Transformation of the crystal structure of Ni0.5TiSe2 under in situ heating.

The crystal structure of the Ni0.5TiSe2 compound has been studied in situ in the temperature range of 25-1000 °C using synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction. The previously known order-disorder transition in the Ni sublattice at ∼100 °C was found to be a second-order phase transition and belongs to the 3D Ising universality class. Reversible extraction of nickel selenides was observed in the temperature range of 275-975 °C. It was explained in terms of Ni extraction from Ni0.5TiSe2 due to the thermal widening of the Ni 3d/Ti 3d/Se 4p impurity band. The Ni-TiSe2 phase diagram follows the typical pattern of MxTiSe2 (M - transition metal) compounds.

Highly Hydroxylated Buckminsterfullerene Complexes with an Endohedral Iodide Anion.

The properties of the complexes I-@C60(OH)20 and I-@C60(OH)30 have been determined using the quantum chemical DFT PBE0 method to assess the possibility of synthesis of highly hydroxylated fullerene endo-iodides for the use in radiotherapy of different organs. The arrangement of the hydroxyl groups corresponds to the location of halogen atoms in (D5d)-C60F20 and (D3d)-C60Cl30. Negative-charged iodine is localized in the center of the fullerene cavity and has no significant influence on the IR spectra of hydroxylated fullerenes. The exothermic effect of iodide anion encapsulation in C60(OH)n (0.33 eV at n = 20; 0.03 eV at n = 30) is smaller than in C60 (0.78 eV). The energies of the lower excited singlet states computed by the TD DFT method for I-@C60(OH)n (2.11 eV at n = 20; 1.77 eV at n = 30) are larger than those for I-@C60 (1.36 eV). They indicate a low reactivity, making it possible to synthesize such complexes for medical use.

[Telmisartan chronotherapy and its influence on the indicators of the daily profile blood pressure.]

Arterial hypertension is one of the most common life-threatening diseases, adequate control of which is largely achieved by antihypertensive drugs, including the use of telmisartan. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of telmisartan chronotherapy on the parameters of daily monitoring of blood pressure during the daytime and at night in elderly patients with hypertension. The study is based on a comprehensive examination of 150 patients aged 60-74 years suffering from hypertension, who are divided into 2 groups: the main (n=76) and control (n=74). Patients with hypertension in the main group received telmisartan at a dose of 80 mg/day in the evening (20.00-22.00 hours), and in the control group - in the morning at the same dose (80 mg/day). Before treatment, after 3 months and after 6 months, patients of both groups underwent daily monitoring of blood pressure with the «BPLab monitor Mn SDP-3¼. It was found that the evening intake of telmisartan at a dose of 80 mg/day has a more significant effect than the morning intake of the same dose of telmisartan on the indicators of daily monitoring of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the evening, the systolic blood pressure time index in the evening. Chronotherapy with telmisartan in elderly patients with hypertension more effectively normalizes the daily blood pressure profile with the transfer of «non-dipper¼ to «dipper¼, reduces the hypertensive load and contributes to the achievement of target blood pressure levels.

Effect of Methyl Jasmonate on the Gene Expression, Encoding Non-Protein Thiol Enzymes in Wheat under Cadmium.

The effect of the phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MJ) on the expression of the TaGS1 and TaPCS1 genes encoding glutathione synthetase and phytochelatin synthase, respectively, which are key enzymes in the synthesis of glutathione and phytochelatins in wheat (cv. Moskovskaya 39), was studied. It was shown for the first time that pretreatment of plants by exogenous MJ (1 µM) leads to an increase in the accumulation of transcripts of the TaGS1 and TaPCS1 genes in leaves without cadmium effect. When cadmium (CdSO4, 100 µM) was added into the nutrient solution, the transcript level of the TaGS1 gene in the plants pretreated by MJ increased (compared to the untreated plants), whereas the transcript level of TaPCS1 remained unaffected. The pretreatment of plants with MJ leads to a lower accumulation of cadmium in the roots and leaves of wheat. At the same time, MJ had no effect on the linear growth parameters of plants, but had a positive effect on the accumulation of biomass under cadmium. It was assumed that MJ is involved in plant tolerance to cadmium by increasing the expression of the TaGS1 and TaPCS1 genes and, as a result, enhancing the synthesis of chelating compounds, as well as by reducing the supply of metal ions to plants.

