bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the level of digitalization and robotization in the enterprises of the European Union Member States
Authors: Brodny Jarosław , Tutak Magdalena
Published: July 2021

One of the main reasons for the dynamic global economic development observed in recent years is the process of digitalization, referred to as Industry 4.0. The significance of digitalization for this development is appreciated by the EU-27. In order for these actions to be effective, it is necessary to diagnose the current level of digitalization in the EU-27countries. The article presents the results of the assessment of the level of digitalization of enterprises in the EU-27 countries. An empirical analysis was conducted using 16 determinants which describe the digitalization in a sample of 27 EU countries. Based on the adopted criteria and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution method, these countries were divided into four classes in terms of the level of digitalization. The analysis looked at the size of enterprises and was performed independently for small, medium and large enterprises. The adopted indicators allowed for the analysis of similarity between the EU-27 countries in terms of digitalization, using the Kohonen’s networks. The result of this research was the division of the EU-27 countries into groups, also taking into account the size of studied enterprises. Due to the immensely diverse EU-27 economy, such a huge undertaking as the digital transformation process requires building logical internal "digital coalitions". The designated assessment and similarity between countries creates such opportunities, also in terms of building an effective policy to support these processes by the EU. This increases the chances of success of joint ventures and building a sustainable European community based on the latest technologies.
Abundant intratumoral fibrosis prevents lymphocyte infiltration into peritoneal metastases of colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang En , Shibutani Masatsune , Nagahara Hisashi , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Iseki Yasuhito , Okazaki Yuki , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Maeda Kiyoshi , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: July 2021

Background

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been reported to reflect the anti-tumor immune status. However, recent investigations have demonstrated that intratumoral fibrosis is important as a factor affecting the infiltration of TILs. This study investigated the organ specificities of TIL infiltration and intratumoral fibrosis in primary colorectal cancer and distant metastases, as well as the relationship between the distribution of TILs and intratumoral fibrosis.

Methods

Patients who underwent resection of primary tumors or distant metastases for colorectal cancer with distant metastases were enrolled. We evaluated the TIL infiltration by immunohistochemical staining with CD3&CD8 and intratumoral fibrosis by immunohistochemical staining with α-SMA positive cancer-associated fibroblasts and Masson’s trichrome staining against collagen fibers. The "ImageJ" was used to evaluate fibrosis, and the density of TILs in the dense and sparse areas of fibrosis was calculated. The Immunoscore (IS) was obtained based on the density of CD3+/CD8+TILs in the tumor center and invasive margin of the primary tumor.

Results

The degree of CD3+/CD8+TIL infiltration in peritoneal metastases was significantly lower than that in liver and lung metastases. The area ratio of α-SMA positive cancer-associated fibroblasts and collagen fibers in peritoneal metastases was significantly higher than that of liver and lung metastases. Furthermore, the density of TILs in the high-fibrosis area was significantly lower than that in the low-fibrosis area. In the high-IS group of primary tumors, the degree of TIL infiltration in distant metastases was significantly higher than that in the low-IS group.

Conclusion

The infiltration of T lymphocytes into tumors is prevented in peritoneal metastases of colorectal cancer due to the high intratumoral fibrosis, which may lead to treatment resistance and a poor prognosis.
A tightly clustered hepatitis E virus genotype 1a is associated with endemic and outbreak infections in Bangladesh
Authors: Hoa Trang Nguyen , Munshi Saif Ullah , Ngoc Khanh Nguyen , Ngoc Chau Le , Thanh Thanh Tran Thi , Akther Tahmina , Tabassum Shahina , Parvin Nilufa , Baker Stephen , Rahman Motiur
Published: July 2021

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is endemic in Bangladesh and there are occasional outbreaks. The molecular characteristics and pathogenesis of endemic and outbreak HEV strains are poorly understood. We compared the genetic relatedness and virulence associated mutations of endemic HEV strains with outbreak strains.

Methods

We analyzed systematically collected serum samples from HEV immunoglobulin M (IgM) positive patients attended at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from August 2013 to June 2015. HEV RNA positive samples were subjected to whole genome sequencing. Genotype and subtype of the strains were determined by phylogenetic analysis. Virulence associated mutations e.g. acute viral hepatitis (AVH), fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), chronic hepatitis, ribavirin treatment failure (RTF), B and T cell neutralization epitopes were determined.

Results

92 HEV immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody positive plasma samples (43 in 2013–2014 and 49 in 2014–2015) were studied. 77.1% (70/92) of the samples were HEV RNA positive. A 279 bp open reading frame (ORF) 2 and ORF 3 sequence was obtained from 54.2% (38/70) of the strains. Of these 38 strains, whole genome sequence (WGS) was obtained from 21 strains. In phylogenetic analysis of 38 (279 bp) sequence all HEV sequences belonged to genotype 1 and subtype 1a. Further phylogenetic analysis of 21 HEV WGS, Bangladeshi HEV sequences clustered with genotype 1a sequences from neighboring countries. Within genotype 1a cluster, Bangladesh HEV strains formed a separate cluster with the 2010 HEV outbreak strains from northern Bangladesh. 80.9 to 100% of the strains had A317T, T735I, L1120I, L1110F, P259S, V1479I, G1634K mutations associates AVH, FHF and RTF. Mutations in T cell recognition epitope T3, T5, T7 was observed in 76.1%, 100% and 100% of the strains respectively.

