Bacteriophage vB_SepP_134 and Endolysin LysSte_134_1 as Potential Staphylococcus-Biofilm-Removing Biological Agents.

Bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus are significant challenge for medicine, as many species are resistant to multiple antibiotics and some are even to all of the antibiotics we use. One of the approaches to developing new therapeutics to treat staphylococcal infections is the use of bacteriophages specific to these bacteria or the lytic enzymes of such bacteriophages, which are capable of hydrolyzing the cell walls of these bacteria. In this study, a new bacteriophage vB_SepP_134 (St 134) specific to Staphylococcus epidermidis was described. This podophage, with a genome of 18,275 bp, belongs to the Andhravirus genus. St 134 was able to infect various strains of 12 of the 21 tested coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species and one clinical strain from the Staphylococcus aureus complex. The genes encoding endolysin (LysSte134_1) and tail tip lysin (LysSte134_2) were identified in the St 134 genome. Both enzymes were cloned and produced in Escherichia coli cells. The endolysin LysSte134_1 demonstrated catalytic activity against peptidoglycans isolated from S. aureus, S. epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Staphylococcus warneri. LysSte134_1 was active against S. aureus and S. epidermidis planktonic cells and destroyed the biofilms formed by clinical strains of S. aureus and S. epidermidis.

Effects of cognitive-motor intervention for pediatric posterior fossa tumor survivors: results of a pilot study.

The purpose of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and effects of cognitive-motor intervention on the cognitive and motor abilities of pediatric survivors of posterior fossa tumors. The study involved patients aged 7 to 18 years with cognitive deficits who had completed primary treatment for posterior fossa tumors. 25 participants (Mage=11.3 ± 2.93, 64% male; 17 medulloblastoma, 1 ependymoma, 1 desmoplastic medulloblastoma, 6 piloid astrocytoma; 22 in remission (Mmonths =45), 3 in stabilization (Mmonths=49)) were recruited from the Research Institute for Brain Development and Peak Performance. The intervention consisted of two phases with a 3-month break for home training, and a total duration of 6 months. Each phase lasted 7 weeks and included two assessment procedures (pre- and post-intervention) and 10 training sessions over a period of 5 weeks (two 3-hour sessions per week). At baseline and pre- and post-intervention, all participants underwent a battery of cognitive and motor tests. Each training session included gross motor training (GMT), graphomotor training (GT), and cognitive-motor training (CMT). Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test for repeated measures and post-hoc Durbin-Conover test. The results indicated significant improvements in visuospatial working memory, visual attention, eye-hand coordination, semantic verbal fluency, auditory-motor synchronization, reaction time, and a decrease in the rate of ataxia. These improvements remained stable even in the absence of direct intervention. The findings demonstrate positive effects and feasibility of the intervention and suggest the need for further research in this area including randomized controlled feasibility studies with a larger sample.

Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction and Formic Acid Oxidation by Formal Nickel(I) Complexes of Di-isopropylphenyl Bis-iminoacenaphthene.

Processing CO2 into value-added chemicals and fuels stands as one of the most crucial tasks in addressing the global challenge of the greenhouse effect. In this study, we focused on the complex (dpp-bian)NiBr2 (where dpp-bian is di-isopropylphenyl bis-iminoacenaphthene) as a precatalyst for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 into CH4 as the sole product. Cyclic voltammetry results indicate that the realization of a catalytically effective pattern requires the three-electron reduction of (dpp-bian)NiBr2. The chemically reduced complexes [K(THF)6]+[(dpp-bian)Ni(COD)]- and [K(THF)6]+[(dpp-bian)2Ni]- were synthesized and structurally characterized. Analyzing the data from the electron paramagnetic resonance study of the complexes in solutions, along with quantum-chemical calculations, reveals that the spin density is predominantly localized at their metal centers. The superposition of trajectory maps of the electron density gradient vector field ∇ ρ r ${\nabla \rho \left({\bf r}\right)}$ and the electrostatic force density field F e s r ${{{\bf F}}_{{\rm e}{\rm s}}\left({\bf r}\right)}$ per electron, as well as the atomic charges, discloses that, within the first coordination sphere, the interatomic charge transfer occurs from the metal atom to the ligand atoms and that the complex anions can thus be formally described by the general formulae (dpp-bian)2-Ni+(COD) and (dpp-bian)2 -Ni+. It was also shown that the reduced nickel complexes can be oxidized by formic acid; resulting from this reaction, the two-electron and two-proton addition product dpp-bian-2H is formed.

