Evaluation of a new assay for nontuberculous mycobacteria species identification in diagnostic material and cultures.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a real-time PCR system for 12 nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species identification developed by Central Tuberculosis Research Institute (CTRI; Moscow, Russia) in cooperation with Syntol LLC (Moscow, Russia). NTM cultures (210 strains, 19 species), Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) cultures (21 strains, 2 species), non-mycobacterial microorganisms (18 strains, 13 species) were used for the first stage of the assay evaluation. Clinical samples (sputum, N = 973) positive for smear microscopy and MTBC/NTM DNA by a PCR-based screening assay collected from 819 patients were used for specificity and sensitivity evaluation.

An ERF121 transcription factor from Brassica oleracea is a target for the conserved TAL-effectors from different Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris strains.

Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs), which induce the expression of specific plant genes to promote infection, are the main pathogenic determinants of various Xanthomonas bacteria. However, investigation of TALEs from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, which causes black rot disease of crucifers, received little attention.

Draft Genome Sequences of a Putative Prokaryotic Consortium (IPPAS B-1204) Consisting of a Cyanobacterium ( sp.) and an Alphaproteobacterium ( sp.).

A new presumably simple consortium of a sp. and a sp. was isolated from Tolbo Lake in Mongolia.

New assay to diagnose and differentiate between Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and nontuberculous mycobacteria.

The purpose of the present study was to create a real-time PCR test system allowing simultaneous detection of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) both in culture and sputum. NTM cultures (18 strains, 18 species), MTBC cultures (16 strains, 2 species) and non-mycobacterial microorganisms from the collection of the Central Research TB Institute (CTRI) were used for the preliminary evaluation of the test system. 301 NTM cultures from patients with mycobacteriosis were used to assess the sensitivity of the developed test system.

Draft Genome Sequence of a Mycobacterium heckeshornense Clinical Isolate.

We report here the draft genome sequence of , isolated from the sputum of a patient admitted to a tuberculosis hospital with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis.

Draft Genome Sequences of Two Thermotolerant Cyanobacterial Strains Isolated from Hot Springs.

We report here two draft cyanobacterial genome sequences, those of IPPAS B-1201, isolated from a hot spring in the Turgen Gorge (Kazakhstan), and the uncharacterized cyanobacterium IPPAS B1203, isolated from a hot spring in Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic). These two strains were deposited at the Collection of Microalgae (IPPAS) of the Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology.

Improved DOP-PCR (iDOP-PCR): A robust and simple WGA method for efficient amplification of low copy number genomic DNA.

Whole-genome amplification (WGA) techniques are used for non-specific amplification of low-copy number DNA, and especially for single-cell genome and transcriptome amplification. There are a number of WGA methods that have been developed over the years. One example is degenerate oligonucleotide-primed PCR (DOP-PCR), which is a very simple, fast and inexpensive WGA technique.

Draft Genome Sequence of Cyanobacterium sp. Strain IPPAS B-1200 with a Unique Fatty Acid Composition.

Here, we report the draft genome of Cyanobacterium sp. IPPAS strain B-1200, isolated from Lake Balkhash, Kazakhstan, and characterized by the unique fatty acid composition of its membrane lipids, which are enriched with myristic and myristoleic acids. The approximate genome size is 3.

Draft Genome Sequence of the Thermotolerant Cyanobacterium Desertifilum sp. IPPAS B-1220.

Here, we report the draft genome of the filamentous cyanobacterium Desertifilum sp. strain IPPAS B-1220, isolated from Lake Shar-Nuur, Mongolia. The genome of 6.

First Draft Genome Sequence of a Mycobacterium gordonae Clinical Isolate.

Here, we report the first draft genome sequence of the clinically relevant species Mycobacterium gordonae The clinical isolate Mycobacterium gordonae 14-8773 was obtained from the sputum of a patient with mycobacteriosis.

[Analysis of the rs12720208 single-nucleotide polymorphism of the FGF20 gene in Russian patients with sporadic Parkinson's disease].

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease whose pathogenesis involves a number of genes and environmental factors. The FGF20 gene encoding the fibroblast growth factor and paying an important role neuron proliferation and survival is one of candidate genes of PD. There is evidence that this gene is also involved in the control of alpha-synuclein (SNCA) gene expression.

[Problems and perspectives of radiotherapy of non-tumor diseases].

The experience of the world leading hospitals confirms the high efficacy and appropriateness of radiation therapy of nontumorous diseases. The authors consider the general principles of the organization of radiotherapeutic service, discuss reasons that have led to a decrease in the use of this method for therapy of nontumorous diseases in this country. They also emphasize the fact that radiation therapy must have its place among therapeutic modalities used for nontumorous diseases.

[The TDF (time-dose-fractionation) model in brachytherapy].

A method to determine TDF values by standard tables with account of RBE of low-energy x-radiation and a small area of irradiation fields was proposed. Corresponding formulas confirmed by the authors' clinical data, were developed. The authors outlined ways of using these data for assessment and design of courses of brachytherapy to minimize the risk of development of skin radiation damages.

[Skeletal scintigraphy in hemangioma of the bones].

The results of scintigraphic investigations of the skeleton of 76 bone hemangioma patients were analyzed to study the informative value of this type of investigation and to determine the efficacy of its use during establishing diagnosis and dynamic observation. The probability of detection of bone hemangiomas using scintigraphy of the skeleton with 99m Tc labeled osteotropic agents was shown to be in direct relation to the biological activity of hemangioma, its site and resolution of radiodiagnostic apparatus. The utilization of scintigraphy of the skeleton in addition to x-ray investigation permits clarification of the nature of lesion (benign or malignant), the biological activity of hemangiomas, control of the time course of a pathological process and efficacy of therapy of biologically active hemangiomas.

[Short-range x-ray therapy of cancer of the lower lip in its early stages].

The paper is concerned with the analysis of the results of brachytherapy of 169 patients with early stages of lower lip vermilion border cancer T1N0M0 in 81 patients, T2N0M0 in 85 and T3N1M0 in 3). Dosimetric planning was performed. The RUM-21 apparatus being at 60-100 kV, a single focal dose was 3.

[Combined treatment of the diffuse form of pigmented villonodular synovitis].

Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a specific lesion of the synovial membrane of the joint and bursal mucosa. In recent years it is frequently regarded as tumor like disease. The problem of therapy of the diffuse form of the disease is yet to be solved.

[Radiotherapy tactics in vertebral hemangiomas].

Basing on the follow-up of 124 patients with vertebral hemangiomas over the period of 1964-1982, a differentiated approach to the choice of a therapeutic program was developed which was determined by clinical manifestations of the disease. Clinicoroentgenological findings taken as a whole were regarded as a decisive factor in determining indications to radiotherapy. The differentiated approach made if possible to use essentially different doses to achieve a therapeutic effect, and part of the patients were kept under observation.

[Potentials for using radiation treatment in complicated diabetic osteoarthropathy].

The possibility of gamma-beam therapy of aggravated diabetic osteoarthropathy is discussed. Seventy patients were exposed to local radiation (orthovolt X-ray therapy, generation voltage being 200 kV) for suppurative inflammation of the foot soft and bony tissues. The total focal dose was 300 to 500 Gy.