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RADIOBIOLOGY

80
Abstract

Introduction. The use of nuclear energy may give rise to emergency situations accompanied by the release of radioactive elements into the environment, potentially leading to radiation injuries to personnel of such enterprises or the entire population. In this context, the development of effective and safe approaches for protecting the body from radiation injuries remains highly relevant [1].

Objective. Study of the radioprotective properties of purified turpentine oil (PTO) and its combination with sunflower oil.

Materials and methods. At the first stage of research, the composition of PTO was determined and an optimal solvent was selected. The administration route (subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular) of turpentine-oil solutions (at doses of 1806 mg/kg, 1290 mg/kg, 774 mg/kg, 516 mg/kg, and 2580 mg/kg) in 360 mice of both sexes (weighing 18–20 g) was established. At the second stage, the radioprotective efficacy of turpentine–oil solutions was evaluated in 50 white mice (70%, 50%, 30%, 20% turpentine-oil solutions were administered intramuscularly at doses of 1806 mg/kg, 1290 mg/kg, 774 mg/kg, 516 mg/kg 24 h before and after irradiation at a dose of 8.0 Gy (LD100/30)). At the third stage, the optimal dose ensuring the greatest radioprotective efficacy was determined in 120 white mice of both sexes (irradiation at a dose of 7.7 Gy (LD100/30); intramuscular administration of a 70% turpentine–oil solution at doses of 1806 mg/kg, 180.6 mg/kg, 90.3 mg/kg, 45.15 mg/kg, 22.57 mg/kg 72 h before and after irradiation). At the fourth stage, the radioprotective efficacy of 50% and 70% turpentine–oil solutions was evaluated in 36 outbred white rats of both sexes (irradiation at a dose of 9.3 Gy; after 3 days, a single subcutaneous administration of PTO at a dose of 258 mg/kg, anti-radiation serum at a dose of 50 mg/kg; intramuscular administration of a 70% turpentine–oil solution at a dose of 90.3 mg/kg, a 50% solution at a dose of 64.5 mg/kg). The content of malondialdehyde in the blood serum was determined on days 3, 5, 7, and 14 after irradiation. At the fifth stage, the optimal timing for the administration of the 70% turpentine–oil solution was determined in 80 white mice irradiated at a dose of 8.0 Gy. Statistical data analysis was performed using the GraphPadPrism v. 8.0 software package.

Results. Highly purified, high-oleic refined sunflower oil was identified as the optimal solvent for PTO. The preferred route of administration is intramuscular for turpentine–oil solutions and subcutaneous for PTO. The most pronounced radioprotective activity was observed for 70% and 50% turpentine–oil solutions administered as a single intramuscular injection 24 h before and after irradiation. To ensure 80% survival of lethally irradiated animals with a single prophylactic use and 60% survival with therapeutic use, intramuscular administration of the developed agent at doses of 90.3–180.6 mg/kg is required during the first 12 days before or during the first 4 days after lethal irradiation. The application of turpentine–oil solutions in various concentrations modified the course of the pathological process: by day 5 after treatment initiation, lethally irradiated animals showed a decrease in lipid peroxidation intensity.

Conclusions. A radioprotective agent has been developed that exerts both prophylactic and therapeutic effects by inhibiting lipid peroxidation products induced by ionizing radiation. The formulation is characterized by a a simple preparation technology, an effective route of administration, and an optimized ratio of components that ensures good absorption. As a result, a single intramuscular injection of the developed formulation can serve as an alternative to prolonged oral administration of terpenoid-based biologically active compounds.

SPORTS MEDICINE

77
Abstract

Introduction. Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that targets brain rhythms. The prospects for its application in rehabilitation and sports medicine stem from its non-invasive and non-pharmacological nature of changing the functional state through controlled parameters and body functions. At present, alpha-rhythm neurofeedback training is widely used in sports medicine, whereas the effects of beta-rhythm neurofeedback remain largely unexplored.

Objective. The study aims to investigate the effect of beta-rhythm neurofeedback training on the functional state of body systems in male athletes during intensive training camps conducted in the mid-mountains.

