Here we report a pilot-sized study to compare the taxonomic composition of sputum microbiome in 17 newly-diagnosed lung cancer (LC) patients and 17 controls. Another object was to compare the ...representation of individual bacterial genera and species in sputum with the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in the blood lymphocytes of LC patients and in controls. Both groups were male; average age 56.1 ± 11.5 in patients and 55.7 ± 4.1 in controls. Differences in the species composition of bacterial communities in LC patients and controls were significant (pseudo-F = 1.94; p = 0.005). Increased prevalence in LC patients was detected for the genera Haemophilus and Bergeyella; whereas a decrease was observed for the genera Atopobium, Stomatobaculum, Treponema and Porphyromonas. Donors with high frequencies of chromosomal aberrations had a significant reduction in the microbiome of representatives of the genus Atopobium in the microbiome and a simultaneous increase in representatives of the species Alloprevotella compared to donors with a low level of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes. Thus, a comparison of the bacterial composition in the sputum of donors with cytogenetic damages in theirs lymphocytes, warrants further investigations on the potential role of microorganisms in the process of mutagenesis in somatic cells of the host body.
We studied the differences in the characteristics of T-cell immunity in clinically healthy volunteers of three groups: “no previous COVID-19, not vaccinated”, “recovered”, and “vaccinated” as well as ...the relationship between the presence of IFNγ-releasing T cells in response to stimulation with peptide pools overlapping the main S, N, M, ORF3, and ORF7 protein sequences and the presence of IgG to the SARS-CoV-2 S protein. In the “no previous COVID-19, non-vaccinated” group, T cells specific to both S protein and other virus proteins were absent in 95% subjects. In the “recovered from COVID-19” group, T cells specific to the spike protein were present in samples from 39% subjects. In the same group, T-cell immunity to other viral proteins was present in 58% subjects. In vaccinated subjects, specific T cells responding to stimulation with S protein peptides were found in 47% cases and Т cells specific to N, M, ORF3, ORF7 proteins were detected in only 22% subjects.
The objective: to study in vitro adsorption properties of various devices for selective lipopolysaccharide (LPS) adsorption.
Subjects and Methods: Various methods of closed circuit circulating bovine ...serum endotoxin solutions were used. The serum was perfused using an LPS sorption device for 240 min. Serum samples were collected before the start of perfusion, and 30, 60, 120, 150, and 240 minutes after the start of circulation. LPS concentrations were measured by the turbidimetric method. One column for polymyxin hemoperfusion and three devices for selective adsorption of lipopolysaccharides were assessed.
Results: When using the device for polymyxin hemoperfusion, the concentration of endotoxin in bovine serum decreased by 61% during 120 minutes, and in 120 minutes after additional administration of endotoxin, it went down by 57%. When using the other three devices, these parameters made 9% and 6%, 10% and 8%, 5% and 10%, respectively. C
onclusion. By definition, an in vitro study cannot provide for complex pathophysiological reactions occurring in the body during sepsis. Тhis fact leads to limitations in extrapolating the results obtained to clinical practice.
Aim.
To optimize the technique for the isolation and storage of ribonucleic acid (RNA) from whole blood and leukocyte fraction.
Materials and methods
. Comparison of isolation quality was carried out ...for RNA samples obtained from 228 leukocyte samples and 198 whole blood samples. Isolation was performed from fresh and frozen samples using ExtractRNA™ reagent and a MagNA Pure Compact automated system. Various methods of removing erythrocytes (centrifugation and treatment with hemolytic agents from two manufacturers) were tested, as well as freezing with and without preservatives for subsequent RNA isolation.
Results.
Twenty-one combinations of conditions were tested. The highest quality RNA was isolated by manual extraction using the ExtractRNA™ reagent from a fresh leukocyte fraction, purified by the Amplisens hemolytic agent (successful extraction — 94%, median RIN=8,4); frozen in IntactRNA™, purified by leukocyte fraction centrifugation (successful extraction — 100%, median RIN=8); frozen in ExtractRNA™, purified by leukocyte fraction centrifugation (successful extraction — 100%, median RIN=9,3).
Conclusion.
RNA can be isolated from frozen blood fractions, which is not inferior in quality to that isolated from fresh samples. Thus, it is not necessary to isolate RNA immediately after the receipt of biological material.
Aim
. To determine the reference ranges of concentrations of 38 cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, as well as to measure the content of these analytes in patients with neurodegenerative and ...cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) using biomaterial from the biobank repository.
Material and methods
. The study included 303 serum and plasma samples from 281 healthy donors, 242 samples from 224 patients with neurodegenerative diseases, and 164 samples from 152 patients with CVDs from the biobank of the of St. Petersburg City Hospital № 40. In all samples, the concentration of 38 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors was determined by multiplex immunofluorescence assay.
Results
. Based on the measured concentrations in the group of healthy donors, non-parametric 95% reference ranges with 90% confidence intervals were calculated. For the majority of analytes, no sex and age differences were observed. In donors >65 years of age, the concentration of macrophage inflammatory protein-1-α was reduced and the levels of interleukin-8 and the chemokine interferon-inducible protein 10 were increased. Young donors (18-35 years) had lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-α. In groups with neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, multiple deviations from the calculated reference values were found.
