Forming of functional research skills of students in the process of untiing of experimental tasks from physics

(uk) Представлений практичний досвід відбору, організації і постановки експериментальних задач з елементами пошуково-творчого характеру, графічних досліджень, з’ясування причин виникнення парадоксів у процесі дослідження фізичних процесів з метою формування в учнів функціональних навичок дослідницької діяльності.(ru) Представлен практический опыт работы, организации и постановки экспериментальных задач с элементами поисково-творческого характера, графического исследования, выяснения причин возникновения парадоксов во время исследования физических процессов с целью формирования у учащихся функциональных исследовательских навыков.(en) Practical experience, organizations and raising of experimental tasks, is presented with the elements of searching-creative character, graphic research, search of reasons of origin of paradoxes during research of physical processes with the purpose of forming at functional skills of students of research activity

El Tor cholera at the contemporary stage of the seventh pandemia: pathogen evolution, clinical and epidemiological features, laboratory diagnostics

The phenotypic and molecular genetic properties of 133 strains of genetically modified (genovariant) Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor biovar isolated from patients in Dagestan (1993, 1994, 1998), and compared with 246 strains of a typical toxigenic cholera vibrio El Tor biovar isolated in 1970–1990 at the Caucasus Region. It was found that 48.7% of the studied genetically modified strain variants had mixed phenotypic properties of the El Tor and classic biovars that evidences about a need to include the marker genes of the classical biovar (ctxBCl+, rtxC–) and the El Tor biovar (ctxBEl+, rtxC+) into the existing biotyping scheme. The genes of the El Tor biovar, isolated from patients in Dagestan, contain in addition to the El Tor ones, the genes of the classical biovar (ctxBCl and/or rstRCl), as well as the typical toxigenic cholera vibrios of El Tor, islands of persistence (EPI), pathogenicity (VPI-1 and VPI-2) and pandemicity (VSP-I and VSP-II). However, only the El Tor biovar genovariants were found to bear an integrative and conjugative SXT element with antibiotic polyresistance genes. Epidemic cholera outbreaks caused by the El Tor biovar genovariants that occurred in 1993–1998 at the Caucasus Region, correspond to classical (Asian) cholera based on disease severity. The epidemiological features of modern cholera were studied: the main way for transmission via fecal-oral route for typical El Tor cholera vibrio is waterborne, whereas for the El Tor gene variant — household. Primary infections upon water drinking and using domestic water from surface water bodies infected with typical El Tor vibrios occur outside the family hearth. In case of cholera caused by hybrid El Tor variants, infection is transmitted among family members via domestic factors under low sanitary level. The development of laboratory diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance of modern El Tor cholera is based on the development of PCR test systems taking into account the evolutionary genome transformations

Formation of Methodical Approach to the Assessment of Coherence of Socio-economic Space of Agglomeration

The research context lays around the issues of coherence of socio-economic space of agglomerations in aspects of the balanced development of the country. The vector of the study is interfaced with the increasing course of Russian regions towards formation of agglomerations and with insufficient study of coherence of the properties of socio-economic space in this regard. Formation of methodical approach to the assessment of coherence of social and economic space in agglomerations makes the scientific and practical novelty of research. The paper is based on a case study of Tomsk agglomeration. The study concludes that coherence of socio-economic space acts as the defining factor of formation and development of agglomerative processes. Keywords: agglomeration, regional development, socio-economic space, coherence JEL Classifications: E2, R12, O1

Test-System for Identification of Typical and Genetically Altered Variants of Cholera Vibrios, Biovar El Tor, Using Real-Time PCR

The aim of the work was to analyze and assess the results of using PCR test-system “V. cholerae variant ctxB-rtxC FL genes” for identification of Vibrio cholerae O1 with differentiation between typical toxigenic and genetically modified variants in a multiplex format with a real-time hybridization-fluorescent recording of results. Materials and methods. To achieve this goal, a set of reagents for the PCR test-system “V. cholerae O1 variant ctxB-rtxC FL genes”, as well as a method for identifying V. cholerae O1 with differentiation between typical toxigenic and genetically altered variants were utilized. The specificity, specific activity and sensitivity of the developed test-system by the example of 35 V. cholerae O1 strains, 6 V. cholerae non-O1 strains, 5 heterologous strains (Shigella zonnei – 2 strains, one Salmonella typhimurium strain, S. enteritidis, Escherichia coli) were investigated. Results and discussion. The panel of reagents for the PCR test system “V. cholerae variant ctxB-rtxC FL genes” detects DNA fragments of the ctxBCl, ctxBEl, rtxC genes in the genome of toxigenic V. cholerae О1 (has specific activity, analytical sensitivity 1·103 GE/ml) and does not detect these genes in non-toxigenic V. cholerae O1 and non-O1, as well as in heterologous strains of microorganisms (100 % specificity). RF Patent No. 2732448 was granted for the PCR test-system “V. cholerae variant ctxB-rtxC FL genes”. It can be used to increase the efficiency of the epidemiological surveillance system and to carry out a justified scope of anti-epidemic measures in the event of cholera importation into the territory of the Russian Federation

