Search

Background The association between erectile dysfunction (ED), free testosterone (T), and androgenic genetic polymorphisms is still unclear. As most studies in the field have focused on older (>40 y.o.) men, data from young men is scarce. In addition, the clinically observed comorbidity between ED and premature ejaculation (PE) has not been explained. Aim The aim of the present study was 3-fold: to assess in a sample of young men (1) the association between ED and T; (2) the role of androgenic genetic polymorphisms in the aforementioned association; and (3) comorbidity between ED and PE symptoms. Methods Statistical analyses were performed on a population-based sample of 2,302 Finnish men, (Mage = 26.8 years). Hormone samples were available from 317 men, and genotype information was available from a minimum of 1,144 men depending on genetic locus. For twin analyses, the sample contained 533 male individuals from opposite-sex fraternal twin pairs, 491 identical male individuals (110 complete pairs), 493 male individuals from male fraternal twin pairs (92 complete pairs), and 658 siblings of twins. Outcomes The main outcome measure includes association between levels of salivary T and ED, main effects of the androgen-related genetic polymorphisms on ED scores. Bivariate twin models of PE and ED were fitted to elucidate possible shared etiology. Results We found no significant association between T levels and ED and no significant main effects of the androgenic genetic polymorphisms on ED. We found no evidence suggesting that any of the genetic polymorphisms would moderate the association between T and ED symptoms. We found shared unique environmental influences between PE and ED (rE = .28). Clinical Translation Obtained data suggest that ED has T-independent causes and that any comorbidity between PE and ED is not explained by a set of genes affecting both phenotypes. Strengths & Limitations First, the sample size for both parts of the study was relatively small, which may make some statistical analyses underpowered. Furthermore, as the sample was a population-based sample of relatively young men, the number of clinically relevant ED cases was low. Second, some concerns about T derived from saliva exist because saliva sampling comes with increased risks of error particularly because saliva samples are more vulnerable to contamination. Conclusion We found no significant association between free T levels, androgenic genetic polymorphisms, and ED in the younger age cohort. Twin analysis suggested a common nonshared environmental component in PE and ED. Zhuravleva1 ZD, Johansson A, Jern P. Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men: Testosterone, Androgenic Polymorphisms, and Comorbidity With Premature Ejaculation Symptoms. J Sex Med 2021;18:265–274.

Here we report the whole genome sequence of Lactobacillus fermentum HFD1 strain, the producer of antibacterial peptides. The genome consists of one circular chromosome with 2101878 bp in length and GC-content of 51.8%, and includes linear DNA with 5386 bp in length with 100% identity to bacteriophage phiX174. The analysis of the genome has revealed 2049 genes encoding for proteins including 867 proteins without known function and 70 genes encoding for RNAs (10 rRNAs, 59 tRNAs and 1 tmRNA). Putative genes responsible for the biosynthesis of 4 antimicrobial peptides were identified. The NCBI Bioproject has been deposited at NCBI under the accession number PRJNA615901 ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA615901/ ) and consist of full annotated genome and raw sequence data.

The understanding of molecular mechanisms of bacterial adaptation to environmental changes represents the basis for maintaining the homeostasis of microbiomes of natural and artificial biotopes. Lactic acid bacteria are presented everywhere in the environment and present the indigenous microflora of various fermented substrates, fruits, soil and feces. In natural habitats the starvation by available nitrogen, carbon or energy sources can occur. Nevertheless, the regulation of their nitrogen metabolism remains unexplored and is presented only in a few works. Generally, in the most bacteria the nitrogen metabolism is regulated by PII like proteins in response to the nutrition and energy availability via sensing changes of intracellular level of ATP, ADP, 2-OG and glutamine. Among more than 400 species of Lactobacillaceae known to the date, only seven contain genes encoding for PII homologue. In Lentilactobacilli, the gene of PII-like proteins has unique genetic background being located within the potABCDN operon, which encodes the ABC transporter of spermidine/putrescine, the products of amino acids metabolism. These molecules contain multiple amino groups and thus could also serve as nitrogen source. The maximum expression of the potABCDN operon was observed upon transfer to a medium containing spermidine as solely nitrogen source, while is suppressed upon growth with glutamate and glutamine. This suggests the availability of energy supply as the leading factor determining the level of potABCDN operon transcription in L. hilgardii cells.