Conclusion
. Certain reference intervals are intended to evaluate the concentrations of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors determined in blood serum or plasma using Human Cytokine/Chemokine Magnetic Bead Panel 1 reagents (Merck, Millipore) on the MAGPIX system and do not imply a direct transfer to other analytical methods.
Aim
. To determine the features of left atrial electroanatomic structure and the arrhythmia substrate in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Material and ...methods
. The pilot study included 20 patients with AF who underwent catheter radiofrequency ablation. Ten patients had COVID-19 and 10 patients were included as a control group. AF substrate was identified using anatomic and bipolar mapping. Zones with following amplitudes were analyzed: <0,25 mV, <0,5 mV, from 0,5 to 0,75 mV inclusive, and >0,75 mV. Left atrial volume was determined based on anatomic map.
Results
. The groups were homogeneous in AF type, number of patients after prior pulmonary vein isolation, and heart rate during mapping. In the COVID-19 group, there was a higher area of fibrous zones with an amplitude of <0,25 mV (51,5±16,6% vs 29,1±16,1% in the control group, p=0,007), <0,5 mV (76,7±11,5% vs 45,6±22,7% in the control group, p=0,001) and a lower area of intact myocardium with an amplitude >0,75 mV (11,6±8,0% vs 45,0±25,0% in the control group, p=0,001). In 7 COVID-19 patients, the posterior wall was isolated due to low-amplitude zones. Of these, three patients underwent surgery for the first time. According to ROC analysis, in patients after COVID-19, fibrous tissue (<0,5 mV) occupies more than half of the area, while normal tissue (>0,75 mV) — ~30% or less.
Conclusion
. This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause left atrial remodeling in the form of diffuse fibrosis. The arrhythmia substrate in patients after COVID-19 can be localized not only in pulmonary vein mouths, but also in other left atrial areas. This must be taken into account before ablation, even if the procedure is being performed for the first time. It is recommended to perform amplitude mapping for all patients who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection in order to identify fibrous zones and plan the operation extent.
Secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2) represent a large superfamily of enzymes with a molecular weight of 14-19 kDa, including 15 groups and more than 30 isoforms belonging to four types: secretory ...(sPLA2), cytosolic (cPLA2), calcium-independent (iPLA2) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2, PAF-AH). Eleven species of secretory sPLA2s (IB, IIA, IIC, IID, IIE, IIF, III, V, X, XIIA, and XIIB) have been found in mammals, performing versatile functions and participating in the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases. On the one hand, sPLA2 may promote elimination of damaged, apoptotic cells by hydrolyzing membrane phospholipids, and exerts a strong bactericidal and antiviral properties, including pronounced effects against antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms. In this regard, the use of sPLA2 may represent a new strategy for the treatment of bacterial and viral infections. Moreover, due to the action of sPLA2 on its substrates, a number of biologically active molecules (arachidonic, lysophosphatidic acids, lysophospholipids, fatty acids, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes) are formed, which provide strong inflammatory, detergent, coagulating effects and increase vascular permeability. This pro-inflammatory role of sPLA2 may explain its increase levels and activity in cardiovascular, respiratory, autoimmune, metabolic, oncological, bacterial and viral disorders. The review article presents a classification of sPLA2 isoforms, their substrates, regulatory factors, biological significance, and mechanisms of their strong bactericidal, virucidal, and pro-inflammatory activity in the heart and lung disorders, autoimmune, metabolic, bacterial, and viral diseases. In particular, the mechanisms of the selective action of sPLA2 against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms are discussed. We consider diagnostic and prognostic significance, correlations between elevated levels and activity of sPLA2 and distinct clinical symptoms, severity and outcome in the patients with coronary heart disease (CAD), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), atherosclerosis, acute inflammatory lung injury (ALI), respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, bacterial infections, septicemia and viral (COVID-19) infections. The opportunity of using sPLA2 as a biomarker of the severity and outcome of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bacterial infections, sepsis and viral infections, including COVID-19, is also considered.
Introduction.
The article deals with the prevention of dyslexia in children of primary school age with general underdevelopment of speech. An analysis of theoretical sources is presented on the ...basis, of which the main objectives of the study were formulated. The results of an experimental study of the functional basis of reading are presented in order to determine the readiness of children with general speech underdevelopment (GSU) to master reading skills. The necessity of developing a model of correctional and pedagogical work to prevent dyslexia in children of the category under study, its significance for the psychological and pedagogical support of children with GSU in an educational organization is determined.
Materials and Methods.
In the study of readiness to master reading skills, the following methods were used: analysis of theoretical and methodological literature; diagnostic methods for experimental study of children's readiness to master the technical side of the reading process and reading competence.
Results.