Conclusion

Strains of HEV genotype 1a are dominant in Bangladesh and are associated with endemic and outbreak of HEV infection. HEV isolates in Bangladesh have high prevalence of virulence associated mutations and mutation which alters antigenicity to B and T cell epitopes.
Asymptomatic morphometric vertebral fractures and its associated factors: A cross-sectional study among adults in a selected urban area in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Yeap Swan Sim , Thambiah Subashini C. , Suppiah Subapriya , Md-Said Salmiah , Appannah Geeta , Samsudin Intan Nureslyna , Zainuddin Nurunnaim , Zahari-Sham Siti Yazmin , Hew Fen Lee
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vertebral fractures (VF) in a selected urban population in Malaysia and to explore possible variables associated with VF in the study population.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving community-living, healthy subjects aged between 45–90 years from the state of Selangor, Malaysia, were invited to attend a bone health check-up. Subjects with diseases known to affect bone metabolism or were on treatment for osteoporosis (OP) were excluded. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Lateral and antero-posterior view lumbar spine x-rays were performed and VF was determined by the semi-quantitative Genant method.

Results

A total of 386 subjects were studied. Asymptomatic morphometric VF were found in 44 (11.4%) subjects. T12 was the most common vertebrae to be fractured. The prevalence of VF was significantly higher in menopausal women (12.4%) compared to non-menopausal women, in those above the age of 60 (18.5%), in those of Chinese ethnicity (16.5%), in those with a low body fat percentage (17.1%) and among those with OP (27.0%). The mean (standard deviation) 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were significantly higher in those with VF compared to those without VF, 67.64 (23.50) and 57.47 (21.71) nmol/L, respectively. However, after multiple regression analysis, age over 60 years and OP on DXA BMD measurement were the only significant associated factors for VF.

Conclusion

Overall, 11.4% of a selected Malaysian urban population had asymptomatic morphometric VF. Age over 60 years and OP on DXA BMD measurement, but not 25(OH)D levels, were associated with VF.
Relationship between initial self-perceived depressive symptoms and disease severity in working patients with first-onset major depressive disorder
Authors: Hirota Tomoyuki , Deguchi Yasuhiko , Iwasaki Shinichi , Sakaguchi Aya , Niki Akihiro , Shirahama Yoshiki , Nakamichi Yoko , Inoue Koki
Published: July 2021

The severity of major depressive disorder (MDD), which is related to the depressive symptoms, is a predictor of clinical outcomes and may be used to determine the appropriate treatment. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the relationship between early depressive symptoms and MDD severity. This study aimed to clarify the association between initial depressive symptoms and MDD severity in working patients. We assessed 118 patients aged over 20 years who visited the Neuropsychiatry Department of the Osaka City University Hospital following their first episode of MDD. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between age, gender, marital status, working hours, and initial self-perceived depressive symptoms and MDD severity. Age and working hours were analyzed as continuous variables, and gender (man, woman), marital status (married, single) and severity (mild to moderate MDD, severe to very severe MDD) were analyzed as categorical variables. The most common initial self-perceived symptom was “depressed mood,” followed by “fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.” The univariate analysis found no association between age, gender, marital status, or working hours and MDD severity. Initial self-perceived non-somatic symptoms were associated with increased odds of having severe MDD (odds ratio = 3.32, 95% confidence interval 1.46–7.58), and this association persisted in the adjusted model (odds ratio = 3.35, 95% confidence interval 1.47–7.60). Initial self-perceived non-somatic depressive symptoms are significantly associated with MDD severity at its first onset. Workplace support may lead to the early detection and treatment of working patients with non-somatic symptoms.
A mixed methods study on the readiness of dental, medical, and nursing students for interprofessional learning
Authors: Numasawa Mitsuyuki , Nawa Nobutoshi , Funakoshi Yu , Noritake Kanako , Tsuruta Jun , Kawakami Chiharu , Nakagawa Mina , Yamaguchi Kumiko , Akita Keiichi
Published: July 2021

Background

Interprofessional education (IPE) is crucial in dentistry, medicine, and nursing. However, scant mixed methods studies have compared the IPE outcomes across these disciplines to develop evidence-based IPE. This study explored the differences in the readiness of dental, medical, and nursing students for interprofessional learning before and after IPE workshops and elucidated reasons for this disparity.

Methods

Data were obtained from dental, medical, and nursing students who participated in IPE workshops conducted at Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan in 2019 and 2020. The participants filled the validated Japanese version of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) before and after attending the workshops (n = 378). Paired t-tests were performed to assess differences between the pre- and post- workshop RIPLS scores. Welch’s t-tests were deployed to evaluate interdisciplinary differences in their scores. Qualitative analyses were conducted using an explanatory sequential design with focus group discussions (FGDs) held with 17 dental students to explain the quantitative results.

Results

Total RIPLS scores increased significantly for every discipline after the workshops (p < 0.001). Dental students scored significantly lower pre- and post- workshop aggregates than medical and nursing students, respectively (p < 0.001). The FGDs yielded three principal themes in the explanations tendered by dental students on their lower scores: 1) dental students rarely felt the need for interprofessional collaborations, 2) dentists often worked without the need for interprofessional collaborations, and 3) dental students believed their contribution to the workshop was insufficient.

