Redescription of Apomyelois cognata (Staudinger, 1871) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae, Phycitinae) with first record from the South Urals

Until recently, Apomyelois cognata (Staudinger, 1871) was known only from the type series collected 150 years ago in the Lower Volga region, as well as old records from Iran and Cyprus (the latter unconfirmed). In 2011 and 2020, more specimens of this little-known species were collected in the South Urals (Russia), presenting a new record for the area. The species identity was confirmed via examination of syntypes preserved in the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin. A lectotype designation for the species is made and a detailed redescription with illustrations of male and female genitalia is given

Spectroscopic analysis of metabolic profile in patients with relapsed multiple sclerosis

Introduction. Managing patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RMS) remains a pressing issue. Objective. To detect the reversible metabolic changes of the brain matter in patients with clinically exacerbated RMS and to follow them up after intravenous glucocorticoid (IVGC) treatment. Materials and methods. Neurological examination and neuroimaging in the RMS patients included expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scoring, conventional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR spectroscopy) before and after IVGC treatment. Multivoxel 1H-NMR spectroscopy was used to assess metabolism in the centra semiovale and cingulate gyri. Results. Based on the multivoxel 1H-NMR spectroscopy, relative metabolite concentrations in the grey and white matter statistically differed within the study cohort before and after the IVGC treatment. The N-acetylaspartate/choline ratio significantly recovered and the choline/creatine ratio decreased in the anterior cingulate gyri in 27% of patients. The brainstem function score significantly improved in the metabolic response group as compared to the non-metabolic response group. Conclusion. We should study the potential predictors of RMS activity and the IVGC response to select the RMS relapses when pulse-therapy with IVGCs is definitely indicated. Spectroscopy may reveal RMS pathogenesis variability earlier than conventional MRI

Observational cohort study of rilpivirine (RPV) utilization in Europe

INTRODUCTION: Data on safety and effectiveness of RPV from the real-world setting as well as comparisons with other NNRTIs such as efavirenz (EFV) remain scarce. METHODS: Participants of EuroSIDA were included if they had started a RPV- or an EFV-containing regimen over November 2011-December 2017. Statistical testing was conducted using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test. A logistic regression model was used to compare participants' characteristics by treatment group. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the cumulative risk of virological failure (VF, two consecutive values > 50 copies/mL). RESULTS: 1,355 PLWH who started a RPV-based regimen (11% ART-naïve), as well as 333 initiating an EFV-containing regimen were included. Participants who started RPV differed from those starting EFV for demographics (age, geographical region) and immune-virological profiles (CD4 count, HIV RNA). The cumulative risk of VF for the RPV-based group was 4.5% (95% CI 3.3-5.7%) by 2 years from starting treatment (71 total VF events). Five out of 15 (33%) with resistance data available in the RPV group showed resistance-associated mutations vs. 3/13 (23%) among those in the EFV group. Discontinuations due to intolerance/toxicity were reported for 73 (15%) of RPV- vs. 45 (30%) of EFV-treated participants (p = 0.0001). The main difference was for toxicity of central nervous system (CNS, 3% vs. 22%, p  50 copies/mL and resistance in participants treated with RPV were similar to those reported by other studies. RPV safety profile was favourable with less frequent discontinuation due to toxicity than EFV (especially for CNS)

Formation of Economic Self-Determination of Small Business Entrepreneurs

The authors consider the economic self-determination of a small business entrepreneur as selfdetermination in the economic environment. The goal of economic self-determination is to achieve an optimal level of competitiveness, rational monetary attitudes and, as result, formation of economic behavior in order to achieve the set goals that contribute to the success in the professional activity. A group of 58 small business entrepreneurs took part in the survey. Preliminary, entrance testing was carried out with the use of the standardized methods, which was followed by correlation analysis. It allowed one to find out the relationship between the indicators of the scales. A group with a low level of competitiveness was identified using the standardized methodology “Attitude towards competition”. As a result, the authors developed a program of group psychological counseling. The structure of the consultation process included the following stages: problem investigation, two-dimensional problem identification, planning, activity, assessment and feedback. After the group psychological counseling, the final control was carried out using the same methods and the effectiveness of this type of counseling was assessed using the Wilcoxon test. The results of mathematical and statistical analysis confirm the effectiveness of the developed program. Group psychological counseling allowed one to increase self-esteem, purposefulness, self-confidence, intensified the scenarios of economic behavior, changed the attitudes towards money and economic benefits which also ensured an increase in competitiveness indicators

Transformation of Strawberry Plants’ Phenolic Profile after Treatment with a Mechanocomposite Based on Silicon Chelates in the Course of Development under In Vitro, Ex Vitro, and In Vivo Conditions

