The point of view of this article’s author, participating in the work of several scientific journals, on the current situation with the publication of articles by scientists of various specialties is presented. Two approaches to this problem are considered – “informal” (focused only on the quality of published manuscripts) and “formal” (taking into account mainly the scientometric indicators of both authors and journals). The continuous commercialization of this process is noted, associated with the emergence of a huge number of publications that require significant article processing charges from scientists to publish the results of their research. At the same time, the financial interests of publishers promote reducing the requirements for reviewing and editing articles submitted to the editorial board. It is emphasized the need for the appropriate formal scientometric indicators for researchers applying for grants, as well as for the corresponding positions and titles, which has arisen at the present stage. According to the author, excessive attention to such formal rankings does not improve the effectiveness of scientific publications, negatively affecting, in particular, the process of blind peer review, grammar and style of manuscripts, statistical processing of data given in articles, design of illustrations, as well as the quality of reference lists.

The role of intermediate substrates represented by morphological structures or chemical compounds, located between the information carrier (stimulus) and the dendrite receptors of insect sensory organs is considered on example of olfactory, visual, mechanical, hygro-, and thermoreceptors. Intermediate substrates in olfactory sensillae are represented by their cuticular regions, pores or pore-tubular system, sensillum lymph, and odorant-binding proteins. Intermediate structures also imply articular membrane (mechanoreceptor hairs), tympanic membrane (hearing organs), mineral statoliths (gravity receptors), iron oxide nanoparticles (magnetic field receptors), matrix surrounding the dendrites (hygroreceptors), microparticles associated with the dendrite membrane (thermoreceptors), and non-sclerotized mesocuticle (infrared receptors). There are two stages in propagation of a signal that is perceived by sense organs of most modalities: 1) before signal contacts the peripheral environment (substance or structure); 2) after signal contacts the peripheral environment. Besides, a signal of one modality on the first stage of its propagation can be replaced by a signal of other modality at the second stage of propagation, as, for example, in hygro- or thermoreceptors, since the primary stimulus (moisture, heat/cold, infrared radiation) is replaced by a mechanical effect on the dendrite membrane of its peripheral environment. The mechanisms of signal modality substitution in many sense organs, as well as the role of odorant-binding proteins and pore tubes in olfactory sensillae have not been fully elucidated and require further study.

Neutrophils are the first line of defense against invading pathogens in the focus of inflammation, where they use effector functions such as phagocytosis, degranulation and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In 2004, Arturo Zychlinsky described an additional neutrophil effector function – the release of neutrophil extracellular traps or NETs. NETs consist of the modified chromatin “decorated” with bactericidal proteins from granules, nucleus, and cytoplasm. The release of NETs can be activated by a variety of physiological and pharmacological stimuli, and depends on the formation of ROS, the main source of which is enzymatic complex NADPH oxidase. In the process of NET formation, bactericidal granule components exit from granules into cytoplasm, the modification of histones leading to chromatin decondensation, the destruction of the nuclear envelope and cytoplasmic membrane, and the extrusion of chromatin outside the cell are taking place. However, the uncontrolled NET release is a provoking factor in the development of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. NETs have been discovered at autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and vasculitis; NETs are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and oncological diseases. In this review, the basic molecular mechanisms of NETs formation, as well as their role in the physiological processes and pathogenesis of a number of diseases including COVID-19 are discussed.

The nongenomic effects of thyroid hormones develop within minutes or hours and do not depend on the binding of the hormone to the transcriptionally active nuclear receptors TRα and TRβ. These effects are characterized by a variety of receptors and signaling pathways involved, which may be distinct in different cell types. T₃ or T₄ can induce nongenomic effect by association with transcriptionally inactive TRα and TRβ in the cytoplasm of the cell, their truncated isoforms or integrin αvβ3. With nongenomic action, as well as with genomic action, T₃ and T₄ can alter gene transcription, but in this case, their influence is extended to wider spectrum of genes. The nongenomic effects of thyroid hormones often complement the genomic ones, causing similar changes in cell activity, or enhance them by providing TRα and TRβ translocation into the nucleus or their post-translational modification. The nongenomic effects of thyroid hormones on the vasculature include angiogenesis and rapid vasodilation. The key signaling cascade mediating angiogenesis includes integrin αvβ3, protein kinase D, and histone deacetylase 5. The mechanisms of rapid vasodilation are still poorly understood and may vary in different regions of the vascular bed. In cytoplasm of endothelial cells, the nongenomic effect of thyroid hormones is mediated by TRα1, PI3K, and NO synthase, but this mechanism is not universal. Thyroid hormones-induced vasodilation of skeletal muscle arteries includes the participation of αvβ3 integrin located in smooth muscle cells, but the signaling cascades triggered by it have not yet been studied. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of the nongenomic effect of thyroid hormones is important for the development of new methods of pharmacological correction of vascular pathologies, which are usually associated with thyroid disorders.

