The evolution of dog diet and foraging: Insights from archaeological canids in Siberia

Research on the evolution of dog foraging and diet has largely focused on scavenging during their initial domestication and genetic adaptations to starch-rich food environments following the advent of agriculture. The Siberian archaeological record evidences other critical shifts in dog foraging and diet that likely characterize Holocene dogs globally. By the Middle Holocene, body size reconstruction for Siberia dogs indicates that most were far smaller than Pleistocene wolves. This contributed to dogs' tendencies to scavenge, feed on small prey, and reduce social foraging. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of Siberian dogs reveals that their diets were more diverse than those of Pleistocene wolves. This included habitual consumption of marine and freshwater foods by the Middle Holocene and reliance on C₄ foods by the Late Holocene. Feeding on such foods and anthropogenic waste increased dogs' exposure to microbes, affected their gut microbiomes, and shaped long-term dog population history.

[The role of the vascular surgeon in improvement of organization of dialysis help]

Analysed herein are one-year results of formation of arteriovenous fistulas in 109 patients with end-stage chronic renal failure, as well as therapeutic decision-making after angiosurgical counselling of 144 patients presenting with 'problem' permanent vascular accesses. The counselling and formation of arteriovenous fistulas were carried out in conditions of interdepartmental collaboration between outpatient centres dealing with haemodialysis and vascular surgeons specialized in ultrasound mapping of peripheral vessels and performing different variants of arteriovenous fistulas. The angiosurgical care was as close to the patient as possible. Of the 109 operated patients, primary arteriovenous fistulas were made in 46 (42.2%) cases, secondary AVF - in 27 (24.8%) cases, and reconstruction of AVF - in 36 (33.0%) cases. Of the 144 patients with 'problem' permanent vascular assesses, correction of arteriovenous fistulas turned out impossible in 13 (9.1%). In the remaining 131 (90.9%) patients there was a possibility of different variants of open reconstruction of arteriovenous fistulas or performing angioplasty. Active policy of vascular surgeons in interdepartmental collaboration with nephrologists made it possible to bridge over the difficulties of patients routing which resulted in reduction of the terms of formation of arteriovenous fistulas by 2 months. Preventive arteriovenous fistulas were carried out in 17.4% of cases of primary permanent vascular assesses. During a year after formation of permanent vascular accesses, the number of patients with vascular catheters in ambulatory centres decreased from 22 to 17%. These positive changes in organization of the dialysis treatment made it possible to reduce the risks of infectious complications, to obtain adequate blood flow characteristics for haemodialysis procedures, as well as to decrease financial expenses and labour costs for AVF care.

[A mice model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis expressing mutant human FUS protein]

BACKGROUND AND ОBJECTIVE: Loss of conformation and function of sufficient number of proteins with high aggregation capacity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders (NDD). Due to a recent discovery of new array of proteins with the capacity to form aggregates of nonamyloid type, new NDD models as well as a new level of understanding in vivo models which are already exist is needed. DNA/RN A binding proteins - FUS and TDP-43 play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of some forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia. The objective of the study was to develop a new ALS transgenic model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In cell culture experiments, we studied mutant FUS proteins capable to form intracellular deposits morphologically similar to those observed in the autopsy material of ALS patients.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We created a transgenic mice line, in which a pathogenic form of human FUS protein was expressed in the nervous system. That led to the aggregation of FUS protein in spinal cord and motor neurons with the following degeneration and development of a phenotype, similar to the human ALS disease phenotype, in young grown-up animals. This neurodegenerative phenotype corresponds to a great number of clinical manifestations of human ALS and is an adequate transgenic model of the disease.

