Genetic bases of compact forms among cucurbit crops

The genetic base of compactness has been an area of active research in recent years, with several genes and mutations identified to be associated with the appearance of dwarf phenotypes. Understanding the functions of these genes and the underlying mechanisms of dwarfism in cucurbit crops is essential for developing new cultivars with improved yield and fruit quality. This study presents current data on genes and mutations associated with the evolvement of compact phenotypes in cucurbit crops. The review includes examples of mutant compact phenotypes and their associated genes in representatives of the Cucurbitaceae family, such as Cucurbita maxima Duch., Cucurbita pepo L., Cucurbita moschata Duch., Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai, and Cucumis melo L. The review provides up-to-date information on the genetic and molecular bases of compact phenotype formation, as well as molecular markers for detecting known genes associated with reduced plant size

Enabling magnetic resonance imaging of hollow-core microstructured optical fibers via nanocomposite coating

Optical fibers are widely used in bioimaging systems as flexible endoscopes capable of low-invasive penetration inside hollow tissue cavities. Here, we report on the technique which allows magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of hollow-core microstructured fibers (HC-MFs), paving the way for combing MRI and optical bioimaging. Our approach is based on Layer-by-Layer assembly of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes and magnetite nanoparticles on the inner core surface of HC-MFs. Incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles into polyelectrolyte layers renders HC-MFs visible for MRI and induces the red-shift in their transmission spectra. Specifically, the transmission shifts up to 60 nm have been revealed for the several-layers composite coating along with the high-quality contrast of HC-MFs in MRI scans. Our results shed light on marrying fiber-based endoscopy with MRI that opens novel possibilities for minimally invasive clinical diagnostics and surgical procedures in vivo.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figure

Кардиоинтервалографическая оценка вегетососудистого баланса у девушек, занимающихся оздоровительной аэробикой

Computer-aided systems for analysis of the cardiac rhythm allow the objective assessment of the functional state and peculiarities of the vegetative provision of functional reserves in an organism, revealing of the states of fatigue and overtraining, objective prediction and correction of the functional readiness to competition, development of the most favorable regime of training and recovery after physical activity.Использование автоматизированных систем анализа сердечного ритма позволяет объективно оценить функциональное состояние, особенности вегетативного обеспечения функциональных резервов организма, выявить состояние утомления и перетренированности, провести объективное прогнозирование и коррекцию функциональной готовности к соревнованиям, разработать наиболее благоприятный режим тренировки и восстановления после физических нагрузок

АССОЦИАЦИИ НЕКОТОРЫХ ВАРИАБЕЛЬНЫХ САЙТОВ ГЕНА АРОЕ С КЛИНИКО-АНАМНЕСТИЧЕСКИМИ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКАМИ ТЯЖЕЛОГО ТЕЧЕНИЯ ИНФАРКТА МИОКАРДА С ПОДЪЕМОМ СЕГМЕНТА ST

