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The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method, cytogenetic analysis, and investigation of egg exochorion have indicated that three representatives of the Anopheles maculipennis complex (subgenus Anopheles): An artemievi Gordeev et al., An. messeae Falleroni, and An. marinius Shingarev. An. messeae is a European-Siberian species that has extended the southern border of its habitat and has been distributed in the south of Kazakhstan and in the north of Kyrgyzstan. In, Kyrgyzstan, An. messeae inhabiting the plains of Europe and Siberia is encountered rather high up in the mountains: the highest point where this species is found is at 1,879 m above sea level. An. artemievi is present in the highland and piedmont regions of Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, southern Kazakhstan, and northern Tajikistan) and in the intermountain basins (Naryn and Fergana ones). The single finding of this species is in south-eastern Turkmenistan. On the contrary, An. martinius tends to be in the plains and occurs in north-eastern Turkmenistan, Karakalpakstan, and Kazakhstan (Kzyl-Orda). On the other hand, a population of this species is found in proximity to the foothills of the Gissar Range in the east of Uzbekistan. An.maculipennis s.str. is not seen in Central Asia. Early evidence for the presence of both An. maculipennis s.str. and An. martinius in Kopet Dag (Southern Turkmenistan) is rather questionable. It is not improbable that these data are appropriate for either the newly described species An.persiensis or the scientifically new representative of the An. maculipennis complex.

Objective: Lipoprotein(a) - Lp(a) is an independent risk factor of atherosclerosis and its complications. In spite of the long period of Lp(a) research there is no complete understanding of its physiological role and atherogenic action. The goal of this study was to investigate the presence in human plasma of circulating autoantibodies to Lp(a) belonging to different classes of immunoglobulins, and to elucidate their relationship to the presence and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in middle aged patients with coronary heart disease., Material and Methods: Autoantibodies to Lp(a) and LDL level were measured in 97 men with quantitative angiography data. Among these patients 17 had intact vessels and 80 had stenoses >50% in 1 or more large coronary arteries., Results: Lp(a) level in patients with coronary atherosclerosis (CA) was significantly higher (median 19.0 [95%CI 12.9-27.3] mg/dl) than in patients without CA (median 10.2 [95%CI 4.5-18.3] mg/dl, p=0.05). Level of IgG autoantibodies to Lp(a) was also elevated in patients with verified CA (264 ± 188 and 187 ± 59 RLU, respectively, p=0,003). Correlation analysis showed significant association between Lp(a) concentration and presence of CA (r=0.20, p=0.05). Level of antibodies against Lp(a) correlated with the quantity of affected coronary arteries (r=0.27, p=0.008)., Conclusion: Plasma concentration of Lp(a) as well as elevated level of autoantibodies to Lp(a) were associated with the presence and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in examined patients.

Background: Omega-3 fatty acids in free fatty acid form have enhanced bioavailability, and plasma levels are less influenced by food than for ethyl ester forms., Objective: The aim was to evaluate the safety and lipid-altering efficacy in subjects with severe hypertriglyceridemia of an investigational pharmaceutical omega-3 free fatty acid (OM3-FFA) containing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid., Methods: This was a multinational, double-blind, randomized, out-patient study. Men and women with triglycerides (TGs) ≥ 500 mg/dL, but <2000 mg/dL, took control (olive oil [OO] 4 g/d; n = 99), OM3-FFA 2 g/d (plus OO 2 g/d; n = 100), OM3-FFA 3 g/d (plus OO 1 g/d; n = 101), or OM3-FFA 4 g/d (n = 99) capsules for 12 weeks in combination with the National Cholesterol Education Program Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet., Results: Fasting serum TGs changed from baseline by -25.9% (P < .01 vs OO), -25.5% (P < .01 vs OO), and -30.9% (P < .001 vs OO) with 2, 3, and 4 g/d OM3-FFA, respectively, compared with -4.3% with OO. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), total cholesterol-to-HDL-C ratio, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, remnant-like particle cholesterol, apolipoprotein CIII, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, and arachidonic acid were significantly lowered (P < .05 at each OM3-FFA dosage vs OO); and plasma eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were significantly elevated (P < .001 at each OM3-FFA dosage vs OO). With OM3-FFA 2 and 4 g/d (but not 3 g/d), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased compared with OO (P < .05 vs OO). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein responses with OM3-FFA did not differ significantly from the OO response at any dosage. Fewer subjects reported any adverse event with OO vs OM3-FFA, but frequencies across dosage groups were similar. Discontinuation due to adverse event, primarily gastrointestinal, ranged from 5% to 7% across OM3-FFA dosage groups vs 0% for OO., Conclusions: OM3-FFA achieved the primary end point for TG lowering and secondary end point of non-HDL-C lowering at 2, 3, and 4 g/d in persons with severe hypertriglyceridemia. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01242527., (Copyright © 2014 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We studied effect of cascade plasma filtration on subfractions of low density lipoproteins (LDL) in 16 patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and hyperlipidemias refractory to drug therapy. The procedure caused 37.6 ± 1.4%, 43.1 ± 2.5%, and 50.9 ± 1.4% lowering of total, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B-100, respectively. The use of filters led to removal of larger less atherogenic LDL-1 and LDL-2 subfractions with relative accumulation of small dense LDL-3, LDL-4, and LDL-5 subfractions. Lowering of concentrations of all LDL subfractions was caused by specific LDL apheresis by immunosorbtion in 4 patients with IHD. Removal of small dense LDL was more effective than that of large less atherogenic LDL-1 and LDL-2 subfraction. Thus we found differences in spectrum of LDL removed by cascade plasma filtration and immunosorbtion. The use of filters was associated with less effective removal of most atherogenic small dense LDL than of large LDL particles what led to redistribution of concentrations of various LDL subfractions towards atherogenic profile of lipoproteins. These results could constitute a basis for revision of methods of conduct of cascade plasma filtration procedures in patients with IHD.

