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Innate immunity was investigated in six 28 to 44 y.o. volunteers for 120-d isolation in controlled environment. Peripheral blood samples gathered during isolation were analyzed to determine monocytes and granulocytes expressing intracellular (TLR3, TLR8, TLR9) and surface (TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6) TLRs, and lymphocytes-natural killers (CD3-CD16+CD56+). The system of pattern-recognition cell receptors displayed a heterogenic reaction with primary activation throughout the period in isolation. The observed changes represent evidently the processes of establishing a dynamic balance of immunity with extreme factors of the life in isolation and confinement, including the reactions to endogenous and exogenous stimuli.

Adequate interaction between the macroorganism and the microbiota is the basis for proper metabolism and overall human health. Probiotics allow for targeted correction of individual metabolic processes, reducing the risk of developing diseases or increasing the effectiveness of drug therapy. Lactobacillus plantarum demonstrates high efficiency in correcting microbiota disorders, improving metabolism, regulating inflammation and immunity. A continuous search is carried out for new strains of microorganisms that have an immunocorregulating and metabolic effect.

Communication in social insect colonies depends on signals accurately reflecting the identity and physiological state of the individuals. Such information is coded by the products of multiple exocrine glands, and the resulting blends reflect the species, sex, caste, age, task, reproductive status, and health of an individual, and may also contain caste-specific pheromones regulating the behavior and physiology of other individuals. Here we examined the composition of labial gland secretions in females of the bumble bee Bombus impatiens, of different castes, social condition, age, mating status, and ovarian activation. We show that active queens, gynes, and workers each produce caste-specific compounds that may serve different communicative functions. The composition and amounts of wax esters, mostly octyl esters produced by active queens, differed significantly between castes, mating, and social conditions, suggesting a social signaling role. Farnesyl esters were predominant in gynes and peaked at optimal mating age (6-10 days), suggesting their possible roles as sex pheromone components. Reproductive status of females and age across castes was reflected by the ratio between short- and long-chain hydrocarbons, suggesting that these compounds may serve as fertility signals. Our findings overall suggest that the labial gland composition in B. impatiens reflects different facets of female bee physiology. While further bioassays are required to determine the function of these compounds, they are likely to have an important role in the communication between individuals and to the cohesion of the social structure.

We measured the level of natural antibodies (nAb) to glutamate and GABA reflecting the balance of excitation and inhibition systems and involved in the adaptation processes in athletes receiving normalized physical activity in the dynamics of training (figure skaters, football players, and people actively involved in sports). It was found that each subject has an individual immunological profile and its parameters change in accordance with the training load. The measured levels of nAbs to GABA and glutamate correlate the physical activity of a person. The surveyed football players were divided into 3 groups according to the results of the analysis. Subjects of the first group had reliably high immunological indices in comparison with the control and were at the peak of physical form; in the third group, low immunological indices relative to the control indicated exhaustion and fatigue. The indicators of the second group corresponded to normal and demonstrated the resource of adaptation to load. The developed method can be used for assessing person's readiness for physical activity.

Introduction. Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies, a highly genetic heterogeneous group of disorders, have a phenotype caused by peripheral nerve damage.Purpose of the study – to assess the extent of genetic heterogeneity of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies in Russian patients and to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of using full-exome research methods to find the genetic cause of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies.Materials and methods. The material for the study was DNA samples from 51 patients and their family members referred for whole exome sequencing to the DNA-diagnostics laboratory of Research Centre for Medical Genetics in 2017–2019. Methods: whole exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, restriction fragment length polymorphism.Results. Whole exome sequencing in combination with segregation analysis of the pathogenic variants in families allowed to determine the cause of the disease in 41 % of cases. In another 16 % of cases, candidate genetic variants as a possible cause of the disease were revealed, but additional studies are needed to confirm it. The most frequently mutated gene was MFN2 caused neuropathy in 6 unrelated families. MPZ gene mutations were detected in two families, AARS gene mutations were revealed in another two families, and mutations in GJB1, HINT1, INF2, LRSAM1, LITAF, MME, NEFL, WWOX were detected once. Among the causal variants, mutations in B4GALNT1 caused spastic paraplegia, in COL6A1 led to Bethlem’s congenital muscular dystrophy, and in SYT2 caused congenital myasthenic syndrome indicating difficulties in differential diagnosis of inherited neuromuscular disorders. A PMP22 duplication was detected in 2 families prior to whole exome sequencing.Conclusion. Whole exome sequencing is very important for finding the molecular cause of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies. In most cases, additional methods should be used to clarify the pathogenicity of variants detected by whole exome sequencing. However, it is necessary to remember that the most common cause of the disease is a large duplication of the region 17p11.2.

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive type of brain tumors resistant to a number of antitumor drugs. The problem of therapy and drug treatment course is complicated by extremely high heterogeneity in the benign cell populations, the random arrangement of tumor cells, and polymorphism of their nuclei. The pathogenesis of gliomas needs to be studied using modern cellular technologies, genome- and transcriptome-wide technologies of high-throughput sequencing, analysis of gene expression on microarrays, and methods of modern bioinformatics to find new therapy targets. Functional annotation of genes related to the disease could be retrieved based on genetic databases and cross-validated by integrating complementary experimental data. Gene network reconstruction for a set of genes (proteins) proved to be effective approach to study mechanisms underlying disease progression. We used online bioinformatics tools for annotation of gene list for glioma, reconstruction of gene network and comparative analysis of gene ontology categories. The available tools and the databases for glioblastoma gene analysis are discussed together with the recent progress in this field.