Conclusions

The results revealed divergences in the readiness of dental, medical, and nursing students for interprofessional learning, and the study illuminated possible reasons for these disparities. These outcomes will help develop evidence-based IPE by indicating approaches to place a higher value on interprofessional collaborations in educational environments, ameliorate the awareness of educators, and enhance the workshop facilitation style.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Cycas debaoensis revealed unexpected static evolution in gymnosperm species
Authors: Habib Sadaf , Dong Shanshan , Liu Yang , Liao Wenbo , Zhang Shouzhou
Published: July 2021

Mitochondrial genomes of vascular plants are well known for their liability in architecture evolution. However, the evolutionary features of mitogenomes at intra-generic level are seldom studied in vascular plants, especially among gymnosperms. Here we present the complete mitogenome of Cycas debaoensis, an endemic cycad species to the Guangxi region in southern China. In addition to assemblage of draft mitochondrial genome, we test the conservation of gene content and mitogenomic stability by comparing it to the previously published mitogenome of Cycas taitungensis. Furthermore, we explored the factors such as structural rearrangements and nuclear surveillance of double-strand break repair (DSBR) proteins in Cycas in comparison to other vascular plant groups. The C. debaoensis mitogenome is 413,715 bp in size and encodes 69 unique genes, including 40 protein coding genes, 26 tRNAs, and 3 rRNA genes, similar to that of C. taitungensis. Cycas mitogenomes maintained the ancestral intron content of seed plants (26 introns), which is reduced in other lineages of gymnosperms, such as Ginkgo biloba, Taxus cuspidata and Welwitschia mirabilis due to selective pressure or retroprocessing events. C. debaoensis mitogenome holds 1,569 repeated sequences (> 50 bp), which partially account for fairly large intron size (1200 bp in average) of Cycas mitogenome. The comparison of RNA-editing sites revealed 267 shared non-silent editing site among predicted vs. empirically observed editing events. Another 33 silent editing sites from empirical data increase the total number of editing sites in Cycas debaoensis mitochondrial protein coding genes to 300. Our study revealed unexpected conserved evolution between the two Cycas species. Furthermore, we found strict collinearity of the gene order along with the identical set of genomic content in Cycas mt genomes. The stability of Cycas mt genomes is surprising despite the existence of large number of repeats. This structural stability may be related to the relative expansion of three DSBR protein families (i.e., RecA, OSB, and RecG) in Cycas nuclear genome, which inhibit the homologous recombinations, by monitoring the accuracy of mitochondrial chromosome repair.
Association between ANGPTL3, 4, and 8 and lipid and glucose metabolism markers in patients with diabetes
Authors: Harada Marina , Yamakawa Tadashi , Kashiwagi Rie , Ohira Akeo , Sugiyama Mai , Sugiura Yasuyuki , Kondo Yoshinobu , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: July 2021

Lipid management, especially with respect to triglyceride (TG) metabolism, in patients with diabetes is not sufficient with current therapeutic agents, and new approaches for improvement are needed. Members of the angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL) family, specifically ANGPTL3, 4, and 8, have been reported as factors that inhibit lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and affect TGs. The present study investigated the association between lipid and glucose metabolism markers and the mechanism by which these proteins affect lipid metabolism. A total of 84 patients hospitalized for diabetes treatment were evaluated. Lipid and glucose metabolism markers in blood samples collected before breakfast, on the day after hospitalization, were analyzed. ANGPTL8 showed a significant positive correlation with TG values. HDL-C values displayed a significant positive correlation with ANGPTL3 but a negative correlation with ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL8. The results did not indicate a significant correlation among ANGPTL3, 4, and 8 levels. Thus, it is possible that the distribution of these proteins differs among patients. When patients were divided into groups according to the levels of ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8, those with high levels of both ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8 also had high levels of TG and small dense LDL-C/LDL-C (%). Multiple regression analysis indicated that low LPL, high ApoC2, high ApoC3, high ApoE, and high ANGPTL8 levels were the determinants of fasting hypertriglyceridemia. By contrast, no clear association was observed between any of the ANGPTLs and glucose metabolism markers, but ANGPTL8 levels were positively correlated with the levels of HOMA2-IR and BMI. Patients with high levels of both ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8 had the worst lipid profiles. Among ANGPTL3, 4, and 8, ANGPTL8 is more important as a factor determining plasma TG levels. We anticipate that the results of this research will facilitate potential treatments targeting ANGPTL8 in patients with diabetes.
An evaluation of the chemical content and microbiological contamination of Anatolian bee venom
Authors: Tanuğur-Samanc Aslı Elif , Kekeçoğlu Meral
Published: July 2021

