Investigations into Spin- and Unpolarized Secondary Electron-Induced Reactions in Self-Assembled Monolayers of Cysteine.

Cysteine is the simplest thiolated, chiral amino acid and is often used as the anchor for studies of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of complex biomolecules such as peptides. Understanding the interaction of SAMs of cysteine with low-energy secondary electrons (SEs) produced by X-rays can further our understanding of radiation damage in biomolecules. In particular, if the electrons are polarized, chiral-selective chemistry could have bearing on the origin of homochirality in nature. In the present paper, we use synchrotron radiation-based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the changes that occur in the bonding of self-assembled layers of cysteine on gold as a result of soft X-ray irradiation. To investigate the possibility of chiral selectivity resulting from the interaction of low-energy, spin-polarized SEs (SPSEs), measurements were conducted on cysteine adsorbed on a 3 nm-thick gold layer deposited on a CoPt thin-film multilayer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Time-dependent measurements of the C 1s, N 1s, O 1s, S 2p, and Au 4f core levels are used to follow the changes in surface chemistry and determine reaction cross-sections as a function of SE exposure. Analysis of the data results in cross-sections in the range of 5-7 Mb and suggests possible reaction pathways. Changing the magnetization direction of the CoPt multilayer produces SPSEs with opposite polarity. Some evidence of spin-dependent reactions is indicated but is inconclusive. Possible reasons for the discrepancy are posited.

[Main indicators of physical development and somatotypological features of men in older age groups].

The article presents the anthropometric indicators of 210 old age men (aged 60-74 years), 108 elderly men (aged 75-90 years) and 125 long-liver men (aged 90-98 years) of the Slavic ethnic group, living in Moscow and Moscow region. Significant differences in basic anthropometric parameters have been established in body weight and body mass index between the three age groups. Average values of body height in elderly men were lower by 0.6% (p>0.05), and in long-liver men were significantly lower by 4.6% than in old age men. Diameters did not have statistically significant differences in all age groups. Averages values of all circumferences of available limbs significantly differed in three age groups, averages values of waist and thigh circumference significantly differed only in the group of long-liver men and old age men. Averages values of breast circumference were not statistically different in three age groups. Average values of all eight skin-fat folds were significantly lower in long-liver men compared with old age men, whereas in elderly men only skin-fat folds of shoulder front and back, forearms, chest and lower leg were significantly less than in old age men. Somatotypological analysis revealed a different frequency of somatotype occurrence and the prevalence of 3 main types among men of older age groups (old age men, elderly men, long-liver men) - chest (18.5, 26.2 and 28.4%), abdominal-muscle (20.1, 15.4 and 16.8%) and abdominal (20.8, 22.2 and 19.4% respectively). Also the peculiarities of the component body composition of men of older age groups were revealed. Body composition analysis revealed a decrease in the average indicators of the absolute content of bone, fat and muscular body components from the old age to the period of longevity (long-liver men). Absolute content of bone tissue in elderly men (7.9±0.3 kg) didn't differ and in the period of longevity (6.8±0.2 kg) was less by 1.18 fold (p<0.05) than in old age men (8.0±0.3 kg). Absolute amount of body fat tissue in elderly men (16.1±1.2 kg) was less by 1.09 fold (p<0.05) and in long-liver men (12.5±1.0 kg) was less by 1.41 fold (p<0.05) than in old age men (17.6±1.4 kg). Absolute amount of body muscle tissue in elderly men (18.2±0.3 kg) was less by 1.17 fold (p<0.05) and in the period of longevity (16.3±0.2 kg) was less by 1.31 fold (p<0.05) than in old age men (21.3±0.2 kg). Average relative indicators of the major body components with aging undergo a number of changes, which are reflected in the reduction of quantity of bone and muscle tissue and increasing rates of adipose tissue.

[Characteristics of some indicators of physical development and frequency of occurrence of certain somatotypes of women in older age groups].

