bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional beverage pulque yeast isolates for potential application in microbial electrochemical technologies using corn cooking industry effluents as substrate
Authors: Reyes-Vidal Yolanda , Pérez-García Jesus Alberto , García-Sánchez Pamela , Zuñiga-Corona Yazmin , Bacame-Valenzuela Francisco Javier
Published: October 2023

Purpose

In this work, exoelectrogenic potential of the yeasts isolated from traditional beverage in Mexico (pulque) in an MFC when corn cooking industry effluent (CCIE) is used as substrate.

Methods

The yeasts were isolated in YPD and a screening was carried out with a sugar assimilation test, selecting the CR4 isolate for the bioelectrochemical tests. For these studies, CR4 was inoculated into a double-chamber MFC containing a carbon cloth anode treated with H2SO4. YPD, CCIE and CCIE + NaCl were used as electrolyte. The i0, Rct and Rmt were calculated by fitting polarization curves using the Butler-Volmer kinetic model.

Results

Electrochemical studies revealed the ability of CR4 to transfer electrons to a chemically treated anode. The control MFCs obtained the highest electronic transfer rate by having i0 values close to 1.01 x 10 − 4 A and low Rct values compared to the other treatments (255.28 Ω). When using the CCIE treatment, the resistance increased (664.55 Ω) due to the complexity of assimilation of the substrate, giving rise to low values of biomass in the electrode (0.11 mg/mL). The CCIE + NaCl treatment improved the output voltage, however, resistance increased, probably due to the low availability of the substrate since the resistance to mass transfer (Rmt) reached values of up to 1007.55 Ω.

Conclusions

These results will help to understand the behavior of yeasts in bioelectrochemical systems, improving the future development of microbial electrochemical technologies applied to effluent treatment.
Liprin-α proteins are master regulators of human presynapse assembly
Authors:   Berta Marcó de la Cruz1, Campos Joaquin , Molinaro Angela , Xie Xingqiao , Jin Gaowei , Wei Zhiyi , Acuna Claudio , Sterky Fredrik
Published: October 2023

Formation of mammalian synapses entails the precise alignment of presynaptic release sites with postsynaptic receptors but how nascent cell-cell contacts translate into assembly of presynaptic specializations remains unclear. Guided by pioneering work in invertebrates, we hypothesized that in mammalian synapsesLiprin-α proteins directly link trans-synapticinitial contacts to downstream steps. In human neurons lacking all four Liprin-α isoforms, nascent synaptic contacts are formed but the recruitment of active zone components and accumulation of synaptic vesicles is blocked, resulting in ‘empty’ boutons and loss of synaptic transmission. Interactions with presynaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) of either the LAR-RPTP family or Neurexins via CASK are required to localize Liprin-α to nascent synaptic sites. Liprin-α subsequently recruits presynaptic components via a direct interaction with ELKS proteins. Thus, assembly of human presynaptic terminals is governed by a hierarchical sequence of events in which the recruitment of Liprin-α proteins by presynaptic CAMs is a critical initial step.
Export Destination and Firm Upgrading: Evidence from Spain
Authors: Cilekoglu Akin A.
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the role of export destinations on firm upgrading. I exploit the real effective exchange rate devaluation in Spain during the Great Recession to identify the unusual export performance of manufacturing firms. Using directly observable measures of firm upgrading, I find that increased share of exports to low-income destinations in sales reduced productivity and upgrading efforts of firms. However, real effective exchange rate devaluation did not affect the share of exports to high-income destinations in sales as well as productivity and upgrading efforts. The results are consistent with the quality sorting hypothesis that suggests a positive relationship between firm productivity and product quality. The findings in this paper emphasize that export market destination is an important determinant in analysing the gains from exporting.
JEL Codes: D22, F14, O14, F31
Spatiotemporal patterns and driving factors of green and low-carbon urbanization in the Yangtze River Delta region, China
Authors: Huang Yingao , Kuai Chenjun , Wang Feier
Published: October 2023

Green and low-carbon urbanization (GLCU) stands as a key objective within the realm of urban sustainable development. The extent of coordination between urbanization and low-carbon development determines the level of GLCU. However, the complex driving mechanism of GLCU has not garnered the required attention within the existing of literature. In light of this, the present paper introduces a multi-dimensional comprehensive evaluation framework aimed at assessing the level of GLCU. Specifically, it delves into the spatial-temporal characteristics and driving forces that underpin GLCU. The results indicate that the level of GLCU evolved from low coordination to moderate coordination from 2005 to 2020 in the Yangtze River Delta region. Yet, the trade-off between urbanization and low-carbon development still exists. The surge in population density and economic prosperity emerged as the principal positive drivers of GLCU, while the carbon emissions intensity exerted a negative influence. Furthermore, the effect of industrial structure shifted from a positive driver to a negative one. The effects of these drivers upon GLCU varied at different urbanization stages and determined the patterns of urban development, indicating that policies for sustainable development should be tailored for the cities at different urbanization stages.
Low hormetic dose of curcumin-PDA nanoparticles improves viability and proliferation in cell culture
Authors: Alberdi Lucia Vázquez , Martínez-Busi Marcela , Echeverry Carolina , Calero Miguel , Kun Alejandra
Published: October 2023

Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa’s roots. Low doses of curcumin are related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, while high doses are used for their lethality. This diversity of behaviors allows us to understand curcumin as a compound with hormetic action. Due to its hydrophobic character, curcumin is solubilized in organic compounds, about which we have recently reported undesirable effects on the viability of primary Schwann cell cultures. Using nanoparticles as delivery systems is a successful strategy for many compounds. In the present work, we describe the structure of Polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles, loaded or not with a low dose of curcumin (0.05 µM, curc-PDA), which we characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. We analyzed the curc-PDA turnover with UHPLC-MS and described two different hydrophobic forms of curcumin, released at other times from their PDA carrier. Increased cell viability and proliferation were observed in endoneurial fibroblast primary cell culture when curc-PDA was steadily supplied for prolonged periods. Furthermore, PDA alone showed no effect on viability and proliferation. These results confirm the beneficial properties of curcumin at very low doses, thus widening its therapeutic window thanks to the increased bioavailability provided by our biological approach.
Selective attribution of cultural knowledge contributes to the different mentalization of ingroups and outgroups
Authors: Zsoldos Rebeka Anna , Andrási Krisztina , Schvajda Réka , Pető Réka , Oláh Katalin , Király Ildikó
Published: October 2023

Social categorization alters mental state inferences. Three experiments (n = 216) investigated how social categorization is related to the way people can access the cultural knowledge of others. We administered a modified Faux-Pas Task, where a protagonist, either a cultural ingroup or outgroup, indicated by a native or foreign name, violates a norm. In the test phase, participants answered questions about the protagonist's various types of mental states (knowledge, intention, etc.). Findings indicated that people consider their community-specific knowledge more likely to be accessible by cultural ingroups and use it as an inferential base to interpret their behavior.
Mediterranean diet associated with lower frailty risk: a large cohort study of 21,643 women admitted to hospitals
Authors: Zhang Huifeng , Li Weimin , Wang Youfa , Dong Yuanyuan , Greenwood Darren C , Hardie Laura J , Cade Janet E
Published: October 2023

Background
Mediterranean diet is traditionally considered as a healthy dietary pattern, while its association with frailty has not been confirmed. This study investigated associations between Mediterranean diet and risk of frailty among women admitted to hospitals in England from an older-aged women’s cohort study.
Methods
A modified Mediterranean diet was evaluated from a validated 217-item food frequency questionnaire. Incident frailty was determined using a hospital frailty risk score based on linkage to Hospital Episode Statistics up to March 2019. Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Further subgroup analyses stratified by age and body mass index (BMI), and sensitivity analyses were additionally explored.
Results
Over a mean follow-up of 13 years, there were 14,838 (68.6%) cases of frailty out of 21,643 individuals included in this study. Compared with low adherence to Mediterranean diet, moderate adherence was associated with 5% (HR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.91, 0.99) lower risk of frailty, with high adherence associated with even lower risk (HR = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.85, 0.94). The magnitude of above associations remained consistent in subgroups stratified by age and BMI, except the association between moderate adherence and risk of frailty was attenuated in the ≥ 60-year (HR = 0.99, 95%CI: 0.93, 1.06) and the BMI > 24.9 kg/m2 (HR = 0.97, 95%CI: 0.91, 1.03) subgroups.
Conclusions
Adherence to Mediterranean diet was associated with lower risk of frailty. The better the adherence, the greater the magnitude of the protective association. Elderly and overweight women may potentially benefit from greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet regarding frailty prevention.
Identification of a novel anoikis-related gene signature and molecular subtype to predict prognosis and tumor microenvironment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Shaoquan , Luo Peng , Yuan Shusheng , Shi Shuibo , Chen Weimin
Published: October 2023