The paper presents the results of the investigation of the overall chemical composition (mass fraction of moisture, fat, protein and ash) and the amino acid composition of mutton from the experimental animals of new genotypes: Sovetsky Merino x Dzhalginsky Merino and Sovetsky Merino x Stavropolsky breed. As a control, meat of purebred Sovetsky Merino was studied. The experimental and control rams were slaughtered at the age of 8 months by the conventional technology. Meat samples for laboratory examination were taken a day after slaughter. The results of the analysis of the overall chemical composition showed that lamb meat of new genotypes had lower moisture content and higher content of fat and protein compared to the control. Analysis of the amino acid composition of meat proteins of genotypes Sovetsky Merino x Dzhalginsky Merino and Sovetsky Merino x Stavropolsky breed revealed lower content of essential amino acids compared to the control. Comparison of amino acid scores showed that the amino acid composition of meat proteins from the experimental animals was limited by valine and lysine, respectively. It was concluded by the results of the investigations of the amino acid composition of proteins that the biological full value of proteins of mutton from new genotypes was 22.9% and 30.3% lower than that of the control.

In order to characterize hydroxyapatite (HAP) as a possible carrier of medicinal drugs and radionuclides, the possibility of using HAP modified with zinc ions (HAP-Zn) for the sorption of albumin, in particular, bovine serum albumin (BSA), was considered, using the latter as an intermediate binding protein in complex with a heterocyclic ligand of medical purpose. The kinetics of sorption of albumin correspond to the pseudo-second order, and the parameters of the sorption isotherm can be described using calculations based on the Langmuir theory of monolayer adsorption. The results of experiments on the sequential and joint sorption of a heterocyclic ligand on HAP-Zn in the presence of BSA are ambiguous about the sorption binding of this ligand to the sorbent, however, an interaction (binding) between the starting BSA and the ligand was present.

Thousands of studies have been conducted to study the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, its infectious properties, transmission routes and all associated with the clinical manifestations and severity of COVID-19, especially with potential treatments. Lactoferrin is a member of the transferrin family, which is synthesized by epithelial cells of mammalian internal glands and is widely present in various secretory fluids such as milk, saliva, tears, and nasal secretions. Lactoferrin is one of the components of the innate humoral immunity, regulates the functions of immunocompetent cells and is a acute phase protein. Lactoferrin has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review assesses the possibility of using lactoferrin as a supplement in immunocorrective therapy programs for viral diseases, including the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19.

The binding of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) receptors is a good target for the treatment of lung, colon, pancreatic, head and neck cancers. The adverse events that develop as a result of therapy, in the form of lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, is a serious problem for the doctor to choose a long-term treatment strategy. The developing symptoms of skin toxicity, as skin problems in patients are often called, are worrisome and often affect the quality of life and compliance with the treatment regimen. Thus, it is important for doctors to know the prerequisites and ways to manage skin toxicity associated with the use of tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors of epidermal growth factor. The mechanism and consequences of EGF receptor activation are described to explain the development of undesirable skin toxicity associated with inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor.

Summary Crosstalk between endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes or vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is essential for the proper functioning of blood vessels. This balance is disrupted in several vascular diseases but there are few experimental models which recapitulate this vascular cell dialogue in humans. Here, we developed a robust multi-cell type 3D vessel-on-chip (VoC) model based entirely on human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Within a fibrin hydrogel microenvironment, the hiPSC-derived vascular cells self-organized to form stable microvascular networks reproducibly, in which the vessels were lumenized and functional, responding as expected to vasoactive stimulation. Vascular organization and intracellular Ca2+ release kinetics in VSMCs could be quantified using automated image analysis based on open-source software CellProfiler and ImageJ on widefield or confocal images, setting the stage for use of the platform to study vascular (patho)physiology and therapy., Graphical abstract, Highlights • 3D VoC formed by hiPSC-ECs and hiPSC-VSMCs • Vascular organization in 3D VoC formed by hiPSC-VSMC and primary mural cells • Functional responses of hiPSC-VSMCs in 3D VoC • Automated analysis of microvascular network morphology and Ca2+ release in VSMCs, In this article, Orlova and colleagues describe the generation of an entirely human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived vessel-on-chip composed with endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Changes in microvascular network architecture and intracellular Ca2+ release kinetics could be quantified during vascular organization or upon drug treatment providing a useful platform to study vascular development and disease.

We studied the effect of various detergents (Tween-20, Triton X-100, and sodium deoxycholate) on activity and magnesium-dependent properties of Na+,K+-ATPase of the crude membrane fraction of rat cerebral cortex. All studied detergents significantly increased activity of the studied enzyme in a concentration-dependent manner. Sodium deoxycholate provided significantly higher values Na+,K+-ATPase activity (by ≈50%) than Triton X-100 and Tween-20. In the presence of Triton X-100, a changed pattern of the dependence of enzyme activity on the concentration of magnesium ions in the incubation solution was noted. Separate measurement of activities of Na+,K+-ATPase isoforms made it possible to assume that changes in magnesium-dependent properties are due to the predominant effect of Triton X-100 on ouabain-sensitive α2- and α3-isoforms.

Hexameric helicases are motor proteins that unwind double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) during DNA replication but how they are optimised for strand separation is unclear. Here we present the cryo-EM structure of the full-length E1 helicase from papillomavirus, revealing all arms of a bound DNA replication fork and their interactions with the helicase. The replication fork junction is located at the entrance to the helicase collar ring, that sits above the AAA + motor assembly. dsDNA is escorted to and the 5´ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) away from the unwinding point by the E1 dsDNA origin binding domains. The 3´ ssDNA interacts with six spirally-arranged β-hairpins and their cyclical top-to-bottom movement pulls the ssDNA through the helicase. Pulling of the RF against the collar ring separates the base-pairs, while modelling of the conformational cycle suggest an accompanying movement of the collar ring has an auxiliary role, helping to make efficient use of ATP in duplex unwinding., Replicative hexameric helicases are fundamental components of replisomes. Here the authors resolve a cryo-EM structure of the E1 helicase from papillomavirus bound to a DNA replication fork, providing insights into the mechanism of DNA unwinding by these hexameric enzymes.

