Search

Manganese-based alloys with the composition Mn2FeZ (Z = Si, Al) have been extensively investigated in recent years due to their potential applications in spintronics. The Mn2FeSi alloy, prepared in the form of ingots, powders, or ribbons, exhibits either a cubic full-Heusler (L21) structure, an inverse-Heusler (XA) structure, or a combination of both. In contrast, the Mn2FeAl alloy has so far been synthesized only in the form of ingots, featuring a primitive cubic (β-Mn type) structure. This study focuses on the new quaternary Mn2FeSi0.5Al0.5 alloy synthesized from pure Mn, Fe, Si, and Al powders via mechanical alloying. The elemental powders were ball-milled for 168 h with a ball-to-powder ratio of 10:1, followed by annealing at 550 °C, 700 °C, and 950 °C for 8 h in an argon protective atmosphere. The results demonstrate that annealing at lower temperatures (550 °C) led to the formation of a Heusler structure with a lattice constant of 0.5739 nm. Annealing at 700 °C resulted in the coexistence of several phases, including the Heusler phase and a newly developed primitive cubic β-Mn structure. Further increasing the annealing temperature to 950 °C completely suppressed the Heusler phase, with the β-Mn structure, having a lattice constant of 0.6281 nm, becoming the dominant phase. These findings confirm the possibility of tuning the structure of Mn2FeSi0.5Al0.5 alloy powder—and thereby its physical properties—by varying the annealing temperature. The sensitivity of magnetic properties to structural changes is demonstrated through magnetization curves and zero-field-cooled/field-cooled curves in the temperature range of 5 K to 300 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by microcephaly, immunodeficiency, and impaired DNA repair. NBS is most prevalent among Slavic populations, including Ukraine. Our study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence, diagnosis, clinical data, immunological parameters, and treatment of NBS patients in Ukraine. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review that included 84 NBS patients from different regions of Ukraine who were diagnosed in 1999-2023. Data from the Ukrainian Registry of NBS and information from treating physicians, obtained using a developed questionnaire, were utilized for analysis. Results: Among 84 NBS patients, 55 (65.5%) were alive, 25 (29.8%) deceased, and 4 were lost to follow-up. The median age of patients was 11 years, ranging from 1 to 34 years. Most patients originate from western regions of Ukraine (57.8%), although in recent years, there has been an increase in diagnoses from central and southeastern regions, expanding our knowledge of NBS prevalence. The number of diagnosed patients per year averaged 3.4 and increased from 2.7 to 4.8 in recent years. The median age of NBS diagnosis was 4.0 years (range 0.1-16) in 1999-2007 and decreased to 2.7 in the past 6 years. Delayed physical development was observed in the majority of children up to the age of ten years. All children experienced infections, and 41.3% of them had recurrent infections. Severe infections were the cause of death in 12%. The second most common clinical manifestation of NBS was malignancies (37.5%), with the prevalence of lymphomas (63.3%). Malignancies have been the most common cause of death in NBS patients (72% of cases). Decreased levels of CD4+ and CD19+ were observed in 89.6%, followed by a reduction of CD3+ (81.8%) and CD8+ (62.5%). The level of NK cells was elevated at 62.5%. IgG concentration was decreased in 72.9%, and IgA - in 56.3%. Immunoglobulin replacement therapy was administered to 58.7% of patients. Regular immunoglobulin replacement therapy has helped reduce the frequency and severity of severe respiratory tract infections. Conclusion: Improvements in diagnosis, including prenatal screening, newborn screening, monitoring, and expanding treatment options, will lead to better outcomes for NBS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical activity is a crucial demand on cystic fibrosis treatment management. The highest value of oxygen uptake (VO2peak) is an appropriate tool to evaluate the physical activity in these patients. However, there are several other valuable CPET parameters describing exercise tolerance (Wpeak, VO2VT1, VO2VT2, VO2/HRpeak, etc.), and helping to better understand the effect of specific treatment (VE, VT, VD/VT etc.). Limited data showed ambiguous results of this improvement after CFTR modulator treatment. Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor medication improves pulmonary function and quality of life, whereas its effect on CPET has yet to be sufficiently demonstrated. Methods: We performed a single group prospective observational study of 10 adolescent patients with cystic fibrosis who completed two CPET measurements between January 2019 and February 2023. During this period, elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor treatment was initiated in all of them. The first CPET at the baseline was followed by controlled CPET at least one year after medication commencement. We focused on interpreting the data on their influence by the novel therapy. We hypothesized improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness following treatment. We applied the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The data were adjusted for age at the time of CPET to eliminate bias of aging in adolescent patients. Results: We observed significant improvement in peak workload, VO2 peak, VO2VT1, VO2VT2, VE/VCO2 slope, VE, VT, RQ, VO2/HR peak and RR peak. The mean change in VO2 peak was 5.7 mL/kg/min, or 15.9% of the reference value (SD ± 16.6; p= 0.014). VO2VT1 improved by 15% of the