In the last 3 years, the malaria situation has considerably improved in the CIS countries: Three CIS countries, such as Turkmenistan, Armenia, and Kazakhstan, received the malaria-free status (in 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively) confirmed by the WHO certificate; Azerbaijan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan are in the elimination period. Despite the continuing intensive migration of CIS citizens to Russia, its malaria situation has been favorable, which is associated with the significant reduction of imported infection cases among migrants.

The article deals with specification of technique of immune-enzyme analysis to detect autoantibodies to beta-adrenergic receptors (beta1-AP) using compound of oligopeptids representing the fragmentations of extracellular sites beta1-AP and chimeric molecule of extracellular section of receptor This technique significantly exceeds the analogues defined in publications by its sensitivity and correlation with diagnosis.

Five species of malaria mosquitoes: An. artemievi, An. claviger, An. hyrcanus, An. superpictus, and An. pulcherrimus were found in North Tajikistan in 2006 - 2007. Species affiliation was identified according to the morphological signs of their larvae and imagoes, and by using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. There was a larger number of An. hyrcanus (34%), An. artemievi (29%), and An. pulcherrimus (24%) and a smaller number of An. superpictus (11%); and An. claviger was few (2%). The hatching sites of the above species and the preferred types of their day refuges were found. The intensity of attack of different Anopheles species on humans and animals was studied. Among the North Tajikistan malaria mosquitoes, An. pulcherrimus and An. superpictus are of the greatest epidemiological importance as vehicles for transmission of malaria pathogens. An. artemievi and An. hyrcanus are minor vehicles. At present, An. claviger is of no epidemiological significance in transmitting malaria in North Tajikistan.

Study aim was to investigate the association of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] level with the development of cardiovascular complications in long-term follow-up period after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD) (n = 361, 88% men, mean age 55 +/- 9 years) who had had CABG were included in the study. Before surgery we assessed presence of classical risk factors, left ventricular ejection fraction, concentrations of lipids and Lp(a) in blood serum. During follow-up (from 1 to 140, mean 66 +/- 34 months) we registered cardiac deaths, nonfatal myocardial infarctions (MI), strokes, repeat procedures of revascularization, and hospitalizations due to relapse or progression of angina pectoris. Information on prognosis was obtained from 263 patients. In 109 of them we registered 142 serious events including cardiac death n = 20 (14%), nonfatal MI n = 14 (10%), myocardial revascularization (n = 35), 29 (20%) with stenting), repeat CABG n = 6 (4%), hospitalization due to angina pectoris n = 53 (37%), stroke n = 4 (3%), noncardiac outcome n = 16 (10%). In subjects with hyperlipidemia (a) [HLp(a) - Lp(a) > 30 mg/l] survival after CABG was lower (log rank p < 0.001): 11 of 93 (11.3%) and 9 of 170 (5.2%) patients died among those with Lp(a) > 30 and < 30 mg/I, respectively. Relative risk (RR) of any cardiovascular complication was 3.24 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.18 to 4.83, p < 0.001), of death - 2.89 (95% CI 1.31 to 6.35, p < 0.01), and of MI A 1.01 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.02; p = 0.02). RR of development of MI and cardiac death in patients with HLp(a) in 5 years was 2.61 (95% CI 1.11 to 5.74; p = 0.02), in 10 years - 2.95 (95% CI 1.50 to 5.79; p < 0.001). In patients with chronic IHD high level of Lp(a) can serve as independent predictor of unfavorable events including death and nonfatal MI during 10 years after CABG.