A Correction to this article is available

One of the most frequently used model objects in gerontology is yeast, primarily Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A significant amount of data has been accumulated, allowing to believe that in yeast undergoing chronological or “stationary phase” aging, damage is similar to age-related lesions in the cells of multicellular organism. However, studies on yeast, like on any objects, are not without drawbacks; in particular, although yeasts are eukaryotes, in terms of evolution they are far from mammals, which impose a limitation on the studies of non-conservative metabolic pathways in yeast. In some cases, mammalian cells are better for chronological model experiments, for example, Chinese hamster cells. They are actively used in industry for the manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. A significant proportion of these products are produced after cessation of proliferation which initiates chronological aging of the culture. The accumulated data on the features of the function of cell metabolism, growth, culture and the duration of its functional activity are extremely valuable for gerontologists. The exchange of information between these two branches – biotechnological and gerontological – will be beneficial to both parties.

Bacterial strains ANT 17 and ANT 56 were isolated from activated sludge, antagonistic to plant pathogenic fungi Bipolaris sorokiniana. Physiological, biochemical, and culture morphological properties, analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence and composition of fatty acids of cell walls of strains AНT 17 and AНT 56 supported its classification within the species Pseudomonas laurentiana. It was shown that strains P. laurentiana AНT 17 and P. laurentiana AНT 56 possess a set of properties characteristic of PGP microorganisms: they exhibit antifungal activity against phytopathogenic micromycetes, are capable of decomposing phosphates and synthesizing phytohormonal substances. Inoculation of cucumber, tomato and cabbage seeds had a beneficial effect on their germination. Pre-sowing treatment of wheat seeds under the conditions of a natural infectious background with an inoculum of isolated bacterial strains contributed to a decrease in the spread of fungi that cause root rot. The possibility of using strains P. laurentiana and P. laurentiana AНT 56 in biotechnology in order to increase the productivity of agroecosystems. The ability to stimulate the growth and development of plants for strains of the P. laurentiana species was shown for the first time.

High irradiance of the habitat in arid areas is usually associated with high temperature and dry air, which can cause water scarcity in plants. The Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is considered as a light-loving mesophytic species. This study showed that L. tulipifera forms shade or sun leaves depending on the lighting conditions. Some xeromorphic features were found in leaves of the trees in well-lit habitats. These sun leaves are smaller, denser and thicker, with smaller epidermal cells and a thick cuticle; the spongy parenchyma consists of a larger number of rows of small cells; the cells of the columnar parenchyma are larger, compared to the shade leaves. The sun leaf contains 20–30% more total chlorophyll, and the guard cells of the stomata of the sun leaf contain chloroplasts. Probably, the increased concentration of chlorophyll maintains the necessary level of energy balance in the conditions of inhibiting the photosynthesis process under high lightning and temperature. Decrease in the size of the sun leaf and epidermis cells, thickening of the cuticle and cell wall of epidermal cells, sunken stomata, compact mesophyll with small intercellular spaces, multi-row spongy parenchyma protect from overheating and passive loss of water; and can be considered as xeromorphic features. Large numerous stomata and vascular bundles contribute to effective cooling of the surface by transpiration at high temperatures under sufficient water supply. Thus, the leaves of L. tulipifera have an ecological plasticity in relation to light and temperature, which contributed to the acclimation of the species to the habitat conditions in arid climates.

Exposure to β-lactam, fluoroquinolone and aminoglycoside antibiotics caused an increase in the production of hydrogen peroxide and the expression of OxyR-regulon of the oxidative stress response in Escherichia coli cells. Under the conditions of microaeration, the attenuation of secondary oxidative stress due to the addition of an antioxidant thiourea affected the antibacterial effect of fluoroquinolones. Thiourea potentiated the effect of sub-lethal (which did not reduce the number of colony-forming units below 10³/mL) doses of the antibiotic and increased the viability of cells exposed to lethal doses. The addition of thiourea reduced the expression of OxyR-regulon, increased by the sub-lethal antibiotic action, to an antibiotic-free culture level. When exposed to lethal doses, a decrease in the antibiotic-mediated expression of oxidative stress response genes in the presence of thiourea was also observed, however, the expression level remained higher as compared to an antibiotic-free culture. This may indicate the dual role of ROS under antibiotic treatment as the damaging agents contributing to killing and the signal molecules activating stress responses.