The article presents the anthropometric parameters of 251 elderly women (75-90 years) and 125 long-liver women (90-98 years) of the Slavic ethnic group, living in Moscow and Moscow region. Significant differences in basic anthropometric characteristics between two age groups have been demonstrated. Average values of body weight and height, circumferences and quantities of skin-fat folds were significantly lower in long-liver women in compare with representatives of the elderly, whereas diameters had no statistical significant differences. Somatotypological analysis revealed a frequency of occurrence of different somatotypes and prevalence of the three main types among elderly and long-liver women - asthenic (32.2-34.0%), pyknic (29.3-30.0%) and europlastic (20.0-21.2%) somatotype. Some features of body composition characteristics of elderly and long-livers women have been demonstrated as well. Estimated absolute amount of bone compartment did not differ in two women groups, while relative amount of bone compartment in elderly women (15.30±0.21%) was lower by 1.11 fold (p<0.05) than in long-liver women (17.05+±0.17%). The content of fat and muscular body compartment was significantly (p<0.05) lower in long-liver women as compared with the elderly women. The absolute amount of fat body compartment in long-liver women was 9.15±1.22 vs 13.13±0.49 kg in elderly women, the relative amount of fat body compartment - 14.39±0.26 vs 18.04±0.05%; the absolute amount of muscular body compartment - 23.04±0.26 vs 28.06±0.47 kg, the relative amount of fat body compartment - 36.22±0.15 vs 38.54±0.16%.

[Usage of flavonoids for effective correction of functional and structural breaches of erythrocytes membranes during an extraordinary physical strain in experiments].

The effect of treatment course of bioflavonoids quercetin and diquertin on phospholipids and fatty acid composition of erythrocytes membranes and amilorid-dependent activity Na+/H+ transmembrane exchanger of erythrocytes have been studied in condition of chronic physical tension in mice in consequence of extraordinary running strain. The studied drugs actively prevented from the changes of chemical composition and as a result structural and functional changes of erythrocytes membranes. It is established that the studied bioflavonoids prevented from the development of extraordinary physical strain syndrome.

[The effect of extracellular recombinant human heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) on protein pattern observed after endotoxin-induced macrophage activation].

The protein pattern of mouse macrophage strain (J774) has been investigated using 2D electrophoresis after combined action of bacterial endotoxins (LPS), heat shock treatment (HS) and administration of recombinant human Hsp70. The investigation demonstrated significant protective effect of HS and recombinant Hsp70 treatment applied before LPS introduction. This effect is apparently realized by means of several signal transduction systems. In the course of the investigation, we have identified eight proteins, which exhibited pronounced changes in their synthesis due to combined treatment. The data accumulated may shed light on molecular mechanisms underlying protective antiseptic action of HS and/or recombinant Hsp70 applied before LPS administration.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL NANO-BIO MATERIALS WITHIN CELLULAR MACHINERY.

Functional nanoscale materials that possess specific physical or chemical properties can leverage energy transduction in vivo. Once these materials integrate with biomolecules they combine physical properties of inorganic material and the biorecognition capabilities of bio-organic moieties. Such nano-bio hybrids can be interfaced with living cells, the elementary functional units of life. These nano-bio systems are capable of bio-manipulation or actuation via altering intracellular biochemical pathways. Thus, nano-bio conjugates are appealing for a wide range of applications from the life sciences and nanomedicine to catalysis and clean energy production. Here we highlight recent progress in our efforts to develop smart nano-bio hybrid materials, and to study their performance within cellular machinery under application of external stimuli, such as light or magnetic fields.

[Flavonoid correction of functional elasticity of erythrocyte membranes and hemorheological disorders during oxidative stress caused by chronic physical overstrain in mice].

Effect of a course of treatment by bioflavonoids quercetin and diquertin on the physical work capacity, oxidant and antioxidant status of organism, and hemorheological parameters and deformability of erythrocytes have been studied under conditions of chronic physical overstrain in mice caused by sequential extraordinary running load. The drugs effectively prevent the development of oxidative stress, loss of elasticity of erythrocyte membranes and growth in dynamic blood viscosity in microcirculatory link of hemodynamics. It is established that both bioflavonoids significantly increase the physical work capacity of animals and prevent from the development of physical overstrain syndrome.

[Actual nutrition and physical state of athletes of the national sleigh team of Russia].

An assessment of actual nutrition and physical fitness of athletes of the Russian national sleigh team are presented, and the need to develop for them the individual well-balanced diet that will reimburse the amount of consumed energy and nutrients and help athletes to obtain high results.

[Nanotechnology applications in pharmacology].

