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Purpose: to study the structural organization of the vascular bed of human retina in the terminal stage of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).Material and methods. We performed a comparative immunohistochemical analysis of the content of vessels in the retina of 13 eyes of patients in the terminal stage of POAG, enucleated for medical reasons, and 17 eyes with uveal melanoma, using the markers of blood vessels endothelium CD34. The ultrastructural organization of the interstitium and endothelial cells of retinal microvessels was studied by electron microscopy and morphometry.Results. A significant increase in the volume density of the interstitium and a decrease in the volume density of CD34+-blood vessels in the retina of patients in the terminal stage of POAG, as compared with uveal melanoma, were revealed. An increased volume density of luminal and basal caveolae and the formation of transendothelial channels in the cytoplasm of endotheliocytes of retinal blood capillaries in the terminal stage of POAG were noted.Conclusion. In the terminal stage of POAG, the interstitial spaces of the retina are increased and the volume density of blood vessels is dropping. The increased volume density of luminal and basal caveolae and the formation of transendothelial channels in the cytoplasm of blood capillary endotheliocytes indicate the growth of transcytosis and the permeability of the blood-retinal barrier.

The endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) imbalance and the polymorphism of these genes may be the predisposition for diabetic retinopathy (DR) development and progression.The aim: to analyze VEGF (rs699947 and rs3025039) and eNOS (rs2070744) genes polymorphism and their combinations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) with and without initial non-proliferative DR.Materials and methods. The study included 200 patients with type 2 diabetes (155 women and 45 men, age – 43–70 years): 111 people without and 89 people with DR. The polymorphism of the regulatory regions of VEGF (rs699947 and rs3025039) and eNOS (rs2070744) genes was studied using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and TaqMan Real-Time PCR by. Statistical processing was carried out using the software packages Statistica 10.0, SPSS Statistics 23 and the package of original programs for volumetric processing of bioinformation.Results. The VEGF-2578 heterozygosity and two complex genotypes – VEGF-2578CA:VEGF+936CC and NOS3-786CT:VEGF-2578CA:VEGF+936CC – signifi cantly decreased in patients with DR. The predisposition to early DR development to minor genotype of eNOS gene in the NOS3-786CC:VEGF+936CT complex and signifi cantly decreased the homozygous wild-type eNOS genotype in DM2 patients with ophthalmopathology were shown. NOS3-86TT:VEGF2578AA genotype signifi cantly decreased in group with retinopathy developing and the glycated hemoglobin high level.Conclusion. Along with the clinical risk factors for the development of DR in DM2, the genetic polymorphism of the regulatory regions of the genes analyzed by us has a signifi cant weight. When analyzing potential genetic markers, it is important to consider possible joint epistatic/hypostatic effects. The complex analysis of polymorphic gene can help early prognosis of the DR development.

The aim of this work was a comparative study of the ultrastructural organization of lymphatic structures in the choroid and conjunctiva of the human eye. Material and methods. Samples of the choroid and conjunctiva of the human eye, obtained perioperatively, were studied by immunohistochemical analysis using specific antibodies to endothelial cells markers of blood and lymphatic vessels, and electron microscopic studies, morphometric processing and statistical analysis of the results were performed. Results and discussion. Within simultaneous immunohistochemical staining of conjunctiva and choroid samples using antibodies to markers of lymphatic vessels (LYVE-1, Prox1, podoplanin) the positively stained typical lymphatic vessels have been revealed in the conjunctiva structure and positively stained channels with narrow elongated cells, fibroblasts and pigment cells in choriocapillar layer of the choroid and the transition zone between choroid and sclera. Electron microscopic study revealed that cells expressing lymphatic markers and forming lymphatic channels in the choroid have an ultrastructural organization that is differ from typical lymphatic vascular endothelial cells: they do not have stropic filaments, contain a greater volume density of the granular endoplasmic reticulum membranes, and a lower volume density of mitochondria and micropinocytotic vesicles. The data obtained indicate that the lymphatic pathways of the intraocular fluid outflow in the human eye choroid have organ-specific structural features.

Purpose. To study the content of cytokines and growth factors in the intraocular fluid of patients with developed stage of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).Materials and methods. 56 patients with a verified diagnosis developed stage of primary open-angle glaucomawere examined. The control group consisted of 30 patients with a diagnosis of uncomplicated cataract. A concentration of 17 cytokinesand 3 isoforms of the transforming growth factor (TGF) β was determined using a Bio-Plex Pro™ Human Cytokine 17-plex Assay and Bio-Plex Pro™ and TGFβ 3-plex Assay kit by flow-through fluorometry on a Bio-Plex 200, Bio-Rad double beam laser analyzer, USA.Results. Astatistically significant increase was shown in the concentrations of cytokines and growth factors (interleukins (IL) 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 17, TGFβ 1, 2, 3, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 β) in the intraocular fluid of patients with developed stage of the primary open-angle glaucoma in respect to data obtained from the study of the intraocular fluid of the persons with uncomplicated cataract, as well as a statistically significant decrease in the concentrations IL-2, IL-10, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.Conclusion. In the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma, the activity of the local chronic inflammatory process is determined. This is confirmed by statistically significant changes in the studied cytokines and growth factors. Increase in the concentrations of the studied representatives of the superfamily of transforming growth factors-beta, which have anti-inflammatory activity, the ability to stimulate proliferation, cell growth, synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, etc., attests to their importance in the mechanisms of primary open-angle glaucoma development. Increase concentrations of IL-7 in the intraocular fluid of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma allows us to assume participation in the pathogenesis of the primary open-angle glaucoma of this autocrine mediator of activation of the growth of lymphatic structures.