The Russian segment of the International Space Station, as a closed habitat, is a favorable environment for the development of microorganisms. There are bacteria and fungi of various systematic groups, some of which can lead to infections. Thus, certain species of sporeforming bacteria of the genus Bacillus are dangerous In seven strains of bacteria of this genus, isolated from samples obtained at the station, resistence to such β-lactam antibiotics as penicillin, ampicillin, meropenem, a number of cephalosporin derivatives I (cefazolin), II (cefuroxime), III (ceftriaxone, cefoperazone, ceftazidime), IV (cefepime) generations, as well as the aminocyclitol antibiotic spectinomycin. It was found that all these strains are resistant to penicillin and ampicillin with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) from 16 to 2048 µg/ml, as well as to cephalosporin antibiotics and meropenem with a MIC value from 2 to 2048 µg/ml. Bacterial resistance to spectinomycin used in patients with allergy to β-lactams penicillins and cephalosporins is in the MIC range from 32 to 2048 µg/ml. The absence of active efflux pumps in B. licheniformis 7-12 with high MIC values for penicillin and ampicillin suggested that this strain has a β-lactamase defense mechanism against these antibiotics. In three more strains resistant to penicillin and ampicillin – B. subtilis 14-12, Bacillus sp. R2HG21, Bacillus sp. HEP3B2 functions another defense mechanism – active transport of the antibiotic from the cell, mediated by the presence of efflux pumps, functioning due to the electrochemical potential of the cell membrane. It has been shown that, in six strains of the studied bacilli, resistance to cephalosporin derivatives of the 3rd-4th generations of ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, cefepime and the aminocyclitol antibiotic spectinomycin is also apparently provided by systems of active outflow of xenobiotics belonging to the group of secondary transporters.

The toxicity of water polutants depends not only on their concentration, but also on the chemical composition of water – the concentration of calcium and magnesium, humic acids, etc., which should be taken into account when extrapolating the results of biotesting to natural conditions. The sensitivity of Daphnia magna to acute toxicity of aluminum chloride was evaluated in natural and artificial water with different parameters of hardness. Aluminum toxicity decreased both in artificial and natural water with an increase in water hardness. However, within the same range of water hardness aluminum toxicity decreased significantly less in artificial water than in natural water. In artificial water, an increase in hardness from 0.017 to 0.524 °e led to an increase in the value of the 48-h half-lethal concentration of aluminum by 1.57 times. In natural water a similar increase in hardness (0.017–0.692 °e) led to a 6-fold decrease in this indicator. Such differences may be associated with the influence of other hydrochemical factors of the studied water types. Thus, when conducting biotesting for the purpose of environmental regulation, artificial water cannot serve as a fully adequate replacement for natural water which chemical composition is affected by spatial heterogeneity.

Anabantoid fishes form a unique group, most of which are characterized by diverse forms of parental care. Reconstruction of the reproductive strategies evolution in anabantoids remains a challenge. This is partly due to the lack of reliable evidence of parental care in a number of its representatives, the most famous of which is the climbing perch. Moreover, apparent contradictions between literary sources frequently occur on the subject. This brief overview attempts to analyze the situation and identify the likely causes of disagreement. The further development of understanding of the life strategies phylogeny in the group, as well as concept of evolutionary transitions among parental care modes in fishes in general, depend on clarification of this situation.

We assessed the structure of Podocotyle atomon metacercariae cysts and their surrounding capsules in the trematodeʼs second intermediate hosts – Locustogammarus locustoides (Brandt, 1851) and Spinulogammarus ochotensis (Brandt, 1851) – using light and transmission electron microscopy. The cysts, which are synthesized from materials secreted by the parasite tegument, exhibited a single, amorphous layer. The capsules formed by the host consisted of two layers: an electron-light, loose inner layer and an electron-dark, unstructured outer layer, which incorporated a small amount of intact and fragmented host cells. The inner capsule layer may have been formed by degeneration and transformation of the amphipodʼs muscle tissue that surrounds the larva. The outer layer of the capsule appeared to contain pigment deposits.

Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent bone malignant tumor with a high mortality rate among children and adolescents. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor associated with xenobiotic detoxification and carcinogenesis. It is known that some AHR ligands are included in the composition of drugs used in cancer therapy. However there are few works devoted to the study of their effect on osteosarcoma cells. In this work, three primary cell cultures were obtained from biopsy material of malignant bone tumors of human osteosarcoma. AHR protein levels were high in all primary osteosarcoma cell cultures. The functional activity of AHR in osteosarcoma cells was estimated by induction of its target genes by known exogenous ligands: indirubin and indole-3-carbinol. The genes of Cytochrome P450 1 family were analyzed as AHR target genes: CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1. It was shown that the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor is functionally active in all cultures, but the target genes were induced differently by ligand treatment within the same cell culture.

On the surface of the nucleosome, there are many regions for interaction with chromatin proteins, but an acidic patch, a negatively charged region formed by the residues of the histone H2A/H2B dimer, is especially prominent. The acidic patch is a target for anticancer drugs and interaction locus for various pathogens. For instance, it was shown that this region is the binding site of the LANA protein of human gammaherpesvirus 8 and tethers the virus episomes to mitotic chromosomes. The development of methods for analyzing the binding of various compounds to nucleosomes is necessary both for understanding the mechanisms of chromatin regulation and for the therapeutic agents design. In this work, we propose a technique and measure the binding constant of the LANA protein fragment to nucleosome. In contrast to previous studies, the measurements were carried out at a physiological salt concentration in the buffer solution. The proposed technique is based on the signal detection from the fluorescently labeled peptides after the separation of complexes of nucleosomes with peptides by gel electrophoresis. The paper also discusses mathematical models for analyzing the interaction between peptides and nucleosome and possible factors that can affect it.