Software tools for simultaneous data visualization and T cell epitopes and disorder prediction in proteins

We have developed EpDis and MassPred, extendable open source software tools that support bioinformatic research and enable parallel use of different methods for the prediction of T cell epitopes, disorder and disordered binding regions and hydropathy calculation. These tools offer a semi-automated installation of chosen sets of external predictors and an interface allowing for easy application of the prediction methods, which can be applied either to individual proteins or to datasets of a large number of proteins. In addition to access to prediction methods, the tools also provide visualization of the obtained results, calculation of consensus from results of different methods, as well as import of experimental data and their comparison with results obtained with different predictors. The tools also offer a graphical user interface and the possibility to store data and the results obtained using all of the integrated methods in the relational database or flat file for further analysis. The MassPred part enables a massive parallel application of all integrated predictors to the set of proteins. Both tools can be downloaded from http://bioinfo.matf.bg.ac.rs/home/downloads.wafl?cat=Software. Appendix A includes the technical description of the created tools and a list of supported predictors

Software tools for simultaneous data visualization and T cell epitopes and disorder prediction in proteins

We have developed EpDis and MassPred, extendable open source software tools that support bioinformatic research and enable parallel use of different methods for the prediction of T cell epitopes, disorder and disordered binding regions and hydropathy calculation. These tools offer a semi-automated installation of chosen sets of external predictors and an interface allowing for easy application of the prediction methods, which can be applied either to individual proteins or to datasets of a large number of proteins. In addition to access to prediction methods, the tools also provide visualization of the obtained results, calculation of consensus from results of different methods, as well as import of experimental data and their comparison with results obtained with different predictors. The tools also offer a graphical user interface and the possibility to store data and the results obtained using all of the integrated methods in the relational database or flat file for further analysis. The MassPred part enables a massive parallel application of all integrated predictors to the set of proteins. Both tools can be downloaded from http://bioinfo.matf.bg.ac.rs/home/downloads.wafl?cat=Software. Appendix A includes the technical description of the created tools and a list of supported predictors

Catalyst component interactions in nickel/alumina catalyst

The influence of nickel loading (5; 10; 20 wt% Ni), temperature of heat treatment (400; 700; 1100°C) and way of catalyst preparation on the catalyst component interactions (CCI) in the impregnated, mechanical powder mixed and co-precipitated catalyst was investigated. For sample characterization, low temperature nitrogen adsorption (LTNA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied. Significant differences were revealed, concerning CCI in dependence of nickel loading, temperature of heat treatment and way of catalyst preparation. The obtained results show that the support metal oxide interactions (SMI) in impregnated and co-precipitated catalysts are more intensive than in the mechanical powder mixed catalyst. The degree and intensity of CCI is expressed by the ratio of real and theoretical surface area of the catalyst. This ratio can be used for a quantitative estimation of CCI and it is generally applicable to all types of heterogeneous catalysts

Protivoklopni vođeni projektili zapadne Evrope, Izraela i Indije / Anti-tank guided missiles of western Europe, Israel and India