Six localities of Elodea nuttallii were found in 2020 in the Lower Dnipro River (Kherson Region) within the territory of Nyzhniodniprovskyi National Nature Park. These are the first verified records of this alien aquatic plant (native to North America) in the Steppe Zone of Ukraine. Previously, it has been reported in Ukraine only from the Forest (Kyiv city) and Forest-Steppe (Kyiv, Poltava and Cherkasy administrative regions) zones. Geographic coordinates, depths and substrate are reported for all found localities. Geobotanical data about this species in Ukraine are summarized. It is assumed that Elodea nuttallii as a potentially invasive species in this region may occur not only in the Lower Dnipro River but also in all reservoirs on this river.

Currently, probiotics are an alternative to feed antibiotics in poultry farming. Probiotic cultures that are part of these drugs suppress the development of pathogenic and contain conditionally pathogenic bacteria at a safe level, as well as maintain a healthy microflora at a normal level. The mechanism of action of probiotics is studied by specialists from different countries. The purpose of the work was to study the effect of the probiotic drug “Propionovy” on the productive traits and physiological state of broiler chickens. Experimental studies have been carried out under the conditions of LLC “Kuzbassky broiler” in the Kemerovo region. The object of the study was broiler chickens of the cross Hubbard ISA F-15. Comprehensive studies have been conducted on the use of the probiotic drug “Propionovy”, which includes strains of Propionibacterium freudenreichii spp. in the diets of broiler chickens. The influence of various dosages of the studied drug on the productivity and quality of poultry meat, on morphological and biochemical parameters of blood has been studied. The optimal dose of introducing the drug “Propionovy” into the diets of broiler chickens, which is most effective for production from the economic point of view has been determined. It has been found according to the results of the production inspection that the inclusion of the probiotic drug “Propionovy” in the diets of broiler chickens contributed to the increase in the total gain in live weight in the experimental group by 3,76 % and the decrease in the prime-cost of production by 0,45 %, which allowed to obtain an additional profit of 2,83 rubles from 1 head. It has been found that the introduction of the probiotic drug “Propionovy” into the diets of broiler chickens of the cross Hubbard ISA F-15 has the positive effect on their productive traits and physiological state, and also allows us to get additional profit.

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is an orphan disease caused by hyperactivation of the alternative complement pathway. Objective of the study: to assess the state of the «ADAMTS13 – von Willebrand factor (vWF) – platelets» system in children with aHUS. Materials and methods of research: [by the FRET method (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) for the FRETSVWF73 (Peptide Institude, Inc., Japan)] hydrolysis of the fluorescent substrate and ADAMTS13 antigen [by ELISA using TECHNOZYM® ADAMTS13 5450551 ELISA (Technoclone GmbH, Austria)], vWF activity [for platelet agglutination (aggregation) in the presence of ristomycin (NPO Renam reagent kit for the ALAT-230LA-2 aggregometer, Russia)] and vWF antigen [by ELISA using the TECHNOZYM® vWF kit: Ag 5450201 ELISA (Technoclone GmbH , Austria)]. Results: there was a decrease in the activity and concentration of ADAMTS13 in 63% and 62% of patients, respectively. A decrease in vWF activity was noted in 44% of cases, an increase in its concentration – in 54% of children. Thrombocytopenia was diagnosed in 99% of children. Conclusion: the imbalance in the «ADAMTS13 – vWF – platelets» system supports the process of thrombus formation with the development of organ ischemia in aHUS under conditions of endothelial dysfunction. Reduced ADAMTS13 activity predicts the severity of the disease.

We surveyed ectoparasite mite species in the Republic of Belarus. One tick species and seven mite species were collected; four of them were recorded for first time: Carios vespertilionis from Pipis...

Graphical abstract, Highlights • The number of cells did not differ significantly at Cu 50 and 100 μg/L compared to the control, whereas Cu 150 μg/L inhibited population growth. • The fluorescence of chlorophyll a increased following exposure to Cu 100 μg/L and fluorescence of phycoerythrin enhanced by Cu 150 μg/L. • The content of ROS increased with increasing Cu concentration in a dose-dependent manner. • The population size structure was also changed by Cu as the number of cells sized 4−6 μm increased in the presence of Cu, especially with Cu 150 μg/L., The present work assessed the effect of copper (Cu) on cell dynamics and structure of the microalga Porphyridium purpureum (Rhodophyta, Bangiophycidae). Ultrastructure of the microalga was investigated and fluorescence of chlorophyll a and phycoerythrin, and content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were estimated by flow cytometry. The number of cells did not show statistically significant differences at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/L of Cu compared to the control, whereas 150 μg/L of Cu inhibited population growth. The fluorescence of chlorophyll a increased following exposure to Cu 100 μg/L and fluorescence of phycoerythrin enhanced by Cu 150 μg/L. There was no alteration in the above indicators at other concentrations. The content of ROS increased with increasing Cu concentration in a dose-dependent manner. The population size structure was also changed by Cu as the number of cells sized 4–6 μm was increased in the presence of Cu, especially with Cu 150 μg/L. Changes in the topography of thylakoids grew larger with Cu concentration.

21-hydroxylase (21-OH) is the main antigen of the adrenal cortex, so the determination of antibodies (Ab) to 21-OH can help in the diagnosis and prognosis of chronic primary adrenal insufficiency (CPAI). Purpose of the study: evaluation of the relevance of Ab to 21-OH for the diagnosis and prediction of autoimmune CPAI. Materials and methods of research: the study consisted of three blocks: 1) assessment of the specificity and sensitivity, as well as the prognostic potential of Ab to 21-OH in patients with polyglandular autoimmune syndrome (APS) – individuals with APS type 1 with and without CPAI (n=106); 2) assessment of the dynamics of the level of Ab to 21-OH – patients with autoimmune CPAI were included (n=41); 3) assessment of the significance of Ab data for the differential diagnosis of various forms of CPAI, including patients with CPAI and APS type 1 exclusion (n=30). The study of Ab to 21-hydroxylase was performed using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (BioVendor kits, Czech Republic). Results: statistically significant differences were obtained in the frequency of detection of Ab to 21-OH in patients with or without PCNI (p

Two undescribed flavonol-bis-3,7-O-β-D-glucuronide derivatives - kaempferol-bis-3,7-O-β-D-glucuronide (1) and isorhamnetin-bis-3,7-O-β-D-glucuronide (2) have been isolated from the aerial parts of Geum rivale L. along with three previously described flavonol glucuronide derivatives - quercetin-bis-3,7-O-β-D-glucuronide (3), isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide (4), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucuronide (5); and ellagic acid (6), 3-O-methylellagic acid (7), 6"-(4-hydroxycinnamoyl)-astragalin (8) and caffeoylmalic acid (9). All compound structures were elucidated by HR-ESI-MS, extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments along with comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature.

