Problems of the metrological backup of instruments for measuring luminescence characteristics

The problems involved in providing a metrological backup for instruments for measuring luminescence characteristics and possible ways of solving them are briefly reviewed. Translated from Metrologiya No. 9, pp. 30–38, September, 2008.     

The organization of automated information systems on occupational diseases and of the hygienic monitoring of working conditions

Creation of automated database "Archive of occupational diseases clinic" is an important task of informational support for occupational pathology centers. Constructing the database, the authors designed an "Accounting chart of patient with occupational disease for diagnostic survey in occupational pathology center" and a "Diagnosis of occupational disease" code book adjusted to X ICD with instruction. Analysis of the information obtained forms a basis for forecasting the course of pathologic process, for justifying a complex of treatment and prophylaxis.     

Single irradiation of the pituitary with a narrow beam of protons having 200 MeV of energy in generalized breast cancer

Eighteen patients with congestive cardiomyopathy were studied by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Patients with coronary disease on angiography or primary valvular disease were excluded. Six patients showed mild or no mitral regurgitation; in 12 others the degree of mitral regurgitation was moderate or severe. The echocardiographic features in these patients were: (1) a dilated left ventricle (LV), (2) normal LV wall thickness, (3) reduced LV posterior wall motion, and (4) reduced or absent systolic thickening of the interventricular septum (IVS). IVS motion was reduced in 10 patients, and appeared "normal" or increased in another eight, all of whom showed moderate or severe mitral regurgitation on angiography. It is concluded that an apparent normal or increased motion of the IVS with reduced or absent systolic thickening in congestive cardiomyopathy is evidence for coexistence of significant mitral regurgitation. Reduced or absent systolic thickening can distinguish these patients from those with segmental myocardial disease and normal septa or dilated LV's due to volume overload.     

Mucocutaneous fungal colonization in HIV-infected children

The prevalence of symptomatic mucocutaneous candidiasis in HIV-infected children is well documented. Information, however, of the carriage rate of potential fungal pathogens is lacking. In this study we determined the fungal colonization rate of multiple mucocutaneous sites from 13 HIV-infected and 12 control children. The rate of yeast and mould colonization and the species of fungal isolates were essentially the same for both groups of patients. However, several HIV-infected children asymptomatic for thrush proved to be colonized by Candida albicans, and disseminated colonization with Trichosporon beigelii occurred in one HIV-infected child. All cultures for dermatophytes were negative. While the carriage rate with fungi other than C. albicans was not increased in the HIV-infected group, the isolates recovered are known pathogens in the immunocompromised host and the colonization of these organisms may be a potential source of infection.     

Method of diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus infection

The CO2 laser can be used for the treatment of various lesions of the eyelids and peri-orbital region with the advantage over other modalities of precise, controllable, hemostatic, non contact atraumatic ablation with the reduction of post-operative pain and improved cosmetic results. Its application in palpabral and peri-orbital surgery is recommended.     

Association of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase Cgamma1 with elements of cytoskeleton in A-431 cells

It is shown that phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLC gamma 1), a substrate of growth factor receptors, is associated with cytoskeleton in A-431 cells. PLC gamma 1 is co-localized only with the cortical actin but not with actin stress fibers. Since EGF receptor is also co-localized with the cortical actin it is concluded that PLC gamma 1 co-localized with actin is mediated by the EGF receptor. After the treatment with cytochalasin B PLC gamma 1 is co-localized with actin aggregates and cytoskeleton elements other than actin. Using double immunofluorescence PLC gamma 1 is shown to be associated with cytokeratin intermediate filaments. The cross-talking of different cytoskeleton elements and their participation in cell signaling is discussed.     

Insulin-induced expression of prostacyclin receptors on platelets is mediated through ADP-ribosylation of Gi alpha protein

The binding of insulin in physiological amounts to human blood platelets, which increases adenylate cyclase-linked prostacyclin receptor numbers on the cell surface, was found to be directly related to the ADP-ribosylation of the Gi alpha. Conversely, resuspension of the insulin-treated platelets in the hormone-free medium decreased both the prostaglandin receptor numbers and ADP-ribosylation of Gi alpha. Furthermore, incubation of platelets with pertussis toxin or its A-protomer, which ADP-ribosylates Gi alpha, also stimulated the binding of the prostanoid. These results suggest that the increase of prostacyclin receptor numbers in platelets is mediated through the ADP-ribosylation of Gi alpha.     

Patient satisfaction as an index of the quality of medical care (according to data of a sociologic survey)

Sociological survey has been carried out in 2 hospitals of Irkutsk. 600 respondents were asked to express their opinion on the quality of medical care and offer proposals on improvement of hospital care.