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The article deals with the choice of materials for connecting tires of traction batteries (TB). The optimal parameters of their spot welding with batteries are experimentally established (the first pulse with a current of 7 kA duration of 1 ms, the break between the pulses of 1 ms, the second pulse with a current of 7 kA duration of 2 ms). When operating the traction battery on electric vehicles, the resistance of the connecting tires should not lead to heating of the batteries in order to avoid overheating above 60 °C. In most modern TB, consisting of Li-ion elements, a nickel tape is used for the connection. To ensure the weldability of materials (copper–nickel or nickel–nickel), it is important that the operating temperature is reached at a short-term current pulse in the welding zone. One of the solutions to this problem is the application of a metal coating. Experiments were conducted on the weldability of various materials, including those with applied coatings. The best results in weldability were shown by tires made of tinned copper, which was welded to nickel plates (emitting the battery body). Tear tests of the welded samples were carried out. The tensile strength of the original copper tires was 340–450 MPa. When welding copper–nickel and copper(tinned) – nickel plates, the strength limit values reach 70 % of the strength of the original copper plate. On the basis of the obtained experimental data, a pilot batch of battery TB was manufactured, which successfully passed tests for compliance with the technical requirements for the strength and the value of the transition resistances of the welded joints of connecting buses with batteries.

Electrochemical oxidation (ECO) of oxalate ions in aqueous solutions has been studied with the use of an MB–11T-06 electrochemical unit element. It was shown that the ECO occurs most effectively in weakly-acid media at anode current density not exceeding 160 A/m2. The presence of chloride ions in a solution being treated in neutral or weakly acid media leads to an increase in the electrochemical destruction rate of oxalate ions. Sulfate and borate ions make lower the efficiency of ECO in the whole H range under study (3–10). It is shown that performing a preliminary electrochemical oxidation of an oxalate-containing solution makes it possible to make 4 times larger the 90Sr distribution coefficient on a NaA synthetic zeolite.

RELEVANCE. Pathological tortuosity of the carotid artery and thrombotic occlusion of the intracranial segment of the carotid artery, critical subostial stenosis are the main causes of tandem lesions in patients with intracranial cerebral artery occlusion. Proximal occlusion may prevent intracranial endovascular access to distal tandem occlusion and increase the risk of endovascular complications.The OBJECTIVE was to evaluate technical and functional results of the hybrid technologies used in treatment of a patient with tandem damage of proximal and distal segments of the carotid basin in the acute period of ischemic stroke.CLINICAL OBSERVATION. The result of the intervention was a change in stroke severity by comparing scores on the national Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (nIHSS) after a hybrid intervention – primary reconstruction of the left internal carotid artery with pronounced pathological tortuosity in the extracranial segment and thrombectomy from the tandem M1 occlusion of the left medial artery segment in a patient with ischemic stroke in the left carotid pool in the acute period. A rare clinical observation is presented.

Locomotion, scratching, and stabilization of the body orientation in space are basic motor functions which are critically important for animal survival. Their execution requires coordinated activity of muscles located in the left and right halves of the body. Commissural interneurons (CINs) are critical elements of the neuronal networks underlying the left–right motor coordination. V0 interneurons (characterized by the early expression of the transcription factor Dbx1) contain a major class of CINs in the spinal cord (excitatory, V0V; inhibitory, V0D), and a small subpopulation of excitatory ipsilaterally projecting interneurons. The role of V0 CINs in left–right coordination during forward locomotion was demonstrated earlier. Here, to reveal the role of glutamatergic V0 and other V0 subpopulations in control of backward locomotion, scratching, righting behavior, and postural corrections, kinematics of these movements performed by wild-type mice and knock-out mice with glutamatergic V0 or all V0 interneurons ablated were compared. Our results suggest that the functional effect of excitatory V0 neurons during backward locomotion and scratching is inhibitory, and that the execution of scratching involves active inhibition of the contralateral scratching central pattern generator mediated by excitatory V0 neurons. By contrast, other V0 subpopulations are elements of spinal networks generating postural corrections. Finally, all V0 subpopulations contribute to the generation of righting behavior. We found that different V0 subpopulations determine left–right coordination in the anterior and posterior parts of the body during a particular behavior. Our study shows a differential contribution of V0 subpopulations to diverse motor acts that provides new insight to organization of motor circuits.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCommissural interneurons with their axons crossing the midline of the nervous system are critical elements of the neuronal networks underlying the left–right motor coordination. For the majority of motor behaviors, the neuronal mechanisms underlying left–right coordination are unknown. Here, we demonstrate the functional role of excitatory V0 neurons and other subpopulations of V0 interneurons in control of a number of basic motor behaviors—backward locomotion, scratching, righting behavior, and postural corrections—which are critically important for animal survival. We have shown that different subpopulations of V0 neurons determine left–right coordination in the context of different behaviors as well as in the anterior and posterior parts of the body during a particular behavior.