Plaque complication depends on its composition and phenotype rather than on the degree of stenosis. Plaque rupture predominantly occurs in areas with large lipid core rich in cholesterol and thin fibrous cap. Features of unstable atheromas are mostly described in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The aim of our study was to assess the plaque characterization and arterial remodeling process in non-significant stenoses of patients with chronic coronary heart disease (CHD) using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) radiofrequency (RF) data. Methods. The study included 22 stable patients (68% men, mean age 54+/-6 years) with CHD and clinical indications for coronary angiography (CAG). Diameter stenosis of the target coronary artery for IVUS procedure had to be less than 60%. Thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) was defined as plaque burden &gt;40% and amount of NC &gt;10% without detectable overlying fibrous cap segment. Results. Sample size calculations based on the IVUS evaluation showed 54 atheromas in 29 target arteries. Features of vulnerability determined as TCFA were detected in 14 (26%) lesions. Compared with stable lesions VPs were associated with a greater plaque burden (48.5+/-8.0 mm2 vs 55.8+/-9.3 mm2, p=0.03), larger quantity of necrotic core (37.1+/-9.1% vs 24.0+/-12.6%, p=0.0045) and calcium content (22.7+/-8.5% vs 5.6+/-5.2%, p&lt;0.000l), and less fibrous component (34.8+/-7.0% vs 60.4+/-12.4%, p&lt;0.0001), respectively. Significant correlation was obtained between positive remodeling (defined as remodeling index &gt;1.05) and NC percent area (r=0.389. p=0.005). Conclusion. In chronic CHD patients about 25% of atherosclerotic lesions responsible for less than 60% stenosis could be classified as vulnerable plaques. These borderline lesions contain more necrotic and calcium components compared with stable plaques, and are associated with positive arterial remodeling.

Purpose: To assess effects of niacin on risk factors of atherosclerosis in men with coronary heart disease (CHD) and high lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels., Material and Methods: Sixty men (mean age 54+/-6 years) with angiographic evidence of CHD were randomized into two groups. Active group (n=30) received extended release nicotinic acid 1500 mg, control group consisted of remaining 30 patients. All patients received basic therapy with atorvastatin 10-40 mg qd. Blood samples were collected for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Lp(a), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PL-2), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), complex of tissue-type plasminogen activator with plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (tPA/PAI-1). Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) was measured at baseline and after 6-months therapy., Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the clinical and biochemical characteristics. During the study lipid profile data were within the target levels. In the active group median percent decrease of Lp(a) level was 23% (from 84+/-40 to 67+/-25 mg/dl after 6 weeks and up to 65+/-37 mg/dl after 6 months of treatment, p<0.01); LDL-C, TG, tPA/PAI-1, and Lp-PL-2 mass levels decreased by 25, 20, 25, and 32%, respectively; HDL-C increased by 16% (p<0.05 vs baseline, respectively). Nicotinic acid treatment produced statistically significant reduction nicotinic acid of the mean CIMT (right: 0.83+/-0.16 vs 0.77+/-0.17 mm, p<0.05; left: 0.88+/-0.21 vs 0.82+/-0.17, p<0.05). In control group no changes of CIMT or blood tests were observed., Conclusion: In men with CHD and Lp(a) excess of addition to atorvastatin results in regression of CIMT on an average of 0.06 mm in 6 months. Such rapid and significant effect on the arterial wall structure can be attributed to the complex influence of nicotinic acid on Lp(a), lipids, Lp-PL-2 and thrombogenic factors. This is the first study providing the evidence of using Lp(a) as one of therapeutic targets in patients with high Lp(a) levels for achieving beneficial effect on a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis.

