The effects of a plant proteinase inhibitor from Enterolobium contortisiliquum on human tumor cell lines

Supplementary to the efficient inhibition of trypsin, chymotrypsin, plasma kallikrein, and plasmin already described by the EcTI inhibitor from Enterolobium contortisiliquum, it also blocks human neutrophil elastase (K(iapp)=4.3 nM) and prevents phorbol ester (PMA)-stimulated activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 probably via interference with membrane-type 1 (MT1)-MMP. Moreover, plasminogen-induced activation of proMMP-9 and processing of active MMP-2 was also inhibited. Furthermore, the effect of EcTI on the human cancer cell lines HCT116 and HT29 (colorectal), SkBr-3 and MCF-7 (breast), K562 and THP-1 (leukemia), as well as on human primary fibroblasts and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was studied. EcTI inhibited in a concentration range of 1.0-2.5 mu M rather specifically tumor cell viability without targeting primary fibroblasts and hMSCs. Taken together, our data indicate that the polyspecific proteinase inhibitor EcTI prevents proMMP activation and is cytotoxic against tumor cells without affecting normal tissue remodeling fibroblasts or regenerative hMSCs being an important tool in the studies of tumor cell development and dissemination

Modeling of restenosis of main arteries after the intravascular stenting interventions

Objectives to study the mechanism of restenosis after the intra-arterial stenting using the original device for modeling of intra-arterial blood flow. Material and methods. To perform the experiment, we have created the original device simulating the intra-arterial blood flow. A glass tube of rotameter was the imitation of the arterial vessel. The closed system was filled with the liquid imitating blood, specifically the solution of glycerin the same viscosity as the human blood plasma. Using our original model of intra-artetial blood flow, we were able to study the intra-arterial hemodynamics under different conditions of cardiovascular system functioning, including arrhythmias. Results. In extrasystolic arrhythmia, during the spread of the first post-extrasystolic wave, we observed the intensive impact of pressure wave (the indicator was the silk thread) on the vessel walls with forming of reflected and standing waves. Putting the piezo crystal probe of pressure inside the tube, we verified our observations. The increase of pressure during the spread of the first post-extrasystolic wave in multiple measurements had a mean value of 160% in comparison with the pressure during the regular heart rhythm. Conclusion. The hydraulic shock appears during the spread of the first post-extrasystolic wave in the arterial vessel. Its effect on hemodynamics grows in case of the frequent extrasystoles and allorhythmia. The mechanical impact of hydraulic shock in extrasystoles can be the starting point of the restenosis onset and progressing in the intra-arterial stent

Development and Function of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Producing TH2- and TH17-Cytokines

Four distinct subsets of invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells are shown to differentiate in the thymus, then migrate to peripheral tissues where they retain their phenotypic and functional characteristics

Skewed Distribution of Circulating Activated Natural Killer T (NKT) Cells in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency Disorders (CVID)

Common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) is the commonest cause of primary antibody failure in adults and children, and characterized clinically by recurrent bacterial infections and autoimmune manifestations. Several innate immune defects have been described in CVID, but no study has yet investigated the frequency, phenotype or function of the key regulatory cell population, natural killer T (NKT) cells. We measured the frequencies and subsets of NKT cells in patients with CVID and compared these to healthy controls. Our results show a skewing of NKT cell subsets, with CD4+ NKT cells at higher frequencies, and CD8+ NKT cells at lower frequencies. However, these cells were highly activated and expression CD161. The NKT cells had a higher expression of CCR5 and concomitantly expression of CCR5+CD69+CXCR6 suggesting a compensation of the remaining population of NKT cells for rapid effector action

Cross-national variations in reported discrimination among people treated for major depression worldwide: The ASPEN/INDIGO international study

Background: No study has so far explored differences in discrimination reported by people with major depressive disorder (MDD) across countries and cultures. Aims: To (a) compare reported discrimination across different countries, and (b) explore the relative weight of individual and contextual factors in explaining levels of reported discrimination in people with MDD. Method: Cross-sectional multisite international survey (34 countries worldwide) of 1082 people with MDD. Experienced and anticipated discrimination were assessed by the Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC). Countries were classified according to their rating on the Human Development Index (HDI). Multilevel negative binomial and Poisson models were used. Results: People living in 'very high HDI' countries reported higher discrimination than those in 'medium/low HDI' countries. Variation in reported discrimination across countries was only partially explained by individual-level variables. The contribution of country-level variables was significant for anticipated discrimination only. Conclusions: Contextual factors play an important role in anticipated discrimination. Country-specific interventions should be implemented to prevent discrimination towards people with MDD

