Isolation and characterization of collagen-binding domains from human von Willebrand factor

DNA fragments that encode two collagen-binding decapeptides from human von Willebrand factors vWF-H1 and vWF-H2 were cloned in Escherichia coli cells. The effective chimeric proteins vWF(H1)-CBD and vWF(H2)-CBD, which produce strains that contain corresponding decapeptide sequences, Gly-Ser spacer, and a cellulose-binding domain (CBD) from Anaerocellum thermophilum were constructed. Highly purified samples of vWF(H1)-CBD and vWF(H2)-CBD proteins were obtained using the one-stage purification method on cellulose and their ability to bind collagen was studied. The obtained constructions are planned to for use in the development of recombinant collagen-binding proteins with different biological activity, which will be used for the further development of a new generation of products and materials for medical purposes, e.g., various kids of implants and coatings.     

Drug resistant tuberculosis in children and adolescents

The paper presents the results of a follow-up of children and adolescents who isolate drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MBT) strains of those with manifestations of tuberculosis and preserved sensitivity to antibacterial agents. Bacterial isolation in children and adolescents is scanty and multiple. There is a high rate of resistance to isoniazid, streptomycin, and rifampicin. The vast majority of children and adolescents who isolate drug-resistant MBT strains have been found to contact a patient who also isolate drug-resistant MBT. The drug sensitivity of MBT in patients is identical to that of sources of their contamination. Most patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis have been ascertained as having been registered in dispensaries and treated with drugs, which suggests that the use of chemotherapy in prophylactic doses, particularly in patients contacting a bacterial isolator, does not prevent local tuberculosis.     

Carbohydrate metabolism in long treated children and adolescents with respiratory tuberculosis

Carbohydrate metabolism was studied in 53 children and adolescents long treated for respiratory tuberculosis with preserving signs of its progression. The blood levels of cortisole, thyroxine, triiodothyronine were concurrently measured. Glucose tolerance impairments by the hypoglycemic type was found in 32.3 of the children and in 27.3% of the adolescents after long-term treatment for respiratory tuberculosis. Moreover, there was an increase (or an increasing trend) in the fasting plasma concentration of immunoreactive insulin. Latent carbohydrate metabolic disturbances are attended by high and low blood levels of cortisole and triiodothyronine, respectively.     

Efficacy of isosorbide-5-mononitrate retard in patients with stable exertional angina

The aim of the study was to evaluate efficiency of isosorbide-5-mononitrate (IMN) retard (40 to 80 mg/day) in 33 patients older than 60 with stable angina pectoris (functional class III-IV). The study shows that IMN is an effective and safe antianginal agent in treatment of patients with stable angina: it decreased the frequency of anginal attacks (from 4.1 +/- 0.34 to 0.8 +/- 0.13 per day, p < 0.0001), and additional nitroglycerin intake (from 2.2 +/- 0.32 to 0.2 +/- 0.05 tablets per day, p < 0.0001); according to the results of 24-hour ECG monitoring, it reduced ST-segment depression (from 2.2 +/- 0.17 to 0.9 +/- 0.09, p < 0.0001), preventing episodes of painful and silent myocardial ischemia (from 3.5 +/- 0.37 to 2.1 +/- 0.31, p < 0.0001); increased life quality as demonstrated by evaluation of physical (from 19.7 +/- 2.2 to 45.7 +/- 2.22, p < 0.0001), and mental (from 30.9 +/- 2.67 to 57.5 +/- 2.67, p < 0.0001) components using MOS-SF 36 questionnaire. Adverse effects of the drug (headache and hypotension) were observed in 6 (16.6%) patients.     

New principles of clinical and X-ray examination of children and adolescents registered in special antituberculous hospitals

The authors have analyzed informative value of the main clinical and X-ray examinations, their scope and frequency in respect to age, tuberculosis stage and the disease pattern for children and adolescents on follow-up after treatment in special antituberculosis hospitals. A differential scheme of examination of followed-up tuberculous children and adolescent has been proposed which raises efficacy and cost of the follow-up, minimize exposure to X-rays.     

Attenuated neurotoxicity of the transactivation-defective HIV-1 Tat protein in hippocampal cell cultures

This study reports that the cysteine 22 → glycine 22 substitution in the HIV-1 Tat 1–86 B significantly attenuates its neurotoxicity. Consistent with previous studies, direct interactions of rat hippocampal cells with Tat 1–86 B were shown to cause dose-dependent and time-dependent neurotoxicity associated with activation of caspases from the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Despite the similar binding/uptake properties, Cys22 Tat 1–86 B failed to induce significant neurotoxicity and activation of caspases 9 and 3/7 in hippocampal primary cultures. Results of the study underscore the important role of cysteine-rich domain in mechanism of Tat-mediated neurotoxicity.