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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]

A NiO-PEDOT:PSS composite has been developed as a gas-sensitive element of a conductometric sensor. The nature of the change in the resistance of this element in air has been studied. The electrical and sensory properties of NiO-PEDOT:PSS in a model gas mixture containing nitrogen dioxide (5–50 ppm) at room temperature were studied using impedance spectroscopy. Analysis of experimental data made it possible to determine the concentration dependence of the sensory response of NiO-PEDOT:PSS when exposed to nitrogen dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CLE (CLAVATA3/ENDOSPERM SURROUNDING REGION-related) peptides are systemic regulators of legume-rhizobium symbiosis that negatively control the number of nitrogen-fixing nodules. In Medicago truncatula, the expression of the MtCLE35 gene is activated in response to rhizobial inoculation and nitrate treatment, and its overexpression systemically inhibits nodulation. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying MtCLE35-mediated inhibition of nodulation. In order to elucidate target genes regulated by the MtCLE35-induced signaling cascade, we analyzed the transcriptome of MtCLE35-overexpressing roots inoculated by rhizobia using MACE (Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends) sequencing. Totally, 1390 genes were found to be differentially expressed between MtCLE35-overexpressing (35S::MtCLE35) and control (35S::GUS) roots after rhizobial inoculation, among them 268 genes were upregulated and 1122 genes were downregulated. Among downregulated genes, many known regulators of legume-rhizobia symbiosis were found. Genes upregulated in rhizobia-inoculated MtCLE35-overexpressing roots included ones associated with defense response and cellular redox status. Furthermore, stable transgenic plants overexpressing the MtCLE35 gene were obtained in this study, and gene expression qPCR analysis of selected differentially expressed genes in rhizobia-inoculated roots was performed in such plants. Collectively, our data suggest that overexpression of the MtCLE35 gene prevents the induction of nodulation program, which is accompanied by the expression of defense-related gene in MtCLE35-overexpressing rhizobia-inoculated M. truncatula roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study of oxidative stress markers (ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and the blood serum antioxidant capacity) in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia was carried out. The IMA level and blood serum antioxidant capacity increased in the following order: healthy non-pregnant women→healthy pregnant women→patients with moderate preeclampsia→patients with severe preeclampsia (p<0.001). A significant positive correlation was revealed between blood serum antioxidant capacity and uric acid levels in all the examined groups. The results showed that oxidative stress in preeclampsia is more pronounced compared to normal pregnancy. The levels of IMA and the blood serum antioxidant capacity can be additional criteria for assessment of the severity of preeclampsia and predicting of its course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rheographic parameters of the segments of brachial and femoral arteries were measured in situ after a 14-day-long hindlimb unloading (HU) of rats. HU significantly increased electrical impedance Z of a segment of femoral artery indicating its constriction; in parallel, HU resulted in a decreasing trend of Z of a segment of brachial artery attesting to its dilation. In both arteries, HU significantly or as a trend decreased the swing ranges of active and passive pulsations, respectively. BP reduction during bloodletting induced transition from passive to active pulsatile mode in the femoral artery only in 33% experimental rats in contrast to 87% control ones. We suppose that degradation of active pulsatile mode is responsible for the negative influences of microgravity and weightlessness on blood circulation. The study determined the rheographic parameters that reliably reflect changes in the functional activity of arteries after chronic redistribution of hydrostatic load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) donors in the plasma of pregnant women with preeclampsia is several times higher than in healthy pregnant women. Antihypertensive drugs acting not through the NO-mediated mechanisms normalized BP in some women with preeclampsia, but did not significantly reduce the levels of NO donors in the plasma. It appears that preeclampsia is associated with insufficient NO availability for the targets, rather than low intensity of NO synthesis. The concentration of NO donor molecules in the plasma can therefore be a useful additional diagnostic marker of preeclampsia. [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]

