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Purpose. Research and analysis of opportunities to improve the quality of insulation from secondary raw materials to study the prospects of their use in the construction industry as innovative materials with better performance than traditional ones. Materials made from secondary raw materials are of great importance not only in the formation of the building materials market, but also in the Ukrainian economy. The processing infrastructure creates a large number of jobs and tax deductions to the budget. In addition, the consumption of energy resources and the cost of servicing energy mains directly depend on the improvement of the thermal efficiency of premises and structures. The use of modern technologies of building materials combines economy, efficiency and durability of structures. Methodology. An important role in the development of modern construction production is played by the possibility of developing and improving the quality of building materials and technologies for their use. In modern conditions of the market of construction products there is an urgent need for constant modernization of construction processes, due to the efficient use of raw materials and the latest processing methods. With the use of modern information technologies and theoretical and methodological ways to solve problems, it becomes possible to consider options for improving the characteristics of building materials by combining qualitative characteristics and eliminating negative ones. Findings. This paper presents scientifically sound methods of modernization of secondary raw materials in the composition of insulation materials with high thermal and economic characteristics, which are able to compete in the market with traditional building materials. The analysis of flame retardants was carried out. Originality. Theoretical and methodological directions have been formed on the basis of research on the use of secondary raw materials for the manufacture of insulation in construction. The comparative characteristic is carried out. The conclusion on the competitiveness of the presented materials in the market of construction materials is made. Practical value. Analysis of the application of modern technologies for recycling on the basis of the latest theoretical and practical approaches, with the subsequent elimination of shortcomings. Consideration of the possibility of adding flame retardants to the composition of materials. Use of materials as insulation of premises and buildings. Development of processing infrastructure of Ukraine.

Resistant hypertension and chronic kidney disease are closely related from a pathogenetic and clinical point of view. To study the dynamics of functional state of kidneys and as well as to identify the predictors of its improvement, 117 patients with resistant hypertension were examined. Dynamic follow−up of patients included monitoring of antihypertensive therapy, blood pressure, biochemical and humoral parameters during 3, 6 and 36 months of treatment. The findings have shown that a significant long−term improvement in blood pressure control in the patients with chronic kidney disease improves their function and also has a nephroprotective effect in patients without any signs of renal damage. The established prognostic value of the higher initial creatinine content for the improvement of renal function in patients with resistant hypertension is stipulated with a positive effect of antihypertensive therapy on the glomerular filtration rate dynamics. The close association between improved renal function and lower baseline levels of interleukin 6 as well as an active renin in the blood may indicate a role for systemic inflammation and renin−angiotensin−aldosterone system activity in the renal dysfunction development. Prolonged improvement in blood pressure control in the patients with resistant hypertension without diabetes is associated with a stable level of urinary albumin excretion, whereas in patients with diabetes, an albuminuria increases over time. The study concluded that independent predictors of improved renal function in patients with resistant hypertension are higher baseline creatinine and lower glomerular filtration rate, lower concentrations of interleukin 6, active renin and plasma potassium. Key words: resistant arterial hypertension, chronic kidney disease, functional state of kidneys, antihypertensive therapy.

Мета роботи - визначити складові методу навчання і професійного розвитку “Менторство”, що можуть застосовуватися в післядипломній освіті лікаря, та надати практичні рекомендації. Основна частина. Професійне становлення молодого фахівця є важливим етапом у його соціалізації. Одним із розповсюджених методів розвитку фахових навичок та якостей є менторство. Наставництво в медицині виявилося корисним для особистісного росту, професійного розвитку, формування впевненості в собі та навичок спілкування, отримання задоволення від роботи та планування кар’єри. Існуючі програми післядипломної освіти мають вузьку направленість та не передбачають багатьох сторін підготовки спеціалістів. Метод наставництва, на теперішній час, не має чіткого організаційного, правового та економічного підґрунтя, але багато років, часто стихійно та неформально, використовується в інтернатурі. Післядипломна освіта, на жаль, перестає виконувати соціальну функцію. Для успішного навчання та становлення молодого лікаря необхідні спеціальні ресурси, що дозволять здійснювати психологічний і соціально-педагогічний супровід – тьюторство. На практиці цей напрямок відчуває дефіцит ресурсів і стимулів. У статті проведено аналіз умов до застосування, висвітлено складові, сформульовано основні переваги та недоліки методу наставництва. Наведено досвід застосування методу на клінічній базі. Сформульовано переваги та недоліки методу, дано рекомендації до практичного застосування. Висновок. Організоване наставництво виведе систему післядипломної освіти на якісно новий рівень, сприятиме швидкій професійній адаптації молодих фахівців та зменшить розрив, що існує нині між вищими навчальними закладами та системою охорони здоров’я.

