Proceedings of the YSU B: Chemical and Biological Sciences
Proceedings of the YSU B: Chemical and Biological Sciences aims to publish original research papers and survey articles in all areas of chemistry and biology. Proc. YSU B: Chem. Biol. Sci. accepts also review articles, short communications, conference proceedings, Ph.D and doctoral thesis’s and other items with a detailed exposition of results, experiments and examples. One of purposes is to reflect the progress of the research in all areas of chemistry and biology in Armenia and, by providing an international forum, to stimulate its further developments.
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTION IN THE SOTK AND DZKNAGET RIVERS (ARMENIA)
This study examines the spatial and temporal variability of heavy metal contamination in the Dzknaget and Sotk Rivers in 2023 and 2024, applying the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HMPI) and the Metal Index (MI). The concentrations of seven heavy metals (Al, Cd, Fe, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn) were assessed in three river sections: the upper (Dzk-1) and lower (Dzk-2) reaches of the Dzknaget River, and the lower reach of the Sotk River (Sot-2). The results show consistently low contamination levels at Dzk-1, indicating limited human impact, whereas significantly higher HMPI and MI values at Dzk-2 and Sot-2 point to substantial pollution. Comparative analysis according to World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and local standards reveals notable differences in contamination classification. Based on FAO criteria, the irrigation risk is considered low, while WHO and local standards indicate more serious ecological and health risks. The observed decrease in contamination in the Sot-2 section in 2024 may suggest some improvement in water quality. Overall, the results emphasize the need for multi-layered assessment frameworks, continuous monitoring, targeted pollution control, and stricter environmental regulations to protect aquatic ecosystems and water resources.
Copyright (c) 2026 Proceedings of the YSU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
TOXOPLASMOSIS IN ARMENIA (1961–2025): A CONCISE UPDATE AND "ONE HEALTH" RESEARCH AGENDA
Toxoplasma gondii remains a significant zoonotic parasite in Armenia, however, the epidemiological data continue to be heterogeneous. Although Daryani et al. recently presented a comprehensive review of the Armenian scientific literature up to 2023, the present work is considered both an update to that review and a strategic agenda for future research. Readers interested in detailed descriptions of individual studies and analyses of seroprevalence prior to 2023 are encouraged to consult the aforementioned publication. Accordingly, this article provides a concise chronological overview (1961–2023), emphasizes a synthesized analysis of data generated after 2023, and further expands on prospective priorities within the One Health framework that are relevant to the current capacity of epidemiological surveillance in Armenia.
CHRONIC ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE AS A BIOLOGICAL STRESSOR: MECHANISTIC PATHWAYS AND REGIONAL EXPOSURE CONTEXT IN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
Environmental noise pollution is increasingly recognized as a profound biological stressor rather than a mere ecological nuisance. This review synthesizes current scientific evidence on the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic noise exposure, emphasizing its role in activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Sustained acoustic stress induces neuroendocrine dysregulation, triggering the overproduction of reactive oxygen species endothelial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation, which are primary drivers of cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive disorders. By examining structural characteristics of the urban environment in Yerevan, where highly reflective stone architecture and high-density environments amplify acoustic stimuli the study highlights a sustained allostatic load and heightened physiological vulnerability among the population. The paper concludes that mitigating chronic noise exposure is critical for cellular and systemic physiological restoration, advocating for the integration of neurobiological parameters into public health strategies to prevent noise-induced systemic pathologies.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF ACHILLEA FILIPENDULINA, PRANGOS FERULACEA, AND PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils (EO) extracted from Achillea filipendulina, Prangos ferulacea, and Pelargonium graveolens were investigated for their extraction yields and antimicrobial activity. Aerial parts of the plants were harvested during the flowering or early flowering stages from different regions of Armenia and subjected to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The yield of essential oils reached 0.5% for A. Filipendulina, approximately 4% for P. Ferulacea and 0.1–0.2% for P. graveolens. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disk-diffusion assays against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli strains, as well as yeast species and presented by their minimum inhibitory concentration values (MIC). All tested EOs exhibited bactericidal activity with effective MIC values, although their efficacy was strain dependent. Among the investigated oils, P. graveolens EO showed the broadest antimicrobial spectrum, demonstrating strong antibacterial activity and exclusive anti-yeast effects. Growth kinetics analysis further confirmed the inhibitory impact of the EOs on both antibiotic-sensitive and resistant E. coli strains, as evidenced by reduced specific growth rates and prolonged generation times. Overall, these findings indicate that the studied essential oils, particularly P. graveolens, represent promising natural antimicrobial agents and warrant further investigation.