Protivoklopni vođeni projektili namenjeni su za uništavanje teško-oklopljenih tenkova, kao i drugih oklopnih vozila. Ovaj rad nudi istorijsko-tehnički pregled (razvoj projektila kroz generacije i osnovni podaci vezani za borbeno-operativno dejstvo ovih projektila) ovog tipa naoružanja koje poseduju zemlje zapadne Evrope, Izraela i Indije. Pored osnovnih podataka navode se i cene nekih projektila ponaosob, kao i tendencije razvoja u ovoj grani naoružanja. / Anti-tank guided missiles are designed to hit and destroy heavily armored tanks and other armored fighting vehicles. This review offers a historical and technical overview (development of missiles throughout generations and basic data about combat and operational actions) of this type of weapons in Western Europe, Israel and India. The review also offers prices of some missiles and tendencies of development in this branch. Anti-tank guided missiles are primarily designed to destroy armoured tanks as well as other armoured vehicles. Anti-tank guided systems differ in size, from small ones (shoulder-launched missile weapons carried by a single person) to complex weapon systems (crewserved, vehicle-mounted and airborne systems). The first generation of anti-tank guided missiles is a manually guided MCLOS (Manual Command to Line of Sight) projectile requiring an operator to guide and steer it to a target by a joystick. Vickers vigilant is a British anti-tank wire-guided missile, produced in 1956. The Bantam (Bofors Anti-Tank Missile) or Robot 53 (RB 53) is a Swedish anti-tank wire-guided missile, produced in 1963. Cobra is a German - Swiss product which entered the operational use in 1956. It was replaced by Cobra 2000 and Mamaba systems, which are anti-tank guided missiles of the first generation, but with improved guidance and electronics. ENTAC (Engin téléguidé anti-char) or MGM Petronor-32A is a French anti-tank wire-guided missile, widely spread and still in the operational use in many countries, France included. It is one of the best missiles of its generation. SS.10 preceded the ENTAC system. Its country of origin is the same (France), and it has been in the operational use since 1950. The SS.11 is a modification of the SS.10 system, used for launching from helicopters. The second generation of anti-tank guided missiles is designated by the abbreviation SACLOS (Semi-Automatic Command to Line of Sight) and represents a semiautomatic guidance of missiles in line. Generally, there are two SACLOS operating principles: - Wire and Radio guided SACLOS - Beam -Riding SACLOS ERYX is a short-range portable SACLOS produced by France and Canada. HOT, existing in three variations (HOT1, HOT 2, HOT 3), is one of the best projectiles of this generation, created as a product of cooperation of Germany and France. Milan (Missile d'Infanterie Léger Antichar) is a European leader escadrille SACLOS missile system. PBS 56 BILL 1 (Bofors, Infantry, Light and Lethal) is an anti-tank guided missile of the Swedish Army. BILL 2 is the heir of the BILL 1 system. LAHAT (Laser Homing Attack or Laser Homing Anti-Tank) is an anti-tank guided missile of low gravity, developed in 1992. Its country of origin is Israel. MAPTS (Man Portable Anti-Tank System) is an anti-tank guided missile with Beam-Riding SACLOS guidance. The country of origin is also Israel. NIMROD is a long-range anti-tank guided missile, created as a project of the Israel Aerospace Industries. Most technologically advanced and the last generation of antitank guided missiles is the third generation. These are the best technological and operational missiles currently available on the world market. This generations fully relies on lasers, electro-optical imagers or W-band radar seekers in the nose of the missile. MTBLAW is the third generation of anti-tank guided missiles developed by Sweden and Great Britain. The warhead and a part of the missile guidance system are based on BILL 2. PARS 3 LR, known also as TRIGAT-LR, is along-range anti-tank guided missile from Germany, still under development. British BRIMESTONE is designed according to a RAF request for a long-range anti-tank guided missile which allows strike aircraft to attack armoured vehicles. Spike, a 'fire and forget' missile, is intended for infantry use and is vehicle-mountable. Its country of origin is Israel. Nag is considered to be a cutting-edge antitank guided missile. It is the third generation of fire and forget systems. The system can operate in all weather conditions with a range from 4 to 7 km. The country of origin is India

Submachine guns in the armed forces of the NATO countries / Автоматическое оружие в вооруженных силах НАТО / Automati u naoružanju oružanih snaga NATO zemalja