Using HScore for Evaluation of Hemophagocytosis in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with COVID-19 in Children.

Hemophagocytic syndrome is a key point in the pathogenesis of severe forms of multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 in children (MIS-C). The factors associated with hemophagocytosis in patients with MIS-C were assessed in the present study of 94 boys and 64 girls ranging in age from 4 months to 17 years, each of whose HScore was calculated. In accordance with a previous analysis, patients with HScore ≤ 91 (n = 79) and HScore > 91 (n = 79) were compared. Patients with HScore > 91 had a higher frequency of symptoms such as cervical lymphadenopathy, dry cracked lips, bright mucous, erythema/swelling of hands and feet, peeling of fingers, edematous syndrome, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and hypotension/shock. They also had a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer levels, and a tendency to anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hypofibrinogenemia. They more often needed acetylsalicylic acid and biological treatment and were admitted to ICU in 70.9% of cases. Conclusion: The following signs of severe MIS-C were associated with HScore > 91: myocardial involvement, pericarditis, hypotension/shock, and ICU admission.

Characterization of a Thermostable Endolysin of the Aeribacillus Phage AeriP45 as a Potential Staphylococcus Biofilm-Removing Agent.

Multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, including bacteria from the genus Staphylococcus, are currently a challenge for medicine. Therefore, the development of new antimicrobials is required. Promising candidates for new antistaphylococcal drugs are phage endolysins, including endolysins from thermophilic phages against other Gram-positive bacteria. In this study, the recombinant endolysin LysAP45 from the thermophilic Aeribacillus phage AP45 was obtained and characterized. The recombinant endolysin LysAP45 was produced in Escherichia coli M15 cells. It was shown that LysAP45 is able to hydrolyze staphylococcal peptidoglycans from five species and eleven strains. Thermostability tests showed that LysAP45 retained its hydrolytic activity after incubation at 80 °C for at least 30 min. The enzymatically active domain of the recombinant endolysin LysAP45 completely disrupted biofilms formed by multidrug-resistant S. aureus, S. haemolyticus, and S. epidermidis. The results suggested that LysAP45 is a novel thermostable antimicrobial agent capable of destroying biofilms formed by various species of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus. An unusual putative cell-binding domain was found at the C-terminus of LysAP45. No domains with similar sequences were found among the described endolysins.

Magnetoactive Composite Conduits Based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and Magnetite Nanoparticles for Repair of Peripheral Nerve Injury.

Peripheral nerve injury poses a threat to the mobility and sensitivity of a nerve, thereby leading to permanent function loss due to the low regenerative capacity of mature neurons. To date, the most widely clinically applied approach to bridging nerve injuries is autologous nerve grafting, which faces challenges such as donor site morbidity, donor shortages, and the necessity of a second surgery. An effective therapeutic strategy is urgently needed worldwide to overcome the current limitations. Herein, a magnetic nerve guidance conduit (NGC) based on biocompatible biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and 8 wt % of magnetite nanoparticles modified by citric acid (Fe3O4-CA) was fabricated by electrospinning. The crystalline structure of NGCs was studied by X-ray diffraction, which indicated an enlarged ß-phase of PHB in the composite conduit compared to a pure PHB conduit. Tensile tests revealed greater ductility of PHB/Fe3O4-CA: the composite conduit has Young's modulus of 221 ± 52 MPa and an elongation at break of 28.6 ± 2.9%, comparable to clinical materials. Saturation magnetization (σs) of Fe3O4-CA and PHB/Fe3O4-CA is 61.88 ± 0.29 and 7.44 ± 0.07 emu/g, respectively. The water contact angle of the PHB/Fe3O4-CA conduit is lower as compared to pure PHB, while surface free energy (σ) is significantly higher, which was attributed to higher surface roughness and an amorphous phase as well as possible PHB/Fe3O4-CA interface interactions. In vitro, the conduits supported the proliferation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) and SH-SY5Y cells in a low-frequency magnetic field (0.67 Hz, 68 mT). In vivo, the conduits were used to bridge damaged sciatic nerves in rats; pure PHB and composite PHB/Fe3O4-CA conduits did not cause acute inflammation and performed a barrier function, which promotes nerve regeneration. Thus, these conduits are promising as implants for the regeneration of peripheral nerves.