Research objective: to study the clinical and biochemical risk factors and markers for the formation of tubulointerstitial nephritis in children with oxalate-calcium crystalluria. Methods: 30 children with tubulointerstitial nephritis were examined on a background of oxalate-calcium crystalluria. Special clinical and laboratory methods of research were used: stable metabolites of nitric oxide-nitrites and activity of superoxide dismutase, albumin in urine were determined in erythrocytes and urine. To determine the clinical features of the course and identify risk factors for the development of tubulointerstitial nephritis, we analyzed: perinatal and genealogical anamnesis, the age of debut of oxalate-calcium crystalluria and tubulointerstitial nephritis, and ultrasound data from the organs of the urinary system. Results: In children with tubulointerstitial nephritis, in 22% of cases the signs of oxalate-calcium crystal-luria preceded the underlying disease. For tubulointerstitial nephritis, which occurred against the background of metabolic disturbances, whose debut occurred at an early age, a latent course is typical, and minimal tubular kidney dysfunction, formed at the age of 4–11 years. The following clinical and anamnestic factors had the greatest impact on the formation of tubulointerstitial nephritis from a single-factor analysis: a family history with family history and the presence of 2 degrees of kinship of urolithiasis, a threat of termination of pregnancy and gestosis of the first half of pregnancy, hyperechoic inclusions in the renal parenchyma by ultrasound examination of child. In parallel with the processes of antioxidant protection against the background of oxidative stress, there is an increase in the level of metabolites of nitric oxide in the urine, and in combination with albuminuria, an increase in endothelial dysfunction. Conclusion: the leading factors in the formation of tubulointerstitial nephritis in children with oxalate-calcium crystalluria are an aggravated genealogical anamnesis due to the presence of urolithiasis in relatives of the first and second degree of kinship. According to the results of special research methods, albuminuria, low activity of superoxide dismutase in the urine, higher levels of nitric oxide in erythrocytes and urine indicate the progression of tubulointerstitial nephritis and are markers of the inflammatory process.

The purpose of this research is the study the influence of the plasma-modified PLA films implantation on the morphology of the cornea in vivo experiment. Studies were performed on 12 pubescent female Sylvilagus bachmani rabbits. Plasma-modified PLA films were implanted into the anterior chamber of one animal eye. The feedstock for the films was obtained by dissolving PLA in the chloroform. Modification of the films was carried out using the low-temperature plasma. Such methods as visual check, photographic registration, non-contact ocular tonometry and optical coherent tomography of cornea were also used in the course of the experiment. Sampling was performed on day 21 after the start of the experiment for morphology studying. Results showed that the implantation of the plasma-modified PLA films contributes to the development of the mild inflammatory response (mild leukocyte infiltration, newly formed blood vessels, increased twisted stroke of collagen fibers, and presence of strongly acid sulfated GAGs) as a result of the surgery. The study showed the possibility of PLA films using as a corneal implant.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are Gram-positive, non-spore forming, facultative anaerobic or microaerophilic bacteria living in various nutrients-rich ecological niches and are widely used for dairy food and silage production as well as probiotics for the Human and animals. While bacteria can assimilate various nitrogen-containing compounds, the glutamine and ammonium are the most preferred nitrogen sources since they could be directly involved into the nitrogen metabolism of the cell. In bacterial cells, the glutamine can be synthetized from glutamate and ammonium ions by the metalloenzyme glutamine synthetase (GS). In contrast to other bacteria which generally have one gene encoding for the glutamine synthetase, two genes encoding proteins with 53% mutual identity and predicted glutamine synthetase activity were found in the genome of Lactobacillus hilgardii LMG 7934. One gene (glnA_2) is located in the glnRA operon with the transcriptional factor GlnR gene (glnR) similarly to GS genes from other bacteria. The second GS gene (glnA_1) is monocistronic. While the biosynthetic activity glutamine synthetases could be detected in L. hilgardii cells, which protein plays the major role is still unclear.