Purpose: to study the content of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17 in lacrimal and intraocular fluid in patients with advanced stage of primary open-angle glaucoma. Material and methods. The study included 56 patients with advanced stage diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The diagnosis was determined by ophthalmological examination, including visual acuity, binocular ophthalmoscopy, spheroperimetry, echoophthalmography, optical coherence tomography, intraocular pressure measurement. The number of men was 21 (37.5 %), women - 35 (62.5 %), the average age of patients was 62.8 ± 4.3 years. Exclusion criteria were acute and exacerbation of chronic inflammatory diseases of the organ of vision, diabetic retinopathy, neovascular glaucoma, uveitis, hemophthalmia, autoimmune and tumor processes of any localization, as well as acute and exacerbations of chronic inflammatory diseases of any organs and systems. Patients who took drugs containing prostaglandins analogues for intraocular pressure normalization, that could activate the inflammatory process, were excluded from the study. A comparison group was composed of 30 patients with the uncomplicated cataract diagnosis. All patients underwent the determination of IL-6, IL-8, IL-17 in the lacrimal and intraocular fluid. Results. It has been established that the significant increase in the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17A in the lacrimal and intraocular fluid was revealed in patients with advanced stage of POAG in comparison with those obtained in patients with uncomplicated cataracts. The obtained data testify to the presence of local destructive-inflammatory process in the mechanisms of the development of primary open-angle glaucoma. The revealed unidirectional change in the concentrations of IL-6 (2.8 times the lacrimal fluid and 5.2 times in the intraocular fluid), IL-8 (1.5 times in the lacrimal fluid and 4 times in the aqueous humor), IL-17 (1.75 times in lacrimal fluid and 1.95 times in the intraocular fluid) allows us to conclude that lacrimal fluid can be used to assess changes in cytokine content in the pathogenesis of ophthalmic diseases.

Purpose. To conduct a comparative study of cellular and subcellular components of tear fluid of healthy persons (HP), those suffering from primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Material and methods. Electron microscopy of ultrathin sections was used to test tear samples of 16 patients with initial POAG, 9 patients with developed POAG, and 6 with an advanced stage of POAG. Besides, 12 patients with proliferative DR (PD) and 6 patients with nonproliferative DR (NPD) were tested. Tear samples of 29 subjects with no ophthalmic pathology served as control. Results. All the examined samples contained cells, cellular fragments and debris, mucous granules and lipid structures. The occurrence of all these structures was found to be different in the tears of diabetic and glaucomatous patients as compared to that of HP. The share of epithelial cells in the tear of patients with the initial stage of POAG was twice as high as in the control group; then it drops gradually so that in the advanced stage, epithelial cells are not detected. The tear of NPD patients shows an increase of the content of mucin and lipids against the control, while in PD it is lower than in HP. Leukocytes were observed in the tear of a quarter of HP, while in diabetic patients leukocytes show a significant increase, which reflect a higher permeability of blood vessels as the disease develops. There were no leukocytes in tear samples of all patients with POAG, which may be associated with damaged functions of the blood vessel wall. We found “hairy” vesicles in the tear which had not been noted previously; the amount of these vesicles was growing at early stages of POAG and DR. Conclusion. Electron microscopy of tear deposits evaluates the state of the cornea and the conjunctiva, as well as goblet cells and the meibomian glands. It reveals signs of permeability change in tissue vessels adjacent to the anterior area of the eye. For the first timechanges in tear components in glaucomatous and diabetic patients, were found: theses changes may in future be used to achieve early diagnosis of these diseases // Russian Ophthalmological Journal, 2017; 1: 56-62. doi: 10.21516/2072-0076-2017-10-1-56-62.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness worldwide. Chronic low-grade inflammation and abnormal angiogenesis, which is considered to be principal components of DR pathogenesis, is accompanied by imbalance in cytokine production. It was shown that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoters of cytokine genes affect the cytokine production in normal and pathological conditions. Accordingly, we aimed to assess the frequencies of combinations of SNPs from promoters of cytokine genes in type 2 diabetic subjects with and without DR.Materials and methods: We enrolled 201 caucasian subjects with type 2 diabetes, including 90 ones with non-proliferative or preproliferative retinopathy and 111 subjects without DR. Eight SNPs, located in the gene promoters of TNFA (rs1800630, rs1800629, rs361525), IL1B (rs1143627), IL4 (rs2243250), IL6 (rs1800795) and IL10 (r1800896, rs1800872), were investigated. In groups of patients with and without DR, the frequencies of alleles, genotypes and their combinations, odds ratios and specificity were calculated. The networks between genes and quartiles of glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were visualized with Cytoscape.Results. We revealed 36 combinations of SNPs with different frequencies in the groups of patients with and without DR. In the combinations associated with DR with a specificity >99% homozygous GG genotype in position -174 of IL6 (rs1800795), CT genotype in position -31 of IL1B (rs1143627), СС genotype in position -592 of IL10 (rs1800872), CT genotype in position -590 of IL4 (rs2243250) were the most frequently detected variants. High levels of HbA1c (>9.8%) were associated with combinations of CA genotype in position -863 TNFA (rs1800630) with homozygous variants GG in positions -238 and -308 TNFA (rs1800629, rs361525).Conclusion. Genetic combinations, associated with DR in type 2 diabetic subjects, include homozygous variants in polymorphic positions of the gene promoters of IL6 (rs1800795), IL1B (rs1143627) and TNFA (rs1800630, rs1800629, rs361525). The combinations of the variants of cytokine genes with a high level of HbA1c can be an important mechanism for realizing of individual genetic predisposition to the development of DR.

Age-related macular degeneration is one of the most widespread multifactorial eye diseases. Polymorphic functional alleles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) combined with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene variants may influence the development of disease. We have performed frequency analysis of their polymorphisms in regulatory regions of VEGF (rs 699947, rs 3025039), ММР2 (rs 2438650), ММР3 (rs 3025058), ММР9 (rs 3918242), TNFα (rs1800630, rs1800629, rs 361525) genes, and their combinations in a group of patients with age-related macular degeneration (MD). Frequencies of TNFα (rs1800629) genotypes significantly differed for the MD patients and control group. Upon the combined genotype analysis, we have revealed six constellations of VEGF-ММР genes that were positively associated with the disease development. Five of them included minor homozygous genotype VEGF-2578АА. A combined analysis of VEGF – TNFα genes polymorphisms has shown presence of both positive and negative complex genotypes. The most significant differences have been detected by comparative analysis of the complex genotypes frequencies which included 8 polymorphic regulatory gene regions of all genes studied. In most genetic complexes associated with the disease development, homozygous TNFα-863СС, homozygous MMP2-1306 ТТ, and MMP9-1562СС genotypes have been detected, together with the combination of homozygous VEGFA+936СС genotype in the same patients. We can assume that harboring allelic variants, which may contribute to angiogenesis prorcesses is typical for the genome of patients with macular degeneration, along with low-level production of pro-inflammatory regulatory factors and enzymes participating in degradation of extracellular matrix. Analysis of complex genetic factors, procing some factors taking part at the pathological process being the regulators of production for each other, is more informative when detecting protective and resistant markers of the disease development rather than single genetic markers, thus being useful for genomic screening.

