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Microarrays are one of the modern technologies for analyzing biological polymers (DNA, RNA, antibodies, etc.). The main advantage of microarrays is the ability to simultaneously analyze a large number of different molecules in one sample. Microarrays are actively used to develop diagnostic tools, including in the analysis of community-acquired pneumonia pathogens. The relevance of studying community-acquired pneumonia is determined by the consistently high incidence, diversity of pathogens and their high genetic variability, as well as the recent spread of a new coronavirus infection. This review describes microarray technologies used to solve fundamental and clinical problems in the study of pathogens of community-acquired pneumonia and some other respiratory infections.

Ovarian cancer remains one of the most common causes of death from gynecological cancer in women world-wide. As is known, the course of ovarian cancer depends on many factors, including genetic and epigenetic disorders. MicroRNAs are currently considered one of the most promising prognostic and diagnostic markers for solid tumors. The purpose of this work was to investigate the DNA methylation level of miR-663a and miR-663b in 25 paired tissue samples from patients with an established diagnosis of ovarian cancer and various histological and clinical characteristics by MS-HRM method. Our results indicate a lower frequency of miR-663a methylation in ovarian tumor tissues (0.09% ± 0.01) compared to histologically normal tissues 0.16% ± 0.01 (p = 0.01). However, an analysis of the miR-663a and miR-663b microRNA gene methylation level in patients with different clinical parameters, including the stage of disease development, the degree of cell differentiation, the occurrence of distant and regional metastases, as well as therapeutic pathomorphosis, not identify statistically significant differences in the methylation levels of these mi-croRNA genes with any of the clinical characteristics, p > 0.05. Thus, our results indicate a potential role of aberrant methylation of the miR-663a microRNA gene in ovarian cancer carcinogenesis. However, additional researches on larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the results obtained.

Relevance: neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a hereditary tumor syndrome occurring with a frequency of 1:3164. NF1 is characterized by severe clinical manifestations with multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors, plexiform neurofibromas, skeletal abnormalities and cognitive disorders. The study of the genetic causes of NF1 can become the basis for prenatal diagnosis and the use of new methods of treating the disease. Materials and methods: clinical and epidemiological study of NF1 patients in the Republic of Bashkortostan, sequencing the NF1 gene in their DNA samples as well as whole genome sequencing using the WGS method. To search for the pathogenic variants we found in publications by other authors, we analyzed the Scopus, WoS, ClinVar, PubMed, and SNP databases. Results: the frequency of occurrence of NF1 in the republic is 1:7407. 23 nonsense pathogenic variants in 21 exons of the NF1 gene were identified in 39 NF1 patients from 26 families. Discussion and conclusion: the frequency of development of the main clinical manifestations of NF1 in patients from the republic corresponds to data from around the world, however, plexiform neurofibromas, optic nerve gliomas, short stature and decreased intelligence were detected significantly less frequently. Of the 23 nonsense pathogenic variants we identified, 16 pathogenic variants were previously described by researchers from various countries, and 7 pathogenic variants: NM_001042492.3:c.55G>T (NP_001035957.1:p.Glu19Ter), NM_001042492.3:c.2806A>T (NP_001035957.1:p.Lys936Ter), NM_001042492.3:c.3284T>A ( NP_001035957.1:p.Leu1095Ter), NM_001042492.3:c.5014G>T ( NP_001035957.1:p.Gly1672Ter), NM_001042492.3:c.5242C>T (NP_001035957.1:p.Arg1748Ter), NM_001042492.3:c.7365T>G (NP_001035957.1:p.Tyr2455Ter) and NM_001042492.3:c.7482G>A (NP_001035957.1:p.Trp2494Ter) have been identified for the first time in the word. Patients with nonsense pathogenic variants have significantly higher rates of brain tumors and epilepsy compared to all NF1 patients in the republic.