A STUDY OF THE PRESENCE OF MICROFUNGI IN OLD AND RARE BOOK COLLECTIONS AND THEIR IMPACT
The harmful effects of microfungi on library collections and human health have been considered. It has been proposed to change conditions for the safe preservation of books.
SALINITY STRESS RESPONSES AND PHYTODESALINATION POTENTIAL OF ARMENIAN LOCAL WHEAT GENOTYPE
This study aimed to evaluate the morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses of local wheat ("Sateni-22") under salinity stress and to assess its phytodesalination potential. Experiments were conducted under controlled conditions using different NaCl concentrations. The results showed that under conditions of low NaCl concentrations, as a result of the activation of adaptive mechanisms, morphophysiological indicators were able to be somewhat preserved, but at high concentrations they were significantly reduced. It should also be noted that, in parallel with the increase in salinity, the content of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions in the above-ground organs of the plant significantly increased. These findings indicate a moderate adaptive capacity of local wheat and its potential efficiency for soil phytodesalination in saline environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Proceedings of the YSU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN ARMENIA: TRENDS, CONSEQUENCES, FACTORS, AND RISK GROUPS
The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, as well as overall life satisfaction, among school-aged children and adolescents in Armenia during COVID-19-related quarantine and school closures. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 395 children aged 6–17 years attending secondary schools in Yerevan from March to April 2023. The Armenian version of the depression, anxiety and stress scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to measure psychological distress. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and the Spielberger-Hanin anxiety test were also employed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test, ANOVA, Nonparametric tests, and χ2 test) were applied. Most schoolchildren demonstrated moderate levels of personal (48.1%) and situational (49.6%) anxiety. Girls showed significantly higher levels of both personal and situational anxiety compared to boys (p < 0.05). Mean anxiety scores were also higher in girls. According to DASS-21, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were found in 59.9%, 57.2%, and 70.4% of participants, respectively, with the highest scores among adolescents aged 15–17. Younger children (6–10 years) had the lowest levels of psychological distress. The FCV-19S scale showed no significant differences by age or gender and demonstrated good reliability in assessing fear of COVID-19. DASS-21 demonstrated perfect age-group concordance, good predictive validity, and excellent internal consistency. Further evaluations of DASS-21 in different age groups are needed to optimize the scale. The international DASS-21 questionnaire is a sensitive and valid test for assessing depression, anxiety, and stress after COVID in school-aged children in Armenia.
CORRECTIVE EFFECT OF NAKED LICORICE (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA L.) ON BLOOD PARAMETER SHIFTS UNDER NOISE EXPOSURE
It was observed that a 30-day exposure to noise resulted in significant decreases in the total number of erythrocytes, reticulocytes, and hemoglobin levels, along with a marked reduction in blood oxygen capacity. In contrast, the 30-day combined exposure to noise and licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) led to a significant increase in these hematological parameters, thereby promoting homeostasis under conditions of prolonged exposure to noise as a stress factor.
THE FREE PROLINE CONTENT DYNAMICS IN CONNECTION WITH THE HOMEOKINESIS IN POTATO PLANT’S DIFFERENT ORGANS
Study of changes of free proline content in connection with organ formation processes of two potato sorts has shown that these processes are accompanied by the increase of free proline content in all organs of plants within different quantitative limits. The comparison of sensability of various organs of potato to the break of organism equalized state has shown the significant differences between organs of both middle and late ripe sorts. When transition to the tuberization took place the free proline content reached its maximum in stolons for both sorts, especially for the late ripe sort. This fact indicates that among all organs the stolons are the most sensible to the break of equalized state.
