Quantitative Changes Research Articles

Study of vigor and esterase activity under NaCl stress deciphering overlap between gametophyte and sporophyte in annual Medicago species

To study the overlapping of gene expression between sporophyte and gametophyte phases, three annual species of the Medicago genus; M. truncatula, M. ciliaris and M. aculeata were used. First, we measured the germination rate of seeds and pollen grains as well as the length of young seedlings and the length of the pollen tubes under different levels of NaCl concentrations (0 mM, 68 mM, 102 mM and 136 mM). Afterwards, we measured the biochemical activity of plants based on electrophoresis of esterase enzymatic activity under salt stress treatments. The results showed that genotype M.acl4 of M. aculeate species is the most tolerant in the two stages, while the genotypes M.cil 1 and M.trur1 are the most sensitive of M. ciliaris and M. truncatula species, respectively. The separation of the esterase activities by electrophoresis revealed four bands with quantitative and qualitative changes in relation to stress in the same sensitive genotype M.cil1 of M. ciliaris species. The presence of a correlation between measured traits like vigor, as well as the connection between esterase profiles during periods of salt stress in both the sporophyte and gametophyte stages, may unveil a shared pattern of gene expression.

Properties of europium and silver doped bioglass thin films obtained by two deposition methods: Biointerfaces for bioinert implants

The proposal of this research activity is to produce sol-gel-derived quaternary bioactive glass (SiO2–P2O5–CaO–Na2O) thin films, co-doped with europium and silver, by two different techniques, such as pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and spin coating (SC). A variety of methods were employed to assess the thermal, compositional, structural, and morphological characteristics of the samples: complex thermal analysis (TA), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) were used to observe the quantitative and qualitative changes caused by the applied experimental parameters. Additionally, SBF immersion for bioactivity monitoring, and immunocytochemistry for substrate adhesion were used to evaluate the biological response of the deposited material, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated for a Gram-negative species, Escherichia coli.

Acclimation to warm temperatures modulates lactate and malate dehydrogenase isozymes in juvenile Horabagrus brachysoma (Günther)

Differential expression of isozymes enables fish to tolerate temperature fluctuations in their environment. The present study explores the modulation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (sMDH) isozyme expression in the heart, muscle, brain, liver, gill, and kidney of juvenile Horabagrus brachysoma after 30 days of acclimation at 26, 31, 33, and 36°C. LDH and sMDH zymography were performed using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The zymography revealed five distinct bands of LDH isoenzymes (labelled from cathode to anode as LDH-A4, LDH-A3B1, LDH-A2B2, LDH-A1B3, and LDH-B4) and three distinct bands of sMDH isoenzymes (labelled from cathode to anode as sMDH-A2, sMDH-AB, and sMDH-B2), with considerable variation in their expression in the tissues. Acclimation to the test temperatures did not influence the expression patterns of LDH or sMDH isozymes. Densitometric analysis of individual isozyme bands revealed a reduction in the densities of bands containing the LDH-B and sMDH-B molecules, while the densities of bands containing the LDH-A and sMDH-A molecules increased in the gills and muscle, indicating the role of these organs in adaptive responses to thermal acclimation. However, the total densities of the LDH and sMDH isozymes increased with higher acclimation temperatures, indicating that adaptation to increased temperatures in H. brachysoma is primarily characterised by quantitative changes in isozyme expression.

Improving the storage technology of persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki L.) In the refrigeration chamber

Persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki L.) attract the attention of researchers due to their high nutritional and medicinal value. The composition of persimmon is rich in nutrients. The object of research is the storage technology of persimmon. Fully ripe persimmon varieties Khachia and Khiakume were used as research material. If the activity of enzymes is inhibited or reduced during refrigerated storage using a controlled gas environment, then the consumption of nutrients for respiration will decrease, and the fruits will retain their original appearance. The persimmon varieties used were stored in refrigerators for 5 months in five variants. In persimmon fruits of both varieties, quantitative changes in the main indicators during refrigerated storage were studied. The regularities of changes in the activity of enzymes of the oxidoructase class depending on the composition of the controlled gas medium and the content of phenolic compounds were considered. As a result of the analyzes, a rational regime for storing persimmon varieties in a refrigerator under CGE conditions with a gas composition of 3–4 % CO2 and 2–3 % O2, a temperature of ‒2...–3 °C and an air humidity of 90–95 % was determined. During the storage period, the activity of all enzymes, except for ascorbate oxidase, completely ceased (except for the catalase enzyme in the Khachia variety). During long-term storage of the Khachia variety in a refrigerator, the activity of the enzyme ascorbate oxidase decreased by 94 %, o-diphenol oxidase and peroxidase decreased by 100 %, catalase by 95.5 %. Ascorbate oxidase activity decreased by 94.5 % in persimmon fruits of the Khiakume variety, and the activity of other enzymes was completely inhibited. To achieve this result, it is important that the activity of oxidoreductases decreases or passes into an inhibitory state. The results make it possible to regulate the quality indicators of persimmon varieties depending on their storage modes and use them to provide people with fresh fruits not seasonally but for a long time

Haemoglobinopathies: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and Management in Sub-Saharan Africa

Hemoglobinopathies are a hereditary group of diseases that are characterized by qualitative changes in hemoglobin (sickle red blood cells) and quantitative changes in hemoglobin (thalassemia). Originally described in subtropical Africa, they are now found all over the world due to migration. Because of the limited available resources for the disease's care and prevention, their high frequency and clinical severity make them a serious public health burden, particularly in Africa. Sickle cell and thalassemia are categorized based on the specific defect in globin chains that are ineffectively produced. Developing nations like sub-Saharan Africa are faced with economic challenges, particularly, where problems are primarily caused by social and cultural backgrounds, along with the coexistence of infection and malnutrition, Therapeutic approaches and follow-up still pose challenges in these situations. Several European nations affected by hemoglobinopathies have successfully implemented an effective therapeutic regime, which is still lacking in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this review paper is to establish the current advanced techniques used for the treatment, prevention, diagnostic, and management of hemoglobinopathies and to ameliorate the burden of hemoglobinopathy in sub-Saharan Africa in the present and future.

Effect of high-energy ionizing radiation on the DNA content and genetic variation in chrysanthemum plants regenerated from irradiated ovaries

This study aimed to evaluate the range of quantitative and qualitative genetic changes in chrysanthemum plants regenerated in vitro from ovaries irradiated with high-energy photons (5, 10, and 15 Gy) and high-energy electrons (10 Gy). The highest DNA loss (up to 11%) was observed in plants originating from ovaries treated with 10 Gy high energy. AMOVA revealed significant differences between populations of plants representing different mutagenic treatments (18% for RAPD-based and 22% for SCoT-based analysis). The incidence of genetic changes was strongly correlated with the applied type and dose of ionizing radiation. The highest genetic distances to reference plants were observed for plants regenerated from 15 Gy high-energy photon (5.8% with RAPD and 1.7% with SCoT) and 10 Gy high-energy electron-treated explants (6.0% with RAPD and 2.9% with SCoT). Considerable changes in the phenotype of mutants were not necessarily correlated with the extent of genetic alterations. Qualitative and quantitative methods of evaluating post-radiation genetic changes should be combined for reliable detection of variant plants at early developmental stages.

