Competitiveness in the FinTech Sector: Case of Russia

The application of innovation decisions in the financial sector led to the appearance of FinTechs, tech-driven companies that disrupt or contribute to traditional financial services. The appearance of new actors has changed the relationships between incumbents, regulators, consumers, and other actors and intensified competition in the financial sector. Building on the modified Panzar-Rosse model, we examine the competitiveness among FinTechs on the dataset of 75 FinTechs from Russia. The results show monopolistic competition, close to a monopoly among FinTechs in Russia. The revealed situation is explained by high barriers to the entry to sector and also by country features, as imperfect legislation, lack of financing of FinTechs' activity. The results of the research highlight the necessity to attract attention from policymakers to improve the competitiveness environment in the financial sector in Russia

Hydrogel-based microfluidics for vascular tissue engineering

In this work, we have explored 3-D co-culture of vasculogenic cells within a synthetically modified fibrin hydrogel. Fibrinogen was covalently linked with PEG-NHS in order to improve its degradability resistance and physico-optical properties. We have studied influences of the degree of protein PEGylation and the concentration of enzyme thrombin used for the gel preparation on cellular responses. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of prepared gels revealed that the degree of PEGylation and the concentration of thrombin strongly influenced microstructural characteristics of the protein hydrogel. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs), used as vasculogenic co-culture, could grow in 5:1 PEGylated fibrin gels prepared using 1:0.2 protein to thrombin ratio. This gel formulation supported hASCs and HUVECs spreading and the formation of cell extensions and cell-to-cell contacts. Expression of specific ECM proteins and vasculogenic process inherent cellular enzymatic activity were investigated by immunofluorescent staining, gelatin zymography, western blot and RT-PCR analysis. After evaluation of the optimal gel composition and PEGylation ratio, the hydrogel was utilized for investigation of vascular tube formation within a perfusable microfluidic system. The morphological development of this co-culture within a perfused hydrogel over 12 days led to the formation of interconnected HUVEC-hASC network. The demonstrated PEGylated fibrin microfluidic approach can be used for incorporating other cell types, thus representing a unique experimental platform for basic vascular tissue engineering and drug screening applications. © 2016 by De Gruyter

Fabrication of microscale medical devices by two-photon polymerization with multiple foci via a spatial light modulator

Two-photon polymerization is an appealing technique for producing microscale devices due to its flexibility in producing structures with a wide range of geometries as well as its compatibility with materials suitable for biomedical applications. The greatest limiting factor in widespread use of two-photon polymerization is the slow fabrication times associated with line-by-line, high-resolution structuring. In this study, a recently developed technology was used to produce microstructures by two-photon polymerization with multiple foci, which significantly reduces the production time. Computer generated hologram pattern technology was used to generate multiple laser beams in controlled positions from a single laser. These multiple beams were then used to simultaneously produce multiple microstructures by two-photon polymerization. Arrays of micro-Venus structures, tissue engineering scaffolds, and microneedle arrays were produced by multifocus two-photon polymerization. To our knowledge, this work is the first demonstration of multifocus two-photon polymerization technology for production of a functional medical device. Multibeam fabrication has the potential to greatly improve the efficiency of two-photon polymerization production of microscale devices such as tissue engineering scaffolds and microneedle arrays

Natural Afforestation on Abandoned Agricultural Lands during Post-Soviet Period: A Comparative Landsat Data Analysis of Bordering Regions in Russia and Belarus

