Dissensus in post-2012 Russian art: self-perceptions vis-à-vis the West

This research looks into the dissensus in post-2012 Russian art, particularly music and performance art. The goal of the study is twofold. First it attempts to reveal the main Russian identity patterns as presented by the non-conformist artists. Second, it tries to reveal how these artists depict the Russian identity in regard to the West. To that end, the thesis employs the concept of dissensus introduced by Jacques Rancière (2010), which is the indirect dispute with the established framework of the consensus or the hegemonic discourse defining what is taken for granted and viewed as ‘the proper’. The selected sample of artworks is analysed using the Making Identity Count inductive discourse analysis method to recover the relatively stable national identity discourses. Nevertheless, this research uses it as an efficient tool for revealing the identity patterns that guide the meaning creation process of the selected dissident artists. The main conclusions of the research are as follows. The dissensus in post- 2012 contemporary Russian art deconstructs the hegemonic identity patterns opening opportunities for potential new identifications. The research also shows that the West – Russia identity dichotomy is not relevant as depicted in the selected sample of artworks. Moreover, among the selected dissident artists this dichotomy is subjected to constructive criticism.https://www.ester.ee/record=b5439227*es

Thyroid Autoimmunity and Function in Type 1 Diabetic Children and Adolescents in Armenia

The literature and research clearly supports an increased incidence of autoimmune thyroid disorders (mostly autoimmune thyroiditis) in type 1 diabetics as well as increased incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in autoimmune thyroid disease. The objective of current epidemiological screening study is to investigate thyroid autoimmunity and function in a large cohort of children and adolescents with type 1 DM in Armenia. Moreover, this screening study is done to determine the incidence of thyroid autoimmunity and hypothyroidism (including sub clinical hypothyroidism) and to give its structural analysis. The findings of current study illustrate 30.5% of hypothyroidism, including subclinical hypothyroidism, in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents. What is more important, 24.8% of type 1 diabetic children and adolescents have thyroid autoimmunity – positive antithyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (Anti-TPO), 44% from which were found to be significantly high. Any sex predominance was not found in AIT and thyroid autoimmunity in general. In type 1 diabetics with associated thyroid autoimmunity autoantibody positivity precedes thyroid ultrasound changes and predisposes to the development of further hypothyroidism without any sex predominance. The number of cases of hypothyroidism is quite high in the group of diabetics with DM duration of 5 years. It is recommended that diabetics who have no TSH elevation and thyroid ultrasound changes, but who have increased Anti-TPO, should be formed as a group of high risk for further development of thyroid disorders, although TSH elevation showed having no influence on the compensation of diabetes. We fully recommend the patients to test the TSH and anti-TPO levels once a year, particularly after puberty and with DM duration over 5 years

Assessing the Impact of Covid-19 on the Labor Market of Armenia: A Forcasting Study

Purpose:  The purpose of this article is to analyze and forecast the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labor market of Armenia.   Theoretical framework:   The theoretical framework of the article draws upon several key concepts relevant to labor market analysis. It incorporates elements from labor economics, macroeconomics, and crisis management literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the COVID-19.   Design/methodology/approach:  To analyze and predict the dynamics of labor market indicators, this study uses statistical analysis and modelling tools, including fundamental and technical analysis. Technical analysis involves components of the time series, such as trend, seasonality, dummy variables, cyclical components, and random components.   Findings:  The study revealed that labor market of Armenia has been severely affected by the COVID-19. The government's implementation of restrictions aimed at containing the spread of the virus has led to significant job losses. The existing labor market policies and support programs in place before the pandemic proved inadequate in addressing the challenges posed by the crisis.   Research, Practical & Social implications: The article offers empirical evidence and forecasting insights that can deepen understanding of the consequences of the pandemic on employment, sectoral dynamics, and labor market resilience. It provides policymakers with valuable insights into the specific challenges faced by the labor market due to the pandemic.   Originality/value:  Although there are analyses of how COVID-19 shocked the labor markets, the significance of this research is emphasized by its comparative analysis of the labor markets of countries on various levels of development