The applications of nanotechnology to pharmacology are reviewed. The potential applications of biochips, nanosensors, bioreactors, neural stem cells, immune nanoparticles, biodegradable polymers, and convection-enhanced drug delivery in the diagnostics and treatment of diseases are discussed. Specific attention is given to developments in chemotherapeutic means, including advanced drug delivery systems and targeted nanotherapy, which will form the basis of the future nanomedicine. Numerous novel medicinal forms are discussed, including polymeric nanoparticles, nanotubes, micelles, liposomes, dendrimers, fullerenes, and hydrogels. In particular, highly stable glycosphyngolipid nanotubes and nanoliposomes are proposed as drug delivery systems. For this purpose, the model of stimulation of skin vasomotor reactions by nitroglycerin application is developed. The effect of nitroglycerin is shown to increase 1.5 times when used in the form of a dispersion with nanotubes as carriers and almost 2.5 times in the case of a dispersion with nanoliposomes as carriers. Nanotechnologically manufactured biologically active substances Apiton-25 (containing apis products) and Microhydrin (containing SiO 2 nanoparticles, silicon hydrogen bonds Si-H, and free negative charges for free radical neutralization) have been studied. The results indicate that both Apiton-25 and Microhydrin upon peroral administration enhance the cyclic trial performance during prolonged submaximal exercise in endurance-trained cyclists.

Ultrasensitive detection enabled by nonlinear magnetization of nanomagnetic labels.

Geometrically confined magnetic particles due to their unique response to external magnetic fields find a variety of applications, including magnetic guidance, heat and drug delivery, magneto-mechanical actuation, and contrast enhancement. Highly sensitive detection and imaging techniques based on the nonlinear properties of nanomagnets were recently proposed as innovative strong-translational potential methods applicable in complex, often opaque, biological systems. Here we report on the significant enhancement of the detection capability using optical-lithography-defined, ferromagnetic iron-nickel alloy disk-shaped particles. We show that an irreversible transition between strongly non-collinear (vortex) and single domain states, driven by an alternating magnetic field, translates into a nonlinear magnetic response that enables ultrasensitive detection of these particles. The record sensitivity of ∼3.5 × 10-9 emu, which is equivalent to ∼39 pg of magnetic material is demonstrated at room temperature for arrays of patterned disks. We also show that unbound disks suspended in the aqueous buffer can be successfully detected and quantified in real-time when administered into a live animal allowing for tracing of their biodistribution. The use of nanoscale ferromagnetic particles with engineered nonlinear properties opens prospects for further enhancing the sensitivity, scalability, and tunability of noise-free magnetic tag detection in high-background environments for various applications spanning from biosensing and medical imaging to anti-counterfeiting technologies.

[Using carnosine and natural antioxidants for the prophylaxis of acute post-loading oxidative stress].

The effects of a submaximum single physical load with a mixed aerobic-anaerobic character (combined rowing test) on the intensity of lipid peroxidation (LPO) processes, antioxidant state of the organism, and rheological properties of blood have been studied in a group of athletes. The administration of natural antioxidants significantly decreased the LPO stress induced by the physical load, reduced the suppression of the antioxidant system of the organism, and normalized the LPO-disturbed hemorheological parameters. Antioxidants such as carnosine, cytamine, and apilac can be used as non-doping means for the accelerated recovery and increase in the physical work capacity in athletes.

[Doping in sports].

Drugs used by athletes for the improvement of results are described and classified with respect to chemical structure and pharmacological action. The main groups of drugs treated as doping are considered and the WADA requirements to prohibited preparations are formulated. The main effects produced by drugs on the athletes and animals (race horses, fight dogs, etc ) are described and the measures of therapy against side effects are outlined.

[Effect of carnosine and its combination with essentiale on lipid peroxidation and work capacity of experimental animals].

The effects of carnosine and its combination with essentiale on the processes of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and on the work capacity have been studied in mice. The administration of camosine, essentiale, and vitamin E, increased the work capacity of laboratory mice to a different extent, the effect being most pronounced for a mixture of carnosine and essentiale. Carnosine in the dose range studied exhibited a pronounced antioxidant effect with respect to LPO and optimized the potential of the organism in the course of intensive physical activity. This drug is not a doping and can be recommended as a means of improvement of the physical capacity.

N alpha-acetylcarnosine is a prodrug of L-carnosine in ophthalmic application as antioxidant.

