External Secretion Research Articles

Enteral formulas for nutritional support of patients with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease characterized by impaired functioning of the glands of external secretion, the phenomena of maldigestion, malabsorption, chronic inflammation in the bronchopulmonary system, which negatively affects the nutritional status. Among patients with CF, regardless of age, there is a high prevalence of malnutrition, which has a multifactorial nature and leads to somatic and psychological consequences, significantly worsens the course and prognosis of the disease, and reduces the quality of life. The high-risk group consists of adolescent children due to the increased energy needs of the body during this period and the progression of the severity of the disease with age. A good nutritional status (NS) is an important parameter for successful control of the CF flow. General dietary recommendations for CF include an increased energy value of food (up to 200% of the target values of kca /day for healthy individuals) while taking pancreatic enzymes. An increased intake of protein, fat, salt, and fat-soluble vitamins is recommended. Important nutritional factors are polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, pre-probiotics, trace elements, and antioxidants. It is necessary to take preventive measures to prevent the development of malnutrition and timely correct existing deficiencies, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. For this purpose, specialized therapeutic nutrition is used. A wide range of such products in the form of ready-made (drinks, yoghurts, creamy products) or dry mixes to increase the energy and biological value of the actual diet is the best option for correcting the nutritional needs of patients with CF. They have proven clinical efficacy and safety, are well absorbed and tolerated, convenient and easy to use for patients, which significantly increases compliance and improves the result of treatment. The available assortment allows you to choose a personalized approach to each patient, taking into account the general condition, age, existing complications, and associated diseases. The review highlights the causes of nutritional deficiency, changes in approaches to diet therapy against the background of targeted therapy, enteral nutrition products recommended for patients with MV in the territory of the Russian Federation and indications for their appointment.

МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ПРЕПУЦИАЛЬНЫХ И КЛИТОРАЛЬНЫХ ЖЕЛЕЗ У ДЕКОРАТИВНЫХ КРЫС

The aim of the study is to investigate the structural features of the preputial glands of males and clitoral glands of females in clinically healthy adult sexually mature pet rats. The object of the study is pet rats kept by private owners in the city of Krasnoyarsk and the Krasnoyarsk Region, which died from various disea¬ses not associated with pathologies of the studied glands. The material of the study was the clitoral and preputial glands collected from the corpses of dead animals during pathological examination. The material from 13 females weighing from 248 to 567 g and 11 males weighing from 229 to 720 g was studied. The age of the animals ranged from 12 to 36 months. The preputial and clitoral glands are paired organs of external secretion, located in the thickness of the subcutaneous fat, and are well developed in animals of both sexes. Their absolute weight significantly differs between rats of different sexes and is (0.22 ± 0.02) g in males and (0.14 ± 0.01) g in females (P ≤ 0.01). The relative mass of the glands in animals of both sexes is (0.4 ± 0.01) % of the body mass. It has been established that the preputial glands in males and the clitoral glands in females of pet rats have a comparable histological structure. According to the type of secretion, they are holocrine, according to the characteristics of the excretory ducts, they are branched, and according to the shape of the terminal sections, they are alveolar. They produce a pasty secretion, which has a color from yellowish to light brown, contains a large amount of lipids and has a pungent odor.

Sjögren’s syndrome – diagnosis and contemporary therapeutic possibilities

Dry eye syndrome is a group of medical conditions that can be caused by many factors, as a result of which there is an abnormality in moisturizing of the eye surface by a tear film. One of the causes of this disorder is Sjögren’s syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies against its own proteins. The glands of external secretion, mainly lacrimal and salivary glands are damaged as a result of inflammation. Associated with this side effects, affect negatively and reduce the quality of life, which is why in the following article we present the available therapeutic options for patients suffering from ophthalmological manifestations of Sjögren’s syndrome.

