Optical Extinction-Based 3D Nano-Imaging of WS2 on Gold.

Broadband nanoextinction images recorded in tip-enhanced optical spectroscopy geometry track the 3D topography of a single layer of WS2 on Au substrate. The described nano-optical method is complementary to conventional atomic force microscopy and offers additional information about the buried material-metal interface that is not accessible using conventional topographic imaging. Beyond 3D optical imaging, we observe large variations in the junction plasmon resonance on the nanoscale. The latter is important to understand and account for in tip-enhanced Raman and photoluminescence studies that target low-dimensional materials specifically. Our observations and (coherent) optical scattering-based method are also relevant to emerging efforts aimed at exploring strong coupling and Fano interferences in hybrid plasmonic-low dimensional quantum material systems.

Di(pyridin-2-yl)amino-substituted 1,10-phenanthrolines and their Ru(II)-Pd(II) dinuclear complexes: synthesis, characterization and application in Cu-free Sonogashira reaction.

Dinuclear complexes bearing Ru(II) photoactive centers are of interest for the development of efficient dual catalysts for many photocatalyzed reactions. Ditopic polypyridine ligands, bis(pyridin-2-yl)amino-1,10-phenanthrolines, containing an additional coordination site (bis(pyridin-2-yl)amine, dpa) at positions 3, 4 or 5 of the 1,10-phenanthroline core (Phen-3NPy2, Phen-4NPy2 and Phen-5NPy2) were synthesized. They were used as bridging ligands to obtain dinuclear complexes [(bpy)2Ru(Phen-NPy2)PdCl2](PF6)2 (Ru(Phen-NPy2)Pd) in good yields via stepwise complexation. In these complexes Ru(II) is coordinated to 1,10-phenanthroline, while Pd(II) is bound to the dpa chelating moiety, as established by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray single crystal analysis. The influence of the position of dpa in the phenanthroline ring on the structural, optical and electrochemical properties of Ru(Phen-NPy2)Pd complexes was studied. The complexes exhibit photoluminescence in argon-saturated MeCN solution with maxima in the range of 615-625 nm, with emission quantum yields ranging from 0.11 to 0.15 for Ru(Phen-NPy2) complexes and from 0.018 to 0.026 for dinuclear Ru(Phen-NPy2)Pd complexes. All the complexes absorb visible light in the range of 370-470 nm with high extinction coefficients and can be considered useful as photocatalysts. The Ru2+/3+ potential in Ru(Phen-NPy2)Pd complexes showed no significant dependence on the dpa position, while the Pd2+/0 reduction potential was significantly lower for Ru(Phen-3NPy2)Pd and Ru(Phen-4NPy2)Pd, than for Ru(Phen-5NPy2)Pd (-0.57 V and -0.72 V vs. Ag/AgCl, KCl(sat.), respectively). The complexes were used as photoactivated precatalysts in Cu-free Sonogashira coupling under blue LEDs (12 W) irradiation. The reaction proceeded roughly three times faster when Ru(Phen-4NPy2)Pd and Ru(Phen-3NPy2)Pd were used as catalyst precursors compared to the mixed catalytic system Ru(bpy)3(PF6)2/(RNPy2)PdCl2.

A Dual Purpose Non-Canonical Amino Acid for the Expanded Genetic Code: Combining Metal-Binding and Click Chemistry.

A rationally designed dual purpose non-canonical amino acid (Trz) has been synthesised and successfully incorporated into a protein scaffold via genetic code expansion. Trz contains a 5-pyridyl-1,2,4-triazine system, which allows for inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reactions to occur on the triazine ring and for metal ions to be chelated both before and after the click reaction. Trz was successfully incorporated into a protein scaffold and the IEDDA utility of Trz demonstrated through the site-specific labelling of the purified protein with a bicyclononyne. Additionally, Trz was shown to successfully coordinate a cyclometallated iridium(III) centre, providing access to a bioorthogonal luminogenic probe. The luminescent properties of the Ir(III)-bound protein blue-shift upon IEDDA click reaction with bicyclononyne, providing a unique method for monitoring the extent and location of the labelling reaction. In summary, Trz is a new dual purpose non-canonical amino acid, which has great potential for myriad bioapplications where metal-based functionality is required, for example in imaging, catalysis, or photo-dynamic therapy, in conjunction with a bioorthogonal reactive handle to impart additional functionalities, such as dual modality imaging or therapeutic payloads.

