An experimental platform for investigation of the Zeeman effect in strong magnetic fields

An experimental platform is developed for the investigation of the Zeeman effect in strong magnetic fields. Mega-Gauss magnetic fields are generated by a 1 MA Zebra pulsed power machine using metal rod loads. A gas jet or CH oil on the load is the source of hydrogen. Excited hydrogen atoms are backlit by black body radiation from the rod load. Hydrogen absorption spectra are recorded with a grating spectrometer and intensified gated CCD camera. The experimental platform enables the observation of the quadratic Zeeman effect in hydrogen gas jets using the spectral shift of the central line in the Zeeman triplet. Other gases can be studied using the gas jet method.

[Ankle replacement for severe post-traumatic deformation of the distal tibia: a case report]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the immediate results of ankle replacement with original prosthesis in a patient with severe post-traumatic deformation of the distal tibia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

When developing the original design of ankle prosthesis, we considered foreign analogues of classical and revision models of ankle prostheses taking into account their shortcomings. In this case, an integrated approach was used. Extensive work has been carried out to select materials for prosthetic components. Experimental work with mesenchymal stromal cells of bone marrow was aimed at testing cytotoxicity and biological compatibility. The staff of the department of designing biomechanical structures of the Research Institute of Bionics and Personalized Medicine of the Samara State Medical University carefully studied the proposed design of endoprosthesis using the Ansys software. After cadaver tests on full-scale models, we performed surgical intervention in a patient with severe post-traumatic deformity of the lower third of the left tibia.

RESULTS

Our studies revealed convenience and certain advantages of intraoperative installation of original ankle prosthesis. Along with this, this clinical example indicated come features that must be taken into account in revision ankle replacement to avoid possible postoperative consequences.

CONCLUSION

Original ankle prosthesis makes it possible to replace the distal tibia and preserve limb function.

Functional Phenotype of Alveolar Macrophages Features in Rats with Metabolic Syndrome

Phenotypic characteristics of alveolar macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as their ability to acquire the M1 and M2 phenotypes during in vitro culturing with reprogramming factors were studied in rats with modeled diet-induced metabolic syndrome. A decrease in the number of alveolar macrophages with the M1 phenotype was found in animals with metabolic syndrome. The factors of metabolic syndrome do not affect phenotypic plasticity of cells in culture, but under the action of M2 reprogramming factors, the cells demonstrate a wide range of phenotypic plasticity by the CD80 and CD206 markers. The consistently high level of production of IL-6 and IL-10 by macrophages during culturing under different conditions indicates functional rigidity of the cells, which is probably a consequence of in vivo predetermined functional phenotype of these cells against the background of metabolic disorders.

Intracellular Lipid Levels and Oxidative Stress in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Experimental Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus was modeled in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (25 mg/kg for 5 days), which led to the appearance of the main symptoms of insulin-dependent diabetes. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated by centrifugation on a Ficoll density gradient, the production of ROS and the level of intracellular lipids were evaluated by flow cytofluorimetry. In rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus, an increase in ROS levels in isolated peripheral blood monocytes, but not in the lymphocytic fraction was revealed. Incubation of isolated monocytes in a medium containing 1 mM oleic acid led to a 1.5-fold increase of intracellular lipid levels. After incubation of the lymphocyte fraction in this medium, no differences from the control were revealed. Disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in type 1 diabetes mellitus leading to an increase of free fatty acids and ROS levels can be detected ex vivo in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Features of the cytogram and cytokine profile of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in experimental metabolic syndrome

The aim of the study was to identify the features of the cellular composition and cytokine profile of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in rats in a model of diet-induced metabolic syndrome.

Materials and methods. In an experiment on animals (rats), a model of metabolic syndrome (MS) induced by a high-fat and high-carbohydrate diet was reproduced. To assess the viability of the reproduced model, biochemical and morphometric methods were used, such as measurement of body weight, specific gravity of liver and visceral fat, and blood pressure, determination of glucose concentration in the blood (including a glucose tolerance test), as well as determination of blood lipid parameters. To assess the intensity of the inflammatory response in the blood, the concentration of total protein, the total number of leukocytes, and the levels of immunocytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1) were determined. Open bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on the isolated heart – lung complex. The concentration of protein, immunocytokines (IL-6, IL-10, TNFα, MCP-1), the total number of leukocytes, and the ratio of their morphological types were determined in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).