The results of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis, obtained after treatment of PCR-products with restriction endonuclease CfoI, could identify two members of the Anopheles maculipennis complex: An. maculipennis and An. artemievi. Treatment of amplification products with restriction endonuclease BsuI gave rise to fragment lengths of 192 and 218 bp, characteristic of An. artemievi, in the populations of the Talas (settlement of Kizil-Adyr, Kara-Bura District), Dzhelalabad (towns of Tashkumyr and Kara-Kul), and Osh (town of Gulcha, Alai District; village of Langar, Kara-Suisky District) Regions. After treatment of PCR-products with restriction endonuclease BstACI, fragment lengths of 292 and 150 bp, characteristic of An. messeae, were obtained for the mosquitoes of Issyk-Kul (town of Balykchi) and Naryn (settlement of Kochkorka, Kochkor District) Regions. To identify the molecular forms of An. superpictus, the investigators sequenced the amplification products obtained by PCR with 5.8S and 28S rRNA gene-specific primers. Analysis of the primary structure of the second internal transcribed spacer, by using the international databases, has indicated that molecular form X is prevalent in the study districts of Kyrgyzstan. The COI-COII region of the mitochondrial genome of the vector also underwent PCR-RFLP analysis. Three new haplotypes with restriction patterns of about 540, 420, 200, 150, 140 bp, about 540, 360, 280, 150, 140 bp, and about 580, 540, and 150, 140 bp have been identified along with the previously described haplotype X characterized by restriction products of 540, 420, 260, 150, and 140 bp in length.

Molecular genetic analysis of malaria vectors in the Republic of Azerbaijan has identified three species of malaria mosquitoes of the Anopheles maculipennis complex: An. maculipennis, An. sacharovi, and An. persiensis. An. melanoon has not been found. An. sacharovi has been ascertained to predominate in the low-lying areas of the country. An. maculipennis prevails in the north, on the foothills of the Great Caucasus and it is also observed in the south, on the Talysh foothills and mountains. An. persiensis has been first recorded for the malaria mosquito fauna in the CNS. This species has been detected only in the south of the republic (Lenkoran and Astar districts).

Anopheles artemievi (a member of An. maculipennis complex species) described from the Transfergana region (South Kyrgyzstan) in 2004 was first found in the Lebap veloyat (Eastern Turkmenistan). A single larva of this species was collected together with An. superpictus in the irrigation channel of a rice field. Species affiliation has been proven by a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. This species is to be included into a list of Anopheles species of Turkmenistan.

The results of morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular genetic analyses of malaria mosquitoes from Armenia have indicated that two representatives of the maculipennis complex, such as An. maculipennis s.s. and An. sacharovi, inhabit in the blotopes under study. The predominant species is An. maculipennis that is present in all the examined habitats. This species accounts for 15.5% of all the mosquitoes of the maculipennis complex. An. sacharovi has been found only in the Ararat valley where its proportion varies from 25 to 91.7%. Morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular genetic criteria are shown to be used to determine the warrior species of the maculipennis complex in Armenia.

Aim: To determine distribution of different atherosclerosis risk factors and their correlation with severity of coronary arteries (CA) affection in young men., Material and Methods: A total of 235 males aged 28-45 years were examined with coronarography which detected more than 50% narrowing in one or several major CA in 200 patients (the study group with coronary artery disease), 35 males without coronary stenosis served control. Atherosclerosis risk factors, serum lipids, lipoprotein(a), fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed., Results: Smoking and hyperlipidemia (HLE) were registered in the study group more frequently. The level of lipoprotein(a) above 30 mg/dl was recorded in 98 (49%) and 7 (20%) patients of the study and control group, respectively (p = 0.001). As shown by a correlation analysis, the number of affected CA was associated with smoking (r = 0.2; p < 0.001), HLE (r = 0.23; p < 0.001), concentration of total cholesterol (r = 0.23; p < 0.0.001), lipoprotein (a) (r = 0.26; p < 0.001) and CRP (r = 0.26; p < 0.05). The level of lipoprotein(a) in patients with myocardial infarction and occluded artery was significantly higher than in patients without myocardial infarction and non-occlusive CA affection., Conclusion: The presence and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in young men with coronary artery disease are associated with smoking, HLE and high concentration of lipoprotein (a).

Morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular genetic studies of the Anopheles fauna in the valley and foothills of the Tien Shan identified 5 species of malaria mosquitoes: An. artemievi Gordeev et al., An. messeae Fall, An. claviger Meigen, An. hyrcanus Pallas, An. pulcherrimus Theobald, and superpictus Grassi. An. claviger, An. hyrcanus, and An. messeae were prevalent in the Northern Tien-Shan. An. artemievi, An. claviger, An. hyrcanus, An. messeae, and An. superpictus were detected in the Western Tien Shan. An. artemievi was first recorded in Kazakhstan. An. artemievi, An. claviger, and An. superpictus were noted in the Inferior Tien Shan. An. messeae was first observed in the Issyk Kul hollow. An. artemievi, An. claviger, and An. superpictus were habitants of the foothills of the South-Western Tien Shan. An. artemievi, An. hyrcanus, An. superpictus, and An. pulcherrimus were in the plain. An. pulcherrimus and An. superpicts mosquitoes are regarded as important vectors in the new malaria foci of the Fergana regions. The role of An. artemievi in the transmission of malaria is to be specified.

Malaria mosquito larvae and imagoes underwent morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular genetic analyses in West and East Georgia. In the areas under study, the authors identified three related types of malaria mosquitoes of the maculipennis complex: An. maculipennis Meigen, 1818; An. melanoon Hacket, 1934; An. sacharovi Favre, 1903. The authors revealed the types An. maculipennis and An. melanoon in the Kolkhida cavity (West Georgia) and An. maculipennis and An. sacharovi in the Iveria cavity (East Georgia). The morphology of eggs was defined in the study types of mosquitoes. An. melanoon ovipositions similar in the exochorion pattern with An. messeae eggs were found in West Georgia.

The aim of our study was to assess the influence of rosuvastatin on coronary angiogenesis. 30 male patients with chronic coronary heart disease and total cholesterol level > 5.2 mmol/l were treated with rosuvastatin 10 mg daily during 3 months. The serum level of total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG) as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were measured initially and in 3 months. There was the significant decreasing of TC, LDL-C and TG concentrations. IL-6 and CRP serum levels were also decreased after rosuvastatin therapy. Three months of treatment resulted to significant decrease of VEGF with no changes of bFGF levels. The correlation was not found between CRP and VEGF levels and between IL-6 and VEGF levels. Also there was no correlation between the degree of decreasing CRP and VEGF, and IL-6 and VEGF. So we have shown significant decreasing of VEGF serum levels on rosuvastatin therapy. It could be possible mechanism of plaque stabilization in patients with coronary heart disease.

Reaction of parameters of lipid transport system to standard fat load (J.Patsch method), C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen levels were studied in 30 patients with ischemic heart disease before and after 3 months of therapy with atorvastatin (10 mg/day). Atorvastatin therapy resulted in 25, 34, 17 and 16% lowering of concentrations of total cholesterol (CH), low density lipoprotein CH, triglycerides (TG), and apolipoprotein (apo) B, respectively, 6 and 9% elevation of high density lipoprotein CH and apo A-1 levels, respectively. Moreover atorvastatin improved although not completely normalized parameters of postprandial lipemia: significant lowering of baseline (-17%), 3 (-19%) and 6 hour (-14%) post load TG levels was noted. However relative TG elevation from baseline level to 3 and 6 hours after fat load did not change (+100 and 148% before, +95 and 156% after treatment, respectively). Changes of CRP (-22%) and fibrinogen (-8%) were not significant (p>0.05).

Frequency of thyroid gland functional disturbances after introduction of iodine-containing radiographic contrast agents during coronary angiography was studied in 146 patients, residents of the zone of borderline iodine deficit. Frequency of thyroid pathology was high at baseline (39%). Functional state of the thyroid gland was assessed before and 1, 3, 6, 12 months after investigation. During first month after coronary angiography there were several new cases of thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism, as well as deterioration of preexisting functional disturbances of the thyroid. Patients with baseline pathology and functional disturbances of thyroid gland before conduction of coronary angiography should be included into risk group of development of iodine induced states.