A Novel Dipterocarpol Derivative that Targets Alpha-Glucosidase and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity for Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, chronic inflammation, impaired insulin secretion, and/or peripheral insulin resistance. Current α-glucosidase inhibitors approved for clinical use exhibit limited efficacy compared to other glucose-lowering agents. In this study, a series of mono- and bis-benzylidene derivatives were synthesized via aldol condensation of 3-oxo-dammarane triterpenoids with terephthalic aldehyde. The target mono- and bis-benzylidene derivatives, based on the dammarane triterpenoids hollongdione 1, (20S)-23,24-epoxy-25,26,27-trinordammar-3,24-dione 2, and 24(R,S)-20(S)-epoxy-25-hydroxy-dammar-3-one 3, were successfully synthesized. Several of these inhibitors demonstrated significantly greater efficacy than the reference drug acarbose. Notably, compound 4 inhibited S. cerevisiae α-glucosidase with an IC50 of 2.67 µM. Furthermore, the target compounds effectively inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reducing IL-1ß production in LPS+ATP-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages without detectable cytotoxicity. Compound 8, which exhibited dual activity, was further characterized as an inhibitor of NLRP3 activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, leading to the prevention of pyroptosis and IL-1ß release. Additionally, compound 8 was shown to promote neuronal survival in LPS+ATP-treated rat hippocampal slices, highlighting its potential as a promising antidiabetic agent that targets both postprandial hyperglycemia and metaflammation.

Determination of ammonium and nitrate in soils by digital colorimetry.

A method of digital colorimetric determination of ammonium and nitrate in soils is proposed. The method is based on corresponding photometric procedures of ammonium and nitrate determination after potassium chloride extraction from soil samples. Ammonium is determined as an indophenol dye, and nitrate is determined as an azo dye. The original procedures were modified to overcome the lower sensitivity of the digital colorimetric method. For ammonium determination, the time required for the reaction to proceed completely was studied. Along with the use of a 96-well microplate protected from ambient light by a special frame, mathematical correction of scattered radiation using black ink and taking the images by a scanner in transmission mode without any post-processing, the resulting colorimetric methods proved to provide accuracy and sensitivity close to those of the spectrophotometric method, and the overall analysis speed for tens of samples was even higher. Limits of detection and quantitation for NO3- were 0.42 and 1.4 mg/kg, and for NH4+, they were 1.1 and 3.7 mg/kg, which is lower than for standard methods. The methods' validity was proven by the analysis of standard samples and by the analysis of soil samples collected in several districts of the Moscow region.

Does the Colonizing Population Exhibit a Reduced Genetic Diversity and Allele Surfing? A Case Study of the Midday Gerbil (Meriones meridianus Pallas) Expanding Its Range.

Colonizing populations at the leading edge of range expansion are expected to have a reduced genetic diversity and strong genetic structure caused by genetic drift and allele surfing. Until now, few studies have found the genetic signatures of allele surfing in expanding wild populations. Using mtDNA markers, we studied the genetic structure of the population of midday gerbils (Meriones meridianus) expanding their range to the west in Kalmykia (southern Russia) following the new cycle of desertification, re-colonizing areas abandoned in the mid-2010s. In the colonizing population, we found a reduced genetic diversity, the redistribution of haplotype frequencies-in particular, in favor of variants rare in the core population-and strong genetic structure combined with strong differentiation from the core population-patterns suggestive of allele surfing on the wave of expansion. In terms of genetic diversity and spatial structuration, the western edge population sampled in 2008 before its collapse in 2017 occupies the intermediate position between the current colonizing and core population. This suggests that reduced genetic diversity and increased genetic differentiation are general features of marginal populations, enhanced by the founder and allele-surfing effects at the leading edges of expanding ranges.

Survey of tick-borne relapsing fever borreliae in southern and southeastern Kazakhstan.

