Institute of Coal of the Siberian Branch of the RAS

Calcium phosphate bions (CPB) are biomimetic mineralo-organic nanoparticles which represent a physiological mechanism regulating the function, transport and disposal of calcium and phosphorus in the human body. We hypothesised that CPB may be pathogenic entities and even a cause of cardiovascular calcification. Here we revealed that CPB isolated from calcified atherosclerotic plaques and artificially synthesised CPB are morphologically and chemically indistinguishable entities. Their formation is accelerated along with the increase in calcium salts-phosphates/serum concentration ratio. Experiments in vitro and in vivo showed that pathogenic effects of CPB are defined by apoptosis-mediated endothelial toxicity but not by direct tissue calcification or functional changes in anti-calcification proteins. Since the factors underlying the formation of CPB and their pathogenic mechanism closely resemble those responsible for atherosclerosis development, further research in this direction may help us to uncover triggers of this disease.

The efficiency of light absorption by inclusions of various metals in transparent media is calculated using as an example silver azide, lead, and PETN. It is shown that the absorption efficiency, along with the laser pulse energy density, has a decisive influence on the maximum temperature of heating of the inclusion. Dependences of the maximum heating temperature on the radius of the inclusions are plotted for a pulse duration of 30 ns. Asymptotic expressions are obtained for the dependence of the maximum heating temperature on the pulse duration for an ensemble of inclusions.

A study was made of the explosion probability and the pressure of explosive decomposition products of PETN samples of density 1.73 g/cm3 with different contents of Al nanoparticles under pulsed laser irradiation (1060 nm; 20 ns). It was experimentally found that the maximum sensitivity and maximum pressure of explosion products are obtained when the mass concentration of nanoparticles is 0.1%. In this case, the mixture sensitivity increases by factor of ≈100 with respect to the samples containing no nanoparticles. The observed effect is due to radiation absorption directly by nanoparticles with the formation of “hot spots,” which initiates an exothermic reaction in the main substance. It is shown that the addition of 0.1% Al decreases the impact sensitivity with respect to the samples without additives. This makes it possible to consider this mixture as a promising material for optical detonators.

The results of measurements of the threshold of explosive decomposition of PETN with 0.1 wt % additives of aluminum nanoparticles under the action of the first and second harmonics of a YAG:Nd3+ laser with a pulse duration of 12 ns are presented. A comparison of experimental and theoretical results is performed. It is concluded that the absorption of radiation heats the nanoparticles to form chemical decomposition kernels in the vicinity of the hotspot, so that the initiation of explosive decomposition is not associated with optical breakdown of the sample.

The dependences of the transmission coefficients and the sum of the transmission and absorption coefficients for light with a wavelength of 643 nm in compressed pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) samples containing aluminum nanoinclusions (average radius of 50 nm) on the pellet thickness and the mass fraction of aluminum nanoparticles in it are studied with an integrating sphere. The light absorption and scattering in this system is simulated using the Mie theory and a radiative transfer equation. The depth profile of absorbed energy in a sample is shown to approximately obey the Bouguer-Beer law. The effective cross section of radiation absorption by aluminum nanoparticles, which takes into account both light absorption and scattering by an ensemble of nanoparticles, exceeds the geometrical cross section.

Graphites of different nature—pyrolytic, synthetic, thermally expanded, and natural graphites—were compared using X-ray diffraction analysis based on the (00l) reflection from the main crystal face. It was found that the (002) and (004) reflections are the superpositions of two components, which correspond to the structural phases of graphite with different interplanar spacing. The ratio between the integrated intensities of separated reflection components accounts for the ratio between these phases; along with interplanar spacing, this ratio characterizes graphites and makes it possible to detect difference between them. The long-range orders of reflection from the reference plane are responsible for more precise data on interplanar spacing; therefore, it is proposed to use the (004) reflection for characterizing graphites. A correspondence between the structure peculiarities of graphites determined by this method and the discharge capacity of lithium ion batteries with anodes made from these graphites was demonstrated.

