The isolation and analysis of lymphoblastoid cell lines from patients with xeroderma pigmentosum and progeria

Lymphoblastoid cell lines from patients with xeroderma pigmentosum (2 forms) and progeria (unusual form) were established using transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes by Epstein--Barr virus. The influence of different UV doses on cell vitality, proliferation and cell cycle progression was studied by means of flow cytometry. The cell vitality was determined after incubation of cells with etidium bromide and FDA. We used cytograms with two logarithmic signals (log green/log red) to discriminate the cell cycle status. Cell cultures were used with density of 500,000 cells per 1 ml, previously synchronized at G-phase by the incubation in a medium with low serum content. The effect of UV irradiation was followed during 72 h. Among four analysed cell lines only line XP2SP demonstrated enhanced UV sensitivity, expressed by decreasing of the amount of living cells after the UV dose of 2.5 J/m2 and higher. The cell cycle studies showed that cells were blocked in S-phase and simultaneously the amount of apoptotic cells with both reduced DNA content and ability to bind FDA was seen increased. Similar events were observed in the control line only after the dose of 20 J/m2 and higher.     

Isolated left superior vena cava to the left atrium with situs solitus and dextrocardia: extracardiac repair facilitated by juxtaposition of the atrial appendages

We describe an extremely unusual case, with isolated left superior vena cava to the left atrium, normal intracardiac anatomy, and left juxtaposition of the atrial appendages. Surgical repair was performed without cardiopulmonary bypass by anastomosing the left superior cava to the superior aspect of the right atrial appendage, and was facilitated by the ectopic location of the appendage.     

Temperament as a prerequisite of creative capabilities

Temperamental and creative characteristics were compared in three groups of subjects who manifested a bent for creative activity. The groups differed in their age: 14-year-old schoolchildren of architectural class (n = 20), 18 to 20-year-old students of architectural institute (n = 94), and 25 to 45-year-old professional architects (n = 25). The temperamental properties were measured using the STQ method. The creative characteristics were evaluated by E. P. Torrance's non-verbal tests of creative thinking. In the structure of creative abilities, only two creative characteristics, i.e., fluency and flexibility, correlated at the statistically significant level with temperamental properties in all the age-specific groups under study. The closest correlations were found with plasticity and emotionality of temperament both in object-related and subject-related spheres.     

Removal of toxic metals from aqueous solutions by layered double hydroxides

The article has investigated the possibility of using layered double hydroxide intercalated by diethylenetriaminepentaactetic acid for the removal of toxic metals from aqueous solutions. It has been shown that sorption of Ni(II), Co(II), and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions on the indicated sorbent is determined by several mechanisms of sorption: complexation, ionic exchange and precipitation of metal hydroxides. Comparative research of the efficiency of removing toxic metals by carbonate and chelate forms of sorbents was conducted.     

Intermediate phases in the region of a morphotropic transition and the properties of ferroelectric piezoceramics

It is established that the region of a morphotropic phase transition in ternary solid solution systems based on lead zirconate titanate exhibits a complicated structure. The maxima of the physical characteristics of solid solutions in this morphotropic phase transition region are determined to a considerable extent by an intermediate phase. A series of solid solutions with good prospects for applications in high-temperature piezoceramics technology are found.