Identification of a new European rabbit IgA with a serine-rich hinge region

<div><p>In mammals, the most striking IgA system belongs to Lagomorpha. Indeed, 14 IgA subclasses have been identified in European rabbits, 11 of which are expressed. In contrast, most other mammals have only one IgA, or in the case of hominoids, two IgA subclasses. Characteristic features of the mammalian IgA subclasses are the length and amino acid sequence of their hinge regions, which are often rich in Pro, Ser and Thr residues and may also carry Cys residues. Here, we describe a new IgA that was expressed in New Zealand White domestic rabbits of <i>IGHV</i>a1 allotype. This IgA has an extended hinge region containing an intriguing stretch of nine consecutive Ser residues and no Pro or Thr residues, a motif exclusive to this new rabbit IgA. Considering the amino acid properties, this hinge motif may present some advantage over the common IgA hinge by affording novel functional capabilities. We also sequenced for the first time the IgA14 CH2 and CH3 domains and showed that IgA14 and IgA3 are expressed.</p></div

Micromechanical Properties of Injection-Molded Starch–Wood Particle Composites

The micromechanical properties of injection molded starch–wood particle composites were investigated as a function of particle content and humidity conditions. The composite materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. The microhardness of the composites was shown to increase notably with the concentration of the wood particles. In addition,creep behavior under the indenter and temperature dependence were evaluated in terms of the independent contribution of the starch matrix and the wood microparticles to the hardness value. The influence of drying time on the density and weight uptake of the injection-molded composites was highlighted. The results revealed the role of the mechanism of water evaporation, showing that the dependence of water uptake and temperature was greater for the starch–wood composites than for the pure starch sample. Experiments performed during the drying process at 70°C indicated that the wood in the starch composites did not prevent water loss from the samples.Peer reviewe

CONCENTRIC MYOCARDIAL REMODELING IN CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE

Increased LV myocardial mass (LVM) and alteration of its geometric model further cardiovascular risk and deteriorate prognosis in chronic renal failure (CRF).The aim of the study was to observe the fine mechanism of early myocardial remodeling on various stages of CRF. The study included 106 patients aged 44,9±13,6 with non-diabetic CRF (74 pre-dialysis and 32 with dialysis-stage CRF) and normal LVM. Concentric myocardial remodeling (C-remodeling) was established with echocardiography with normal LVM and increased relative width of LCV walls. C-remodeling accounted for 36,7% cases in pre-dialysis and 63.3% in dialysisstage CRF. The risk factors for C-remodeling were: age, female sex with no physiological nocturnal fall in blood pressure, anemia, a more severe renal function impairment, a longer history of arterial hypertension, systolic and diastolic arterial hypertension. A greater mass increase between dialysis sessions was observed in patients with dialysis-stage CRF as compared to those with normal LV geometry

Phenylketonuria in children: modern aspects of pathogenesis, clinic, treatment

The article discusses modern information about phenylketonuria in children. Standard classification of hyperphenylalaninemia is given. The etiopathogenetic aspects of the disease are examined in detail, with an emphasis on the causes of severe brain damage in the absence of treatment. The features of the state of health of children with phenylketonuria on the background of diet therapy are reflected, as well as modern approaches to diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment of phenylketonuria and dispensary observation of patients

QUALITY MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH PHENYLKETONURIA

The article discusses modern data on medical care for children with phenylketonuria. There are the directives and standards for neonatal screening, primary and specialized medical care for patients with phenylketonuria. The authors consider medical and social model of providing specialized nutrition and the indicators of medical care quality for children with phenylketonuria

Galactosemia: a rare case in pediatric practice

Galactosemia is a rare life-threatening inherited autosomal recessive disease, the differential diagnosis of which has been very difficult up to date, especially if there are no results of neonatal screening for some reasons. The paper describes a clinical case of a 10-day patient with type I classic galactosemia and reflects the importance of a timely diagnostic search and switching him to lactose-free formulas