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In the last 25 years germ cell tumors have become one of the few cancers with high cure rate. However, there is a lack of information on testicular germ cell tumors in the male population and even among general practitioners leading to late or false diagnoses. The shortening of timespan between the first clinical signs appearance and diagnoses can result in earlier diagnosis, fewer therapy interventions and better overall survival rates.

Fifty five patients with hormone-resistant prostate cancer were included in this retrospective controlled study. Chemotherapy with intravenous docetaxel (75 mg/m2 for 21 days) was performed in 30 patients, 25 patients received metronomic oral therapy with cyclophosphamide (50 mg/day). The central objective of this study was the comparison of overall survival in these groups. Pain management effectiveness, quality of life and PSA level were also compared. In docetaxel group the median overall survival was 15.9 +/- 1.7 months, in cyclophosphamide group 15.4 +/- 2.2 months (p = 0.5). Frequency of PSA level decrease was 76.7% and 44%, PSA response to therapy was observed in 46.7% and 12% of patients (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02). In docetaxel group pain reduction was achieved in 42.9% and in cyclophosphamide group in 31.3% of cases (p = 0.60). Grade III-IV hematological toxicity was observed only in docetaxel group (33% of patients), in 16.7% of patients receiving docetaxel the therapy had to be ceased due to adverse effect. Quality of live was improved in 26.7% of patients receiving docetaxel and in 16% of patients receiving cyclophosphamide.

An aerobic, methanotrophic bacterium, designated KYG(T), was isolated from a forest soil in Germany. Cells of strain KYG(T) were Gram-negative, non-motile, slightly curved rods that multiplied by binary fission and produced yellow colonies. The cells contained intracellular granules of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate at each cell pole, a particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) and stacks of intracytoplasmic membranes (ICMs) packed in parallel along one side of the cell envelope. Strain KYG(T) grew at pH 5.2-7.2 and 2-33 °C and could fix atmospheric nitrogen under reduced oxygen tension. The major cellular fatty acid was C(18 : 1)ω7c (81.5 %) and the DNA G+C content was 61.4 mol%. Strain KYG(T) belonged to the family Beijerinckiaceae of the class Alphaproteobacteria and was most closely related to the obligate methanotroph Methylocapsa acidiphila B2(T) (98.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and 84.7 % pmoA sequence similarity). Unlike Methylocapsa acidiphila B2(T), which grows only on methane and methanol, strain KYG(T) was able to grow facultatively on acetate. Facultative acetate utilization is a characteristic of the methanotrophs of the genus Methylocella, but the genus Methylocella does not produce pMMO or ICMs. Strain KYG(T) differed from Methylocapsa acidiphila B2(T) on the basis of substrate utilization pattern, pigmentation, pH range, cell ultrastructure and efficiency of dinitrogen fixation. Therefore, we propose a novel species, Methylocapsa aurea sp. nov., to accommodate this bacterium. The type strain is KYG(T) (=DSM 22158(T) =VKM B-2544(T)).

A program of postoperative kinesitherapy oriented to normalize the muscular force of the shin, reduce the time needed to restore the weight-bearing function of the affected leg, and treat pain syndrome has been developed for the patients presenting with fractures, nonunions, and pseudoarthrosis of the tibia that were treated using intramedullary osteosynthesis. The efficacy of the program was evaluated in terms of restoration of the muscular force in the shin and improvement of microcirculation in the affected region.

Two strains of Gram-negative, aerobic, non-pigmented, non-motile, rod-shaped bacteria were isolated from beechwood blocks during decay by the white-rot fungus Hypholoma fasciculare and were designated strains BW863(T) and BW872. They are capable of methylotrophic growth and assimilate carbon via the ribulose-bisphosphate pathway. In addition to methanol, the novel isolates utilized ethanol, pyruvate and malate. Strains BW863(T) and BW872 are obligately acidophilic, mesophilic organisms capable of growth at pH 3.1-6.5 (with an optimum at pH 4.5-5.0) and at 4-30 degrees C. Phospholipid fatty acid profiles of these bacteria contain unusually large amounts (about 90 %) of C(18 : 1)omega7c, thereby resembling the profiles of Methylobacterium strains. The predominant quinone is Q-10. The DNA G+C content of the novel isolates is 61.8-62.8 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strains BW863(T) and BW872 are most closely related to the acidophilic methanotroph Methylocapsa acidiphila B2(T) (96.5-97 %). Comparative sequence analysis of mxaF, the gene encoding the large subunit of methanol dehydrogenase, placed the MxaF sequences of the two novel strains in a cluster that is distinct from all previously described MxaF sequences of cultivated methylotrophs. The identity between the MxaF sequences of the acidophilic isolates and those from known alpha-, beta- and gammaproteobacterial methylotrophs was respectively 69-75, 61-63 and 64-67 %. The data therefore suggest that strains BW863(T) and BW872 represent a novel genus and species of methylotrophic bacteria, for which the name Methylovirgula ligni gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. Strain BW863(T) (=DSM 19998(T) =NCIMB 14408(T)) is the type strain of Methylovirgula ligni.