Daily Monitoring of Ripening Processes of a Tomato Using an Original Handheld Visible–Near-Infrared Spectrometer

A handheld visible- and shortwave near-infrared spectrometer has been developed for monitoring daily changes in fruits and vegetables. The ripening processes of a mini tomato sample have been monitored daily for about 100 days by this instrument and color values L*a*b* and Brix were measured. Obtained reflection spectra in the 400–1050 nm range were converted to absorption spectra and daily changes of band areas of chlorophyll a (Ch1 a; 640–710 nm), carotenoids (460–520 nm), lycopene (545–600 nm), and water + sugar (920–1050 nm) were determined. The band area of lycopene increased rapidly from 36 to 44 days associated with the increase in a* value, indicating that the increase in the reddish color originated from the increase of lycopene. On the other hand, the band area of Chl a decreased exponentially over 100 days. This Chl a decrease could be well fitted by the first-order reaction giving the rate constant k = 4.07 × 10–7 s–1. These quantitative daily changes of pigments in fruits and vegetables are expected to provide comprehensive bases for their cultivation and harvest.

Aproximaciones a la capacidad de autodesarrollo informativo del futuro profesor: Una mirada política del fenómeno

The purpose of the study was to develop a critical approach to the informative self-development capacity of the future teacher, from a political point of view. Methodologically, the authors of the research used models such as: the laws of dialectics, the principles of objectivity, determinism, development, systematicity and interaction, to reveal the dynamics of the pedagogical educational process, leading to the application of the concept of development of social maturity; identifying in the discursive process, its contradictions and the interrelations of quantitative and qualitative changes inherent in the development of personality, at the stage of professional training in an institution of higher education; also studying, for this purpose, the patterns of progress of the subjects of pedagogical education in the context of updating the informational culture of society. In the conclusions, the study showed that scientists associate the solution of the problems of informational self-development capacity, as a communicational phenomenon detached from politics, which is a mistake, since any process of self-development essentially implies an empowerment of the subject, with different implications in the relations of knowledge and power of which it is a part.

Enzymatic kinetics of photosystem II with DCBQ as a substrate in extended Michaelis-Menten model

This study aimed to examine enzymatic kinetics of photosystem II (PSII) of maize mesophyll chloroplasts using the artificial electron acceptor 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ) as a substrate. We extended Michealis–Menten kinetics model assuming that DCBQ can accept electrons from PSII in two ways: from a QB directly or from QA by docking in the QB site. We used a Clark oxygen electrode for measuring the PSII activity, depending on the concentration of DCBQ. We found that: [1] DCBQ acts as an electron acceptor or [2] as an inhibitor for PSII. At a concentration < 0.2 mM, DCBQ accepted electrons from the QB at a rate of 889 electrons/s, while at >> 0.2 mM it replaced QB following which the activity decreased to zero. DCBQ located in the QB also increased the affinity of the substrate to PSII. We determined the kinetic parameters for the chloroplasts of plants growing under high and low light intensity, to change thylakoid stacking and thus the rate of electron transport. The parameter KmB, which is a measure of the affinity of DCBQ to PSII, showed quantitative changes based on light intensity, while K was proportional to the size of the plastoquinone pool. We believe that our model can be applied as a tool to study “State transitions” and induced changes in grana stacking in plants exposed to various stresses, which will facilitate the regulation of electron transfer pathways through an appropriate balance between linear and cyclic electron transport.

Efficiency of satellite data in the agro-ecological monitoring system

The article discusses the ecological value of the normalized vegetation index (NDVI). Generalization of scientific data on the possibility of use in forestry, agriculture, ecological research, modeling of ecosystems and monitoring of the earth’s surface has been carried out. It was found that, unlike the surveyor, the operational/satellite monitoring of crops makes it possible to automatically generate reports, control the condition of crops, forecast yields and plan agricultural operations taking into account the real ecological state and weather conditions. In particular, you can create electronic vegetation maps; develop images and field relief for a specific region. It has been established that the use of data from remote sensing of the Earth (RSE) ensures the determination of the objective state of crops (density, quantitative and qualitative changes in crops, obtaining information on chemical treatments) on large areas. The factors that influence the calculation of NDVI are given, and the necessity of using an approach focused on climatic conditions is indicated. It was found that the transformation of multispectral NDVI data into one image layer allows estimating the amount of available vegetation and the development of crops on a field scale. Regular field NDVI mapping helps identify and mitigate any crop problems, increase yields, and make agribusiness more profitable. NDVI has become one of the most important and frequently used indicators in precision agriculture, so it deserves further practical research. This is a numerical indicator of the quality and quantity of plants in the field. It is emphasized that NDVI has become one of the most important and frequently used indicators in precision agriculture. Therefore, deserves further practical investigation. Ecosystem service is a means of identifying threats to ecosystems in order to develop socially acceptable and effective solutions to environmental problems. The ecosystem approach allows predicting changes, which is extremely important for spatial planning and land use management. This approach is especially important when assessing and resolving conflict situations in nature management, when the economic benefit from the use of one or another natural resource becomes a strong argument. From the point of view of human benefit, operational monitoring becomes an ecosystem service. The use of spectral indices contributes to the production of high-quality «environmentally friendly» products, the preservation of environmental components, the reproduction of soil fertility, obtaining the maximum profit, along with the transition from a linear economy to a circular one (economic effect), saving resources, optimizing and diversifying agricultural production.