Remote monitoring of natural afforestation processes on abandoned agricultural lands is crucial for assessments and predictions of forest cover dynamics, biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services. In this work, we built on the general approach of combining satellite and field data for forest mapping and developed a simple and robust method for afforestation dynamics assessment. This method is based on Landsat imagery and index-based thresholding and specifically targets suitability for limited field data. We demonstrated method’s details and performance by conducting a case study for two bordering districts of Rudnya (Smolensk region, Russia) and Liozno (Vitebsk region, Belarus). This study area was selected because of the striking differences in the development of the agrarian sectors of these countries during the post-Soviet period (1991-present day). We used Landsat data to generate a consistent time series of five-year cloud-free multispectral composite images for the 1985–2020 period via the Google Earth Engine. Three spectral indices, each specifically designed for either forest, water or bare soil identification, were used for forest cover and arable land mapping. Threshold values for indices classification were both determined and verified based on field data and additional samples obtained by visual interpretation of very high-resolution satellite imagery. The developed approach was applied over the full Landsat time series to quantify 35-year afforestation dynamics over the study area. About 32% of initial arable lands and grasslands in the Russian district were afforested by the end of considered period, while the agricultural lands in Belarus’ district decreased only by around 5%. Obtained results are in the good agreement with the previous studies dedicated to the agricultural lands abandonment in the Eastern Europe region. The proposed method could be further developed into a general universally applicable technique for forest cover mapping in different growing conditions at local and regional spatial levels

Natural Afforestation on Abandoned Agricultural Lands during Post-Soviet Period: A Comparative Landsat Data Analysis of Bordering Regions in Russia and Belarus

Remote monitoring of natural afforestation processes on abandoned agricultural lands is crucial for assessments and predictions of forest cover dynamics, biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services. In this work, we built on the general approach of combining satellite and field data for forest mapping and developed a simple and robust method for afforestation dynamics assessment. This method is based on Landsat imagery and index-based thresholding and specifically targets suitability for limited field data. We demonstrated method’s details and performance by conducting a case study for two bordering districts of Rudnya (Smolensk region, Russia) and Liozno (Vitebsk region, Belarus). This study area was selected because of the striking differences in the development of the agrarian sectors of these countries during the post-Soviet period (1991-present day). We used Landsat data to generate a consistent time series of five-year cloud-free multispectral composite images for the 1985–2020 period via the Google Earth Engine. Three spectral indices, each specifically designed for either forest, water or bare soil identification, were used for forest cover and arable land mapping. Threshold values for indices classification were both determined and verified based on field data and additional samples obtained by visual interpretation of very high-resolution satellite imagery. The developed approach was applied over the full Landsat time series to quantify 35-year afforestation dynamics over the study area. About 32% of initial arable lands and grasslands in the Russian district were afforested by the end of considered period, while the agricultural lands in Belarus’ district decreased only by around 5%. Obtained results are in the good agreement with the previous studies dedicated to the agricultural lands abandonment in the Eastern Europe region. The proposed method could be further developed into a general universally applicable technique for forest cover mapping in different growing conditions at local and regional spatial levels

In Vitro Development of Human iPSC-Derived Functional Neuronal Networks on Laser-Fabricated 3D Scaffolds

Neural progenitor cells generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are the forefront of ″brain-on-chip″ investigations. Viable and functional hiPSC-derived neuronal networks are shaping powerful in vitro models for evaluating the normal and abnormal formation of cortical circuits, understanding the underlying disease mechanisms, and investigating the response to drugs. They therefore represent a desirable instrument for both the scientific community and the pharmacological industry. However, culture conditions required for the full functional maturation of individual neurons and networks are still unidentified. It has been recognized that three-dimensional (3D) culture conditions can better emulate in vivo neuronal tissue development compared to 2D cultures and thus provide a more desirable in vitro approach. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a 3D scaffold platform that supports and promotes intricate neuronal network development. 3D scaffolds were produced through direct laser writing by two-photon polymerization (2PP), a high-resolution 3D laser microstructuring technology, using the biocompatible and nondegradable photoreactive resin Dental LT Clear (DClear). Neurons developed and interconnected on a 3D environment shaped by vertically stacked scaffold layers. The developed networks could support different cell types. Starting at the day 50 of 3D culture, neuronal progenitor cells could develop into cortical projection neurons (CNPs) of all six layers, different types of inhibitory neurons, and glia. Additionally and in contrast to 2D conditions, 3D scaffolds supported the long-term culturing of neuronal networks over the course of 120 days. Network health and functionality were probed through calcium imaging, which revealed a strong spontaneous neuronal activity that combined individual and collective events. Taken together, our results highlight advanced microstructured 3D scaffolds as a reliable platform for the 3D in vitro modeling of neuronal functions.publishedVersio