The paper presents a brief review of modern achievements and directions of further development of one type of small arms in the armament of foreign armed forces - namely, submachine guns in the armed forces of the countries signatories of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The article follows the historical genesis of the development of the use of submachine guns as specific types of small arms. Access to recent literature represented a major problem; consequently, data from the Internet was largely used. Submachine guns are one of the most effective and efficient types of infantry weapons of foreign armed forces so a more versatile look at the effects of their use is purposeful as well as the need for innovation and investing in our own resources. The article presents a synthesis of the authors’ practical experience with the use of submachine guns and the relevant theoretical knowledge. / В данной статье представлен краткий обзор современных достижений в области развития одного из видов стрелкового оружия, а точнее автоматов, используемых зарубежными вооруженными силами, в частности в странах участницах Североатлантического Альянса (НАТО). В статье описан исторический генезис развития и использования автоматов, с акцентом на особенности данного вида огнестрельного оружия. При написании статьи авторы столкнулись с проблемой недоступности современной печатной литературы, вследствие чего обращались к интернет ресурсам. Знания об автоматах, как самого эффективного вида стрелкового оружия, используемых вооруженными силами зарубежных стран, могут помочь более целенаправленно рассмотреть все преимущества их применения, а также понять насколько велика потребность в инновационном подходе и вложениях в собственные ресурсы и средства. Статья является результатом накопленных теоретических и практических знаний авторов в области использования автоматов. / Članak predstavlja kratak pregled modernih dostignuća i pravce daljeg razvoja jedne vrste streljačkog naoružanja - automata u oružanim snagama zemalja potpisnicama Severnoatlantskog saveza (NATO). Prati i razvoj upotrebe automata, kao posebne vrste streljačkog naoružanja. U nedostatku novije literature u radu su umnogome korišćeni podaci sa interneta. Poznavanjem automata, kao jedne od najefekasnije i najefektivnije vrste streljačkog naoružanja stranih oružanih snaga mogu se na svrsishodniji način sagledati njihovi efekti upotrebe, kao i potreba za inovacijama i ulaganjem u sopstvene resurse. Članak predstavlja sublimat iskustava iz prakse i teoretskih saznanja autora u vezi sa upotrebom automata

The influence of bovine seminal plasma on BHV -1, EHV-1, BVD and Morbus Aujeszky virus replication in vitro

The aim of this investigation was to estimate the possible influence of bovine seminal plasma (BSP) on the replication in vitro of some sexually transmitted viruses: BHV - 1 (bovine herpes virus - 1) and BVD (bovine viral diarrhea) significant for bovine reproduction. In addition, we tested the influence of the on EHV-1 (equine herpes virus - 1) and Morbus Aujeszcky virus replication in the same model. Our results showed that BSP has an inhibitory effect on the replication in vitro of all tested viruses and their strains. This activity was lost following dialysis suggesting that the active inhibitory factor is of small molecular veight (less than 12 kDa).Furthermore, inhibition was preserved after repeated freezing and thawing and after inactivation for 30 min at 56 °C indicating that the inhibitory factor is heat stable

Self-discriminating assembly and biorecognition of a spirohydantoin derived from α-tetralone

The hierarchical development of the crystal structure of racemic 3-(4-methoxybenzyl)-6,7- benzo-1,3-diazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione was analyzed through cooperativity of various homo and heterochiral dimeric motifs associated with the presence of different intermolecular interactions, namely strong N–H···O and weaker C–H···O, C–H···π and PILOs.1 Although a bigger number of the contacts in the environment of the tetralin unit results from its larger contact surface, the 4-methoxybenzyl unit provides a greater contribution to the overall stabilization. In addition, the investigated compound is identified as a potential inhibitor of kinase enzymes and AG protein-coupled receptors, with a slightly higher affinity for the later enzyme. An analysis of the nature of the amino acid residues around the tetralin and 4-methoxy benzyl units revealed that interactions with nonpolar groups are the most prevalent and even more numerous than interactions with other amino acid residues (polar, positive and negative)

Role of intermolecular interactions in the self-assembly and biorecognition of a spirohydantoin derivative