Results. In animals with MS, an increase in the total number of leukocytes in the blood due to granulocytes and a rise in the concentration of protein, TNFα, and IL-10 were revealed compared with the parameters in the controls. BALF analysis revealed an increase in the concentration of protein, the total number of leukocytes, and the absolute number of alveolar macrophages, neutrophil granulocytes, and lymphocytes. The levels of IL-6 and MCP-1 were more than 1.5 times higher.

Conclusion. Changes in the qualitative and quantitative parameters of BALF are inflammatory in nature and are formed during a systemic inflammatory response accompanying metabolic disorders in modeling MS in rats in the experiment.

Assessment of the effect of iron-rich humic substances on hematological parameters in the model of acute posthemorrhagic and iron deficiency anemia

Aim. To assess the effect of iron-rich humic substances on hematological parameters in acute post-hemorrhagic and iron deficiency anemia.

Materials and methods. Materials for the study were samples of iron-rich active pharmaceutical ingredients based on humic substances (Fe(III) hydroxide complexes with humic substances and polymaltose): HA-Fe3+, HA-PMFe3+, FA-Fe3+, and FA-PM-Fe3+. The anti-anemic activity of the substances was studied on 53 female Wistar rats of the conventional rat line in the model of acute posthemorrhagic and iron deficiency anemia. Anti-anemic activity was assessed by the hemoglobin level, erythrocyte count, hematocrit, and serum iron level.

Results. The studied substances HA-Fe3+ and FA-Fe3+ are the most effective in correcting the consequences of both experimental acute posthemorrhagic anemia and iron deficiency anemia. Their effect is comparable to that of the positive control drug Ferrum Lek.

Conclusion. Fe(III) hydroxide complexes stabilized by humic and fulvic acids exhibit anti-anemic activity.

[Biomechanics of the first metatarsophalangeal joint after replacement]

OBJECTIVE

Analysis of biomechanics of the first metatarsophalangeal joint after arthroplasty, interaction between bones and two implants of the first metatarsophalangeal joint using skeletal model of the foot.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We developed anatomically adapted all-ceramic non-coupled endoprosthesis of proximal interphalangeal joint between 2016 and 2021. To create a model of the foot, we used diagnostic computed tomography whose images were applied in 3D sculpting system and computer-aided design system for final geometric modeling of the joint.

RESULTS

In dorsal flexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint under 45° with the presence of implant, cortical bone tissue can withstand a load of up to 40 kg. Cortical bone tissue with implant can withstand a load of up to 305 kg without dorsal flexion. Strength of implant elements made of zirconium ceramics significantly exceeds strength of bone tissue within implant-bone tissue connection.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative axial load on the first metatarsophalangeal joint up to 35 kg with maximum dorsal flexion up to 45° is the most appropriate. Higher load and hyperextension over 45° may be followed by postoperative complications such as implant instability, dislocation and periprosthetic fracture.

Morphological changes in the heart and aorta of rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome

Aim. To identify early morphological changes in the heart and aorta of rats with experimental metabolic syndrome induced by a high-fat and high-carbohydrate diet (HFHCD).

Materials and methods. The study was carried out on male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into two groups: a control group (n = 10) and an experimental group (n = 10). The rats from the control group were fed with a standard laboratory diet. The rats from the experimental group received HFHCD for 12 weeks. Body weight, blood pressure (BP), and individual parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were assessed in the rats.   A histologic examination of the heart and aorta in the animals was performed.

Results. Feeding rats with HFHCD led to an increase in body weight, elevation of BP, obesity, hyperglycemia, and triglyceridemia. The histologic examination of the heart in the rats of the experimental group showed signs of vascular disease, lipomatosis, and focal myocardial degeneration. Lipid accumulation in the cells of the media, hyperplasia of adipocytes in the adventitia, and depletion and fragmentation of the elastic lamina were revealed in the aortic wall of the rats receiving HFHCD.

