bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The induction of guerin's carcinoma cytochrome P450 hydroxylase activity by retinoids
Authors: Shmarakov I.A. , Katan N.V.
Published: April 2015

The interconnection of tumor growth process and the provision of the body with vitamin A was studied. The replenishment of vitamin A stores of vitamin-deficient tumor bearing animals modulated Guerin's carcinoma growth rate in a dose dependent manner (r=0,83). The morphological parameters of tumor growth at different provision with vitamin A positively correlated with hydroxylase (r=0,81) and demethylase (r=0,49) activities of the Guerin's carcinoma cytochrome P450 system. The induction of hydroxylase and demethylase activities of cytochrome P450 in Guerin's carcinoma microsomal fraction, observed either under conditions of overdose supplementation, or selective liposomal form of all-trans-retinoic acid, suggests the stimulatory effect of retinoids on tumor growth.
The activity of the first line enzymes of the antioxidant defence in the liver of pubertal rats during stress
Authors: Volkova Y.V. , Sukhova L.L. , Davydov V.V. , Goloborodko A.V.
Published: April 2015

The purpose of the work was to study the activity of the first line antioxidant defence enzymes in postmitochondrial fraction of liver of pubertal rats during immobilization stress. During short-term immobilization the activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) decreased. Long-term immobilization was accompanied by activation of GPx and superoxide dismutase in the liver postmitochondrial fraction of late pubertal and adult animals, but not early pubertal rats.
The influence of inhibiting no formation on metabolic recovery of ischemic rat heart by apelin-12
Authors: Pisarenko O.I. , Pelogeykina Yu.A. , Shulzhenko V.S. , Studneva I.M. , Bespalova Z.D. , Sidorova M.V. , Azmuko A.A. , Palkeeva M.E.
Published: April 2015

Apelin 12 (A-12) was synthesized by the automatic solid phase method with use of Fmoc 1H-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Effects of apelin-12 (a peptide comprised of 12 aminoacids, A-12) on recovery of energy metabolism and cardiac function were studied in isolated working rat hearts perfused with Krebs buffer (KB) containing 11 mM glucose that were subjected to global ischemia and reperfusion. A short-term infusion of μM 140 A-12 in KB prior to ischemia enhanced myocardial ATP, the total adenine nucleotide pool (ΣAN=ATP+ADP+AMP) and the energy charge of cardiomyocites ((ATP+0.5ADP)/ΣAN) at the end of reperfusion compared with control (KB infusion) and reduced lactate content and lactate/pyruvate ratio in reperfused myocardium to the initial values. This effect was accompanied by improved recovery of coronary flow and cardiac function. Coadministration of 140 μM A-12 and 100 μM L-NAME (the nonspecific NOS inhibitor) profoundly attenuated the peptide influence on metabolic and functional recovery of reperfused hearts. The results indicate involvement of NO, formed under the peptide action, in mechanisms of cardioprotection that are tightly associated with recovery of energy metabolism in postischemic heart.
Influence of ethanol-metabolising systems on intensity of lipid peroxidation processes in gastrointestinal tract of rats
Authors: Petushok N.E. , Grohovskaya T.Ch. , Melnichenko N.G. , Pronko S.P.
Published: April 2015

The effects of some ethanol-metabolising systems (aldehyde dehydrogenase, catalase, cytochrome P450 2E1) on activation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) processes in gastrointestinal tract of rats have been studied using inhibitors of these systems. The intensity of LPO processes was evaluated by thiobarbituric acid-reactive products and chemiluminiscence intensity. It was found, that the acetadehyde metabolism play the main role in the indiction of lipid peroxidation in the gastrointestinal tract of rats.
Apoptosis-reactivating agents for targeted anticancer therapy
Authors: Philchenkov A.A.
Published: April 2015

The current knowledge on molecular mechanisms of apoptosis is presented focusing on the key elements of the extrinsic death receptor pathway as well as the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Disregulation of apoptotic pathways is considered as a key factor in the survival of cancer cells in response to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy. Substances that selectively reactivate apoptosis in malignant cells are the promising candidate anticancer drugs, which have now entered various phases of clinical trials. The up-to-date techniques allowing for non-invasive in vivo visualization of apoptotic cells with special reference to therapy-induced cell death are briefly surveyed.
Electrochemical sensor systems based on one dimensional (1D) nanostructures for analysis of bioaffinity interactions
Authors: Shumyantseva V.V. , Bulko T.V. , Suprun E.V. , Archakov A.I.
Published: April 2015

It was shown that modification of screen printed graphite electrodes with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorated Pb nanowires (PbNWs) demonstrates the enhancement of sensor’s analytical characteristics such as effective surface area, electro catalytic properties and heterogeneous electron transfer kinetics. The reason for such improvement may be the synergistic effect of AuNPs and PbNWs. Nanowires ensembles on electrode surface were employed for the detection of hemeproteins cytochrome P450 2B4, cytochrome c , and cardiac myoglobin in human plasma. Composite materials based on nanoparticles with different dimentions (3D three dimensional gold nanoparticles and 1D one dimensional Pb nanowires make it possible to construct biosensors with low detection limit of proteins.
Photo-activity of actinomycins
Authors: Vekshin N.L.
Published: April 2015

