Mechanisms of interacting <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> with gastric mucosal epithelium. II. A reaction of gastric epithelium on <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> colonization and persistence

Gastric and duodenal recurrent inflammatory diseases have a high prevalence, but the role played by microbes in its development remained unclear. However, the data published in 1983 by Marshall and Warren about isolating Helicobacter pylori from the stomach mucosa of the patient with gastritis and proposing relevant cultivation methods was the turning point in investigating etiology of the upper digestive tract inflammatory disorders. Moreover, it was shown that the majority of H. pylori spp. are found within the gastric lumen upon colonization, whereas around 20% of them are attached to the epithelial cells in the stomach. In addition, effects of interacting H. pylori with gastric epithelium and activation of some defense mechanisms due to bacterial colonization and spreading were analyzed. It was found that along with triggering pro-inflammatory response induced by proteins VacA as well as phosphorylated/unphosphorylated CagA, wherein the latter is able to induce a set of protective reactions H. pylori disrupts intercellular contacts, affects epithelial cell polarity and proliferation, and activates SHP-2 phosphatase resulting in emerging diverse types of cellular responses. The activation mechanisms for the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were discussed. The ability of H. pylori to regulate apoptosis, particularly via its suppression, by expressing ERK kinase and protein MCL1 facilitating bacterial survival in the gastric mucosa as well as beneficial effects related to bacterial circulation on gastric epithelial cell survival elicited by anti-apoptotic factors were also examined. Of note, persistence of H. pylori are mainly determined by activating transcriptional factors including NF-κB, NFAT, SRF, T-cell lymphoid enhancing factor (TCF/LEF), regulating activity of MCL1 protein, in turn, being one of the main anti-apoptotic factors, as well as induced production of the migration inhibitory factor (MIF). The role of VacA cytotoxin in triggering epithelial cell apoptosis via caspase-mediated pathways was also considered. Infection with H. pylori is accompanied by release of proinflammatory cytokine cocktail detected both in vitro and in vivo. In particular, bacterial urease activating transcriptional factor NF-κB was shown to play a crucial role in inducing cytokine production. Moreover, such signaling pathways may be activated after H. pylori is attached to the cognate receptor in the gastric epithelial surface by interacting with CD74 and MHC class II molecules. Finally, a role for various CD4+ T cell subsets, particularly type 17 T helper cells (Th17) in inducing immune response against H. pylori antigens in gastric mucosa was revealed were also discussed

Epizootic Situation on Anaplasmosis of Small Ruminants in the Irkutsk Region

Anaplasmosis of ruminants is a group of natural focal infections caused by bacteria from the genus Anaplasma of the Anaplasmataceae family. The main etiological agent of anaplasmosis in sheep, goats, and wild ruminants is Anaplasma ovis, which parasitizes in the erythrocytes of these animals. The purpose of this study was the finding and identification of Anaplasma spp. in the blood of small ruminants using genetic methods and obtaining data on the distribution of anaplasmosis in the Irkutsk region. 20 goat blood samples, 611 sheep blood samples and 209 Dermacentor nuttalli ticks from 12 districts of the Irkutsk region were examined for the presence of Anaplasma spp. Only one type of anaplasma, A. ovis, was found among the genotyped samples. A. ovis was found in the blood of sheep and goats in all of the studied districts of the Irkutsk region. The proportion of sheep blood samples containing anaplasma DNA varied from 30 % to 85 %, in goats – from 10 % to 100 % in different districts, and averaged 57.8 % in sheep and 55,0 % in goats. Frequency of infection of D. nuttalli ticks with A. ovis was 5.7 %. The nucleotide sequences of the samples detected in the blood of small ruminants on the territory of the Irkutsk region differed from each other by a single nucleotide substitution and were identical to the sequences of the type strain Haibei, as well as the sequences of A. ovis previously found in the blood of sheep from Mongolia, deer from China, and Dermacentor niveus and Dermacentor nuttalli ticks from China. These sequences were also identical to the sequences previously found in the blood of sheep from Altai and in Dermacentor nuttalli ticks from Tuva, which indicates the wide distribution of these A. ovis genovariants in Siberia and the probable role of D. nuttalli as a carrier of the agent of anaplasmosis of small ruminants in the Irkutsk region

Species and Genetic Diversity of Representatives of the <i>Anaplasmataceae</i> Family Found in the Sympatry Zone of the <i>Ixodes, Dermacentor</i> and <i>Haemaphysalis</i> Genera Ticks

