Search

The paper presents the properties of a nanostructured dry extract of badan (self-organization and the size of nanocapsules are determined using the NTA method). The polydispersity index in carrageenan is 0.61–1.096 in agar-agar and xanthan gum, respectively, which suggests that nanocapsules of dry aloe extract approach a spherical shape in this case. The average size of nanocapsules is in the range of 68–160 nm. The obtained compounds were used in various functional food products.

The paper provides data on the use of nanostructured cobalt sulfate in the production of marmalade as functional food for prophylactic purposes. The particle trajectory analysis method (NTA method) was used to determine the sizes of nanostructured cobalt sulfate. In this case, the smallest size (25.7 nm) is formed only in gellan gum with a “core : shell” ratio of 1:1. When the “core : shell” ratio in gellan gum is 1:3, the average size of nanocapsules is 49.9 nm. This result can be explained by the tighter packing of cobalt sulfate in the capsule. In sodium alginate, the average nanocapsule size is already 191 nm. The polydispersity coefficient in all studied shells and at different “core : shell” ratios are practically equal and amounts to 0.84–1.09, which corresponds to a spherical shape.

The paper presents the properties of a nanostructured dry extract of bergenia (self-organization and the size of nanocapsules are determined using the NTA method). The smallest average size is 118 nm in kappa-carrageenan, and the largest is 273 nm in sodium alginate with a “core : shell” ratio of 1:1. With regard to the polydispersity coefficient, it was shown that in sodium alginate, guar gum and kappacarrageenan it is 2.73–6.58, which corresponds to the ellipsoid form, while in sodium carboxymethylcellulose this coefficient is 1.1–1.3, which corresponds to a spherical shape, although the dimensions themselves are much larger. The resulting compounds have been used in a variety of functional foods.

The paper presents the properties of nanostructured Sel-Plex; self-organization and particle sizes are determined using the NTA method. It is shown that the average size of nanocapsules does not significantly depend on the nature of the shell and is 217–245 nm. It is proposed to use nanostructured Sel-Plex as a selenium-containing preparation in the production of marmalade and bakery products.

The work shows that nanostructured copper sulfate can be used for the prevention and treatment of hoof diseases in animals. Studies have been carried out to determine the size of nanoparticles containing copper sulfate by the NTA method, and their self-organization has been studied.

The paper presents the properties of nanostructured dry stevia extract and its application for the production of functional food for prophylactic purposes on the example of marmalade and ice cream. The size of the nanostructured dry stevia extract was determined by the NTA method. As it turned out, the average size of nanoparticles depends on the nature of the studied shells and is 48–63 nm, which allows this product to be used for its functional purpose.

Plants utilize a plethora of peptide signals to regulate their immune response. Peptide ligands and their cognate receptors involved in immune signaling share common motifs among many species of vascular plants. However, the origin and evolution of immune peptides is still poorly understood. Here, we searched for genes encoding small secreted peptides in the genomes of three bryophyte lineages-mosses, liverworts and hornworts-that occupy a critical position in the study of land plant evolution. We found that bryophytes shared common predicted small secreted peptides (SSPs) with vascular plants. The number of SSPs is higher in the genomes of mosses than in both the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha and the hornwort Anthoceros sp. The synthetic peptide elicitors-AtPEP and StPEP-specific for vascular plants, triggered ROS production in the protonema of the moss Physcomitrella patens, suggesting the possibility of recognizing peptide ligands from angiosperms by moss receptors. Mass spectrometry analysis of the moss Physcomitrella patens, both the wild type and the Δcerk mutant secretomes, revealed peptides that specifically responded to chitosan treatment, suggesting their role in immune signaling.

A series of novel analogs of dual-targeted antimitotic agent 5-hydroxymethyl-2-methoxyphenyl adamantane-1-acetate was synthesized. These compounds maintained the cytostatic ability of the lead molecule and induced no depolymerization of microtubules in human lung carcinoma cells A549. The importance of substituent positions in the aromatic ring for interactions with the microtubules was explained using computer molecular modeling.

The paper presents the properties of nanostructured glucosamine sulfate and its application for the production of functional food products that extend life on the example of fermented milk products (yoghurts, kefir, fermented baked milk, sour cream, cottage cheese), marmalade, ice cream and bakery products. Data on the self-organization and size of nanostructured glucosamine sulfate using the NTA method are presented.

