Complete TcT_c suppression and N\'eel triplets-mediated exchange in antiferromagnet-superconductor-antiferromagnet trilayers

An antiferromagnetic insulator (AFI) bearing a compensated interface to an adjacent conventional superconductor (S) has recently been predicted to generate N\'eel triplet Cooper pairs, whose amplitude alternates sign in space. Here, we theoretically demonstrate that such N\'eel triplets enable control of the superconducting critical temperature in an S layer via the angle between the N\'eel vectors of two enclosing AFI layers. This angle dependence changes sign with the number of S monolayers providing a distinct signature of the N\'eel triplets. Furthermore, we show that the latter mediate a similarly distinct exchange interaction between the two AFIs' N\'eel vectors.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figure

Rhizobacteria Effect on Arsenic Migration and Translocation of Biogenic Elements in Plants

The study was aimed at the transformation of arsenic compounds in the rhizosphere, its accumulation in plants, P and Si translocation to plants under the influence of Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum, and Bacillus mucilaginosus with various forms of As compounds in the soil. The authors describe the maximum effect of Bacillus megaterium var. Phosphaticum strain on As migration, its mobilization and immobilization in the rhizosphere due to arsenic leaching from mineral and difficult-todestroy compounds and its accumulation in plants. The forms of arsenic compounds were isolated from the rhizosphere based on sequential extraction procedures. The features of the inter-element As-P interaction in plants were established. With the intense accumulation of As in the rhizosphere inoculated with rhizobacteria, the intake of phosphorus into plants was not observed, as contrary to Si. The study of As and biogenic elements behavior under the influence of rhizobacteria is of great importance in the development of ecobiotechnologies related to soil remediation and crop production

Record electron self-cooling in cold-electron bolometers with a hybrid superconductor-ferromagnetic nanoabsorber and traps

The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation is the only observable that allows studying the earliest stage of the Universe. Radioastronomy instruments for CMB investigation require low working temperatures around 100 mK to get the necessary sensitivity. On-chip electron cooling of receivers is a pathway for future space missions due to problems of dilution fridges at low gravity. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that in a Cold-Electron Bolometer (CEB) a theoretical limit of electron cooling down to 65 mK from phonon temperature of 300 mK can be reached. It is possible due to effective withdrawing of hot electrons from the tunnel barrier by double stock, special traps and suppression of Andreev Joule heating in hybrid Al/Fe normal nanoabsorber

Experience with the triple fixed combination in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most important problems of modern medicine associated with a high mortality rate, high costs of treatment and relief of exacerbations of COPD. The main objectives of COPD treatment are symptom control, reduce the frequency of exacerbations and hospitalizations, and reduced risk of exacerbation in the future. The recommendations of the GOLD initiative propose a treatment approach based on the assessment of exacerbation rates external respiratory function indicators (spirometric classification of GOLD), the severity of symptoms assessed on the CAT test and mMRC. When choosing therapy, the physician must first of all take into account the effectiveness, safety of the drug, adherence to treatment in order to achieve the therapeutic goals of treating patients with COPD. The change in therapeutic approaches in COPD treatment is associated with the accumulation of knowledge in physiology, clinical pharmacology, and the isolation of new clinical phenotypes of COPD. Currently, the main classes of drugs for the treatment of COPD are long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), longacting anticholinergics (LAMA), and inhaled glucocorticosteroids (ICS). The evolution of therapeutic approaches in COPD treatment has led to the creation of new fixed inhalation combinations of the main groups of drugs for COPD treatment. The therapeutic strategies recommended by GOLD and the Russian Federal Guidelines determine the long-term goals of COPD treatment – the impact on the risk of exacerbations in the future. The presented clinical observation of a patient with severe COPD demonstrates the effectiveness of a triple fixed combination vilanterol/umeclidinium/fluticasone furoate 55/22/92 μg as a basic therapy. The  chosen treatment strategy not only reduces the  severity of  the  symptoms of  the  disease, but also reduces the  risk of exacerbations in the future

Efficiency of Using the Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor Generator “Fhileas 75” for Disinfection of the Air Ducts of separately Ventilated system for Infected Animal Housing

The aim of the work was to evaluate the efficiency of using the “Fhileas 75” hydrogen peroxide vapor generator for decontaminating the air ducts of the individually ventilated system, “Bio A.S.”, for housing of infected animals.Materials and methods. The hydrogen peroxide vapor generator “Fhileas 75” (France), a disinfectant manufactured by “FHILEASAFE” (7 % hydrogen peroxide solution and 0.15 % peracetic acid solution), separately ventilated system “Bio A.S.” (Germany) for the infected animal housing were applied in the work. Serratia marcescens 9 was used as test-culture.Results and discussion. The efficiency of using the hydrogen peroxide vapor generator “Fhileas 75” for decontamination of air ducts and internal surfaces of the rack of the individually ventilated system “Bio A.S.” on the test-culture S. marcescens 9 at 1·106 mc/ml concentration has been established (operation parameters of the individually ventilated system unit are as follows: air exchange rate – 60 changes per hour, air flow volume – 28 m3/hour, number of disinfection cycles – 5, disinfectant spraying time – 97 min, exposure time – 24 hours)

