Luminescence Activity Decreases When v-coelenterazine Replaces Coelenterazine in Calcium-Regulated Photoprotein-A Theoretical and Experimental Study.

Calcium-regulated photoproteins are found in at least five phyla of organisms. The light emitted by those photoproteins can be tuned by mutating the photoprotein and/or by modifying the substrate coelenterazine (CTZ). Thirty years ago, Shimomura observed that the luminescence activity of aequorin was dramatically reduced when the substrate CTZ was replaced by its analog v-CTZ.

Effect of the Deposition Conditions on the Anion Resin Exchange Precipitation of Indium(III) Hydroxide.

A new patented method for the synthesis of nanosized powders of indium(III) hydroxide and oxide using the strong base anion exchange resin AV-17-8 as a precipitate agent was proposed. The effect of anions of the initial indium salt and the influence of the process duration, temperature, and counterions of resin such as hydroxide or carbonate on the yield of indium(III) hydroxide during the anion resin exchange precipitation were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, electrical conductivity measurement method, and atomic absorption analysis. Based on the obtained data, the mechanism of the anion resin exchange precipitation of indium(III) hydroxide was suggested.

The interaction of C-terminal Tyr208 and Tyr13 of the first α-helix ensures a closed conformation of ctenophore photoprotein berovin.

Light-sensitive Ca-regulated photoprotein berovin is responsible for the bioluminescence of the ctenophore Beroe abyssicola. It shares many properties of hydromedusan photoproteins although the degree of identity of its amino acid sequence with those of photoproteins is low. There is a hydrogen bond between C-terminal Pro and Arg situated in the N-terminal α-helix of hydromedusan photoproteins that supports a closed conformation of the internal cavity of the photoprotein molecule with bound 2-hydroperoxycoelenterazine.

A long-term study of radionuclide concentrations in mushrooms in the 30-km zone around the Mining-and-Chemical Combine (Russia).

Cs concentrations were measured in mushrooms in an area affected by radioactive discharges of the Mining-and-Chemical Combine (MCC) (Rosatom, Russia) in 2002-2017. The sources of radionuclides in the study sites were global fallouts and waterborne and airborne radioactive discharges of the MCC. The mushroom species and showed the highest Cs concentrations (140-7100 Bq kg) for this area.

Aptamer-Conjugated Superparamagnetic Ferroarabinogalactan Nanoparticles for Targeted Magnetodynamic Therapy of Cancer.

Nanotechnologies involving physical methods of tumor destruction using functional oligonucleotides are promising for targeted cancer therapy. Our study presents magnetodynamic therapy for selective elimination of tumor cells in vivo using DNA aptamer-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles exposed to a low frequency alternating magnetic field. We developed an enhanced targeting approach of cancer cells with aptamers and arabinogalactan.

The impact of permafrost on carbon dioxide and methane fluxes in Siberia: A meta-analysis.

There are serious concerns associated with greenhouse gases (GHG) fluxes in high latitude ecosystems and how the permafrost thawing may potentially affect the global climate, through the alteration of carbon (C) dioxide (CO) and methane (CH) emissions. We performed a meta-analysis of 3002 observations from 104 published studies on CO and CH fluxes in Siberia (Russian Federation). Siberia is a vast region characterized by a large C-rich permafrost region, which is already degrading due to escalating climate change, and also large wetland areas, also regarded as a source of CH.

Constructing sustained-release herbicide formulations based on poly-3-hydroxybutyrate and natural materials as a degradable matrix.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to develop ecofriendly herbicide formulations. Its main aim was to develop and investigate slow-release formulations of herbicides (metribuzin, tribenuron-methyl, and fenoxaprop-P-ethyl) of different structure, solubility, and specificity, which were loaded into a degradable matrix of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P(3HB)) blended with available natural materials (peat, clay, and wood flour).

Results: Differences in the structure and physicochemical properties of the formulations were studied depending on the type of the matrix.

Thermal, mechanical and biodegradation studies of biofiller based poly-3-hydroxybutyrate biocomposites.

Biodegradable poly-3-hydroxybutyrate [P(3HB)] and natural fillers - clay, peat, and birch wood flour - were used to prepare powdered composites to form pellets and granules. Pellets were produced by cold pressing of polymer and filler powder whereas granules were produced from the powders wetted with ethanol. Characterization techniques like IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray analysis, mechanical analysis and electron microscopy were employed to study the properties of the initial P(3HB) and fillers and the composites.

Exploring species diversity and host plant associations of leaf-mining micromoths (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in the Russian Far East using DNA barcoding.