Паранеопластическая мозжечковая дегенерация у пациента с антителами anti-Yo и аденокарциномой простаты

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration is the damage to cerebellar Purkinje cells by anti-Yo antibodies synthesized by the immune system in response to the generation of neuronal proteins by malignant prostate adenocarcinoma cells in 25% of cases. Neurological symptoms of cerebellar lesions appear on average 2 years before cancer manifestation in 70% of patients. During the early stages of the disease, when the tumor cannot be visualized nor clinically manifested, a high titer of anti-Yo antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients. The presence of anti-Yo antibodies prostate cancer with a clinically latent course was present in 90–98% of patients with cerebellar ataxia. Onconeural autoantibodies (IgG) are well detected in serum by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence.The death of Purkinje cells of the granular and molecular layers of the cerebellar cortex, moderate perivascular lymphocytic infiltration, and further proliferation of microglia lead to atrophy. Inflammatory infiltrates may also be present in the brainstem and cortex, although in significantly less number in compar the cerebellum.This difference accounts for the presence of additional neurological symptoms. The results of the brain MR imaging at the initial stages of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration are of little informative value, and degenerative changes in the cerebellum are revealed only a few months later with a subsequent increase in neurological deficit. Removal of malignant tumors leads to the regression of neurological symptoms in 80% of cases. This finding confirms the advisability of a targeted oncological search in patients with symptoms of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration and positive onconeural antibodies in the serum. Immunomodulatory therapy, including the use of intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, and hormone therapy, is also effective in the treatment of neurological disorders. This paper describes a clinical case of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration in a 65-year-old male, with the appearance of neurological symptoms 5 months before the diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma. The difficulties of differential diagnosis of this neurological disorder and the course of neurological diseases in the background of tumor removal and conducted immunotherapy are discussed.Паранеопластическая мозжечковая дегенерация представляет собой поражение клеток Пуркинье мозжечка антителами anti-Yo, синтезируемыми иммунной системой в ответ на выработку нейрональных белков злокачественными клетками аденокарциномы простаты в 25% случаев.Неврологические симптомы поражения мозжечка опережают манифестацию рака в среднем на два года у 70% пациентов. Уже на ранних стадиях заболевания, когда опухоль еще не визуализируется и клинически себя не проявляет, отмечается высокий титр антител anti-Yo в спинномозговой жидкости больных.У 90–98% больных с мозжечковой атаксией и наличием антител anti-Yo обнаруживают рак простаты с клинически скрытым течением. Онконевральные аутоантитела класса IgG хорошо детектируются в сыворотке крови методами иммуноблоттинга и непрямой иммунофлуоресценции. Гибель клеток Пуркинье зернистого и молекулярного слоев коры мозжечка, умеренная периваскулярная лимфоцитарная инфильтрация, дальнейшая пролиферация микроглии приводят к атрофии. Воспалительные инфильтраты могут также быть в стволе и коре головного мозга, хотя их значительно меньше, чем в мозжечке. Этим объясняется наличие дополнительных неврологических симптомов. Результаты томографии головного мозга на начальных стадиях паранеопластической мозжечковой дегенерации мало информативны и только через несколько месяцев по мере нарастания неврологического дефицита обнаруживаются дегенеративные изменения мозжечка. Удаление злокачественной опухоли приводит к регрессу неврологической симптоматики в 80% случаев. Это свидетельствует о целесообразности проведения направленного онкологического поиска у пациентов с симптомами паранеопластической мозжечковой дегенерации и обнаруженными в крови онконевральными антителами. Иммуномодулирующая терапия, включающая применение внутривенных иммуноглобулинов, плазмафереза, гормонотерапии, также эффективна в лечении неврологических нарушений.В статье описан клинический случай паранеопластической мозжечковой дегенерации у мужчины 65 лет с возникновением неврологических симптомов за 5 мес до диагностики аденокарциномы простаты.Обсуждены трудности дифференциальной диагностики неврологического расстройства и течение неврологического заболевания на фоне удаления опухоли и проводимой иммунотерапии