Bacillus velezensis strain BZR 517 is a prospective plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium with known biocontrol properties, which may be used to improve soil quality. The genome sequencing was conducted as part of new biological agent development in order to determine the biocontrol potential of the strain, including the production of biologically active compounds.

Bacillus velezensis strain BZR 336g is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium isolated from a winter wheat rhizoplane from the Krasnodar region in Russia. In this study, we report the genome, including genes with known phenotypic function, i.e., the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites with fungicidal and plant growth-promoting activities. We sequenced and analyzed the complete BZR 336g genome using two different DNA preparation methods to help us better understand the origin of the antimicrobial and antifungal abilities and to weigh the biocontrol properties of this strain.

Background. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the features of the target organs damage, neurohumoral and proinflammatory status in patients with resistant arterial hypertension (RAH). Materials and methods. The study included 257 individuals with apparent RAH. The secondary hypertension was revealed in 8.5 % of patients. After 3 months therapy with triple fixed-dose combination of antihypertensive drugs in maximum tolerated doses, patients were divided into two groups: true (n = 103) and pseudoresistant arterial hypertension (n = 132). The comparative analysis between groups was performed in terms of clinical characteristics, degree of target organ damage, features of neurohumoral (plasma concentration of aldosterone and active renin, 24-hour urinary metanephrine) and proinflammatory status (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α in blood plasma). Results. RAH patients were characterized by higher levels of office and ambulatory blood pressure, frequent (up to 14 %) disturbances of blood pressure by night-peaker type, blood pressure morning surge. RAH patients had concentric left ventricular hypertrophy in 95 % of cases and in 80 % — carotid atherosclerosis, a significant decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate and higher level of urinary albumin excretion. RAH patients had higher levels of C-reactive protein — by 17.3 % (p = 0.02), interleukin-6 — by 21.8 % (p = 0.01), tumor necrosis factor α — by 13 % (p = 0.003) compared to individuals with pseudoresistant arterial hypertension. Conclusions. RAH patients were characterized by higher level of blood pressure, target organ damage, more significant signs of low-grade systemic inflammation, and activity of sympathetic and renin-aldosterone-angiotensin systems., Цель: исследовать особенности поражения органов-мишеней, нейрогуморального и противовоспалительного статуса у пациентов с резистентной артериальной гипертензией (РАГ). Материалы и методы. В исследование включены 257 пациентов с предварительным диагнозом РАГ. Вторичная АГ диагностирована у 8,5 % больных. На фоне 3-месячного лечения трехкомпонентной фиксированной комбинацией антигипертензивных препаратов в максимальных дозах выделены пациенты с истинной РАГ (n = 103) и больные с псевдорезистентной АГ (ПРАГ) (n = 132). Проведен сравнительный анализ клинических характеристик, степени поражения органов-мишеней, особенностей нейрогуморального (альдостерон, активный ренин в плазме, метанефрини в моче) и противовоспалительного (С-реактивный протеин (СРП), интерлейкин-6 (ИЛ-6), фактор некроза опухоли α (ФНО-α) в плазме) статуса между группами. Результаты. Пациенты с РАГ характеризуются высоким уровнем офисного и амбулаторного артериального давления (АД), наличием до 14 % нарушений суточного ритма АД по типу nigh-peaker, высоким утренним приростом АД. Пациенты с РАГ имели в 95 % случаев концентрическую гипертрофию левого желудочка и в 80 % — атеросклеротические бляшки в сонных артериях, существенное снижение расчетной скорости клубочковой фильтрации и увеличение экскреции альбумина с мочой. Более высокое содержание СРП на 17,3 % (р = 0,02), ИЛ-6 на 21,8 % (р = 0,01), ФНО-α на 13 % (р = 0,003) установлено в группе РАГ по сравнению с группой ПРАГ. Выводы. Пациенты с РАГ имеют высокий уровень АД, поражение органов-мишеней, более выражены признаки активации системного воспаления низкой градации и активность симпатоадреналовой и ренин-альдостерон-ангиотензиновой систем., Мета: дослідити особливості ураження органів-мішеней, нейрогуморального та прозапального статусу у пацієнтів з резистентною артеріальною гіпертензією (РАГ). Матеріали та методи. У дослідження включені 257 пацієнтів із попереднім діагнозом РАГ. Вторинну АГ діагностовано у 8,5 % хворих. На тлі 3-місячного лікування трикомпонентною фіксованою комбінацією антигіпертензивних препаратів у максимальних дозах виділено пацієнтів з істинною РАГ (n = 103) та хворих із псевдорезистентною АГ (ПРАГ) (n = 132). Проведено порівняльний аналіз клінічних характеристик, ступеня ураження органів-мішеней, особливостей нейрогуморального (альдостерон, активний ренін у плазмі, метанефрини в сечі) та прозапального (С-реактивний протеїн (СРП), інтерлейкін-6 (ІЛ-6), фактор некрозу пухлини α (ФНП-α) в плазмі) статусу між групами. Результати. Пацієнти з РАГ характеризуються вищим рівнем офісного й амбулаторного артеріального тиску (АТ), наявністю до 14 % порушень добового ритму АТ за типом nigh-peaker, високим ранковим приростом АТ. Пацієнти з РАГ мали в 95 % випадків концентричну гіпертрофію лівого шлуночка та в 80 % — атеросклеротичні бляшки в сонних артеріях, суттєве зниження розрахункової швидкості клубочкової фільтрації та збільшення екскреції альбуміну з сечею. Вищий уміст СРП на 17,3 % (р = 0,02), ІЛ-6 на 21,8 % (р = 0,01), ФНП-α на 13 % (р = 0,003) встановлено в групі РАГ при порівнянні з групою ПРАГ. Висновки. Пацієнти з РАГ мають вищий рівень АТ, ураження органів-мішеней, більш виражені ознаки активації системного запалення низької градації та активність симпатоадреналової та ренін-альдостерон-ангіотензинової систем.