One of the informative and widely used approaches to understanding the pathogenetic (including neurobiological) mechanisms of schizophrenia is the study of patients with clinically high risk (CHR) for the disease. The power and topography of the theta rhythm event-related synchronization (ERS) related to peripheral stimulus that must be remembered (memory-guided saccades/antisaccades paradigm) have been studied in the groups of 20 mentally healthy subjects and 20 patients with CHR. The analysis was carried out according to the Pfurtscheller method. Based on the saccades latency value and the error numbers, the task performance was decreased in patients with CHR compared to healthy subjects. Intergroup differences by theta rhythm ERS magnitude and topography were found for three consecutive delay period intervals (900 ms each) before saccades to the right and antisaccades to the left. The findings are considered as being the reflection of violations of the spatial attention and working memory maintaining in CHR patients that has a certain interhemispheric asymmetry. It has been suggested an activation of the compensatory processes and the cognitive control reorganization of the fronto-parietal networks with predominantly right hemisphere preservation at the early stage of schizophrenia development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques over the decades has led to many studies seeking to identify cerebral abnormalities in amblyopia. The cause of reduced visual acuity and other visual characteristics of this common visual disorder cannot be identified by standard ophthalmological examination. As there are several variants of this disease, with fundamental differences in etiology, it is natural to suggest that there are different types of corresponding abnormalities in the brain. Thus, until a general picture of the pathogenesis of amblyopia is obtained, studies on groups of specially selected patients with similar symptomatologies are very important. The present paper presents a study of school-age children with left-sided anisometropic amblyopia. Structural MRI revealed interhemisphere differences in the thickness of the lateral occipital cortex in these patients, while resting-state functional MRI revealed interhemisphere differences in local hemodynamic signal coherence in Brodmann area 17 and in the functional connectivity of area 17 with areas 18 and 19. The results contribute to the creation of a general MRI database on the pathophysiology of amblyopia, clarify some controversial issues, and indicate the feasibility of using resting-state functional MRI in ophthalmology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filamin C (FLNC) is a member of a high-molecular weight protein family, which bind actin filaments in the cytoskeleton of various cells. In human genome FLNC is encoded by the FLNC gene located on chromosome 7 and is expressed predominantly in striated skeletal and cardiac muscle cells. Filamin C is involved in organization and stabilization of thin actin filaments three-dimensional network in sarcomeres, and is supposed to play a role of mechanosensor transferring mechanical signals to different protein targets. Under mechanical stress FLNC can undergo unfolding that increases the risk of its aggregation. FLNC molecules with an impaired native structure could be eliminated by the BAG3-mediated chaperone-assisted selective autophagy. Mutations in the FLNC gene could be accompanied by the changes in FLNC interaction with its protein partners and could lead to formation of aggregates, which overload the autophagy and proteasome protein degradation systems, thus facilitating development of various pathological processes. Molecular mechanisms of the FLNC-associated congenital disorders, called filaminopathies, remain poorly understood. This review is devoted to analysis of the structure and mechanisms of filamin C function in muscle and heart cells in normal state and in the FLNC-associated pathologies. The presented data summarize the results of research at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels and allow us to outline promising ways for further investigation of pathogenetic mechanisms in filaminopathies. [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]

