Weight method for determination of soluble β-glucans in barley grain

Background. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an important source of nutrients, such as starch, protein, and various dietary fibers. β-Glucans are soluble fibers found in high amounts in oat and barley grain, so they are becoming increasingly interesting due to their numerous functional and bioactive properties. The increased interest in β-glucans as a dietary supplement and a functional component of food calls for a convenient, inexpensive and affordable method for quantitative determination of these compounds.Materials and methods. An overview is given on the existing techniques for determining and isolating β-glucans in cereals: IR spectroscopy, enzymatic, colorimetric, and alkaline-enzymatic methods. Their advantages and disadvantages are shown. The disadvantages of the methods considered include high costs of reagents and equipment, duration of performance, and labor intensity.Results. This study promotes the weight method for isolation and quantitative determination of β-glucans in the grain of covered and naked barley. It is based on the modified alkaline method adapted to barley; we developed it earlier for oat grain. The amount of β-glucans in the grain of the studied barley accessions ranged from 4.12±0.23% to 5.34 ± 0.31% for naked cultivars, and from 3.57 ± 0.18% to 4.29 ± 0.32% for covered ones.Conclusion. Based on the conducted research, optimal conditions for the isolation and quantitative determination of β-glucans from barley grain were selected: centrifugation modes, temperature and extraction ratio, concentration of compounds, precipitation and drying procedures. The main advantage of the described method is its accessibility and practical applicability when conducting mass analysis, including studying a collection of cereal crops

Changes in the crystal lattice parameters of montmorillonite during its modification by cobalt and aluminum cations

The effect the modification (pillarization) of montmorillonite clays from different locations has on the crystallographic lattice parameters of montmorillonite is determined. It is revealed through ultrahigh resolution transmission electron microscopy and analyzing microdiffraction patterns that pillarization raises the distance between montmorillonite structural units to 2.2 nm, while the intracrystal distance between the atoms grows by 0.4 n

Разнообразие паразитов и микроорганизмов у каспийских сельдевых рыб

The aim of the study was to investigate a species composition of parasites and microorganisms and determine infection rate of Caspian herrings. Methods and materials. The objects of the study were Caspian and big-eyed shad, Alosa braschnikowi, that were caught at the aquatic area of the Northern Caspian Sea in spring period 2014, 2015. Collection and processing material was carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods in parasitology and microbiology. Scientists used determinants in species identification. Results and discussion. Parasitophauna of Alosa braschnikowi, Caspian and big-eyed shads were presented by 7 species, relative to classes: Monogenoidea - 1; Crustacea - 1; Trematoda - 2; Nematoda - 2; Acanthocephala - 1. Wide-ranging enteral trematodes Pseudopentagramma symmetricum induce high level of infection of herrings. Fauna is the most variously presented by Caspian big-eyed shads. Fluctuations in parasitophauna structure are connected with ecological conditions, food chains and specificity of parasites to theirs hosts. Indicators of transformation processes of ecosystems are indicator species of parasites and fish microorganisms. As a part of the study it is estimated, that internal organs and gills of herrings were contaminated by microorganisms. The maximum number of bacterium was noted in intestines and gills. The Enterobacteriaceae microorganisms held the dominant position. Besides bacterium there are have been revealed cystophores of micromycetes in liver and spleen in the process of organs microscopic examination. All revealed parasites and microorganisms were characterized by epizootic and epidemiologic significance. However they coexist on the level of symptom-free carriage, without exhibiting the development of invasive and infectious processes in the body of the examined fishes.Цель исследований - изучить видовой состав паразитов и микроорганизмов, а также определить степень зараженности каспийских сельдевых рыб. Материалы и методы. Объектами исследований служили каспийский и большеглазый пузанок, долгинская сельдь, выловленные на акватории Северного Каспия в весенний период 2014-2015 гг. С целью изучения паразитофауны морских сельдевых рыб патологоанатомическому вскрытию подвергнуто 88 экз. долгинской сельди и 36 экз. каспийского пузанка. Для микробиологических исследований отобрано по 15 экз. каспийского и большеглазого пузанков. Учитывали число мезофильных аэробных и факультативно-анаэробных микроорганизмов, видовой состав бактерий, их факторы патогенности и антибиотикорезистентность. Сбор и обработку материала осуществляли в соответствии с общепринятыми в паразитологии и микробиологии методиками. При видовой идентификации использовали определители. Результаты и обсуждение. Паразитофауна долгинской сельди, каспийского и большеглазого пузанков представлена 7 видами, относящимися к классам: Monogenoidea - 1, Crustacea - 1, Trematoda - 2, Nematoda - 2, Acanthocephala - 1. Сельдевые рыбы вызывали широко распространенные кишечные трематоды Pseudopentagramma symmetricum. Наиболее разнообразно фауна паразитов представлена у каспийского пузанка. Флуктуации в структуре паразитофауны связаны с условиями среды обитания, трофическими связями и специфичностью паразитов к своим хозяевам. Показателями происходящих процессов трансформации экосистем являются индикаторные виды паразитов и микроорганизмы рыб. В ходе исследований установлено, что внутренние органы и жабры сельдевых рыб были заражены микроорганизмами. Максимальная численность бактерий отмечена в кишечнике и жабрах. Доминирующее положение занимали микроорганизмы сем. Enterobacteriaceae. Кроме бактерий, в печени и селезенке рыб при микроскопировании отпечатков органов выявлены гифы микромицетов. Все обнаруженные паразиты и микроорганизмы характеризовались эпизоотической или эпидемиологической значимостью, при этом, они сосуществовали на уровне бессимптомного носительства, не вызывая развития инвазионных и инфекционных процессов в организме обследованных рыб

