Cell Adaptations of Rhodococci to Pharmaceutical Pollutants

Against the background of atense environmental situation, the risk of drug pollution in the natural environment is steadily increasing. Pharmaceuticals entering open ecosystems can cause toxic effects in wildlife from molecular to population levels. The aim of this research was to examine the impact of pharmaceutical pollutants on rhodococci, which are typical representatives of soil actinobacteria and active biodegraders of these compounds. The pharmaceutical products used in this research werediclofenac sodium and ibuprofen, which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are widely used and frequently found in the environment. The most common cell adaptations of rhodococci to the effects of NSAIDs were changes in zeta potential, catalase activity, morphometric parameters and degree of hydrophobicity; elevated contents of total cellular lipids; and the formation of cell conglomerates. The findings demonstrated the adaptation mechanisms of rhodococci and their increased resistance to the toxic effects of the pharmaceutical pollutants. Keywords: pharmaceutical pollutants, NSAIDs, diclofenac, ibuprofen, cell responses, Rhodococcu

In vitro FRAP reveals the ATP-dependent nuclear mobilization of the exon junction complex protein SRm160

We present a new in vitro system for characterizing the binding and mobility of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-labeled nuclear proteins by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching in digitonin-permeabilized cells. This assay reveals that SRm160, a splicing coactivator and component of the exon junction complex (EJC) involved in RNA export, has an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent mobility. Endogenous SRm160, lacking the EGFP moiety, could also be released from sites at splicing speckled domains by an ATP-dependent mechanism. A second EJC protein, RNPS1, also has an ATP-dependent mobility, but SRm300, a protein that binds to SRm160 and participates with it in RNA splicing, remains immobile after ATP supplementation. This finding suggests that SRm160-containing RNA export, but not splicing, complexes have an ATP-dependent mobility. We propose that RNA export complexes have an ATP-regulated mechanism for release from binding sites at splicing speckled domains. In vitro fluorescence recovery after photobleaching is a powerful tool for identifying cofactors required for nuclear binding and mobility

Finding Exogenous Variables in Data with Many More Variables than Observations

Many statistical methods have been proposed to estimate causal models in classical situations with fewer variables than observations (p<n, p: the number of variables and n: the number of observations). However, modern datasets including gene expression data need high-dimensional causal modeling in challenging situations with orders of magnitude more variables than observations (p>>n). In this paper, we propose a method to find exogenous variables in a linear non-Gaussian causal model, which requires much smaller sample sizes than conventional methods and works even when p>>n. The key idea is to identify which variables are exogenous based on non-Gaussianity instead of estimating the entire structure of the model. Exogenous variables work as triggers that activate a causal chain in the model, and their identification leads to more efficient experimental designs and better understanding of the causal mechanism. We present experiments with artificial data and real-world gene expression data to evaluate the method.Comment: A revised version of this was published in Proc. ICANN201

Features of the Bioconversion of Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Oleanolic Acid Using Rhodococcus Actinobacteria

The ability of actinobacteria of the genus Rhodococcus to transform oleanolic acid (OA), a plant pentacyclic triterpenoid, was shown for the first time using bioresources of the Regional Specialized Collection of AlkanotrophicMicroorganisms (IEGM; WDCM #768;www.iegmcol.ru). The most promising strains (R.opacus IEGM 488 and R.rhodochrousIEGM 285) were selected, and these catalyzed80% bioconversion of OA (0.5 g/L) in the presence of n-hexadecane (0.1% v/v) for seven days. The process of OA bioconversion was accompanied by a gradual decrease in the culture medium pH. Adaptive responses of bacterial cells to the OA effects included the formation of compact cellular aggregates, a marked change in the surface-to-volume ratio of cells, and a significant increase in the Zeta potential values. The results demonstrated that the process of OA bioconversion was catalyzed by membrane-bound enzyme complexes. Participation of cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases in the oxidation of the OA moleculewas confirmedusing specific inhibitors. The obtained data expand our knowledge on the catalytic activity of actinobacteria of the genus Rhodococcus and their possible use as biocatalysts for the bioconversion of complex hydrophobic compounds. The results can also be used inthe searchfor promising OA derivatives to be used in the synthesis of biologically active agents. Keywords: bioconversion, oleanolic acid, Rhodococcus, biologically active compound

Analysis of Students’ Ideas about the Mechanisms of Influence of Sports on the Achievement of Life Success

