Morphological characterization of biominerals from five multicellular marine algae species

Silica biominerals are deposited as amorphous solid structures in plant cells and tissues, providing rigidity to different plant parts and assisting in defence. The shape and size of phytoliths are well established and serve as a useful tool in taxonomic analyses. For the first time we extracted and studied silica biominerals of five marine macroalgae, which we observed by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). More than nine different morphotypes of phytoliths ranging from ≥ 10 to ≥ 350 μm in size were found. Some of them were phytoliths made of silica while others showed characteristics of different minerals of calcium. In our study, the “honeycomb” formations were only recorded in Laurencia tropica Yamada and pyramid tabular ones were found only in Tichocarpus crinitus (S.G. Gmelin) Ruprecht. The XRD analysis showed that they consisted of virgilite and gypsum substance, respectively. Silica phytoliths are intrinsic parts of the algae and their morphological characterization can provide the basis for palaeo-reconstruction and taxonomic investigation of brown and red algae in palaeontological studies of fossils where all organic matter has decayed

Magnetometric Studies of Catalyst Refuses in Nanocarbon Materials

It is shown that magnetometry can be employed as an effective tool to control the content of a ferromagnetic constituent in nanocarbon materials. We propose a thermochemical treatment protocol to achieve extensive cleaning of the source nanocarbon materials from ferromagnetic refuses

Клиническая эффективность и безопасность применения ингаляционного простациклина у больных с инфекцией, вызванной SARS-CoV-2 (проспективное сравнительное исследование)

Aim. In this study we evaluated clinical effectiveness and safety of nebulized prostacyclin in patients with Novel Coronavirus Disease (SARS-CoV-2). Materials and methods: We have included 44 male patients with moderate PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in this study. Control group consisted of 23 patients treated with nebulized prostacyclin (PGI2). besides standard therapy. We compared intensiveness and duration of infectious intoxication syndrome, duration of fever, cough as well as SpO2 level, complete blood count and chemokine status values. Results: Statistically significant difference in duration of fever, cough, intensiveness and duration of infectious intoxication syndrome were observed. Lymphocyte and platelet counts were significantly higher in control group We have also noticed significantly lower level of proinflammatory mediators and C4-complement component in control group. Only 1 adverse effect associated with inhaled prostacyclin was reported. Conclusion. Nebulized prostacyclin showed therapeutic efficacy and good safety profile in adults with moderate COVID-19.Цель: оценка клинической эффективности и безопасность ингаляционного простациклина у пациентов с новой коронавирусной инфекцией (SARS-CoV-2). Материалы и методы: в исследование были включены 44 пациента мужского пола с подтвержденной новой коронавирусной инфекцией среднетяжелого течения. Опытную группу составили 23 пациента, которым, помимо стандартной терапии, был назначен ингаляционный простациклин (PGI2). Клиническая эффективность илопроста была оценена по длительности и выраженности общеинфекционных синдромов (интоксикации, лихорадки), длительности кашля, уровню насыщения крови кислородом, значениям параметров общеклинического анализа крови, показателю иммунологического статуса пациентов. Результаты: получено статистически значимое снижение длительности лихорадки, продолжительности кашля, выраженности и длительности синдрома общей инфекционной интоксикации в опытной группе. Также отмечено, что у этих пациентов средние значения количества лимфоцитов, тромбоцитов достоверно увеличивалось, а значение СОЭ снижалось. Средние значения провоспалительных цитокинов, хемокинов, а также С4-компонента комплемента были статистически значимо ниже, чем у больных COVID-19 в группе сравнения. Нежелательные реакции, связанные с инга ляционной терапией простациклином, были отмечены в 1 наблюдении. Заключение: показана терапевтическая эффективность и хороший профиль безопасности ингаляционного простациклина у пациентов с COVID-19 средней степени тяжести

Rosa davurica Pall., Rosa rugosa Thumb., and Rosa acicularis Lindl. originating from Far Eastern Russia: Screening of 146 chemical constituents in three species of the genus Rosa

Rosa rugosa Thumb., Rosa davurica Pall., and Rosa acicularis Lindl. contain a large number of target analytes which are bioactive compounds. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), in combination with the ion trap (tandem mass spectrometry), was used to identify target analytes in MeOH extracts of R. rugosa, R. davurica, and R. acicularis, originating from the Russian Far East, Trans-Baikal Region, and Western Siberia. The results of initial studies revealed the presence of 146 compounds, of which 115 were identified for the first time in the genus Rosa (family Rosaceae). The newly identified metabolites belonged to 18 classes, including 14 phenolic acids and their conjugates, 18 flavones, 7 flavonols, 2 flavan-3-ols, 2 flavanones, 3 stilbenes, 2 coumarins, 2 lignans, 9 anthocyanins, 3 tannins, 8 terpenoids, 3 sceletium alkaloids, 4 fatty acids, 2 sterols, 2 carotenoids, 3 oxylipins, 3 amino acids, 5 carboxylic acids, etc. The proven richness of the bioactive components of targeted extracts of R. rugosa, R. davurica, and R. acicularis invites extensive biotechnological and pharmaceutical research, which can make a significant contribution both in the field of functional and enriched nutrition, and in the field of cosmetology and pharmacy