Magnetic properties of lithium orthophosphate cathode materials

We have studied magnetic properties of cathode materials of the lithium orthophosphate single crystals at low temperatures. Using Curie-Weiss model we determined magnetic constants and analyzed their temperature behavior depend on the type of 3d - transition ion. Detected anomaly of susceptibility in near Neel temperature is explained by a magnetic commensurate-incommensurate phase transition

A new design for a green calcium indicator with a smaller size and a reduced number of calcium-binding sites

Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) are mainly represented by two- or one-fluorophore-based sensors. One type of two-fluorophore-based sensor, carrying Opsanus troponin C (TnC) as the Ca2+-binding moiety, has two binding sites for calcium ions, providing a linear response to calcium ions. One-fluorophore-based sensors have four Ca2+-binding sites but are better suited for in vivo experiments. Herein, we describe a novel design for a one-fluorophore-based GECI with two Ca2+-binding sites. The engineered sensor, called NTnC, uses TnC as the Ca2+-binding moiety, inserted in the mNeonGreen fluorescent protein. Monomeric NTnC has higher brightness and pH-stability in vitro compared with the standard GECI GCaMP6s. In addition, NTnC shows an inverted fluorescence response to Ca2+. Using NTnC, we have visualized Ca2+ dynamics during spontaneous activity of neuronal cultures as confirmed by control NTnC and its mutant, in which the affinity to Ca2+ is eliminated. Using whole-cell patch clamp, we have demonstrated that NTnC dynamics in neurons are similar to those of GCaMP6s and allow robust detection of single action potentials. Finally, we have used NTnC to visualize Ca2+ neuronal activity in vivo in the V1 cortical area in awake and freely moving mice using two-photon microscopy or an nVista miniaturized microscope

Antihypertensive therapy in obesity

Obesity today is one of the most relevant interdisciplinary problems in healthcare and one of the key reasons for blood pressure increase. Thus, according to the Framingham Heart Study,78% of hypertension in men and 65% in women can be directly attributed to obesity [10]. Fat cells play an important role in the development of hypertension, i.e. they generate a variety of biologically active substances some of which have pressor and proinflammatory effects. Leptin is one of key substances which contributes to the increase of AP through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and direct effect on kidneys (increased sodium reabsorption). Furthermore, obesity itself adversely affects the structure of renal tissue and increases the risk of progression of renal failure and hypertension. In addition, fatty tissue has its own renin-angiotensin system and may actively produce angiotensin

Correction of hyperuricemia in metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a complex pathogenic condition, many mechanisms of which involve uric acid. Inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, atherogenesis and insulin resistance are largely determined by high level of uric acid. Focus on the identification of hyperuricemia is the prerequisite for successful management of cardiovascular risk. The choice of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs in MS should be determined by their ability to control the level of serum uric acid

Diagnosis and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with metabolic syndrome: potential of cardiac and antidiabetic medications

According to recent guidelines of AASLD, AGA and ACG, NAFLD is a liver disease accompanied by the accumulation of fatty acid content greater than 5% of hepatocytes weight, absence of substantial alcohol consumption (20 g per day for men, 10 g per day for women), absence of hepatitis viruses and other specific causes of liver disease