Electric dipole moment of excited octupolar molecules: Potential qubit implementation.

The first excited state of conjugated donor-acceptor molecules of C3 symmetry (octupolar molecules) is doubly degenerate. Such a doublet is known to be isomorphic to a spin 1/2. It is shown that a large electric dipole moment is associated with this spin.

Exciton-polariton ring Josephson junction.

Macroscopic coherence in quantum fluids allows the observation of interference effects in their wavefunctions, and enables applications such as superconducting quantum interference devices based on Josephson tunneling. The Josephson effect manifests in both fermionic and bosonic systems, and has been well studied in superfluid helium and atomic Bose-Einstein condensates. In exciton-polariton condensates-that offer a path to integrated semiconductor platforms-creating weak links in ring geometries has so far remained challenging.

A case of extraskeletal chondroma in the left inguinal region.

Extraskeletal chondromas are rare benign neoplasms comprising mature hyaline cartilage. A distinctive feature of these tumors is that they develop in soft tissues away from bone and cartilage. Extraskeletal chondromas account for 1.

Sentinel lymph nodes biopsy for malignant tumors using Technefit radioactive colloid Technetium Tc.

Technetium-99m (99mTc) is a short-lived nanocolloid nuclide widely used by oncologists to diagnose and identify cancer dissemination.

Risk factors for all-cause mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period in an adult population of Arkhangelsk, Russia.

We investigated and compared mortality rates and risk factors for pre-pandemic and pandemic all-cause mortality in a population-based cohort of men and women in Arkhangelsk, Russia. A prospective cohort study enrolled 2,324 participants aged 35 to 69 years between 2015 and 2017. All participants were followed up for all-cause deaths using the mortality registry.

Speciation and historical invasions of the Asian black-spined toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus).

Animal translocations provide striking examples of the human footprint on biodiversity. Combining continental-wide genomic and DNA-barcoding analyses, we reconstructed the historical biogeography of the Asian black-spined toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), a toxic commensal amphibian that currently threatens two biodiversity hotspots through biological invasions (Wallacea and Madagascar). The results emphasize a complex diversification shaped by speciation and mitochondrial introgression that comprises two distinct species.

Endothelial-secreted Endocan activates PDGFRA and regulates vascularity and spatial phenotype in glioblastoma.

Extensive neovascularization is a hallmark of glioblastoma (GBM). In addition to supplying oxygen and nutrients, vascular endothelial cells provide trophic support to GBM cells via paracrine signaling. Here we report that Endocan (ESM1), an endothelial-secreted proteoglycan, confers enhanced proliferative, migratory, and angiogenic properties to GBM cells and regulates their spatial identity.

Intergenerational trends in body size among Moscow's young adults: socio-demographic influences of the 20th century.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of socio-demographic and epidemiological factors on the secular changes in body size indicators (height, weight, and BMI) among young adults aged 17-22 years in Moscow from the early 20th century to the present. Published average anthropometric data from screening surveys conducted from 1880/1925-26 to 2020-21 were analysed (4,823 males and 5,952 females), along with demographic data from the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation. Findings revealed consistent anthropometric trends and strong associations between secular changes in body size of Moscow youth and socio-demographic indicators such as population size, life expectancy, and infant mortality rates.

Interaction between microRNA and KRAS in Glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) characterized byits rapid progression and challenging prognosis, often featuring mutations in the Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) gene, which is crucial for numerous cellular signaling mechanisms. Emerging research underscores a significant interaction between KRAS and microRNAs (miRNAs) in these cancers, with miRNAs playing key roles as both regulators and mediators within the KRAS signaling framework. The concept of oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is explored as a protective mechanism against tumor development, examining how K-RAS signaling is meticulously adjusted to bypass senescence, thereby enhancing cell growth and survival.

Nanoclusters of Guest Molecules in Lipid Rafts of a Model Membrane Revealed by Pulsed Dipolar EPR Spectroscopy.

Plasma membranes are known to segregate into liquid disordered and ordered nanoscale phases, the latter being called lipid rafts. The structure, lipid composition, and function of lipid rafts have been the subject of numerous studies using a variety of experimental and computational methods. Double electron-electron resonance (DEER, also known as PELDOR) is a member of the pulsed dipole EPR spectroscopy (PDS) family of techniques, allowing the study of nanoscale distances between spin-labeled molecules.

Membrane-Active Singlet Oxygen Photogenerators as a Paradigm for Broad-Spectrum Antivirals: The Case of Halogenated (BOron)-DIPYrromethenes.

Enveloped viruses, such as flaviviruses and coronaviruses, are pathogens of significant medical concern that cause severe infections in humans. Some photosensitizers are known to possess virucidal activity against enveloped viruses, targeting their lipid bilayer. Here we report a series of halogenated difluoroboron-dipyrromethene (BODIPYs) photosensitizers with strong virus-inactivating activity.

Human Melanoma and Glioblastoma Cells Express Cathepsins Supporting Reovirus Moscow Strain Infection.

This study evaluates the oncolytic potential of the Moscow strain of reovirus against human metastatic melanoma and glioblastoma cells. The Moscow strain effectively infects and replicates within human melanoma cell lines and primary glioblastoma cells, while sparing non-malignant human cells. Infection leads to the selective destruction of neoplastic cells, mediated by functional viral replication.

PD1-Targeted Transgene Delivery to Treg Cells.

Achieving the precise targeting of lentiviral vectors (LVs) to specific cell populations is crucial for effective gene therapy, particularly in cancer treatment where the modulation of the tumor microenvironment can enhance anti-tumor immunity. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is overexpressed on activated tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes, including regulatory T cells that suppress immune responses via FOXP3 expression. We developed PD1-targeted LVs by incorporating the anti-PD1 nanobody nb102c3 into receptor-blinded measles virus H and VSV-G glycoproteins.