Materials and methods. The study involved 47 highly qualified male athletes divided into a main group of 27 individuals (median age: 21 [18; 24] years) and a control group of 20 individuals (median age: 20 [18.5; 22.5] years). A neurofeedback session targeting beta rhythms consisted of a graphic session (10 min) and a game session (16 min); the course comprised 8–10 sessions. Along with psychophysiological testing, the physiological parameters of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems were recorded before the first and after the last sessions. Statistical data processing was performed using Statistica 13.0 software.

Results. A comparison of the parameters of bodily functions in male athletes before and after the neurofeedback training course showed a decrease in physiological strain, as evidenced by heart rate variability, hemodynamics, respiratory parameters, and galvanic skin response. Also, the indicators of mental performance and beta rhythms were noted to increase relative to the control.

Conclusions. The course of neurofeedback training targeting beta rhythms was found to have a positive effect in male athletes, which manifested itself in improved function of the central and autonomic nervous systems, increased cardiac efficiency, and optimization of the respiratory cycle. The obtained results open up prospects for athletes to achieve higher performance by reducing physiological strain and, consequently, fatigue during intensive activities.

72
Abstract

Introduction. Concussion, whose diagnosis is primarily based on clinical evaluation, is a pressing issue in modern sports. To improve diagnostic methods for concussion in high-performance sports, the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) protocol is used. However, as the original versions of this protocol are published in English, their application in other languages presents challenges in terms of cultural adaptation and linguistic nuances.

Objective. To evaluate the comparability and equivalence of the three proposed Russian-language 10-word lists for memory assessment in athletes within the SCAT-5 protocol.

Materials and methods. An examination of 446 athletes was conducted using the SCAT-5 protocol (373 males, 73 females; median age 37 [26; 43] years). Only athletes who showed no abnormalities during baseline (pre-competition) testing were included. The Russian-language version of the SCAT-5 protocol, featuring three different word lists for memory assessment, was prepared and adapted by specialists from the National Center of Sports Medicine of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency. Depending on the word list used to assess immediate memory, the athletes were divided into three groups. Evaluation metrics included the total number of symptoms, symptom severity score, immediate memory, and delayed recall. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0 software.

Results. Comparison of the integrated immediate memory scores across groups revealed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Similarly, analysis of the integrated delayed recall scores showed no significant intergroup variations (p > 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the integrated immediate memory and delayed recall scores in each group (Group 1: r = 0.629, p < 0.001; Group 2: r = 0.663, p < 0.001; Group 3: r = 0.591, p < 0.001). No correlations were observed between immediate memory and the total number of symptoms (r = –0.011, p = 0.824) or symptom severity (r = –0.015, p = 0.747).

Conclusions. Each of the three proposed word lists demonstrated methodological validity comparable to the original English-language versions of SCAT protocols. These lists are interchangeable and are validated for use in the Russian-language versions of the SCAT-5, SCAT-6, and subsequent protocols where memory is assessed using 10-word sets. The implementation of this protocol enables more objective diagnosis and monitoring of athletes throughout various stages of post-concussion recovery.

81
Abstract

Introduction. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a pressing issue in high-performance sports. Although most sports-related TBIs are classified as mild, their frequent occurrence and resulting cumulative effect can negatively impact an athlete’s health. Furthermore, this impact may not become apparent until several years after the injury, and sometimes only after the athlete has retired from the sport.

Objective. To identify the most frequent clinical manifestations associated with the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury in active and retired athletes from various sports.

Materials and methods. In order to assess the prevalence of symptoms associated with various TBI consequences, a total of 902 active and former athletes from Russian national teams were surveyed anonymously using a secure online platform, LimeSurvey, with a proprietary domain. The participants included 662 (73.4%) adult and 240 (26.6%) minor athletes. The study methodology was based on a questionnaire and did not include objective instrumental examinations. The questionnaire presented to the athletes contained questions clarifying anamnestic data and the presence of symptoms that could serve as clinical manifestations of the long-term effects of intracranial injuries. The entire sample of athletes was divided into groups according to age at the time of the survey (adults and minors). The group of adult athletes was also subdivided based on the number of TBIs in their history, the presence of contact/impacts during training (contact and non-contact sports), and age (18–30 years; 31–40 years; 41–50 years; ≥ 51 years). Statistical data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0 software.