reference value (SD ± 0.1; p= 0.014), VO2VT2 improved by 0.5 (SD ± 0.4; p= 0.01). There were no differences in other parameters. Conclusion: Exercise tolerance improved after elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor treatment initiation. We suggest that the CFTR modulator alone is not enough for recovering physical decondition, but should be supplemented with physical activity and respiratory physiotherapy. Further studies are needed to examine the effect of CFTR modulators and physical therapy on cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The α7 nicotinic receptors (NR) have been confirmed in the heart but their role in cardiac functions has been contradictory. To address these contradictory findings, we analyzed cardiac functions in α7 NR knockout mice (α7−/−) in vivo and ex vivo in isolated hearts. A standard limb leads electrocardiogram was used, and the pressure curves were recorded in vivo, in Arteria carotis and in the left ventricle, or ex vivo, in the left ventricle of the spontaneously beating isolated hearts perfused following Langedorff's method. Experiments were performed under basic conditions, hypercholinergic conditions, and adrenergic stress. The relative expression levels of α and β NR subunits, muscarinic receptors, β1 adrenergic receptors, and acetylcholine life cycle markers were determined using RT‐qPCR. Our results revealed a prolonged QT interval in α7−/− mice. All in vivo hemodynamic parameters were preserved under all studied conditions. The only difference in ex vivo heart rate between genotypes was the loss of bradycardia in prolonged incubation of isoproterenol‐pretreated hearts with high doses of acetylcholine. In contrast, left ventricular systolic pressure was lower under basal conditions and showed a significantly higher increase during adrenergic stimulation. No changes in mRNA expression were observed. In conclusion, α7 NR has no major effect on heart rate, except when stressed hearts are exposed to a prolonged hypercholinergic state, suggesting a role in acetylcholine spillover control. In the absence of extracardiac regulatory mechanisms, left ventricular systolic impairment is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of the emergence, development, and existence of the most relevant, but least doctrinally researched human rights, which constitute the so-called fourth generation of such rights, with the acquisition of their wide social prevalence, requires appropriate theoretical elaboration and legal regulation. Because the fourth group of human rights is quite controversial, the law as a system of norms should give a quick and adequate reaction to such drastic social changes through their normative consolidation, in particular, the transformation of the constitutional and legal status of a person. The practice of the European Court of Human Rights continues to acquire fundamental importance in the context of the study of modern standards of somatic human rights of the fourth generation, which we will dwell on in more detail in this study. The general scientific, group, and special scientific research approaches, methods, and techniques were the methodological basis of scientific research. The purpose of the article is to carry out a legal analysis of the issue of protection of somatic rights through the prism of the judicial practice of the ECtHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Chronic alcohol use leads to alcoholic liver fibrosis. Today, a sufficient number of scientific studies are focused on the pathometabolic mechanisms of liver fibrosis development and formation in animal models. The purpose of our study was to investigate structural changes and liver stiffness, biochemical markers of fibrosis in rats with chronic alcoholic liver injury (CALI) modeling and to evaluate the changes of these parameters with different types of treatment. Materials and methods. Eighty-nine rats were divided into experimental groups depending on the duration of alcohol exposure (4 and 12 weeks) and the corresponding type of correction (metadoxine and prebiotic). Results. When modeling CALI at week 4, morphological studies revealed moderate large-droplet fatty hepatosis and mild fibrosis in the central venule of the liver lobes. After 12 weeks of forced alcoholization, with more pronounced general intoxication, hepatocytes have dystrophic changes such as appearance of single or grouped dystrophic cells in the parenchyma. A combination of protein and fatty dystrophy was more common. Elastography allowed to detect structural changes in the liver at the early stages of fibrosis formation when modeling CALI for 12 weeks. There were also changes in the levels of biochemical parameters: free and protein-bound hydroxyproline, glycosaminoglycans. According to the results of elastography, liver stiffness in rats increased maximally after prebiotic correction in all approaches compared to the controls. After correction of CALI, both early- and long-term, fibrosis markers normalized in rat liver homogenate after administration of metadoxine and prebiotic. After prebiotic correction at week 12 of alcoholization, we observed a 12% decrease in liver parenchymal stiffness in the CALI modeling group and a 19% decrease (p < 0.05) in the placebo group. After correction with metadoxine, there was a 1.5-fold increase in free hydroxyproline levels in rat liver homogenate at week 12 and a 1.2-fold increase in glycosaminoglycans (p < 0.05) at week 4 compared to the CALI modeling group. Conclusions. Long-term alcoholization of animals led to the development of dystrophic changes in hepatocytes, protein and fatty degeneration, and an increase in the number of capillaries. Against