Using actinomycins as an example, the possibility of increasing the anti-tumor activity of heterocyclic antibiotics due to photo-activation, has been studied. In model experiments with solutions of actinomycins, it was showed that actinomycins have a significant photochemical activity (of its own), changing by the binding to DNA in solution or in tumor cells. Photo-destruction of HeLa cells and the release of the antibiotic were observed.
Use of nitro blue tetrazolium in the reaction of adrenaline autooxidation for the determination of superoxide dismutase activity
Authors: Sirota T.V.
Published: April 2015

Addition of nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) into the reaction of adrenaline autooxidation allows to identify directly superoxide anion formation (О · ) in this superoxide-generating system. The kinetics of formation of adrenochrome and О · were compared under the same conditions. Three possible approaches to the use the adrenaline autooxidation reaction for determining the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and revealing the antioxidant properties of various compounds are discussed. Two of these approaches have been described previously: the spectrophotometric method of the registration of adrenochrome, the final product of adrenaline autoxidation, at 347 nm (Sirota, 1999) and the polarographic method, based on determination of oxygen consumption for О · formation (Sirota, 2011). Here, a novel approach to this problem is presented; it consists in the spectrophotometric determination of О · using NBT. The application of this approach enables one to lower the pH of carbonate buffer from 10.5 to 9.7 and to decrease (4-fold) the amount of added adrenaline, i.e., to generate milder and more effective conditions for revealing and studying the antioxidant properties of examined materials.
Oxidative stress in the of alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Panchenko L.F. , Davydov B.V. , Terebilina N.N. , Baronets V.Yu. , Zhuravleva A.S.
Published: April 2015

Parameters reflecting oxidative stress (OS) have been studied in 37 patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) during admission to the hospital and 2 weeks after the beginning of therapy. The patients were divided into 3 groups: alcoholic hepatitis (AH), alcoholic cirrhosis with hepatic insufficiency (the group C with Child-Paquet) and terminal stage patients (they subsequently died). All patients were characterized by a significant increase in plasma products of lipid peroxidation (conjugated diene and malondialdehyde) and decrease of the ceruloplasmin level. The coefficient K OS significantly exceeded normal values both on admission and after the 2-week course of traditional treatment. This suggests an important role of the OS with ALD.
Activation of ganglioside GM3 biosynthesis in human blood mononuclear cells in atherosclerosis
Authors: Gracheva E.V. , Samovilova N.N. , Golovanova N.K. , Piksina G.F. , Shishkina V.S. , Prokazova N.V.
Published: April 2015

Using blood monocytes and lymphocytes from atherosclerotic patients and healthy subjects we have investigated activity of GM3 synthase, cellular levels of ganglioside GM3 and its role in monocyte adhesion to cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The results showed that activity of GM3 synthase and cellular levels of ganglioside GM3 in blood mononuclear cells from atherosclerotic patients were several-fold higher than those from healthy subjects. In monocytes the activity of GM3 synthase was one an order of magnitude higher than in lymphocytes from both groups studied; this suggests the major contribution of monocytes to enhanced biosynthesis and levels of GM3 in mononuclear cells in atherosclerosis. Enrichment of monocytes from healthy subjects with ganglioside GM3 by incubation in medium containing this ganglioside increased adherence of these monocytes to HUVEC up to the values typical for monocytes from atherosclerotic patients. In addition, an increase in CD11b integrin expression was observed that was comparable to that seen in lipopolysaccharide-activated monocytes. It is suggested that in atherosclerosis the enhanced cellular levels of GM3 in monocytes and lymphocytes may be an important element of cell activation that facilitates their adhesion to endothelial cells and penetration into intima.
Purine nucleoside phosphorylase
Authors: Pogosian L.H. , Akopian J.I.
Published: April 2015

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) is one of the most important enzymes of the purine metabolism, wich promotes the recycling of purine bases. Nowadays is the actual to search for effective inhibitors of this enzyme which is necessary for creation T-cell immunodeficient status of the organism in the organs and tissues transplantation, and chemotherapy of a number pathologies as well. For their successful practical application necessary to conduct in-depth and comprehensive study of the enzyme, namely a structure, functions, and an affinity of the reaction mechanism. In the review the contemporary achievements in the study of PNP from various biological objects are presented. New data describing the structure of PNP are summarised and analysed. The physiological role of the enzyme is discussed. The enzyme basic reaction mechanisms and actions are considered. The studies on enzyme physicochemical, kinetic, and catalytic research are presented.
Selenium and oxidative stress in cancer patients
Authors: Gorozhanskaya E.G. , Sviridova S.P. , Dobrovolskaya M.M. , Zubrikhina G.N. , Kashiya S.R.
Published: April 2015

