Aim. To study the expression of NLRP3 in perivascular astrocytes and CD133+ endothelial progenitor cells in mice with amyloid-induced neurodegeneration.Materials and Methods. Ten days following intrahippocampal injection of Aβ1-42, male CD1 mice (4 months, weight 25-30 g) were sacrificed with the further immunohistochemical examination of the NLRP3 expression in S100 beta + and CD133+ cells using confocal microscopy. Results. We detected an increased number of S100beta + cells upon the administration of β-amyloid to the hippocampus. Moreover, a strong colocalization of S100beta and NLRP3 in the dentate gyrus of both groups was revealed indicative of neuroinflammation. CD133 immunostaining did not identify any differences in CD133+ cells between mice with Alzheimer’s disease and sham-treated mice, yet there was a notable reduction in CD133+ cell count after intrahippocampal injection of β-amyloid. Conclusion. Neuroinflammation induced by β-amyloid is associated with the formation of NL-RP3 inflammasomes and decreased neovascularization capacity.

Aim. To investigate the composition of extracellular matrix proteins in colorectal cancer liver metastases and normal liver. Materials and Methods. Following decellularization of the extracellular matrix using a specific cocktail of detergents, we examined protein content of metastatic and normal liver tissues by means of mass-spectrometry and immunofluorescence staining. Results. Proteomic analysis revealed significant differences in the expression of extracellular matrix proteins between cancerous tissue and normal liver. Results of masspectrometry were verified by immunofluorescence staining to the relevant proteins. Conclusion. Qualitative and quantitative composition of extracellular matrix proteins substantially differs between colorectal cancer liver metastases and normal liver.

Aim. To study parameters of extracorporeal perfusion, features of intraoperative blood oxygen saturation, and mechanisms of free radical damage of erythrocytes in patients with moderate and severe hemolysis after on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Material and Methods. The study included 73 patients with coronary artery disease with moderate (n = 48) and severe (n = 25) hemolysis developed upon the on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. We evaluated duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac ischemia, intensity of coronary suction, volumetric perfusion rate, partial pressure of oxygen (pO₂) and carbon dioxide (pCO₂) in blood, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, and hematocrit. Before and after the surgery, we also measured plasma free hemoglobin, level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes. Results. Patients with severe hemolysis after on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery had 2.5-fold higher level of free hemoglobin and longer duration of cardiac ischemia compared to those with moderate hemolysis. Intraoperative hemolysis was partially defined by the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (10.8%) and by maximum pO₂ (13.4%). Before the surgery, the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was increased whereas superoxide dismutase activity was reduced in erythrocytes of all patients regardless of hemolysis extent. After the surgery, such pattern was also observed in patients with moderate hemolysis. Patients with severe hemolysis had maximum pO₂ > 200 mmHg, significantly higher level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and elevated superoxide dismutase activity compared to preoperative values. Conclusion. Uneven blood oxygen saturation with episodes of hyperoxia can be considered as a major risk factor of severe hemolysis after on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Severe hemolysis is associated with increased superoxide dismutase activity and higher level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in erythrocytes, possibly due to elevated pO₂ (> 200 mmHg).

Aim. To study basic immune indicators in patients with respiratory diseases accompanied by airway obstruction and intestinal parasitoses. Materials and Methods. We recruited 36 patients with airway obstruction and helminthiases, 31 patients with airway obstruction and protozoan infections, 30 patients with airway obstruction and combined parasitism, and 23 patients with airway obstruction without concomitant parasitoses. We measured the number of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD16+ cells and calculated CD4/CD8 ratio; in addition, we performed spontaneous and stimulated nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test and measured serum levels of IgA, IgM, IgG, IgE, circulating immune complexes, and complement components 3 and 4. Results. Mean values of all lymphocyte parameters were significantly lower while the number of NBT-positive neutrophils was significantly higher in patients with parasitoses compared to those without. Among immunoglobulins, IgM values were significantly lower whereas those for IgG and IgE were significantly higher in patients with airway obstruction and parasitic infections as compared to patients with airway obstruction alone. No considerable intergroup differences in circulatory immune complexes and complement components were revealed. Conclusion. Concomitant parasitoses do not cause severe immune disorders in patients with airway obstruction.

Aim. To study changes in bronchial patency and their correlation to initial manifestations of airway obstruction (AO) and to the rate of clinical and X-ray progression of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with chronic destructive pulmonary tuberculosis (CDP-TB). Materials and Methods. 117 patients with СDP-TB have been subjected to in-depth examination including specially designed questionnaire, physical examination, and spirometry along with bronchodilator test. Resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs was determined by conventional bacteriological techniques, BACTEC MGIT 960 system, Hain test, and GeneXpert system.Results. Administered therapy improved bronchial patency only in 37,5% of patients with CDP-TB and AO. Such functional changes were more frequently observed in patients with initially minor or moderate obstructive disorders and correlated to the amelioration of clinical or X-ray course of TB. Conclusion. Improvement in bronchial patency can be considered as a therapeutic marker in patients with CDP-TB and AO, highlighting the need in the monitoring of respiratory function and timely prescription of bronchodilators.