The review presents information of contemporary scientific literature regarding the role of the various classes of cytokines and growth factors in the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Information of the role in the PDR pathogenesis of biologically active molecules, involved in the inflammatory and angio-proliferative processes, is a basis for the selection of potential molecular targets for the development of new bio-engineering drugs.

Purpose. To detect and study the structure of aqueous humor lymphatic outflow pathways in choroid in normotensive patients and patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).Material and methods. Choroid fragments of seven human eyes (including two eyes with terminal glaucoma) enucleated on medical indications were studied. The structure of the choroid was investigated using immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy.Results. Lymphatic channels and lymphatic lacunae were revealed in the choroid structure. Lymphatic channels were detected in choriocapillar and vascular layers and were limited by Podoplanin+, Prox-1+, LYVE-1+ endothelium-like cells, fibroblasts and pigment cells. Lymphatic lacunae were located in suprachoroid layer and covered with endothelium-like cells and fibroblasts. Morphometric study showed an increase of the volume density of epithelium, interstitial spaces and choroid vessels related to edema and swelling of the choroidal stroma in the terminal stage of glaucoma.Conclusions. Human choroid contains lymphatic structures that are probably a part of the ocular lymphatic drainage system and participate in the aqueous humor outflow. Choroidal edema and swelling, the increase of the volume density of epithelium, interstitial spaces and choroid vessels in the terminal POAG stage indicate the lymphatic drainage dysfunction beginning from initial stages of glaucoma and lead to an aqueous humor outflow alteration through the protective lymphatic system.

Purpose. To evaluate the possibility of application of electron microscopic analysis of human lacrimal fluid (LF) in the development of methods for early diagnosis and prognosis of ophthalmic diseases.Material and methods. Specimens of the reflex LF were collected from the lower conjunctival arch of eyes in 20 patients with a diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, hyperopia, glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration, and pelleted by centrifugation. The liquid portion of LF was examined by the negative staining method, and the pellets were processed by the ultrathin sectioning method, and the sections were studied in the electron microscope JEM-1400 (JEOL, Japan).Results. The liquid portion of LF contained macromolecular aggregates, microparticles and exosomes, the number and morphology of which varied depending on the eye disease. Ultrathin sections of the LF pellets showed fibrous matrix, epithelial cells, lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, cell debris, and small roundish vesicles (150- 300 nm) on the surface bearing the protein «filaments» penetrating inside. The cellular composition of LF pellets varied depending on the disease of eye.Conclusions. Identification of the obvious differences in the content and morphology of the structural components of the LF indicates a high diagnostic potential of the LF. Electron microscopy of LF looks promising for a search of ultrastructural diagnostic and prognostic markers of ophthalmic diseases.

Purpose. To identify and study an organization of structures providing the lymphatic drainage of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber of the human eye.Material and methods. The eye fragments enucleated for medical reasons (n=5) were used as research objects. Electron microscopic and immunohistochemical study of eye tissues was carried out.Results. The organ-specific lymphatic capillaries in the ciliary body and structured interstitial spaces – tissue gaps bounded by collagen fibers and fibroblasts in the anterior segment of the human eye were revealed by using immunohistochemical and electron microscopy studies.Conclusions. It is proposed to consider the lymphatic region of the eye where on the basis of the obtained data the first 2 links were allocated - tissue gaps – prelymphatics and lymphatic capillaries of the ciliary body. Structured pathways of aqueous humor outflow can determine the eye trophic and drainage status, intraocular pressure and the function of the ocular organ.

Introduction. An urgent interdisciplinary problem is the identification of factors that determine the processes of constructing social identity, which is the socio-cultural foundation of the existence of any community. The aim of the work is to identify the actual role and potential of artistic and aesthetic components of social space in the process of forming the regional identity of the youth. Materials and Methods. The empirical basis of the study was the data of a questionnaire survey of the youth of Moscow and the Moscow region, Penza and Saratov regions (n = 1000) and interviews with representatives of the student youth of Saratov and Penza (n = 30), devoted to the analysis of the identification hierarchy of the youth and the influence of aesthetic components of the social space of the region on the formation of its regional identity. These methods revealed the important role of artistic and aesthetic components of the regional social space in the construction of regional identity and regional patriotism of the youth of the region. Results. Based on the results of the research, a conclusion has been made about the connection between “local” patriotism and specific social attitudes focused on the development of the territorial community and the improvement of its image, as well as about the partial determinism of the regional components of the respondents’ social identity by figurative and aesthetic factors. It is shown that at the theoretical level, taking into account the aesthetic factors of the construction of social identity implies a transition from deterministic models of interaction in the system “social environment – emerging personality” to stochastic ones. Discussion and Conclusion. The authors point out when modeling the process of forming the social identity of young people, theoretical models based on the concepts of social constructivism should take into account the unique, intimate-personal interactions of a particular individual with separate socio-cultural phenomena symbolizing collective identity. The results of the study can be used by all agents of socialization in the practice of applying aesthetic components of regional social space in the process of forming regional patriotism.

Ethno-regional parties play a vital role in the conflict between the center and the ethnic regions, which is relevant for all modern multiethnic EU states. The European integration allows these parties to participate in the regional policy of the EU (contributing to the decentralizing reforms in the member states), as well as to interact within Euroregions and on communitarian platforms, such as the European Parliament. This article aims to clarify if this ethno-regionalist faction is able to influence the integration processes in Europe, and to what extent. To achieve this goal, we need to answer the following questions: how can the ethno-regionalists be described from a theoretical point of view? What is the dynamic of their development within the European Parliament, considering the historical retrospective? What are their current ideological attitudes that allow them to maintain unity and achieve success? The article is based on the author’s concept of cultural-territorial differentiations, which points the correlation between the political ethno-regional movement and the existing ethnocultural features and historical territory. The author concludes that it was Europeanization that led to the strengthening of the ethno-regional movement in Europe as it made the question of the ethno-regional collective response relevant. Therefore, ethno-regionalists are an essential element of every political system at the national and supranational levels. At the same time, the historical evolution and experience of European regionalists prove that they cannot constitute an independent and autonomous political force at the supranational level as their cooperation depends on various legal and political circumstances occurring on the state level.