Improvement of the Normative-Regulatory Framework Concerning Anti-Epidemic Procedures for Works with Infectious Disease Agents in Mobile Laboratories of Specialized Anti-Epidemic Teams (SAET)

Carried out is a range of investigations aimed at the improvement of the anti-epidemic procedures for works with infectious disease agents (herein biological safety provision) in mobile laboratories of specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET). Evaluation of the operational experience of stationary and field laboratories, as well as comparative analysis of the national safety requirements for works with pathogenic biological agents and WHO international regulations in the sphere of biological safety provision in laboratories, has made it possible to outline common for all types of microbiological laboratories principles for biosafety provision. With due consideration of these principles formulated are the core requirements for the provision of biological safety of SAET activities. Based on the results of biorisk and biohazard assessment which have to do with innovative mobile laboratories, worked out is a system of anti-epidemic procedures aimed towards establishment of the conditions that offer as low as practically achievable level of risk for personnel of SAET mobile laboratories, for population and human environment too. These practices, designed for biological safety provision among the personnel of mobile laboratories (ML), have been played back in a number of standard operational procedures. With a view to establishing of the environment with acceptable level of biorisk for the personnel and population when ML are used for various purposes and in various contingencies (in full force, single unit or several modules), worked out are the algorithms of decision-making support as regards selection of modules and optional accessories. However, there is a need for emergency response plans and training programs for the personnel on the provision of biosafety in ML to ensure and maintain acceptable level of biorisk connected with ML functioning

IMMUNOREGULATION OF BLOOD SERUM ESTRADIOL AND PROGESTERONE LEVELS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Specific antibodies against estradiol (Es) and progesterone (Pg) are known to modulate blood serum concentrations of these hormones and their biological effects after immunization of animals. It was suggested that specific IgA-Es and IgA-Pg could influence on Es and Pg levels in human blood serum. The purpose of this study was to identify the suggested correlations between serum Es and Pg and specific IgA-Es and IgA-Pg in postmenopausal healthy women (HW) and breast cancer patients (BCP). The serum levels of Es, Pg, IgA-Es and IgA-Pg were studied in 226 HW and 633 BCP by means of solid-phase immunoassay. The following results were obtained. The levels of Es in BCP (0.25 nmol/l) were higher than in HW (0.16; р < 0.0001). The levels of Pg were lower (0.79 vs 0.87; р < 0.0001), and individual Pg/Es ratios were lower (3.19 vs 6.64; р < 0.0001). Individual IgA-Pg/IgA-Es ratios correlated with decrease of Es (rs = -0.15; p = 0.029), with increase in Pg (rs = 0.38; р < 0.0001), and with increased Pg/Es ratio (rs = 0.29; р < 0.0001) in healthy women. Similar correlations were determined in BCP (correspondingly: rs = -0.14, р < 0.001; rs = 0.1, р = 0.009; rs = 0.15, р < 0.0001). The decrease of Es and increase of Pg and Pg/Es in BCP were less significant than in HW: the a quotients in regression у = ах+b (y = hormones levels and x = antibodies levels) in BCP were 3 to 4-fold lower than in HW. These peciliarities of interrelations between hormones and specific antibody levels were revealed only in ER+/PR+ BCP but not in ER+/PR- and ER-/PR- BCP. In conclusion, we have confirmed a suggestion about participation of specific antibodies in regulation of steroids levels in human blood serum. The immune regulation of hormonal status was weakened in BCP

Association of antibodies to benzo[a]pyrene, estradiol and progesterone with gene polymorphisms of cytokines in postmenopausal women