[Evolution of ultrasonic indices of the heart and arteriovenous fistulas in patients on chronic haemodialysis]

The authors assessed the ultrasonic evolution of haemodynamics of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), cardiohaemodynamics, and the dimensions of the heart chambers in a total of thirty-five patients presenting with terminal chronic renal insufficiency (TCRI) and being on chronic haemodialysis (CHD). A further thirteen patients without TCRI composed the control group. The TCRI patients were subdivided into two groups: Group One (n=20) with a distal variant of the Cimino-type AVF, 21 vascular accesses, and Group Two (n=15) with a proximal variant of AFV, 16 accesses using a synthetic vascular prosthesis (SVP). The terms of follow up of the TCRI patients were as follows: day 12, months 1, 3, 6 and 12 after creating the AVF. 12 days after creating the AVF there were no differences in the parameters of cardiohaemodynamics and the dimensions of the cardiac chambers between Group I and II. As compared with the control, the both groups of the patients with TCRI at these terms demonstrated increased sizes of the left ventricle (LV). The dynamic follow up during the subsequent periods showed that Group One and Group Two patients had no statistically significant differences in the parameters studied, however, patients of the both study groups were found to have a trend toward increased dimensions of the right chambers of the heart, not exceeding the limits of the norm of these indices. The volumetric velocity of the blood flow (BFVV) through the Cimino-type AVF during 12 months had a tendency towards a graduate growth up to 800 ml/min, whereas the proximal fistulas were characterized by stable indices of the BFVV at a level of 900 ml/min. The revealed alterations in the right chambers of the heart after creating the AVF required no surgical correction of the volumetric blood flow through the AVF during the follow up period up to 12 months.

Production of human lactoferrin in animal milk

Genetic constructs containing the human lactoferrin (hLf) gene were created within a joint program of Russian and Belorussian scientists. Using these constructs, transgenic mice were bred (the maximum hLf concentration in their milk was 160 g/L), and transgenic goats were also generated (up to 10 g/L hLf in their milk). Experimental goatherds that produced hLf in their milk were also bred, and the recombinant hLf was found to be identical to the natural protein in its physical and chemical properties. These properties included electrophoretic mobility, isoelectric point, recognition by polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, circular dichroic spectra, interaction with natural ligands (DNA, lipopolysaccharides, and heparin), the binding of iron ions, the sequence of the 7 terminal amino acids, and its biological activity. The latter was assessed by the agglutination of Micrococcus luteus protoplasts, bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes , and fungicidal activity against Candida albicans . We also demonstrated a significant increase in the activity of antibiotics when used in combination with Lf.

X-ray-radiation-induced changes in bacteriorhodopsin structure

Bacteriorhodopsin (bR) provides light-driven vectorial proton transport across a cell membrane. Creation of electrochemical potential at the membrane is a universal step in energy transformation in a cell. Published atomic crystallographic models of early intermediate states of bR show a significant difference between them, and conclusions about pumping mechanisms have been contradictory. Here, we present a quantitative high-resolution crystallographic study of conformational changes in bR induced by X-ray absorption. It is shown that X-ray doses that are usually accumulated during data collection for intermediate-state studies are sufficient to significantly alter the structure of the protein. X-ray-induced changes occur primarily in the active site of bR. Structural modeling showed that X-ray absorption triggers retinal isomerization accompanied by the disappearance of electron densities corresponding to the water molecule W402 bound to the Schiff base. It is demonstrated that these and other X-ray-induced changes may mimic functional conformational changes of bR leading to misinterpretation of the earlier obtained X-ray crystallographic structures of photointermediates.

Three-dimensional structures of L-asparaginase from Erwinia carotovora complexed with aspartate and glutamate

The crystal structures of Erwinia carotovora L-asparaginase complexed with L-aspartate and L-glutamate were determined at 1.9 and 2.2 A, respectively, using the molecular-replacement method and were refined to R factors of about 21% in both cases. The positions of the ligands in the active site were located. A comparison of the new structures with the known structures of Escherichia coli L-asparaginase and Er. chrysanthemi L-asparaginase was performed. It was found that the arrangement of the ligands practically coincides in all three enzymes. The peculiarities of the quaternary structure of the enzyme, the possible role of water molecules in the enzyme action and the conformational changes during the catalyzed reaction are discussed.