Introduction.On the territory of the Ekhirit-Bulagatsky district of the Irkutsk region zones of sympatry of four Ixodes ticks species are found, where the species and genetic diversity of infectious agents transmitted through tick bites may be more pronounced than in foci with a mono-dominant type of ticks’ population. In this connection, the study of the species and genetic diversity of representatives of the Anaplasmataceae family in the sympatry zone of the Ixodes ticks of closely related species was of scientific interest.Objective: To study the species and genetic diversity of members of the Anaplasmataceae family in the zones of sympatry of Ixodes ticks Ixodes persulcatus, Dermacentor silvarum, D. nuttalli and Haemaphysalis concinna, to identify the main carriers and potential reservoir hosts of ehrlichia and anaplasma.Methods. In the course of the study, 1106 specimens of adult ticks and 49 samples of small mammalian livers from the Ekhirit-Bulagatsky area were analyzed. Anaplasma and ehrlichia DNA were detected by two-round PCR in the presence of genus- and species-specific primers from the 16S rRNA gene region. The nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and the fragment of the groESL operon were identified in some samples. Sequencing was carried out according to the Sanger method. Comparative analysis was performed using the BLASTN program and ClustalW method. Epidemiological data analysis was performed using parametric methods of statistical processing of the material.Results. The DNA of Ehrlichia muris and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected in all studied species of ticks in their sympatry area. However, the rate of infection of taiga ticks was significantly higher than that of H. concinna and Dermacentor spp. Potential reservoir hosts of the Anaplasmataceae family members can be classified as Microtus oeconomus, M. gregalis, Myodes rutilus and Sorex spp. When analyzing the nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA gene, three genetic variants of anaplasma were detected. The nucleotide sequences of the A. phagocytophilum groESL operon belonged to two genetic groups

STUDY OF HYDROPHILIC-HYDROPHOBIC PROPERTIES OF N-[3-(DIETHYLAMINO)ALKYL](METH)ACRYLAMIDES IN THE WATER-HEXANE SYSTEM

A classification of amphiphilic monomers based on the partitioning properties was performed. Partition coefficients were calculated for six amine-containing (meth)acrylamides. Dependence of the partition coefficient on a monomer structure was shown

Characteristics of genetic and phenotypic properties of tick-borne encephalitis virus strains isolated from various source on the territory of Eastern Siberia

Since ixodid ticks and their feeders (vertebrates) form the basis of the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) population, it was interesting to obtain a genetic characteristic of strains isolated from various sources in the territory of Eastern Siberia. In our study, it was found that the circulation of TBEV of genotypes 1, 2, 3, 5 and "polytypic" strains in the territory of Eastern Siberia is maintained both by the main vectors (I. persulcatus ticks) and by their feeders (small and large mammals, birds). The distribution of genotypes in strains groups from ixodid ticks and vertebrates varied. TBEV strains of genotypes 1 and 2 were significantly more often isolated from rodents, and genotype 3 from ixodid ticks (p < 0.05). Isolates of genotype 3 (85.5 %) prevailed in the group of strains isolated from ixodid ticks, of which 29.6 % belonged to "Vasilchenko", and 25.6 % to "Zausaev"subgenotypes. Genotypes 1 and 2 were represented by single isolates (3.3 % and 1.3 %, respectively). Among strains isolated from warm-blooded hosts, the proportion of genotype 1 was 35.3 %, genotype 2 -11.8 %, genotype 3 - 35.3 %. More than half of genotype 3 strains (58.3 %) were related to "Vasilchenko" subgenotype, and the strains of "Zausaev" subgenotype were not detected. The obtained data suggest that ixodid ticks and warm-blooded animals are amplifiers of TBEV of genotypes 3 and 1, respectively. The certain differences in the phenotypic characteristics of strains isolated from ticks and warm-blooded animals have been revealed. It has been found that strains isolated from ticks are more homogeneous in their antigenic characteristics, less heterogeneous in S-feature than strains isolated from warm-blooded sources. The strains isolated from warm-blooded animals demonstrate somewhat greater resistance to warming but reducing the reproduction of the virus at 42 °C, and have greater virulence compared to strains isolated from ticks

The distribution of tick-borne encephalitis virus genotypes in different types of landscapes of Eastern Siberia