Purpose. Determination of the reserves of the main equipment in terms of the systemic role of hydroelectric power stations.Methodology. Complex poliobjecting approach to the analysis and determination of operating constituents of generation and basic energy equipment.Findings. The urgency and the basis of the system requirements for the efficiency of the power equipment of hydroelectric power stations, which allows ensuring the formation of the necessary functional level of the generation process is proposed. The features of the main components of the transformation technology and their interaction are considered. Reflects the influence of the components of the end-to-end path of the generation process. Characteristics of the conversion efficiency in the mobility conditions are obtained. The main possibilities and ways of organizing an effective energy exchange of a hydro generator are shown. The ways of increasing the operating efficiency of the existing equipment of hydroelectric power stations are proposed.Originality. The multi-subject requirements of the system approach is proposed for determining equipment reserves and increasing generation efficiency, which makes it possible to determine the dynamic generation components and performance criteria.Practical value. The system requirements for studying the end-to-end path of energy transformations and increasing the efficiency of generating of basic equipment of the hydroelectric power stations and its systemic role are determined., Мета роботи. Визначення резервів основного обладнання з погляду системної ролі гідроелектростанцій.Методи досліджень. Комплексний поліпредметний підхід до аналізу й визначення діючих складових генерації та основного енергетичного обладнання.Отримані результати. Наведена актуальність і основа системних вимог до ефективності енергетичного обладнання гідроелектростанцій, що дозволяють забезпечувати формування необхідного функціонального рівня процесу генерації. Розглянуті особливості основних компонентів технології перетворення і їх взаємодії. Відображені впливи складових наскрізного тракту процесу генерації. Отримані характеристики ефективності перетворення в умовах системної режимної мобільності. Показані основні можливості й шляхи організації ефективного енергоінформаційного обміну на рівні гідрогенератора. Запропоновані шляхи підвищення ефективності роботи діючого обладнання гідроелектростанцій.Наукова новизна. Запропоновано поліпредметну конкретизацію системного підходу для визначення резервів обладнання та підвищення ефективності генерації, що дозволяє визначити динамічні складові генерації та критерії ефективності діючого обладнання гідроелектростанцій.Практична цінність. Визначено системні вимоги до наскрізного тракту енергетичних перетворень та підвищення ефективності генерації основного обладнання гідроелектростанцій за його системної ролі., Цель работы. Определение резервов основного оборудования с точки зрения системной роли гидроэлектростанций.Методы исследований. A comprehensive multi-subject approach to the analysis and determination of the effective components of generation and energy equipment.Получены результаты. Приведена актуальность и основа системных требований к эффективности энергетического оборудования гидроэлектростанций, позволяющих обеспечивать формирование необходимого функционального уровня процесса генерации. Рассмотрены особенности основных компонентов технологии преобразования и их взаимодействия. Отражены влияния составляющих сквозного тракта процесса генерации. Получены характеристики эффективности преобразования в условиях мобильности. Показаны основные возможности и пути организации эффективного энергоинформационного обмена гидрогенератора. Предложены пути повышения эффективности работы действующего оборудования гидроэлектростанций.Научная новизна. Предложена полипредметная конкретизация системного подхода для определения резервов оборудования и повышения эффективности генерации, которая позволяет определить динамических составляющих генерации и критериев эффективности.Практическая ценность. Определены системные требования к исследованию сквозного тракта энергетических превращений и повышения эффективности генерации основного оборудования гидроэлектростанций и его системной роли.