The Russian Far East (RFE) is an important hotspot of biodiversity whose insect fauna remains understudied, particularly its Microlepidoptera. Here we explore the diversity of leaf-mining micromoths of the family Gracillariidae, their distribution and host plant associations in RFE using a combination of field observations and sampling, DNA barcoding, morphological analysis and literature review.                We collected 91 gracillariid specimens (45 larvae, 9 pupae and 37 adults) in 12 localities across RFE and identified 34 species using a combination of DNA barcoding and morphology.

Strong complexation of water-soluble betulin derivatives with (2-hydroxypropyl)-γ-cyclodextrin studied by affinity capillary electrophoresis.

The complexation between (2-hydroxypropyl)-γ-cyclodextrin (HP-γ-CD) and water-soluble betulin derivatives, betulin 3,28-disulfate (DSB) and betulin 3-acetate-28-sulfate (ASB), belonging to the class of pentacyclic lupane triterpenoids, was studied using mobility shift ACE (ms ACE). It was found that the complexation is a high-affinity interaction. In this case, a very low amount of HP-γ-CD should be added to the BGE, and triangular peaks are observed as a result of ligand deficiency in the sample zone.

Reactive Oxygen Species and low-dose effects of tritium on bacterial cells.

The paper continues study of exposures of luminous marine bacteria to low-dose radiation of tritium; tritiated water (HTO) was applied as a source of the irradiation. Hypothesis on involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to signaling mechanism of bacterial cells under exposure to low-intensity tritium radiation was verified. Bacterial bioluminescence intensity was considered as a tested physiological parameter; it was compared to the ROS production in the bacterial environment of different activity concentrations: 0.

The effect of the chemical composition and structure of polymer films made from resorbable polyhydroxyalkanoates on blood cell response.

Four PHA types were synthesized in the culture of Cupriavidus eutrophus B-10646 under special conditions, poly(3‑hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] and of copolymers, which contained 3HB monomers and 4‑hydroxybutyrate (4HB), 3‑hydroxyvalerate (3HV), or 3‑hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx). All copolymers had the M of about 550-670 kDa, and the homopolymer P(3HB) had a significantly higher M - 920 kDa. P(3HB‑co‑4HB) and P(3HB‑co‑3HHx) had the lowest C (42 and 49%) while P(3HB‑co‑3HV) and P(3HB) exhibited higher C values (76%).

Constructing Slow-Release Fungicide Formulations Based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and Natural Materials as a Degradable Matrix.

Slow-release fungicide formulations (azoxystrobin, epoxiconazole, and tebuconazole) shaped as pellets and granules in a matrix of biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and natural fillers (clay, wood flour, and peat) were constructed. Infrared spectroscopy showed no formation of chemical bonds between components in the experimental formulations. The formulations of pesticides had antifungal activity against .

Recombinant Ca-regulated photoproteins of ctenophores: current knowledge and application prospects.

Bright bioluminescence of ctenophores is conditioned by Ca-regulated photoproteins. Although they share many properties characteristic of hydromedusan Ca-regulated photoproteins responsible for light emission of marine animals belonging to phylum Cnidaria, a substantial distinction still exists. The ctenophore photoproteins appeared to be extremely sensitive to light-they lose the ability for bioluminescence on exposure to light over the entire absorption spectrum.

Palladium(II) Ion Mediated Disulfide/Thiolate Interconversion: Predicting the Disulfide Group State from First Principles.

Different reactivity of homologous disulfides toward Pd was previously reported: stepwise complexation to Pd for l-cystine and cystamine ligands, while for dl-homocystine and 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid, disulfide's disproportionation toward thiolate and sulfinic acid complexes is observed. The disulfide/thiolate interconversion of four different disulfide ligands in the presence of nonredox metal cation Pd in aqueous solution has been computationally investigated. We see this different reactivity in different capacities of considered homologous disulfides to stabilize forming S,S'-binuclear complexes, which are believed to be key intermediates toward interconversion products.

Synthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Hydrogen-Oxidizing Bacteria in a Pilot Production Process.

The synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) was scaled up to pilot production in a 150-L fermenter on sugars (fructose and glucose) and purified and crude glycerol in a culture of the wild-type strain B-10646. Over 60 h of cultivation, a cell concentration of 150-160 g/L was obtained on purified glycerol and glucose; cultivation on fructose and crude glycerol resulted in a cell concentration of 130 ± 10 g/L. Polymer content and yield coefficients for the biomass were similar on all substrates (80-85 wt % and 0.

Two forms of substrate for the bioluminescent reaction in three species of basidiomycetes.

The luminescent response of the enzymatic system of on the cold and hot extracts from cell-free culture liquids of sp. and was examined. The greatest influence on the light emission produced by the luminescent system of was provided by the temperature at which the probes were prepared for assay.

