Students’ social representations about world culture

The relevance of the problem under study stems from the interest that social representations have in modern science, as well as the role of students in the development of the modern world. The aim of the article is to present the results of the study of the structure of social perceptions of culture among Russian and American students, statistical and qualitative analysis of the results obtained. The findings suggest that there are differences in the concepts that American and Russian students are willing to designate as categories reflecting their perceptions of world culture. Both groups of students include the general concept of art in the content of the scheme of social representation of world culture, but Russian students are most active in indicating components that focus on revealing the inner world of an individual. The notions given by American students about world culture reflect its importance as an area for active intercultural communication. The materials of this article may be useful for further research into the main factors of globalisation processes, as well as for understanding the subsequent development of the content and structure of young people’s social perceptions

ROLE OF PERIVASCULAR ADIPOSE TISSUE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC AND NONATHEROSCLEROTIC DISEASES

Perivascular adipose tissue surrounds most large blood vessels and plays an important role in vascular homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that perivascular adipose tissue effects vasodilation and vasoconstriction, which indicates that the perivascular adipose tissue regulates tone and diameter of the vessels. Adipocytokines and chemokines, secreted from the perivascular adipose tissue, apparently have direct access to the adjacent arterial wall by diffusion, or through vasa vasorum. The present data indicate that perivascular adipose tissue plays an important role in atherosclerosis, hypertension. Recently, some studies were performed that examined the role of perivascular adipose tissue in non-atherosclerotic vascular diseases, such as neointimal formation, aortic aneurysm, arterial stiffness and vasculitis. The present review will discuss a role of perivascular adipose tissue in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, hypertension and non-atherosclerotic vascular diseases

INTERLEUKIN 33 AND FIBROSIS: PATHOGENESIS UPDATED

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a member of the IL-1 family, which is widely expressed on all types of cells. IL-33 was identified as a functional ligand for the plasma membrane receptor complex, which is a heterodimer consisting of a membrane bound ST2 receptor (growth stimulating factor). IL-33 is involved in the development of immune response with predominant release of pro-inflammatory T helper type 2 cytokines. IL-33 is widely expressed on various structure-forming cells, such as epithelial, endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Increased expression of IL-33 is observed during necrosis of these cells (after tissue or cell damage), and it is released into extracellular space, and acts as an endogenous danger signal, sending a sort of warnings to neighboring cells and tissues. Recently, many studies have shown that IL-33 can participate in development and progression of fibrosis in various organs. However, it exerts anti-inflammatory effects upon development of other diseases. This review will discuss biological characteristics of IL-33 and a role of the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway in the development of fibrosis

Адипонектин и инсулин: молекулярные механизмы реализации метаболических нарушений

Adiponectin, the most common plasma adipocytokine, plays a crucial metabolic and anti-inflammatory role. With insulin resistance associated with obesity, an increase of adiponectin concentration, which leads to the activation of signaling pathways involved in the regulation of metabolism, occurs. Currently, adiponectin is being investigated as a potential therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome, although more research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms controlling its levels. In this review, we will examine the main mechanisms that control adiponectin levels in blood serum and its role in insulin-sensitizing effect, as well as evaluate the potential use of adiponectin and its receptors as a potential therapeutic target.Адипонектин – самый распространенный адипоцитокин в плазме крови, который играет критическую метаболическую и противовоспалительную роль. При инсулинорезистентности, связанной с ожирением, происходит увеличение концентрации адипонектина, что приводит к активации сигнальных путей, участвующих в регуляции метаболизма. В настоящее время  адипонектин исследуется в качестве потенциальной терапевтической мишени для метаболического синдрома, хотя необходимы дополнительные исследования, чтобы понять основные механизмы, контролирующие уровень адипонектина в крови. В этом обзоре мы представим основные механизмы, контролирующие уровень адипонектина в сыворотке крови, и его роль в инсулин-сенсибилизирующем действии, а также оценим потенциальное использование адипонектина и его рецепторов в качестве потенциальной терапевтической мишени

Модели венчурных инвестиций в России и США как основной элемент становления инновационных предприятий

