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N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) iridium(III) complexes are considered as promising candidates for blue emitters in organic light-emitting diodes. They can play the roles of the emitter as well as of electron and hole transporters in the same emission layer. We investigate optical transitions in such complexes with account of geometry and electronic structure changes upon excitation or charging and exciton transfer between the complexes from first principles. It is shown that excitation of NHC iridium complexes is accompanied by a large reorganization energy ∼0.7 eV and a significant loss in the oscillator strength, which should lead to low exciton diffusion. Calculations with account of spin–orbit coupling reveal a small singlet–triplet splitting ∼0.1 eV, whereas the oscillator strength for triplet excitations is found to be an order of magnitude smaller than for the singlet ones. The contributions of the Förster and Dexter mechanisms are analyzed via the explicit integration of transition densities. It is shown that for typical distances between emitter complexes in the emission layer, the contribution of the Dexter mechanism should be negligible compared to the Förster mechanism. At the same time, the ideal dipole approximation, although giving the correct order of the exciton coupling, fails to reproduce the result taking into account spatial distribution of the transition density. For charged NHC complexes, we find a number of optical transitions close to the emission peak of the blue emitter with high exciton transfer rates that can be responsible for exciton–polaron quenching. The nature of these transitions is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraspecific variability of the cestode P. longicollis was studied in three host species: the Nelma (Stenodus nelma), the Lenok (Brachymistax lenok), and the Malma (Salvelinus malma) of the fish order Salmoniformes. Host forms of helminths were found to be similar in the intrapopulation diversity and in the proportion of rare forms evaluated by polymorphous features of the scolex shape and sexually mature segments. Host differences in morphophysiological traits such as the attachment, trophics, and reproduction have been revealed. The parasites from Nelma are shown to be the most diverse phenotypically. These forms show the maximum heterogeneity of diversity and distribution frequencies. The conclusion is drawn that the helminths respond to changes in the habitat conditions in the host predominantly by plastic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functioning of the cardiovascular system is critical for embryo survival. Cardiac contractions depend on the sequential activation of different classes of voltage-gated ion channels. Understanding the fundamental features of these interactions is important for identifying the mechanisms of pathologies development in the myocardium. However, at present there is no consensus on which ion channels are involved in the formation of automaticity in the early embryonic stages. The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression of genes encoding various types of ion channels that are involved in the generation of electrical activity chicken heart at different stages of ontogenesis. We analyzed the expression of 14 genes from different families of ion channels. It was revealed that the expression profiles of ion channel genes change depending on the stages of ontogenesis. The HCN4 , CACNA1D , SCN1A , SCN5A , KCNA1 genes have maximum expression at the tubular heart stage. In adult, a switch occurs to the higher expression of CACNA1C , KCNH6 , RYR and SLC8A1 genes. This data correlated with the results obtained by the microelectrode method. It can be assumed that the automaticity of the tubular heart is mainly due to the mechanism of the «membrane–clock» (hyperpolarization-activated current (I f), Ca2+–current L–type (I CaL), Na+–current (I Na) and the slow component of the delayed rectifier K+–current (I Ks)). Whereas in adult birds, the mechanism for generating electrical impulses is determined by both « membrane– clock» and «Ca2+–clock». [Display omitted] • At different stages of ontogenesis, the electrophysiology of the developing heart was studied. • These data coincide with changes in gene expression of voltage-gated ion channels. • The HCN4, CACNA1D, SCN1A, SCN5A, KCNA1 genes have maximum expression at the tubular heart. • In adult birds, a switch occurs to the expression of CACNA1C, KCNH6, RYR, SLC8A1 genes. • Thus, the embryonic heart automatism is due to M-clock, in adults – M-clock and Ca-clock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA–protein crosslinks (DPC) are common DNA lesions induced by various external and endogenous agents. One of the sources of DPC is the apurinic/apyrimidinic site (AP site) and proteins interacting with it. Some proteins possessing AP lyase activity form covalent complexes with AP site‐containing DNA without borohydride reduction (suicidal crosslinks). We have shown earlier that tyrosyl‐DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) but not AP endonuclease 1 (APE1) is able to remove intact OGG1 from protein–DNA adducts, whereas APE1 is able to prevent the formation of DPC by hydrolyzing the AP site. Here we demonstrate that TDP1 can remove intact PARP2 but not XRCC1 from covalent enzyme–DNA adducts with AP‐DNA formed in the absence of APE1. We also analyzed an impact of APE1 and TDP1 on the efficiency of DPC formation in APE1−/− or TDP1−/− cell extracts. Our data revealed that APE1 depletion leads to increased levels of PARP1–DNA crosslinks, whereas TDP1 deficiency has little effect on DPC formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Chronic psychosocial stress negatively affects folliculogenesis and oogenesis. Intraovarian mechanisms mediating these effects are poorly understood. Aims: This work aimed to find out how chronic psychosocial stress affects ovarian IGF1 and its receptor (IGF1R), as well as Igf1 and Igf1r gene expression in cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). It also aimed to address possible protective effects of gonadotropin stimulation on IGF1 ovarian signalling. Methods: Female CD1 mice experienced chronic psychosocial stress of 11-day isolation followed by overcrowding for 10 days. To verify the model, blood corticosterone levels and the quality of oocytes were evaluated in stressed females. The levels of IGF1/IGF1R, blood IGF1 concentration, and expression of Igf1 / Igf1r in the ovaries were compared in stressed and unstressed females. Key results: Psychosocial stress caused an elevation of corticosterone level, which was alleviated by gonadotropin treatment. The stressed mice showed a decreased IGF1 level in the ovaries and a decreased expression of Igf1 and Igf1r in COCs. In the unstressed females, gonadotropin injection decreased the expression of Igf1 and Igf1r ; in the stressed females, the same treatment increased Igf1r expression. Neither stress nor ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins affected the serum IGF1 level. Conclusions: Psychosocial stress suppresses IGF1 signalling in the ovaries. Gonadotropin treatment modulates these effects differently in stressed and unstressed animals. Implications: The results may have translational value for human reproduction. Ovarian IGF1 can be considered a candidate for further improvement of IVF results in women under conditions of chronic stress. Psychosocial stress negatively affects the female reproductive system. Our study elucidates the mechanisms of these effects and addresses the possibility of alleviating the effects of stress on the ovary through reproductive technology as