Bee venom is a natural substance produced by worker bees. The aim of this research paper is to determine the characteristics of Anatolian bee venom by evaluating its chemical content and microbiological properties. Physical, chemical and microbiological analyses were performed on 25 bee venom samples from different areas of Anatolia, Turkey. Data obtained by 3-replicate studies were evaluated with normality and one-way and two-way ANOVA / Tukey tests. Chemical analyses of the bee venoms revealed average melittin, apamin, and phospholipase A2 contents of 40.57%, 2.12% and 13.67%, respectively. The results suggest that Anatolian bee venom has a high phospholipase A2 content compared to the previous literature. The results for apamin content were similar to those reported in other countries. Melittin content was within the range of standard values. Bee venom samples were also observed to have a high sugar content, associated with pollen and nectar contamination. Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts revealed no microbial development in 11 samples of bee venom.Staphylococcus aureuswas not detected in any sample. A low microbial load was associated with a high phospholipase A2 content in the bee venom composition, thus contributing to its antimicrobial character. This study presents an examination of Anatolian bee venom in terms of chemical content and microbial quality. The examination of other components in addition to phospholipase A2, melittin and apamin in future studies, together with an analysis of antimicrobial properties will further our understanding of Anatolian bee venom.
FFPE samples from cavitational ultrasonic surgical aspirates are suitable for RNA profiling of gliomas
Authors: Alenda Cristina , Rojas Estefanía , Valor Luis M.
Published: July 2021

During surgical procedures for gliomas, tissue material obtained from cavitational ultrasonic surgical aspirators (CUSAs) is generally discarded but can actually exceed the amount and quality of certain tumour core resections (TCRs). Despite reports indicating the suitability of CUSA-derived material for diagnosis and research, its use is still marginal. We extended these conclusions to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples, the most common format for archival tumour tissue in anatomical pathology departments, by conducting for the first time RNA-seq analysis in CUSA aspirates. We compared the molecular diagnosis of somatic mutations used in the clinical routine and the gene expression profiles of fixed solid material from CUSA aspirates and TCRs from the same patients in selected gliomas encompassing grades II to IV. Despite the characteristic heterogeneity of gliomas, we found substantial similarities between the corresponding aspirates and TCRs that included transcriptional signatures associated with glioma subtypes. Based on these results, we confirmed that CUSA-fixed biomaterials from glioma surgeries are appropriate for downstream applications and biomarkers screening.
Collagen XVII inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation and growth through deactivation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Lothong Muttarin , Sakares Watchara , Rojsitthisak Pornchai , Tanikawa Chizu , Matsuda Koichi , Yodsurang Varalee
Published: July 2021

Collagen XVII (COL17), a cell-matrix adhesion protein, has been found to be suppressed in breast cancer. Our previous data demonstrated a preventive role of COL17 in breast cancer invasiveness. The present study used the stable COL17-overexpressing MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells to reveal an anti-proliferative effect of COL17 on breast cancer cell through mTOR deactivation. Cell proliferation was negatively correlated with the expression level of COL17 in a concentration-dependent manner in both conventional and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems. The correlation was confirmed by decreased expression of the proliferative marker Ki67 in COL17-expressing cells. In addition, overexpression of COL17 reduced the clonogenicity and growth of the cells. We demonstrated that COL17 affects the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by deactivation of AKT, mTOR and downstream effectors, particularly 4EBP1. Moreover, mice xenografted with high COL17-expressing cells exhibited delayed tumor progression and prolonged survival time. The high expression of COL17A1 gene encoding COL17 is associated with low-proliferation tumors, extended tumor-free period, and overall survival of breast cancer patients. In conclusion, our results revealed the novel function of COL17 using in vitro and in vivo models and elucidated the related pathway in breast cancer cell growth and proliferation.
Shooting yourself in the foot: How immune cells induce antibiotic tolerance in microbial pathogens
Authors: Beam Jenna E. , Rowe Sarah E. , Conlon Brian P.
Published: July 2021

Antibiotic treatment failure of infection is common and frequently occurs in the absence of genetically encoded antibiotic resistance mechanisms. In such scenarios, the ability of bacteria to enter a phenotypic state that renders them tolerant to the killing activity of multiple antibiotic classes is thought to contribute to antibiotic failure. Phagocytic cells, which specialize in engulfing and destroying invading pathogens, may paradoxically contribute to antibiotic tolerance and treatment failure. Macrophages act as reservoirs for some pathogens and impede penetration of certain classes of antibiotics. In addition, increasing evidence suggests that subpopulations of bacteria can survive inside these cells and are coerced into an antibiotic-tolerant state by host cell activity. Uncovering the mechanisms that drive immune-mediated antibiotic tolerance may present novel strategies to improving antibiotic therapy.
A highly potent and safe pyrrolopyridine-based allosteric HIV-1 integrase inhibitor targeting host LEDGF/p75-integrase interaction site
Authors: Maehigashi Tatsuya , Ahn Seohyun , Kim Uk-Il , Lindenberger Jared , Oo Adrian , Koneru Pratibha C. , Mahboubi Bijan , Engelman Alan N. , Kvaratskhelia Mamuka , Kim Kyungjin , Kim Baek
Published: July 2021