Aim. To reveal cognitive deficit after coronary artery bypass, the influence of citicoline, piribedil on the state of higher cerebral functions in the early and late periods after surgery.Material and methods. The study included 94 patients with ischemic heart disease. All patients were divided into 3 groups. Patients of the first group (n=30) were prescribed citicoline as a cerebral neuroprotective drug. Patients of the second group (n=32) had piribedil in addition to standard therapy. Patients of the control group (n=32) had only a standard treatment without any neuroprotective drugs. All patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. The cognitive function was assessed before, 10 days after and six months after coronary artery bypass.Results. Patients of group 1 and 2 had achieved pre-surgical levels of cognitive tests results 6 months after coronary artery bypass. The control group had achieved initial levels only in three tests: visual memory (immediate simulation; p=0.008), categorical association (p=0.002), clock drawing test (Wilcoxon test; p=0,005), while other indices were reduced in comparison with the initial ones.Conclusion. The obtained results allow considering the studied drugs as a protectors of cognitive function after surgery. Randomized controlled double-blind studies on large samples are needed to confirm these results.

Aim. To reveal cognitive deficit after coronary artery bypass, the influence of citicoline, piribedil on the state of higher cerebral functions in the early and late periods after surgery.Material and methods. The study included 94 patients with ischemic heart disease. All patients were divided into 3 groups. Patients of the first group (n=30) were prescribed citicoline as a cerebral neuroprotective drug. Patients of the second group (n=32) had piribedil in addition to standard therapy. Patients of the control group (n=32) had only a standard treatment without any neuroprotective drugs. All patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. The cognitive function was assessed before, 10 days after and six months after coronary artery bypass.Results. Patients of group 1 and 2 had achieved pre-surgical levels of cognitive tests results 6 months after coronary artery bypass. The control group had achieved initial levels only in three tests: visual memory (immediate simulation; p=0.008), categorical association (p=0.002), clock drawing test (Wilcoxon test; p=0,005), while other indices were reduced in comparison with the initial ones.Conclusion. The obtained results allow considering the studied drugs as a protectors of cognitive function after surgery. Randomized controlled double-blind studies on large samples are needed to confirm these results.

AIM. To evaluate the efficacy of the combined drug furamag (furasidine potassium and magnesium hydroxycarbonate) in combination with the third-generation cephalosporin cefotaxime versus cephalosporin monotherapy for nosocomial urinary tract infections (NUTI). MATERIALS AND METHODS. The randomized open-label comparative parallel group clinical trial enrolled 52 male and female patients aged over 18 years with a documented diagnosis of NUTI. Group 1 (a study group) took oral furamag 300 mg/day in combination with intravenous cefotaxime 6 g/day; Group 2 (a control group) received cefotaxime monotherapy. The duration of therapy in both groups was 7 to 10 days until the efficiency levels were achieved. RESULTS. A final efficiency analysis was made in 24 and 25 patients from Groups 1 and 2 who had different forms of NUTI (catheter-associated NUTI, cystitis, pyelonephritis). On day 3 of treatment, most patients were noted to have a decreased systemic inflammatory response; lower C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels being in the study group patients. The clinical efficiency of antibacterial therapy, which had been evaluated both immediately after treatment termination and during further control, did not substantially differ in the furamag/cefotaxime combination and control groups although there was an obvious tendency towards the more marked effect of combined therapy 7-14 days after treatment (11.8% efficiency differences; p>0.05). Analysis of bacteriological efficacy revealed its most pronounced and clinically significant differences between the groups: the cefotaxime/furamag combination led to higher pathogen eradication in all follow-up periods: after 3 days of treatment (82.6%) and following a complete therapy cycle (95.8%) versus the cefotaxime monotherapy group (43.5 and 70.8%, respectively; p

The article introduces a new method for diagnosing the preferable cognitive resource strategy in university students. One’s personal experience of using cognitive resources defines the dominant strategies for solving sensorimotor tasks. Cognitive resource patterns can be described by using particular psychological indicators in order to select the optimal analysis method. The new method made it possible to model the situation of solving sensorimotor tasks and develop criteria for determining the strategies employed by university students to solve cognitive tasks in experimental conditions. The research involved 127 first-year students (18 y.o.) of Psychology, Tomsk State University. The strategies used by the students to solve sensorimotor tasks ranged from scarcity and heterogeneity to positive experience in cognitive resource application. Sensorimotor tasks proved to be an effective diagnostic marker of the cognitive development level during university education. The method also proved applicable as a cognitive simulator to develop optimal strategies in solving sensorimotor tasks of various levels of difficulty, as well as to reduce the existing deficiency in cognitive experience.

Relevance.Medicinal sage is a pharmacopoeial species, a valuable essential oil plant. The method of plantation establishment is predominantly seed-based, and the seed material can retain pathogenic microbiota, so the purpose of the study was to identify mycosis pathogens in the seeds of medicinal sage.Materials and methods. The study was carried out on samples from the biological collection of Salvia officinalis seeds (as part of the Unique Scientific Installation “Biological Collections of the All-Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants”). Seeds of the 1st–5th and 9th years of storage were collected from the nurseries of the Experimental Field of the All-Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Research to identify mycoses of sage seeds was carried out at the All-Russian Research Institute of Phytopathology in the innovative laboratory of microbiology. To study the phytopathogens of Salvia officinalis seeds, the method of artificial nutrient media was used.Results. From the study conducted, the effect of predominant pathogen was established. Fungi of the genus Alternaria, when seeds are stored in conditions with a temperature regime of +20...+22℃, have a negative effect on the sowing quality of seeds. Laboratory germination and germination energy of seeds stored in the cold room (0...+5℃) were affected by yeast, a significant decrease in sowing qualities was observed. When seeds were stored in -18℃, the inhibitory effect of temperature on pathogens was found. The dependence of total pathogen infestation on the conditions and term of seed storage was established. The highest percentage of infestation in seeds stored at room temperature was observed in the first 2 years from the time of collection. The development of pathogenic fungi of Alternaria, Phoma and Rhizopus genus was significantly reduced in seeds stored for 5 to 9 years with temperature conditions of 0...+5℃ and -18℃. Rhizopus, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Clonostachys rosea were found in the sample stored for 38 years in the freezer. The dependence of the set of pathogenic microbiota of seeds on the predecessor in the crop rotation was established. The plots from which seeds were collected, except for the sample from the Crimean zonal experimental station of VILR, have different predecessors. The seeds from the first plot showed the highest percentage of fungal infestation with similar pathogen composition. Total infestation and pathogen composition decreased in the second plot. The sample from the third plot was stored for 5 years in the freezer and no seed mycoses were detected in it.

