Kazan Federal University

About: Kazan Federal University is a education organization based out in Kazan’, Russia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Chemistry. The organization has 9868 authors who have published 14390 publications receiving 135726 citations. The organization is also known as: Kazan (Volga region) Federal University & Kazan State University.

Electrochemical Aptasensor Based on Polycarboxylic Macrocycle Modified with Neutral Red for Aflatoxin B1 Detection

Abstract: Novel electrochemical aptasensors based on glassy carbon electrodes modified with electropolymer- ized Neutral red and polycarboxylated macrocyclic li- gands onto which the DNA aptamers were covalently at- tached have been developed for detection of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The interaction with an analyte resulted in the decrease of the cathodic peak current of the probe measured by CV and in the increase of the electron trans- fer resistance determined by EIS. The limit of detection was found to be 0.1 nM for CV and 0.05 nM for EIS methods, respectively. The aptasensor makes it possible to detect AFB1 in peanuts, cashew nuts, white wine and soy sauce with a recovery of 85-100 %.

MicroRNA 302a Is a Novel Modulator of Cholesterol Homeostasis and Atherosclerosis

Abstract: Objective— Macrophage foam cell formation is a key feature of atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that specific microRNAs (miRs) are regulated in modified low-density lipoprotein–treated macrophages, which can affect the cellular cholesterol homeostasis. Undertaking a genome-wide screen of miRs regulated in primary macrophages by modified low-density lipoprotein, miR-302a emerged as a potential candidate that may play a key role in macrophage cholesterol homeostasis. Approach and Results— The objective of this study was to assess the involvement of miR-302a in macrophage lipid homeostasis and if it can influence circulating lipid levels and atherosclerotic development when it is inhibited in a murine atherosclerosis model. We found that transfection of primary macrophages with either miR-302a or anti–miR-302a regulated the expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCA1 mRNA and protein. Luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-302a repressed the 3′ untranslated regions (UTR) activity of mouse Abca1 by 48% and human ABCA1 by 45%. In addition, transfection of murine macrophages with miR-302a attenuated cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) by 38%. Long-term in vivo administration of anti–miR-302a to mice with low-density lipoprotein receptor deficiency ( Ldlr −/− ) fed an atherogenic diet led to an increase in ABCA1 in the liver and aorta as well as an increase in circulating plasma high-density lipoprotein levels by 35% compared with that of control mice. The anti–miR-302a–treated mice also displayed reduced atherosclerotic plaque size by ≈25% and a more stable plaque morphology with reduced signs of inflammation. Conclusions— These studies identify miR-302a as a novel modulator of cholesterol efflux and a potential therapeutic target for suppressing atherosclerosis.

Metal–Organic Frameworks as Heterogeneous Catalysts in Hydrogen Production from Lightweight Inorganic Hydrides

Abstract: Ammonia–borane (NH3·BH3, AB), hydrazine (NH2NH2), lithium borohydride (Li(BH4)), and sodium alanate (Na(AlH4)) are popular chemical hydrogen storage inorganic solid materials featuring high gravimetric hydrogen contents (H wt %) and remarkable stability under ambient conditions. Ultrapure H2 is formed from these compounds either via pyrolysis (i.e., a simple material heating) or via hydrolysis (chemical reaction with water). In both cases, a series of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts have been designed to assist the process. Among the latter, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs, crystalline 3D porous lattices made of metallic nodes and organic polytopic linkers) have rapidly emerged as versatile candidates for this role. The nanoconfinement of lightweight hydrides in MOFs produces a “hydride@MOF” composite material. Hydride coordination to MOF exposed metal sites or its reaction with functional groups on the organic linkers facilitates the thermal decomposition, lowering the hydrogen release temperature...