Phytoplankton of the delta of the Mekong River during the dry season

Human activity has disturbed the functioning of river ecosystems all around the globe. The current global climatic fluctuations and local anthropogenic impact lead to rearrangement in the structure and functioning of aquatic communities. One of the most important components of aquatic ecosystems is phytoplankton as the main primary producer of the organic matter, the basis for trophic relations and indicator of changes in the environment. This article presents the first results of a study concerning the peculiarities of quantitative distribution of biomass and species composition of phytoplankton in the delta of the Mekong River at the beginning of the dry season (December of 2018). Diatoms dominated according to biomass practically in all the stations of selection of samples. The total biomass of phytoplankton on average accounted for 0.049 ± 0.007 mg/L at the abundance of 40 ± 7 103 ind./L. In practically all the studied plots, according to biomass, the dominating diatoms were first of all Aulacoseira granulata, A. islandica, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Cyclotella spp., and Oxyneis binalis. Among Chlorophyta, most often we found Chlorella sp. and Scenedesmus quadricauda, but their biomass was insignificant. We determined statistically significant correlation relationships between biomass of phytoplankton and hydrological parameters. Based on the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, we determined negative relations between the total biomass of phytoplankton with salinity and pH. Positive correlation was seen between the biomass of diatoms and turbidity, and also between the temperature and the biomass of chlorophytes and Dinophyta. The biomass of golden algae (Chrysophyceae) and Dinophyta positively correlated with the mineralization. Quantitative regression analysis confirmed the close relationship between the total biomass of phytoplankton, hydrophysical and hydrochemical parameters. Besides the importance of scientific data on biological diversity and ecology of plankton algae, the results we obtained are necessary for organizing biological monitoring in the delta of the Mekong River in the future

FOXP3, IL2R, CD8A and RORγ gene expression in peripheral blood leukocytes of healthy people and patients with arterial hypertension

Impaired balance of T regulatory and T effector lymphocytes has recently been considered as an important pathogenetic link in arterial hypertension (AH). There are, however, contradictory literature data about contents of these cells in the patients with hypertension, or obtained in experimental animal models of induced hypertension. Most results about changed patterns of immune cells in cardiovascular diseases were obtained by means of flow cytometry. There are also some works on expression of genes encoding surface and cytoplasmic differentiation antigens of immune cells in the patients with cardiovascular pathologies. These results coincide with the data obtained with flow cytometric techniques. Purpose of the present study was to analyze of the levels of gene transcripts encoding differentiation markers of regulatory (FOXP3, IL2R) T cells, effector T subpopulations (T helpers 17 (RORγ), and CD8 lymphocytes (CD8A) in healthy subjects and the patients with arterial hypertension (stages I-II). We examined healthy individuals (40 people, 20 men and 20 women), 27 patients with hypertension who did not receive antihypertensive therapy (14 men and 13 women), 26 hypertensive patients taking β-adrenergic receptor blockers (metoprolol or bisoprolol), including 12 men and 14 women. The relative levels of transcripts in peripheral blood leukocytes were assessed by real-time RT-PCR. It was shown that the transcriptional activity of FOXP3, IL2R, RORγ, and CD8A genes in peripheral blood leukocytes of the diseased people was significantly higher than in healthy individuals (p < 0.01). This finding may indicate an increased number of circulating T regulatory lymphocytes, CD8+ cells and T helpers 17 in hypertensive patients, and activation of T cell immunity in these patients. There were no statistically significant gender differences in FOXP3, IL2R, RORγ and CD8A gene expression in leukocytes, both in the group of healthy people and in hypertensive patients. The patients receiving cardioselective β-adrenergic receptor blockers (metoprolol and bisoprolol) exhibited lower expression of these genes, thus, probably, indicating antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of these drugs

The relationship of the carriership of allelic variations in rs2228145 (A > C) of the<i>IL6R</i> gene with the levels of <i>VCAM1</i> and <i>ICAM1</i> gene transcripts in patients with essential hypertension