Трактография тройничного и лицевого нервов: первый опыт НМИЦ нейрохирургии имени академика Н.Н. Бурденко

Introduction. Digital tensor tractography (DTT) is well-known and efficient method for white-matter tracts visualization. However, few publications show its effectiveness in cranial nerves tractography. The aim of the study is to develop and to implement the protocol for visualizing cranial nerve tracts.Materials and methods. DTT was implemented in 6 patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) W. Koos 3-4 grade, preliminary coordinated by the study of 5 patients with trigeminal neuralgia. The tracts were “built” using 3D Slicer software.Results. In 5 of 6 cases, full correlation of pre- and intraoperative data was registered. In 1 case, the tracts were non-identifiable.Conclusion. Presented algorithm provides effective preoperative visualization of cranial nerves (V, VII). Obtained results allow to consider the method of DTT a promising technique for preoperative visualization of trigeminal and facial nerves in patients with posterior fossa lesions.Введение. Диффузионная тензорная трактография (ДТТ) является хорошо описанным и широко применяемым методом визуализации проводящих путей белого вещества головного мозга, при этом до последнего времени редко применяющимся для визуализации черепных нервов.Цель исследования: разработка протокола ДТТ для обследования пациентов с вестибулярными шванномами и “построения” трактов V и VII черепных нервов в условиях НМИЦ нейрохирургии, получение и обобщение первого опыта применения метода.Материал и методы. Для изучения применимости методики в хирургии вестибулярных шванном 6 пациентам с опухолями 3-й и 4-й стадии по классификации W. Koos было выполнено предоперационное обследование - МРТ в режимах FSpGR и DTI. После проведения программной обработки снимков выполнено “построение” трактов черепных неров, накладываемых на модель вестибулярной шванномы в програмной среде 3D Slicer.Результаты. Совпадение информации предоперационной трактографии и интраоперационной картины отмечено в 5 случаях из 6. У одного пациента отмечалось “наложение” трактов черепных нервов, не позволившее идентифировать каждый нерв в отдельности.Заключение. Полученные результаты позволяют строить предположение о ходе и направлении пучка волокон белого вещества (путем математической обработки анизотропной диффузии молекул воды внутри самих проводящих путей) и сделать вывод о положении и ходе корешков V и VII нервов относительно поверхности опухоли. Таким образом, в арсенале нейрохирургов появляется эффективный инструмент предоперационной идентификации черепных нервов у больных с опухолями различной локализации. Применение данного метода может повысить безопасность вмешательств и снизить частоту дисфункции черепных нервов

Протонная 3D-МР-спектроскопия в диагностике глиальных опухолей головного мозга

The purpose of this study was an assessment of the proton 3D MR spectroscopy efficacy in diagnosis of primary glial brain tumors.Material and methods. Sixty three patients aged from 20 to 60 years with primary glial brain tumors of varying degrees of malignancy were examined. The ratios of main metabolites indices were evaluated with following comparison with the metabolites obtained in gray and white matter of the opposite hemisphere.The ratios of main metabolites: Cho/Cr, NAA/Cr, Cho/NAA showed significant (p <0.005) differences in the groups of patients with low and high grade gliomas.Results. The obtained data proved the efficacy of the proton 3D MR-spectroscopy in predicting of the glial brain tumors malignancy.Цель исследования: изучение возможностей протонной 3D-МР-спектроскопии в диагностике первичных глиальных опухолей головного мозга.Материал и методы. Всего было обследовано 63 пациента в возрасте от 20 до 60 лет с глиальными опухолями головного мозга различной степени злокачественности. Были оценены индексы соотношений основных метаболитов в опухолевой ткани и их сравнение с метаболитами, полученными в сером и белом веществе противоположного полушария мозга. Индексы соотношений основных метаболитов: Cho/Cr, NAA/Cr, Cho/NAA имели достоверные (p < 0,005) различия при сравнении глиом низкой и высокой степени злокачественности.Результаты. Полученные данные доказывают эффективность метода протонной 3D-МР-спектроскопии в определении степени анаплазии глиальных опухолей головного мозга

Сравнительный химический анализ внутриглазной жидкости и тканей дренажной зоны глаза при первичной открытоугольной глаукоме