Tick-borne relapsing fever group borreliae (TBRFGB) are spirochetes that cause disease in humans and animals. Little is known about the prevalence of TBRFGB infections in ticks and humans in Kazakhstan. A total of 846 ticks belonging to ten species of the family Ixodidae and three species of the family Argasidae were collected from the vegetation, poultry shelters, domestic ruminants, bitten humans, pigeons, dogs and house walls in four oblasts of the southern and southeastern regions of Kazakhstan. The ticks were subjected to DNA extraction and identification of TBRFGB by conventional PCR using primers targeting flagella subunit B (flaB), glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (glpQ) and P66 porin (P66) genes. The overall infection rate of TBRFGB in the ticks was 6.2 % (46/846). TBRFGB DNA was identified in Ixodes persulcatus (5.5 %; 26/477), Ornithodoros tartakovskyi (6 %; 2/36) and Argas persicus (13.4 %; 18/134) ticks. Partial sequencing of flaB, glpQ and P66 genes identified Borrelia miyamotoi in I. persulcatus and Borrelia anserina in A. persicus. To detect the presence of B. miyamotoi infection in people in the study region, we performed serological analysis of samples collected from 42 patients admitted to hospital with fever of unknown etiology or with a history of a tick bite. The analysis revealed IgM and IgG antibodies against one or several B. miyamotoi antigens in 10 % and 5 % of patients, respectively. The data obtained provide strong evidence of the presence of B. miyamotoi and B. anserina in the southern and southeastern regions of Kazakhstan, underscoring the need for increased awareness of potential infections caused by these borreliae in these regions.

Pharmacokinetic and Preclinical Safety Studies of Endolysin-Based Therapeutic for Intravenous Administration.

Pharmacokinetics and safety studies of innovative drugs is an essential part of drug development process. Previously we have developed a novel drug for intravenous administration (lyophilizate) containing modified endolysin LysECD7-SMAP that showed notable antibacterial effect in different animal models of systemic infections. Here we present data on pharmacokinetics of endolysin in mice after single and multiple injections. Time-concentration curves were obtained, and pharmacokinetic parameters for preparation (C0, kel t1/2, AUC0-∞, MRT, ClT, Vss) were calculated. It was shown that although endolysin is rather short-lived in blood serum (t1/2 = 12.5 min), the therapeutic concentrations of LysECD7-SMAP (in degraded and non-degraded form) were detected for 60 minutes after injection that is sufficient for antibacterial effect. Based on the obtained data, it was proposed that endolysin distributes presumably in murine blood, degrades in blood and liver, and is eliminated via glomerular filtration. Safety profile of the preparation relating to general toxicity, immunotoxicity and allergenicity was assessed in rodents. It was demonstrated that LysECD7-SMAP in potential therapeutic (12.5 mg/kg), 10-fold (125 mg/kg) and 40-fold (500 mg/kg) doses showed no signs of intoxication and significant abnormalities after single and repeated i.v. administrations, preparation was non-immunogenic and induced minor and reversible allergic reaction in animals.

Investigation of Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of New Mg-Zn-Ga Amorphous Alloys for Biomedical Applications.

Magnesium alloys are considered as promising materials for use as biodegradable implants due to their biocompatibility and similarity to human bone properties. However, their high corrosion rate in bodily fluids limits their use. To address this issue, amorphization can be used to inhibit microgalvanic corrosion and increase corrosion resistance. The Mg-Zn-Ga metallic glass system was investigated in this study, which shows potential for improving the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys for biodegradable implants. According to clinical tests, it has been demonstrated that Ga ions are effective in the regeneration of bone tissue. The microstructure, phase composition, and phase transition temperatures of sixteen Mg-Zn-Ga alloys were analyzed. In addition, a liquidus projection of the Mg-Zn-Ga system was constructed and validated through the thermodynamic calculations based on the CALPHAD-type database. Furthermore, amorphous ribbons were prepared by rapid solidification of the melt for prospective alloys. XRD and DSC analysis indicate that the alloys with the most potential possess an amorphous structure. The ribbons exhibit an ultimate tensile strength of up to 524 MPa and a low corrosion rate of 0.1-0.3 mm/year in Hanks' solution. Therefore, it appears that Mg-Zn-Ga metallic glass alloys could be suitable for biodegradable applications.

Optimization of 3D Printing Parameters of High Viscosity PEEK/30GF Composites.

