Iron determination by FAAS in fish feed and feces after ultrasound-assisted extraction

This paper proposes a method to determine iron in samples of fish feed and feces using ultrasound in the extraction of the analyte and in subsequent quantification by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Using HCl 0.10 mol L⁻¹ as the extraction solution, the optimal conditions of extraction were found to be: granulometry of the sample <60 μm; a sonication time of five cycles of 10 s and sonication power of 136 W. The method was applied in studies of the availability of iron in four food sources used in the diet of Nile Tilapia. The results obtained with the proposed extraction method allowed us to calculate the coefficients of apparent digestibility of iron in the food sources, which was not possible when using results obtained from samples mineralized by acid digestion.     

The estrogen dilemma

There are known 3 likely mechanisms of virus conveyance into the central nervous system (CNS). These include hematogenic penetration, spread along the peripheral nerves, and the olfactory pathway which begins from the infected olfactory neuroepithelial cells. The possibility of viral spread into CNS via the olfactory pathway was shown for the representatives of togaviruses, herpesviruses, coronaviruses, rhabdoviruses, and for some others. This study suggests that the olfactory pathway of viral conveyance into CNS may be blocked by specific mucosal antibodies in the nasal mucosa. The recombinant TK- variant of WR vaccinia strain with inserted genes coding structural and nonstructural proteins of TBE virus is accumulated in the branches of the respiratory tract only while the parenteral vaccinia strain is detected in the brain regions, spleen, respiratory tract, and in blood. The protective activity of recombinant strain and inactivated TBE vaccine after mice immunization by escarification or intranasally, or subcutaneously was comparatively studied. The findings indicate that intranasal immunization by recombinant strain is the most protective against intraperitoneal challenge by TBE virus. The mucosal and humoral immune response that was induced by intranasal immunization seems to provide the highest levels of protection, which was experimentally observed.     

The expert identification of the remains of the imperial family by means of molecular genetic verification of genealogical relations

The paper presents the results of international complex molecular genetic expert identification of skeletal remains of 9 subjects buried near the Koptiaki road in Ekaterinburg region, presumably belonging to the Romanov Royal Family and persons in their attendance. The armory of methods based on analysis of the least permissible amounts of DNA by the polymerase chain reaction and direct fluorescent sequencing of amplified DNA fragments included the latest scientific technologies. In addition, new methods were developed and used, which have no analogs in the world expert practice. The strategy included identification of biological gender of skeletons, of familial group among exhumed individuals, and of ties of relationship of this family with two independent maternal branches of the Romanov genealogical tree using tracing kindred markers based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The study was carried out in two stages: in 1992-1993 at Aldermaston Criminology Center of Home Office of the UK with participation of British specialists and in 1995 at Military Medical Institute of Ministry of Defence of the USA in Washington with participation of American specialists. In 1993 five skeletons were identified as Emperor Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra Fedorovna, and their three daughters with 99.6% certainty. From modern criminological viewpoint, the result could not be considered as sufficiently certain for such an extraordinary case, and therefore in 1995 molecular genetic studies of presumable remains of Nicholas II and his brother Prince Georgi? Romanov were carried out again. The results showed absolute positional identity of mtDNA genetic code of these two men due to an extremely rare genetic abnormality (heteroplasmia), and thus the problem of appurtenance of the remains to the Romanov royal family was solved.     

Afterload reduction in the management of postinfarction ventricular septal defect

The primary goal in the medical management of ventricular septal defect complicating myocardial infarction is to support cardiac function and control symptoms, if possible, for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. If the patient survives this period, surgical correction of the defect is technically easier and safer. In many cases, However, cardiac function is severly compromised, intractable biventricular failure develops,early operation is necessary and the likelihood of successful repair is diminished.