Allosteric integrase inhibitors (ALLINIs) are a class of experimental anti-HIV agents that target the noncatalytic sites of the viral integrase (IN) and interfere with the IN-viral RNA interaction during viral maturation. Here, we report a highly potent and safe pyrrolopyridine-based ALLINI, STP0404, displaying picomolar IC50 in human PBMCs with a >24,000 therapeutic index against HIV-1. X-ray structural and biochemical analyses revealed that STP0404 binds to the host LEDGF/p75 protein binding pocket of the IN dimer, which induces aberrant IN oligomerization and blocks the IN-RNA interaction. Consequently, STP0404 inhibits proper localization of HIV-1 RNA genomes in viral particles during viral maturation. Y99H and A128T mutations at the LEDGF/p75 binding pocket render resistance to STP0404. Extensive in vivo pharmacological and toxicity investigations demonstrate that STP0404 harbors outstanding therapeutic and safety properties. Overall, STP0404 is a potent and first-in-class ALLINI that targets LEDGF/p75 binding site and has advanced to a human trial.
Antibody-independent functions of B cells during viral infections
Authors: Upasani Vinit , Rodenhuis-Zybert Izabela , Cantaert Tineke
Published: July 2021

The humoral immune response and antibody-mediated functions of B cells during viral infections are well described. However, we have limited understanding of antibody-independent B cell functions, such as cytokine production and antigen presentation, in acute and chronic viral infections and their role in protection and/or immunopathogenesis. Here, we summarize the current literature on these antibody-independent B cell functions and identify remaining knowledge gaps. B cell subsets produce anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can have both beneficial and detrimental effects during viral clearance. As professional antigen presenting cells, B cells also play an important role in immune regulation/shaping of the developing adaptive immune responses. Since B cells primarily express TLR7 and TLR9, we specifically discuss the role of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated B cell responses to viral infections and their role in augmenting adaptive immunity through enhanced cytokine production and antigen presentation. However, viruses have evolved strategies to subvert TLR signaling and additional stimulation via B cell receptor (BCR) may be required to overcome the defective TLR response in B cells. To conclude, antibody-independent B cell functions seem to have an important role in regulating both acute and chronic viral infections and may form the basis for novel therapeutic approaches in treatment of viral infections in the future.
Human low-density lipoprotein receptor plays an important role in hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Li Yingying , Luo Guangxiang
Published: July 2021

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects more than 240 million people worldwide, resulting in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV vaccine is effective to prevent new HBV infection but does not offer therapeutic benefit to hepatitis B patients. Neither are current antiviral drugs curative of chronic hepatitis B. A more thorough understanding of HBV infection and replication holds a great promise for identification of novel antiviral drugs and design of optimal strategies towards the ultimate elimination of chronic hepatitis B. Recently, we have developed a robust HBV cell culture system and discovered that human apolipoprotein E (apoE) is enriched on the HBV envelope and promotes HBV infection and production. In the present study, we have determined the role of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in HBV infection. A LDLR-blocking monoclonal antibody potently inhibited HBV infection in HepG2 cells expressing the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) as well as in primary human hepatocytes. More importantly, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)-mediated knockdown of LDLR expression and the CRISPR/Cas9-induced knockout of the LDLR gene markedly reduced HBV infection. A recombinant LDLR protein could block heparin-mediated apoE pulldown, suggesting that LDLR may act as an HBV cell attachment receptor via binding to the HBV-associated apoE. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that LDLR plays an important role in HBV infection probably by serving as a virus attachment receptor.
La influencia de las intervenciones profesionales en el proceso de salida de la violencia de género
Authors: Penyarroja Donet Aina
Published: July 2021

La salida de una situación de violencia de género raramente es lineal. Es un proceso de Ruta Crítica que comprende las decisiones tomadas por las mujeres víctimas de violencia de género y que requiere de una toma de conciencia de la situación que están viviendo. Este proceso, generalmente, se caracteriza por estar compuesto de avances y retrocesos condicionados en gran medida por la respuesta que las mujeres encuentran en su entorno: familiar, relacional e institucional. En este último, están implicados/as profesionales de diferentes ámbitos, entre ellos el policial, sanitario, judicial y social (Cobo, 1999; Sagot, y Carcedo, 2000). Este texto surge del trabajo de investigación llevado a cabo en el marco de la tesis doctoral de la autora (Penyarroja, 2016) y con él pretendemos reflexionar sobre la atención y acompañamiento a mujeres víctimas de violencia de género desde el ámbito institucional y sobre la influencia que éstos pueden tener en el proceso de Ruta Crítica, facilitándolo o dificultándolo. Para ello, plantearemos un análisis de los contextos de intervención desde el ámbito sanitario, judicial y social con la intención de, posteriormente, plantear propuestas de actuación y acompañamiento que partan de una conceptualización de la violencia de género como un problema estructural y que sitúen a las mujeres como las verdaderas protagonistas de sus procesos.
FEATURES OF MICROELEMENTS AND LOW-MOLECULAR WEIGH ANTIOXIDANTS ACCUMULATION IN PLANTS OFTHE GENUS ROSA L.
Authors: Afanasyeva Larisa Vladimirovna , Ayushina Tuyana Ayushievna
Published: July 2021