Purpose. To evaluate the association between polymorphisms APOE rs7412+rs429358 and traditional risk factors for CHD in patients with myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation.Materials and Methods. 358 patients admitted with STEMI and undergoing diagnosis and treatment at the Kemerovo Cardiology Clinic were included in the study. Blood samples were collected at days 2–14 for genotyping. Clinical and demographic data, laboratory and instrumental findings were assessed. Data analysis was performed using the STATISTICA program (version 8.0; StatSoft, Tulsa, Oklahoma) and SPSS Statistics 17.0.Results. The carriers of the e4 allele of gene APOE was associated with adverse anamnestic characterisics, such as myocardial infarction in anamnesis, severe chronic heart failure and prior angina. The carriers of the e4 allele had a higher level of LDL and severe coronary arterial sclerotic disease (SYNTAX ≥23 score (OR=2.10, 95 % CI=1.26–3.51, p=0.005). The carriers of the e4 allele had signs of multifocal atherosclerosis (OR=2.44, 95 % CI=1.17–5.12, p=0.02) and reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction less 40 % (OR=5.25, 95 % CI=1.06–27.39, p=0.04).Conclusion. Was demonstrated, that gene APOE associated not only with lipid metabolism disorders, but also to the clinical criteria of severe STEMI and can to be used as a marker adverse clinical progression of STEMI.Цель. Изучить связь генетического полиморфизма rs7412+rs429358 АРОЕ с наличием факторов риска ишемической болезни сердца, нарушений липидного обмена и тяжестью течения инфаркта миокарда.Материалы и методы. В исследование были включены 358 пациентов, поступивших с диагнозом ИМ с подъемом сегмента ST в Кемеровский кардиологический диспансер (ККД) с января по декабрь 2010 года. Всем пациентам при поступлении проводились коронароангиография (КАГ), общий анализ крови, липидограмма крови, электрокардиография (ЭКГ), эхокардиография (ЭХОКГ), для оценки наличия мультифокального атеросклероза – ультразвуковое цветное дуплексное сканирование (ЦД С) брахиоцефальных артерий. На 2–14-е сутки был проведен забор крови с последующим генотипированием полиморфизма rs7412+rs429358 гена АРОЕ. Оценивались анамнестические, клинические, лабораторные и инструментальные показатели в течение госпитализации. Статистическая обработка материала осуществлялась с помощью программ STATISTICA 8.0 for Windows компании StatSoft, Inc (USA) и SPSS Statistics 17.0.Результаты. Наличие аллеля е4 гена АРОЕ коррелировало с неблагоприятными анамнестическими характеристиками, такими как наличие постинфарктного кардиосклероза, предшествующих инфаркту миокарда стенокардии и хронической сердечной недостаточности высоких функциональных классов. Также у носителей аллеля е4 наблюдались более высокие концентрации липопротеинов низкой плотности (ЛПНП) крови. Наличие тяжелого поражения коронарных артерий (SYNTAX ≥23 баллам) ассоциировалось с наличием аллеля е4 (ОШ=2,10; 95 % ДИ=1,26–3,51; р=0,005). У пациентов, имеющих аллель е4 гена АРОЕ, чаще встречались признаки мультифокального атеросклероза (ОШ=2,44; 95 % ДИ=1,17– 5,12; р=0,02), а также чаще наблюдалось снижение фракции выброса левого желудочка (ФВ ЛЖ) менее 40 % при поступлении в стационар (ОШ=5,25; 95 % ДИ=1,06–27,39; р=0,04).Заключение. Выявлено, что ген АРОЕ ассоциируется не только с нарушениями липидного обмена, но и с клиническими критериями неблагоприятного течения ИМ, что может использоваться для уточнения клинической тяжести ИМ

Liposomes loaded with hydrophilic magnetite nanoparticles: Preparation and application as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging

© 2015 Elsevier B.V.. Magnetic fluid-loaded liposomes (MFLs) were fabricated using magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) and natural phospholipids via the thin film hydration method followed by extrusion. The size distribution and composition of MFLs were studied using dynamic light scattering and spectrophotometry. The effective ranges of magnetite concentration in MNPs hydrosol and MFLs for contrasting at both T2 and T1 relaxation were determined. On T2 weighted images, the MFLs effectively increased the contrast if compared with MNPs hydrosol, while on T1 weighted images, MNPs hydrosol contrasting was more efficient than that of MFLs. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrasting properties of MFLs and their effects on tumor and normal tissues morphology, were investigated in rats with transplanted renal cell carcinoma upon intratumoral administration of MFLs. No significant morphological changes in rat internal organs upon intratumoral injection of MFLs were detected, suggesting that the liposomes are relatively safe and can be used as the potential contrasting agents for MRI

Analysis of adult patients with epilepsy in the age continuum

Objective: to study the presence of comorbidities and to investigate quality of life in patients with main types of epilepsy in relation to age.Patients and methods. The investigation enrolled 150 patients aged 17 to 64 years with idiopathic, cryptogenic, and symptomatic types of epilepsy. The investigators studied the presence of sleep disorders using the questionnaires designed by the Somnology Center, Ministry of Health of Russia, and that of daytime sleepiness by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, determined the level of anxiety and depression by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and assessed the severity of seizures by the National Hospital Seizure Severity Scale. Quality of life was investigated using the QOLIE-89 questionnaire. A cluster analysis was carried out to divide all the patients into three age groups (mean age, 27.3; 30.7; and 37.7 years.Results and discussion. A positive relationship was obtained between some indicators of sleep disorders, level of anxiety, and age. There were significant differences between the above three age groups in the following indicators: sleep disorders; daytime sleepiness; level of anxiety, severity of seizures, and scores of the QOLIE-89 questionnaire (p<0.001). Since the patients suffer from different basic types of epilepsy (cryptogenic, idiopathic, and symptomatic), the findings testify to age as an independent factor that modifies quality of life in epileptic patients

