Subcellular localization of Bacillus subtilis SMC, a protein involved in chromosome condensation and segregation

We have investigated the subcellular localization of the SMC protein in the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Recent work has shown that SMC is required for chromosome condensation and faithful chromosome segregation during the B. subtilis cell cycle. Using antibodies against SMC and fluorescence microscopy, we have shown that SMC is associated with the chromosome but is also present in discrete foci near the poles of the cell. DNase treatment of permeabilized cells disrupted the association of SMC with the chromosome but not with the polar foci. The use of a truncated smc gene demonstrated that the C-terminal domain of the protein is required for chromosomal binding but not for the formation of polar foci. Regular arrays of SMC-containing foci were still present between nucleoids along the length of aseptate filaments generated by depleting cells of the cell division protein FtsZ, indicating that the formation of polar foci does not require the formation of septal structures. In slowly growing cells, which have only one or two chromosomes, SMC foci were principally observed early in the cell cycle, prior to or coincident with chromosome segregation. Cell cycle-dependent release of stored SMC from polar foci may mediate segregation by condensation of chromosomes.     

Postoperative complications in proximal stomach resection

During 20 years (1972-1994) the authors carried out proximal resections of the stomach in 106 patients for cancer of proximal part of the stomach extended to the esophagus. Morphological verification data are presented. Total lethality rate made up 20.8%. It decreased with gaining of experience and improvement in selection of patients (1972-1982--29.6%, 1983-1994--17.7%). The most common complication in postoperative period was exudative pleuritis: in 16% of operated patients insufficiency of sutures of the esophagogastric anastomosis was observed. For prophylaxis of suture insufficiency pyloroplasty by Heineke-Mikulich and continuous (to 4-5 days) naso-gastral drainage were of principal significance. Great importance was attached to establishment of the anastomosis by the method developed by the authors. The results of the operations depend also on the operative approach: two-stage combined approach (laparotomy, thoracotomy) brings the least lethality.     

Identification of mRNA, localized at various segments of the Xenopus laevis embryo at early stages of the gastrula

METHODS: In a randomized double-blind study, 134 patients were given 500 mg metronidazole as an intravenous infusion immediately before operation for abdominal total hysterectomy and again 8 hours later and 124 patients received placebo. RESULTS: There was more wound infection, postoperative hospitalization was longer and the sedimentation rate on the sixth postoperative day was significantly higher in the placebo group. There was no difference in postoperative temperature. Postoperative wound infections occurred in 12% in the placebo group and 6% in the metronidazole group. Eight percent in the total material had urinary tract infections, the diagnosis was based on urine cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylaxis with intravenous infusion of metronidazole is recommended in total hysterectomies.     

Application of free-flow electrophoresis for isolation and purification of proteins and peptides

Free-flow electrophoresis (FFE) has been applied to the separation and purification of a variety of proteins and polypeptides: bee venom, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1beta, interferon-gamma and superoxide dismutase. FFE at constant pH and conductivity of the carrying buffer is shown to be efficient at various separation schemes. In some cases, the method allows us to obtain proteins with a purity of more than 90% at a productivity of 20-30 mg/h. An electrophoretic apparatus with a new, multi-sectional construction of the electrophoretic chamber and a system for cross-displacement of carrying buffer in the chamber is described.     

The P300 component of the auditory evoked potential in the posttraumatic vegetative state

The dynamic studies of P300 component of the acoustic evoked potential were conducted in 12 patients in posttraumatic state of the autonomic system. The amplitude and time parameters of P300 were analyzed, its spatial distribution over the cortex, and features of generation. The obtained results were compared with the normative data. Significant changes in P300 in comparison with the normal characteristics were revealed in patients with the absence of conscious mental activity. These changes were maximally expressed when the state of patients was irreversible. In case of patients' outcome from the studied state the amplitude-temporal and topographic response characteristics tended to normalization but did not reach it completely. The obtained results allow us to consider the P300 component as one of the most informative indices in consciousness recovery after severe brain injury.     

Hygienic assessment of indicators of the nutritional status of Monchegorsk school children

Diets, energy expenditures, physical and mental performance, anthropometric indices, ascorbic acid excretion, and morbidity rates were studied in 7-9-year-old schoolchildren of Monchegorsk, Murmansk Region. The alimentary features found served as the basis for developing sanitary recommendations to optimize diets and to promote children's health.