We herein present our initial report from «ROKKOR-recipient», a national multicenter observational study. The prevalence, risk factors, clinical manifestations and outcomes of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in solid organ transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy were investigated. The study enrolled 251 COVID-19 patients (220 kidney recipients, 7 liver recipients, 1 liver-kidney recipient, and 23 heart recipients). The subjects came from 20 regions in Russia. The symptoms, clinical presentation, imaging and lab test results, therapy and outcomes of COVID-19 were described. It was established that solid organ transplant recipients with COVID-19 have a higher risk of developing adverse events. Predictors of adverse events include associated cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, diabetes, and kidney failure. Symptoms of the disease include dyspnea, rash and catarrhal signs, as well as initial low blood oxygen saturation (SpO2 10 × 109/L), elevated creatinine levels (>130 μmol/L) and a marked decrease in glomerular filtration rate, requiring hemodialysis. Performing organ transplant surgery in COVID-19 does not increase the risk of adverse events but could save the lives of waitlisted terminally ill patients.

The research questions in this issue include the following: the first is the problem of usual meaning of neologisms. During the coronavirus pandemic there has been a flurry of new words and phrases in many languages. Such a linguistic phenomenon can be called an extreme peak in the appearance of new words and meanings. The second is the problem of assessment, the need for lexicographying such words in the explanatory dictionary, in particular, in the multivolume Dictionary of the Russian Language of the 21st century (ed. by G. N. Sklyarevskaya). General characteristics of the covid dictionary (more than 600 units), formed at the moment in Russian, are described in the article. The theoretical basis of the category of lexical neologisms is the N.Z. Kotelova’s theory, who founded an academic neographic school. She developed the principles of selecting neologisms in explanatory dictionaries and formulated specifics of those words. The article attempts to analyze covid lexemes and proposes a preliminary toolkit for selecting lexemes that can be considered as potentially usual. Almost 140 covid nominations, which make up about 23 % of the collected corpus of COVID vocabulary, have high potentiality for new words'usualisation. Research methods in this issue are: systemic, classification, statistical, deductive, inductive.

The development of coordination abilities of cadets is the most complex and important task of the entire system of mass sports activities in the theory and practice of physical culture. Currently, mass sports and recreational activities are becoming not only one of the key areas of formation and development of coordination abilities in the independent work of each cadet, public cadet self-government, but also an effective power of persuasion in the need to improve the physical training of both cadets and teachers for professional activities. The new millennium raises innovative challenges to all generations. This includes improving the quality of life, strengthening health, leading an active lifestyle, and preserving peace on earth. One of the pressing tasks of the future development of the social state is to improve the quality of life, improve the health of the nation and the demographic situation. Currently, there are acute issues of public health, especially among young people. Demographic problems are no less urgent, than migrants from abroad seeking to settle on the territory of the most developed countries. Thus, demographic issues are still to be solved, while physical training and sports should work towards improving the health of young people. The authors of this article have tried to investigate the features of dynamic increase of physical motor activity of cadets in recent decades. This study helped to receive such results of motor behaviour of cadets, which for many years predetermined a genuine interest in active physical training and sports. Cadets showed a particular interest after their independent model of self-development during training at the military institute. A crucial role in changing this situation is played by the activation of cadet independence and creative approach to the development of coordination abilities and physical qualities during study at the institute, to increase the motor activity of cadets, the desire for a healthy lifestyle, systematic physical culture and sports. This is due to the greater independence in matters of self-development and training for future professional activities.

Mortality rates in acute mesenteric ischemia remain at an extremely high level for many decades. Early diagnosis and selection of the optimal method of revascularization are among the ways to optimize tactics. The diagnostic study of choice is CT angiography. Its active and systemic use can help to detect ischemia at the reversible stage. The article examines in detail the indications for the application of this diagnostic study. The question of preference for the revascularization method remains debatable. The arguments of proponents of open and endovascular interventions on mesenteric vessels are presented. Other, still unresolved tactical issues are also considered, such as indications for re-operations and application of the principles of damage control tactics.Показатели летальности при острой мезентериальной ишемии остаются на экстремально высоком уровне в течение многих десятилетий. Среди путей оптимизации тактики называются ранняя диагностика и выбор оптимального способа реваскуляризации. Методом выбора в диагностике заболевания является КТ-ангиография, активное и системное применение которой может способствовать выявлению ишемии на стадии обратимых изменений кишечной стенки. В статье подробно рассматриваются показания к выполнению этого исследования. Вопрос предпочтения метода реваскуляризации остается дискуссионным. Приводятся доводы сторонников открытых и эндоваскулярных вмешательств на мезентериальных сосудах. Рассматриваются и другие, до конца не решенные тактические вопросы, такие как показания к повторным операциям, применение принципов тактики damage control.

The list of equipment for the departments of radionuclide diagnostics is rather wide. New technology of silicon photomultiplier allows the creation of small size gamma-ray detectors. The paper considers the developed in Ural Federal University portable radiometric system for nuclear medicine. In particular, the capabilities of the device in the methods of dacryoscintigraphy are considered. Specially developed phantom model of the eye was created to make comparative test with using of SPECT. Phantom tests conducted indicate a potential possibility of reducing the amount of input radiopharmaceutical without losing the information content of the study.