Rosuvastatin (10 mg) was given for 3 months to 30 men (mean age 57+/-9 years) with total cholesterol (CH) above 5.2 mmol/l. Questioning, physical examination, registration of ECG, measurement of levels of total, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) CH, and triglycerides (TG), assessment of endothelium-dependent brachial artery dilation were carried out at baseline and in 3 months. It was noted that 3 months therapy with rosuvastatin exerted positive effect on blood lipid spectrum: lowering of concentration of total CH (-31%, baseline 6.52+/-0.92, after therapy 4.47+/-0.96 mmol/l, p<0.0001), TG (-39%, baseline 2.73+/-1.56, after therapy 1.67+/-0.71 mmol/l, p<0.001), LDLCH (-44%, baseline 4.11+/-0.85, after therapy 2.40+/-0.90 mmol/l, p<0.0001), elevation of HDLCH (+6%, baseline 1.15+/-0.27, after therapy 1.22+/-0.34 mmol/l, p=0.08). Target LDL CH level (<2.6 mmol/l) was achieved in 23 patients (77%). Significant lowering of concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) (-56%) and interleukin 6 (-25%) was also established. Before beginning of therapy mean flow dependent dilation was 6.1+/-1.64%, after therapy -- 10.4+/-5.0% (p<0.05). Treatment of men with ischemic heart disease with rosuvastatin (10 mg for 3 months) led to achievement of target values of LDLCH in 77% of them, to significant lowering of concentrations of CRP and interleukin 6, and to improvement of endothelial function.

Five malaria mosquitoes were identified in the Amudarya river valley. An. pulcherrimus, An. martinius, An. superpictus, and An. hyrcanus inhabit in the plain of the valley. An. superpictus, An. pulcherrimus, An. hyrcanus, and An. claviger occur in the head of the Amudarya river. The nucleotide composition of the second inner transcribed spacer (ITS2) of ribosomal DNA and the locus of cytochromoxidase I (COI) of mitochondrial DNA was determined in the closely related species An. martinius and An. artemievi. It is shown that the loci in question may be used to diagnose twin species of the maculipennis complex.

Malaria was not notified in the republic in 1960 to 1982, with exception of 1963 where one case of imported malaria was identified. Twenty-four cases of locally transmitted malaria were detected, 11 of them being registered in the Batken district, Osh Region, contiguous with Tadjikistan and Uzbekistan. In 1981 to 2000, a total of 101 cases of malaria were notified, in 2001 there was an increase in cases of malaria to 136, while in 2002, a total of 2744 cases of malaria were registered mainly in the Fergana valley. Malaria was imported from Tadjikistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. The infectious agent of malaria was P. vivax in 98% of cases and P. falciparum in 2%. The high malarial potential areas are the Osh, Zhalalabat, and Batken Regions and town of Osh. In 2002, the investigators identified patients with malaria, made its chloroquine eliminating treatment, seasonal chemoprevention of some 5000 dwellers of the Leilek District of the Batken Region contiguous with Tadjikistan, and larvicidal treatments of water reservoirs and rice checks with dimilin. Almost 1,988,000 m2 of premises were treated with Solfac. Mosquito fishes were placed into more water reservoirs in 2003. In 2003 there was a tendency for a decrease in the incidence of malaria, as compared with 2002, which may be ascribed to the small size of vectors, which is due to the cold spring and cool June and July. In 2003, there were treatments of premises, mosquito fish enrichment of water reservoirs, interseasonal chemoprophylaxis of patients who experienced malaria in 2002; impregnated bed curtains were available to protect the dwellers of foci from mosquito bites.

RAPD-analysis was used to estimate intraspecies-specific variability in malaria mosquitoes, the major vectors of malaria in Central Asia. The high heterogeneity of RAPD-loci was found in 7 populations of An. superpictus and 2 populations of An. pulcherrimus. Genetic distances between the populations were determined on the basis of analysis of the frequencies of 15 RAPD-loci. There was a genetic similarity of An. superpictus populations in the malaria foci of Tadjikistan with those in the neighboring Surkhandariya Region of Uzbekistan.

The paper describes the new species Anopheles artemievi belonging to a complex of the species maculipennis that may play an important role in the transmission of malaria in both the Fergana area and the Fergana valley. In terms of the morphological signs of imagoes, larvae, and the composition of the egg exochorion, the new species is the twin of An. sacharovi Favre and An. mihrtinius Shingarev. According to the pattern of polytene chromosomal disks, the described type is identical to An. maculipennis Meigen. The structure of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of a cluster of ribosomal genes in An. artemievi is species-specific and, in its nucleotide composition, differs from that in related species. The sequence of ITS2 in the new species has been registered at the GeneBank under No. AJ849886 and it is 419 p.n. The length of ITS2 in An. maculipennis and A. martinius is equal to 422 p.n. (AY238435) and 447 p.n. (AJ849885), respectively. The sequences of ITS in An. artemievi and An. maculipennis are 91% homologous; those in An. artemievi and An. martinius are 87% homologous. The nucleotide composition of ITS2 in An. artemievi differs from that in An. maculipennis in three deletions, 1 insertion, and 18 point substitutions and from that in An. martinius in 12 insertions, 2 deletions, and 40 point substitutions. The standard-type series is as follows: Kyrghyzstan, Batkensk Region, Leileksky district, Alga settlement, a cowshed, 1 male-holotype, l female-allotype. The paratypes are 2 males, 6 females.