Here we report a pilot-sized study to compare the taxonomic composition of sputum microbiome in 17 newly-diagnosed lung cancer (LC) patients and 17 controls. Another object was to compare the representation of individual bacterial genera and species in sputum with the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in the blood lymphocytes of LC patients and in controls. Both groups were male; average age 56.1 ± 11.5 in patients and 55.7 ± 4.1 in controls. Differences in the species composition of bacterial communities in LC patients and controls were significant (pseudo-F = 1.94; p = 0.005). Increased prevalence in LC patients was detected for the genera Haemophilus and Bergeyella; whereas a decrease was observed for the genera Atopobium, Stomatobaculum, Treponema and Porphyromonas. Donors with high frequencies of chromosomal aberrations had a significant reduction in the microbiome of representatives of the genus Atopobium in the microbiome and a simultaneous increase in representatives of the species Alloprevotella compared to donors with a low level of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes. Thus, a comparison of the bacterial composition in the sputum of donors with cytogenetic damages in theirs lymphocytes, warrants further investigations on the potential role of microorganisms in the process of mutagenesis in somatic cells of the host body.

The physical and analytical modeling of coal discharge in thick coal mining by sublevel caving involves the method when coal is discharged under gravity on the powered support units and is proportioned-fed to a face conveyor placed between the support units. Based on the physical modeling, the authors put forward a mathematical model to study the gravity flow of granular material in three dimensional formulation using discrete elements.

We compiled a checklist of endemic vascular plants occurring in Kazakhstan, employing an exhaustive examination of literature sources, herbarium collections, databases and field observations. Our study reveals that 451 taxa can be considered endemic to Kazakhstan, constituting 7.97% of the total vascular plant diversity in the country. These endemic taxa, originating from 139 genera and 34 families, predominantly thrive in the southern regions of Kazakhstan, specifically in the mountain ridges of the Kazakh part of the Tian Shan, including Karatau (123 taxa), Dzungarian Alatau (80 taxa) and Trans-Ili and Kungey Alatau (50 taxa). Notably, 107 endemic species are granted legal protection. Detailed information regarding life form, life cycle, conservation status and geographical distribution across floristic regions was meticulously compiled for each endemic taxon. Of the six groups of life forms, herbs include the highest part of endemic taxa (367 taxa), followed by dwarf semishrubs (25 taxa), shrubs (23 taxa), subshrubs (20 taxa), undershrubs (13 taxa) and trees (3 taxa). The observed life cycles are perennials (408 taxa), annuals (33 taxa) and biennials (10 taxa). This paper serves as a fundamental groundwork for prospective investigations aimed at assessing population sizes and hotspots of plant endemism throughout Kazakhstan, crucial for determining conservation status of endemic plants.

An association between high serum calcium/phosphate and cardiovascular events or death is well-established. However, a mechanistic explanation of this correlation is lacking. Here, we examined the role of calciprotein particles (CPPs), nanoscale bodies forming in the human blood upon its supersaturation with calcium and phosphate, in cardiovascular disease. The serum of patients with coronary artery disease or cerebrovascular disease displayed an increased propensity to form CPPs in combination with elevated ionised calcium as well as reduced albumin levels, altogether indicative of reduced Ca2+-binding capacity. Intravenous administration of CPPs to normolipidemic and normotensive Wistar rats provoked intimal hyperplasia and adventitial/perivascular inflammation in both balloon-injured and intact aortas in the absence of other cardiovascular risk factors. Upon the addition to primary human arterial endothelial cells, CPPs induced lysosome-dependent cell death, promoted the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, stimulated leukocyte adhesion, and triggered endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We concluded that CPPs, which are formed in the blood as a result of altered mineral homeostasis, cause endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation, thereby contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease.