In order to identify the features of violations of free-radical processes in blood serum of 94 untreated cancer patients with different localization of the tumor (cancer of the stomach, colon, breast, ovarian, hemoblastoses) were determined selenium levels and indicators of oxidative stress (sum of metabolites of nitrogen - NOx, the level of superoxide dismutase - Cu/ZnSOD and malondiialdehyde-MDA, and the activity of catalase). In addition, 40 patients with malignant liver disease and clinical signs of liver failure in the early postoperative period was carried out a comparative evaluation of the efficacy of selenium-containing drug 'Selenaze' (sodium selenite pentahydrate). It was found that selenium levels in cancer patients by 25-30% below the norm of 110-120 mg/l at a rate of 73.0±2.6 mg/l. Low levels of NOx was detected in patients with all tumor localizations (22.1±1.1 mM, with normal range 28.4±0.9 mM). The exceptions were patients with extensive malignant process in the liver, in which the NOx levels were significantly higher than normal (p<0.001). The high level of NOx has a toxic effect on the hepatocyte, causing metabolic disorders and inflammatory-necrotic changes in the liver. Elevated levels of SOD and MDA in normal values of catalase activity was detected in all patients. The use of 'Selenaze' in postoperative patients with tumors of the liver increased selenium levels by 10-12%, which was accompanied by a decrease in the content of SOD and NOx, and contributed to earlier recovery of detoxic and synthetic liver function. These findings point to an intensification of oxidative stress and metabolic disorders in the malignant process, which is the basis for metabolic correction.
Arginine and lysine as products of basic carboxypeptidase activity associated with fibrinolysis
Authors: Zhloba A.A. , Subbotina T.F. , Lupan D.S. , Bogova V.A. , Kusheleva O.A.
Published: April 2015

Blood carboxypeptidases play an important role in the regulation of fibrinolysis. We have proposed here the method for the assay of blood carboxypeptidase activity associated with coagulation/fibrinolysis using the natural substrate fibrin and the detection of basic amino acids arginine and lysine as products in the conditions close to those in vivo . Plasma samples from 15 patients with arterial hypertension were investigated. The coagulation and subsequent fibrinolysis were initiated by addition of standard doses of thrombin and tissue plasminogen activator, respectively. Arginine and lysine concentrations before, during, and after completion of fibrinolysis were determined using HPLC. The parameters of fibrinolysis were evaluated by clot turbidity assay. Fibrinolysis led to a large and significant increase in concentrations of arginine and lysine in the incubation mixture by 101 and 81%, respectively. The duration of fibrinolysis initiation significantly correlated to the degree of increase of these amino acids: r =-0.733 и -0.761 for arginine and lysine, respectively (p<0.05). The rates of amino acids liberation during fibrinolysis demonstrate different pattern: arginine generation had two maximums: at the beginning of clot lysis and at his end, whereas the liberation of lysine occurred mainly at the middle of fibrinolysis. Thus, the carboxypeptidase activity associated with fibrinolysis can be considered as a local source of the essential aminoacids.
Activity of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 in bone marrow plasma of patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Lesnichenko I.F. , Gritsaev S.V. , Sergeev A.N. , Kostroma I.I. , Tiranova S.A.
Published: April 2015

Prognostic significance of the ratio of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities (MMP-2/MMP-9) have been investigated in bone marrow plasma (BMP) of 53 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using the method of zymography. During BMP collection 33 patients were diagnosed with complete remission (CR) and 22 patients without CR. The ratio MMP-2/MMP-9 was approximately 1.00 (the upper limit was equal 1.77) in the 75% of patients. At the same time the ratio was more than 3 times higher in 13 patients (25%): their minimal value was 1.80 (p<0.001). In the group with high ratio MMP-2/MMP-9 only 3 patients were with CR, and 10 patients with resistant variant of AML. The median of the overall survival (OS) of these 10 patients was significantly lower than OS of other investigated AML patients (7.0 vs 33.5 months р<0.001). Thus the high MMP-2/MMP-9 ratio (³1.8) may be associated with unfavorable course of AML.
Drug delivery system on the base of phospholipid nanoparticles for rifampicin
Authors: Sanzhakov M.A. , Prozorovskyi V.N. , Ipatova O.M. , Tikhonova E.G. , Medvedeva N.V. , Torkhovskaya T.I.
Published: April 2015

Low bioavailability of rifampicin, one of the main antituberculous drug, stimulates searches of its new optimized formulations. The present study has showen possibility of rifampicin embedding into nanoparticles from plant phosphatidylcholine (diameter of 20-30 nm). Addition of sodium oleate to the phospholipid system caused a 2-fold increase of the percent of rifampicin incorporation. After oral administration to rats, the maximal drug observed in plasma one hour after was 0.5 and 4.2 mkg/ml for free rifampicin for rifampicin in phospholipids-oleate nanoparticles, respectively. These levels were maintained for more than two hours of the experiment. High rifampicin bioavailability in the oleate containing phospholipid nanosystem suggests prospectivity of its pharmaceutical elaboration.
Mode of action prediction of ligands of steroid hormone receptors
Authors: Fedyushkina I.V. , Romero Reyes I.V. , Lagunin A.A. , Skvortsov V.S.
Published: April 2015

