Vol 17, No 3 (2025)

The biological effectiveness of polyphenols is significant, including multiple effects, such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory, among others [5; 6]. Recent scientific studies have demonstrated the analgesic potential of natural polyphenols, which was directly shown in pain tests on animals [9]. The goal of this study was to compare the analgesic activity of a dietary supplement containing high concentrations of grape polyphenols, such as the food concentrate "Enoant" and the resveratrol with aspirin.

Methods. The study was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, 40 male Wistar rats aged between 7,5 and 8 months were divided into four groups: control (10 rats), aspirin (10 rats), the "resveratrol" (10 rats), and the food concentrate "Enoant" (10 rats). The rats in the resveratrol group were given a solution of resveratrol orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg per day for a period of 30 days. The rats in the food concentrate "Enoant" group were given a corresponding solution orally at the same dose per day for the same period. All groups were tested in the Hot Plate Test on 15 and 30 days. Aspirin (“Merk”, Germany) in the form of a suspension was administered orally only on testing days (0.4 ml) using a standard probe at a dose of 100 mg/kg 90 minutes before recording the latent period of pain response (LPPR) in the “Hot Plate” test.

40 male Wistar rats aged between 7,5 and 8 months were used in Tail Flick Test. The approach and all the methods techniques were corresponded to the Hot Plate Test.

At the second stage of the study, we repeated all the described research activities, but with an important difference: the testing was performed only on the 30th day with oral administration of aspirin at a dose of 100 mg/kg in the groups of the “Aspirin”, “Resveratrol + Aspirin” and “Enoant + Aspirin” groups against the background of thirty-days intake of Resveratrol and Enoant.

Statistical data processing was performed in GraphPad Prism 8, using the Shapiro-Wilk test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Dunn's test. The paired comparison used the Mann-Whitney U test. Differences were considered at significant p<0,05.

Results. It was shown that a thirty-day consumption of resveratrol and the food concentrate "Enoant" at a dose of 20 mg/kg resulted in a significant analgesic effect, similar to the analgesic effect of aspirin. Therefore, a thirty-day consumption of the Crimean alcohol-free the food concentrate "Enoant" has a pronounced analgesic action that is similar to that of resveratrol and aspirin. It means that the food concentrate "Enoant" with is rich of polyphenols, vitamins, and bioelements, but also a promising pain reliever that could help alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain and improve the quality of life for people suffering with similar health problems.

Background.  Studies on the use of molecular hydrogen as a cryoprotector for cattle spermatozoa have shown positive results, an increase in cell mobility and viability, and stabilization of their membranes have been noted. Despite this, the mechanisms of action of molecular hydrogen on spermatozoa remain unclear. 

Purpose. Investigation of the mechanisms of action of molecular hydrogen and the inhibitor of protein kinase C – staurosporin on the functional activity of bovine sperm. 

Materials and methods. The object of the study was semen samples from Holstinized bulls, subjected to various treatments. Sperm diluted with a standard diluent "BioXcell" was used; sperm diluted with a diluent "BioXcell" enriched with molecular hydrogen; sperm incubated using staurosporin – a protein kinase C inhibitor; sperm treated with molecular hydrogen and subsequent incubation with staurosporin. For each sample in the sperm, an analysis of kinetic parameters, energy status and intensity of free radical processes was carried out. 

Results. The inhibitor of proteinkinase C – staurosporin reduced the metabolic and kinetic parameters of spermatozoa, which confirms the direct participation of proteinkinase C in maintaining the structural and functional integrity and activity of spermatozoa. Molecular hydrogen in the presence of staurosporin had a positive effect on the studied parameters of bovine sperm, therefore, in addition to proteinkinase C, other mechanisms that are insensitive to staurosporin are involved in the transduction of molecular hydrogen-induced signals. 

Conclusion. Identification of the mechanisms determining the stimulating effects of molecular hydrogen on bull sperm will improve the parameters of fresh sperm and the technology of cryopreservation of bull sperm.

Background. Soybeans are an economically important crop used in various industries, from human nutrition to animal feeding. The creation of new varieties with a high protein content or with a certain subunit composition more suitable for food and feed purposes is an urgent area for research. In this study, the differential expression of glycinin and β-conglycinin genes in seeds of various soybean varieties (Glycine max [L.] Merr) at different stages of maturation (R5-R8) was analyzed. Glycinin’s and β-conglycinins make up a significant part of the protein contained in soybeans, play an important role in seed germination and provide biotic protection. High-protein (Bride and Stately) and low-protein (Harmony and Dauria) varieties were analyzed in the study.