While lactic acid bacteria are widespread in various ecological niches with the ex cess of nutrients and extensive use in food industry, many aspects of the nitrogen metabolism of remain unexplored. The most preferred nitrogen sources for most bacteria are glutamine and ammonium ions. In bacterial cells an enzyme glutamine synthetase synthetizes glutamine from glutamate and ammonium ion. While L. hilgardii LMG 7934 genome carries two genes encoding glutamine synthetases with 55% of mutual identity of amino acid sequences, which protein plays the major role is still unclear. One gene is located within classical glnRA operon with the gene of GlnR-like transcriptional regulator, while the second is monocistronic. In this study we report the cloning of both genes encoding glutamine synthetases from L. hilgardii LMG 7934.

1. A method has been developed and experimental lots have been produced of petroleum and gas pipe resistant to hydrogen sulfide cracking and corresponding to strength category II of TU 14-3-1619-89 (type X42 of API Specification 5L-85). 2. The hydrogen sulfide cracking threshold stress of 12GF steel pipe after heat treatment is not less than 0.8 of the minimum specified yield strength.

The impact of gynecological operations on the rate of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and erythrocytic antioxidant defense (EAOD) was studied in women with uterine myoma. The higher rate of LPO and the decreased level of vitamin E were preoperatively found. A further increase in LPO activity and a reduction in vitamin E concentrations were observed 1-4 days after surgery. Recovery of the study parameters was seen on days 5-7 postoperatively. The enzyme glutathione-S-transferase was ascertained to play a pivotal role in the EAOD system.

The results of clinical and biochemical studies of 93 full-term neonatal infants with perinatal hypoxia-induced ischemic nervous system lesion are presented. Perinatal ischemia in the newborns has been found to cause an increase in the serum content of nitric oxide, more significant and stable in severe encephalopathy. The level of nitric oxide remained significantly elevated in the natural development of the disease in children with persistent neurological symptoms; its normalization was observed by the third month of life when the clinical syndromes regressed. The authors proposed to use the blood level of nitric oxide as a marker of acute cerebral ischemia and as an additional criterion for predicting the nervous and mental development of children with prior neonatal ischemia.

Aim of the study was to assess significance of deviations of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) from optimal level (50-75 sec) after 48 hours of intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin (UFH) in streptokinase treated patients with myocardial infarction (MI) for prognosis of nonfatal reinfarction and cumulative criterion comprising cardiac death, nonfatal MI and early postinfarction angina. Infusion of streptokinase (1,500,000 U in 30-60 min) was carried out after loading dose of aspirin (250 mg) and intravenous bolus (5,000 U) of UFH in 75 patients (age 34-76 years) admitted within 6 hours after onset of acute ST-elevation MI. UFH infusion was started prior to termination of administration of streptokinase and continued for 48 hours. During first 12 hours infusion rate was 1,000 or 800 U/hour in patients with body massor = 80 and80 kg, respectively. During initial 12 hours infusion rate was corrected if at 6 hours APTT was less than 40 or exceeded 150 sec. After 12 hours a nomogram was used for UFH dose adjustment according to APTT. Maximal number of optimal APTT values during UFH infusion just reached 50%. During first 12 hours prevailed values above 75 sec, after 24 and 36 hours -- values below 50 sec. Deviation of APTT from optimal level in 12 hours after onset of UFH infusion was the only independent predictor of nonfatal recurrent MI during following 30 days (relative risk [RR] 9.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]1.1 to 77.2; p=0.043). Independent predictors of cumulative criterion were level of risk of death according to TIMI scale (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.-3 to 2.11; p=0.036) and deviation of APTT from optimal level in 12 hours after onset of UFH infusion (RR 3.24, 95%CI 1.05 to 10.5; p=0.046). It should be noted that rather than suboptimal excessive hypocoagulation by 12th hour of UFH infusion was associated with worse prognosis. APTT levels in 6, 24, and 36 hours of UFH infusion had no prognostic significance in relation to events assessed in the study.