Recent findings indicate that the microbiome may have significant impact on the development of lung cancer by its effects on inflammation, dysbiosis or genome damage. The aim of this study was to compare the sputum microbiome of lung cancer (LC) patients with the chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronuclei (MN) frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes. In the study, the taxonomic composition of the sputum microbiome of 66 men with untreated LC were compared with 62 control subjects with respect to CA and MN frequency and centromere fluorescence in situ hybridisation analysis. Results showed a significant increase in CA (4.11 ± 2.48% versus 2.08 ± 1.18%) and MN (1.53 ± 0.67% versus 0.87 ± 0.49%) frequencies, respectively, in LC patients as compared to control subjects. The higher frequency of centromeric positive MN of LC patients was mainly due to aneuploidy. A significant increase in Streptococcus, Bacillus, Gemella and Haemophilus in LC patients was detected, in comparison to the control subjects while 18 bacterial genera were significantly reduced, which indicates a decrease in the beta diversity in the microbiome of LC patients. Although, the CA frequency in LC patients is significantly associated with an increased presence of the genera Bacteroides, Lachnoanaerobaculum, Porphyromonas, Mycoplasma and Fusobacterium in their sputum, and a decrease for the genus Granulicatella after application of false discovery rate correction, significance was not any more present. The decrease of MN frequency of LC patients is significantly associated with an increase in Megasphaera genera and Selenomonas bovis. In conclusion, a significant difference in beta diversity of microbiome between LC and control subjects and association between the sputum microbiome composition and genome damage of LC patients was detected, thus supporting previous studies suggesting an etiological connection between the airway microbiome and LC.

Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. The aim of this study was to validate chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of lung cancer patients living in a region with high air pollution and increased background radon levels as a biomarker of cancer risk. A total of 417 lung cancer patients and 468 control participants were analysed using a chromosome aberration assay in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The results showed that chromatid-type aberrations (2.26±1.58 vs. 1.60±1.58) and chromosome-type aberrations (CSAs) (0.96±1.36 vs. 0.42±0.70) in lung cancer patients were increased significantly in comparison with the controls. The most significant two-fold increase was detected for CSAs (nonsmoking patients: 0.84±1.54 vs. 0.41±0.73%, smoking patients: 0.99±1.31 vs. 0.44±0.67%). The frequency of dicentric and ring chromosomes, double minutes and rogue cells was significantly higher (P=0.002, 0.00002, 0.01, 0.0007) in the lung cancer patients. As both analysed groups lived in the same environment, our results show that increased radon levels were not the only source for the detected genome damage. Using binomial logistic regression, the estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals adjusted for the main confounders (smoking, occupational exposure, age) were 1.31 (1.20-1.40) for chromatid-type aberrations, 1.28 (1.17-1.33), and 1.68 (1.49-1.88) for CSAs. It may be suggested that lung cancer patients show a significant increase in genome damage that may be caused by an interplay between exposure and individual low capacity of DNA repair, leading to genome instability.

The novel network polymers 2a-2d based on calix[4]resorcinarene derivatives were obtained with yields 2a:80%, 2b:90%, 2c:70%, 2d:70%. Polymers 2a and 2b containing fragments of tetramethylcalix[4]resorcinarene or tetraphenylcalix[4]resorcinarene as a repeating units were synthesized by condensation cis-tetramethylcalix[4]resorcinarene or cis-tetraphenylcalix[4]resorcinarene with formaldehyde. Polymers 2c and 2d containing fragments of furylcalix[4]resorcinarene were obtained by condensation of formaldehyde with products of calix[4]resorcinarene and furfural interaction. The IR spectra and sorption properties of the polymers were researched. It is found out that 2a-2d can participate in the cation-exchange reaction.

Coal miners are exposed to coal dust, containing mineral particles, inorganic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and to ionizing radiation. These factors can induce oxidative stress and promote inflammation that leads to DNA damage. The aim of this investigation is to analyse the degree of DNA damage in miners working in underground coal mines in Kemerovo Region (Russian Federation) using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The exposed group included 143 coal miners (mean age = 50.11±7.36 years; mean length of service in coal mining conditions = 23.26±9.66 years). As a control group, we have used venous blood extracted from 127 healthy non-exposed men. The mean age in this group was 47.67±8.45 years. We have discovered that coal miners are characterized by a significant increase in the frequency of binucleated lymphocytes with micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and protrusions (NBUDs) compared to non-exposed donors. In addition, we report, for the first time, a reduction of cell proliferation in a cohort of coal miners. These data are evidence of the genotoxic and cytostatic effects of occupational harmful factors of the coal mining industry. No correlation between the level of chromosome damage and age, smoking status or length of service in coal mining conditions were discovered. We suggest that the CBMN assay would be useful in biomonitoring studies to monitor hygiene and prevention strategies in occupational settings in coal mining countries.