Purpose. To carry out a differential analysis of the expression of glycinin and β-conglycin genes in various phases of filling and maturation of seeds (R5-R8) of soybean varieties selected by the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Research Center of the Russian Research Institute of Soybeans with increased and decreased protein content.

Materials and methods. The selection of primers for the analysis of glycine genes (Gy1-5 and Gy7) and β-conglycinins (Cg1 and Cg3-4) was carried out using software that allows to achieve high specificity and the absence of secondary structures (dimers, hairpins), from RNA extracted from seeds, was cDNA was obtained using the necessary reagent kits, amplification of fragments and their detection were carried out on a CFX-96 thermo-cycler in real time.

Results. Primers have been developed suitable for analyzing the expression level of genes encoding different subunits of glycinins and β-conglycinins. Transcriptomic profiles of the studied subunits were obtained.

Conclusion. The results showed that high-protein varieties demonstrate increased expression of glycinin genes in the early stages of development, whereas low-protein varieties are characterized by increased expression of β-conglycinin genes. This opens up prospects for using data on gene expression in the selection of new soybean varieties, and may also be able to optimize the timing of soybean harvest for food production, depending on a certain subunit composition of proteins.

Background. Data on the age composition of populations of rare and endangered plant species are necessary for studying succession processes, the structure of plant communities and the life status of species in their natural habitat. The species Tulipa biebersteiniana is listed in the Red Book of Kalmykia and a number of other regions of Russia and the age structure of its coenopopulations has not been sufficiently studied.

Purpose. Study of the features of the age structure of Tulipa biebersteiniana coenopopulations on the Yergeni Upland (within the Republic of Kalmykia).

Materials and methods. In five coenopopulations of T. biebersteiniana growing on the Ergeninsky upland, studies were conducted during the growing seasons of 2022-2023.

When analyzing the age structure of T. biebersteiniana populations, a number of indicators were calculated: the recovery index (Ib), the index of individual optimum (I I.O.), the age coefficient (Δ), the energy efficiency index (ω). The classification of T. biebersteiniana cenopopulations by age structure was carried out using a number of modern approaches. The level of similarity of the age structure of populations was estimated using the similarity index (r) and the identity criterion (I) according.

Results. The frequency of occurrence of plants of different age conditions in the coenopopulations of T. biebersteiniana, among which virginal and mature generative individuals prevailed, was determined. The constructed ontogenetic spectra of the populations of the species belonged to two types. The calculated indices characterizing the ontogenetic structure of T. biebersteiniana cenopopulations gradually changed from the northern part of the Ergeninsky upland to the southern one, correlating with the clinality of climatic factors, especially air temperature. The conditions of the second year of the study with lower air temperatures in January-April contributed to a decrease in the proportion of individuals of the generative period in T. biebersteiniana populations and, accordingly, an increase in the proportion of individuals of the pregenerative period. This led to an increase in their ability to recover, but a decrease in the values of the index of individual activity, the age coefficient and the energy efficiency index. All the studied cenopopulations are classified as normal and further, when detailing the type according to the "delta-omega" classification, they are classified as "maturing" and "young" types. Using the similarity index and the identity criterion, the similarity of the ontogenetic structure of the studied cenopopulations was revealed. At the same time, the level of similarity of the ontogenetic structure depended on the territorial proximity of the cenopopulations within the Ergeninsky upland.

Conclusion. The ontogenetic structure of T. biebersteiniana cenopopulations on the Ergeninsky upland fits into two ontogenetic types. As we moved from the northern part of the upland to the southern, there was a gradual change in a number of statistical indicators of the ontogenetic structure of the population, which correlated with the climatic conditions of the year of growth, especially with the clinality of air temperature. The degree of similarity in the age structure of the studied coenopopulations of T. biebersteiniana depended on their territorial remoteness.

