Effective elastic moduli of composites with a strongly disordered host material.

The local elastic properties of strongly disordered material are investigated using the theory of correlated random matrices. A significant increase in stiffness is shown in the interfacial region, the thickness of which depends on the strength of disorder. It is shown that this effect plays a crucial role in nanocomposites, in which interfacial regions are formed around each nanoparticle. The studied interfacial effect can significantly increase the influence of nanoparticles on the macroscopic stiffness of nanocomposites. The obtained thickness of the interfacial region is determined by the heterogeneity lengthscale and is of the same order as the lengthscale of the boson peak.

[Metastatic risk factors in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma].

Currently, all pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGLs) are considered malignant due to metastatic potential. Consequently, PPGLs are divided into «metastatic¼ and «non-metastatic¼. Metastatic PPGLs can be with synchronous metastasis (metastases appear simultaneously with the identified primary tumor) or metachronous (metastases develop after removal of the primary tumor). The term metastatic PPGLs is not used in the presence of tumor invasion into surrounding organs and tissues, without the presence of distant metastases of lymphogenic or hematogenic origin. It is generally believed that about 10% of pheochromocytomas and about 40% of sympathetic paragangliomas have metastatic potential. On average, the prevalence of PPGLs with the presence of metastases is 15-20%. Risk factors for metastatic PPGLs are widely discussed in the literature, the most significant of which are groups of clinical, morphological and genetic characteristics. The review presents a discussion of such risk factors for metastatic PPGLs as age, localization and type of hormonal secretion of the tumor, the size and growth pattern of the adrenal lesion, the presence of necrosis and invasion into the vessels, the tumor capsule surrounding adipose tissue, high cellular and mitotic activity, Ki-67 index, expression of chromogranin B and S100 protein, the presence of genetic mutations of three main clusters (pseudohypoxia, kinase signaling and Wnt signaling).Over the past two decades, a number of authors have proposed various predictor factors and scales for assessing a probability of metastatic PPGLs. The review contains detailed description and comparison of sensitivity and specificity of such predictor scales as PASS, GAPP, M-GAPP, ASES and COPPS.

Complexes of ortho-Phthalic Acid in Spontaneous Animal Tumors.

The presence of diethyl-, dibutyl-, and 2-ethylhexyl phthalates in spontaneous animal tumors was determined for the first time. Small-cell breast cancer of the dog and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma with the cells are particularly rich of these compounds. It is assumed that the level of phthalates in these cells is due to the activity of expression of nuclear receptors for estrogens and progesterone, as well as the peculiarities of the metabolism of xenobiotics. The accumulation of these compounds in tumor cells can increase their malignancy. The data obtained can be used for development of new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.

[Role of preoperative visualization in the choice of surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism].

BACKGROUND: Precise localization of abnormal parathyroid glands is important for a successful surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). While a large number of patients can be successfully treated with the focused parathyroidectomy, there is a considerable rate of the persistent PHPT mostly because of undetected multiglandular disease (MGD). AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the meaning of preoperative visualization data for planning the surgery for patients with PHPT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at SPBU Hospital in 2017-2018. 810 patients who underwent a primary surgery for PHPT were included in the study. Preoperative imaging results were investigated and multivariative logistic regressions were calculated to assess the predictive values of preoperative data. The rate of cases with persistent disease and cases with MGD were compared between patients with different results of preoperative data. RESULTS: Age, sex, body mass index, negative results of preoperative US, MIBI and 4D CT were not independently associated with the higher risk of multiglandular disease. The larger number of performed preoperative visualization studies were associated with the higher risk of persistence. 37% cases of MGD were not identified preoperatively. There were 7 cases with previously unsuspected second adenomas found only due to bilateral neck exploration. CONCLUSION: Any combination of preoperative visualization modalities was not able to rule out the MGD reliably. Efficacy of surgical treatment was not associated with the higher number of preoperative studies. Bilateral neck exploration may decrease the rate of the persistent hyperparathyroidism improving the identification of multiglandular disease.

[Clinical and laboratory features of hereditary pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma].

The widespread introduction of genetic testing in recent years has made it possible to determine that more than a third of cases of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPPGs) are caused by germline mutations. Despite the variety of catecholamine-producing tumors manifestations, there is a sufficient number of clinical and laboratory landmarks that suggest a hereditary genesis of the disease and even a specific syndrome. These include a family history, age of patient, presence of concomitant conditions, and symptoms of the disease. Considering that each of the mutations is associated with certain diseases that often determine tactics of treatment and examination of a patient, e.g. high risk of various malignancies. Awareness of the practitioner on the peculiarities of the course of family forms of PPPGs will allow improving the tactics of managing these patients.The article provides up-to-date information on the prevalence of hereditary PPPGs. The modern views on the pathogenesis of the disease induced by different mutations are presented. The main hereditary syndromes associated with PPPGs are described, including multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2A and 2B, type 1 neurofibromatosis, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, hereditary paraganglioma syndrome, as well as clinical and laboratory features of the tumor in these conditions. The main positions on the necessity of genetic screening in patients with PPPGs are given.