В статье рассматривается проблема влияния занятий спортом на становление личности человека. Цель исследования — выявить основные механизмы влияния спорта на достижение жизненного успеха в представлении студентов, а также определить ключевые личностные качества, необходимые для его достижения. Было проведено социологическое исследование, участниками которого являлись студенты Уральского федерального университета. Исследование осуществлялось с использованием количественной стратегии. В результате исследования выявлено, что большинство ответивших спортсменов (78,9 %) и неспортсменов (61,9 %) уверены в том, что спорт способствует достижению жизненного успеха. Четверть студентов, не занимающихся спортом, указали на то, что спорт не оказывает никакого влияния на достижение человеком жизненного успеха. На основе анализа данных, полученных в ходе исследования, установлено, что студенты видят значимую роль спорта в формировании личностных качеств и характера, благодаря которым возможно достижение жизненного успеха.The article deals with the problem of the influence of sports on the formation of a person’s personality. The purpose of the study is to identify the main mechanisms of the influence of sports on the achievement of life success in the representation of students, as well as to identify the key personal qualities necessary to achieve it. A sociological study was conducted, the participants of which were students of the Ural federal university. The study was carried out using a quantitative strategy. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the majority of athletes (78,9 %) and non-athletes (61,9 %) are confident that sport contributes to achieving success in life. A fourth of the students who do not engage in sports indicated that sports have no effect on a person’s achievement of success in life. Based on the analysis of the data obtained during the study, it was found that students see a significant role of sports in the formation of personal qualities and character, thanks to which it is possible to achieve success in life

Assessment of Readiness for Sports Activities in Cheer Sports of Student Athletes with Experience in Various Sports

Рукопись поступила в редакцию: 25.05.2023. Принята к публикации: 28.06.2023.Received: 25.05.2023. Accepted: 28.06.2023.Чир спорт стремительно набирает популярность, в том числе в студенческом спорте, что обусловливает актуальность исследования, посвященного проблемам его развития в студенческом спорте. Статья посвящена исследованию готовности студентов-спортсменов, занимавшихся разными сложно-координационными видами спорта к продолжению спортивной карьеры в чир спорте. Цель исследования заключалась в выявлении исходного уровня развития ведущих физических качеств и специальных технических навыков для чирлидеров у спортсменов разных специализаций для определения готовности к спортивному совершенствованию в студенческой команде вуза по чир спорту. Исследование проводилось с помощью метода контрольных испытаний с использованием тестов для оценки ведущих физических качеств и специальных технических навыков чирлидеров. Результаты исследования показали, что уровень готовности к спортивному совершенствованию в студенческих командах по чирлидингу спортсменов, имевших спортивный опыт в разных видах спорта, обусловлен спецификой их предыдущей спортивной деятельности. При этом спортсмены, ранее занимавшиеся видами спорта с акробатической направленностью, имеют навыки выполнения акробатических дорожек, требующихся в соревновательной деятельности в чирлидинге. Хороший уровень развития гибкости у девушек способствует выполнению сложных статических элементов соревновательной деятельности в чирлидинге. Хороший уровень развития силовых способностей, которым обладают юноши, ранее занимавшиеся силовыми видами спорта, может послужить основой для успешного выполнения ими таких элементов чирлидинга, как поддержки и выбросы. Значимость проведенного исследования заключается в установлении необходимости оценки исходного уровня готовности к спортивному совершенствованию в чир спорте спортсменов, ранее занимавшихся разными видами спорта. Полученная информация позволит тренеру индивидуализировать тренировочный процесс, делая акцент на развитие недостающих или слаборазвитых качеств и навыков каждого атлета, что позволит ему определить оптимальную соревновательную программу команды для успешной подготовки команды к соревнованиям.Cheer sport is rapidly gaining popularity including in student sports which determines the relevance of research on the problems of its development in student sports. The article is devoted to the study of the readiness of student-athletes engaged in various difficult-coordination sports to continue a sports career in cheer sports. The purpose of the study was to identify the initial level of development of leading physical qualities and special technical skills for cheerleaders in athletes of different specializations to determine readiness for sports improvement in the university student cheer sports team. The study was conducted using the method of control tests using tests to assess the leading physical qualities and special technical skills of cheerleaders. The results of the study showed that the level of readiness for sports improvement in student cheerleading teams of athletes who had sports experience in various sports is due to the specifics of their previous sports activities. At the same time, athletes who have previously engaged in sports with an acrobatic orientation have the skills to perform acrobatic tracks required in competitive activities in cheerleading. A good level of flexibility development in girls contributes to the implementation of complex static elements of competitive activity in cheerleading. A good level of development of strength abilities possessed by young men who have previously engaged in strength sports can serve as the basis for their successful performance of such elements of cheerleading as support and emissions. The significance of the conducted research lies in the establishment of the need to assess the initial level of readiness for sports improvement in the cheer sport of athletes who previously engaged in various sports. The information obtained will allow the coach to individualize the training process, focusing on the development of missing or underdeveloped qualities and skills of each athlete, which will allow him to determine the optimal competitive program of the team for the successful preparation of the team for the competition

