Changes In Functional Structure Research Articles

Cardiac MR feature tracking identifies abnormal biventricular global strain values in biopsy-proven non-ischemic cardiomyopathies

Background Cardiac MR is the reference standard for assessing biventricular systolic function and delayed enhancement. However, changes in systolic function as assessed by global parameters such as ventricular ejection fraction are late indicators of adverse structure-function changes. Myocardial strain has shown promise to identify abnormal potentially reversible regional myocardial function, preceding changes in the ejection fraction. Feature tracking cardiac MR is a novel technique to quantitate myocardial function, tracking biventricular myocardial features to generate Lagrangian strain values from existing cine balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) data. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of retrospective strain analysis in a patient cohort with biopsy-proven non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, comparing to strain data in healthy volunteers. Methods 26 consecutive patients (21 men, avg age 64 years) with a biopsy proven non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and 20 healthy volunteers (14 men, avg age 44 years) underwent cardiac MR (CMR) imaging at 1.5T with bSSFP segmented cine imaging with a temporal resolution of 25-40 msec. bSSFP cine images were evaluated by a single observer using prototype software employing deformation field analysis to generate Lagrangian strain values for the left (LV - radial, circumferential, longitudinal) and right ventricles (RV - longitudinal). LV (LVEF) and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) were quantified on a dedicated workstation by a single observer. A twotailed student’s t-test assessed differences in strain values between groups, with an alpha of 0.05 chosen to demarcate statistical significance. Results

The status of vascular wall in children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome

Introduction: Global epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome (MS) has precipitated a growing interest in the structural-functional changes in blood vessels of children and young adolescents. Subjects and Methods: The study was carried out in 45 children with MS, a comparative group of 25 with only primary obesity and 20 without obesity. The lipid levels were estimated along with a test for insulin resistance by standard methods. The daily monitoring of blood pressure (BP), electrocardiogram, and status of the vascular wall were assessed with automated instrumentation. The pulse rate velocity in aorta, BP, arterial rigidity index and other indices were correlated in all the three groups. Results: In children with MS, there was the demonstrable rigidity of vascular wall; it was 3.5 times more than in children with primary obesity. There was a high correlation of arterial hypertension with body mass index and other features of MS. Conclusion: The data suggests there is a need to conduct long-term interventional studies to intervene reversal of vascular changes.

The development of modern biocenotic control methods for the ecological state of aquatic ecosystems of rivers

Existing ecological-hygiene control methods for the AE state under the action of anthropogenic factors do not fully characterize the structural-functional changes in water bodies, and therefore do not characterize the degree of their transformation. Sanitary-hygienic standards (TLV, MPD) allow to determine the class of water pollution and changes in chemical composition. At the same time, in the process of self-purification of the water body, there is destruction of pollutants, which leads to the formation of new chemical compounds, which are not considered by the applied control methods. Therefore, for the characterization of biological regulation of aquatic ecosystems, it is advisable to use integrated environmental approaches, including the existing sanitary-hygienic standards and biocenotic methods were proposed. Biocenotic methods allow to determine ecotoxicokinetic processes in bio- and aquatic ecosystems and based on the analysis of the data obtained find out the cause-effect relations of AE, which lead to the transformation of AE.

Structural and functional plasticity of astrocyte processes and dendritic spine interactions.

Experience-dependent plasticity of synaptic transmission, which represents the cellular basis of learning, is accompanied by morphological changes in dendritic spines. Astrocytic processes are intimately associated with synapses, structurally enwrapping and functionally interacting with dendritic spines and synaptic terminals by responding to neurotransmitters and by releasing gliotransmitters that regulate synaptic function. While studies on structural synaptic plasticity have focused on neuronal elements, the structural-functional plasticity of astrocyte-neuron relationships remains poorly known. Here we show that stimuli inducing hippocampal synaptic LTP enhance the motility of synapse-associated astrocytic processes. This motility increase is relatively rapid, starting <5 min after the stimulus, and reaching a maximum in 20-30 min (t(1/2) = 10.7 min). It depends on presynaptic activity and requires G-protein-mediated Ca(2+) elevations in astrocytes. The structural remodeling is accompanied by changes in the ability of astrocytes to regulate synaptic transmission. Sensory stimuli that increase astrocyte Ca(2+) also induce similar plasticity in mouse somatosensory cortex in vivo. Therefore, structural relationships between astrocytic processes and dendritic spines undergo activity-dependent changes with metaplasticity consequences on synaptic regulation. These results reveal novel forms of synaptic plasticity based on structural-functional changes of astrocyte-neuron interactions.