Spectral dependences of the light extinction and absorption efficiency coefficients are calculated for silver, gold, nickel, and aluminum nanoparticles within the framework of the Mie theory. It is demonstrated that narrow plasmon bands are observed for small (with a radius of less than 50 nm) nanoparticles of noble metals, whereas broad bands in the spectral dependences of the extinction and absorption efficiencies are typical for nickel and aluminum nanoparticles. It is concluded that using spectral dependences of extinction for estimating the radius of nanoparticles is correct only for noble metals. The results are interpreted based on wavelength dependences of complex refractive indices of metals.

Industrial needle-coke samples from different producers are investigated by X‑ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Their structural parameters La and Lc are determined, and their microstructure is investigated. A relation is observed between the structural parameters and morphology of the coke particles. Given the consistency of the results obtained by the two independent methods, X-ray structural analysis and scanning electron microscopy may be regarded as complementary tools essential to structural assessment and assignment of coke samples and also to specification of the thermal conditions for the production of high-quality anisotropic needle coke.

Background: Recent findings indicate that the host microbiome can have a significant impact on the development of lung cancer by inducing an inflammatory response, causing dysbiosis, and generating genome damage. The aim of this study was to search for bacterial communities specifically associated with squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Methods: In this study, the taxonomic composition of the sputum microbiome of 40 men with untreated LUSC was compared with that of 40 healthy controls. Next-Generation sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes was used to determine the taxonomic composition of the respiratory microbiome. Results: There were no differences in alpha diversity between the LUSC and control groups. Meanwhile, differences in the structure of bacterial communities (β diversity) among patients and controls differed significantly in sputum samples (pseudo-F = 1.53; p = 0.005). Genera of Streptococcus, Bacillus, Gemella, and Haemophilus were found to be significantly enriched in patients with LUSC compared to the control subjects, while 19 bacterial genera were significantly reduced, indicating a decrease in beta diversity in the microbiome of patients with LUSC. Conclusions: Among other candidates, Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) emerges as the most likely LUSC biomarker, but more research is needed to confirm this assumption.

The effect of heat treatment conditions on the properties of carbon materials obtained in the process of the low-temperature graphitization of coal-tar pitch in the presence of a cellular graphite catalyst was studied by X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis. It was found that materials whose X-ray structural characteristics are close to those of graphite were formed at 800–900°C. An increase in the process temperature to 1400°C, just as an isothermal exposure at 900°C, increased the degree of graphitization of carbon materials but decreased the amount of heteroatoms in their composition.

The geomechanical model of the powered roof support-top coal-roof rock system is developed. For investigation of disintegration processes in top coal of thick seam, numerical modeling with finite element discretization of a study domain is carried out using the authors’ original code. The computational experiment reveals stress distribution in rock mass, as well as evaluates position, shape and size on uncontrolled caving zones in top coal.

The thresholds of explosive decomposition of PETN (pentaerythrite tetranitrate) with the addition of ultrafine Al-C mechanocomposite particles were measured as a function of the concentration of the latter in the experimental samples exposed to laser pulses (1.064 nm, 12 ns). The sample density was 1.73 g/cm3, and the Al-C particle size at the distribution peak was 220 nm. The minimum threshold of explosive transformation corresponding to a 50% probability of explosion with an energy density of 4 J/cm2 was reached at an optimum concentration of the mechanocomposite of 0.1–0.3%. Comparison with experimental data obtained for samples with aluminum nanoparticle additives was performed.