gonadotropin stimulation. The results of our study highlight intraovarian insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) as a target for therapeutic intervention, providing a novel approach to improve fertility, particularly under the conditions associated with chronic psychosocial stress. Image by authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work uses green sustainable reactions twice. Firstly, it is microwave synthesis: 2,4,6‐tribiphenyl‐4‐yl‐1,3,5‐triazine and similar compounds were prepared in a closed microwave reactor in n‐octane by the Friedel‐Crafts reaction. Second, a hybrid electrocatalyst for the highly demanded electrochemical reaction of nitrate reduction to ammonia (NO3RR) was prepared based on this material. This reaction has great potential to replace the energy‐intensive Haber‐Bosch process, and in addition, has independent value for the elimination of nitrate contamination of water resources. As shown in the work, microwave synthesis is an eco‐friendly method for the synthesis of complex organic compounds; fast, selective and with a high yield of the target product. The electrocatalyst deposited on the graphite electrode consisted of a layer of 2,4‐bis([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl)‐6‐hydroxy‐1,3,5‐triazine and related compounds coated with cobalt oxide. The hybrid catalyst was firmly retained on the graphite electrode during NO3RR and the material showed impressive stability with almost no decrease in catalytic activity even after the fifth cycle. Both 2,4‐bis([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl)‐6‐hydroxy‐1,3,5‐triazine and the catalyst based on this substance were characterized by SEM, XPS, XRD, UV‐vis spectra, cyclic (and linear) voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. This work can serve as a starting point for the development of stable and durable electrocatalysts for NO3RR using triazine derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic stress may affect folliculogenesis. Understanding the relationship between stress and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is essential for addressing fertility issues. This study aimed to investigate the effects of in vivo IGF-1 administration on oocyte and embryo development in mice in conditions of chronic psychosocial stress. Female CD1 mice were subjected to alternating periods of social isolation and overcrowding. The stress response was confirmed by elevated corticosterone levels in blood serum. There were no significant differences in the number of ovulated oocytes across the groups. However, stress reduced oocyte maturation, while IGF-1 treatment of stressed females improved oocyte maturation and reduced their degraded rate. Stressed females exhibited a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential in oocytes. IGF-1 treatment improved oocyte quality, increased mitochondrial potential, and reduced ROS levels in the oocytes collected from stressed female mice. There were no significant changes in apoptosis levels within cumulus-oocyte complexes or preimplantation embryos across all the studied groups. IGF-1 treatment in stressed females led to a higher number of cells in embryos compared to embryos collected from non-stressed controls and from non IGF-1 treated stressed females. In conclusion, chronic psychosocial stress negatively affects oocyte development and mitochondrial function in particular, but IGF-1 treatment mitigates these effects, improving oocyte and embryo quality. These results suggest a promising therapeutic role for IGF-1 in enhancing reproductive outcomes under stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the preparation of a hybrid material by modifying the surface of carbon fiber with barium hexaferrite particles using ultrasonic treatment was proposed. Scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used to identify the barium hexaferrite and to reveal the structural specific features, degree of ordering and homogeneity of the carbon fibers modified with barium hexaferrite. A vibrating magnetometer was used to determine the specific magnetic moment of the obtained hybrid, which was found to be equal to ∼2.03 A m2 kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and affordable in situ synthesis of a carbon fiber@magnetite hybrid for use as a filler in shielding polymer materials is proposed. The presence of magnetic particles on the carbon fiber was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, and the effect of modification on the structural properties of the components and the magnetic properties of the system was analyzed. The analysis of the structural characteristics and the magnetic properties of the components obtained during the synthesis process was carried out. The modification of the surface of the carbon fiber with magnetite made it possible to obtain for the resulting hybrid a magnetic moment value that is three times higher than that of a mechanical mixture of carbon fiber and magnetite with the same composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debris flow activity in the Geysernaya River basin was mapped. Large-scale debris flow processes due to the collapse of fragments of the valley's left wall were observed in this area three times over the past 40 years. Three independent debris flow areas of the river basin were identified and described: the upper reaches of the river, the Levaya Geysernaya basin; the middle reaches of the river, below the dammed lake that formed in 2014; and the lower downstream part, below the dammed lake that existed in 2007–2014. Debris flow processes are typical of most tributaries of the Geysernaya River. Moreover, debris flows can be aseasonal in the left tributaries, because they are formed under constant heating and active gas–hydrothermal influence within the thermal fields. The landslide dam formed in 2014 is resistant to erosion, and an independent outburst of the dammed lake is unlikely. With further erosion of the 2007 dam and expansion of the breach in the dam body, collapse of its sides and debris flow in the lower part of the Geysernaya River valley should not be ruled out. Risks of rockfall, landslide, and debris flow processes, most likely on the left wall of the valley, should be taken into consideration in planning the development of recreation facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of wireless communication technologies and the miniaturization trend in the electronics industry, the reduction of electromagnetic interference has become an important issue. To solve this problem, a lot of attention has been focused on polymer composites with combined functional fillers. In this paper, we report a method for creating an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic composite with a low amount of conductive carbon and magnetic fillers preparation. Also, we investigate the mechanical, thermophysical, and electrodynamic characteristics of the resulting composites. Increasing the combined filler amount in the ABS composite from 1 to 5 wt % leads to a composite conductivity growth of almost 50 times. It is necessary to underline the temperature decrease of 5 wt % mass loss and, accordingly, the composite heat resistance reduction with an increase in the combined filler from 1 to 5 wt %, while the thermal conductivity remains almost constant. It was established that electrodynamic and physical–mechanical characteristics depend on the agglomeration of fillers. This work is expected to reveal the potential of combining commercially available fillers to construct effective materials with good electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection using mass production methods (extrusion and injection molding). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximizing products of high value and minimizing incineration of side-streams is key to realize future biorefineries. In current textile production from forestry, hemicellulose is removed by prehydrolysis before delignification. The resulting prehydrolysis liquor is incinerated in the recovery boiler at low efficiency. This additional burden on the limiting recovery boiler reduces the pulp production. In this study, we demonstrate that prehydrolysis liquor can be upgraded, in 5 steps, to yield aviation fuels. Prehydrolysis liquors were dehydrated to furfural by zeolite catalysis. Furfural was selectively reduced to furfuryl alcohol by Au@NC. Rhenium-catalysed Achmatowicz rearrangement gave a C5 intermediate susceptible to self [2 + 2] cycloaddition to give the C10 oxygenated precursor. By using a combination of Ru/C and zeolites, full hydrodeoxygenation was achieved. The overall transformation from furfural to hydrocarbons resulted in a 48% carbon yield. The resulting hydrocarbons, containing an anticipated strained four-membered ring, are preferred aviation fuel components. This is an important step to show that aviation fuels can be produced sustainably from existing industrial side-streams. A comparative life cycle assessment was applied to evaluate the environmental impact of the proposed valorization approach, demonstrating benefits in the climate change impact category when implementing this technology in a pulp mill compared to the incineration of pre-hydrolysis liquor scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing growth in knowledge about the functioning of the nervous system of mammals and humans, as well as the significant neuromorphic technology developments in recent decades, has led to the emergence of a large number of brain–computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics for regenerative medicine tasks. Neurotechnologies have traditionally been developed for therapeutic purposes to help or replace motor, sensory or cognitive abilities damaged by injury or disease. They also have significant potential for memory enhancement. However, there are still no fully developed neurotechnologies and neural interfaces capable of restoring or expanding cognitive functions, in particular memory, in mammals or humans. In this regard, the search for new technologies in the field of the restoration of cognitive functions is an urgent task of modern neurophysiology, neurotechnology and artificial intelligence. The hippocampus is an important brain structure connected to memory and information processing in the brain. The aim of this paper is to propose an approach based on deep neural networks for the prediction of hippocampal signals in the CA1 region based on received biological input in the CA3 region. We compare the results of prediction for two widely used deep architectures: reservoir computing (RC) and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks. The proposed study can be viewed as a first step in the complex task of the development of a neurohybrid chip, which allows one to restore memory functions in the damaged rodent hippocampus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anopheles claviger (Meigen, 1804) (Diptera, Culicidae) is widespread in the western Palaearctic Region, but it was recorded in Karelia (Russia) for the first time. This record is one of the northernmost ones in the Palaearctic Region and Russia, updates the northern border of the An. claviger range. Mosquitoes were collected from July to September 2023 in the southern Karelia (the village of Gomselga, Kondopoga District, and Petrozavodsk) using Krishtal trap (from human) and Mosquito Magnet® trap (Pioneer design, Octenol as attractant). Seven females of An. claviger were collected in Gomselga; one specimen was sampled from Petrozavodsk City parks. Morphological identification of eight females was verified by COI and ITS2 sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS2 and COI sequences confirmed the collected specimens to An. claviger s. s., clustering in both cases in a strongly supported clade clearly differentiated from the closely related species An. petragnani. The high diversity of An. claviger haplotypes from Karelia is in agreement with data from other geographical regions and shows that the records of this species in Gomselga and Petrozavodsk are not accidental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of petrographical, mineralogical, geochemical, and isotope-geochemical studies of granophyres and host ferrogabbros, quartz ferromonzogabbros, quartz monzodiorites, and quartz monzonites in the Mesoproterozoic Valaam sill in the Ladoga Graben on the Karelian Craton. The sill is poorly layered: the ferrogabbros compose the lower part of the sill, the middle part consists of quartz gabbro-monzonites and quartz monzonites, while graphic leucogranites (granophyres) form a dense network of veins mainly in the upper part of the sill. Geochemical features of ferrogabbro, iron-rich composition of olivine and pyroxene, and low Ca composition of plagioclase indicate the evolution along the Fenner trend. The granophyres have petro- and geochemical characteristics of anorogenic alkaline granites, with negative Eu/Eu* = 0.15–0.49 and REE distribution patterns similar to those of granophyres of layered intrusions. All rocks of the sill have close Sr isotopic composition (87Sr/86Sr)T = 0.7043–0.7066, and εNd values ranging from −9.6 to −11.2. Model calculations show that fractional crystallization can lead the initial ferrogabbro melt into the immiscibility field. Ilmenite–magnetite–silicate microstructures have been identified in the ferrogabbro and ferromontzogabbro from the sill; similar microstructures in layered intrusions are considered as evidence for the immiscibility of Fe-rich and Si-rich liquids (Holness et al., 2011; Dong et al., 2013). The segregation of the high-silica melt may have occurred in an intermediate crustal chamber at around 350 MPa and 960oC; magma was supplied as crystalline mush at the sill emplacement level at around 70 MPa and acidic melt migrated through it. This melt underwent fractional crystallization and interacted with host minerals. At the level of sill emplacement, it crystallized under supercooling into granophyre aggregates. The example of the Valaam sill shows that when the Fenner fractionation reaches the final composition–-ferrogabbro, its further evolution with a conjugate decrease in SiO2 and Fe contents can be related to the incomplete separation and mixing of Fe-rich melts and immiscibly split felsic melt. Such a mechanism can be implemented for the formation of the mafic part of AMCG-type massifs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of obtaining hafnium diboride via the carbothermal reduction of hafnium oxide, which involves heat treatment in a vacuum furnace and a spark plasma sintering unit, was studied. When the charge was heat treated in a vacuum furnace, hafnium diboride powder characterized by the presence of secondary crystalline phases was obtained within a temperature range of 1500 – 1700°C. Monophase hafnium diboride powder having a fine-grained uniform structure was obtained using the spark plasma sintering method at a temperature of 1500°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic psychosocial stress can negatively affect the female reproductive system. Meanwhile, the effect of ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins during stress on the quality of oocytes remains poorly studied. This work was aimed to investigate the effects of chronic psychosocial stress on the quality of murine cumulus-oocyte complexes under the natural estrus cycle, as well as during the ovarian stimulation with exogenous