The results of closed intramedullary osteosynthesis with blocking were analyzed in 180 patients with open (in 22) and closed (in 158 patients) fractures of shin bones fulfilled within the period from 3 days to 3.5 months after trauma. In 16 patients the intramedullary canal was drilled out. The exact reposition of the shin-bone in closed intramedullary osteosynthesis was obtained in 142 patients: the terms of consolidation in this case were (6.4+/-1.3) months. The examination of all the patients in the period from 6 months to 2 years after operation has shown consolidation of the shin-bone fracture in 176 (97.7%) of them.

The dynamics of assimilation of chitin by soil microorganisms (primarily prokaryotes) as a source of carbon and nitrogen has been determined by gas chromatography and fluorescence microscopy. The highest rates of chitin decomposition in chernozem were detected at humidity levels corresponding to the pressure of soil moisture (P) of -1.4 atm. The rate of microbial consumption of chitin is three times higher than that of the carbon of soil organic matter. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that an increase in the pressure of soil moisture from P = -10 atm to P = -0.7 atm resulted in a considerable increase in the proportion of the specific surface of mycelial bacteria (actinomycetes).

This article presents new efficient method of 3-D structure reconstruction of epithelia. In contrast to existing empirical approaches, this method is based on the use of the families of topological and geometrical models of tissue structure, obtained from the axiomatic theory of biological tissue structure, with the database of model sections obtained by computer simulation. This methodology involves comparison of tissue sections obtained with those taken from the database of theoretically predicted models and the selection of the model, the sections of which best fit the real ones. This approach significantly reduces the amount of necessary tissue sections and eliminates the need for their precise superposition. As a result, new method improves resolution and and the efficiency of the studies of the spatial organization of epithelia, at the same time simplifying them. This approach is oriented primarily on examination of tissue topology as the most important aspect of its histoarchitectonics. Application of the models also facilitates the evaluation of geometrical properties of the tissue and even allows to predict their transformations, thus creating the real prerequisite for transition to the 3-D histology.

The chitinolytic prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial complex of chernozem soil has been investigated in the course of a succession initiated by the introduction of chitin and humidification. The dynamics of the cell numbers of chitinolytic microorganisms and of their biomass was assessed by fluorescent microscopy and by inoculation of selective media. Emission of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, as well as dinitrogen fixation, was assessed by gas chromatography. It was found that, when the succession was initiated by the introduction of both chitin and humidification, it resulted in greater cell numbers and biomass of chitinolytic microorganisms and higher levels of CO2 and N2O emission and of nitrogen fixation than when the succession was initiated by humidification alone. As compared to the control samples, a significant (twofold) increase in the prokaryote cell number and biomass was found on the fourth day of the succession initiated by humidification and introduction of chitin. One week after the initiation of succession, the fungal biomass and length of mycelium were twice as high as those in the control samples. These results led to the conclusion that chitin utilization in chernozem soil starts during the initial stages of succession and is performed by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms.

On the basis of a complex analysis of surgical treatment of 52 patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbosacral part of the spine complicated by the formation of compressive reticulopathies main states were established responsible for the worse quality of life of this category of patients. Different forms of vertebrogenic radiculopathies were determined according to the morphological substrate of compression. The methods of diagnosing the spinal diseases at the lumbosacral level were estimated and the diagnostic algorithms for different variants of degenerative lesions were developed. Rational schemes of surgical correction are proposed according to the established groups of vertebrogenic lumbosacral radiculopathies. Special attention is given to prophylactics of recurrences of the pain syndrome and postoperative instability of the spine.

The results of an all-round examination and complex treatment of 323 patients with renal cell carcinoma were evaluated. Locally advanced tumors were diagnosed in 143 (44.3%) and extended ones--in 180 (66.7%). In patients with locally advanced tumor who had undergone nephrectomy after embolization or chemoembolization, 12-, 24- and 36-month survival rates showed no significant difference. In patients with extended renal carcinoma, 2- and 3-year survival was significantly higher after chemoembolization than after standard embolization of the renal artery.

The clinico-echographic data on 91 cases of angiomyolipoma of the kidney are presented. This pathology appears to be the most frequent renal tumor in women. It usually has no clinical signs. Echographic examination typically produces images of formations having distinct contours; image quality is basically determined by fat level. More often than not, the image densitometric characteristics are rather low. The signs of a spontaneous rupture of tumor are discussed. Angiomyolipoma grows slowly--0-5 mm within 3 years. Check-ups (chiefly, echography) should be carried out every 12 or 24 months.