The correct installation of antenna-feeder devices on board a small spacecraft and the choice of their parameters make it possible to ensure the solution of target problems with high quality. The main problematic issues of placement of antenna-feeder devices of the on-board equipment of the radio link for the transmission of target information on the SSC “AIST-2T” and the adopted design solutions are considered.

In this paper, we present results of a study on the possibilities of the mechanochemical synthesis of copper-substituted hydroxyapatite with the replacement of calcium cations by copper cations. During the synthesis, various reagents—sources of copper cations—were used. It was found that the nature of the carrier of the doping cation plays an important role in the formation of the structure of Cu-substituted apatite. It was established that a single-phase material forms most efficiently when copper (II) phosphate is employed; however, even this reagent did not allow the introduction of a large amount of copper into the hydroxyapatite crystal lattice. Out of 10 calcium cations in the unit cell of hydroxyapatite, no more than two could be replaced by copper cations. A further increase in the copper concentration led to the formation of an amorphous product. The degree of copper substitution in hydroxyapatite increases as the oxidation state of copper increases. The thermal stability of the hydroxyapatite with the highest degree of substitution was studied. It was shown that the presence of copper cations significantly decreases the stability of hydroxyapatite. In a temperature range of 550–750 °C, it is gradually decomposed to form a mixture of rhombohedral Ca2.57Cu0.43(PO4)2 and CuO. The FTIR spectrum of Ca2.57Cu0.43(PO4)2, which is a copper-substituted β-Ca3(PO4)2, was first studied.

ntroduction. Democracy nowadays means not only specific parameters of domestic political, social and economic development, but has also become a tool for identifying “friends” and “strangers” for the USA and a number of other states of the so-called Western world. In addition, international law, calling the problem of human rights the most important one for the democratization of the world, denotes the possibility of interference of the states concerned in the internal affairs of other countries. Methods and materials. The study was conducted in accordance with the epistemological orientations of social constructivism using the case-study ethod. Analysis. The logic of analysis assumes considering a concept of democracy from the position of the theory of the democratic world with its verification on USA political practice including their participation in contemporary local and regional conflicts. Results. Thus, democracy becomes a complex tool that allows the USA to solve several problems at once: to divide between states, to influence the domestic politics of other states, to change its position in the international arena, to spread its values, to conceal its foreign policy goals by dressing them up in “democratic” clothes. The U.S., considering itself a model democratic state, identifying other countries as its allies or enemies, at the same time gives them the status of “democratic” or “non-democratic”, or, if necessary, avoiding such a designation (in the case of Saudi Arabia).

Biologically active compounds of natural or synthetic origin have a complex structure and generally contain various structural groups among which polycyclic cage amines are found. Hexaazaisowurtzitanes are representatives of these amines and studies on their biological activity began less than two decades ago, starting with research on the environmental impact of CL-20. This research helped to evaluate the risks of potential pollution in the habitat environments of living organisms and determine whether the chemical compounds in question could be utilized in pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or medicinal drugs. The nomenclature of hexaazaisowurtzitane compounds has recently been expanded significantly, and some of them have demonstrated promise in the design of medicinal drugs. This paper review studies the pharmacological activity of the acyl derivatives of hexaazaisowurtzitane. Most of the compounds have been found to possess a high analgesic activity, providing a solution to the pressing issue of pain management in current pharmacology. Analgesic drugs currently used in the clinical practice do not meet all of the efficacy and safety requirements (gastro-, nephro-, hepato-, haematotoxicity, etc.). The material presented in the seven sections of this paper highlights information about hexaazaisowurtzitane derivatives. Furthermore, they have been observed to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antihypoxic, and antimetastatic activities, which render them highly promising for evaluation in various fields of medicinal practice.

The UK is one of the leaders in the use of digital tools in the interaction of government institutions and citizens. Now we are witnessing an active dialogue between various British institutions precisely in the digital dimension, as the transfer of data on vaccinations and hospitalizations from hospitals to other structures is carried out thanks to blockchain technologies. Of course, the explosion of interest in the use of digital events was provided by the coronavirus. However, it provided not only an increase in the importance of «numbers» in British society, but also greatly contributed to the disunity of citizens, especially in the context of access to the Internet infrastructure. To this day, this very task remains the main one in the respective strategies. At the same time, individual cities and regions of the country are more actively solving the task. London and the activities of the mayor’s office should be pointed out as the most illustrative example. For the services of the mayor’s office, it was necessary to ensure the transparency of the decisions made, to form and strengthen the trust of citizens. As part of the analysis, the author comes to the conclusion that for the most part, these tasks can be considered completed. The purpose of this article is basing on an analysis of specific digital tools and examples of the implementation of digital strategies for 2017 and 2021 to identify how a particular metropolis has formed permanent channels of communication and interaction between decision-making institutions and citizens.

The feasibility of soft mechanochemical synthesis was studied here for hydroxyapatite with various types of substitution. It was shown that this method allows obtaining hydroxyapatites substituted with copper or iron cations and hydroxyapatites cosubstituted with zinc cations and silicate groups. Thermal stability of the synthesized samples was evaluated. It was found that to preserve phase homogeneity of the material, the temperature during the preparation of ceramic products and coatings should not exceed 600–800 °C. An exception is the hydroxyapatite where a hydroxyl group is expected to be replaced by a copper cation during the synthesis at a degree of substitution x = 0.5. For this sample, the temperature of the the heat treatment can be increased to 1100–1200 °C because copper cations return to the hydroxyapatite crystal lattice at these temperatures, and the material becomes single-phase.

