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The paper presents the results of the sterlet sturgeon Acipenser ruthenus reintroduction into the Kama Reservoir (Perm Krai, Russia) by sterlet fry from hatcheries into the reservoir since 2001. The effectiveness of hatchery releases was evaluated by monitoring gillnet sampling 2014–2020. The results showed that the species was reported throughout entire Kama Reservoir, which contrasts with 1988–1994 data, when the species was registered only at the upper part of the reservoir near the Kama River mouth. The highest number and biomass values of catch per unit effort (CPUE) of the sterlet were found in submerged river channels – the deepest habitats with flow conditions which are close to the ecological requirements of the species. The distribution of the sterlet within the channel biotopes of the reservoir is defined by reduced variability. The biggest individuals and the widest size range of the sterlet were typical for the upper area of the reservoir and Chusovskoy Bay, which have the greatest flow. The smallest sizes were typical for fish from catches near the dam of the reservoir, which is consistent with the published data on the distribution of sterlet in reservoir conditions. The presented results may indicate the artificial formation of the sterlet stock in the Kama Reservoir maintained by hatchery releases. The revealed distribution of the sterlet in the reservoir determines the direction of further research on natural reproduction and thus formation of an artificially formed population. Also, future studies are required to assess the possibility of hybridization of the sterlet of artificial origin with natural populations of the species, since the low genetic diversity of the sterlet released into the Kama Reservoir which can lead to irreversible loss of genetic individuality of the natural stocks of the species in the catchment of upper course of the Kama River.

We estimated the proportion of hatchery and natural fall spawning chum salmon returning to the Amur River using chemical markers specific to hatchery-origin fry. We used otolith microchemistry technique to identify fish with artificial origin among returning spawners. First, we found that juveniles of artificial origin had higher values of the Sr:Ca molar ratio of the otoliths’ edge zone compared with juveniles of natural origin, what can be related to the use of rearing feed produced from raw materials of marine origin rich in strontium. Then we observed that most of the spawners from Anyuisky Hatchery and from the Amur River mouth at the start of the spawning migration has also the higher value of Sr:Ca molar ratio of the juvenile zone of otoliths. Also, adults with higher values of the Sr:Ca molar ratio are characterized by a skewed right in the peak of the age distribution. Both, the age structure and phenological shift in the time of spawning migration of individuals with higher value of the used chemical marker corresponds to results of studies on hatchery-produced chum salmon completed at different parts on Northern Pacific. The results of this study will be used in the management of Amur fall chum salmon fisheries, and also demonstrates the necessity of the development of specific measures for increasing the survival of juvenile anadromous salmonids released at large rivers and exposed to prolonged freshwater migration to the ocean. As a further application of the methodology, we plan to identify the markers specific to each of the hatcheries and main spawning tributaries belonging to Amur River catchments. This will be an important step in the evaluation of the contribution of different stocks in mixed fisheries and also in the estimation of the effect of hatchery releases on naturally spawning stocks of Amur fall chum.Following to, our results may indicate the applicability of this approach for the determination of artificial-origin fish in a mixed sample of the Amur fall chum salmon.

Atmospheric deposition, vehicular transportation and de-icing agents are major sources polluted snow in urban. This study investigates the current trace elements concentrations of snow and de-icing using ICP-MS, and phytotoxicity using three vascular plants in snow. The study assesses the contamination, classification and phytotoxicity of snow quality removed from roads of residential areas and piled on children’s playgrounds in residential territories. The research found that according to Russian environmental quality standard for water has been identified the exceeding trace elements in snow by W, Se, Mn, Cu, V, Mo, Ni and Zn. The pollution indices ( PLI, CF and Zc) were identified pollution level of snow piles from moderate contamination to very high contamination. Based on average germination index values for Sinapis alba L., Lepidium sativum L., and Triticum aestivum L., the degree of inhibition in snow piles varied from no inhibition to strong inhibition. The trace elements content in de-icing “Galit А” and salt sand mix are defined in the following descending order: Zn > Mn > Ba > V > Rb > Sr and Mn > Ba > Cr > V > Sr > Ni, respectively. High concentrations of trace elements in snow piles are a source of environmental pollution. To prevent snow storage and disposal in residential areas should be involved in future studies of environmental pollution and circular economy, so that environmental managers can reduce threats to the environment and public health, as well as initiate circular economy projects in urban areas.