The levels of plasma interleukin 6 and its soluble receptors were found to be elevated in subjects with cardiovascular diseases, which points to amplification of the IL-6-mediated trans-signaling pathway in cells and the development of chronic inflammation. The allelic variation in the rs2228145 IL6R gene is associated with a change in the contents of the soluble and membrane-bound receptor forms mediating the biological activity of IL-6. Cytokine IL-6 is involved in the development of endothelial dysfunction by regulating the expression of the VCAM1 and ICAM1 genes, encoding intercellular adhesion molecules. Prior to this work, no data on the association of essential arterial hypertension (EAH) with rs2228145 allelic variations of the IL6R gene have been reported. The aim of our work was to study the relationship of the carriership of rs2228145 (A &gt; C) allelic variations with the development of EAH and the VCAM1 and ICAM1 transcript levels. We analyzed samples of DNA isolated from the whole blood of 148 healthy donors and 152 patients with EAH (stages I-II). The genotyp-ing was performed by PCR-RFLP. The level of transcripts in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) was assessed by real-time PCR. Differences in the frequency distributions of rs2228145 (A &gt; C) genotypes between the control group and the group of patients with EAH (χ2 = 9.303) were found. The frequency of the CC genotype in EAH patients was higher than in healthy people (0.191 and 0.095, respectively). The risk of EAH (I-II stages) development was shown to be 2.3 times higher in CC genotype carriers as compared to individuals with other genotypes (OR = 2.257, 95 % confidence interval 1.100-4.468). The levels of VCAM1 and ICAM1 gene transcripts in PBL of patients with EAH were significantly higher than in healthy people. The level of ICAM1 gene transcripts was almost 4 times higher in patients with CC genotype. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance revealed an effect of rs2228145 (A &gt; C) genotype on the transcriptional activity of ICAM1, which argues for its role in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction and essential hypertension

INFLUENCE OF HLA-DRB1* ALLELIC SETS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS IN CHILDREN

According to the WHO data, tuberculosis still represents a serious public health problem worldwide. Deterioration of socio-economic conditions in the population complicates epidemic situation for tuberculosis inRussia, thus leading to increase in acute progressive and complicated forms of tuberculosis in children and, consequently, to worsening structure of its clinical forms. Objectives: to determine associations between certain HLA-DRB1 alleles and risk of tuberculosis development in children. We examined 188 children aged from 3 to 14 years with various manifestations of tuberculous infection. Along with thorough examination of the patients, including multi-spiral CT scans of chest, we undertook genotyping of HLA-DRB1 alleles. Activity of tuberculous infection was determined by a set of immunological tests, i.e., tuberculin skin test, DIASKINTEST® (recombinant allergen of tuberculosis DIASKINTEST®). X ray diagnostics was performed with multi-spiral «Aquilion-32» computed tomograph (Toshiba), according to standard procedures. Molecular genetic typing of HLA-DRB1 alleles was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), using standard commercial kits PROTRANS Ceclerplate System Protrans HLA-DRB1*. The children were divided into two groups: I group, 90 healthy children, II group, 98 children with tuberculosis. A comparisons group consisted of healthy donors (n = 346). Statistical processing of genetic material included evauation and analysis of the following parameters: frequency distribution of the antigen (F), χ2 criterion for significance (chi-square), the relative risk ratio (RR), etiologic fraction (EF), preventive fraction (PF). Children of the II group had significantly higher *04 allele HLADRB1*, as compared with control group (36.7% vs. 21.1%, χ2 = 10.08; р &lt; 0.01). This finding may suppose a predisposal of these allele carriers to development of tuberculosis. At the same time, the rates of *07 (14.3% vs. 27.5%, χ2 = 7.15, р &lt; 0.01) and *15 (18.4% vs. 28.3%, χ2 = 3.92; р &lt; 0.01) HLA-DRB1* alleles were significantly lower, thus suggesting a protective effect of this allele. *04 allele seems to be a predisposing factor, whereas *07 and *15 alleles are protective for development of tuberculosis in children

Comparative assessment of modern parameters of glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes after switching to fast-acting insulin aspart using Flash Glucose Monitoring in real clinical practice