this background, liver stiffness and biochemical parameters changed. After correction with metadoxine and prebiotic, changes in the liver stiffness and fibrosis markers were observed at week 12 of CALI modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the potential mechanisms of acyl-ghrelin in heart failure management. The author suggests that acyl-ghrelin may inhibit the activity of butyrylcholinesterase, which could influence cholinergic signaling in the body, including the heart and vessels. Enhanced cholinergic signaling has been shown to have a positive effect on heart failure in animal models and human patients. The author proposes that acyl-ghrelin may indirectly employ acetylcholine to offset pathological changes in cardiomyocytes, counterbalance hyperactive adrenergic tonus, impair inflammation, and decrease ventricular afterload due to vasodilation. [Extracted from the article]

This research article presents an analysis of health data collected from wearable devices, aiming to uncover the practical applications and implications of such analyses in personalized healthcare. The study explores insights derived from heart rate, sleep patterns, and specific workouts. The findings demonstrate potential applications in personalized health monitoring, fitness optimization, and sleep quality assessment. The analysis focused on the heart rate, sleep patterns, and specific workouts of the respondents. Results indicated that heart rate values during functional strength training fell within the target zone, with variations observed between different types of workouts. Sleep patterns were found to be individualized, with variations in sleep interruptions among respondents. The study also highlighted the impact of individual factors, such as demographics and manually defined information, on workout outcomes. The study acknowledges the challenges posed by the emerging nature of wearable devices and technological constraints. However, it emphasizes the significance of the research, highlighting variations in workout intensities based on heart rate data and the individualized nature of sleep patterns and disruptions. Perhaps the future cognitive healthcare platform may harness these insights to empower individuals in monitoring their health and receiving personalized recommendations for improved well-being. This research opens up new horizons in personalized healthcare, transforming how we approach health monitoring and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The aim of the research is to identify changes of psychological determinants of elderly people's inclination to social dependency during the first month of Russian-Ukrainian war in comparison with peace time. Methods. The research uses methodologies of inclination to demanding behaviour by Hrabovska (2005), emotional intelligence by D. Luisin (2006), personality volitional qualities by Chumakov (2006), adaptive stress abilities by Rozov (2006), psychological well-being by Ryff as adapted by Shevelenkova and Fesenko (2005). Results. It is identified that during the first months of the full-scale Russian--Ukrainian war, inclination of elderly people, who stay in relatively safe conditions in Ukraine, to social dependency does not undergo significant changes in comparison with peacetime. There are changes in the vector of emotional regulation of social dependency: from intrapersonal in pre-war time into interpersonal during the wartime, when importance in understanding the emotions of other people is high consequently, it results in a more active life stance in the elderly. Initiative becomes a leading will regulator, shows far-sightedness of a person. There is activation of coping mechanisms, related to adaptive thinking, sleep and somatic regulation, and they can be considered vital resources for stable mental health preservation at the beginning of a war. Conclusions. It is recommended to provide psychological support to seniors in finding occupations that help them to realize their capacity for self-sufficiency and create conditions for personal responsibility and assertiveness as the ability to stand for their own rights without violating other people's resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver diseases represent one of the most common problems in gastroenterology. The liver, as the most important organ of metabolism, which plays a major role in anabolic and energy processes, takes part in the adaptive and compensatory reactions of the body under exogenous and endogenous adverse influences. Individual factors play a major role in the development of this disease, one of which is the duration of the effect of alcohol on the body. The duration of alcohol consumption affects the morpho-functional properties of the liver. When alcohol was given to the research animals, hypertrophic changes were seen in the linear dimensions of hepatocytes: in the 12th week of alcoholization, the nuclear area was 1.25 times larger, and the cytoplasmic area of hepatocytes was 1.16 times larger compared with the same indicators in the 6th week of alcoholization. Alcoholic hepatitis is characterized by protein-fatty degeneration, inflammatory lymphocytic infiltration, increase in the area of sinusoids and the size of hepatocytes, and, accordingly, the Vizotto coefficient (1.83 times in the 6th week and 2.10 times in the 12th week of the research). The alcohol consumption is accompanied by increase in the volume of the nucleus and cytoplasm of hepatocytes, decrease in the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio with increase in pathohistological changes. With the lengthening of the terms of alcoholization, the number of binuclear hepatocytes