BUSINESS NETWORKS AS A FORM OF COMPANIES ASSOCIATION

The article describes the types of network forms of integration of businesses that use business communications advantages of cooperation and partnership. In particular, based on the analysis of entrepreneurial networks of the Russian Federation the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of network integration in the formation of entrepreneurial networks

Biotechnology of dried snacks with heightened nutritional value made from salmon backbones and jerusalem artichoke

The problems of protein deficiency, utilization of fish processing wastes, and lack of healthy snacks at Russian market are decided simultaneously by developing the technology for dried snacks made from backbones of atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ), after filleting the fish, and tubers of jerusalem artichoke ( Helianthus tuberosus ) growing in Kaliningrad region. The method of orthogonal central composite design is used to determine optimal parameters of the technological process, as the portion of artichoke and the time of drying. Organoleptic score of the finished product is used as the optimization parameter. Mathematical model of the technological process is developed that allows to determine optimal parameters of the texturized semiproduct drying. Quality of the finished product is assessed and its biological value is evaluated with calculation of some macronutrients amount by the computational method. The content of potassium is 940 mg/kg, magnesium - 154 mg/kg, calcium - 285 mg/kg, phosphorus - 200 mg/kg. Comparing these values with the recommended daily intake of the nutrients, the snack can be classified as a functional food. Recommendations for the snack use are presented. The standard «Functional snacks Fish BioStripes» is proposed

Microbiological assessment of the effectiveness of standard therapy in atopic dermatitis

Background. Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent lesions and intense pruritus. Nowadays there is a stepwise approach to the treatment of atopic dermatitis, which is defined by disease intensity and complications such as secondary skin infections. However, the current management of atopic dermatitis may not always lead to the expected outcome due to not only immune dysregulation of both adaptive and innate immunity but also imbalance of the skin microbiome. Aims. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the composition of the skin microbiome in both lesional and non-lesional skin in patients with atopic dermatitis during standard treatment. Materials and methods. Twenty patients with atopic dermatitis and twenty six healthy controls over 18 years old were included into the study. All microbiome samples were obtained from lesional and non-lesional skin sites of atopic dermatitis patients before and after therapy. Whereas samples from healthy controls were taken once from a flexor surface of the elbow. Species identification of clinical isolates were identified using MALDI Biotyper Sirius (Bruker Daltonics). Results. At baseline, the prevalence of S. aureus colonization among patients with atopic dermatitis was 34.20% in lesional skin and 32.50% in non-lesional skin. After treatment, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of S. aureus carriage in both lesional and non-lesional skin areas (р 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the proportion of all other staphylococci (р 0.1). Interestingly, S. aureus was not found in healthy controls. Conclusions. The results of the study demonstrated the effectiveness of standard therapy for managing patients with atopic dermatitis as it had a positive impact on the skin microbial community and showed a decrease in S. aureus proportion after the treatment

Beringia and the peopling of the Western Hemisphere

Did Beringian environments represent an ecological barrier to humans until less than 15 000 years ago or was access to the Americas controlled by the spatial–temporal distribution of North American ice sheets? Beringian environments varied with respect to climate and biota, especially in the two major areas of exposed continental shelf. The East Siberian Arctic Shelf (‘Great Arctic Plain’ (GAP)) supported a dry steppe-tundra biome inhabited by a diverse large-mammal community, while the southern Bering-Chukchi Platform (‘Bering Land Bridge’ (BLB)) supported mesic tundra and probably a lower large-mammal biomass. A human population with west Eurasian roots occupied the GAP before the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and may have accessed mid-latitude North America via an interior ice-free corridor. Re-opening of the corridor less than 14 000 years ago indicates that the primary ancestors of living First Peoples, who already had spread widely in the Americas at this time, probably dispersed from the NW Pacific coast. A genetic ‘arctic signal’ in non-arctic First Peoples suggests that their parent population inhabited the GAP during the LGM, before their split from the former. We infer a shift from GAP terrestrial to a subarctic maritime economy on the southern BLB coast before dispersal in the Americas from the NW Pacific coast

Range shifts or extinction? Ancient DNA and distribution modelling reveal past and future responses to climate warming in cold-adapted birds.