Results. The prevalence of concussion among the adult athletes was statistically significantly higher than among the minors (15.3% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001). The most common issues reported by the adult athletes with a history of concussion were sleep (36.6%) and visual disturbances (23.8%), as well as cognitive (25.7%), behavioral (22.8%), and affective (27.7%) disturbances. The aforementioned abnormalities were statistically significantly more frequent in the athletes participating in contact sports (p < 0.05). The athletes aged 18–30 years most commonly noted affective disturbances and changes in sleep, while visual disturbances were more prevalent in older age groups.

Conclusions. The most common clinical manifestations of TBI consequences in athletes consist of a complex of affective, cognitive, and behavioral disturbances, as well as impaired sleep and vision. Most consequences of intracranial injuries present with non-specific symptoms. Therefore, a crucial approach to optimizing the biomedical support system for athletes with a history of TBI consists in continuous monitoring of their health status post-injury. This involves developing screening protocols, followed by the formation of risk groups and early identification of impairments, which will help prevent or slow their progression.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE ORGANIZATION

233
Abstract

Introduction. In some cases, fragment wounds are accompanied by damage to major arteries. The choice of a treatment strategy at the stage of military-field hospital сare determines the life prognosis of the serviceman.

Case description. A case of successful surgical treatment of a serviceman in a military field hospital is presented. The case involved a blind fragment wound to the thigh with avulsion of a branch of the deep femoral artery, which manifested 24 h after the initial surgical debridement of the wound and removal of a metallic shell fragment. An open surgery with ligation of the branch of the deep femoral artery with removal of the pulsatile hematoma was performed. The postoperative period proceeded without complications.

Conclusions. Convincing data on the necessity of conducting ultrasound examination of blood vessels in cases of fragment wounds in all instances, even in the absence of signs of hemorrhage, were obtained. In the case of a ruptured branch of the deep femoral artery, its ligation under the conditions of a military field hospital is an effective and safe method of surgical correction.

ARCTIC MEDICINE

91
Abstract

Introduction. Prolonged stay in the Far North imposes significant stress on the body’s adaptive mechanisms responsible for maintaining homeostasis. In this context, the nutrition of military personnel based on a scientifically ground system that ensures optimal intake of essential nutrients, including micronutrients, plays an important role in the acclimatization process. Proper dietary provision preserves and strengthen the health of military personnel, preventing the development of chronic adaptive stress.

Objective. Assessment of the adaptation state of military personnel in the Arctic following inclusion of a natural product rich in dietary and biologically active substances in their diet.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted in June–July 2022 in the Arctic, involving healthy and practically healthy male military personnel (n = 60; mean age 37.3 ± 3.1 years). The median duration of professional activity was 7.0 [5; 9] years. The subjects were divided into the following groups. The main group (n = 30) received 10.0 g of a plant protein product (PPP) incorporated into the main dinner meal for 21 days, whereas the comparison group (n = 30) was provided with a standard ration. The formulation of the PPP was developed considering the living conditions. The PPP included: chokeberry (aronia), flax seeds, carrots, broccoli, seaweed, and chicken eggshell. The amount of macro- and microelements, dietary fiber, and minor biologically active substances included in the PPP was calculated. The assessment of the body’s adaptation state was performed by analyzing leukograms. A complete blood count was performed using an automated hematology system (Abbott, USA). The types of non-specific adaptive reactions of the body, levels of reactivity, and adaptation status in the main group prior to and following administration of the PPP, as well as in the comparison group at baseline and on day 22 of the experiment, were determined using L. Garkavi’s method. Statistical processing of the initial data was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistica 6.1 software package.

Results. In individuals of the main group, a decrease in leukocyte counts from 6.52 ± 0.61 to (6.3 ± 0.47) × 109/L was detected, along with an increase in the number of eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and the percentage of band neutrophils. At baseline, in 2 (6.7%) participants from the main group, the type of adaptive reaction was classified as “enhanced activation,” while in 14 (46.7%) individuals it was defined as “training” and “calm activation.” By the end of the 22-day observation period, 28 (93.3%) subjects from the main group demonstrated the body’s adaptive reactions classified as “enhanced activation,” except for 2 (6.7%) individuals whose adaptive reaction type was assessed as “calm activation.” Prior to PPP intake, the level of body reactivity was assessed as high and medium in the majority of subjects. After 22 days, only one person in the main group had a medium level of reactivity, while all others were assessed as having a high level with the “enhanced activation” type of adaptive response. In individuals with the “calm activation” type, the level of reactivity was statistically significantly high in all cases. Following the PPP course in the main group, adaptation was assessed as being within a physiological norm in all servicemen. The comparison group, conversely, showed an increase in the proportion of individuals in a pre-nosological state.

