Crowdsourcing Fungal Biodiversity : Revision of Inaturalist Observations in Northwestern Siberia

The paper presents the first analysis of crowdsourcing data of all observations of fungi (including lichens) and myxomycetes in Northwestern Siberia uploaded to iNaturalist.org to date (24.02.2022). The Introduction presents an analysis of fungal diversity crowdsourcing globally, in Russia, and in the region of interest. Materials and methods describe the protocol of uploading data to iNaturalist.org, the structure of the crowdsourcing community. initiative to revise the accumulated data. procedures of data analysis, and compilation of a dataset of revised crowdsourced data. The Results present the analysis of accumulated data by several parameters: temporal, geographical and taxonomical scope, observation and identification efforts, identifiability of various taxa, species novelty and Red Data Book categories and the protection status of registered observations. The Discussion provides data on usability of crowdsourcing data for biodiversity research and conservation of fungi, including pros and contras. The Electronic Supplements to the paper include an annotated checklist of observations of protected species with information on Red Data Book categories and the protection status, and an annotated checklist of regional records of new taxa. The paper is supplemented with a dataset of about 15 000 revised and annotated records available through Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The tradition of crowdsourcing is rooted in mycological societies around the world, including Russia. In Northwestern Siberia, a regional mycological club was established in 2018, encouraging its members to contribute observations of fungi on iNaturalist.org. A total of about 15 000 observations of fungi and myxomycetes were uploaded so far, by about 200 observers, from three administrative regions (Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous Okrug, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, and Tyumen Region). The geographical coverage of crowdsourcing observations remains low. However. the observation activity has increased in the last four years. The goal of this study consisted of a collaborative effort of professional mycologists invited to help with the identification of these observations and analysis of the accumulated data. As a result, all observations were reviewed by at least one expert. About half of all the observations have been identified reliably to the species level and received Research Grade status. Of those, 90 species (195 records) represented records of taxa new to their respective regions: 876 records of 53 species of protected species provide important data for conservation programmes. The other half of the observations consists of records still under-identified for various reasons: poor quality photographs, complex taxa (impossible to identify without microscopic or molecular study). or lack of experts in a particular taxonomic group. The Discussion section summarises the pros and cons of the use of crowdsourcing for the study and conservation of regional fungal diversity, and summarises the dispute on this subject among mycologists. Further research initiatives involving crowdsourcing data must focus on an increase in the quality of observations and strive to introduce the habit of collecting voucher specimens among the community of amateurs. The timely feedback from experts is also important to provide quality and the increase of personal involvement.Peer reviewe

The Role of 5-ALA in Low-Grade Gliomas and the Influence of Antiepileptic Drugs on Intraoperative Fluorescence

Objectives: Intraoperative tumor visualization with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence is widely applied for improved resection of high-grade gliomas. However, visible fluorescence is present only in a minority of low-grade gliomas (LGGs) according to current literature. Nowadays, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently administered to LGG patients prior to surgery. A recent in-vitro study demonstrated that AEDs result in significant reduction of PpIX synthesis in glioma cells. The aim of this study was thus to investigate the role of 5-ALA fluorescence in LGG surgery and the influence of AEDs on visible fluorescence.Patients and Methods: Patients with resection of a newly diagnosed suspected LGG after 5-ALA (25 mg/kg) administration were initially included. During surgery, the presence of visible fluorescence (none, mild, moderate, or bright) within the tumor and intratumoral fluorescence homogeneity (diffuse or focal) were analyzed. Tissue samples from fluorescing and/or non-fluorescing areas within the tumor and/or the assumed tumor border were collected for histopathological analysis (WHO tumor diagnosis, cell density, and proliferation rate). Only patients with diagnosis of LGG after surgery remained in the final study cohort. In each patient, the potential preoperative intake of AEDs was investigated.Results: Altogether, 27 patients with a histopathologically confirmed LGG (14 diffuse astrocytomas, 6 oligodendrogliomas, 4 pilocytic astrocytomas, 2 gemistocytic astrocytomas, and one desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma) were finally included. Visible fluorescence was detected in 14 (52%) of 27. In terms of fluorescence homogeneity (n = 14), 7 tumors showed diffuse fluorescence, while in 7 gliomas focal fluorescence was noted. Cell density (p = 0.03) and proliferation rate (p = 0.04) was significantly higher in fluorescence-positive than in fluorescence-negative samples. Furthermore, 15 (56%) of 27 patients were taking AEDs before surgery. Of these, 11 patients (73%) showed no visible fluorescence. In contrast, 10 (83%) of 12 patients without prior AEDs intake showed visible fluorescence. Thus, visible fluorescence was significantly more common in patients without AEDs compared to patients with preoperative AED intake (OR = 0,15 (CI 95% 0.012–1.07), p = 0.046).Conclusions: Our study shows a markedly higher rate of visible fluorescence in a series of LGGs compared to current literature. According to our preliminary data, preoperative intake of AEDs seems to reduce the presence of visible fluorescence in such tumors and should thus be taken into account in the clinical setting

