[Glucophot BP-"M" analyzer for blood analysis].

Miniature analyzer Glucophot BP-"M", intended for express measurements of glucose concentrations in capillary blood, was tested under clinical conditions. The reference method was the hexokinase method for glucose measurements on a Spectrum 11 biochemical analyzer (Abbott); in addition, glucose measurements were carried out on a One Touch-11 glucometer (Johnson-Johnson). The results evidence that the reproducibility and correctness of glucose analysis by the Glucophot BP-"M" analyzer both in health and disease met the requirements to laboratory measurements performed by "dry" chemical methods and demonstrated its high analytical reliability.

[Development of approaches to studying the structural and functional organization of protein molecules aboard the International space station].

To solve the problems of biological safety of the cosmonaut on long-duration space mission and prediction of changes in macroorganism as a whole and constituting protein molecules under these conditions, it is important to study the influence of spaceflight factors (SFF) on microorganisms-carriers of modeled structures, protein molecules and pro- and eukaryotic genes in particular. Within the framework of scientific cooperation NAUKA-NASA, the authors proposed a model system of prokaryotic producers of pro- and eukaryotic proteins--staphylococcus alpha-toxin (SAT)--as a key protein in pathogenesis of staphylococcal infections, and human leukocytic interferon (HuIFN-alpha) as one of the homeostasis regulating proteins with well-studied structural and functional properties. Recombinant strains of E.

[Transmission and exchange of genetic information during bacterial conjugation in ground-based simulations of the factors of orbital flight].

Control laboratory experiments on bacterial conjugation under simulated spaceflight conditions were performed with the use of new equipment (bioreactor RECOMB-2 and container BIOMAGNISTAT) within the RSA-NASA science program. External parameters were selected and the plan of simulation of a space experiment was verified to ensure high efficiency of the conjugative transfer of chromosomal and plasmid DNA and storage of hybrids on the ground. Genetic analysis of conjugative hybrids E.

[Use of laser flow-type fluorescence aerosol particle counter to evaluate the concentration of microbes in the surface air under high dust content].

The paper deals with the use of a laser flow-type fluorescence aerosol particle counter to evaluate the concentrations of microbes in the surface air under high dust content. Various circuits of flow-type optic aerosol recorders are analyzed. Flow spectral luminescence analysis of some particles flow while exciting the fourth harmonics of a pulse laser on yttrium-aluminium garnet with neodymium by ultraviolet radiation is shown to be the most optimum method for indication of individual aerosol particles.

[A model system for the assessment of the stability of eukaryotic genes and expressed proteins in extended space flight].

Evidence was obtained that the changed gravity, tension profiles of the magnetic fields inside the orbital station and other spaceflight factors (SFF) substantially influence the cell genome and synthesis of recombinant proteins. The authors proposed a technique of fixation of possible alterations in genes and expressed recombinant proteins in strains-producers of human alpha-interferon: HuIFN-alpha 2b, HuIFN-alpha 8a, HuIFN-alpha 10a, and HuIFN-alpha 14a. Spaceflight factors were simulated by way of gamma-irradiation at 10 Gy and 50 Gy by a cobalt unit, and centrifugation of samples at 10 g and 50 g.

[Changes in productivity of plant cells as result of cultivation under the space flight conditions].

Effects of space flight on growth and biosynthetic features of plant cells were studied in two strains of ginseng (Panax ginseng) differing in growth and particularly biosynthetic activities, a strain of Lithospermum Erythrorhizon and a strain of Macrotomia Euchroma which produce biologically active naphroquin-derived pigments. --and also differ in growth and biosynthetic properties. Following exposure aboard MIR and a Space shuttle, cells of the callosal cultures were subjected to callosal or suspension passaging.

[Endogenous regulatory peptides, interferons and cytokines as adaptogens in exposure of the body to adverse environmental factors].

The authors summarize data on the efficacy of various prefabricated recombinant interferons against virus, bacterial, and chlamydial infections, and in unfavorable environments. The spaceflight factors were shown to have a negative influence on natural killers in the human body providing the immunological resistance and defence not only from foreign microorganisms but also the body cells transformed because of a virus infection or malignancy. Entalferon awakes a particular interest for its convenience in extreme conditions, space flight included.

[Some bioengineering and hygienic aspects of incorporating sodium light illuminators into space life support systems].

Some bioengineering aspects of utilizating high-pressure sodium lamps (HPSL) in space plant growth chambers are reviewed. Comparative feasibility analysis of various lighting systems currently used in plant industry, and investigation of HPSL limitations and advantages allow the conclusion about their good prospect as a component of future plant growth facilities aboard long-term space bioengineering life support systems. High appraisal is given to the design of a board prototype of the DnaTSf-70 sodium lamp.

