The size effect of BiFeO3 nanocrystals on the spatial spin modulated structure

The spatial spin modulated structure (SSMS) of the cycloid type present in bulk BiFeO3 prevents the linear magnetoelectric effect. One way to influence this structure is to reduce the crystal size to the nanoscale. Various opinions are circulating in the literature about the effect of nanocrystal size on SSMS, and to investigate this issue, we used a number of methods, with zero-field NMR (ZF NMR) spectroscopy at the forefront. ZF NMR spectroscopy enables the direct observation of the distribution profile of local fields on iron atoms and defines the SSMS presence and its properties. We also examined the synthesized samples using XRD, TEM, and magnetometry. We conclude that SSMS persists as the nanocrystal size decreases to the cycloid period and less, becoming more harmonic. This is accompanied by the change of the anisotropy type from an "easy axis" to an "easy plane". Magnetic measurements show a significant increase in the saturation magnetization, remanent magnetization, coercivity, and exchange bias of nanocrystals with sizes close to the cycloid period, which is probably associated with incomplete spin compensation in the case of an incomplete cycloid period. Despite the fact that SSMS is retained in the samples with decreased size, the magnetic properties experience a sharp increase up to applicable values.

Stereoselectivity of formation of monoterpene - Amino acids hybrid molecules in the reaction of monoterpene nitroso chlorides with α-amino acid derivatives

Reaction of nitrosochlorides of natural monoterpene hydrocarbons (+)-3-carene and (-)-α-pinene with L-amino acids and their methyl esters results in stereoselective formation of terpene-amino acids hybrids, which belong to the series of α-substituted amino oximes. The reaction with an excess of racemic DL-amino acids and their derivatives induces partial resolution of the amino acid components and formation of the diastereomeric mixtures of the terpene-amino acids hybrids, with diastereomeric excess varying from 0 to 100%.

COMPARISON OF THE CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF ZEARALENON AND T-2 TOXIN ON THE HORSES AND OXEN GERM CELL IN VITRO BEFORE AND AFTER CRYOPRESERVATION

The article presents the results of the studies of cytotoxic effect of zearalenone and T-2 toxin on sperm of horses and bulls during incubation and after thawing according to the technology of sperm obtaining and cryopreservation in Kharkov. We first have shown in vitro toxic effects of different concentrations of zearalenone and T-2 toxin (from 0.5 to 0.01 mM) on the membrane stability, as well as quantitative and qualitative indicators of semen in stallions and bulls before and after freezing and thawing. It has been found that the biological activity of the native sperm in 1 h after addition of 0.5 mM zearalenone is not changed, and after thawing is reduced by 19.4 %, or 0.69 ball (P < 0.01) compared to control without toxin. T-2 toxin at a concentration of 0.5 mM reduced the activity of the native sperm after an hour of incubation by 0.59 ball (P < 0.01) and decreased it after thawing decreased by 60.28 %, or 2.14 ball (P < 0.001). 1 h of incubation with zearalenone at concentration of 0.25 mM did not affect the activity of the native sperm, but the activity after freeze—thaw deteriorated by 12.2 %, or 0.41 ball (P < 0.05). T-2 toxin at a concentration of 0.25 mM reduced activity of native sperm after 1 h exposure by 0.46 ball (P < 0.05), and after thawing spermatozoa degrade it by 1.77 ball (P < 0.001) compared to control without toxins. In our study, the lowest concentration giving a significant decrease in sperm parameters was 0.01 mM. The negative impact of zearalenone in such a dose on the native sperm was absent, and sperm after thawing only slightly reduced activity and perezhivayemost by 0.09 points and 0.27 hours, respectively. The simultaneous addition of zearalenone and T-2 toxin at the same dose of 0.01 mM resulted in a decrease in biological perezhivayemost and absolute indicator of native sperm perezhivayemost by 0.36 points and 0.64 hours (P < 0.05), respectively.

[PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIP OF ERYTHROCYNE ANTIGENS WITH INDICATORS OF HORSE SPERMOGRAM]

The possible presence of the physiological relationship of erythrocyte antigens of the A, C, D, K alleles of the blood group systems in the examined horses of the Ukrainian selection with the spermogram major parameters has been demonstrated. It has been found that when investigating ad/bcm and dg/cgm alleles of the blood group system D in the stallions, there was the physiological tendency of the decrease in the semen activity on average less than 5 points; at the presence of ad/cgm, ad/d, ad/ de, ad/dk, bcm/d, bcm/de, bcm/dg bcm/dk cegm/cgm, cegm/d, cegm/dg, cegm/dk cgm/ceg, cgm/cgm, cgm/dg, cgm/dk de/ cgm, de/dk dg/di, dk/d, dk/de, dk/dk alleles the spermogram of the average quality with the activity of the semen on average from 5 to 7 points was obtained; at the presence of bcm/cgm, dg/dk, de/d, egm/d, cgm/de alleles high parameters of semen activity, more than 7 points, were received. The tendency of the increase in the semen concentration was revealed in the examined stallions having a/- allele of the blood group C. The possible decrease in the semen concentration in the stallions having a/-allele of the blood group K was shown. The alleles of the blood group system D had the highest statistical impact on the volume of the ejaculate, the activity, concentration and the number of pathological forms of semen, the correlation coefficient was 0,36; 0,31; 0, 43 and 0,27, respectively. At the same time it has been found out that the alleles of the blood group systems A,C and K had the coefficient of correlation with the examined parameters of the semen at the level of not more than 0,07.

[Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in outpatients in Rostov-on-Don: Regional results of the DIREG-2 study]

AIM

to analyze and summarize the data of the DIREG-2 study of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) register in Rostov-on-Don versus those in Russia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The prospective disease registry study encompasses an epidemiologic, observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study estimating the prevalence of NAFLD in outpatients in Rostov-on-Don. A total of 3200 patients participated in this study. The investigators were 65 outpatient physicians. Epidemiological data were obtained during two patient visits to the research centers.

RESULTS

The key result obtained from this study was the significantly higher prevalence of NAFLD in Rostov-on-Don than that in the general population (40.4 and 37.3%). In addition to the higher prevalence of NAFLD, there was also a higher spread of risk factors (RFs), such as abdominal obesity, female age of 45-55 years, and hyperlipidemia.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of NAFLD in the outpatients of Rostov-on-Don was 3.1% greater than that in Russia; this might be due to the significantly higher spread of some RFs (abdominal obesity, female age of 45-55 years, hyperlipidemia). The findings are undoubtedly necessary for the elaboration of measures for the primary and secondary prevention of NAFLD in Rostov-on-Don.

Human gut microbiota community structures in urban and rural populations in Russia

The microbial community of the human gut has a crucial role in sustaining host homeostasis. High-throughput DNA sequencing has delineated the structural and functional configurations of gut metagenomes in world populations. The microbiota of the Russian population is of particular interest to researchers, because Russia encompasses a uniquely wide range of environmental conditions and ethnogeographical cohorts. Here we conduct a shotgun metagenomic analysis of gut microbiota samples from 96 healthy Russian adult subjects, which reveals novel microbial community structures. The communities from several rural regions display similarities within each region and are dominated by the bacterial taxa associated with the healthy gut. Functional analysis shows that the metabolic pathways exhibiting differential abundance in the novel types are primarily associated with the trade-off between the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla. The specific signatures of the Russian gut microbiota are likely linked to the host diet, cultural habits and socioeconomic status.

[Application of nootropic agents in complex treatment of patients with concussion of the brain]

65 patients with a mild craniocereberal trauma have been observed. Medical examination included among general clinical methods the following methods: KT (MRT) of the brain, oculist examination including the observation of eye fundus. For objectification of a patient' complaints the authors used orientation and Galvestona's amnesia tests, feeling scale (psychological test), the table to determine the level of memory. Tests have been carried out on the first, tenth and thirty day of the treatment. Patients of the first group received in a complex treatment -pramistar, patients of the second group - piracetam. Patients of both groups noted considerable improvement during a complex treatment (disappearance of headache, dizziness and nausea) and at the same time patients receiving pramistar had better restoration of orientation and feeling. Pramistar was also more effective in patients with amnesia.