gonadotropins, which is an important part of modern assisted reproductive technologies. Here we demonstrate that psychosocial stress does not affect the number of ovulating oocytes but deteriorates their quality, i.e. reduces the percentage of mature oocytes. In addition, stressed mice exhibited an enhanced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oocytes, accompanied by an increased apoptosis level in cumulus cells. Hormonal stimulation of the ovaries with gonadotropins alleviates the negative changes associated with psychosocial stress, normalizing ROS overproduction in oocytes and reducing apoptosis levels in cumulus cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palladium-catalyzed heterylation of monobromophenyl-substituted zinc(II) porphyrin with small heterocycles (benzothiazole, benzoxazole, and N-methylbenzimidazole) was carried out. As a result, unsymmetrical heterylphenyl-substituted zinc(II) porphyrins soluble in organic solvents were obtained. The interaction of heteryl-substituted zinc(II) porphyrins with alpha-helical proteins was studied by spectral methods using bovine serum albumin in aqueous organic solvents. It was found that the titration of the zinc(II) porphyrins with albumin in a sodium phosphate buffer involves a number of equilibria including complexation and aggregation. In the case of porphyrins containing N-methylbenzimidazole and benzoxazole residues, self-aggregation processes initiated by absorption of organic solvent molecules by the protein predominate. It was found that more hydrophobic nature of zinc(II) porphyrin with benzothiazole residue promotes the complex formation with the protein. The photochemical properties of zinc(II) porphyrin with a benzothiazole residue, capacity for the photooxidation of the alpha-helical protein, and the high affinity of protein to this porphyrin make it a promising candidate for the potential applicability for photodynamic inactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many emerging applications, such as factory automation, electric power distribution, and intelligent transportation systems, require multicast Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (mURLLC). Since 3GPP Release 17, 5G systems natively support multicast functionality, including multicast Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request and various feedback schemes. Although these features can be promising for mURLLC, the specifications and existing studies fall short in offering guidance on their efficient usage. This paper presents the first comprehensive system-level evaluation of mURLLC, leveraging insights from 3GPP specifications. It points out (i) how mURLLC differs from traditional multicast broadband wireless communications, and (ii) which approaches to provide mURLLC require changing the paradigm compared with the existing solutions. Finally, the paper provides recommendations on how to satisfy strict mURLLC requirements efficiently, i.e., with low channel resource consumption, which increases the capacity of 5G systems for mURLLC. Simulation results show that proper configuration of multicast mechanisms and the corresponding algorithms for mURLLC traffic can reduce resource consumption up to three times compared to the baseline solutions proposed for broadband multicast traffic, which significantly increases the system capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We construct a Parseval wavelet frame with compact support for an arbitrary continuous -periodic function , , satisfying the inequality . The frame refinement mask uniformly approximates . The refining function has stable integer shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato virus Y (PVY) is one of the most dangerous agricultural pathogens that causes substantial harm to vegetative propagated crops, such as potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). A necessary condition for PVY infection is an interaction between the plant cap-binding translation initiation factors eIF4E and a viral protein VPg, which mimics the cap-structure. In this study, we identified the point mutations in potato eIF4E1 and eIF4E2 that disrupt VPg binding while preserving the functional activity. For the structural interpretation of the obtained results, molecular models of all the studied forms of eIF4E1 and eIF4E2 were constructed and analyzed via molecular dynamics. The results of molecular dynamics simulations corresponds to the biochemical results and suggests that the β1β2 loop plays a key role in the stabilization of both eIF4E–cap and eIF4E–VPg complexes. • S. tuberosum eIF4E1 and eIF4E2 are susceptible factors for the potato virus Y. • Conformation of eIF4E β1β2 loop defines an interaction with viral protein VPg. • Mutations that disrupt 4E-VPg binding but preserve factor functionality were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KNOTTED-LIKE HOMEOBOX (KNOX) proteins are homeodomain containing transcription factors, and regulate many aspects of plant development through homo or heterodimerization with another group of TALE transcription factors known as BELL. In Medicago truncatula the MtKNOX3 gene is involved in nodule development. In this work, we hypothesized that MtKNOX3 involvement in the activation of cytokinin signaling during nodule development could be through heterodimerization with BELL proteins. Thereby, the expression of different BELL genes in Medicago was analyzed, and it was shown that the expression of Medtr8g078480 and Medtr8g098815 genes increases during nodule development. Besides, the Medtr8g078480 shows a co-expression pattern with MtKNOX3 at different developmental stages of nodule development. Afterward, the interaction of MtKNOX3 with the MtBELL1-2 (Medtr8g078480) protein was shown using docking, and their stability was analyzed by molecular dynamic simulation and mmpbsa methods. Moreover, the stability of MtKNOX3- Medtr8g078480 heterodimers was compared with the MtKNOX3 homodimer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] A water-soluble cationic porphyrin containing N -methyl- pyridinium fragments and an indole residue, namely, 5-[4-(1-methylindol-2-yl)phenyl]-10,15,20-tris(1-methyl- pyridinium-3-yl)porphyrin triiodide, has been synthesized. The porphyrin forms sedimentation unstable complexes with low and high molecular weight nucleic acids. This ability to precipitate nucleic acids can be used in laboratory, clinical and research practice for isolating nucleic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give an if-and-only-if condition on five-point metric spaces that admit isometric embeddings into complete nonnegatively curved Riemannian manifolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrographic, geochemical, and isotope–geochemical studies of the Mesoproterozoic volcanic association (lava flows and the Valaam sill) in the Ladoga graben in the suture zone of the Karelian craton and Svekofennian orogenic complex are conducted. Ferrobasites of close composition and geological position in lava flows and the sill have different Nd isotopic compositions, differing by 5 units of εNd(t): = –4...