Phenotypic and Functional Heterogeneity of Macrophages and Dendritic Cell Subsets in the Healthy and Atherosclerosis-Prone Aorta

Atherosclerosis continues to be the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Development of atherosclerosis depends on chronic inflammation in the aorta and multiple immune cells are involved in this process. Importantly, resident macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are present within the healthy aorta, but the functions of these cells remain poorly characterized. Local inflammation within the aortic wall promotes the recruitment of monocytes and DC precursors to the aorta and micro-environmental factors direct the differentiation of these emigrated cells into multiple subsets of macrophages and DCs. Recent data suggest that several populations of macrophages and DCs can co-exist within the aorta. Although the functions of M1, M2, Mox, and M4 macrophages are well characterized in vitro, there is a limited set of data on the role of these populations in atherogenesis in vivo. Recent studies on the origin and the potential role of aortic DCs provide novel insights into the biology of aortic DC subsets and prospective mechanisms of the immune response in atherosclerosis. This review integrates the results of experiments analyzing heterogeneity of DCs and macrophage subsets in healthy and diseased vessels and briefly discusses the known and potential functions of these cells in atherogenesis

Referential features of narrative genres in the process of language acquisition

The paper regards the process of the development of several features of the narrative speech genre in the discourse field of Russian culture while learning Russian as a second language. Referentiality in general linguistic sense is an area concerning naming of objects and characters by language means. In this paper we analyse the problems of the referential choice (what factors influence the speaker’s choice of a referential expression) and anaphora resolution (how the listener/reader binds an anaphoric pronoun to a coreferential noun phrase). The main goal of our paper is to study referential features of narratives produced by foreign students acquiring Russian as a second language (RSL), compared with adult Russian speakers and children acquiring Russian as a first language (RFL). Also, we describe referential mistakes made by RSL learners. The analysis of the data demonstrates that the main referential features (abilities to make the right referential choices, form anaphoric chains, etc.) are related to the age-specific cognitive development and do not depend on the native language. Both groups of adults show similar patterns in using nouns and pronouns for the introduction or reintroduction of a referent and for the topic maintenance, and build continuous anaphoric chains. Particular anaphoric mistakes of RSL learners are related to the level of their grammar skills and differ from the mistakes made by RFL children: while children’s mistakes base on the cognitive factor, RSL students’ mistakes are mostly grammatical

Система экологического менеджмента как средство снижения вероятности техногенных аварий и загрязнения окружающей природной среды на предприятиях авиакосмического комплекса

Due to the costs caused by environmental pollution, Russia loses about 10% of the gross domestic product (GDP) annually. The negative impact on the environment is exacerbated by industrial accidents. Enterprises from the category of hazardous industrial facilities must carry out preparations for emergency situations and industrial accidents. Accidents occurring at machine-building enterprises can also cause significant damage to the environment. Creation of environmental management systems at the enterprises will allow providing effective response to accidents at all types of enterprises, because one of the stages of the system implementation is preparation for emergency situations. At this stage, we consider the features of production and technological processes, the properties of hazardous substances used in production, we carry out the identification of possible emergency situations and environmental pollution arising from this, we select the most probable and large-scale emergency situations, and we develop a system of measures that impede their occurrence and contribute to reducing their negative consequences.Los costos causados por la contaminación ambiental generan a Rusia unas pérdidas anuales de alrededor del 10% de su producto interno bruto. El impacto negativo sobre el medio ambiente se ve agravado por los accidentes industriales. Las empresas que pertenecen a la categoría de instalaciones industriales peligrosas deben estar debidamente preparadas para situaciones de emergencia y accidentes industriales. Aquellos accidentes que ocurren en empresas de construcción de maquinaria también pueden causar daños significativos al medio ambiente. La creación de sistemas de gestión ambiental permite proporcionar una respuesta efectiva a las emergencias en todo tipo de empresas, ya que una de las etapas de la implementación del sistema es la preparación para situaciones de accidente. En esta etapa, se toman en consideración las características de los procesos tecnológicos y de producción, las propiedades de las sustancias peligrosas utilizadas, la identificación de posibles situaciones de emergencia y la contaminación ambiental derivada de la actividad industrial. Tras ello, se desarrolla un sistema de medidas que reducen significativamente tanto el riesgo de que dichos accidentes se produzcan como las consecuencias negativas de los mismos en caso de que sucedan.Из-за расходов, вызванных загрязнением окружающей среды, Россия ежегодно теряет около 10% валового внутреннего продукта. Негативное воздействие на окружающую среду усугубляется при возникновении промышленных аварий. Предприятия, относящиеся к категории опасных промышленных объектов, должны в обязательном порядке проводить работы по подготовке к чрезвычайным ситуациям и авариям на производстве. Аварии, возникающие на машиностроительных предприятиях, также могут наносить значительный ущерб окружающей природной среде. Создание на предприятиях систем экологического менеджмента позволит обеспечить эффективное противодействие авариям на всех типах предприятий, так как одним из этапов внедрения системы является подготовка к чрезвычайным ситуациям. На этом этапе рассматриваются особенности производства и технологических процессов, свойства используемых в производстве и производимых опасных веществ, проводится идентификация возможных аварийных ситуаций и возникающих при этом загрязнений окружающей среды, выбираются наиболее вероятные и масштабные аварийные ситуации, разрабатывается система мероприятий, препятствующих их возникновению и способствующих уменьшению их негативных последствий