Discovery of Potent Dengue Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease Inhibitors Among Glycyrrhizic Acid Conjugates with Amino Acids and Dipeptides Esters.

This study investigated a library of known and novel glycyrrhizic acid (GL) conjugates with amino acids and dipeptide esters, as inhibitors of the DENV NS2B-NS3 protease. We utilized docking algorithms to evaluate the interactions of these GL derivatives with key residues (His51, Asp75, Ser135, and Gly153) within 10 Å of the DENV-2 NS2B-NS3 protease binding pocket (PDB ID: 2FOM). It was found that compounds and exhibited unique binding patterns, forming hydrogen bonds with Asp75, Tyr150, and Gly153.

Genetic Diversity and Epidemiology of Enteroviruses and Rhinoviruses in Children Hospitalized with Acute Respiratory Infections in Novosibirsk, Russia (2023-2024).

Rhinoviruses and respiratory enteroviruses remain among the leading causes of acute respiratory infections, particularly in children. Little is known about the genetic diversity of enteroviruses and rhinoviruses in pediatric patients with acute respiratory infections in Russia. We assessed the prevalence of human rhinoviruses/enteroviruses (HRV/EV) in 1992 children aged 0 to 17 years hospitalized with acute respiratory infections during the 2023-2024 epidemic season using PCR.

Unique Nucleotide Polymorphism of African Swine Fever Virus Circulating in East Asia and Central Russia.

The lack of data on the whole-genome analysis of genotype II African swine fever virus (ASFV) isolates significantly hinders our understanding of its molecular evolution, and as a result, the range of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) necessary to describe a more accurate and complete scheme of its circulation. In this regard, this study aimed to identify unique SNPs, conduct phylogenetic analysis, and determine the level of homology of isolates obtained in the period from 2019 to 2022 in the central and eastern regions of Russia. Twenty-one whole-genome sequences of genotype II ASFV isolates were assembled, analyzed, and submitted to GenBank.

Sxt1, Isolated from a Therapeutic Phage Cocktail, Is a Broader Host Range Relative of the Phage T3.

Using BW25113 as a host, we isolated a novel lytic phage from the commercial poly-specific therapeutic phage cocktail Sextaphage (Microgen, Russia). We provide genetic and phenotypic characterization of the phage and describe its host range on the ECOR collection of reference strains. The phage, hereafter named Sxt1, is a close relative of classical coliphage T3 and belongs to the genus, yet its internal virion proteins, forming an ejectosome, differ from those of T3.

Genome Analysis of Anti-Phage Defense Systems and Defense Islands in : Preservation and Variability.

Anti-phage defense systems are widespread in bacteria due to the latter continuous adaptation to infection by bacteriophages (phages). has a high degree of intrinsic antibiotic resistance, which makes phage therapy relevant for the treatment of infections caused by this species. Studying the array of anti-phage defense systems that could be found in helps in better adapting the phages to the systems present in the pathogenic bacteria.

Lytic Spectra of Tailed Bacteriophages: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

As natural predators of bacteria, tailed bacteriophages can be used in biocontrol applications, including antimicrobial therapy. Also, phage lysis is a detrimental factor in technological processes based on bacterial growth and metabolism. The spectrum of bacteria bacteriophages interact with is known as the host range.

Construction of the First Russian Recombinant Live Attenuated Vaccine Strain and Evaluation of Its Protection Efficacy Against Two African Swine Fever Virus Heterologous Strains of Serotype 8.

The spread of African swine fever virus (ASFV) has led to major economic losses to pork worldwide. In Russia, there are no developed or registered vaccines against ASFV genotype II, which is associated with numerous ASFV outbreaks in populations of domestic pigs and wild boars in the country. We introduced deletions of the six MGF360 and MGF505 genes of the ASFV virulent Stavropol_01/08 strain, isolated in Russia in 2008.

An Inactivated West Nile Virus Vaccine Candidate Based on the Lineage 2 Strain.

: West Nile virus (WNV) is a rapidly growing problem worldwide. The lack of emergency treatment and a safe licensed vaccine against WNV allows the virus to cause sporadic outbreaks of human disease, including fatal cases. Formalin-inactivated vaccines have been used for a long time and have been shown to be very safe and effective, especially in susceptible populations.

Senolytic Vaccines from the Central and Peripheral Tolerance Perspective.

Preventive medicine has proven its long-term effectiveness and economic feasibility. Over the last century, vaccination has saved more lives than any other medical technology. At present, preventative measures against most infectious diseases are successfully used worldwide; in addition, vaccination platforms against oncological and even autoimmune diseases are being actively developed.

Antibody Avidity Maturation Following Booster Vaccination with an Intranasal Adenovirus Salnavac Vaccine.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rapid development of new vaccines and methods of testing vaccine-induced immunity. Despite the extensive research that has been conducted on the level of specific antibodies, less attention has been paid to studying the avidity of these antibodies. The avidity of serum antibodies is associated with a vaccine showing high effectiveness and reflects the process of affinity maturation.

Protective Antimicrobial Effect of the Potential Vaccine Created on the Basis of the Structure of the IgA1 Protease from .

IgA1 protease is one of the virulence factors of , and other pathogens causing bacterial meningitis. The aim of this research is to create recombinant proteins based on fragments of the mature IgA1 protease A-P from serogroup B strain H44/76. These proteins are potential components of an antimeningococcal vaccine for protection against infections caused by pathogenic strains of and other bacteria producing serine-type IgA1 proteases.