The naturally occurring compound N alpha-acetylcarnosine (NAC) is proposed as the prodrug of L-carnosine (C) resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis by human serum carnosinase. Rabbit eyes were treated with 1% NAC, C or placebo and extracts of the aqueous humor from the anterior eye chamber were analyzed for imidazole content by reverse phase analytical high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin-layer (TLC) and ion-exchange chromatographic techniques. The topical administration of pure C to the rabbit eye did not lead to accumulation of this compound in the aqueous humor over 30 min in concentration exceeding that in the placebo-treated matched eye. NAC showed dose-dependent hydrolysis in its passage from the cornea to the aqueous humor, releasing C after 15. 30 min of ocular administration of prodrug in a series of therapeutical modalities: instillation < or = subconjunctival injection < or = ultrasound induced phoresis. Different treatment techniques showed excellent toleration of 1% NAC by the eye. Once in the aqueous humor, C might act as an antioxidant and enter the lens tissue when present at effective concentrations (5-15 mmol/l). The advantage of the ophthalmic prodrug NAC and its bioactivated principle C as universal antioxidants relates to their ability to give efficient protection against oxidative stress both in the lipid phase of biological membranes and in an aqueous environment. NAC is proposed to treat ocular disorders which have the component of oxidative stress in their genesis (cataracts, glaucoma, retinal degeneration, corneal disorders, ocular inflammation, complications of diabetes mellitus, systemic diseases).

[Synthesis and antioxidant activity of azole derivatives of hemin]. / Sintez i antioksidantnaia aktivnost' azol'nykh proizvodnykh gemina.

New derivatives of proto- and deuterohemin IX containing tri- and tetrazole rings were synthesized and characterized. A pronounced antioxidant activity was found for these compounds in the Fe(II)/ascorbate-dependent system of lipid peroxidation in murine liver homogenates.

[Relation between the conformation and antioxidant properties in a series of topochemical analogs of carnosine and carcinine with different N-acyl substitutes]. / Vzaimosviaz' mezhdu konformatsiei i antioksidantnymi svoistvami v riadu topokhimicheskikh analogov karnozina i kartsinina s razlichnymi N-atsil'nymi zamestiteliami.

To elucidate the influence of the nature of N-acyl substituent on antioxidant properties of carcinine analogs, the corresponding histamine derivatives were synthesized. Antioxidant activity of the compounds prepared was investigated in the Fe(2+)-ascorbate-dependent system of oxidation of the linoleic acid micellar solution. Conformations of carnosine, carcinine, and their analogs were calculated by the molecular mechanics MM+ method. The structural elements and conformations that are preferable for the appearance of antioxidant activity were found.

[Comparative study of the effect of vitamax, synergin and alpha-tocopherol on physical endurance of highly trained athletes]. / Sravnitel'noe issledovanie vliianiia vitamaksa, sinergina i alpha-tokoferola na fizicheskuiu rabotosposobnost' sportsmenov vysokoi kvalifikatsii.

The influence of vitamax, synergin, and alpha-tocopherol on the exercise performance (ultimate run on a tretbahn with increasing load) of high-rank athletes has been studied. Peculiarities of the drug action upon lipid peroxidation (LPO) in unsaturated fatty acids were studied by a chemiluminescence technique and by monitoring the malonic dialdehyde in the course of a 21-day treatment-training session and within a 5-day period after termination of the drug administration. Vitamax and synergin increase the working capacity of high-rank athletes on the 10th and 11st day of administration, respectively, while alpha-tocopherol produces such effect only on the 21st day. All the drugs studied possess antioxidant properties, which are also more pronounced for vitamax and synergin.

[The effects of cytamines and their combinations with ecdystene, apilak, vitamax, and essentiale on the work capability of athletes]. / Vliianie tsitaminov i ikh kombinatsii s ékdistenom, apilakom, vitamaksom i éssentsiale na rabotosposobnost' sportsmenov.

Cytamines (hepatamin, epifamin, and suprenamin) administered in various combinations increase the working ability of high-rank athletes in experiments. These cytamines also potentiate the effects of apilak, ecdystene, vitamax, and essentiale preparations on the exercise tolerance.

[Effect of promethazine hydrochloride (pipolphen) on the stability of R plasmid resistance in Escherichia coli]. / Vliianie prometazina gidrokhlorida (pipol'fena) na stabil'nost' nasledovaniia R-plazmid shtammami Escherichia coli.

The influence of promethazin hydrochloride (pipolphen) on stability of R plasmid inheritance in Escherichia coli strains of various serogroups was studied. The strains were isolated from patients with acute intestinal infection and from healthy persons. It was shown that in subbacteriostatic concentrations (100 to 450 micrograms/ml) pipolphen promoted elimination of the R plasmids. Decreased stability of the R plasmid inheritance was not associated with the pipolphen concentration. No influence of the drug on the biochemical characteristics, antigenic properties and nutritional requirements of the plasmid-free derivatives was detected. The eliminating action of pipolphen and ethidium bromide in some strans of Escherichia coli was shown to be different.