POLARIMETRY AND DYNAMIC LIGHT SCATTERING IN QUALITY CONTROL OF CARDIOTONIC AND HYPOTENSIVE TINCTURES

Objective: To substantiate the possibility of using polarimetry to control the quality of tinctures as an additional pharmacopoeial method. Methods: The polarimetric method (POL-1/2, Atago, Japan, the measurement accuracy of±0.002 °) was used to measure the optical activity (α °) of motherwort, valerian and hawthorn tinctures. The dynamic light scattering method (DLS; Zetasizer Nano ZS, Malvern, UK) was used to assess the stability of alcoholic and aqueous dilutions of tinctures according to the intensity of dynamic light scattering dependent on the size (d, nm) of the dispersed phase particles and the values of the electrokinetic potential (ξ, mV). Results: For the first time in this investigation, the polarimetry approach was proposed to evaluate the cardiotonic and hypotensive tinctures' quality and for their identification. Valerian tincture, dilution 1:40,-0.10°<α°<-0.89°; motherwort, tincture-dilution 1:10,-0.10°<α°<-2.21°; hawthorn, tincture without dilution,-0.76°<α°<-1.55°-these are the acceptable ranges of optical activity (α°) of their alcohol dilutions. Beyond these intervals, the use of the polarimetric approach is impossible. Values of optical activity below 0.1 correspond to too low a content of optically active components. Tinctures with optical activity above the upper value of the interval were unstable dispersed systems with low values of the electrokinetic potential (|ξ|≪25mV) and micron particle sizes. Reference tinctures were made from raw materials (Leonurus cardiaca L.) to verify the results. The quality parameters: optical activity (α°), spectra of dynamic light scattering by intensity, volume, and number ("I-d"; "V-d"; "N-d"), electrokinetic potential (ξ) values, and photon pulse count per second (Count Rate, kcps) corresponded to the results obtained for pharmaceutical dosage forms. Conclusion: The permissible intervals of optical activity (α°) of their ethanol dilutions, as well as their relationships with the particle size of the dispersed phase and the values of the electrokinetic potential, were established for the first time to evaluate the quality of tinctures. The obtained results show that polarimetry can be recommended as an additional pharmacopoeial quality control method for tinctures

Spin-Hall nanooscillator based on an antiferromagnetic domain wall

We propose here a high-frequency spin-Hall nano-oscillator based on a simple magnetic texture, such as a domain wall, located in an antiferromagnet with easy-axis anisotropy type. We show that the spin current, polarized along the anisotropy axis, excites a conical precession of the N\'eel vector in such a domain wall, which allows obtaining a robust ac output signal, -- contrary to the planar precession in an uniform uniaxial antiferromagnet, where ac output is hard to achieve. The frequency of the auto-oscillations is easily tunable by the applied current up to the THz range, and the threshold current vanishes for pure uniaxial antiferromagnet. By micro-magnetic simulations, we demonstrate that the pinning of the domain wall is crucial for the oscillator design, which can be achieved in nano-constriction layout of the free layer.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures. Brief explanation of the dynamics near the threshold is added at P.

