An analysis of the Medicago falcata s.l. alfalfas collected in the ex-USSR territories for the fullness of their coverage

Background. The collection of wild yellow alfalfas from the Medicago falcata s.l. complex maintained at the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) is a unique genetic stock collected while exploring the ex-USSR territories from 1924 to 2018. It includes Medicago falcata L. proper, M. borealis Grossh., M. romanica Prod., M. quasifalcata Sinsk., M. difalcata Sinsk., and M. glandulosa David. Gap analysis makes it possible to assess the sufficiency of VIR’s collecting efforts in a certain locality or administrative unit and plan further collecting activities to ensure comprehensive conservation of sickle alfalfa genetic diversity.Material and methods. Databases of the Perennial Forage Crop Genetic Resources Department at VIR, and digital maps of administrative subdivisions of Russia and neighboring countries served as the research material. The ex-USSR administrative subdivisions were accepted as operational units. For each of them, the number of ser. Falcatae Vass. species and the number of accessions per administrative subdivision were taken into account. Statistical data processing included construction of frequency tables and differentiated mapping.Results. The coordinates of collection sites were identified for 446 accessions. Collections of six wild species within the studied complex were analyzed across the ex-USSR space, and in more detail in Krasnodar Territory.Conclusion. The target areas were identified for further collecting activities. For Russia, the prioritized regions where the collection could be replenished are the northern frontier of the area of sickle alfalfa distribution in the European part and its eastern borderline in Siberia, both characterized by extreme environmental conditions. To increase the geographic diversity of the collection, additional collecting efforts are required, along with mobilization of accessions from the neighboring countries

THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY OF VARIETIES OF ALFALFA IN THE CENTRAL-CHERNOZEM ZONE

Three-year study of one hundred world collection of alfalfa was conducted in Central Black-Earth zone of Russia. The varieties of Medicago × varia ‘Zheltogibridnaya 99’, ‘Flora 2’, ‘Karlygash’ and ‘№ 152’ (hybrid ‘Severnaya hybridnaya’ בAugune II’) were recommended for breeding programs. The most variable were character of seed production, productivity of green mass and hay yield productivity; character of foliage and the intensity of regrowth of plants on the 20-th day after spring regrowth had medium variability. The height before the first mowing and height in the phase of full flowering had low variability. There was a significant correlation between the yield of green mass and hay, the yield of green mass and intensity of regrowth and a weak negative correlation between the yield of green mass and seed yield

Evaluation of commercial traits in the accessions of Medicago sativa L. from Asia Minor

Background. One of the main tasks of the present-day breeding practice is the development of high-yielding intensive-type fodder crop cultivars for indoor feeding of livestock. Alfalfa, as a productive and high-protein crop, deserves special attention. An offer of new breeding sources would enable breeders to broaden the diversity of alfalfa cultivars. Objective. The present study involved 65 local varieties and wild accessions of alfalfa from Turkey preserved in the VIR collection. Material and methods. Yekaterinino Experiment Station of VIR (Tambov Province) was chosen as the research site. Evaluation of the alfalfa collection was carried out in 2015–2017, using the methods developed at VIR for fodder crop research targeted at such traits as green biomass yield, seed productivity, and leafiness. The cultivar ‘Marusinskaya 425’ was used as the reference. Results and conclusions. In 2015, four accessions were identified as promising for their green matter yield and seed productivity: local varieties k-3373 and k-3378 from Konya Province, k-5992 from Isparta Province, and k-6116 from Sivas Province. In 2016, three accessions exceeded the reference in the yield of green matter, and three accessions had higher seed productivity. Eight accessions surpassed the reference in leafiness. In 2017, only one accession, k-6009 (Kayseri Province), significantly exceeded the reference in green matter yield. Nine accessions were selected for their high seed yield. The maximum seed productivity was observed in the accession k-3379 (Konya). Leafiness was notably higher than the reference’s in 15 accessions. The average for three years shows that none of the accessions credibly surpassed the reference in green matter yield. Four accessions had higher seed productivity than the reference. According to the three-year average, 11 accessions exceeded the reference in leafiness. All in all, in the three years of study, the accessions k-3373, k-3378 and k-3379 (Konya) were selected for high green matter yield and seed productivity. High seed productivity and leafiness, with satisfactory green matter yield, were registered in the accession k-5992 (Isparta). The accession k-6009 (Kayseri) significantly exceeded the reference in green matter yield, but demonstrated low seed productivity and poor leafiness. The place of origin for the identified local accessions had been Central Anatolia, with its continental climate. These accessions are valuable breeding sources with noteworthy commercial traits. Alfalfa from Asia Minor can be recommended for use in breeding practice, targeted at the development of new high-yielding intensive-type cultivars