Neurotoxic effects are one of the common reasons for discontinuation of preclinical and/or clinical studies. Preclinical evaluation of neurotoxic effects is complicated due to a wide range of manifestations and degrees of severity. Current experimental approaches to neurotoxicity assessment are cumbersome, laborious and not adapted enough for preclinical studies in the early stages of drug development. The aim of the study was to review existing approaches to experimental assessment of neurotoxic potential of new drugs and to discuss the need for and feasibility of developing and using integrated rapid neurotoxicity tests for early assessment of a pharmacological project’s potential. The authors reviewed scientific literature and guidance documents and analysed current approaches to chemical compound neurotoxicity assessment in laboratory animals. The paper analyses the main issues of neurotoxicity assessment for new drugs and compares Irwin tests with the functional observation battery. It analyses issues related to assessment of drugs’ effects on the development and maturation of central nervous system functions at pre- and postnatal stages. It was determined that the current practice is not sufficient for assessment of potential adverse effects on cognitive functions. The authors assessed factors affecting cognitive functions of rodents during studies. The “Acute suppression of the exploratory and orientation response” and “Extrapolation escape task” tests were proposed for validation as potential rapid tests for detection of an array of organic and functional neurotoxic disorders at early stages of preclinical studies.

The combination of two types of crisis: epidemiological and economic creates a fundamentally new and difficult situation for European integration. The authors do not share a view suggesting a qualitative weakening or even a complete disintegration of the European Union. However, the processes taking place are not indicative of the ordinary nature of the problems. In these circumstances, contradictions are escalating not only between North and South, which has been much written about recently, but also between West and East of the EU. “East’ includes the Baltic states in dire need of financial resources right now.

An experimental drug CBL0100 is developed as an antifungal agent for topical application. In order to assess the effect of composition of the formulation on transdermal absorption, a comparative absorption study of its pharmacokinetics and biodistribution after a single topical application on the guinea pigs' skin. Two different formulations of CBL0100 (prototypes of final dosage forms for topical applications) - cream emulsion and polyethylene glycol vehicles with a content of active substance 1, 0,2 and 0,02% mass. in each of these formulations were used in the study. CBL0100 concentration in blood plasma and homogenates of organs and tissues of animals was analyzed by HPLC - MS/MS. During the preliminary blood-to-plasma partitioning in vitro experiment it was determined that CBL0100 is found mostly in the cell fraction of the blood, which, based upon the pharmacokinetic curves shape affects elimination from plasma. It was revealed that after a single topical application active compound enters the systemic circulation and intensively distributed into the spleen, liver, kidneys and lungs of guinea pigs. At the same time, its content in the muscular tissue and the heart is negligible; CBL0100 moderately penetrates into the brain. In general, it was shown that the emulsion composition provides improved bioavailability of CBL0100 compared to the polyethylene glycol composition.

In the circumstances of growing international tensions, changes in interrelations between Russia and different European states, it is of urgent demand to study concrete strategies that are connected with defence and security of leading European states. These strategies present the following information: self-positioning of a state in the world, defining of key partners, dangers, risks, resources to develop military sphere and ideology of foreign policy activities. The European Union is still one of the most important economic partners of Russia, at the same time our partnership is limited by mutual. Besides that, we witness growth of anti-Russian declarations and actions. This situation makes us develop analysis of interstate relations considering such criteria as military and political resources, coalitions, positioning of a state. Here, of particular importance is the understanding of the national interests of the states, both in the broad context of international relations and in relation to Russia. In addition, it is the analysis of strategic documents that makes it possible to correctly solve the security dilemma by analyzing the choice made by the state between rivalry and cooperation.Taking into account the traditional historical experience and current events, it can be said that the positions of France and Great Britain lined up the construction of Europe. It is no coincidence that now it is France, and not Germany, which is proposing military-strategic initiatives for the European Union. And the UK is still conducting a selection of initiatives, seeking to preserve the status of a state that ensures European security. It is especially interesting to compare the strategies of these states in the context of Brexit.In the article, the authors compare documents in the field of security and defense of Great Britain and France, specifically: the tasks, tools and “image of the world” that are advanced in the military-political doctrines and strategies of the countries. These data are necessary for understanding the development of Europe as a whole in the field of security and defense, the directions of projecting the positions indicated in the doctrines on interaction with Russia and other key international players.

Chronic toxicity studies are an integral part of the overall toxicological evaluation of drug candidates. Biochemical studies of blood and urine serve to describe the general picture of the animal’s condition and to trace the dynamics of laboratory markers of organ damage after repeated administration of the drug — both for a group of animals, as well as individually. Pathomorphological studies of organs and tissues make it possible to understand the nature of damage at the cellular level. A systemic analysis of the data obtained allows for accurate identification of the body systems that are most susceptible to the toxic effect of the drug, as well as for assessment of the degree of impact and the reversibility of effects. Considering the great importance of the obtained pharmacological information, it is necessary to pay special attention to proper methodological implementation of all the stages of preparation and performance of the mentioned studies, as well as to proper analysis and interpretation of the data. The aim of the paper was to summarise the methodology of biochemical and pathomorphological studies based on the experience obtained in the Drug Toxicology Laboratory of the Federal State Budgetary Institute «Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology» when conducting chronic toxicity studies.

Preclinical safety evaluation is an important stage in the development of medicinal products. Clinical laboratory studies, including haematological, biochemical and pathomorphological studies, are an essential part of chronic toxicity studies. A careful choice of methodological approaches to examination of toxicological characteristics of drug candidates makes it possible to assess the degree of risk associated with their subsequent clinical use, identify potential target organs, determine the extent of damage, as well as the possibility and dynamics of restoring damaged systems. Key prerequisites for obtaining adequate results of the studies are correct methodological implementation of all the stages of sample preparation and careful consideration of all factors during interpretation of the obtained data. Thus, the choice of methodological approaches to blood tests is often determined by the species, age and sex of laboratory animals, as well as by specific characteristics of the tested drug. The aim of the study was to summarise data on haematological studies performed in the Drug Toxicology Laboratory of the Federal State Budgetary Institute «Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology» when conducting chronic toxicity studies.

