Acyclic Nucleic Acids with Phosphodiester Linkages—Synthesis, Properties and Potential Applications

This review summarizes the synthetic efforts on acyclic analogs of nucleic acids and provides information on the most interesting features of selected classes of such compounds. The selection includes the following types of analogs: Flexible (FNA), Unlocked (UNA), Glycol (GNA), Butyl (BuNA), Threoninol (TNA) and Serinol Nucleic Acids (SNA). These classes of analogs are discussed in terms of their synthetic methods, the thermal stability of their homo- and hetero-duplexes and their applicability in biological and biochemical research and nanotechnology.

DYNAMICS OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF BERRIES OF INTRODUCED CULTIVARS AND FORMS OF CRANBERRIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF CENTRAL SIBERIAN BOTANICAL GARDEN SB RAS

The aim of the work was study of the variability of fruit chemical composition of O. palustris (2 samples) and O. macrocarpus (6 samples) cultivars and forms introduced in CSBG depending on the conditions of the year. Biochemical research of the content of dry substance, ascorbic acid, sugars, titratable acidity, anthocyanins, pectins, protopectins and catechins in berries of these samples were conducted. The chemical composition was analyzed by conventional methods. O. palustris surpasses O. macrocarpus in the content of ascorbic acid and titratable acidity, but is inferior to it in the accumulation of anthocyanins, pectins and protopectins. In comparison with the studied samples of both species, the native O. palustris accumulates the greatest amount of ascorbic acid and the least amount of sugars. The early cultivars of O. macrocarpus exceeds the mid-season cultivars and are close to late-maturing ones in terms of ascorbic acid content. The difference in the accumulation of other ingredients in the fruits of both O. palustris and O. macrocarpus is not statistically significant. According to the chemical composition of berries, O. palustris and O. macrocarpus are promising for introduction in the South of Western Siberia.

CONNECTION OF FAT CONTENT IN MILK OF HEAVY BREED MALES WITH BLOOD GROUPS, ALLELES AND ANTIGENS OF ERYTHROCYTES

Studies on the influence of blood groups, alleles and antigens of erythrocytes on the fat content in the milk of mares of heavy draft breeds were carried out on the basis of the dairy farm of the Semyonovskiy breeding plant CJSC and in the laboratory of clinical diagnostics and biochemical research of the Gary State University, Department of Livestock Production Technology. The chemical composition of milk from mares of heavy draft breeds was determined in the laboratory of the breeding kumys complex of ZAO PZ "Semyonovsky". The analysis of milk for fat content was carried out on the device "Klever-1M". The allele pool was determined according to the D blood group system of the Lithuanian and Russian heavy draft breeds, bred in ZAO PZ "Semyonovskiy". According to the D blood group system, 19 out of 36 possible genotypes have been established in Russian and Lithuanian mares. The highest fat content was observed in Lithuanian heavy draft mares with DdkDcgm genotypes and Russian heavy draft mares with DcgmDdghm genotypes. The share of genotypic influence on the fat content in milk was 0.1227 (p>0.95) and 0.1881 (p>0.95), respectively for breeds. Taking into account the revealed positive relationships of immunogenetic parameters with the content of fat in the milk of mares, it is possible to recommend the use of the results obtained to adjust the selection in terms of selection and breeding work.

A review of chemical defense in harlequin toads (Bufonidae; Atelopus)

Toads of the genus Atelopus are chemically defended by a unique combination of endogenously synthesized cardiotoxins (bufadienolides) and what are likely exogenously sequestered neurotoxins (guanidinium alkaloids). Investigation into Atelopus small-molecule chemical defenses has been primarily concerned with identifying and characterizing various forms of these toxins while largely overlooking their ecological roles and evolutionary implications. In addition to describing the extent of knowledge about Atelopus toxin structures, pharmacology, and biological sources, we review the detection, identification, and quantification methods used in studies of Atelopus toxins to date and conclude that many known toxin profiles are unlikely to be comprehensive because of methodological and sampling limitations. Patterns in existing data suggest that both environmental (toxin availability) and genetic (capacity to synthesize or sequester toxins) factors influence toxin profiles. From an ecological and evolutionary perspective, we summarize the possible selective pressures acting on Atelopus toxicity and toxin profiles, including predation, intraspecies communication, disease, and reproductive status. Ultimately, we intend to provide a basis for future ecological, evolutionary, and biochemical research on Atelopus.

A Comparative Study of Plasma Proteins from Twenty-Nine Species of Albatrosses And Petrels (Order Procellariiformes)

<p>The plasma proteins of 29 species of albatrosses and petrels were electrophoretically separated in acrylamide gels to clarify relationships at the species-group to family-group levels. Little in the resulting data from 472 birds seriously contests the present classification of the Procellariiformes; much of the biochemical evidence supports, confirms, and clarifies the proposals of conventional taxonomic methodology. The biochemical data give fresh insights into the interrelationships of procellariiform taxa, and highlight intriguing new problems. Sex, season, age, and other sources of non-genetic protein variation are insignificant for taxonomic purposes. Proteins of comparable value include the transferrins, some α and β globulins, albumins, prealbumins, and non-specific esterases. Genetic variations in the mobility of these proteins are useful at the genus-group level and below. Other proteins are monomorphic at genus and family level, and three are monomorphic in both number and mobility throughout the Procellariiformes; these are useful reference points for calibrating samples on different gels. One conspicuous α protein is absent in the Hydrobatidae but present in all other families; the implications of this are discussed. Polymorphic proteins at the population or species level were not detected; this conspicuous phylogenetic conservatism is discussed with regard to its possible evolutionary significance. Following a summary of the protein data; three categories of, defined probability statements, based on the biochemical and other evidence, allow speculative comment on the evolutionary relationships and history of the taxa within the Procellariiformes. The value of further biochemical research into the marine birds is emphasised.</p>