Environmental risk assessment (ERA) is an important component of risk analysis for plant pests and invasive alien species (IAS), and a standardized and consistent methodology has recently been developed for evaluating their impact on ecosystem services and biodiversity. This paper presents the application of this innovative methodology for ERA to Agrilus planipennis, the emerald ash borer, which causes significant mortality to Fraxinus (ash) species in forests and urban areas of North America (here: USA and Canada, excluding Mexico) and Russia. The methodology follows a retrospective analysis and summarizes information and observations in invaded areas in North America and Russia. Uncertainty distributions were elicited to define quantitatively a general pattern of the environmental impact in terms of reduction in ecosystem provisioning, supporting and regulating services, and biodiversity components. The environmental impacts of A. planipennis are time- and context-dependent, therefore two time horizons of 5 and 20 years after introduction and two ecosystems (urban and forest) were considered. This case study shows that the quantitative assessment of environmental impacts for IAS is both possible and helpful for decision-makers and risk managers who have to balance control costs against potential impacts of IAS.

The results of the international multicenter study EMPEROR-REDUCED were reviewed the on-line scientific meeting of Moscow experts on October 30, 2020. Some proposals and recommendations for further study of the cardiovascular and renal effects of empagliflozin and its use in clinical practice in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction were accepted.

The population genetic structure of Pacific herring Clupea pallasii in the northwestern Pacific Ocean is studied based on the polymorphism analysis of 11 microsatellite loci. Significant genetic differences are found between lacustrine and marine forms of herring (FST 0.0197−0.0521). The herring of lakes Ainskoe and Vilyui are separate populations. Based on the genetic differentiation index FST (0.0086−0.0218), the samples of marine forms are divided into two geographical groups: the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan group, and the Bering Sea group. Within these groups, five population groups are differentiated: (1) Peter the Great Gulf, (2) northwestern Sea of Okhotsk (Okhotsk), (3) Shelikhov Gulf Shelikhova (Gizhiginsk), (4) Karaginsky Gulf, and (5) northern Bering Sea. During a period of high abundance, herring lacks clear ecological boundaries; its population structure can change over several generations on a significant part of the distribution range. The modern population structure of the marine forms was formed by a depression of the Bering Sea population and a population explosion in the Sea of Okhotsk.

Mongolia and Russia are among the countries with the high tuberculosis (TB) burden. The prevalence of tuberculosis, including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR), in Eastern Siberia bordering Mongolia is significantly higher than in the European part of Russia. In addition, unlike Mongolia, Eastern Siberia is characterized by a high prevalence of HIV infection. The cross-border spread of socially significant infections in these countries seems to occur due to their wide-range cooperation and cultural exchange. Whereas the HIV infection has no epidemiological significance for Mongolia at the moment, tuberculosis, however, has a similar prevalence on both sides of the border. The aim was to evaluate the cross-border MDR M. tuberculosis distribution in Mongolia and Eastern Siberia by using molecular genetic data. Materials and methods. A total of 1045 M. tuberculosis strains isolated in Mongolia (291) and the three regions of Eastern Siberia (754) were studied by using the MIRU-VNTR-24 loci genotyping. The CC2/W148 and CC1 subtypes were identified by the specific deletion in the kdpD gene and SNP in the pks17 gene at position 1887060, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of MIRU-VNTR patterns was carried out by generating UPGMA tree and maximum likelihood tree. Results. The Beijing genotype was found in 75.3% (219/291) and 69.0% (520/754) from Mongolian and East Siberian collection, respectively. Common minor genotypes were LAM (11.0% and 15.1%), T (10.3% and 4.5%), and Haarlem (1.4% and 2.4%) found in Mongolia and Eastern Siberia, respectively. The genotypes S (1.3%) and Ural (5.0%) were found solely in the Russia-derived samples. The main epidemic Beijing subtypes in each country belonged to different clonal complexes (CC): the majority of Mongolian Beijing strains displayed profiles 342-32, 3819-32, 1773-32 MLVA types and belonged to the CC4 subtype; Russian Beijing strains mainly belonged to the CC1 (43.7% — 227/520) and CC2/W148 (34.8% — 181/520) subtypes. The MDR level and distribution patterns differed significantly between Mongolia and Eastern Siberia. Modeling of Beijing strain expansion evidences about extremely subtle contribution of the M. tuberculosis cross-border transmission between Mongolia and Russia. The phylogenetic reconstruction of Beijing CC4 subtype evolution in Mongolia suggests that its distribution is primarily associated with China and other countries of the Western Pacific Region. Three main phylogenetic branches of CC4 subtype were traced, which probably spread throughout Mongolia in the 11—12th centuries. It may be assumed that spreading of the epidemic Beijing CC4 subtype might occur in two stages: early period — emergence of ancestral CC4 variants in Mongolia or their introduction from China (they are homologous to the strains preserved in the Chinese population), later period — dissemination due to the active exchange of M. tuberculosis with countries of Southeast Asia, but not Russia. Conclusion. Using MIRU-VNTR-24 genotyping as well as classification according to specific single nucleotide polymorphisms specific to certain Beijing subtypes, it allowed to describe separate patterns of the epidemic variants spread in Mongolia and Russia. It has been demonstrated that emergence and spread of MDR-TB in Mongolia are entirely iatrogenic in nature, while the epidemic subtypes of the Beijing genotype (subtypes CC1 and CC2/W148) contribute markedly into the MDR-TB spreading in Eastern Siberia.