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy of partial resection of ampulla of uterine tube followed by salpingostomy compared to salpingostomy alone in patients with tubal pregnancy. Materials and Methods. We recruited 182 females with tubal pregnancy who were then randomized to undergo either endoscopic partial resection of ampulla of uterine tube followed by salpingostomy (n = 58) or endoscopic salpingostomy alone (n = 124). After 3 months, all patients underwent a second-look laparoscopy combined with hydrotubation to evaluate the outcome and Fallopian tube patency. Semi-quantitative assessment of pelvic adhesions was carried out by calculation of peritoneal adhesion index, by revised American Fertility Society classification system (r-AFS), and by modified classification of pelvic adhesions after caesarean section. In 12 months, the final outcome was evaluated by means of restored fertility and according to hysterosalpingography. Results. In 3 months postoperation, patients who underwent partial resection of ampulla of uterine tube followed by salpingostomy were characterized by higher Fallopian tube patency, lower prevalence and severity of pelvic adhesions, and lower prevalence of persistent trophoblastic disease. Single salpingostomy also showed certain advantages such as lower time of surgery and better opportunities for repeated reconstructive operations. In 12 months, restored fertility was more prevalent in patients who underwent partial resection of ampulla of uterine tube followed by salpingostomy that was in keeping with higher Fallopian tube patency. Conclusion. Partial resection of ampulla of uterine tube followed by salpingostomy is an efficient alternative to salpingostomy alone and can be used in women with tubal pregnancy to increase their chances to restore fertility.

Aim. To assess the severity of coronary and carotid atherosclerosis in male patients with stable angina depending on their bone mineral density and the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Materials and Methods. We recruited 102 consecutive male patients (> 50 years of age) with stable angina awaiting coronary artery bypass graft surgery (median age 61 years). All study participants underwent coronary angiography, multislice computed tomography angiography, carotid artery duplex scan, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. To define the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, we applied SYNTAX score while coronary artery calcification was evaluated utilizing the Agatston score. The extent of carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by intima-media thickness and percent diameter stenosis. Results. Almost half of the patients (46.1%) were diagnosed with multivessel coronary artery disease. High SYNTAX score (≥ 33) and severe coronary artery calcification (Agatston score > 400) were revealed in 17.6% and 57.8% of the patients, respectively. Intima-media thickening (intima-media thickness > 0.9 mm) was detected in 86.3% while carotid artery atherosclerosis was detected in 53.0% of the patients. The majority (69.7%) of patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis suffered from coronary artery calcification. Patients with stable angina combined with osteopenia/osteoporosis were characterized by a higher degree of carotid atherosclerosis (> 50%, multiple atherosclerotic plaques). We found a direct correlation of the fracture risk by FRAX to intima-media thickness (r = 0.21; p = 0.035) and to the degree of coronary artery calcification (r = 0.24; p = 0.018). Conclusion. In male patients aged > 50 years with stable angina, low bone mineral density and elevated fracture risk by FRAX are associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness, severe carotid atherosclerosis, and coronary artery calcification.

Aim. To determine microbial resistance to chlorhexidine. Materials and Methods. We performed a systematic review and analyzed the data from the regional monitoring of microbial resistance to chlorhexidine. Results. We found a substantial variability of the techniques to identify the microbial resistance to chlorhexidine. Furthermore, different studies demonstrated a significant heterogeneity regarding the prevalence of resistant strains (0,9 - 100,0% and 0,7 - 83,3%, average 21,3%) depending on the technique. Regional monitoring demonstrated a considerable microbial resistance to 0,5% aqueous solution of chlorhexidine [47,4% (95% CI = 37,2-57,6%)]. Conclusion. There is an urgent need in mechanistic studies on microbial resistance to chlorhexidine and in inclusion of this drug into the routine resistance monitoring in health facilities.

Conventionally, the history of epidemiology is counted from Hippocrates of Kos, who is considered as a founder of miasma theory. Here I perform an attempt to trace the evolution of the theory of contagion to its merger with miasma theory and until it regained independence. The earliest mention on the infectiousness of certain diseases can be found in the "Sushruta Samhita", a Sanskrit treatise unknown to ancient authors in Greece and Rome. In Europe, it was a warlord Thucydides who noted a contagiousness of certain diseases in his book called "History". However, the concept of contagiousness has not been clearly proposed up to the writing of philosophical treatise "Problems", the authorship of which is usually attributed to Aristotle. The theory of contagion was first implemented as quarantine in 1377 in Ragusa, yet Girolamo Fracastoro summarized the existing knowledge in the unified doctrine only two centuries later. Events that followed the division of the medical community into the adherents of theory of contagion and miasma theory require further research.

Critical selection of optimal locations for surgical incisions in abdominoplasty led to the elimination of inefficient and unsafe variants spoiling the esthetic perception. Currently, a low horizontal incision in the bikini area is considered as a gold standard. The most widespread technique is complete abdominoplasty with a transposition of the umbilicus and a liposuction as an additional option to create harmonious contours. To avoid adverse outcomes and complications such as excessive tension, ischemia and necrosis of the marginal flap, one should take into account both anatomy and physiology of anterior abdominal wall blood supply.

Here we present current information on the taxonomy of bifidobacteria, which is based on their phenotypic, genetic and phylogenetic characteristics. We also provide the data on newly discovered and reclassified species and subspecies of bifidobacteria. Furthermore, we consider the composition of the Bifidobacteriaceae family. This lecture summarizes the general data on morphology, cell wall structure, genome, and extrachromosomal inheritance in bifidobacteria. Particular attention is given to pili-like structures and saccharolytic enzymes responsible for adhesion. We then review key energy sources of bifidobacteria, their growth conditions, and specific enzymes involved in the fermentation of hexoses. Finally, we discuss ecological aspects related to bifidobacteria.

Here we describe the 5-year-follow-up of a female suffering from both tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The management of the patient was particularly complicated due to systemic tuberculosis, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, weakened immunity, and treatment intolerance. The patient received highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the whole period of follow-up, with two courses of anti-TB treatment over 39 months. Despite the development of an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, aggressive treatment prevented the death and stabilized clinical course, with the further successful TB eradication. Five years after the diagnosis, we did not observe any signs of TB relapse. Patient’s general conditions was satisfactory. Immune status has been also improved, presumably due to HAART. We conclude that even patients with HIV infection combined with systemic TB may have a favorable prognosis.