A specific complex between a polypeptide in the left helical conformation of polyproline type II and the B-DNA minor groove

The model of complex formation between polypeptide adopted lefthanded conformation of polyproline II type and minor groove of B-DNA presented. The specific recognition is attained due to possibility of hydrogen bond between Gly NH-group and Thymine O2-group and in addition between Pro CO-group and Guanine NH2-group and between Gly CO-group and Guanine NH2-group. Stereochemical satisfactory of the complex is observed.     

Clinical and functional evaluation of health status of workers exposed to infrasound, noise and general vibration

The article covers complex evaluation of health state in building industry workers engaged into ferro-concrete production in St. Petersburg. The health state was considered under combined action of infrasound, noise and general vibration. Clinical and functional evaluation included medical examination by doctors, blood biochemistry and CBC, ECG, computer integral rheography, voice audiometry. Data for 62 moulders helped to assess acoustic environment at workplace and to reveal the morbidity structure.     

Effect of vanadium and chromium on the microstructural features of V–Cr–Mn–Ni spheroidal carbide cast irons

The objective of this investigation is to study the influence of vanadium（5.0wt%–10.0wt%） and chromium（0–9.0wt%） on the microstructure and hardness of Cr-V-Mn-Ni white cast irons with spheroidal vanadium carbides. The alloys＇ microstructural features are presented and discussed with regard to the distribution of phase elements. The structural constituents of the alloys are spheroidal VC, proeutectoid cementite, ledeburite eutectic, rosette-shaped carbide eutectic（based on M7C3）, pearlite, martensite, and austenite. Their combinations and area fraction（AF） ratios are reported to be influenced by the alloys＇ chemical composition. Spheroidized VC particles are found to be sites for the nucleation of carbide eutectics. Cr and V are shown to substitute each other in the VC and M7C3 carbides, respectively. Chromium alloying leads to the formation of a eutectic（γ-Fe ＋ М7С3）, preventing the appearance of proeutectoid cementite in the structure. Vanadium and chromium are revealed to increase the total carbide fraction and the amount of austenite in the matrix. Cr is observed to play a key role in controlling the metallic matrix microstructure.     

Mechanisms of neuronal calcium homeostasis destabilization caused by hyperstimulation of glutamate receptors

The present paper summarizes the data obtained in studying the mechanisms of glutamate-induced deterioration of neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis. In the cultured mammalian central neurons, a short-term (< 1 min) glutamate (GLU, 100 mu) challenge is known to induce a readily reversible (transient) neuronal [Ca2+]i increase. In contrast, a long-term (15-30 min) GLU exposure leads to the appearance of high [Ca2+]i plateau or to the partial recovery of the increased [Ca2+]i. Experiments show that impaired [Ca2+]i recovery in the postglutamate period cannot be explained by the increased [Ca2+]i permeability of the neuronal membrane, as earlier considered. Moreover, a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i during and after chronic GLU application is associated with a progressive decrease in Ca2+ permeability. The major cause of GLU-induced Ca2+ overload is the mitochondrial depolarization resulted from excessive Ca2+ influx into the mitochondria, the generation of free radicals and the opening of a "giant pore" in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This in turn suppresses both ATP synthesis and Ca2+ electrophoretic uptake into the mitochondrial matrix. In combination with [Ca2+]i-dependent acidification, this leads to the suppression of Ca2+ release from the cell via Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and Ca2+/H+ pump of the neuronal membrane. Therefore, [Ca2+]i recovery following a long-term GLU treatment becomes strongly or even irreversibly compromised.     

A preclinical study of the effect of the animal polysaccharide chonsurid on reparative osteogenesis of the jaws

Experimental studies making use of morphological and x-ray methods demonstrated that in comparison with control (filling of mandibular bone defects with blood clots) chonsuride, an animal polysaccharide, promoted earlier filling of postoperative bone cavities with connective tissue replacement of this tissue with coarse-fiber bone tissue. Secondary restructuring and mineralization of bone regenerate were enhanced as well.     

Changes of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase and FoF1 ATP synthase subunits in rat cerebral cortex during aging

The contents of subunits I, II/III, and IV of cytochrome c oxidase and of subunits alpha, beta and gamma of FoF1 ATP synthase in inner mitochondrial membrane proteins purified from cerebral cortex of rat at 2, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 26 months of age were analyzed by western blot. Age-related changes in the content of subunits, either of mitochondrial or nuclear origin, were observed. All the cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunits examined showed an age-related increase from 2-month-old rats up to 24 months with a decrease at the oldest age (26 months). The same pattern of age-dependent changes was observed for gamma ATP synthase, while the alpha and beta subunits increased progressively up to 26 months.