physiological, and molecular processes is scarce. Naturally occurring or domesticated polyvoltines (known to be the tropical race) are more resistant to high temperatures and diseases than bi- or univoltines (temperate races). The mechanism of ecological or evolutionary modification of HSPs during the course of domestication of B. mori - particularly in relation to thermotolerance in geographically distinct races/strains - is still unclear. In addition, the heat shock response, thermal acclimation, and hardening have not been studied extensively in B. mori compared to other organisms. Towards this, recent investigations on differential expression of HSPs at various stages of development, considering the concept of the whole organism, open ample scope to evaluate their biological and commercial importance in B. mori which has not been addressed in any of the representative organisms studied so far. Comparatively, heat shock response among different silkworm races/strains of poly-, bi-, and univoltines varies significantly and thermotolerance increases as the larval development proceeds. Hence, this being the first review in this area, an attempt has been made to collate all available information on the heat shock response, HSPs expression, associated genes, amino acid sequences, and acquired/unacquired thermotolerance. The aim is to present this as a valuable resource for addressing the gap in knowledge and understanding evolutionary significance of HSPs between domesticated (B. mori) and non-domesticated insects. It is believed that the information presented here will also help researchers/breeders to design appropriate strategies for developing novel strains for the tropics

Papillomavirus infection: a review of modern literature

The review highlights the issues of the modern approach to infection caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). Modern data on the incidence of HPV - associated diseases in the world and Russia are presented. International data on the problem of early clinical diagnosis of papillomavirus infection are summarized. Separately, the information characterizing the possibilities of preventing HPV infection in Russia and abroad is presented.В обзоре освещены вопросы современного подхода к инфекции вызванной вирусом папилломы человека (ВПЧ). Приведены современные данные по заболеваемости ВПЧ-ассоциированными заболеваниями в мире и России. Обобщены международные данные по проблеме ранней клинической диагностики папилломавирусной инфекции. Отдельно представлена информация, характеризующая возможности профилактики ВПЧ-инфекции в России и за рубежом

Исследования эффективности и безопасности биматопроста 0,03% в качестве препарата первого выбора у пациентов с первичной открытоугольной глаукомой

