Spontaneous Restoration Research Articles

Измерение EGTA-опосредованного нарушения барьерной функции с помощью импедансной спектроскопии

For the widespread use of in vitro models of barrier tissues in practice, it is necessary to develop approaches to the automation of cultivation and monitoring of the state of cells. Impedance spectroscopy is a promising and informative method for assessing the state of cell barriers. In this work, the dynamics of electrical parameters in an in vitro model of the intestinal barrier with a high temporal resolution has been studied using impedance spectroscopy. For the first time, the detailed kinetics of changes in TEER, electrical capacitance and additional resistance of a monolayer of Caco-2 cells at various EGTA concentrations was recorded. It was demonstrated that spontaneous restoration of the integrity of the cell barrier is possible in the presence of 2 mM EGTA in the medium, which begins approximately 6 h after the compound addition. A strong increase in TEER was also found immediately after the addition of EGTA, which probably depended on the EGTA concentration and can be explained by a decrease in intracellular conductance due to the closure of transmembrane channels. impedance spectroscopy, intestine, TEER, electrical capacitance, EGTA The study was funded by the Russian Science Foundation (project 16-19-10597).

Loss of Oligodendrocytes by Oxidative Phosphorylation Inhibitor Rotenone and its Reversal by Phenylbutyrate (PB) in Human Brain Developmental Organoid Model

Abstract Brain oligodendrocytes have been shown to be particularly affected by hypoxia and mitochondrial insufficiency. To model their effects on human brain development, we exposed developing human iPSC derived cerebral organoids to rotenone, a mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) inhibitor. A short-term, 3-day, rotenone exposure depleted proliferating (Ki67+) organoid neural progenitor cells (NPC) while increasing distances between the residual NPC. Rotenone treatment also depleted the population of O4+ oligodendrocytes and a similar trend was observed with the double stained Ki67+/O4+ oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC). When allowed an additional 10-days post- rotenone recovery time, the organoids showed spontaneous partial restoration of the O4+ population. This regeneration was significantly enhanced by treatment with phenylbutyrate (PB) known to stimulate acetyl-CoA and energy production from glucose by increasing activity of the mitochondrial Pyruvate Dehydrogenase. Specifically, PB stimulated the OPC numbers and increased the O4+ oligodendrocyte population depleted by 3-day Rotenone but it did not affect the Ki67+ NPC population. A longer, 6-day rotenone exposure lead to an extensive loss of NPC, OPC and O4+ oligodendrocytes. Neither the spontaneous nor PB-induced recoveries of NPC, OPC and O4+ oligodendrocytes were noted. In summary, following a transient oxidative insult, the oligodendrocyte population is capable of significant spontaneous regeneration and PB may be used to enhance the recovery. The cerebral organoids provide an effective model for studying human brain developmental oligodendrogenesis, its disruption by oxidative stress and for development of new corrective therapies.

Superior restoration of left ventricular performance after prolonged single-dose del Nido cardioplegia in conjunction with terminal warm blood cardioplegic reperfusion

ObjectivesAn incomplete restoration of left ventricular contractility after del Nido cardioplegia was noted in our recent study. This study tested the hypothesis that terminal warm blood cardioplegia promotes a prompt restoration of left ventricular performance after a prolonged single-dose del Nido cardioplegia. MethodsFourteen piglets were subjected to 120 minutes of arrest by del Nido cardioplegia without terminal warm blood cardioplegia (del Nido cardioplegia group; n = 7) or with terminal warm blood cardioplegia before reperfusion (terminal warm blood cardioplegia group; n = 7). The other 7 piglets underwent total cardiopulmonary bypass without ischemia/reperfusion for 150 minutes (control group). Left ventricular function was assessed by percent recovery of end-systolic elastance as the contractility and percent end-diastolic pressure–volume relationship as the compliance using a conductance catheter. Troponin T and the mitochondrial score were also measured. ResultsDepressed percent recovery of end-systolic elastance was sustained in the del Nido cardioplegia group, and a prompt restoration of end-systolic elastance was achieved using terminal warm blood cardioplegia (57.9 ± 17.8 vs 94.7 ± 13.1, P < .028). Percent end-diastolic pressure–volume relationship at the early phase was better in the terminal warm blood cardioplegia compared with the del Nido group (88.5 ± 24.0 vs 101.4 ± 16.8, P = .050). Troponin T was higher in the terminal warm blood cardioplegia compared with the control group (0.80% ± 0.21% and 1.49% ± 0.31%, respectively, P = .002). The mitochondrial score was equivalent in all groups. Spontaneous restoration to sinus rhythm was more frequent in the terminal warm blood cardioplegia group than in the del Nido cardioplegia group (6/7 vs 1/7, P < .028). ConclusionsThe supplementary use of terminal warm blood cardioplegia achieved prolongation of the safe ischemic time up to 120 minutes for a single-dose application.