The several predictive models based on two well-known methods PASS and SIMCA were created. These models predict a type of physiological response of steroid compounds binding to nuclear receptors of steroid hormones. We considered 10 variants: the agonists and the antagonists of estrogen, progesterone, androgen, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors respectively. Two different sets of descriptors were used during SIMCA (the Dragon descriptors and indices of similarity). The results of discriminant analysis are good enough with average accuracy of 80-85%.
Functional activity of NADH-dependent reductase system in liver and guerin’s carcinoma microsomal fraction in rats exposed to preliminary irradiation
Authors: Marchenko M.M. , Ketsa O.V.
Published: April 2015

The activity of liver and Guerin’s carcinoma microsomal NADH-dependent reductase system has been investigated in tumor-bearing rats exposed to preliminary irradiation. Preliminary irradiation of rats (before transplantation of Guerin’s carcinoma) resulted in the decrease of NADH-cytochrome b reductase activity and contents of cytochrome b in the Guerin’s carcinoma microsomal fraction in the logarithmic phases of oncogenesis compared with the non-irradiated tumor-bearing rats. The effect of irradiation preceding transplantation of the tumor to rats results in the increase of enzymatic activities of liver microsomal NADH-cytochrome b reductase in the latent and logarithmic phases of tumor growth as compared with non-irradiated tumor-bearing rats. At the same time the contents of cytochrome b decreases. During longer periods after irradiation the investigated parameters approached to those in the group of non-irradiated tumor-bearing animals.
Dynamics of rat blood serum biochemical parameters under malignant growth in condition of the antioxidant substance “greenization GREEN R” introduction
Authors: Raetska Ya.B. , Ischuk T.V. , Ostapchenko L.I.
Published: April 2015

Under malignant growth, the alterations of blood serum biochemical parameters including activity of studied enzymes were observed. The drug “Grinization GRIN R” was shown to stabilize the tumor growth of Guerin’s carcinoma as well as biochemical parameters in the range close to normal values. The changes of protein metabolism parameters appeared to be significant. Also the considerable changes of AST and ALT activities were demonstrated. In the case, there was significant difference between the groups studied (р<0.05). Administration of rats with drug “Grinization Grin R” in different doses led to decreasing of average tumor volume in dynamics. Increasing and normalization of total protein level in rats with Guerin’s carcinoma was established under “Grinization GRIN” administration in doses 115 mg/kg and 270 mg/kg. The meaning of albumin concentration approached to physiological normal value under “Grinization GRIN” administration in dose 270 mg/kg. Meanwhile AST and ALT activities were approaching to normal values in rats with Guerin’s carcinoma under “Grinization GRIN” administration in dose 270 mg/kg. Such effects were observed mainly at the 18th and 23th days after tumor inoculation in comparison with tumor control (Guerin's carcinoma) values.
Computer search for molecular mechanisms of ulcerogenic action of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs
Authors: Ivanov S.M. , Lagunin A.A. , Zakharov A.V. , Filimonov D.A. , Poroikov V.V.
Published: April 2015

“Peptic ulcers” is the most frequent side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Experimental data indicate that pathogenesis of peptic ulcers cannot be explained only by the inhibition of cyclooxygenases. The knowledge about other molecular mechanisms of action of drugs related with development of peptic ulcers could be useful for design of new safe NSAIDs. However, considerable time and material resources are needed for corresponding experimental research. For simplification of experimental search, we have developed an approach for in silico identification of probable molecular mechanisms of action of drugs related with its side effects. We have created the set of NSAIDs containing 85 substances with data about structures and side effects. The computer program PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) predicting more than 3000 molecular mechanisms of action based on structural formula of substances was used to estimate unknown molecular mechanisms of action for these set of NSAIDs. Statistically significant relationships between predicted molecular mechanisms of action and development of peptic ulcers have been established. We have discovered twenty-six molecular mechanisms of action (two known previously and twenty-four new) which probably related with development of peptic ulcers. By analyzing of Gene Ontology data, signal and metabolic pathways, publications in Medline, we formulated hypotheses about the role of ten molecular mechanisms of action in pathogenesis of peptic ulcer.
Preparation of monospecific antibodies against isoform 2 of translation elongation factor 1A (eEF1A2)
Authors: Kolesanova E.F. , Farafonova T.E. , Aleshina E.Yu. , Pyndyk N.V. , Veremieva M.V. , Novosylna O.V. , Kovalenko M.I. , Shalak V.F. , Negrutskii B.S.
Published: April 2015

Amino acid sequences of eukaryotic translation elongation factor isoform 1 (eEF1A1) and 2 (eEF1A2) were compared and two peptide fragments of eEF1A2 were chosen as linear antigenic determinants for generation of monospecific antipeptide antibodies. Selected peptides were synthesized, conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and used for mice immunizations. Antibodies, produced against the eEF1A2 fragment 330-343 conjugated to BSA, specifically recognized this isoform in the native and partially denatured states but did not interact with the eEF1A1 isoform. It was shown that these monospecific anti-eEF1A2 antibodies could be employed for eEF1A2 detection both by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by immunoblotting.
The effects of preparation “histochrom” in biochemical parameters of blood for patients with cardiopathologies
Authors: Tsybulsky A.V. , Popov A.M. , Artyukov A.A. , Krivoshapko O.N. , Kozlovskaya E.P. , Bogdanovich L.N. , Krijanovsky S.P. , Blinov Yu.G.
Published: April 2015

