bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glyptothorax siangensis, a New Species of Catfish (Sisoridae) from the Brahmaputra River Drainage, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh P. , Kosygin L. , Rath S. , Gurumayum S. D.
Published: April 2024

Glyptothorax siangensis, new species, is described from the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh, India. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners from the Ganga-Brahmaputra drainage and its neighbouring drainages by the following combination of characters: a thoracic adhesive apparatus with skin ridges present over almost the entire apparatus, including the sword-shaped median depression, which is narrowly opened posteriorly; an elongated dorsal spine distinctly greater than body depth at its origin, posteriorly serrated with 11–17 serrae; nuchal plate saddle-like with W-shaped extensions; shallow body depth; long nasal barbel, almost reaching the anterior margin of eye; a complete longitudinal black band across the distal half of dorsal-fin; and tips of neural spines extension visible as a row of ridges between dorsal-fin base and origin of procurrent rays of caudal-fin. This is the nineteenth species of Glyptothorax known from the Ganga-Brahmaputra drainage.
Dynamics of Diversity of Spined Loaches of Genus Cobitis (Cobitidae) of Trans-Caucasus in the Anthropogenic Period According to the Data of Museum Collections. II. Morphokaryological Variation, Taxonomic Status, and Diagnostic Characteristics of Adjaran Spined Loaches
Authors: Vasil’eva E. D. , Vasil’ev V. P.
Published: April 2024

The variability of external morphological characters, coloring features, craniological and karyological characteristics of spined loaches from Adjara were studied to clarify the taxonomic diversity of spined loaches of Transcaucasia. The study was based on materials from the collection of the Zoological Museum of Moscow State University, including the type series of Cobitis satunini, and original results. The morphogenetic homogeneity of the studied populations and their species isolation from other known Transcaucasian species were confirmed. Based on the data obtained, a modern species diagnosis of C. satunini sensu stricto is presented, whose range is limited to the water bodies of Adjara.
Preparation of Ficin Complexes with Carboxymethylchitosan and N-(2-Hydroxy)propyl-3-Trimethyl Ammonium Chitosan and the Study of Their Structural Features
Authors: Malykhina N. V. , Olshannikova S. S. , Holyavka M. G. , Sorokin A. V. , Lavlinskaya M. S. , Artyukhov V. G. , Faizullin D. A. , Zuev Yu. F.
Published: April 2024

Chitosan derivatives – сarboxymethyl chitosan and N-(2-hydroxy)propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan with molecular weights of 200, 350, and 600 kDa have been synthesized. Complexes of ficin with chitosan and its named derivatives have been obtained. IR spectra of chitosan, carboxymethylchitosan, and N-(2-hydroxy)propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan and their complexes with ficin were recorded. The analysis of the spectra confirmed the formation of conjugates between the macromolecules of polysaccharides and ficin. The optimal ratio of protein content (0.7 mg/g of carrier) and specific activity (1590 units/mg of protein) was found during the complexation of ficin with the N-(2-hydroxy)propyl-3-trimethylammonium chitosan matrix with the molecular weight 350 kDa. The efficiency of ficin complexation (in terms of specific catalytic activity) with N-(2-hydroxy)propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan (350 kDa) exceeds that of chitosan (350 kDa) and carboxymethylchitosan (350 kDa) 2.4 and 9.8 times respectively. The types of interactions, first binding energies, amino acid composition of ficin surfaces, which interact with the carrier in the process of complexation, were studied by molecular docking. It has been established that bonds and interactions with chitosan and its derivatives are formed, among other things, with the participation of amino acid residues located near the ficin active site (Cys25 and His162), which explains the change in the proteolytic activity of the obtained complexes. Ficin complexes with N-(2-hydroxy)propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan are soluble in a wide pH range and, therefore, may be more promising than protease-chitosan complexes in the development of medical preparations and biocatalysts for the food, brewing, and leather industries.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Peptide LKEKK
Authors: Navolotskaya E. V. , Zinchenko D. V. , Murashev A. N.
Published: April 2024

The review summarizes and systematizes data on the anti-inflammatory effect of the synthetic peptide LKEKK in vitro and in vivo. Based on the analysis, it was concluded that this peptide has a significant therapeutic potential as an anti-inflammatory drug in Crohn’s disease, various forms of colitis and contact dermatitis.
mRNA-Vaccine Platform: Features of Obtaining and Delivery of mRNA
Authors: Litvinova V. R. , Rudometov A. P. , Karpenko L. I. , Ilyichev A. A.
Published: April 2024

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases. One new approach to vaccine development is mRNA-based vaccines, which have a number of very useful advantages over other types of vaccines. As the mRNA only encodes the target antigen, there is no potential risk of infection, as would be the case with an attenuated or inactivated pathogen. The principle of mRNA vaccines’ action is function in the cytosol of the cell; due to this the probability of mRNA integration into the host genome is extremely low. mRNA vaccines are able to induce specific cellular and humoral immune responses, but do not induce an anti-vector immune response. The mRNA vaccine platform makes it easy to replace the target gene without changing the production technology, which is important for solving the problem of a time gap between the start of an epidemic and vaccine production. The review focuses on the history of mRNA vaccines, the technology of their production, methods for increasing the stability of mRNA, description of modifications of the cap, poly(A) tail, coding and noncoding parts of mRNA, purification of the target mRNA vaccine from by-products, and various delivery methods.
Theoretical Grounding and Formation of Experimental Approaches to Hyaluronidase Structure Consolidation due to Its Computational Interactions with Shortchain Glycosaminoglycan Ligands
Authors: Maksimenko A. V. , Beabealashvili R. Sh.
Published: April 2024