Conclusion. The study indicated that HFHCD is an effective way to model metabolic syndrome. Structural disorders in the heart and aorta may be the mainstay for the development of cardiomyopathy and arterial hypertension in diet-induced metabolic syndrome.

Quadratic Zeeman effect in hydrogen at 2-3 MG magnetic fields

The Zeeman effect is used for measurement of magnetic fields in astrophysical and laboratory plasmas. Magnetic fields in atmospheres of magnetic white dwarf stars are in the range 40 kG-1 GG. The quadratic Zeeman effect results in the additional split and shift of lines for magnetic fields >2 MG. Hydrogen Balmer lines were studied in magnetic fields delivered by a 1 MA pulse power generator. The magnetic field was generated by rod loads 0.8-1 mm in diameter. A droplet of CH oil on the load center was the source of hydrogen. A low ionized oil layer was backlit by blackbody emission from the rod with a temperature of 0.5-0.6 eV. Zeeman splitting of H-alpha and H-beta absorption lines were with a grating spectrometer. A spectral shift of the central component of the triplet indicated the quadratic Zeeman effect in hydrogen lines.

Systemic inflammation markers of diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rat model

Chronic systemic inflammation is essential in many chronic non-infectious diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed at characterization of systemic inflammatory reaction as a component of diet-induced MS in rat model. Thirty-three male Wistar rats were distributed into two groups designated 'control' (n = 15) and 'experimental (MS)' (n = 18). The groups were fed, respectively, regular and high-fat/high-carbohydrate diets for 12 weeks. The intensity of systemic inflammatory process against the background of metabolic impairments was assessed by total and differential counts of white blood cells and serum levels of total protein, C-reactive protein, cytokines (IL6, IL10 and TNFα), insulin and leptin. We also assessed the production of reactive oxygen species in adipose tissue samples. The experiment revealed signs of systemic inflammation in MS as compared to control, including reactive leukocytosis, hyperproteinemia and increased serum levels of C-reactive protein (2.6-fold; р = 0.001), IL10 (3.7-fold; р = 0.029) and TNFα (4.2-fold; р = 0.035). The observed changes were accompanied by elevated metabolic activity of visceral adipose tissue, indicated by hyperleptinemia and increased free radical oxidation intensity. Pairwise positive correlations of serum levels were revealed for leptin and insulin (r = 0.701; р = 0.001) and leptin and IL10 (r = 0.523; р = 0.012). Thus, high-fat/ high-carbohydrate diet promoted metabolic impairments concomitantly with early signs of systemic inflammation characteristic of MS and obesity.

Development and integration of photonic Doppler velocimetry as a diagnostic for radiation driven experiments on the Z-machine

Plasma density measurements are key to a wide variety of high-energy-density (HED) and laboratory astrophysics experiments. We present a creative application of photonic Doppler velocimetry (PDV) from which time- and spatially resolved electron density measurements can be made. PDV has been implemented for the first time in close proximity, ∼6 cm, to the high-intensity radiation flux produced by a z-pinch dynamic hohlraum on the Z-machine. Multiple PDV probes were incorporated into the photoionized gas cell platform. Two probes, spaced 4 mm apart, were used to assess plasma density and uniformity in the central region of the gas cell during the formation of the plasma. Electron density time histories with subnanosecond resolution were extracted from PDV measurements taken from the gas cells fielded with neon at 15 Torr. As well, a null shot with no gas fill in the cell was fielded. A major achievement was the low noise high-quality measurements made in the harsh environment produced by the mega-joules of x-ray energy emitted at the collapse of the z-pinch implosion. To evaluate time dependent radiation induced effects in the fiber optic system, two PDV noise probes were included on either side of the gas cell. The success of this alternative use of PDV demonstrates that it is a reliable, precise, and affordable new electron density diagnostic for radiation driven experiments and more generally HED experiments.

