Primary structure of the hemagglutinin gene in strains of the influenza virus A/Leningrad/624/86 and A/Leningrad/621/86 serologic subtype H1N1

A molecular analysis was made of genomes of influenza A (H1N1) virus strains, the causative agents of an epidemic in Leningrad, 1986. The primary structure of hemagglutinin gene of two of these strains, A/Leningrad/624/86 and A/Leningrad/621/86, was established, as well as partial primary structure of PB1 gene of certain current strains of the A (H1N1) subtype. A hypothesis of a "shift" of PB1 gene in 1950-1957 is suggested.     

Laparoscopic surgery in colorectal tumors

The authors describe their first experience with using less invasive laparoscopic methods in patients with tumors of the rectum and the colon. Twelve operative interventions were performed. The method and technique of endovideosurgical operations on the colon are described. The intraoperative and postoperative complications are analyzed. The authors not rich experience with performing laparoscopic interventions on the colon shows the necessity of stepwise and thorough mastering the method and of using strictly individual indications for such operations.     

Cytosolic calcium and lymphoproliferative response during calcium antagonism in men

Objective: A double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study was conducted on the effect of mibefradil, both an L- and T-type Ca²⁺-channel blocker with a more selective blockade of T-type channels, administered once daily for 1 week to normal male subjects, on blood pressure, intracellular cationic concentrations, sodium-proton exchange rate and ³ H-thymidine incorporation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Methods: After a 1-week run-in period on placebo, the subjects (n = 40) were allocated to a placebo or a mibefradil group. Placebo or 50 mg mibefradil was administered once daily in the morning for 1 week. All subjects were investigated at baseline and after 1 week of placebo or mibefradil administration. Standing or recumbent blood pressure and heart rate of subjects in the mibefradil group was decreased (P < 0.05 or less) compared with that of subjects in the placebo group. Results: Decreased (P < 0.001) intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration and reduced (P < 0.001) ³ H-thymidine incorporation in the PBMC were observed in the mibefradil-treated subjects. The intracellular sodium, potassium or magnesium concentration as well as the sodium-proton exchange rate were not changed during mibefradil administration. Conclusion: The blood pressure lowering action of mibefradil in men is accompanied by a decrease in intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration. Mibefradil also reduced the ³ H-thymidine incorporation or de novo DNA synthesis in PBMC by modulating the calcium homeostasis. Received: 24 June 1998 / Accepted in revised form: 3 October 1998     

Rapid Evaluation of Tablet Color

Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal -     

Hygienic evaluation of sewage from coal open pits

The composition of open-pit, drainage, process, domestic sewages was studied in the stripping. They showed varying contents of substances and chemicals. The stripping sewage cannot be used for processing and agricultural purposes with pretreatment. A technique is proposed for local purification of open-pit and drainage waters before their mixing in the accumulator.     

Therapeutic policy in rectal cancer

The results of clinical examination and treatment of 751 patients with rectal cancer are presented. A total of 684 (91.0%) patients underwent radical surgery. In 439 (64.2%) from them sphincter saving operations were carried out. The rate of sphincter saving procedures for the last 5 years has increased up to 73.8%, most often of them transbdominal resection was used--284 (64.7%) patients. Sygmoidorectal anastomosis in 158 (55.6%) patients was carried out by the hand sutures, and in 126 (44.4%)--suturing apparatuses were used. The operation was finished by the suture of the pelvic peritoneum by two layers of sutures and the drainage of the area of the anastomosis from the perineum site by two tubes for prevention of the development of peritonitis even in case of insufficiency of the anastomosis was made. All the operated patients underwent preoperative radiotherapy with a total dose 20-25 Gy. The basic stage of the operation was on demand followed by chemohyperthermic perfusion of the abdominal cavity. It was carried out in 30 patients, including 12 patients with rectal cancer. In cancer of the rectum of the II B and III stages the usage of chemotherapy is obligatory. New operations for metastases of cancer of the colon into the liver were made in 4 patients (left and extended right hemihepatectomy). Complications developed in 33.5% of patients, lethality made up 3.8%, including 1.8% for the last 5 years.