Molecular Characterization of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor (pIgR) and Expression Response to Vibrio harveyi Challenge in Leopard Coral Grouper (Plectropomus leopardus)

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is the primary antibody in fish, which is transported from epithelial cells into the external secretion system by polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). In this study, the full length of IgM and pIgR complementary DNA sequences from leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) was characterized, and their expression levels under Vibrio harveyi infection were studied. cDNA sequence analysis showed that the pl-IgM heavy chain cDNA contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1797 bp encoding a polypeptide of 597 amino acids consisting of a signal peptide, a variable region, and 4 constant regions. pl-pIgR (1041 bp) encodes 346 amino acids with 2 Ig-like domains (ILDs). The expression levels of pl-IgM and pl-pIgR in healthy fish were mainly in the intestine and spleen of fish, which indicates the relationship between the mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue and system lymphoid tissue. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles of pl-IgM and pl-pIgR were significantly increased in the intestine, head kidney, spleen, and liver after V. harveyi infection. The cDNA sequences of two ILDs were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant pl-pIgR protein had antibacterial function against V. harveyi and Vibrio alginolyticus at 200 ng/μl. Our results indicate that pl-IgM and pl-pIgR are involved in the mucosal-associated immune and systemic immune response in the antibacterial immunity of leopard coral grouper.

Endocrine Channels

The article will present 9 new energy channels – endocrine channels. The endocrine channels are – Thyro (for the thyroid gland), First and Second Parathyroid channels, Pancreas, Parotid, Thymus, Adre (for the adrenal gland), Ovates (for the ovary and testis), Brain, Pitu (for the pituitary gland) and Pineal channels. The endocrine channels control the hormonal activity of the glands with internal and external secretion. The hormones of the endocrine glands stimulate or suppress the function and structure building of every one organ and tissue of the human body. Will be given the author’s definition of the energy channels. Will discuss in more detail the Thyro channel – localization, structure, points, and therapy of some thyroid gland diseases.

Continuous electromethanogenesis of propionate wastewater: Effect of external voltage and hydraulic retention time

Conventional anaerobic digestion (AD) may be inhibited by the accumulation of intermediate metabolites, thereby disrupting the stability of the AD process. The emerging electromethanogenesis system opens up a new opportunity to enhance the efficiency of biogas technology. In this study, the potential mechanism of the combined impact of applied external voltage and hydraulic retention time on continuous propionate digestion was investigated for the first time. The methane yield was increased up to 98.6 %, while the methane content was enhanced up to 48.0 % with an external voltage of 1.0 V, compared with the control. The cyclic voltammetry results suggested that the external voltage facilitated faster growth, stronger resistance to hydraulic shock, and higher electrochemical activity of electroactive biofilms with a thickness of approximately 10 μm. Further analysis via a three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix confirmed the external voltage-boosted EPS secretion comprised of protein-like substances, acting as the electron mediator between Smithella and Methanosaeta.

Генетически детерминированная сочетанная патология поджелудочной железы: муковисцидоз, панкреатит, диабет

In this article, we report a case of cystic fibrosis (CF) with untypical manifestations, including obstructive pancreatitis with relative pancreatic insufficiency, complicated by pancreatolithiasis and type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Interestingly, the patient had almost none clinical manifestations of CF in the lower respiratory tract. The first manifestation was abdominal pain associated with chronic obstructive pancreatitis. The patient had only laboratory manifestations of DM1 without any clinical signs. DM1 treatment led to an increase in the child's body weight and increased external respiration, which allowed an operation for pancreatitis. We removed calculi and performed longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy. The surgery alleviated pain and increased the external secretion of the pancreas. Thus, this case demonstrates difficulties associated with CF diagnosis, as well as effectiveness and feasibility of surgical treatment for obstructive pancreatitis, even in cases when it is believed to be an inherited and incurable disease. Key words: cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, pancreatic insufficiency, pancreatolithiasis, type 1 diabetes mellitus

DYNAMICS OF SERUM PROTEIN CONTENT AND PRODUCTIVITY OF CHICKENS WITH DIFFERENT TONUS OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