Clinical and Immunological Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Non-Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy in the Early Postoperative Period

Today the mechanisms of pathological scarring and inconsistency of the intraocular fluid outflow pathways after nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS), reducing its effectiveness, have not yet been determined. There is no systematic information about the regulatory role of cytokine TGF-β and MMP-9 in the mechanisms of formation of the newly created intraocular fluid outflow pathways.Aim: to assess changes in the clinical and immunological status of patients with open-angle glaucoma after NPDS in the early postoperative period.Methods. A prospective examination of 26 patients with open-angle glaucoma before and in 1 month after NPDS with determination of concentration of TGF-β and MMP-9 in tear humor. One month after NPDS, all patients were divided into two groups depending on the effect of the operation achieved according to the developed criteria.Results. Before the operation, tears TGF-β values in group 1 exceeded baseline values of group 2 by 1.4 times, the initial content of MMP-9 in tears in both groups was comparable. After the operation, in group 1, a moderate increase in the concentration of tears TGF-β by 1.3 times and a significant increase in the concentration of tears MMP-9 in 4.6 times compared with baseline values were revealed. In patients of group 2, after NPDS, there was a significant increase in the concentration of tears TGF-β, on average, 2.4 times relative to preoperative values, the content of MMP-9 did not significantly change.Conclusion. 1 month after NPDS, an imbalance in the concentration of TGF-β and MMP-9 in tears was detected in patients of the two groups that have fundamental clinical differences in the hypotensive effect and the formation of postoperative intraocular fluid outflow pathways

Unmanned aerial vehicles: potential for use in the storage systems of industrial companies

In the article, the authors investigate the problem of using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in company warehouses and consider their use as one of the ways to optimize the logistics business processes of companies. Technologies are considered, on the basis of which modern unmanned aerial vehicles, drone models of various companies, the main functionality of drone’s work. The authors high-light the strengths and weaknesses of unmanned aerial vehicles, key factors determining the success of the use of drones, and favorable conditions for their use in warehouses. The authors are considering the possibility of sharing drones and RFID technology. Barriers to the active introduction of drones into the logistics business processes of warehousing systems and requirements for warehouse complexes planning the use of unmanned aerial objects have been identified. Promising areas of application of technology in warehouse logistics are also considered: creation of anti-theft and fire protection systems, using drones to read CIS marks. The authors used data from analytical reports and data collected by the authors themselves, as well as empirical research methods

Metabolomic approach to investigate <i>Dactylis glomerata</i> L. from the VIR collection

The perennial grass cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a valuable early highly nutritious crop used as green fodder in agricultural production. The species is widespread across the Eurasian continent; it is characterized by plasticity and high ecological and geographical variability. The article considers the metabolic profiles of 15 accessions of the cocksfoot from the collection of the N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR). The material is represented by varieties and wild forms of various origin: the European part of the Russian Federation, Norway and Finland. The study was carried out using gas-liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The study and comparison of groups of metabolites of cocksfoot accessions of various ecological and geographical origin was carried out. Statistical processing included the calculation of the main parameters of variability, factor analysis of the correlation system (Qand R-technique), cluster analysis by Ward’s method and discriminant analysis. The variability of the quantitative and qualitative composition of the substances identified was revealed. Based on statistical processing of the results obtained, five groups of cocksfoot accessions were identified, differing in the profile of metabolites. One of the groups with a similar composition of metabolites consisted of accessions from one ecological and geographical region; another, of accessions of different origin. Significant differences were noted in the metabolomic profiles of a late-maturing wild cocksfoot accession from the Republic of Karelia at the booting stage from earlyand mid-maturing accessions at the heading stage; it contained the largest number of free amino acids and the smallest number of identified primary and secondary metabolites. Wild-growing accession k-44020 from Norway surpassed other wild-growing accessions in the content of free amino acids, sugars and phosphates at the heading stage. Wildgrowing accessions differed from breeding varieties with a high content of proline and threonine, indicators of high resistance to lack of moisture and high air temperature