The effects of the small doses of the preparation Gistochrome, containing natural polyhydroxynaphtoquinoine echinochrom A from flat sea urchin Scaphechinus mirabilis , on blood biochemical parameters have been studied in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Gistochrome administration influenced the LPO-antioxidant protection system, indicating reinforcement of antioxidant protection mechanisms. Gistochrome modulated the immune status and the plasma cytokine profile. Thus, Gistochrome may be recommended as means of additional therapy for patients with cardiovascular diseases for correcting the metabolic, immunological and redox impairments.
Metabolic profiling of human blood
Authors: Trifonova O.P. , Lokhov P.G. , Archakov A.I.
Published: April 2015

Metabolomics is a novel “omics” branch of science intended for studying a comprehensive set
of low molecular weight substances (metabolites) of various biological objects. Metabolite profiles
represent a molecular phenotype of biological systems and reflect information encoded at the genome
level and realized at the transcriptome and proteome levels. Analysis of human blood metabolic
profile is universal and promising tool for clinical applications because it is a sensitive measure
of both endogenous and exogenous (environmental) factors affected on the patient's organism.
Technical implementation of metabolic profiling of blood and statistic analysis of metabolite profiles
for effective diagnostics and risk assessments of diseases are discussed in this review.
The role of protein kinase PAK1 in the regulation of estrogen-independent growth of breast cancer
Authors: Avilova E.A. , Andreeva O.E. , Shatskaya V.A. , Krasilnikov M.A.
Published: April 2015

The main goal of this work was to study the intracellular signaling pathways responsible for the development of hormone resistance and maintaining the autonomous growth of breast cancer cells. In particular, the role of PAK1 (p21-activated kinase 1), the key mitogenic signaling protein, in the development of cell resistance to estrogens was analyzed. In vitro studies were performed on cultured breast cancer cell lines: estrogen-dependent estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 cells and estrogen-resistant ER-negative HBL-100 cells. We found that the resistant HBL-100 cells were characterized by a higher level of PAK1 and demonstrated PAK1 involvement in the maintaining of estrogen-independent cell growth. We have also shown PAK1 ability to up-regulate Snail1, one of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins, and obtained experimental evidence for Snail1 importance in the regulation of cell proliferation. In general, the results obtained in this study demonstrate involvement of PAK1 and Snail1 in the formation of estrogen-independent phenotype of breast cancer cells showing the potential role of both proteins as markers of hormone resistance of breast tumors.
Highly active fractions of the medicinal leech recombinant destabilase-lysozyme
Authors: Fadeeva Yu.I. , Antipova N.V. , Baskova I.P. , Zavalova L.L.
Published: April 2015

From the highly purified but lowly active recombinant protein Destabilas-Lysozyme (Dest-Lys) by use cation-exchange column TSK CM 3-SW chromatography, it was separated non-active fraction IV, contained 90% of protein. Fractions I, II and III, represented proteins with lysozyme and isopeptidase activities. Their lysozyme activity correlates with the activity of natural Des-Lys. The ratio of the activities in fractions I – III is such, that maximal lysozyme activity is concentrated in fraction III, isopeptidase – in fraction I. It is discussed the possibility of Dest-Lys different functions regulation is depended on the formation of protein complex forms
Proteolytic activity of fetoplacental complex in normal and pathology
Authors: Petrushova O.P. , Mikulyak N.I.
Published: April 2015

The activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), carboxypeptidase N (CPN), and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) has been investigated in the fetoplacental complex (FPC) in normal and placental insufficiency (FPI). ACE and LAP activities were significantly higher in the placental tissue than in maternal serum and umbilical vein serum. CPN activity was significantly lower in umbilical vein serum as compared to that of women in childbirth. Probably, the studied enzymes are involved in formation of reduced sensitivity of FPC of blood vessels during physiological pregnancy. In cases of placental insufficiency a significant increase of LAP activity was found in the placental tissue and umbilical vein serum. In addition, the pathological course of pregnancy caused a significant increase of CPN activity in serum of pregnant women in comparison to the norm. The obtained data suggest that during FPI proteolytic enzymes participate in the formation of compensatoty-adaptive reactions in the FPC. Results of this study are interesting in context of development of methods for prevention and correction of metabolic disorders in pathologies of pregnancy
The vanadium compounds: chemistry, synthesys, insulinomimetic properties
Authors: Fedorova E.V. , Buryakina A.V. , Vorobieva N.M. , Baranova N.I.
Published: April 2015