Properties of fluids under P–T conditions of the middle crust were studied with reference to the metasomatic alteration of metamorphic rocks (amphibolite facies) of the Bolshie Keivy nappe of the Keivy terrane of the Belomorian–Lapland collision orogen of the Fennoscandian shield. Properties of the fluids were studied in five selected types of rocks: metamorphic schists and gneisses with graphite, metasomatic quartz rocks with a high content of graphite, kyanite–quartz veins with wall-rock metasomatites, and metasomatic quartz-bearing kyanite rocks and anchimonomineral quartz veins. NaCl, CaCl2, CO2, N2, CH4, heavier hydrocarbons, and graphite were identified in the fluid inclusions using microthermometry and Raman spectroscopy. Using the method of multiequilibrium thermobarometry for mineral associations and the density of CO2 inclusions, a retrograde P–T path was calculated, which reflects the P–T exhumation history of the rocks. An explanation was proposed for the presence of water inclusions with NaCl of low salinity among inclusions of high salinity with NaCl and CaCl2. Comparison of data on the H2O activity (inferred from mineral equilibria) and salt content (data on fluid inclusions) with those of a model fluid (thermodynamic model of the H2O–NaCl–CaCl2–CO2 system) showed a good agreement between natural and model data. Natural and model data were synthesized to analyze variations in the phase state and chemical composition, fluid properties, including H2O activity, density, and salinity along the retrograde P–T trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Properties of spintronic terahertz generators based on the IrMn/Co/WSe2 and Co/WSe2 structures grown on sapphire substrates are investigated. It is demonstrated that the optical energy of the pump pulse plays a critical role in coercivity control and in generation of terahertz radiation by a structure with an antiferromagnetic IrMn layer. Analysis of terahertz loops of magnetic hysteresis obtained for pump energies ranging from 0.35 to 3.85 mJ/cm2 has shown that laser-induced heating of IrMn up to temperatures above the blocking temperature is accompanied by an increase in spin injection from the Co layer into IrMn layer and a consequent increase in THz emission efficiency. The results show importance of further investigation of thermal laser-induced processes in antiferromagnetic-based spintronic emitters in the vicinity of critical temperatures, which is of great significance of further development of terahertz spintronic and photonic devices based on antiferromagnetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of cognitive impairment is steadily increasing throughout the world. The World Health Organization has reported that by 2030 there will be up to 82 million people with dementia, this increasing to 152 million by 2050. The most common cause is Alzheimer's disease (AD). Given that the pathophysiological process in AD begins several years before the onset of clinical symptoms, identification of AD at an early stage would probably improve the clinical prognosis. This report presents data on EEG changes detected in patients with AD and also discusses the possibility of using electroencephalography as a screening method for examining patients with cognitive deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalysts of the hydrogen peroxide cathodic synthesis are obtained from multiwalled carbon nanotubes pre-oxidized with nitric acid, follow by hydrogen reduction in the 300–500°C temperature range. Evaluation of physico-chemical properties of the catalysts showed the synthesis method used to be able controlling changes in the surface oxygen groups' composition without any change in the multiwalled carbon nanotubes' structure and morphology. Investigation of catalytic activity in the cathodic process for hydrogen peroxide production demonstrated the sample prepared by hydrogen reduction at 300°C with oxygen content of 5.2 at % (according to XPS data) to have the highest efficiency. The sample produced the hydrogen peroxide with the rate of 0.34 mol/(g h) and Faradaic efficiency of 78%. Increase in the reduction temperature above 300°C resulted in a decrease in the rate of Н2О2 accumulation without severe changes in Faradaic efficiency. [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]