Doxorubicin pharmacokinetics in lymphoma patients treated with doxorubicin-loaded eythrocytes

Doxorubicin-loaded erythrocytes (DLE) were administrated to 15 lymphoma patients. Antibiotic peak concentration in blood decreased by 55%, doxorubicin circulated several times longer, and the area under the concentration-time curve increased 5 times if compared with standard doxorubicin administration. The DLE was well tolerated by patients

Non-Use of Force Agreement as a Factor of Influence on Security Issues in the System of International Relations (On the Example of Georgian-Ossetian Conflict and Conflicts in Europe)

Introduction. In recent decades, the issue of security has remained very acute and most pressing in modern international relations. Security is the key word that defines domestic and foreign policies of states in both the Caucasus region and a number of European regions. In the late 80s of the 20th century, the collapse of the Soviet Union was painful, accompanied by the economic collapse, the rupture of socio-economic and political ties, awakening of national identity, which often took the form of nationalistic character. Painful processes took place in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, in the Caucasus, which flamed with conflicts. Owing to ethno political conflicts new state formations appeared. Methods and materials. This article uses a set of methods for studying international politics, mainly the comparative, systemic, structural and functional ones, as well as methods for analyzing and processing documents, including content analysis. The use of the conflictological paradigm is the main methodological tool of this study. The authors also use the case study method for studying various conflicts (Georgian-Ossetian conflict, in Cyprus, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Transdniestria, etc.). The article analyzes the UN Resolutions, treaties, and memorandums relating to the non-use of force in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict and conflicts in Europe. Analysis. One of the key aspects of regional security in the system of international relations is the issue of signing the Treaty on the Non-Use of Force. This issue has also been discussed at the official site – the Geneva meetings. The South Caucasus is an unstable, conflict-prone region with many problems. Here interests of both world and regional players collide, which cannot influence stability and security in regional international relations positively. Moreover, new challenges are swaying the situation, in particular, in the form of world terrorism and wars in the neighboring Middle East. Each of the countries located in the South Caucasus is fully aware of the need for stable peace and security in the region, but, at the same time, they do not have a common opinion on the issues relating to the mechanisms for achieving this state. As regards, in particular, the Georgian-Ossetian relations, the situation is aggravated by the foreign policy of these countries – while Georgia is taking steps towards European integration and joining NATO, South Ossetia is more and more integrated into the socio-economic and political legal components of the Russian Federation, denoting its strategic partnership with Russia as a guarantee of its own security. Results. The examples of conflicts in Europe and the Georgian-Ossetian conflict analyzed in the article show that the Agreements on the nonuse of force could serve as a basis for the cease-fire, divorce of the warring parties and the beginning of preparing a platform for the negotiation process. Nevertheless, there is not unequivocal answer to the question of whether such agreements are a guarantee that one of the parties may not violate the agreement and hostilities will not resume again

Liver Perilipin 5 Expression Worsens Hepatosteatosis But Not Insulin Resistance in High Fat-Fed Mice