Разнообразие паразитов и микроорганизмов каспийских сельдевых рыб

The aim of the study was to investigate a species composition of parasites and microorganisms and determine infection rate of Caspian herrings. Methods and materials. The objects of the study were Caspian and big-eyed shad, Alosa braschnikowi, that were caught at the aquatic area of the Northern Caspian Sea in spring period 2014, 2015. Collection and processing material was carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods in parasitology and microbiology. Scientists used determinants in species identification. Results and discussion. Parasitophauna of Alosa braschnikowi, Caspian and big-eyed shads were presented by 7 species, relative to classes: Monogenoidea - 1; Crustacea - 1; Trematoda - 2; Nematoda - 2; Acanthocephala - 1. Wide-ranging enteral trematodes Pseudopentagramma symmetricum induce high level of infection of herrings. Fauna is the most variously presented by Caspian big-eyed shads. Fluctuations in parasitophauna structure are connected with ecological conditions, food chains and specificity of parasites to theirs hosts. Indicators of transformation processes of ecosystems are indicator species of parasites and fish microorganisms. As a part of the study it is estimated, that internal organs and gills of herrings were contaminated by microorganisms. The maximum number of bacterium was noted in intestines and gills. The Enterobacteriaceae microorganisms held the dominant position. Besides bacterium there are have been revealed cystophores of micromycetes in liver and spleen in the process of organs microscopic examination. All revealed parasites and microorganisms were characterized by epizootic and epidemiologic significance. However they coexist on the level of symptom-free carriage, without exhibiting the development of invasive and infectious processes in the body of the examined fishes.Цель исследований - изучить видовой состав паразитов и микроорганизмов, а также определить степень зараженности каспийских сельдевых рыб. Материалы и методы. Объектом исследований служили каспийский и большеглазый пузанок, долгинская сельдь, выловленные на акватории Северного Каспия в весенний период 2014 г., 2015 г. Сбор и обработку материала осуществляли в соответствии с общепринятыми в паразитологии и микробиологии методиками. При видовой идентификации использовали определители. Результаты и обсуждение. Паразитофауна долгинской сельди, каспийского и большеглазого пузанков была представлена 7 видами, относящимися к классам: Monogenoidea - 1; Crustacea - 1; Trematoda - 2; Nematoda - 2; Acanthocephala - 1. Высокую степень инвазии сельдевых рыб вызывали широко распространенные кишечные трематоды Pseudopentagramma symmetricum. Наиболее разнообразно фауна паразитов представлена у каспийского пузанка. Флуктуации в структуре паразитофауны связаны с условиями среды обитания, трофическими связями и специфичностью паразитов к своим хозяевам. Показателями происходящих процессов трансформации экосистем являются индикаторные виды паразитов и микроорганизмы рыб. В ходе исследований установлено, что внутренние органы и жабры сельдевых рыб были контаминированы микроорганизмами. Максимальная численность бактерий отмечена в кишечнике и жабрах. Доминирующее положение занимали микроорганизмы сем. Enterobacteriaceae. Кроме бактерий в печени и селезенке рыб при микроскопировании отпечатков органов выявлены гифы микромицетов. Все обнаруженные паразиты и микроорганизмы характеризовались эпизоотической или эпидемиологической значимостью, при этом, они сосуществовали на уровне бессимптомного носительства, не вызывая развитие инвазионных и инфекционных процессов в организме обследованных рыб

Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation Affects Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Extracellular Oxidized Cell-Free DNA: A Possible Mediator of Bystander Effect and Adaptive Response

We have hypothesized that the adaptive response to low doses of ionizing radiation (IR) is mediated by oxidized cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments. Here, we summarize our experimental evidence for this model. Studies involving measurements of ROS, expression of the NOX (superoxide radical production), induction of apoptosis and DNA double-strand breaks, antiapoptotic gene expression and cell cycle inhibition confirm this hypothesis. We have demonstrated that treatment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with low doses of IR (10 cGy) leads to cell death of part of cell population and release of oxidized cfDNA. cfDNA has the ability to penetrate into the cytoplasm of other cells. Oxidized cfDNA, like low doses of IR, induces oxidative stress, ROS production, ROS-induced oxidative modifications of nuclear DNA, DNA breaks, arrest of the cell cycle, activation of DNA reparation and antioxidant response, and inhibition of apoptosis. The MSCs pretreated with low dose of irradiation or oxidized cfDNA were equally effective in induction of adaptive response to challenge further dose of radiation. Our studies suggest that oxidized cfDNA is a signaling molecule in the stress signaling that mediates radiation-induced bystander effects and that it is an important component of the development of radioadaptive responses to low doses of IR

Ribosomal DNA as DAMPs Signal for MCF7 Cancer Cells

Introduction: The cell free ribosomal DNA (cf-rDNA) is accrued in the total pool of cell free DNA (cfDNA) in some non-cancer diseases and demonstrates DAMPs characteristics. The major research questions: (1) How does cell free rDNA content change in breast cancer; (2) What type of response in the MCF7 breast cancer cells is caused by cf-rDNA; and (3) What type of DNA sensors (TLR9 or AIM2) is stimulated in MCF7 in response to the action of cf-rDNA?Materials and Methods: CfDNA and gDNA were isolated from the blood plasma and the cells derived from 38 breast cancer patients and 20 healthy female controls. The rDNA content in DNA was determined using non-radioactive quantitative hybridization. In order to explore the rDNA influence on MCF7 breast cancer cells, the model constructs (GC-DNAs) were applied: pBR322-rDNA plasmid (rDNA inset 5836 bp long) and pBR322 vector. ROS generation, DNA damage, cell cycle, expression of TLR9, AIM2, NF-kB, STAT3, and RNA for 44 genes affecting the cancer cell viability were evaluated. The methods used: RT-qPCR, fluorescent microscopy, immunoassay, flow cytometry, and siRNA technology.Results: The ratio R = cf-rDNA/g-rDNA for the cases was higher than for the controls (median 3.4 vs. 0.8, p < 10−8). In MCF7, GC-DNAs induce a ROS burst, DNA damage response, and augmentation of NF-kB and STAT3 activity. The number of the apoptotic cells decreases, while the number of cells with an instable genome (G2/M– arrest, micronuclei) increase. Expression of anti-apoptotic genes (BCL2, BCL2A1, BCL2L1, BIRC3, MDM2) is elevated, while expression of pro-apoptotic genes (BAX, BID, BAD, PMAIP1, BBC3) is lowered. The cells response for pBR322-rDNA is much more intense and develops much faster, than response for pBR322, and is realized through activation of TLR9- MyD88 - NF-kB- signaling. This difference in response speed is owing to the heightened oxidability of pBR322-rDNA and better ability to penetrate the cell. Induction of TLR9 expression in MCF7 is followed by blocking AIM2 expression.Conclusion: (1) Ribosomal DNA accumulates in cfDNA of breast cancer patients; (2) Cell free rDNA induce DNA damage response and stimulates cells survival, including cells with an instable genome; (3) Cell free rDNA triggers TLR9- MyD88- NF-kB- signaling, with significantly repressing the expression of AIM2