To evaluate levels of total cholesterol (TC), HDLP cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), occurrence of hypercholesterolemia (HCE), hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) and low HDLP cholesterol in the Tyumen population.866 men and women aged 25-64 years have been examined in one-stage cardiological screening within a two-stage epidemiological study of serum lipoproteins by WHO criteria.HCE was registered in 15.6% males and 18.8% females, a low HDLP cholesterol--in 5.3 and 4.2%, HTG--in 5.8 and 4.3% males and females, respectively. A high TC level and HCE occurred more frequently in women over 54 years of age; a low HDLP cholesterol level in insignificant fall in HDLP cholesterol and no age-related changes of this index were found both in males and females; TG were elevated in older males in moderate prevalence of HTG in the population.It is shown that Tyumen population is at high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Further studies are needed to specify targeted preventive programs.

To study specific features of lipid plasm profile in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and manifest disorder of carbohydrate metabolism (CM) as well as their relationships with clinical symptoms of MS.Contents of lipids and apolipoproteins of plasm was measured on an empty stomach in 30 patients (18 females and 12 males) with MS and manifest disorder of CM (diabetes mellitus type 2 at the stage of good and satisfactory compensation of CM without terminal complications).The patients were found to have a subnormal level of HDLP cholesterol, high levels of total cholesterol, LDLP cholesterol and LP alpha. Hypertriglyceridemia occurred only in 31.4% patients (TG200 mg/dl). Mean TG level was 173.69 +/- 21.52 mg/dl. TG and diastolic arterial pressure, fasting glycemia and waist circumference significantly correlated. If the WC/TC was 1.0 and higher, the antiatherogenic plasm factor--HDLP cholesterol--significantly lowered. Positive correlation existed between TG and total cholesterol, LDLP cholesterol, apoB, LDLP cholesterol/HDLP cholesterol, apoB/apoA1, while negative correlation was seen between TG and HDLP cholesterol levels. Patients with hypertriglyceridemia had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, LDLP cholesterol, apoB, apoB/apoA1.Plasm levels of TG most significantly reflect severity of basic clinical manifestations of MS: abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension, CM compensation. The presence of hypertriglyceridemia in MS patients can be considered as an indicator of high atherogenic potential of plasm.

To evaluate changes in oxidative lipid metabolism in platelet membranes by content of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products and antioxidant defense (AOD) activity in patients with stable chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD) after single intake of animal fat or vegetable oil.30 IHD patients with stable angina of effort functional class II-III and 30 healthy controls had a single meal with animal fat or vegetable oil. Before the meal and 6 hours after it tests were performed for LPO activity and AOD in platelet membranes.Patients with stable chronic IHD showed LPO activation and suppressed enzymatic and non-enzymatic AOD. Single animal fat or vegetable oil intake cause insignificant shifts in oxidative platelet metabolism in healthy controls while animal fat in IHD patients activates LPO and promotes accumulation of initial and end peroxidation products in platelet membranes. Vegetable fat in IHD patients suppresses enzyme AOD.Animal fat and vegetable oil as a single diet load have a prooxidant effect at the levels of platelet membranes in IHD patients but not in healthy persons.

Special membranological studies of the role of antioxidant emoxipine in combined pharmacological support of stable function of the transplanted kidney in 30 patients have shown that this drug restores phospholipid pool of red cell membranes and improves their physical properties. No significant fluctuations of cyclosporin A blood concentrations were registered. Emoxipine addition to combined therapy of patients with transplanted kidney is recommended.

Intracellular homeostasis of calcium was studied in patients with essential hypertension by two methods: calcium measurements using Lachema kits and study of the kinetics of interaction between chlortetracycline fluorescent probe and cellular membranes. Both the methods are highly sensitive, but they reflect different aspects of calcium homeostasis of the cells and supplement each other, and therefore should be used together to assess the severity of essential hypertension and monitor the therapy administered. The method of interaction of chlortetracycline with cellular membranes should be preferred as a more up-to-date and informative.

Course of the disease and some indices of immunity were studied in 100 children with Sonne's and Flexner's dysentery. Parameters of immunity in 32 children (the 1st group) were normal. 68 patients (the 2-nd group) had secondary immune deficiency and leukopenia. Recovery of immunodeficient children in use of antibiotics and prodigiosan was slowed down by 5.2 days as compared to that of children without immunodeficiency. Antibiotics used in combination with lysozyme in patients of the 1st group resulted in restoration of immunological reactivity and recovery in usual terms.