Background
Anoikis, an alternative form of programmed cell death, plays a pivotal role in cancer invasion and metastasis, preventing the detached cancer cells from readhering to other substrates for abnormal proliferation. However, the mechanism of anoikis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unknown.
Methods
ARGs(anoikis-related gene) were selected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Genecards dataset using differential expression analysis. We used an unsupervised consensus clustering algorithm to classify ccRCC patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSVA) and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were utilized to investigate the molecular mechanism of patients in the different subgroup. The signature incorporating ARGs was identified using univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis. Furthermore, a nomogram containing the signature and clinical information was developed through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Kaplan– Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the predictive validity of these risk models. Finally, CIBERSOT, ESTIMATE and drug sensitivity analysis were also conducted.
Results
Our results showed that the TCGA cohorts could be divided into three subgroups which we named Group A, Group B and Group C, with a remarkable difference in immune infiltration landscape and prognosis. A fresh risk model was constructed based on the 5 prognostic ARGs (BIRC5, EDA2R, PLG, OCLN and SLPI). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the overall surviva(OS) rate of patients with low risk score was significantly higher than that of patients with high risk score. Moreover, the prognostic risk model effectively predicted OS, which was validated using train datasets. The nomogram results illustrated that the prognostic risk model was an independent prognostic predictor that distinguished it from other clinical characteristics. The CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE results illustrated a significant gap in immune infiltration landscape of patients in the low- and high-risk group. TIDE score showed a more promising immunotherapy response of ccRCC patients in low risk groups. Our drug sensitivity analysis data showed significant differences in sensitivity to different chemotherapy agents by risk group.
Conclusion
In this study, we identified anoikis-related subgroups and prognostic genes in ccRCC and integrated multiple ARGs to establish a risk-predictive model, which could be significant for understanding the molecular mechanisms and treatment of ccRCC.
Expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry molecules ACE2, NRP1, TMPRSS2, and FURIN in the reproductive tissues of male macaques
Authors: Moriyama Ryutaro , Nakamura Sho , Mitsui Ikki , Sugiyama Makoto , Fukui Hirotaka , Fukui Hitomi , Hagiwara Teruki , Suzuki Juri
Published: October 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reportedly affects male reproductive function by causing spermatogenesis dysfunction and suppressing testosterone secretion. However, the relationship between COVID-19 and impaired reproductive function, such as whether these effects on reproductive function are a direct effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in male reproductive organs or an indirect effect of high fever. Here, we examined whether the cell entry molecules of SARS-CoV-2, namely, ACE2, NRP1, TMPRSS2, and FURIN, are expressed in the male reproductive organs using the testes and accessory gonads of macaques during the breeding season. RT-PCR expression analysis showed that the testes alone expressed all four molecules. Immunohistochemical staining of testis tissue sections revealed that ACE2 is expressed in Leydig cells and the apical region of Sertoli cells, whereas NRP1 is expressed in the cell bodies surrounding the Leydig and Sertoli cell nuclei. FURIN is mainly expressed in Leydig cells, secondary spermatocytes, and spermatids. However, TMPRSS2 immunopositive cells were not observed. Therefore, it was not possible to observe cells expressing all four molecules in the gonads and accessory gonads of male primates. These results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is unlikely to directly affect spermatogenesis in primates or proliferate in cells of the seminiferous tubules and undergo release into the semen through the previously known ACE2-mediated infection route. However, the expression of three molecules, including ACE2, was observed in Leydig cells, suggesting that testosterone synthesis and secretion may be affected when primates, including humans, are infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Prognostic biomarker DARS2 correlated with immune infiltrates in bladder tumor
Authors: Hailang Yang , Nie Jianqiang , Ma Li , Deng Wen , Liu Xiaoqiang , Fu Bin
Published: October 2023

Purpose
The biological role of DARS2 in bladder cancer remains elusive. To study the effect of DARS2 on bladder cancer and to investigate its impact on overall survival.
Methods
We analyzed the correlation between DARS2 expression and prognosis, tumor stage, and immune infiltration in bladder cancer using The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database. We validated findings in clinical samples from The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University and explored the biological functions of DARS2 using cell and animal models.
Results
We found DARS2 to be upregulated in bladder cancer, associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Immune infiltration analysis suggested that DARS2 may facilitate immune evasion by modulating PD-L1. Cell and animal experiments validated that DARS2 knockdown inhibited cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, tumorigenesis, and downgraded PD-L1 levels.
Conclusions
Our study reveals DARS2 as a potential prognostic biomarker and immunotherapy target in BLCA.
An Investigation on Unsteady Flow of a Reactive Third-order material in a Cylindrical Channel Taking into Account Induced Electric Field and Variable Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Adeosun A. T. , Khan I. , Gbadeyan J. A.
Published: October 2023

In this work, we evaluate current density and thermal criticality of an unsteady flow of incompressible reactive third-order material in a cylindrical channel with varied electrical conductivity. The electrically conducting fluid is assumed undergoing an exothermic reaction following Arrhenius kinetics, with no consideration given to material consumption. Numerical solution of the derived nonlinear time dependent differential equations of momentum and energy balance are provided via Pseudo-spectral approach. Important properties of the velocity distributions, temperature distributions, current density, skin friction, heat transfer rate and thermal criticality conditions are presented and discussed quantitatively. Our findings show that the terms that increase current density and exothermic reaction of the system need to be augmented to improve the usage of current carrying fluid in industries and complete combustion process in an engine.
Development and verification of behavioral models of linear voltage regulators with duty cycle short circuit and overload protection
Authors:   Bryansk State Technical University (BSTU), Malakhanov Alexey A. , Malakhanova Alla G. ,   Bryansk State Technical University (BSTU), Vasil'eva Yulia O. ,   Scientific and Educational Design Center «Power Electronics and Integrated Technologies» BSTU
Published: October 2023