Relevance. Staphylococci are one of the most common pathogens in the etiological structure of nosocomial infections. Methicillinresistant staphylococci are resistant to the main groups of antibiotics and are one of bacteria that pose the greatest threat to human health according to the World Health Organization. The introduction of modern molecular biological methods in the monitoring of methicillin-resistant staphylococci is necessary for the rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms, monitoring the epidemiological situation and studying the need for anti-epidemic measures. Aims. Аnalysis of the results of monitoring methicillinresistant staphylococcus strains using molecular biological methods in a multidisciplinary hospital in Moscow for one year. Materials and methods. Single-center observational study with a one-year follow-up period (December 2016 to December 2017). The research included a molecular-biological analysis of biological material from 240 patients with signs of infection and washings samples (n=250) from the objects of the hospital environment. The whole genome sequencing was carried out for 24 samples, isolated from patients with different forms of staphylococcal infection and washings from a hospital environment. DNA detection of methicillin-resistant strains was performed using the «AmpliSens®MRSA-screen-titer-FL» reagent kit. Sequencing was performed on an Illumina HiSeq1500 instrument using the IlluminaHiSeq PE RapidClusterKit v2 and IlluminaHiSeqRapid SBS Kit v2. Results. DNA of methicillin-resistant staphylococci were detected in 6.3% of blood samples from patients with signs of infection and in 42.4% of washings from the objects of the hospital environment. The results of PCR of washing samples showed that DNA of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci were detected much more often than MRSA (p DNA of methicillin-resistant staphylococci were detected more often in the intensive care and intensive care units compared with the hematology and surgical departments (p The examine samples of Staphylococcus aureus belonged to 6 different sequence types (ST-5, ST-7, ST-8, ST-22, ST-30 and ST-5555) and 8 spatypes (t008, t021, t091, t1062, t12437, t1544, t223, t4573). As a result of monitoring, an isolate with a new allelic profile was found. Today it has been assigned the number ST5555. The predominant type of staphylococcal mec cassette was the type IV SCCmec cassette. Conclusion. Due to the widespread distribution of methicillin-resistant strains and the identification of epidemiologically significant genetic lines of staphylococci, it is necessary to conduct regular monitoring, take measures to limit the spread of such strains and introduce modern molecular biological methods for quick and accurate identification.

Reproductive division of labor in insect societies is regulated through multiple concurrent mechanisms, primarily chemical and behavioral. Here, we examined if the Dufour’s gland secretion in the primitively eusocial bumble bee Bombus impatiens signals information about caste, social condition, and reproductive status. We chemically analyzed Dufour’s gland contents across castes, age groups, social and reproductive conditions, and examined worker behavioral and antennal responses to gland extracts. We found that workers and queens each possess caste-specific compounds in their Dufour’s glands. Queens and gynes differed from workers based on the presence of diterpene compounds which were absent in workers, whereas four esters were exclusive to workers. These esters, as well as the total amounts of hydrocarbons in the gland, provided a separation between castes and also between fertile and sterile workers. Olfactometer bioassays demonstrated attraction of workers to Dufour’s gland extracts that did not represent a reproductive conflict, while electroantennogram recordings showed higher overall antennal sensitivity in queenless workers. Our results demonstrate that compounds in the Dufour’s gland act as caste- and physiology-specific signals and are used by workers to discriminate between workers of different social and reproductive status.

Introduction. The purpose of the analytical review is to summarize the data of modern scientific literature on the directions and possibilities of using the approaches of metabolomics in the analysis of medicinal plants, plant raw materials and herbal drugs.Text. Analysis of literature data showed that metabolomic approaches have great potential in the field of quality control of multicomponent phytopreparations and biologically active additives, detection of falsifications of rare and expensive plant materials, chemosystematics of medicinal plants, study of the mechanisms of action and toxicity of medicinal plants, etc.Conclusion. Metabolic analysis can become an effective analytical platform both for phytochemical research of plant raw materials and for regular activities to control the quality of plant material and phytopreparations.

This paper discusses the research findings on 6 strains of lactic-acid bacteria of the species Lactobacillus planta-rum. These cultures were isolated from plant substrates from the Altai Region and included in the “Siberian Collec-tion of Microorganisms”. The research was carried out in the Laboratory of Milk and Dairy Product Microbiology of the Department “Siberian Research Institute of Cheese Making” of the Federal Altai Scientific Center of Agro-Biotechnologies. The conventional methods of microbiolog-ical and biochemical studies were used. To conduct the experiments, 18-hour cultures of lactobacilli were used; their active acidity on a liquid nutrient medium, the number of bacterial cells in the resulting biomass and antagonistic activity against opportunistic pathogenic test cultures of Escherichia coli were studied. According to the research data, the active acidity of lactobacillus strains varied in the range of 3.43-3.70 pH, as compared with the control -6.98 pH. These values show an active growth of cultures Lb. plantarumon a nutrient medium; this is additionally confirmed by the high number of bacterial cells in all sam-ples of the studied microorganisms. All lactobacillus strains actively suppressed the growth of E. colitest cultures. The obtained results show that the studied Lb. plantarumstrains may be used as probiotic cultures in the future when creating bacterial preparations for farm animals and poultry.