This paper presents an assessment of the state of the rivers Tolych, Zyryanka and Bygel, flowing within the area with a high technogenic impact (Berezniki, Perm krai). Water quality was evaluated using the integrated geochemical parameters. The characteristics of the macrozoobenthos have been studied as a bioindicator of the ecological state of the reservoir. The formation of the trace element composition and, consequently, water quality is associated with both natural and anthropogenic factors. The obtained metal pollution index (MI) demonstrates the unsuitability of water from rivers Tolych, Zyryanka, and Bygel for domestic purposes.

Abstract Background Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant tumour associated with numerous and complex genetic alterations like copy number alterations. Recent whole genome studies revealed distinct mutations in several candidate oncogenes. While clinical parameters stratify osteosarcoma patients in risk groups, genetic profiles have not yet been used to tailor tumour treatment. However, specific copy number alterations seem to have a prognostic impact in osteosarcoma treatment. Somatic TP53 gene mutation frequently occurs in sporadic osteosarcoma. When arising germline, TP53 mutation leads to Li-Fraumeni syndrome and may result in early life osteosarcoma. The effect of Li-Fraumeni syndrome on the genetic profile of osteosarcoma and the consideration of the syndrome during cancer treatment are topics of current research. Case presentation We report a 25-year-old female with pelvic osteosarcoma refusing continuation of therapy. She interrupted neo-adjuvant chemotherapy according to EURAMOS-1/COSS recommendations and declined local or further adjuvant therapy. Surprisingly, she remained in sustained remission for the osteosarcoma but eventually died from newly diagnosed breast cancer. After establishment of breast cancer, we detected TP53 germline mutation and investigated the osteosarcoma material with array-CGH. Conclusion Genetic examination of the tumour evidenced several copy number alterations with striking differences to previously reported data. We discuss possible influences of the genetic profile on the unusual clinical course and the significance of Li-Fraumeni syndrome for the genetic profile. Specific loss of (proto-) oncogenes might have contributed to the unusual case. Further large-scale genetics of Li-Fraumeni patients combined with detailed clinical data will help to identify specific genetic risk profiles and improve treatment.