The object of development are behavioral models of a linear negative voltage regulator in two modifications. Linear voltage regulators manufactured by KREMNIY EL GROUP JSC were chosen as prototypes for the models. IC 5348EM035 with a fixed output negative voltage value of 5 V, IC 5348EP035 with an adjustable output negative voltage value of 1.25V to 14.5V and their functional analogue IC UCC284DP manufactured by Texas Instruments were used. These are low voltage drop with duty cycle short circuit and overload protection regulators. Behavioral models are implemented in SPICE language through converting netlists of prototype equivalent circuits. Equivalent circuits on the regulators IC functional circuits were made, taking into account a typical switching circuit. Equivalent circuits of regulators are implemented on the standard mathematical blocks, limiters, dependent sources, controlled switches and passive elements. Parameter limits are written inside controlled sources by mathematical relations. When verifying behavioral models, it was established that the results of modeling the regulators operation correspond to the data in the technical descriptions of manufacturers. The verification was carried in typical switching circuits with given input electrical parameters. In present study the results of modeling the main characteristics of microcircuits are described: input and output voltages, voltage drop across the regulator and timing diagrams of the main modes of operation of the IC, including the mode of duty cycle short circuit and overload protection regulators. The developed and verified behavioral models of linear voltage regulators 5348EM035 and 5348EP035 and their functional analogue UCC284DP will be useful in the engineering, design and study of the characteristics of power supply devices for electronic and industrial equipment. These SPICE models are applicable in modern specialized CAD systems for circuit design and simulation.
Features of building neural networks taking into account the specifics of their training to solve the tasks of searching for network attacks
Authors:   I. Kant Baltic Federal University, Vetrov Igor A. , Podtopelny Vladislav V. ,   Kaliningrad State Technical University
Published: October 2023

The problems of building neural networks to solve the problems of detecting network intrusions, taking into account modern publicly available technologies, are considered. Several configurations of neural networks are analyzed: a simple perceptron, a combined network consisting of two interconnected networks, simplified networks based on a simple perceptron, LSTM networks using hidden layers with data compression function. The weaknesses and strengths of neural network architectures are considered, taking into account the specifics of their training based on abnormal traffic datasets in intrusion detection tasks.
Antenna modeling using the method of moments: surface approximation by wires
Authors:   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Alhaj Hasan Adnan , Tuan Nguyen Manh ,   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Gazizov Talgat R. ,   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR)
Published: October 2023

This paper is devoted to antenna modeling using one of the most common approaches based on the method of moments (MoM): wire grid. An overview of this approach is given, including its history, limitations and applications. Its use in modeling and manufacturing of lens antennas and antenna arrays is discussed. Works devoted to its use not only with MoM but also with other numerical methods are reviewed. A number of works on the validation of modeling results using this approach are also presented. The conclusion reflects the relevance of the study of the approach and possible directions of its development.
A Case Study of JinDarye
Authors:   Association for International Tea Culture, Kim Gil-ryeong
Published: October 2023

This study aims to establish the value of JinDarye's tradition, contribute to the proper establishment of contemporary JinDarye practices, and examine the historical changes of JinDarye as well as the characteristics and cases of Su-yeon JinDarye and Baekin JinDarye.
Firstly, in the historical evolution of JinDarye, both “Uisikheonda” and “JinDarye” were performed during the Silla period. In the Goryeo period, the ritual of JinDarye was observed in state ceremonies and palace rituals. In the Joseon period, as the state's order of etiquette was established, the court rituals were also restructured, leading to the transformation and development of JinDarye.
Secondly, the content of Su-yeon JinDarye was examined, focusing on the “Mushinjinchangwigye” carried out in the Year of the Rat (1848) when King Heonjong hosted a feast for Queen Sunwon’s sixtieth birthday. As a case study, the Su-yeon JinDarye of Baek Geun-hee, the director of the Hakjeon Academy of Korean Tea Studies, was explored.
Thirdly, Baekin JinDarye was reviewed, focusing on the contents of the “hoesak”, a gathering held by the king or crown prince the day after the Jin-yeon (feast) to encourage and reward the officials who worked hard for the feast. The Baekin JinDarye which is staged at the Daegu World Tea Culture Festival to 100 people, who were honored for their contributions to tea culture development including the committee chairman Lee Jin-soo, was used for its case.
In conclusion, the JinDarye ritual was a ceremony for wishing well-being and blessings. Based on thorough authentication and recreation of JinDarye rituals, it is important to reestablish it in a desirable direction. Through the excavation and continuation of the original form of ceremonial culture, contemporary JinDarye practices should be reestablished and developed. It is also necessary to modernize the cultural content of JinDarye while preserving its values and spirit, thus ensuring its preservation as a valuable cultural heritage.
How Personality Education the Uses Media Influences the Personality of University Students
Authors:   Association for International Tea Culture, Lee Hyang-sook , Youn Jeong-jin
Published: October 2023