Effect of Seed Treatment with Salicylic Acid on the Carbonic Anhydrase Activity, Photosynthesis Rate, Stomatal Conductance, and Pigments Content in Wheat Leaves at Zinc Excess.

The effect of seed treatment with salicylic acid (SA) on the carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and pigment content in wheat leaves was studied at an optimal zinc content (2 µM) and zinc excess (1500 µM). It was shown for the first time that the CA activity and stomatal conductance increased upon seed treatment with SA at the optimal zinc content as compared with untreated plants, while the photosynthesis rate was not affected. When zinc was in excess in the root zone, seed treatment with SA decreased the CA activity to a greater extent, but the photosynthesis rate was higher than in untreated plants, apparently due to an increase in the contents of chlorophylls and carotenoids and stomatal conductivity. It was concluded that SA is involved in the protective and adaptive responses of wheat plants to excess environmental zinc along with other nonhormonal factors and hormones.

Seed Treatment with Salicylic Acid Increases Gene Expression and Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Wheat Plants in Zinc or Copper Deficiency.

The effect of wheat seed treatment with salicylic acid (SA) on expression of the TaCu/ZnSOD, TaFeSOD, and TaCAT2 genes and activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in leaves was studied at optimal contents of zinc (2 µM) and copper (0.3 µM) in the root environment and in zinc and copper deficiencies. Seed treatment with SA was for the first time shown to increase of the amount of transcripts of the above genes as compared with untreated plants, both in optimal conditions and in zinc or copper deficiency. Activities of the enzymes, especially catalase, also increased. Judging by the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, the changes make it possible to avoid an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and, therefore, oxidative stress. A positive effect of seed treatment with SA on activities of the main antioxidant enzymes was assumed to underlie the stimulating effect of SA on physiological processes in plants exposed to microelement deficiency.

Influence of Gold Nanoparticles on the Tolerance of Wheat to Low Temperature.

It was shown for the first time that the treatment of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds with gold nanoparticles (average diameter 15.3 nm; solution concentration 20 µg/mL) increases plant tolerance to low temperature. It was found that an increase in tolerance under the influence of nanoparticles is accompanied by a number of changes depending on temperature conditions. In optimal temperature conditions, gold nanoparticles stimulated plant growth and the activity of the photosynthetic apparatus, whereas in conditions of low-temperature hardening (2°C, 7 days) they inhibited growth but maintained photosynthetic activity, contributing to the accumulation of soluble sugars (cryoprotectants) in the leaves. It is concluded that gold nanoparticles can be considered as adaptogens that increase plant tolerance to low temperatures; however, their effectiveness in this role and the subtle mechanisms of action require further study.

The HMA2 Gene Expression in Leaves of Introgressive Wheat Lines under Zn Optimum and Deficiency Content in Root Environment.

In two introgressive lines of bread wheat (15-7-1 and 15-7-2), which differ in the allelic status of the Gpc-B1 gene, the expression of the gene encoding the HMA2 transport protein in flag leaves under optimum Zn content in substrate (2 µÐœ) and in its deficiency (0 µÐœ) was investigated. This is the first study to show that the plants carrying functional allele of the Gpc-В1 gene (line 15-7-1) have a higher level of TaHMA2 transcripts than the plants with nonfunctional allele of the Gpc-В1 gene (line 15-7-2) both at optimum Zn content in substrate and at its deficiency. Importantly, the high TaHMA2 gene expression did not affect the wheat shoot growth but correlated with a high Zn concentration in the aboveground part of plants. It is assumed that the NAC transcription factor encoded by the Gpc-В1 gene may be involved in the regulation of the ТаНМА2 gene expression.

Determination of the Critical Points for Intercalating Systems by the EMF Method Concerning Foreign Metal.

The work is devoted to the study of the possibility of determining the critical points of phase diagrams by measuring the EMF of electrochemical cells relative to a metal that is not part of the test substance. The measurement results of the concentration dependences of the EMF for the CuxTiS2 system in the electrochemical cells Na|Na+|CuxTiS2 and Cu|Cu+|CuxTiS2 in the concentration range 0 < x < 0.7 are compared. It was determined that the chemical potential of the ion is independent of x in a satisfactory approximation. The EMF difference in the given cells is close to the standard electrode potentials difference for respective metals. It is concluded that the dependences E(x) for both types of cells are similar and correlated. Therefore, one can choose any convenient metal for measurements of this kind. Using the example of measuring EMF in electrochemical cells for the FexTiSe2 system concerning sodium and lithium, we showed that the elastic contribution to free energy is constant over the entire concentration range 0 < x < 0.5.