Data on the study of nanostructured silver nitrate by the NTA and self-organization method are presented. It is shown that silver nitrate nanocapsules are formed due to non-covalent interactions, which is characteristic of self-assembly. The average size of nanocapsules ranges from 117 to 149 nm, and the geometry of nanocapsules depends on the nature of the shell. Thus, in sodium alginate, it approaches a spherical shape, and in guar gum — an ellipsoid.

In the present work we have studied a novel conjugate of the DNA alkylating agent chlorambucil with podophyllotoxin, a ligand of the colchicine binding site in tubulin. The target compound was obtained by Steglich esterification of podophyllotoxin with the percentage yield of 41%. Results of biotesting carried out on the carcinoma A549 cell line revealed that at a concentration of 2 μM the conjugate caused full depolymerization of microtubules without any other effect on free tubulin. The conjugate inhibited proliferation (IC50=135±30 nM) and growth (EC50=240±30 nM) of A549 cells. The data of computer molecular docking of the novel compound into the 3D model of the colchicine binding site in α,β-tubulin and molecular dynamics modelling allowed to explain the observed difference in effects of chlorambucil-podophyllotoxin and chlorambucil-colchicine conjugates on microtubules.Izuchen kon"iugat DNK-alkiliruiushchego agenta khlorambutsila s podofillotoksinom — ligandom kolkhitsinovogo saĭta tubulina. Tselevoe soedinenie polucheno éterifikatsieĭ po Steglikhu s vykhodom 41%. Rezul'taty biotestirovaniia na kletkakh kartsinomy A549 vyiavili ego sposobnost' v kontsentratsii 2 mkM vyzvat' polnuiu depolimerizatsiiu seti mikrotrubochek bez kakogo-libo drugogo deĭstviia na svobodnyĭ tubulin. Poluchennyĭ kon"iugat ingibiruet proliferatsiiu (IC50=135±30 nM) i rost (EC50=240±30 nM) kletok A549 v nanomoliarnom intervale kontsentratsiĭ. Rezul'taty komp'iuternogo molekuliarnogo dokinga novogo soedineniia v trekhmernuiu model' kolkhitsinovogo saĭta α,β-tubulina i modelirovaniia molekuliarnoĭ dinamiki pozvoliaiut ob"iasnit' razlichie v deĭstvii kon"iugatov podofillotoksina s khlorambutsilom i kolkhitsina s khlorambutsilom na set' mikrotrubochek.

The paper presents the properties of a nanostructured Schisandra chinensis extract, determines selforganization and particle sizes using the NTA method. The use of nanostructured extract of Schisandra chinensis in the production of kefir showed that it can be used to obtain functional foods.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently one of the most socially significant diseases that leads to a significant decrease in the daily activity and productivity of patients, as well as their rapid invalidization. In this regard, its treatment remains the most important problem of medicine. Currently, the main goals of treatment of patients with COPD are: relief of symptoms, improvement of exercise tolerance, improvement of General health, prevention and effective treatment of complications, prevention and effective treatment of exacerbations, prevention of disease progression, and reduction of mortality. The article presents a clinical case from the practice of a patient with COPD who received olodaterol + Tiotropium bromide. In view of the patient’s low adherence to therapy, further progression of the disease was observed, which led to a significant violation of airway patency during spirometry, and a decrease in exercise tolerance. The patient was assigned a new representative of combined drugs with 24-hour action - Vilanterol + Umeclidinium 22/55 mcg, with a new method of drug delivery. After 6 months of therapy with Vilanterol + Umeclidinium, the patient’s exercise tolerance increased, lung function improved, and quality of life improved.

The purpose of this work was to assess the suitability of solid and liquid waste generated during processing of the vegetative part of poplar as substrates for biochemical processing in order to obtain biologics for various purposes. For the study, we used post-extraction residues, as well as a cubic liquid formed after distilling essential oils and extracting alcohol-soluble substances from the vegetative part of the balsamic poplar (Populus balzamifera L.). Siberian strains of fungi of the genus Trichoderma used as a biodestructor. Studies have shown that the vegetative part of poplar and its individual elements are an available substrate for the growth of mycelial fungi. The high yield of spores (4.5×109 spor/g) and the formation of humic substances (11%) used as plant growth stimulators during solid-phase cultivation of the MG-97 strain of Trichoderma fungi gives grounds to use the vegetative part of poplar as a technological raw material for obtaining a biological product of the "Trichodermin" type or soil humification. Depending on the purpose of the preparations, the duration of cultivation can vary: for obtaining agricultural biologics up to 15 days, more – for soil humification. The inclusion of a cubic liquid at the stage of substrate humidification allows to obtain a biological product with a higher spore titer (5×109 spor/g), makes it possible to close the water consumption cycle and make the technology of processing the vegetative part of poplar waste-free.

