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Introduction. In the medical literature, there is not enough work on the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the development of atherosclerosis of the brachiocephalic arteries and venous dysgemenia. For the purpose of early diagnosis of vascular complications, further study of extracranial vessels in patients with OSA is necessary.Aim. To study the chances of changes in brachiocephalic vessels by ultrasound examination in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Materials and methods. A survey was carried out of 88 patients. The results of anthropompetry, polysomnography and ultrasound examination of brachiocephalic vessels were evaluated.Results and discussion. New data were obtained on the severity of macroangiopathy, an increase in the peak systolic blood flow velocity in the internal jugular veins, and an increase in the diameters of the vertebral veins in patients with sleep apnea. It was also found that in patients with OSA, the chances of having a wide diameter of the common carotid artery (CCA) on both sides and the internal carotid artery on the left are more than 3 times higher, the probability of thickening of the intima-media complex in the area of the CCA and its bifurcation is more than on the left 3.5 times and the chances of macroangiopathy are 3 times higher in comparison with the examined patients without apnea.Conclusion. Timely assessment of the entire spectrum of pathological changes in the brachiocephalic vessels in patients with OSA will make it possible to diagnose early signs of atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries, venous dysfunction at the extracranial level.

The development of an effective and safe drug for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 is currently an urgent task for the global medical community. Given that lung damage remains the predominant syndrome in COVID-19, and the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most common reason for transfer to intensive care unit and connection to artificial lung ventilation, it seems promising to study the effectiveness and safety of surfactant therapy, successfully proven in practice in the treatment of adult and preterm infants ARDS. Despite the fact that most studies are devoted to the use of this method in patients in the acute stage, we present a case from our own practice of Surfactant-BL inhalation in a patient with COVID-19-associated pneumonia at the 2nd stage of rehabilitation treatment. Clinical signs of respiratory failure (RR 22 per minute, Sa O2 86% on atmospheric air, 95% on insufflation of humidified oxygen 7 L/min), high percentage of lung tissue damage according to thoracic CT (55% – CT3) on admission to the Medical Rehabilitation Unit, as well as a score of 6 on the NEWS2 scale served as a basis for the patient to receive Surfactant-BL inhalation for the indication «prevention of the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome» in a dosage of 75 mg twice a day for 5 days. Positive dynamics of clinical data at the end of the course of inhalations (decrease of RR to 16 per minute, increase of Sa O2 to 90% on atmospheric air and to 95% on insufflation of humidified oxygen 5 l/min, improvement of auscultatory picture), as well as the control thoracic CT scan, which showed a decrease of lung parenchyma damage to 45.2% (CT-2), indicated the effectiveness and safety of this method in the complex rehabilitation of COVID-19 patient, being a basis for further investigation of this issue

In terms of method of production, collagen carriers are subdivided into materials obtained on the basis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, particularly collagen-containing hydrogels and decellularized tissue.Objective: to compare in vitro the ability of biopolymer microheterogeneous collagen-containing hydrogel (BMCH) and tissue-specific matrix from decellularized porcine articular cartilage (DPAC) to support adhesion, proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs).Materials and methods. For cartilage decellularization, we carried out treatment with surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate, Triton X-100) followed by exposure in DNAase. The metabolic activity of hAMSCs was assessed by PrestoBlue™ (Invitrogen, USA) staining. The morphological study of cell-engineered constructs (CECs) formed by culturing hAMSCs in the presence of matrices was performed using histological staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with lanthanide contrasting.Results. The number of cells on the surface of both BMCH and DPAC increased within 14 days. Mitochondrial activity of the cells was 1.7, 1.7, and 1.3 times higher on days 3, 10, and 14 when cultured on DPAC compared to BMCH, respectively. On day 14 of cultivation in the chondrogenic culture medium, hAMSCs formed cell layers on the DPAC surface and on the BMCH surface. Cytoplasm of the cells included numerous granules, which, when stained, resembled the matrix itself. On the DPAC matrix surface, cells were more evenly distributed, whereas in the case of BMCH, cell adhesion and proliferation were observed only in certain areas. The ECM produced by the cells contained collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).Conclusion. The ability of DPAC obtained according to the developed protocol to form CECs with hAMSCs with uniform distribution of cells and their production of specific collagen- and GAG-containing ECM suggests that DPAC is effective in regeneration of damaged cartilage. Chondrogenic differentiation of hAMSCs was observed both when cultured with BMCH and with DPAC. When creating a tissue equivalent of cartilage in vitro, the advantage of using tissue-specific matrix over BMCH should be considered.

