The effect of YAG laser capsulotomy on the hydro- and hemodynamics of the eye

Tonographic studies of 18 patients with artiphakia and aphakia and rheo-ophthalmographic examinations of 36 patients with artiphakia after YAG laser discission of opaque posterior capsule of the lens have revealed significant impairment of ocular hydrodynamics, most manifest in the first hours postoperation, persisting for 24 hrs on an average. In patients, whose rheographic values were within the normal age-specific range, a marked RQ reduction 3-4 hrs postoperation was observed, still present in 24 hrs. No changes in the ocular hemodynamics were detectable in patients with initially lowered rheographic coefficient. Problems concerning the relationships between ocular hydro- and hemodynamics in reactive hypertension are discussed.     

Stimulating action of liposomes on experimental influenza infection

Intranasal inoculation of liposomes from egg phosphatidylcholine to white mice infected with influenza A virus resulted in the death of practically all animals whereas the death rate in the control group was 30%. A possible mechanism of the effect of liposomes on the virus infection is discussed.     

MANF

We describe the discovery of a novel, 20 kDa, secreted human protein named mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor, or MANF. The homologous, native molecule was initially derived from a rat mesencephalic type-1 astroycte cell line and recombinant MANF subcloned from a cDNA encoding human arginine-rich protein. MANF selectively protects nigral dopaminergic neurons, versus GABAergic or serotonergic neurons. The discovery of MANF marks a more systematic approach in the search for astrocyte-derived, secreted proteins that selectively protect specific neuronal phenotypes. Compared to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), MANF was more selective in the protection of dopaminergic neurons at lower (0.05–0.25 ng/mL) and middle (0.5–2.5 ng/mL) concentrations: MANF>GDNF>BDNF. GDNF was more selective at higher concentrations (25–50 ng/ml): GDNF>MANF>BDNF. Two domains in MANF of 39-AA and 109-AA respectively, and eight cysteines are conserved from C. elegans to man. MANF is encoded by a 4.3 Kb gene with 4 exons, and is located on the short arm of human chromosome 3. The secondary structure is dominated by α-helices (47%) and random coils (37%). Studies to determine the localization of MANF in the brains of rat, monkey, and man, as well as the receptor, signaling pathways, and biologically active peptide mimetics are in progress. The selective, neuroprotective effect of MANF for dopaminergic neurons suggests that it may be indicated for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.     

Radical treatment of penetrating duodenal ulcer]

The results of treatment of 450 patients with duodenal ulcer have been analysed. Of them, in 198 (44%), ulcer penetration into the adjacent organs was revealed. An excellent and good results were noted in 80.3% of the patients. Vagotomy with an ulcer excision and subsequent restoration of the pyloric sphincter function in penetrating duodenal ulcer permits to reduce lethality and achieve stable recovery of the majority of patients.     

The effect of transcranial electrostimulation of the opioid structures of the brain on peripheral nerve regeneration in the rat

Transcranial electrical stimulation of opioid brain structures was studied for its effect on the sciatic nerve of rat after transection and microsurgical restoration of the nerve. It was shown that electrical stimulation accelerated regeneration of sensory and motor fibres of the sciatic nerve. Participation of endogenous opioid peptides in the regeneration of peripheral nerves is discussed.