Global warming is predicted to cause substantial habitat rearrangements, with the most severe effects expected to occur in high-latitude biomes. However, one major uncertainty is whether species will be able to shift their ranges to keep pace with climate-driven environmental changes. Many recent studies on mammals have shown that past range contractions have been associated with local extinctions rather than survival by habitat tracking. Here, we have used an interdisciplinary approach that combines ancient DNA techniques, coalescent simulations and species distribution modelling, to investigate how two common cold-adapted bird species, willow and rock ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus and Lagopus muta), respond to long-term climate warming. Contrary to previous findings in mammals, we demonstrate a genetic continuity in Europe over the last 20 millennia. Results from back-casted species distribution models suggest that this continuity may have been facilitated by uninterrupted habitat availability and potentially also the greater dispersal ability of birds. However, our predictions show that in the near future, some isolated regions will have little suitable habitat left, implying a future decrease in local populations at a scale unprecedented since the last glacial maximum

The San Antonio River Mammoth Site: Archaeological Testing Investigations for the Interstate 37 Bridge at the San Antonio River Improvement Project, Bexar County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted test excavations on the San Antonio River Mammoth site (41BX1239) and 41BX1240 and surveys in the area of potential effects (APE) of the Interstate Highway (IH) 37 bridge project at the San Antonio River in southeastern Bexar County, Texas. Work was initiated to address the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (1966) as Amended and the Antiquities Code of Texas. The purpose of the investigations was to identify, delineate, and evaluate the significance of all archaeological and historic properties potentially affected by the undertaking and, if warranted, recommend the scope of additional work. Of particular concern, site 41BX1239 contains the remains of at least two mammoths with possible evidence of cultural association based on the initial investigations by Texas A&M in 1997. However, subsequent faunal analysis, conducted by Olga Potapova and Larry D. Agenbroad of the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, North Dakota, found inconclusive evidence for definite or valid cultural modification to the specimens studied. The testing investigations on the San Antonio River Mammoth site included the re-exposure of the original Texas A&M 1997 site trench; limited hand-excavated units to further assess the prior interpretations of the deposits and recover a sample of bone; and a detailed geomorphological assessment. The work identified a bone bed consisting of the remains of at least two mammoths. Flotation of recovered sediments from these hand excavations identified flakes of siliceous material that are consistent with micro-debitage produced by the use and retouch of stone tools. Although at the highest thresholds of certainty, the cumulative evidence is likely yet insufficient to conclusively prove human interaction with the mammoth remains, the additional data gathered herein lend some credence to the prior interpretation of the site as archaeological rather than strictly paleontological. Concurring with the previous determination, the site is considered eligible for inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and for listing as a State Archeological Landmark (SAL). However, the investigations determined the site deposits are located outside the APE of the current undertaking, and therefore the project will not affect deposits associated with the San Antonio River Mammoth site. The investigations of 41BX1240 identified only a very sparse scatter of primarily surficial materials in a heavily disturbed context with no associated features or diagnostic materials. Accordingly, the site is not recommended as eligible for listing on the NRHP or for designation as a SAL. The survey identified no new archaeological sites. Based on the avoidance of 41BX1239, it is SWCA’s recommendation that no archaeological properties will be affected by the IH 37 bridge rehabilitation

Biospecimen reporting for improved study quality (BRISQ)