This study attempted to verify the effect of personality education courses using media on the personality of university students. The subjects of this study were 189 university students attending university ‘D’ in Busan, consisting of 89 students in an experimental group and 100 students in a control group. The experimental group attended a personality education program using media for 15 weeks, and the control group attended a general education program for 15 weeks.
Statistical analysis of the study shows that the experimental group that attended the personality education program showed a more positive effect on personality than that of the control group.
Among the personality-related sub-factors of the analysis were global citizenship, consideration, responsibility, and filial piety. The results of this study suggest that personality education courses that use media have a positive effect on the personality of university students. This is meaningful in that this assessment can be used in the practical application of personality education using media in the future.
Consumer Perceptions and Evaluations of Tea during the COVID-19 Endemic Era: Focusing on social big data analysis
Authors:   Association for International Tea Culture, Choi Bae-young
Published: October 2023

This thesis analyzed consumers' perceptions and evaluations of tea in the COVID-19 endemic era using social big data from Sometrend. The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for the development of the tea industry. For this purpose, we selected eight teas (green tea, black tea, puer tea, kombucha, barley tea, pea tea, citron tea, and ginger tea) with more than 30,000 social media posts from consumers from July 13, 2022 to July 12, 2023 from social big data. Next, we collected and analyzed 30 relevant words of consumer perception of each tea and 30 emotional words of consumer evaluation of each tea through social big data. The main results are as follows. First, the associative words consumers mentioned with each tea in their social media posts were categorized into well-being, situation, and food. Second, the sentiment words consumers used to rate each tea in their social media posts were categorized into positive, neutral, and negative. In conclusion, for consumers during the COVID-19 endemic era, tea has been emphasized for its functionality to promote physical health, its healing properties for psychological stability, and its palatability for good taste.
The effect of digital transformation and innovation on SMEs’ performance in times of COVID-19
Authors: Surahman  , Shee Himanshu , Fitrian Zhikry , Sasmoko Adi Ari , Yudaruddin Rizky
Published: October 2023

This study examines the impact of digital capabilities and digital orientation on the digital transformation and digital innovation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this study assesses how the role of digital transformation and digital innovation mediates the relationship between digital capabilities, digital orientation, and SME performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a sample of 247 SMEs managers, data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling with a partial least square approach. The findings demonstrate the significant and positive influence of digital capability and orientation on SMEs’ digital transformation and innovation during the pandemic. Additionally, the study confirms that digital transformation and innovation positively affect SMEs’ performance during the pandemic. Furthermore, the study reveals that digital transformation and innovation mediate the relationship between digital orientation and capability on SMEs’ performance during the pandemic. However, digital innovation was not found to significantly mediate the link between digital capability and SMEs’ performance.
Extract of european spruce strobiles as a promising tool to minimize the risks of inflammation
Authors:   Perm State University, 15 Bukireva St., Perm, 614068, Russian Federation, Gulyaev D.K. , Apushkin D.Yu ,   Perm State University, 15 Bukireva St., Perm, 614068, Russian Federation, Andreev A.I. ,   Perm State University, 15 Bukireva St., Perm, 614068, Russian Federation, Suldin A.S. ,   Perm State University, 15 Bukireva St., Perm, 614068, Russian Federation, Mashchenko P.S. ,   Perm State University, 15 Bukireva St., Perm, 614068, Russian Federation, Utushkina T.A. ,   Perm State University, 15 Bukireva St., Perm, 614068, Russian Federation, Yakushina K.E. ,   Perm State University, 15 Bukireva St., Perm, 614068, Russian Federation
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to examining anti-inflammatory activity of dry aqueous extract of European spruce (Picea abies) strobiles using different routes of administration. Strobiles of European spruce for extracts were harvested on the territory of the Perm region of the Russian Federation in a mixed forest with a predominance of European spruce and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Dry aqueous extract was obtained according to the original patented method. Procyanidins content in spruce strobiles and dry extracts was determined by using acid cleavage of procyanidins to anthocyanidins according to the Porter method. Anti-inflammatory activity was established by using carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. White laboratory outbred Wistar rats were used in the experiment. According to the results of the study, the procyanidin content was found to equal approximately 13 % in the samples of spruce strobiles. Intraperitoneal administration of dry extract of strobile spruce at a dose of 100 mg/kg was established to induce a pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. Intraperitoneal administration of smaller doses of strobile extract resulted in a pronounced anti-inflammatory activity at a dose of 50 mg/kg. A dose of 10 mg/kg successfully suppressed inflammation (50 % edema suppression) 1 and 3 hours after carrageenan administration (p < 0.05) according to hydrometric data, but this was not confirmed by photometric data. Oral administration of the extract showed no anti-inflammatory activity. With the rectal route of administration, no pronounced anti-inflammatory activity was found in the studied extract. The extract of spruce strobiles obtained by the original method contains 56 % procyanidins and exhibits pronounced anti-inflammatory activity when administered intraperitoneally. The use of the extract in oral and rectal routes of administration requires more in-depth study.
THE IMPACT OF SANCTIONS ON THE AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX OF RUSSIA
Authors: Milonova M. V. , Astapenko A. A.
Published: October 2023