PURPOSE: There are two primary aims of this study:1. To perform a comparative chemical analysis of aqueous humour (AH), scleral tissue, and trabecular meshwork in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).2. To evaluate the tissue’s chemical composition at the different POAG stages and with in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG).METHODS: The concentration of certain chemical elements — carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), silicon (Si), sulfur (S) — was determined in the dried AH residue, trabecular meshwork and sclera biopsy samples obtained from patients with POAG (stage I and II), patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG), and patients with POAG without pseudoexfoliation material (PEM). Samples were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) EVO LS 10 (“Zeiss”,Germany). The chemical composition study was performed with an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) Oxford-XMAX-50 (“Oxford”,UK) in a low-vacuum mode (70 Pa) with an accelerating voltage of 21.5 kV.RESULTS: In the case of POAG (stage I and II) patients, there were significant differences in Cl distribution in dried AH residue and Si distribution in the trabecular meshwork. In the case of pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEG) and patients with POAG without PEM, there was a difference in the N distribution in dried AH residue, as well as Ca, Cl, and Na distribution in the trabecular meshwork. During scleral tissue comparative chemical analysis, no significant changes in studied elements’ concentration between patient groups were evident.CONCLUSION: Changes between stage II of POAG and stage III of POAG patient groups may indicate that there is an increase in the electrolyte and acid-base imbalance associated with the progression of the disease. Differences in chemical elements distribution in patients with PEG and in patients with POAG without PEM result from the molecular structure of PEM. The tissue’s water and salt balance and molecular chemical composition alterations provide the following insights for future research in finding the optimal treatment method for patients with all stages and types of glaucoma.ЦЕЛЬ. Провести сравнительный химический анализ внутриглазной жидкости (ВГЖ), склеры и трабекулы при первичной открытоугольной глаукоме (ПОУГ). Оценить химический состав тканей при различных стадиях ПОУГ, а также при псевдоэксфолиативной глаукоме (ПЭГ).МЕТОДЫ. Определено содержание ряда химических элементов: углерода (С), азота (N), кислорода (O), алюминия (Al), кальция (Са), хлора (Cl), калия (К), магния (Mg), натрия (Na), фосфора (P), кремния (Si), серы (S) в сухом веществе ВГЖ, биоптатах трабекулярной ткани и склеры у пациентов со II и III стадиями ПОУГ, а также у пациентов с ПЭГ и ПОУГ без псевдоэксфолиативного материала. Визуализация проводилась с помощью сканирующего электронного микроскопа (СЭМ) ЕVO LS 10 («Zeiss», Германия), исследование химического состава осуществлялось на энергодисперсионном спектрометре (ЭДС) Oxford-X-MAX-50 («Oxford», Великобритания) в режиме низкого вакуума (70 Па) при ускоряющем напряжении 21,5 кВ.РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ. Выявлены различия в распределении Сl в сухом веществе ВГЖ и Si в трабекуле у пациентов со II и III стадиями ПОУГ. При сравнительном анализе тканей пациентов с ПЭГ и ПОУГ без псевдоэксфолиативного материала (ПЭМ) показано различие в распределении N сухого вещества ВГЖ, а также Ca, Cl, Na трабекулы. При сравнительном анализе элементного состава склеры между указанными группами статистически значимых различий в распределении исследуемых элементов выявлено не было.ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ. Изменения, выявленные при сравнении II и III стадий ПОУГ, могут свидетельствовать о нарастании электролитного и кислотно-основного дисбаланса при прогрессировании заболевания. Отличия в распределении элементов между группами ПОУГ без ПЭМ и ПЭГ обусловлены молекулярным строением ПЭМ. Различия в водно-солевом и молекулярно-химическом составе тканей следует учитывать в дальнейших исследованиях, направленных на поиск оптимального медикаментозного метода лечения пациентов с разными стадиями и формами глаукомы

Morphological characteristics of Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida guilliermondii, and Candida glabrata biofilms, and response to farnesol

Background and Aim: Different Candida species isolated in humans and animals have different types of parasite activity. The most pathogenic species is Candida albicans followed by Candida tropicalis. However, the effects of the morphology of Candida krusei, Candida guilliermondii, and Candida glabrata biofilms on the pathogenicity of these species have not been fully characterized. To the best of our knowledge, there is no literature on the effect of farnesol on rare Candida species. This study aimed to check the effect of different farnesol concentrations on the species C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, and C. glabrata compared with the strain C. albicans ATCC 10231, which has been widely studied, and is a strong producer of biofilms. Materials and Methods: We studied the morphological and densitometric parameters of biofilms produced by Candida species under the influence of the drug farnesol (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO). We used a heart brain broth with the addition of 2% bovine blood serum in 96-well plates. To each well, we added 100 µL of C. albicans, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, or C. glabrata culture, and 0.2-400 µM farnesol. The microliter plates were cultured with the lid closed at 37°C for 48 h. Then, the liquid was removed, and the wells were washed 3 times with 200 µL phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.3). Biofilm fixation was performed using 150 µL of 96% ethanol for 15 min. Then, the microliter plates were dried for 20 min at 37°C, a 0.5% solution of crystalline violet was added, and the plates were placed in an incubator at 37°C. After 5 min, the contents of the wells were removed, washed 3 times with 200 µL of phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.2), and dried. The dye was extracted by washing with 200 µL of 96% ethanol for 30 min. The results were obtained using a photometric analyzer of enzyme immunoassay reactions at an optical density (OD) wavelength of 450 nm. Results: All of Candida spp. strains tested were susceptible to farnesol at concentrations ranging from 0.8 to 400 µM for C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. guilliermondii, and 12.5 to 400 µM for C. glabrata. Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the use of farnesol against biofilms produced by Candida species, but further studies in vivo are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the reduction of OD. To the best of our knowledge, the antimicrobial activity of farnesol against C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, and C. glabrata has not been reported previously, although studies have confirmed the inhibitory effect of farnesol on the growth of different microorganisms. Copyright: Sachivkina, et al