[Hypophysis--thyroid gland--gonads in boys of the pubertate period in south areas of Archangelsk region]

The hormonal level dynamics of hypophysis, thyroid gland and sex steroids was analyzed in respect to the puberty. Concentrations of gonadotropins and sex streroids were increased whereas concentrations of thyroid hormones was decreased. The amplitude of hypophysis and thyroid hormones were narrowed whereas the range of sex steroids was extended during the puberty. In early stages of puberty, the interhormonal correlations existed on some levels (hypophysis or peripheral gland), but in late stage the intersystem and polyhormonal relations were formed. Thyroid hormones play a leading role in sexual maturity regulation. The sexual maturity is prolonged, the variance of sexual stages being quite wide. The range of gonadotropin shifted to the left side in comparison with children in moderate latitudes.

[Specificity of metabolic processes observed in the glucose tolerance test in residents of the European North]

The reserve potentialities of metabolism processes and the specificity of the functioning in the course of glucose-tolerance test made in virtually healthy residence of the European North were studied with respect to body weight. A slowed utilization of glucose, triglycerides and of free fatty acids due to an intensified insulin concentration was detected, which essentially affects, in persons with excessive weight, the nature of the mentioned changes and belongs to the risk category of diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease.

[Serum phospholipids and processes of cholesterol esterification in the European North]

Lipid profile was studied in blood serum of 146 European northerns (trans-polar Nenets Autonomous district and Archangelsk). Monolayer chromatography was used to determine sphingomyelin (SP), phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine (PC), lisophosphatidylcholine, glycerophosphatides and phosphatide acides. The northerns were found to have very low concentrations of blood PC. At the same time, the NAD population have a little higher SP which may play an adaptive role in terms of the cell membrane function. The transpolar natives appear to possess an adaptive mechanism of increasing total cholesterol and reducing cholesterol of high-density lipoproteins, and activation of cholesterol esterification resulting in decrease in the free cholesterol fraction in serum.

[Efficiency of the use of peppermint (Mentha piperita L) essential oil inhalations in the combined multi-drug therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis]

The essential oil of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) has been found to have an in vitro pronounced and equal antimycobacterial effect in doses of 300 and 600 micrograms/ml, respectively. The use of its inhalations (upon 20-min heat evaporation into the room atmosphere for 2 months) as a supplement to combined multidrug therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis has indicated their significantly high positive effect in terms of abacillation (by 26.8 and 58.5% with doses of 0.01 and 0.005 ml/m3, respectively). This was followed by earlier positive X-ray changes in the lung and by attenuation of the intoxication syndrome. The findings suggest that peppermint essential oil may be used in combined multidrug therapy in patients with disseminated and infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis.

Chemical composition of lipophylic compounds from the body surface of unfed adult Ixodes persulcatus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae)

Chemical compositions of ethereal extracts of the body surface of unfed male and female Ixodes persulcatus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) were studied by gas chromatography using mass-spectrometric detection. More than 100 different organic compounds were detected. The predominant components were saturated fatty hydrocarbons, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, aldehydes, squalene, cholesterol and cholesterol derivatives. A number of compounds found in I. persulcatus are known as components of pheromones or constituents of dermal gland secretions in tick species of the genus Amblyomma: nonanoic acid, saturated fatty acids having from 14 to 16 carbons, and squalene. Saturated fatty aldehydes have not been reported previously as body surface components of hard ticks. Substituted phenols were not found in the extracts, although they are known as common components of sex and attraction-aggregation-attachment pheromones in Amblyomma ticks. With a few exceptions (henicosanal, 2,4-holestadiene and two unidentified cholesterol derivatives), there was no marked difference in composition of surface components between male and female I. persulcatus. The possible role of the different chemical groups in communication between I. persulcatus ticks is discussed.