Purpose: this article aims to determine key characteristics features of venture capital investments models in the context of the development of innovative enterprises. For this purpose the authors conducted analysis of the current state and key differences of venture capital investments models in Russia and in the USA, determined fields and ways for further improvement of domestic models of venture capital investments.Methods: to achieve the stated goal, theoretical research methods - abstraction, analysis and synthesis were used. Adoption of these methods, led to analysis of the theoretical basis of venture capital investments models and identification of key features having the greatest practical significance. The models of venture capital investments in Russia and the USA were studied, and a quantitative and qualitative comparative analysis of the elements characterizing the models of venture capital investments was carried out. The study was based on the data published by the national associations of venture investors and the information database of venture capital companies Pitchbook.Results: this article reveals the importance of venture capital investments as the main factor affecting the innovative development of the Russian economy. In modern conditions, venture capital investments are a key tool that helps bring financial resources to young innovatively active companies. This article summarizes results of the study of the theoretical base of venture capital investments models and the historical dynamics of venture capital investments in Russia and the USA. A comparative analysis revealed similarities and differences between the following elements, characterizing the models of venture capital investments in Russia and the USA: stages of development of venture capital companies, types of investors and sources of venture financing, distribution of venture investments by industry, exit strategies and organizational forms of venture capital investments. The paper as well summarizes fields and ways for further improvement of models of venture capital investments based on a comparative analysis.Conclusions and Relevance: based on the conducted research and comparative analysis of venture capital investment models in Russia and the United States, the proposals for further improvement of Russian venture capital investment models were developed and presented in the article.Цель данной работы – определение характерных элементов моделей венчурных инвестиций в контексте развития инновационных предприятий. Для этого анализируется текущее состояние и выявляются ключевые различия в моделях венчурных инвестиций в России и США, определяются слабые стороны модели венчурных инвестиций в нашей стране, на основании чего формулируются рекомендации по дальнейшему совершенствованию отечественных моделей венчурных инвестиций.Методология проведения работы: для достижения обозначенной цели в работе были использованы методы теоретического исследования – абстрагирование, анализ и синтез. С помощью указанных методов была исследована теоретическая база моделей венчурных инвестиций и определены теоретические аспекты таких моделей, имеющие наибольшую практическую значимость; были изучены модели венчурных инвестиций в России и США, а также проведен количественный и качественный сравнительный анализ элементов, их характеризующих. Материалами для настоящей работы послужили данные, публикуемые национальными ассоциациями венчурных инвесторов и информационной базой данных венчурных компаний Pitchbook.Результаты работы: В статье раскрывается значимость венчурных инвестиций как основного фактора, влияющего на инновационное развитие экономики России. В современных условиях венчурные инвестиции являются ключевым инструментом, способствующим доведению финансовых ресурсов до молодых инновационно-активных компаний. В работе проведено исследование теоретической базы моделей венчурных инвестиций, по результатам которого разработано и сформулировано авторское определение понятия. Проанализирована историческая динамика венчурного инвестирования в России и США, в результате чего были установлены сходства и различия следующих элементов, характеризующих модели венчурных инвестиций в этих странах: стадий развития венчурных компаний, видов инвесторов и источников венчурного финансирования, распределения венчурных инвестиций по отраслям, стратегий выхода из инвестиций и организационных формы венчурных инвестиций. На основании сравнительного анализа были сделаны выводы о слабых сторонах моделей венчурного инвестирования в России, препятствующих инновационному развитию, а также сформулированы рекомендации по их преодолению.Выводы: В качестве выводов, полученных в результате сравнительного анализа моделей венчурных инвестиций в России и США, представлены предложения по дальнейшему совершенствованию российских моделей венчурных инвестиций

Features of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 synthesis by local fat depots of different localization in cardiovascular diseases

Aim. To determine the features of expression and secretion of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) by subcutaneous, epicardial and perivascular adipocytes depending on the complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD).Material and methods. The study included 86 patients with CAD, including 35 with moderate atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries (CA) (SYNTAX Score ≤22), 22 with severe (SYNTAX Score of 23-31 pints), 29 with extremely severe (SYNTAX Score ≥32). As a comparison group, 52 patients with heart defects were examined. During an elective surgical intervention, adipose tissue (AT) samples were obtained for subsequent cultivation and determination of PAI-1 gene expression and PAI-1 secretion in AT supernatants of various localizations. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 10.0.Results. In CAD, PAI-1 production in all three types of AT and plasma PAI-1 concentration were increased compared with patients with heart defects. Epicardial AT (EAT) in CAD was characterized by the maximum levels of expression and secretion of PAI-1 relative to patients with heart defects and subcutaneous and perivascular (PVAT) fat depots. Moderate coronary involvement (adipose tissue <22) is characterized by the lowest expression and secretion of PAI-1 in all types of AT and plasma concentration of PAI-1. Direct correlations of PAI-1 expression and secretion in EAT and PVAT and plasma PAI-1 level with its secretion in EAT in patients with CAD and heart defects were revealed. A direct correlation between the plasma level of PAI-1 and its secretion in PVAT was found only in CAD.Conclusion. In CAD, there is not only an increase in the plasma PAI-1 level, but also an increase in the expression of PAI-1 gene and the secretion of PAI-1 in all three types of AT compared with patients with heart defects. PAI-1 expression and secretion in EAT, PAI-1 plasma level, and age are predictors of severe/extremely severe coronary involvement in CAD