Human biospecimens are subjected to collection, processing, and storage that can significantly alter their molecular composition and consistency. These biospecimen preanalytical factors, in turn, influence experimental outcomes and the ability to reproduce scientific results. Currently, the extent and type of information specific to the biospecimen preanalytical conditions reported in scientific publications and regulatory submissions varies widely. To improve the quality of research that uses human tissues, it is crucial that information on the handling of biospecimens be reported in a thorough, accurate, and standardized manner. The Biospecimen Reporting for Improved Study Quality (BRISQ) recommendations outlined herein are intended to apply to any study in which human biospecimens are used. The purpose of reporting these details is to supply others, from researchers to regulators, with more consistent and standardized information to better evaluate, interpret, compare, and reproduce the experimental results. The BRISQ guidelines are proposed as an important and timely resource tool to strengthen communication and publications on biospecimen-related research and to help reassure patient contributors and the advocacy community that their contributions are valued and respected. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2011. Published 2011 by the American Cancer Society.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/83764/1/20147_ftp.pd

Virus-inhibitory activity of the antigen complex of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria against SARS-CoV-2

Introduction. The antigen complex of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria (ACOPB) has a protective effect against avian influenza viruses, herpes virus type 2, and other viruses that cause acute respiratory viral infections. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, an important task is to find out whether ACOPB has a protective effect against SARS-CoV-2. The purpose of the study was to evaluate in vitro the ACOPB virus-inhibitory activity against the Dubrovka laboratory strain of SARS-CoV-2. Materials and methods. The study was performed using Vero cell line CCL-81, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), mouse monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies structurally mimicking biological effects of human interferons (IFNs), the Dubrovka laboratory strain of SARS-CoV-2. The infectivity of the virus was assessed by two methods: by virus titration using cell cultures and the limiting dilution method when the results are assessed by a cytopathic effect; the second method was a plaque assay. The in vitro virus inhibition test was performed using the cell culture susceptible to SARS-CoV-2; the mixture containing a specific dose of the virus and a two-fold dilution of ACOPB was transferred to the cell culture after the ACOPB medication had interacted with the virus at 4C for 2 hours. The ACOPB virus-inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 was assessed by the functional activity of / and IFN receptors (RIFN) in human PBMCs induced in vitro by ACOPB and the ACOPB mixture with the specific dose of SARS-CoV-2. The RIFN expression level was measured by the indirect membrane immunofluorescence test. Results. Hemagglutination assay using chicken, mouse, guinea pig, and human red blood cells was performed for detection of the SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory protein. The lysate of Vero CCL-81 cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 Dubrovka demonstrated the highest hemagglutination activity with guinea pig red blood cells and low titers of hemagglutination in the virus-containing fluid. The virus inhibition test in the Vero CCL-81 cell culture demonstrated that ACOPB inhibited 10 doses of SARS-CoV-2 Dubrovka with the titer 1 : 32, providing 100% protection of the cell culture for 8 days (the monitoring period). ACOPB induced / and RIFN expression on membranes of human PBMCs in in vitro cultures and decreased RIFN / and expression after its interaction with SARS-CoV-2 Dubrovka. Conclusion. The experimental studies including the virus inhibition test in the cell culture susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 Dubrovka and the indirect membrane immunofluorescence assay using monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies mimicking IFN-like properties demonstrated that ACOPB had both an immunomodulatory and a virus-inhibitory effect

Biospecimen Reporting for Improved Study Quality

Human biospecimens are subject to a number of different collection, processing, and storage factors that can significantly alter their molecular composition and consistency. These biospecimen preanalytical factors, in turn, influence experimental outcomes and the ability to reproduce scientific results. Currently, the extent and type of information specific to the biospecimen preanalytical conditions reported in scientific publications and regulatory submissions varies widely. To improve the quality of research utilizing human tissues, it is critical that information regarding the handling of biospecimens be reported in a thorough, accurate, and standardized manner. The Biospecimen Reporting for Improved Study Quality recommendations outlined herein are intended to apply to any study in which human biospecimens are used. The purpose of reporting these details is to supply others, from researchers to regulators, with more consistent and standardized information to better evaluate, interpret, compare, and reproduce the experimental results. The Biospecimen Reporting for Improved Study Quality guidelines are proposed as an important and timely resource tool to strengthen communication and publications around biospecimen-related research and help reassure patient contributors and the advocacy community that the contributions are valued and respected.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/90474/1/bio-2E2010-2E0036.pd