Farmers in Bali have for centuries applied local wisdom in the concept of andongan to obtain better water quality from Subak irrigation streams. The problem is that the implementation of andongan is starting to be abandoned because farmers do not understand the benefits and functions of andongan. This research aims to analyze the local wisdom in the andongan concept in Subak Sembung, Denpasar-Bali, and identify the plants used in andongan. The target is that the andongan concept can be revitalized so that it can be implemented again by farmers. Moreover, the idea of andongan in terms of its function, purpose, and how it works in principle is the same as phytoremediation technology. The case study method with a qualitative approach was used in this research to collect data through observation, interviews, and documentation. If examined closely, andongan is a water management system that reflects Balinese farmers' respect for water as a source of life. Water is respected as a vital element for producing food and maintaining the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Conceptually, andongan is a water purification innovation using plants commonly referred to as phytoremediation technology. The types of plants commonly used to purify water in andongan are water hyacinth (Eichornia Crassipes) and lotus (Nymphae sp.). The implementation of the Andongan concept in Subak currently faces challenges related to farmers' land ownership status. Tenant farmers who do not have permanent ownership of the land they manage are reluctant to build Andongan because they are worried that this will reduce the size of the planting area and result in a decrease in crop yields. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that farmers in Bali have been applying phytoremediation technology for centuries in a water management concept called Andongan. The plants used in andongan also have benefits as animal feed and for religious ceremonies.

Background. The article is devoted to a detailed analysis of the state of pastures subject to desertification in the conditions of the Northwestern Caspian Sea, which has developed specifically on heavily beaten pastures of the Republic of Kalmykia. It is noted that the main causes of degradation processes in natural pastures are both the prevailing natural and climatic conditions and an ambiguous strategy for the use of pasture lands.

The purpose assessment of desertification of heavily beaten pastures of the semidesert zone of Kalmykia and methods of phytomeliorative restoration of pasture ecosystems.

Materials and methods. The research was conducted according to generally accepted methods in geoinformatics and geobotany. The assessment of the distribution of sands over the territory of the eastern regions of Kalmykia was carried out using the ARC GIS software package and Landsat 9 satellite imagery data. The complex indicator is calculated using the formula W = , where Z_i is a desirability of the i -th indicator; a_i is its weight. The desirability of Z_i  for individual indicators was calculated using linear equations of the form Z_i = ax_i +b, obtained on the basis of the functional dependence of standard desirability on the average values of ranges of pasture indicators. The weight of а_i indicators was determined by the method of expert assessment. The geobotanical description of vegetation was performed on trial plots with an area of 0.25 hectares. The names of plant communities were established according to the dominant plant species, abundance according to the O. Drude scale. On the laid transects measuring 300 m x 4 m, the volume of phytomass of shrubs and semi–shrubs was taken into account by the method of model bushes, and grasses by the mowing method.

Results. A map of the areas of pastures exposed to the spread of sands in the eastern regions of Kalmykia has been developed showing that the areas of sands in the Chernozemelsky, Yashkulsky and Yustinsky districts range from 648.0 – 281.3 t. ha, with a smaller area of sand distribution in the Lagansky district – 117.7 t. ha. These factors served as the basis for calculating the integrated indicator for assessing the degradation of the soil and vegetation cover of heavily beaten pastures of the republic (W), taking as a basis the natural values of the indicators: downed pastures, projective coverage, productivity of pastures. It was found that the heavily beaten pastures of the eastern zone of Kalmykia: Justinsky (W = 0.761), Lagansky (W = 0.814), Chernozemelsky (W = 0.442) and Yashkulsky (W = 0.949) districts are in a state of high soil degradation, suggesting the potential spread of sands in these territories.

Conclusion. It is proposed to use phytomelioration (grasses + shrubs) in the development of open sandy massifs and depleted lands. Herbaceous and shrubby lands, with pasture-protective belts and reclamation and forage plantations, including drought-resistant species of shrub Calligonum aphyllum and semi-shrub Krascheninnikovia ceratoides, provide a projective soil coverage of 65-70% with an increase in phytomass, depending on the species composition, from 13.8 to 33.6 c/ha.

Background. To date, the use of lactic acid bacteria has not found wide industrial application in the production of fish products. At the same time, the scientific direction associated with the development and use of bacterial cultures for the processing of fish products is highly relevant. Technological processes of fish processing often involve the use of high concentrations of NaCl and low positive temperatures; these factors inhibit the growth and development of most microorganisms. Therefore, the development of bacterial cultures to produce fish products should include the study of tolerance of probiotic strains to these stress factors. Latilactobacillus sakei species have great prospects for the use as bacterial cultures for fish products processing due to high biochemical activity and potential probiotic properties.

Purpose. The aim of the study was to study the resistance of Latilactobacillus sakei strains to high sodium chloride concentrations and low temperatures. The objects of the study were four strains of Latilactobacillus sakei.