Research Priorities to Support Effective Manta and Devil Ray Conservation

Manta and devil rays are filter-feeding elasmobranchs that are found circumglobally in tropical and subtropical waters. Although relatively understudied for most of the Twentieth century, public awareness and scientific research on these species has increased dramatically in recent years. Much of this attention has been in response to targeted fisheries, international trade in mobulid products, and a growing concern over the fate of exploited populations. Despite progress in mobulid research, major knowledge gaps still exist, hindering the development of effective management and conservation strategies. We assembled 30 leaders and emerging experts in the fields of mobulid biology, ecology, and conservation to identify pressing knowledge gaps that must be filled to facilitate improved science-based management of these vulnerable species. We highlight focal research topics in the subject areas of taxonomy and diversity, life history, reproduction and nursery areas, population trends, bycatch and fisheries, spatial dynamics and movements, foraging and diving, pollution and contaminants, and sub-lethal impacts. Mobulid rays remain a poorly studied group, and therefore our list of important knowledge gaps is extensive. However, we hope that this identification of high priority knowledge gaps will stimulate and focus future mobulid research

Social preferences and network structure in a population of reef manta rays

Understanding how individual behavior shapes the structure and ecology ofpopulations is key to species conservation and management. Like manyelasmobranchs, manta rays are highly mobile and wide ranging species threatened byanthropogenic impacts. In shallow-water environments these pelagic rays often formgroups, and perform several apparently socially-mediated behaviors. Group structuresmay result from active choices of individual rays to interact, or passive processes.Social behavior is known to affect spatial ecology in other elasmobranchs, but this isthe first study providing quantitative evidence for structured social relationships inmanta rays. To construct social networks, we collected data from more than 500groups of reef manta rays over five years, in the Raja Ampat Regency of West Papua.We used generalized affiliation indices to isolate social preferences from non-socialassociations, the first study on elasmobranchs to use this method. Longer lastingsocial preferences were detected mostly between female rays. We detectedassortment of social relations by phenotype and variation in social strategies, with theoverall social network divided into two main communities. Overall network structurewas characteristic of a dynamic fission-fusion society, with differentiated relationshipslinked to strong fidelity to cleaning station sites. Our results suggest that fine-scaleconservation measures will be useful in protecting social groups of M. alfredi in theirnatural habitats, and that a more complete understanding of the social nature of mantarays will help predict population response

Interactions between marine megafauna and plastic pollution in Southeast Asia

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record Southeast (SE) Asia is a highly biodiverse region, yet it is also estimated to cumulatively contribute a third of the total global marine plastic pollution. This threat is known to have adverse impacts on marine megafauna, however, understanding of its impacts has recently been highlighted as a priority for research in the region. To address this knowledge gap, a structured literature review was conducted for species of cartilaginous fishes, marine mammals, marine reptiles, and seabirds present in SE Asia, collating cases on a global scale to allow for comparison, coupled with a regional expert elicitation to gather additional published and grey literature cases which would have been omitted during the structured literature review. Of the 380 marine megafauna species present in SE Asia, but also studied elsewhere, we found that 9.1 % and 4.5 % of all publications documenting plastic entanglement (n = 55) and ingestion (n = 291) were conducted in SE Asian countries. At the species level, published cases of entanglement from SE Asian countries were available for 10 % or less of species within each taxonomic group. Additionally, published ingestion cases were available primarily for marine mammals and were lacking entirely for seabirds in the region. The regional expert elicitation led to entanglement and ingestion cases from SE Asian countries being documented in 10 and 15 additional species respectively, highlighting the utility of a broader approach to data synthesis. While the scale of the plastic pollution in SE Asia is of particular concern for marine ecosystems, knowledge of its interactions and impacts on marine megafauna lags behind other areas of the world, even after the inclusion of a regional expert elicitation. Additional funding to help collate baseline data are critically needed to inform policy and solutions towards limiting the interactions of marine megafauna and plastic pollution in SE Asia.National Research Foundation, Prime Minister’s Office (Singapore) and the Natural Environment Research Council (United Kingdom)National Research Foundation, Prime Minister’s Office (Singapore) and the Natural Environment Research Council (United Kingdom

What's in the soup? Visual characterization and polymer analysis of microplastics from an Indonesian manta ray feeding ground

