Ixodes ricinus Salivary Serpin Iripin-8 Inhibits the Intrinsic Pathway of Coagulation and Complement.

Tick saliva is a rich source of antihemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory molecules that actively help the tick to finish its blood meal. Moreover, these molecules facilitate the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Here we present the functional and structural characterization of Iripin-8, a salivary serpin from the tick Ixodes ricinus, a European vector of tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Iripin-8 displayed blood-meal-induced mRNA expression that peaked in nymphs and the salivary glands of adult females. Iripin-8 inhibited multiple proteases involved in blood coagulation and blocked the intrinsic and common pathways of the coagulation cascade in vitro. Moreover, Iripin-8 inhibited erythrocyte lysis by complement, and Iripin-8 knockdown by RNA interference in tick nymphs delayed the feeding time. Finally, we resolved the crystal structure of Iripin-8 at 1.89 Å resolution to reveal an unusually long and rigid reactive center loop that is conserved in several tick species. The P1 Arg residue is held in place distant from the serpin body by a conserved poly-Pro element on the P' side. Several PEG molecules bind to Iripin-8, including one in a deep cavity, perhaps indicating the presence of a small-molecule binding site. This is the first crystal structure of a tick serpin in the native state, and Iripin-8 is a tick serpin with a conserved reactive center loop that possesses antihemostatic activity that may mediate interference with host innate immunity

Addendum: Kotál et al. Ixodes ricinus Salivary Serpin Iripin-8 Inhibits the Intrinsic Pathway of Coagulation and Complement. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22, 9480

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Mocenské hry mezi výzkumníkem a informantem: Konceptualizace moci v analýze výzkumného rozhovoru

The article introduces a conceptualization of power relationship between interviewer and interviewee in a qualitative research interview. The presented conceptualization is based on the semiotic triad (syntax, semantics, and pragmatics). For the purpose of analysing interviews, power is defined as an ability to influence and control one of these three dimensions of an interview. However, power relationships are not static; rather, they are dynamically negotiated within an interaction. Within this context, different types of power can be distinguished: (a) power over the rules of interaction (metapower); (b) agendasetting power; and (c) positioning and othering of participants (i.e. dominance). The classification of different types of power can be used for further systematic investigation into possible power strategies. Showing samples of interviews with politicians, the authoress identifies several examples of power strategies (for instance, a change of rules, an opening of new topics, and “a wise advice”). She points out that these strategies themselves can produce meanings. The authoress also argues that reflecting power relationships within interviews can enhance the validity of research. It can also be helpful for better constituting a scenario and a framework of interviews, or for developing a researcher’s own performative strategy. This kind of reflexivity is also beneficial for thinking through ethical questions coupled with qualitative research

Power shifts between interviewer and interviewee: conceptualizing power strategies

The article introduces a conceptualization of power relationship between interviewer and inter- viewee in a qualitative research interview. The pre- sented conceptualization is based on the semiotic triad (syntax, semantics, and pragmatics). For the purpose of analysing interviews, power is defined as an abil- ity to influence and control one of these three dimen- sions of an interview. However, power relationships are not static; rather, they are dynamically negoti- ated within an interaction. Within this context, dif- ferent types of power can be distinguished: (a) power over the rules of interaction (metapower); (b) agenda- setting power; and (c) positioning and othering of par- ticipants (i. e. dominance). The classification of differ- ent types of power can be used for further systematic investigation into possible power strategies. Showing samples of interviews with politicians, the authoress identifies several examples of power strategies (for in- stance, a change of rules, an opening of new top- ics, and “a wise advice”). She points out that these strategies themselves can produce meanings. The au- thoress also argues that reflecting power relationships within interviews can enhance the validity of research. It can also be helpful for better constituting a scenario and a framework of interviews, or for developing a re- searcher’s own performative strategy. This kind of re- flexivity is also beneficial for thinking through ethical questions coupled with qualitative research

The cycle and effect of zinc in the blast-furnace process

This article analyzes the eff ect of zinc in the blast furnace process and it also analysis its contents in the input and output raw materials. The results obtained in the long-term research project will be used as data here. The removal of zinc from the input raw materials is very diffi cult already in the sinter production stage. This is due to its uniform distribution in the raw materials, but also due to the fact that it does not transfer into gas phase during the sintering process. The content of Zinc compounds was experimentally measured in the lining. The quan ty of penetrated Zinc is diff erent in diff erent parts of the blast furnace. As demonstrated by the research, zinc repeatedly enters the blast furnace process, which leads to its circula on.Web of Science52220019

Cognitive status and use of analgesics and anxiolytics in residents of nursing homes in the Czech Republic

Iva Holmerová,1 Stefanie R Auer,2,3 Anna Beránková,1 Margit Höfler,2 Paulina Ratajczak,2 Michal Šteffl4 1Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long-Term Care, Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; 2Danube University Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; 3MAS Alzheimerhilfe, 4820 Bad Ischl, Austria; 4Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic Background: The treatment of pain and treatment of anxiety are two of the most complex issues in nursing homes worldwide, mainly because of the large numbers of people with cognitive impairment who reside in this environment. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the administration of analgesics and anxiolytics to people living in nursing homes, taking into account cognitive status. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, we used data from 404 residents who lived in nine randomly selected nursing homes in the Czech Republic and participated in the Czech-Austrian Long-Term Care Research Project called DEMDATA. Information about medication administration was obtained from medical records. Cognitive impairment was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination, and pain was measured by the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia. To measure anxiety, we used the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale in residents with severe-to-moderate dementia and also the standardized questionnaire EuroQol in other residents. Results: In all, 68% (95% CI 62–74) of residents with pain did not receive any analgesic medication and 31% (95% CI 25–38) of residents were administered some analgesics and continued to report pain. The lowest reported occurrence of pain, as well as the lowest prevalence of analgesic administration, was in residents with moderate-to-severe dementia. We found that an alarming percentage of residents in the nursing homes were not treated sufficiently. Conclusion: This study indicates that treatment effects should be better monitored. Keywords: pain, anxiety, dementia, analgesics, anxiolytics&nbsp

<i>Ixodes ricinus</i> Salivary Serpin Iripin-8 Inhibits the Intrinsic Pathway of Coagulation and Complement.

Tick saliva is a rich source of antihemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory molecules that actively help the tick to finish its blood meal. Moreover, these molecules facilitate the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Here we present the functional and structural characterization of Iripin-8, a salivary serpin from the tick Ixodes ricinus, a European vector of tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Iripin-8 displayed blood-meal-induced mRNA expression that peaked in nymphs and the salivary glands of adult females. Iripin-8 inhibited multiple proteases involved in blood coagulation and blocked the intrinsic and common pathways of the coagulation cascade in vitro. Moreover, Iripin-8 inhibited erythrocyte lysis by complement, and Iripin-8 knockdown by RNA interference in tick nymphs delayed the feeding time. Finally, we resolved the crystal structure of Iripin-8 at 1.89 Å resolution to reveal an unusually long and rigid reactive center loop that is conserved in several tick species. The P1 Arg residue is held in place distant from the serpin body by a conserved poly-Pro element on the P' side. Several PEG molecules bind to Iripin-8, including one in a deep cavity, perhaps indicating the presence of a small-molecule binding site. This is the first crystal structure of a tick serpin in the native state, and Iripin-8 is a tick serpin with a conserved reactive center loop that possesses antihemostatic activity that may mediate interference with host innate immunity