–5 in ferrobasalts of lava flows and a very low-radiogenic Nd isotopic composition in mafic rocks of the sill (εNd(t) to –11 for ferrogabbros), and identical to the isotopic composition of its acidic rocks (εNd(t) to –11 for granophyres). It is shown that in the crust, which is heterogeneous in age, the process of fractional crystallization along the tholeiitic trend combined with assimilation of melts from wall rocks of magma chambers could have been an effective mechanism for forming such "paradoxical" features of the Nd isotopic composition. The isotopic composition of sill rocks indicates the likely occurrence of Mesoarchean blocks in the lower crust of the Ladoga graben region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current data on the molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis fail to fully explain all stages of their development. Interactions between individual genes and signaling pathways are known to play an important role in their functions. However, data on their relationships are insufficient and often contradictory. For the first time, mRNA expression of Notch1, Notch2, Yap1, Tweak (Tnfsf12), Fn14 (Tnfrsf12a), Ang, Vegfa, Cxcl12 (Sdf), Nos2, and Mmp-9 was studied in detail at several stages of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in Wistar rats. A factor analysis isolated three factors, which combined highly correlated target genes. The first factor included four genes: Cxcl12 (r = 0.829, p < 0.05), Tweak (r = 0.841, p < 0.05), Notch1 (r = 0.848, p < 0.05), and Yap1 (r = 0.921, p < 0.05). The second factor described the correlation between Mmp-9 (r = 0.791, p < 0.05) and Notch2 (r = 0.836, p < 0.05). The third factor included Ang (r = 0.748, p < 0.05) and Vegfa (r = 0.679, p < 0.05). The Nos2 and Fn14 genes were not included in any of the factors. The gene grouping by mRNA expression levels made it possible to assume a pathogenetic relationship between their products in the development of fibrotic changes due to liver toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface of an amorphous cobalt-based alloy with a nominal composition of Co75Si15Fe5Cr4.5Al0.5 was modified with nanostructures by anodizing in an ionic liquid—1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide. The magnetic (specific saturation magnetization and coercive force) and corrosion (corrosion potential and resistance) characteristics of an amorphous alloy before and after electrochemical modification of the surface with nanostructures have been compared. Modification of the alloy surface partially changes its magnetic properties. After corrosion tests, an increase in the coercive force is observed. Corrosion tests were carried out using the polarization curve method in Ringer's solution. The corrosion resistance of alloys modified with oxide nanostructures is higher than the corrosion resistance of an abrasive-treated alloy. The increase in corrosion resistance is determined mainly by the presence of nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We systematically reviewed the literature to investigate the effects of peri-procedural desmopressin in patients without known inherited bleeding disorders undergoing surgery or other invasive procedures. We included 63 randomized trials (4163 participants) published up to February 1, 2023. Seven trials were published after a 2017 Cochrane systematic review on this topic. There were 38 trials in cardiac surgery, 22 in noncardiac surgery, and 3 in non-surgical procedures. Meta-analyses demonstrated that desmopressin likely does not reduce the risk of receiving a red blood cell transfusion (25 trials, risk ratio [RR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86 to 1.05) and may not reduce the risk of reoperation due to bleeding (22 trials, RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.19) when compared to placebo or usual care. However, we demonstrated significant reductions in number of units of red blood cells transfused (25 trials, mean difference -0.55 units, 95% CI − 0.94 to − 0.15), total volume of blood loss (33 trials, standardized mean difference − 0.40 standard deviations; 95% CI − 0.56 to − 0.23), and the risk of bleeding events (2 trials, RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.84). The certainty of evidence of these findings was generally low. Desmopressin increased the risk of clinically significant hypotension that required intervention (19 trials, RR 2.15, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.41). Limited evidence suggests that tranexamic acid is more effective than desmopressin in reducing transfusion risk (3 trials, RR 2.38 favoring tranexamic acid, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.39) and total volume of blood loss (3 trials, mean difference 391.7 mL favoring tranexamic acid, 95% CI − 93.3 to 876.7 mL). No trials directly informed the safety and hemostatic efficacy of desmopressin in advanced kidney disease. In conclusion, desmopressin likely reduces periprocedural blood loss and the number of units of blood transfused in small trials with methodologic limitations. However, the risk of hypotension needs to be mitigated. Large trials should evaluate desmopressin alongside tranexamic acid and enroll patients with advanced kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TNFRSF12A mRNA expression and the distribution of TNFRSF12A+ cells were studied in detail for the first time at different stages of fibrosis in the rat liver. Under physiological conditions, the expression level of TNFRSF12A mRNA was 0.224 (95% CI: 0.170–0.277). At the same time, cells expressing the TNFRSF12A marker were practically absent. In bridging fibrosis, the first peak of TNFRSF12A mRNA growth (p = 0.000) and an increase in the area of TNFRSF12A+ cells (p = 0.000) was established. The second peak (p = 0.000) was detected during the process of transformation of fibrosis into cirrhosis. At the stage of incomplete cirrhosis, a sharp drop was noted. A subsequent increase in the expression of TNFRSF12A mRNA and the area of TNFRSF12A+ cells was observed from the stage of significant cirrhosis. The immunohistochemical method revealed two groups of TNFRSF12A+ cells. In the sinusoidal capillaries TNFRSF12A+, the cells had a shape close to flat and resembled endotheliocytes, while in the fibrous connective tissue they were rounded. The number of α-SMA+ cells increased gradually (p = 0.000) before the onset of significant cirrhosis, and then there was a sharp increase (p = 0.000). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallothioneins are a special group of low-molecular-weight proteins with metal-binding properties, which make them promising chelators for the development of targeted radiopharmaceuticals, as well as with technetium-99m. The aim of this work is to study the biodistribution of 99mTc-metallothionein conjugate (99mTc-MT) in intact mice in comparison with unbound technetium-99m (Na99mTcO4). Low uptake of 99mTc-MT in the thyroid gland (1.20 ± 0.30%/g versus 267.2 ± 59.0%/g for Na99mTcO4) demonstrates the high stability of 99mTc-MT in vivo. The 99mTc-MT complex is rapidly eliminated from the bloodstream through the kidneys and is characterized by a reduced uptake in most organs and tissues compared to Na99mTcO4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of molecular mechanisms of the neurobiological effects of the combined exposure to 10‑day antiorthostatic suspension (AnOS), daily γ-irradiation, and irradiation with carbon ions in rats was carried out. Analysis of molecular changes in dopamine receptors of the hippocampus revealed changes in irradiated rats; in particular, increased expression of monoamine oxidase A, the substrates of which are serotonin, adrenaline, norepinephrine and histamine, was found. The spectral and amplitude–frequency EEG characteristics of rats after the specified influences were studied. Comparison of primary EEG results revealed a tendency towards a decrease in the frequencies of the first peak in irradiated rats regardless of rhythms. In irradiated animals, a tendency towards a decrease in the center frequencies and amplitudes of the most pronounced peak of the EEG spectrum and a decrease in the center frequency and amplitude within the delta rhythm of the maximum peak of the spectrum was observed. Increased anxiety and somewhat accelerated learning in the Morris tests and conditioned reflexes