Plastics in marine environments vary in their physical and chemical properties, influencing their risk to biota once ingested. Manta rays are large filter-feeders that ingest plastics. To assess this risk, we characterized the plastics in a critical feeding habitat off Nusa Penida, Indonesia. We examined the color and polymer composition of sampled small-sized plastics (<30 mm). Plastics were mostly secondary microplastics and transparent (46%), white/off-white (24%), and blue/green (22%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of plastics grouped according to type (films, fragments, foam, or lines) and color indicated that most plastics were polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) (99%), with the remainder polystyrene and polyester. Visual characterization aligned with single polymer composition in seven out of ten groups. Although PE and PP have relatively low toxicity compared to other plastics, their composing monomers and associated pollutants and microbes are of concern to manta rays and other marine biota

The Role of the Social Capital in the Formation of Managerial Activity in the Work Behavior of Employees (Based on the Results of the Sociological Study in the Organizations of the Industrial Sector of the Perm Territory)

Концепция социального капитала в современных научных дискуссиях представлена в большинстве случаев теоретическими подходами к определению, механизмам его формирования, выбору приемов операционализации понятия «социальный капитал». Предметная сторона социального капитала сфокусирована, как правило, при обследовании религиозных, этнических общин, территорий, домохозяйств и семей. Применение понятия «социальный капитал» к промышленному производству не столь частый пример в российских исследованиях, в то время как современная литература уделяет внимание измерению и оценке социального капитала в промышленном секторе, а также его влиянию на экономическую успешность предприятия. Данная статья рассматривает социальный капитал в контексте формирования управленческой активности работников. Исследование, проведенное в качественной традиции на предприятиях промышленного сектора Пермского края, дополняет сведения формализованного опроса о формах социального капитала, характеристиках сетей информацией о содержательной стороне социального капитала («По поводу чего работники взаимодействуют в разных видах сетей? Какие ресурсы подлежат обмену и накоплению?»). Глубинное интервьюирование позволило выявить такие значимые ресурсные составляющие социального капитала в организациях промышленного производства, как состояние и уровни управленческой активности работников. В результате исследования приведена классификация сетевого общения персонала организаций, позволяющая раскрыть взаимодействие участников трудового процесса при обмене разными типами ресурсов. Формирование управленческой активности участников трудового процесса происходит через производственное взаимодействие на двух уровнях: нормативном и субъектном. На обоих уровнях осуществляется накопление ресурсов, выражающееся в обладании правами, позволяющими работникам проявлять участие в управлении производством. Различие нормативного и субъектного уровней заключается в демонстрации «пассивной активности» в первом случае и обнаружении (выказывании) потребности и мотивационной активности работников, исходя из идентификации себя с организацией через восприятие целей, норм и ценностей организации, – во втором. Для повышения субъектности работников на исследуемых предприятиях внедряются партисипационные практики, которые непосредственно влияют не только на экономические показатели предприятия, но и формируют работника «нового» типа. Социальный капитал организаций промышленного сектора становится значимой составляющей производственной политики предприятий.The concept of the social capital in modern scientific discussions is presented in most cases by theoretical approaches to the definition, the mechanisms of its formation, and the choice of methods for operationalizing the «social capital» notion. As a rule, the subject matter of the social capital is focused in surveys of religious, ethnic communities, territories, households, and families. The application of the concept of the «social capital» to industrial production is not so common in Russian studies, while modern literature pays attention to the measurement and evaluation of the social capital in the industrial sector, as well as to its impact on the economic success of the enterprise. The novelty of this article is to consider the social capital in the context of the formation of managerial activity of workers. This study, conducted in a qualitative tradition at enterprises in the industrial sector of the Perm Territory, complements the data from the formalized survey on the forms of social capital and the characteristics of networks. This study provides information on the content side of the social capital: on what issues do employees interact in different types of networks? What resources are subject to exchange and accumulation? In-depth interviewing revealed such significant resource components of the social capital in industrial enterprises as the state and levels of managerial activity of workers. As a result of this research, the classification of the network communication of the organizations’ personnel has been developed, which allows revealing the interaction of participants in the labor process when exchanging different types of resources. Formation of the managerial activity of participants in the labor process occurs through interaction at two levels: normative and subjective/agency level. At both levels, the accumulation of resources takes place, which is expressed in the possession of rights that allow workers to be involved in production management. The difference between the normative and he subjective/agency levels is the demonstration of so-called «passive activity» in the first case and the detection (demonstration) of the need and motivational activity of employees based on identifying themselves with the organization through the perception of the goals, norms and values of the organization, in the second place. To increase the subjectivity of employees, participative practices are being introduced at the enterprises under the study. Such practices directly affect not only the economic indicators of the enterprise but also form an employee of a ‘new type’. The social capital of organizations of the industrial sector is becoming an important component of the industrial policy of enterprises