The article analyzes the impact of unprecedented sanctions of the United States and the European Union on certain segments of the agricultural and industrial complex of the Russian Federation. It is noted that the problems arising in this case have a direct impact on the country's food security. The authors have outlined the tasks on the solution of which the development of the country's agro-industrial complex will largely depend. It is noted that the effectiveness of the tasks set, as well as the activity of Russian business will determine the near future of the Russian economy. Many foreign companies have left the Russian market, but their place has been taken by domestic manufacturers, someone sees threats in the situation, someone sees opportunities for development.
CHALLENGES OF POST- COVID VIETNAM TOURIST BRAND RECOVERY
Authors: Chernikov S. U. , Phung Thi Thanh Hien
Published: October 2023

This article analyzes the resurrection of the Vietnam's tourism industry after COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on the tourism industry, particularly in terms of reducing travel demand and disrupting supply chains. However, the government has implemented several measures to support the industry and promote tourism, including financial assistance, tax incentives, and marketing campaigns. The article highlights the need for continued government support and strategic planning to ensure the long-term recovery and growth of Vietnam's tourism industry. In addition, this paper elaborates on the factors that have impacted the slow return of Vietnam's tourism industry post-COVID-19 pandemic and the government's role in promoting the country's tourism brand. Opportunities and recommendations for Vietnam are discussed to enhance its tourism industry and effectively promote its image in the post-pandemic era.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF COUNTERING SANCTIONS PRESSURE IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
Authors: Ugryumova A. A. , Polynev A. O. , Rodionova I. A.
Published: October 2023

The policy of applying sanctions to a particular country is most often used in order to reduce the development opportunities of this country and oust it from the world economic space. The authors give a brief description of international sanctions applied to a number of countries (including the Russian Federation) in recent years. The analysis of the orientation of sanctions on a number of enlarged sectors of the economy is carried out, the groupings of sanctions according to the methods of their impact are justified. In particular, the study highlights sanctions aimed at human capital as having the most significant and prolonged impact on the economies of countries subjected to sanctions persecution. The most characteristic measures of sanctions pressure, allowing to limit the opportunities for economic growth and development, are identified on the example of a number of countries. The national and international experience of overcoming sanctions is analyzed. The analysis made it possible to identify typical groups of anti-sanctions (protective) measures introduced in response to unfriendly actions both for the national economy of the Russian Federation and for a number of other countries. The consequences of sanctions pressure on the economy of different countries are highlighted. Conclusions are drawn about the need to search for alternative methods of countering sanctions that allow minimizing the damage to the national economy from their application.
METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE TECHNICALITY AND MANUFACTURABILITY OF TRADING SERVICES
Authors: Gutnikova O. N.
Published: October 2023

The article examines the concepts of "technicality" and "manufacturability" in relation to trading services. On the basis of a number of regulatory and scientific approaches, methods have been identified that allow for a rational assessment of the techniques of performing trade services. A scheme of the methodology for assessing the technical and technological effectiveness of trade services has been compiled, sources of necessary information and expected results have been identified. A model for assessing the technical and technological effectiveness of trading services is presented, taking into account individual indicators and their weighting coefficients. A scale of evaluation of the results of the analysis is proposed, deviations affecting the score are noted. The intervals in the score assessment are determined, determining the category of trade services from the position of their technical level of performance, taking into account the general level of qualification of personnel, equipment of the trading enterprise with means and tools for the provision of relevant services, as well as the experience of using means of material support to improve the quality characteristics of trade services. The purpose of the study is to develop an approach to determining the state of the art of execution of trade services from the position of their technicality and technology, acting as qualitative indicators. The relevance of the study is caused by the lack of methods and methodologies in the practice of assessing the quality of trade services, providing for the definition of the category of trade services from the point of view of the level of technicality and manufacturability of their execution and allowing an objective assessment of the compliance of the provided trade services with the declared level of the enterprise and consumer expectations. The scientific novelty of the study consists in the development of a methodology for assessing the technical and technological nature of trade services to establish their category, reflecting the general level of organization of the enterprise. General scientific approaches were used as research methods, including methods of desk research, analysis and deduction, observation and synthesis, based on the study of the provisions of regulatory legal acts, as well as previous studies of domestic and foreign scientists.
DIGITALIZATION PROCESSES IN WESTERN ASIAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Zerkot A. A.
Published: October 2023