Key points Epidural electrical stimulation (ES) of the spinal cord restores/improves locomotion in patients. ES-evoked locomotor movements differ to some extent from the normal ones. Operation of the locomotor network during ES is unknown. We compared the activity of individual spinal neurons during locomotion initiated by signals from the brainstem and by ES. We demonstrated that the spinal network generating locomotion under each of the two conditions is formed by the same neurons. A part of this network operates similarly under the two conditions, suggesting that it is essential for generation of locomotion under both conditions. Another part of this network operates differently under the two conditions, suggesting that it is responsible for differences in the movement kinematics observed under the two conditions. Abstract Locomotion is a vital motor function for both animals and humans. Epidural electrical stimulation (ES) of the spinal cord is used to restore/improve locomotor movements in patients. However, operation of locomotor networks during ES has never been studied. Here we compared the activity of individual spinal neurons recorded in decerebrate cats of either sex during locomotion initiated by supraspinal commands (caused by stimulation of the mesencephalic locomotor region, MLR) and by ES. We found that under both conditions, the same neurons had modulation of their activity related to the locomotor rhythm, suggesting that the network generating locomotion under the two conditions is formed by the same neurons. About 40% of these neurons had stable modulation (i.e. small dispersion of their activity phase in sequential cycles), as well as a similar phase and shape of activity burst in MLR- and ES-evoked locomotor cycles. We suggest that these neurons form a part of the locomotor network that operates similarly under the two conditions, and are critical for generation of locomotion. About 23% of the modulated neurons had stable modulation only during MLR-evoked locomotion. We suggest that these neurons are responsible for some differences in kinematics of MLR- and ES-evoked locomotor movements. Finally, 25% of the modulated neurons had unstable modulation during both MLR- and ES-evoked locomotion. One can assume that these neurons contribute to maintenance of the excitability level of locomotor networks necessary for generation of stepping, or belong to postural networks, activated simultaneously with locomotor networks by both MLR stimulation and ES.

The Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is an urgent problem of modern medicine due to its high incidence, morbidity, the increasing resistance of a microflora to antibacterial therapy, a large number of complications and a high lethality. Now in a pathogenesis of pneumonia the leading value belongs to various changes of metabolism, including an induction of peroxide oxidation of lipids and formation of an oxidizing stress. The importance is attached to violations of a functional condition of a liver at pneumonia which pathogenetic mechanisms of damage are diverse, including with participation of a vascular endothelium. At the same time in realization of therapeutic approaches on a normalization of metabolism of cages of an organism the priority part is assigned to oxidation substrata. It is shown that the succinatecontaining medicines realize various pharmacological effects, providing in general cytoprotective action that allows to consider them as perspective the compositions having hepatoprotective activity which are necessary in complex therapy of the community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP).

The aim of the research was to develop a new technique for suturing the surgical incision in submammary area after subpectoral reconstructive breast surgery with good cosmetic result. Clinical observation group included 10 patients. It was found that the new technique of suturing the surgical incision, in comparison with the method offered by M.B.Calo-braceet al. (2014), allows to decrease the duration of suturing from 6min 10±0.06 sec down to 5min 29±0.04 sec (р

Objective. Examination of the results of surgical treatment and analysis of the surgical technique and perioperative parameters in a series of radical cystectomy on the basis of its own 15 years of experience in the formation of orthotopic and heterotopic urinary reservoir of the ileum segment by developed and patented techniques in different versions: open radical cystectomy, laparoscopic radical cystectomy and robotassisted radical cystectomy. Materials and method s. A retrospective analysis of 310 radical cystectomy performed from 2000 to 2015, on the occasion of various pathologies of the bladder and prostate, as well as cancers of other organs (uterus, colon) with involvement in the process of bladder tumor. Plastics of the bladder was performed from the segment of the terminal ileum. Formation of orthotopic bladder was performed by the method of M.I. Vasilchenko (RF patent for invention № 2337630 “Method of orthotopic bladder plastics” by M.I. Vasilchenko). The ureters are implanted by antireflux procedure. If unable to perform orthotopic bladder plastics recovery and self-urination, patients underwent the formation of heterotopic enteral reservoir with a holding valve. Result s. It assesses the functionality and viability of organic shaped orthotopic and heterotopic urinary neocystis in the early and late postoperative periods in different versions. The proposed techniques have a beneficial effect on the improvement of the functional state and stabilization of the upper urinary tract. Analysis of morbidity and mortality was determined according to the classification of surgical complications on the Clavien–Dindo. This approach allowed to identify most of the complications and prevent an underestimation of the main negative results. Estimated oncologic efficacy of minimally invasive interventions laparoscopic radical cystectomy and robot-assisted radical cystectomy not inferior open radical cystectomy. Conclusions . Formation of heterotopic and orthotopic bladder enteral neocystis (tank), on the proposed contact techniques is a viable alternative to the known intestinal plastics. The introduction of laparoscopic surgery techniques including robot-assisted laparoscopic operations to reduce the number of early and late postoperative complications.

Single steps in different directions are often used for postural corrections. However, our knowledge about the neural mechanisms underlying their generation is scarce. This study was aimed to characterize the corrective steps generated in response to disturbances of the basic body configuration caused by forward, backward or outward displacement of the hindlimb, as well as to reveal location in the CNS of the corrective step generating mechanisms. Video recording of the motor response to translation of the supporting surface under the hindlimb along with contact forces and activity of back and limb muscles was performed in freely standing intact and in fixed postmammillary rabbits. In intact rabbits, displacement of the hindlimb in any direction caused a lateral trunk movement towards the contralateral hindlimb, and then a corrective step in the direction opposite to the initial displacement. The time difference between onsets of these two events varied considerably. The EMG pattern in the supporting hindlimb was similar for all directions of corrective steps. It caused the increase in the limb stiffness. EMG pattern in the stepping limb differed in steps with different directions. In postmammillary rabbits the corrective stepping movements, as well as EMG patterns in both stepping and standing hindlimbs were similar to those observed in intact rabbits. This study demonstrates that the corrective trunk and limb movements are generated by separate mechanisms activated by sensory signals from the deviated limb. The neuronal networks generating postural corrective steps reside in the brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord.