To find out what is the role of some environmental factors in the formation of a heterogeneous viral population, the analysis of the distribution of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) genotypes in different types of landscapes of Eastern Siberia has been carried out. In our study, it was shown that TBEV area in all investigated landscapes of Eastern Siberia is represented not only by TBEV of genotype 3, absolute dominance of which is noted in the studied regions, regardless the landscapes where the foci are located, but also by strains of other genotypes. The relationship between genotypes 1,3 and "polytypic" strains with a certain type of landscape and the degree of their development by man has not been established. The prevailing number of strains of TBEV genotype 5 is isolated from the material collected in the Transbaikalia, in the landscapes of the mountain taiga. They, as well as the strain of genotype 4, are found in the foci, where joint circulation of several TBEV genotypes is noted. The strains of TBEV genotype 2 were revealed in the landscapes of plains and plateaus taiga and insular steppes and forest steppes of the southern part of the Baikal region. Moreover, the detection of RNA of TBEV genotype 2 in the "polytipic" 763-87 and 765-87 strains isolated in the floodplain and forest-steppe landscapes of the Barguzin hollow does not exclude the possibility of circulation of TBEV genotype 2 in the Transbaikalian foci. The greatest genetic heterogeneity of TBEV is observed in natural foci located along Lake Baikal and in the southeastern part of Transbaikalia

Цитомегаловирусная инфекция и врожденная патология сердца у детей

Congenital heart defects account for about 30% of all anomaly of development in children. Cytomegalovirus infection suffered by a woman during pregnancy claims one of the leading places among teratogenic factors.Aim: to study clinical and pathogenetic features of congenital heart diseases in children with active cytomegalovirus infection.Materials and methods: the survey included 240 children with congenital heart defects under 1 years old. The diagnosis was verified by enzyme immunoassay with detection of immunoglobulins of classes M and G to cytomegalovirus and by polymerase chain reaction, the material for which was blood and urine.Results. For congenital heart defects with the active forms of cytomegalovirus infection is characterized by a higher frequency of combined defects and the development of critical states. Children with cytomegalovirus infection in 40% suffered intrauterine myocarditis of cytomegalovirus etiology, which weighed the course of the underlying disease. The features characteristic of IUI was determined much more often (in the analysis of the noncardiac symptoms). Specific therapy of active forms of cytomegalovirus infection in children before surgery for correction of congenital heart defects has reduced the likelihood of postoperative complications.Summary. Cytomegalovirus infection has a direct teratogenic effect and can provoke the development of congenital heart defects. In addition, the virus has a cardiotropic and immune-mediated effect on the myocardium. This leads to the development of intrauterine myocarditis, which aggravates the course of the disease. The specific treatment of active forms of cytomegalovirus infection in children before surgery for the correction of congenital heart defects, reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications.Врожденные пороки сердца составляют около 30% от всех аномалий развития у детей. Среди тератогенной группы причин на одно из ведущих мест претендует цитомегаловирусная инфекция, перенесенная женщиной во время беременности.Цель: изучить клинико-патогенетические особенности врожденных пороков сердца у детей с активной цитомегаловирусной инфекцией.Материалы и методы: обследовано 240 детей в возрасте до 1 года с врожденными пороками сердца. Верификацию цитомегаловирусной инфекции проводили методом иммуноферментного анализа с обнаружением иммуноглобулинов классов М и G к цитомегаловирусу и методом полимеразной цепной реакции, материалом для которой служили кровь, моча.Результаты. Для врожденных пороков сердца на фоне активных форм цитомегаловирусной инфекции характерна более высокая частота комбинированных пороков, развития критических состояний. У 40% детей с цитомегаловирусной инфекцией отмечался внутриутробный миокардит цитомегаловирусной этиологии, что утяжеляло течение основного заболевания. При анализе экстракардиальных симптомов значительно чаще определялись признаки, характерные для врожденных инфекций. Проведение специфической терапии активных форм цитомегаловирусной инфекции у детей перед оперативным вмешательством по поводу коррекции врожденных пороков сердца позволило снизить вероятность развития постоперационных осложнений. Заключение. Цитомегаловирусная инфекция, обладая прямым тератогенным действием, может сама спровоцировать развитие врожденных пороков сердца. Кроме того, способность вируса оказывать кардиотропное и иммуноопосредованное воздействие на миокард с развитием внутриутробного миокардита утяжеляет течение заболевания. Проведение специфической терапии активных форм цитомегаловирусной инфекции у детей перед оперативным вмешательством по поводу коррекции врожденных пороков сердца позволяет снизить вероятность развития постоперационных осложнений