Bone marrow metastases—noted in 6% of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma—have been linked to very poor outcomes. Bilateral bone marrow sampling from iliac crests has been the gold standard for bone marrow examination in rhabdomyosarcoma, but sampling errors due to patchy bone marrow involvement may limit its sensitivity. Here, we report the case of a 6-year-old boy with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the skull base and multiple 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-[18F]FDG)-avid bone marrow metastases visualized by positron emission tomography and computed tomography (2-[18F]FDG PET/CT). His bone marrow aspirates were tumor-free. This case illustrates the diagnostic value of 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT in the detection of bone marrow metastases in rhabdomyosarcoma patients, which may re-shape the definition of bone marrow disease and, ultimately, alter disease staging and risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a serious condition with high morbidity and mortality in paediatric patients with cancer, haematological diseases or immunodeficiencies with or without allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The role of surgical intervention for the management of IPA has scarcely been investigated. Objectives: The aim of this study was to present a single center experience of management of IPA in paediatric patients of an oncological ward, to determine the short and long‐term outcomes after thoracic surgical interventions, and to outline the indications of surgical interventions in selected patients. Patients/Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 44 paediatric patients with proven and probable IPA treated in our institution between January 2003 and December 2021. The primary endpoint was the overall survival after surgical interventions. Secondary endpoints included post‐operative morbidity and mortality. Results: The median age at diagnosis of IPA in our cohort was 11.79 years (range 0.11–19.6). The underlying conditions were malignancies in 34 (77%) patients and haematological or immunological disorders with allogeneic HSCT in 9 (23%) patients. We performed thoracic surgical interventions in 10 (22.7%) patients. Most patients received a video assisted thoracic surgery. Only one patient died within 90 days after surgery with a median follow‐up time of 50 months. No other major post‐operative complications occurred. The calculated 5‐year survival rate from IPA for patients after surgical intervention with curative intention was 57% and 56% for patients without (p =.8216). Conclusions: IPA resulted in relevant morbidity and mortality in our paediatric patient cohort. Thoracic surgical interventions are feasible and may be associated with prolonged survival as a part of multidisciplinary approach in selected paediatric patients with IPA. Larger scale studies are necessary to investigate the variables associated with the necessity of surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to evaluate the effectiveness of a physical therapy program for athletes specializing in team sports games with diaphysis fractures of the shin after intramedullary osteosynthesis. Materials and methods. Experimental studies were conducted with athletes in game sports (n = 58) with diaphyseal fractures of the tibia, who were treated in the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the Clinical Hospital № 7, Kyiv, SI “Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics NAMS of Ukraine”, sports clinic injuries of NUFVSU during 2014–2019. Methods of analysis and generalization of literature sources were used; method of anthropometric measurements to determine the comprehensiveness of a healthy and injured limb; goniometry method for measuring the available range of motion in the knee joint of a healthy and injured limb; myotonometry method to determine the tone of the quadriceps femoris; testing to calculate the symmetry index of the lower extremities (LSI ‒ Lower Extremity Symmetry Index); methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The developed complex program of physical therapy is a cycle of restorative measures that meet the achievement of previous functionality, meets the requirements for the level of motor skills, general and special physical performance of athletes, and meets their personal ideas about the quality of life. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the physical therapy program allows us to state that in BG the normative values were reached by 25 out of 29 athletes (86.21 %), in CG ‒ 19 athletes out of 29 (65.52 %), which indicates the high efficiency of the proposed physical therapy program. Conclusions. In the process of forming physical therapy programs for patients ‒ athletes with diaphysis fractures of the tibia after intramedullary osteosynthesis, therapeutic exercises should be grouped depending on the specific objectives of rehabilitation measures and their predominant focus: to restore motor function; to restore general physical fitness; to restore special physical fitness; to restore basic motor skills and abilities; to restore special motor skills and abilities in accordance with the specifics of training and competitive activities in sports games.

The purpose of the work is to investigate the effectiveness of the use of physical condition control of students of special medical groups for the development of physical therapy programs. Materials and methods. 40 students of 1st and 2nd year students of National University “Lviv Polytechnic” and Zaporizhzhya State Medical University participated in the experimental studies, which on the basis of the medical examinations were assigned to a special medical group for the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis I, II and III degrees). The following methods were used in the research process: analysis and generalization of scientific literature and Internet data; analysis of medical records of students; instrumental methods of morphometric and psychophysiological studies; pedagogical observations; pedagogical experiment of ascertaining orientation; methods of mathematical statistics. The results of the study show that the application of theoretical and methodological provisions and recommendations of corrective measures in the system of test control of physical conditions in students of a special medical group in the practical work, on the basis of integration of specially selected means of physical therapy, enables to activate compensatory mechanisms, mobilize reserve mechanisms ability of the body to increase the competence to perform motor actions, helps to accelerate the formation of knowledge, skills, and elimination of defects motive sphere, eliminating the difference in indicators of psychophysical development between students of the main, preparatory and special medical group. Conclusions. The control of morphofunctional and psychophysiological indicators is an effective mechanism of correction of the physical condition of students of a special medical group with functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system and a necessary prerequisite for the development of complex programs of rehabilitation based on the use of therapeutic exercises.