KINEMATIC MODEL OF TWO-LAYER PLATES WITH THE REINFORCING LAYER FROM THE COMPOSITE MATERIAL

In the article, the kinematic model of deformation of a bent two-layer plate one of which is a composite lay, having low shift rigidity is under construction. The model considers deformations of cross-section shift of one of layers of a two-layer plate, thus deformation of other layer submits to a classical hypothesis of direct normal

SLEEP DISORDERS IN EPILEPTIC PATIENTS

Objective. To investigate the main features of sleep disorders in patients with three main forms of epilepsy and its impact on the quality of life. Materials and  methods. One hundred and fifty patients with different forms of epilepsy (including idiopathic, cryptogenic, and symptomatic) aged 17-64 years were enrolled. The following parameters were evaluated: presence  of sleep  disorders  (estimated  using  special questionnaires  developed  by the  Somnological  Center of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation), presence  of daytime sleepiness according to the Epworth scale, level of anxiety and depression according to the hospital scale (HADS), quality of life (analyzed using the QOLIE-89 questionnaire). Results.  Patients in all three groups experienced  daytime sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep and maintaining sleep at night, problems with final awakening. We found a reliable correlation between the daytime sleepiness at rest or during activities with the subjective sleep characteristics, difficulty falling asleep and maintaining sleep, level of anxiety, and the values from QOLIE-89 questionnaire (quality of life). Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate  the obligatory nature of the circadian rhythm  sleep  disorders  in all three  groups  of  epileptic  patients.  The differences  in the  subjective  sleep characteristics between the groups (depending on the form of epilepsy: symptomatic/cryptogenic and idiopathic) can be compared with the psychological characteristics of the patients with these forms of epilepsy

Stress-Induced Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease: Focus on Astrocytes

Neurodegenerative diseases and depression are multifactorial disorders with a complex and poorly understood physiopathology. Astrocytes play a key role in the functioning of neurons in norm and pathology. Stress is an important factor for the development of brain disorders. Here, we review data on the effects of stress on astrocyte function and evidence of the involvement of astrocyte dysfunction in depression and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Stressful life events are an important risk factor for depression; meanwhile, depression is an important risk factor for AD. Clinical data indicate atrophic changes in the same areas of the brain, the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), in both pathologies. These brain regions play a key role in regulating the stress response and are most vulnerable to the action of glucocorticoids. PFC astrocytes are critically involved in the development of depression. Stress alters astrocyte function and can result in pyroptotic death of not only neurons, but also astrocytes. BDNF-TrkB system not only plays a key role in depression and in normalizing the stress response, but also appears to be an important factor in the functioning of astrocytes. Astrocytes, being a target for stress and glucocorticoids, are a promising target for the treatment of stress-dependent depression and AD