The active environment influence on the luminescence of SnO2 nanoparticles’ ensembles in a porous matrix

The environmental influence (with alkaline and acid components) on the luminescence character of SnO2 nanoparticles’ ensembles in a porous silicate glass matrix was studied. The established changes in the luminescence are associated with the interaction nature of alkaline or acid ions with nanoparticles in the pores of silicate glass. A sharp drop in the radiation intensity is due to the formation of unstable ammonia complexes SnO2[NH3] in the alkaline environmental with a large capture cross section. Such complexes are not formed in an acidic environmental, and a slow and smooth change in the photoluminescence intensity is associated with the penetration of HCl molecules into the pores with subsequent dissociation. A correlation was also established between the changes in luminescence behavior and the composition of the initial solution for the porous matrix impregnation. The possibility of spontaneous restoration of the initial characteristics of the investigated material is established. This and its almost absolute chemical resistance make it possible to use an ensemble of SnO2 nanoparticles in silicate porous glass as an active working material for a luminescent ammonia sensor.

Nonlinear Approximations to Critical and Relaxation Processes

We develop nonlinear approximations to critical and relaxation phenomena, complemented by the optimization procedures. In the first part, we discuss general methods for calculation of critical indices and amplitudes from the perturbative expansions. Several important examples of the Stokes flow through 2D channels are brought up. Power series for the permeability derived for small values of amplitude are employed for calculation of various critical exponents in the regime of large amplitudes. Special nonlinear approximations valid for arbitrary values of the wave amplitude are derived from the expansions. In the second part, the technique developed for critical phenomena is applied to relaxation phenomena. The concept of time-translation invariance is discussed, and its spontaneous violation and restoration considered. Emerging probabilistic patterns correspond to a local breakdown of time-translation invariance. Their evolution leads to the time-translation invariance complete (or partial) restoration. We estimate the typical time extent, amplitude and direction for such a restorative process. The new technique is based on explicit introduction of origin in time as an optimization parameter. After some transformations, we arrive at the exponential and generalized exponential-type solutions (Gompertz approximants), with explicit finite time scale, which is only implicit in the initial parameterization with polynomial approximation. The concept of crash as a fast relaxation phenomenon, consisting of time-translation invariance breaking and restoration, is advanced. Several COVID-related crashes in the time series for Shanghai Composite and Dow Jones Industrial are discussed as an illustration.

Identifying factors associated with spontaneous restoration of hearing in children with otitis media with effusion.