The purpose of the work is to evaluate the degree of dynamic recovery of the movements of the operated limb during the second period of rehabilitation by means of physical therapy in patients who underwent hip replacement and strengthening of the capsule-ligament apparatus with a polypropylene mesh. Materials and methods. A retrospective study of case histories, radiographs, and laboratory data of 47 patients requiring restoration or strengthening of the hip capsule was performed, of which primary endoprosthesis was performed in 26 (55.3 %) patients, and revision in 21 (44.7 %). Among the studied patients, 27 patients (57.4 %) were male, 20 patients (42.6 %) – female. The average age of the patients was 57 years (from 20 to 86 years). Results. Based on the analysis of the results of the study, we note that the quality of life of patients in both groups, the overall subjective condition of the joint, the volume of movements of the operated limb, as well as the evaluation of clinical and functional outcomes of treatment on the Harris Hip Score (HHS) directly correlate with performance preoperative exercises of a therapeutic nature and adherence to the postoperative rehabilitation program of physical therapy. Such correlation is more significant at 12 months after surgery, at 24 months of observation the indexes of the operated hip joint in the two groups of patients were not significantly different: 65.3 % of the observation group and 52.2 % of the comparison group at 12 months after surgery and 91.3 % and 81.0 % after 24 months, respectively. Conclusions. The use of polypropylene mesh to strengthen the posterior capsule ligaments of the hip joint enhances the functionality of the operated limb and restores patients overall, accelerates the physical rehabilitation process after discharge from the hospital. The expediency of careful preoperative preparation of patients and active management of the postoperative period (complexes of therapeutic exercises, informing of patients) is proved.

Methotrexate (MTX) is the immunosuppressive anti-inflammatory drug and the antagonist of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase. Pharmacogenomic studies and clinical evidences suggest that altered response to MTX in patients with different diseases is associated with polymorphisms of genes that regulate folate metabolism. The purpose of the article was to analyze the methotrexate effect on the biochemical indices of psoriasis patients depending on methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) polymorphisms. Effects of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, C677T and A1298C, were studied. An increase of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity above the normal level in the patients with both MTHFR gene polymorphisms after methotrexate intake was observed. In patients with CC, TT, CT genotypes for C677T polymorphism and AA genotype for A1298C polymorphism of MTHFR gene, significant differen­ces in alpha-amylase activity before and after treatment with methotrexate were detected. Analysis of the biochemical indices of patients with arthropathic and vulgaris psoriasis showed that the positive effect of MTX treatment could be associated with wild-type alleles in both polymorphisms of MTHFR gene, while the ineffectiveness of methotrexate was associated with the dihеterozygous genotype. The largest number of smokers was found within the CTAA genotype group (37.5%), while no smokers were observed within TTAA patients and most of CCAA patients. The data obtained testify the utility of the individual approach to the psoriasis patients therapy taking into account genetic background.

Abstract Background Improved, multimodal treatment strategies have been shown to increase cure rates in cancer patients. Those who survive cancer as a child, adolescent or young adult (CAYA), are at a higher risk for therapy-, or disease-related, late or long-term effects. The CARE for CAYA-Program has been developed to comprehensively assess any potential future problems, to offer need-based preventative interventions and thus to improve long-term outcomes in this particularly vulnerable population. Methods The trial is designed as an adaptive trial with an annual comprehensive assessment followed by needs stratified, modular interventions, currently including physical activity, nutrition and psycho-oncology, all aimed at improving the lifestyle and/or the psychosocial situation of the patients. Patients, aged 15–39 years old, with a prior cancer diagnosis, who have completed tumour therapy and are in follow-up care, and who are tumour free, will be included. At baseline (and subsequently on an annual basis) the current medical and psychosocial situation and lifestyle of the participants will be assessed using a survey compiled of various validated questionnaires (e.g. EORTC QLQ C30, NCCN distress thermometer, PHQ-4, BSA, nutrition protocol) and objective parameters (e.g. BMI, WHR, co-morbidities like hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes), followed by basic care (psychological and lifestyle consultation). Depending on their needs, CAYAs will be allocated to preventative interventions in the above-mentioned modules over a 12-month period. After 1 year, the assessment will be repeated, and further interventions may be applied as needed. During the initial trial phase, the efficacy of this approach will be compared to standard care (waiting list with intervention in the following year) in a randomized study. During this phase, 530 CAYAs will be included and 320 eligible CAYAs who are willing to participate in the interventions will be randomly allocated to an intervention. Overall, 1500 CAYAs will be included and assessed. The programme is financed by the innovation fund of the German Federal Joint Committee and will be conducted at 14 German sites. Recruitment began in January 2018. Discussion CAYAs are at high risk for long-term sequelae. Providing structured interventions to improve lifestyle and psychological situation may counteract against these risk factors. The programme serves to establish uniform regular comprehensive assessments and need-based interventions to improve long-term outcome in CAYA survivors. Trial registration Registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (ID: DRKS00012504, registration date: 19th January 2018).