Оценка влияния однонуклеотидного полиморфизма val158met гена катехол-О-метилтрансферазы (СОМТ) на эффективность спинальной аналгезии в 1 сутки после лапароскопических операций по поводу колоректального рака (пилотное исследование)

The aim: To assess the effect of COMT G1947A genetic polymorphism (val158met) on the efficacy of spinal analgesia on day 1 after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.Material and methods. In a pilot study involving 100 patients with colorectal cancer, operated through laparoscopic access, using spinal analgesia (10.0–12.5 mg of bupivacaine + 200 mcg of morphine), the frequency of COMT gene G1947A (val158met) polymorphism, the intensity of pain on day 1 after surgery, the frequency and severity of nausea, vomiting, skin itching, the need for additional analgesia have been assessed.Results. The frequency distribution of alleles val/val (25%), val/met (45%) and met/met (30%) was consisted with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ2=0.96; P>0.05) and was not significantly different from the healthy donor group. In the groups of patients with various COMT alleles of val158met polymorphism, the studied parameters also did not differ significantly.Conclusion. Study did not find significant link between spinal analgesia efficacy on day 1 after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer and COMT rs4680 G1947A (val158met) polymorphism. Further research to enhance the power of the study is warranted to reach the final conclusions.Цель: оценка влияния SNP val158met гена COMT на эффективность спинальной аналгезии в 1 сутки после лапароскопических операций по поводу колоректального рака.Материал и методы. В пилотном исследовании, включавшем 100 пациентов c колоректальным раком, оперированных лапароскопическим доступом, с использованием в комплексе анестезиологического пособия спинальной аналгезии (10–12,5 мг бупивакаина + 200 мкг морфина), оценили частоту полиморфизма val158met гена COMT, интенсивность боли в 1 сутки после операции, частоту и выраженность тошноты, рвоты, кожного зуда, потребность в дополнительном обезболивании.Результаты. Распределение частот аллелей val/val (25%), val/met (45%) и met/met (30%) подчинялось закону Харди-Вайнберга (χ2=0,96; р>0,05) и статистически значимо не отличалось от группы здоровых доноров. В группах носителей различных аллелей SNP val158met исследуемые показатели статистически значимо не отличались.Заключение. Зависимости эффективности спинальной аналгезии в 1 сутки после лапароскопических операций по поводу колоректального рака от SNP val158met гена СОМТ не выявили. Для получения окончательных выводов необходимо проведение дальнейших исследований

Моделирование функциональных кист яичников путем введения фолликулостимулирующего гормона

Aim. To study the morphofunctional state of ovaries after the introduction of recombinant FSH. Materials and methods. Two groups of mature female Wistar rats were used in the study. The experimental group consisted of 35 rats with a model of follicular ovarian cysts, while 25 rats were in the control group.Rats were taken out of the experiment on days 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60. Paraffin slides of ovaries were stained with hematoxylin and eosin by Van Gieson. Histological and morphometric investigations were performed.Results. On day 7 of FSH administration, the maximum increase in the size of the ovaries was observed due to the formation of single-cell follicular cysts. Rats in the experimental group showed a marked decrease in the number of growing follicles on day 7 and 15. The increase in atretic bodies and follicles in comparison with the control group was observed on day 7 and lasted until the end of the experiment. Additionally, on day 7 of the experiment, hyperemia and vasoconstriction were noted. The number of yellow bodies decreased during the experiment, and an increase in collagen formation occurred starting from day 15 of the experiment.Conclusion. The introduction of follicle-stimulating hormone for 7 days leads to disruption of folliculogenesis, strengthening of atresia in the ovaries, and the formation of functional cysts.Цель исследования. Изучить морфологические изменения яичников при введении рекомбинантного фолликулостимулирующего гормона.Материал и методы. Эксперимент проведен на половозрелых белых самках крыс линии Wistar. Основную группу составили 35 животных с моделью функциональных кист яичников, контрольную – 25 интактных животных. Крысы выводились из эксперимента на 3-и, 7-е, 15-, 30- и 60-е сут. Проведены гистологическое и морфометрическое исследования на депарафинированных срезах яичников, окрашенных гематоксилином и эозином и по Ван Гизону.Результаты. На 7-е сут введения фолликулостимулирующего гормона наблюдалось максимальное увеличение размеров яичников за счет формирования однокамерных функциональных кист. У животных основной группы отмечалось выраженное снижение количества растущих фолликулов на 7- и 15-е сут.Увеличение количества атретических фолликулов и тел по сравнению с таковым в группе контроля наблюдалось с 7-х сут и продолжалось до 60-х сут эксперимента. На 7-е сут эксперимента отмечались гиперемия и полнокровие сосудов. Количество желтых тел уменьшалось в ходе эксперимента. Отмечалось усиление процессов коллагенообразования, начиная с 15-х сут эксперимента.Заключение. Введение фолликулостимулирующего гормона в течение 7 сут приводит к нарушению процессов фолликулогенеза, усилению процессов атрезии в яичниках и формированию функциональных кис