The vegetative part of coniferous and deciduous wood plants is a unique source of natural compounds. The natural renewability of woody plants makes them an inexhaustible raw material for the production of biologically active substances. In the process of their production, about 70% of the non-recyclable post-extraction residue of the vegetative part remains, which is used as a feed additive. Since many plant wastes have a low protein content, in which essential amino acids are most often the limiting ones, they must be enriched with microbial protein, in particular the protein of basidial fungi. For this purpose, the fungi Fomitopsis pinicola (sw.) P. KARST (Fp5-15) were used in this work, since they are the least demanding to plant substrates and have high growth indicators. The purpose of this study was to study the amino acid composition of products obtained as a result of bioconversion of post-extraction residues of fir tree greens and the vegetative part of balsamic poplar (buds, litter). The analysis of the amino acid composition of the products showed that the protein score increases during the biodegradation process (phenylalanine and tyrosine-by 35 %, threonine – by 37.5%). Also, high amounts of glycine, alanine, histidine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid were found in the products of biodegradation. In terms of the content of a number of amino acids, the resulting products are superior to cereals and feed products based on the vegetative part of woody plants. Thus, the results obtained show the possibility of using fermentation products as protein feed additives.

The paper presents the properties of nanostructured extract of Manchurian aralia; self-organization and particle size are determined using the NTA method. It is demonstrated that the smallest size of nanocapsules is in sodium alginate (191 nm), and the largest size is in xanthan gum (427 nm). The use of nanostructured Manchurian aralia extract in the production of marmalade has shown that it can be used to manufacture functional food products.

Heterogeneous coatings with high ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation in the middle (4000–400 cm–1) and near-IR regions (11000–2000 cm–1) are formed by the method of pulsed microplasma oxidation on aluminum and titanium alloys in inorganic electrolytes containing nickel, cobalt, and iron compounds. The electromagnetic radiation absorption is provided not only by the oxide coating itself, but also mainly by the heterogeneous metal particles of nickel, cobalt, and iron forming a dispersed metal phase and having magnetic properties that are incorporated into the coating pores by the method of microplasma oxidation under the action of a constant magnetic field. The influence of the electrolyte compositions and of the parameters of pulsed microplasma oxidation on the structure, composition, and radiation absorption properties of coatings is studied. It has been revealed that coatings formed in a phosphate-borate electrolyte with addition of nickel at a voltage of 300 V, a pulse duration of 100 μs, and a process duration of 5 min have the best absorption ability.

The paper presents the properties of nanostructured folic acid and its application for the production of functional food for preventive purposes on the example of marmalade, ice cream and bakery products. The size of nanostructured folic acid was determined by the NTA method. As it turned out, the size of nanoparticles is 160 nm, which makes it possible to use this product for functional purpose.

The paper presents the properties of nanostructured Rhodiola rosea extract; self-organization and particle size are determined using the NTA method. It is shown that the smallest size of nanocapsules is in agar-agar and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (155 nm). The use of nanostructured Rhodiola rosea extract in the production of yogurt has demonstrated that it can be used to produce functional food products.

The sizes of nanostructured lanthanum and cerium nitrates are provided by the NTA method. The evaluation of preparations by the self-organization method is carried out. It is shown that the sizes of nanostructured lanthanum and cerium nitrates depend significantly on the nature of the shell and average from 108 to 255 nm.

The paper presents the properties of nanostructured Eleutherococcus; self-organization and particle size are determined using the NTA method. It is shown that the smallest size of nanocapsules is in konjac gum (191 nm), and the largest size is in xanthan gum (464 nm). The resulting nanostructured Eleutherococcus can be used in the production of marmalade.

We present a comprehensive study of the receptor–ligand interaction by spectral methods on the example of Concanavalin A lectin and 5 kDa chitosan modified with D-mannose. An improved method for the modification of chitosan with D-mannose and purification of these conjugates is developed. A novel approach to calculate the constants of the Concavalin A binding with the mannose-containing ligand is proposed. The calculation is based on the intensity reduction of the Amide II absorption band in the IR spectra normalized by Amide I during the receptor binding with the modified chitosan-mannose polymer. The linearization of the binding curves in Scatchard coordinates allows finding the complex dissociation constants whose value constituted (5.5 ± 0.3) × 10–5 M. These results are confirmed by fluorescence polarization analysis. IR spectroscopy is found to be the most suitable and precise method for the calculation of dissociation constants, which does not require preliminary protein modification.