To identify predictors of acceptable hearing at 5weeks, 6 and 12months in children with bilateral otitis media with effusion (OME). Secondary analysis of OSTRICH data, conducted in hospital ear, nose and throat (ENT) and paediatric audiology and audiovestibular medicine departments across Wales and England. The OSTRICH study included 389 children aged 2-8years with bilateral hearing loss attributable toOME for at least 3months. Baseline, 5-week, 6- and 12-month audiology measurements were collected and logistic regression models used to identify pre-randomisation baseline variables that predicted return of acceptable hearing, which was defined as less than or equal to 20dB hearing loss averaged within the frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4kHz in at least one ear in children assessed by pure tone audiometry, ear-specific insert visual reinforcement audiometry or ear-specific play audiometry less than or equal to 25dB hearing loss averaged within the frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4kHz in children assessed by sound-field visual reinforcement audiometry or sound-field performance/play audiometry, based on national guidelines. Less severe baseline hearing loss across both ears most consistently predicted acceptable hearing at 5weeks (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.91, 95% CI 0.87-0.95), 6months (0.94 [0.90-0.98]) and 12months (0.93 [0.89-0.97]). Negative history of atopy (2.05 [1.16-3.61]), never using hearing aids (aOR 2.16 [1.04-4.48]), and being male (1.75 [1.02-2.99]) were significant at 6months, but not at 12months. Symptom duration was a predictor at 5weeks, but not at 6 or 12months. Milder baseline hearing loss most consistently predicts acceptable hearing at 5weeks, 6 and 12months in children with chronic OME. Negative history of atopy, never using hearing aids, and male gender are associated with better prognosis. These predictors can be used to identify children that may not require treatment.

Which landscape and abiotic site factors influence vegetation succession across seres at a country scale?

AbstractQuestions(1) How much do abiotic site factors and land‐cover categories influence the course of succession across successional series at a country scale? (2) Are there any differences in the abiotic site factors and land‐cover categories which are responsible for driving primary and secondary seres? (3) Which of the factors influence species richness and participation of target species?LocationVarious disturbed sites in the Czech Republic, Central Europe.MethodsThe Database of Successional Series (DaSS) was compiled of 21 different types of succession, comprising 2,846 phytosociological relevés. The stages ranged from 1 to &gt;150 years in age. Abiotic site factors included macroclimate characteristics and substrate; landscape factors comprised various land‐cover categories in a radius of 1 km around each sampled site. Principal Coordinate Analysis of Neighbour Matrices (PCNM) was performed to quantify the effect of abiotic site factors and landscape factors on seral vegetation, also regarding the primary or secondary status of succession. The relationships between number of species, number and proportion of target species and abiotic site and landscape factors were further assessed using generalised linear model analysis.ResultsAll considered abiotic and landscape factors were found to have significant effects on the course of succession. The effects of abiotic site factors appeared to be more important than those of the surrounding landscape structure. Species richness was higher on basic substrates. The proportion of target species increased with increasing woodland area in the surrounding and with a wetter and colder climate, and decreased with urbanisation rate of the landscape.ConclusionNot only local but landscape factors, such as climate and land cover, should be considered in any study of succession, as they substantially influence the general successional pattern. Quantification of the role of these environmental factors may help to decide where a spontaneous restoration is a viable option for the restoration of disturbed sites. The primary or secondary status of succession is less relevant than has usually been supposed.

Spontaneous restoration of functional β-cell mass in obese SM/J mice.

Maintenance of functional β‐cell mass is critical to preventing diabetes, but the physiological mechanisms that cause β‐cell populations to thrive or fail in the context of obesity are unknown. High fat‐fed SM/J mice spontaneously transition from hyperglycemic‐obese to normoglycemic‐obese with age, providing a unique opportunity to study β‐cell adaptation. Here, we characterize insulin homeostasis, islet morphology, and β‐cell function during SM/J’s diabetic remission. As they resolve hyperglycemia, obese SM/J mice dramatically increase circulating and pancreatic insulin levels while improving insulin sensitivity. Immunostaining of pancreatic sections reveals that obese SM/J mice selectively increase β‐cell mass but not α‐cell mass. Obese SM/J mice do not show elevated β‐cell mitotic index, but rather elevated α‐cell mitotic index. Functional assessment of isolated islets reveals that obese SM/J mice increase glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion, decrease basal insulin secretion, and increase islet insulin content. These results establish that β‐cell mass expansion and improved β‐cell function underlie the resolution of hyperglycemia, indicating that obese SM/J mice are a valuable tool for exploring how functional β‐cell mass can be recovered in the context of obesity.

Pulse rate as an alternative, real-time feedback indicator for chest compression rate: a porcine model of cardiac arrest.