Toremifene (Fareston)-a novel antiestrogenic drug with a triphenylethylene structure-has been effective in the treatment of postmenopausal breast cancer patients. It is safely administered even in high doses up to 300 mg/day. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect and tolerability of high dose toremifene in the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Thirty six patients started the treatment with toremifene 300 mg/day. There were 26 males and 10 females. Mean age was 56.0 years, range 35-75 years. Nineteen patients were nephrectomized. One patient was not evaluable for response because of too short treatment time. The response rate was 17.1%, including 1 CR (2.9%) lasting for 121 + weeks and 5 PR (14.3%) with the mean duration of 39.8 + weeks. Ten cases of NC (28.6%) had the mean duration of 23.7 weeks. There were no significant differences in response rate when patients with lung metastases only were compared to patients with metastases of other sites with or without lung metastases. Total pain control was achieved in 45% and partial control in 20% of those patients who had pains in the beginning of the treatment. Ten patients (27.8%) had adverse reactions which led to discontinuation of the treatment in one case. It can be concluded that high-dose toremifene is an effective and safe means of palliative treatment in advanced RCC.

Many-year investigations of health status, aging process and occupational diseases in rough copper production workers, including elderly individuals, revealed the occupational factors (sulphur dioxide, industrial dust, etc.) harmful for membranes. Lowered share of phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids, that changes the physical and chemical properties of membranes and cellular receptors and enzymes, was found harmful for membranes. The most severe changes were seen in the workers exposed to sulphur dioxide.

Analysis of the causes of the unsatisfactory results of SPV in 39 patients has shown that the leading ones among them were the preservation of a high level of acid formation, antral stasis, chronic duodenal obstruction resulting from the extravasal compression of the celiac trunk and celiac ganglioneuritis. When choosing the corrective operation, it is necessary to consider the main factors causing the occurrence of an unsatisfactory result.

36 cases of cancer of the prostate, diagnosed at the histological study of the tissue removed during adenomectomy, have been studied. The most common from is a highly differentiated adenocarcinoma with a well developed parenchyma. Elastic consistency and smooth surface of the tumors make difficult their clinical, diagnosis. As compared to other forms of prostatic cancer, these tumors are characterized by a more favourable clinical course and prognosis.

Pichia amethionina varieties have different sensitivity to the acidity of the medium: P. amethionina var. amethionina has the optimum pH 3 for agglutination and 5 for conjugation; P. amethionina var. pachycereana has the optimum pH 4-6 for agglutination and 6 for conjugation. The optimum temperature for the both organisms is 24 degrees C. Under the optimum conditions, P. amethionina var. amethionina has a 98% agglutination and a 28% conjugation; for P. amethionina var. pachycereana, these values are 83 and 55%, respectively. The agglutination of the two varieties does not depend on the presence of glucose. The conjugation of P. amethionina var. pachycereana does not occur in a medium without glucose while the conjugation of P. amethionina var. amethionina is reduced twofold under these conditions. Inositol, biotin and folic acid produce positive effect on the conjugation of P. amethionina var. pachycereana, but only folic acid favours the conjugation of P. amethionina var. amethionina. No differences have been found between the varieties by staining their cells and zygotes with FITC-ConA.

The growth of Hansenula polymorpha DL-1 in the chemostat (under methanol limitation) and turbidostat was measured. Cultivation with different specific rates of growth mu made it possible to determine the maximum yield of biomass Ys(max)=0.425 and the level of expendables required to maintain Ms=0.023 hr-1. The following parameters describing mu as a function of the concentration of methanol S in the fermenter were found: muo=0.154 hr-1 (maximum growth rate), Ks=1.31 mg/l, Ki=5.35 g/l. The paper emphasizes a very low value of the saturation constant Ks derived from the above experiments and reviews the literature data on the kinetic characteristics of various methanol-grown yeast.

The predictive value of aspiration and trepan biopsy is analysed in 247 cases of prostatic cancer. The diagnostic value of trepan biopsy is 90.1%; it is not determined by the degree of tumor differentiation. The value of aspiration biopsy varies with different degree of differentiation; it is 42.1% for well-differentiated cancer, 81.2%--for moderately- and 97.4%--for poorly-differentiated tumors. Aspiration biopsy is a safe procedure, while trepan biopsy may be followed by severe complications.

The effect of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid-antigen on peripheral blood leukocyte migration inhibition was studied in 75 patients with bladder malignancies. The antigen appeared to modify the said migration. A correlation was established between stage of tumor progression and the effect of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid-antigen on leukocyte migration.

The results of a macro- and microscopic study of aspirate obtained from prostatic cancer patients in 253 needle biopsies are presented. In well-differentiated cancer, it was abundant, blood-stained, with large layers of the prostatic epithelium and insignificant atypia and polymorphism of tumor cells. Aspirate from moderately-differentiated tumors was scarce, generally blood-free, with small layers of the epithelium and considerable levels of isolated moderately polymorphous cells. In poorly-differentiated tumors, aspirate was also abundant but usually blood-free and contained isolated sharply polymorphous tumor cells.

Karyometric and cytophotometric parameters of the prostate epithelium are examined on the pattern of aspiration biopsy under benign hyperplasia and carcinoma of different grades of differentiation. The results obtained suggest that the distribution of the nuclei, according to their volume and DNA values, and the calculated index of DNA accumulation per cell may be used for differential diagnostics of the prostate cancer and for making the morphological type of tumor more precise.