Surface Properties of Colloidal Particles Affect Colloidal Self-Assembly in Evaporating Self-Lubricating Ternary Droplets

[Image: see text] In this work, we unravel the role of surface properties of colloidal particles on the formation of supraparticles (clusters of colloidal particles) in a colloidal Ouzo droplet. Self-lubricating colloidal Ouzo droplets are an efficient and simple approach to form supraparticles, overcoming the challenge of the coffee stain effect in situ. Supraparticles are an efficient route to high-performance materials in various fields, from catalysis to carriers for therapeutics. Yet, the role of the surface of colloidal particles in the formation of supraparticles using Ouzo droplets remains unknown. Therefore, we used silica particles as a model system and compared sterically stabilized versus electrostatically stabilized silica particles—positively and negatively charged. Additionally, we studied the effect of hydration. Hydrated negatively charged silica particles and sterically stabilized silica particles form supraparticles. Conversely, dehydrated negatively charged silica particles and positively charged amine-coated particles form flat film-like deposits. Notably, the assembly process is different for all the four types of particles. The surface modifications alter (a) the contact line motion of the Ouzo droplet and (b) the particle–oil and particle–substrate interactions. These alterations modify the particle accumulation at the various interfaces, which ultimately determines the shape of the final deposit. Thus, by modulating the surface properties of the colloidal particles, we can tune the shape of the final deposit, from a spheroidal supraparticle to a flat deposit. In the future, this approach can be used to tailor the supraparticles for applications such as optics and catalysis, where the shape affects the functionality

In vivo clearance of 19F MRI imaging nanocarriers is strongly influenced by nanoparticle ultrastructure

Perfluorocarbons hold great promise both as imaging agents, particularly for (19)F MRI, and in therapy, such as oxygen delivery. (19)F MRI is unique in its ability to unambiguously track and quantify a tracer while maintaining anatomic context, and without the use of ionizing radiation. This is particularly well-suited for inflammation imaging and quantitative cell tracking. However, perfluorocarbons, which are best suited for imaging - like perfluoro-15-crown-5 ether (PFCE) - tend to have extremely long biological retention. Here, we showed that the use of a multi-core PLGA nanoparticle entrapping PFCE allows for a 15-fold reduction of half-life in vivo compared to what is reported in literature. This unexpected rapid decrease in (19)F signal was observed in liver, spleen and within the infarcted region after myocardial infarction and was confirmed by whole body NMR spectroscopy. We demonstrate that the fast clearance is due to disassembly of the ~200 nm nanoparticle into ~30 nm domains that remain soluble and are cleared quickly. We show here that the nanoparticle ultrastructure has a direct impact on in vivo clearance of its cargo i.e. allowing fast release of PFCE, and therefore also bringing the possibility of multifunctional nanoparticle-based imaging to translational imaging, therapy and diagnostics

Features of Epidemic Process of Tuberculosis in the Territory with High Prevalence of HIV Infection

Scales of epidemic process of HIV-associated of tuberculosis are especially noticeable in regions with high prevalence of HIV infection and tuberculosis. A striking example of this situation is the Irkutsk region – the territory with the highest prevalence of HIV infection in the Russian Federation and one of the most unsuccessful one on tuberculosis – in 2010 became Russian “leader” and in prevalence of the HIV-associated tuberculosis, keeping a position “in the first five” so far. It is clear, that all this cannot but imply negative manifestations of two considered epidemic processes at their simultaneous development in one territory. The above-said facts predetermined carrying out the retrospective epidemiological analysis of spread of tuberculosis among the cumulative population in the Irkutsk region, a territory of high risk of HIV infection.The purpose of the work was to assess features of spread of tuberculosis in the territory of the large center of HIV infection (Irkutsk region).Results. The expressed negative impact of HIV infection on epidemic process of tuberculosis in the studied region, shown in divergence of trends and higher levels of epidemiological indicators in comparison to the all-Russian data is established.Conclusion. As a result of a research the trend of regional incidence of tuberculosis, multidirectional with the all-Russian indicators, is established from the moment of epidemic spread of HIV infection that demonstrates integration of epidemic processes of the studied infections. Even on condition of regress of epidemic process of tuberculosis at the end of the analyzed period which is followed by decrease in incidence of all population, HIV infection has a significant impact on his tension that, certainly, demands the strengthened measures of epidemiological control of these socially important infections