There is currently a significant lack of information on genetic diversity Mycoplasma hominis, associated with urogenital tract infections in the world. Extended survey multilocus sequence typing and phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide se- quences of the genome of Mycoplasma hominis clinical isolates isolated in the Nizhny Novgorod region was conducted using NGS technology. Molecular profiling based on MLST sequence typing of housekeeping genes (ST-type) (gyrB, tuf, ftsY, uvrA, gap) and MVLST virulence genes (VT-type) (p120', vaa, lmp1, lmp3, p60) was defined with using the server https://pubmlst.org. Extended eMLST typing of Russian Mycoplasma hominis isolates was conducted for the first time. 78 new allelic variants of genes uvrA, gyrB, ftsY, tuf, gap, p120′, vaa, lmp1, lmp3, p60 Mycoplasma hominis isolates were deposited in the PubMLST database. Based on phylogenetic analysis, a high degree of genetic diversity of mycoplasma isolates has been established, the first ones are identified and deposited into the database PubMLST new previously undescribed ten sequence (ST) and ten pathotypes (VT) of Mycoplasma hominis Russian isolates.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium distributed worldwide and common in developing countries. In addition to its gastric manifestation, it has a potential role in the development of non-digestive tract disorders like cardiovascular diseases including dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and liver disease. It is unclear whether diabetics are more liable for H. pylori infection or whether H. pylori infection raises the risk of diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the glycemic measures in patients having gastritis with and without H. pylori. A community-based cohort study was carried out on patients diagnosed with gastritis by gastroscopy examination. Our sample was divided into H. P-positive group (150 female & 155 male) and H. P-negative group (175 female & 68 male). Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection was done by 13C urea breath test. A control group (60 female and 60 male) that had neither gastritis nor H.P infection were included in this study. Laboratory investigations were performed after a 10 h fast, including fasting blood glucose (mg/dl), fasting serum insulin (IU/ml), HbA1c and 2h postprandial plasma glucose. HOMA-IR index was used to study the relation between Helicobacter pylori and insulin resistance. Helicobacter pylori infection was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with glycemic measures in patients with gastritis. In gastritis with and without Helicobacter pylori, glycemic measures were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in females. It can be concluded that by causing insulin resistance, H. pylori contributes to diabetes and may be magnified to promote long-term diabetes.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic virus that persists in a latent state within B-lymphocyte cells. This virus has been associated with numerous forms of haematologic malignancies, including leukaemia. The focus has been on the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), such as those in Interleukin-10, and leukaemia patients. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to identify Epstein-Barr virus EBNA-1-IgG, whereas the Sanger sequencing approach was utilised to detect Interleukin-10 SNPs. This study aimed to ascertain the presence of Epstein-Barr virus EBNA-1-IgG in patients with acute lymphocytic leukaemia and to investigate Interleukin-10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) -819T˃C (rs1800871) and -592A˃C (rs1800872) in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The statistical examination of the immunological assay indicated no significant difference between the proportion of patients positive for EBV EBNA-1-IgG and the positive controls. The statistical analysis reveals a substantial disparity in the proportion of CC genotype carriers at IL10 -819T˃C (rs1800871) between patients and controls within the molecular study framework. A notable difference was seen in the prevalence of TC genotype carriers at IL10 -819T˃C (rs1800871) between patients and controls. A significant difference was observed between healthy controls and patients with AC, AA, and CC genotype carriers at IL10 -592A>C (rs1800872). This study illustrates the notable prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in individuals with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This study demonstrates the association between acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and the CC and TC genotypes at IL10-819T˃C (rs1800871), along with the AC, CC, and AA genotypes at IL10 -592A˃C (rs1800872).

Urinary bladder cancer (UBC) is the most common malignancy of urinary tract, ranking tenth worldwide. In Iraq, UBC is the seventh among 10 most prevalent cancers. This study is designed to assess the expression of CD276 in different bladder tissue specimens from Iraqi UBC patients using immunohistochemistry (IHC). A total of 70 paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of bladder cancer were collected from the archive of the Histopathology Unit of several public hospitals and private labs in Baghdad, following formal authorizations, in addition to ten biopsies of bladder tissues without significant pathology assembled from the forensic medicine department and used for comparison purposes. The results showed that the expression of CD276 was positive in 41.43% of malignant cases and negative in 100% of normal bladder tissues with significant differences of P = 0.011 between the studied groups. It can be concluded that the present investigation reported elevated expression of CD276 in Iraqi UBC patients, correlated negatively with clinical features including patients′ age, sex, tumor′s size, stage, grade, and histological type. This suggests that this marker may be considered a target molecule in diagnosis or therapy of UBC.