Chromatographic behavior of six lanthanides on a centrifugal mixer-settler extractor cascade.

This work furthers the development of counter-current chromatography as an industrial separation process method. It was demonstrated that the industrial counter-current chromatography methods, in particular, for the separation groups of rare earth metals, can be implemented in a modified cascade of centrifugal mixer-settler extractors. The retention behavior of rare earth elements (samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium and yttrium) on the pilot chromatographic unit consisting of 70 serially connected centrifugal mixer-settler extractors was experimentally studied under isocratic elution conditions using the mixture of 30 vol.% CyanexⓇ572 + 10 vol.% tributylphosphate in a hydrocarbon diluent as the stationary phase and aqueous nitric acid as the mobile phase. Theoretical analysis of experimental studies showed an acceptable agreement between the assumptions of the theory and experimental results.

Detection of Endogenous Phthalates in Bacterial Pathogens of Plants and Animals.

The endogenous esters of orthophthalic acid, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have been first detected in bacterial pathogens of plants (Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus, Pectobacterium carotovorum ssp. carotovorum, Rhizobium rhizogenes, Rhizobium radiobacter) and bacterial pathogens of animal (Escherichia coli).

Ortho-Phthalic Acid Esters Suppress the Phytopathogen Capability for Biofilm Formation.

This is the first study demonstrating that ortho-phthalic acid esters, dibutylphthalate (DBP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl)-o-phthalate (DEHP), inhibit the ability to form biofilms of the biotrophic pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus and Pectobacterium carotovorum ssp. carotovorum necrotroph. Inhibition of biofilm formation depends on the DBP and DEHP concentrations.

Atmospheric Quantum Channels with Weak and Strong Turbulence.

The free-space transfer of high-fidelity optical signals between remote locations has many applications, including both classical and quantum communication, precision navigation, clock synchronization, etc. The physical processes that contribute to signal fading and loss need to be carefully analyzed in the theory of light propagation through the atmospheric turbulence. Here we derive the probability distribution for the atmospheric transmittance including beam wandering, beam shape deformation, and beam-broadening effects. Our model, referred to as the elliptic beam approximation, applies to weak, weak-to-moderate, and strong turbulence and hence to the most important regimes in atmospheric communication scenarios.

Ortho-phthalic acid esters in lipophilic extract from the cell culture of Aconitum baicalense Turcz ex Rapaics 1907.

Optically active bis-2R(-)ethylhexyl o-phthalate was obtained with 0.18% yield from dry cultured cells of Aconitum baicalense Turcz ex Rapaics 1907 by extraction with petroleum ether followed by silica gel column chromatography. Its structure was confirmed by the analysis of 13C and 1H NMR spectra. Seasonal fluctuations of quantitative phthalate content in A. baicalense cells were identified. The tests were performed under conditions excluding the presence of phthalates in reagents, materials, and laboratory dishes. The same substance was shown to be produced by cultivated cells of other plants. Biosynthesis of esters of ortho-phthalic acid by cultivated plant cells was discovered for the first time.

Mechanisms of hemostimulating effect of Aconitum baicalense diterpene alkaloids.

A mixture of diterpene alkaloids of Aconitum baicalense exhibited pronounced regenerative hemostimulating properties on the model of cytostatic myelosuppression. The therapeutic effect is based on activation of hemopoietic progenitor cells against the background of increased feeder capacity of stromal compartment of the hemopoiesis-inducing microenvironment and decreased count of mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow.

Mechanisms of regeneratory effects of baikal aconite diterpene alkaloids.

Regeneratory activities of Baikal aconite alkaloids were studied on the excision skin wound model. Manifest wound healing effects of songorine, napelline, and hypaconitine were detected. The therapeutic efficiency was based on activation of residual mesenchymal progenitor elements. The development of this phenomenon was explained by the direct effects of alkaloids on precursors and by higher production of growth factors by the skin stromal cells. Songorine exhibited the most pronounced specific activity due to more significant stimulation of progenitor cell differentiation associated with maximum activation of the secretory function of the microenvironment cells.

Toward global quantum communication: beam wandering preserves nonclassicality.

Tap-proof long-distance quantum communication requires a deep understanding of the strong losses in transmission channels. Here we provide a rigorous treatment of the effects of beam wandering, one of the leading disturbances in atmospheric channels, on the quantum properties of light. From first principles we derive the probability distribution of the beam transmissivity, with the aim to completely characterize the quantum state of light. It turns out that beam wandering may preserve nonclassical effects, such as entanglement, quadrature and photon number squeezing, much better than a standard attenuating channel of the same losses.

Antidepressant activity of diterpene alkaloids of Aconitum baicalense Turcz.