A divergent route for the synthesis of new derivatives of 4,11-diaminoanthra[2,3-b]thiophene-5,10-dione was developed based on the introduction of cyclic amines to the terminal positions of 4,11-aminoalkyl groups. Modification of the side chains of anthra[2,3-b]-thiophene-5,10-dione increases the affinity of ligands to DNA duplex and decreases the affinity to G-quadruplexes. An analysis of the structure–activity relationship showed that 2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethylamine is the most promising side chain fragment for the development of new double-stranded DNA ligands. The ability of new ligands to bind to DNA duplex correlates with inhibition of tumor cell growth, which indicates the prospects for a further search for new antitumor compounds or chemical probes for duplex-forming nucleic acid sequences among 4,11-diaminoanthra[2,3-b]thiophene-5,10-diones.

Background: In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine the changes in morphology of red blood cells (RBCs) and to investigate the nanoparticles (NPs) found on their surface in cervical cancer (CC) patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT). Methods and Results: We obtained smears of venous blood from 12 CC patients at the start, midway and at the end of external beam RT and then midway and at the end of brachytherapy. It was found that in CC patients, the number of RBCs with abnormal morphology increased and NPs appeared on their surface. During RT, the total number of abnormally shaped RBCs and the number and size of NPs increased. The RBC diameter was 8.38 +/- 0.36 mu m in the control group and 9.41 +/- 0.47 mu m in CC patients. The average diameter of NPs on the RBC surface was 69.91 +/- 12.15 nm and their average height 23.75 +/- 3.70 nm. After RT, the morphology of RBCs was restored, and the formation of NPs decreased. Conclusion: The changes observed could serve as the basis for developing efficacy indicators of cancer radiation therapy.

Recent evidence shows that small open reading frame (smORF

5-Hydroxymethyl-2-methoxyphenyl adamantane-1-acetate inhibits cell proliferation and stimulates depolymerization of microtubules of cancer cells to free tubulin. Its analogues were synthesized via the Steglich or Mitsunobu reactions to determine the role of structural subunits of the molecule in tubulin binding. Based on the structure–activity relationship studies, metabolically stable 1-[2-(5-hydroxymethyl-2-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]adamantane was invented, which exhibits a dual-target profile and retains in vitro activity observed for the lead compound.

—Using Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and laser interferometry we found that variations in insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and purinergic compounds such as ATP in the blood influence the hemoglobin distribution and hematoporhyrin conformation in hemoglobin in erythrocytes. Our results suggest that receptor activation promotes changes in conformation of cytoskeletal protein molecules and hemoglobin.

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a powerful tool for pathophysiological studies and preclinical therapeutic screening, as well as a source for clinical cell transplantation. Thus, it must be validated for maturity and functionality to ensure correct data readouts and clinical safety. Previous studies have validated hiPSC-derived RPE as morphologically characteristic of the tissue in the human eye. However, information concerning the expression and functionality of ion channels is still limited. We screened hiPSC-derived RPE for the polarized expression of a panel of L-type (CaV 1.1, CaV 1.3) and T-type (CaV 3.1, CaV 3.3) Ca2+ channels, K+ channels (Maxi-K, Kir4.1, Kir7.1), and the Cl- channel ClC-2 known to be expressed in native RPE. We also tested the roles of these channels in key RPE functions using specific inhibitors. In addition to confirming the native expression profiles and function of certain channels, such as L-type Ca2+ channels, we show for the first time that T-type Ca2+ channels play a role in both phagocytosis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion. Moreover, we demonstrate that Maxi-K and Kir7.1 channels are involved in the polarized secretion of VEGF and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF). Furthermore, we show a novel localization for ClC-2 channel on the apical side of hiPSC-derived RPE, with an overexpression at the level of fluid-filled domes, and demonstrate that it plays an important role in phagocytosis, as well as VEGF and PEDF secretion. Taken together, hiPSC-derived RPE is a powerful model for advancing fundamental knowledge of RPE functions.