Materials and methods. Cultivation of lactic acid bacteria was carried out on MRS medium at a temperature of 37 °C. The ability of bacteria to grow in the presence of sodium chloride was determined on MRS medium containing 12% NaCl, and the tolerance of bacteria to low positive temperatures was studied by strains cultivation at 8 °C.

Results. As a result of the studies, it was proven that the strains Llb. sakei LSK-45, Llb. sakei LSK-104, Llb. sakei LSK-103 can grow in the medium with a high concentration of NaCl (12%) and at low positive temperatures.

Conclusion. Thus, the use of Llb. sakei LSK-45, Llb. sakei LSK-104, Llb. sakei LSK-103 strains in the fish processing industry is of great scientific interest.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is prevalent in highly productive dairy herds and presents a considerable challenge for animal husbandry. One contributing factor to FGR is the deficiency of essential trace elements and impaired placental transport functions in pregnant cows. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of 12 trace elements and their ratios in the hair of newborn calves with a history of FGR (Group I, n = 18) and those born to cows with a normal pregnancy (Group II, n = 24). FGR was diagnosed based on ultrasound examinations of the pregnant cows performed at 38–45, 60–65, and 110–115 days of gestation using an Easi-Scan-3 scanner with a 4.5–8.5 MHz linear sensor (BCF Technology Ltd., Great Britain) following a previously established and published protocol. Hair samples from the calves were collected from the tail switch immediately before their first colostrum feeding. The concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, lead, selenium, and zinc in the hair were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Nexion 300D, Perkin Elmer, USA). To evaluate intrauterine diselementosis based on the trace element levels in the hair, various ratios were calculated: arsenic/selenium, mercury/selenium, lead/selenium, lead/zinc, cadmium/selenium, nickel/zinc, and iron/copper. Calves in Group I had significantly higher levels of cadmium in their hair (increased by 66.7%, P < 0.05) and mercury (increased by 15.0 times, P < 0.05) along with lower levels of copper (decreased by 30.7%, P < 0.05), selenium (decreased by 28.8%, P < 0.05), and zinc (decreased by 26.4%, P < 0.05) compared to calves in Group II. The concentrations of other trace elements in the hair did not differ significantly between the groups. These findings indicate that fetal development in calves during the last trimester of pregnancy occurs under conditions of an imbalance of essential and toxic trace elements. The mercury/selenium ratio in the hair of Group I calves was increased by 45.3 times (P < 0.05) compared to Group II calves, while the lead/selenium ratio was 2.81 times higher (P < 0.05), the cadmium/selenium ratio was 6.63 times higher (P < 0.05), the nickel/zinc ratio was 2.91 times higher (P < 0.05), and the iron/copper ratio was 2.64 times higher (P < 0.05). In this study, we also examined the potential causes and mechanisms underlying these imbalances.

Background. Integrated plant protection against diseases, pests and weeds is the most important element of agricultural technology. The use of fungicides is important not only to increase plant yields, but also to obtain high-quality crops. Most chemical plant protection products (CPPP) include molecules of organic compounds as active ingredients (AI), which are poorly soluble in water, which requires the development of formulations for them that allow for the uniform application of AI to plants and effectively protect them from diseases and pests.

Materials and methods. To solve the problems of resistance, it is proposed to develop multi-component and polyfunctional seed dressings for grain crops using mechanochemical methods. The compositions obtained using this technology in the form of solid dispersions had increased solubility and a wide range of biological activity. The objects of study were triazole derivatives - tebuconazole and propiconazole, polysaccharide arabinogalactan and plant growth regulators.

Results. The experimental compositions obtained in the work had a strong retardant effect on sprouts of soft spring wheat of the Novosibirskaya 31 variety. The addition of the known growth stimulator floroxan and a biostimulant in the form of silica did not help to remove this retardant effect, although the softening effect of floroxan was previously shown when using compositions based on tebuconazole.

Conclusion. The use of mechanochemical modification methods for a number of triazole derivatives made it possible to obtain compositions that significantly inhibited root formation and shortened sprouts, caused abnormal germination of grains, which ultimately affected germination, as well as the accumulation of biomass in sprouts and seedlings. The obtained results confirm the prospects for the development of multicomponent drugs using mechanochemical methods to solve the problems of resistance, solubility and expansion of biological activity.