The computational study of 3D model hyaluronidase interaction with shortchain glycosaminoglycan ligands demonstrated the diversity and significance of their reaction on enzyme structure. It has been realized due to electrostatic noncovalent interactions (without specific coupling with active site) inducing the perceptible conformational alterations of biocatalyst molecule. As a result of this the inactivation and stabilization of enzyme globule are observed, change of inhibition of biocatalyst by heparin. The binding of chondroitin trimers (on centers cn6, cn3, cn1) to hyaluronidase molecular surface increased the enzyme stability, binding of chondroitin sulfate trimers (on centers cs2, cs4, cs7, cs8 or cs1, cs2, cs4, cs7, cs8) decreased the inhibition of enzyme by tetramer heparin. It should be noted the importance of ligand binding for regulation of enzyme functioning and existence of multiform and multicomponent microenvironment of enzyme. The sequence of preferable coupling of ligands with hyaluronidase is elicited in our study and with its help was evaluate reality of experimental selective modification of enzyme (possibly no covalently or covalently, for instance, with chondroitin sulfate trimers on centers cs7, cs1, cs5) for experimental obtaining of stabilized enzyme forms of medical destination. The perspective approaches for this aim may be the no covalent reaction on hyaluronidase by chondroitin or chondroitin sulfate trimers as well covalent modification of biocatalyst by chondroitin sulfate trimers.
Design, Synthesis, and Study of the Anxiolytic Activity of New Pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-Containing TSPO Ligands
Authors: Mokrov G. V. , Pantileev А. S. , Yarkova М. А. , Rybina I. V. , Gudasheva Т. А. , Vakhitova Yu. V. , Seredenin S. B.
Published: April 2024

A new group of 1-phenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-3-carboxamides, in which substituents at the amide nitrogen atom are alkyl, benzyl or alkoxyphenylalkyl groups, amino acid residues or their derivatives, has been obtained in this work. The synthesized compounds have high theoretical affinities for the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) and a favorable profile of ADMET characteristics, which makes them promising for drug development. Anxiolytic activity was detected for eight compounds at doses of 0.1–5.0 mg/kg when administered intraperitoneally under conditions of emotional stress in the open field test in Balb/c mice and in the elevated plus maze test in ICR mice. N-Benzhydryl-1-phenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-3-carboxamide was selected as a lead compound for further development as a potential anxiolytic agent, which showed the presence of anti-anxiety activity in a wide range of doses in both tests used.
Effect of Guanidine Derivatives of Quinazoline on Na+/H+-Exchanger and Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Taran A. S. , Naumenko L. V. , Govorova Ju. A. , Gurova N. A. , Spasov A. A. , Ozerov A. A. , Merezhkina D. V.
Published: April 2024

Based on the data of the role of Na+/H+-exchanger (NHE) in the modulation of intraocular pressure, which is the main factor in the development of glaucoma, and previously conducted studies by various authors proving the presence of inhibitory NHE-1 activity in quinazoline derivatives, nine new compounds belonging to this class were synthesized. The effect of the obtained quinazoline derivatives on the inhibition of Na+/H+-exchanger and their on intraocular pressure (IOP) in comparison with zoniporide (NHE inhibitor) and timolol (a drug for lowering IOP used in clinical practice) was studied. Among the compounds studied in vitro, all quinazoline derivatives at a concentration of 1 nM inhibited the activity of NHE-1, the most active compound was a derivative of quinazoline acetylguanidine. However, not all compounds showed IOP-reducing activity in vivo in rats. So the most active of the quinazoline derivatives are 4-oxoquinazoline acetylguanidine, its brominated derivative at position C6 and quinazoline propionylguanidine. The structure–activity analysis showed that the presence of the Br atom at the C6 position of the 4-oxoquinazoline acetylguanidine derivative leads to a maximum decrease in IOP during instillation of the solution of the compound.
A New Peptide from the Venom of the Madagascar Cat-Eyed Snake Madagascarophis colubrinus Blocks Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Authors: Kryukova E. V. , Ivanov D. A. , Kopylova N. V. , Starkov V. G. , Andreeva T. V. , Ivanov I. A. , Tsetlin V. I. , Utkin Yu. N.
Published: April 2024

In screening the venoms of various snake species, we found that the venom of the Madagascar cat-eyed snake Madagascarophis colubrinus competes with α-bungarotoxin for binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica. Using liquid chromatography, a peptide, called macoluxin and inhibiting the binding of the toxin to the receptor, was isolated from the venom. The amino acid sequence of this 23-amino acid peptide was determined by automatic Edman degradation. Comparison with amino acid sequences of known proteins showed that the macoluxin sequence is homologous to the α-helical region of the sequence of snake venom metalloproteinases. The peptide was synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis, and the study of its biological activity showed that it inhibits the binding of α-bungarotoxin to the Torpedo receptor with an IC50 of 47 μM. Macoluxin also reversibly inhibited acetylcholine-induced currents in the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. This is the first data on the presence in the venom of rear fanged snakes of a peptide that can inhibit the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.
Therapeutic Potential and Application Prospects of Antimicrobial Peptides in the Era of Global Spread of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Safronova V. N. , Bolosov I. A. , Panteleev P. V. , Balandin S. V. , Ovchinnikova T. V.
Published: April 2024