Marine inundation history during the last 3000 years at Lake Kogare-ike, a coastal lake on the Pacific coast of central Japan

Sediment cores collected at Lake Kogare-ike, a coastal lake on the Pacific coast of central Japan, record the marine inundation history during the last 3000 years. The sediments consist mainly of organic mud, sand, gravel, inorganic mud, and volcanic ash, and inundation events were recognized as 19 event deposits (E1–E19, from top to bottom) interbedded with the organic mud. Visual observation by naked eyes and X-ray computed tomography (CT) images identified 16 event deposits based on quantitative and qualitative changes in sand contents and changes in the textures and colors of the sediment samples (E1–E3, E5, E6, E8, E9, and E11–E19). The other three event deposits (E4, E7, and E10) were identified only on the CT images as layers with higher radiodensity than the underlying and overlying organic mud layers. The sedimentary features, the spatial bias of the event deposits toward seaward areas, the diatom assemblages, and the frequency of inundation events suggest that 13 (E1–E10 and E12–E14) of the 19 event deposits were formed by tsunamis or extraordinary storms. To constrain the depositional ages of the event deposits, Bayesian age–depth models were constructed based on radiocarbon dating of plant macrofossils and concentrated fossil pollen and the 137Cs profile. The depositional ages of the event deposits indicate that five or possibly six event deposits can be correlated with historical tsunamis along the Nankai Trough: E2, either of E3 or E4, E5, E7, and E9 correspond to the 1707 CE Hoei, the 1605 CE Keicho, the 1498 CE Meio, the 1096 CE Eicho, and the 684 CE Hakuho tsunamis, respectively. E1 was possibly formed by the 1944 CE Showa-Tonankai tsunami, the 1854 Ansei–Tokai tsunami, the 1959 Isewan typhoon, or a combination of two or all three events.

Gelatin/carrageenan-based smart packaging film integrated with Cu-metal organic framework for freshness monitoring and shelf-life extension of shrimp

A gelatin/carrageenan (Gel/Car) based antibacterial and pH-responsive intelligent film was developed by incorporating a Cu-metal organic framework (Cu-MOF) and anthocyanins from red cabbage (Brassica oleracea). Cu-MOF and anthocyanin were mixed compatibly with the polymer matrix to form a dense, flexible, and strong film. The film incorporated with 3 wt% Cu-MOF displayed excellent UV-barrier ability (98.5% in the UV-A and 99.9% in the UV-B), strong antioxidant efficacy against ABTS (100%), and DPPH (100%) and exhibited strong antibacterial activity to completely stop the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria after 3 h of incubation. In addition, the film exhibited pH-dependent color change under various pH conditions (pH 2 to 12), and freshness monitoring tests of shrimp demonstrated a qualitative and quantitative color change of the film (decreasing the redness, a-value, from 24.5 to 3.7). In packaging experiments using shrimp, this packaging film delayed the quality change rate of foods during storage and extended the shelf life of these foods. The gelatin/carrageenan-based multifunctional film combined with a Cu-metal organic framework is expected to help visualize food changes before consumption, extend processed foods' shelf life, and significantly reduce food waste problems.