Copyright (c) 2001 Proceedings of the YSU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
GAS-LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD FOR SEPARATION OF MONO-ATOMIC ALYPHATIC (C1-C9) ALCOHOLS’ MIXTURE AND THEIR QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
A method for chromatographic separation and quantitative determination of mixture of nine alyphatic mono-atomic alcohols for educational purposes corresponding to the "Methods of chromatographic analysis" program for university chemical departments has been elaborated. The analysis has been carried out on LXM-72 chromatograph with flameionization detector and temperature programming. The conditions and regime of chromatography process have been justified. Duration of analyses is 25 min. Volume of analysing sample is 1 mkL.
THE PHOTOCYCLIZIATION OF N-BENZYLAMIDE ACETOACETIC ACID
It has been shown that photocyclization N-benzylamide acetoacetic acid in present three-ethanolamine or anhydryde acetic acid gives 2-oxo-4-methyl-5-phenyl-Δ3-pyrrolin. The formal kinetics of the process is given.
THE ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY CHANGES DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OE SOILS
Activity of enzymes of different samples of the virgin, weakly and powerful cultivated rock semi-desert and brown soils was investigated. It is stated that the ecological factors, which determine the soils' biological activity, are changed during the soils' cultivation. It may be proved by the enzyme activity determination. During soils' cultivation the activity of enzymes is submitted to regular changing, hence it may be used as an exponent of the level of soils' cultivation.
THE PECULARITIES OF ARGINASE THERMIC INACTIVATON
The effect of temperature on conformation and catalytic activity of bovine liver arginase in aqueous solutions was studied. During the experiment ([Ca]=4.2·I0–7M, pH 9.5) under the influence of the temperature of 60–80℃ the inactivation of the arginase was accompanied by a decrease of Michaelis constant values and reduction of triptophane fluroscence. In the presence of ornithine the sensitiveness of the enzyme towards the temperature effect is considerably increased. The results led to the conclusion that the thermic inactivation of arginase in a solution is a result of the violation of native conformational condition, not directly affecting the active center of the enzyme. The measuring of intensity of triptophane fluroscence can be successfully used to registrate conformational changes in arginase solutions under existing conditions.
THE INFLUENCE OF SOME HERBAL EXTRACTS ON THE FREE RADICAL OXIDATION OF LIPIDS
Investigation of antioxidant properties of some herbs was carried out. Efficiency of herbs as antioxidants was tested by the influence of their extracts on the intensity of spontaneous chemiluminescence and by the change of the level of the malonic dialdehyde in the model system. The obtained results indicate that all experimented extracts show antioxidant properties in different degrees.
INVESTIGATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF LOW-FREQUENCY ELECTROSTIMULATION ON THE BLOOD COAGULATION
Influence of the hippocamp on the system of hemocoagulation was investigated. It was revealed that the low-frequency electrostimulation of hippocamp leads to hipocoagulating changes of studied biochemical exponents of blood coagulation, which is supposed to be the result of inhibitory influence of hippocamp.
HYDROCORTISONE AND INSULIN ACTION ON RAT LIVER CHROMATIN’S POSITIVE ELLIPTICITY
Maximum positive ellipticity parameter’s values were received for rat liver chromatin preparations in control and under in vivo and in vitro actions of steroid hormone hydrocortisone and peptide hormone insulin. It was shown, that in vivo action of both hormones lead to significant increase of this parameter’s value. In vitro action of hormones doesn’t changee the value of the mentioned parameter of hormones doesn’t reveal additivity. Specific antagonism of hydrocortisone and insulin action at chromatin is observed. It is noteworthy that a change of the parameter’s value of the maximum positive ellipticity is observed in total chromatin preparations as well as in its active fraction.
THE INHIBITORATION OF OXIDATION REACTIONS OF ORGANIC SUBSTANCES BY TIOSEMICARBAZONE
It is studied that the TSK influence of cumene, CHP and OS-20 on initiation on the quickness of oxidation rate of reactions is studied. It is shown that in any case TSK displays an inhibitorating character. Kinetic parameters characterizing the inhibitor are measured. During the oxidation of cumene in the reaction RO2 + In→ROOH +In the temperature dependence of velocity constant is determined as: k7 = 4.49·108 exp(-5300/RT) L/mol·s.