of active avoidance in the shuttle chamber were observed in the behavior of rats, which was consistent with changes in some metabolites of dopamine and serotonin in the hippocampus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents combined metal oxide catalysts for the decomposition of ammonium perchlorate, combining two transition metal oxides (iron and cobalt) deposited on the surface of a carbon support. Combined catalysts are obtained by impregnation and chemical precipitation methods. Catalyst samples containing various phases of iron and cobalt oxides are obtained by varying the calcination temperature. The structural and morphological features of the synthesized catalysts are studied using different methods: X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area. As shown by the study performed using differential scanning calorimetry, the synthesized combination catalysts manifest high catalytic activity during the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate, reducing the peak temperature of the high-temperature stage of decomposition by more than 60°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work deals with the development of an approach to the determination of chlortetracycline, which combines the preconcentration of the analyte with its subsequent determination by capillary zone electrophoresis. The conditions that ensure the lowest value of the limit of determination for chlortetracycline in aqueous solutions using a Kapel-105M capillary electrophoresis system (Lumex, Russia) are determined, i.e., temperature, time and pressure of sample injection, background electrolyte composition, and detection wavelength. It is shown that the stability of a chlortetracycline solution is maximum at a storage temperature of 0.5°С in the absence of buffer systems or in using a dilute ammonium acetate buffer solution. It is found that the recovery of chlortetracycline by strongly acidic cation exchangers KU-1, KU-2 is higher compared to that by KB-4 and KB-4P2, bearing weakly acidic functional groups. The conditions under which the recovery of the analyte by KU-1 from a phosphate buffer solution is about 90% are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The distinction between a pre-existing primary headache and a secondary headache at the onset of a disorder is important and has not been taken into account in the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3. This study aimed to improve the general diagnostic criteria for secondary headaches using results of our previous studies. Materials and methods: We analyzed characteristics of headaches including their changes in intensity, duration, frequency, localization and side, development of new accompanying symptoms, and therapeutic response at the onset of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) (n = 120, mean age 56.1, 55% females) and ischemic stroke (n = 550, mean age 63.1, 56% females) compared to the control group (n = 192, mean age 58.7, 64% females). Results: Headache of a new type occurred in 8.4% of ischemic stroke patients and 5% of TIA patients on the day of admission but did not occur at all in the control group. Pre-existing headache with a change of at least one characteristic occurred significantly more often in stroke (5.4%) and TIA (7.5%) than in the control group (1%) (p = 0.01 and p = 0.003 respectively). Conclusion: The presence of a new type of headache and a pre-existing headache with altered characteristics in close temporal relation to a disorder indicates causality. Based on these data we propose revised general diagnostic criteria for secondary headaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of phenolic compounds (flavonols, flavans (catechins), tannins), polysaccharides (pectins, protopectins), and tetraterpenes (carotenoids), as well as the antioxidant activity of Cichorium intybus L., Taraxacum officinale Wigg., Arnica iljinii (Maguire) Iljin., and Echinops sphaerocephalus L. cultivated in conditions of Western Siberia were studied. A significant part of the biologically active substances is represented by tannins (up 28.25%) and protopectins (up 11.11%). The content of flavonoids in the studied samples of C. intybus plants agree with the values of this indicator for the chicory herb from other regions of the Russian Federation, including its commercial growing regions. The inflorescences and leaves of the studied samples of T. officinale are characterized by approximately identical contents of flavonols (1.02–1.43%), pectins (0.80–1.08%), and protopectins (7.94–8.87%). The leaves and inflorescences of A. iljinii are distinguished by fairly high contents of flavonols (up to 4.23%) and tannins (up to 28.25%). The leaves of E. sphaerocephalus are significantly superior to the inflorescences in terms of the content of tannins (8.34%), catechins (36.3 mg%), protopectins (10.06%), and carotenoids (64.60 mg%); flavonols are present in equal proportions in the leaves (0.68%) and inflorescences (0.64%). The indicators of the total content of phenolic antioxidants in the leaves and inflorescences of C. intybus, T. officinale, A. iljinii, and E. sphaerocephalus do not differ significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legume plants have the ability to establish a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria known as rhizobia. The legume–rhizobium symbiosis results in the formation of symbiotic root nodules, where rhizobia fix atmospheric nitrogen. A host plant controls the number of symbiotic nodules to meet its nitrogen demands. CLE (CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION) peptides produced in the root in response to rhizobial inoculation and/or nitrate have been shown to control the number of symbiotic nodules. Previously, the MtCLE35 gene was found to be upregulated by rhizobia and nitrate treatment in Medicago truncatula, which systemically inhibited nodulation when overexpressed. In this study, we obtained several knock-out lines in which the MtCLE35 gene was mutated using the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated system. M. truncatula lines with the MtCLE35 gene knocked out produced increased numbers of nodules in the presence of nitrate in comparison to wild-type plants. Moreover, in the presence of nitrate, the expression levels of two other nodulation-related MtCLE genes, MtCLE12 and MtCLE13, were reduced in rhizobia-inoculated roots, whereas no significant difference in MtCLE35 gene expression was observed between nitrate-treated and rhizobia-inoculated control roots. Together, these findings suggest the key role of MtCLE35 in the number of nodule numbers under high-nitrate conditions, under which the expression levels of other nodulation-related MtCLE genes are reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As demonstrated by a plethora of studies, compromised executive functions (EF) and language are implicated in mechanisms of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), but the contribution of their interaction to AVH remains unclear. We hypothesized that schizophrenia patients with history of AVH (AVHh+) vs. without history of AVH (AVHh˗) have a specific deficit of executive control of language and alterations in functional connectivity (FC) between the brain regions involved in EF and language, and these neuropsychological and neurophysiological traits are associated with each other. To explore the executive control of language and its contribution to AVH, we used an integrative approach involving analysis of neuropsychological and resting-state fMRI data of 34 AVHh+, 16 AVHh˗, and 40 healthy controls. We identified the neuropsychological and FC measures that differentiated between AVHh+, AVHh˗, and HC, and tested the