Cyclobutane-containing alkaloids: origin, synthesis, and biological activities.

Present review describes research on novel natural cyclobutane-containing alkaloids isolated from terrestrial and marine species. More than 60 biological active compounds have been confirmed to have antimicrobial, antibacterial, antitumor, and other activities. The structures, synthesis, origins, and biological activities of a selection of cyclobutane-containing alkaloids are reviewed.

[Computer-aided design of polyketides with the required properties].

We propose an approach to rational design of new polyketides with the required spectrum of biological activity. We developed BioGenPharm software for generation of polyketide combinatorial libraries, prediction of activity spectra for the generated structures and selection of molecules with the required properties on the basis of user defined input parameters and selection criteria. For prediction of polyketide activity spectra we used PASS algorithm (http://www.

[Prevention of errors and complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

Great experience with performing laparoscopic cholecystectomies enabled the authors to work out a classification of failures, errors and complications appearing during preparation, in the process or after such operative interventions. Recommendations are given on prevention of them and for their less frequency.

[Heart function in patients with mitral defect immediately after the insertion of a mitral valve prosthesis].

Changes in left and right ventricular function were examined in 42 patients before and early after the application of mitral valve prosthesis (MVP). Hemodynamic suppression observed early after MVP application was found to be due to reduced preload, and critical inhibition of contractility in 1/3 of the patients. Baseline left-ventricular contractility and pumping function parameters were decreased to a greater degree in patients constituting Group 2.