Studying of social and economic processes in the former Soviet Union has not only the academic value. Estimation of transformation results in economy and policy of Russia is possible only in comparison with the states anyway moving in the same direction. The transformational model of Republic of Belarus as the instruction on other model of development, under the same starting conditions, is of considerable interest to us. Practice of social and economic development of the Baltic Countries has however not smaller value for us: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Their progress during 1991-2007 and even more obvious modern problems is for us a peculiar anti-index of reforming, a compass which arrow is directed to the south. Having proclaimed democracy and the free market how the Baltic Countries lost both the first, and the second? Why it occurred? The answer is offered in this article.

A comprehensive study of the Prunus avium (L.) L. gene pool has identified sources of important breeding traits which can be recommended for the use in programs aimed at breeding new varieties and clonal rootstocks of sweet cherry. Of special importance are the sources of such useful breeding traits as large fruit size (e.g., varieties 'Valerii Chkalov', 'Hedelfingen', 'Krupnoplodnaya', 'Emperor Francis', 'Donchanka', 'Amulet', 'Aleksandriya', 'Vasilisa', 'Yaroslavna', 'Bigarreau Burlat', etc.); self-fertility ('Whiis Gold', 'Camelia', 'Lapins', 'Sweetheart', 'Skeena', 'Staccato', 'Shelen', 'Stella', 'Newstar', 'Sunburst', 'Summit', 'John Innes 2420'), resistance to coccomicosis ('Valerii Chkalov', Trieste der Markt', 'Drogans Gelbe', 'Bigarreau Gaucher', 'Napoleon', 'Tatarskaya chernaya', 'Emperor Francis', 'Skeena', 'Amulet', 'Hedelfingen', 'Generalskaya', 'Euphoria', etc.), and resistance to fruit cracking ('Alaya', 'Amazonka', 'Amulet', 'Viola', 'Donetskaya krasavitsa', 'Donetskiyi velikan', 'Donchanka', 'Hedelfingen', 'Contrastnaya', 'Merton Bigarreau', 'Proshalnaya', 'Sweetheart', etc.) Some genotypes have been identified as complex sources of valuable traits. For instance, these are varieties 'Lapins', 'Skeena', 'Sweetheart', 'Hedelfingen', 'Emperor Francis', 'Valerii Chkalov', 'Drogans Gelbe' and some others. The genealogical analysis of sweet cherry genotypes made it possible to identify the varieties 'Lapins', 'Skeena', 'Sweetheart' and 'Krupnoplodnaya' as complex donors combining sets of such important breeding traits as productivity, late maturity of fruits, large fruit size, high quality taste of fruit and selffertility. The varieties 'Bigarreau Burlat', 'Bigarreau de Germersdorf', 'Valerii Chkalov', 'Stella', 'Van', 'Vittoria', 'Drogans Gelbe', Daybera black' are regarded as "hidden" donors, as the transferred traits do not manifest themselves in the phenotype, but can be traced in their progeny.

Background. The study of the fish feed base of the Khatanga River is necessary due to the fact that the river is used for commercial fishing of valuable fish species. The last description of the communities of zooplankton and zoobenthos of the Khatanga River was carried out according to the data of 1946, respectively, there is no more up-to-date information about the state of hydrobiological communities. The aim of this work is to establish the taxonomic composition and quantitative characteristics of zooplankton and zoobenthos communities, as well as to assess the trophic status of the Khatanga River. Materials and methods. Studies of the river were conducted at 5 stations: in 2014-in the areas of the settlements of Novorybnoye and Kresty, in 2015-at 25 km, 45 km and 67 km from the mouth of the river, in 2018-2020-in the area of the settlement of Khatanga. Samples of zooplankton and zoobenthos were collected and processed according to the methods generally accepted in Russian hydrobiology. All samples were taken in three repetitions. Results, conclusions. During the 2014–2015 and 2018– 2020 studies, 33 taxa were identified in zooplankton, and 37 in zoobenthos. The average values of zooplankton abundance and biomass ranged from 57±57 to 477±441 ind./m3 and from 0.52±0.52 to 3.12±0.64 mg/m3, respectively, and zoobenthos – from 260 to 2642 ind./m2 and from 0.65 to 4.04 g/m2, respectively. Rotifers were dominant in the zooplankton community in terms of quantitative parameters, while chironomids, oligochaetes, and mollusks were dominant in the zoobenthos. According to the development of zooplankton and zoobenthos, the river belongs to the "low-feed" fishing facilities. The trophic category of the Khatanga River is defined as "ultra – oligotrophic" by zooplankton, and "α-mesotrophic" by zoobenthos.

Since establishing their self-proclaimed Caliphate in Syria and Iraq, Islamic State’s communications strategy has proved effective in recruiting foreign jihadist fighters and people to immigrate to the region to live, as well as radicalising people who remain in their home state to their cause. This article is a comparative study on the impact this strategy has had on Russia and UK and analyses the threat cased to both states in the recruitment of individuals to Islamic State’s cause and how their respective counter-terrorism agencies can counter this within a legal framework to ensure they operate within the rule of law. It is necessary to compare the positions of Russia and the UK since the states have different view over conflicts in Middle East, besides that Britain joined the US’ coalition. Russia has got a broader counter-terrorism legislation that is more effective being compared to the British one. At the same time the states need to combine their efforts against global Islam radicalization.

Acute rhinitis (ICD-X, acute nasopharyngitis, runny nose – J00) and acute sinusitis (J01) make up a larger proportion of all acute upper respiratory tract diseases (J00-J06). The prescription of antibacterial drugs for the treatment of virus diseases in the ENT area and the unproven or unconfirmed bacterial disease is considered erroneous and dangerous. In this regard, the role of pathogenetically justified therapy in the treatment of ARS increases. When choosing the medicines for ARS, particular attention is given to the use of herbal medicines with combination effect, which found its way into legislation – a group of herbal medicines is included in the list of ARS treatment medicines in adults in the EPOS-2012 document, and methodological recommendations approved by the National Medical Association of Otorhinolaryngologists.

This article presents the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis and classification of chronic tonsillitis. It consistently discusses the modern methods of treatment, particularly the use of Tonsilotren in drug therapy regimens. The results of multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials, the purpose of which was to identify and evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of Tonsilotren are being given. It is concluded that Tonsilotren is an efficient, modern tool for pathogenetic treatment of patients with chronic tonsillitis, and it can be recommended in the modern scheme of treatment of chronic tonsillitis.