Cicatricial deformations of the neck occur in 4-30.5 % of children suffered from burn trauma, and are the most severe consequences. Early reconstructive surgery in this pathology provides free growth and development of the skull and upper body and promote psychological and social recovery of the child. The treatment of such patients presents great difficulties, and in each case requires an individual approach. The article presents the experience of treatment of two children with severe scar contracture of the neck, complicated by the lack of reserves in undamaged tissues of the neck and the surrounding areas. We used a combination of several methods of skin grafting, including axial flow and the prefabrication of flaps, divided in time into stages. In one case in a child with total neck contracture, we performed pre-surgical (3.5 weeks before the main stage surgical intervention) preparation of the two flaps - scapular and epaulet flaps. In the other case, 4-year old girl with subtotal flexion contracture, a month before the main surgery we prepared scapular flap and increased its area expander dermotension, with endoscopic implantation of endoexpander. In this paper, we describe in detail the technology of operative treatment of these two patients. In both cases, there were no postoperative complications. The use of modern medical technologies based on conventional techniques in surgical correction of severe flexion scar contractures of the neck of the presented patients decided both functional and aesthetic problems.

Rationale: Thromboembolic complications in patients on hemodialysis have a significant impact on the duration and quality of life. Aim: To study the functional status of platelets in chronic kidney disease stage 5D (CKD-5D). Materials and methods: We examined 61 patients with CKD-5D. The duration of renal replacement therapy was 133 (74 to 177) months. The functional activity of platelets was evaluated in the adenosine diphosphate and adrenaline tests. Results: The functional activity of platelets in the adenosine diphosphate test was reduced in 35 (57.4%) of patients and unchanged in 26 (42.6%) patients. The functional activity of platelets in the adrenaline test was reduced in 38 (62.3%), normal in 8 (13.1%) and increased in 15 (24.6%) patients. Conclusion: In our study, only the adrenaline test was able to identify hyperactivity of platelets. We believe therefore, that the test with adrenaline is preferred for the study of the functional activity of platelets in CKD-5D.

Postural limb reflexes (PLRs) are an essential component of postural corrections. Spinalization leads to disappearance of postural functions (including PLRs). After spinalization, spastic, incorrectly-phased motor responses to postural perturbations containing oscillatory EMG bursting gradually develop, suggesting plastic changes in the spinal postural networks. Here, to reveal these plastic changes, rabbits at 3, 7 and 30 days after spinalization at T12 were decerebrated, and responses of spinal interneurons from L5 along with hindlimb muscles EMG responses to postural sensory stimuli, causing PLRs in subjects with intact spinal cord (control), were characterized. Like in control and after acute spinalization, at each of three studied time points after spinalization, neurons responding to postural sensory stimuli were found. Proportion of such neurons during first month after spinalization did not reach the control level, and was similar to that observed after acute spinalization. In contrast, their activity (which was significantly decreased after acute spinalization) reached the control value at 3 days after spinalization and remained close to this level during the following month. However, the processing of postural sensory signals, which was severely distorted after acute spinalization, did not recover by 30 days after injury. In addition, we found a significant enhancement of the oscillatory activity in a proportion of the examined neurons, which could contribute to generation of oscillatory EMG bursting. Motor responses to postural stimuli (which were almost absent after acute spinalization) re-appeared at 3 days after spinalization, although they were very weak, irregular, and a half of them was incorrectly phased in relation to postural stimuli. Proportion of correct and incorrect motor responses remained almost the same during the following month, but their amplitude gradually increased. Thus, spinalization triggers two processes of plastic changes in the spinal postural networks: rapid (taking days) restoration of normal activity level in spinal interneurons, and slow (taking months) recovery of motoneuronal excitability. Most likely, recovery of interneuronal activity underlies re-appearance of motor responses to postural stimuli. However, absence of recovery of normal processing of postural sensory signals and enhancement of oscillatory activity of neurons result in abnormal PLRs and loss of postural functions.

Scintigraphy studies of lacrimal and salivary glands have some technological problems. These glands have small size and low accumulation of radiopharmaceutical. Spatial resolution and sensitivity parameters of the single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) do not allow conducting research of pharmacokinetics in small glands with sufficient accuracy. Portable radiometric system was designed for such examinations. Radiometric system consists of a set of small scintillation detectors that can be installed in optimal projections to each studying zone of interest. Special phantom model of glandular structures was designed to make experimental testing and to compare using of a portable radiometric system with SPECT. Results of synchronized examination of the phantom model with portable radiometric system and SPECT were presented.