Reversible Inhibition of Escherichia coli Inorganic Pyrophosphatase by Fluoride: Trapped Catalytic Intermediates in Cryo-crystallographic Studies

Here, we describe high-resolution X-ray structures of Escherichia coli inorganic pyrophosphatase (E-PPase) complexed with the substrate, magnesium, or manganese pyrophosphate. The structures correspond to steps in the catalytic synthesis of enzyme-bound pyrophosphate (PP(i)) in the presence of fluoride as an inhibitor of hydrolysis. The catalytic reaction intermediates were trapped applying a new method that we developed for initiating hydrolytic activity in the E-PPase crystal. X-ray structures were obtained for three consecutive states of the enzyme in the course of hydrolysis. Comparative analysis of these structures showed that the Mn2+-supported hydrolysis of the phosphoanhydride bond is followed by a fast release of the leaving phosphate from the P1 site. The electrophilic phosphate P2 is trapped in the "down" conformation. Its movement into the "up" position most likely represents the rate-limiting step of Mn2+-supported hydrolysis. We further determined the crystal structure of the Arg43Gln mutant variant of E-PPase complexed with one phosphate and four Mn ions.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of cytochrome c nitrite reductase from Thioalkalivibrio nitratireducens

A novel cytochrome c nitrite reductase (TvNiR) was isolated from the haloalkalophilic bacterium Thioalkalivibrio nitratireducens. The enzyme catalyses nitrite and hydroxylamine reduction, with ammonia as the only product of both reactions. It consists of 525 amino-acid residues and contains eight haems c. TvNiR crystals were grown by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion technique. The crystals display cubic symmetry and belong to space group P2(1)3, with unit-cell parameter a = 194 A. A native data set was obtained to 1.5 A resolution. The structure was solved by the SAD technique using the data collected at the Fe absorption peak wavelength.

[Blood level of lipid peroxidation products as an indicator of resistance to infectious inflammatory complications of transurethral electroresection of the prostate]

Study of relationship between the content of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products in the blood of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and resistance to infectious inflammatory complications (IIC) of transurethral electroresection of the prostate showed that decreased content of circulating lipoperoxides promoted the development of postoperative IIC. Before the operation blood levels of LPO products were increased in BPH patients who did not develop IIC postoperation in comparison with normal controls. Three intravenous injections of ascorbic acid in a single dose of 1000 mg after transurethral electroresection of the prostate led to an increase in the blood level of LPO products and promoted a decrease in the incidence of postoperative IIC.

[Immunologic assessment of the risk of developing infectious-inflammatory complications after percutaneous operations for nephrolithiasis]

A retrospective comparison of the evidence obtained at preoperative examination of 68 patients with urolithiasis operated with the use of percutaneous technologies has demonstrated that the risk of postoperative infectious-inflammatory complications depends much on the immune status of the patient. Patients with initially different states of phagocytic immunity and antibody production had different courses of the postoperative period. An algorithm of immunological prediction of an acute pyelonephritis attack after percutaneous operations for nephrolithiasis is proposed.

The structures of Escherichia coli inorganic pyrophosphatase complexed with Ca(2+) or CaPP(i) at atomic resolution and their mechanistic implications

Two structures of Escherichia coli soluble inorganic pyrophosphatase (EPPase) complexed with calcium pyrophosphate (CaPP(i)-EPPase) and with Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)-EPPase) have been solved at 1.2 and 1.1 A resolution, respectively. In the presence of Mg(2+), this enzyme cleaves pyrophosphate (PP(i)) into two molecules of orthophosphate (P(i)). This work has enabled us to locate PP(i) in the active site of the inorganic pyrophosphatases family in the presence of Ca(2+), which is an inhibitor of EPPase.Upon PP(i) binding, two Ca(2+) at M1 and M2 subsites move closer together and one of the liganded water molecules becomes bridging. The mutual location of PP(i) and the bridging water molecule in the presence of inhibitor cation is catalytically incompetent. To make a favourable PP(i) attack by this water molecule, modelling of a possible hydrolysable conformation of PP(i) in the CaPP(i)-EPPase active site has been performed. The reasons for Ca(2+) being the strong PPase inhibitor and the role in catalysis of each of four metal ions are the mechanistic aspects discussed on the basis of the structures described.

Morphometric parameters of inflammatory infiltration in renal tissue and personality characteristics of patients at risk of pyelonephritis attack after percutaneous nephrolithotomy

A correlation between personality traits and the type of inflammatory infiltration in the renal pelvicalyceal system was revealed in patients with nephrolithiasis. The study demonstrated the possibility of indirect evaluation of the inflammatory process in the pelvicalyceal system and preoperative prediction of acute pyelonephritis attack after percutaneous nephrolithotomy on the basis of patient's psychological status.