Conclusions. It was established that in the absence of extreme cold exposure (as the study was conducted in the Arctic during the summer period), the non-specific adaptive mechanisms of the body in individuals of the main group and the comparison group were predominantly assessed as “training” (46.7–56.7%) and “calm activation” (36.7–43.3%), corresponding to high and medium levels of body reactivity. Nutritional optimization with the inclusion of PPP in the subjects of the main group contributed to stimulating metabolic processes in the body, a positive shift in lymphopoiesis (manifested in an increase in the proportion of individuals with the “enhanced activation” type of non-specific adaptive reaction to 93.3% in the main group), and the restoration of the adaptation state to the physiological norm.

BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

67
Abstract

Introduction. Early diagnosis of malignant tumors, including those of lymphoid and hematopoietic tissues, is paramount for improving prognosis and survival outcomes. A key strategy for early detection involves the use of sensitive and specific biomarker-based screening tests. The identification of such biomarkers and the subsequent development of novel diagnostic assays can be achieved through the study of large-scale biorepositories.

Objective. To evaluate the feasibility of identifying early preclinical immune markers of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders in retrospective studies drawing on data from global population-based biobanks.

Discussion. The most frequently identified early preclinical markers for non-Hodgkin lymphomas include sCD23, sCD27, sCD30, and CXCL13, along with several cytokines and their receptors, such as IL-10, TNF-α, sTNF-R2, and sIL-2Rα. In multiple myeloma, early preclinical markers comprise IL-10, MIP-1α, VEGF, and TGF-α. Notably, these biomarkers can be detected more than a decade prior to the clinical onset of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Research into the association between these markers and cancer has been facilitated by population-based biobanks, which enable retrospective analysis following clinical diagnosis. Notable examples include the Janus Serum Bank (Norway), the PLCO biorepository (USA), the UK Biobank (United Kingdom), and repositories in Sweden and other countries.

Conclusions. Analysis of population-based biobank materials represents an effective tool for identifying associations between immune markers and cancer prognosis, thus facilitating the development of novel methods for early diagnosis. The proven success of global biorepositories demonstrates the potential for advancing biobanking infrastructure in Russia, as well as the need for fostering integration and collaboration with leading international institutions.

AVIATION & SPACE MEDICINE

96
Abstract

Introduction. Due to exposure to a set of extreme factors, prolonged ground-based isolation simulating a space mission induces various adaptive responses in the body. The study of such organismal responses at the molecular level is important for the development of high-quality medical support plans for subsequent space missions. Proteomic methods have proven effective for assessing the molecular mechanisms of adaptation.

Objective. To study the profile of proteomic physiologically active components in the blood of test subjects as criteria for adaptive strategies of physiological systems in response to exposure to extreme factors of prolonged isolation during ground-based simulation of spaceflight factors.

Materials and methods. The characteristics of proteomic physiologically active blood components were studied in six healthy volunteers aged 27–38 years (mean age 32.5 ± 5.5 years) under the conditions of a 12-month isolation (SIRIUS-23) in a hermetically sealed facility with limited living and working space and restricted resources for life support. Mass spectrometry methods were used to analyze dried blood spot samples. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 12 software with non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test (p < 0.05). The biological processes involving the identified proteins were determined using the STRING database.

Results. Following one month of isolation, a significant increase in the expression of three proteins involved in the biological process of phagocytosis suppression was observed. Following three months of isolation, the concentration level of 22 extracellular matrix and exosome proteins significantly increased. Following six months of isolation, the concentration of 33 proteins involved in either cellular component processes or regulation of extracellular signaling significantly increased.

Conclusions. The data obtained allowed us to compile a preliminary version of biological processes, which involve proteins with reliably changing concentrations, during prolonged isolation in a specialized facility. The conducted study elucidates the proteomic mechanisms regulating biological processes in healthy individuals during the simulation of spaceflight factors.



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ISSN 3033-8964 (Print)
ISSN 3033-8972 (Online)