Dibenzo[ f,h]furazano[3,4- b]quinoxalines: Synthesis by Intramolecular Cyclization through Direct Transition Metal-Free C-H Functionalization and Electrochemical, Photophysical, and Charge Mobility Characterization

Herein, we describe the synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted dibenzo[f,h]furazano[3,4-b]quinoxalines by intramolecular cyclization through direct transition metal-free C-H functionalization. The electrochemical and photophysical properties for several polycycles have been measured. In thin films of the dibenzo[f,h]furazano[3,4-b]quinoxalines, hole mobility is in the order of 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1. The results show that the HOMO and LUMO energy levels are appropriate for using the compounds as hole-transport materials in thin-film devices, in particular, organic and perovskite solar cells. Copyright © 2020 American Chemical Society.Russian Foundation for Basic Research, RFBR: 18-33-00103-mol_aRussian Science Foundation, RSF: 18-13-00409The research was financially supported by the Russian Science Foundation (project no. 18-13-00409). Y.A.K would like to acknowledge the financial support for the part of the synthetic section from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (research project no. 18-33-00103-mol_a). The authors are grateful to Grigory A. Kim for carrying out the DFT calculations, which were performed by using “Uran” supercomputer of the Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. NMR experiments were carried out by using equipment of the Center for Joint Use “Spectroscopy and Analysis of Organic Compounds” at the Postovsky Institute of Organic Synthesis of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Natural Forest Colonisation and Soil Formation on Ash Dump in Southern Taiga

Ash dumps occupy significant areas around the world and make a negative influence on the environment. This effect is decreased by their natural colonisation determined by the bioclimatic conditions of the area. The purpose of the current study was to identify the structure of the forest communities and the initial stages of soil formation on the ash dump in southern taiga. This study was carried out on three sites in the forest phytocoenosis formed in the process of revegetation of the Verkhniy Tagil Power Station ash dump over 50 years, as well as on two background forest sites in the Middle Urals. Complex geobotanical and soil studies were carried out. The results of the study show that forest phytocoenoses with a predominance of hardwood species (Betula pendula Roth and Populus tremula L.) and a small admixture of coniferous species can form on the non-recultivated ash dump within 50 years in a boreal zone. In total, the studied mixed forest phytocoenoses are similar in composition to zonal secondary forests, but differ by having lower height and diameter of the stand, as well as herb–shrub layer coverage. Their species density and floristic richness are also lesser. The study proved that the process of soil formation is also proceeding according to the zonal type in the ash substrate under forest communities. The results of the study can be applied to justifying the forecasts of ecosystem restoration on the technogenic substrate, as well as for the species selecting for their recultivation in the studied area and similar to it. © 2020 by the Committee on Forestry Sciences and Wood Technology of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Forest Research Institute in S´kocin Stary

Features of COVID-19 course in patients with obesity and dysglycemia

Aim. To study the features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with different severity of carbohydrate metabolism disorders (CMDs), taking into account the possible role of obesity in the acceleration of clinical and laboratory disorders.Material and methods. There were 137 consecutive patients admitted to the infectious disease hospital for COVID-19patients. Three 3 groups were formed: group 1 — 42 patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes (T2D); group 2 — 13 patients with concomitant prediabetes; group 3 — 82 patients without concomitant CMDs.Results. Patients with T2D tended to have a more severe disease course according to the SMRT-CO algorithm (p=0,089), which was associated with the longest hospital stay (p=0,038), the most pronounced (p=0,011) and prolonged (p=0,0001) decrease in oxygen saturation, the maximum percentage of lung injury at the beginning (p=0,094) and at the end (p=0,007) of hospitalization, the greater need for intensive care unit (p=0,050), as well as the highest increase in C-reactive protein and fibrinogen (hypercoagulability and systemic inflammation were noted in all groups). Patients with prediabetes in terms of COVID-19 severity occupied an intermediate position between those with T2D and without CMDs; at the same time, they most often needed the prescription of biological preparations (p=0,001). In the first and second groups, there were larger, compared with the control, proportions of obese people (61,9%, 53,8% and 30,5%, respectively, p=0,003). Prediabetes group had a strong correlation between the severity of viral pneumonitis according to SMRT-CO and the presence of obesity (R=0,69, p=0,009).Conclusion. In patients with impaired carbohydrate metabolism of any severity, COVID-19 is more severe. At the same time, persons with overt T2D are prone to the most severe COVID-19 course, while patients with prediabetes in terms of disease severity occupy an intermediate position between them and those without CMDs. Obesity is a strong risk factor for severe COVID-19 among patients with initial CMDs (prediabetes), which is partly mediated by prior liver dysfunction associated with the metabolic syndrome. The increase in proinflammatory changes and hypercoagulability is associated with COVID-19 severity in patients with and without CMDs. These disorders had the greatest severity and persistence in patients with T2D