Dataset on assessing olfactory function in the residents of Central Russia using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test.

Data were acquired via sensory testing of olfactory function in 252 adult residents of Central Russia (18-87 years old), including groups from urban and rural areas. The 40-item North American version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) was used. The test alternatives were initially translated into Russian by the authors with minor adaptations. We followed the test procedure recommended by the manufacturer and introduced additional tasks. Familiarity with odor names and consistency with the pre-existing concepts for the test odor items were determined using multiple response questions. Intensity ratings for the UPSIT odorants were obtained using 4-point categorical scale for a subset of the participants. Demographic data and other relevant characteristics of the study population were collected using an adapted translation of the questionnaire included with the test. Descriptive statistics of the collected data are presented in this article. The dataset may be reused for evaluating the impact of various factors, such as cultural context, age, sex, environment, and smoking habits, on the perception of specific odorants as well as on general olfactory function (determined by the number of recognized test items). The data may find its application in the clinical practice of otolaryngologists and neurologists who work with the ethno-cultural group in Russia and all over the world. The dataset can also be used for development of new diagnostic tools for olfactory dysfunction.

Bacteriophage Treatment of Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcers occur as a common complication of diabetes. The concomitant infection significantly delays the healing of the ulcers. Antibiotic treatment of infected ulcers is complicated by the formation of microbial biofilms, which are often heterogeneous and resistant to antibiotics. Bacteriophage therapy is considered an additional approach to the treatment of infected wounds. Here, we describe the basic method of application of bacteriophages for the treatment of infected diabetic foot ulcers, including very large ones.

Successful Use of Phage and Antibiotics Therapy for the Eradication of Two Bacterial Pathogens from the Respiratory Tract of an Infant.

Phage therapy can be a useful approach in a number of clinical cases associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. In this study, we describe a successful consecutive phage and antibiotic application to cure a 3-month-old girl suffering from severe bronchitis after tracheostomy. Bronchitis was associated with two bacterial agents, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a rare opportunistic pathogen Dolosigranulum pigrum. The phage cocktail "Pyobacteriophage" containing at least two different phages against isolated MDR P. aeruginosa strain was used via inhalation and nasal drops. Topical application of the phage cocktail removed most of P. aeruginosa cells and contributed to a change in the antimicrobial resistance profile of surviving P. aeruginosa cells. As a result, it became possible to choose and administer an appropriate antibiotic that was effective against both infectious agents. Complete recovery of the infant was recorded.

Robust and Reproducible Protocol for Phage Genome "Rebooting" Using Transformation-Associated Recombination (TAR) Cloning into Yeast Centromeric Plasmid.

Production of infectious bacteriophage based on its genome is one of the necessary steps in the pipeline of editing phage genomes and creating synthetic bacteriophages. This process is called "rebooting" of the phage genome. In this chapter, we describe key steps required for successful genome "rebooting" using a native host or intermediate host. A detailed protocol is given for the "rebooting" of the genome of T7 bacteriophage specific to Escherichia coli and bacteriophage KP32_192 that infects Klebsiella pneumoniae.

A Novel Podophage StenR_269 Suggests a New Family in the Class Caudoviricetes.

Stenotrophomonas rhizophila was first discovered in soil; it is associated with the rhizosphere and capable of both protecting roots and stimulating plant growth. Therefore, it has a great potential to be used in biocontrol. The study of S. rhizophila phages is important for a further evaluation of their effect on the fitness and properties of host bacteria. A novel phage StenR_269 and its bacterial host S. rhizophila were isolated from a soil sample in the remediation area of a coal mine. Electron microscopy revealed a large capsid (~Ø80 nm) connected with a short tail, which corresponds to the podovirus morphotype. The length of the genomic sequence of the StenR_269 was 66,322 bp and it contained 103 putative genes; 40 of them encoded proteins with predicted functions, 3 corresponded to tRNAs, and the remaining 60 were identified as hypothetical ones. Comparative analysis indicated that the StenR_269 phage had a similar genome organization to that of the unclassified Xanthomonas phage DES1, despite their low protein similarity. In addition, the signature proteins of StenR_269 and DES1 had low similarity and these proteins clustered far from the corresponding proteins of classified phages. Thus, the StenR_269 genome is orphan and the analyzed data suggest a new family in the class Caudoviricetes.