Biodiesel production through ionic liquid catalysed esterification

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel diesel that can be produced from vegetable oils and animal fats. There is a recent growing interest in the development of alternative technologies to the oil economy, based on renewable energy sources. A possible solution is a biofuel usable in compression-ignition engines, produced from biomass rich in fats and oils. A wide range of raw materials can be used in the production of biodiesel. Nevertheless, the use of sources that do not compete with the food market like waste cooking oils, which usually feature high levels of free fatty acids (FFA’s), can put problems in the process of production of biodiesel through alkaline transesterification. These problems are partially overcome by the use of catalysts, such as ionic liquids (IL’s) that also promote reactions of esterification of FFA’s to biodiesel. Thus, the objective of this work consists in the study of the influence of IL's application in the catalysis of: esterification reactions of organic acids to the corresponding methyl esters. In the first part of the work the influence, as catalysts, of several ionic liquids in the esterification reaction of oleic acid was analyzed. The experimental conditions were as follows: reaction time 6 hours, oleic acid / methanol molar ratio = 1/10 and temperature 90 ° C. The ionic liquids evaluated were as follows: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([BMIM][HSO4]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate ([BMIM][CH3SO3]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate ([BMIM][CH3SO4]), 1-metylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([MIM][HSO4]) and tributylmethylammonium methylsulfate. The values obtained for the conversion of the oleic acid esterification reaction showed that the ionic liquid [BMIM] [HSO4] would be one of the most promising catalysts. In a second part of the work, the recovery of LI [BMIM] [HSO4] was studied and several esterification reactions of oleic acid were carried out using a quantity of catalyst of 10 wt%, 15 wt% and 20 wt% relative to the mass of oleic acid. The experimental conditions were as follows: reaction time 6 hours, oleic acid / methanol molar ratio = 1/10 and temperature 90 ° C. The reaction yield was found to be 76.6% to 10% IL, 83.3% to 15% IL and 84.8% to 20% IL. These yields decreased to 58.2% (10% IL) with 4 cycles of recycling, 75.2% (15% IL) with 5 cycles of recycling and 77.1% (20% IL) with 5 cycles of recycling. The results obtained confirm that it is possible to reuse this IL in successive reactions of esterification without great loss of yield and with this to significantly reduce the costs associated with the purchase of these compounds that are quite expensive.O biodiesel é um combustível alternativo que pode ser produzido a partir de óleos vegetais e de gorduras animais. Atualmente existe um crescente interesse no desenvolvimento de tecnologias alternativas à economia do petróleo baseadas em fontes de energia renováveis. Uma possível solução é a utilização de um biocombustível em motores de compressão-ignição, produzido a partir de biomassa rica em óleos e gorduras. Para a produção de biodiesel pode ser usada uma ampla gama de matérias-primas. No entanto, o uso de fontes que não competem com o mercado alimentar, como por exemplo os óleos alimentares usados, que geralmente têm um elevado nível de ácidos gordos livres (AGL´s), pode trazer problemas ao processo de produção de biodiesel através da transesterificação alcalina. Estes problemas são parcialmente ultrapassados usando catalisadores, tais como os líquidos iónicos (LI´s), que também promovem as reações de esterificação dos AGL´s a biodiesel. Assim, o objetivo desta dissertação de mestrado consistiu no estudo da aplicação de líquidos iónicos como catalisadores nas reações de esterificação de ácidos orgânicos aos correspondentes ésteres metílicos. Na primeira parte do trabalho analisou-se a influência, como catalisadores, de diversos líquidos iónicos na reação de esterificação do ácido oleico. Os líquidos iónicos avaliados foram os seguintes: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([BMIM][HSO4]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate ([BMIM][CH3SO3]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate ([BMIM][CH3SO4]), 1-metylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([MIM][HSO4]) and tributylmethylammonium methylsulfate. Os valores obtidos para a conversão da reação de esterificação do ácido oleico mostraram que o líquido iónico [BMIM][HSO4] seria um dos mais promissores como catalisador. Numa segunda parte do trabalho procedeu-se ao estudo da recuperação do LI [BMIM][HSO4], tendo-se realizado diversas reações de esterificação do ácido oleico usando uma quantidade de catalisador de 10%, 15% e 20% (m/m) relativamente à massa de ácido oleico. As condições experimentais foram as seguintes: tempo de reação 6 horas, razão molar ácido oleico/metanol = 1/10 e temperatura 90 °C. Verificou-se que o rendimento da reação foi de 76,6 % para 10% de LI, 83,3% para 15% de LI e 84,8% para 20% de LI. Estes rendimentos diminuíram para 58,2% (10% de LI) com 4 atapas de reciclagem, 75,2% (15% de LI) com 5 etapas de reciclagem e 77,1% (20% de LI) com 5 etapas de reciclagem. Os resultados obtidos permitem confirmar que é possível reutilizar este LI em reações sucessivas de esterificação sem grande perda de rendimento e com isso diminuir significativamente os custos associados à compra destes compostos que são bastante caros.Կենսադիզելն այլընտրանքային դիզելային վառելիք է, որն ստացվում է բուսական յուղերից և կենդանական ճարպերից: Վերջին շրջանում աճում է հետաքրքրությունն այլընտրանքային տեխնոլոգիաների` նավթային տնտեսության, հիմականում վերականգնվող էներգիայի աղբյուրների նկատմամբ: Հնարավոր լուծում է ներքին այրման շարժիչներում կենսավառելիքի օգտագործումը, որն արտադրված է ճարպերով և յուղերով հարուստ կենսազանգվածից: Կենսադիզելի արտադրության մեջ հնարավոր է օգտագործել հումքի լայն ընտրանի: Օգտագործվող հումքի աղբյուրները չեն մասնակցում պարենային շուկայի մրցակցությանը: Այդպիսիք են` խոհանոցային թափոններ հանդիսացող յուղերը, որոնք հիմնականում բնորոշվում են խնդրահարույց ազատ ճարպային թթուների (ԱՃԹ) մեծ պարունակությամբ: Այս խնդիրը մասամբ հաղթահարվել է` օգտագործելով կատալիզատորներ, ինչպիսիք են իոնային հեղուկները (ԻՀ), որոնք նույնպես նպաստում են կենսադիզելում ԱՃԹ-ի եթերացմանը: Այսպիսով, այս աշխատանքի նպատակն է ուսումնասիրել իոնային հեղուկ կատալիզատորների ազդեցությունը համապատասխան մեթիլեթերների հետ օրգանական թթուների եթերացման ռեակցիաներում: Աշխատանքի առաջին մասում հետազոտվել է մի քանի իոնային հեղուկների ազդեցությունն օլեինաթթվի եթերացման ռեակցիայում: Փորձի պայմանները հետևյալն են. ռեակցիայի ժամանակը ` 6 ժամ, օլեինաթթու / մեթանոլ մոլային հարաբերակցությունը` 1/10, ջերմաստիճանը 90°C: Հետազոտվող իոնային հեղուկները հետևյալն են. 1-բութիլ-3-մեթիլիմիդազոլիումի հիդրոսուլֆատ ([BMIM][HSO4]), 1-բութիլ-3-մեթիլիմիդազոլիումի մեթանսուլֆոնատ ([BMIM][CH3SO3]), 1-բութիլ-3-մեթիլիմիդազոլիումի մեթիլսուլֆատ ([BMIM][CH3SO4]), 1-մեթիլիմիդազոլիումի հիդրոսուլֆատ ([MIM][HSO4]) և տրիբութիլմեթիլամոնիումի մեթիլսուլֆատ: Օլեինաթթվի եթերացման ռեակցիայի արդյունքները ցույց տվեցին, որ [BMIM][HSO4] իոնային հեղուկն ամենախոստումալից կատալիզատրներից մեկն է: Աշխատանքի երկրորդ մասում ուսումնասիրվել են [BMIM][HSO4] իոնային հեղուկի վերականգնումը և օլեինաթթվի եթերացման մի քանի ռեակցիաներ, որոնցում օգտագործված կատալիզատորի զանգվածը եղել է օլեինաթթվի զանգվածի 10%, 15%, 20%-ը: Փորձի պայմանները հետևյալն են. ռեակցիայի ժամանակը ` 6 ժամ, օլեինաթթու / մեթանոլ մոլային հարաբերակցությունը` 1/10, ջերմաստիճանը 90°C: Ռեակցիայի ելքը կազմել է 76.6% ԻՀ-ի 10%-ի դեպքում, 83.3% ` ԻՀ-ի 15%-ի դեպքում և 84.8%` ԻՀ-ի 20%-ի դեպքում: Այս ելքերը նվազել են մինչև 58.2% (10% ԻՀ)` վերամշակման 4 ցիկլից հետո, 75.2% (15% ԻՀ)` վերամշակման 5 ցիկլից հետո, 77.1% (20% ԻՀ)` վերամշակման 5 ցիկլից հետո: Ստացված արդյունքները հաստատում են, որ հնարավոր է այս ԻՀ-ի վերաօգտագործումը եթերացման հաջորդական ռեակցիաներում` առանց ելքի մեծ կորստի, և զգալիորեն նվազեցնել այդ, բավականին թանկ, միացությունների գնման հե