Crystal structure variations in the series SrLnCuS (Ln = La, Pr, Sm, Gd, Er and Lu).

The crystal structures of the complex sulfides SrLnCuS (Ln = Sm, Gd, Er and Lu) have been determined and refined using powder X-ray diffraction. The crystals are found to be orthorhombic, with the structure type changing consecutively in the order BaLaCuS → EuCuS → KZrCuS as the Ln ionic radius decreases in the order La/Pr → Sm/Gd → Er/Lu. Variations of the structure parameters along the series of compounds studied are analyzed, and an effect caused by crystallochemical contraction on the stabilization of the respective structure types is demonstrated.

Functional divergence between evolutionary-related LuxG and Fre oxidoreductases of luminous bacteria.

In luminous bacteria NAD(P)H:flavin-oxidoreductases LuxG and Fre, there are homologous enzymes that could provide a luciferase with reduced flavin. Although Fre functions as a housekeeping enzyme, LuxG appears to be a source of reduced flavin for bioluminescence as it is transcribed together with luciferase. This study is aimed at providing the basic conception of Fre and LuxG evolution and revealing the peculiarities of the active site structure resulted from a functional variation within the oxidoreductase family.

Bioluminescent aptamer-based sandwich-type assay of anti-myelin basic protein autoantibodies associated with multiple sclerosis.

Bioluminescent solid-phase sandwich-type microassay was developed to detect multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated autoantibodies in human sera. The assay is based on two different 2'-F-Py RNA aptamers against the target autoantibodies as biospecific elements, and Ca-regulated photoprotein obelin as a reporter. The paper describes elaboration of the assay and its application to 91 serum samples from patients with clinically definite MS and 86 ones from individuals healthy in terms of MS.

Thermodynamic parameters for the complexation of water-insoluble betulin derivatives with (2-hydroxypropyl)-γ-cyclodextrin determined by phase-solubility technique combined with capillary zone electrophoresis.

The complexation of betulinic and betulonic acids (BIA and BOA) (pentacyclic lupane triterpenoids) with (2-hydroxypropyl)-γ-cyclodextrin (HP-γ-CD) was studied at different temperatures using the method combining phase-solubility technique and CZE. In contrast to mobility shift ACE utilizing the electrophoretic mobility, in this approach, the peak areas are used. The apparent binding (stability, formation) constants are obtained by the Higuchi and Connors method from the linear segment of compound solubility diagrams in CD solutions.

Bioluminescent aptamer-based solid-phase microassay to detect lung tumor cells in plasma.

Two high-affinity DNA aptamers for lung tumor cells were applied as biospecific elements in bioluminescent assay of patient blood. The oligonucleotide complementary to the 5' end of both aptamers carrying either biotin or Ca-regulated photoprotein obelin was used to form a sandwich-type analytical complex on the surfaces of magnetic streptavidin-activated microspherical particles. Clinical blood samples from cases of morphologically confirmed lung cancer and control samples were analyzed applying the developed assay.

Role of Hsp90 and ATP in modulating apyrase activity and firefly luciferase kinetics.

The present manuscript describes a novel bioassay consisting of apyrase and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) without additional co-chaperone supplementation; intended for high-throughput screening of anti-cancer drugs and prognosis of stress. In this regard, Hsp90 and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) mediated firefly luciferase (FLuc) kinetics was investigated using apyrase and FLuc as client proteins. Bioluminescent assay containing Hsp90, ATP, and apyrase led to complete loss of luminescence at 50 °C which indicates the protective role of Hsp90 against thermal denaturation.

Incorporation of mineralized human waste and fish waste as a source of higher plant mineral nutrition in the BTLSS mass exchange.

The present study deals with the development of the principles and conditions of fish waste mineralization using the method of wet combustion with hydrogen peroxide in alternating electromagnetic field and describes testing mineralized human waste and fish waste as sources of nutrients for plants in the biotechnical human life support system (BTLSS). The study shows that mineralization of fish waste in the wet combustion reactor should be performed in the presence of readily oxidized organic matter, represented by human waste, as an activator of oxidation. Re-mineralization of the sediment in the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid in the wet combustion reactor converts mineral elements bound in the sediment into the form available to plants.

Development and characterization of novel 2'-F-RNA aptamers specific to human total and glycated hemoglobins.

Aptamers are short DNA and RNA fragments which bind their molecular targets with affinity and specificity comparable to those of antibodies. Here, we describe the selection of novel 2'-F-RNA aptamers against total human hemoglobin or its glycated form HbA1c. After SELEX and high-throughput sequencing of the enriched libraries, affinities and specificities of candidate aptamers and their truncated variants were examined by the solid-phase bioluminescent assay.