decreased. Morphometric calculation of the number of fat cells per 100 hepatocytes showed that in the 12th week of the experiment, the number of fatty inclusions increased by 1.42 times, compared with 6 weeks of forced alcoholization. Fatty small- and large-droplet steatosis of hepatocytes was diffuse in nature. The duration of alcoholization also affects the liver vessels. The diameter of the central vein in the 6th week of the experiment was 1.52 times greater than in control rats, and 1.81 times in the 12th week of alcoholization. The bile ducts of rats of the experimental groups were also larger in diameter: by 37% after 6 weeks and 47% after 12 weeks of forced alcoholization. An increase in the area of the sinusoids and the diameter of the central vein indicates an impairment of the blood supply to the liver. The complexity of the structure of the liver and the diversity of its functions necessitate the use of a variety of diagnostic techniques and methodological approaches to assessing its activity in the normal condition, during a pathology. It will be promising to study the structure of the liver at the ultramicroscopic level of the effect of drugs on the treatment of alcoholic liver disease during different periods of alcoholization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is an important cause of global liver disease characterized by diffuse hepatocytes with hepatocellular ballooning, intrahepatic inflammation and progressive fibrosis. A relevant task is the study of the relationship between content of free fatty acids and serum cytokine profile in patients with chronic diffuse liver diseases. A total of 74 people with chronic diffuse liver diseases were examined, including 32 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, 22 patients with alcoholic liver disease, 20 patients with toxic hepatitis. Chromatographic examination of free fatty acids (FFA) in blood serum was carried out using a Chromatek-Crystal 5000 gas chromatography system. Patients with chronic diffuse liver diseases had a significant increase in the level of unsaturated free fatty acids (USFA) in cases of toxic hepatitis (by 2.92 times, P > 0.05) and a decrease in the level of saturated free fatty acids (SFA) in cases of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (by 1.52 times, P > 0.05) compared with the control group; the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 PUFA significantly changed due to increase in linoleic acid in patients with alcoholic liver disease and toxic hepatitis (by 1.91 and 2.11 times, respectively) and arachidonic acid in patients with toxic hepatitis (by 1.78 times). The level of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were determined. In patients suffering chronic diffuse liver diseases there were multidirectional changes in the composition of free fatty acids of blood serum: a significant increase in the level of USFA, levels ІL-6 in toxic hepatitis; a decrease in the level of SFA, levels ІL-6 and TNF-α during non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; increased TNF-α production, ІL-6 during alcoholic liver disease compared with the control group. Significant change occurred in the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 PUFA due to increase in linoleic acid in cases of alcoholic liver disease and toxic hepatitis and arachidonic acid in cases of toxic hepatitis. The revealed correlations support the hypothesis that inflammation and lipotoxicity of FFA of blood serum contribute to the development and progression of structural changes in the liver. However, the pathomechanism of lipid metabolism and cytokine regulation with different etiological factors have their own characteristics, which should be taken into account when treating patients of these groups. Prospects for further research: these parameters may be used for serologic biomarkers of liver disease and development and implementation of the ratio between FFA and cytokines for the differential diagnosis of chronic diffuse liver disease in medical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a complex of saccharifying amylolytic enzyme preparations of β-amylase and pullulanase on the carbohydrate composition of maltose syrups. Materials and methods. Bacterial α-amylase, β-amylase and pullulanase, corn starch, starch hydrolysates and maltose syrups were used in the present research. The process of hydrolysis of starch has been carried out in two successive stages: liquefaction and saccharification. Physicochemical methods of analysis have been used. The carbohydrate composition of the hydrolysates has been determined by chromatographic method. Results and discussion. The highest value of dextrose equivalent (DE) at the stage of saccharification to maltose is achieved at the optimal degree of dilution of the starch suspension, which corresponds to the value of dextrose equivalent of 10-15%. Hydrolysates with higher DE values have more short starch molecules, which are very slowly saccharified by β-amylase; tetrasaccharides are even more resistant to its action, and trisaccharides are not broken down at all, because this maltogenic enzyme has a high affinity for macromolecular substrates. Hydrolysates with lower DE values have a high viscosity, adhere to the walls of the equipment and undergo retrogradation, which leads to losses. The most effective way to obtain maltose syrups is to use a complex of enzyme preparations (EP) of β-amylase and pullulanase at the rate of 0.03 units of β-amylase activity/g of starch and 0.0006 units of pullulanase activity/g of starch, respectively. It has been determined that with a duration of saccharification of 24 hours, the content of maltose in the