The effectiveness of forest resources depends on the comprehensiveness and rationality of their consumption and processing into finished products. This article discusses the problem of using solid fir wood greenery residues generated during the industrial production of essential oils. Bioconversion is considered to be the most promising use. The objective of this research was to study the chemical composition of bioconversion products of fir wood greenery-based substrates. The РР-3.2 strain of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quél was used as a biodestructor. In the process of bioconversion, the contents of polysaccharides and lignin substances is reduced to 38% and 28%, respectively. Up to 20% of protein accumulates in bioconversion products of fir wood greenery. The amount of nucleic acids is not more than 1.5 g per kg, the contents of heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead, do not exceed the maximum permissible concentration standards. The substrate weight loss reaches 15%. When fallen leaves and post-extraction poplar bud residues are added to the substrate, the substrate-destroying activity of fungi increases, and the protein content increases by 3%. The digestibility of products as a result of bioconversion increases 1.6–2.8 times depending on the substrate composition. The obtained data support the recommendation of post-fermented substrates based on fir wood greenery and balsam poplar biomass for use as a protein feed additive.

The effectiveness of forest resources depends on the comprehensiveness and rationality of their consumption and processing into finished products. This article discusses a problem of utilising solid fir wood greenery residues generated during the industrial production of essential oils. Bioconversion is considered to be the most promising utilization method. The objective of this research was to study the chemical composition of bioconversion products of fir wood greenery-based substrates. The РР-3.2 strain of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quél was used as a biodestructor. In the process of bioconversion, the contents of polysaccharides and lignin substances is reduced to 38 and 28 % respectively. Up to 20 % of protein accumulates in bioconversion products of fir wood greenery. The amount of nucleic acids is not more than 1.5 g per 1 kg, the contents of heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, do not exceed maximum permissible concentration standards. The substrate weight loss reaches 15 %. When fallen leaves and post-extraction poplar bud residues are added to the substrate, the substrate-destroying activity of fungi rises, as well as the protein content increases by 3 %. The digestibility of products as a result of bioconversion increases 1.6–2.8 times depending on the substrate composition. The obtained data enable to recommend post-fermented substrates based on fir wood greenery and balsam poplar biomass for use as a protein feed additive.

Highly selective synthesis of a new antipyrine-substituted tetracycle was implemented on the basis of a modified Mannich reaction as a result of the condensation of glycoluril with 4-aminoantipyrine in formalin without the use of catalysts.

Opsin‐based transmembrane voltage sensors (OTVSs) are membrane proteins increasingly used in optogenetic applications to measure voltage changes across cellular membranes. In order to better understand the photophysical properties of OTVSs, we used a combination of UV‐Vis absorption, fluorescence and FT‐Raman spectroscopy to characterize QuasAr2 and NovArch, two closely related mutants derived from the proton pump archaerhodopsin‐3 (AR3). We find both QuasAr2 and NovArch can be optically cycled repeatedly between O‐like and M‐like states using 5‐min exposure to red (660 nm) and near‐UV (405 nm) light. Longer red‐light exposure resulted in the formation of a long‐lived photoproduct similar to pink membrane, previously found to be a photoproduct of the BR O intermediate with a 9‐cis retinylidene chromophore configuration. However, unlike QuasAr2 whose O‐like state is stable in the dark, NovArch exhibits an O‐like state which slowly partially decays in the dark to a stable M‐like form with a deprotonated Schiff base and a 13‐cis,15‐anti retinylidene chromophore configuration. These results reveal a previously unknown complexity in the photochemistry of OTVSs including the ability to optically switch between different long‐lived states. The possible molecular basis of these newly discovered properties along with potential optogenetic and biotechnological applications are discussed., Opsin‐based transmembrane voltage sensors (OTVSs) are NIR fluorescence emitting membrane proteins increasingly used in optogenetic applications to measure voltage changes across cellular membranes for instance in brain imaging studies. A combination of UV‐Vis absorption, fluorescence and FT‐Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize QuasAr2 and NovArch, two closely related OTVSs derived from the proton pump archaerhodopsin‐3. Both QuasAr2 and NovArch can be optically switched repeatedly between long‐lived O‐like and M‐like states revealing a previously unknown complexity in the photochemistry of these OTVSs. ​

