; PUBERTY GENESIS OF FEMALES-OFFSPRING RATS BORN TO MOTHERS WITH FETOPLACENTAL INSUFFICIENCY

The purpose of this scientific work was to investigate the development of puberty in females-offspring born to mothers of different age with fetoplacental insufficiency (FPI) and to evaluate efficacy of base and combined drug therapy during pregnancy. Negative influence of FPI on the puberty genesis of females-offspring born to mothers of different reproductive age is considered to be the results of the investigation. In particular, the increased anogenital distance, which is the sign of estrogen deficiency, has been observed in females-offspring born to reproductively young mothers with FPI. Females-offspring born to reproductively matured mothers with FPI have demonstrated more negative changes of reproductive system development. That is, body mass and anogenital distance increasing amid accelerated sexual development have been detected. The increasing of testosterone level has caused inadequate ovaries stimulation which has led to steroid genesis disturbances. During histological investigation of ovarian structure of pubertal rats born to mothers of both groups of age, the decreasing of follicles density, the disturbance in follicles types ratio - early secondary follicles were prevailed, declining folliculogenesis reserve and increased number of atretical follicles have been observed. The introduction of pharmaceutical composition to pregnant rats of both groups of age amid fetoplacental insufficiency leads to stronger normalization of reproductive system development in females-offspring than using of drug of comparison.

Sonographically Measured Improvement in Diaphragmatic Mobility and Outcomes Among Patients Requiring Prolonged Weaning from the Ventilator

Background:

The need of prolonged weaning from the ventilator is a well-known predictor of an unfavorable patients` outcome. Diaphragmatic dysfunction is a serious problem for these patients. We wanted to determine the survival in patients who were already intubated for more than 4 weeks before they were admitted to our weaning unit. In this prospective study, we wanted to investigate if the diaphragmatic function could improve or was related to survival over an 18 months follow up period.

Methods:

84 patients were included when they were able to breathe at least 10 minutes over a t-piece and sit upright for at least 5 minutes. The diaphragmatic function was estimated sonographically using the up and downward movement of the lung silhouette. Sonographic follow-ups were performed for over 18 months. The survival rate, outcome and changes in diaphragm mobility were investigated.

Results:

a) Survival: 49 patients (58%) survived the 18 months follow up period - 30 had a good outcome; 19 needed assistance. b) Survival in relation to diaphragm mobility: If diaphragmatic mobility improved ≥ 15.5 mm on the left side, the probability of survival was 94% with a probability of 76% to have a satisfying outcome.

Conclusion:

Survival and outcome of prolonged weaning were significantly better when sonographically measured the mobility of left hemidiaphragm improved.

Metallocages for Metal Anions: Highly Charged [Co@Ge9 ]5- and [Ru@Sn9 ]6- Clusters Featuring Spherically Encapsulated Co1- and Ru2- Anions

Endohedral clusters count as molecular models for intermetallic compounds-a class of compounds in which bonding principles are scarcely understood. Herein we report soluble cluster anions with the highest charges on a single cluster to date. The clusters reflect the close analogy between intermetalloid clusters and corresponding coordination polyhedra in intermetallic compounds. We now establish Raman spectroscopy as a reliable probe to assign for the first time the presence of discrete, endohedrally filled clusters in intermetallic phases. The ternary precursor alloys with nominal compositions "K₅ Co_1.2 Ge₉ " and "K₄ Ru₃ Sn₇ " exhibit characteristic bonding modes originating from metal atoms in the center of polyhedral clusters, thus revealing that filled clusters are present in these alloys. We report also on the structural characterization of [Co@Ge₉ ]^5- (1a) and [Ru@Sn₉ ]^6- (2a) obtained from solutions of the respective alloys.

In vitro response of phagocytic cells to immunomodulating agents

BACKGROUND

Phagocytes (polymorphonuclear cells and monocyte-macrophages) are the first line of defence of the host against infectious microorganisms and other foreign antigens. Agents which participate in activation of phagocytic cells possess a potential immunomodulating action. Thus, search for convenient in vitro test-systems and study of mechanisms of action of these agents are of practical interest.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Human blood polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells and murine macrophages (line J774.2) were used as cellular test-systems for study of phagocytosis-stimulating action of immunomodulating agents. Indexes of phagocytic activity were estimated by the phagocyte ingestion of yeast cells. NO-synthase activity, nitrite production, and nitroblue tetrazolium test were determined after phagocyte stimulation.

RESULTS

It was revealed that indexes of phagocytic activity can be used as quantitative indicators for measurement immunomodulating activity. Zymosan A-induced phagocytosis in almost 100% PMN cells and macrophages and thus can be used as a positive control. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA, 0.5-1.0 microg/ml) stimulated phagocytosis in PMN cells 1.8 times after 2-3 h incubation, although in higher concentrations (5-10 microg/ml) it strongly inhibited phagocytosis. TGF-b1 (10 ng/ml) suppressed phagocytosis in WGA-stimulated PMN cells. Mistletoe agglutinin-1 stimulated phagocytosis in PMN cells, although its effect in macrophages was weak, while concanavalin A stimulation of phagocytosis in macrophages was well expressed. Vasodilating peptide bradykinin increased phagocytosis 2.5 times in macrophages. We did not reveal changes in NO-synthase activity and nitrite production in macrophages and PMN cells activated by different immunomodulatig agents. Only lipopolysacharide stimulated such activity in macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

Cultured macrophages and PMN cells can provide reproducible quantitative results in screening phagocytic activity of different immunomodulating agents. Both positively and negatively acting immunomodulators might be studied using these test cells.