In the era of the growing global threat of antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered as new generation drugs for treatment of various infectious diseases. In this review, AMPs are seen as an alternative to traditional antibiotics, many of which have already lost or are gradually reducing their effectiveness against a number of critically important pathogenic microorganisms. Recent outbreaks of secondary infections during the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the interest in AMPs due to an acute shortage of effective agents against bacterial and fungal infections. The review summarized current data on clinical studies of AMPs, assembled a list of developed drugs based on AMPs at various stages of clinical trials, highlighted the urgency of study of new AMPs, and systematized the most relevant clinical data and application of AMPs.
Development of a System for Biosynthesis, Isolation and Purification of Holoform of Recombinant Human Neuroglobin and Its Characteristics
Authors: Semenova M. A. , Dolgikh D. A. , Kirpichnikov M. P. , Maksimov G. V. , Brazhe N. A. , Bocharov E. V. , Ziganshin R. H. , Parshina E. Y. , Ignatova A. A. , Smirnova O. M. , Bochkova Z. V. , Chertkova R. V.
Published: April 2024

An efficient system for the biosynthesis, isolation and purification of recombinant human neuroglobin has been developed and optimized, which makes it possible to produce protein in quantities sufficient to study its properties. According to UV-visible, IR-, CD-, and NMR spectroscopy data, recombinant neuroglobin is a structured protein in the holoform state. The data of chromato-mass-spectrometric analysis made it possible to conclude that there is a correctly formed disulfide bond in the structure of the oxidized form of the protein. Using Raman and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with laser excitation at 532 nm, it was shown that heme in the reduced and oxidized forms of neuroglobin has vibrational degrees of freedom typical of b-type hemes, and the iron atom is six-coordinated. Using Raman spectroscopy with laser excitation at 633 nm, it was found that reduced –SH-groups were present in reduced neuroglobin, while in oxidized neuroglobin disulfide bridge was formed. The results obtained serve as the basis for detailed studies of the mechanism of the functioning of neuroglobin as a neuroprotector, in particular, during its interaction with oxidized cytochrome c, which is released from mitochondria in violation of their functioning and/or morphology.
The Structure of Sulfated Polysaccharides from the Sea Cucumber Holothuria (Stauropora) fuscocinerea
Authors: Bilan M. I. , Usov A. I. , Van Tran Thi Thanh , Trung Dinh Thanh , Thinh Pham Duc , Hang Cao Thi Thuy , Ustyuzhanina N. E. , Tsvetkova E. A. , Nikogosova S. P. , Dmitrenok A. S. , Nifantiev N. E.
Published: April 2024

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate FCS-Hf and preparations of fucan sulfates Hf-Fuc1 and Hf-Fuc2 were isolated from the Vietnamese sea cucumber Holothuria (Stauropora) fuscocinerea. Separation of the polysaccharides was carried out using anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel. The structure of polysaccharides was established by determinations of the content of monosaccharides and sulfate, as well as by NMR spectra. It was shown that FCS-Hf was built of the repeating trisaccharide fragments, with alternating 3‑linked N-acetyl-β-D-galactosamine and 4-linked β-D-glucuronic acid residues forming the main polymer chain, which carries α-L-fucose residues as side branches attached to O3 of glucuronic acid. The regular structure of polymer is masked by an uneven distribution of sulfate groups attached to fucose residues (2,4-disulfate, 3,4-disulfate and 4-monosulfate in a ratio of 2 : 2 : 1) and galactosamine residues (4,6-disulfate and 4-monosulfate in a ratio of 3 : 1). It was also shown that fucan sulfate Hf-Fuc1 contained predominantly linear molecules built of 4-linked α-L-fucose 3-sulfate residues, while Hf-Fuc2 appeared to be a mixture of several related linear and branched fucan sulfates containing 3-linked and 4-linked α-L-Fuc residues sulfated at different positions.
Structural and Functional Features of Ketoso-3-Epimerases and Their Use in Production of D-Allulose
Authors: Ivanova N. S. , Kulminskaya A. A. , Shvetsova S. V.
Published: April 2024

Rare sugars attract more and more attention as safe, low-calorie sweeteners and functional compounds in the food, pharmaceutical and medical industries. The potential of the rare sugar D-allulose has been proven in a large number of theoretical and applied works but the high cost of its production is a limitation factor for its large-scall production. Epimerization reactions of available sugars leading to the production of D-allulose are catalyzed by enzymes consisting the epimerase group, namely, ketose-3-epimerases. The key goals of ongoing studies on the ketose-3-epimerase family enzymes are focused on the exact mechanisms of their work, improvement of the enzymatic activity and stability in order to achieve high efficiency in the production of D‑allulose. The present review summarizes the latest innovative developments in use of ketose-3-epimerases, as well as optimization of the enzymatic processes of D-allulose production. The structural features of the main enzymes used in the production of this rare sugar, variants of molecular modifications of biocatalysts and prospects for the practical use of the enzyme pathways discussed in this work are considered.
Species-Level Identification of SARS-CoV-2 by E Gene Conservative Locus
Authors: Lapa S. A. , Shingareva A. A. , Faizuloev E. B. , Ammour Yu. I. , Shershov V. E. , Chudinov A. V.
Published: April 2024

