Molecular hydrogen in minerals as a clue to interpret ∂D variations in the mantle.

Trace amounts of water dissolved in minerals affect density, viscosity and melting behaviour of the Earth's mantle and play an important role in global tectonics, magmatism and volatile cycle. Water concentrations and the ratios of hydrogen isotopes in the mantle give insight into these processes, as well as into the origin of terrestrial water. Here we show the presence of molecular H in minerals (omphacites) from eclogites from the Kaapvaal and Siberian cratons.

A novel mtDNA ND6 gene mutation associated with LHON in a Caucasian family.

Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a frequent cause of inherited blindness. A routine screening for common mtDNA mutations constitutes an important first in its diagnosis. However, a substantial number of LHON patients do not harbor known variants, both pointing to the genetic heterogeneity of LHON and bringing into question its genetic diagnosis.

[Blood serum cardiotoxicity in patients operated on under cardiopulmonary bypass].

Experiments using the isolated hearts of laboratory animals have established that in 56% of patients blood serum became cardiotoxic after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The postoperative period in this group of patients was characterized by marked heart failure. Cardiodepressive blood serum effect is determined by medium- and low-molecular fractions.

[Prevention of myocardial reperfusion injury by increasing artificial trans-membrane sodium gradient in "calcium paradox" and post-ischemic reperfusion].

An effect of the high sodium gradient during "calcium paradox" and postischemic reperfusion has been studied. A decrease of Na/Ca exchange by high sodium gradient (200 mM NaCl in the perfusion solution) resulted in the reduction of myoglobin release from the heart during "calcium paradox". High sodium concentration solution (200 mM) increased protective effect of ATP during "calcium paradox".

[Causes of disorders of the contractile function of the heart after cardioplegia].

In experiments with isolated animal hearts it has been ascertained that free hemoglobin, lactic acids, catecholamines, vasopressin and acetylcholine at the concentrations they appear in patients' blood during open heart surgeries can produce cardiodepressive effects and cause acute heart failure. Cardiac reperfusion with a solution containing 20% less sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and hydrogen ions leads to severe heart failure: lower osmotic capacity and/or concurrent smaller Na+ and H+ concentrations were responsible for myocardial contractility disturbances.