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BAIKAL SUBTYPE OF TICK-BORNE ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS CIRCULATING IN EASTERN SIBERIA

Background. During the study of the genetic variability of the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in Eastern Siberia, a group of 22  strains with a unique genetic structure significantly different from all  known TBEV subtypes was identified. This TBEV variant was  tentatively called “group 886”. Therefore, for this original TBEV  variant it was necessary to study the genetic, biological properties of the “group 886” strains, clarify its TBEV taxonomic status, its range, evolutionary history, etc.Aim. The generalization of the currently available data on genetic and biological properties of TBEV “886” group.Materials and methods. The genetic structure of “group 886” strains was studied by the complex of molecular-genetic methods (MHNA, sequencing of fragments or the complete genome).Results. It was shown that “group 886” strains form a separate cluster on phylogenetic tree, and the level of genetic differences  from other genotypes is more than 12 %. It was defined that this  TBEV variant has its own area (Irkutsk region, Republic of Buryatia,  Trans-Baikal region, Northern Mongolia). Its ecological connection  with all links of the transmissive chain (ixodid ticks, small mammals,  human), participation in human pathology, stability and duration of  circulation in the Baikal region, individual evolutionary history  were proved. Some phenotypic characteristics of the “group 886” strains were considered.Conclusion. The presented data testify to the validity of the “886 group” isolation as an independent genetic type. Taking into account  the geographical distribution of this TBEV genotype, we propose to assign it the name “Baikal genotype/subtype”

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE OF HR-MANAGEMENT STUDENTS

Introduction: Emotional intelligence is one of the key abilities of the modern managers and HR managers. In this study we tried to assess the level of emotional intelligence among students studying Human Resources Management at HSE in Nizhny Novgorod. The study involved 78 students: 56 people (71.79% of the total sample) were undergraduate students and 22 people (28.21% of the total sample) were master level students.Materials and methods: To measure the level of emotional intelligence we used the Test of emotional intelligence, developed by Professor E.A.Sergienko and E. A. Hlevnaya on the basis of the theoretical model of emotional intelligence as the ability of Mayer, J.D., Salovey, P. and Caruso, D.R.Results: According to the results, the average values of general emotional intelligence and the main scales of emotional intelligence are at the level of competence. The highest rate is observed on the scale of the Emotion Management (M=102.46). Lower indicators characterize the scale of the Use of emotions (M=95,61). 64.10% of the respondents are characterized by an average level of the development of the ability to understand and rule emotions; 56.41% of students have a high level of development of the ability to perceive, identify their emotions and emotions of the others; 38.46% have a low level of development of the ability to use emotions to solve problems. The growth of indicators of emotional intelligence from Bachelor to Master Degree in all branches of emotional intelligence is noted.Discussion and Conclusions: This article is largely a statement of the problem of emotional intelligent research and development of - HR-management students in terms of their professional training, development the professional competencies

EVALUATION OF T-CELL EFFECTOR SUBPOPULATIONS DISTRIBUTION IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS BY MEANS OF INTRACELLULAR STAINING OF CYTOKINES

Abstract. An intracellular staining technique of marker cytokines was applied for evaluation of quantitative distribution of T-lymphocyte effector subsets in children and adults. The results of this study have shown that the numbers of Th2 lymphocytes in infants (7 to 12 months old) correspond to appropriate normal values in adults, being accompanied by decreased Th1 and Тс1cell contents, whereas absolute amounts of Tc2 lymphocytes proved to be higher than in all other age groups. Absolute counts of Th17 and Tnc17 subsets in infants of 7 to 12 months were higher than in adults. Hence, these infants exhibited a shift of immune response towards Th2 (Tc2) and Th17 (Tnc17), thus presenting a potential factor of Th2-mediated allergic disorders in the children under one year. In children over 1 year, absolute amounts of Th1 and Тс1, as well as Th2 and Тс2 lymphocyte counts did not significantly differ from adult values. Th2 lymphocyte counts among adolescents (15 to 18 years) were decreased, along with relative increase of IL-17А-positive lymphocyte scores, thus reflecting a probable predisposition for autoimmune disorders induced at this age. The age-dependent increase in Th1 and Тс1 counts in children may immediately correlate with formation of T-cell memory pool