The role of neurohumoral factors in the persistence of aseptic bone inflammation in patients with diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy

BACKGROUND: Diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy (DNOAP, Charcot foot) is a relatively rare complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), which can lead not only to impaired support function of the lower limb in such patients, but also to high amputation. DNOAP is characterized by persistent aseptic inflammation of the bone structures of the foot, which creates significant ­difficulties in planning therapeutic measures. In the medical literature, there are data demonstrating the role of individual ­cytokines and neurohumoral factors in the prolongation of the inflammatory process in diabetes, however, there are currently very few studies that determine reliable markers of aseptic inflammation in DNOAP.AIM: To study the effect of neurohumoral factors and advanced glycation end products on the activity of aseptic inflammation in the bone structures of the foot in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study included 88 patients with type 2 diabetes (45 men, 43 women). Group 1 consisted of patients with DM2 and inactive DNOAP (n= 43), group 2 (n= 45) consisted of patients with DM2 and distal diabetic neuropathy without osteoarticular pathology. The diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy was based on the analysis of the clinical picture and indicators of peripheral sensitivity. Diagnosis of DNOAP and determination of its stage was based on clinical data, the results of infrared thermometry and radiology tests of the foot bones. General clinical assessment was used, radiology tests (X-ray, MRI), evaluation of CRP, calprotectin, copeptin, glutathione peroxidase 1 (GP1).RESULTS. According to the results of examination and palpation of the feet, as well as the analysis of the temperature gradient of the skin of the affected and contralateral limb (infrared thermometry), DNOAP was detected and the stage of this complication was determined. The diagnosis of the chronic stage of DNOAP was confirmed by the results of MRI and the clinical picture (no difference in skin temperature on the symmetrical areas of the feet). According to the results of laboratory analysis, a statistically significant difference in copeptin values was revealed — in group 1 — 0.232 µg/ml [0.147; 0.342], in group 2 — 0.115 µg/ml [0.065; 0.203] (p&gt;0.05) and CRP — in group 1 — 7.113 mg/l [2.453; 16.505], in group 2 — 2.187 mg/l [1.131; 5.567] (p&gt;0.05), leukocyte levels in the groups did not differ significantly: group 1 — 7.86 [6.40; 9.00]*10^9, group 2 — 7.00 [6.00; 8.15] (p&gt;0.05). There was a trend towards an increase in the level of calprotectin and glutathione peroxidase-1 in the DNOAP group, however, the differences were not significant. calprotectin — in group 1 — 1.948 [1.229; 2.969], in group 2 — 1.692 [1.16; 2.514] μg/ml and glutathione peroxidase-1 in group 1 — 24.72 [20.1; 31.82], in group 2 — 22.98 [18.94; 31.2] ng/ml.CONCLUSION. In the study, statistically significant differences were obtained in the levels of copeptin and C-reactive protein: in patients with DNOAP, their values were significantly higher, which indicates the persistence of the aseptic inflammatory process in the bone tissue of patients even in the chronic stage of DNOAP. These data may help in deciding whether to use one or another method of unloading the affected joints, which will affect the clinical prognosis. The study of neurohumoral markers of arthropathy in the blood serum of patients with DM2 is carried out for the first time, and therefore it is difficult to compare with the results of other authors. It can be assumed that copeptin and CRP are significant markers of persistent inflammation of the osteoarticular structures of the foot in DNOAP

Анатомо-топографические критерии эффективности непроникающей глубокой склерэктомии