hydrolysates reaches 60-62% by weight of reducing substances (RS) with a low glucose content (about 2.7% by weight of RS). Low concentration of glucose is the main indicator of the quality of syrups in the production of caramel and many other food products. Conclusions. Kinetic regularities have been established to determine the optimal conditions for the process of liquefaction and saccharification using a complex of saccharifying enzyme preparations of β-amylase and pullulanase for the production of syrups with high concentration of maltose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candiduria is a common nosocomial infection in hospitalized patients, which may progress into life-threatening candidemia. Successful treatment of urosepsis requires early and effective antifungal therapy, while the available agents within three pharmacological classes each have characteristic pharmacokinetics and side effect profiles. Moreover, treatment of Candida spp. infections is becoming challenging due to increasing multi drug-resistance. Here, we present a case of candidemia resulting from a multi drug-resistant C. glabrata infection of the urinary tract. Due to resistance to fluconazole and a contraindication for amphotericin B, micafungin was used in the treatment, regardless of its unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties. Our study showed that despite the expected low levels in the urinary tract, micafungin was successful in the eradication of C. glabrata allowing full recovery of the patient. Thus, micafungin should be considered in the management of urosepsis caused by sensitive Candida spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotinic receptors (NRs) play an important role in the cholinergic regulation of heart functions, and converging evidence suggests a diverse repertoire of NR subunits in the heart. A recent hypothesis about the plasticity of β NR subunits suggests that β2-subunits and β4-subunits may substitute for each other. In our study, we assessed the hypothetical β-subunit interchangeability in the heart at the level of mRNA. Using two mutant mice strains lacking β2 or β4 NR subunits, we examined the relative expression of NR subunits and other key cholinergic molecules. We investigated the physiology of isolated hearts perfused by Langendorff's method at basal conditions and after cholinergic and/or adrenergic stimulation. Lack of β2 NR subunit was accompanied with decreased relative expression of β4-subunits and α3-subunits. No other cholinergic changes were observed at the level of mRNA, except for increased M3 and decreased M4 muscarinic receptors. Isolated hearts lacking β2 NR subunit showed different dynamics in heart rate response to indirect cholinergic stimulation. In hearts lacking β4 NR subunit, increased levels of β2-subunits were observed together with decreased mRNA for acetylcholine-synthetizing enzyme and M1 and M4 muscarinic receptors. Changes in the expression levels in β4-/- hearts were associated with increased basal heart rate and impaired response to a high dose of acetylcholine upon adrenergic stimulation. In support of the proposed plasticity of cardiac NRs, our results confirmed subunit-dependent compensatory changes to missing cardiac NRs subunits with consequences on isolated heart physiology. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study, we observed an increase in mRNA levels of the β2 NR subunit in β4-/- hearts but not vice versa, thus supporting the hypothesis of β NR subunit plasticity that depends on the specific type of missing β-subunit. This was accompanied with specific cholinergic adaptations. Nevertheless, isolated hearts of β4-/- mice showed increased basal heart rate and a higher sensitivity to a high dose of acetylcholine upon adrenergic stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The aim of the study is a description of the types of training designs, based on various classification criteria and illustrated by examples from the authors' own practice. Methods. We used theoretical analysis and synthesis of scientific information, as well as modelling the training structure. Results and Conclusions. It was proposed to classify the designs of group training, depending either on the internal logic of the teaching material or on the external organisation of the training. Regarding the logic of presentation certain designs, through the analysis of existing learning approaches, are proposed of training, based on different logic: presentation of information, assimilation of information, B. Bloom's taxonomy, and competencies formation. Using these designs, it is possible to construct either the whole training or its separate parts (thematic blocks, exercises). The external organisation of the training includes design of the sum of exercises, or of a coherent story. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. An important direction in the development of pectin technology is the development of a method for extracting pectin from mixtures of secondary raw materials. By mixing raw materials containing low- and high-esterified pectins, it is possible to obtain pectins with specified functional properties: improved structure-forming and complexing ability Materials and methods. The subject of the study is the pulp of potatoes, pumpkins and citrus peels and pectins, which were obtained from each type of raw material, and from mixtures of potato-citrus and potato-pumpkin raw materials. Extraction of pectin was carried out by carrying out successive stages of enzymatic treatment of raw materials, acid-thermal hydrolysis, precipitation of pectin with ethanol, drying of the finished pectin. Results and discussion. The parameters