The main role in maintaining the functioning of the body, its growth, and development belongs to protein. It is involved in the formation of the muscular skeleton and is s part of enzymes, neurotransmitters, hormones. The effect of the autonomic nervous system on total protein metabolism has not been sufficiently studied. It is known that the autonomic nervous system is a structure that is responsible for the homeostasis and stability of the whole organism. It participates in the regulation of the heart, endocrine and external secretion glands, gastrointestinal tract, excretory organs, and more. In our studies, it was found that in chickens of Cobb 500 strain with different tones of the autonomic nervous system during the growing period from the 35th to the 60th day, different contents of total protein, albumin, and globulins were observed and different body weights were recorded. Vagotonic chickens showed the lowest protein metabolism at the age of 35 and 45 days (P ˂ 0.05–0.001) compared with sympathicotonics and normotonics, which tended to increase between 35 and 60 days of rearing compared with other groups of birds, where the studied protein fractions on the contrary decreased. Correlations between total protein, albumin, and bird body weight had a high linear relationship in all groups of chickens (P ˂ 0.05–0.001) and a negative relationship between the 45th and 60th days of rearing in sympathicotonics and normotonics. In birds with a predominance of parasympathetic tone of the autonomic nervous system, this correlation maintained its direction with high reliability (P ˂ 0.05) between body weight and total protein on the 60th day of rearing.

DYNAMICS OF SERUM PROTEIN CONTENT AND PRODUCTIVITY OF CHICKENS WITH DIFFERENT TONUS OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

The main role in maintaining the functioning of the body, its growth, and development belongs to protein. It is involved in the formation of the muscular skeleton and is s part of enzymes, neurotransmitters, hormones. The effect of the autonomic nervous system on total protein metabolism has not been sufficiently studied. It is known that the autonomic nervous system is a structure that is responsible for the homeostasis and stability of the whole organism. It participates in the regulation of the heart, endocrine and external secretion glands, gastrointestinal tract, excretory organs, and more. In our studies, it was found that in chickens of Cobb 500 strain with different tones of the autonomic nervous system during the growing period from the 35th to the 60th day, different contents of total protein, albumin, and globulins were observed and different body weights were recorded. Vagotonic chickens showed the lowest protein metabolism at the age of 35 and 45 days (P ˂ 0.05–0.001) compared with sympathicotonics and normotonics, which tended to increase between 35 and 60 days of rearing compared with other groups of birds, where the studied protein fractions on the contrary decreased. Correlations between total protein, albumin, and bird body weight had a high linear relationship in all groups of chickens (P ˂ 0.05–0.001) and a negative relationship between the 45th and 60th days of rearing in sympathicotonics and normotonics. In birds with a predominance of parasympathetic tone of the autonomic nervous system, this correlation maintained its direction with high reliability (P ˂ 0.05) between body weight and total protein on the 60th day of rearing.

Морфофункціональна характеристика окремих органів травної системи людини

Today, the growing trend of the prevalence of diseases of the digestive system is a very important issue not only in Ukraine but also around the world. This problem applies not only to practical areas of health care, but also to theoretical medicine. The study of the anatomical structure and functional state of the digestive system is the theoretical basis for the extrapolation of various pathological conditions in laboratory animals. Analysis of scientific sources showed a lack of comprehensive morphological studies of the human digestive system. The purpose of the paper was to study the features of some organs of the human digestive system in the morphological aspect by bibliographic analysis of literature. Materials and methods. This bibliographic analysis is based on published peer-reviewed articles, books, textbooks, monographs, abstracts of dissertations. For the purposes of this systematic review, literature search (concerning the study of the structure of the human digestive system) was carried out on the Internet, domestic literature sources, scientific and electronic libraries of Poltava State Medical University by the following keywords: "digestive system", "morphology", "gastrointestinal tract", "colon", "cаecum", "embryonic development of the digestive system". Results and discussion. Digestive system (Latin «systema digestorium») is a system of organs of various structures and functions formed in phylogeny, the importance of which lies in the perception, mechanical and chemical (enzymatic) processing and absorption of nutrients needed to compensate for energy and material costs in the body. Conclusion. Significant progress has been made in understanding the development of the human digestive system over the past two decades. The human digestive system is formed in phylogeny community of similar in structure and function of organs, the importance of which is the digestion of food, mechanical and enzymatic breakdown, absorption of breakdown products into the internal environment of the body and their transport to the liver. The structure of the gastric mucosa is well thought out for secretion and protection against low pH of gastric contents, which is regulated by hydrochloric acid. The pancreas, like the gland of external secretion, produces many digestive enzymes in an inactive form. Activation usually occurs in the lumen of the small intestine. The liver receives most of the nutrients absorbed through the portal vein and then uses them to synthesize many larger molecules