Role of H2S in Regulation of Vascular Tone in Metabolic Disorders

We studied the effect of the H₂S donor (NaHS, 1-500 μM) on the contractile responses of isolated aortic smooth muscle segments from rats with metabolic syndrome induced by high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. It was found that the vasorelaxing effect of NaHS (5-100 μM) decreased in under conditions of MS. The endothelial NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (100 μM) suppressed the effect of NaHS, while cystathionine-gamma-lyase inhibitor PAG (100 μM) decreased the vasodilating effects of acetylcholine (0.1-100 μM). Application of endogenous NO precursor L-arginine (1 mM) potentiated in the effects of H₂S donor NaHS. Thus, the contractile activity of vascular smooth muscles in metabolic syndrome is determined by not only the effect of H₂S, but also the influence of NO.

Anti-Adhesion Effect of Composite Film Materials Based on Glycoluril-Modified Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

The aim of the study was to develop composite film materials derived from modified sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and to evaluate their anti-adhesive effects.

A study of kudurs used by wild animals located on the water sources high in REE content in the Caucasus Nature Reserve

One of the theories explaining the reasons for geophagy, which was proposed earlier by the authors of the article, consists in the assumption that animals need rare-earth elements (REE). In order to test this hypothesis, we studied the chemical composition of spring waters in the territory of the Caucasus Nature Reserve at three kudurs along the Achipsta River, as well as at the Mamaevsky kudur (southwestern slope of the Pshekish mountain). At the Mamaevsky kudur, we also studied the chemical composition of earth consumed by animals, and the species, age and gender composition, seasonal and daily activity of ungulate animals-visitors of the kudur. It was determined that the most active visitors of the Mamaevsky kudur were European bison (Bison bonasus) with one activity peak during the rut, in July. The frequency of visits to the kudur by red deer (Cervus elaphus) was 4 times lower with the highest peak activity in April and a lower peak in August. Only in one of four water sources at the Mamaevsky kudur there was an elevated concentration of Na (by 7 times). In the other three the concentration was comparable to the local river water. The waters of two "sodium-free" springs had increased concentrations of REE (by 5-8 times). Geophagic earths near the Mamaevsky springs are decomposition products of siltstone and sandstone shale rocks of the Jurassic age consisting of clay minerals (illite mixed with smectite, and chlorites)-from 42 to 45%, and quartz and feldspar (in total up to 50%) mixed with Fe and Ca carbonates. The chemical composition of acid extracts (0.1 N HCl, pH = 1.0) from consumed earth showed the highest extractability of Ca and Fe. In trace elements, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, V, light lanthanides, and Y are most actively extracted. Na is extracted at 0.03-0.1 g/kg. The sodium bicarbonate spring water consumed by animals at kudurs on the Achipsta River had Na contents 70-300 times, and REE contents 25-40 times higher than that in the river water. The revealed facts do not contradict the hypothesis that the desire for geophagy in animals in the Caucasus (in addition to the long-known "urge" for Na) can be also related to the properties of lanthanides group elements exchange in the body.

Regulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Contractions in the Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Reduced glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, and imbalance in lipid levels were found in rats with metabolic syndrome induced by a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. The contractile responses of intact and endothelium-denuded aortic smooth muscle segments from rats with metabolic syndrome to application of acetylcholine, phenylephrine, sodium nitroprusside, and forskolin were studied by mechanographic method. It was found that endothelial dysfunction develops against the background of metabolic and hemodynamic disorders in metabolic syndrome. It was shown that the regulation of vasoconstrictor reactions of vascular smooth muscles in metabolic syndrome is due to a decrease in Ca²⁺ entry, mainly voltage-independent, as well as changes in the function of cGMP- and cAMP-activated K⁺-channels.