Preoperative immune status and lipid peroxidation as risk markers for pyelonephritis attack after percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Pyelonephritis attack after percutaneous nephrolithotomy can be predicted on the basis of immunity parameters and blood level of lipid peroxides.

Improving the X-ray resolution by reversible flash-cooling combined with concentration screening, as exemplified with PPase

A significant improvement in the X-ray resolution of crystals of Escherichia coli inorganic pyrophosphatase at cryotemperature was obtained as a result of studying the relationship between the crystal order and cryosolution component concentrations. To perform the experiments, the ability to reverse the flash-cooling process and to return a crystal to ambient temperature was used. In each cycle, the crystal was transferred from a cold nitrogen-gas stream to a cryosolution with modified concentrations of the components. The crystal was then flash-cooled again and the diffraction quality checked. Such a technique allows the screening of a wide concentration range rather quickly without using a large number of crystals and allows the determination of optimal cryosolution component concentrations. The resolution limit for crystals of pyrophosphatase increased by almost 0.7 A, from 1.8 to 1.15 A.

A steric mechanism for inhibition of CO binding to heme proteins

The crystal structures of myoglobin in the deoxy- and carbon monoxide-ligated states at a resolution of 1.15 angstroms show that carbon monoxide binding at ambient temperatures requires concerted motions of the heme, the iron, and helices E and F for relief of steric inhibition. These steps constitute the main mechanism by which heme proteins lower the affinity of the heme group for the toxic ligand carbon monoxide.

The binding of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide to leghaemoglobin in comparison with other haemoglobins

Haemoglobins have the ability to discriminate between oxygen and other diatomic molecules. To further understanding of this process the X-ray crystal structures of carbonmonoxy and nitrosyl-leghaemoglobin have been determined at 1.8 A resolution. The ligand geometry is discussed in detail and the controversial issue of bent versus linear carbon monoxide binding is addressed. The bond angle of 160 degrees for CO-leghaemoglobin is in conflict with recent spectroscopy results on myoglobin but is consistent with angles obtained for myoglobin X-ray crystal structures. In contrast to the numerous carbon monoxide studies, very little stereochemical information is available for the nitric oxide adduct of haemoglobin. This is provided by the X-ray structure of NO-leghaemoglobin, which conforms to expected geometry with an Fe-NO angle of 147 degrees and a lengthened iron-proximal histidine bond. Thus crystallographic evidence is given for the predicted weakening of this bond on the binding of nitric oxide.

[Experimental and clinical validation of auto- and allodermoplasty using transverse dermal micrografts in deep burns]

A new method of autoallodermoplasty is proposed which is as follows: a patient's skin band is cut out 40 times less than the total area of the wound surface. The wound in the donor area is sutured tightly. The skin flap is dissected to thin transverse rectangular pieces with a special microdermatome or with a razor and then they are laid with their lateral side onto the wound and covered with the allo-skin. Experimental and clinical observations have shown that at remote terms both the anatomical and functional restitution of the integument occurred. The method is indicated for huge dermal defects of the "functionally passive" areas in patients with restricted, not big resources of the donor sites, especially in patients with high operative risk.

[Anaerobic gas gangrene after the amputation of an extremity]

During 30 years of practical work the authors observed 6 patients with anaerobic mephitic gangrene after amputation of the extremity for atherosclerotic (in 3 patients), diabetic (in 2 patients) and vast wounds of the foot. Among the most substantial noninfective causes of the development of anaerobic mephitic gangrene in the postoperative period there were continuous preoperative ischemia of the extremity against the background of a decreased level of haemoglobin, total protein, lymphocytes. An early operation and intensive complex specific and nonspecific therapy resulted in recovery of 3 patients.

[Qualitative and quantitative assessment of exposure to geomagnetic field variations on the functional status of the human brain]

The comparison of functional dynamics of human brain with reference to qualitative and quantitative characteristics of local geomagnetic field (GMF) variations was conducted. It was showed that just local GMF variations can be a principal reason of modulation the human brain's functional state. The steady and unsteady states of human brain can be determined: by geomagnetic disturbances before the observation period; by structure and doses of GMF variations; by different combinations of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of GMF variations. The optimal level of GMF activity, manifested in periodic oscillations in certain amplitude-frequency range is demanded for steady brain's functional state. The decrease of optimal GMF activity level and the appearance of aperiodic disturbances of GMF can be a reason of unsteady brain's state.