Plant–virus interactions are greatly influenced by environmental factors such as temperatures. In virus‐infected plants, enhanced temperature is frequently associated with more severe symptoms and higher virus content. However, the mechanisms involved in such regulatory effects remain largely uncharacterized. To provide more insight into the mechanisms whereby temperature regulates plant–virus interactions, we analysed changes in the proteome of potato cv. Chicago plants infected with potato virus Y (PVY) at normal (22 °C) and elevated temperature (28 °C), which is known to significantly increase plant susceptibility to the virus. One of the most intriguing findings is that the main enzymes of the methionine cycle (MTC) were down‐regulated at the higher but not at normal temperatures. With good agreement, we found that higher temperature conditions triggered consistent and concerted changes in the level of MTC metabolites, suggesting that the enhanced susceptibility of potato plants to PVY at 28 °C may at least be partially orchestrated by the down‐regulation of MTC enzymes and concomitant cycle perturbation. In line with this, foliar treatment of these plants with methionine restored accumulation of MTC metabolites and subverted the susceptibility to PVY at elevated temperature. These data are discussed in the context of the major function of the MTC in transmethylation processes., The work describes mechanisms whereby proteomic, transcriptional, and metabolic changes associated with the methionine cycle may modulate temperature‐sensitive plant–virus interactions.

Plasma off-angle spraying was used to design an additive technology for the preparation of three-dimensional capillary porous titanium (3D CP Ti) coatings with a new type of porous structure consisting of ridges and cavities. The high shear strength of titanium coatings, equalling 68 MPa, is determined by the coating structure, which assures the use of three arc discharges between the anode and cathode, cathode and wire, and cathode and substrate. Additional HA and HA-CaP coatings provide bioactive properties to the 3D CP Ti coatings. The HA and HA-CaP coatings were prepared by micro plasma oxidation (MPO). The 3D CP Ti-HA coating assures a more active osseointegration compared to that with the 3D CP Ti coating and determines the high shear strength (9.8±1.54 MPa) at the initial stage of osseointegration. The 3D CP Ti-HA-CaP-coated titanium implants demonstrate the steady increase in the osseous tissue density and a shear strength of 6.2±0.60 MPa reached after 48 weeks of implantation.

Purpose: The main goal of the work was to find the interconnection between the high-frequency magnetron sputtering parameters and the adhesion properties of CaP coatings formed on the surface of titanium substrate. Methods: Calcium-phosphate coatings, similar in composition to hydroxyapatite, were generated by high-frequency magnetron sputtering on titanium substrate at different values of high-frequency specific power over times of one and two hours. Afterwards, the generated coatings were studied using the method of X-ray phase analysis, and sclerometric tests (scratch test) were carried out. The adhesion strength of the deposited coatings was tested for different coating thicknesses from 0.45 to 1.1 × 10–3 mm. Results: According to the results of sclerometry, it was found that with an increase in the high-frequency specific power of plasma to 3.15 W/cm2, the adhesion strength of the calcium-phosphate coating also increases. For all the coatings, the critical loads at which the coating completely exfoliated from the substrate were determined. Conclusions: According to the research results, the most optimal conditions for obtaining high-adhesive calcium-phosphate coatings were determined.

Opsin‐based transmembrane voltage sensors (OTVSs) are increasingly important tools for neuroscience enabling neural function in complex brain circuits to be explored in live, behaving animals. However, the visible wavelengths required for fluorescence excitation of the current generation of OTVSs limit optogenetic imaging in the brain to depths of only a few mm due to the strong absorption and scattering of visible light by biological tissues. We report that substitution of the native A1 retinal chromophore of the widely used QuasAr1/2 OTVSs with the retinal analog MMAR containing a methylamino‐modified dimethylphenyl ring results in over a 100‐nm redshift of the maxima of the absorption and fluorescence emission bands to near 700 and 840 nm, respectively. FT‐Raman spectroscopy reveals that at pH 7 QuasAr1 with both the A1 and MMAR chromophores possess predominantly an all‐trans protonated Schiff base configuration with the MMAR chromophore exhibiting increased torsion of the polyene single‐/double‐bond system similar to the O‐intermediate of the BR photocycle. In contrast, the A1 and the MMAR chromophores of QuasAr2 exist partially in a 13‐cis PSB configuration. These results demonstrate that QuasArs containing the MMAR chromophore are attractive candidates for use as NIR‐OTVSs, especially for applications such as deep brain imaging., QuasAr1 and QuasAr2, mutants of archaerhodopsin‐3, are used in optogenetic applications as fluorescent transmembrane voltage sensors. The native A1 retinal chromophore was substituted with a synthetic retinal analog MMAR containing a methylamino modified dimethylphenyl ring. The absorption, excitation and emission spectra were shifted from the visible to the near‐IR spectral region. FT‐Raman reveals information about the isomeric configuration of the MMAR chromophore in QuasArs.