Feedback indicators can improve chest compression quality during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, the application of feedback indicators in the clinic practice is rare. Pulse oximetry has been widely used and reported to correlate spontaneous circulation restoration during CPR. However, it is unclear if pulse oximetry can monitor the quality of chest compression. We hypothesized that pulse rate monitored by pulse oximetry can be used as a feedback indicator of the chest compression rate during CPR in a porcine model of cardiac arrest. Seven domestic male pigs (30–35 kg) were utilized in this study. Eighteen intermittent chest compression periods of 2 min were performed on each animal. Chest compression and pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveforms were recorded simultaneously. Chest compression and pulse rates were calculated based on both waveforms. Compression interruption and synchronous pulse interruption times were also measured. Agreement was analyzed between pulse rates and synchronous chest compression rates, as well as between compression interruption times and synchronous pulse interruption times. A total of 126 compression periods of 2 min were performed on seven animals. Interclass correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman analysis revealed reliable agreement between pulse rates and synchronous chest compression rates. Similarly, compression interruption and synchronous pulse interruption times obtained also showed high agreement. Pulse rate can be used as an alternative indicator of chest compression rate during CPR in a porcine model of cardiac arrest. Pulse interruption time also can be used to reflect compression interruption time precisely in this model.

High spontaneous male-fertility-restorer frequency in a maize recurrent selection experiment

Using the crosses of the DH lines derived from a single cross hybrid Xianyu 335 as source materials for haploid induction in the recurrent selection scheme, we found that the rate of spontaneous chromosome doubling in the tassels of the haploid plants increased significantly in the second cycle and showed a cumulative genetic effect, and through using DH recurrent selection technique, the doubling rate of the haploid tassels can be doubled. Proved performing continuous recurrent selection in a narrow single cross background, the genetic makeup of the haploids had been enriched for spontaneous doubling restoration. Using hybrids between DH lines from two cycles haploid selection as source materials for haploid induction, the haploid tassel doubling rate had reached 85.15% and haploid ears showed seed set had reached 66.18%, representing a rate increase of 6.99 folds and 9.86 folds of its original source population Xianyu335.The genetic gain of set seeds plant frequency is 29.74% per cycle. Also, because the DH lines had been selected from two cycles of haploids or whole genome gamete selection based on the haploid phenotypes, it was effectively eliminated many deleterious and bad genes, and also cumulatively combined many superior genes for agronomy and plant growth vigor. These new DHs can be directly used as parents for germplasm enhancement and new hybrid selection and breeding. The discovery of the enrichment for spontaneous chromosome doubling and fertility restoration in of the tassels of the haploid plants tassels that were derived from DH recurrent selection technique and create high spontaneous doubling rate source materials may have showed a significant application value in maize breeding. It shows significant advantages for construct maize two cycle. Recurrent selection with high haploid spontaneous doubling rate can to speed up breeding output and cumulative genetic improvements.

Soil seed bank in different vegetation types in the Loess Plateau region and its role in vegetation restoration

In the Loess Plateau region, soil erosion is a serious problem. Vegetation restoration is an effective approach to control soil erosion and improve ecosystems. The soil seed bank generally plays an important role in vegetation restoration after disturbance. Thus, we reviewed soil seed bank studies to reveal the soil seed bank characteristics and its role in vegetation restoration in three vegetation types (forest, forest‐steppe, and steppe). We selected 38 seed bank studies and analyzed several seed bank characteristics, such as seed density, species composition, and the relationship between seed size and seed bank. We also assessed the role of the soil seed bank in vegetation restoration. The soil seed bank density ranged from 2,331 ± 1,993 to 6,985 ± 4,047 seeds/m2 among the different vegetation types. In the soil seed bank, perennial herbs and grasses accounted for 51.5% of the total species. Native species that were dominant or common in the standing vegetation usually had relatively high seed bank densities. Moreover, species with smaller seeds generally had higher soil seed bank densities. The present study indicates that the soil seed bank plays a significant role in spontaneous vegetation restoration, especially during the early successional stages in abandoned slope farmlands and grazing‐excluded grasslands. However, species with large seeds or transient soil seed banks should be reintroduced through seeding to accelerate target species restoration. More studies on soil seed banks need to be conducted to comprehensively reveal their characteristics.