Introduction . Listeriosis is a foodborne infection, especially dangerous for people in at-risk groups. Susceptibility to listeria infection is determined by a complex of reasons: environmental factors, host immune status, and pathogen virulence. The susceptibility to listeriosis can also be aggravated by previous infections, especially viral infections, which demonstrate a steadily increasing number of identified pathogens. The aim of our study was to present molecular and genetic characterization of pathogens causing sporadic invasive listeriosis in a megalopolis, primarily during the peak of influenza and ARVI incidence. Materials and methods . Listeria monocytogenes isolates were collected from 18 hospitalized patients at hospitals in Moscow, from November 2018 to October 2019. The first comparison group was represented by isolates from food products and fish preserves. The second comparison group included previously examined environmental isolates. The clinical isolates were examined by using multilocus sequence typing techniques, including the standard MLST scheme extended by loci of internalin genes. Isolates of the autochthonous genotype (ST7) were compared through whole-genome sequencing and subsequent analysis of the core genome (cgMLST). Results . In cases of invasive listeriosis, 44% of isolates were isolated from patients with listeriosis; 27% of isolates were obtained from patients with meningitis. L. monocytogenes of phylogenetic lineage II prevailed in these groups of cases that occurred when the epidemic threshold for influenza was crossed during the 2018/2019 season. Listeria pneumonia identified in the senior age group occurred during the season of autumn ARVI and was primarily caused by L. monocytogenes of phylogenetic lineage I. The examination of genomes of ST7 isolates demonstrated identity between the core genomes of bacteria isolated from the mother-infant pair. Out of ST7 food isolates most closely related to the clinical ones was the isolate from meat (23 locus differences, the common deletion in the MFS transporter locus). Analyzing invasive listeriosis, the comparison between the list of the identified genotypes and the data from European countries showed that each country had its own specific range of genotypes, though ST7 was detected in all the examined samples. Conclusions . Along with the monitoring of food manufacturing and storage, timely vaccination against seasonal respiratory infections and use of personal protective equipment in public spaces can reduce the risk of listeriosis incidence in at-risk groups.

Coloured minks are widespread – more than 200 colour variations in hair colour are known. Currently, breeding in fur farming continues. One of the most recent breeding achievements is the albino pastel mink. An important characteristic of the new breed is the body size and growth of the organism during the postnatal period, which does not occur evenly but goes through certain phases. In different periods of growth, the organism requires appropriate conditions, in the presence of which further development occurs. As a result of studies of mink growth from birth to adulthood, data necessary for the correct organization of measures for rearing and feeding the animals are accumulated. When analysing the growth dynamics of young animals, it has been established that sexual dimorphism in body weight of males and females of the albino-pastel genotype is absent at one day of age. The most intensive increase in body weight in female and male albino-pastel minks occurs from day 50 to day 80. The increase in body weight continues after 3–4 months of life, with males more intense than females.

The article is devoted to the issue of heritability of the age of puberty in female sables. The paper provides data on the percentage of daughters in mothers of different degrees of sexual maturity, the coefficient of heritability of this trait is determined. The article discusses the issue of the possibility of breeding to increase the reproductive capacity of replacement sable females by age of puberty.

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), due to their unique spectral-luminescent properties, are attractive for visualizing biological objects in biological and medical research. The main methods for registering luminescent QDs in the cells are various types of scanning microscopy. It is important to note that during the use of QDs, they are delivered into different extracellular and intracellular environments, which can affect the surface integrity of QDs and, as a result, the photophysical characteristics of QDs. In this connection, changes in the characteristics of the luminescence signals of non-target QDs based on InP/ZnS, coated with polyethylene glycol with COOH-groups, were studied, which can reduce the risk of toxic effects in the process of biological and medical research. In this work, QDs-InP accumulated in endosomes of A549 cultured cells. Analysis of the photophysical properties of QDs showed that the average intensity of QDs in endosomes was lower than the intensity of clusters outside the cells, which can be explained by a lower concentration of QDs in intracellular clusters. However, the QDs luminescence lifetime in clusters, independent of concentration, was also 5–10 ns lower. Analysis of the QDs solution showed that a decrease in the quantum yield and QDs luminescence lifetimes is observed in solution with pH 4.0, but not 7.4–8.0. Also, the process of significant formation of QDs aggregates in such solutions was not revealed. In this connection, changes in the photophysical properties of QDs interacting with cells, can be associated with the entry into endosomes with a low pH level. Thus, the analysis of the luminescence lifetimes of QDs allows to obtain additional information about their state in comparison with the determination of the fluorescence intensity. Our results are important for an adequate interpretation of data concerning both the efficiency of QDs uptake and analysis of the properties of intracellular compartments in which QDs accumulate.

Relevance. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is an independent factor in reduced fertility and a risk factor for miscarriage. There are some date an endometrial receptivity of HIV-infected patients has changed that plays an important role in embryo invasion, but the true reasons for the decrease in fertility rate in HIV infection remain unknown. Aim. Study of the expression of CD20, CD56 and TLR9 antigens on uterine epithelial cells of HIV-infected patients and the effectiveness of treatment for chronic endometritis by sodium nucleospermate. Materials and methods. This parallel-group study was done at two centres in the Russia. Participants were adults women aged 26 to 49 years (mean age 33.352.9 years), who were HIV-infected (n=12) and HIV-negative (22). An immunocytochemical study of endometrial biopsies taken on the 710th day of the menstrual cycle before and after treatment was done. The course of treatment with sodium nucleospermate was 42 days. Results. The expression level of CD56 and TLR9 in HIV-infected patients was 7.640.92% and 0.330.18%, respectively, and significantly differed from the expression levels in HIV-seronegative patients. There was a decrease in the expression levels of CD20 and CD56 and an increase in the expression levels of TLR9 in all groups of patients after treatment with sodium nucleospermate. Conclusion. A decrease TLR9 expression on uterine epithelial cells in HIV-infected patients showing lack of ability of innate immunity to eliminate pathogens associated with subclinical inflammation and it correlates with an increase in the expression of markers of chronic endometritis.

Activated T cells from peripheral blood of six volunteers, participants of the experiment with 21-day dry immersion (DI), were analyzed. The results of analysis of the synthesis of cytokines affecting the metabolism of bone tissue and contributing to the maintenance of its physiological homeostasis are presented. We have shown that prolonged restriction of motor loads leads to an increase in the content of peripheral blood activated CD3+CD25+ T cells. The monocultures of peripheral blood CD3+ cells stimulated in vitro with anti-CD2/CD3/CD28 complex for 24 h revealed changes in the cytokines synthesis. Two different types of response of activated T cells to prolonged exposure to DI have been demonstrated: either an increase or a decrease in the secretion of cytokines stimulating increased bone resorption (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, TNF-α, GM-CSF) and weakening osteoclastogenesis (IFN-γ, IL-3, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13).