Effect of Probiotic Microorganisms on Catalase Activity, Fractional Composition of Soluble Proteins, and Intestinal Microbiota of Honey Bee

Recently, there has been a trend toward the use of new effective natural preparations to fight diseases and improve the health of honey bees. It is also known that a well-balanced structure of the intestinal microbiota of honey bees is the basis for their growth, development, strengthening of the immune response, and resistance to infections. It has been established that some strains of lactic acid bacteria that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, are promising for the development of broad-spectrum probiotic preparations based on them. Therefore, the aim of the work was to determine the effect of probiotic strains Lactobacillus сasei IMV B-7280 and L. plantarum IMV B-7679 on catalase activity, protein content and protein profile of hemolymph, as well as microbiota spectrum of different parts of the intestines of Apis mellifera honey bees. Methods. To conduct the research, a control and two experimental groups of 60-90 bees each were formed. The bees of the control group were fed 60% sugar syrup + 1 mL of distilled H2O for 28 days. The experimental group of bees D1 received 1 mL of 60% sugar syrup + 1 mL of aqueous suspension containing cells of the L. casei IMV B-7280 strain at a concentration of 1 ∙ 106 CFU/mL every day; experimental group of bees D2, in addition to 1 mL of 60% sugar syrup, received 1 mL of aqueous suspension containing cells of L. plantarum IMV B-7976 strain at a concentration of 1 ∙ 104 CFU/mL. Catalase activity of the whole organism tissues was determined using the ability of hydrogen peroxide to form a stable colored complex with molybdenum salts on a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 410 nm against water. The amount of protein in the whole organism tissues was determined by the Lowry method. The content of total protein in the body of bees was carried out according to the Kjeldahl method. Determination of the content of individual fractions of soluble proteins of the hemolymph was carried out by the method of vertical electrophoresis in a 7.5% polyacrylamide gel. The relative content of protein fractions was determined using the TotalLab TL120 program and expressed as a percentage of the total pool. To determine the qualitative and quantitative spectrum of the gut microbiota of bees, the hindgut and midgut were sampled (separately) from bees of control and experimental groups. The obtained samples were plated on eight selective solid media for cultivation of different groups of microorganisms. Results. A tendency to increase the catalase activity of bee tissues after 28 days of L. casei IMV B-7280 strain use and a consistently higher activity of this enzyme throughout the experimental period under the action of L. plantarum IMV B-7679 strain was established. In the control group of 28th days, the content of bees and catalase activity remained at a constant level. It was shown that on the 14th day and total protein in the body of bees that received L. casei IMV B-7280 strain increased signifi cantly. Water-soluble fractions of hemolymph proteins were found in bees of both groups: γ-globulins, β-globulins, α2-globulins, and α1-globulins. It should be noted that the albumin fraction was not detected. It has been shown that the hindgut contains a much larger number of microorganisms than the midgut. The use of L. casei IMV B-7280 strain led to an increase in the number of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in both parts of the gut, as well as to a decrease in the number of staphylococci, streptococci, and microscopic fungi. The use of L. plantarum IMV B-7679 strain had a similar effect, but the changes in the composition of gut microbiome were less pronounced. Conclusions. The use of probiotic strains L. casei IMV B-7280 and L. plantarum IMV B-7679 for feeding bees under the conditions of a laboratory thermostat led to quantitative changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota of bees, namely an increase in the number of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, as well as a decrease in the number of some other groups of microorganisms in the gut. Probiotic strains stimulated catalase activity of bee’s body tissues, increased the level of total protein, and did not significantly affect the ratio of hemolymph protein fractions.

Kcnj13 regulates pigment cell shapes in zebrafish and has diverged by cis-regulatory evolution between Danio species.

