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The parasite fauna of the monkey goby Neogobius fluviatilis has been studied from the lower part of the Saratov Reservoir. Six species of parasites are recorded, for one of which (the goby-specific plerocercoid Triaenophorus crassus) the monkey goby is recorded as an additional host for the first time. The 100% invasion of the goby by the alien fluke Nicolla skrjabini makes it possible to attribute it to the main definitive hosts of the parasite in the water body.

Using multicolor flow cytometry four main Th17 subsets were identified within total CCR6-expressing Th cell in peripheral blood from patients with multiply sclerosis (MS, n = 26) and healthy control subjects (HC, n = 44). MS showed significantly higher frequencies of CCR6+DP and “classical” Th17 subsets, while the level of Th17.1 was significantly decreased if compared to HC. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the decrease of CCR6+DN Th17 subset and EDSS worsening (r = -0.456, p = 0.022). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the percentage of “classical” Th17 within CCR6+ Th as a predictor of MS was 0.948 (0.882 to 1.014, p < 0.001) and for Th17.1 cells - 0.937 (0.863 to 1.011, p < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value for percentage of “classical” Th17 for predicting MS was 31.55% within CCR6+ Th cells with 88.0% sensitivity and 95.45% specificity, while for Th17.1 - 38.66% within CCR6+ Th cells with 88.0% sensitivity and 95.45% specificity. Our data indicate that the relative numbers of “classical” Th17 and Th17.1 within CCR6+ Th cells were effective in discrimination between MS and HC groups.

Hematological and histopathological study results of adult carp from a private fish farm are presented. Abnormalities in the main hematological parameters (blood elements ratio, leukocyte formula, erythropoiesis level, possible pathologies of erythrocytes) were not revealed. One third of the examined fish were found to have abnormalities in the tissues of gills, liver, and heart muscle in the form of minor focal formations (detachment of the gill epithelium, dissection of myofibrils, disorders of glycogen metabolism, foci of necrosis and infiltration) which indicates the initial stage of the pathological process. Kidneys, gonads, and somatic muscle fibers showed no signs of pathology. The main factors determining the primary signs of internal organ diseases are water quality (water saturated with magnesium, calcium, and iron salts, increased hardness) and an unbalanced diet (primarily, an insufficient amount of raw protein) that does not meet the standards adopted in fish farming. The registered initial signs of the pathological process in the gills, liver and heart muscle can be leveled by improving the carp keeping conditions.

A specimen of late larva of bleak Alburnus alburnus with an additional pair of ventral fins sampled at the middle part of the Saratov Reservoir is described. This type of abnormality was revealed in the Saratov Reservoir for the first time.

This paper presents new findings on abnormal specimens of amphibians in the Volga basin. Some anomalies have been noted for the first time: macrophthalmia, eardrum anomalies in marsh frogs (P. ridibundus), the absence of a tympanic membrane in green toads and ectromelia in spadefoot Pallas samples (P. vespertinus). The study was conducted with the support of RFBR grant № 14-04-31315 mol_a, № 14-04-97031 p_povolzhe_a.

Objective : to estimate the time course of changes in foot biomechanical function as multiple sclerosis (MS) progresses in patients with different degrees of disability compared to a control group. Patients and methods. To estimate the time course of changes in gait disorders in MS, changes in foot biomechanical function were explored in 30 patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Their neurological status was evaluated using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS); pedographic examination was made applying a plantar pressure distribution system; all the patients were examined twice. During the first examination, the patients were divided into two groups: 1) minimal neurological disorders (EDSS scores of < 3.0) and 2) moderate ones (EDSS scores of ≥3.0). Results and discussion. The patients with a mild neurological deficit showed increases in foot load and its lateralization by elevating pressure on the heads of the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, as evidenced by a significant rise in mean pressure, maximum force, and force-time integral. These changes occurred in the absence of the patients’ complaints of changes in movements. Pedographic examination revealed the changes indicating an enlarged anterior transverse arch and the lower role of the hallux in body weight transfer in the patients with a moderate neurological deficit despite the fact that there were no further visible negative changes in a motor process or progression in neurological deficit. The pedographic examination makes it possible to estimate the degree of gait disorders caused by pyramidal and/or cerebellar lesions and to identify a leading role of this or that functional system in their genesis. Pyramidal dysfunction has impact on the pressurization of the heads of the second and third metatarsal bones. Computed pedography can identify clinically subtle movement changes and estimate the time course of changes in movement disorders in MS patients, including those to evaluate the efficiency of therapy and rehabilitation measures.

