Evolution of gypsy-group retrotransposons: phylogenetic analysis of domains included in the pol-polyprotein

Transposons of gypsy group are assigned to LTR-containing retrotransposons present in the genomes of invertebrates, fungi, and plants. In this work, a theoretical analysis of the potential products of ORFs of these retrotranposons was conducted. Alignments were obtained and trees of similarity were constructed for domains of the POL region. On the basis of the obtained data, two hypothetically monophyletic subgroups of transposons were distinguished within the framework of the gypsy group, settling the genomes of taxonomically related organisms (the subgroup of "true" gypsy of insects and the subgroup of gypsy-like transposons of plants and fungi). A number of peculiarities of the topology of these trees hypothetically indicate cases of genetic conversion and recombination of domains accompanying the evolution of this group. The amino acid substitution fixation rate was evaluated on the basis of comparison of sequences of the protein products of ORFs. Estimates of the time of divergence of subgroups of gypsy-group transposons are significantly less than estimates of the times of divergence of their host species. One explanation for this discrepancy might be the hypothesis of settlement by transposons of the genomes of isolated host species.     

The role of splenectomy in treating severe aplastic anemia

A hypotensive effect of clonidine in non-narcotized intact and aorta baro-denervated rats is studied under conditions of minimization of stress actions (radiotelemetry) and under standard conditions of direct recording arterial pressure (AP). Direct AP recording is shown to determine an increase in background AP in baro-denervated rats, but not in control rats. An increase in background AP level under conditions of direct recording is not accompanied with decreasing hypotensive effect of clonidine in baro-denervated rats.     

The radiation therapy of skin cancer of the face

Results of three-year radiotherapy are assessed in 586 patients with skin cancer, with tumors localized on the skin of the face in 484 of these. The results of treatment were found to depend on the histological structure of the tumor and disease stage: 100% cure was attained in patients with basal-cell carcinomas and T1 stage, whereas only 7% of patients with T4 stage were cured; in patients with squamous-cell carcinoma these figures were, respectively, 96.2 and 10%.     

Long-term monotherapy with prestarium, anap and lomir in patients with mild and moderate arterial hypertension: clinical efficacy, hemodynamics and morphofunctional parameters of heart

AIM: To assess effectiveness of blood hypertension treatment with inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme and calcium channels blocker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 83 outpatients with mild and moderate blood hypertension received monotherapy with prestarium, anap and lomir for 12 months. The trends in parameters of blood pressure, total peripheral vascular resistance, thickness of the interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall were estimated. RESULTS: Long-term effective monotherapy with prestarium, anap and lomir was possible in 47, 62 and 45% of the patients, respectively. Diastolic pressure lowered by 25, 24 and 25%, total peripheral vascular resistance reduced by 20, 19 and 22%, respectively. The three drugs produced similar positive effects on left ventricular thickness, had no negative effects on bioelectric activity of the heart, clinical and biochemical blood counts. CONCLUSION: Prestarium, anap and lomir are effective against hypertension and diminish left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients.     

The clinical significance of phasic duodenal intubation and ultrasonic monitoring of the gallbladder in healthy subjects

Hypoxic and low-temperature effects on the thermal regulation and the content of catecholamines (epinephrine--E and norepinephrine--NE) in mice have been compared. Continuous and repeated hypoxia brought about a significant drop of the rodent body temperature and heat content. Found was a significant elevation of catecholamines in the pituitary and adrenal tissues, and blood plasma with E prevalence after the continuous exposure. Repeated stimulus resulted in a more pronounced effect. Exception was the adrenal tissue where enhanced E and NE secretion into blood was noted. The uninterrupted and repeated cold conditions were also responsible for heat release. Continuous exposure to low temperature increased NE and decreased insignificantly E in blood and adrenal. Multiple stimulation increased sharply catecholamines concentration in blood plasma with the dominance of epinephrine in the pituitary gland, and norepinephrine in the adrenal.     

Cancer metastases to the cervical lymph nodes in an unknown primary location of the tumor

Out of 120 patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of metastases to the cervical lymph nodes and unknown primary location of the tumor, tumors were detected in 29 and lymphosarcoma in 10. In 24 (82.7%) patients the tumor was located in the upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. Malignant tumors of the naso- and stomatopharynx and vestibular part of the larynx most often metastasize into the lymph nodes. Radiotherapy was administered to all 81 patients with metastases and unknown location of the primary tumor and to 10 patients with lymphosarcoma of the cervical lymph nodes. The protocol of radiotherapy took account of the site of the metastases and probable primary tumor. A radical course provides cure in 15% of cases, as shown by follow-up of at least 2 years.