The review considers the biological role of vanadium, its participation in various processes in humans and other mammals, and the anti-diabetic effect of its compounds. Vanadium salts have persistent hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects and reduce the probability of secondary complications in animals with experimental diabetes. The review contains a detailed description of all major synthesized vanadium complexes having antidiabetic activity. Currently, vanadium complexes with organic ligands are more effective and safer than the inorganic salts. Despite the proven efficacy of these compounds as the anti-diabetic agents in animal models, only one organic complex of vanadium is currently under the second phase of clinical trials. All of the considered data suggest that vanadium compound are a new promising class of drugs in modern pharmacotherapy of diabetes.
Biocompatibility of electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and its composites scaffoldsfor tissue engineering
Authors: Zharkova I.I. , Staroverova O.V. , Voinova V.V. , Andreeva N.V. , Shushckevich A.M. , Sklyanchuk E.D. , Kuzmicheva G.M. , Bespalova A.E. , Akulina E.A. , Shaitan K.V. , Olkhov A.A.
Published: April 2015

Development of biodegradable polymers-based scaffolds for tissue engineering is a promising trend in bioengineering. The electrospun scaffolds from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) were produced using different additives that changed the physical and chemical characteristics of the products. As a result, the construct consisting of interwoven threads of different diameter (0.8-3.4 mm) were obtained, the smallest diameter was observed in the threads from the PHB using tetrabutilammonium iodide (TBAI) and titanium oxide II (TiO2) as additives. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were cultivated on the scaffolds for the biocompatibility evaluation of obtained materials. Cells viability was determined by the XTT assay test. It was shown that the scaffold from the interwoven threads of lowest diameter is most favorable for MSC growth in comparison with the polymer film and scaffolds from the threads of larger diameter. Thus, it was shown that the biocompatibility of electrospun PHB scaffolds depended on their microstructure. The obtained data can be used for development of scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Partucularities of g-aminobutyric acid metabolism in the liver of rats during different types of alcohol withdrawal
Authors: Lelevich V.V. , Vinitskaya A.G. , Lelevich S.V. , Doroshenko Ye.M.
Published: April 2015

Activities of GABA-catabolising enzymes and the contents of some amino acids have been studied in the liver of the rats with different types of alcohol cessation after its systemic administration. Intermittent alcohol intoxication was accompanied by activation of liver GABA catabolism in case of the lowest alcohol load. However ethanol in higher doses and prolongation of intermittent alcohol administration decreased GABA catabolism. It is suggested that the observed changes may reflect non-specific adaptation of hepatocytes to the excessive alcohol consumption and its further cessation.
Effect of 17b-estradiol on bioenergetic processes in the heart mitochondria of ovariectomized rats with insulin resistance
Authors: Gorbenko N.I. , Borikov A.Y. , Ivanova O.V. , Taran E.V. , Zvyagina T.S.
Published: April 2015

Тhe bioenergetic processes in the heart mitochondria of Wistar rats with fructose-induced insulin resistance was investigated in female animals with different estrogen status. Respiration studies on isolated heart mitochondria by the polarographic method revealed that estrogen deficiency reduced complex IV activity, while its combination with high-fructose diet induced additional disturbances in the coupling of respiration and oxidative phosphorylation at the level of complex I of the electron transport chain. Exogenous 17b-estradiol inhibited the development of mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes of ovariectomized rats with insulin resistance.
Contaminants reduce male contribution to reproduction at the population scale
Authors: Hillis Jeffrey J. , Garvey James E. , Lydy Michael J.
Published: April 2015

In many populations, males compete for mates and contribute to genetic diversity, but are assumed to have little impact on population growth rates and density, because one father is all that is necessary to fertilize a large number of eggs and sire a potential cohort. A factor affecting male reproductive output is exposure to contaminants that either disrupt endocrine function or mimic hormones. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) persist in aquatic ecosystems and may interfere with the reproductive contribution of male fish to populations. We quantified 28 PCB congeners in adult male bluegills across eight Illinois lakes. In spring 2011 and 2012, mature male bluegills from lakes with conspecifics with PCB whole‐body residues ranging from undetectable to high (2,000 ng/g dry mass total PCBs) were placed in experimental ponds with mature females containing no detectable PCB body residues and allowed to reproduce in spring under natural conditions. The presence of PCBs in fish had no effect on the presence of intersex or other gonadal deformities in adult males nor was gonad size, lipid concentration, and survival affected. Males with high PCBs were heavier than those from lakes with low PCB concentrations. The relative density of juvenile bluegills produced in ponds by fall, a fitness endpoint in this species, was negatively related to contaminant concentration in fathers. Contaminant exposure and other factors that affect male reproduction may not only suppress the relative contribution of males to genetic diversity, but also the overall density of cohorts within populations.
Do Two Graminoids, the Invasive Phalaris arundinacea and the Native Scirpus microcarpus, Have Similar Ecosystem Effects in a Wetland?
Authors: Turnbull Lisa C. , Bridgham Scott D.
Published: April 2015