After the genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2) was published and the number of infected people began to increase rapidly, many global companies began to develop a vaccine. Almost all known approaches to vaccine design were applied for this purpose, including inactivated viruses, mRNA and DNA-vaccines, vaccines based on various viral vectors, synthetically generated peptides and recombinant proteins produced in cells of insects and mammals. This review considers one of the promising vaccine platforms based on messenger RNA. Until recent years, mRNA-vaccination was out of practical implementation due to high sensitivity to nuclease degradation and consequent instability of drugs based on mRNA. Latest technological advances significantly mitigated the problems of low immunogenicity, instability, and difficulties in RNA-vaccine delivery. It is worth noting that mRNA-vaccines can efficiently activate both components of the immune system, i. e. T-cell and humoral responses. The essential advantage of mRNAvaccines includes fast, inexpensive, scalable and uniform production providing a large output of desirable products in vitro. Synthesis and purification processes significantly simplify the process technology of mRNA drugs with injectable purity. Thus, mRNA production via in vitro transcription is more advantageous as compared with DNA-vaccines since it is a chemical process without the use of cells. mRNA techniques make it possible to pass all the phases of vaccine development much faster in comparison with the production of vaccines based on inactivated viruses or recombinant proteins. This property is critically important when designing vaccines against viral pathogens as the main problem of disease control includes a time gap between an epidemic and vaccine development. This paper discusses studies on the development of vaccines against coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 with special attention to the mRNA technique.После того как была опубликована последовательность генома SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2), а количество заболевших стало стремительно возрастать, многие глобальные компании начали разработку вакцины от данного вируса. Для создания вакцины задейство- ваны практически все известные на данный момент способы – это вакцины на основе инактивированного вируса, мРНК и ДНК, вирусных векторов, синтетических пептидов и рекомбинантных белков, произведен- ных в клетках насекомых и млекопитающих. В обзоре рассматривается одна из перспективных вакцинных платформ, созданная на основе матричной РНК (мРНК). До недавнего времени мРНК-вакцинация не рас- сматривалась с практической точки зрения в силу высокой чувствительности к нуклеазной деградации и, как следствие, нестабильности препаратов на основе мРНК. Последние технологические достижения в значительной степени преодолели проблемы низкой иммуногенности, нестабильности и трудности до- ставки РНК-вакцин. Важно отметить, что мРНК-вакцины способны эффективно активизировать оба звена иммунитета – как Т-клеточный, так и гуморальный ответы. Существенным преимуществом мРНК-вакцин является быстрое недорогое масштабируемое и однотипное производство, обеспечивающее высокие выходы желаемого продукта в условиях in vitro. После синтеза и процедуры очистки технологически зна- чительно проще добиться получения препарата мРНК инъекционной чистоты. Таким образом, производ- ство мРНК путем транскрипции in vitro предпочтительнее в сравнении с производством ДНК-вакцин, так как в действительности является химическим процессом без использования клеток. По сравнению с про- изводством вакцин на основе инактивированного вируса или рекомбинантного белка мРНК-технологии позволяют гораздо быстрее пройти все этапы разработки. Этот параметр имеет первостепенное значе- ние для создания препаратов против вирусных патогенов, основной проблемой борьбы с которыми яв- ляется временной разрыв между эпидемией и разработкой вакцины. В данном обзоре мы обсуждаем работы, связанные с разработкой вакцины против коронавирусов, включая SARS-CoV-2, с акцентом на технологии мРНК.

Here we report the results of our own survey and literary published data on the ectoparasite fauna and pathogens of the alien bat species, the Kuhl’s pipistrelle Pipistrellus kuhlii (Kuhl, 1817) (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). This bat is a host of 36 species of parasitic mites, ticks and insects (including accidental findings) and 13 species of pathogens (protozoa, bacteria, viruses). The flea Ischnopsyllus variabilis is re­corded on this host for the first time. We have found that outside of the host ancestral range, the core of the bat parasite fauna is significantly different due to the loss of host species-specific ectoparasites. Particularly, in Russia, only 6 species of parasitic arthropods have been recorded for Kuhl’s pipistrelle and all of them are host genus-specific. At the same time, the features of ecology and occasional finds of extrinsic parasites allow to suggest that P. kuhlii has wide contacts with animals which are the reservoirs of zoonotic infec­tions, that in combination with the fact of isolation of several pathogens from this species (including two coronaviruses) points to a possible medical importance of Kuhl’s pipistrelle.

Significance of soil genesis for the composition and succession of bacterial communities during straw decomposition has been studied. Sterile grinded oat straw in nylon bags was placed in humus horizons of two soils (soddy-podzolic and chernozem; Albic Retisol (Abruptic, Ochric) and Haplic Chernozem (Pachic)) and incubated in the laboratory under constant hydrothermal conditions. On the basis of respiration dynamics (measured by absorption method) the stages of straw decomposition (early, middle and late) were specified. For each stage, the composition of bacterial communities was determined by high-performance sequencing of amplicon libraries of the variable region V4 of the 16S rRNA gene. It has been shown that carbon losses during decomposition of straw from the soddy-podzolic soil were higher than those from chernozem: 3913 ± 668 and 2981 ± 297 CO2 mg/m2 day, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed an increase in the diversity of the bacterial community in the process of straw decomposition: from 51 and 79 on the third day, up to 213 and 310 phylotypes from 17 phyla on the last day, for chernozem and soddy-podzolic soil, respectively. On the third day, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were mainly present; on the 161st day, Actinobacteria were added. Soil had a significant impact on the taxonomic composition of straw communities. For the microbial community of straw formed on the basis of the microbiocenosis of soddy-podzolic soil the proportion of Proteobacteria was higher, but Bacteroidetes was lower, and the contribution of unidentified prokaryotes was more significant. Bacterial succession during straw decomposition had common features for both soils. The decomposition started with the quick consuming of easily available organic compounds of straw by copiotrophs, representatives of the Pseudomonas genus, the Stenotrophomonas genus from the family of Xanthomonaceae, and the Chitinophaga (Bacteroidia) genus. In addition to actinobacteria, the oligotrophs were represented by Firmicutes and part of Bacteroidetes. Throughout the entire observation period, probably due to the formation of available organic compounds during the decomposition of straw, the contribution of bacteria of the Rhizobiaceae family was significant.