Despite the large volume of empirical data on the effects of magnetic fields on living organisms, there are almost no studies showing the possibility of the existence of magnetic effects in processes outside the cell or in vitro. The protein folding process in a cell can be sensitive to magnetic fields. We the first time experimentally demonstrated the possibility of biochemical effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields and hypomagnetic fields on chemical renaturation using hen egg-white lysozyme as an example. The degree of lysozyme renaturation was estimated at different magnetic conditions by fluorescence intensity and enzymatic activity. The extremely low frequency magnetic field (50 Hz, 40 μT) accelerates the renaturation compared to the control and a hypomagnetic field (less than 40 nT). The effects of hypomagnetic and extremely low frequency magnetic field on the protein fluorescence spectrum were opposite. It confirms the participation of the recently described level mixing mechanism in the implementation of magnetobiological effects. The magnetic nanoparticles abolished the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic and hypomagnetic fields fluorescence and activity of lysozyme, which indicates their ability to modulate magnetobiological effects. The results obtained expand fundamental ideas about the mechanisms of action of magnetic fields on isolated protein molecules and can be useful in the practice of using magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine.

This study examined female rats' physiological and histological responses to cadmium chloride and lead acetate. Histological lung tissue examinations included oxidative stress and antioxidant status. Six female rat groups were studied. A group that served as a control was provided with water that had been distilled. The dosage of cadmium chloride that was administered to the second group was 5 mg/kg, whereas the dosage that was administered to the third group was 10 mg/kg. The fourth group received a dosage of lead acetate that was 50 mg/kg, whereas the fifth group received 100 mg/kg. All of the standard concentrations of lead acetate and cadmium chloride were administered to the sixth group in accordance with their protocol. Following thirty days of treatment of cadmium chloride and lead acetate to rats, the levels of oxidative indicators like MDA and 8-OHDG showed a substantial increase (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the levels of antioxidants like GSH, SOD, and CAT showed a significant drop (P ≤ 0.05 following the administration of these substances. Histological research has shown that exposure to cadmium chloride and lead acetate is associated with an increased risk of blood clots in the lungs as well as a thickening of the pulmonary alveolar wall. This is in comparison to a control group. These results demonstrate that cadmium chloride and lead acetate treatment adversely affected lung tissue's physiological and histological properties. The researchers discovered that the detrimental effect was more pronounced when the two drugs were administered concurrently to rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of High-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in combination with Complex Decongestive Physical Therapy (CDPT) on lower limb lymphedema. Every participant provided informed consent for the randomized controlled trial. The trial was conducted at Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital and High-Top Clinic in Egypt. 60 patients with secondary lower limb lymphedema, ages 35 to 65, were involved in the trial and were split into two groups at random. Group A received CDPT and High-Frequency TENS, while Group B received CDPT only. Both interventions were administered thrice weekly for eight weeks. A non-flexible tape was used to assess the limb girth as the major result; the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire (LYMQOL) was used as a secondary outcome. ANOVA tests were used in the statistical analysis to compare the pre and post-treatment outcomes within and across groups. The findings revealed that both groups had significantly lower limb girth and improved LYMQOL scores, with Group A showing more improvements than Group B (p < 0.05). The results indicate that for patients with lower limb lymphedema, the combination of High-Frequency TENS and CDPT is superior to CDPT alone in terms of limb girth reduction and improved quality of life. This combination of therapies may be a useful strategy for treating lymphedema and enhancing patient outcomes.

Asthma is a common chronic multifactorial respiratory disease. Genes involved in the metabolism of drugs used for asthma management play an important role in asthma development. The aim of the study was to analyze the methylation of the promoter regions of AOC1, GLCCI1 and ARG2 genes involved in the metabolism of drugs used for asthma treatment in asthma patients and controls from the Republic of Bashkortostan. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of 157 asthma patients and 155 control subjects. Methylation-Sensitive High Resolution Melting analysis and sequencing of bisulfite-treated genomic DNA were applied to estimate the degree of methylation. Analysis of the methylation status of promoter region of the AOC1 gene revealed a higher frequency of full methylation (100%) of the studied region in patients with severe and moderate asthma than in controls (38.61%; p=0.002; OR=2.58; 95%CI 1.4-4.75). A significantly higher level of promoter methylation of the GLCCI1 gene was found in patients with severe and moderate asthma compared to control group (p=0.01; OR=3.1; 95%CI 1.22-7.88). A low level of promoter methylation of the ARG2 gene was determined in both analyzed groups of patients and controls. The results of MS-HRM analysis were confirmed by bisulfite sequencing of analyzed samples. Thus, this study revealed differences in the level of methylation of promoter regions of AOC1 and GLCCI1 genes between samples of asthma patients and controls. The results of the study expand general understanding of the possible contribution of DNA methylation to asthma development.