[Surgical treatment of rectovaginal fistula with vaginal rectangular flap]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie rektovaginal'nykh svishchei rasshcheplennym vlagalishchno-pryamokishechnym loskutom.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the early and long-term outcomes of rectovaginal fistula closure with vaginal rectangular flap. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 61 patients with rectovaginal fistula for the period 2012-2020. Median age of patients was 35 years [31; 48]. Postpartum fictula was observed in 27 (44.2%) cases, postoperative - 10 (16.4%) patients, inflammatory - 15 (24.6%) patients, other causes - 9 (14.8%) patients. Disease recurrence occurred in 29 (47.5%) patients. RESULTS: Median follow-up period was 36.2 [6; 64] months. Postoperative recurrence of rectovaginal fistula occurred in 19 (31.1%) patients. Length of hospital-stay ranged from 3 to 36 days (median 14 [12; 16]). We analyzed the relationship between the risk of disease recurrence and various factors, including etiology of rectovaginal fistula, localization and diameter of the fistula, intraoperative cautery, previous surgeries and preventive colostomy. CONCLUSION: Vaginal rectangular flap is effective for rectovaginal fistula. Multivariate analysis confirmed two significant risk factors of postoperative recurrence: diameter of fistula over 5 mm and its localization in the rectum above the upper border of surgical anal canal (more than 7 mm from the dentate line).

[Physical therapy for vertebrogenic pain syndrome in patients with non-aggressive vertebral hemangioma]. / Rezul'taty primeneniya fizicheskikh metodov lecheniya patsientov s vertebrogennymi bolevymi sindromami pri nalichii neagressivnoi gemangiomy pozvonka.

The vertebral hemangioma (VH) and vertebrogenic pain syndromes of other etiologies are currently not a problem in terms of the choice of treatment method. However, the combination of these conditions makes the situation much more challenging. The question of the safety of physical treatment methods in these patients remains open, since there is no scientific evidence in this area. OBJECTIVE: To study the long-term results of electrotherapy, magnet therapy, lazer therapy, therapeutic exercises (TE), and therapeutic massage (in different combinations) in patients with degenerative-dystrophic processes of the spine and nonaggressive VH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 104 patients (75 females, 29 males) with degenerative-dystrophic processes of the spine and non-aggressive VH. The time between the treatment course and follow-up examination was 12 months. RESULTS: VHs remained unchanged in 86.5% of patients. An increase in size was noted in 13.5%. In no case did the VH become aggressive. After the TE course, the rate of VH size increase was 10.8%. The combination of TE with massage and electrotherapy (including a combination of all methods) resulted in an increase in VH size in 17.9, 20.0, 23.8% of cases, respectively. When magnet therapy was used, an increase in VH size was recorded significantly less frequently (p=0.021). No differences in the rate of VH size increase depending on sex, age (40-70 years), localization, and size were observed. In case of multiple VHs, the rate of growth was 23.1. CONCLUSION: A limitation of the study was the relatively small number of patients, which could, in some cases, affect the correctness of statistical data. Nevertheless, there is a general trend of the effect of physical treatments on the course of non-aggressive VH in patients with vertebrogenic pain syndromes. Such patients may be recommended low-frequency low-intensity electro- and magnet therapy, therapeutic back massage, and TE.

Specific features of the electronic structure of CoxTiSe2 according to the resonant photoemission data.

The effect of atomic ordering in the cobalt sublattice on the electronic structure of the CoxTiSe2 intercalation compounds has been studied using a complex of spectral techniques - XPS, XAS, and ResPES, along with theoretical calculations of the total and partial densities of states. It has been found that the cobalt intercalation significantly affects the character of the chemical bond inside the host lattice. No signs of the direct overlapping of the Co 3d orbitals in the ordered material were observed. It has been found that the reason for the ordering of the cobalt atoms is a Co 3d/Ti 3d/Se 4p hybridization.

Anomalous diffusion of a dipole interacting with its surroundings.