The results of hematological study of Perccottus glenii from Lake Krugloe and Lake Plyazhnoe (Samara oblast) in 2010 are presented. Changes in erythrocyte morphology are reported for both fry and adult male individuals. The alterations of the basic indexes of the white blood cell formula compared to the standard are studied in fry and adult male individuals.

The results are presented of long-term study of hematological parameters in fishes from Saratov Reservoir. The data are presented on the state of parameters of red and white blood in aboriginal fishes from the Cyprinidae family, Percidae family, pike Esox lucius, and two invasive fish species, goby Neogobius melanostomus and Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii. The description is given of blood cell pathologies found in the fishes of these species in the studied region and the dynamics of such important hematological parameters as the ratio between the cells of erythroid and lymphoid blood series, the part of the main forms of leucocytes among the white blood cells for several years. The probability is substantiated of using fish hematological parameters for the assessment of the ecological state of the water body.

Objective. To study a role of parenchymal white matter lesions and lesions of the white matter underlying the cortical grey matter in cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Material and methods. We examined 33 patients with clinically definite RRMS in clinical remission. Cognitive performance was assessed with neuropsychological and psychometric tests. MRI (1.5 tesla) was used to assess volume and localization of focal demyelination in the cerebral cortex. Results. The volume of juxtacortical brain lesions in the white matter had a negative effect on the correct performance on neuropsychological tests. The volume of parenchymal white matter lesions had a negative effect on the speed of task performance. Conclusion. The results suggest that MS patients had multiple cognitive impairments.

To study the therapeutic action of ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate (mexidol) on the neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS).Fifty-two MS patients and 24 healthy controls were examined using DTI MRI with tractography.Ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate can prevent the progression of neurodegenerative processes in MS. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm the results obtained in this study.Цель исследования. Изучение терапевтического действия этилметилгидрокиспиридина сукцината (мексидол) на процессы дегенерации в головном мозге при рассеянном склерозе (РС). Материал и методы. При обследовании 52 больных РС и 24 здоровых использовали диффузионно-тензорную МРТ с трактографией. Результаты и заключение. Установлено, что этилметилгидрокиспиридина сукцинат способен предотвратить прогрессирование нейродегенеративных процессов при РС, но для подтверждения полученных результатов требуются дальнейшие клинические исследования.Цель исследования. Изучение терапевтического действия этилметилгидрокиспиридина сукцината (мексидол) на процессы дегенерации в головном мозге при рассеянном склерозе (РС). Материал и методы. При обследовании 52 больных РС и 24 здоровых использовали диффузионно-тензорную МРТ с трактографией. Результаты и заключение. Установлено, что этилметилгидрокиспиридина сукцинат способен предотвратить прогрессирование нейродегенеративных процессов при РС, но для подтверждения полученных результатов требуются дальнейшие клинические исследования.

A total of 65 patients with clinically significant diagnoses of remitting multiple sclerosis in the stage of remission were studied. Neurological status was investigated with assessment on the FS and EDSS scales, with neuropsychological testing, and MRI scans (1.5 T). The severity of brain atrophy (in terms of the parenchyma volume) and the total volume of foci on T2 images were assessed as proportions of intracerebral volume. The severity of neurological deficit depended on the volume of intratentorial focal lesions and the level of brain atrophy. Cognitive disorders were identified in 89% of patients, and the severity of these was associated with the level of atrophy and the volume of foci on T2 images in the dominant hemisphere.