The liver is a vital organ involved in a wide range of processes such as detoxification, protein synthesis, metabolism, and hormone production. Liver diseases, both inherited and viral hepatitis, liver cancer and fatty degeneration are among the leading causes of death in the world. Recent advances in 3D cell culture technology include the use of pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells that are cultured in vitro to form self-organizing systems. Organoids are self-organizing multicellular structures that reproduce the structure and function of organs and can be used to model the development, maintenance and repair of organs ex vivo. That is why the search for new methods for the formation of hepatic organoids seen as an urgent task. For the fabrication of 3D organoids we isolated hepatic duct cells from rat liver. The obtained cellular structures were analyzed using atomic force microscopy to estimate their mechanical properties and demonstrated increasing of Young Modulus in comparison with normal liver sections. Morphometric evaluation showed that extracellular matrix fibers occupy up to 60% of the organoid, while cell agglomerations up to 40% of it. We observed the spontaneously formed fibrotic liver tissue-like constructs within 21 days. So, obtained hepatic organoids characterized by a tissue-like structure with a predominance of extracellular matrix fibers in its composition similar to liver tissue affected by fibrosis. 

During cardiac surgery, as well as on-pump CABG, it is crucial to monitor arterial blood parameters in order to assess the condition of patients and risks that might occur in the operating room. In some cases, the cardiac activity of patients undergoing on-pump CABG cannot be self-restored and resuscitation measures are required. Thus, the aim of the study was to analyze the differences between the two groups of patients (self-restoration of cardiac activity vs additional resuscitation measures were required) and identify arterial blood parameters potentially indicating that the patient is at risk. The data of 21 patients were analyzed with Python packages. Statistically significant differences were found between the control group (self-restoration of cardiac activity) and the test group (additional resuscitation measures were required) in the following arterial blood parameters: the levels of sodium, chloride, glucose and blood osmolality. We believe that hyponatremia and blood hypoosmolality might be a reason for cell edema which creates a greater load on the heart and leads to inability of self-restoration of cardiac activity.

The effect of molecular hydrogen (H₂) on the functional state of spermatozoa through signaling pathways was studied. In the work, drugs that affect elements of intracellular signaling cascades were used to study the mechanisms of action of H₂. We used the adenylatecyclase stimulator – forskolin, the Ca²⁺-channel blocker – verapamil, and the proteinkinase C inhibitor – staurosporine. We studied concentrations of MDA, ATP, the percentage of total motility and the average speed of spermatozoa under the action of H₂ against the background of the action of drugs and without the action of drugs. It was shown that the concentration of MDA in all series did not change. Forskolin causes an increase in sperm motility and velocity. The use of H₂ increased the effects stimulated by forskolin: sperm motility and average velocity increased. The concentration of ATP, the percentage of motility and the velocity of sperm decreased under the action of staurosporine and verapamil. The combined action of H₂ and verapamil as well as the combined action of H₂ and staurosporine determined an increase in sperm motility and velocity. Thus, H₂ had a modulating effect through signaling pathways and caused an increase in the functional indices of sperm.

This study investigates the effects of omaveloxolone, a Keap1 inhibitor, on mitochondrial network (MN) dynamics and cell survival under oxidative stress in control fibroblasts and fibroblasts from a Parkinson's disease patient with a PINK1 mutation. The PINK1-mutant fibroblasts showed increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide-induced stress. Omaveloxolone pre-treatment improved cell viability under stress conditions in both cell types. Under normal conditions, PINK1-mutant fibroblasts exhibited lower MN connectivity compared to control cells. Oxidative stress reduced MN density in both cell types, while omaveloxolone treatment normalized MN connectivity in PINK1-mutant cells and maintained higher MN connectivity under stress. Similar effects were observed for mitochondrial branch length. Omaveloxolone (50 nM) also increased mitophagy in both cell types under normal conditions. Our findings demonstrate that omaveloxolone exerts protective effects by maintaining mitochondrial dynamics and activating mitophagy. It enhances mitophagy under normal conditions and supports MN structure under oxidative stress, improving cell viability in both control and PINK1-mutant fibroblasts. These results highlight omaveloxolone's potential as a therapeutic agent for protecting cells in diseases associated with impaired mitochondrial dynamics, particularly Parkinson's disease linked to PINK1 mutations.