The authors' design for a M\"ossbauer spectroscopy unit accessed via the Internet is presented. The spectrometer's configuration, operational peculiarities, key specifications, and remote access procedures are described. More detailed educational, scientific, and technical information can be found at the project's official website http://efmsb.sinp.msu.ru., Comment: 5 pages, 6 figures

We have shown previously the presence of full length (50 kD) and truncated proteolytic form (45 kD) of pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) in the eye Tenon's capsule in progressive myopia. The full length PEDF is prevalent in myopia that correlates with breach in collagen fibrils forming. Immunohistochemical analysis of Tenon's capsule with polyclonal antibodies to PEDF revealed PEDF in control group being exclusively inside fibroblasts, whereas in myopia, PEDF was distributed extracellularly as halo around blasted fibroblasts. By means of atomic force microscopy and immunodot analysis with anti amyloid fibrils antibodies the ability was studied of recombinant PEDF fragments to form fibrils. Only full length PEDF was shown to form amyloid like fibril structures, but not the truncated form. Accumulation offibrils results in fibroblasts destruction and might be the cause of changes in biochemical and morphological structure of Tenon's capsule observed in myopia.

The first results obtained through the university small satellites program developed at Moscow State University (MSU) are presented. The space environment was investigated aboard two MSU microsatellites designed for scientific and educational purposes, Universitetsky-Tat’yana and Universitetsky-Tat’yana-2. The scientific equipment is described to study charged particles in near Earth space and atmospheric radiations in ultraviolet, red, and infrared optical wavelength ranges. The dynamic properties of fluxes of charged particles in microsatellite orbits are studied and findings are presented regarding specific parameters of solar proton penetration during the geomagnetic disturbances. Experimental results are considered concerning flashes of ultraviolet (UV), red (R), and infrared (IR) radiation that are transient light phenomena in the upper atmosphere. The space educational MSU program developed on the basis of the Universitetsky-Tat’yana projects is reviewed.