The species and karyotypical composition of malaria mosquitoes in Moscow and in the Moscow Region have been examined. A cytogenetic analysis in the Moscow Region has revealed 3 types of malaria mosquitoes: Anopheles claviger Mg., An. maculipennis Mg., and An. messeae Fall. An. messeae predominates in the Solnechnogorsk and Noginsk Regions, An. maculipennis prevails in the Ramensk and Serpukhov Regions. In the combined habitats, the ratio of two predominant types has been ascertained to vary during a season. The proportion of An. maculipennis increases by the end of summer and decreases during hibernation. The more northern type of An. messeae has been shown to be superior to An. maculipennis in fertility. Thus, the increased relative size of An. maculipennis during summer is due to the higher viability of the larvae of this type. In the Moscow water reservoirs, the larvae of both types develop concurrently; the proportion of An. messeae is 89.8%. The high level of chromosomal variability was found in the urban populations of An. messeae by the inversions of XL1, XL3, 2R1, 3R1. A role of chromosomal variability in the adaptation of mosquitoes to urban conditions is discussed.

Concentrations of interleukins 6 and 10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, transforming growth factor beta and C-reactive protein were measured in 42 patients before and in remote period after coronary stenting. Patients with angiographically documented in-stent restenosis compared with those without restenosis had higher initial levels of interleukin 6 and more often discontinued therapy with statins.

Despite vast investments and strenuous efforts, malaria has been never totally eradicated on the southern borders of the former USSR and Turkey. Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, malaria outbreaks and epidemics were registered in Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Tadjikistan. Although they were contained, it proved impossible to completely interrupt malaria transmission in the countries in question. The present malaria situation illustrates once again that the achievements of malaria eradication programmes in the countries of Europe could not be maintained indefinitely. Since the early 1990's, the incidence of malaria has been on the rise due to the aggravated political and socioeconomic situation, mass population movements, the deployed extensive development projects, and a near-complete discontinuation in activities for malaria prevention and control. Nowadays, we witness a massive return of malaria into the areas of Europe where it has been previously eradicated. The paper discusses the malaria situation in the countries of the Transcaucasian Region and Turkey with particular emphasis on successes and failures of the recent global eradication efforts, on the reasons for and the extent of resurgence of this disease; and on operational research findings concerning the management and prevention of malaria.

The WHO has committed itself to an intensive response to the burden of malaria and, by 1999, had developed a regional strategy as to Roll Back Malaria (RBM) program in the affected countries of the European Region. This strategy is presently being implemented on the ground. Malaria was on the agenda of the recent 52nd Session of the Regional Committee for Europe; and the regional resolution "Scaling up the response to malaria in the WHO European Region" was endorsed by all member states. This paper discusses the progress with RBM in the region and the results achieved and challenges to be addressed in the years ahead.

The species composition of and the indices of predominance of Anopheles mosquitoes were determined in the current foci of malaria in the Republic of Tadjikistan. The predominant types of malaria mosquitoes were An. superpictus, An. pulcherrimus, and An. hypcanus were found to be in the Khatlon Region of Tadjikistan and in the contiguous areas of Uzbekistan. An. superpictus prevailed in the study foci of malaria and, as An. pulcherrimus, were the most dangerous vectors of malaria in the south of the republic. The main vectors of malaria were shown to be An. maculipennis sensu stricto and An. superpictus in the environs of the town of Khudjand, Sogdi Region (Tadjikistan). An. maculipennis was first recorded for Tadjikistan and should be included into the list of malaria mosquitoes of the republic. It is suggested that An. pulcherrimus plays an important role in the spread of malaria in the north of Tadjikistan.

Aim: To study a correlation between lipoprotein(a) [LP(a)], as well as the phenotype of apoprotein(a) [apo(a)] and the presence of intermittent claudication (IC)., Materials and Methods: The study included 25 patients (9 females, 16 males; mean age, 63.4 +/- 8.2 years) and 50 individuals (21 females, 29 males; mean age, 61.3 +/- 6.1 years) of a control group., Results: In the patients, the level of LP(a) was 3 times higher than in the controls (median 39 and 13 mg/dl, respectively; p < 0.01). The low molecular-weight phenotypes of apo(a) occurred significantly more frequently in the patients than those in the controls (62 and 28%, respectively; p = 0.02)., Conclusion: Multifactorial analysis has shown that the level of Lp(a) is an independent and important factor associated with the presence of IC.