KINETICS OF REACTIONS ACRYLONITRILE SECONDARY AMINE IN WATER–1,4-DIOXANE MIXTURES
Summary Kinetics of the reactions acrylonitrile (AN)–secondary amine [piperidine (PP), morpholine (Mph), diethylamine (DEA), dipropylamine (DPA) and dietanolamine (DEolA)] has been studied in aqueous solutions and water–1,4-dioxane mixtures, using UV-spectroscopic and dilatometric methods at 298 K. It has been shown, that for all studied couples the reaction law is: W = K[AN] [Amine]. A correlation between reactions’ rate constants and the product of ionization potential (I) with amine’s basicity (pKb) has been established. It has been shown, that with increase of water fraction in water–1,4-dioxane mixtures the rate of AN–secondary amine reaction increases. Influence of medium on the AN–secondary amine reaction rate, taking into account medium viscosity, dielectric constant, refraction index, electrophility and nucleophility of water and 1,4-dioxane has been discussed.
RIVANOL AS A NEW REAGENT FOR EXTRACTION-ABSORBTIOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF PALLADIUM (II) MICROGRAM AMOUNTS
An interaction of palladium (II) anionic complex with dye of acridine row rivanol has been studied. Formed compound could be extracted by iso-amylacetate. Maximal extinction for dye aqueous solutions and for extracts of compound and “blind” extracts as well is observed at the same value of wavelength is 365 nm. Under optimal acidity conditions (pH 2 by sulphuric acid) palladium (II) is extracted practically quantitatively (R = 88.5%) during 1 min shaking. The optimal quantities of potassium iodide and dye are correspondingly 0.6 mL of 1·10–2 mol/L and 0.6 mL of 0.05% solutions. The iso-amylacetic extracts of coloured ionic associate are submitted to the main low of spectrophotometry in the 0.3–3.8 mcg/mL range of palladium (II) contents. Effective coefficient of molar extinction equals to 1.8·10–4 cm–1. The molar ratio between palladium (II) iodide complex and rivanol in forming compound has been determined, which is 1:1. The influence of interfering and accompanying elements on the determination of palladium using rivanol has been studied. Extraction-absorbtiometric methods elaborated have been applied for determination of palladium in various samples of catalysts of organic synthesis.
ON THE INFLUENCE OF SULFURIC ACID ON THE OXIDATION RATE OF DIPHENYLAMINE BY POTASSIUM PERSULFATE IN WATER–DIOXANE MICELLAR SOLUTIONS OF SODIUM PENTADECHYLSULFONATE
The influence of H2SO4 additions to micellar water–dioxane mixtures of E-30 on Ph2 NH+K2S2O8 reaction rate is studied. It is shown that in tne initial stage H2SO4 additions to water–1,4 dioxane E-30 micellar solutions they have almost no influence on the reaction rate. Only 160 min after the start of the reaction its rate begins to increase.
THE RESEARCH OF OPERATOR'S CEREBRAL INTERHEMISPHERIC ASYMMETRY DURING THE MONOTONOUS WORK ON THE COMPUTER
It is revealed that during the operator's monotonous work cerebral hemispheres take part in the stages of information processing in certain order: the right hemisphere realizes receiving and processing stages and the left hemisphere – late cognitive processes.
SYNTHESIS OF N-PHENYLANTRANYLIC ACID’S NEW DERIVATIVES
By interaction of sodium derivatives of N-phenylantranylic acid with ethyl ester of monochloracetic acid, epychlorhydrine, ethylenchlorhydrine and 1,4- di(chlormethyl) benzol the new derivatives of N-phenylantranylic acid have been synthesized.
MUTAGEN ACTION OF INDUSTRIAL AND COMMUNAL SEWAGE ON THE ALLIUM CEPA
Under the influence of industrial-communal sewage of Armenian atomic nuclear power-station on the air-dry seeds of Allium sera an increase of chromosomal aberrations and genome mutations is observed. After cleaning the water the frequency of chromosomal aberrations abruptly decreases. However the level of genome mutations is preserved.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIES COMPOSITION OF MYCOBIOTA OF SOILS AND MYCODESTRUCTORS FUNCTIONING ON WASTE MATERIALS AND FINISHED PRODUCTS
The results of the carried out experiments show, that the most of micromycetes has a selektive influence on inhabiting, overgrowing and biodestruction or biodegradation of the investigated sinthetic materials.
COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGICAL-ANATOMICAL STUDY OF THE STRUCTURES OF A STALK OF HYBRID DWARFNESS OF WHEAT
As a result of complementation of dominant genes of hybrid dwarfness the depression of morphological, as well as anatomical parameters of a stalk arises. The type of hybrid Dwarf II is more depressed, which is expressed in sharp suppression of the growth of plants, reduction of the number and size of fibro-vascular bundles. It was found out that the reduction of the diameter of a stalk of a hybrid Dwarf II occurs at the expence of reduction of a hollow part, in this case the functioning surface does not decrease. The type of the hybrid dwarfness as Dwarf III varies to the part of reduction of a diameter of a stalk. The weak development of a mechanical ring is partially compensated by a large number of fibro-vascular bundles located in it. The parenchyma in both hybrids is well developed.
THE INVESTIGATION OF LEVEL OF HOMOLOGY OF SOME CEREAL'S DNA
The cereals distinguished on ploidy and genome formulae have been studied. Since investigated sorts have common part (AABB), the high level of homology was observed (56% and higher). The lowest level of homology obtained for tetraploid polba. It is assumed that the sources of AABB genome of polba as well as modem hexaploid wheat are common. These data are in good consideration with our recent investigations of the same cereals.
RESEARCH ON SOME ANTI-CANCER SUBSTANCES BY METHODS OF CHEMILUMINESCENCE
This work is devoted to examination of anticancer preparations by methods of chemiluminescence. It shows that all the preparations have the ability to suppress the process of chemiluminescence, that means they suppress the reaction of free- radical oxidation of lipids of brain homogenat. During the incubation period the change of the level of chemiluminescence is observed, which is different for some preparations. It is found that the incubation period also influences the suppressing ability of these preparations.
PHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF CHROMIUM IN THE FORM OF CRYSTAL VIOLET MOLYBDOCHROMITE
The interaction of molybdochromic heteropolyacid with Crystal Violet basic dye has been studied. The optimal conditions for formation of molybdochromic hetcropolyacid and its compound with Crystal Violet have been estimated: acidity of medium, concentration of molybdate-ion, concentration of dye, the range of chromium contents submitted to the Beer’s law. The composition of complex ionic associate has been determined. Photometric method of nanogramic amounts of chromium has been worked out.
STEREOSELECTIVE SYNTHESIS OF S-TRET-BUTYL-D-CYSTEINE VIA A CHIRAL NI2+ COMPLEX OF DEHYDROALANINE
An efficient method of asymmetric stoichiometric synthesis of s-t-butyl-D-cysteine via addition of t-(CH3)CSH to the double C=C bond of dehydroalanine in its chiral Ni2+ complex of Schiffs base with the chiral auxiliary D-2-N-(N’-benzylprolyl)aminobenzophenone was elaborated. The optical active amino acid s-t-butyl-D-cysteine with high optical purity (e.e. > 98%) was separated after decomposition of the reaction mixture by HCl. The stereoselectivity of nucleophilic addition amounts 92%.
THE SYNTHESIS OF NEW DERIVATIVES OF 2-OXO-3-ALKYL-6-METHYL-1,4-DIOXCANES
It has been shown that interaction of 2-oxo-3-alkyl-6-methyl-6-chloric-l,4-dioxanes with etylendiamine or hexamethylenediamine gives 1,2-N, N' -ethanebic-, 1,6-V, N - hexane-2-oxo-3-alkyl-6-methyl-6-amino-1,4-dioxanes. The interaction of chloricdioxanes with substituted pyrrolinone gives N-(2-oxo-3-alkyl-6-methyl-l,4-dioxan)il-3-alkyl-4-methyl-5-phenyl-Δ3-pyrolin-2-ones. The influence of alkyl substitutes on the reaction rate is considered.