Oil spill problems and sustainable response strategies through new technologies

Crude oil and petroleum products are widespread water and soil pollutants resulting from marine and terrestrial spillages. International statistics of oil spill sizes for all incidents indicate that the majority of oil spills are small (less than 7 tonnes). The major accidents that happen in the oil industry contribute only a small fraction of the total oil which enters the environment. However, the nature of accidental releases is that they highly pollute small areas and have the potential to devastate the biota locally. There are several routes by which oil can get back to humans from accidental spills, e.g. through accumulation in fish and shellfish, through consumption of contaminated groundwater. Although advances have been made in the prevention of accidents, this does not apply in all countries, and by the random nature of oil spill events, total prevention is not feasible. Therefore, considerable world-wide effort has gone into strategies for minimising accidental spills and the design of new remedial technologies. This paper summarizes new knowledge as well as research and technology gaps essential for developing appropriate decision-making tools in actual spill scenarios. Since oil exploration is being driven into deeper waters and more remote, fragile environments, the risk of future accidents becomes much higher. The innovative safety and accident prevention approaches summarized in this paper are currently important for a range of stakeholders, including the oil industry, the scientific community and the public. Ultimately an integrated approach to prevention and remediation that accelerates an early warning protocol in the event of a spill would get the most appropriate technology selected and implemented as early as possible-the first few hours after a spill are crucial to the outcome of the remedial effort. A particular focus is made on bioremediation as environmentally harmless, cost-effective and relatively inexpensive technology. Greater penetration into the remedial technologies market depends on the harmonization of environment legislation and the application of modern laboratory techniques, e.g. ecogenomics, to improve the predictability of bioremediation

Resistance of <i>Rhodococcus ruber</i> biofilms to CuO nanoparticles depending on exopolymer matrix composition

Background. The widespread use of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) increases their release into the environment, which leads to accumulation in trophic chains. Bacterial biofilms are more resistant to physico-chemical factors compared to planktonic cells due to an exopolymer matrix (EPM) consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Rhodococcus actinobacteria are promising for environmental biotechnology due to biodegradation of petroleum products, pesticides and other organic pollutants, as well as bioaccumulation of heavy metals.   The aim. To investigate effects of CuO NPs on the viability of Rhodococcus ruber IEGM 231 cells in biofilms and the dynamics of EPM components.   Methods. R. ruber biofilms were grown on microscopy cover glass with CuO NPs and EPM components were studied using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) by differentiating staining with LIVE/DEAD to determine the number of living and dead cells, Nile Red for lipids, FITC for proteins and Calcofluor White for betapolysaccharides.   Results. It was found that R. ruber biofilms grown in a mineral medium with1.0 vol.% n-hexadecane are more resistant to CuO NPs compared to biofilms growing in a rich culture medium (meat-peptone broth). This was due to more intensive EPM formation, which plays a major role in protecting cells from the bactericidal action of nanometals. A weak stimulating effect of a low (0.001 g/l) concentration of CuO NPs on biofilm formation was registered. Dynamics and localization of main EPM components were monitored during prolonged (24–72 h) biofilm cultivation with CuO NPs. When exposed to high (0.01–0.1 g/l) concentrations of CuO NPs, a consistently high lipid content and an increase in concentrations of polysaccharides and proteins were revealed.   Conclusion. Understanding the complex interaction mechanisms of nanometals and biofilms will contribute to the development of effective biocatalysts based on immobilized bacterial cells. Also, the obtained data can be used to combat unwanted biofilms with the help of metal nanoparticles

In vitro cytokine stimulation assay for glycolipid biosurfactant from Rhodococcus ruber: role of monocyte adhesion

Glycolipid biosurfactant (GLB) from Rhodococcus ruber IEGM 231 was found to stimulate tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -1β and IL-6 production when applied as an ultrasonic emulsion to the adherent human peripheral blood monocyte culture. However, a lack of cytokine-stimulating activity was registered with the GLB applied as a hydrophobic film coating in 24-well culture plates, indicating that it may have been due to its inhibitory effect on monocyte adhesion. The mode of GLB application may therefore play an important role in in vitro assay of immunostimulatory activity of this compound as well as other bacterial glycolipids. Additionally, GLB from R. ruber displayed no cytotoxicity against human lymphocytes and therefore could be proposed as a potential immunomodulating and antitumor agent