Flagship University Role in Public Participation Practices

Представленный в статье кейс описывает опыт организации и деятельности инициативных групп Петрозаводского государственного университета по исследованию проблем публично-властной коммуникации, сопровождавшемуся экспертной деятельностью и вовлечением представителей университета в диалог с властными и общественными институтами региона в контексте задач, определенных статусом опорного вуза. Цель статьи - на основе описания параметров социальной вовлеченности инициативных групп университета, создававшихся в 2015-2017 гг. в целях исследования проблем общественного участия, определить возможные формы воздействия университетского сообщества на формирование публичной повестки дня региона в контексте задач развития опорного вуза. В связи с обретением в 2017 г. Петрозаводским государственным университетом статуса опорного вуза основной вектор развития университета сфокусирован на решении задач по формированию инновационной инфраструктуры и организационного дизайна, предполагающего реализацию обновленной миссии и усиление социальной роли вуза в регионе. При этом наряду с актуализацией взаимодействия университета с основными стейкхолдерами обеспечивающими устойчивое региональное развитие, существенное значение имеют сложившиеся практики общественного участия университета в системе межсекторного взаимодействия. Многие из таких практик являются результатами реализации программы стратегического развития «Университетский комплекс ПетрГУ в научно-образовательном пространстве Европейского Севера: стратегия инновационного развития» (2012-2016 гг.). В рамках этой программы с 2015 г. осуществлялись инициативные проекты по изучению публично-властного взаимодействия в Республике Карелия, особенности организации и реализации которых анализируются в данной статье. Результаты проектной деятельности стали основанием для формирования целостной системы интеракций членов инициативных групп и внешних партнеров, органов власти и управления республики, общественноконсультативных структур и общественных организаций. Практическое использование опыта организации междисциплинарных коллективов и результатов инициативных проектов рассматривается в дискурсе третьей миссии университета. Представленные в рамках данного кейса апробированные формы социальной вовлеченности могут быть использованы при конструировании взаимодействия опорного вуза с основными акторами, участвующими в процессах управления региональным развитием. Материалы проектов анализируются с применением методов ивент-анализа, сравнения, структурного и функционального анализа в рамках исследовательской стратегии «case-study». Предваряет анализ «случая» обзор литературы по проблемам социальной роли университета. Оригинальность данной статьи заключается в анализе участия опорного вуза в системе публично-властной коммуникации. Обращение к опыту, позволяющему определить паттерны социального партнерства в процессах формирования региональной повестки дня, показывает возможности, которые первоначально раскрываются в межсекторном диалоге на локальном уровне, в контексте решения конкретных проблем. Но за счет умножения числа интеракций достигается кумулятивный эффект, обеспечивающий новые возможности воздействия университета на состояние региональной публичной сферы. Представленная информация может иметь практическое применение при обновлении форм социальной вовлеченности как неотъемлемой составляющей третьей миссии. Обобщение опыта социального партнерства имеет значение для организации взаимодействия с региональным сообществом на более высоком уровне управления развитием опорного университета.The case presented in the article describes the experience of organizing and functioning of initiative groups from Petrozavodsk State University conducting research in the field of public and administrative communication. This experience was accompanied with expert activities and organizing dialogue involving university representatives and public and administrative institutions of the region in the context of tasks determined by the status of pillar university. The aim of the article is to define possible forms of university community influence on forming public agenda in the region in the context of pillar university development asks based on the description of social involvement parameters of university initiative groups created in 2015-2017. Because of obtaining the status of pillar university in 2017 PetSU focused the main vector of university development on solving the tasks of forming innovation infrastructure and organizational design which suggests implementation of renewed mission and strengthening the social role of the university in the region. Alongside with actualization of university interaction with main stakeholders ensuring stable regional development existing practices of university public participation in intersectoral interaction system also play an important role. Many of them result from implementing strategic development program «University complex of PetSU in academic and educational space of European North: innovation development strategy» (2012-2016 гг.). Since 2015 within this program several initiative projects on studying public and administrative interaction in Republic of Kareliya were conducted. Peculiar features of organizing and implementing these projects are analyzed in this article. The results of project activities were used as the basis for forming overall interaction system for initiative groups’ members and external partners, authorities and republic administration, public consulting structures and public organizations. Practical use of experience in organizing interdisciplinary teams and results of initiative projects are reviewed in the discourse of university third mission. The forms of social involvement presented in this case can be used in constructing interaction between pillar university with main actors participating in the process of regional development management. Project materials are analyzed with the help of such methods as event - analysis, comparison, structural and functional analysis in the framework of «case-study» research strategy. Case review is preceded by literature review on the topic of university social role. Original nature of this article is in the analysis of pillar university participation in the system of communication between public and administration. Use of experience allowing for defining social partnership patterns in the process of forming regional agenda demonstrates opportunities which are initially seen in intersectoral dialogue at the local level in the context of solving individual tasks. Multiplication of interaction cases gives cumulative effect which reveals new opportunities of university influence on the state of regional public sphere. Presented information can have practical implementation in renewing forms of social involvement as an integral part of the third mission. Generalization of existing social partnership practices is important for organizing interaction with regional society on a higher level of pillar university development management