Wild roses are an important group of plants used as row material for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. The aim of this study was to determine the microelements (Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Co, Cd) content and distribution in the aboveground and underground parts of the Rosa acicularis, R. davurica, R. rugosa, growing in Baikal region. It was found that R. rugosa plants are characterized by a higher Cu content and a low level of Mn; the hips of these plants also accumulate Fe, Zn, and Co. In the sepals, leaves, stems and roots of R. davurica the highest concentrations of Fe are noted, and in the vegetative and generative organs of R. acicularis – Cr. Transport of Zn, Cu, Ni in aboveground parts of plants is mainly acropetal, the remaining elements translocation in basipetal direction. Cd belongs to the elements of strong accumulation in plants of all three species, in addition, species-specific features of some elements accumulation in aboveground and underground organs are revealed. It was found that the fruits, leaves, and stems of Rosa acicularis and Rosa rugosa can serve as a potential source of Mn, Cr, and Co.
MATHEMATICAL OPTIMIZATION OF THE PROCESS OF BIRCH WOOD XYLAN SULFATION BY SULFAMIC ACID IN N, N-DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE MEDIUM
Authors: Kazachenko Aleksandr Sergeyevich , Levdansky Vladimir Aleksandrovich , Levdansky Aleksandr Vladimirovich , Kuznetsov Boris Nikolayevich
Published: July 2021

The effect of temperature and duration of sulfation of birch wood xylan by sulfamic acid in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) medium in the presence of urea on the yield of sulfated xylan and on the sulphur content was studied. By mathematical optimization, the sulfation conditions have been established allowing to achieve a high yield of the obtained xylan sulfates with a high sulphur content. Under optimal sulfation conditions: temperature 100±3 °C, duration 1.5 hours, the yield of sulfated xylan reaches to 63% mas. and the content of sulfur – 17.6% mas. The presence of sulfate groups in sulfated xylan samples obtained under optimal conditions was confirmed by elemental analysis and FTIR and 13C NMR spectroscopy.
VARIABILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL-GROUP COMPOSITION OF POLYPHENOLS OF THE FRUITS AND LEAVES OF BLUE HONEYSUCKLE SAMPLES OF DIFFERENT ECOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGIN IN THE OB FOREST-STEPPE
Authors: Boyarskikh Irina Georgiyevna
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to compare the variability of the composition, chemical identity and content of biologically active phenolic compounds in the fruits and leaves of the blue honeysuckle (Lonicera subsection Caeruleae) plants of different environmental and geographic provenances, sampled from the introduction plantation station in the forest steppe zone near the Ob River (Novosibirsk, Russia). In extracts from the leaves 25 individual compounds representing various polyphenolic classes were identified using HPLC-MS technique; seven of the compounds were identified as hydroxycinnamic acids, five compounds were flavonols, and eight compounds represented flavones. The maximal number of individual compounds was present in samples of the Altai subspecies of the tetraploid species L. caerulea subsp. altaica, whereas the minimal number was detected in samples of L. boczkarnikowae, a diploid species from the Russian Far East (Primorsky region). The lowest total polyphenolics content (6,260 mg/100 g of air-dry phytomass) was found in samples of L. caeruleae subsp. pallasii, whereas the content in samples from other blue honeysuckle subspecies ranged within 11.620-14.030 mg/100 g of air-dry phytomass. High content of flavones in extracts from leaves, always exceeding the flavonol content, was found to be a characteristic feature of L. caerulea subsp. altaica. Among L. сaerulea subspecies, L. сaerulea subsp. pallasii was shown to have the largest ratio of flavonols to flavones. L. boczkarnikowae also had high content of flavonols, significantly exceeding the flavones content in the plants organs. The main component of anthocyanins was cyanidin-3-glucoside, accounting for up to 91%. The fruits of L. caerulea subsp. altaica, L. сaerulea subsp. venulosa and L. boczkarnikowae had the highest anthocyanin content, ranging 2.950–3.200 mg/100 g air-dry phytomass, whereas the fruits of L. сaerulea subsp. pallasii had the lowest one (1,573 mg/100g). Extracts from the leaves were found to have significantly higher polyphenolics content as compared to the ones from the fruits; thus the leaves can be recommended as a prospective medicinal source.
THE EFFECT OF PURIFIED AMOUNT OF TRITERPENE GLYCOSIDES AND THEIR ENRICHED EXTRACT FROM LEAVES OF SILPHIUM PERFOLIATUM L. ON THE GERMINATION OF SEEDS OF WINTER WHEAT AND THE ACTIVITY OF CATALASE IN THEM
Authors: Davidyants Eleonora Sergeyevna
Published: July 2021

The effect of purified amount of triterpene glycosides (PATG) containing, as major components, oleanolic acid glycosides – sylphiosides B, C, E, G and extract (E) enriched with them from Silphium perfoliatum L. (Asteraceae) leaves on seed germination and catalase activity (EC 1.11.1.6) in them on two varieties of winter wheat (Tritium aestivum L.) was studied. It has been shown that, the treatment of seeds with PATG solutions at concentrations of 0.0005 and 0.001% and E at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4% increases the intensity of their swelling within 48 hours after soaking by 3.1–5.2% compared to the control, which leads to an earlier achievement of the threshold levels necessary for the activation of metabolic processes. As a result of a study of changes in catalase activity in germinating seeds of winter wheat after 1, 3 and 7 days after soaking, it was revealed that the greatest effect of seed treatment with TG preparations in manifested after 1 and 7 days of observation, its value in relation to the control respectively is 25–35% and 35–55% depending on the variety. The stimulating effect of TG preparations on catalase activity in germinating seeds of winter wheat was established for the first time. Under the influence of treatment with TG preparations the germination energy and laboratory germination of seeds increase by 3–8 and 3–6%, respectively, depending on the variety. The data obtained make it possible to consider the total preparation of TG isolated from leaves of S. perfoliatum as promising growth promoters for pre-sowing treatment of winter wheat seeds.
СHROMATOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF СYCLOSIVERSIOSIDE F
Authors: Agzamova Manzura Adkhamovna , Khalilov Ravshanjon Muratjanovich , Janibekov Abdulaziz Adilkhanovich
Published: July 2021

The plants Astragalus pterocephalus growing in Uzbekistan are a source of triterpene glycosides. The main triterpene glycoside, in terms of content, is a cycloartan glycoside – cyclosiversioside F. To obtain an individual biologically active compound cyclosiversioside F with 95% purity, a proposed method involves extraction with methanol, concentration and dilution with an equal volume of water, then followed by a sequential extraction from the aqueous extract with chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol.