Objective. To identify the relationship between functional changes in the brain in patients with schizophrenia and the clinical manifestations of the disease and their constitutional and morphological features. Materials and methods. A total of 118 patients with schizophrenia (64 men and 54 women) aged 33 [29; 40] years were examined. The following clinical and dynamic parameters were used: age of disease onset, disease duration, and severity of clinical and psychopathological symptoms on the PANSS. Anthropometric examination of patients was performed by the Bunak method modified by Chtetsov for adult samples, with calculation of the Rees–Eysenck and Tanner indexes. EEG traces were recorded and analyzed in a state of quiet, relaxed wakefulness with the eyes closed, with calculation of absolute spectral power for the θ (4–7 Hz), α (8–13 Hz), and β (14–30 Hz) rhythms. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) direct correlations were found between the age of disease onset and the spectral power of the β rhythm in the frontal leads (Fp1, Fp2, F3, and F4). Inverse correlations (p < 0.05) were found between disease duration in schizophrenia patients and the spectral power of the α rhythm in the left temporal (T3) and right central (C4) leads, the β rhythm in the parieto-occipital (P3, P4, O1, O2) and temporal (T3, T4, T5) leads, and the θ rhythm in the left occipital (O1) and posterior temporal (T5) leads. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) inverse correlations were also found between the Tanner index and the spectral power of the α rhythm in the frontal and temporal leads, as well as between the Rees–Eysenck index and the spectral power of the θ rhythm in the frontal leads. Conclusions. The data obtained here indicate that there are correlations between functional changes in the brain in schizophrenia patients and the clinical manifestations of the disease and their constitutional and morphological features. Thus, assessment of the functional state of the central nervous system in patients with schizophrenia is an important component of the diagnostic search. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a theoretical study of the piezoresistivity of germanene nanoribbons (GeNRs) of various structural modifications (arm-chair and zig-zag) with acceptor structural defects. Gallium atoms were chosen as impurities. A phenomenological expression for the band structure of nanoribbons (NRs) deformed by tension and compression is proposed. The dependencies of the longitudinal component of the elastic conductivity tensor on the relative deformation of tension and compression, the concentration of impurities, and the width of the NR are analyzed. [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]

Meadow podbels (dark-humus gleyic and gleyed podbels in the Russian soil classification system) in the west of their range experience deep and prolonged freezing manifested in cryogenic deformations of horizons and in their microstructures. Microfeatures of soils on permafrost are well known, and the objective of this study was to identify them in three profiles of meadow podbels taking into account particular features of their cryological and moisture regimes. Unlike northern permafrost-affected soils, meadow podbels have dark-humus horizons with weakly expressed cryogenic features; in eluvial horizons, these are platy microstructures and numerous humus-iron nodules of different size. In the textural horizons, there are specific microstructures: rounded or ellipsoidal aggregates with humus-iron nodules in the center and ooidal aggregates with iron impregnation in the center and optically oriented clay along the periphery. Typical microfeatures of gley in the lower clayey horizons are combined with partially deformed illuviation clay coatings. Unlike soils with permafrost, the separation of micromass and skeleton grains is weak, as well as their ring-shaped orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulation of mitochondrial functions impacts on neuronal differentiation and maturation. Studying these processes is of both fundamental and practical importance for regenerative neurobiology. This work was aimed to characterize the changes in mitochondrial fission and their link with the activation of oxidative phosphorylation (metabolic switch) during the maturation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitors xenografted in the rat striatum. Wistar rats (n = 15) were unilaterally injected into the caudate nucleus with neural precursors derived from the human iPSCs. Changes in the localization and expression of neuronal differentiation markers, such as nestin, NeuN, neuron-specific enolase, mitochondrial outer membrane protein, ATP synthase, and mitochondrial fission protein Drp1, were assessed by immunostaining. Measurements of grafted cells were performed 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months after surgery. The maturation of grafted neurons was associated with fluctuations in morphometric parameters of the mitochondrial fraction and Drp1 levels. An increase in mitochondrial fission was detected 3 months after grafting, preceded by an increase in ATP synthase level by month 6 and switching grafted neurons to oxidative phosphorylation. The experiment revealed a link between mitochondrial dynamics and changes in the metabolic profile and maturation of grafted neurons. The regulation of mitochondrial dynamics may have future implications for developing methods to improve the integration of grafted neurons into recipient brain structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence opens up new perspectives and possibilities for modern education. The use of intelligent learning support systems is becoming an increasingly relevant aspect of the educational process. This study used experimental design to identify the influence of an intelligent learning support system on the motivation and anxiety of medical students. The study involved 246 medical students from I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University. The results showed that the use of the intelligent learning support system led to a statistically significant increase in the motivation of medical students in the experimental group. In addition, there was a statistically significant decrease in the anxiety of participants in this group. The practical significance of the study lies in the conclusion that an intelligent learning support system can effectively increase the motivation of medical students and reduce their anxiety. It is significant to observe that this investigation's findings may hold broad relevance for diverse student cohorts across the spectrum of educational domains in which intelligent learning support systems are employed. This finding can have important implications for educational practice, teaching medical students, and improving their educational experience. Further research should delve into the impact mechanisms of intelligent learning support systems on motivation and anxiety. It is also possible to consider other aspects of the psychological well-being of medical students and evaluate the long-term effects of this type of training. [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]