Effect of metformin on transcriptome and adipokinome of adipocytes of local fat deposts of patients with ischemic heart disease

BACKGROUND: The information available to date on the effect of metformin on the transcriptome and secretory capacity of adipocytes in human adipose tissue (AT) is scarce and contradictory. The study analyzed whether metformin in vitro modulates gene expression and secretion of adiponectin and leptin in the AT of subcutaneous (SAT), epicardial (EAT) and perivascular (PVAT) localization of patients with ischemic artery disease (IHD).AIM: To assess the effect of metformin at various concentrations (1 and 10 mmol / L) on the level of expression of adiponectin and leptin genes and their content in adipocytes of subcutaneous, epicardial and perivascular AT of patients with IHD.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 134 patients with IHD and indications for direct myocardial revascularization by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). During the operation, biopsies of SAT, EAT and PVAT were obtained for 3–5 gram, which served as a source of adipocytes. Isolated adipocytes were cultured for 24 hours with and without metformin (1 and 10 mmol / L). After a day of incubation, the expression of the ADIPOQ and LEP genes and the level of secretion of adiponectin and leptin in the culture medium of adipocytes were determined. Statistical processing was performed using the GraphPad Prism 6 software package (GraphPad Software, La Jolla, CA, USA) and Statistica software, 6.1 (Dell Software, Inc., Round Rock, TX, USA).RESULTS: The adipocytes of the EAT and PVAT of patients with IHD were characterized by an imbalance in the adipokine system, manifested by a low level of ADIPOQ expression and a high LEP expression in comparison with adipocytes of the SAT. Metformin increased the level of ADIPOQ expression and its secretion by adipocytes regardless of their location, while a low concentration (1 mmol / L) in adipocytes of EAT had a stronger effect compared to 10 mmol / L. Metformin had a multidirectional effect on the level of leptin in adipocytes, which depended on their localization: both in low (1 mmol / L) and high concentrations (10 mmol / L), the drug reduced the level of LEP expression and protein secretion in the culture medium of adipocytes of the SAT. EAT had no significant effect on adipocytes. In PVAT, metformin increased the expression and secretion of leptin regardless of concentration.CONCLUSION: Metformin has a direct effect on adipocytes in SAT, EAT, and PVAT and is able to modulate their activity, which is a promising strategy for maintaining the balance of adipokines in AT, especially epicardial and perivascular localization

Comparative evaluation of the expression of enzymes of the ceramide <i>de novo</i> synthesis pathway in cardiac adipose tissue and blood vessels of cardiovascular patients

Aim. To compare the expression of enzymes of the ceramide de novo synthesis pathway in cardiac adipose tissue (AT) and blood vessels of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and acquired heart defects.Material and methods. The study included 20 patients with CAD and 18 patients with aortic stenosis/regurgitation. Biopsies of subcutaneous, epicardial, perivascular AT (SCAT, EAT, PVAT, respectively) were obtained during surgery. Quantitative PCR test was used to evaluate the gene expression of de novo ceramide synthesis enzymes (serine palmitoyltransferase C1 and C2: SPTLC1, SPTLC2; ceramide synthase 1-6: CERS1-6; dihydroceramide desaturase: DEGS1). Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 8 (GraphPad Software).Results. Patients with CAD were characterized by a higher level of mRNA SPTLC1 in SCAT and EAT, SPTLC2, CERS1, producing C18 ceramides, CERS5 and CERS6, generating C14-C16 ceramides in EAT, CERS2 — in SCAT, producing long-chain ceramides C20-C24, CERS4, synthesizing very long-chain ceamides C18-C20. In PVAT, a high expression of CERS4 and CERS3, which synthesizes very long-chain ceramides C26 and higher, was revealed. DEGS1 expression was highest in SCAT and EAT. In patients with heart defects, there was a high expression of CERS3 in PVAT, CERS4 in EAT and PVAT, DEGS1 in EAT. The mRNA level of SPTLC1 in SCAT and EAT, SPTLC2 in EAT, CERS2 in all studied AT, CERS4 and 5 in EAT, DEGS1 in SCAT and EAT among patients with CAD was higher than in the comparison group.Conclusion. Regional fat depots of the heart differed in the level of expression of enzymes of the ceramide de novo synthesis pathway. The results obtained indicate the activation of ceramide synthesis along this pathway in predominantly epicardial adipocytes in coronary pathology, which may contribute to the accumulation of long-chain ceramides in the AT of this localization