The aim of this study was to optimize a set of technological parameters (travel speed, extruder temperature, and extrusion rate) for 3D printing with a PEEK-based composite reinforced with 30 wt.% glass fibers (GFs). For this purpose, both Taguchi and finite element methods (FEM) were utilized. The artificial neural networks (ANNs) were implemented for computer simulation of full-scale experiments. Computed tomography of the additively manufactured (AM) samples showed that the optimal 3D printing parameters were the extruder temperature of 460 °C, the travel speed of 20 mm/min, and the extrusion rate of 4 rpm (the microextruder screw rotation speed). These values correlated well with those obtained by computer simulation using the ANNs. In such cases, the homogeneous micro- and macro-structures were formed with minimal sample distortions and porosity levels within 10 vol.% of both structures. The most likely reason for porosity was the expansion of the molten polymer when it had been squeezed out from the microextruder nozzle. It was concluded that the mechanical properties of such samples can be improved both by changing the 3D printing strategy to ensure the preferential orientation of GFs along the building direction and by reducing porosity via post-printing treatment or ultrasonic compaction.

Features of Gene Regulation in Violation of the Inflammatory Response of Monocyte-like Cells Bearing Mitochondrial Mutations Associated with Atherosclerosis.

Аims: This research aimed to study the features of gene regulation of the inflammatory response in cells carrying mitochondrial mutations associated with atherosclerosis. BACKGROUND: Inflammation plays an important, if not decisive, role in the occurrence of atherosclerotic lesions and then accompanies it throughout its further development. Thus, atherogenesis is a chronic inflammatory process. Chronification of inflammation is a consequence of disruption of the normal inflammatory response at the cell level of the vascular wall. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we used cytoplasmic hybrids or cybrids carrying atherosclerosis-associated mitochondrial mutations to study gene regulation of inflammatory response. The main goal of the study was to identify the key genes responsible for the impaired inflammatory response revealed for some cybrids. METHODS: Inflammatory stimulation of cybrids was induced with bacterial lipopolysaccharide, and assessed through secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines CCL2, IL8, IL6, IL1b. A transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the key genes (master regulators) in the normal (tolerant) and intolerant response of cybrid cells. RESULTS: Normal inflammatory response after re-stimulation elicited a much smaller secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In an intolerant response, the level of secretion upon re-stimulation was the same or even higher than after the first stimulation. Normal and intolerant responses differed significantly both in terms of the number of signaling pathways involved and qualitatively, since the signaling pathways for normal and intolerant responses are completely different. Master regulators controlling normal and intolerant inflammatory response were identified. For a normal response to the first inflammatory stimulation, no common master up-regulators and 3 master down-regulators were identified. The reverse situation was observed with the intolerant inflammatory response: 6 master up-regulators, and no master down regulators were identified. After the second inflammatory stimulation, no master regulator common to all studied cytokines was found. Thus, key genes involved in the development of intolerant inflammatory response have been identified. In addition, other key genes were identified that were initially associated with an intolerant inflammatory response and thus determine disorders of the inflammatory reaction leading to chronification of inflammation. CONCLUSION: We identified disturbances in gene associated with the development of intolerant immune response that may be relevant to atherosclerosis. Key genes responsible for the chronification of inflammation were discovered.

The biopuncture in dorsopathy.

The article summarizes the results of our own scientific and practical research on biopuncture (or pharmacopuncture) - local stimulation of acupuncture points with small doses of drugs or other agents. The "object" of the work was dorsopathies at the lumbosacral level, the choice of which was explained by the widest coverage of the population, the protracted course and the severity of the consequences. In the course of the research, the addition and even potentiation of the reflex and drug links of the method under consideration was noted. In particular, favorable changes in the status of patients observed against the background of biopuncture by complex agents were accompanied by a significant improvement in the results of psychological and electrophysiological examination. In a series of studies on biopuncture with Alflutop, a significant superiority of this approach over the compared methods was manifested, in addition to clinical effects, in structurally-modifying changes in the intervertebral discs. Using the same drug, an original scheme of therapeutic action was proposed, combining the techniques of drug blockade and pharmacopuncture. Special attention should be paid to the fact that the effectiveness of biopuncture is enhanced due to the combined use of modern hardware techniques. In a series of separate studies, the efficacy of biopuncture with essential oils in dorsopathies was confirmed, largely explained by the cumulative effects.