A Comparative Study of Plasma Proteins from Twenty-Nine Species of Albatrosses And Petrels (Order Procellariiformes)

<p>The plasma proteins of 29 species of albatrosses and petrels were electrophoretically separated in acrylamide gels to clarify relationships at the species-group to family-group levels. Little in the resulting data from 472 birds seriously contests the present classification of the Procellariiformes; much of the biochemical evidence supports, confirms, and clarifies the proposals of conventional taxonomic methodology. The biochemical data give fresh insights into the interrelationships of procellariiform taxa, and highlight intriguing new problems. Sex, season, age, and other sources of non-genetic protein variation are insignificant for taxonomic purposes. Proteins of comparable value include the transferrins, some α and β globulins, albumins, prealbumins, and non-specific esterases. Genetic variations in the mobility of these proteins are useful at the genus-group level and below. Other proteins are monomorphic at genus and family level, and three are monomorphic in both number and mobility throughout the Procellariiformes; these are useful reference points for calibrating samples on different gels. One conspicuous α protein is absent in the Hydrobatidae but present in all other families; the implications of this are discussed. Polymorphic proteins at the population or species level were not detected; this conspicuous phylogenetic conservatism is discussed with regard to its possible evolutionary significance. Following a summary of the protein data; three categories of, defined probability statements, based on the biochemical and other evidence, allow speculative comment on the evolutionary relationships and history of the taxa within the Procellariiformes. The value of further biochemical research into the marine birds is emphasised.</p>

Astaxanthin Delivery Systems for Skin Application: A Review

Astaxanthin (AST) is a biomolecule known for its powerful antioxidant effect, which is considered of great importance in biochemical research and has great potential for application in cosmetics, as well as food products that are beneficial to human health and medicines. Unfortunately, its poor solubility in water, chemical instability, and low oral bioavailability make its applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical field a major challenge for the development of new products. To favor the search for alternatives to enhance and make possible the use of AST in formulations, this article aimed to review the scientific data on its application in delivery systems. The search was made in databases without time restriction, using keywords such as astaxanthin, delivery systems, skin, cosmetic, topical, and dermal. All delivery systems found, such as liposomes, particulate systems, inclusion complexes, emulsions, and films, presented peculiar advantages able to enhance AST properties, among which are stability, antioxidant potential, biological activities, and drug release. This survey showed that further studies are needed for the industrial development of new AST-containing cosmetics and topical formulations.

Natural synthesis of silver nanoparticles from grape fruit juice and estimation of antimicrobial activity

Silver has been known for its antimicrobial activity for a very long time. Formulation of silver particles that range from 1-100nm in size makes it even more potent to induce antimicrobial effect. Green chemistry has started to become more frequent in the field of biochemical research. Silver nanoparticles synthesized from green synthesis method provide a cheap and environmental friendly method of nanoparticle preparation. The aim of the current study is green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using tomato juice as reducing and capping agent and evaluation of its antimicrobial activity. The stability and conformation of SNPs was determined by UV-visible spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of synthesized SNPs was determined against E.coli DH5α. Ultraviolet spectroscopic analysis offered peak at 400 nm that indicate the production of SNPs of adequate size. E.coli DH5α showed considerable decrease upon introduction of SNPs to the bacterial inoculum. Upon increasing the concentration of silver nanoparticles an increase in zone of inhibition was recorded. For 70µg/ml of SNPs, the zone of inhibition was 0.5 cm, while 0.6 cm, 0.7 cm and 0.7cm was recorded for 100µg/ml, 150µg/ml and 200µg/ml of SNPs respectively. The efficacy of antimicrobial activity of SNPs derived from tomato juice proves its potential use in pharmaceutical and medicinal industries for synthesis of nanomedicine.

The Enigmatic Metallothioneins: A Case of Upward-Looking Research

In the mid-1950s, Bert Lester Vallee and his colleague Marvin Margoshes discovered a molecule referred to today as metallothionein (MT). Meanwhile, MTs have been shown to be common in many biological organisms. Despite their prevalence, however, it remains unclear to date what exactly MTs do and how they contribute to the biological function of an organism or organ. We investigate why biochemical research has not yet been able to pinpoint the function(s) of MTs. We shall systematically examine both the discovery of and recent research on Dr. Vallee’s beloved family of MT proteins utilizing tools from philosophy of science. Our analysis highlights that Vallee’s initial work exhibited features prototypical of a developing research tradition: it was upward-looking, exploratory, and utilized mere interactions. Since the 1960s, MT research has increasingly become intervention- and hypothesis-based while it remained largely upward-looking in character. Whilst there is no reason to think that upward-looking research cannot successfully yield structure-function mappings, it has not yet been successful in the case of MTs. Thus, we suggest it might be time to change track and consider other research strategies looking into the evolution of MTs. Recent studies in mollusks render research in this direction worthy of pursuit.