Interaction of catalytically active antibodies with oligoribonucleotides

The interaction of antibodies from blood sera of patients with autoimmune pathology, systemic lupus erythematosus with oligoribonucleotides was studied. The RNA-hydrolyzing activity was shown to be an intrinsic property of autoantibodies. Enzymic activity of antibodies in hydrolysis of poly(U) was estimated at 20-40% of that of RNase A. In contrast to known eukaryotic RNases, the autoantibodies possess a specific RNA-hydrolyzing activity for oligo r(A). The RNA-nicking activity of antibodies in hydrolysis of oligoadenylates was more higher than with hydrolysis of oligo d(A). Optimal conditions of r(pA)13 hydrolysis were selected, including the optimal of pH = 8.7.     

The terror part of terrorism

As human beings, we share the trait of being able to experience extreme fear A variety of events can bring about this level of distress, some of which occur naturally and others that are caused by human action. One such event, terrorism, results from human action. In recent times, there has been a shift from conventional weapons for war and terrorism to a type of weapon of mass destruction (WMD) that includes chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosives (CBRNE) weapons These types of weapons, in addition to their obvious effects, may be particularly capable of causing widespread fear, confusion, and stress that may alter the long-term health of affected communities and the larger community's sense of well-being.     

The late results of the conservative and surgical treatments of chronic periodontitis of the permanent teeth in children and adolescents

The authors view results of conservative and surgical treatment of constant tooth chronic periodontitis in 90 children and adolescents aged 7-18 20 hemisections, 45 apicoectomies, 10 radix amputations were performed. The patients were followed up 6 months to 5 years. X-ray films show osseous restoration on the maxilla tooth to complete in 5-6 months, on the mandible tooth in over 8 months. The authors describe indications and contraindications to such kind.     

The use of nitrates and slow calcium channel blockers in the treatment of patients with ischemic heart disease and disorders of intraventricular conduction

Data are submitted on the condition of haemodynamics of greater and lesser circulation in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) presenting with the bundle-branch block. On the basis of the results from a combined clinical-instrumental investigation involving electro- and echocardiography the authors present the early objective quantitative criteria for the diagnosis of those haemodynamic shifts occurring in formation of the bundle-branch block. The blockade of the left bundle of His has a more pronounced effect on the greater circulation haemodynamics while that of the right one--on the lesser circulation. The authors give a comparative assessment of haemodynamic effects of a single dose of isosorbide dindtrate and nifedinin in the patients. Nitrosorbide and corinfar improve contractility of the left ventricle, decrease pulmonary hypertension and overloading of the right side of the heart.     

Expression of cytokine messenger RNA after heart transplantation: relationship with rejection and serum cytokines

Different groups of cytokines may initiate or inhibit the rejection process. We used the polymerase chain reaction to study the expression of cytokine mRNA for interleukin (IL)-2, -4, -6 and -10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma in 187 biopsy specimens from 24 human cardiac transplant recipients 5-555 days after transplantation. Cytokine levels in the serum were also measured. Cytokine mRNA was detected in 38.5% of biopsy specimens. IL-10 mRNA was detected more frequently with mild or absent rejection (11.6% in grades 0 and 1 - vs. 1.4% in grades 2 and 3, P=0.01). Up to 90 days after transplantation, IL-2 mRNA was detected more frequently with moderate rejection (13% in grades 2 and 3 vs. 0% in grades 0 and 1, P=0.076), and IL-4 mRNA was detected more frequently with mild or absent rejection (16% in grades 0 and 1 - vs. 0% in grades 2 and 3, P=0.061). More than 90 days after transplantation, IL-2 mRNA was detected more frequently with mild or absent rejection (10% in grades 0 and 1 vs. 0% in grades 2 and 3, P=0.078). Serum IL-4 levels corresponding to biopsy specimens positive for IL-4 mRNA were higher than those corresponding to specimens negative for IL-4 mRNA (59 pg/ml vs. 32 pg/ml medians, P=0.028). Our results suggest that IL-10 and possibly IL-4 (T helper 2 cytokines) may suppress graft rejection, whereas IL-2 (T helper 1 cytokine) may promote cellular rejection. In addition, cytokine profiles may change with length of time after transplantation. The association of elevated serum levels of IL-4 with increased expression of intragraft IL-4 mRNA may suggest release of this cytokine from the graft into the circulation.