Pharynx and pharyngeal lymphadenoid elements possess diverse protective mechanisms, however, are often involved in the inflammatory process. Lysozyme is important natural factor in the maintenance of normal pharyngeal microbiome. The article presents the data about the efficient use of factors of natural protection of lysozyme and pyridoxine for the treatment of acute inflammatory diseases with lesions of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring.

Aim. To assess the condition of cerebral blood flow and cognitive functions in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients underwent on-pump coronary bypass surgery and to evaluate the influence of citicoline on the condition of higher cerebral functions during early and delayed follow-up after the surgery.Material and methods. At the Federal Center of Cardiovascular Surgery (Krasnoyarsk city), 66 patients investigated, with CHD. Patients were selected to two groups. In the main group (n=36) as a cerebral protector citicoline was used intravenously pre-operation, dosage 1000 mg on 200 mL 0,9% saline, and then 7 days after operation with further intake 900 mg daily for 2 months. Comparison group (n=30) did not undergo cerebroprotection in perioperational period.Results. By the 12th month after surgery, the parameters of cognition returned to baseline. In the controls, cognitive function returned to baseline only by the test “visual verbal memory” (direct reproduction).Conclusion. Neuroprotection by citicoline can be regarded as a method for improvement of cognitive functioning after such harming influences as on-pump surgery, and therefore to reach higher everyday functioning abilities after coronary bypass.

The authors have proved that computer modeling of mechanisms, components and parts of bridge cranes is an important element in forming optimal design decisions of structures in systems of computer-aided engineering. There is presented an algorithm for designing bridge crane, there are identified functional dependences of energy characteristics of the mechanisms of load lifting and movement.

The technical- economic report on new technics is carried out by comparison of its indicators and characteristics with similar achievements in world and domestic practice. The great value for increase of overall performance of the bridge crane has perfection of existing mechanisms of cranes, introduction of new, more progressive constructive decisions. Formulas for definition of expenses for designing of new technics, the cost price, annual production rate of the new (modernised) machines are resulted.

Productivity of bridge cranes depends on performance of mechanisms of moving and lifting loads of bridge cranes. The article contains data on influencing speeds of crane’s movement, cargo cart, speed of loads lifting, and also ways of crane’s movement, cargo cart, height of lifting load and other factors on its productivity. There are presented functional dependences of bridge cranes’ productivity on influencing factors.

The United Kingdom has been developing due to political compromise that has a positive impact over British political system to solve dichotomy between the principles of Parliament sovereignty and regional home rule. These principles seriously depend on selfidentification processes that reflect significance of Britishness and ethno-national (regional) identities in consciousness and political culture of citizens. Struggle or reconciliation of the identities was complicated after Great Britain had become a member of European Common market. It is evident that European identity has enforced regional ones, for it is better to be a people among other peoples in Europe than just an ethno-national minority in the state. However, Britishness keeps its positions due to British global project, and it was proved by Brexit. Anyway, Brexit revealed demarcation lines, based on identities, and the threat of territorial integrity of the United Kingdom.

Aim. To assess the condition of cerebral circulation and cognitive functions in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), underwent coronary bypass (CBG) operation under on-pump conditions and to evaluate the influence of citicoline on the higher brain functions at earlier and delayed periods post-surgery.Material and methods. In the Federal center of cardiosurgery (Krasnoyarsk city) 66 patients studied, with diagnosis CHD. Patients selected to 2 groups. Main group (n=36) as a medium for cerebral neuroprotection we used citicoline (Ceraxon): intravenous, 1 day before surgery, 1000 mg on 200 mL of saline, and then for 7 days after surgery, with further intake of the drug 900 mg/daily for 2 months. In comparison group (n=30) there was no neuroprotection in peri-operation period. Results. By the 12th month after surgery, cognition returned to baseline values. In controls, by 12 months after CBG, cognition returned to baseline only by the test “visual memory” of 5 words (direct remembering).Conclusion. Neuroprotection by citicoline might be a method for improvement of cognition in patients after such damaging events as on-pump operation, and therefore make it to reach higher level of daily functioning of post-CBG patients.

This article concentrates on the main problems of reforming of the current EU migration policy. The authors examine the EU’s legal norms and national judicial basics in the sphere in order to emphasize a certain evolution of the approaches of member states to migration control issues. Longterm crisis in the EU migration policies, which was strengthen in 2014-2015, is going ahead. National governments are obliged to seek for comprehensible ways out of such situation both at supranational and national levels. Hence, we can consider common features of their policies as well as evident distinctions. To illustrate last changes in European migration policy we use the examples of Great Britain and France. Both countries are concerned by huge diffi culties of their policy realization: the newcomers do not succeed to integrate themselves into society and prefer to live in isolated quarters with their culture and religion; at the same time, the popularity of radical anti-immigrant parties steadily grows. British and French governments are to fi nd a balance between free immigration policy and the duty to ensure security whereas security risks are rising in such social circumstances. The authors conclude that refugee crisis of 2014-2015 should induce European countries to rethink their migration policies. The «open door policy» and streams of refugees cause the overexertion of state’s potential to accommodate newcomers. The problem has already got a security dimension, so that more determined measures are necessary to be taken. British, French and other European governments should reestablish their priorities in favor of responsible and restrictive approach.

The article presents the results of studies of metabolic indicators of oral liquid in patients with a wide range of somatic illnesses that reflecting the functional state of the prooxidant-antioxidant system. During the studies established that most increase in activity of oxidation processes in the background of decrease in activity of all enzymes of antiradical protection was observed in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. Also a significant increase in FRO was observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, while they have identified imbalance in the functioning of enzyme systems and the highest amplitude changes in the activity of enzymes of antiradical protection. We also established the activation of free radical processes in patients of other groups, but less pronounced on the background of a minor changes in the activity of enzymes. The obtained data demonstrate the development of oxidative stress at the local level in the oral fluid which is probably a reflection of the systemic metabolic changes under examined somatic pathologies and presents prospect of studying oral fluid in the laboratory diagnosis of oxidative metabolism disorders.

In 1996–2009, the incidence of syphilis in the North-West region of Russia has declined and changed its structure. The frequency of neurosyphilis and latent forms increased, especially of late and unspecified latent syphilis. Differences in the structure of syphilis between the Leningrad region and St. Petersburg have been identified, which consisted in the reduction of primary syphilis and an increase in early latent syphilis in comparison with the city.