A novel protein with a molecular mass of around 43 kDa has been detected in the olfactory lining of rats exposed to pathophysiological conditions. The determination of the amino acid sequence has shown that this protein belongs to the YM-1 chitinase-like protein subgroup of the glycohydrolase family 18.

A new method for studying lipid-protein interactions in vitro is developed. It enables the study of the transporting activity of a protein toward a lipid ligand, including the case of an unknown lipid type. The method can be considered as a variant of partition three-phase chromatography with two stationary (donor and acceptor) phases and one mobile phase. The protein under study is dissolved in an aqueous mobile phase and induces a specific delivery of a lipid to the acceptor lipid layer. The transported lipid is identified in Folch lipid extracts from the acceptor layer and aqueous phase. The secretory protein with M 45 kDa from the rat olfactory epithelium is shown to be a carrier of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate. Our approach opens up new possibilities in the study of lipid-protein interactions in vitro and has a number of advantages over the methods now used for these purposes.

The glow intensity profile in a spherically stratified gas discharge is measured. It is shown that the boundaries of striations are thin spherical glowing shells, whose thickness is proportional to the striation radius. Based on the analysis of the optical-emission characteristics of spherical striations, the spatial distribution of the electric field in the stratified discharge region is estimated.

cDNA of human peroxiredoxin VI, one of the recently discovered novel antioxidant proteins, was expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The expression product was obtained in water-soluble form and purified by a two-step chromatographic procedure using DEAE-Sepharose and Sephacryl S-200. According to CD data, the polypeptide chain of the recombinant human peroxiredoxin VI contains ∼40% α-helical region and 30% β-structure, which is the same as for native rat peroxiredoxin VI. The protective properties of the recombinant protein determined as its ability to prevent the inactivation of glutamine synthetase from E. coli in a model oxidation system were comparable with the protective properties of native rat peroxiredoxin VI.

Silicon PhotoMultipliers (SiPM) are state of the art light detectors with very high single photon sensitivity and photon number resolving capability, representing a breakthrough in several fundamental and applied Science domains. So, introduction of SiPM in to the education is important process increasing the number of specialists involved in the SiPM development and application. As a result of collaborative efforts between industry and academic institutions modular set of instruments based on SiPM light sensors has been developed by CAEN s.p.a. It is developed for educational purposes mainly and allows performing a series of experiments including photon detection, gamma spectrometry, cosmic ray observation and beta and gamma ray absorption. In addition, an educational experiments based on a SiPM set-up guides students towards a comprehensive knowledge of SiPM technology while experiencing the quantum nature of light and exploring the statistical properties of the light pulses emitted by a LED. The toolbox is actually an open platform in continuous evolution thanks to the contribution of the research community and cooperation with high schools.

Experimental data are obtained on the conditions for the stratification of spherical direct-current discharges and on the properties of the strata. The experiments were aimed at studying discharges in both molecular and inert gases at low pressures and were carried out with a steel chamber whose wall served as a cathode. An anode was placed at the center of the chamber. The discharge stratification was observed to be especially pronounced in media containing a small admixture of the vapor of a high-molecular substance (e.g., acetone). In discharges in pure inert gases, no strata were observed. The current-voltage characteristics of discharges at different pressures were obtained. The discharges were found to be unsteady: current pulses with a duration of about 1 microsecond and a characteristic repetition rate of about 1 kHz were detected against a steady current background and were found to correlate with the pulses of the integral emission from the discharge. The radius of each of the strata was determined as a function of its number and of the gas pressure and discharge current. The radial profiles of the time-averaged floating potential were measured in experiments with stratified discharges and with uniform discharges in argon.

We have experimentally studied the floating potential distribution in a spherical stratified dc discharge. A nonmonotonic potential profile is observed in the region of striations, which is indicative of the existence of regions with a reverse electric field.

The stratification of a volume glow discharge is observed experimentally. Spherically symmetric stationary striations are detected.