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bimatoprost 0.03% (bimatan) treatment for patients with newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma (POAG) I-II stages as the first line drug.Methods: 64 eyes of 46 patients (26 men, 20 women) with newly diagnosed POAG I-II stages were included into the study. The average age of the men was 61.3 years, women - 65 years. The study comprised 31 patients (67.4% of 46 patients) with early glaucoma changes (mild, moderate) and 15 patients (32.6% of 46 patients) with advanced glaucoma changes. The patient's non-corrected visual acuity varied from 0.2 to 0.8. Prior to treatment all patients underwent a complex ophtalmological examination: visual acuity, perimetry, tomometry, tonography, gonioscopy and ophthalmoscopy. The examination in 14 days after treatment included of visual acuity, tonometry, tonography and in 3 months after treatment - visual acuity, perimetry, tomometry, tonography, gonioscopy and ophthalmoscopy.All patients received instillation of Bimatoprost 0.03% (Bimatan) once daily in the evening at 8 p.m. Adverse reactions were reported at every step.Results: After 14 days of Bimatoprost 0.03% instillations intraocular pressure (P0) level decreased from 17.2+3.1 to 13.9+1.8 mm Hg due to an increase in outflow facility (C) from 0.081+0.042 mm3/min/mm Hg to 0.198+0.044 mm3/min/mm Hg and the suppression of aqueous humor production (F) from 0.91+0.18 to 0.78+0.12 mm3/min (p<0,05). There were no significant changes in the hydrodynamic indicators after 3 months of treatment (p>0.05).IOP reduced to the individual tolerance level due to bimatoprost 0.03% instillation in 100% of cases (64 eyes).Conclusion: Bimatoprost 0.03% is an effective and safe drug for reducing IOP in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma I-II stages. The hypotensive effect is achieved by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor and the suppression of aqueous humor production. This agent is characterized by minor topical adverse reactions. Bimatoprost 0.03% may be recommended for POAG treatment to reduce IOP as the first line drug.Цель. Оценка эффективности и переносимости биматопроста 0,03% (Биматан) при его применении в качестве препарата первого выбора у пациентов с впервые выявленной первичной открытоугольной глаукомой (ПОУГ) I-II стадий.Методы. Изучение действия биматопроста 0,03% (Биматан) проводилось у 46 пациентов (64 глаз) с ПОУГ в течение 3 месяцев. Мужчин в группе наблюдения — 26, женщин — 20. Средний возраст мужчин — 61,3 года, средний возраст женщин — 65 лет. Все пациенты страдали впервые выявленной ПОУГ: I стадии — 31 пациент (67,4% от 46 пациентов), II стадии — 15 пациентов (32,6% от 46 пациентов). Острота зрения больных варьировалась от 0,2 до 0,8 без коррекции.Пациентам проводилось комплексное офтальмологическое обследование: визометрия, офтальмо- и гониоскопия, компьютерная периметрия, тонометрия, тонография. Биматопрост 0,03% (Биматан) применялся ежедневно по 1 капле в пораженный глаз в 20 часов ежедневно. Повторная тонография проводилась через 2 недели и 3 месяца после начала терапии. Оценка изменений визометрии и компьютерной периметрии проводилась через 3 месяца после начала ежедневных систематических инстилляций.Результаты. Через 2 недели после использования биматопроста 0,03% ВГД снизилось с 17,2±3,1 до 13,9±1,8 мм рт.ст. за счет увеличения легкости оттока (С) c 0,081 ±0,042 до 0,198±0,044 мм3/мин/мм рт.ст., а также отмечалось достоверное снижение продукции водянистой влаги (F) с 0,91±0,18 до 0,78±0,12 мм3/мин (p<0,05). Через 3 месяца лечения достоверных изменений в показателях гидродинамики, по сравнению с измерениями через 2 недели, отмечено не было (p>0,05). Индивидуальный уровень ВГД на фоне монотерапии был достигнут у 46 пациентов (64 глаза) — 100% случаев.У 8 пациентов (17,4% из 46 пациентов) были отмечены нежелательные побочные эффекты. Ни у одного больного эти эффекты не явились причиной для отмены препарата.Выводы. Биматопрост 0,03% является эффективным препаратом первого выбора у пациентов с ПОУГ. Препарат обладает выраженным и стойким гипотензивным эффектом. В реализации высокого гипотензивного эффекта биматопроста участвует не только увеличение легкости оттока, но и достоверное уменьшение продукции водянистой влаги. Препарат характеризуется низким уровнем местных побочных эффектов и может быть рекомендован в качестве препарата первого выбора для пациентов с ПОУГ I-II стадий

Опыт применения Проксофелина у больных открытоугольной глаукомой I-II стадий и системной артериальной гипертензией