Subclinical Vascular Endothelial Dysfunctions and Myocardial Changes With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents

Vascular endothelial dysfunction, accelerated thickening of arterial intima, and changes in ventricular functions contribute to increased cardiovascular morbidity in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This study aimed to investigate the functional-structural changes in the arteries and myocardium together with affection of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), circulating endothelial cells (CECs), and vitamin C levels in children with T1DM. Also, to test the association with early atherosclerotic changes. The study included 30 children with a diagnosis of T1DM and 30 healthy subjects matched by sex, age, and body mass index. Serum lipids, HbA1c, hsCRP, vitamin C, and CECs were detected. Corrected QT interval (QTc), cardiac dimensions, and left ventricular (LV) functions were assessed using conventional echocardiography. Noninvasive ultrasound was used to measure brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). The QTc interval was significantly higher in the diabetic patients than in the control subjects (P < 0.001). The findings showed LV diastolic dysfunction as reflected by significantly lower early peak flow velocity, decreased E/A ratio, increased early filling deceleration time (DcT), and prolonged isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) (P < 0.001 for each). The children with diabetes had a significantly lower FMD response, increased IMT, lower vitamin C level, higher hsCRP, and higher CEC compared with the control subjects (P < 0.001 for each). A positive correlation between CEC and HbA1c was found (P = 0.004). An alteration in myocardial function and endothelial dysfunction may begin early with the association of early atherosclerotic changes. These changes are accelerated when glycemic control is poor. The authors recommend early and close observation of children with diabetes for any alterations in cardiac and vascular endothelial function. Vitamin C supplementation may reduce the risk of complications.

BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY AND THE CONDITION OF TARGET ORGANS IN MENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Aim. To study the correlation of arterial pressure variability on brachial artery and central arterial pressure variability with condition of target organs among menopausal women. Material and methods. This research included 93 women of menopause age — 37 premenopausal women and 56 women at early postmenopause. The age was 49,1 (48,0; 51,0) and 53,9 (50,0; 56,0), resp. Of those 69 (74,2%) had arterial hypertension. No one received continuous antihypertension therapy. 24-hour blood pressure mon itoring with variability estimating of systolic and diastolic pressure and evaluation of arterial stiffnes was taken by oscillometric method. Daily index of arterial stiffness, ambulatory index of arterial stiffness, augmentation index and indicators of central aortal pressure were estimated. Echocardiogram was used for left ventricular remodeling estimation. Pulse wave velocity was measured by ultrasonic method. Vascular regulation of endoltelium of brachial artery was estimated by the test of reactive hyperemia. As a sign of large elastic arteries remodeling the intima-media thickness was used. All women with arterial hypertension divided into 2 groups depending on variability of arterial pressure — 16 women with high levels of systolic and dyastolic arterial pressure were in first group and 53 women with normal indicators of variability were in second group. Control group consisted of 24 women that had no arterial hypertension with normal indicators of arterial pressure variability. Results. Disordered arterial pressure was prevalent among women in early postmeno­pause. Raise of variability of arterial pressure was correlated with morphofunctional changes of the heart, structure-functional vascular changes, increase of arterial stiffeness, disturbances of endoltelial vascular regulation and subclinical kidneys damage. Conclusion. Central arterial pressure variability has no additional advantages in comparison with estimated variability of brachial artery pressure. Increased variability of arterial pressure among menopausal women can be considered as additional factor of target organ damage in early stages of climacteric.

HISTOMORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE KNEE ARTICULAR CARTILAGE AND SYNOVIUM FOR METADIAPHYSEAL LEG LENGTHENING (EXPERIMENTAL-AND-MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY)

The knee articular cartilage and synovial membrane have been studied for metadiaphyseal leg lengthening using the methods of light miscroscopy, computer morpho- and stereometry. The manner of bone integrity breaking, the rate and rhythm of distraction conformed to the lengthening technique most often used in the clinic. The results of the histomorphometric analysis have demonstrated that when osteotomy at the level of metadiaphysis and manual distraction by 1 mm a day for 4 times is performed, synovitis of mild and moderate degree develops through subsynovial layer hypervascularization, as well as reactive-destructive changes in nerve fibers with the tendency to regeneration. The structural-functional changes of reactive and/or destructive-reparative character have been revealed in the articular cartilage, and the manifestation degree of these changes correlates with synovial membrane changes. The intensity of the destructive-reparative processes in the articular cartilage and synovial membrane depends on fixation stability.

A universal measure of chaotropicity and kosmotropicity

Diverse parameters, including chaotropicity, can limit the function of cellular systems and thereby determine the extent of Earth's biosphere. Whereas parameters such as temperature, hydrophobicity, pressure, pH, Hofmeister effects, and water activity can be quantified via standard scales of measurement, the chao-/kosmotropic activities of environmentally ubiquitous substances have no widely accepted, universal scale. We developed an assay to determine and quantify chao-/kosmotropicity for 97 chemically diverse substances that can be universally applied to all solutes. This scale is numerically continuous for the solutes assayed (from +361 kJ kg(-1) mol(-1) for chaotropes to -659 kJ kg(-1) mol(-1) for kosmotropes) but there are key points that delineate (i) chaotropic from kosmotropic substances (i.e. chaotropes ≥ +4; kosmotropes ≤ -4 kJ kg(-1) mol(-1) ); and (ii) chaotropic solutes that are readily water-soluble (log P < 1.9) from hydrophobic substances that exert their chaotropic activity, by proxy, from within the hydrophobic domains of macromolecular systems (log P > 1.9). Examples of chao-/kosmotropicity values are, for chaotropes: phenol +143, CaCl(2) +92.2, MgCl(2) +54.0, butanol +37.4, guanidine hydrochloride +31.9, urea +16.6, glycerol [> 6.5 M] +6.34, ethanol +5.93, fructose +4.56; for kosmotropes: proline -5.76, sucrose -6.92, dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) -9.72, mannitol -6.69, trehalose -10.6, NaCl -11.0, glycine -14.2, ammonium sulfate -66.9, polyethylene glycol- (PEG-)1000 -126; and for relatively neutral solutes: methanol, +3.12, ethylene glycol +1.66, glucose +1.19, glycerol [< 5 M] +1.06, maltose -1.43 (kJ kg(-1) mol(-1)). The data obtained correlate with solute interactions with, and structure-function changes in, enzymes and membranes. We discuss the implications for diverse fields including microbial ecology, biotechnology and astrobiology.

Effects of nitrosyl complexes of iron with functional S-ligands on the activity of hydrolytic enzymes

We report here our studies of new nitrosyl complexes of iron of the cationic type - [Fe2(SR′)2(NO)4]2+ with R′ = cysteamine and penicillamine - and of the neutral type - [Fe2(SR″)2(NO)4]0 with R″ = benzthiazoline – on the enzymatic activity of hydrolases – cyclic guanosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase (PDEcGMP) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-Mg2+-dependent ATPase (SR-Ca2+-ATPase). All the complexes studied were found to be modulators of both enzymes. They produced weak inhibition of PDEcGMP activity and marked inhibition of active transport by SR Ca2+-ATPase. While having virtually no effect on the hydrolytic center of SR Ca2+-ATPase, the active transport of calcium was completely blocked over the concentration range 1 μM – 0.1 mM, with uncoupling of the hydrolytic and transport functions of this enzyme. This suggests that these complexes can induce structural-functional changes in SR Ca2+-ATPase at concentrations corresponding to an enzyme:inhibitor ratio of 1:1, which is consistent with the antimetastatic action of these compounds.