Then a chromatographic separation of the purified amount of extractives on a column with silica gel, isolation of the substance and precipitation from a solvent system must be performed, followed by recrystallization and drying. The optimal conditions for the isolation and separation of the amount of extractive substances have been developed in order to obtain an individual glycoside.

Cyclosiversioside F was authenticated by TLC in comparison with an authentic sample. Quantitative analysis of the glycoside was carried out by HPLC. The purity of cyclosiversioside F was confirmed by taking 1H and 13C NMR spectra.
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF SIBERIAN LARCH (LARIX SIBIRICA) BARK EXTRACTED WITH WATER-AMINO-ALCOHOLIC EXTRACTANTS
Authors: Petrunina Elena Alexandrovna , Shapchenkova OlgaOlga Aleksandrovna , Loskutov SergeySergey Redzhinaldovich
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the results of a thermal analysis, that involved thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), of natural bark of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ldb.) vs. the bark extracted with 5% water-monoethanolamine (MEA) and (vs.) 5% water-triethanolamine (TEA). Thermogravimetric data obtained in an oxidative (air) atmosphere allowed us to identify temperature ranges of thermal decomposition stages for the larch bark samples, as well as to determine the corresponding mass loss and mass loss rate at programmed heating. The Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW) method was used to calculate the dependence of activation energy of the thermal decomposition of experimental samples on the conversion degree (Еа = f(a)); the symbate run of Еа = f(a) curves was established. The DSC data obtained agreed with those of TG/DTG. The integral heat of the bark thermal decomposition (9.60 kJ/g and 14.12 kJ/g for MEA and TEA, respectively) indicated the bark to be competitive with other biofuels, such as briquetted lignin, wood pellets, sunflower husk, rapeseeds, and straw.
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS OF APORPHINE ALKALOIDS AND THEIR PHENANTHRENE SECO-ISOMERS ON ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE ACTIVITY
Authors: Khizrieva Salima Salimovna , Borisenko Sergey Nikolaevich , Maksimenko Elena Vladimirovna , Vetrova Elena Vladimirovna , Borisenko Nikolay Ivanovich , Minkin Vladimir Isaakovich
Published: July 2021

For the first time, model’s phenanthrene seco-alkaloids (seco-glaucine and seco-boldine) obtained in the medium of subcritical water SBW) from plant aporphine alkaloids were studied as antioxidants and inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Antioxidant activity (in vitro) of model’s aporphine and phenanthrene alkaloids: boldine, seco-boldine, glaucine and seco-glaucine, (BD, s-BD, GL and s-GL) was studied in the reaction with a stable free radical DPPH (1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). In vivo, antioxidant activity was determined in a bioluminescent test system using genetically modified E. coli strains. In experiments in vitro (DPPH-test) and in vivo (biotest) phenanthrene alkaloids s-GL and s-BD demonstrate the higher antioxidant activity than their aporphine precursors GL and BD. For the study (in vitro) of the anticholinesterase activity of alkaloids and their phenanthrene seco-isomers used the “Ellman’s method” with minor modifications. The data on the inhibitory activity of the AChE enzyme with aporphine and phenanthrene alkaloids, expressed as IC50 values obtained from dose-response curves, demonstrate that the inhibitory activity for seco-boldine (IC50 = 0.21 mM) and seco-glaucine (IC50 = 0.04 mM ) is higher than for the initial aporphine alkaloids boldine (IC50 = 0.29 mM) and glaucine (IC50 = 0.44 mM), respectively. Thus, it has been shown that phenanthrene alkaloids obtained in SBW exhibit higher antioxidant activity and better inhibiting AChE-activity than their aporphine precursors.
ANALYSIS OF FLAVONES C-GLYCOSIDES AND AND STEPWISE HYDROLYSIS OF THEIR ACETATES IN THE LEAVES OF RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS L.
Authors: Whaley Andrey Kennet , Ponkratova Anastasiya Olegovna , Orlova Anastasiya Andreyevna , Serebryakov Evgeni Borisovich , Selivanov Stanislav Ivanovich , Krivoshchekov Sergey Vladimirovich , Belousov Mikhail Valer'yevich , Proksch Peter , Luzhanin Владимир Геннадьевич
Published: July 2021