Nowadays, Meibomian gland dysfunction is considered as the leading cause of dry eye syndrome. Standard methods of the treatment rather often give us only shirt term remission, that’s why so actually to find new alternative treatment options with increasing of patients’ life quality and possibility for long-time remission. This study was directed to evaluate the effectiveness of complex dry eye treatment, included transdermal Intensive Pulse Light method, combined with preservative-free forms of eyelid hygiene and artificial tears eye drops. The study involved 30 patients (60 eyes) with dry eye syndrome and meibomian gland dysfunction. There were included patients with severe conjunctival hyperemia, follicular reaction, meibomeitis with changed, heavy Meibomian glands secret, rough eyelid margin, telangiectasias, tear break-up time (Norn test) not more than 5 seconds, necessity of very frequent instillations of artificial tear eye drops. All patients in anamnesis had already received courses of antiinflammation, artificial tears therapy and had courses of eyelid hygiene (eyelid margin massage with glass stick) with short-term positive dynamic and returning of symptoms during one month. As a result of studied algorithm, with a help of Intensive Pulse Light it was possible to decrease the period of positive dynamic receiving. From the other side, preservative-free forms of artificial tears eye drops (Hylaback) and eyelid hygiene (Blephaclean TheaGel Steri-Free) gave the prolongation of positive effect.

Introduction. As an alternative to autochondral transplantation, variants of chondrocyte replacement with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were considered, since these cells are present in all organs and tissues of human body and possess multilinear potential for differentiation. A number of studies demonstrate that the ability for chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs from different tissues varies, however, those studies are few and controversial. In accordance with the ethical principles and the technical ease of obtaining, adipose tissue, Wharton’s jelly (stroma) and dental pulp are the most attractive sources of MSCs for tissue engineering.Aim: to compare the chondrogenic potential of MSCs allocated from adipose tissue, Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord, and human deciduous teeth pulp cultured in the composition of microspheres (pellets).Materials and methods. The phenotype of primary cultures of MSCs was studied via flow microscopy. Chondrogenic differentiation was performed with 3D-culture in microspheres in the presence of TGFβ1 for two weeks under standard conditions. Human chondroblasts were used as a positive control. Cell viability was determined by fluorescent staining. Morphological study was performed using histological and immunohistochemical staining methods.Results. Cultures of MSCs from all sources had similar phenotypes CD29+, CD34–, CD44+, CD49b+, CD45–, CD73+, CD90+, HLADR. In the mass of living cells in microspheres only singular dead cells were visualized. A significant production of extracellular matrix (ECM) was observed in the chondroblast and adipose tissue microspheres, whereas in the microspheres of dental pulp and umbilical cord stroma derived MSCs, no significant ECM was detected. Among the MSCs, the highest production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the ECM was observed in the microspheres of adipose tissue-derived MSCs, and the lowest production – in the microspheres of dental pulp-derived MSCs. Conclusion. A histological analysis of all microspheres after 14 days of culturing in the chondrogenic medium revealed the signs of differentiation in the chondrogenic direction, a progressive increase of the ECM produced by cells, and the presence of total collagen and GAG in it. Of all the MSCs studied, the greatest chondrogenic potential in vitro (the intensity of development of ECM components) is possessed by the adipose tissue-derived MSCs.

Results on evaluation of ‘effect of organic preparations LFSC-HA (Life Force Soil Conditioner Natural Humic Acids for soil fertility) and LFSC-HB (Life Force Soil Conditioner Humate Balance for soil enrichment) on productivity of potato plant of early maturing variety ‘arizina’. Two preparations have been provided by firm ‘Life Force Ltd (Moscow). A field experiment was carried out on a potato plantation of the firm ‘Agriko-Eurasia’ in Moscow district on sandy soil with low humus content. Organic preparations were applied in to soil by hand in powder form in 50 g/sq. m dosage. Reaction of potato plants on the experimental treatment was assessed by measurement of chlorophyll a and b content in potato leaves, and number and mass of tubes per plant at harvest. Positive effect of preparation used on chlorophyll content in leaves and number of tubes peer plant was found. Prevailing number of tubes of small sizes (less than 30 mm) - 38% may be considered as negative effect for early maturing variety. Number of tubes greater than 50 mm may be assigned to stimulative effect of organic preparation LFSC-HA on tube formation may and to additional amount of phosphorus and potassium containing in the preparation as well. Additional evaluation of organic preparation produced by Life Force Ltd are needed to separate positive effects of organic substances and additional amount of mineral elements in it. Having in mind positive effect tested preparations on formation of bigger number of tubes there it is advisable to carry out experiments with late maturing varieties.

The purpose of the article is to conduct the political and territorial study of the border areas of the Russian Federation. The monitoring of the development processes in the border areas through the activation of inter-municipal cross-border (cross-border) cooperation is done. The collection and analysis of empirical data by the method of expert interviews and the method of expert focus group of regional authorities’ representatives from the border regions of the Russian Federation. The practical experience of inter-municipal cross-border (cross-border) cooperation on the example of municipal districts of Kaliningrad, Murmansk regions and the Republic of Altai is studied. Basing on the results of the study the author draws conclusions about the state of cross-border cooperation of local governments in the framework of creating appropriate legislative support. In conclusion of the article proposals for the development of the border municipalities territories are formulated.