Morphophysiological and Cytogenetic Modifications in Chironomus riparius (Diptera: Chironomidae) under the Impact of Copper Ions

Morpho-physiological and cytogenetic modifications in Chironomus riparius under the effect of copper ions were studied. It was stated that growth of the toxicant concentration leads to decrease of the survival and larvae's mass, delay of emergence, morphological deformations of the mouth apparatus and structural-functional changes in the polytene chromosomes of the salivary glands. These modifications were shown to serve as sensitive criterion of the sublethal pollution by the copper ions. under the effect of copper ions were studied. It was stated that growth of the toxicant concentration leads to decrease of the survival and larvae

Involvement of brain intracellular proteolytic systems in the effects of opiates: Caspases

It is well known that opiates, in particular morphine, are involved in a phenomenon of so-called pathological plasticity and can bring about considerable structural-functional changes in the CNS, which is an important mechanism of the formation of dependence. It has been found that realization of pharmacological effects during acute or chronic action of morphine may be related to changes in the activity of receptors, signal cascades mediated by secondary messengers, and shifts in the expression of some genes. Less is known about the relationship between the effects of morphine and functioning of intracellular proteolytic enzymes which are an important system of post-translational modification of proteins. On the basis of our results and data of literature, we hypothesized that a number of structural changes induced by morphine may be mediated by proteolytic enzymes from caspase family.

Ecological Aspects of Rodent Communities in Agrarian Ecosystems of Moldova

The transformations of anthropogenic ecosystems in the last decades provoked significant structural-functional changes in rodent communities, as well as modification of dominance status of some wide spread species. In the 80s the dominant species were those from genus Apodemus, with 63%, of which A. sylvaticus and A. uralensis had the abundance of 55%, being constant on the agricultural fields. The genus Mus species had the abundance of 25% and were the main species on agricultural fields. M. musculus was more frequent and more abundant (15%). After 2000 the abundance of some rodent species increased (A. agrarius, M. spicilegus) and of other species decreased (A. sylvaticus, A. uralensis M. musculus). In the last years abundance decreasing of M. spicilegus was registered. The Microtus vole population is in depression phase its abundance decreasing from about 20% in 2006 to 3% in 2009 and is still low. A. sylvaticus is the most prosperous species among rodents, being dominant and constant in the republic ecosystems.

New actinoporins from sea anemone Heteractis crispa: Cloning and functional expression

A new actinoporin Hct-S4 (molecular mass 19,414 ± 10 Da) belonging to the sphingomyelin-inhibited α-pore forming toxin (α-PFT) family was isolated from the tropical sea anemone Heteractis crispa (also called Radianthus macrodactylus) and purified by methods of protein chemistry. The N-terminal nucleotide sequence (encoding 20 amino acid residues) of actinoporin Hct-S4 was determined. Genes encoding 18 new isoforms of H. crispa actinoporins were cloned and sequenced. These genes form a multigene Hct-S family characterized by presence of N-terminal serine in the mature proteins. Highly conserved residues comprising the aromatic phosphorylcholine-binding site and significant structure-function changes in the N-terminal segment (10-27 amino acid residues) of actinoporins were established. Two expressed recombinant actinoporins (rHct-S5 and rHct-S6) were one order less hemolytically active than native actinoporins.

Diagnosis of a complicated cervical injury in the craniocerebral region of the cervical spine at a late period

On the basis of an analysis of 156 observations of patients with a complicated cervical injury in the craniocerebral region of the cervical spine within a late period it was found out that a combined examination made it possible to reveal an extent of the spinal cord damage and structural-functional changes in the vertebral column, which are very important for determining subsequent therapeutic tactics and prognosis. It was shown that classical radiological examination should be supplemented with modern neurovisualizing examinations: CT and MRI.