The appearance of mutations in the genes encoding the surface proteins of the new type of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, when it circulates in the host population, makes it difficult to use monoclonal antibodies for its species identification. In such cases, the choice of conservative genetic targets allows identification by molecular biological methods. In this work, previously developed primers specific to the E gene fragment were tested to detect a new type of coronavirus on six isolates belonging to different genetic variants (the original Wuhan strain, delta and omicron). The choice of a conservative site of the E gene encoding the small transmembrane protein E as a target for reverse transcription with subsequent amplification (RT-PCR) made it possible to detect coronavirus regardless of its subtypes characterized by antigenic heterogeneity in N- and S‑proteins. The possibility of species-level identification of COVID-19 pathogen circulating in Russia is shown, both in the total reaction volume (in a single test tube) and on biological microarrays.
Methods for Interactome Analysis of Microproteins Encoded by Small Open Reading Frames
Authors: Sedlov I. A. , Fesenko I. A.
Published: April 2024

Recent studies have shown that small open reading frames (sORFs, 100 codons) can encode peptides or microproteins that perform important functions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It has been established that sORF translation products are involved in the regulation of many processes, for example, they modulate the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain or the functions of muscle cells in mammals. However, the identification and subsequent functional analysis of peptides or microproteins encoded by sORFs is a non-trivial task and requires the use of special approaches. One of the critical steps in functional analysis is identification of protein partners of the peptide under study. This review considers the features of the interactome analysis of short protein molecules and describes the approaches currently used for studies in the field.
Recombinant SLURP-1 Inhibits Growth and Migration of U251 MG Glioma by Cell Cycle Arrest and Modulation of MAPK and AKT Signaling Pathways
Authors: Shulepko M. A. , Bychkov M. L. , Kirpichnikov M. P. , Lyukmanova E. N.
Published: April 2024

A recombinant analog of the human SLURP-1 protein (rSLURP-1) effectively inhibits the growth of carcinomas by interaction with the α7-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Recently, rSLURP-1 inhibition of gliomas growth in vitro was shown by the authors, although, the mechanism of rSLURP-1 action was not studied. Here, we showed that rSLURP-1 selectively inhibits the growth of U251 MG glioma cells but not of normal astrocytes, and controls glioma cell migration. In addition, rSLURP-1 induces cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase in U251 MG glioma cells, but does not result in apoptosis. Incubation of U251 MG cells with rSLURP-1 causes inhibition of phosphorylation of ERK, p38 MAPK, and AKT kinases, the activation of which contributes to the progression of gliomas. At the same time, rSLURP-1 does not affect the activity of JNK kinase. Thus, rSLURP-1 is an endogenous protein promising for the development of drugs based on it for the treatment of not only carcinomas, but also gliomas.
Synthetic Transformations of Higher Terpenoids. 42. Synthesis of New 18-Nor-4-(Carboxyethyl)Isopimara-7,15-Diene Derivatives and Study of Their Cytotoxicity on MCF7, U-87 MG and DU 145 Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Gromova M. A. , Kharitonov Y. V. , Rybalova Т. V. , Larionov V. А. , Golubeva T. S. , Shults E. E.
Published: April 2024

(E)-16-Aryl-substituted derivatives of tricyclic diterpenoids were synthesized by cross-coupling of isopimaric acid derivatives with substituted iodorenes catalyzed by palladium acetate in the presence of silver carbonate. Condensation of (E)-18-nor-4-(carboxyethyl)-16-(2-carboxyethyl)isopimar-7,15-diene dichloride with propargylamine hydrochloride leads to the corresponding dialkine, which readily reacts with diazide in the Cu(I) catalyzed cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction, with the formation of macroheterocyclic compound containing a pimaran type tricyclic diterpenoid core and 1,2,3-triazole rings in the linker chain. Reaction of in situ prepared (E)-18-nor-16-azido-4-(carboxyethyl)isopimar-7,15-diene acid chloride with propargylamine hydrochloride or an alkynyl-substituted derivative of the protected Gly-Gly dipeptide leads to the corresponding azidoalkynes. The intramolecular CuAAC reaction of azidodipeptidylalkine afforded a macroheterocyclic derivative containing a dipeptide and triazole moiety in the linker chain. The obtained compounds showed higher (compared with the isopimaric acid) cytotoxicity on tumor cells MCF-7 and were less toxic to non-cancer cells than the reference drug doxorubicin. The GI50 value of the most active compound is 6.3 μM, selectivity index 15) (MTT test). The synthesized derivatives of the tricyclic diterpenoid isopimaric acid can be used to develop new antitumor agents.
Biochip with Cells of Brush Polymers Carrying Carboxyl Groups for DNA Analysis
Authors: Miftakhov R. A. , Nasedkina T. V. , Zasedatelev A. S. , Shershov V. E. , Kuznetsova V. E. , Levashova A. I. , Lapa S. A. , Vasiliskov V. A. , Ikonnikova A. Yu. , Chudinov A. V.
Published: April 2024