A fractional Fokker-Planck equation based on the continuous time random walk Ansatz is written via the Langevin equations for the dynamics of a dipole interacting with its surroundings, as represented by a cage of dipolar molecules. This equation is solved in the frequency domain using matrix continued fractions, thus yielding the linear dielectric response for extensive ranges of damping, dipole moment ratio, and cage-dipole inertia ratio, and hence the complex susceptibility. The latter comprises a low frequency band with width depending on the anomalous parameter and a far infrared (THz) band with a comb-like structure of peaks. Several physical consequences of the model relevant to anomalous diffusion in the presence of interactions are discussed. The entire calculation may be regarded as an extension of the cage model interpretation of the dynamics of polar molecules to anomalous diffusion, taking into account inertial effects.

[The effects of a trehalose-based drug used after laser keratorefractive surgeries]. / Rezul'taty primeneniya preparata na osnove Tregalozy posle lazernykh keratorefraktsionnykh operatsii.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effectiveness of artificial tear drops Thealoz (trehalose 3%) in the correction of dry eye syndrome (DES) after ReLEx SMILE and FEMTO LASIK keratorefractive surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 20 patients (40 eyes) who underwent a keratorefractive surgery and were prescribed instillations of Thealoz artificial tear drops for the correction of dry eye syndrome. Patients were divided into 2 group: the 1st group consisted of 10 patients who underwent ReLEx SMILE surgery, the 2nd group - 10 patients after FEMTO LASIK. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated at 1 and 3 months after the surgery using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), changes in the anterior corneal epithelium (Oxford scale), and tear break-up time (Norn's test). RESULTS: It was found that the use of artificial tear drops Thealoz regardless of the type of keratorefractive surgery helps reduce discomfort based on the OSDI questionnaire from 10.90±4.55 to 10.20±4.07 and 8.89±3.26 points by 1 and 3 months of the follow-up, respectively (p≤0.05). The degree of epitheliopathy according to the Oxford scale decreases from 0.73±0.75 to 0.25±0.43 points 3 months after the surgery (p≤0.05), which is accompanied by a significant increase in tear break-up time (Norn's test) from 11.18±1.19 to 12.43±1.03 and 12.45±1.03 seconds 1 and 3 months after treatment, respectively (p≤0,05). CONCLUSION: Complex evaluation of the ocular surface has proved that artificial tear drops Thealoz is effective in reducing DES manifestations after keratorefractive surgery. The results clearly demonstrate that the drug helps increase stability of the tear break-up time, as well as contributes to the decrease in epitheliopathy and subjective discomfort sensations, giving grounds to widen its use in clinical practice.

[Submucosal laser ablation of internal hemorrhoids]. / Submukoznaia lazernaia termoabliatsiia vnutrennikh gemorroidal'nykh uzlov.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze efficacy and safety of submucosal laser ablation of internal hemorrhoids (SLT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic review included 10 articles published in electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Elibrary until January 2019. There were only full-text publications from prospective clinical trials devoted to submucosal laser ablation in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Isolated SLT was used in 4 trials, combination with other minimally invasive procedures was reported in 6 reports. RESULTS: SLT was predominantly used in the treatment of hemorrhoids grade 2-3. Efficacy of procedure was 91.1-100% after 6 months and 87.5-100% after 12 months. Intra- and postoperative complications included intraoperative bleeding (8.4%), perianal and external piles edema (8.2%), postoperative bleeding (2.7%), urinary retention (1.2%), anal fistula (0.6%), perianal abscess (0.14%). CONCLUSION: Submucosal laser ablation is quite effective and safe option for treatment of hemorrhoids grade 2-3. However, further researches are required considering the absence of clear recommendations on laser beam parameters, indications for procedure and data on long-term outcomes.

Luminescent Complexes of the Trinuclear Silver(I) and Copper(I) Pyrazolates Supported with Bis(diphenylphosphino)methane.

The first example of trinuclear copper(I) and silver(I) pyrazolates adducts with a tertiary diphosphine (Ph2PCH2PPh2) retaining trimeric [MPz]3 core is reported. Despite rather strong M-P bonding, the complexes are able to undergo the dissociation of one M-P bond leading to the "merry-go-round" movement of P atoms over the M3 triangle. The copper complex displays emission from 1MLCT and 3MLCT states. The triplet and singlet states are separated by a relatively small energy gap (1080 cm-1) that triggers the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) behavior and leads to the worthy quantum yield of 41% at 298 K. The silver complex in the solid state and frozen solution shows dual emission originating from the 1IL and 3MLCT states that is dictated by the much higher energy difference between the emissive singlet and triplet as well as by the essentially different nature of these states.