The positive effect of silicon on plants is thought to be mediated by a modification of phenolic metabolism. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of a silicon-based mechanocomposite (MC) on alterations of the phenolic profile of strawberry plants in the course of development under in vitro, ex vitro, and in vivo conditions. Aqueous ethanol extracts of aboveground parts of in vitro–derived plants (Fragaria × ananassa cv. ‘Solnechnaya polyanka’) were subjected to HPLC. Nineteen individual phenolic compounds (hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, catechins, ellagic acid derivatives, and flavonol glycosides) were quantified. The results revealed phenolic profiles specific to each studied stage and significant transformations of the profiles by the MC. It induced strong upregulation of hydroxycinnamic acid during in vitro rooting and of catechins and hydroxybenzoic acids during ex vitro acclimation. At ex vitro and in vivo stages, the emergence of quercetin glycosides and ellagitannins was registered, and the MC elevated their levels during ex vitro acclimation and field growth. Principal component analysis confirmed the significant effect of the MC on the phenolic profile at all stages, and this effect was the strongest during ex vitro acclimation. The results are consistent with previous reports on the modification of phenolic profiles of plants by silicon-derived biostimulants

Transformation of Strawberry Plants’ Phenolic Profile after Treatment with a Mechanocomposite Based on Silicon Chelates in the Course of Development under In Vitro, Ex Vitro, and In Vivo Conditions

The positive effect of silicon on plants is thought to be mediated by a modification of phenolic metabolism. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of a silicon-based mechanocomposite (MC) on alterations of the phenolic profile of strawberry plants in the course of development under in vitro, ex vitro, and in vivo conditions. Aqueous ethanol extracts of aboveground parts of in vitro–derived plants (Fragaria × ananassa cv. ‘Solnechnaya polyanka’) were subjected to HPLC. Nineteen individual phenolic compounds (hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, catechins, ellagic acid derivatives, and flavonol glycosides) were quantified. The results revealed phenolic profiles specific to each studied stage and significant transformations of the profiles by the MC. It induced strong upregulation of hydroxycinnamic acid during in vitro rooting and of catechins and hydroxybenzoic acids during ex vitro acclimation. At ex vitro and in vivo stages, the emergence of quercetin glycosides and ellagitannins was registered, and the MC elevated their levels during ex vitro acclimation and field growth. Principal component analysis confirmed the significant effect of the MC on the phenolic profile at all stages, and this effect was the strongest during ex vitro acclimation. The results are consistent with previous reports on the modification of phenolic profiles of plants by silicon-derived biostimulants

Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles with Anisotropy of the Optical Properties

Статья посвящена подбору оптимальных условий синтеза анизотропных наночастиц золота, которые могут быть использованы в солнечной энергетике, катализе, для создания химических сенсоров и в медицине, где с их помощью предлагается осуществлять терапию и диагностику онкологических больных. В ходе исследования получена математическая модель, отражающая влияние реакционных параметров на синтез наночастиц золота бипирамидальной формы. В найденных нами оптимальных условиях формируются бипирамиды золота размером 76х24 ± 5 нм с длинноволновым максимумом поверхностного плазмонного резонанса (ППР) при 870 нм. Также оптимизированы методики получения наностержней золота с различным осевым соотношением и положением длинноволнового максимума ППР в интервале 730÷850 нм. Полученные наностержни имеют размеры 23±1 х 7±0,2 нм, 20±2,5 х 5±0,5 нм, 29±1,5 х 6±0,1 нм, что подтверждено данными просвечивающей электронной микроскопииThe work is devoted to the selection of optimal conditions for the synthesis of anisotropic gold nanoparticles, which can be used in solar energy, catalysis, chemical sensors and in medicine, where it is offered to carry out the diagnosis and therapy of cancer patients with their help. The mathematical model is obtained. It reflects the influence of reaction parameters in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles bipyramidal form. We found optimal conditions to form the bipyramid of gold with size about 76х24 ± 5 nm and long-wave maximum of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at 870 nm. Also we optimized a technique to obtain gold nanorods with different axial ratio and the position of the wavelength maximum of the LSPR in the range of 730÷850 nm. The obtained nanorods have dimensions about 23±1 х 7±0,2 nm, 20±2,5 х 5±0,5 nm, 29±1,5 х 6±0,1 nm, confirmed by transmission electron microscop

Effect of a biogenic silica and green-teaflavonoids-based mechanocomposite on Fragaria × ananassa Duch. leaf anatomy in in vitro conditions

For the first time light and scanning electron microscopy have been to reveal changes in the anatomical structure of leaf blades of Fragaria × ananassa Duch. regenerants cultivated in nutrient media supplemented with biogenic silica and green-tea-flavonoids-based mechanocomposite. An increase in the density of stomata per unit area of the leaf, size of the stomatal gaps, thickness of the epidermis and mesophyll have been noted. The revealed changes in the leaf blade structure under mechanocomposite treatment contribute to the further successful acclimatization of regenerants to ex vitro conditions