[Biological safety problems on the brink of the 21st century].

The review deals with the prospects of development of means of bioindication, one of the key elements in the country's biological safety system. The level of their development is determined by the state-of-the-art of methodology and techniques for detection of ultralow concentrations of biomolecular markers and by the advances in bioengineering and molecular diagnosis. In the authors' opinion, great progress should be soon obvious in the design of specific indication means (biosensor devices and systems for multicomponent analysis due to the use of laser sources of stimulation and new long-luminescent markers (chelates of lanthanoids and metallic porphyrins) for the homogeneous and non-dissociative schemes of solid-phase analysis.

[Study of antiinfectious potential of recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha].

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) was shown to have an antiinfectious effect on murine and rat models of viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. The effective antiinfectious dose of TNF was determined to be 10(2)-10(3) U/kg body weight. TNF, interferon, and antibiotics were demonstrated to potentiate the antibacterial effect of each.

[Anti-Trichomonas activity of metronidazole in the presence of immunobiological preparations].

The minimal doses of metronidazole, capable of the irreversible immobilization of Trichomonas in the presence of one antiprotozoan preparation and after the addition of recombinant tumor necrosis factor (TNF), recombinant gamma-interferon and complex immunoglobulin preparation (CIP) into the culture medium, were determined on 4 T.vaginalis isolates, obtained on day 2 after the inoculation of material from the mucous membrane of the urogenital organs of patients (incubation at 37 degrees C). After 12-hour incubation of Trichomonas with immunobiological preparations their sensitivity to metronidazole increased 2-fold.

[Use of recombinant alpha2-interferon and a complex immunoglobulin preparation for the treatment of chlamydiosis in pregnancy women].

The comparative study of the efficiency of using erythromycin and the combination of recombinant alpha 2-interferon with complex immunoglobulin preparation (CTP) for the treatment of chlamydiosis in pregnant women was made. 31 patients (group 1) received erythromycin orally in doses of 500 mg twice a day for 15-14 days. 30 other pregnant women were prescribed vaginal suppositories containing 300 mg.

[A comparative study of the information value of the immunofluorescence and immunochromatographic identification of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in smear material from the cervical canal and of the cytological picture of a vaginal discharge in pregnant women].

The cytological picture of the vaginal discharge and scrape material, obtained from 30 pregnant women of the control group (not infected with C.trachomatis) and 61 pregnant women with chlamydiosis; of these, in 42 women the comparative identification of chlamydiae by the methods of direct immunofluorescence and immunochromatography was carried out. Direct immunofluorescence was carried out with the use of a set of reagents "MicroTrak" (USA) and immunochromatographic identification was made with the use of a set of reagents "Clearview Chlamydia" (Britain).

[A highly sensitive, homogeneous method for determining antibodies and antigens by using liposomes, monoclonal antibodies and complement].

A simple and sensitive method for the determination of Francisella tularensis antigen and antibodies to this antigen by means of the complement lysis of liposomes sensitized with F. tularensis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is proposed. The possibility of participation of monoclonal antibodies (McAb) in the complement-dependent lysis of liposomes has been studied.

[The use of solid-phase liposomal immunoassay for determining a bacterial antigen of lipopolysaccharide nature].

The solid-phase liposomal immunoassay procedure for the determination of Francisella tularensis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been developed. This assay has been made with the use of monolayer liposomes, on the average, 360 nm in diameter with their phospholipid bilayer modified with F. tularensis LPS and their internal space filled with calcein used as fluorescent marker.

[The results of clinical trials and the prospects of using the Soviet preparation of human recombinant interferon alpha-2 (reaferon) in medical practice].

The results of the clinical trials of human recombinant interferon alpha-2 (reaferon) make it possible to come to the conclusion that the preparation is well-tolerated and produces a pronounced therapeutic effect in a number of viral and oncological diseases. The Pharmacological Committee of the USSR has recommended reaferon for use in acute hepatitis B, hairy cell leukemia, renal cancer at stage IV, disseminated sclerosis, ocular herpes. The use of reaferon has been found to be promising in the treatment of papillomatosis of the larynx, Kaposi's sarcoma, mycosis fungoides, chronic myeloleukemia.

[Experimental (preclinical) study of genetically engineered human interferon based on recombinant clones of E. coli 74 and Pseudomonas Sp VG-84].

The results of the experimental (preclinical) study of interferon alpha2 from Pseudomonas sp VG-84 obtained from the All-Union Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms in comparison with the preparations of interferon alpha2 from E. coli 74 and natural human interferon (obtained from the Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology) are presented. Interferon alpha2 from Pseudomonas, a highly purified preparation, has been shown to possess pronounced biological activity (antiviral and antiproliferative) in the culture of human cells.