Complex study of air pollution in electroplating workshop

A comprehensive analysis of the state of air inside an industrial workshop with electroplating production was carried out. The data of quantitative distribution of suspended particles by size fractions (PM_0.3, PM_0.5, PM₁, PM₃, PM₅, PM₁₀) are presented for 15 main processes of electroplating. Morphometric and chemical composition of the surface of particles were studied. We observed particles of rounded shape, various agglomerates with complex geometric shapes, acute-angular particles, which when inhaled pose a maximum threat to human health. Chemical analysis of these particles showed an absolute predominance of oxides of non-ferrous metals, the percentage of which varied depending on the type of electroplating bath. The content of highly hazardous substances of the 1st (Zn, Pb, and Cd) and the 2nd (Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, and Mo) hazard classes in each sample was recorded.

[Zn-CysHis Protein Factor Families: Role of Electrostatic Interaction of Zn-Domains in Factor Functions]

The large amount of the DNA- and RNA-binding protein regulatory factors contain Zn-domains. Total six Zn-CysHis factor families with different functions were considered. Among them the transcription factors of family PF00096, complex type Zn-Cys2His2, is the most important because it includes over 340.000 members of 365.000 total members listed at present in the Zn-containing factor families. The role of electrostatic potential of Zn-domains in the structure and function of factors from different factor families has been considered. We have shown that the positive electrostatic potential of Zn-domains plays an essential role in forming contact of factors' Zn-domains with DNA/RNA in three protein factor families PF00096, PF12874, and PF09329. While in other three families PF03119, PF08996, and PF01258 Zn-domains do not contact with nucleic acids, and electrostatic interactions do not play a distinctive role, consequently.

[Relationship between masticatory muscles activity and motor cortex activation during treatment of patients with distal malocclusion]

The processes of neuroplasticity of the motor cortex of the brain were evaluated in the treatment of 20 (12 women and 8 men) patients aged 18-35 years (22.5±1.5 years) with distal occlusion using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), as well as comparison of surface myography (EMG) data to assess the adaptive capabilities of the tooth-jaw system and the central nervous system against the background of orthodontic correction. Correction of distal occlusion was carried out using ceramic braces 'Damon' (f. 'Ormco', USA). The advancement of the lower jaw forward with bite enhancement was carried out using the Twin force device ('Ortho Orgonizers GmbH', Germany). The study was conducted in five stages: 1) before orthodontic correction; 2) before installing the Twin force device; 3) after anterior displacement of the lower jaw and bite enhancement on the Twin force device; 4) after removing the brackets; 5) 1.5 months after the treatment. FMRI proved to be a useful tool for orthodontic treatment efficacy assessment and neuromuscular adaptation of maxillofacial structures to changing functional status.

Side projections of double-helical DNA: example of binding patterns of DNA in the complex with factor TFIIIA

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

[Sphincter-sparing treatment of anal fissure]

Surgical treatment of the anal fissure is associated with unreasonably high risks of delayed development of fecal incontinence to gas or liquid stool. Standardized sphincter-preserving therapy, based on the pharmacological reduction of increased internal anal sphincter tone (chemical sphincterotomy) allows to improve significantly the results of the non-surgical approach of treating one of the most common pathology in proctological practice. Our work presents a retrospective analysis of the treatment of 295 patients with anal fissure treated with diltiazem ointment, nifedipine ointment, nitroglycerin ointment and botulinum toxin A. Significant improvement or disappearance of complaints was noted in 84% of patients. The use of botulinum toxin A was successfull in 10 out of 11 patients without the need of surgical intervention. High efficiency (91% of patients) of the sphincter-preserving approach with a significant decrease in the need for aggressive surgical manipulation allows to decrease sphincterotomy rate and reduces the risk of delayed fecal incontinence.

[Changes of postural statusa in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment]

The study objective was to determinate variations of stato-dynamical functional markers of postural balance system in the process of malocclusion treatment. Twenty patients aged from 14 to 30 years with class II malocclusion were recruited for this prospective study. All patients underwent electromyography of mm. temporalis and mm. maseter in rest and at maximal jaws pressure. Postural balance was evaluated by stabilometry platform and body's regions relationship was assessed by computer optical topography. Orthodontic interventions included using occlusal splint, dental straps or 'TwinForce' device. There were two diagnostic sessions: before and after one month of orthodontic treatment. The majority of patients after anterior dislocation of mandible demonstrated significant increase in unilateral masticatory muscles activity (р<0.05) which correlated with iliac crest position. According to computerized topography data superior iliac crest position was registered in opposite side with regard to muscle hypertonia. According to stabilometry data forward translation of the mandible resulted in retroversion of total pressure point projection (р<0.05). Asymmetric muscle working in the process of occlusal adjustment may provoke postural imbalance in distal body regions. It dictates postural system condition monitoring during orthodontic treatment.