Нутритивный статус пациентов в длительном критическом состоянии

Material and methods. We examined 23 patients with chronic critical illness who were in a minimally conscious state (MCS) with 10.9±2.5 scores on the FOUR (Full Outline of Unresponsiveness) Score Coma Scale. Indicators of carbohydrate, lipid, protein and energy exchange metabolism were evaluated using specimens sampled in the morning hours. Nutritional support was provided by isocaloric isonitrogenic mixtures.Results. Blood biochemistry showed decreases in total protein and albumin levels in 86.9% and 91.3% of patients, respectively. The tests also revealed decreased concentrations of several amino acids, including essential amino acids: histidine (38.3±13.07 µmol/l), methionine (12.68±3.81 µmol/l), threonine (61.6 [58.5;87.7] µmol/l), tryptophan (33.06±15.95 µmol/l), and non-essential amino acids: arginine (40.50 [22.2; 46.9] µmol/l), glutamic acid (124.5±39.29 µmol/l), tyrosine (37.97±10.12 µmol/l). Some correlations between the concentrations of individual amino acids and other indicators were revealed, such as histidine and CRP (r=–0.68, P=0.043), tryptophan and CRP (r=–0.86, P=0.002), histidine and leukocyte count (r=–0.76, P=0.015), methionine and lysine (r=0.88, P=0.008), methionine and patient's weight (r=–0.68, P=0.042). A relationship between threonine concentration and the level of consciousness on the FOUR scale (r=–0.73, P=0.037) was also found. All patients demonstrated significant alterations of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.Conclusion. Alteration of adequate protein metabolism seems to be the most affected constituent in the nutritional status of patients with chronic critical illness. It is manifested by a decrease in the concentration of total protein and a number of essential and non-essential amino acids, which implies the importance of highprotein nutritional support and correction of the amino acid profile. Цель. Оценить состояние нутритивного статуса пациентов в длительном критическом состоянииМатериал и методы. Обследовали 23 пациента в длительном критическом состоянии, находящихся в минимальном сознании по шкале FOUR (Full Outline of Unresponsiveness), уровень сознания — 10,9±2,5 балла. Оценили показатели углеводного, жирового и белкового обмена, а также энергообмена, забор анализов осуществляли в утренние часы. Нутритивную поддержку обеспечивали изокалорическими изонитрогенными смесями.Результаты. В биохимических показателях крови у 86,9% пациентов выявили сниженное содержание общего белка, у 91,3% — альбумина. При этом отметили также снижение концентрации ряда аминокислот: среди незаменимых — гистидина 38,3±13,07 мкмоль/л, метионина 12,68±3,81 мкмоль/л, треонина 61,6 [58,5; 87,7] мкмоль/л, триптофана 33,06±15,95 мкмоль/л, а среди заменимых — аргинина 40,50 [22,2; 46,9] мкмоль/л, глутаминоваой кислоты 124,5±39,29 мкмоль/л и тирозина 37,97±10,12 мкмоль/л. Выявили корреляционные связи между содержанием некоторых аминокислот и другими показателями пациентов: между концентрацией гистидина и содержанием СРБ (r=–0,68, p=0,043), а также между концентрациями триптофана и СРБ (r =–0,86, p=0,002), концентрацией гистидина и количеством лейкоцитов (r=–0,76, p=0,015), концентрацией метионина и лизином (r=0,88, p=0,008), концентрацией метионина и весом пациента (r=0,68, p=0,042), и связь между концентрацией треонина и уровнем сознания по шкале FOUR (r=–0,73, p=0,037). Выраженных нарушений углеводного и жирового обмена не отметили.Заключение. Установили, что у пациентов в длительном критическом состоянии наиболее страдающим участком нутритивного статуса является нарушение адекватного белкового обмена. Оно проявляется снижением концентрации белка и ряда заменимых и незаменимых аминокислот, что предполагает важность высокобелковой нутритивной поддержки и коррекции аминокислотного профиля.