Invasive species have been documented to have widespread ecosystem impacts, but these effects are dependent on characteristics of the environment and potentially on similarity in traits between the invasive and replaced native species. We compared the ecosystem effects of two graminoid wetland species with similar traits, the highly invasive Phalaris arundinacea L. (Poaceae family) and the native Scirpus microcarpus J. Presl & C. Presl. (Cyperaceae family). Both species had naturally established in monoculture patches in close proximity to each after agricultural abandonment over at least two decades ago in an Oregon, USA marsh. We compared seasonally the effects of the two species in paired patches on a broad suite of ecosystem soil responses. The two communities differed in a number of ecosystem processes and characteristics, such as belowground productivity, soil temperature, soil texture, soil pH, CH4 production, and aspects of the N cycle. However, these species‐level effects were secondary to strong controls of season and edaphic factors. We demonstrate that an invasive introduced species can have widespread ecosystem effects when compared with a relatively similar native species, but these effects may be moderate compared with natural environmental controls over ecosystem processes.
Clay Upward Movement in Sand Columns under Partially Saturated Conditions
Authors: Ibrahim Mostafa A. , Elnaka Elsayed A. , Lee Burras C.
Published: April 2015

Almost all the studies on clay movement have been focused on downward movement rather than upward except one study that focused on upward movement. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the impact of different clay suspension concentrations on the upward movement of clay particles. In this experiment, 24 transparent glass tubes with dimensions of 50‐cm height and 3.7‐cm internal diameter were packed with quartz sand. All of the sand columns were installed vertically in plastic containers. Two experiments were conducted: one represented a continuous wetting (CW) system and the other represented a wetting and drying system (WD). Each experiment had 12 sand columns distributed in four groups with three replicates. A stock of clay suspension was prepared from a 3‐kg clayey textured soil sample obtained from a Vertisol in the Delta of the Nile River. Four clay suspension concentrations (2, 4, 6, and 8 g L−1) were prepared and provided to the sand columns from the bottom by filling the plastic containers to a 13‐cm height. Each group of plastic containers was filled with one of the four clay suspensions (2, 4, 6, and 8 g L−1). The results revealed that clay particles moved 43 cm upward in all of the clay suspension concentrations and precipitated on the walls of the pores and at the capillary fringe (air–water interface). Clay contents in all of the layers in the WD cycles were higher than those in the CW system. The middle layers of the sand columns showed low clay content compared with the lower and upper layers.
An Online, Moderated Peer-to-Peer Support Bulletin Board for Depression: User-Perceived Advantages and Disadvantages
Authors: Griffiths Kathleen Margaret , Reynolds Julia , Vassallo Sara
Published: April 2015

Background

Online, peer-to-peer support groups for depression are common on the World Wide Web and there is some evidence of their effectiveness. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which Internet support groups (ISGs) might work.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate consumer perceptions of the benefits and disadvantages of online peer-to-peer support by undertaking a content analysis of the spontaneous posts on BlueBoard, a well-established, moderated, online depression bulletin board.

Methods

The research set comprised all posts on the board (n=3645) for each of 3 months selected at 4 monthly intervals over 2011. The data were analyzed using content analysis and multiple coders.

Results

A total of 586 relevant posts were identified, 453 (77.3%) reporting advantages and 133 (22.7%) reporting disadvantages. Positive personal change (335/453, 74.0%) and valued social interactions and support (296/453, 65.3%) emerged as perceived advantages. Other identified benefits were valued opportunities to disclose/express feelings or views (29/453, 6.4%) and advantages of the BlueBoard environment (45/453, 9.9%). Disadvantages were negative personal change (50/133, 37.6%), perceived disadvantages of board rules/moderation (42/133, 31.6%), unhelpful social interactions/contact with other members (40/133, 30.1%), and technical obstacles to using the board (14/133, 10.5%).

Conclusions

Consumers value the opportunity to participate in an online mutual support group for mental health concerns. Further research is required to better understand how and if these perceived advantages translate into positive outcomes for consumers, and whether the perceived disadvantages of such boards can be addressed without compromising the safety and positive outcomes of the board.
Incidence of Diabetes and Prediabetes and Predictors of Progression Among Asian Indians: 10-Year Follow-up of the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (CURES)
Authors: Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Shanthi Rani Coimbatore Subramanian , Deepa Mohan , Pradeepa Rajendra , Sudha Vasudevan , Divya Nair Haridas , Lakshmipriya Nagarajan , Subhashini Sivasankaran , Binu Valsalakumari Sreekumarannair , Unnikrishnan Ranjit , Mohan Viswanathan
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE

There are few data on the incidence rates of diabetes and prediabetes (dysglycemia) in Asian Indians. This article presents the incidence of diabetes and prediabetes and the predictors of progression in a population-based Asian Indian cohort.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data on progression to diabetes and prediabetes from 1,376 individuals, a subset of 2,207 of the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (CURES) cohort (phase 3) with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or prediabetes at baseline, who were followed for a median of 9.1 years (11,629 person-years), are presented. During follow-up, 534 died and 1,077 with NGT and 299 with prediabetes at baseline were reinvestigated in a 10-year follow-up study. Diabetes and prediabetes were diagnosed based on the American Diabetes Association criteria. Incidence rates were calculated and predictors of progression to prediabetes and/or diabetes were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