associations between them. AVHh+ were characterized by decreased category and phonological verbal fluency, utterance length, productivity in the planning tasks, and poorer retelling. AVHh+ had decreased FC between the left inferior frontal gyrus and the anterior cingulate cortex. Productivity in category verbal fluency was associated with the FC between these regions. Poor executive control of word retrieval and deficient programming of sentence and narrative related to more general deficits of planning may be the neuropsychological traits specific for AVHh+. A neurophysiological trait specific for AVHh+ may be a decreased FC between regions involved in language production and differentiation between alien- vs. self-generated speech and between language production vs. comprehension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this short perspective review is to summarize the recent literature on the main trends in the use of polymer ionic liquids (PILs) published in the period from 2021 to 2023. Only the most promising areas that will play crucial roles in the very near future are considered. These areas include, in the authors' opinion, the biochemical and medical applications of PILs; sorption and separation of gases and liquid-phase sorption; solar cells; chemical sensors, supercapacitors and polymer transistors; and catalysts (including electro- and photocatalysts). The advantages of and approaches for improving the efficiency as well as the green approach for the synthesis and use of PILs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modernity, responsibilization has become a tool for addressing public issues in citizens’ access to public goods, including the sphere of environmental protection. In Russia, having insufficient institutional, legislative, political, and discursive support, the emphasis has lately been put on the role of individuals in protecting the environment. Taking account of the ambivalent context of environmental activity, this paper aims to reconstruct the justifications that environmentally engaged youth in Moscow attach to their environmental engagement. We focus on the case of Moscow as a ‘bridge’ between the Western templates and the local institutional setting. The empirical basis of the research is 36 in-depth interviews with Muscovites, who are persistently engaged in caring for the environment. The empirical results show that the environmental engagement of the youth is justified as an anchor of one’s identity of a reflexive, autonomous, self-managing subject. The results allow to broaden the concept of responsibility and citizenship among the youth in the states where a clash between neoliberal policies of responsibilization and the actual institutional context can be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new interpretation of the mechanism of the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane formation using the nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method based on an analysis of the complete experimental phase diagram for the three-component mixture PVDF–dimethyl acetamide (DMAc)–water is proposed. The effects of the precipitation bath's harshness and thermodynamic affinity of the polymer's solvent on the morphology, crystalline structure, transport and physical–mechanical properties of the membranes are investigated. These characteristics were studied via scanning electron microscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering, liquid–liquid porosimetry and standard methods of physico-mechanical analysis. It is established that an increase in DMAc concentration in the precipitation bath results in the growth of mean pore size from ~60 to ~150 nm and an increase in permeance from ~2.8 to ~8 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. It was observed that pore size transformations are accompanied by changes in the tensile strength of membranes from ~9 to ~11 and to 6 MPa, which were explained by the degeneration of finger-like pores and appearance of spherulitic structures in the samples. The addition of water to the dope solution decreased both the transport (mean pore size changed from ~55 to ~25 nm and permeance reduced from ~2.8 to ~0.5 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) and mechanical properties of the membranes (tensile strength decreased from ~9 to ~6 MPa). It is possible to conclude that the best membrane quality may be reached using pure DMAc as a solvent and a precipitation bath containing 10–30% wt. of DMAc, in addition to water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the innovative technologies, in particular virtual and augmented reality technologies, can have a significant impact on the training of future doctors. The sample set of the experiment consisted of 211 students from I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University. The students were divided into 4 age groups: full-time students of the Faculty of Medicine (Institute of Clinical Medicine) (group 1) and students of the Faculty of Postgraduate Education (groups 2, 3 and 4). To diagnose age-related parameters of readiness for learning using virtual technologies, the McVeigh’s questionnaire with 13 items was used. The results of the study revealed that students who studied using virtual reality technologies showed significantly better results than students of the control group. At the same time, differences were noticed in terms of the factors affecting the quality of digital learning among students of different ages. In the future, scientists may pay attention to the possibility of using AI technologies or deep learning to improve the knowledge of medical students. Additionally, researchers may consider gender, demographic and cultural aspects in the analysis of their differences in adaptation to the digital environment of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) is an obligate parasitic plant specifically affecting sunflower and capable of causing substantial damage to its yield. In this relation, the production of broomrape-resistant cultivars of sunflower is an important agricultural challenge. Sunflower breeding for resistance to broomrape started way back in the beginning of the 20th century. In this field, due credit should be given to Soviet selectionists. However, production of new resistant cultivars of sunflower was accompanied by the emergence of novel virulent races of broomrape, which prevailed over resistance genes. For a number of sunflower loci responsible for resistance to broomrape, genetic mapping was performed but putative candidate genes were determined and possible molecular mechanism of their operation was described only for some of them. Not long ago, transcriptome data were obtained for broomrape-resistant and -susceptible cultivars of sunflower, which makes it possible to approach the understanding of molecular principles of resistance development. This review deals with the molecular and genetic mechanisms of sunflower resistance to broomrape revealed on the basis of mapping loci associated with resistance and identification of putative candidate genes, as well as on the basis of transcriptomic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing use of comprehensive tumor molecular profiling (CTMP), the therapeutic landscape of cancer is rapidly evolving. NGS produces large amounts of genomic data requiring complex analysis and subsequent interpretation. We sought to determine the utility of publicly available knowledge bases (KB) for the interpretation of the cancer mutational profile in clinical practice. Analysis was performed across patients who previously underwent CTMP. Independent interpretation of the CTMP was performed manually, and then, the recommendations were compared to ones present