KEY POINTS Spinal reflexes are substantial components of the motor control system in all vertebrates and centrally driven reflex modifications are essential to many behaviours, but little is known about the neuronal mechanisms underlying these modifications. To study this issue, we took advantage of an in vitro brainstem-spinal cord preparation of the lamprey (a lower vertebrate), in which spinal reflex responses to spinal cord bending (caused by signals from spinal stretch receptor neurons) can be evoked during different types of fictive behaviour. Our results demonstrate that reflexes observed during fast forward swimming are reversed during escape behaviours, with the reflex reversal presumably caused by supraspinal commands transmitted by a population of reticulospinal neurons. NMDA receptors are involved in the formation of these commands, which are addressed primarily to the ipsilateral spinal networks. In the present study the neuronal mechanisms underlying reflex reversal have been characterized for the first time. ABSTRACT Spinal reflexes can be modified during different motor behaviours. However, our knowledge about the neuronal mechanisms underlying these modifications in vertebrates is scarce. In the lamprey, a lower vertebrate, body bending causes activation of intraspinal stretch receptor neurons (SRNs) resulting in spinal reflexes: activation of motoneurons (MNs) with bending towards either the contralateral or ipsilateral side (a convex or concave response, respectively). The present study had two main aims: (i) to investigate how these spinal reflexes are modified during different motor behaviours, and (ii) to reveal reticulospinal neurons (RSNs) transmitting commands for the reflex modification. For this purpose in in vitro brainstem-spinal cord preparation, RSNs and reflex responses to bending were recorded during different fictive behaviours evoked by supraspinal commands. We found that during fast forward swimming MNs exhibited convex responses. By contrast, during escape behaviours, MNs exhibited concave responses. We found RSNs that were activated during both stimulation causing reflex reversal without initiation of any specific behaviour, and stimulation causing reflex reversal during escape behaviour. We suggest that these RSNs transmit commands for the reflex modification. Application of the NMDA antagonist (AP-5) to the brainstem significantly decreased the reversed reflex, suggesting involvement of NMDA receptors in the formation of these commands. Longitudinal split of the spinal cord did not abolish the reflex reversal caused by supraspinal commands, suggesting an important role for ipsilateral networks in determining this type of motor response. This is the first study to reveal the neuronal mechanisms underlying supraspinal control of reflex reversal.

Higher vertebrates, including humans, are capable not only of forward (FW) locomotion but also of walking in other directions relative to the body axis [backward (BW), sideways, etc.]. Although the neural mechanisms responsible for controlling FW locomotion have been studied in considerable detail, the mechanisms controlling steps in other directions are mostly unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the distribution of spinal neuronal networks controlling FW and BW locomotion. First, we applied electrical epidural stimulation (ES) to different segments of the spinal cord from L2 to S2 to reveal zones triggering FW and BW locomotion in decerebrate cats of either sex. Second, to determine the location of spinal neurons activated during FW and BW locomotion, we used c-Fos immunostaining. We found that the neuronal networks responsible for FW locomotion were distributed broadly in the lumbosacral spinal cord and could be activated by ES of any segment from L3 to S2. By contrast, networks generating BW locomotion were activated by ES of a limited zone from the caudal part of L5 to the caudal part of L7. In the intermediate part of the gray matter within this zone, a significantly higher number of c-Fos-positive interneurons was revealed in BW-stepping cats compared with FW-stepping cats. We suggest that this region of the spinal cord contains the network that determines the BW direction of locomotion.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSequential and single steps in various directions relative to the body axis [forward (FW), backward (BW), sideways, etc.] are used during locomotion and to correct for perturbations, respectively. The mechanisms controlling step direction are unknown. In the present study, for the first time we compared the distributions of spinal neuronal networks controlling FW and BW locomotion. Using a marker to visualize active neurons, we demonstrated that in the intermediate part of the gray matter within L6 and L7 spinal segments, significantly more neurons were activated during BW locomotion than during FW locomotion. We suggest that the network determining the BW direction of stepping is located in this area.

Bacterial blood stream infection (BSI) potentially leads to life-threatening clinical conditions and medical emergencies such as severe sepsis, septic shock, and multi organ failure syndrome. Blood culturing is currently the gold standard for the identification of microorganisms and, although it has been automated over the decade, the process still requires 24-72 h to complete. This long turnaround time, especially for the identification of antimicrobial resistance, is driving the development of rapid molecular diagnostic methods. Rapid detection of microbial pathogens in blood related to bloodstream infections will allow the clinician to decide on or adjust the antimicrobial therapy potentially reducing the morbidity, mortality, and economic burden associated with BSI. For molecular-based methods, there is a lot to gain from an improved and straightforward method for isolation of bacteria from whole blood for downstream processing.We describe a microfluidic-based sample-preparation approach that rapidly and selectively lyses all blood cells while it extracts intact bacteria for downstream analysis. Whole blood is exposed to a mild detergent, which lyses most blood cells, and then to osmotic shock using deionized water, which eliminates the remaining white blood cells. The recovered bacteria are 100 % viable, which opens up possibilities for performing drug susceptibility tests and for nucleic-acid-based molecular identification.

The karyotype of the common ice plant Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. (Aizoaceae) was studied using Chromomycin A3 (CMA)/4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization with 5S and 18S–5.8S–25S rDNA probes, DAPI/C-banding and immunodetection of 5-methylcytosine. A single bright CMA-band was revealed on the satellite chromosome, whose location was coincided with a position of a site of 18S–5.8S–25S rRNA genes. A site of 5S rRNA genes was observed on one of the other chromosomes. Relatively large DAPI/C-bands were mainly localized in the pericentromeric regions of the chromosomes. DAPI/C-banding patterns allowed us to identify all the chromosomes in the karyotype of M. crystallinum. The methylation of euchromatic chromosome regions was weaker as compared with heterochromatic DAPI/C-bands, which were hypermethylated. The obtained results may provide opportunities for investigating, at the chromosomal level, the genomic changes occurring in M. crystallinum either under salin...