The transition of the ion channel between the open and closed states is traditionally considered random. Current experimental data indicated the presence of oscillatory modes of regulation of open/closed states, and possible connections between these modes. The canonical methods Fourier or wavelet transforms, fractal analysis and mathematical modelling can evaluate open/closed states oscillatory modes, but cannot describe their relationship to each other. We first applied the method of bispectral analysis to solve this problem. The well-described potassium channels potential-dependent Kv, calcium-dependent KCa and the modelled potassium channel KcsA were studied. The relationship between fluctuations open/closed lifetimes at frequencies ~0.1, ~1 and ~10 Hz was shown. These frequencies correspond to rhythmic processes in cardiovascular and nervous systems functioning, including those regulated by potassium channels. The normalised integrated bispectrum index was chosen to quantitatively evaluate the interrelation of ion channel opening/closing states. The normalised bispectrum index notable increased upon alteration of the membrane potential from 0 to 20 mV. The obtained data expand our understanding of ion channel functioning principles and can be used in the search for new approaches to the pathological states (channelopathies) therapy.

This work is devoted to the study of mRNA expression patterns and the relative content of selenoproteins in mice with TAA-induced liver fibrosis and TAA-induced HCC. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the activation or suppression of selenoprotein synthesis during HCC progression and directly in the tumor in one TAA-treated mouse model, which is a pilot study and allows us to closely approximate the situation observed during HCC progression in vivo. It was found that as HCC progresses, there is an increase in the mRNA expression of thioredoxin reductases TXNRD1 and TXNRD2, deiodinase DIO3, glutathione peroxidases GPX1, GPX2, GPX4, and an inverse correlation in the expression of mRNA was characteristic of GPX3. In addition, the mRNA expression of endoplasmic reticulum resident selenoproteins: SELENOM, SELENON, SELENOT and SELENOS changed significantly. Also, in tumor liver samples and directly in the tumor itself, an increase in the expression of the selenoprotein SELENOP was recorded. The information obtained from the results of this work will significantly complement the existing data on the role of mammalian selenoproteins in various liver pathologies and in oncogenesis in general.

The aim: determination of correlation dependence of adaptogenic defense reactions in rats in the acute phase of pain stress on laser-puncture exposure to low-intensity IR radiation. Material and methods. Four groups of rats were used in the work: "experimental", which received after the injury a 10-day course of PPBM, and three comparison groups ("intact", "no exposure" and "placebo"). The intensity of lipid peroxidation, specific activity of antioxidant enzymes, protein concentration, malonic dialdehyde content in blood plasma and erythrocytes were determined by spectrophotometric method. Microcirculation indices were evaluated according to the previous series of our studies. Emotional and behavioral reactions were studied in the "open field" test. Results. Normalization of metabolic, microcirculatory and behavioral indices was registered in the experimental group. The correlation coefficients between the microcirculation index and the data of behavioral activity under pain stress were significantly less than the correlation coefficients between oxidative stress and cognitive functions, which confirms the determining role of oxidative metabolism disturbance in the formation of cognitive disorders. Conclusion: the registered adaptation and stress-limiting effect of PPBM in conditions of experimental pain stress allows us to recommend the technology of laser acupuncture for use in complex rehabilitation of patients with pain syndrome.