The C-glycoside embinin and its mono- and diacetate derivatives have immunotropic and cardiotonic activity, which makes the search for plants that contain them interesting. Embinin and its acetate derivatives were previously isolated only from some plants of the genus Iris, the habitat and growing conditions of which are very different from those of the genus Rubus. As a result of the study, the structure of seven C-glycosides, embinin derivatives, isolated from the leaves of Rubus chamaemorus L. (Rosaceae) was established. Using HR-ESI-MS, HPLC-MS, as well as one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, the structure of three substances isolated in individual form was established: embinin (1) and its diacetyl derivatives – 2''',3'''-diacetylembinin (5) and 3''',4'''-diacetylembinin (7). The method of stepwise hydrolysis of C-glycoside acetate residues proposed in this study, followed by HPLC analysis of the resulting hydrolysis products, made it possible to establish the structure of minor flavone C-glycosides contained in the leaves of Rubus chamaemorus L.: 2'''-acetylembinin (2), 3'''-acetylembinin (3), 4'''-acetylembinin (4) and 2''',4'''-diacetylembinin (6). All these compounds were found in the leaves of Rubus chamaemorus L. for the first time. The C-glycosides - embinin and its acetate derivatives are rare metabolites of higher plants, the presence of which is determined by the peculiarity of their physiology, and the biological activity determines the prospects for medical use.
Avaliação numérica da influência da geogrelha no desempenho de pavimentos flexíveis
Authors: Pedroso Gabriel Orquizas Mattielo , Lins da Silva Jefferson
Published: July 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho é desenvolver uma metodologia de análise mecanicista em elementos finitos, no programa ABAQUS, para investigar a influência da geogrelha como elemento de reforço no desempenho de pavimentos flexíveis. Para isso, uma metodologia analítica foi adaptada para o cálculo do acréscimo de confinamento lateral proporcionado pelo reforço, também foi considerado o comportamento não linear dos materiais de base e subleito, por meio da introdução de uma sub-rotina escrita em linguagem Fortran, e adotou-se as devidas propriedades de interface entre geogrelha e material geotécnico. Os resultados de afundamento na trilha de roda modelados e experimentais foram comparados, mostrando que a metodologia adotada apresentou um ajuste satisfatório. Com isso, diferentes configurações de pavimento foram simuladas e avaliadas. Os resultados evidenciam que a inserção da geogrelha como elemento de reforço melhora a resposta do pavimento, principalmente por diminuir as tensões verticais na camada em que está inserida e consequentemente a deformação permanente, o que resulta no aumento da vida útil do pavimento.
Continuous-Curvature Trajectory Planning
Authors: Roth Jörg
Published: July 2021

Continuous‐curvature paths play an important role in the area of driving robots: as vehicles usually cannot changethe steering angle in zero‐time, real trajectories must not have discontinuities in the curvature profile. Typical continuous‐curvature paths are thus built of straight lines, arcs and clothoids. Due to the geometric nature of clothoids, some questions in the area of trajectory planning are difficult the answer – usually we need approximations here. In this paper we describe a full approach for continuous‐curvature trajectory planning for mobile robots – it covers a maneuver‐based planning with Viterbi optimization and geometric approximations required to construct the respective clothoid trajectories.
Stability of the Cross Linking Component of the Biosensor Receptor Layer after Addition of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Kłos-Witkowska Aleksandra , Martsenyuk Vasyl
Published: July 2021

In this study, the stability of the receptor layer component of a biosensor after addition of gold nanoparticles was investigated. Accelerated conformational changes under the influence of Au were demonstrated. The relative percentage changes over time between the pure protein and the Au doped protein were calculated. It was shown that these changes are greater with time and exceed 20 % in the last days of the experiment.
Deep Recurrent and Convolutional Networks in the Detection of Welding Defects for Systems with an Industrial Robot
Authors: Adamczak Arkadiusz
Published: July 2021

During MIG/MAG welding processes in large-scale production on robotic stations, automatic quality control of the weld is often required. Determining welding defects is difficult and the reason for their occurrence is not always known. One of the conditions for a correctly made weld is stability during the welding process, which translates into continuity and increase in overall production efficiency. The article presents the results of research on the creation of a weld defect detection system combining the analysis and classification of time series of welding parameters for the MIG/MAG method along with the simultaneous analysis and classification of weld image data for robotic systems. For this purpose, the structures of deep recursive and convolutional neural networks were used. The design of a neural network with two system inputs allowing for the classification of the weld photo together with the time series for use in a robotic station is also presented. The research results presented in this article were obtained during the implementation of the project entitled „Development of a method based on the use of deep neural networks for visual inspection of welded joints in the course of R&D works” implemented at the company ZAP-Robotyka Sp. z o.o. in Ostrów Wielkopolski.
Luenberger Observer Gain Optimization in Model Predictive Control System for Car Active Suspension
Authors: Maślak Grzegorz , Orłowski Przemysław
Published: July 2021

MPC Driven control systems very often are requiring the introduction of a mechanism predicting the state of the object unavailable for measurements. Depending on the case, a different number of state variables will be unobtainable. Widely used systems to obtain essential data of the condition of an object are Luenberger state observer and different types of Kalman filters. The authors propose a new method of Luenberger observer synthesis based on Luenberger gain optimization using performance index corresponding to generalized system performance. The developed method allows us to obtain better-performing observer from the point of view of the adopted criterion, compared to similar estimators derived from the Sylvester equation and classic Kalman filters, even despite the occurrence of disturbances. The developed method will be presented on an example of an active suspension system with MPC.