C60 fullerene improves the contractile activity of the injured rat muscle gastrocnemius.

The powerful antioxidant properties of C60 fullerenes have been widely used in biomedical nanotechnology. Owing to the negative effects of free radicals in oxidative stress processes, antioxidants are required to protect injured muscles. Here, the effect of water-soluble C60 fullerenes (daily oral dose 1 mg/kg) on the process of restoration of contractile activity of skeletal muscle of rats (muscle gastrocnemius) 15 days after the initiation of open trauma of different severity was studied for the first time.

Features of membrane protein sequence direct post-translational insertion.

The proper folding of multispanning membrane proteins (MPs) hinges on the accurate insertion of their transmembrane helices (TMs) into the membrane. Predominantly, TMs are inserted during protein translation, via a conserved mechanism centered around the Sec translocon. Our study reveals that the C-terminal TMs (cTMs) of numerous MPs across various organisms bypass this cotranslational route, necessitating an alternative posttranslational insertion strategy.

Towards High-Temperature MEMS: Two-Step Annealing Suppressed Recrystallization in Thin Multilayer Pt-Rh/Zr Films.

Platinum-based thin films are widely used to create microelectronic devices operating at temperatures above 500 °C. One of the most effective ways to increase the high-temperature stability of platinum-based films involves incorporating refractory metal oxides (e.g.

Long-Term Operational Stability of Ta/Pt Thin-Film Microheaters: Impact of the Ta Adhesion Layer.

Microheaters with long-term stability are crucial for the development of a variety of microelectronic devices operated at high temperatures. Structured Ta/Pt bilayers, in which the Ta sublayer ensures high adhesion of the Pt resistive layer, are widely used to create microheaters. Herein, a comprehensive study of the microstructure of Ta/Pt films using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with local elemental analysis reveals the twofold nature of Ta after annealing.

Validation of the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) in the Russian Population.

Objective: Cognitive dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis (MS). The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) battery of tests has been suggested as a measure for the evaluation of the cognitive status of MS patients. This study aims to validate the BICAMS battery in the Russian population of MS patients.

[Comorbidity of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and systemic lupus erythematosus].

The comorbidity of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a poorly studied problem. The issues of the pathogenetic relationship between these diseases, timely diagnosis of their co-existence in one patient, disease course and therapeutic approaches are the most relevant. The authors summarize current views on the state of the problem and analyze three clinical cases of NMOSD and SLE comorbidity including the diagnostic issues and therapeutic approaches.

The Impact of Intracortical Lesions on Volumes of Subcortical Structures in Multiple Sclerosis.

Background And Purpose: Recent studies showed thalamic atrophy in the early stages of MS. We investigated the impact of intracortical lesions on the volumes of subcortical structures (especially the thalamus) compared with other lesions in MS.

Materials And Methods: Seventy-one patients with MS were included.

Real-world study of efficacy, risk management and reasons for discontinuation of natalizumab for treatment of multiple sclerosis in Russia.

Background: NTZ is approved in Russia for the treatment of highly active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and is reimbursed via federal budget program. However, no data about NTZ treatment in Russia and the effect of federal reimbursement have been performed so far.

Objective: To characterize the population of patients receiving natalizumab and assess the efficacy and risk-management plan (RMP) implementation of NTZ therapy in routine clinical practice in Russia.

Concentrations of immunoglobulin free light chains in cerebrospinal fluid predict increased level of brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis.

Recent studies showed that B cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we aimed to determine the possible link between immunoglobulin free light chains (FLC) and brain atrophy in patients with MS. Ninety-two patients (32 males and 60 females) with MS were included.

Observation of a superfluid component within solid helium.

We demonstrate by neutron scattering that a localized superfluid component exists at high pressures within solid helium in aerogel. Its existence is deduced from the observation of two sharp phonon-roton spectra which are clearly distinguishable from modes in bulk superfluid helium. These roton excitations exhibit different roton gap parameters than the roton observed in the bulk fluid at freezing pressure.

[Metal-binding capacity of metallothioneins of the liver of rats poisoned with heavy metals].

The functioning of metallothioneins in the liver of rats, poisoned with copper sulfate and cadmium sulfate has been investigated. By sequential chromatography on sephadex G-50 and DEAE-cellulose the authors obtained metallothioneins (MT-1, MT-1A, MT-2, MT-2a), which differ in molecular weight and composition of associated metals. Heavy metal poisoning leads to activation of synthesis and metal-binding function of metallothioneins, as well as to changes in the composition of their isoforms.

[Use of electronic axiography for diagnostics of muscle-joint dysfunction in patients with occlusion pathology].

Axiography [graphic registration of movement of a hinged (axis) condyles temporomandibular joint (ТМJ)] is an objective method of research of trajectory of the articulate movement that allows to estimate character of movements in norm and in functional disturbances of TMJ. Electronic axiographic study allowed to analyze such parametres as: quality indicators, quantity indicators (range), symmetry, synchronism of rate of movement (between left and right TMJ). The occlusion-articulation disturbances caused by a pathology of an occlusion and discoordination masseters lead chronically proceeding discoordination movements of the disk and the mandible head, as causes development of functional disturbances of TMJ.

[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.