Magnetic and Fluorescent Dual-Labeled Genetically Encoded Targeted Nanoparticles for Malignant Glioma Cell Tracking and Drug Delivery.

Human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a primary malignant brain tumor, a radically incurable disease characterized by rapid growth resistance to classical therapies, with a median patient survival of about 15 months. For decades, a plethora of approaches have been developed to make GBM therapy more precise and improve the diagnosis of this pathology. Targeted delivery mediated by the use of various molecules (monoclonal antibodies, ligands to overexpressed tumor receptors) is one of the promising methods to achieve this goal. Here we present a novel genetically encoded nanoscale dual-labeled system based on Quasibacillus thermotolerans (Qt) encapsulins exploiting biologically inspired designs with iron-containing nanoparticles as a cargo, conjugated with human fluorescent labeled transferrin (Tf) acting as a vector. It is known that the expression of transferrin receptors (TfR) in glioma cells is significantly higher compared to non-tumor cells, which enables the targeting of the resulting nanocarrier. The selectivity of binding of the obtained nanosystem to glioma cells was studied by qualitative and quantitative assessment of the accumulation of intracellular iron, as well as by magnetic particle quantification method and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Used approaches unambiguously demonstrated that transferrin-conjugated encapsulins were captured by glioma cells much more efficiently than by benign cells. The resulting bioinspired nanoplatform can be supplemented with a chemotherapeutic drug or genotherapeutic agent and used for targeted delivery of a therapeutic agent to malignant glioma cells. Additionally, the observed cell-assisted biosynthesis of magnetic nanoparticles could be an attractive way to achieve a narrow size distribution of particles for various applications.

Changes in the Gut Microbiota Composition during Implantation of Composite Scaffolds Based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and Alginate on the Large-Intestine Wall.

The development of biopolymer scaffolds for intestine regeneration is one of the most actively developing areas in tissue engineering. However, intestinal regenerative processes after scaffold implantation depend on the activity of the intestinal microbial community that is in close symbiosis with intestinal epithelial cells. In this work, we study the impact of different scaffolds based on biocompatible poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and alginate (ALG) as well as PHB/ALG scaffolds seeded with probiotic bacteria on the composition of gut microbiota of Wistar rats. Implantation of PHB/ALG scaffolds on the large-intestine wall to close its injury showed that alpha diversity of the gut microbiota was not reduced in rats implanted with different PHB/ALG scaffolds except for the PHB/ALG scaffolds with the inclusion of Lactobacillus spheres (PHB/ALG-L). The composition of the gut microbiota of rats implanted with PHB/ALG scaffolds with probiotic bacteria or in simultaneous use of an antimicrobial agent (PHB/ALG-AB) differed significantly from other experimental groups. All rats with implanted scaffolds demonstrated shifts in the composition of the gut microbiota by individual operational taxonomic units. The PHB/ALG-AB construct led to increased abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria: Ileibacterium sp. dominated in rats with implanted PHB/ALG-L and Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. dominated in the control group. In addition, the PHB/ALG scaffolds had a favourable effect on the growth of commensal bacteria. Thus, the effect of implantation of the PHB/ALG scaffold compared to other scaffolds on the composition of the gut microbiota was closest to the control variant, which may demonstrate the biocompatibility of this device with the microbiota.

High-Tech Methods of Cytokine Imbalance Correction in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

An important mechanism for the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is an imbalance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therapeutic and non-therapeutic approaches for cytokine imbalance correction in IDD either do not give the expected result, or give a short period of time. This explains the relevance of high-tech medical care, which is part of specialized care and includes the use of new resource-intensive methods of treatment with proven effectiveness. The aim of the review is to update knowledge about new high-tech methods based on cytokine imbalance correction in IDD. It demonstrates promise of new approaches to IDD management in patients resistant to previously used therapies, including: cell therapy (stem cell implantation, implantation of autologous cultured cells, and tissue engineering); genetic technologies (gene modifications, microRNA, and molecular inducers of IDD); technologies for influencing the inflammatory cascade in intervertebral discs mediated by abnormal activation of inflammasomes; senolytics; exosomal therapy; and other factors (hypoxia-induced factors; lysyl oxidase; corticostatin; etc.).