Perilipin 5 (PLIN5) is a lipid droplet (LD) protein highly expressed in oxidative tissues, including the fasted liver. However, its expression also increases in nonalcoholic fatty liver. To determine whether PLIN5 regulates metabolic phenotypes of hepatosteatosis under nutritional excess, liver targeted overexpression of PLIN5 was achieved using adenoviral vector (Ad-PLIN5) in male C57BL/6J mice fed high-fat diet. Mice treated with adenovirus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) (Ad-GFP) served as control. Ad-PLIN5 livers increased LD in the liver section, and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry revealed increases in lipid classes associated with LD, including triacylglycerol, cholesterol ester, and phospholipid classes, compared with Ad-GFP liver. Lipids commonly associated with hepatic lipotoxicity, diacylglycerol, and ceramides, were also increased in Ad-PLIN5 liver. The expression of genes in lipid metabolism regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha was reduced suggestive of slower mobilization of stored lipids in Ad-PLIN5 mice. However, the increase of hepatosteatosis by PLIN5 overexpression did not worsen glucose homeostasis. Rather, serum insulin levels were decreased, indicating better insulin sensitivity in Ad-PLIN5 mice. Moreover, genes associated with liver injury were unaltered in Ad-PLIN5 steatotic liver compared with Ad-GFP control. Phosphorylation of protein kinase B was increased in Ad-PLIN5-transduced AML12 hepatocyte despite of the promotion of fatty acid incorporation to triacylglycerol as well. Collectively, our data indicates that the increase in liver PLIN5 during hepatosteatosis drives further lipid accumulation but does not adversely affect hepatic health or insulin sensitivity

STAT4 deficiency reduces the development of atherosclerosis in mice

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process that leads to plaque formation in large and medium sized vessels. T helper 1 (Th1) cells constitute the majority of plaque infiltrating pro-atherogenic T cells and are induced via IFNγ-dependent activation of T-box (Tbet) and/or IL-12-dependent activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4). We thus aimed to define a role for STAT4 in atherosclerosis. STAT4-deficiency resulted in a ∼71% reduction (p < 0.001) in plaque burden in Stat4(-/-)Apoe(-/-) vs Apoe(-/-) mice fed chow diet and significantly attenuated atherosclerosis (∼31%, p < 0.01) in western diet fed Stat4(-/-)Apoe(-/-) mice. Surprisingly, reduced atherogenesis in Stat4(-/-)Apoe(-/-) mice was not due to attenuated IFNγ production in vivo by Th1 cells, suggesting an at least partially IFNγ-independent pro-atherogenic role of STAT4. STAT4 is expressed in T cells, but also detected in macrophages (MΦs). Stat4(-/-)Apoe(-/-)in vitro differentiated M1 or M2 MΦs had reduced cytokine production compare to Apoe(-/-) M1 and M2 MΦs that was accompanied by reduced induction of CD69, I-A(b), and CD86 in response to LPS stimulation. Stat4(-/-)Apoe(-/-) MΦs expressed attenuated levels of CCR2 and demonstrated reduced migration toward CCL2 in a transwell assay. Importantly, the percentage of aortic CD11b(+)F4/80(+)Ly6C(hi) MΦs was reduced in Stat4(-/-)Apoe(-/-) vs Apoe(-/-) mice. Thus, this study identifies for the first time a pro-atherogenic role of STAT4 that is at least partially independent of Th1 cell-derived IFNγ, and primarily involving the modulation of MΦ responses

Statistics of Productivity and Effectiveness of Experimental Support of the Educational System (For Scientists and Education Experts)

The present article focuses on the issues of productivity and effectiveness of research providing educational system. This work describes research activity as an activity of the authors- individuals and groups of the authors, and also an activity of scientific and educational institutions which are carrying out their activity within the education system in the field of development, registration, approbation and implementation of teaching and education techniques and technologies, new mechanisms of management in the education system, control of the quality of education and also in other directions provided by the programs of education development and other normative legal acts defining priorities of the state education policy of the Russian Federation. The article has considered the dynamics of a branch registration of the results of intellectual activity (RIA) in the field of education in recent years. It has also given the statistics of scientific providing education system on materials of a database and information collections of the Joint fund of Electronic Resources "Science and education" (JFERSaE). The examples of integrating collections of electronic resources developed by the JFERSaE experts have been considered. The systematized review of specifics of the technology of a branch registration of electronic resources is a distinctive feature of the work. Now an actual problem for many authors creating various objects of the intellectual property for the education system is a legal protection of their rights. The legislator for computer programs says, many types of works existing only in the electronic form do not provide for a special registration, databases, etc. A the same time, the authors- workers of educational institutions in the course of implementation of the labor functions often face a need of the authors’ rights confirmation for their electronic works included in electronic educational systems and forming in turn information and education space of a country. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n5s3p6