of hydrolysis of combined potato-citrus and potato-pumpkin raw materials are set. Based on the research of methods of obtaining pectin from combined raw materials, it was found that the optimal ratio of potato-citrus and potato-pumpkin raw materials is 50:50. The hydrolysis process is carried out in two stages: the first - with the participation of cellulases at a temperature of 45-50 °C, pH 5.5-6.0 for 1.0-1.5 hours at a hydromodule of 1: 8-10, and acidthermal hydrolysis is carried out in the presence of hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 75-90 °C, the pH of the hydrolysis mixture is 1.3-1.6 for 70-75 minutes. The obtained pectins from the combined raw materials have a high content of uronide component 60-74%, the degree of esterification over 70% and high gelly-forming ability compared to potato pectin, which has a degree of esterification of 40-50% and a significant content of ballast substances. The combination of raw materials makes it possible to obtain pectins with different properties. Conclusions. It is established that by combining potato pulp with pumpkin and citrus raw materials and adjusting the parameters of the hydrolysis process, it is possible to achieve high rates of pectin extraction with predicted properties in terms of gelling and complexing ability and more efficient use of secondary raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated vagal transmission as well as nonneuronal ACh release are considered cardioprotective in pathological situations with increased sympathetic drive such as ischemia–reperfusion and cardiac remodeling. ACh action is terminated by hydrolysis by the cholinesterases (ChEs), acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase. Both ChEs exist in multiple molecular variants either soluble or anchored by specific anchoring proteins like collagen Q (ColQ) anchoring protein and proline-rich membrane anchoring protein (PRiMA). Here we assessed the expression of specific ChE molecular forms in different heart compartments using RT-qPCR. We show that both ChEs are expressed in all heart compartments but display different expression patterns. The acetylcholinesterase-T variant together with PRiMA and ColQ is predominantly expressed in rat atria. Butylcholinesterase is found in all heart compartments and is accompanied by both PRiMA and ColQ anchors. Its expression in the ventricular system suggests involvement in the nonneuronal cholinergic system. Additionally, two PRiMA variants are detected throughout the rat heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The research goal of this paper is to theoretically substantiate the feasibility of using Benjamin Bloom's psychological and pedagogical model and its modifications in the adult learning system. Methods. The study used the methods of theoretical analysis, synthesis and modelling of the implementation options for Bloom's techniques in the training of adults. Results and Conclusions. The analysis showed that the use of techniques based on Bloom's taxonomy, modified for adult training, makes it possible to develop students' skills and abilities to thoroughly and comprehensively analyse the problem, and to find creative, effective solutions. Such a sequence of task setting as "reproduction" (knowledge), "understanding" (comprehension), "application," "analysis," "evaluation," and "creation" is proposed as a general scheme of various training for adults. In particular, an example of the design of training in developing communication skills and training in overcoming procrastination skills is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gastroenterologia (2308-2097) is the property of Zaslavsky O.Yu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction. The use of enzyme preparations at various stages of the technological process of extracting pectin from potato pulp and their influence on yield and purity of pectin has been studied. Materials and methods. The hydrolysis of potato pulp's protopectin was carried out in various ways using hydrochloric acid, enzymatic preparations of cellulolytic and amylolytic activity at different stages of the technological process and in a combined method. Results and discussion. The effect of a complex enzyme preparation of cellulase on the final produce yield and quality has been researched. It was stated that adding the enzyme preparation at the stage of preliminary treatment of raw materials in an amount of 0,1% of the total dry matter mass (accordingly 9 CU/g of raw material) in combination with acid-thermal hydrolysis leads to an increase in the recovery of alcohol-sugared potato pectin from 7% to 13,6%. The positive influence of amylolytic enzyme preparations on the physical and chemical properties of potato pectin has been proved. Dosage of the enzyme was carried out in the amount of 3 AU/g of absolutely dry starch. The use of amylolytic enzyme preparations in order to process potato pulp in combination with acid hydrolysis raised the uronide component of potato pectin from 27.4% to 42%. The study of the structure of potato pectin samples, extracted under different conditions, by comparison of infrared spectra has been carried out. We have used the method of Xray diffraction analysis to investigate changes in the structure of potato pectin obtained by different methods and compared it with potato starch. It is proved that the use of enzymes at the stage of preliminary processing of raw materials increases the yield, purity and complexing ability of pectin. Conclusions. The use of cellulolytic enzyme preparations and α-amylase in the technology of pectin extraction from a potato pulp in combination with acid-thermal hydrolysis leads to an