Efficiency of Direct Transcutaneous Electroneurostimulation of the Median Nerve in the Regression of Residual Neurological Symptoms after Carpal Tunnel Decompression Surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most frequent entrapment neuropathy. CTS therapy includes wrist immobilization, kinesiotherapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, carpal tunnel steroid injection, acupuncture, and physical therapy. Carpal tunnel decompression surgery (CTDS) is recommended after failure of conservative therapy. In many cases, neurological disorders continue despite CTDS. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of direct transcutaneous electroneurostimulation (TENS) of the median nerve in the regression of residual neurological symptoms after CTDS. Material and Methods: 60 patients aged 28-62 years with persisting sensory and motor disorders after CTDS were studied; 15 patients received sham stimulation with a duration 30 min.; 15 patients received high-frequency low-amplitude TENS (HF TENS) with a duration 30 min; 15 patients received low-frequency high-amplitude TENS (LF TENS) with a duration 30 min; and 15 patients received a co-administration of HF TENS (with a duration of15 min) and LF TENS (with a duration of 15 min). Results: Our research showed that TENS significantly decreased the pain syndrome, sensory disorders, and motor deficits in the patients after CTDS. Predominantly, negative and positive sensory symptoms and the pain syndrome improved after the HF TENS course. Motor deficits, reduction of fine motor skill performance, electromyography changes, and affective responses to chronic pain syndrome regressed significantly after the LF TENS course. Co-administration of HF TENS and LF TENS was significantly more effective than use of sham stimulation, HF TENS, or LF TENS in patients with residual neurological symptoms after CTDS.

Heterologous codA Gene Expression Leads to Mitigation of Salt Stress Effects and Modulates Developmental Processes.

Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing the choline oxidase gene from A. globiformis showed an increase in resistance at the level of primary and secondary biosynthesis of metabolites, removing the damage characteristic of salinity and stabilizing the condition of plants. We used 200 mM NaCl, which inhibits the growth of tobacco plants at all stages of development. Leaves of transgenic and wild-type (WT) plants Nicotiána tabácum were used for biochemical, cytological and molecular biological analysis. However, for transgenic lines cultivated under normal conditions (without salinity), we noted juvenile characteristics, delay in flowering, and slowing down of development, including the photosynthetic apparatus. This caused changes in the amount of chlorophyll, a delay in the plastid grana development with the preservation of prolamellar bodies. It also caused changes in the amount of sugars and indirectly downstream processes. A significant change in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and a change in metabolism is probably compensated by the regulation of a number of genes, the expression level of which was also changed. Thus, the tolerance of transgenic tobacco plants to salinity, which manifested itself as a result of the constitutive expression of codA, demonstrates an advantage over WT plants, but in the absence of salinity, transgenic plants did not have such advantages due to juvenilization.

Biosynthesis of Bacterial Nanocellulose from Low-Cost Cellulosic Feedstocks: Effect of Microbial Producer.

Biodegradable bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a highly in-demand but expensive polymer, and the reduction of its production cost is an important task. The present study aimed to biosynthesize BNC on biologically high-quality hydrolyzate media prepared from miscanthus and oat hulls, and to explore the properties of the resultant BNC depending on the microbial producer used. In this study, three microbial producers were utilized for the biosynthesis of BNC: individual strains Komagataeibacter xylinus B-12429 and Komagataeibacter xylinus B-12431, and symbiotic Medusomyces gisevii Sa-12. The use of symbiotic Medusomyces gisevii Sa-12 was found to have technological benefits: nutrient media require no mineral salts or growth factors, and pasteurization is sufficient for the nutrient medium instead of sterilization. The yield of BNCs produced by the symbiotic culture turned out to be 44-65% higher than that for the individual strains. The physicochemical properties of BNC, such as nanofibril width, degree of polymerization, elastic modulus, Iα allomorph content and crystallinity index, are most notably dependent on the microbial producer type rather than the nutrient medium composition. This is the first study in which we investigated the biosynthesis of BNC on hydrolyzate media prepared from miscanthus and oat hulls under the same conditions but using different microbial producers, and showed that it is advisable to use the symbiotic culture. The choice of a microbial producer is grounded on the yield, production process simplification and properties. The BNC production from technical raw materials would cover considerable demands of BNC for technical purposes without competing with food resources.