We have shown previously the presence of full length (50 kD) and truncated proteolytic form (45 kD) of pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) in the eye Tenon's capsule in progressive myopia. The full length PEDF is prevalent in myopia that correlates with breach in collagen fibrils forming. Immunohistochemical analysis of Tenon's capsule with polyclonal antibodies to PEDF revealed PEDF in control group being exclusively inside fibroblasts, whereas in myopia, PEDF was distributed extracellularly as halo around blasted fibroblasts. By means of atomic force microscopy and immunodot analysis with anti amyloid fibrils antibodies the ability was studied of recombinant PEDF fragments to form fibrils. Only full length PEDF was shown to form amyloid like fibril structures, but not the truncated form. Accumulation offibrils results in fibroblasts destruction and might be the cause of changes in biochemical and morphological structure of Tenon's capsule observed in myopia.

The urgency, problem condition and the basic operating factors defining working efficiency of the basic hydropower equipment of HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION are shown. The basic components of energy expenses efficiency in technological systems of electric energy development are considered and classified. Influences of the basic components of technical and operational factors on efficiency level are reflected. The substantiation is performed and the direction of the working factors research affecting the change of the hydrounit electric parametres is defined. Ways of an overall performance increase of the operative equipment of HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION are offered. The cited data can be used at modernisation of energy hydropower converters

We have experimentally studied spherical dc discharges with opposite polarities of the applied voltage. Under otherwise identical conditions, the phenomenon of spherical stratification takes place only when the central electrode is the anode (positive discharge). An analysis of the experimental data shows that the diffusion current component plays a decisive role in the formation of striations in a spherical glow discharge.

It is experimentally demonstrated that the spherical stratification of an electric discharge may take place in a gas phase containing high-molecular-mass additives. The process of a dissociative decomposition of the high-molecular-mass species in the course of discharge leads to the degradation of strata.

Novel protein with a molecular mass of ~43 kDa from rat olfactory epithelium in pathophysiological conditions was discovered. Its amino acid sequence and affiliation with the family 18 glycohydrolase subgroup of chitinase-like proteins YM-1 were determined.

Purpose To study the Tenon’s capsule ultrastructure and PEDF metabolism of the sclera and Tenon’s capsule in progressive myopia. Methods Transmission electron microscopy, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies against PEDF molecule, nucleotide sequence of PEDF mRNA and histochemistry with Kongo red staining specific to amyloid structures have been used to study 140 samples of 106 eyes of patients aged 7-22 with progressive myopia of 5.5-31.0 D and 29 eyes of patients aged 7-23 with emmetropia or low hyperopia (control group). The samples were obtained during scleroplasty, squint and eye trauma surgery. Results Myopic samples of the Tenon’s capsule showed a looser and less regular organization of collagen fibrils, and a fall of the mean fibril diameter (d=75.7±7 nm) as compared to control samples (d=87±9 nm). These structural abnormalities are similar to those of highly myopic sclera. Soluble PEDF level decreased 2-3 times, while accumulation of insoluble PEDF around fibroblasts was found to correlate with the formation of amyloid-like fibril structures and an increased PEDF stability to hydrolysis. In PEDF’s mRNA obtained from myopic sclera 3 point mutations were revealed. All these substitutions change conservative amino acid residues near the serpin loop and can affect the conformation and stability of PEDF molecule. Conclusion Serious defects of extracellular matrix organization and disorders in PEDF metabolism in the highly myopic Tenon’s capsule were detected.These disorders may contribute to myopia progression and development of its complications.

We found a new protein haponin (an HLDF-alike protein) in promyelocyte HL-60 cells that is immunoreactive to polyclonal antibodies against HLDFbeta. Determination of the partial primary structure of the protein allowed us to reveal an immunogenic peptide of haponin and, on the basis of the amino acid sequence of this peptide, the degenerate primers were synthesized, which enabled us to clone the full-size cDNA of haponin. The stable heterologous expression of this cDNA in E. coli cells (Rosetta strain) was obtained. Preparations of natural and recombinant proteins exhibited antigenic cross-reactivity to polyclonal antibodies against this peptide.