increase in the yield and purity of potato pectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorders constitute a significant problem in modern neurology and in neuroscience in general. At present, the incidence of such disorders is increasing, reasons for their appearance remain practically unclear, and there are no sufficiently effective treatments of these pathologies. A few animal models of autistic disorders have been developed; these models reproduce one or a few key symptoms of autism (cognitive rigidity, violations of social interactions, and qualitative disorders of communication). The respective simulations are carried out using either techniques of genetic engineering (knockout rats and mice) or early (pre- or postnatal) influences of certain environmental factors. To investigate behavioral deviations in the model animals, behavioral testing methods are used. A part of them are 'classic' (e.g., the open field test, Morris water maze, T-like maze, radial maze, and Skinner's chamber), while others have been designed specifically for models of autism. This review describes and analyzes the main methodical approaches in modeling of autism spectrum disorders in animals, and behavioral methods used in the studies of these models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a central cholinergic deficit. Non-neuronal cholinergic changes are, however, described as well. Here we focused on possible changes in the activity of the plasma cholinesterases, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), in hospitalized AD patients. We analyzed plasma AChE and BChE activities with regards to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), cognitive functions, and ability to perform activities of daily living in AD patients in comparison to healthy subjects. We observed lower AChE activity and trend toward lower BChE activity in AD patients, which both correlated with low BMI. AD patients unable to perform basic activities of daily living (feeding, bathing, dressing, and grooming) showed reduced plasma AChE activities, while worse spatial orientation was linked to lower BChE activities. Three out of four AD patients with the lowest BChE activities died within one year. In conclusion, progressed AD was accompanied by lower plasma AChE activity and trend toward lower BChE activity, which correlated with BMI and deficits in different components of the AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ukrainian Food Journal is the property of National University of Food Technologies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction. The demand for pectin and pectin products increases every year. The production of pectin from potato residues can not only increase the added value of the potato processing and enrich sources for pectin production, but also help to protect the natural environment. Materials and Methods. Pectin extraction from a potato pulp with solution of hydrochloric acid and with enzymatic preparations. Dry potato pectin has been investigated by the following methods: content of ballast compounds - by weight method; analytical characteristics - methoxyl content, carboxyl groups uronid component was determined by titrometric method. To study the structure of pectin, extracted from potato pulp was using IRspectroscopy method. Results. The process kinetics of hydrolysis and extracting of pectin materials from a potato pulp has been studied. Through experiment planning and statistic processing of experiment data the optimal parameters of the process of hydrolysis and extracting of potato pectin were determined: acid concentration 1.45% to hydrolysis mass; duration of hydrolysis 70.5 minutes at 72~C. Structural features of the obtained pectin have been studied by means of infrared spectrometry. It has been found out that pectin extracted from potato contains a significant amount of ballast substance and a high methoxyl component. With the help of microphotography is has been shown that the obtained pectin samples have a considerable amount of starch, that can be hydrolyzed with pectin materials and is precipitated with ethanol. The use of enzymes for hydrolysis of raw materials increases the purity of pectin. Conclusions. Potato pulp has been studied as a perspective raw material for a pectin obtaining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central cholinergic system is believed to be involved in the control of many physiological functions and is an important pharmacological target for numerous neurological pathologies. Here, we summarize our recent observations regarding this topic that we obtained by studying genetically modified mice devoid of particular cholinesterase molecular forms. Our results, collected from mice with deficits of functional cholinesterases in the brain, suggest that the increase in the level of acetylcholine (ACh) has an impact on cognition only in the situation when extracellular ACh is low. Furthermore, we confirmed the central control of movement coordination, which could be of importance for the management of motor problems in patients with Parkinson's disease. At last, we provide clear evidence that while the hypothermic effect of the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine is based on a central mechanism, in contrast, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil decreases body temperature by its action in the periphery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a key enzyme in termination of fast cholinergic transmission. In brain, acetylcholine (ACh) is produced by cholinergic neurons and released in extracellular space where it is cleaved by AChE anchored by protein PRiMA. Recently, we showed that the lack of