PROCESSING OF SULFURIC-ACID SOLUTIONS OF URANIUM IN SITU LEACHING WITH HIGH CONTENT OF CHLORINE

The processing of sulfuric-acid solutions after uranium in situ leaching with high content of chlorine was studied. The precipitation by different methods allows to obtain uranium con-centrates with high quality according to ASTM C967-13

Состояние Шапшальского центра оледенения (Восточный Алтай) в 2015 году

Catalogues and maps of glaciers (for 2015) of Shapshal Glacier Center, located in the eastern part of the Russian Altai, have been created based on the first field glaciological observations and space images interpretation. In total 123 glaciers with the total area of 14.07 km2 have been allocated. In comparison with the data from the Glacier Inventory of the USSR (1955–1965), the total area of the glaciers has decreased by more than 2 times. The lower limit of glacier development is 2475 m, to the south-east of the region it rises by 1 km, the height of the firm line rises from 2860 m to 3460 m, respectively. Small glaciers prevail (70% of glaciers have an area less than 0.1 km2, the area of the largest glacier is 0.9 km2). In terms of quantity and area, cirque glaciers predominate, there are no valley glaciers. The largest numbers of glaciers have northern and northeastern exposure, with the largest areas of glaciers concentrated on the north-eastern slopes. The highest glaciation intensity has been detected on the eastern slope of the Skalistiy Ridge and the northeastern slope of the southern part of the Shapshalsky Ridge in the upper reaches of the Chon-Khem River, which are optimal for glaciers by a combination of mountain heights and position relative to moisture-bearing atmospheric flows. To the west of these areas, intensity of glacierization decreases due to lower mountain heights, to the east – due to lower precipitation. In general, with low (0.1 km−1 and less) intensity of glacierization, the Shapshal Centre is an area of dispersed glaciation, most glaciers of which are on the verge of disappearance.Получены новые карты и каталог ледников мало исследованного Шапшальского центра оледенения на Восточном Алтае. По состоянию на 2015 г. здесь насчитывалось 123 ледника суммарной площадью 14,07 км2. По сравнению с данными 1955–1965 гг. суммарная площадь ледников сократилась более чем вдвое. Преобладают малые каровые ледники северо-восточной и северной экспозиций. Площади ледников и интенсивность оледенения убывают с северо-запада на юго-восток

TUNGSTEN SORPTION BY ANION-EXCHANGER PUROLITE A830

Sorption characteristics of anion-exchanger Purolite A830 by W from Na2WO3 solutions with pH 2.5-3.0 were determined. The value of dynamic exchange capacity of resin at full saturation was 458,51 kg W m-3. The 15% ammonia water solution was most effective eluent for W

Сокращение ледников Восточного Алтая (Шапшальский центр) после максимума малого ледникового периода

Based on the analysis of remote data and field observations, we reconstructed the glaciation of the Shapshal Center (Eastern Altai) for the maximum of the Little Ice Age (LIA) and by the state of the glaciers as of 2001. At the maximum of the LIA, glaciation was represented by 358 glaciers with a total area of 84.43 km2. It was found 87% reduction of the total area of glaciers in the interval from the LIA maximum to 2015. During the reduction, valley glaciers disintegrated and glaciers in the Kargy River basin disappeared. The moraines of the LIA have low lake coverage (0.17% of area), therefore a probability of their breakthrough is low. We obtained data on the retreat of the Mushtuk Glacier (№ 78), the largest one of the Shapshal center, in five time slices from the LIA maximum. The highest retreat rates were reconstructed in the interval 1989–2001, but in the interval 2010–2016 the average rates decreased to 5 m/year. Changes in the mass balance index of the Mushtuk Glacier between from 1961 to 2018 were calculated. A sharp decrease in the mass balance in the 1990s and stabilization of values at a low level after 2001 were found. According to the calculations, the response time of the Mushtuk Glacier was about 9 years. If the current climatic conditions persist, there is reason to assume stabilization of glaciers in the coming years.Реконструированы ледники малоисследованного Шапшальского центра оледенения на Восточном Алтае в максимум малого ледникового периода, проанализирован характер их последующего сокращения. Детально рассмотрено сокращение крупнейшего ледника Шапшальского хребта по пяти временным срезам c 1955 по 2019 г. Проведены расчёты индекса баланса массы ледника и времени его климатического отклика