Blood-stream infections (BSI) remain a major health challenge, with an increasing incidence worldwide and a high mortality rate. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics can reduce BSI-related morbidity and mortality, but success requires rapid identification of the infecting organisms. The rapid, culture-independent diagnosis of BSI could be significantly facilitated by straightforward isolation of highly purified bacteria from whole blood. We present a microfluidic-based, sample-preparation system that rapidly and selectively lyses all blood cells while it extracts intact bacteria for downstream analysis. Whole blood is exposed to a mild detergent, which lyses most blood cells, and then to osmotic shock using deionized water, which eliminates the remaining white blood cells. The recovered bacteria are 100 % viable, which opens up possibilities for performing drug susceptibility tests and for nucleic-acid-based molecular identification.

In quadrupeds, the most critical aspect of postural control during locomotion is lateral stability. However, neural mechanisms underlying lateral stability are poorly understood. Here, we studied lateral stability in decerebrate cats walking on a treadmill with their hindlimbs. Two destabilizing factors were used: a brief lateral push of the cat and a sustained lateral tilt of the treadmill. It was found that the push caused considerable trunk bending and twisting, as well as changes in the stepping pattern, but did not lead to falling. Due to postural reactions, locomotion with normal body configuration was restored in a few steps. It was also found that the decerebrate cat could keep balance during locomotion on the laterally tilted treadmill. This postural adaptation was based on the transformation of the symmetrical locomotor pattern into an asymmetrical one, with different functional lengths of the right and left limbs. Then, we analyzed limb and trunk neural mechanisms contributing to postural control during locomotion. It was found that one of the limb mechanisms operates in the transfer phase and secures a standard (relative to the trunk) position for limb landing. Two other limb mechanisms operate in the stance phase; they counteract distortions of the locomotor pattern by regulating the limb stiffness. The trunk configuration mechanism controls the body shape on the basis of sensory information coming from trunk afferents. We suggest that postural reactions generated by these four mechanisms are integrated, thus forming a response of the whole system to perturbation of balance during locomotion.

The application of DNA intercalator 9-aminoacridine allowed us to increase the resolution of chromosome C-banding and DAPI-banding patterns and to investigate chromosomal polymorphism in karyotypes of seven spring and six winter rape varieties. It was shown that the pericentromeric and intercalary C-bands of most of the chromosomes in spring rape were smaller in size and less polymorphic than those of winter rape. More 26S and 5S rDNA sites were found in the winter rape karyotypes than the spring varieties. Separate or colocalized 26S and 5S rDNA sites were revealed on chromosomes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 14, 15, 16 and 18. Intervarietal and intravarietal polymorphism of the number and chromosomal localization of rDNA sites were detected. The generalized idiogram of chromosomes of 13 Brassica napus varieties with account of all possibilities of C-banding patterns as well as localization of 26S and 5S rDNA sites were constructed. Polymorphism of the examined molecular and cytogenetic markers as well as the heterozygosis level of FAE1.1 gene controlling erucic acid synthesis in rapeseed was higher in the winter varieties than in the spring ones. The obtained data were in a satisfactory agreement with increased tolerance to environmental stress conditions of winter rape.

Forward locomotion has been extensively studied in different vertebrate animals, and the principal role of spinal mechanisms in the generation of this form of locomotion has been demonstrated. Vertebrate animals, however, are capable of other forms of locomotion, such as backward walking and swimming, sideward walking, and crawling. Do the spinal mechanisms play a principal role in the generation of these forms of locomotion? We addressed this question in lampreys, which are capable of five different forms of locomotion - fast forward swimming, slow forward swimming, backward swimming, forward crawling, and backward crawling. To induce locomotion in lampreys spinalised at the second gill level, we used either electrical stimulation of the spinal cord at different rostrocaudal levels, or tactile stimulation of specific cutaneous receptive fields from which a given form of locomotion could be evoked in intact lampreys. We found that any of the five forms of locomotion could be evoked in the spinal lamprey by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, and some of them by tactile stimulation. These results suggest that spinal mechanisms in the lamprey, in the absence of phasic supraspinal commands, are capable of generating the basic pattern for all five forms of locomotion observed in intact lampreys. In spinal lampreys, the direction of swimming did not depend on the site of spinal cord stimulation, but on the stimulation strength. The direction of crawling strongly depended on the body configuration. The spinal structures presumably activated by spinal cord stimulation and causing different forms of locomotion are discussed.