BACKGROUND: Postprandial hyperglycaemia contributes significantly to the lack of glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). At least a quarter of patients forget to inject insulin before meals once a week, and more than 40% of them inject bolus insulin immediately before meals, which does not correspond to the pharmacokinetic effects of ultrashort insulins and determines the need to use insulins with better imitations of physiological insulin secretion.AIM: To assess the effect of fast acting insulin aspart (FIAsp) on the current parameters of glycaemic control in children with DM1 after switching from insulin Asp (iAsp) using continuous glucose monitoring.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter observational 12-week prospective open-label uncontrolled comparative study was initiated. A group of insufficiently controlled patients were identified (n = 48) including a group on multiple insulin injections therapy (MII) (insulin degludec and IAsp) and a group on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) of iAsp. Three 14-day flash glucose monitoring (FMG) were performed: before transferring patients to FiAsp and after 2 and 12 weeks of the transfer. Key endpoints: HbA1c after 2 and 12 weeks on FiAsp relative to baseline, analysis of 5 FMG target glucose ranges, presented as an ambulatory glycemic profile. Additional indicators: dynamics of insulin daily dose, frequency of glucose self- monitoring, the number of severe hypoglycemia, adverse events that occurred during treatment.RESULTS: 2 weeks after the transfer from IAsp to FIAsp, TIR increased in the entire group of patients: from 53% [44.3; 66.5] to 57% [47.4; 71.0] (p-value = 0.010) and TAR decreased from 38% [24.8; 50.2] to 30.5% [22.0; 45, 0] (p-value = 0.0124). Maintaining and increase time spent in the target glucose ranges during a 12-week observation period, in parallel with a significant decrease in hypoglycemic episodes &lt;3.9 mmol / L per week, on FIAsp therapy naturally leads to an improvement in diabetes control: a decrease in HbA1c from 8.15% up to 7.75% (p-value = 0.0224), more pronounced in the group of patients on CSII — from 7.9% to 7.5% (p-value = 0.028).CONCLUSION: Switching from IAsp to BDIAsp in routine clinical practice in the MII and CSII regimen in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes allows achieving better glycemic control compared to the previous generation prandial insulin analog Iasp. The better diabetes control is associated with an increase or a trend towards an increase in TIR and a decrease or a trend towards a decrease in TAR and TBR, as well as a significant decrease in episodes of hypoglycemia

Reduction Operators of Linear Second-Order Parabolic Equations

The reduction operators, i.e., the operators of nonclassical (conditional) symmetry, of (1+1)-dimensional second order linear parabolic partial differential equations and all the possible reductions of these equations to ordinary differential ones are exhaustively described. This problem proves to be equivalent, in some sense, to solving the initial equations. The ``no-go'' result is extended to the investigation of point transformations (admissible transformations, equivalence transformations, Lie symmetries) and Lie reductions of the determining equations for the nonclassical symmetries. Transformations linearizing the determining equations are obtained in the general case and under different additional constraints. A nontrivial example illustrating applications of reduction operators to finding exact solutions of equations from the class under consideration is presented. An observed connection between reduction operators and Darboux transformations is discussed.Comment: 31 pages, minor misprints are correcte

Single step process for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes and metal/alloy-filled multiwalled carbon nanotubes

A single-step approach for the synthesis of multi-walled nanotubes (MWNT) filled with nanowires of Ni/ternary Zr based hydrogen storage alloy has been illustrated. We also demonstrate the generation of CO-free hydrogen by methane decomposition over alloy hydride catalyst. The present work also highlights the formation of single-walled nanotubes (SWNT) and MWNTs at varying process conditions. These carbon nanostructures have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM (HRTEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and Raman spectroscopy. This new approach overcomes the existing multi-step process limitation, with possible impact on the development of future fuel cell, nano-battery and hydrogen sensor technologies

Применение двух форм ингаляционного бесфреонового беклометазона дипропионата у больных бронхиальной астмой