Sintetisan je racemski derivat spirohidantoina, koji poseduje tetralinsku i 4- metoksibenzil-grupu, a zatim je određena njegova kristalna struktura. Hijerarhijski razvoj kristalnog pakovanja diskutovan je sa aspekta kooperativnosti homo- i heterohiralnih dimernih motiva koji odražavaju različite intermolekulske interakcije. Specifična strukturna karakteristika proučavanog jedinjenja jesu naizmenično postavljeni dvostruki slojevi. Veliki broj kontaktnih fragmenata u okruženju tetralinske grupe predstavlja posledicu veće kontaktne površine. Sa druge strane, 4-metoksibenzil-grupa obezbeđuje veći doprinos ukupnoj stabilizaciji. Što se tiče farmakološkog potencijala proučavanog jedinjenja, izvršena je simulacija vezivanja molekula za dopaminski receptor D3 i enzim IRAK 4 (eng. Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase 4). Ukupan broj aminokiselinskih ostataka koji stupaju u interakciju sa 4-metoksibenzil-grupom je nešto veći od broja aminokiselinskih ostataka u okruženju tetralinske grupe. Usled veće fleksibilnosti, 4-metoksibenzil-grupa se lakše adaptira za uspostavljanje interakcija sa biološkim ciljevima.Sintetisan je racemski derivat spirohidantoina, koji poseduje tetralinsku i 4- metoksibenzil-grupu, a zatim je određena njegova kristalna struktura. Hijerarhijski razvoj kristalnog pakovanja diskutovan je sa aspekta kooperativnosti homo- i heterohiralnih dimernih motiva koji odražavaju različite intermolekulske interakcije. Specifična strukturna karakteristika proučavanog jedinjenja jesu naizmenično postavljeni dvostruki slojevi. Veliki broj kontaktnih fragmenata u okruženju tetralinske grupe predstavlja posledicu veće kontaktne površine. Sa druge strane, 4-metoksibenzil-grupa obezbeđuje veći doprinos ukupnoj stabilizaciji. Što se tiče farmakološkog potencijala proučavanog jedinjenja, izvršena je simulacija vezivanja molekula za dopaminski receptor D3 i enzim IRAK 4 (eng. Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase 4). Ukupan broj aminokiselinskih ostataka koji stupaju u interakciju sa 4-metoksibenzil-grupom je nešto veći od broja aminokiselinskih ostataka u okruženju tetralinske grupe. Usled veće fleksibilnosti, 4-metoksibenzil-grupa se lakše adaptira za uspostavljanje interakcija sa biološkim ciljevima

Delaying surgery for patients with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection

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Head and neck cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international, multicenter, observational cohort study

Background: The aims of this study were to provide data on the safety of head and neck cancer surgery currently being undertaken during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This international, observational cohort study comprised 1137 consecutive patients with head and neck cancer undergoing primary surgery with curative intent in 26 countries. Factors associated with severe pulmonary complications in COVID-19–positive patients and infections in the surgical team were determined by univariate analysis. Results: Among the 1137 patients, the commonest sites were the oral cavity (38%) and the thyroid (21%). For oropharynx and larynx tumors, nonsurgical therapy was favored in most cases. There was evidence of surgical de-escalation of neck management and reconstruction. Overall 30-day mortality was 1.2%. Twenty-nine patients (3%) tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) within 30 days of surgery; 13 of these patients (44.8%) developed severe respiratory complications, and 3.51 (10.3%) died. There were significant correlations with an advanced tumor stage and admission to critical care. Members of the surgical team tested positive within 30 days of surgery in 40 cases (3%). There were significant associations with operations in which the patients also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 30 days, with a high community incidence of SARS-CoV-2, with screened patients, with oral tumor sites, and with tracheostomy. Conclusions: Head and neck cancer surgery in the COVID-19 era appears safe even when surgery is prolonged and complex. The overlap in COVID-19 between patients and members of the surgical team raises the suspicion of failures in cross-infection measures or the use of personal protective equipment. Lay Summary: Head and neck surgery is safe for patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic even when it is lengthy and complex. This is significant because concerns over patient safety raised in many guidelines appear not to be reflected by outcomes, even for those who have other serious illnesses or require complex reconstructions. Patients subjected to suboptimal or nonstandard treatments should be carefully followed up to optimize their cancer outcomes. The overlap between patients and surgeons testing positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is notable and emphasizes the need for fastidious cross-infection controls and effective personal protective equipment