PURPOSE: To assess the anatomical and topographic features of the trabeculo-descemet membrane when forming the outflow pathways of the intraocular fluid after nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy, and also to substantiate the indications and timing of laser descemetopuncture. METHODS: The effectiveness of antihypertensive laser goniopuncture was analyzed in 500 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Group 1 consisted of 250 patients (retrospective study), group 2 included 250 patients (prospective study). Clinical groups were comparable by gender, age, glaucoma stage and hypotensive therapy regimen. The follow-up period lasted for 3 years. All patients postoperatively underwent ultrasound biomicroscopy of internal fistula, intrascleral channel and filtering blebs by means of UBM-Hi (Opticon, Italy). The principal difference of the second clinical group was strict adherence to the technology of surgical stage of the operation (the height of the wave function was at least 0.8±0.09 mm), and to laser goniopuncture terms and technology. RESULTS: We determined optimal UBM-criteria of internal fistula: height — 0.8±0.09 mm, thickness — 0.09±0.004 mm. Performing laser goniopuncture 1-1.12 months after the surgery was justified in 100% of cases. In group 1 laser goniopuncture was conducted 3.4±1.9 months after the surgery. Intraocular fluid outflow pathways were functional in 59.6% 1 year after laser goniopuncture as compared to 24.8% after 3 years. In 2 group laser goniopuncture was conducted in 1.12±0.08 months. Absolute surgical success after 12 months amounted to 84.8%, and 60.4%after 3 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Regarding penetrating deep sclerectomy as a two-step procedure in all cases, strict implementation of the technology and time intervals between surgical and laser stages allows optimizing the morphogenesis of outflow pathways and increasing the hypotensive effect of the combined intervention. ЦЕЛЬ. Оценить анатомо-топографические особенности трабекуло-десцеметовой мембраны при формировании путей оттока внутриглазной жидкости после непроникающей глубокой склерэктомии (НГСЭ), а также обосновать показания и сроки проведения лазерной десцеметогониопунктуры (ЛДГП). МЕТОДЫ. Проанализирована гипотензивная эффективность НГСЭ у 500 пациентов с первичной открытоугольной глаукомой. 1-я группа включала 250 пациентов (ретроспективное исследование), 2-я группа — 250 пациентов (проспективное исследование). Клинические группы релевантны по полу, возрасту, стадиям глаукомы и режиму местной терапии. Сроки наблюдения — 3 года. Всем пациентам в послеоперационном периоде проводилась ультразвуковая биомикроскопия (УБМ) внутренней фистулы, интрасклерального канала и фильтрационной подушки с оценкой параметрических (высота) и морфометрических (степень эхогенности) показателей. Принципиальным отличием 2-й клинической группы явилось соблюдение технологии хирургического этапа операции (высота ВФ не менее 0,8±0,09 мм), а также сроков и технологии проведения ЛДГП. РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ. Определены оптимальные УБМ-критерии внутренней фистулы после НГСЭ: высота 0,8±0,09 мм, толщина 0,09±0,004 мм и наличие в ней участка «прерывания» после ЛДГП. Обосновано выполнение ЛДГП в 100% случаев в сроки 1-1,12 месяца после хирургического этапа. В 1-й группе сроки ЛДГП составили 3,4±1,9 месяца, а состоятельные пути оттока ВГЖ определялись в 59,6% через 1 год, в 24,8% через 3 года после НГСЭ. Во 2-й группе сроки ЛДГП составили 1,12±0,08 месяца. Через 12 месяцев полный гипотензивный успех определялся в 84,8%, к 3 годам — в 60,4% случаев. ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ. Позиционирование НГСЭ как двухэтапной процедуры в абсолютном количестве случаев, строгое соблюдение технологии и временного интервала между хирургическим и лазерным этапами позволяют оптимизировать морфогенез путей оттока и повысить полный гипотензивный эффект этих вмешательств.

ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОЕ ОБОСНОВАНИЕ ГЕМОСТАТИЧЕСКИХ ШВОВ ПРИ РЕЗЕКЦИИ ПОЧКИ ПО ПОВОДУ ОПУХОЛИ

The investigation deals with the study of the biomechanical properties of renal tissues and the comparison of different hemostatic suture procedures used during resection of the kidney for its tumor. The performed experimental study allows one to recommend that a renal capsule as the organ’s most stable and plastic part must be necessarily inserted into the hemostatic suture on both sides. The elastic modulus (Young’s modulus) serves as an integral indicator of the deformation-strength properties of renal tissues, which enables it to be recommended for the wider use in experimental and clinical studies. The proposed modified suture can minimize the number of postoperative bleedings from the renal parenchyma and reduce the time of surgery, thereby improving the results of organ-saving treatment in patients with kidney cancer.Исследование посвящено изучению биомеханических свойств тканей почки и сравнению различных методик гемостатических швов, применяемых при резекции почки по поводу опухоли. Проведенное экспериментальное исследование позволяет рекомендовать обязательное включение в гемостатический шов с двух сторон почечную капсулу как наиболее прочную и пластичную часть органа. Модуль упругости (модуль Юнга) служит интегральным показателем деформационно-прочностных свойств тканей почки, что позволяет рекомендовать его для более широкого использования в экспериментальных и клинических исследованиях. Предлагаемый модифицированный шов позволяет сократить до минимума число послеоперационных кровотечений из паренхимы почки, уменьшить время операции и тем самым улучшить результаты органосохраняющего лечения больных раком почки

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy and Graves’ disease: A predictor of treatment efficiency

Current therapeutic approaches to the treatment of endocrine ophthalmopathy (EOP) are based on nonspecific immunosuppression with glucocorticosteroids (GCs) and radiation therapy of the eye orbits. However, some patients exhibit resistance to the treatment. In a previous study, we have detected high levels of soluble cytokine receptors: sTNFα-R1, sTNFα-R2, sIL-2R, and the TGF-β1 cytokine in euthyroid patients with long-lasting non-treated EOP and Graves’ disease (GD). TGF-β1 level was significantly higher in the patients with EOP compared to healthy individuals, and increased with prolonged EOP duration, thus suggesting activation of the factors regulating immune system which promote suppression of the autoimmune process. The aim of this work was to study the dynamics of TGF-β1 and cytokine receptors: sTNFα-R1, sTNFα-R2, sIL-2R in the course of immunosuppressive therapy with high doses of GCs, as possible predictors of treatment efficacy. The study included 49 patients (98 eye orbits) with GD of euthyroid state and subclinical thyrotoxicosis, and the persons with EOP in active phase, who had not previously treatment for EOP. Concentrations of TGF-β1 cytokine, sTNFα-RI and sTNFα-R2, sIL-2R, antibodies to the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (rTSH), free fractions of thyroxine (fT4) and triiodothyronine (fT3), TSH in blood serum were determined in blood serum. Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland (ultrasound of the thyroid gland), multi-layer computed tomography (MSCT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbits were also performed. The patients were administered immunosuppressive therapy with high doses of HCs (methylprednisolone) in the course of pulse therapy, at a standard dosage of 4500-8000 mg, taking into account the severity and activity of the EOP clinical manifestations. The examination was carried out 3, 6, 12 months after starting the treatment. 3 and 6 months after the GC administration, more than 30% of patients remained resistant to treatment. The levels of TGF-β1 did not change significantly in the patients with positive EOP dynamics. In the patients resistant to GC treatment, the level of TGF-β1 was significantly decreased compared with patients who showed positive clinical dynamics. The level of sNFR1 and sNFaR2 did not change significantly. There were no significant differences in the levels of antibodies to rTSH, thyroid hormones in the patients resistant to GC treatment and with positive dynamics.Immunosuppressive therapy with high-dose of methylprednisolone in pulse therapy regimen showed high efficacy and good tolerability, while some patients remain resistant to treatment. Lower levels of TGF-β1 cytokine at initial time and during the treatment allow usage of TGF-β1 levels as a biomarker of the activity of the process, treatment efficiency, and prognosis of the disease. Activation of TGF-β1, a fibroblast growth factor, may contribute to the development of fibrosis, strabismus, and diplopia