The aim of this study was to compare clinical efficiency of Freon-free ultra-fine metered dose aerosol of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) (Beclason ECO) and Easy-Breath system (Beclason ECO EB), or an inhaler with larger BDP particles (Beclojet). Methods. The study involved 120 moderate to severe asthma (BA) patients (the average age, 50 yrs; the mean length of the disease, 12 to 13 yrs). More than 75 % of the Beclason and Beclojet group patients have received inhaled steroids when starting the study (the mean doses, 542 ± 308 and 641 ± 379 mcg daily, respectively). The patients have been treated with Beclason ECO 500 mcg daily or Beclojet 1 000 mcg daily (moderate BA), Beclason ECO EB 750 mcg daily or Beclojet 1 500 mcg daily (severe BA) for 12 wks. Results. FEV1 increased by 18 and 20 % in Beclason ECO / Beclason ECO EB group and Beclojet group, correspondingly; FVC increased by the 11 and 21 %, and FEF25–75 grew by 26 and 24 % correspondingly by the end of the study. Daytime symptoms improved by 1.6 and 1.3 scores in the Beclason ECO / Beclason ECO EB patients and Beclojet patients correspondingly and nighttime symptoms improved by 1.0 score in both the groups. The need in beta-2-agonists reduced during the study by 3.1 and 3.4 doses daily correspondingly in the groups. Quality of life improved in both the groups, the difference between the groups was not significant. The inhaled drugs were well-tolerated, rate of unwanted events was low and quite similar in both the groups. Therefore, the freon-free ultra-fine aerosols of BDP (Beclason ECO and Beclason ECO EB) have the comparable clinical efficiency with freon-free non-ultra-fine aerosol (Beclojet) in the dose ratio 2 : 1.Цель исследования — изучение клинической эффективности применения в 2 раза меньшей дозы бесфреонового ультрамелкодиспесного беклометазона дипропионата (БДП) в обычном дозированном аэрозольном ингаляторе (Беклазон ЭКО) и в форме ингалятора Легкое Дыхание (Беклазон ЭКО ЛД) по сравнению с немелкодисперсным аналогом (Беклоджет). Методы. В исследование были включены 120 больных бронхиальной астмой (БА) тяжелого и среднетяжелого течения (средний возраст — около 50 лет, средняя длительность заболевания — 12–13 лет). Свыше 75 % больных на момент включения в исследование принимали иГКС (средняя доза — 542 ± 308 и 641 ± 379 мкг / сут. в группах больных, принимающих Беклоджет и Беклазон). Больные в течение 12 нед. получали терапию Беклазоном или Беклоджетом (среднетяжелая астма — Беклазон ЭКО 500 мкг / сут. либо Беклоджет 1 000 мкг /сут.; тяжелая астма — Беклазон ЭКО ЛД 750 мкг / сут. либо Беклоджет 1 500 мкг / сут.). Результаты. К концу исследования ОФВ1 вырос в среднем на 18 и 20 % в группах Беклазона ЭКО / Беклазона ЭКО ЛД и Беклоджета, ФЖЕЛ — на 11 и 21 %, МОС25–75% — на 26 и 24 % соответственно. Выраженность дневных симптомов уменьшилась в среднем на 1,6 и 1,3 балла в группах Беклазона ЭКО / Беклазона ЭКО ЛД и Беклоджета, выраженность ночных симптомов — на 1,0 и 1,0 балла соответственно. Во время исследования в обеих группах больных значительно сократилось число ингаляций β2-агонистов короткого действия — в среднем на 3,1 и 3,4 инг. в сутки. Отмечено значительное клинически значимое улучшение качества жизни у больных сравниваемых групп, при этом различий отмечено не было. Сравниваемые препараты хорошо переносились больными, число побочных эффектов было невелико и практически не различалось между группами больных. Выводы. Препараты бесфреонового БДП в виде ультра-мелкодисперсной формы (ингаляторы Беклазон ЭКО и Беклазон ЭКО ЛД) по своей клинической эффективности сравнимы с препаратами бесфреонового немелкодисперсного БДП (Беклоджет) при соотношении доз БДП 2 : 1

Эффективность и безопасность применения бовгиалуронидазы азоксимера (Лонгидаза) у пациентов с постковидным синдромом: результаты открытого проспективного контролируемого сравнительного многоцентрового клинического исследования DISSOLVE