Background. Considering that winter wheat and rye are among the important and main agricultural crops in the region, which are grown for food and feed purposes, the task was to increase its yield and grain quality, as well as to study the possibility of increasing the survival of crops after wintering. One of the ways to increase the survival of plants for the spring period and for harvesting in general is the use of various organomineral fertilizers in agrocenoses. Such a preparation can be agrochemical Arksoil, KKR in various doses, which is used as seed treatment before sowing and when spraying during the growing season of the crop. With the advent of new, promising varieties of winter wheat and rye, which require agroecological testing in conditions of a specific terrain in combination with organomineral fertilizers, it becomes possible to increase the productivity of winter grain crops, and this was the subject of these scientific experiments.

Materials and methods. Research methods and methodology were based on the generalization of scientific sources of domestic and foreign authors, conducting laboratory and field studies, phenological observations, records, according to recommendations and generally accepted methods, using correlation and statistical analysis of the obtained experimental data. Microsoft Office Excel 10 was used for statistical work.

Results. In conditions of the Non-Black Earth Region in 2021-2023, the highest yield level in experimental variants was shown by winter wheat variety Grom. In the variant without treatment, the average yield of winter wheat of Grom variety was 43.3 dt/ha, in variants with the use of organomineral fertilizer with growth-stimulating activity Arksoil KKR at dosages of 80 ml/ha and 120 ml/ha, respectively, it was 46.0 dt/ha and 47.7 dt/ha. Treatment with an agrochemical in the fall during the tillering period affected the survival rate by spring, increasing this indicator by 5.6-19.8% to 86.0-79.5%. On average, the maximum survival of plants was revealed in variants Grom + Arksoil KKR, 120 ml/ha (79.5%), Ethana + Arksoil KKR, 120 ml/ha (74.6%), Grom + Arksoil KKR, 80 ml/ha (75.0%). Relatively low overwintering of winter wheat plants was noted for varieties Lipetskaya Zvezda and Torrild. In the experiment, the most effective fertilizer in increasing the productivity of winter rye was Folirus Active, the variants of which had the maximum yield recorded among the hybrids. Among the studied winter rye hybrids, higher yields were shown by plots of ZU Forzetti hybrid, from 32.6 to 41.4 dt/ha; low productivity was revealed for Eterno hybrid, from 28.1 to 32.6 dt/ha.

Conclusion. The use of organomineral fertilizer Arksoil KKR on all studied varieties provided a significant increase in the yield, as well as an increase in the economic efficiency of winter wheat grain production. The maximum economic effect was demonstrated by the technology of growing winter wheat of Grom variety with the introduction of agrochemical Arksoil KKR at a dosage of 120 ml/ha. In the studies conducted in agrocenoses of winter rye, the efficiency of all used organomineral fertilizers was observed. The maximum efficiency was revealed in the variant of growing winter rye ZU Forzetti + Folirus Active (41.4 dt/ha), Eterno + Folirus Active (32.6 dt/ha), Ravo + Folirus Active (35.7 dt/ha). The role of the studied organomineral fertilizers in experiments with winter wheat and rye in conditions of the Non-Black Earth Region was proven.

Four soil samples with varying textures (clay loam, clay, sandy clay loam, and silty loam) were collected from different locations in Nineveh Governorate, northern Iraq. Four different models were used to calculate air-entry values, including Lenhard (Ψ_e), Cornelis (Ψ_e1), Van Genuchten (Ψ_e2), and a modified model proposed in this study (Ψ_e.m) and a modified model proposed in this study (α). These values, which represent the inverse of the air-entry value (α), serve as inputs for the Hydrus-1D program. It is a difficult standard to measure and requires time and work to estimate. These models were used in the Brooks and Corey model (1964) to predict accumulated infiltration. It is expressed in the following formulas (I_Ψe, I_Ψe1, I_Ψe2, I_Ψem). As a new method in predicting accumulated infiltration values by using the Hydrus-1D program and comparing it with infiltration values measured in the laboratory and field. This a novel scientific enhances the program's functionality and updates input data to minimize errors.

The results demonstrated that cumulative infiltration predicted by Hydrus-1D using hydraulic functions (,,) and the two constants in V.G model (α, n,) gave close values to the measured values. A high level of agreement was also observed between the predicted accumulated infiltration values (I_Ψe, I_Ψe1, I_Ψe2, I_Ψem) and the measured values when the same program was used, relying on the air-entry values of (Ψ_e, Ψ_e1, Ψ_e2, Ψ_e.m) as an alternative to the (α) value. The modified value in this study (Ψ_e.m) gave the best results to predict accumulated infiltration values when used in the Hydrus-1D program. We recommend adopting this modified value (Ψe.m) in Hydrus-1D to predict soil hydraulic properties.