The paper presents an analysis of literature data on the characteristics of microbiocenoses across a wide range of infectious and somatic pathologies, as well as the results of our research on changes in the composition of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota in patients with various diseases. It is demonstrated that the microbiota responds consistently to any pathological changes occurring in the host organism, primarily manifested as a disruption in the balance between anaerobic (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, bacteroids, clostridia, etc.) and aerobic components of the microbiocenosis. The predominance or suppression of specific types of microorganisms is primarily influenced by the composition of the individual's indigenous microbiota, rather than the specific pathology associated with dysbiosis.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of α1-adrenergic receptor stimulation on the electrical activity of the right atrium cardiomyocytes with imposed rhythm in rats of different ages using methoxamine and methoxamine against the background of selective blockade of phospholipase C inhibitor (U-73122). Methoxamine increased the duration of the repolarization phase of the action potential. However, there were no changes in the other electrophysiological parameters studied. U-73122 markedly blocked all effects of α1-adrenoreceptor stimulation on the parameters of the electrical activity of working cardiomyocytes in 7-, 21-, and 100-day-old rats.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a species of pathogenic bacteria in the Mycobacteriaceae family, is the infectious agent that causes tuberculosis (TB), one of the most progressive bacterial pathogens in human history. The pathogen is the first cause of mortality linked to a single pathogen worldwide, especially in poor and developing countries. There are two clinical manifestations of disease caused by this bacterium: pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the human caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 8 (CARD8) gene of TB infection plays a critical role in the disease progression. Combining this SNP with the CARD8 polymorphism increased the effect, indicating a new link between the CARD8 gene and TB infection. The present study was conducted to determine the association between the polymorphism of the CARD8 gene and EPTB infection in humans. The study included patients (males and females) infected with PTB (n = 50), and EPTB (n = 50), as well as 50 healthy individuals as a control group. Blood samples were collected from all the participants and used to isolate DNA. Using a self-designed nested tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS PCR) assay, the genotypes in CARD8 A/T SNPs were identified. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the types of patients themselves and no significant differences between patients and healthy individuals in the results of ARMS-PCR. The findings of the present study revealed a correlation between patients with EPTB and polymorphisms in CARD8 (rs2043211).

Background: the nucleus pulposus NP pulls on the ruptured annulus fibrosus AF, bulging the intervertebral disc IVD and releasing chemicals that may irritate nerves and cause inflammation and pain. This produces histological changes to the IVD, including less gelatinous NP, cracks and fissures, decreased matrix water content, and proteoglycan composition changes. Aim of study: this study aims to investigate the histopathological changes in the Herniated Disc HD tissue, as well as cartilage histopathology grade and stage assessment. Materials and methods: fourty tissue samples of lumbar HD obtained after the operations were kept in 10% formalin. Then all HD sections were processed, and embedded, after that, 5 μm thick glass mounted sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Alcian blue (pH 0.02) and examined microscopically for histopathological changes and grading scoring was also conducted based on cell density, structural alterations of collagen fibers, and proteoglycan degeneration. Results: hemorrhage with fibrin deposition, mucous degeneration around chondrocyte clones and degeneration, increased chondrocyte density, expanded lacunae with degenerated chondrocytes, fiber disorientation, cleft formation, mucoid matrix changes, and inflammatory cell infiltration with fibrocyte prefiltration were the most histopathological changes in HD samples. Along with necrotic chondrocyte increase and tissue fiber alterations. Histological cell density grade indicated different-sized clones. All HD tissues revealed collagen fiber structural alterations, with gradients (52.5%) being most common. All HD samples showed mucous (proteoglycans) degradation, especially in gradients abundantly present and intermediate between 1 and 3 (45% and 42.5%). Conclusions: histopathological changes in intervertebral disc associated with HD infection.

Haemophilus influenzae is one of the most common causative agents of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Gene recombinations and high polymorphism make it difficult to diagnose the pathogen even by methods of molecular genetics. The development of DNA microarrays for H. influenzae detection in clinical samples of patients with CAP is promising. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possibility of detection of H. influenzae in clinical samples of patients with CAP using DNA microarray. Oligonucleotide probes were selected using disprose program and sequences from NCBI Nucleotide. Probes capable of cross-linking with H. haemolyticus and H. parainfluenzae DNA were removed in order to exclude nonspecific interaction. Probes were tested as part of DNA microarray design using samples of nucleic acid from tracheal aspirates of children with CAP. H. influenzae detection frequency in clinical samples was determined using sputum samples, tracheal aspirates and pharyngeal swabs of children and adults with CAP. The prevalence of the hybridization signal of the specific probes over 3 standard deviations of the hybridization signal of the negative control probes was interpreted as positive. The results were validated by PCR. 22 probes for H. influenzae detection with DNA microarray were selected. The hybridization signal of probes exceeded the threshold while testing samples containing H. influenzae DNA and did not exceed the threshold value while testing negative samples. H. influenzae detection frequency among patients with CAP was assessed. The results can be used for development of diagnostic tools for establishing the etiological factor of CAP.