Using biological-physical modelling for informing sea lice dispersal in Loch Linnhe, Scotland

Sea lice are a constraint on the sustainable growth of Scottish marine salmonid aquaculture. As part of an integrated pest management approach, farms coordinate procedures within spatial units. We present observations of copepodids being at relatively greater density than nauplii in upper waters, which informs the development of surface layer sea lice transmission modelling of Loch Linnhe, Scotland, for informing farm parasite management. A hydrodynamic model is coupled with a biological particle-tracking model, with characteristics of plankton sea lice. Simulations are undertaken for May and October 2011-2013, forced by local wind data collected for those periods. Particles are continually released from positions representing farm locations, weighted by relative farm counts, over a 2-week period and tracked for a further 5 days. A comparison is made between modelled relative concentrations against physical and biological surveys to provide confidence in model outputs. Connectivity between farm locations is determined in order to propose potential coordination areas. Generally, connectivity depends on flow patterns in the loch and decreases with increased farm separation. The connectivity indices are used to estimate the origins of the sea lice population composition at each site, which may influence medicinal regimens to avoid loss of efficacy.

Experimental platform for investigations of high-intensity laser plasma interactions in the magnetic field of a pulsed power generator

An experimental platform for the studying of high-intensity laser plasma interactions in strong magnetic fields has been developed based on the 1 MA Zebra pulsed power generator coupled with the 50-TW Leopard laser. The Zebra generator produces 100-300 T longitudinal and transverse magnetic fields with different types of loads. The Leopard laser creates plasma at an intensity of 10¹⁹ W/cm² in the magnetic field of coil loads. Focusing and targeting systems are integrated in the vacuum chamber of the pulsed power generator and protected from the plasma debris and strong mechanical shock. The first experiments with plasma at laser intensity >2 × 10¹⁸ W/cm² demonstrated collimation of the laser produced plasma in the axial magnetic field strength >100 T.

[The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Pathogenesis of Adipocyte Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome. Prospects of Pharmacological Correction]

It is established that oxidative stress induces insulin resistance of adipocytes, increases secretion leptin, IL-6, TNF-α by adipocytes. Adiponectin secretion by adipocytes is reduced after the action of reactive oxygen species. Metabolic syndrome contributes to oxidative stress in adipose tissue, on the one hand due to the activation of production of reactive oxygen species by adipocyte NADPH-oxidase, and on the other hand by reducing the antioxidant defense adipocytes. It is found that obesity itself can induce oxidative stress. Chronic stress, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, angiotensin-II, TNF-α play an important role in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress of adipocytes. Metformin remains the cure for the treatment of insulin resistance. The positive results in the treatment of metabolic syndrome by losartan were obtained. Antioxidants and flavonoids exhibit a positive impact on the course of the experimental metabolic syndrome.

The electrostatic role of the Zn-Cys2His2 complex in binding of operator DNA with transcription factors: mouse EGR-1 from the Cys2His2 family