AChE in brain of PRiMA knock-out (KO) mouse increased ACh levels 200–300 times. The PRiMA KO mice adapt nearly completely by the reduction of muscarinic receptor (MR) density. Here we investigated changes in MR density, AChE, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity in brain in order to determine developmental period responsible for such adaptation. Brains were studied at embryonal day 18.5 and postnatal days (pd) 0, 9, 30, 120, and 425. We found that the AChE activity in PRiMA KO mice remained very low at all studied ages while in wild type (WT) mice it gradually increased till pd120. BChE activity in WT mice gradually decreased until pd9 and then increased by pd120, it continually decreased in KO mice till pd30 and remained unchanged thereafter. MR number increased in WT mice till pd120 and then became stable. Similarly, MR increased in PRiMA KO mice till pd30 and then remained stable, but the maximal level reached is approximately 50% of WT mice. Therefore, we provide the evidence that adaptive changes in MR happen up to pd30. This is new phenomenon that could contribute to the explanation of survival and nearly unchanged phenotype of PRiMA KO mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reveals dependence between sense and life orientation and religious beliefs of believers. It is established that the tendency to understand God as a merciful and doting mentor is related to the aspirations to order one's life according not only to spiritual and moral values but also to pragmatic and egoistic values which help preserve one's individuality, contribute to financial growth and solving personal problems. Domination of negative ideas about God are accompanied by the indifferent attitude of a person to the issue of sense and life orientations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 1065-1080. Abstract Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) rapidly hydrolyzes acetylcholine. At the neuromuscular junction, AChE is mainly anchored in the extracellular matrix by the collagen Q, whereas in the brain, AChE is tethered by the proline-rich membrane anchor (PRiMA). The AChE-deficient mice, in which AChE has been deleted from all tissues, have severe handicaps. Surprisingly, PRiMA KO mice in which AChE is mostly eliminated from the brain show very few deficits. We now report that most of the changes observed in the brain of AChE-deficient mice, and in particular the high levels of ambient extracellular acetylcholine and the massive decrease of muscarinic receptors, are also observed in the brain of PRiMA KO. However, the two groups of mutants differ in their responses to AChE inhibitors. Since PRiMA-KO mice and AChE-deficient mice have similar low AChE concentrations in the brain but differ in the AChE content of the peripheral nervous system, these results suggest that peripheral nervous system AChE is a major target of AChE inhibitors, and that its absence in AChE- deficient mice is the main cause of the slow development and vulnerability of these mice. At the level of the brain, the adaptation to the absence of AChE is nearly complete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We wished to develop alternate production strategies to generate antibodies against traditionally problematic antigens. As a model we chose butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), involved in termination of cholinergic signaling, and widely considered as a poor immunogen. Methodology/Principal Findings: Jettisoning traditional laborious in silico searching methods to define putative epitopes, we simply immunized available BChE knock-out mice with full-length recombinant BChE protein (having been produced for crystallographic analysis). Immunization with BChE, in practically any form (recombinant human or mouse BChE, BChE purified from human serum, native or denatured), resulted in strong immune responses. Native BChE produced antibodies that favored ELISA and immunostaining detection. Denatured and reduced BChE were more selective for antibodies specific in Western blots. Two especially sensitive monoclonal antibodies were found capable of detecting 0.25 ng of BChE within one min by ELISA. One is specific for human BChE; the other cross-reacts with mouse and rat BChE. Immunization of wild-type mice served as negative controls. Conclusions/Significance: We examined a simple, fast, and highly efficient strategy to produce antibodies by mining two expanding databases: namely those of knock-out mice and 3D crystallographic protein-structure analysis. We conclude that the immunization of knock-out mice should be a strategy of choice for antibody production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) accumulates on axonal varicosities and is primarily found as tetramers associated with a proline-rich membrane anchor (PRiMA). PRiMA is a small transmembrane protein that efficiently transforms secreted AChE to an enzyme anchored on the outer cell surface. Surprisingly, in the striatum of the PRiMA knock-out mouse, despite a normal level of AChEmRNA,we find only 2-3% of wild type AChE activity, with the residual AChE localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, demonstrating that PRiMA in vivo is necessary for intracellular processing of AChE in neurons. Moreover, deletion of the retention signal of the AChE catalytic subunit in mice, which is the domain of interaction with PRiMA, does not restore AChE activity in the striatum, establishing thatPRiMAis necessary to target and/or to stabilize nascent AChE in neurons. These unexpected findings open new avenues to modulating AChE activity and its distribution in CNS disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]