The limited exclusion and efficient translocation mediated by organic acids contribute to rare earth element hyperaccumulation in Phytolacca americana

Organic acids play an important role in metal tolerance, uptake, and translocation in hyperaccumulators. Phytolacca americana is a rare earth element (REE) hyperaccumulator, but the underlying mechanisms on REE tolerance and accumulation mediated by organic acids are poorly understood. Here, we reported for the first time the strategy of P. americana to enhance REE tolerance and accumulation through organic acids from root external secretion to internal biosynthesis. Different from the exclusion of heavy metal by organic acid in the typical plants, the results showed that oxalate secretion (0.3–0.6 μmol h−1 g−1 root DW) induced by yttrium (Y) could not prevent Y from entering the roots, resulting in excess Y uptake by P. americana. Yttrium stress also stimulated the accumulation of malate and citrate by 1.4- and 2.0-folds in the root cortex. Exogenous malate and citrate promoted the redistribution of Y from the root cell walls to the shoot by 30% and 21%, respectively. Based on comparative transcriptome analysis, 6-fold up-regulation was observed in PaNIP1;2, whose homology AtNIP1;2 is responsible for the transport of Al-malate in Arabidopsis. These results suggested that the promoted formation of Y-malate complexes within the roots potentially accelerated the transport of Y from P. americana roots to shoots through PaNIP1;2. Our study revealed the potential mechanism of organic acids in the external exclusion and internal detoxification and translocation of REE in P. americana roots, which provided a basis for improving the efficiency of REE phytoextraction.

Цукровий діабет й екзокринна недостатність підшлункової залози (огляд літератури)

На сьогодні все більше значення надається дослідженню проблеми екзокринної панкреатичної недостатності, що спостерігається в значної кількості хворих на цукровий діабет (ЦД) 1-го і 2-го типу і може потенційно впливати на компенсацію ЦД. Механізм зниження зовнішньої секреції підшлункової залози при ЦД пов’язаний із дисбалансом інгібуючих і стимулю­ючих панкреатичну секрецію гормонів, із фіброзом залози в результаті діабетичної ангіопатії. При ЦД 2-го типу в патогенезі зовнішньосекреторної панкреатичної недостатності беруть участь механізми, що є наслідком метаболічного синдрому. Замісну ферментну терапію слід розглядати як один із перспективних методів лікування хворих на ЦД.