The structure of deoxy- and oxy-leghaemoglobin from lupin

The leghaemoglobins have oxygen affinities 11 to 24 times higher than that of sperm whale myoglobin, due mainly to higher rates of association. To find out why, we have determined the structures of deoxy- and oxy-leghaemoglobin II of the lupin at 1.7 A resolution. Results confirm the general features found in previous X-ray analyses of this protein. The unique feature that has now emerged is the rotational freedom of the proximal histidine. In deoxy-leghaemoglobin the imidazole oscillates between two alternative orientations, eclipsing either the lines N1-N3 or N2-N4 of the porphyrin; in oxy-leghaemoglobin it is fixed in a staggered orientation. The iron atom moves from a position 0.30 A from the plane of the pyrrole nitrogen atoms in deoxy- to a position in the plane in oxy-leghaemoglobin while the Fe-<N> bond distance remains constant at 2.02 A. The Fe-O-O angle is 152 degrees, as in human haemoglobin. The oxygen is hydrogen-bonded to the distal histidine at N epsilon 2-O1 and N epsilon 2-O2 distance of 2.95 A and 2.68 A, respectively. The porphyrin is ruffled equally in deoxy- and oxy-leghaemoglobins, due to rotations of the pyrrols about the N-Fe-N bonds, causing the methine bridges to deviate by up to 0.32 A from the mean porphyrin plane. The only feature capable of accounting for the high on-rate of the reaction with oxygen are the mobilities of the proximal histidine and distal histidine residues in deoxy-leghaemoglobin. The eclipsed positions of the proximal histidine in deoxy-leghaemoglobin maximize steric hindrance with the porphyrin nitrogen atoms and minimize pi-->p electron donation, while its staggered position in oxy-leghaemoglobin reverses both these effects. Together with the oscillation of the imidazole between the two orientations, these two factors may reduce the activation energy for the reaction of leghaemoglobin with oxygen. The distal histidine is in a fixed position in the haem pocket in the crystal, but must be swinging in and out of the pocket at a high rate in solution to allow the oxygen to enter.

[Dynamics of the morphofunctional status of cell cultures exposed to variations in the geomagnetic field at high latitudes]

The goal of this research is to study a dependence between dynamics of the biological parameters, characterized the state of the cell cultures, and variations of geomagnetic field (GMF) in the quiet and disturbed conditions. The investigations were carried out on geophysical recording site in high-latitude regions. Geophysical and biological observations were conducted simultaneously and at the same place. Continuous cell lines of mouse, hamster and pisces were used in experiments. Morpho-functional characteristics, including the percentage of polynuclear cells were estimated. Has been shown that dynamic of morphofunctional state of cell culture associated with GMF variations. Geomagnetic activity (GMA) abrupt change is followed by a stepwise changes the state of cell cultures. Changes is properties of cell surface are related to cell fusion, the appearance of heterokaryons, enlargement of cellular adhesion and aggregation. Enhancement of morpho-functional variety in cellular populations involving a reorganization of nuclear material demonstrate a possible regulatory and evolutionary part of GMF variations.

Atomic structure at 2.5 A resolution of uridine phosphorylase from E. coli as refined in the monoclinic crystal lattice

Uridine phosphorylase from E. coli (Upase) has been crystallized using vapor diffusion technique in a new monoclinic crystal form. The structure was determined by the molecular replacement method at 2.5 A resolution. The coordinates of the trigonal crystal form were used as a starting model and the refinement by the program XPLOR led to the R-factor of 18.6%. The amino acid fold of the protein was found to be the same as that in the trigonal crystals. The positions of flexible regions were refined. The conclusion about the involvement in the active site is in good agreement with the results of the biochemical experiments.