The relevance of the topic is predetermined, on the one hand, by the strengthening of the global trend of digitalization, and, on the other, by the need for individual countries and regions of the developing world to intensify their efforts in the field of the digital economy in order to diversify production and foreign trade. The process under study is considered as one of the opportunities for the transformation of the hydrocarbon specialization of most countries in Western Asia, the development of new high-tech and advanced industries based on regional cooperation and interaction with third countries. An important goal of the digital transformation of the countries of Western Asia remains the need to stabilize national socioeconomic development and reduce dependence on the volatility of the world oil market. In addition, according to the author, the experience of oil-producing and oil-exporting countries of Western Asia in the field of digitalization can be adapted for other resource-rich countries of the world, including the Russian Federation. The purpose of the article is to analyze current trends in the development of digitalization in the Middle East countries, as well as new opportunities opening up to their socio-economic systems. The article substantiates the necessity and possibility of digitalization, shows its main directions in the group of countries under consideration. Based on the analysis, the author argues the point of view that the introduction of digital technologies in Western Asia can bring huge social and economic benefits and contribute to the emergence of new jobs in a region with a high birth rate.
VACCINES AS A PRODUCT OF INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGIES AND A SPECIAL COMMODITY IN THE INTERNATIONAL BIOPHARMACEUTICALS MARKET
Authors: Titova E. S. , Shishkin S. S.
Published: October 2023

Global biopharmaceutical market state is currently of particular importance not only as a primary economic characteristic and a condition for the successful healthcare organization in different countries, but also as a safety from possible pandemics guarantee. Various vaccines production plays a special role becoming one of the modern bioeconomy sectors. The bioeconomy, as an activity, is based on industrial biotechnologies and new knowledgebased approaches for the efficient bioproducts production derived from natural resources, and is focused on solving various environmental, as well as political and even social issues for sustainable development. The purpose of the article is to study the general trends in the production and turnover of vaccines on the biopharmaceutical market, taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on vaccination complications and manifestations of pharmaceutical companies' competition in the vaccine market with various consequences are presented. It is concluded that the effective functioning of the global vaccine market can be considered as an important element of sustainable development on the way to achieving the protection of citizens from dangerous diseases and ensuring social welfare due to the development of biotechnologies.
Advances in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current
and Promising Strategies
Authors: Yenkoyan Konstantin , Ounanian Zadik , Mirumyan Margarita , Hayrapetyan Liana , Zakaryan Naira , Sahakyan Raisa , Bjørklund Geir
Published: October 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term for developmental disorders
characterized by social and communication impairments, language difficulties, restricted
interests, and repetitive behaviors. Current management approaches for ASD
aim to resolve its clinical manifestations based on the type and severity of the disability.
Although some medications like risperidone show potential in regulating ASD-associated
symptoms, a comprehensive treatment strategy for ASD is yet to be discovered. To
date, identifying appropriate therapeutic targets and treatment strategies remains challenging
due to the complex pathogenesis associated with ASD. Therefore, a comprehensive
approach must be tailored to target the numerous pathogenetic pathways of ASD.
From currently viable and basic treatment strategies, this review explores the entire field
of advancements in ASD management up to cutting-edge modern scientific research. A
novel systematic and personalized treatment approach is suggested, combining the available
medications and targeting each symptom accordingly. Herein, summarize and categorize
the most appropriate ways of modern ASD management into three distinct categories:
current, promising, and prospective strategies.
Discovery of Novel Inhibitors of Cruzain Cysteine Protease of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Prates João Lucas Bruno , Lopes Juliana Romano , Chin Chung Man , Ferreira Elizabeth Igne , dos Santos Jean Leandro , Scarim Cauê Benito
Published: October 2023

Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic disease endemic in several developing coun-tries. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 6-8 million people worldwide are inflicted by CD. The scarcity of new drugs, mainly for the chronic phase, is the main reason for treatment limitation in CD. Therefore, there is an urgent need to dis-cover new targets for which new therapeutical agents could be developed. Cruzain cyste-ine protease (CCP) is a promising alternative because this enzyme exhibits pleiotropic ef-fects by acting as a virulence factor, modulating host immune cells, and interacting with host cells. This systematic review was conducted to discover new compounds that act as cruzain inhibitors, and their effects in vitro were studied through enzymatic assays and molecular docking. Additionally, the advances and perspectives of these inhibitors are discussed. These findings are expected to contribute to medicinal chemistry in view of the design of new, safe, and efficacious inhibitors against Trypanosoma cruzi CCP detected in the last decade (2013-2022) to provide scaffolds for further optimization, aiming toward the discovery of new drugs.
An Investigation of Pharmacokinetic Interaction of Vericiguat with
Apigenin based on a Newly Developed Ultra-performance Liquid
Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay
Authors: Zhang En , Chen Chaojie , Wang Yu , Weng Qinghua , Xu Ren-ai , Lin Jingjing
Published: October 2023

Background:

Vericiguat, as a new stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), was recently approved as a first-in-class treatment for reducing risks in patients
with ejection fraction less than 45 percent and heart failure (HF) in the USA.