CONDITION OF THE PANCREAS IN NEWBORN CALVES WITH DYSPEPSIA AFTER ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY

The pancreas performs the functions of both external and internal secretion, has a great influence on the growth and development of young cattle. Thus, the function of the external secretion is the synthesis and excretion of juice into the duodenum, which includes digestive enzymes and electrolytes, and the internal secretion is the synthesis and excretion of hormones into the blood. Timely identification of the causes of developing deviations from the norm in the body and the adoption of appropriate measures is due to the fact that when raising cattle at industrial enterprises, diseases are widespread, and the manifestation of clinical signs of the disease in one animal often signals the presence of problems in the entire sex and age population. The aim of our research was to determine the functional state of the pancreas in newborn calves during rehabilitation after antibiotic therapy for dyspepsia. The research was carried out on a farm located on the territory of the Altai Territory. In the course of the research, three experimental groups of calves were formed, in which the clinical, biochemical and morphological status was studied. To obtain the results of biochemical studies, a biochemical semi-automatic analyzer with an open Clima MC – 15, RAL system was used, and for morphological studies, an automatic analyzer with a closed MicroCC-20Plus system was used. In the course of the research, it was found that the studied indicators blood samples indicate a violation of intestinal absorption and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency caused by dyspepsia and subsequent antibiotic therapy, while calves from the experimental group receiving the probiotic complex Vetom 1.2 showed better dynamics in restoring homeostasis after the disease.

LncRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles in Methylprednisolone Stimulated Neural Stem Cells.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder that affects thousands of individuals each year. Previously, our study in non-human primates with SCI demonstrated that methylprednisolone (MP) resulted in the dysfunction of neural stem cells (NSCs), which may help to explain the controversial roles of MP in SCI. However, the detailed mechanism is still unclear. In this manuscript, we investigated the LncRNA and mRNA expression profiles of NSCs treated with MP. A total of 63 differentially expressed LncRNAs and 174 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that differentially expressed mRNAs were highly associated with terms related to regulation of external stimulation, secretion, and migration. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis results indicated that the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway contributed to the functions of MP treated NSCs. Besides, 3899 co-expression pairs were constructed among the differentially expressed LncRNA and mRNA, among which five predicted target mRNAs with the differentially expressed LncRNAs were identified. These results provide greater insight into the precise mechanisms of MP mediating NSC dysfunction in SCI.

Description of rare alleles of the CFTR gene in cystic fibrosis using functional tests and forskolin-induced swelling assay in rectal organoids

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a systemic hereditary disease caused by a mutation of the CFTR gene and characterized by damage to the glands of external secretion and severe dysfunctions of the respiratory system. The “severe” genotypes are associated with more pronounced and early clinical manifestations. The “mild” genotypes are associated with a delayed onset of clinical manifestations.Methods. An analysis of the medical history of patients with asymptomatic CF from the Russian CF centers was carried out. Rectal biopsy specimens were used for intestinal current measurement (ICM) and forskolin-induced swelling assay in intestinal organoids. DNA for sequencing was isolated from the venous blood leukocytes.Results. 2 CF patients with genotypes F508del/c.1584+18672A>G (patient 1, 12 years old) and F508del/G509D-E217G (patient 2, 3 years old) were examined. The diagnosis was based on neonatal screening. The ICM assay showed a reduced function of the CFTR channel: ΔISC for forskolin was 12.33 ± 2.35 μA/cm2 in patient 1 and 25 ± 3.37 μA/cm2 in patient 2. The negative response to carbachol and histamine reflects the entry of potassium ions into the cells, which is typical for CF. The assay in intestinal organoids showed that the amount of functional protein on the apical membrane of the intestinal epithelium increases both under the action of the potentiator and the corrector in both patients. The greatest effect is observed when the VX-770 and VX-809 are used together.Conclusion. The ICM functional assay and the forskolin-induced swelling assay in intestinal organoids are sensitive enough to determine the residual functional activity of the CFTR channel and clarify the diagnosis in difficult cases. The studied genetic variants c.1584+18672A>G and G509D-E217G belong to class IV – VI mutations. The clinical picture corresponds to the manifestations of “mild” mutations. The studied patients still attend the Russian cystic fibrosis centers.