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]

Volcanic lakes in the Kuril-Kamchatka region are difficult to access, and for this reason, they remain poorly studied, with only scattered and brief data available. The authors have conducted a study of 10 lake basins using modern digital echolocation survey techniques and have also compiled and summarized published data for 15 lakes in the region, calculating their main morphometric characteristics. It has been established that many caldera lake basins are modified by young explosive funnels, extrusive or effusive domes, and exhibit traces of hydrothermal activity. While lakes of the same genetic type in the Kuril-Kamchatka region are similar in depth and depression forms, the group of caldera lakes shows less homogeneity across all morphometric indicators. It was found that the absolute heights of the reservoirs on Kamchatka Peninsula are generally greater than those on the Kuril Islands, as is often the case with the size of their basins. The volcanic lakes under study can rapidly change their volume and shape under the influence of endogenous processes. For the first time for this region, on the base of repeated observations, underwater extrusive dome rate growth and the approximate rates of 2 lake level changes were calculated. Repeated observations of lakes in the Ksudach calderas (Kamchatka) and on Simushir Island indicate approximate rates of level changes: a decrease ranging within 0.5–0.6 m per year (over a 27-year observation interval) and an increase reaching up to 0.26 m per year (over a 48-year interval). The growth rate of the underwater extrusive dome in Lake Shtyubel has averaged 1–1.6 m per year over the past 25 years. This analysis has facilitated the first generalization regarding the morphology and developmental features of crater and caldera lakes in the Kuril-Kamchatka region of Russia, representing an important step in their study. The results obtained will provide a solid foundation for subsequent research in this region and may be of interest to researchers studying other volcanic lakes. [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]

The potential hazard arising from the actions taken by the Japanese government regarding the discharge of technical radioactive water from the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant storage facilities is studied. The contamination of the South Kuril Fishing Zone (SKFZ), which is one of the most promising fishing areas for the Russian Federation, with radioactive particles is considered. Based on the modeling of transport of passive markers simulating radioactive contamination, the pathways and mechanisms of pollution transfer to the SKFZ are analyzed. This research was conducted using altimetric data on the geostrophic speed for the period from August 24, 2022, to August 24, 2023. The transfer of pollution into the SKFZ is determined by a set of conditions related to the current regime of development of the First Kuroshio Meander and the local vortex system of various signs, both near the discharge site and at the SKFZ boundary. A seasonal dependence of the speed and quantity of infiltration of the polluted water toward the shores of the Russian Federation is established. The possibility of rapid advection of pollution into the SKFZ within 13 days is discovered. This speed is determined by the entrainment of contamination by the Kuroshio Meander and its further transport by the mesoscale vortex system to the SKFZ boundaries. The periodicity in the influx of pollution into the SKFZ is revealed. Graphs showing the distribution of the count of "dirty" markers with respect to the times of their release and the arrival of polluted water at the SKFZ boundary are constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adescription of architecture of real-time software and hardware platform "Digital Twin for Power System" is presented. The hardware of each platform level, as well as the composition of the software modules implemented at each level, is considered. The advantages of the modular construction of the platform for the implementation of various options for its use are described. [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]