Strong Bases Design: Key Techniques and Stability Issues.

Theoretical design of molecular superbases has been attracting researchers for more than twenty years. General approaches were developed to make the bases potentially stronger, but less attention was paid to the stability of the predicted structures. Hence, only a small fraction of the theoretical research has led to positive experimental results. Possible stability issues of extremely strong bases are extensively studied in this work using quantum chemical calculations on a high level of theory. Several step-by-step design examples are discussed in detail, and general recommendations are given to avoid the most common stability problems. New potentially stable structures are theoretically studied to demonstrate the future prospects of molecular superbases design.

Bioinformatics Analysis of the Genome of Rhodococcus rhodochrous IEGM 1362, an (-)-Isopulegol Biotransformer.

A genome of Rhodococcus rhodochrous IEGM 1362 was sequenced and annotated. This strain can transform monoterpene alcohol (-)-isopulegol with the formation of two novel pharmacologically promising metabolites. Nine genes encoding cytochrome P450, presumably involved in (-)-isopulegol transformation, were found in the genome of R. rhodochrous IEGM 1362. Primers and PCR conditions for their detection were selected. The obtained data can be used for the further investigation of genes encoding enzymes involved in monoterpene biotransformation.

Ultimate Charge Transport Regimes in Doping-Controlled Graphene Laminates: Phonon-Assisted Processes Revealed by the Linear Magnetoresistance.

Understanding and controlling the electrical properties of solution-processed 2D materials is key to further printed electronics progress. Here, we demonstrate that the thermolysis of the aromatic intercalants utilized in nanosheet exfoliation for graphene laminates allows for high intrinsic mobility and the simultaneous control of doping type (n- and p-) and concentration over a wide range. We establish that the intraflake mobility is high by observing a linear magnetoresistance of such solution-processed graphene laminates and using it to devolve the interflake tunneling and intralayer magnetotransport. Consequently, we determine the temperature dependencies of the inter- and intralayer characteristics. The intraflake transport appears to be dominated by electron-phonon scattering processes at temperatures T > 20 K, while the interflake transport is governed by phonon-assisted tunneling. In particular, we identify the efficiency of phonon-assisted tunneling as the main limiting factor for electrical conductivity in graphene laminates at room temperature. We also demonstrate a thermoelectric sensitivity of around 50 µV·K-1 in a solution-processed metal-free graphene-based thermocouple.

Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of proteins secreted by glial progenitor cells derived from human iPSCs.

Currently, stem cells technology is an effective tool in regenerative medicine. Cell therapy is based on the use of stem/progenitor cells to repair or replace damaged tissues or organs. This approach can be used to treat various diseases, such as cardiovascular, neurological diseases, and injuries of various origins. The mechanisms of cell therapy therapeutic action are based on the integration of the graft into the damaged tissue (replacement effect) and the ability of cells to secrete biologically active molecules such as cytokines, growth factors and other signaling molecules that promote regeneration (paracrine effect). However, cell transplantation has a number of limitations due to cell transportation complexity and immune rejection. A potentially more effective therapy is using only paracrine factors released by stem cells. Secreted factors can positively affect the damaged tissue: promote forming new blood vessels, stimulate cell proliferation, and reduce inflammation and apoptosis. In this work, we have studied the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of proteins with a molecular weight below 100 kDa secreted by glial progenitor cells obtained from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Proteins secreted by glial progenitor cells exerted anti-inflammatory effects in a primary glial culture model of LPS-induced inflammation by reducing nitric oxide (NO) production through inhibition of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). At the same time, added secreted proteins neutralized the effect of glutamate, increasing the number of viable neurons to control values. This effect is a result of decreased level of intracellular calcium, which, at elevated concentrations, triggers apoptotic death of neurons. In addition, secreted proteins reduce mitochondrial depolarization caused by glutamate excitotoxicity and help maintain higher NADH levels. This therapy can be successfully introduced into clinical practice after additional preclinical studies, increasing the effectiveness of rehabilitation of patients with neurological diseases.

Exploiting the pH-Cross Sensitivity of Ion-Selective Optodes to Broaden Their Response Range.