Based on the analysis of the survey results, the need for psychological and pedagogical support of the correctional and pedagogical process of forming the functional basis of speech was determined. The main provisions, purpose and objectives and structural components of the model of correctional and pedagogical work on the prevention of dyslexia in children of primary school age with general underdevelopment of speech of the III level are formulated.
Discussion and Conclusions.
In the course of the study, the reasons for the insufficient readiness of children with general speech underdevelopment to master reading skills were identified and the main tasks of correctional and pedagogical work were identified. Presentation of the model as a system consisting of structural elements, its phased implementation, description of all participants’interaction in the correctional and educational process made it possible to consider correctional and pedagogical work in the context of psychological and pedagogical support for children of primary school age with general underdevelopment of speech in an educational organization.
COVID-19 biobank: features of the cytokine profile Sushentseva, N. N.; Popov, O. S.; Apalko, S. V. ...
Kardiovaskuli͡a︡rnai͡a︡ terapii͡a︡ i profilaktika,
12/2020, Letnik:
19, Številka:
6
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Aim
.
Using a collection of samples from the biobank ofCityHospital № 40 ofSt. Petersburg, to study the cytokine profile in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and sepsis, in comparison ...with patients with abdominal inflammation and septicemia.
Material
and methods.
The study included serum samples from 181 patients with sepsis and COVID-19 (127 patients with a diagnosis confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); 54 patients with a negative PCR test, but with a characteristic computed tomographic lung performance) and 47 patients with abdominal sepsis. The content of cytokines was determined using a multiplex immunofluorescence analysis based on the Luminex xMAP technology using the HCYTOMAG60K panel — a soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Other laboratory parameters (C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, procalcitonin) were taken from patient records. Normality of distribution was assessed by the Shapiro-Wilk test. To compare groups, the Mann-Whitney test for independent samples, Wilcoxon test for dependent samples, and the Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons were used.
Results
.
In patients with sepsis and COVID-19 infection, no differences in the concentrations of cytokines, ferritin and CRP were found between the groups with detected and not detected virus by PCR test. Based on this, this group was considered homogeneous when studying the cytokine profile. It was shown that in patients with sepsis and COVID-19, significantly higher levels of sCD40L (p<0,0001) and VEGF (p=0,037) and relatively low levels of CRP (p<0,0001), IL-6 (p<0,0001), IL-8 (p<0,0001), TNFα (p<0,00058).
Conclusion
.
These results indicate that sepsis in patients with COVID-19 courses with less elevation in inflammatory cytokine than in abdominal sepsis. At the same time, a critically high level of sCD40L indicates the significant endothelial damage.
Abstract
Purpose
To assess CPET data in young patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis (grade I-II) respectively corresponding parameters in healthy individuals.
Methods
99 people aged 25–44 years were ...examined: 66 people with pulmonary sarcoidosis (PS) I-II grade formed the main group. The control group included 33 healthy, non-smoking people. In both groups the CPET was performed for assessment functional status of cardiorespiratory system.
Results
Vital capacity and FEV1 didn't differ in both groups (p=0.6 and 0.19). However, Tiffno's index was significantly higher in the control group (p=0.0002). There were no differences in RVOT1, RVOT2, RA volume index in both groups. A comparative analysis of the RV wall thickness revealed that the values in both groups did not exceed the normal limits, but in the main group it was significantly larger (p=0.01). The basal RV diameter at rest were also larger in patients with sarcoidosis (p=0.007). LV contractility at rest was within normal values in both groups, however, in patients with sarcoidosis EF were statistically less than in the control group. At the peak of exercise EF increased more significantly in the control group (p<0.0001). The EF-2D increase was higher in healthy young's (15% vs 10%). GLS LV both at rest and at the peak of exercise in both groups had no statistically significant differences. RV GLS in patients with sarcoidosis at the peak of exercise didn't increase (p=0.18) in contrast to healthy individuals (p=0.002). PAP at rest in patients with sarcoidosis was slightly higher than in healthy individuals (p=0.03), but didn't exceed the standard values. At the peak of exercise, in the main group PAP increased more than in the control group (p=0.ehz745.084701). In the control group the upper quartile of PAP was 29 mm Hg, at the peak of exercise-38 mm Hg. In the main group these values were much higher: 35 and 62 mm Hg. In control group, the maximum OC was higher (27.07±3.53 ml/min/kg, p=0.014). The duration of exercise was longer in healthy individuals (p=0.04).
Thus, at the early stages of pulmonary sarcoidosis in young people there are no significant contractility abnormalities both at rest and at the peak of exercise, whereas the EF increase was lower than in healthy individuals. It is necessary to determine GLS RV, which may indicate RV dysfunction preceding the development of LV dysfunction. In patients with sarcoidosis, it's necessary to determine PAP at the peak of exercise, which increased in 79% of cases more than in healthy individuals. This may be due to secondary heart lesion at presence of pulmonary hypertension. The maximum oxygen consumption at the peak of exercise is higher in healthy individuals than in patients with sarcoidosis. So functional reserve was higher in the control group.
Thus, the CPET today is an informative diagnostic tool which should be included in the diagnostic algorithms for patients with sarcoidosis.
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