Photodetectors based on diode heterostracture with InAsSbx photosensitive region (x = 0.38) with long-wave cut-off λ0.1 about 10 μm (296 K) are investigated. The dependences of dark current density and detectivity in the temperature range of 200–425 K have been investigated. It is shown that the experimental samples are characterized by values of dark current density about 500 A/cm2 at room temperature, detectivity 1.2 × 109 and 5 × 109 cm Hz1/2 W–1 at room temperature and 250 K, respectively, and diffusion mechanism of current flow in the temperature range 200–350 K. [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]

This work is aimed at studying the effect of saturated stearic acid (SA) under in vitro culture conditions on the embryos of the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) and at estimating how a change in the composition of intracellular lipids is reflected in the results of cryopreservation. The addition of SA to the culture medium had no effect on the development of cat embryos in vitro before cryopreservation. There were also no changes by the total amount of lipids in the embryos after the effect of SA. Meanwhile, the degree of lipid unsaturation was reduced in the embryos after in vitro cultivation with SA. Moreover, the temperature of lipid phase transition onset (T*) was higher in the embryos exposed to the effect of SA as compared with the control. A decrease in the efficiency of embryo cryopreservation during the cultivation with SA was associated with a decrease in the degree of unsaturation of intracellular lipids and a increase in T *. The results can be important for the conservation of genetic resources of the species from the subfamily Felinae. [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]

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is overexpressed in advanced prostate cancer, is a well-established target for the development of antitumor diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. The aim of this work is the preclinical study of the pharmacokinetics of a new radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-PSMA. Tumor uptake of 99mTc-PSMA is 1.81–3.91%/g with a maximum uptake of 3.91 ± 0.35%/g at 3 h of post-injection. The highest uptake (up to 140.11%/g) of 99mTc-PSMA throughout the study was observed in the kidneys. Tumor uptake of 99mTc-PSMA was higher than in other organs and tissues, except the kidneys [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]

The well-known effect of the local interaction between graphene and photoresist (LIGF) during the creation of biosensors is shown to lead to non-uniform distribution of compressive stresses, which deteriorates the adsorption properties of graphene, parameter reproducibility, and detecting ability of influenza B and SARS-Cov-2 biosensors. It is also shown that controlling the occurrence of LIGF areas on a graphene surface by atomic force microscopy or introducing a protective layer between graphene and photoresist can minimize the non-persistent effect of LIGF. The results of influenza B and SARS-CoV-2 imaging on the graphene surface in biosensor chips in a scanning electron microscope are presented. [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]

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]

General toxic effect of the drug Prospekta (modified affinity purified antibodies to the brain-specific S100 protein) was studied on mature male and female mice and rats: acute toxicity with double intragastric and intraperitoneal administration of the maximum permissible doses at a 2-h interval, repeated dose toxicity with intragastric administration of the maximum permissible and close to therapeutic doses for 6 months. No lethal and toxic effects on animals were observed, including no toxic effects on vital systems, i.e., CNS and cardiovascular system, as well systems with the functions that may be temporarily disrupted (excretory and digestive systems). All the differences between animals of the experimental and control groups varied within the physiological range. It can be concluded that the drug produces no general toxic effect on laboratory animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents results of a study of middle crustal (amphibolite-facies level) desilicated rocks exemplified by corundum-bearing plagioclasites developing after metabasites at the unique Khitostrov corundum deposit in the Belomorian–Lapland orogen of the Fennoscandian shield, with emphasis placed onto newly acquired geological data, documentation and analysis of the metasomatic zoning, determination of the P–T conditions of its formation, and a model of the metasomatic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unified global archive of data on floods and droughts for the period 1997–2016 was constructed and analyzed. The analysis demonstrates that there are certain similarities in the spatial and temporal distribution of both material and humanitarian damages caused by these catastrophic hydrological phenomena. Most damages from floods and droughts are observed in approximately the same latitudinal zones on the Earth. Additionally, the onset of most of these phenomena occurs during the same seasons of the year. The long-term trends also exhibit similarities, with a statistically significant increase in material damage and a decrease in the number of affected people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]