The object of the present study is the verification of a new approach to the design of the active truncated forms of enzymes. The method is based on a new way of investigating the protein sequences--the ANalysis of Informational Structure (ANIS). The analysis of informational structure allows to determine the hierarchically organized structures (IDIC-trees) formed by the sites with the Increased Degree of Informational Coordination between residues. The proposed approach involves the consequent removal of the fragments corresponding to the individual IDIC-trees from the wild-type enzyme sequences. The described procedure was applied to the design of the active truncated form of human 1-CYS peroxiredoxin (PrxVI). Two variants of the PrxVI truncated sequences were proposed according to ANIS method. These truncated forms of the enzyme were expressed in E. coli and purified. The respective antioxidant activities were measured. It was shown that one of the truncated recombinant proteins retains more than 90% of the wild-type PrxVI enzymatic activity. According to the results of our study we can assume that ANIS method can be an effective tool for the design of the active truncated forms of the enzymes or the chimeric proteins which combine the enzymatic activities of their wild-type prototypes.

cDNA of Sec14p-like water-soluble protein with molecular mass 45 kD from rat olfactory epithelium was expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta cells. The expression product was purified by a two-step chromatographic procedure on DEAE-Sepharose and Sephacryl S-200. The identity of structural and functional characteristics of the recombinant and native proteins was demonstrated by CD, mass spectrometry, and Western blotting. Using several lipids immobilized on nitrocellulose membranes, it was shown that phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate is the specific ligand for the studied protein.

Protein–lipid interactions are important for protein targeting, signal transduction, lipid transport, and the maintenance of cellular compartments and membranes. Specific lipid-binding protein domains, such as PH, FYVE, PX, PHD, C2 and SEC14 homology domains, mediate interactions between proteins and specific phospholipids. We recently cloned a 45-kDa protein from rat olfactory epithelium, which is homologous to the yeast Sec14p phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) transfer protein and we report here that this protein binds to PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and far weaker to less phosphorylated derivatives of PtdIns. Expression of the p45 protein in COS-1 cells resulted in accumulation of the protein in secretory vesicles and in the extracellular space. The secreted material contained PtdIns(3,4,5)P3. Our findings are the first report of a Sec14p-like protein involved in transport out of a cell and, to the best of our knowledge, inositol-containing phospholipids have not previously been detected in the extracellular space. Our findings suggest that p45 and phosphoinositides may participate in the formation of the protective mucus on nasal epithelium.

We undertook a search for proteins interacting with protein p45 by the method of two-hybrid screening in order to determine the function of the Sec14p-like protein p45. A screening of the yeast library of rat lung cDNA, six proteins specifically activating the reporter genes of a two-hybrid system and 21 unlikely protein partners of protein p45 were identified. The most likely candidate for the role of a p45 partner is the surfactant protein C (Sftpc). These results and previous studies led us to the hypothesis that protein p45 fulfills its protective function by participating in the biogenesis of cell membranes. The English version of the paper: Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 2005, vol. 31, no. 3; see also http://www.maik.ru.

The influence of embryonic pluripotent progenitor cells on the dynamics of the systemic arterial pressure was examined in rats with genetically determined arterial hypertension. It has been established that the single intravenous administration of the embryonic pluripotent and progenitor cells to spontaneously hypertensive rats in the amount of 5 x 10(7) ml lead to the lowering of the systemic arterial pressure for one month.

We evaluated the alters in plasma vasoconstriction eicosanoids (LTC4, TXB2) and diene conjugates (DC) levels in patients with essential hypertension (EH) after chronic (30 days, 235 mg per day) of irbezartane (inhibitor of ANG II type 1 receptor with prolongation action "Aprovel" from "Sanofi") oral administration. Patients with EH have significantly higher plasma both LTC4, TXB2 and DC levels then healthy controls. This imbalance can be beneficially modulated by chronic irbezartane ("Aprovel") administration. It is concluded that ANG II type 1 receptors can be involved in regulation of free arachidomc acid oxidation.

cDNA of human peroxiredoxin VI, one of the recently discovered novel antioxidant proteins, was expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The expression product was obtained in water-soluble form and purified by a two-step chromatographic procedure using DEAE-Sepharose and Sephacryl S-200. According to CD data, the polypeptide chain of the recombinant human peroxiredoxin VI contains approximately 40% alpha-helical region and 30% beta-structure, which is the same as for native rat peroxiredoxin VI. The protective properties of the recombinant protein determined as its ability to prevent the inactivation of glutamine synthetase from E. coli in a model oxidation system were comparable with the protective properties of native rat peroxiredoxin VI.