Comparative study between the use of St. Thomas' II cardioplegia and del Nido cardioplegia in patients who underwent open-heart surgery

Background and Aims: Cardioplegia is used to arrest the heart after the application of an aortic cross-clamp that interrupts the coronary circulation. Commonly used St. Thomas’II cardioplegic solution has to be repeated at short intervals, which may cause additional myocardial injury. So, this study is done to determine whether del Nido (DN) cardioplegia, which has a longer duration of arrest with a single dose, provides equivalent or better myocardial protection as compared to St. Thomas’ II Cardioplegia.&#x0D; Methods: A prospective observational study was done among 100 patients who underwent open-heart surgery with myocardial protection, between September 2016 to August 2018 in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh. Patients were divided into two groups, group A (n=50) for del Nido cardioplegic and group B (n=50) for St. Thomas’ II cardioplegia. We compared the amount of cardioplegic solution, Aortic cross-clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, ischemic time, arrhythmia, spontaneous sinus rhythm after declamping, intraoperative DC shock requirement, postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, serum potassium level, low cardiac output, cardiac Troponin level I and CK-MB release after 12 hours and 24 hours, presence of myocardial infarction and death.&#x0D; Results: The per-operative variable suggested spontaneous activity during a cardiac arrest was 2% in del Nido and 14% in St. Thomas’ II group (p=0.044). Similarly, during intraoperative phase spontaneous restoration of cardiac activity after the procedure in del Nido was 2.90 ± 1.16 minutes and in St. Thomas’ II was 1.8 ± 0.615 minutes (p=0.001). However total bypass time and ischemic time were not significant. During the postoperative period, Troponin I and CKMB were measured at 12 hours and 24 hours which were not statistically different in two groups. Postoperatively, low output syndrome was seen among 3 patients in del Nido Group and 4 patients in St. Thomas’ II group (p-value=0.341).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study showed with the use of del Nido cardioplegia provides equivalent myocardial protection to St. Thomas’ II cardioplegia, with the use of only single-dose cardioplegia.

Spontaneous Restoration of Sinus Rhythm during Heart Transplantation is Associated with a Reduced Incidence of Primary Graft Dysfunction and Early Mortality

Insults to the donor heart during heart transplantation (HT) include ischemia and reperfusion injury after release of the aortic cross-clamp in the recipient. Restoration of heart beat after aortic unclamping can be by spontaneous resumption of sinus rhythm, pacing for atrioventricular (AV) block, or direct-current (DC) cardioversion for ventricular fibrillation. We investigated the association between mode of heart beat restoration and primary graft dysfunction (PGD). HT recipients between 1997-2017 were grouped by mode of heart beat restoration after aortic unclamping into: spontaneous (S; 126 pts), pacing (P; 17 pts) or DC (58 pts) groups. Endpoints were 30-day mortality and PGD (defined by the ISHLT consensus statement). Baseline characteristics differing among the groups included proportion of women, pre-HT amiodarone and gender mismatch (Table). PGD was significantly higher for the P-group (71%) >DC-group (59%) >S-group (21%, p<0.001). Multivariable analysis consistently showed that restoration of sinus by DC, and pacing for AV block, were independently associated with significant ∼5-fold and ∼10-fold increased risk for PGD, respectively (Figure) compared to spontaneous sinus restoration. Consistently, 30-day mortality was significantly lower for S- (6%) than for DC- (17%) patients and highest for the P group (22%, p<0.001). Spontaneous restoration of sinus after aortic unclamping at HT is associated with a reduced risk for PGD and early mortality, whereas pacing for AV block and DC are associated with an increased risk.