[Effects of the hormonal activity of the thyroid gland and insulin system on the glucose level in man in the North]

Correlation analysis of the findings suggests that in March an increase of the glucose level is induced by the thyroid hormones in humans living on Spitsbergen Archipelago. A liability of functional interactions among thyroid hormones, insulin, and glucose seems to be caused bias alterations in the air temperature as contrast to photoperiodicity.

[Immunologic characteristics of individuals working on the archipelago Spitzbergen]

A complex effect with photo-periodic components and depending on the duration of stay on Shpitzbergen Archipelago of people working there, was revealed in respect to the serum concentration of Ig A, G, M. The monocytes, autoantibodies, and circular immune complexes were increased, whereas lymphocytes, T-cells, and natural killers were decreased in winter time.

[The effect of the duration of daylight on human hormonal and biochemical indices in the north]

Change of the duration of the light day was shown to tell on biochemical and hormonal parameters in humans living on the North. The contents of T3 significantly increased in peripheral blood, the levels of insulin and urea decreased in March and October. Complex rearrangements of the metabolism in the course of year specific for high latitudes were revealed in humans.

Susceptibility of the taiga tick Ixodes persulcatus Schulze to pyrethroids

The susceptibility of the taiga tick Ixodes persulcatus Schulze to 15 pyrethroids has been evaluated. The knockdown time after exposure of ticks to pyrethroids tested was quite similar. It was revealed that the lethal doses of type I pyrethroids (permethrin-like) induced the rapid attachment of ticks to host. In contrast, the fatal poisoning with type II pyrethroids (alpha-CN-pyrethroids) made the ticks unable to attach completely. Possible mechanisms of the acceleration and the prevention of attachment are discussed.

Blood lipid parameters in participants of the Soviet-American "Bering Bridge" expedition

Metabolic indices were studied in an expedition team consisting of Soviet and U.S. Caucasian and indigenous members. Lipid metabolism was substantially changed during this extended ski expedition, with similar trends among all participants. The most pronounced changes occurred at the beginning of the expedition with a simultaneous change in the lipid protein concentration in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, demonstrating an activation of lipid metabolism. The HDL cholesterol level had the highest level at the third stage of the expedition. Indigenous members showed a relatively greater increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) compared to the Caucasians, suggesting innate differences in adaptability to cold and exertion.

[Various indicators of the hormonal profile in patients with neuroses after psychopharmacotherapy and functional test with sinacten]

Studies of adenohypophyseal hormones, cortisol, T3, T4, thyroxine-binding globulin, testosterone, progesterone and estradiol in 90 neurotic men, treated or not with amitriptyline and benzodiazepines, allowed a conclusion that in the majority of them, endocrine functions were activated. 11 healthy men and 11 male patients underwent the three-day test with sinacten-depot (1 mg intramuscularly). The functional test data were compared over time by the methods of nonparametric statistics. The patients manifested a decrease of reserve potentialities of the pituitary-adrenal system, redistribution of the fractions of thyroid hormones, gonadotropins, the progesterone/estradiol ratio, a rise of prolactin and testosterone secretion. The drugs were found to improve the functioning of the pituitary-adrenal system. However, they did not contribute much to the positive changes in the pituitary-thyroid and other systems.

Stereochemistry of α-Amino Oximes From the Monoterpene Hydrocarbons Car-3-ene, Limonene and α-Pinene

The conformation and configuration of the α-amino oximes derived from the terpene hydrocarbons car-3-ene, limonene and α- pinene have been determined by n.m.r. spectroscopy (high-field 1H n.m.r., 13C n.m.r., INADEQUATE technique), molecular mechanics calculations and X-ray crystallographic analysis. The crystal structure of (lS,3S,6R)-3-dimethylamino-caran-4-one (E)-oxime has been determined by X-ray diffraction; crystals are orthorhombic, space group P 212121 with a 11.421(2), b 13.223(2), c 16.992(4) �, Z 8. Refinement on 1730 observed reflections measured with Cu K α radiation converged at R 0.053.