The incidence rates of diabetes, prediabetes, and “any dysglycemia” were 22.2, 29.5, and 51.7 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Among those with NGT, 19.4% converted to diabetes and 25.7% to prediabetes, giving an overall conversion rate to dysglycemia of 45.1%. Among those with prediabetes, 58.9% converted to diabetes. Predictors of progression to dysglycemia were advancing age, family history of diabetes, 2-h plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), low HDL cholesterol, and physical inactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Asian Indians have one of the highest incidence rates of diabetes, with rapid conversion from normoglycemia to dysglycemia. Public health interventions should target modifiable risk factors to slow down the diabetes epidemic in this population.
Impact of polymethylmethacrylate additives on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius biofilm formation in vitro
Authors: Morrison Shauna , Singh Ameet , Rousseau Joyce , Walker Meagan , Nazarali Alim , Crawford Evan , Brisson Brigitte , Sears William C. , Weese J. Scott
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of gentamicin, silver, or both additives in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) biofilm formation in vitro.

SAMPLE 4 preparations of PMMA beads (formed with no additive [control], gentamicin, silver, and gentamicin and silver).

PROCEDURES Beads from each group were exposed to 10 MRSP isolates known to be strong biofilm formers. Following incubation, the beads were rinsed to remove planktonic bacteria, then sonicated to dislodge biofilm-associated bacteria. Resulting suspensions were serially diluted, plated on blood agar, and incubated overnight; CFUs were counted. Variance of mean CFU counts following log10 transformation was analyzed among PMMA groups.

RESULTS None of the PMMA additives tested completely inhibited MRSP biofilm formation. There was a significant effect of gentamicin and gentamicin plus silver on this variable, compared with controls, but not of silver alone. There was no difference between gentamicin and gentamicin plus silver. When only isolates not susceptible to gentamicin were evaluated, there were no significant differences among PMMA additive groups. Within gentamicin-susceptible isolates, there was an impact of gentamicin and gentamicin plus silver, but no impact of silver alone and no difference between gentamicin and gentamicin plus silver.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Gentamicin-impregnated PMMA was effective at reducing biofilm formation of gentamicin-susceptible MRSP isolates but had no effect on isolates not susceptible to gentamicin. Silver-impregnated PMMA had no effect on MRSP biofilm formation. Results suggested that gentamicin-impregnated PMMA may not be effective in vivo against MRSP isolates not susceptible to gentamicin. Antibacterial efficacy of silver should not be assumed without proper testing of the target bacteria and specific silver compound.
Therapist-Designed Adaptive Riding in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Results of a Feasibility Study
Authors: Angsupaisal Mattana , Visser Baudina , Alkema Anne , Meinsma-van der Tuin Marja , Maathuis Carel G.B. , Reinders-Messelink Heleen , Hadders-Algra Mijna
Published: April 2015

Background

It is debatable whether adaptive riding (AR) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) improves postural control and gross motor development.

Objective

The study aim was to explore the feasibility of an extensive assessment protocol for a randomized controlled trial of therapist-designed adaptive riding (TDAR) in children with CP, with the goals of assessing the effect on child outcomes and evaluating working mechanisms of sitting postural control.

Design

A pretest-posttest group design with 2 baseline measurements was used.

Methods

Six children (1 girl, 5 boys; age range=6–12 years, median age=8 years 9 months) with bilateral spastic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System level III) participated. Outcomes were evaluated 3 times (T0, T1, and T2) at 6-week intervals. T0 and T1 were baseline measurements; between T1 and T2, a TDAR intervention including an integrated program of postural challenge exercises (2 times per week for 1 hour) was applied. The complex protocol included the 88-item Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and electromyographic (EMG) recording of postural muscle activity during reaching while sitting (EMG recording at T1 and T2 only).

Results

The protocol was feasible. Median GMFM-88 scores changed from 64.4 at T0 to 66.7 at T1 and from 66.7 at T1 to 73.2 at T2. The change scores for all children exceeded the minimal clinically important difference of the GMFM-88. Five of 6 children showed a decrease in stereotyped top-down recruitment between T1 and T2.

Limitations

Study limitations included the lack of a control group, small sample size, and potential assessor bias for all but the EMG parameters.

Conclusions

The feasibility of the complex protocol was established. The data suggested that a 6-week TDAR intervention may improve gross motor function and may reduce stereotyped postural adjustments in children with CP. The limited results warrant replication in a well-powered randomized controlled trial.
Promoting Health and Wellness: Implications for Physical Therapist Practice
Authors: Bezner Janet R.
Published: April 2015

The leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States is chronic, or noncommunicable, diseases. The impact of chronic diseases on health and wellness can be significantly altered by individual health and behavior choices or modifications. Furthermore, the burden of chronic disease goes beyond health and the health care system and may influence an individual's wellness. The purposes of this article are: (1) to provide a basis for understanding the terms “health” and “wellness,” (2) to identify the knowledge and skills physical therapists need to address behaviors that promote health and wellness and treat and protect against chronic disease, and (3) to discuss barriers and opportunities associated with integrating the promotion of health and wellness into physical therapist practice.