Course treatment with diterpene alkaloids of Aconitum baicalense in mice reduced the time of immobilization in the tail suspension test and produced an antiexudative effect in mouse model of serotonin-induced edema. In the open field test, application of alkaloids did not change the total motor activity, orientation and exploratory behavior, and emotional reactions of animals. Experimental data suggest that diterpene alkaloids of Aconitum baicalensis exhibit antidepressant properties, possibly due to modulation of sensitivity to serotonin.

Temperature for a dynamic spin ensemble.

In molecular dynamics simulations, temperature is evaluated, via the equipartition principle, by computing the mean kinetic energy of atoms. There is no similar recipe yet for evaluating temperature of a dynamic system of interacting spins. By solving semiclassical Langevin spin-dynamics equations, and applying the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, we derive an equation for the temperature of a spin ensemble, expressed in terms of dynamic spin variables. The fact that definitions for the kinetic and spin temperatures are fully consistent is illustrated using large-scale spin dynamics and spin-lattice dynamics simulations.

Dynamics of cryogenic jets: non-rayleigh breakup and onset of nonaxisymmetric motions.

We report development of generators for periodic, satellite-free fluxes of monodisperse drops with diameters down to 10 microm from cryogenic liquids such as H2, N2, Ar, and Xe (and, as a reference fluid, water). While the break up of water jets can be described well by Rayleigh's linear theory, we find jet regimes for H2 and N2 which reveal deviations from this behavior. Thus, Rayleigh's theory is inappropriate for thin jets that exchange energy and/or mass with the surrounding medium. Moreover, at high evaporation rates, the axial symmetry of the dynamics is lost. When the drops pass into vacuum, frozen pellets form due to surface evaporation. The narrow width of the pellet flux paves the way towards various industrial and scientific applications.

[Preclinical toxicologic study of a Baikal aconite tincture (bayacon)]. / Doklinicheskoe toksikologicheskoe izuchenie nastoiki akonita baikal'skogo (Baiakona).

The safety of bayacon, a new drug based on Baikal aconite intended for the treatment of inflammation-proliferative dermatitis (psoriasis), was studied on a preclinical level. With respect to a single introduction in rats and mice, the drug is classified as a low-toxicity substance. However, a 3-month oral administration of bayacon (0.25, 0.5, and 2.5 mg/kg) in rats showed a number of dose-dependent functional and morphological changes. A dose of 2.5 mg/kg induced weak hyporegenerative anemia, neutrophile leukocytosis, and dystrophic changes in the stomach mucosa, heart, liver, and kidneys. All these symptoms disappeared within two weeks after abolition of the drug. Oral administration of bayacon (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg) in rabbits produced no pathological morphofunctional changes in the organs and tissues studied. In rats, bayacon 2.5, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/kg doses of bayacon led to dose-dependent changes in some characteristics of the reproduction system. The drug did not influence the expression of allergic reactions and showed no immunotoxicity and mutagenicity manifestations.

[Comparative study of immunomodulating effects of natural experimental preparations on phagocytosis of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis]. / Sravnitel'noe izuchenie immunokorregiruiushchikh svoistv éksperimental'nykh preparatov prirodnogo proiskhozhdeniia pri fagotsitoze Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.

To correct defects of the body's phagocytic system, the authors used experimental agents, such as vital activity products of plant cells, which were obtained by biotechnology. These included arabinogalactan, syringin, K-212, and DFEGP. The study agents activate the oxidative metabolism of macrophages, the production of active forms of oxygen, and thus enhance its bactericidal effect against Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Syringin and arabinogalactan produce a more pronounced stimulating macrophageal effect in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis phagocytosis than do K-212 and DFEGP. The findings indicate that further studies of the effects of these tested and other agents on humoral and cellular immunity are required.

Thalicosides A1-A3, minor cycloartane bisdesmosides from Thalictrum minus.

Three new cycloartane bisdesmosides, two of which are based on a new genin, were isolated from the above-ground parts of Thalictrum minus. Thalicosides A1-A3 (1-3) were characterized as 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-29-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3beta,16beta++ +, 29-trihydroxy-22(S),25-epoxycycloartane (1); 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-29-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3beta,1 6beta, 29,22(S)-tetrahydroxycycloart-24-ene (2); and 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-29-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3beta,1 6beta, 29-trihydroxy-22(S),25-epoxycycloartane (3), respectively. The structural assignments of these new compounds were based on interpretation of spectroscopic data. Thalicoside A2 showed in vitro inhibition of the fungus Candida albicans and also activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

The elucidation of the structure of thalicoside F, A. minor oleanane glycoside from Thalictrum minus L.

A new triterpenoid saponin, thalicoside F was isolated from the above-ground part of Thalictrum minus L. (Ranunculaceae family) collected in Eastern Siberia (Russia). The structure of thalicoside F was elucidated by a combination of 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy, and was determined to be C47H74O17{3-beta-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-11 alpha, 12 alpha-epoxyoleanane-28,13 beta-olide}.