The Palomar Testbed Interferometer Calibrator Catalog

The Palomar Testbed Interferometer (PTI) archive of observations between 1998 and 2005 is examined for objects appropriate for calibration of optical long-baseline interferometer observations - stars that are predictably point-like and single. Approximately 1,400 nights of data on 1,800 objects were examined for this investigation. We compare those observations to an intensively studied object that is a suitable calibrator, HD217014, and statistically compare each candidate calibrator to that object by computing both a Mahalanobis distance and a Principal Component Analysis. Our hypothesis is that the frequency distribution of visibility data associated with calibrator stars differs from non-calibrator stars such as binary stars. Spectroscopic binaries resolved by PTI, objects known to be unsuitable for calibrator use, are similarly tested to establish detection limits of this approach. From this investigation, we find more than 350 observed stars suitable for use as calibrators (with an additional $\approx 140$ being rejected), corresponding to $\gtrsim 95$ sky coverage for PTI. This approach is noteworthy in that it rigorously establishes calibration sources through a traceable, empirical methodology, leveraging the predictions of spectral energy distribution modeling but also verifying it with the rich body of PTI's on-sky observations.Comment: 100 pages, 7 figures, 7 tables; to appear in the May 2008ApJS, v176n

Sweet Sorghum Genotypes Testing in the High Latitude Rainfed Steppes of the Northern Kazakhstan (for Feed and Biofuel)

Twenty-eight sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) genotypes of the different ecological and geographic origins: Kazakhstan, Russia, India, Uzbekistan, and China were tested in the high latitude rainfed conditions of northern Kazakhstan. The genotypes demonstrated high biomass production (up to 100 t·ha-1 and more). The genotypes ripening to full reproductive seeds were selected for seed production and introduction in the northern Kazakhstan. Lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum S-1, Streptococcus thermophilus F-1 and Lactococcus lactis F-4 essentially enhance the fermentation process, suppressing undesirable microbiological processes, reducing the loss of nutrient compounds, accelerating in 2 times maturation ensilage process and providing higher quality of the feed product

High genetic diversity of measles virus, World Health Organization European region, 2005-2006

During 2005-2006, nine measles virus (MV) genotypes were identified throughout the World Health Organization European Region. All major epidemics were associated with genotypes D4, D6, and B3. Other genotypes (B2, D5, D8, D9, G2, and H1) were only found in limited numbers of cases after importation from other continents. The genetic diversity of endemic D6 strains was low; genotypes C2 and D7, circulating in Europe until recent years, were no longer identified. The transmission chains of several indigenous MV strains may thus have been interrupted by enhanced vaccination. However, multiple importations from Africa and Asia and virus introduction into highly mobile and unvaccinated communities caused a massive spread of D4 and B3 strains throughout much of the region. Thus, despite the reduction of endemic MV circulation, importation of MV from other continents caused prolonged circulation and large outbreaks after their introduction into unvaccinated and highly mobile communities

Современные взгляды на развитие избыточной массы тела и ожирения у детей. Часть I

Obesity is one of the most widespread chronic diseases around the world and may be considered a non-infectious epidemic. Virtually everywhere around the world the number of obese children doubles every three decades. Increase in the number of children with obesity and excess body weight is observed in Russia as well. Despite the statement that the main cause of obesity is energy expenditure/consumption imbalance, numerous data obtained in recent years indicate early factors of obesity forming, probably, during the period of intrauterine development and/or infancy and early childhood. The most active growth and maximum plasticity of metabolic processes is observed within 1,000 post-conceptual days, which cover the period of intrauterine development and the first 2 years of a child’s life. The number and quality of nutrients received during that period considerably affect cell differentiation and organ development by means of gene expression, determine the nature of metabolism and affect health condition throughout the whole subsequent life. Given significance of the issue of excess body weight in children and adults, we analyzed the current situation, examined 652 younger Moscow schoolchildren and determined parameters of their physical development. We analyzed anamnestic data, profoundly examined children with excess body weight and obesity and formulated diets for them. This article presents the first stage of our work and a literature review.Ожирение относится к числу одних из самых распространенных хронических заболеваний в мире и достигает масштабов неинфекционной эпидемии. Практически во всем мире каждые три десятилетия удваивается количество детей с этим заболеванием. Нарастание числа детей с ожирением и избыточной массой тела происходит также и в России. Несмотря на утверждение, что основной причиной их развития является дисбаланс между расходом и потреблением энергии, в последние годы появилось много данных, свидетельствующих о ранних истоках ожирения, которые закладываются, возможно, в период внутриутробного развития и/или грудного и раннего возраста. Наиболее активный рост и максимальная пластичность обменных процессов наблюдаются на протяжении 1000 дней от момента зачатия, которые захватывают период внутриутробного развития и первые 2 года жизни ребенка. Количество и качество пищевых веществ, поступающих в это время, оказывают выраженное влияние на дифференцировку клеток и развитие органов посредством экспрессии генов, определяют характер метаболизма и влияют на состояние здоровья на протяжении всей последующей жизни. Учитывая значимость проблемы избыточной массы тела для детей и взрослых, нами предпринят анализ сложившейся ситуации и обследованы 652 ребенка младшего школьного возраста г. Москвы с определением параметров их физического развития. Изучены анамнестические данные, проведено углубленное обследование детей с избыточной массой тела и ожирением, рассчитаны рационы их питания. В первой части работы представлен обзор литературы.