While the pH cross-sensitivity of chromoionophore-based ion-selective optodes (ISOs) has often been regarded as a significant limitation, this paper demonstrates how this apparent drawback can be transformed into a beneficial feature. The response range of chromoionophore-based ISOs shifts proportionally with changes in the sample pH. Thus, integrating them with a stable pH gradient across the optode surface, such as those provided by immobilized pH gradient (IPG) gels, allows for significant enhancement of the effective measuring range of chromoionophore-based ISOs while preserving their maximum sensitivity. We show that the measuring range of sodium-selective chromoionophore-based optodes can be increased up to 2.5 log units when used with commercially available IPG gels. This improvement in measuring range is directly correlated with the pH difference in the pH gradient across the optode, suggesting that even greater enhancements are possible with more substantial pH gradients. Furthermore, this approach is not confined to sodium-selective optodes but can be readily adapted to other ion-selective chromoionophore-based optodes, broadening their potential applications and impact in the field of chemical sensing. This work paves the way for the development of more versatile and highly sensitive optodes across a broad range of analytes, leveraging the pH cross-sensitivity as a tool for enhanced performance.

Neuroprotective thiourea derivative uncouples mitochondria and exerts weak protonophoric action on lipid membranes.

The isothiourea derivative NT-1505 is known as a neuroprotector and cognition enhancer in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Bearing in mind possible relation of the NT-1505-mediated neuroprotection to mitochondrial uncoupling activity, here, we examine NT-1505 effects on mitochondria functioning. At concentrations starting from 10 µM, NT-1505 prevented Ca2+-induced mitochondrial swelling, similar to common uncouplers. Alongside the inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition, NT-1505 caused a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in respiration rate in both isolated mammalian mitochondria and cell cultures, which resulted in the reduction of energy-dependent Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria. Based on the oppositely directed effects of bovine serum albumin and palmitate, we suggest the involvement of fatty acids in the NT-1505-mediated mitochondrial uncoupling. In addition, we measured the induction of electrical current across planar bilayer lipid membrane upon the addition of NT-1505 to the bathing solution. Importantly, introduction of the palmitic acid into the lipid bilayer composition led to weak proton selectivity of the NT-1505-mediated BLM current. Thus, the present study revealed an ability of NT-1505 to cause moderate protonophoric uncoupling of mitochondria, which could contribute to the neuroprotective effect of this compound.

Lifshitz Transition in a Single-Atom-Thick GdxYb1-xPb3 Kagome Compound on Si(111).

Lanthanide (Ln) elements Gd and Yb alloyed with a Pb monolayer on the Si(111) substrate form LnPb3 compounds having the same crystal structure. They comprise a single-atom-thick Pb layer arranged in a slightly distorted kagome lattice with Ln atoms filling the hexagonal voids. They have similar electronic band structures except for the Fermi level position, which varies between the divalent Yb- and trivalent Gd-containing compounds by ∼0.47 eV. The ability to create a 2D solid solution with the unified continuous Pb layer and hexagonal voids randomly filled with either Gd or Yb atoms allows precise control of the Fermi level position. Small alteration of the Fermi level triggers drastic changes in the Fermi surface topology due to the Lifshitz transition, hence in the physical properties. In particular, the sheet resistance of the GdxYb1-xPb3/Si(111) system can be controllably varied over an order of magnitude range.

New data on trophic associations of dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae) and lemurs (Primates, Lemuroidea) in Madagascar revealed by metabarcoding.

Resource use and diet specialisation of Madagascan dung beetles have been little studied especially concerning the possible associations between specific dung beetle and lemur species. Pilot studies have demonstrated that amplicon sequencing is a promising tool for the lemur inventories. In the present contribution, we report the results of the gut content analysis of three endemic Madagascan dung beetles species: Helictopleurusclouei (Harold), Epilissusapotolamproides (Lebis) and Nanosdubitatus (Lebis). Amplicon metagenomics revealed trophic associations of these species with Eulemursanfordi (Archbold), Eu.fulvus (É.Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire) and Cheirogaleuscrossleyi (Grandidier), respectively. The reads of other mammal species, revealed by the analysis, including putative contaminations, are discussed.