The mouse factor Zif268, known also as early growth response protein EGR-1, is a classical representative for the Cys2His2 transcription factor family. It is required for binding the RNA polymerase with operator dsDNA to initialize the transcription process. We have shown that only in this family of total six Zn-finger protein families the Zn complex plays a significant role in the protein-DNA binding. Electrostatic feature of this complex in the binding of factor Zif268 from Mus musculus with operator DNA has been considered. The factor consists of three similar Zn-finger units which bind with triplets of coding DNA. Essential contacts of the factor with the DNA phosphates are formed by three conservative His residues, one in each finger. We describe here the results of calculations of the electrostatic potentials for the Zn-Cys2His2 complex, Zn-finger unit 1, and the whole transcription factor. The potential of Zif268 has a positive area on the factor surface, and it corresponds exactly to the binding sites of each of Zn-finger units. The main part of these areas is determined by conservative His residues, which form contacts with the DNA phosphate groups. Our result shows that the electrostatic positive potential of this histidine residue is enhanced due to the Zn complex. The other contacts of the Zn-finger with DNA are related to nucleotide bases, and they are responsible for the sequence-specific binding with DNA. This result may be extended to all other members of the Cys2His2 transcription factor family.

Note: Infrared laser diagnostics for deuterium gas puff Z pinches

Deuterium gas puff Z pinches have been used for generation of strong neutron fluxes on the MA class pulse power machines. Due to the low electron density of deuterium Z-pinch plasma, regular laser diagnostics in the visible range cannot be used for observation and study of the pinch. Laser probing at the wavelength of 1064 nm was used for visualization of deuterium plasma. Infrared schlieren and interferometry diagnostics showed the deuterium gas puff plasma dynamics, instabilities, and allowed for the reconstruction of the profile of the plasma density.

Specific features of adaptation of rats to chronic cold treatment

Permanent exposure of rats to four-week cold treatment at +4ºC for 24 h/day resulted in increased weights of the brown adipose tissue, adrenals, and spleen and had no effect on the levels of cortisol and corticosterone in the blood serum. Similar data were observed after exposure of rats to intermittent four-week cold treatment at +4ºC for 8 h/day. After short-term exposure of rats to intermittent cold treatment at +4ºC for 1.5 h/day, all indices studied were similar to those observed in intact animals.

[INFARCT-LIMITING EFFECT OF ADAPTATION TO CONTINUOUS COLD EXPOSURE]

The experiments were performed on Wistar male rats, which were subjected to continuous cold exposure (+4 °C, 4 weeks). It has been established that this exposure is not a chronic stress. It has been shown that prolonged cold impact causes cold adaptation to cold and has the infarct-limi-ting effect.

[Main indicators of health status of the officers serving at the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2005-2015]

Main indicators of health status of the officers serving at the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2005-2015. Dynamic indicators of health status of officers in 2005-2015 were investigated and evaluated according to developed algorithm. Reliable increase of common morbidity indicators and labour losses and reduced discharge rate and mortality are defined. It is shown that the following diseases: traumas, circulatory diseases, respiratory disease, diseases of the digestive system, pathology of musculoskeletal system and neoplasm are 75,5% of the common health status indicator.

The Role of Protein Oxidative Modification and the Cellular Redox Status in Realization of Apoptosis of MCF-7 Breast Adenocarcmoma Cells

The aim of this study was to establish the role of redox modification of proteins and redox status in the realization of apoptosis of MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells du-ing cultivation with the SH-group blocker N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and the SH-group protector 1,4-dithioerythritol (DTE). The activation of apoptosis in MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells was shown to be due to the irreversible modification of redox sensitive protein molecules. The presence of DTE in the culture medium of cancer.cells caused reversible glutathionylation of protein molecules and did not change the: number of apoptotic MCF-7 cells.

Experimental Simulation of Traumatic Osteomyelitis in Rats

A model of traumatic osteomyelitis in rats is created. The disease development was evaluated by bone marrow myelograms, results of scintigraphy, and histological studies.

Four-color laser diagnostics for Z-pinch and laser-produced plasma

Four-color laser diagnostics were developed for Z-pinch and laser plasma at the 1 MA pulsed power generator. Four harmonics of the Nd:YAG laser at wavelengths of 1064, 532, 266, and 213 nm were produced during the cascade conversion in three nonlinear crystals and propagated together in one beampath. Deep UV probing allows better penetration of the dense plasma. Laser probing at four wavelengths allows observation of plasma in a wide range of densities in one shot of the diagnostic laser. Examples of four-color laser shadowgraphy and interferometry of the wire-array load and laser plasma interaction are presented and discussed.