Актуальность работы обусловлена необходимостью сохранения свойств буровых растворов, содержащих крахмальные реагенты, в условиях высокой минерализации и длительного воздействия повышенных температур. Цель: экспериментально определить температурный интервал и оптимальные концентрации эффективного применения формиата натрия в составе буровых растворов, содержащих крахмальные реагенты. Объекты: крахмалсодержащий глинистый буровой раствор с разными концентрациями натриевых солей (хлорида натрия и формиата натрия). Методы: определение фильтрационных и реологических параметров согласно ГОСТ 33213-2014 (ISO 10414-1:2008) после старения буровых растворов при повышенных температурах с использованием термоячеек; проведение опытов методом построения матрицы центрального композиционного планирования и математической обработки результатов экспериментальных данных. Результаты. Проведен сравнительный анализ свойств глинистых буровых растворов, содержащих крахмальный реагент, с использованием хлорида натрия NaCl и формиата натрия HCOONa, после длительного нахождения системы в условиях высоких температур. Показано, что природа соли оказывает значительное влияние на термостойкость крахмалсодержащего бурового раствора: хлорид натрия не обеспечивает термостабильности раствора; формиат натрия позволяет обеспечить термостойкость крахмалсодержащего бурового раствора до 140-160 °С. Получены уравнения регрессии второго порядка, описывающие зависимость показателя фильтрации и реологических параметров крахмалсодержащего глинистого бурового раствора от температуры и концентрации формиата натрия. Установлено, что термостойкость крахмального реагента при совместном применении с формиатом натрия повышается вследствие высокой растворимости соли, которая подавляет гидратацию полисахарида и, соответственно, замедляет его гидролиз при воздействии высоких температур. Выявлено, что эффективная концентрация натриевой соли муравьиной кислоты как термостабилизатора в составе крахмалсодержащего бурового раствора зависит от температуры применения системы: при низких концентрациях соли термостойкость обеспечивается в диапазоне 100-133 °С за счет хорошей активности крахмала; при высоких концентрациях соли - в диапазоне 133-160 °С - за счет низкого содержания свободной воды в системе вследствие высокой растворимости формиата натрия. Показано, что формиат натрия не предотвращает набухание глин, а наоборот, способен оказывать на них пептизирующее действие. The relevance of the work is caused by the need to preserve the properties of drilling fluids containing starchy reagents, in conditions of high salinity and prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. The main aim of the study is to determine experimentally the temperature range and optimal concentrations of the effective use of sodium formate in drilling fluids containing starch reagents. The objects: starch-containing clay mud with different concentrations of sodium salts (sodium chloride and sodium formate). Methods: determination of filtration and rheological parameters according to GOST 33213-2014 (ISO 10414-1: 2008) after drilling fluids aging at elevated temperatures using thermal cells; conducting experiments by constructing a matrix of central compositional planning and mathematical processing of the results of experimental data. Results. The authors have carried out thecomparative analysis of the properties of clay drilling fluids containing starch reagent, using sodium chloride NaCl and sodium formate HCOONa, after a long stay of the system at high temperatures. It is shown that the nature of the salt has a significant effect on the heat resistance of starch-containing drilling fluid: sodium chloride does not provide thermostability of the solution; sodium formate allows providing heat resistance starch-containing drilling fluid to 140-160 °C. The second-order regression equations were obtained. They describe the dependence of the filtration rate and rheological parameters of starch-containing clay mud on the temperature and concentration of sodium formate. It was found that the heat resistance of starch reagent when combined with sodium formate increases due to the high solubility of the salt, which inhibits the polysaccharide hydration, and, accordingly, slows down its hydrolysis when exposed to high temperatures. It was revealed that the effective concentration of sodium salt of formic acid as a heat stabilizer in the composition of starch-containing drilling fluid depends on the temperature of application of the system: at low salt concentrations, heat resistance is ensured in the range of 100-133 °C due to good starch activity; at high salt concentrations - in the range 133-160 °C - due to the low content of free water in the system due to the high solubility of sodium formate. It was shown that sodium formate does not prevent clay swelling, but, on the contrary, is capable of exerting a peptizing effect on them.

The electrochemical activity of betulin (the ability to undergo electrochemical oxidation) in aqueous solutions is determined by voltammetry on carbon-containing (glassy-carbon) electrodes. The suggested identification method is based on measuring the values of currents corresponding to the oxidation peaks of active functional groups of betulin, their heights being linearly dependent on the betulin concentration within a range of 1 × 10–6–8 × 10–5 mol/L. The developed voltammetric procedure makes it possible to determine betulin in plant extracts. Voltammetric curves for dry betulin extracts prepared using different purification procedures are obtained to demonstrate the possibility of betulin determination. The results are confirmed in spiking tests.