Objective:

The main aim of the present experiment was to establish an acceptable, sensitive assay based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
(UPLC-MS/MS) for quantitatively analyzing the plasma concentration levels of vericiguat in rats, and to further evaluate the effect of apigenin on the metabolism of vericiguat
in vivo.

Methods:

In sample processes, acetonitrile was finally chosen for quickly precipitating
protein. The levels of vericiguat in plasma were analyzed by a Xevo TQ-S triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (Milford, MA, USA) in a positive ion mode.

Results:

The scope of the calibration standard for vericiguat ranged from 0.5 to 1000
ng/mL, where a great linearity was acceptable. The lower limit of quantification (also
called LLOQ) of vericiguat presented the sensitivity of this assay was evaluated as low
as 0.5 ng/mL. Additionally, selectivity, accuracy and precision, extraction recovery, matrix effect, and stability were all verified. Subsequently, this approach also supported to
assess the plasmatic concentrations of vericiguat from an interaction survey on herb--
drug, in which oral administration of apigenin (20 mg/kg) obviously increased the plasmatic levels of vericiguat and altered the pharmacokinetics of vericiguat in rats.

Conclusion:

These results would help us to further understand the pharmacokinetic properties of vericiguat when co-administration with apigenin, and to avoid unexpected clinical risks in the future.
Development of a Functional Nanobody Targeting Programmed Cell Death
Protein-1 as Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor
Authors: Hosseininejad-Chafi Mohammad , Kianmehr Zahra , Pooshang-Bagheri Kamran , Kazemi-Lomedasht Fatemeh , Behdani Mahdi
Published: October 2023

Background:

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is a membrane receptor that is expressed on
the surface of various immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, monocytes, natural killer T cells, and dendritic
cells. In cancer, the interaction between PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 suppresses the activation and function of
T lymphocytes, leading to the impairment and apoptosis of tumor-specific T cells. This mechanism allows
cancer cells to evade the immune response and promotes tumor progression.

Methods:

Recombinant PD-1 protein was produced and used to immunize a camel. A nanobody library was
generated from the camel’s peripheral blood lymphocytes and screened for PD-1 binding. A specific nanobody
(3PD9) was selected and characterized by affinity measurement, western blotting, and flow cytometry analysis.
The ability of the selected nanobody to block the inhibitory signal of PD-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear
cells (PBMCs) was evaluated by measuring the level of interleukin-2 (IL-2).

Results:

The selected nanobody showed high specificity and affinity for human PD-1. Western blot and flow
cytometry analysis confirmed that 3PD9 could recognize and bind to human PD-1 on the cell surface. It was
demonstrated that the level of IL-2 was significantly increased in PBMCs treated with 3PD9 compared to the
control group, indicating that the nanobody could enhance the T cell response by disrupting the PD-1/PD-L1
interaction.

Conclusion:

The results suggested that the anti-PD-1 nanobody could be a promising candidate for cancer
immunotherapy.
State of the Art and Outlook of Data Science and Machine Learning in Organic
Chemistry
Authors: Stefani Ricardo
Published: October 2023

Data Science and Machine Learning approaches have recently expanded to accelerate
the discovery of new materials, drugs, synthetic substances and automated compound identification.
In the field of Organic Chemistry, Machine Learning and Data Science are commonly used
to predict biological and physiochemical properties of molecules and are referred to as quantitative
structure–active relationship (QSAR, for biological properties) and quantitative structure–
property relationship (QSPR, for nonbiological properties). Data Science and Machine Learning
applications are rapidly growing in chemistry and have been successfully applied to the discovery
and optimization of molecular properties, optimization of synthesis, automated structure elucidation,
and even the design of novel compounds. The main strength of Data Science tools is the ability to find
patterns and relationships that even an experienced researcher may not be able to find, and research in chemistry
can benefit from. Moreover, this interdisciplinary field is playing a central role in changing the way not only
organic chemistry but also how chemistry is done. As cutting-edge ML tools and algorithms such as tensors,
natural language processing, and transformers become mature and reliable by chemists. ML will be a routine
analysis in a chemistry laboratory like any other technique or equipment.