Post-COVID syndrome develops after COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) and leads to cumulative effects in the form of shortness of breath and impaired lung function. Notably, patients with airway inflammation and COVID-19 were found to have increased concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA). Since bovhyaluronidase azoximer (Longidase®) catalyzes the hydrolysis of HA, this drug has the potential to reduce HA levels and improve lung function in patients with post-COVID syndrome.The aim of the DISSOLVE trial, which was conducted early in the pandemic, was to investigate the efficacy and safety of bovhyaluronidase azoximer in patients with symptoms associated with post-COVID syndrome.Methods. An open, prospective, controlled, comparative, multicenter clinical trial (NCT04645368) included adult patients (n = 160) who had post-COVID syndrome. Patients in the treatment group (n = 81) received bovhyaluronidase azoximer, and individuals in the control group (n = 79) were followed up without intervention. The study included physical examination, evaluation of forced vital capacity (FVC), assessment of dyspnea with the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), 6-minute walking test, and pulse oximetry. These indicators were measured on 3 visits, at days 1 (baseline), 75, and 180. In addition, the number of patients who experienced adverse events and serious adverse events were recorded.Results. Baseline patient characteristics in the treatment group and the control group were similar. In the treatment group, there was a statistically significant reduction in residual pulmonary abnormalities after visit 2 (day 75) and visit 3 (day 180). In addition, FVC, pulse oximetry values, and functional exercise tolerance increased statistically significantly at days 75 and 180 compared to baseline. The mMRC scores for dyspnea decreased statistically significantly in the treatment group over 75 days. The safety profile of the drug was reported to be favorable throughout the study. Conclusion. Treatment with bovhyaluronidase azoximer in patients with post-COVID syndrome showed improvement in FVC, pulse oximetry, functional exercise tolerance, and mMRC dyspnea.Постковидный синдром (ПКС) после перенесенного COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) – это состояние, которое развивается у пациентов, переболевших COVID-19 и приводит к кумулятивным эффектам в виде одышки и нарушения функции легких. Примечательно, что у пациентов с воспалением дыхательных путей и COVID-19 обнаружены более высокие концентрации гиалуроновой кислоты (ГК). Поскольку бовгиалуронидаза азоксимер (Лонгидаза®) катализирует гидролиз ГК, при назначении данного препарата потенциально можно ожидать снижение концентрации ГК и улучшения функции легких у пациентов с ПКС.Целью исследования DISSOLVE, которое проводилось на начальной стадии пандемии, явилось изучение эффективности и безопасности применения бовгиалуронидазы азоксимера у пациентов с симптомами, связанными с ПКС.Материалы и методы. В открытом проспективном контролируемом сравнительном многоцентровом клиническом исследовании (NCT04645368) принимали участие взрослые пациенты (n = 160), у которых выявлен ПКС. Пациенты, составившие группу лечения (n = 81), получали бовгиалуронидазу азоксимер, лица, составившие группы контроля (n = 79), наблюдались динамически. В рамках исследования выполнялось физикальное обследование, проводилась оценка показателей форсированной жизненной емкости легких (ФЖЕЛ), одышки по шкале модифицированного вопросника Британского медицинского исследовательского совета (Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale – mMRC), дистанции, пройденной при выполнении 6-минутного шагового теста, и пульсоксиметрии. Эти показатели измерялись в рамках 3 визитов: в 1-й (исходный уровень), 75-й и 180-й дни. Кроме того, регистрировалось число пациентов, у которых наблюдались нежелательные явления (НЯ) и серьезные НЯ.Результаты. Исходные характеристики у пациентов группы лечения и контрольной группы были сходными. В группе лечения отмечено статистически значимое снижение остаточных легочных изменений после визита 2 (75-й день) и визита 3 (180-й день); кроме того, показатели ФЖЕЛ, пульсоксиметрии и переносимости функциональных физических нагрузок статистически значимо увеличились на 75-й и 180-й дни относительно исходного уровня. Показатели одышки по шкале mMRC в группе лечения статистически значимо снизились в течение 75 дней. Профиль безопасности препарата отмечался как благоприятный на протяжении всего исследования.Заключение. При терапии бовгиалуронидазой азоксимером у пациентов с ПКС отмечено улучшение показателей ФЖЕЛ, пульсоксиметрии, переносимости функциональных физических нагрузок и оценки одышки по mMRC