Стратегия DOTS – путь к ускоренному излечению впервые выявленных больных легочным туберкулезом в России

DOTS strategy includes several important points, primarily, detection of tuberculosis patients and a strong monitoring of treatment efficacy.Specialists on lung tuberculosis from Tomsk have 5-year experience in work with DOTS programme. They observed 675 patients asked medical care in tuberculosis settings of Tomsk region from the March 1995 to November 1996. The patients ere divided into the group A and B. The group A received anti-tuberculosis therapy adopted in Russia. The group В was given directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) according to WHO standard. It included the intensive phase (2 months for new diagnosed cases and 3 months for repeated therapy course) and the continued phase of 2–4 (new diagnosed cases) to 5 months (repeated course) length. Typical WHO modes were used the first line drugs, such as isoniasid, rifampicin, pyrasinamid, etambutol, streptomycin. The therapy delayed results were assessed with criteria accepted by WHO and in Russia as well. Seventy one per cent of the patients recovered: 69% from the group A and 74% from the group B. The treatment failures were registered in 15 (4.2%) patients of the group A and 18 (5.6%) of the group B. Residual lesions of respiratory system were less severe in the group A patients just at the early period; there was no significant difference between the groups by the 30-th month of the observation. Meantime the cost-effectiveness of WHO standard treatment is 1.9 times less than that of Russian traditional schemes. Generally, a positive tendency in lung tuberculosis patients’ treatment and observation effectiveness has been noted in the Tomsk region for the last 5 years due to the DOTS strategy, so that it takes a positive role for tuberculosis patients’ cure.Стратегия DOTS включает ряд важных элементов, в первую очередь выявление больных туберкулезом – бацилловыделителей и строгий мониторинг эффективности лечения больного.Томские фтизиатры имеют 5-летний опыт работы по программе DOTS. Наблюдалось 675 больных, обратившихся в противотуберкулезные учреждения Томской области в период с марта 1995 г. по ноябрь 1996 г. Пациенты были разделены на группы А и Б: группа А получала лечение по принципам традиционной российской фтизиатрии, группе Б назначали краткосрочный курс лечения под непосредственным наблюдением (ККХ) по стандартам ВОЗ, состоящий из интенсивной фазы (2 мес для новых случаев и 3 мес для повторного лечения) и продолжающей фазы длительностью от 2–4 мес (новые случаи) до 5 мес (повторное лечение). Использовались классические режимы ВОЗ с назначением препаратов первой линии: изониазид, рифампицин, пиразинамид, этамбутол, стрептомицин. Отдаленные результаты лечения оценивались по критериям, принятым как ВОЗ, так и в российской фтизиатрии. Излечено 71% пациентов: в группе А – 69%, в группе Б – 74%. Неудовлетворительные итоги лечения констатированы в группе А у 15 (4,2%) человек, в группе Б – у 18 (5,6%) больных. Характер остаточных изменений со стороны органов дыхания был более благоприятным в группе А только на раннем этапе, а к 30 мес наблюдения статистически значимой разницы между группами А и Б не отмечено. Вместе с тем затраты на лечение по протоколам ВОЗ в 1,9 раза меньше, чем по принятым в России методикам. В целом благодаря стратегии DOTS в Томской области за последние 5 лет достигнута положительная динамика показателей эффективности лечения и диспансерного наблюдения больных туберкулезом, что подтверждает позитивную роль стратегии в излечении больных

Carnosine:can understanding its actions on energy metabolism and protein homeostasis inform its therapeutic potential?

The dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) has contrasting but beneficial effects on cellular activity. It delays cellular senescence and rejuvenates cultured senescent mammalian cells. However, it also inhibits the growth of cultured tumour cells. Based on studies in several organisms, we speculate that carnosine exerts these apparently opposing actions by affecting energy metabolism and/or protein homeostasis (proteostasis). Specific effects on energy metabolism include the dipeptide's influence on cellular ATP concentrations. Carnosine's ability to reduce the formation of altered proteins (typically adducts of methylglyoxal) and enhance proteolysis of aberrant polypeptides is indicative of its influence on proteostasis. Furthermore these dual actions might provide a rationale for the use of carnosine in the treatment or prevention of diverse age-related conditions where energy metabolism or proteostasis are compromised. These include cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and the complications of type-2 diabetes (nephropathy, cataracts, stroke and pain), which might all benefit from knowledge of carnosine's mode of action on human cells. © 2013 Hipkiss et al.; licensee Chemistry Central Ltd