Determination of Risk Factors for Severe Life-Threatening Course of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with COVID-19 in Children.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 in children (MIS-C) is a life-threatening condition that often requires intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for severe/life-threatening course of MIS-C. The study included 166 patients (99 boys, 67 girls) aged 4 months-17 years (median 8.2 years). The criterion of severity was the fact of ICU admission. To conduct a comparative analysis, MIS-C patients were divided into two groups: patients hospitalized in the ICU (n = 84, 50.6%) and those who did not need ICU admission (n = 82, 49.4%). Patients with a more severe course of MIS-C were significantly older. They had a higher frequency of signs such as rash, swelling, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and neurological and respiratory symptoms. Hypotension/shock and myocardial involvement were much more common in patients with severe MIS-C. These patients had a more significant increase in CRP, creatinine, troponin, and D-dimer levels. Additionally, the presence of macrophage activation syndrome was higher in patients admitted to the ICU. Conclusion: Nineteen predictors of severe course of MIS-C were found, out of which hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, D-dimer > 2568 ng/mL, troponin > 10 pg/mL were mainly associated with the probability of being classified as early predictors of severe MIS-C requiring ICU admission.

Association of the ACTN3 Gene's Single-Nucleotide Variant Rs1815739 (R577X) with Sports Qualification and Competitive Distance in Caucasian Athletes of the Southern Urals.

An elite athlete's status is associated with a multifactorial phenotype depending on many environmental and genetic factors. Of course, the peculiarities of the structure and function of skeletal muscles are among the most important characteristics in the context of athletic performance. PURPOSE: To study the associations of SNV rs1815739 (C577T or R577X) allelic variants and genotypes of the ACTN3 gene with qualification and competitive distance in Caucasian athletes of the Southern Urals. METHODS: A total of 126 people of European origin who lived in the Southern Urals region took part in this study. The first group included 76 cyclical sports athletes (speed skating, running disciplines in track-and-field): SD (short distances) subgroup-40 sprinters (mean 22.1 ± 2.4 y.o.); LD (long distances) subgroup-36 stayer athletes (mean 22.6 ± 2.7 y.o.). The control group consisted of 50 healthy nonathletes (mean 21.4 ± 2.7 y.o.). We used the Step One Real-Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems, USA) device for real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The frequency of the major allele R was significantly higher in the SD subgroup compared to the control subgroup (80% vs. 64%; p-value = 0.04). However, we did not find any significant differences in the frequency of the R allele between the athletes of the SD subgroup and the LD subgroup (80% vs. 59.7%, respectively; p-value > 0.05). The frequency of the X allele was lower in the SD subgroup compared to the LD subgroup (20% vs. 40.3%; p-value = 0.03). The frequency of homozygous genotype RR was higher in the SD subgroup compared to the control group (60.0% vs. 34%; p-value = 0.04). The R allele was associated with competitive distance in the SD group athletes compared to those of the control group (OR = 2.45 (95% CI: 1.02-5.87)). The X allele was associated with competitive distance in the LD subgroup compared to the SD subgroup (OR = 2.7 (95% CI: 1.09-6.68)). CONCLUSIONS: Multiplicative and additive inheritance models demonstrated that high athletic performance for sprinters was associated with the homozygous dominant genotype 577RR in cyclical sports athletes of Caucasian origin in the Southern Urals.

Recent Advances in Miscanthus Macromolecule Conversion: A Brief Overview.

Miscanthus is a valuable renewable feedstock and has a significant potential for the manufacture of diverse biotechnology products based on macromolecules such as cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. Herein, we overviewed the state-of-the art of research on the conversion of miscanthus polymers into biotechnology products comprising low-molecular compounds and macromolecules: bioethanol, biogas, bacterial cellulose, enzymes (cellulases, laccases), lactic acid, lipids, fumaric acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates. The present review aims to assess the potential of converting miscanthus polymers in order to develop sustainable technologies.