Teleost fish of the genus Danio are excellent models to study the genetic and cellular bases of pigment pattern variation in vertebrates. The two sister species Danio rerio and Danio aesculapii show divergent patterns of horizontal stripes and vertical bars that are partly caused by the divergence of the potassium channel gene kcnj13. Here, we show that kcnj13 is required only in melanophores for interactions with xanthophores and iridophores, which cause location-specific pigment cell shapes and thereby influence colour pattern and contrast in D. rerio. Cis-regulatory rather than protein coding changes underlie kcnj13 divergence between the two Danio species. Our results suggest that homotypic and heterotypic interactions between the pigment cells and their shapes diverged between species by quantitative changes in kcnj13 expression during pigment pattern diversification.

Benzo[a]pyrene-induced up-regulation of circ_0003552 via ALKBH5-mediated m6A modification promotes DNA damage in human bronchial epithelial cells

Benzo [a]pyrene (B [a]P) is a widespread environmental chemical pollutant that has been linked to the development of various diseases. However, the specific mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, human bronchial epithelial 16HBE and BEAS-2B cells were exposed to B [a]P at 0–32 μM to assess the DNA-damaging effects. B [a]P exposure resulted in elevated expression of γ-H2AX, a marker of DNA damage. The m6A RNA methylation assay showed that B [a]P exposure increased the extent of m6A modification and the demethylase ALKBH5 played an integral role in this process. Moreover, the results of the comet assay and Western blot analysis showed an increase in m6A modification mediated by ALKBH5 that promoted DNA damage. Furthermore, the participation of a novel circular RNA, circ_0003552, was assessed by high-throughput sequencing under the condition of high m6A modification induced by B [a]P exposure. In subsequent functional studies, an interference/overexpression system was created to confirm that circ_0003552 participated in regulation of DNA damage. Mechanistically, circ_0003552 had an m6A binding site that could regulate its generation. This study is the first to report that B [a]P upregulated circ_0003552 through m6A modification, thereby promoting DNA damage. These findings revealed that epigenetics played a key role in environmental carcinogen-induced DNA damage, and the quantitative changes it brought might provide an early biomarker for future medical studies of genetic-related diseases and a new platform for investigations of the interaction between epigenetics and genetics.

Development of Traditional Communities of the Khabarovsk Territory During the Population Policy of 1970s-1980s of Russia

This paper examines the state demographic policy in relation to the indigenous minorities of the Khabarovsk Territory in 1970- 1980s in Russia. Its intention is to identify the factors and dynamics of quantitative changes in the national settlements of the region. The paper also aims to unravel the main directions of this policy and the implementation of its programs in various spheres. It examines unpublished sources in a scientific review as a research method. This research is based on previously unknown documents, found in state and municipal archives, is brought into scientific field. The paper identifies the main directions and particularities of the Soviet demographic policy, analyzes the implementation of the main programs in relation to the indigenous minorities of the Khabarovsk Territory, and evaluates the trends in the change of a number of indigenous minority ethnic groups during this period. It concludes that this policy has led to the establishment of a new form of education, construction of a new structure of national sectors functioning, and formation of a state system of medical education. Finally, it argues that the implementation of the Soviet demographic policy has had controversial consequences for the development of the indigenous minorities.

The Importance of Feasibility Assessment in the Design of ctDNA Guided Trials – Results From the OPTIPAL II Study