Background. The height of trees is an essential indicator in forest inventory, closely associated with stand productivity. It is a widely utilized metric for characterizing site conditions, both within individual forests and for comparing stand development across diverse climatic zones. The relationship between tree height and diameter is a pivotal aspect of forest stand vertical structure, ultimately informing the development of primary inventory standards for the commodity structure.

Purpose. The objective of this study is to identify the characteristics of height change in Siberian spruce trees in mature stands of the Yenisei Ridge, a mountain taiga region with challenging conditions for woody vegetation growth.

Materials and Methods. The study was conducted in mature stands of Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.) on the Yenisei Ridge, a mountain range in the western part of the Central Siberian Plateau. The research was based on data obtained from 15 research plots placed in stands with a predominance of Siberian spruce in the stand composition, as determined by the largest growing stock value.

Results. In the course of mathematical analysis, a number of series of natural development of forest stands were identified, both within a group of forest types and even within a single forest type. The findings of the study indicate that the application of the bonitet classes scale in the formulation of inventory standards for spruce stands is unwarranted, given that the bonitet scale encompasses the absence of growth in height in stands of considerable age. The growth intensity of spruce stands in height can be delineated into three phases, each characterized by a distinct variability of the complex assessment indicator.

Conclusion. The findings of this research indicate that mature, low-productivity spruce stands subjected to the harsh climatic conditions of the Yenisei Ridge exhibit a number of characteristics associated with tree growth in height. The utilization of a bonitet scale for the establishment of inventory standards for spruce stands is not a viable proposition. This is due to the fact that the bonitet scale incorporates the absence of height increments in stands of considerable age. Consequently, in order to ensure the suitability of the regulatory forest inventory base for spruce stands on the Yenisei Ridge, it is essential to develop a bespoke approach that takes into account the specific site conditions.

Background. Coronary heart disease is accompanied by increased calcification and vascular stiffness, which is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. This manuscript focuses on the contribution of sclerostin to the development of vascular calcification and arterial stiffness, which is a key aspect of coronary heart disease.

Purpose. To assess the possibility of developing a comprehensive approach to assessing the likelihood of vascular calcification, taking into account indicators of arterial stiffness and a marker of extraosseous calcification (sclerostin) to improve noninvasive diagnostics of cardiovascular risk.

Materials and methods. The study included patients with myocardial infarction and unstable angina. Arterial stiffness index and calcification were assessed taking into account coronary angiography data and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. Serum sclerostin concentrations were measured using ELISA.

Results. An increase in sclerostin concentration was found in patients with coronary artery stenosis of more than 50% in combination with intravascular calcified atherosclerotic plaques. A strong correlation was found between serum sclerostin concentration and arterial stiffness index. Results on a significant increase in the arterial stiffness index against the background of coronary artery calcification were obtained. The results of ROC analysis showed the possibility of using threshold value of arterial stiffness index in assessing the severity of coronary artery disease.

Conclusion. Understanding the relationship between sclerostin, calcification and vascular stiffness can help in the development of new strategies for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease.

Background. Potatoes are consumed worldwide and rank after rice, wheat, and maize as a food crop for human consumption. Potato is one of the main products widely used in the diet of the population of the Russian Federation due to its availability and high nutritional value. Its nutritional benefits are determined by a balanced ratio of the most important nutrients (vitamins, macro- and microelements, starch, protein and antioxidants). The quality of potato protein is higher than that of any other intensively consumed plant protein. According to the Federal Service for State Statistics (Rosstat), potato consumption per capita in Russia is estimated at 84 kg per year, while the consumption norm approved by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation is 90 kg per person per year. Moreover, studies have shown that the phenotypes of crops, including potatoes, when grown using conventional and organic technologies can have differences not only in yield and disease resistance, but also in nutritional value.

Purpose. To compare physicochemical parameters of potatoes produced by agricultural enterprises under conventional and organic technologies and to evaluate their nutritional value and safety.

Materials and methods. The subjects of the study were samples of conventional and organic potatoes of five varieties: "Karelia", "Bernina", "Colette", "Colombo", "Red Scarlett", grown on agricultural enterprises in the Leningrad and Novgorod regions. Physicochemical indicators were determined in the studied samples. Tests were conducted at the FBUZ "Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region". Statistical processing of the data was carried out using MS Excel 2016.