Postural limb reflexes (PLRs) represent a substantial component of the postural system responsible for stabilization of dorsal-side-up trunk orientation in quadrupeds. Spinalization causes spinal shock, that is a dramatic reduction of extensor tone and spinal reflexes, including PLRs. The goal of our study was to determine changes in activity of spinal interneurons, in particular those mediating PLRs, that is caused by spinalization. For this purpose, in decerebrate rabbits, activity of individual interneurons from L5 was recorded during stimulation causing PLRs under two conditions: (1) when neurons received supraspinal influences and (2) when these influences were temporarily abolished by a cold block of spike propagation in spinal pathways at T12 (“reversible spinalization”; RS). The effect of RS, that is a dramatic reduction of PLRs, was similar to the effect of surgical spinalization. In the examined population of interneurons (n= 199), activity of 84% of them correlated with PLRs, suggesting that they contribute to PLR generation. RS affected differently individual neurons: the mean frequency decreased in 67% of neurons, increased in 15%, and did not change in 18%. Neurons with different RS effects were differently distributed across the spinal cord: 80% of inactivated neurons were located in the intermediate area and ventral horn, whereas 50% of nonaffected neurons were located in the dorsal horn. We found a group of neurons that were coactivated with extensors during PLRs before RS and exhibited a dramatic (>80%) decrease in their activity during RS. We suggest that these neurons are responsible for reduction of extensor tone and postural reflexes during spinal shock.

In lampreys, stretch receptor neurons (SRNs) are located at the margins of the spinal cord and activated by longitudinal stretch in that area caused by body bending. The aim of this study was a comprehensive analysis of motor responses to bending of the lamprey body in different planes and at different rostrocaudal levels. For this purpose, in vitro preparation of the spinal cord isolated together with notochord was used, and responses to bending were recorded from SRNs, as well as from motoneurons innervating the dorsal (dMNs) and ventral (vMNs) parts of a myotome. It was found that SRNs were activated on the convex (stretched) side of the preparation during bending both in the yaw and in the pitch plane. By contrast, responses of motoneurons depended on the site and plane of bending. In the yaw plane, concave responses to bending of rostral segments and convex responses to bending of mid-body segments prevailed. In the pitch plane, convex responses in dMNs and concave responses in vMNs to bending in mid-body segments prevailed. These spinal reflexes could contribute to feedback regulation of locomotor body undulations and to the control of body configuration during locomotion. After a longitudinal split of the spinal cord, only convex responses in motoneurons were present, suggesting an important role of contralateral networks in determining the type of motor response. Stimulation of the brainstem changed the type of motor response to bending, suggesting that these spinal reflexes can be modified by supraspinal signals in accordance with different motor behaviors. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3847–3862, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In quadrupeds, acute lateral hemisection of the spinal cord (LHS) severely impairs postural functions, which recover over time. Postural limb reflexes (PLRs) represent a substantial component of postural corrections in intact animals. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of acute LHS on two populations of spinal neurons (F and E) mediating PLRs. For this purpose, in decerebrate rabbits, responses of individual neurons from L5 to stimulation causing PLRs were recorded before and during reversible LHS (caused by temporal cold block of signal transmission in lateral spinal pathways at L1), as well as after acute surgical LHS at L1. Results obtained after Sur-LHS were compared to control data obtained in our previous study. We found that acute LHS caused disappearance of PLRs on the affected side. It also changed a proportion of different types of neurons on that side. A significant decrease and increase in the proportion of F- and non-modulated neurons, respectively, was found. LHS caused a significant decrease in most parameters of activity in F-neurons located in the ventral horn on the lesioned side and in E-neurons of the dorsal horn on both sides. These changes were caused by a significant decrease in the efficacy of posture-related sensory input from the ipsilateral limb to F-neurons, and from the contralateral limb to both F- and E-neurons. These distortions in operation of postural networks underlie the impairment of postural control after acute LHS, and represent a starting point for the subsequent recovery of postural functions.

Postural limb reflexes (PLRs) represent a substantial component of postural corrections. Spinalization results in loss of postural functions, including disappearance of PLRs. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of acute spinalization on two populations of spinal neurons (F and E) mediating PLRs, which we characterized previously. For this purpose, in decerebrate rabbits spinalized at T12, responses of interneurons from L5 to stimulation causing PLRs before spinalization, were recorded. The results were compared to control data obtained in our previous study. We found that spinalization affected the distribution of F- and E-neurons across the spinal grey matter, caused a significant decrease in their activity, as well as disturbances in processing of posture-related sensory inputs. A two-fold decrease in the proportion of F-neurons in the intermediate grey matter was observed. Location of populations of F- and E-neurons exhibiting significant decrease in their activity was determined. A dramatic decrease of the efficacy of sensory input from the ipsilateral limb to F-neurons and from the contralateral limb to E-neurons was found. These changes in operation of postural networks underlie the loss of postural control after spinalization and represent a starting point for the development of spasticity.

Signaling through both angiotensin AT1 receptors (AT1R) and dopamine D1 receptors (D1R) modulates renal sodium excretion and arterial BP. AT1R and D1R form heterodimers, but whether treatment with AT1R antagonists functionally modifies D1R via allosterism is unknown. In this study, the AT1R antagonist losartan strengthened the interaction between AT1R and D1R and increased expression of D1R on the plasma membrane in vitro. In rat proximal tubule cells that express endogenous AT1R and D1R, losartan increased cAMP generation. Losartan increased cAMP in HEK 293a cells transfected with both AT1R and D1R, but it did not increase cAMP in cells transfected with either receptor alone, suggesting that losartan induces D1R activation. Furthermore, losartan did not increase cAMP in HEK 293a cells expressing AT1R and mutant S397/S398A D1R, which disrupts the physical interaction between AT1R and D1R. In vivo, administration of a D1R antagonist significantly attenuated the antihypertensive effect of losartan in rats with renal hypertension. Taken together, these data imply that losartan might exert its antihypertensive effect both by inhibiting AT1R signaling and by enhancing D1R signaling.