Aim. Study the functional properties of cationic antimicrobial peptides 0-defensins isolated from baboon Papio hamadryas blood leukocytes. Materials and methods. Baboon 0-defensins were extracted from leukocyte mass using ultrafiltration, preparative electrophoresis and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The test microorganisms used were Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Gram-positive bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi Candida albicans. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by testing serial dilutions of the test peptides by radial diffusion in agarose gel. Microbicidal action was evaluated by counting surviving colony forming units after incubation microorganisms with the peptides. The 0-defensins influence on E.coli membrane permeability was assessed using chromogenic markers o-nirofenil- β-D-galactopyranoside and nitrocefin. Results. The analysis of the 0-defensins antimicrobial properties showed that they produce antimicrobial activity against test microorganisms, exhibiting bactericidal and fungicidal effects at micromolar concentrations. We studied the influence of different environmental conditions (low and high ionic strength, blood serum in medium) for antimicrobial activity. It is shown that 0-defensins have the ability to increase the outer membran of E.coli permeability, however, in contrast to 0-defensins have no noticeable influence on the inner membrane permeability. Conclusion. Baboon 0-defensins isolated from blood leukocytes are effective antimicrobial agents with a broad spectrum of microbicidal action. 0-Defensins baboon unlike 0-defensins exhibit antimicrobial activity in environments with high ionic strength. 0-Defensins increase the outer membran of E.coli permeability but not the cytoplasmic membrane, suggesting that the mechanism of antimicrobial effect of these peptides other than 0-defensins.

Background. In modern science, the concept of regional identity of the population is used to study the value system that characterizes the attitude of residents to the territory of residence. The value attitude to the region serves as the basis for building a typology of residents. Analysis of regional identity structures is of interest for social Sciences and management practices. Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the article is the publications of domestic and foreign scientists on the problems of regional identity typology. The empirical base includes the results of a Q-method study conducted among residents of the Samara region. This method made it possible to study the attitude of the population to various aspects of life on the territory of the Samara region. Results. The analysis of the research results made it possible to build a typology of the regional identity of the population. It includes four groups that characterize high, medium, below-average, and low levels of regional identity. These groups are allocated depending on the respondents’ agreement with the judgments about the socio-economic development of the region, the improvement of the territory, the level and quality of life of the population. Agreeing with the opinions allows you to identify the interest of respondents in discussing both positive and problematic aspects of the region. Disagreement with judgments indicates that the achievements and problems of the region do not have a value value for the survey participants. This indicates a low level of regional identity. Conclusions. The analysis of the typology shows that significant criteria for regional identity are: respondents’ interest in getting information about the life of the region, participation in city events, and pride in the achievements of their fellow countrymen. An important indicator of regional identity is the judgment that the region has good conditions for the development of national cultures. These characteristics allow us to consider the values that determine the high and medium levels of regional identity as open systems. They characterize the relationship with other types of identity: civil, ethnic, local.

Orthopedic dental treatment can be accompanied by pain of different nature, violation of sensitivity and appearance of various paresthesia (burning, itching, tingling, numbness, etc.). Dentures are an irritant for tissues of the oral cavity, namely, its excessive pressure in certain areas of the prosthetic bed. It is well known that a large number of patients using removable dentures can not get used to them because of pain. The goal of our research is to improve the method of preventing pain syndrome with the use of removable dentures, whereby by making changes to the special preparation for prosthetics and the means of preventing inflammatory conditions, conditions are created to prevent the pain syndrome and increase the sensitivity threshold of the mucous membrane of the prosthetic field. According to the results of the study, it was found that the use of auricular microhole therapy, carried out by cycles of 7 days, with an interval of 5 days, leads to a decrease in pain sensitivity of the mucous membrane of the alveolar processes and palate to the norm parameters, which in turn significantly reduces and facilitates the period of adaptation to complete removable prostheses.

5-Fluorouracil remains a foundational component of chemotherapy for solid tumour malignancies. While considered a generally safe and effective chemotherapeutic, 5-fluorouracil has demonstrated severe adverse event rates of up to 30%. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of 5-fluorouracil can improve the precision medicine approaches to this therapy. A single enzyme, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), mediates 80% of 5-fluorouracil elimination, through hepatic metabolism. Importantly, it has been known for over 30-years that adverse events during 5-fluorouracil therapy are linked to high systemic exposure, and to those patients who exhibit DPD deficiency. To date, pre-treatment screening for DPD deficiency in patients with planned 5-fluorouracil-based therapy is not a standard of care. Here we provide a focused review of 5-fluorouracil metabolism, and the efforts to improve predictive dosing through screening for DPD deficiency. We also outline the history of key discoveries relating to DPD deficiency and include relevant information on the potential benefit of therapeutic drug monitoring of 5-fluorouracil. Finally, we present a brief case report that highlights a limitation of pharmacogenetics, where we carried out therapeutic drug monitoring of 5-fluorouracil in an orthotopic liver transplant recipient. This case supports the development of robust multimodality precision medicine services, capable of accommodating complex clinical dilemmas.