Abstract The activation of distinct branches of the Wnt signaling network is essential for regulating early vertebrate development. Activation of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway stimulates expression of β-catenin-Lef/Tcf regulated Wnt target genes and a regulatory network giving rise to the formation of the Spemann organizer. Non-canonical pathways, by contrast, mainly regulate cell polarization and migration, in particular convergent extension movements of the trunk mesoderm during gastrulation. By transcriptome analyses, we found caveolin1, caveolin3 and cavin1 to be regulated by Lef1 in the involuting mesoderm of Xenopus embryos at gastrula stages. We show that caveolins and caveolin dependent endocytosis are necessary for proper gastrulation, most likely by interfering with Wnt5a/Ror2 signaling. Wnt5a regulates the subcellular localization of receptor complexes, including Ror2 homodimers, Ror2/Fzd7 and Ror2/dsh heterodimers in an endocytosis dependent manner. Live-cell imaging revealed endocytosis of Ror2/caveolin1 complexes. In Xenopus explants, in the presence of Wnt5a, these receptor clusters remain stable exclusively at the basolateral side, suggesting that endocytosis of non-canonical Wnt/receptor complexes preferentially takes place at the apical membrane. In support of this blocking endocytosis with inhibitors prevents the effects of Wnt5a. Thus, target genes of Lef1 interfere with Wnt5a/Ror2 signaling to coordinate gastrulation movements.

We present the results of a detailed study of the transversal geochemical zonation in the northern flank of the layered chromitites of the Main Saranovskoe deposit. The precision methods of chemical and mineralogical analysis of the core samples, as well as microprobe studies of chromite grains were used. The primary magmatic two level transverse zonation was established in the ore body. Zonation of the first level is characterized by decrease of Cr2O3 content along with ferrochromite and picrochromite minals, and increase of Al2O3 along with spinel and hercynite minals in the direction from the primary bottom of the ore body to the roof. Zonation of the second level appears as a hidden stratification within the ore body. It is characterized by a sinusoidal change of the component contents in chrome spinel. Magmatic zoning is complicated by the superposition of two processes: 1) metasomatic metamorphism with the release of the secondary chromemagnetite from chromite and origin of chrome chlorite from primary silicates, 2) hydrothermal processes with the formation of uvarovite-calcite veins. The obtained data allowed to detail the process of chromitite generation and to propose a model of ore formation. It supposes two types of stratification in the deposit: rhythmic with formation of ore layers and hidden within ore bodies.

Prussian blue nanozymes possessing peroxidase-like activity gather significant attention as alternatives to natural enzymes in therapy, biosensing, and environmental remediation. Recently, Prussian blue nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic activity prepared by reduction of FeCl3/K3[Fe(CN)6] mixture have been reported. These nanoparticles were denoted as ‘artificial peroxidase’ nanozymes. Our study provides insights into the process of their synthesis. We studied how the size of nanozymes and synthesis yield can be controlled via adjustment of the synthesis conditions. Based on these results, we developed a reproducible and scalable method for the preparation of ‘artificial peroxidase’ with tunable sizes and enhanced catalytic activity. Nanozymes modified with gelatin shell and functionalized with affine molecules were applied as labels in colorimetric immunoassays of prostate-specific antigen and tetanus antibodies, enabling detection of these analytes in the range of clinically relevant concentrations. Protein coating provides excellent colloidal stability of nanozymes in physiological conditions and stability upon long-term storage.

Benzo[a]pyrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon of well proved toxic effect on animal cells and tissues. We used chicken in ovo developmental model to verify its influence on selected parameters of the heart rhythm and on the antioxidative defense in the heart tissue. We determined that the dose of 1 mg/kg weight of eggs of benzo[a]pyrene strongly activates the glutathione-dependent antioxidative system, but it do not significantly affect the heart conducting system of the chicken embryo. We postulate that further study on the benzo[a]pyrene action during embryonic development of birds is recommended.