Expression of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) and immunoglobulin (IgM) gene in mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT) of Labeo rohita fingerlings immunized with pDNA (pGPD-IFN) vaccine

Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) is a protein that transports Immunoglobulins (Igs) from epithelial cells into the external secretion system of the animal. In the present study, we characterized the partial pIgR gene from Labeo rohita and analyzed its expression in response to the pDNA (pGPD-IFN) vaccine, and studied its correlation with the expression of IgM, in the mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT). The significant (p < 0.05) up-regulation of pIgR mRNA was observed in the mucosal tissues of vaccinated fish by qRT-PCR. The highest expression of the gene was detected in gill tissue at 15 days post-vaccination (dpv) followed by skin and gut at 30 dpv. The expression of IgM also showed a similar pattern and indicated a direct correlation of pIgR expression in all the tested tissues. The protective immune response of the DNA vaccine was measured as the relative percentage of survival (RPS) by challenging vaccinated fish with live Edwardsiella tarda (1 × 105 CFU/Fish). The result showed a significantly high relative percentage survival (RPS) in the vaccinated group (47.05%) compared to the control group. Many factors contributing to the immune response of the vaccine. One of the most critical aspects is the rise in IgM level in local tissues. In other higher vertebrates, pIgR is reported to act as the transporter of IgM. The positive correlation in the expression of pIgR and IgM observed in the present study demonstrated the possible role of pIgR as the transporter of IgM in L. rohita. The study suggests the possibility of the secretory nature of IgM in fish.

Mechanism of taurocholic acid in promoting the progression of liver cirrhosis

Bile acid is the main component of bile, and the external secretion of bile acid into the intestine can help with the absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins; in addition, bile acid acts as a signal molecule to regulate bile acid metabolism and help maintain intestinal homeostasis. The process of liver cirrhosis is accompanied by varying degrees of cholestasis, causing bile duct injury, and exposure of liver cells to a high concentration of bile acid will accelerate the progression of liver cirrhosis and form a vicious circle. Among these abnormally elevated bile acids, taurocholic acid (TCA) shows the greatest increase, suggesting that TCA may play an important role in the process of liver cirrhosis. At present, there are relatively few studies on the mechanism of TCA in liver cirrhosis, and current studies in China and globally have shown that TCA at a high concentration (≥50 μmol/L) can promote the progression of liver cirrhosis by acting on liver cells (hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, hepatic progenitor cells, and bile duct epithelial cells). This article discusses the detailed mechanism of TCA in promoting liver cirrhosis and points out that TCA has the clinical potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for liver cirrhosis.

Caring for Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis, in Portugal: The Nurse’s Role

ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe the nurse’s role in the transition processes of adolescents with cystic fibrosis and their parents. Cystic fibrosis is a multisystem, life-shortening genetic disease, caused by malfunction of the protein-encoding gene Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, characterized by a disturbance of external secretion glands. Moreover, the potential presence of respiratory, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and reproductive-related symptomatology in these patients can add a substantial burden to the disease. In Portugal, the prevalence rate is 1:7,963 of newborns and the life expectancy is around 40 years. Because of the disease multiple-related symptoms, sometimes disabling, health teams include different professionals, with nurses being the main responsible for caring for adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis and providing guidance to their parents. A qualitative paradigm of phenomenological type was designed. A total of 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants selected through the snowball technique. Content analysis was performed as proposed by Bardin. The average age of participants ranged between 28 and 53 years, and the average time of professional exercise ranged between 5 and 27 years. From the analysis of the interviews, the category Nurse’s Role emerged, followed by the subcategories, identify needs, caring, communicate, train, continuity of care, teamwork, care partnership, promoting standardization. Nurses identified the nature of the nursing role as a strong determinant to facilitate monitoring and intervention processes for adolescents with cystic fibrosis and their parents. Nursing therapeutics aim to promote, prevent, and effectively contribute to the development process and recovery of stability and well-being of adolescents with cystic fibrosis and their parents.