PURPOSE: To study the efficacy of Proxofeline in patients with open-angle glaucoma and arterial hypertension.METHODS: 32 patients (37 eyes) with mild and mode­rate open-angle glaucoma were included into the study. All patients underwent a complex ophtalmological exami­nation: visual acuity, perimetry, tonometry, tonography, gonioscopy and ophthalmoscopy before the treatment and 14 days after the treatment. All patients received Proxofeline instillation twice daily (in the morning and in the evening) and had blood pressure (BP) and heart rate measured 3 times a day.RESULTS: After 14 days of Proxofeline instillations in­traocular pressure (IOP, P0) decreased to 14.8±1.8 mm Hg due to an increase in aqueous outflow facility (С) to 0.166±0.029 and the decrease of aqueous humor production (F) to 0.74±0.18. Becker coefficient normalization is caused by P0 decrease and aqueous humor retention reduc­tion. No changes in visual acuity, perimetric parameters or ophthalmoscopic findings were registered. A mild posi­tive IOP dynamics with a decrease by 1-2 mm Hg was note in 2 patients (7% of 28 patients). It might be due to a pro­nounced 3+/4+ anterior chamber angle pigmentation, as well as the presence of synechia that appeared after irido­cyclitis. Proxopheline instillations did not cause significant fluctuations in systemic blood pressure. No changes in pulse, systolic and diastolic pressure values were regis­tered in any patients.CONCLUSION: Proxopheline is an effective drug for reducing IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma. The hypotensive effect is achieved by increasing the outflow and reducing the production of aqueous humor. Additional research is needed to clarify Proxopheline efficacy in patients with secondary glaucoma caused by a pretrabecu­lar block and its influence on general hemodynamics.ЦЕЛЬ. Изучить эффективность гипотензивного дей­ствия Проксофелина у пациентов с системной артери­альной гипертензией.МЕТОДЫ. В анализ было включено 32 пациента (37 глаз), страдающих системной артериальной гипертензи­ей. Всем пациентам определялись острота и поля зрения, проводилась пневмотонометрия, тонография, гонио­скопия, биомикроскопия и офтальмоскопия. Влияние инстилляций Проксофелина на глаз изучалось через 14 дней от начала ежедневного 2-кратного использова­ния. Для решения вопроса о влиянии Проксофелина на системную гемодинамику пациентам предлагалось само­стоятельно производить 3-кратное измерение артери­ального давления (АД) и частоты сердечных сокращений (ЧСС) в утреннее, дневное и вечернее время суток.РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ. Через 2 недели после начала использова­ния Проксофелина истинное внутриглазное давление (P0) снизилось до 14,8+1,8 мм рт.ст. за счет увеличения легко­сти оттока (С) до 0,166+0,029 мм3/мин/ мм рт.ст. и угнете­ния продукции водянистой влаги (F) на 0,74+0,18 мм3/мин. Нормализация коэффициента Беккера (КБ) обусловлена снижением Р0 и уменьшением ретенции камерной влаги. Изменений остроты и полей зрения, а также офтальмо­скопической картины ни у одного из пациентов отмечено не было. Отмечается тот факт, что из 28 пациентов с впер­вые выявленной глаукомой у 2 (7%) больных отмечал­ся слабоположительный эффект, а именно: наблюдалось незначительное снижение Рена 1-2 мм рт.ст. Возможно, это связано с выраженной пигментацией угла передней камеры (УПК) 3+/4+, а также наличием синехий, возникших на фоне перенесенного иридоциклита. Систематические инстилляции Проксофелина не вызывали значительных колебаний системного АД. Ни один пациент не отмечал изменений в характерных для него значениях систоли­ческого и диастолического давления, а также изменения пульса. Однако пациенты с кризовым течением гиперто­нической болезни не фиксировали в период инстилляций спонтанного повышения АД, характерного для них ранее.ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ. Проксофелин является эффективным препаратом для снижения ВГД при открытоугольной глаукоме. Гипотензивный эффект достигается за счет увеличения оттока и снижения продукции водянистой влаги, что определяет физиологичность его гипо­тензивного действия. В связи с наблюдением малого эффекта у 2-х пациентов (6% из 32 пациентов), необ­ходимы дополнительные исследования эффективности Проксофелина в отношении вторичной глаукомы, обу­словленной претрабекулярным блоком. Достоверных данных о влиянии Проксофелина на системный крово­ток в результате исследования не выявлено. Необходимо более детальное изучение влияния Проксофелина на системную гемодинамику

Gene Expression Profiling in Cells with Enhanced γ-Secretase Activity

BACKGROUND: Processing by gamma-secretase of many type-I membrane protein substrates triggers signaling cascades by releasing intracellular domains (ICDs) that, following nuclear translocation, modulate the transcription of different genes regulating a diverse array of cellular and biological processes. Because the list of gamma-secretase substrates is growing quickly and this enzyme is a cancer and Alzheimer's disease therapeutic target, the mapping of gamma-secretase activity susceptible gene transcription is important for sharpening our view of specific affected genes, molecular functions and biological pathways. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To identify genes and molecular functions transcriptionally affected by gamma-secretase activity, the cellular transcriptomes of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with enhanced and inhibited gamma-secretase activity were analyzed and compared by cDNA microarray. The functional clustering by FatiGO of the 1,981 identified genes revealed over- and under-represented groups with multiple activities and functions. Single genes with the most pronounced transcriptional susceptibility to gamma-secretase activity were evaluated by real-time PCR. Among the 21 validated genes, the strikingly decreased transcription of PTPRG and AMN1 and increased transcription of UPP1 potentially support data on cell cycle disturbances relevant to cancer, stem cell and neurodegenerative diseases' research. The mapping of interactions of proteins encoded by the validated genes exclusively relied on evidence-based data and revealed broad effects on Wnt pathway members, including WNT3A and DVL3. Intriguingly, the transcription of TERA, a gene of unknown function, is affected by gamma-secretase activity and was significantly altered in the analyzed human Alzheimer's disease brain cortices. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Investigating the effects of gamma-secretase activity on gene transcription has revealed several affected clusters of molecular functions and, more specifically, 21 genes that hold significant potential for a better understanding of the biology of gamma-secretase and its roles in cancer and Alzheimer's disease pathology

Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy in gynecological cancers: a critical review of the literature

Although it does not have a long history of sentinel node evaluation (SLN) in female genital system cancers, there is a growing number of promising study results, despite the presence of some aspects that need to be considered and developed. It has been most commonly used in vulvar and uterine cervivcal cancer in gynecological oncology. According to these studies, almost all of which are prospective, particularly in cases where Technetium-labeled nanocolloid is used, sentinel node detection rate sensitivity and specificity has been reported to be 100%, except for a few cases. In the studies on cervical cancer, sentinel node detection rates have been reported around 80–86%, a little lower than those in vulva cancer, and negative predictive value has been reported about 99%. It is relatively new in endometrial cancer, where its detection rate varies between 50 and 80%. Studies about vulvar melanoma and vaginal cancers are generally case reports. Although it has not been supported with multicenter randomized and controlled studies including larger case series, study results reported by various centers around the world are harmonious and mutually supportive particularly in vulva cancer, and cervix cancer. Even though it does not seem possible to replace the traditional approaches in these two cancers, it is still a serious alternative for the future. We believe that it is important to increase and support the studies that will strengthen the weaknesses of the method, among which there are detection of micrometastases and increasing detection rates, and render it usable in routine clinical practice

МОРФОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ГЕМОПОЭТИЧЕСКОЙ ТКАНИ БОЛЬНЫХ ЛИМФОМАМИ

Parameters of ploidity and kinetics of cell cycle in bone marrow samples of lymphoma patients were studied by flow cytometry. These parameters were compared to the lymphoma prognostic criteria: disease stage, levels of lactate dehydrogenase, sed rate test, B-symptoms, Bcl-2, Ki-67 etc. Analysis of the results shows, that bone marrow lesions in primary tumors are characterized by a statistically significant increase in Bcl2-expressing cells and percentage of cells in G0-1 stage of the cell cycle, as well as decrease in percentage of cells in G2М and S stages and percentage of cells of the proliferative pool S+G2M, (G2M+S) / G0-1 compared to non-affected hematopoietic cells. Primary and recurrent lymphomas with bone marrow lesions are characterized by significant variability in cell cycle parameters describing proliferative activity of mononuclear cells combined with inefficiency of hematopoiesis. Marker cytokinetic parameters can be used as prognostic criteria for overall and relapse-free survival of patients with lymphomas.Методом проточной цитофлюориметрии исследованы параметры плоидности и кинетики клеточного цикла в образцах костного мозга больных лимфомами. Проведено сопоставление данных параметров с известными прогностическими критериями лимфом, такими как: возраст, стадия заболевания, уровень ЛДГ, СОЭ, В-симптомы, Bcl-2, Ki-67 и т. д. Анализ полученных результатов свидетельствует о том, что опухолевое поражение костного мозга при первичном процессе характеризуется статистически значимым увеличением доли клеток, экспрессирующих Bcl2, доли клеток в фазе покоя G0-1, снижением клеток в фазах G2М и S, доли клеток пролиферативного пула S+G2M, (G2M+S) / G0-1 по сравнению с непораженными гемопоэтическими клетками. Для первичных и рецидивных лимфом с поражением костного мозга характерна значительная вариабельность параметров клеточного цикла, характеризующих пролиферативную активность мононуклеаров, что сочетается с неэффективностью кроветворения. Установлены маркерные цитокинетические параметры, которые в комплексе с клинико-гематологическими, цитологическими и другими показателями могут служить прогностическими критериями общей и беспрогрессивной выживаемости больных лимфомами.Цель исследования: Определить значение некоторых иммуноморфологических и биологических факторов в прогрессии лимфом