Clinical processes of acute intestinal infections complicated by toxicosis and exicosis and some host immunological parameters were studied in infants with secondary immunodeficiency. A special treatment scheme was developed including combined use of antibiotics, human immune globulin administered intravenously and cytochrome C. The scheme provided a decrease in the treatment duration by 8.6 +/- 1.1 days. Advanced and chronic diseases and fatal outcomes were absent. It was concluded that the developed scheme increased host immunological reactivity and efficacy of antibiotic therapy. It was recommended for wide clinical use in pediatric clinical care.

One hundred children with acute Sonnei and flexneri dysentery were followed up with respect to the infection process and main immunity indices. In 32 children the immunity indices were physiological (group 1) and in 68 children secondary immune deficiency was observed (group 2). The children were treated with aminoglycoside antibiotics and prodigiozan and it was stated that the time of recovery in the children with immune deficiency was longer by 5.2 days as compared to that in the children without immune deficiency. In the children with immune deficiency the combined use of one of the aminoglycosides, prodigiozan and lysozyme, led to a reduction of the host immunological reactivity and recovery within the same periods as those recorded for children with the physiological immunity status. It is recommended to use the antibiotic combination with prodigiozan and lysozyme in the treatment of all the forms of dysentery in children with secondary immune deficiency.

A study was made of transmembranous ionic transport enzymes (Na(+)-K(+)-, Mg2(+)- and Ca2(+)-ATPases) in 95 patients with essential hypertension (EH) and 39 healthy persons. The activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase was decreased for the most part at the early stages of EH. Measurements of the content of natriuretic hormone in the plasma did not reveal any significant differences between EH patients and healthy persons. However, the daily excretion of natriuretic hormone was significantly increased at the early stages of EH, which correlated with the changes in the activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in red blood cell membranes. This may lead to the derangement of homeostasis of intracellular electrolytes, attesting to an important role played by these factors in the pathogenesis of EH. As EH progressed, the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio increased which may also influence the activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. After enlargement of the intravascular liquid volume (drinking load 22 ml/kg) the EH patients manifested the loss of an adequate reaction of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase towards elevated production of natriuretic hormone.

The intestinal form of salmonellosis caused by S. typhimurium and the host immunity were studied in 108 infants. 60 infants were treated with ampicillin and the other 48 infants with tobramycin. The recovery period in patients treated with tobramycin was 8 days less as compared to the patients treated with ampicillin After discontinuation of the tobramycin use the pathogen was not detected in the repeated platings. Bactericidal function of neutrophils in these patients returned to normal within 15 days after the beginning of the treatment. Tobramycin was shown to be a highly active antibiotic in the treatment of salmonellosis of infants. No side effects were observed.

The liver glycogen and sugar levels in intact rats are shown to experience diuranal variations with a maximum at 3-9 and minimum at 15-21 hours. Intragastric administration of ethanol in a dose of 1.5 ml/100 g produced an abrupt fall of the glycogen content in the liver of rats in 3.12 and maximally after a lapse of 6 hours, this being followed by a drop in the amount of sugar in 12 hours. The decline in the level of metabolites at different periods of the day (3, 9, 15 and 21 hr) was dissimilar. The lethality among the animals and concentration of the alcohol in the liver 3 and 6 hours following the action of alcohol at the hours of the day under study correlated and were inversely proportional to the sugar and glycogen content of the same hours of the day.

One hundred and ninety one children with acute Sonne and Flexner dysentery were observed with respect to the disease process, immunity indices and blood serum fatty acid spectrum. 104 children were treated with monomycin alone and 87 children were treated with the antibiotic in combination with prodigiozan and ephedrine as immunostimulators. It was shown that the recovery terms in the patients treated with the use of the immunostimulators decreased as compared to the patients treated with the antibiotic alone. The fatty acid spectrum in the children treated with the use of the immunostimulators differed from that in the children treated without them by low levels of fatty acids of the C12:0 to C18:1 composition.