Svalbardia osmanica Petrosjan et Radczenko from the Middle Devonian deposits (Izyly Formation) of Kuznetsk Basin is re-studied from the type material (CNIGR-museum, Saint-Petersburg). An emended diagnosis of S. osmanica including new data on morphology and anatomy of sterile plant fragments and fertile structures with in-situ spores from the microsporangia is given. Dispersed spores from the same deposits that included S. osmanica indicates a Givetian age for the Izyly Formation.

In September 2019, the R/V “Professor Levanidov” carried out comprehensive studies in the Laptev Sea from 140 ° to 110 ° E at depth range of 60–950 m. High positive anomalies of air and surface water temperatures were noted up to + 2 + 3 °C and +1.5 °C respectively with an abnormally low sea ice cover. Cold Arctic and desalinated waters of the river flow dominated in the upper 200 m layer. Atlantic waters were traced in the layer from 180–300 m to the bottom, and their core — at a maximum temperature of + 1.6 + 1.92 °C at 240–280 m. By the time of the survey, the active vegetation of phytoplankton had finished. Oxygen saturation in the almost the entire surface layer was below 100 %. Primary production was limited by mineral nitrogen concentration. Low concentrations of phosphates, nitrates and silicates in the intermediate waters indicated the penetration of Atlantic waters. The average biomass of plankton on the shelf was 239,8 mg/m3, on the slope — 374,2 mg/m3. Copepods and chaetognaths with considerable contribution of hyperiids and euphausiids dominated in plankton by weight. The bulk of zooplankton was large organisms, while small and medium fractions were 22 and 10 %. Brittle star, starfish, and shrimp dominated in trawl benthos. 25 demersal fish species of 14 families were found in bottom trawl catches. Zoarcidae, Liparidae and Gadidae were the most diverse. Polar cod was recorded along the entire route with highest concentrations in Atlantic waters at depths of 217–460 m. Copepods dominated in the diet of Polar cod juveniles, while that of adults was supplemented by large pelagic crustaceans and fish with high level of cannibalism. Greenland halibut was found along the entire continental slope at 270–750 m while the largest catches were in its central and western parts. The increase of halibut number and occurrence was due to the wide distribution of Atlantic waters on the slope. The main component of its diet was Polar cod.

In recent years increase in production of complex medicines on the basis of the medicinal vegetable raw materials enriched or fermented by the bacterial cul-tures playing an essential role in functioning of a mi-crobiota and, respectively, maintenance of human health is noted. Such medicines are capable to nor-malize effectively the physiological status of a macro-organism that is very important for athletes who need restoration after intensive physical activities. Successful experience of use of water extraction of oats of recovery process, sowing as means, confirms expediency of creation and application of joint com-positions with pro-biotic cultures. The research in vitro of influence of this vegetable substance on cul-tural properties of production strains lakto-and the bifidobacteria allocated from the person allows to estimate qualitatively and quantitatively prebiotic effect of oats sowing and compatibility of potential components of the complex medicines possessing adaptogens and pro-biotic action.

The aim of the study is to review the literature data on the chemical constituents of arial and underground parts of Geum rivale L. (Rosaceae) and the pharmacological activity of its extracts and individual compounds.Materials and methods. The study was carried out using Internet resources (Google Scholar, PubMed) and library databases (e-Library, Scopus, Web of Science). The main research methods were a review and analysis of the literature data on the topic for the period from 1958 up to the present.Results. For the period from 1958 up to the present more than 80 components in the arial and underground parts of G. rivale have been identified. Among them there were components of the essential oil, phenolic acids and coumarins, aglycones of flavonoids, including luteolin, apigenin, quercetin and kaempferol, as well as a number of their glycosides and glucuronides, ellagitannins (hemin A, B, C, D, pedunculagin, stachiurin/casuarinin, tellimagrandin I). Some aspects of the pharmacological activity of total extracts and individual secondary metabolites of G. rivale have been studied, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral activities have been experimentally confirmed.Conclusion. The analysis of the literature data showed that a further study of the composition of metabolites of G. rivale and their pharmacological activity is an urgent task, the solution of which will expand the range of use of this plant in medical practice and consider G. rivale as a promising source of pharmaceutical substances for the creation of new drugs and biologically active additives.

The invasive weevil Aulacobaris cuprirostris (Fabricius, 1787) was detected for the first time in Russia, in the Adler district of the city of Sochi. The native range of this species is in North Africa, the Mediterranean region, Western Europe, Southern Europe, and the southern part of Central Europe. We found three specimens of this species more than 1100 km apart from its previously known range on a lawn where the seedlings of shrubs were planted several years ago. The weevils could have been unintentionally introduced with these imported seedlings. Aulacobaris cuprirostris feeds on different species of Brassicaceae and is a pest of cabbage in Western Europe. Therefore, it could potentially become a pest in Krasnodar Territory.

Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates, minor substances that have anti-carcinogenic and detoxifying effects, increasing the adaptive capacity of the body. In case of insufficient consumption of cruciferous with food, some glucosonolates or their derivatives, such as inol‑3-carbinol, can be additionally introduced into the diet. The article discusses the mechanisms of action and the role of indole‑3-carbinol in supporting the reproductive system and adaptive reserves of the body.