Neutrophil granulocytes: participation in homeostatic and reparative processes. Part II

A supportive homeostatic function of neutrophilic granulocytes is accomplished in the physiology of diverse tissues and body systems. Neutrophils are found along the entire female reproductive tract (FRT), gradually declining in numbers from the upper parts towards the vagina. At the same time, both quantity and activity of FRT mucosal neutrophils are controlled by hormonal changes at different phases of menstrual cycle. Tissue neutrophils serve as an important source of broad-spectrum proteolytic enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases and elastase necessary for extracellular matrix remodeling as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) required for physiological FRT angiogenesis. During pregnancy, decidual neutrophils play a prominent role in vascular remodeling in pregnant uterus as well as development of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. The influx of neutrophils into the intestinal mucosa due to its trauma or infection not only ensures defense against pathogens, but also leads to increased proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. Neutrophilic granulocytes elicit signals and events protective for the epithelium by marking them with a “hypoxic signature” to trigger transcription of the gene set responsible for production of mucins, mucin-modifying peptides, antimicrobial proteins, в-defensins, ultimately contributing to lesion healing and recovery of epithelial barrier function. “Inflammatory hypoxia” initiated by neutrophils and subsequent stabilization of the transcription factor hypoxia-induced factor (HIF) in intestinal epithelial cells trigger mechanisms of self-limited and resolved inflammation, which prevent excessive accumulation of neutrophils in the intestinal lumen and development of chronic inflammatory process. Neutrophilic granulocytes dominate in the oral cavity mucosa and comprise more than 95% of total leukocyte population recruited into the gingival sulcus and gingival fluid. Neutrophils maintain physiological amount and stability of symbiotic microflora composition in dental and gingival biofilms, counteracting pathogenic bacteria via phagocytosis, degranulation and extracellular trap formation, thereby ensuring healthy state in periodontal structures. Finally, similar to some other congenital disorders affecting neutrophil quantity and functions it was shown that in case of leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 (LAD-1) pathogenesis of periodontitis may not only be associated with a defect in their protective effector activity, but also with altered immunoregulatory function of tissue neutrophils

Neutrophil granulocytes: participation in homeostatic and reparative processes. Part I

After exiting from the bone marrow (BM) into the circulation, mature neutrophil granulocytes undergo a set of sequential phenotypic and physiological changes collectively called “aging” in the absence of inflammation, by constitutively sensing prime signals from commensal microbiota and acquiring higher functional alertness in case of activation upon tissue damage or pathogen invasion. Physiological aging of blood neutrophils and their subsequent return to the BM result in signals modulating size and function of the hematopoietic niche. Circadian physiological infiltration of BM by neutrophils contributes to maintaining baseline level of circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells capable of regeneration and immune surveillance. Apart from the BM, neutrophils actively enter other healthy tissues, probably exerting some effects on their baseline physiologic state. Using lung tissue, it has been shown that neutrophils can “govern” action of gene set regulating cell growth, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and carcinogenesis. Neutrophils participate in destruction of endometrial tissues during desquamation phase as well as subsequent repair and physiological angiogenesis during proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle; promote wall rupture of the preovulatory ovarian follicle and oocyte exit; contribute to degradation and resorption of the corpus luteum in pregnancy failure; play an important physiological role in vascular remodeling in pregnant uterus and developing maternal immune tolerance to semi-allogeneic fetus. Neutrophils actively migrating to the surface of intestinal epithelium during local infection and/or damage stimulate epithelial restitution and recovery of its barrier function. On the other hand, neutrophils recruited into the oral cavity regulate quantitative and qualitative composition of microbial communities in oral biofilms, and ensure healthy state of periodontal structures. Being a major player and regulator in healing of skin wounds at early stage, inflammation, neutrophils not only destroy potential pathogens, but also participate in cleansing wounds from cell debris, produce cytokines, enzymes, and growth factors affecting further stages in repair process. Both apoptosis and NETosis underlying neutrophil death greatly contribute to wound healing. However, dysregulation and imbalance in both apoptosis and NETosis may lead to unfavorable consequences as well as developing chronic non-healing wounds

Сравнительное исследование эффективности инвестиций в инновации на примере электроэнергетических компаний группы «Газпром»

The results of energy companies development in Russia in 2005-2009 are studied using the proposed efficiency model based on DEA analysis theory statements. The model lets estimate the efficiency of usage of own and attracted investment aimed at innovative development of companies. It is proposed to research efficiency of energy companies using the parameter of total investment used for several years for supporting the company activity, development and introduction of innovative technologies. The model was used for comparison of productive efficiency of companies belonging to JSC Gazprom and detection of differences in the usage rate of own and attracted investment resources applied for development and supporting the working state of facilities.Результаты развития энергетических компаний в России в 2005-2009 гг. изучены с помощью предлагаемой модели эффективности, построенной на положениях теории DEA-анализа. Модель позволила оценить эффективность использования собственных и привлекаемых инвестиций, направляемых на инновационное развитие компаний. Предлагается исследовать эффективность энергетических компаний с применением параметра суммарных инвестиций, направляемых в течение ряда лет на поддержание деятельности компании, развитие и внедрение инновационных технологий. С помощью модели сопоставлена производственная эффективность компаний ОАО «Газпром», обнаружены различия в степени использовании собственных и привлекаемых инвестиционных ресурсов, направляемых на развитие и поддержание мощностей в рабочем состоянии

Possible climate-related signals in high-resolution topography of lobate debris aprons in Tempe Terra, Mars

Lobate debris aprons are common features in the midlatitudes of Mars that are assumed to be the result of the flow of ice-rich material. We produce high-resolution digital elevation models of two of these features in the Tempe Terra region of Mars using HiRISE stereo images. We identify two main topographic features of different wavelength using a power spectrum analysis approach. Short wavelength features, between approximately 10 and 20 m in length, correspond to a polygonal surface texture present throughout our study area. Long wavelength features, between approximately 700 and 1800 m in length, correspond to broad ridges that are up to 20 m in amplitude. We interpret both topographic signals to be the likely result of climate change affecting the debris contribution and/or the flow regime of the lobate debris aprons. The apparent surface age of about 300 Ma could be evidence of an astronomical forcing mechanism recorded in these lobate debris aprons at this time in Mars' history. Citation: Grindrod, P. M., and S. A. Fawcett (2011), Possible climate-related signals in high-resolution topography of lobate debris aprons in Tempe Terra, Mars, Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L19201, doi: 10.1029/2011GL049295

Clinical immunological characteristics of the patients with chronic generalized parodontitis

Clinical immunological study of 99 patients with CHGP and 25 clinically healthy persons with intact paradont was carried out. A number ot disorders of cellular and humoral immunity and functional neutrophils activity of peripheral blood is revealed among the patients with chronic generalized parodontitis. The intensity of immune disorders depends on the severity of parodontitis. The interrelation of inflammatory destructive processes in parodontium tissues and disorders in cellular and humoral immunity chains as well as functional neutrophils activity is proved by the correlation relationship.Проведено клинико-иммунологическое обследование 99 пациентов с ХГП и 25 клинически здоровых лиц с интактным пародонтом. У пациентов с ХГП выявлены нарушения ряда показателей клеточного и гуморального иммунитета, функциональной активности нейтрофилов периф ерической крови. Выраженность нарушений иммунитета зависела от степени тяжести пародонтита. Взаимозависимость воспалительно-деструктивных процессов в тканях пародонта и нарушений в клеточном и гуморальном звеньях иммунитета, функциональной активности нейтрофилов подтверждена корреляционной связью