Karyotypes of Entedon cionobius Thomson, 1878 and E. cioni Thomson, 1878 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were studied using DNA-binding ligands with different base specificity (propidium iodide, chromomycin A3, methyl green and DAPI; all these ligands, except for the last one, were used for the first time in parasitic wasps), C-banding, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a 45S rDNA probe and 5-methylcytosine immunodetection. Female karyotypes of both species contain five pairs of relatively large metacentric chromosomes and a pair of smaller acrocentric chromosomes (2n = 12). As in many other Hymenoptera, males of both Entedon Dalman, 1820 species have haploid chromosome sets (n = 6). Fluorochrome staining revealed chromosome-specific banding patterns that were similar between the different fluorochromes, except for the CMA3- and PI-positive and DAPI-negative band in the pericentromeric regions of the long arms of both acrocentric chromosomes. The obtained banding patterns were virtually identical in both species and allowed for the identification of each individual chromosome. C-banding revealed a pattern similar to DAPI staining, although centromeric and telomeric regions were stained more intensively using the former technique. FISH detected a single rDNA site in the same position on the acrocentric chromosomes as the bright CMA3-positive band. Immunodetection of 5-methylcytosine that was performed for the first time in the order Hymenoptera revealed 5-methylcytosine-rich sites in the telomeric, centromeric and certain interstitial regions of most of the chromosomes.

A comparative cytogenetic study of two introduced forms of Makleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. = syn. Bocconia cordata Willd. grown in different ecological and geographical regions (Moscow and Donetsk areas) was carried out. In the study, a complex of methods utilizing various chromosomal markers, i.e., C- and DAPI-banding technique, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes of 26S and 5S rDNA, as well as estimation of the total area of C-positive regions (C-HCH) in prophase nucleoli and meiosis analysis, was used. In the karyotypes (2n = 20), each chromosome was identified on the basis of C-banding and FISH patterns and the chromosome ideograms were built. Pericentrometric and telomeric C-positive bands in chromosomes of the Moscow form karyotype were found to be smaller and intercalary bands, larger than the corresponding bands in the M. cordata form grown in Donetsk. It was found that the content of C-HCH in prophase nucleoli in the form of M. cordata grown in Donetsk was higher than in the form grown in Moscow. In both forms sites of 26S rDNA and 5s rDNA were localized on satellite chromosome 1 and on chromosome 4 respectively but the signals were more intensive in the plant form grown in Donetsk. The results of this study enable selecting M. cordata forms for use in pharmacology and recommending them for cultivation in various ecological and geographical regions.

The activity of the motor cortex during locomotion is profoundly modulated in the rhythm of strides. The source of modulation is not known. In this study we examined the activity of one of the major sources of afferent input to the motor cortex, the ventrolateral thalamus (VL). Experiments were conducted in chronically implanted cats with an extracellular single-neuron recording technique. VL neurons projecting to the motor cortex were identified by antidromic responses. During locomotion, the activity of 92% of neurons was modulated in the rhythm of strides; 67% of cells discharged one activity burst per stride, a pattern typical for the motor cortex. The characteristics of these discharges in most VL neurons appeared to be well suited to contribute to the locomotion-related activity of the motor cortex. In addition to simple locomotion, we examined VL activity during walking on a horizontal ladder, a task that requires vision for correct foot placement. Upon transition from simple to ladder locomotion, the activity of most VL neurons exhibited the same changes that have been reported for the motor cortex, i.e., an increase in the strength of stride-related modulation and shortening of the discharge duration. Five modes of integration of simple and ladder locomotion-related information were recognized in the VL. We suggest that, in addition to contributing to the locomotion-related activity in the motor cortex during simple locomotion, the VL integrates and transmits signals needed for correct foot placement on a complex terrain to the motor cortex.

During locomotion, neurons in motor cortex exhibit profound step-related frequency modulation. The source of this modulation is unclear. The aim of this study was to reveal the contribution of different limb controllers (locomotor mechanisms of individual limbs) to the periodic modulation of motor cortex neurons during locomotion. Experiments were conducted in chronically instrumented cats. The activity of single neurons was recorded during regular quadrupedal locomotion (control), as well as when only one pair of limbs (fore, hind, right, or left) was walking while another pair was standing. Comparison of the modulation patterns in these neurons (their discharge profile with respect to the step cycle) during control and different bipedal locomotor tasks revealed several groups of neurons that receive distinct combinations of inputs from different limb controllers. In the majority (73%) of neurons from the forelimb area of motor cortex, modulation during control was determined exclusively by forelimb controllers (right, left, or both), while in the minority (27%), hindlimb controllers also contributed. By contrast, only in 30% of neurons from the hindlimb area was modulation determined exclusively by hindlimb controllers (right or both), while in 70% of them, the controllers of forelimbs also contributed. We suggest that such organization of inputs allows the motor cortex to contribute to the right–left limbs' coordination within each of the girdles during locomotion, and that it also allows hindlimb neurons to participate in coordination of the movements of the hindlimbs with those of the forelimbs.