Previous studies reported some associations between IgA and IgG antibodies specific to benzo[a] pyrene (Bp), estradiol (Es) and progesterone (Pg), and breast cancer (BC) in postmenopausal women. Likewise, the individual ratios of these antibodies (IgA-Bp/IgA-Pg, IgG-Bp/IgG-Pg, IgG-Es/IgG-Pg, IgG-Es/IgG-Pg) were associated with BC. It was suggested that development of antibodies to chemical carcinogens and steroid hormones was determined by functional polymorphisms of cytokine genes. The purpose of this study was to identify the suggested associations of antibodies to Bp, Es, Pg, and their individual ratios to the following gene polymorphisms: IL1RN (rs4251961), IL1B (rs16944), IL6 (rs1800795, rs1800796, rs1554606), IL8 (rs4073), TNFA (rs1800629) and CD40 (rs6074022) detected in postmenopausal healthy women and BC patients.The serum IgA and IgG antibodies specific to Bp, Es and Pg were studied in 470 healthy women and 995 BC patients by non-competitive solid phase immunoassay. The conjugates of Bp, Es, Pg with bovine serum albumin were used as adsorbed antigen. The goat antibodies against human IgA or IgG conjugated with horseradish peroxidase were used for the detection of bound hapten-specific antibodies. Cytokine gene polymorphisms were analyzed by the real-time PCR.Associations between the studied antibodies and their ratios with the gene polymorphisms in IL1RN (rs4251961), IL6 (rs1800795), TNFA (rs1800629) and CD40 (rs6074022) were found in healthy women. Higher individual ratios of IgA-Bp/IgA-Pg (p = 0.0001), IgG-Bp/IgG-Pg (p < 0.0001), IgG-Es/IgG-Pg (p = 0.0003) were associated with the allele C gene IL1RN. The higher IgG-Es levels were more common in the persons with allele G gene IL6 (p = 0.007), and with C allele of CD40 gene (p = 0.005). The high IgA-Pg levels were associated with A allele gene of TNFA (p = 0.008). Associations of antibodies were found only with genes polymorphisms in CD40 (rs6074022) in BC patients. Higher IgG-Es levels were more common in persons with allele T gene CD40 (p = 0.007).In conclusion, we revealed the participation of cytokines in immune regulation of antibody genesis for environmental chemical carcinogens and endogenous steroid hormones in healthy women and BC patients. The future investigations of antibodies specific to Bp, Es and Pg combined with the analysis genes polymorphisms in cytokines will be useful for detection of the individual hormone-dependent cancer risks in humans

Immunological imbalance, gene polymorphism of biotransformation enzymes, and steroid hormone receptors in tumors in breast cancer patients

It is well known that results of breast cancer (BC) hormonal therapy depend on expression of tumor estradiol and progesterone receptors (ER and PR) in tumor tissue. Mechanisms of ER+/PR+ tumors conversion to ER+/PR- and ER-/PR- tumors remain scarcely studied. The decrease of steroid receptors expression seems to depend on action of genotoxic metabolites of environmental carcinogens (particularly, benzo[a]pyrene, BP) and endogenous steroids (in particular, estradiol, E2). The formation of these metabolites is regulated by the biotransformation enzymes. On the other hand, the formation of DNA-adducts with genotoxic metabolites may induce the synthesis of specific antibodies. Previously, it was shown that increase of the serum IgA-antibodies levels against Bp and E2 over the levels of IgA-antibodies against progesterone (IgA-Bp/IgA-Pg > 1 and IgA-E2/IgA-Pg), could be interpreted as immunological imbalance associated with high BC risk in healthy women. The purpose of this study was to detect the suggested associations between ER+/PR+ tumors conversion to ER+/PR+ and ER-/PR- tumors and immunological imbalance in the BC patients with distinct gene variants of biotransformation enzymes: CYP1A1*2A (rs 4646903), CYP1B1 (rs1056836), CYP19A1 (rs2470152), GSTT1 (del), GSTP1 (rs1695). The IgA-Bp, IgA-E2 and IgA-Pg were studied in 1321 non-smoking BC patients by non-competitive solid phase immunoassay. The conjugates of Bp, E2 and Pg with bovine serum albumin were adsorbed as target antibodies. The goat antibodies against human IgA conjugated with horseradish peroxidase were used for detection of the studied specific antibodies. Gene polymorphisms of biotransformation enzymes were analyzed by the real-time PCR. Tumor ER and PR were detected by the standard immunohistochemical methods.ER+/PR+ tumors in BC patients at the stage I (N = 534) were found in 68.7%, ER+/PR- in 15.6%, ER-/ PR- in 15.7%. In BC patients at the II-IV stage (N = 787), frequency of ER+/PR+ tumors decreased to 60.2%, ER+/PR- was similar (15.8%), and ER-/PR- increased to 24.0% (p < 0.0001). These alterations were revealed in BC patients at the IgA-Bp/IgA-Pg ratios > 1, and IgA-E2/IgA-Pg > 1 only. There were no differences found between BC patients at stage I and II-IV at the ER+/PR+, ER+/PR-, ER-/PR- frequencies when these ratios were low.The frequency of ER+/PR+ tumors in homozygotes TT of CYP19A1 was 77.1% at the I stage and 60.1% at the II-IV stages. Respectively the frequencies of ER-/PR- tumors were 11.8% and 26.1% (p < 0.001). ER+/ PR+ tumors were revealed in GSTT1 “+” BC patients at the I stage in 68.7% and at the II-IV stages in 58.0%. Respectively ER-/PR- tumors were found in 16.6% and 24.5% (p < 0.0004). The frequency of ER+/PR+ tumors was 57.1% in homozygotes GG of GSTP1 at the I stage and 60.7% at the II-IV stages. Respectively the frequencies of ER+/PR- were 14.3% and 22.2% and ER-/PR- were 28.6% and 19.0% (p < 0.001). Proportions of low and high IgA-Bp/IgA-Pg and IgA-E2/IgA-Pg ratios were the same at the any enzyme genotype of studied CYP or GST variants. In conclusion, we have revealed a sufficient contribution of immunological imbalance to the conversion of steroid receptors in breast cancer growth, being independent of several CYP and GST gene polymorphisms