Results. For the first time the data of physicochemical analysis of samples of 5 (five) potato varieties produced by conventional and organic technologies by agricultural enterprises of the North-West region of the Russian Federation, allowed to confirm its safety in the presence of a number of xenobiotics. It was found that the indicators of nutritional value of the studied potato varieties, in addition to cultivation technology, are dependent on other factors of production. As an example, let us take the variety "Colombo", grown under conventional technology and containing potassium 2 times more, compared with a similar variety produced under organic production conditions (Novgorod region).

Conclusion. The results of the study allow us to give an objective assessment of safety indicators for a number of xenobiotics in potatoes produced under conventional and organic technologies. Safety indicators are within the permissible level, fixed by the legislation of the Russian Federation. It was found that the nutritional value of potatoes produced by organic method, was depending on the choice of variety, place of growth and for some indicators did not exceed the similar assessment data of potatoes grown under conventional technology. In addition, we have identified a number of hygienic problems on cultivation of vegetable products with the help of organic technology.

Background. “Urbech” – traditional national product of Dagestan peoples recently found increasing popularity among adherents of a healthy diet. Urbech made according to traditional recipes retains its properties when stored for more than 1-2 years. Nowadays urbech range is constantly expanding. Some of the new types of urbech can spoil in 5-7 days.

Materials and methods. The samples of urbech made from coconut flakes and dried mulberries spoiled most quickly, peanut urbech with grated cocoa beans and date syrup, and sesame urbech with honey. The urbech has been treated with antioxidants and mild preservatives and has been exposed to gamma radiation. Using standard methods, the authors have determined humidity, pH, acid number of fat, viscosity, the number of pathogenic microorganisms, including salmonella, QMAFAnM, coliform bacteria, yeast and moldy fungi, osmophilic yeast.

Results. The introduction of antioxidants has increased the best before date of urbech by 7-14 days. Mild preservatives have had no effect on increasing the best before date of nut butter. The drug Polybiom has increased the best before date of urbech by 21-28 days. The study of the urbech microbiological indicators with obvious signs of spoilage has shown that the number of pathogenic microorganisms, including salmonella, QMAFAnM, coliform bacteria, molds and yeasts does not exceed the values ​​regulated in TR CU 021/2011. Treatment of the urbech with gamma radiation has shown that the radiation dose of more than 2 kGy leads to the change in its organoleptic properties. Osmoresistant microorganisms are present in all the variants. Compared to the control samples, with an increase in the radiation dose, the osmophilic microflora decreases from 10 to 55 times.

Conclusion. During the storage of newly developed types of urbech, it has been found out that its spoilage is not associated with the natural processes of fat oxidation. No microorganisms above the values regulated in TR CU 021 have been found in the urbech. Osmophilic microorganisms develop in the experimental samples of the urbech. Gamma irradiation of urbech at a dosage permissible for food up to 10 kGy reduces the amount of osmophilic microflora up to 55 times. When treated with radiation at a dose of up to 2 kGy, the urbech organoleptic properties are preserved. Accordingly, the treatment with ionizing radiation at the doses up to 2 kGy is effective for preserving organoleptic and microbiological parameters urbechs, including osmophilic yeast, which is not regulated by the regulatory documents in the Russian Federation, for a certain period of storage. To study the causes of the urbech spoilage, further detailed studies of microorganisms and their metabolic products are required.

The article is devoted to the definition of the regional community’s request for the quality of farm food products through their perception models. The topic of food quality assessment from the consumers’ point of view is relevant and is widely discussed in the scientific community. The directions of modern discourse in the subject area are: systematic state control over compliance with regulatory requirements for the production and food quality; strengthening consumer confidence and ensuring public health through nutrition; characteristics of a food product in terms of the information load of packaging, its environmental friendliness for high-quality product storage, subsequent disposal of packaging materials; promotion of modern technologies for processing, storage, and waste disposal. In the empirical part of the study we developed model for studying the request of the regional community for the quality of farm food. It was used in a survey of the population of Stavropol Krai (Russia). The survey of 812 respondents was organized in electronic form. The database was processed by the SPSS Statistics program (version 27) – factor analysis, Rotation Method: Varimax with Kaiser Normalization. The actual model of consumer request for the quality of farm food consists of 2 structural components: commitment to certain producers – the choice of farm food products based on trust in the brand, official information and labelling; situational choice of farm food products based on a visual assessment of the product, packaging and current price. The obtained research data will help the farming community to position their products correctly and consider the prospects of going beyond the region.

Background. Electrophoresis is a common and effective method for assessing the protein profile of humans and animals. The method of protein separation by electrophoresis has been well established since its discovery and has been developed and improved over several decades. At the present stage this procedure does not lose its relevance and finds new areas of application.