A method for manufacturing biochips by photolithography with hydrogel cells made of brush copolymers based on acrylic acid and acrylamide, fixed at one end on the surface of a polymer substrate has been developed. Hydrogel cells with reactive carboxyl groups were used for covalent immobilization of oligonucleotide probes. The effectiveness of the method was demonstrated in the hybridization analysis of DNA by targets of different lengths of the sequence site 7 of the exon of the human ABO gene.
Condensates of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleoprotein on Viral RNA and Their Small Molecule Modulators
Authors: Svetlova J. I. , Pavlova Iu. I. , Aralov A. V. , Varizhuk A. M.
Published: April 2024

Several types of biopolymers undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (form condensates) in aqueous solutions, and this phenomenon has been characterized in detail for proteins with intrinsically disordered regions. One example of such proteins is the nucleocapsid (N) protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. In this review, we analyzed available data on N-protein separation in the presence of viral RNA. Particular attention was paid to transient contacts within the condensates and the N-protein/RNA fragments that form these contacts. We also discussed the presumed role of the condensates in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle and summarized their influence on the host protective machinery. Finally, we commented on the possibility of regulating the viral condensates using synthetic or native small molecules (phase separation modulators), which can provide a new option in the design of antiviral agents.
Biological Microarray for Detection of Somatic Mutations in the Genes of Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 and 2
Authors: Varachev V. O. , Guskov D. A. , Shekhtman A. P. , Rogozhin D. V. , Polyakov S. A. , Chudinov A. V. , Zasedatelev A. S. , Nasedkina T. V.
Published: April 2024

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenases 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2) genes are important diagnostic and prognostic markers in a number of tumors (chondroid tumors, brain tumors, leukemia). To determine mutations in the IDH1/2 genes the method of allele-specific hybridization on a biological microarray was developed, which makes it possible to determine the presence of a mutation in a tumor sample (chondroid tumors and glioblastoma) and the variant of nucleotide substitution. When comparing IDH1/2 mutation detection methods using a biological microarray and DNA melting analysis with a TaqMan probe, full coincidence of results was obtained, with the biochip method making it possible to determine the type of nucleotide substitution without an additional sequencing step.
C60 Fullerene Amino Acid Derivatives: Synthesis and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yamskova O. V. , Kurilov D. V. , Volkov V. A. , Voronkov M. V. , Zavarzin I. V.
Published: April 2024

Water-soluble forms of fullerene C60 possess unique physicochemical and biological properties, making them promising candidates for the development of various drugs in the fields of medicine and veterinary science. Of particular interest are studies on the synthesis and characterization of C60 fullerene derivatives with biogenic additives such as amino acids and peptides. This review focuses on different approaches to the synthesis of amino acid derivatives of fullerene C60 and their promising biomedical applications.
Research of the Protein Profile and Allergenic Properties of the Tropomyosin and Other Allergenic Components in the Composition of Water-Salt Extract of Giant Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
Authors: Berzhets V. M. , Alatortseva G. I. , Nesterenko L. N. , Khlgatian S. V. , Petrova S. Yu. , Petrova N. S. , Vasilyeva A. V. , Pishulina L. A. , Emelyanova O. Yu.
Published: April 2024

Despite the success in identifying new crustacean allergens other than tropomyosin, many potential allergens remain unidentified. At present there are no diagnostic and treatment crustaceans allergens on the Russian market, including tropomyosin of invertebrates. The aim of the research was to explore allergenic properties of tropomyosin and other proteins in water-salt extract from tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). Raw and boiled meat of giant tiger shrimp was used to prepare allergenic extracts. To identify the specific activity of experimental allergens, sera from patients allergic to crustaceans with an established degree of activity (class 3) were used. The levels of specific IgE were from 3.5 to 17.5 IU/mL. ELISA was performed with the allergen samples. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of raw and boiled shrimp allergen preparations was followed by Western blotting with the most allergen-specific serum. It has been shown that the extracts from raw and boiled shrimp have allergenic activity (bind IgE). The heat treatment of shrimp had no effect on allergenic activity except for one sample, where a strong reaction with the antigens was found. It is proved that the selected extraction conditions make it possible to reveal the multifractional nature of the protein profile of raw and boiled shrimp extracts. In Western blotting experiments the raw shrimp extract showed a weak reaction; tropomyosin was not detected. At the same time five protein fractions were identified in the boiled shrimp samples which reacted with IgE antibodies of a patient with crustaceans’ allergy. The data obtained will allow us expanding the knowledge about crustacean allergy and continueing our research to determine the optimal conditions for cleaning shrimp allergens.
Chemical Composition of Human and Mammals Milk
Authors: Karimova Sh. F. , Ismailova G. O.
Published: April 2024

The review describes the chemical composition and properties of milk, its importance for the development of the child and the formation of its individual organs and systems. The composition of colostrum and mature milk is considered in detail; presents detailed data on the individual components of milk: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, enzymes; a comparison was made of the composition of human milk and individual mammals; the characteristics of such biologically active compounds as hormones and protective factors of milk are given. While human milk contains a large number of different components (400), the ratio of which varies depending on the needs of each individual breastfed child, the composition of milk formulas of the most advanced developments includes only 40–50 of these components.
Therapeutic Nucleic Acids against Herpes Simplex Viruses
Authors: Levina A. S. , Repkova M. N. , Zarytova V. F.
Published: April 2024

The Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes a wide range of diseases, ranging from relatively mild primary skin lesions to severe and often fatal episodes of encephalitis. Currently, the most effective drugs for HSV-infected people are nucleoside analogs (e.g., acyclovir) targeting enzymes encoded by viral DNA. The effectiveness of nucleoside analogs is reduced because of poor solubility in water, rapid intracellular catabolism, high cellular toxicity, and the appearance of resistant viral strains. Antisense technology that exploits nucleic acid fragments (NA-based agents) is a promising alternative to antiviral therapy due to the high affinity of these agents to target nucleic acids, their high solubility in water, and lower cellular toxicity. In the last decade, antisense oligonucleotides have been investigated as potential drugs for various diseases associated with “harmful” nucleic acids. Oligonucleotides with different chemical modifications targeted at specific regions of the HSV genome have shown effectiveness in suppressing the virus. siRNA-based agents have demonstrated prolonged and effective (up to 99%) inhibition of HSV replication. Based on the publications reviewed in the review over the past 30 years, it can be concluded about the prospects of using NA-based agents to combat herpes viral infections.
Evaluation of the Spatial Heterogeneity of the Pacific Oyster Magallana gigas (Thunberg, 1793) Cultivation Conditions Using the FARM Marifarm Management Model in Voevoda Bay
Authors: Katrasov S. V. , Bugayets A. N. , Zharikov V. V.
Published: April 2024

In the present study, using the Farm Aquaculture Resource Management (FARM), farm aquaculture resource management model, we calculated the potential productivity of plantations of the oyster Magallana gigas (Thunberg, 1793) (Bivalvia: Ostreidae) in Voevoda Bay (Sea of Japan, Peter the Great Bay, Russkiy Island). When calculating the productivity of cage and bottom plantations of M. gigas, we used the previously obtained results of numerical modeling of bay’s dynamics of hydrological parameters using the open software Delft3D-Flow, taking into account the inflow of fresh water into the bay in 1990–2019. To demonstrate the heterogeneity of growing conditions for M. gigas, three sites 100 × 100 m in size were selected, located in Kruglaya and Melkovodnaya Bays, as well as in the central part of Voevoda Bay. For each plot, modeling of 28 growing periods, lasting 22 months each was performed. The maximum values of oyster yield for the se-cond year of cultivation, expressed in tons of total wet weight, were selected, and distribution histograms for each area were presented. It was shown that, according to hydrological and biological indicators, the growing conditions even in small Voevoda bay are heterogeneous. It has been established that the variability in the productivity of M. gigas is associated mainly with the extreme uneven redistribution of primary production in Voevoda bay under the influence of hydrodynamic factors.
Morphological Variability of the Smelts (Osmeriformes: Osmeridae) of the Russian Far East
Authors: Romanov N. S.
Published: April 2024

This paper presents the first study comparing the smallmouth smelts – the Japanese smelt Hypomesus nipponensis McAllister, 1963, the pond smelt H. olidus (Pallas, 1814), the marine smelt H. japonicus (Brevoort, 1856) – and the Asiatic smelt Osmerus dentex Steindachner et Kner, 1870 with the use of the variance of fluctuating asymmetry, the coefficient of variation, and the mean values of characters of these species. The comparison showed that the Asiatic smelt was characterized by the largest sum of dispersions of all characters, while the marine smelt had the smallest sum, which was obviously associated with more stable conditions of embryonic and early postembryonic development of the marine smelt. Japanese and pond smelts were similar in coefficients of variation for all traits. The Asiatic smelt displayed the maximum sum of coefficients of variation of all characters; while the marine smelt had the minimal sum of coefficients of variation of the characters, which may indicate relative morphological stability of this species in the range of its occurrence. A greater variability of smelts spawning in fresh water is in good agreement with the conclusion of G.V. Nikolsky et al. that the variability of traits in freshwater fish species is higher than in marine fish species. According to the average values for the characters, the four species of smelts differed only in the number of rays in the pectoral fins, while the minimum value was typical of the pond smelt, and the maximum value – for the marine smelt. The Japanese (24) and pond (26) smelts showed the minimum differences from other species, and the marine and Asiatic smelts – maximum differences (28).
Phytoplankton Primary Productionin the Coastal Water surrounding Shantar Archipelago
Authors: Tishchenko P. P. , Tishchenko P. Ya. , Semkin P. Yu. , Shvetsova M. G.
Published: April 2024

Our studies were carried out in July 2016, in the Uda Bay and the Academy Bay (including the Ulban Bay and Nikolay Bay). The primary production (PP) of phytoplankton in the photic zone was calculated from the thickness of the euphotic zone, as well as by the concentration of chlorophyll а, and the assimilation numbers of phytoplankton. We used for calculations a modified nonrectangular hyperbola model, for photosynthetic light-response curves of phytoplankton. The formation of PP is a function of the supply of nutrients to the photic zone from the underlying waters by intense tidal currents under conditions of weak stratification. The high concentrations of humus substances in Uda Bay limited the growth of phytoplankton. The values of integra-ted PP varied between Uda Bay to Academy Bay from 250–1000 to 1069–4268 mgC m–2 day–1.
Stochastic Growth Model of Pollack Gadus chalcogrammus (Pallas, 1814)
Authors: Sukhanov V. V.
Published: April 2024