Chemical bonds in intercalation compounds CuxTiCh2 (Ch = S, Te).

A thorough study of the chemical bonding between intercalated copper and host lattice TiCh2 (Ch = S, Te) was performed. In order to separate the contributions of the copper, titanium, and chalcogen states into the electronic structure of the valence band, photoelectron spectroscopy in nonresonant and resonant (Cu 3p-3d and Ti 2p-3d) excitation modes was used. It is shown that the ionicity of the chemical bond between copper and host lattice is decreased in the TiS2 → TiSe2 → TiTe2 row. In CuxTiS2, copper atoms form the chemical bond with TiCh2 host lattice, while in CuxTiTe2 directly with tellurium atoms.

Effect of Zinc Excess and Low Temperature on the IRT1 Gene Expression in the Roots and Leaves of Barley.

We studied the effect of zinc excess (1000 µM) and low positive temperature (4°C) on the IRT1 gene expression in barley roots and leaves. Exposure at each of the stress factors separately induced an increase in the content of the HvIRT1 gene transcripts, which was more pronounced in leaves. At the same time, the growth of seedlings continued. Under the combined action of the stress factors in the first 3 days, the amount of mRNA also increased, but after 7 days of exposure it significantly declined, which correlated with the complete inhibition of seedling growth. It is assumed that the seedling growth inhibition under the combined effect of zinc excess and low temperature is associated with a decrease in the transcriptional activity of the HvIRT1 gene, due to the deficiency in a number of trace elements under these conditions.

[Artificial tear drops Thealoz in the correction of dry eye syndrome after keratorefractive surgery]. / Primenenie preparata Tealoz v korrektsii sindroma sukhogo glaza posle keratorefraktsionnykh operatsii.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effectiveness of artificial tear drops Thealoz (trehalose 3%) in the correction of dry eye syndrome (DES) after keratorefractive surgery based on instrumental monitoring of the condition of eye surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 20 patients (40 eyes) who underwent a keratorefractive surgery and were prescribed instillations of Thealoz artificial tear drops for the correction of dry eye syndrome. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the 1st group consisted of 10 patients who underwent ReLEx SMILE surgery, the 2nd group - 10 patients after FEMTO LASIK. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated at 1 and 3 months after the surgery using conventional instrumental monitoring: tear break-up time (Norn's test), tear film osmolarity test and OCT-meniscometry. RESULTS: Regardless of the type of surgery, tear film break-up time has significantly increased from 11.16±0.38 sec to 12.95±0.24 (p≤0.05) and 13.85±0.03 (p≤0.05) by months 1 and 3, respectively; it correlated with progressive decrease of tear film osmolarity from 317.29±1.39 to 308.00±0.79 mOsm/L (p≤0.05) at one month, and by the 3rd month - to 301.75±0.27 mOsm/L (p≤0.05). An improvement in OCT-meniscometry parameters was also observed in the form of a significant increase of the height and depth after 1 and 3 months. CONCLUSION: The use of artificial tear drops Thealoz contributes to the reduction of DES manifestations after keratorefractive surgery: increased stability of the tear film, restoration of the tear meniscus parameters and tear film osmolarity. The use of trehalose ophthalmic solution is advisable in patients after keratorefractive surgery.

Electronic structure of ZrX2 (X = Se, Te).

The electronic structure of the ZrX2 (X = Se, Te) compounds has been studied using photoelectron, resonant photoelectron and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, theoretical calculations of the X-ray absorption spectra, and density of electronic states. It was found that the absorption spectra and valence band spectra are influenced by the chalcogen type. The results of the multiplet calculation of the Zr4+ atom show that the change in the splitting in the crystal field, which is described by the 10Dq parameter, is due to the change in the ratio of covalent and ionic contributions to the chemical bond. The resonance band near the Fermi level in the valence band spectra is observed for ZrTe2 in the Zr 3p-4d resonant excitation mode. The extent of photon energy indicates the charge localization on the Zr atom. Similar resonance band for ZrSe2 is absent; it indicates the presence of a gap at the Fermi level.