IntroductionBoth quantitative and molecular changes in ctDNA can hold important information when treating metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but its clinical utility is yet to be established. Before conducting a large-scale randomized trial, it is essential to test feasibility. This study investigates whether ctDNA is feasible for detecting patients who will benefit from treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and the prognostic value of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) response. Materials and methodsPatients with mCRC, who were considered for systemic palliative treatment and were eligible for ctDNA analysis. Mutational testing on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was done by ddPCR. ctDNA response from baseline to the third treatment cycle was evaluated in patients with detectable ctDNA at baseline. ctDNA maximum response was defined as undetectable ctDNA at the third treatment cycle, ctDNA partial response as any decrease in the ctDNA level, and ctDNA progression as any increase in the ctDNA level. ResultsForty-nine patients were included. The time to test results for mutational testing on cfDNA was significantly shorter than on tumor tissue (p < .001). Progression-free survival were 11.2 months (reference group), 7.5 months (HR = 10.7, p= .02), and 4.6 months (HR = 11.4, p= .02) in patients with ctDNA maximum response, partial response, and progression, respectively. Overall survival was 31.2 months (reference group), 15.2 months (HR = 4.1, p= .03), and 9.0 months (HR = 2.6, p= .03) in patients with ctDNA maximum response, partial response, and progression, respectively. ConclusionPretreatment mutational testing on cfDNA in daily clinic is feasible and can be applied in randomized clinical trials evaluating the clinical utility of ctDNA. Early dynamics in ctDNA during systemic treatment hold prognostic value.

Impact of Intensive Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy on Coronary Artery Plaques in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with a high incidence of unstable plaques beyond the culprit lesion, leading to early recurrence of cardiovascular events. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) can be used to noninvasively observe plaques throughout the coronary arteries. To evaluate the impact of intensive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering therapy on quantitative changes in coronary plaque, assessed using CCTA in a study population with ACS. In total, 81 consecutive patients with ACS who underwent CCTA at discharge and at 1-year follow-up from April 2018 to March 2020 were analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those who achieved LDL-C <70 mg/100 ml and those who did not. Changes in plaque morphology within and between the 2 groups were compared using CCTA. A total of 198 vessels were analyzed. The calcified plaque volume was significantly increased in the LDL-C <70 group (65.8 ± 80.1 mm3 to 73.6 ± 83.7 mm3, p=0.007), whereas no significant change was observed in the LDL-C ≥70 group (106.9 ± 161.7 mm3 to 105.7 ± 137.5 mm3, p=0.552). Percent change in low-attenuation plaque volume in the LDL <70 group was significantly lower than in the LDL-C ≥70 group (17.2 ± 90.9% vs 84.4 ± 162.6%, p=0.020). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the target LDL-C level for low-attenuation plaque volume regression was 64 mg/100 ml. In conclusion, noninvasive CCTA demonstrated that intensive LDL-C lowering in high-risk patients with ACS could potentially lead to plaque stabilization.

Engineering homoeologs provide a fine scale for quantitative traits in polyploid.

Numerous staple crops exhibit polyploidy and are difficult to genetically modify. However, recent advances in genome sequencing and editing have enabled polyploid genome engineering. The hexaploid black nightshade species Solanum nigrum has immense potential as a beneficial food supplement. We assembled its genome at the scaffold level. After functional annotations, we identified homoeologous gene sets, with similar sequence and expression profiles, based on comparative analyses of orthologous genes with close diploid relatives Solanum americanum and S. lycopersicum. Using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutagenesis, we generated various mutation combinations in homoeologous genes. Multiple mutants showed quantitative phenotypic changes based on the genotype, resulting in a broad-spectrum effect on the quantitative traits of hexaploid S. nigrum. Furthermore, we successfully improved the fruit productivity of Boranong, an orphan cultivar of S. nigrum suggesting that engineering homoeologous genes could be useful for agricultural improvement of polyploid crops.

Vliyanie migracionnyh processov na etnodemograficheskuyu i konfessional'nuyu situaciyu v Elizavetpol'skoj gubernii v 1868–1900 gg.

The article studies the impact of migration processes on the ethno-demographic and confessional situation of the population in the last quarter of the 19th century in Yelizavetpol governorate, which was created in the historical territory of Azerbaijan when it was a colony of the Russian Empire. Qualitative and quantitative changes in the ethnic composition of the population are monitored based on the analysis of a wide range of sources. In the context of the resettlement policy of the Russian Empire, the settlement of Germans, Armenians, and Russians in the territory of the governorate is highlighted. The changes caused by the migration, especially the religious minorities transferred from the central provinces of Russia are analyzed.