Abstract P198: Connected Health Remote Monitoring in Atrial Fibrillation Care Management

Background: Avoiding early hospital readmission after a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) lowers healthcare costs. Purpose: This investigation pilot tested the process of using a Connected Health (CH) communication platform in AF care management. Subjects: A self-selected group of patients (n=18, 56% male, mean age=69 years, SD =12.6) diagnosed with hemodynamically stable AF and an uncontrolled ventricular response with heart rates &gt; 110 bpm were recruited. MethodS: Eligibility criteria included a recent AF related emergency department or outpatient clinic visit and the new prescription of a rate control medication. This included AV node modifying medications (either a beta blocker or nondihydropyradine calcium channel blocker) at a starting dose determined by the supervising physician. A care management team (CMT) coordinated by a nurse practitioner provided individualized telephone medical management with no planned clinical visits during a period of early recovery. Patients were equipped with the AliveCor TM Kardia electrocardiogram (ECG) home monitoring device and a supporting mobile device application. Patients returned home with medical guidance from the CMT and ECG recording instructions. Heart rate and rhythm were monitored remotely by the NP and the medication dose was adjusted to reach a target resting heart rate &lt;110 bpm. Patients were managed for 3-weeks before being discharged back to primary care or outpatient cardiology for consideration of a rate versus rhythm control strategy if spontaneous restoration of sinus rhythm had not occurred. ResultS: Patients recorded an average of 50 ( SD =40.0) ECG tracings with a mean of 13 ( SD =3.79) related CMT telephone contacts. The mean resting heart rate was significantly lower ( p &lt;0.05) at the completion of the intervention (72.9 bpm, SD =17.31) compared to baseline (102.3 bpm, SD =27.17). All of the AF patients achieved adequate heart rate control or spontaneously returned to sinus rhythm. However, 4 patients (22%) required a related emergency room visit and unplanned hospitalization. Conclusion: In this small feasibility study, an electronic healthcare device (biosensor) paired with a mobile-heath application provided a practical remote monitoring communication platform to support tele-management, but the intervention did not prevent hospital readmission. Future Directions: Further research is needed to identify factors that will improve the process of applying CH to AF care management.

The impact of climate change on the ecology of primary plant communities of disturbed habitats

In this work, the author describes the process of restoration of disturbed ecosystems using various objects as an example, mainly dumps of brown coal deposits. To illustrate the problem, the Rettihovskoye brown coal field of the Primorsky Krai is chosen. The article notes the differences between spontaneous restoration and directed recultivation of the area, describes the characteristics and composition of the new hardy-shrub and herb layer. The basic conditions for self-growth of the study area are determined and the dynamics of the processes in the conditions of changing climatic factors using the observation method over a long period are monitored.

Obnavljanje šumskih ekosistema u NP "Fruška gora" 20 godina posle bombardovanja

This paper presents the restoration of forest ecosystems in the NP "Fruška gora" 20 years after the bombing, which lasted from April 4 to June 8, 1999. The most frequently bombed sites were: Elektrovojvodina (Iriški venac), Kraljeve stolice, Paragovo, Crveni čot and Dubočaš. The most affected were sessile oak, sessile-hornbeam and beech forests with linden. At the sites Elektrovojvodina, Paragovo and Crveni čot, young oak forests 15-20 years of age have been restored by planting sessile oak and sowing acorns. Beech-linden forests will spontaneously restore, which is indicated by the appearance of young beech seedlings. At the Dubočaš site, in a destroyed forest dug by craters, dense acacia shrubs have been formed. In the sessile forest on the Kraljeve stolice site, the pioneer species Salix caprea and Populus tremula, 15-20 years of age, are in the proces of spontaneous restoration. However, this forest cannot be restored without human intervention.

Comparison of Custodiol® and modified St. Thomas cardioplegia for myocardial protection in coronary artery bypass grafting