[Kordaron and functional disorders of the thyroid gland]

The paper presents a brief review of literature data on cordaron action on thyroid function under a prolonged schedule of its use, and a description of 4 cases of thyrotoxicosis developed by males after 2-10 years of cordaron maintenance for paroxysms of cardiac fibrillation in a dose of 200-600 mg. Probability of thyrotoxicosis necessitates an assessment of thyroid function when planning long-term treatment with cordaron.

[Features of the development of the pituitary-thyroid system of the Wrangel Island hoofed lemming Dicrostonyx torquatus at stages of growth and peak population]

By means of morphometric techniques, peculiarities in formation of the hypophyseal-thyroid system during prenatal and early postnatal periods have been studied in lemmings (Dicrostonyx torquatus) from the Wrangel island at growth stages and at the peak of the population quantity. Folliculoformation rate, time when the organ reaches the definitive structure, periods for establishing connection with the regulating center--the anterior hypophyseal lobe, correlation of differentiation rates of histo- and ultrastructures of the organ distinctly react to changes in the density population of the animals. Periods of initiation of folliculoformation are early and comparable at both stages of the population cycles. However, further at the peak of the population quantity, an essential retardation in the development of both histo- and ultrastructures of the thyroid cells is observed; formation of the histostructure significantly overtakes differentiation of the ultrastructures composing its cellular elements. The follicular structure begins to form only in newborn animals, the folliculogenesis completes on the 1st-6th days of the postnatal period. At the stage of growth of the population quantity, the folliculogenesis lasts 2 days (the 15th-17th days of the prenatal development), the organ's structure becomes definitive on the 17th day, at the same period connections are established with the anterior hypophyseal lobe. The role of the thyroid hormones in formation of reprodactive and adaptive potencies of the organism at various stages of the population cycle is discussed.

[Ultrastructural characteristics of the differentiation of glandular cells in the anterior pituitary gland of collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx) from the Vrangel Island]

In 15.5-, 16-, 17.5-, 18.5-, 20-day-old fetuses and newborn lemmings, the ultrastructure of the anterior lobe of the hypophysis has been studied. In the parenchyma of the 15.5-day-old fetus gland, some cells containing secretory material are revealed, but they are difficult for identification, since differentiation of their organellas is not completed and polymorphism of their granules is strongly manifested. On the 17.5th day of the prenatal development TTH-, ACTH-, LH-, STH-secreting adenocytes are detected; they include secretory granules having diameters 70--100 nm, 80--150 nm, 60--140 nm and 200--400 nm, respectively. On the 18.5th day FSH-secreting cells are identified. Lactotropocytes appear on the 20th day. The anterior lobe of the hypophysis of 17.5--18.5-day-old fetuses are characterized by a high level of the secretory activity which decreases to some extent before birth. Ultrastructure of the cellular organellas in the newborn hypophysis is similar to that in a mature animal, nevertheless, the diameter of the secretory granules does not reach the size of these elements in mature individuals.

[Histological and ultrastructural analysis of the adrenal cortex of the Wrangel Island hoofed lemming (Dicrostonyx torquatus vinogradovi Ognev, 1948)]

Structure of the adrenal cortex of the lemming (Dicrostonyx torquatus vinogradovi Ognev, 1948) from the Wrangel Island has been studied light optically and electron microscopically. Histological investigation of the adrenals has revealed some peculiar features in the gland demonstrating a moderate development of the reticular zone in both sex in the Dicrostonyx torquatus, as well as certain sex dimorphism in the organ's structure. A smaller specific gravity of the female glomerular zone, division of the female glomerular zone into two morphologically heterogenous layers and more distinctive medullary capsule in the males should be mentioned as the distinctive features. During pregnancy the glomerular zone undergoes certain reduction, while the glomerulo-reticular zone hypertrophizes. Electron microscopically it has been revealed: lack of the specific vesicular structure in the mitochondrial crists in the fascicular zone cells, an increased contents of myelin-like and vascular formations in mitochondria of the fascicular and reticular zones, a large amount of dark degenerating cells in the reticular zone, as well as a moderate amount of liposomes in corticocytes. Owing to these factors, it is possible to suggest an increased level of steroid processes in the lemming adrenal cortex.