Electrophysiological and structural aspects in the frontal cortex after the bee (Apis mellifera) venom experimental treatment.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the bioelectrical and structural-functional changes in frontal cortex after the bee venom (BV) experimental treatments simulating both an acute envenomation and a subchronic BV therapy. Wistar rats were subcutaneously injected once with three different BV doses: 700 μg/kg (T(1) group), 2100 μg/kg (T(3) group), and 62 mg/kg (sublethal dose-in T(SL) group), and repeated for 30 days with the lowest dose (700 μg/kg-in T(S) group). BV effects were assessed by electrophysiological, histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural methods. Single BV doses produced discharges of negative and biphasic sharp waves, and epileptiform spike-wave complexes. The increasing frequency of these elements suggested a dose-dependent neuronal hyperexcitation or irritation. As compared to the lower doses, the sublethal dose was responsible for a pronounced toxic effect, confirmed by ultrastructural data in both neurons and glial cells that underwent extensive, irreversible changes, triggering the cellular death. Subchronic BV treatment in T(S) group resulted in a slower frequency and increased amplitude of cortical activity suggesting neuronal loss. However, neurons were still stimulated by the last BV dose. Structural-functional data showed a reduced cellular density in frontal cortex of animals in this group, while the remaining neurons displayed both specific (stimulation of neuronal activity) and unspecific modifications (moderate alterations to necrotic phenomena). Molecular mechanisms involved in BV interactions with the nervous tissue are also discussed. We consider all these data very important for clinicians who manage patients with multiple bee stings, or who intend to set an appropriate BV therapy.

Вплив похідного малеіміду на морфофункціональний стан нирок щурів за умов експериментального канцерогенезу товстої кишки

The effect of long-term administration of the novel maleimide derivative with antiproliferative activity on kidney morpho-functional state in experimental (1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced) colon carcinogenesis has been investigated on 60 male rats. 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine was injected subcutaneously in dose 20 mg/kg one time per week during 20 weeks. Maleimide derivative in dose of 0,027 and 2,7 mg/kg was given per os daily during the same time. The state of kidneys was evaluated after morphometrical investigation and measurement of urea, creatinine and chlorides levels in blood serum. It hasn't been revealed significant structure-functional changes in kidneys after daily administration during 20 weeks. The induction of proliferate activity of distal tubules epithelial cells and reducing of epithelial layer thickness in proximal tubules in kidneys in rats with experimental carcinogenesis has been observed. In experimental colon carcinogenesis, maleimide derivative displays some protective action to tubular apparatus of rat's kidney cortical nephrons and reduces the frequency of preneoplastic changes in tubules epithelial cells.

Comparing the effects of nebivolol versus metoprolol succinate on central haemodynamics, functional-structural changes of arteries, and left ventricular wall thickness: The nemendas study

Comparing the effects of nebivolol versus metoprolol succinate on central haemodynamics, functional-structural changes of arteries, and left ventricular wall thickness: The nemendas study

Methods for modelling femoral diaphysial deformities in rats

The purpose of the present work was to create experimental models of posttraumatic femoral diaphysial deformities in laboratory rats. The authors developed and described models with use of intraosseal (stable and unstable osteosynthesis) and external pin-rod (stable osteosynthesis) fixing devices in detail. The developed experimental models can be used for studying structural-functional changes in injured segments in presence of posttraumatic diaphysial deformities.

Comparative Analysis of SOX3 Protein Orthologs: Expansion of Homopolymeric Amino Acid Tracts During Vertebrate Evolution

To understand more fully the structure and evolution of the SOX3 protein, we comparatively analyzed its orthologs in vertebrates. Since complex disorders are associated with human SOX3 polyalanine expansions, our investigation focused on both compositional and evolutionary analysis of various homopolymeric amino acid tracts observed in SOX3 orthologs. Our analysis revealed that the observed homopolymeric alanine, glycine, and proline tracts are mammal-specific, except for one polyglycine tract present in birds. Since it is likely that the SOX3 protein acquired additional roles in brain development in Eutheria, we might speculate that development of novel brain functions during the course of evolution was affected, at least in part, by such structural-functional changes in the SOX3 protein.

Structural-functional changes in the cardiovascular system during high athletic activity in aboriginals of Yakutia

To study structural-functional changes in the cardiovascular system and metabolic characteristics in residents of Yakutia who were engaged in sports activities, 146 Yakut men 18–29 years old living in Yakutsk were examined. The basic group consisted of elite athletes (free-style wrestling and boxing) (n = 108; average age, 20.2 ± 0.2 years). The control group consisted of untrained healthy men (n = 38; average age, 24.5 ± 0.4 years). The examination included primary inspection, anthropometry, echocardiography, integral rheography of the body, measurement of blood pressure (BP), and biochemical analysis of blood serum. The basic group was divided into two subgroups depending on the BP level (Ia, with optimal and normal BP; Ib, with high normal BP).