Background/Aim. Custodiol? is a hyperpolarizing cardioplegic solution which has been used in our national cardiac surgical practice exclusively for the heart transplant surgery. Owing to its numerous advantages over the standard depolarizing solutions, Custodiol? became cardioplegic solution of choice for all other cardiac surgical procedures in many cardio-surgical centers. This study evaluated myocardial protection by Custodiol? compared to modified St. Thomas cardioplegic solution in coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods. In a prospective four-month study, 110 consecutive adult patients who underwent primary isolated elective on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomized into the Custodiol? group (n = 54) and the St. Thomas groupa (n = 50), based on the type of administered cardioplegia; six patients were excluded. Cardiac protection was achieved as antegrade cold crystalloid cardioplegia by one of the solutions. Myocardial preservation was assessed through following outcomes: spontaneous rhythm restoration post cross-clamp, and postpoperative cardiac specific enzymes level, ejection fraction (EF) change, inotropic support, myocardial infarction (MI), atrial fibrillation (AF), and death. Results. Preoperative and intraoperative characteristics of patients in both groups were similar except for a considerably longer cross-clamp time in the Custodiol? group (49.1 ? 19.0 vs. 41.0 ? 12.9 minutes; p = 0.022). The Custodiol? group exhibited a higher rate of return to spontaneous rhythm compared to the St. Thomas group (31.5% vs. 20.0%, respectively; p = 0.267), lower rates of AF (20.4% vs. 28%, respectively; p = 0.496), MI (1.8% vs. 10.0%, respectively; p = 0.075) and inotropic support (9.0% vs. 12.0%, respectively; p = 0.651), albeit not statistically significant. There was an insignificant difference in peak value of troponin I between the Custodiol? and Thee St. Thomas group (5.0 ? 3.92 ?g/L vs. 4.5 ? 3.39 ?g/L, respectively; p = 0.755) and creatine kinase-MB (26.9 ? 15.4 ?g/L vs. 28.5 ? 24.2 ?g/L, respectively; p = 0.646) 6 hours post-surgery. EF reduction was comparable (0.81% vs. 1.26%; p = 0.891). There were no deaths in both groups. Conclusions. Custodiol? and modified St.Thomas cardioplegic solution have comparable cardioprotective effects in CABG surgery. The trends of less frequent MI, AF and ino-tropic support, despite the longer cross-clamp time in the Custodiol? group may suggest that its benefits could be ascertained in a larger study.

Restoration of ecological and geological systems of disturbed lands of South Primorye

The restoration of plant ecosystems of brown coal dumps in the stepped areas of South Primorye occurs in two ways: 1) by reclamation; 2) by overgrowing. Only 2% of disturbed lands undergo reclamation, the rest is overgrowth. Spontaneous restoration of ground cover is the least promising, since it does not provide the formation of stable successions. The way out of this situation is the controlled contagious introduction of diasporas of species typical for a given habitat in combination with the necessary microflora.

The First in Russia Experience of Successful Implementation of Constant Neurostimulation of the Spinal Cord in the Complex Treatment of a Patient with Permanent Form of Atrial Fibrillation Combined with Spinal Stenosis

This article describes for the first time in the domestic literature a clinical case of the therapeutic effect of neuromodulation on the permanentform of atrial fibrillation and chronic heart failure in an elderly patient with spinal stenosis which led to the developmentof pain syndrome and movement disorders. For the treatment of neurological pathology, at the beginning epidural administrationof drugs was applied, followed by spinal cord stimulation trial and implantation of permanent neurostimulator. At each stage of treatment conducted by a functional neurosurgeon the patient had a spontaneous restoration of sinus rhythm, and during continuous neurostimulation a stable retention of sinus rhythm and regression of heart failure symptoms have been observed throughout a long observation period. The article also presents the data of a few experimental and clinical studies on the use of neuromodulation in cardiology, describes the method of implantation of spinal electrodes and analyzes possible mechanisms of modulation of the autonomic innervation of the heart, implemented by spinal cord stimulation.

PHYSICAL FACTORS OF THE LANDSCAPE WHICH CONDITION SPONTANEOUS FOREST RESTORATION

Intense and constant anthropic interventions transform extensive forest landscapes into mosaics of disturbed or degraded ecosystems. These ecosystems can restore themselves spontaneously, depending on the attributes offered by the physical environment and their capacity for resilience. This study’s objectives were the identification of plant formations in a conservation unit and the variables of the physical environment which favor the spontaneous restoration processes of the landscape. These variables were divided into classes using ArcGIS 10 and analyzed through the Principal Component Analysis. The concave curvature of the terrain was the physical factor which best contributed to the formation of a secondary forest in medium and advanced stages of succession, indicating that curvature is the determining factor for the spontaneous restoration of the landscape.