A mathematical model is proposed that describes the age-related dynamics of the vector of means and the covariance matrix of characters of individuals in the Sakhalin pollock population Gadus chalcogrammus (Pallas, 1814). The model is based on the Bertalanffy and Gompertz equations. The covariance matrix is composed of two parts: noise (caused by rapid random fluctuations in environmental conditions) and structural (due to intrapopulation variability of the parameters included in the growth equations). The model well reproduces the age dynamics of the distribution of fish according to the quantitative characters of individuals. The age-related increase, the passing through a maximum at a young age, the subsequent decrease in dispersions and their stabilization at low levels in the length and mass of the body of adult fish have been described. The age-related decrease in the correlation between length and body mass has been explained.
Diatoms in Surface Sediments of the Academy Bay of the Sea of Okhotsk
Authors: Tsoy I. B. , Prushkovskaya I. A.
Published: April 2024

The study of diatoms in the surface sediments of the Academy Bay (Sea of Okhotsk) revealed a rich diatom flora (187 species and intraspecific taxa), represented mostly by marine and brackish water species. The predominance of benthic-planktonic and benthic species indicates a significant role of microphytobenthos in the Academy Bay. The diatom assemblages distinguished with the use of cluster analysis are homogeneous in their taxonomic composition, but differ in ecological structure, which is mainly determined by water salinity. The concentration of diatoms in the sediments in the open part of the Academy Bay and in the apex of the Ulban Bay depends on a high productivity of waters and the lithological composition of sediments. A relatively low content of diatoms in the sediments is associated with the severe climatic conditions of the region that is close to the Arctic.
The Structure of the Zooplankton Community in Spitsbergen Waters during the Winter Period
Authors: Berchenko I. V. , Oleinik A. A.
Published: April 2024

The plankton community was collected during the winter season from the Isfjord aquatic area, on the western coast of Spitsbergen Island, during the interval November 30 to December 6, 2015. Sampling was carried out with a plankton net and bathometric catches on board of the research vessel Dalnie Zelentsy. The assemblages of micro- and mesoplankton from several aquatic areas of the central part of Isfjord have been studied qua-litatively and quantitatively. These areas contain waters with different hydrological structures. We noted that the number of nauplii of small copepods in samples varied significantly depending on sampling method. The main emphasis of this research is placed on the methodology of plankton study in the Arctic waters during winter seasons.
Morphological Analysis of the Hemolymph Cell Composition in the Bivalve Mollusk Anadara broughtonii Schrenck, 1867 (Sea of Japan)
Authors: Kladchenko E. S. , Kukhareva T. A. , Rychkova V. N. , Chelebieva E. S. , Andreyeva A. Yu.
Published: April 2024

The hemolymph cells of the ark clam Anadara broughtonii were examined using light microscopy, flow cytometry and gradient centrifugation. All three methods of analysis made it possible to identify two main types of cells in the hemolymph of the ark clam Anadara broughtonii – large granular erythrocytes and small agra-nular amebocytes. Erythrocytes accounted for 95.6 ± 0.9% of the total number of hemolymph cells. Erythrocytes were hemoglobin-containing cells with a great number of granules in the cytoplasm, a low nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (NCR) and a lower intensity of cellular respiration compared to amebocytes. Amebocytes are cells of predominantly irregular shape with a high number of cells that do not contain or contain no more than 10 granular inclusions in the cytoplasm. All types of hemocytes found in the ark clam hemolymph demonstrated the same ability to spontaneously produce reactive oxygen species. For the first time, it has been shown that red blood cells of the ark clam Anadara broughtonii are capable of phagocytosis. At the same time, amebocytes absorbed on the average two times more zymosan particles (10.3 ± 0.7 pcs.), compared to erythrocytes (5.3 ± 0.1 pcs.).
Content of Trace Elements in Tissues of Gastropod Mollusks of the Family Buccinidae (Gastropoda) off the Coasts of South-Eastern Sakhalin (the Sea of Okhotsk)
Authors: Poltev Yu. N. , Koreneva T. G. , Maryzhikhin V. Ye.
Published: April 2024

The content of Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, Fe, and As in the muscle, mantle, and digestive glands of the gastropod mollusks Neptunea excelsior, N. behringiana, N. multistriata, and N. varicifera, as well as Buccinum verkruezeni, living near the coasts of the South-Eastern Sakhalin has been estimated. Representatives of the ge-nera Neptunea and Buccinum showed some differences in the ranges of variation and series of value sequences of trace element concentrations in the muscle. Exceeding the hygienic standard for the content of As in the hepatopancreas was found in all the studied mollusks, and in the muscle – in all, except for N. behringiana. The maximum permissible level of Cd concentration was exceeded in the hepatopancreas of N. multistriata.
Frequency of Occurrence of the North Pacific Minke Whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata scammoni Deméré, 1986 off the North-Eastern Coast of Sakhalin Island in 2008–2021
Authors: Lebedev E. B. , Kavun V. Ya.
Published: April 2024

The seasonal and interannual variability in the frequency of occurrence of the North Pacific common minke whale (Minke whale) Balaenoptera acutorostrata scammoni Deméré, 1986 off the north-eastern coast of Sakhalin Island (the Sea of Okhotsk) in 2008–2021 was studied. It has been shown that the occurrence of whales of this species in the study area has significant seasonal and interannual variability. The average frequency of occurrence in even years of observations was 1.6 times higher than in odd years and amounted to 7.1 and 4.4%, respectively. It has been suggested that the frequency of occurrence of minke whale in the study area is determined by the intensity of coastal wind upwelling off the eastern coast of Sakhalin Island.
Influence of Zinc and Iron on Population Growth and Physiological State of Microalgae Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae)
Authors: Markina Zh. V. , Ognistaya A. V.
Published: April 2024