Purpose. To study and analyze the accumulated experience in the application of protein detection methods by electrophoresis, in particular for the assessment of equine metabolism.

Materials and methods. Literature search was performed by keywords using open databases: PubMed, eLibrary, Scopus, and Google Academic search engine. The most significant works on the topic of the review were selected and analyzed.

Results. The molecular weight, size and shape of the molecule as well as its total charge are the main factors that make it possible to separate complex mixtures into separate fractions due to differences in their velocity. Successful separation of protein mixtures is influenced not only by the nature of the proteins, but also by the supporting medium, which must fulfill important characteristics: maintain optimal pH and allow molecules to pass through at a certain speed. Protein detection methods are as varied as the separation methods: non-selective staining with Coomassie brilliant blue, amido black 10B, silver, fluorescent dyes, and selective by immunoprecipitation or enzyme electrophoresis.

The evaluation of equine metabolism by electrophoresis extends to virtually all areas of study: establishing seasonal and age-related changes; analyzing breed, subpopulation and hybrid traits; evaluating markers of inflammation, certain pathologies such as ulceration, uveitis, parasitic and viral infections, myopathies, and markers of animal fitness. In animal reproduction, electrophoresis can be used to assess the quality of ejaculate, to determine the ability of semen to freeze, to detect the viability of spermatozoa, including after cryopreservation, and to detect changes during mare foaling.

Conclusion. The electrophoresis method is widely used in the assessment of human and animal metabolism, including horses. It has a high degree of significance for the analysis of population, age-sex and seasonal differences in horses, and also finds its application in the assessment of animal performance and reproductive technologies.

Background. Hormones are biologically active substances that interact with each other and regulate physiological and metabolic processes in the body of farm animals. Any failure in the hormonal homeostasis of the body leads to a decrease in the productive and reproductive qualities of animals and, as a consequence, to economic losses. Despite significant advances in understanding the hormonal regulation of the cow's sexual cycle, there is a serious lack of comprehensive studies on the interaction of hormones with receptors in target cells, their activation or suppression of the expression of certain genes involved in the synthesis of proteins and enzymes, as well as the mechanisms of regulation of hormonal systems. This is a serious problem, since the lack of such data does not reveal the full mechanism of action of a particular hormone and its role in reproductive capacity. In this review, we tried to systematize the available data on the issue under study. The objects of study were scientific publications devoted to various aspects of hormonal regulation of the sexual function of cattle. The search was carried out in the PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Elibrary and other open Internet sources. Based on the search results, data on the mechanism of action of cattle sex hormones were systematized: follicle-stimulating, luteinizing, estrogens, progesterone, testosterone and prostaglandins. Particular attention in the article is paid to the problems of hormonal disorders and their impact on the reproductive health of the animal. Understanding these issues allows us to differently evaluate the mechanisms of action and the level of influence of hormones on reproductive qualities, which is very important for the modernization of reproductive technologies and increasing the efficiency of agricultural production.

Purpose. To analyze the existing scientific data on gonadotropic and gonadal hormones affecting the reproductive function of cattle.

Background. The study of the molecular mechanisms regulating gene expression in response to various types of stress in woody plants, particularly drought and high soil salinity, is becoming a necessary condition for breeding or creating new resistant cultivars, forms, and hybrids with specific economically valuable traits. Currently, the extent and depth of studying the genes involved in drought and high soil salinity tolerance in woody plants is extremely low compared to agricultural crops, which significantly complicates and slows down the breeding process that should be based on achievements in molecular biology and genetics.

Purpose. To summarize, describe, and select potential genes involved in the formation of drought and salt tolerance in a range of woody plants used in agroforestry and protective afforestation, growing in areas with arid and semi-arid climates.

Materials and methods. To achieve the research objectives, more than 250 scientific sources were reviewed and a search in open gene databases was conducted to identify genes and their homologues databases using the BLAST program associated with drought and salt tolerance in woody plants used in agroforestry and protective afforestation.

Results. This study summarizes and describes 28 genes associated with drought tolerance and 14 genes associated with salt tolerance in the genera Quercus and Populus, and the families Fabaceae, Rosaceae, and Oleaceae.

Conclusion. Thus, as a result of the analysis of genes associated with drought and salt tolerance in woody plants, key targets have been identified that can serve as a basis for molecular selection, followed by the identification of potential markers and their possible association with economically valuable traits.