[A METHOD FOR DIFFERENTIATION OF BACILLUS ANTHRACIS STRAINS AND PHYLOGENETICALLY RELATED SPECIES BASED ON DETERMINATION OF THE STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCESBETWEEN CHROMOSOMAL GENES FOR BIOSYNTHESIS OF FLAGELLIN AND METHIONINE].

Nucleotide sequence analysis of several genes responsible for the anthrax pathogen definitive properties--motility and penicillinase activity--determined a chromosomal locus promising for interspecies differentiation. We demonstrated that the gene fliC encoding flagellin synthesis contains extended region, distinguishing B. anthracis strains from the majority of non-pathogenic and opportunistic bacilli.

[Genomic polymorphism of the main subspecies of the plague agent strains].

Genomic fingerprinting analysis of plague agent strains of the main subspecies isolated in natural foci of various types in the Russian Federation and neighboring countries suggests their genetic polymorphism, while they are similar in phenotypic properties. The strains of the main subspecies, Y. pesis subsp.

[Monitoring parameter of respiratory biomechanics in coal miners].

Using computer spirography with registration of "flow-volume" curve for forced expiration, the authors monitored the most informative parameters of respiratory biomechanics in coal miners having preclinical chronic dust bronchitis. Revealed decrease of the ventilation values by 10-20% from the initial ones outlines the group with increased risk for chronic dust bronchitis.

[The use of pharmacological tests for the diagnosis of the nature of bronchial obstruction in coal miners with premorbid stage of chronic dust-related bronchitis].

Bronchospasm in premorbid chronic dust bronchitis in coal miners is caused mostly by dystonic effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, and minimally by hypersecretion and swelling of respiratory tract mucosa. Pathogenetic features of obstruction in premorbid chronic dust bronchitis are lower sympathetic tone (major feature) and higher parasympathetic tone (minor one). Those items should be considered in therapeutic and prophylactic tactics.