Effects of an antagonist of AT-1 receptors for angiotensin-II (Ang-II) irbezantane on the NO-synthase and arginase ways of the metabolism of L-arginine were studied in plasma and erythrocytes of the patients with arterial hypertension. The intensity of the non-oxidative arginase way of L-arginine metabolism in plasma and erythrocytes has been shown to be inhanced at hypertension versus the normotensive patients, while the activity of the alternative oxidative NO-synthase way was reduced. Inhibiting AT-1 receptors for Ang-II with high-affinity antagonist irbezantane normalized the ratio between two alternative ways of L-arginine metabolism through inhibiting the arginase way and reciprocal activating the NO-synthase way both in human plasma and erythrocytes.

The binding of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate to a protein with molecular mass of 45 kDa from rat olfactory epithelium (p45) was investigated using a model membrane system. Liposomes containing a mixture of phospholipids (phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate) were used in the study. The binding of the protein to liposomes caused by its interaction with phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate was confirmed by cosedimentation and immunoblotting with chemiluminescent detection using monoclonal antibodies to the native protein p45. The English version of the paper: Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 2006, vol. 32, no. 3; see also http://www.maik.ru.

Prolonged effect (6-12 months) of verapamil and nifedipine on the systolic and diastolic function of the myocardium was studied in 48 patients with hypertensive disease (stage II). It was established that in patients with a high ejection fraction (55% and more) the two drugs produce a distinct reduction of the pumping heart function. The two drugs increase the rate of early diastolic filling. They also may reduce the arterial pressure via different hemodynamic mechanisms: vasodilatation or via reduction of cardiac output.

Essential hypertension stage II was treated by calcium antagonists, alpha- and beta-adrenoblockers in 362 patients. The drugs were compared for hypotensive efficiency at rest and exercise. A significant hypotensive effect was achieved in 81%, 58%, 44%, 43% and 37% of patients treated with labetalol, nifedipine, nadolol, propranolol, diltiazem, respectively. An increase in verapamil daily dose from 240 to 600 mg led to a rise in efficacy from 27 to 75% without an increase in the number of side effects. The antihypertensive effect of the drugs is shown to persist in long-term treatment as shown by exercise tests and static loads.

An experimental investigation was made of the optical strength of K8, ZhS11, and TF8 glasses, and lithium niobate and tantalate crystals exposed to a train of nanosecond 1.06-μm laser pulses at various pulse repetition frequencies. The cumulative effect was not found in K8 glass for a pulse duration of 50 ns and a repetition frequency up to 20 kHz, nor in lithium niobate and tantalate crystals (20 ns and 2 kHz). Glass TF8 was studied at durations of 20 and 60 ns and at frequencies up to 20 kHz. The cumulative effect in ZhS11 glass (durations between 80 and 150ns and frequencies up to 50 kHz) was associated with the presence of CdSxSe1 – x semiconductor microcrystals.

An experimental investigation was made of transient thermal self-focusing of free-oscillation neodymium laser radiation in optical glass. The position of a nonlinear focal region was determined in the case of self-focusing of converging, parallel, and diverging laser radiation beams. A comparison was made of the results obtained with theoretical predictions.

Results are presented of an interferometric investigation of the refractive index variations of K8 and L47 glasses and laser glasses under the action of neodymium laser radiation. Thermal instability, found in the laser glasses, is associated with the thermal excitation of the ions to the 4I11/2 level and with the existence of a nonradiative decay channel for the metastable level via the higher 2G9/2 level. The cross section of the 4F3/2→2G9/2 transition is determined.