A sticky thicket of glue cells: A comparative morphometric analysis of colloblasts in 20 species of comb jelly (phylum Ctenophora)

Ctenophores in the class Tentaculata are distinct from Cnidarians in that they use sticky, not stinging, tentacles to capture and subdue their prey. The structures that make these tentacles sticky are colloblasts, specialized multicellular adhesive structures for predation. Located on the tentacles, tentacle side-branches (tentilla), or oral tentilla, colloblasts are only found in comb jellies (phylum Ctenophora). To perform comparative anatomy of the diversity of ctenophore colloblasts, specimens were collected from the epi- to bathypelagic zones near the coasts of central California and the Hawaiian Islands using blue-water divers and remotely operated vehicles. Tentacle samples were immediately fixed in a 4% formalin solution at sea, and then prepared in the lab via secondary fixation in 2% OsO4 for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Diversity of ultrastructural characteristics was observed using SEM, and the morphometrics of the collosphere, external secretion granules, and spiral filament were recorded for 20 species, within 9 families and 9 genera, including 13 undescribed species. Morphometry of colloblasts reveals that the shape of the collosphere (the organizational unit of sticky granules) falls into 3 classifications: spherical, ellipsoidal, or non-uniform. External secretion granule deposition falls into 2 categories: clustered or patterned; the cap cell membrane was either present or absent. This morphological variation is summarized graphically and will be useful to describe the functional diversity and feeding ecology of the interesting and controversial phylum Ctenophora.

CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF ANTRAL IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PANCREATITIS

The studies on the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) have proven the important role of systemic inflammation, factors of proteinase-inhibitory system with increasing damaging effects of systemic proteolysis, disturbance of oxidant-antioxidant homeostasis, changes in blood lipid and protein spectroscopic processes that collectively contribute to inhibition of reparative processes and the activation of pancreatic fibrosis processes. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of applying Antral medicine in the treatment of CP in the exacerbation phase on the basis of a comprehensive assessment of clinical course of CP and structural and functional disorders of the pancreas. Material and methods. 52 patients with CP of mixed aetiology were examined in the exacerbation phase of moderate severity. The first group (group 1, control) included 24 people, who received standard treatment within 30 days. The main group (group 2) involved 28 people, who in addition to the standard therapy took Antral (Pharmak OAO, Kyiv) in a dose of 1 tablet (200 mg) 3 times a day for 30 days. The comparison group consisted of 30 healthy individuals of the same age and sex. Results. In 4 weeks since the beginning of the therapy, the astheno-vegetative syndrome was found as significantly less manifested in only 2 people (7.1%) of the 2 groups, whereas in the 1 group it remained in 17 patients. At the same time in all patients of group 2 (100.0%) the pain and feeling of heaviness in the epigastric region, pain in the left and right subcostal area were disappeared, they did not complain of nausea.&#x0D; The restoration of physical performance in 100.0% of patients in the 2 group can be regarded as a positive manifestation of the therapy efficacy. Analyzing the indicators, which characterize the phase of CP exacerbation, it is necessary to note the patients of the 2 group demonstrated higher efficacy of their treatment program. Thus, dynamic indicators of blood α-amylase activity against the background of hyperfermentemia diagnosed prior the treatment and in the phase of CP exacerbation significantly decreased in both groups of observation on the 30th day of the therapy; the syndrome of enzyme rejection in the blood was eliminated in 100% of patients of the 2 groups; whereas in group 1 this was observed only in 58.3% of the patients. The dynamic of indicators of the inflammation syndrome in patients with CP (by blood C-reactive protein content) indicates its complete elimination in 96.4% of the patients in group 2 vs. 29.2% of the patients in group 1. Analysis of the dynamic indicators of elastase-1 content in the faeces of the patients with CP on the 30th day of the therapy indicates a significant increase in this indicator in only group 2. Restoration of the secretory capacity of the pancreas was observed in 78.6% of patients in group 2 vs. 20.8% of the patients in group 1. Conclusions. Complex therapy of patients with chronic pancreatitis with applying Antral in addition to the integrated therapy has led to faster, when compared with only standard therapy, achieving clinical remission of chronic pancreatitis, elimination of inflammatory pancreatic oedema, hyperfermentemia and inflammation, restoration of the external secretion of the pancreas.