X-ray crystallographic studies of recombinant inorganic pyrophosphatase from Escherichia coli

An E. coli inorganic pyrophosphatase overproducer and a method for a large-scale production of the homogeneous enzyme are described. The inorganic pyrophosphatase was crystallized in the form containing one subunit of a homohexameric molecule per asymmetric unit: space group R32, a = 110.4 A, c = 76.8 A. The electron density map to 2.5 A resolution phased with Eu- and Hg-derivatives (figure of merit, <m> = 0.51) was improved by the solvent flattening procedure (<m> = 0.77). The course of the polypeptide chain and the secondary structure elements, intersubunit contacts and positions of the active sites were characterized. Homology with S. cerevisiae inorganic pyrophosphatase structure was found.

[The isolation of the bovine leukemia provirus by the polymerase chain reaction with subsequent nonradioactive blot hybridization]

A multiprobe scheme for detecting provirus of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in the peripheral blood of infected animals was developed. According to the scheme, a fragment of BLV X-gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and detected by blot hybridization with the biotinylated oligonucleotide probe complementary to the inner part of the generated fragment. 600 copies of provirus may be specifically detected in a sample containing 150,000 cells. In some cases, BLV was detected in blood samples negative if tested by the commercial double immunodiffusion test.

[The effect of structural-chemical characteristics of water-soluble polyelectrolyte complexes of ovalbumin on their immunological properties]

Immunogenicity of soluble protein antigens in the complexes with synthetic polyions may be regarded as depending both on the nature of polymer carrier and the structure of the protein-polyelectrolyte complex. The immunogenicity of stable soluble complexes of ovalbumin (OA) with polycation - quaternized poly-4-vinylpyridine (C-1) and copolymer of acrylic acid and 2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine (C-2) have been evaluated. Immunization of mice by C-1 have induced a vigorous formation of the anti-OA IgG antibodies and IgE homocytotropic antibodies, while immunogenicity of OA in C-2 was comparable with that of OA alone. The analysis of the structural-chemical features of the complexes investigated has shown that enhanced immunogenicity of C-1 may be due to (1) the non-homogeneous distribution of protein globulae among polycation macromolecules and to (2) the formation of complex with an asymmetrical structure, to (3) the high ability of C-1 to adsorb on a surface of the lymphoid cells and to induce a formation of intercellular aggregates. An enhancing of a stability and a size of C-2 in the presence of Cu2+ shows no influence on a immunogenicity of OA. An immunogenicity of both types of complexes does not depend upon the access of determinants of OA to antibodies so far as it has been shown that complex formation in both cases are not accompanied by an alteration of antigenicity and allergenicity of OA.

[The submolecular structure of the Carnation Mottle virus]

The model of the tertiary structure of the CMtV subunit was suggested and the mode of its packaging into the capsid was determined on the basis of electron microscopy small-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray diffraction data. The i-ray diffraction data on the crystal of the native virion of Carnation Mottle Virus were obtained on the automatic diffractometer supplied with two-dimensional detector.

[Determination of ovalbumin-specific IgG antibodies in mouse sera by immunoenzyme analysis using horseradish peroxidase-conjugated staphylococcal protein A]

The article deals with the possibility of using staphylococcal protein A conjugated with horse-radish peroxidase for the detection of specific IgG-antibodies to ovalbumin in mice by the indirect and competitive EIA techniques. Studies on specifying the parameters of the EIA system for the detection of specific IgG-antibodies are in progress.

[Rate of lymph flow and the protein-electrolyte composition of the lymph from the thoracic duct in experimental acholia]

Experimental acholia was reproduced by applying a biliary fistula to the choledochus in cats for 20 days. It was established that acholia was accompanied by considerable changes in the lymph flow and in the protein-electrolyte composition of the lymph. The rate of the lymph flow in animals with acholia was more than 2 times as decreased as compared with control. The electrolyte and protein shifts in the lymph during acholia were manifested by the reduction in the lymph protein and K+ content.

[Computer input of graphic and alphanumeric information during radiation therapy dosage planning using the PAUK (semi-automatic coding) device]

A system of the input of initial information on a patient into the ES-1022 computer in the on-line mode for dosimetric irradiation planning has been tested. A semi-automatic coding device (SACD) has been utilized. The system can operate in two modes: on-line calculation of dose distributions and irradiation conditions; archivization of input initial data.