in KBs (OncoKB, CIViC, CGI, CGA, VICC, MolecularMatch). A total of 222 CTMP reports from 222 patients with 932 genomic alterations (GA) were identified. For 368 targetable GA identified in 171 (77%) of the patients, 1381 therapy recommendations were compiled. Except for CGA, therapy ESCAT LOE I, II, IIIA and IIIB therapy options were equally represented in the majority of KB. Personalized treatment options with ESCAT LOE I–II were provided for 35 patients (16%); MolecularMatch/CIViC allowed to collect ESCAT I–II treatment options for 34 of them (97%), OncoKB/CGI—for 33 of them (94%). Employing VICC and CGA 6 (17%) and 20 (57%) of patients were left without ESCAT I or II treatment options. For 88 patients with ESCAT level III-B therapy recommendations: only 2 (2%), 3 (3%), 4 (5%) and 6 (7%) of patients were left without options with CIViC, MolecularMatch, CGI and OncoKB, and with VICC—12 (14%). Highest overlap ratio was observed for IIIA (0.81) biomarkers, with the comparable results for LOE I–II. Meanwhile, overlap ratio for ESCAT LOE IV was 0.22. Public KBs provide substantial information on ESCAT-I/R1 biomarkers, but the information on ESCAT II–IV and resistance biomarkers is underrepresented. Manual curation should be considered the gold standard for the CTMP interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies were performed with samples from different horizons of soddy podzolic soils (Albic Retisols) and typical chernozem (Haplic Chernozems) collected under natural lands and arable fields. The carbon contents in structural (particulate organic matter of 2–0.05 mm in size (CPOM) and mineral-associated organic matter of <0.05 mm in size (CMAOM)) and process (potentially mineralizable organic matter (C0) and microbial biomass (Cmic)) pools were determined. In the humus horizon of virgin and arable Albic Retisols, the CPOM, CMAOM, C0, and Cmic pools contained 38 and 24, 56 and 72, 5.9 and 5.6, and 1.2 and 1.3% of Corg, respectively. The sizes of these pools in virgin and arable Haplic Chernozems amounted to 42 and 30, 53 and 68, 3.6 and 2.8, and 0.5 and 0.5% of Corg, respectively. Despite a low weight of the POM fraction, the emission potential of CPOM pool is comparable to that of the CMAOM pool having the large MAOM fraction. A method for quantitative separation of soil organic matter (SOM) into active, intermediate (slow), and passive pools is proposed. The size of the SOM active pool is assessed according to the Сmic and C0 contents; the size of the passive pool, according to the content of chemically non-oxidizable organic matter in CPOM and CMAOM fractions. The intermediate pool size is estimated according to the difference between the total organic carbon and the sum of the active and passive pools. The active, intermediate, and passive pools of the studied soils contained 1–7, 51–81, and 13–48% of Corg, respectively, without any significant differences between different land uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an attempt was made to reveal and explain the influence of the process of formation of 2D nanostructures at the surface of an amorphous alloy (an alloy with the composition Co75Si15Fe5Cr4.5Al0.5 (in at.%) was used for this purpose) on the corrosion and magnetic properties of such an alloy. Two-dimensional nanostructures (nanocells of 100–150 nm in size, which were obtained by anodizing the initial sample in an ionic liquid) are essentially a pattern on the surface of the sample, and they cannot completely cover and block the surface from external effects. It was postulated that the presence of these nanostructures during corrosion and magnetic tests has no significant effect. However, a noticeable inhibition effect was observed during corrosion tests and a less noticeable (but still detectable) effect was observed during magnetic tests. The authors believe that the effect obtained, with a detailed study, can be used to increase the corrosion resistance and to improve the properties of traditional magnetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migrainous infarction (MI) is a rare disorder. The precise diagnostic criteria for this diagnosis have been available in the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) since 1988, but many cases do not fulfil these criteria. This paper describes a good example of MI and analyzes previously published case reports. We report a very special case of MI in an 18-year-old woman who had a recurrent episode of migraine with a similar aura with numbness of the right arm and speech disturbances which had an unusually long duration (>120 min). On admission to the headache centre "Europe-Asia", she complained of slowness of speech and problems with choice of words. An MRI showed acute lacunar infarcts in the left parietal subcortical area. Ischemic infarcts were localized in a relevant area on the left side and the aura symptoms were right-sided. The patient, therefore, fulfilled the ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria for "Migrainous infarction". An analysis of 35 previously published articles with case reports about MI showed that 22 did not meet the diagnostic criteria of the ICHD for migrainous infarction. Using all this, we developed diagnostic recommendations for migrainous infarction which can help to improve the quality of diagnosis when used together with the diagnostic criteria of the ICHD for migrainous infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peculiarities of COOLAIR, COLDAIR, and COLDWRAP lncRNA expression, which perform an important function in the vernalization-mediated epigenetic mechanism of the transition to flowering in A. thaliana plants of northern natural populations (Karelia), are revealed. The results obtained differ in part from the data of other authors performing studies on pure lines and other ecotypes of this species. It is suggested that the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in the process of vernalization and the control of flowering times may differ in plant populations from different geographic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its medical importance, the cellular mechanisms activity and the contribution of various ion channels of embryonic heart automatism are not yet fully understood. In this study we investigated the effects of specific ion-channel inhibitors on the generation of action potentials in pacemaker cells of the right atrium in chicken embryos (HH36). We used microelectrode technique and evaluated the sensitivity of pacemaker cells to ivabradine (inhibitor of HCN-channels, through which the hyperpolarization-activated current, If), ryanodine (agonist of ryanodine receptors) and SN6 (inhibitor of Na+/Ca2+-exchange). It was found that the right atrium cells have a phase of slow diastolic depolarization. However, these cells were not sensitive to ivabradine (3 µM). We did not register significant changes in the electrophysiological parameters of action potentials. When ryanodine (1 µM) and SN6 (10 µM) were added to the perfusion solution, we observed similar effects: spontaneous rate the generation of action potential increased by 15%. Disturbance of rhythmic activity or disruption of the generation of electrical impulses were not observed in right atrial samples of chicken embryos. The obtained results allow us to conclude that, at this of embryonic development stage, HCN4-channels, ryanodine receptors, and the Na+/Ca2+-exchange are not decisive for maintaining the automatism of the right atrial cells in the chick embryo. We assume that the ion currents flowing through these channels are important in electrophysiology in adult animals, but they have a modulating function in the embryonic myocardium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]