Pharmacogenetic Aspects of Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

In this article, we analyze the role of different variants of the KCNJ11, TCF7L2, SLC22A1, SLC22A3, CYP2C9, CYP2C8, PPARγ genes polymorphisms in efficacy of diabetes mellitus pharmacotherapy. T allele of the KCNJ11 rs2285676 gene polymorphism and G allele of KCNJ11 rs5218 gene polymorphism are associated with the response to IDPP-4 therapy; the presence of KCNJ11 gene rs5210 polymorphism A allele is a predictor of poor response. The effect of rs7903146 polymorphism of TCF7L2 gene was evaluated on the response to treatment of patients taking linagliptin. Linagliptin significantly reduced HbA1c levels for all three rs7903146 genotypes (CC: –0.82 %; CT: –0.77 %; TT: –0.57 %). A significantly smaller effect of therapy was observed with the genotype with ТТ. The rs622342 polymorphism of SLC22A1 gene was studied in effectiveness of metformin. The researches demonstrated that carriers of variant AA had an average decrease of HbA1c of 0.53 %, heterozygous – decrease of 0.32 %, and carriers of a minor variant of SS had an increase of 0.2 % in the level of HbA1c. A significant effect of CYP2C9 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetic parameters of PSM was noted. When studying the kinetics of glibenclamide, it was found that carriage of the allele *2 significantly reduces glibenclamide metabolism: homozygous carriers had clearance 90 % lower than homozygous carriers of the wild variant. The studies confirmed the association of the allelic variants of Thr394Thr and Gly482Ser of PPARγ gene with higher efficacy of the rosiglitazone. The data obtained from the analysis of the association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPARγ gene and the response to therapy is contradictory. Thus the personalized approach, based on the knowledge of polymorphism options, will allow choosing the most effective drug with transparent kinetics for each individual patient

Эпикардиальная жировая ткань: патофизиология и роль в развитии сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний

Visceral adipose tissue is an important predictor of cardiovascular diseases, which carry more risk than total fat accumulation. Epicardial fat, a special form of visceral fat deposited around the heart, is considered an important predictor of the risk of cardiovascular disease, taking into account the production and release of adipocytokines. Recently, the number of experimental and clinical data proving the physiological and metabolic significance of epicardial fat is increasing. The thickness and volume of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) have a strong correlation with obesity, impaired fasting glucose, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis. Moreover, it is now clear that the connection between EAT and the heart is regulated by complex two directional pathways, since not only adipokines regulate cardiac function, but the heart affects EAT via paracrine signaling. Further study of the molecular mechanisms regulating the interaction between the heart and EAT will improve our understanding of the role of the latter in cardiac physiology and the development of disease mechanisms.Висцеральная жировая ткань является важным предиктором сердечно-метаболических заболеваний, несущих больше риска, чем общее накопление жира. Эпикардиальный жир, особая форма висцерального жира, депонированная вокруг сердца, считается важным предиктором риска сердечнососудистых заболеваний с учетом производства и высвобождения адипоцитокинов. В последнее время увеличивается количество экспериментальных и клинических данных, доказывающих физиологическую и метаболическую значимости эпикардиального жира. Толщина и объем эпикардиальной жировой ткани (ЭЖТ) имеют сильную корреляцию с ожирением, нарушением уровня глюкозы натощак, инсулинорезистентностью, метаболическим синдромом и атеросклерозом. Более того, теперь понятно, что связь между ЭЖТ и сердцем регулируется сложными двунаправленными путями, поскольку не только адипокины регулируют сердечную функцию, но и сердце влияет на ЭЖТ через паракринную «обратную» сигнализацию. Дальнейшее изучение молекулярных механизмов, регулирующих взаимодействие между сердцем и ЭЖТ, улучшит наше понимание роли последнего в сердечной физиологии и развитии соответствующих механизмов заболевания