PECULIARITIES OF CD3/CD28-INDUCED SECRETION OF INTERLEUKIN-2 AND SUBPOPULATION COMPOSITION OF T-LYMPHOCYTES IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

The article presents the results of the research of CD3/CD28-induced production of interleukin-2 by blood lymphocytes in vitro as well as subpopulation composition of peripheral blood T-lymphocytes in patients with drug-sensitive and drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. We detected the decrease in the total amount of CD3-positive cells and suppression of IL-2- secretion during CD3/CD28-induction of lymphocytes, which was most expressed in a disseminated form of drug-resistant TB. We also demonstrated the reduction in the percentage value of CD3+CD28+IL-2+ and CD3+CD28+IL-2- cells in patients with pulmonary TB against the background of the increase in the percentage value of CD3+CD28-IL-2-. Besides, it was also shown that the detected changes are unidirectional, don't depend on a clinical form of TB and are maximally manifested in patients with a drug resistant variant of the TB process

ВЛИЯНИЕ ОБЕЗБОЛИВАНИЯ ПРИ РОДОРАЗРЕШЕНИИ НА ЧАСТОТУ РАЗВИТИЯ ПОСЛЕРОДОВОЙ ДЕПРЕССИИ У РОДИЛЬНИЦ

The article evaluates the effect of various anesthetic techniques in delivery on the frequency of postpartum depression in new mothers. Materials and methods. 209 women were enrolled into the study, medium age made 31 years and gestation period made 39.4 weeks. All patients were divided into 4 groups: groups 1 and 2 had vaginal delivery; continuous epidural anesthesia was used in group 1, 0.08% solution of ropivacaine hydrochloride was used as a local anesthetic. No pain relief was used in group 2. Cesarean section with intraspinal anesthesia was performed in groups 3 and 4; transversus abdominis plane block with parenteral administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents was used in group 3. Only system narcotic analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents were used for anesthetic purposes in group 4. Specific features of postpartum depression were searched for within the following time periods: in 6 hours, 3 days and 6 weeks after the delivery. Results of the study. It has been found out that using continuous epidural anesthesia for pain relief purposes during vaginal delivery results in no reduction of postpartum depression frequency in 6 weeks after the delivery compared to the patients who had no anesthesia during delivery. No effect of delivery type on postpartum depression frequency has been observed. The reduction of postpartum blues has been noted when transversus abdominis plane block was used as a part of multi-modal pain relief. No effect of transversus abdominis plane block on the postpartum depression development in 6 weeks after delivery has been observed. Дана оценка влияния различных методов анальгезии при родоразрешении на частоту развития послеродовой депрессии у родильниц. Материалы и методы. В исследование включено 209 женщин, средний возраст пациенток составил 31 год, а срок гестации – 39,4 нед. Все пациентки распределены на четыре группы: в 1-й и 2-й группах женщины родоразрешены через естественные родовые пути, при этом в 1-й группе с целью обезболивания применяли длительную эпидуральную анальгезию, в качестве местного анестетика использовали 0,08%-ный раствор ропивокаина гидрохлорида. Во 2-й группе обезболивание не проводили. В 3-й и 4-й группах родоразрешение проводили путем операции кесарева сечения в условиях спинномозговой анестезии, в 3-й группе в послеоперационном периоде применяли блокаду поперечного пространства живота в сочетании с парентеральным назначением нестероидных противовоспалительных средств. В 4-й группе с целью анальгезии использовали только системные наркотические анальгетики и нестероидные противовоспалительные средства. Исследование специфики развития послеродовой депрессии проводили поэтапно: через 6 ч, 3 сут и 6 нед. после родов. Результаты исследования. Установлено, что применение длительной эпидуральной анальгезии с целью обезболивания во время родоразрешения через естественные родовые пути не приводит к снижению частоты развития послеродовой депрессии через 6 нед. после родов по сравнению с пациентками, которым не проводили обезболивание в родах. Не обнаружено влияния метода родоразрешения на частоту развития послеродовой депрессии. Показано снижение развития послеродового блюза при применении блокады поперечного пространства живота в составе мультимодального обезболивания. Влияние блокады поперечного пространства живота на развитие послеродовой депрессии через 6 нед. после родов не установлено.