Aim: To evaluate in a case-control cross-sectional study whether lipoprotein(a) concentration and apo(a) phenotypes are associated with the presence and severity of coronary and carotid atherosclerosis., Materials and Methods: We have examined 198 male CHD patients (mean age 53 +/- 8) years) with stenosis more than 50% at least in one main coronary artery or its major branches. Duplex scanning was performed in 168 patients to assess the degree of carotid atherosclerosis. Seventy six apparently healthy men (mean age 39 +/- 9 years) formed the control group. Lp(a) concentration was measured by ELISA, apo(a) phenotyping was performed by immunoblotting., Results: Lp(a) level was significantly higher in cases compared to controls: 37 +/- 31 mg/dl vs. 18 +/- 27 mg/dl, p < 0.05. Patients had low-molecular weight apo(a) phenotypes more frequently than controls: 46% vs. 29%, p = 0.01. Patients aged 45 years and younger had low-molecular weight apo(a) phenotypes more frequently than older ones (65% vs. 42%, p < 0.05) and controls (65% vs. 29%, respectively, p = 0.001). High Lp(a) level and low-molecular weight apo(a) phenotypes correlated with presence and number of coronary occlusions., Conclusion: There was association between Lp(a) level, low-molecular weight apo(a) phenotypes and presence, severity, extension of carotid atherosclerosis. No differences in distribution of other CHD risk factors among all subgroups of patients were found.

Plasma sialyltransferase activity measured by incorporation of cytidine 5;-phospho[14C]acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-NeuAc) into asialofetuin was twofold higher in patients with documented atherosclerosis than in healthy donors. Kinetic studies showed that the enzyme affinity for CMP-NeuAc is the same in donors and patients. Low activity of plasma sialyltransferase in donors may be due to low blood content of this enzyme.

The relation between lipoprotein Lp(a) levels, other lipids and severity of coronary atherosclerosis was studied in 281 patients (241 men and 40 women aged 24 to 68 years) with suspected or diagnosed coronary heart disease. All of them underwent coronary angiography. The angiograms were evaluated according to two scores: vessel score (0 to 3 points for 0 to 3 vessels with stenoses > 50%) and stenosis score (0 to 32 points, number and severity of coronary lesions). 224 patients with verified coronary atherosclerosis were grouped according to these scores and compared with subgroup of 57 patients with intact coronary arteries. Lp(a) levels were significantly higher in patients with 1-, 2- (p < 0.05) and 3-vessel (p < 0.01) disease and stenosis score more than 10 points (p < 0.01). LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly higher in patients with 2- and 3-vessel disease and stenosis score more than 10 points (p < 0.05 in all cases). There was a positive correlation between Lp(a) levels and severity of coronary atherosclerosis (p < 0.05). Lp(a) contributes < 15% of total plasma cholesterol (TC). After subtraction of Lp(a)-cholesterol from TC according to modified Friedewald formula there was no any correlation between Lp(a) and LDL-C levels.

The paper describes procedures for stratifying malariogenic areas that are homogeneous in the development pattern for epidemic stratum rises, which will be used to design a set of mathematical malaria spread models. The first stage of the procedures is to stratify P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria on phase planes. The morbidity rate of P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria was analyzed in the north-western areas of India in 1975-1990. Eighty-two observations provided 4 types of phase curves for tropic malaria, which form a polygon, a loop polygon, U-shaped ones and those without any specific signs and 4 groups of phase curves for P. vivax malaria and the U-shaped phase curve with a loop for P. vivax malaria. It is shown that there is a steady-state pattern of phase curve changes in 71%. It is suggested that the pattern of a phase curve can be a diagnostic characterization of the given area.

The suggested systemic approach to malaria epidemiology may be crucial for the concept of malaria epidemic process and malaria control policy. From a practical viewpoint this approach will help determine the framework for rational malaria stratification and priority directions of investigations.

Cluster analysis of malaria incidence in Guyana revealed a relationship between population migration intensity and increased rate of P falciparum infection. Such a relationship was not detected for P. vivax malaria. Seasonal differences in malaria incidence are explained by changes in vector ratio. Malariogenic stratification helped clear out the role of three main malaria vectors in different regions of Guyana.