It was studied the influence of zinc and iron at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/L on cell number, chlorophyll a fluorescence, content of photosynthetic pigments and reactive oxygen species, as well as neutral lipids in the raphidophyte algae Heterosigma akashiwo. Zinc has been found to act on physiological and biochemical processes without affecting the population dynamics of microalgae. It was revealed the negative effect of iron on the fluorescence of chlorophyll a, number of photosynthetic pigments, reactive oxygen species and neutral lipids. The most toxic metal for H. akashiwo turned out to be iron. It was shown that the concentrations of the studied metals do not contribute to the development of H. akashiwo “blooms”.
A Case of Detection of Trematode Metacercaria Pygidiopsis Looss, 1907 in the mollusc Hydrobia acuta (Draparnaud, 1805) in the Black Sea
Authors: Belousova Yu. V.
Published: April 2024

Five specimens of encysted trematode metacercariae of Pygidiopsis Looss, 1907, located outside the tissues of the host, in a free state, were found in the extrapaleal cavity of the gastropod mollusc Hydrobia acuta (Draparnaud, 1805) from Cossack Bay (Black Sea). A figure, an image, and measurements of excisted larvae were given.
Mycotoxins in Macroalgae from the Kandalaksha Gulf of the White Sea after Natural and Experimental Alienation from the Substrate
Authors: Burkin A. A. , Kononenko G. P.
Published: April 2024

Samples of macrophyte algae were collected from an ecotope of Kandalaksha Gulf, the White Sea. These algae were selected from substrates, storm wracks and after long-term storage in the soil, and they were assessed by indirect competitive enzyme immunoassay for the presence of low-molecular metabolites of micromycetes (mycotoxins). In Fucus distichus, F. serratus, F. vesiculosus, and Ascophyllum nodosum, the concentrations of all analyzed toxic substances from storm wracks were uniformly reduced compared to those in living thalli. For Laminaria digitata, Saccharina latissima and Ahnfeltia plicata, in living individuals of which mycotoxins were not found or were extremely rare, cases of contamination with citrinin, mycophenolic acid, emodin and sterigmatocystin were found in storm wracks. After 12 months of burial in soil F. distichus samples had only 9 components out of 16 analyzed. In F. serratus, F. vesiculosus, A. nodosum, and Pelvetia canaliculata, only emodin, mycophenolic acid, alternariol, and ergot alkaloids were determined.
The Disease of the Scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis (Jay, 1857) in the Mariculture Farms of Prymorye Caused by Protozoa of the Genus Perkinsus Levine, 1978
Authors: Boutorina T. E. , Degteva E. D.
Published: April 2024

The results of a study of the cultivated yesso scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis (Jay, 1857) in Primorsky Krai in 2014–2021 are presented. The death of molluscs in mariculture farms was noted, the symptoms of the “dermo” disease were studied: high mortality of scallops that have reached two years of age, observed during autumn displacement into new cages in September, the presence of protozoa of the genus Perkinsus Levine, 1978 in the tissues of organs, foci of damage of the adductor muscle, non-closure of the shell valves, black discoloration, necrotizing of soft tissues. The minimum level of the parasitic load was established: 10–15 pa-rasitic hypnospores per mollusc. However, considering the danger of a disease that causes mass death of molluscs for several years, the rapid spread of the pathogen, significant economic losses, it is recommended to create a specialized laboratory in the region for diagnosing and constantly monitoring the state of mariculture farms.
Recent Variations in the Size and Age Structure of the Population of Horse Mackerel Trachurus mediterraneus (Steindachner, 1868) on the South-Western Shelf of Crimea
Authors: Melnikova E. B. , Kuzminova N. S. , Melnikov A. V.
Published: April 2024

The influence of the average annual sea surface temperature (SST) on the development of horse mackerel Trachurus mediterraneus on the south-western Crimean shelf has been shown. The changes in the main indicators of the population and their relationship with the change in the average annual SST (0.055°C/year) in 2000–2020 have been identified. Against the background of the observed increase in SST in recent years, the state of the horse mackerel population has improved: there has been an increase in the average age and, accordingly, the proportion of larger, well-fed individuals, and, in general, the average size and weight of fish. It has been shown that according to the nature of the change in the average annual SST, three periods can be distinguished: 2000−2007, 2008−2013 and 2014−2020.
Microsatellites and the Major Histocompatibility Complex of the Atlantic Walrus Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Haulouts of the Barents Sea
Authors: Meschersky I. G. , Meschersky S. I. , Kryukova N. V. , Artemyeva S. M. , Isachenko A. I. , Lazareva R. E. , Shevelev A. I. , Rozhnov V. V.
Published: April 2024

The allelic diversity of the DQB gene of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in Atlantic walrus from the European part of the Arctic was analyzed for the first time. We studied animals from the haulouts located on the Franz Josef Land archipelago and near the northern tip of Novaya Zemlya. We demonstrated that there are significant differences for this locus between the two studied haulouts. Simultaneous analysis of microsatellite loci reveals a lower level of differentiation, and also suggest that animals from more than one spatial-geographical stock (population) gather at the summer haulout on Novaya Zemlya. It has been suggested that individuals with different MHC genotypes may prefer different feeding areas, regardless of the areas of residence during the breeding season.