A nanocomposite material based on silver nanoparticles and graphene oxide was studied in terms of its optical, electrical, and structural properties. According to the electron and atomic force microscopy data, the size of obtained nanoparticles varies mostly from 60 nm to 100 nm. The transmittance and electrical resistance of this material testify higher optical transparency and electrical conductivity than in pristine graphene oxide. The obtained nanocomposite was used to study the viral etiological factor of some types of nephropathy. Nanoobjects with the size comparable to that of viruses were discovered on the surface of the erythrocytes.

High-frequency magnetron sputtering (HFMS) at various plasma powers has been applied to obtaining hydroxyapatite (HA) coating with amorphous and crystalline structure on VT1-0 titanium. The results concerning the influence of thermal treatment on the coating under isothermal holding for 1 h at 700–1000°C are presented. Structure, phase composition, topography and morphology of the formed hydroxyapatite coatings have been analyzed by X-ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, atomic-force microscopy, and IR spectrometry. It is found that, depending on discharge power and temperature of isothermal annealing, molecular bonds are formed that are typical for HA accompanied by variations in phase and elemental compositions.

Under laboratory conditions, the microbial communities of bottom sediments of a mud volcano Peschanka (Lake Baikal) were found to carry out anaerobic methane oxidation (AOM). After 16 days of anaerobic cultivation of the enrichment cultures, methane content in the gas phase decreased, and microbial consortia were established. The content of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was higher than in the nearby sediment particles. The presence of bacteria of the NC10 phylum and archaea of the ANME-2d cluster was established by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

Massive parallel sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene fragments was used to investigate the composition and diversity of microbial communities in sediments from Southern Baikal to a depth of 9 cm with 1-cm step. In the layers from the sediment surface to the lower border of oxygen penetration (2 cm), organotrophic bacteria with high similarity to the heterotrophic species Luteolibacter luojiensis constituted the largest fraction of the community. In the formation zone of Fe/Mn crusts (3–5 cm), Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria predominated in the community, while the share of Cyanobacteria was considerable. The lower reduced layers showed an increased contribution of the Bacteroidetes, while the shares of the taxa predominant in the higher layers remained significant. Analysis of archaeal 16S rRNA gene amplicons revealed predominance of the soil and aquatic Thaumarchaeota (Marine Group I lineage), which are involved in anaerobic ammonium oxidation, practically in all sediment layers. The buried oxidized layer (6–7 cm), where members of the uncultured Marine Benthic Group D lineage of the order Thermoplasmatales (Euryarchaeota) predominated, was an exception in this regard. Small numbers of archaea of the Baikal-1 lineages (below 1%) were observed in the communities from the 6–7 and 7–8 cm layers, while the archaea involved in anaerobic methane oxidation (including the ANME-2d group) were not detected.

Manipulation of the nutrient concentration is an inexpensive and efficient method for increasing lipid and TAG accumulation in algal cells. However, high volumetric production requires finding a proper balance between the decrease of biomass production and the increase in the total lipid content. We isolated a strain of green microalga Bracteacoccus bullatus and increased its lipid content from 17 to 59% of biomass dry weight by manipulating of nitrogen and phosphorus content in the medium. The 10-fold reduction of the nitrogen and phosphorus concentration in the medium was the most efficient method of the lipid induction compared to nutrient deplete and high nutrient conditions. The oleic (48–64% mass of total fatty acids) and linoleic (14–24% mass of total fatty acids) acids dominated in the fatty acid profile, thus making this strain a suitable candidate for biodiesel production.

Synthesis of analogs of tubuloclustin (N-(7-adamant-2-yloxy-7-oxoheptanoyl)-N-deacetylcolchicine (1)) with the colchicine fragment replaced with 2-methoxyestradiol scaffold attached via phenolic hydroxy group was described. Esters 3a–c exhibit moderate cytotoxicity (EC50 = 5–6 μmol L–1) and exert a weak effect on the microtubule network in A549 human lung carcinoma cells similar to the clustering effect of tubuloclustin and its derivatives. Conjugates 6a–c and 7a–c with the phenolic ester bond are low stable and compounds 7a–c are inactive to the microtubules of A549 cells, while compounds 6a–c cause an unusual effect of curling of the microtubules.