Причины дисрегуляции иммунного ответа при туберкулезе легких: роль нарушений исходного состояния иммунологической реактивности организма

Genetically determinate and acquired disorders of immune reactivity in tuberculosis infection are discussed in this review. The changes in immunocompetent cells, manifested in a disorder of the structure of their cell membranes, proliferation processes, intracellular metabolism and functional activity, which cause reduced resistance of the organism to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and contribute to the formation of secondary immunological deficiency in pulmonary tuberculosis are described.Рассматриваются генетически детерминированные и приобретенные нарушения иммунологической реактивности при туберкулезной инфекции. Описаны изменения в иммунокомпетентных клетках, проявляющиеся нарушением структуры их клеточных мембран, процессов пролиферации, внутриклеточного метаболизма и функциональной активности, которые обусловливают снижение устойчивости организма к заражению Mycobacterium tuberculosis и способствуют формированию вторичной иммунологической недостаточности при туберкулезе легких

Результаты многоцентрового сравнительного исследования эффективности и безопасности терапии препаратами биматопроста 0,03% и травопроста 0,004%

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the intraocular pressure changes in patients with initial and advanced stages of open-angle glaucoma (POAG) when using the study drug bimatoprost 0.03% and the comparison drug travoprost 0.004%, as well as to assess the effect of these drugs on the ocular surface.METHODS: The study involved 81 patients (137 eyes), 48 women and 23 men, with a mean age of 63 years. Patients of the first group (36 patients, 69 eyes) received 0.03% bimatoprost for 3 months. Patients of the second group (35 patients, 68 eyes) received 0.004% travoprost for 3 months.RESULTS: According to tonometry data, a hypotensive effect was observed in both groups. Regardless of the method of tonometry, intraocular pressure was lower in the group of patients receiving 0.03% bimatoprost (p<0.001).In both groups, the state of the anterior segment of the eye was affected in the form of increased hyperemia and an increase in spot staining of the cornea and conjunctiva with fluorescein according to the Oxford scale. However, there was no significant differences between the action of 0.03% bimatoprost and 0.004% travoprost drugs.CONCLUSION: The hypotensive effect of bimatoprost 0.03% was better than travoprost 0.004%. Both drugs had an effect on the ocular surface. The incidence of adverse events in the group of patients treated with bimatoprost did not exceed similar results for travoprost.ЦЕЛЬ. Оценить и сравнить изменение внутриглазного давления (ВГД) у пациентов с открытоугольной глаукомой начальной и развитой стадий при применении исследуемого препарата биматопрост 0,03% и препарата сравнения травопрост 0,004%, оценить влияние исследуемых препаратов на глазную поверхность.МЕТОДЫ. В исследовании участвовал 81 пациент (137 глаз), 48 женщин и 23 мужчины, средний возраст 63 года. В 1-й группе 36 пациентов (69 глаз) получали в течение 3 мес. терапию препаратом биматопрост 0,03%. Во 2-й группе 35 пациентов (68 глаз) получали в течение 3 мес. терапию препаратом травопрост 0,004%.РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ. По данным тонометрии в обеих группах получен гипотензивный эффект. Независимо от метода тонометрии в группе пациентов, получавших биматопрост 0,03%, ВГД было ниже (p<0,001).В обеих группах выявлено влияние лекарственных средств на состояние переднего отрезка глазного яблока в виде усиления гиперемии и увеличения точечного прокрашивания роговицы и конъюнктивы флюоресцеином по Оксфордской шкале. Однако достоверной разницы между действием препаратов биматопрост 0,03% и травопрост 0,004% не выявлено.ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ. Биматопрост 0,03% показал более значимую общую способность снижать ВГД, чем травопрост 0,004%. Оба препарата оказывали влияние на глазную поверхность. Частота нежелательных явлений в группе пациентов, получавших лечение биматопростом, не превышала аналогичные результаты для травопроста

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (3rd edition)

In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. For example, a key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process versus those that measure fl ux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process including the amount and rate of cargo sequestered and degraded). In particular, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation must be differentiated from stimuli that increase autophagic activity, defi ned as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (inmost higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium ) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the fi eld understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. It is worth emphasizing here that lysosomal digestion is a stage of autophagy and evaluating its competence is a crucial part of the evaluation of autophagic flux, or complete autophagy. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. Along these lines, because of the potential for pleiotropic effects due to blocking autophagy through genetic manipulation it is imperative to delete or knock down more than one autophagy-related gene. In addition, some individual Atg proteins, or groups of proteins, are involved in other cellular pathways so not all Atg proteins can be used as a specific marker for an autophagic process. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field