A Study of the Feasibility of Using Ammonium Sulfate in Copper—Nickel Ore Processing

The possibility of applying a combined concentration and metallurgical method for processing low-grade and refractory copper–nickel ores was considered. The resulting rougher and scavenger flotation concentrate contained 2.07% nickel and 0.881% copper at a recovery of 85.44% and 89.91%, respectively. The concentrate was then roasted with ammonium sulfate, followed by aqueous leaching of clinker to dissolve nickel and copper. The roasting temperature, the ratio of concentrate to (NH4)2SO4 in the mixture, and the temperature were varied. Based on the study findings, the following process conditions were found to be optimal: roasting temperature 400 °C, rougher concentrate to ammonium sulfate ratio 1:7, and grinding size −40 μm. A roasting temperature of 400 °C is significantly lower than the temperature applied in conventional pyrometallurgical processes. The possibility of collecting off-gases allows the reagent to be regenerated and makes the process even more cost-effective. End-to-end recovery into pregnant solution was 81.42% for nickel and 82.81% for copper. The resulting solutions can be processed by known hydrometallurgical methods

Synthetic Optimizations for Gram-Scale Preparation of 1-O-Methyl d-Glycero-α-d-gluco-heptoside 7-Phosphate from d-Glucose

Heptose phosphates—unique linkers between endotoxic lipid A and O-antigen in the bacterial membrane—are pathogen-associated molecular patterns recognized by the receptors of the innate immune system. Understanding the mechanisms of immune system activation is important for the development of therapeutic agents to combat infectious diseases and overcome antibiotic resistance. However, in practice, it is difficult to obtain a substantial amount of heptose phosphates for biological studies due to the narrow scope of the reported synthetic procedures. We have optimized and developed an inexpensive and convenient synthesis for the first performed gram-scale production of 1-O-methyl d-glycero-α-d-gluco-heptoside 7-phosphate from readily available d-glucose. Scaling up to such amounts of the product, we have increased the efficiency of the synthesis and reduced the number of steps of the classical route through the direct phosphorylation of the O6,O7-unprotected heptose. The refined method could be of practical value for further biological screening of heptose phosphate derivatives

Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of necrosis of a pulled-through colon segment after abdomino-anal resection of the rectum for cancer

This study presents a case of necrosis of the pulled-through colon after abdomino-anal resection of the rectum, which was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. A 47-year-old man underwent laparoscopically assisted abdomino-anal resection of the rectum with reconstruction of a coloplasty pouch and transverse colostomy in the course of combination treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. The postoperative period was complicated by the development of an inflammatory response syndrome. On postoperative day 3, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed swelling of the 15-cm segment of pulled-through colon up to the coloanal anastomosis with sharply attenuated contrast enhancement, whereas rectoscopy showed no changes. On postoperative day 6, a magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a defect in the anterior wall of the coloplasty pouch with a parietal aerocele, and rectoscopy showed signs of necrosis of the bowel wall. On postoperative day 10, the magnetic resonance imaging scan presented no changes. Because of increasing signs of inflammation, relaparotomy with anastomosis disconnection and resection of the necrotized bowel segment were performed. Ischemia of the pulled-through colon after rectal surgery is a rare but serious complication. Our clinical case report demonstrates the potential of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging as a non-invasive method in case follow-up in patients with a complicated postoperative period for early diagnosis of ischemia and bowel wall defects, which helps to make the appropriate patient management plan

Selenium Dihalides Click Chemistry: Highly Efficient Stereoselective Addition to Alkynes and Evaluation of Glutathione Peroxidase-Like Activity of Bis(<i>E</i>-2-halovinyl) Selenides

Highly efficient stereoselective syntheses of novel bis(E-2-chlorovinyl) selenides and bis(E-2-bromovinyl) selenides in quantitative yields by reactions of selenium dichloride and dibromide with alkynes were developed. The reactions proceeded at room temperature as anti-addition giving products exclusively with (E)-stereochemistry. The glutathione peroxidase-like activity of the obtained products was estimated and compounds with high activity were found. The influence of substituents in the products on their glutathione peroxidase-like activity was discussed