Role of Nuclear Angiotensin-II Receptor Mediated Signalling in Cardiovascular Remodelling

Le remodelage cardiaque est le processus par lequel la structure ou la fonction cardiaque change en réponse à un déséquilibre pathophysiologique tel qu'une maladie cardiaque, un contexte d'arythmie prolongée ou une modification de l'équilibre hormonal. Le système rénine-angiotensine (SRA) est un système hormonal largement étudié et il est impliqué dans de nombreuses activités associées au remodelage cardiovasculaire. L’existence d'un système circulatoire couplé à un système de tissus locaux est une représentation classique, cependant de nouvelles données suggèrent un SRA indépendant et fonctionnellement actif à l'échelle cellulaire. La compréhension de l'activité intracellulaire du SRA pourrait mener à de nouvelles pistes thérapeutiques qui pourraient prévenir un remodelage cardiovasculaire défavorable. L'objectif de cette thèse était d'élucider le rôle du SRA intracellulaire dans les cellules cardiaques. Récemment, les récepteurs couplés aux protéines G (RCPG), les protéines G et leurs effecteurs ont été détectés sur des membranes intracellulaires, y compris sur la membrane nucléaire, et les concepts de RCPG intracellulaires fonctionnels sont en voie d'être acceptés comme une réalité. Nous avons dès lors fait l'hypothèse que la signalisation du SRA délimitant le noyau était impliquée dans le contrôle de l'expression des gènes cardiaques. Nous avons démontré la présence de récepteurs d'angiotensine de type-1 (AT1R) et de type-2 (AT2R) nucléaires dans les cardiomyocytes ventriculaires adultes et dans une fraction nucléaire purifiée de tissu cardiaque. Des quantités d'Ang II ont été détectées dans du lysat de cardiomyocytes et des microinjections d'Ang-II-FITC ont donné lieu à des liaisons préférentielles aux sites nucléaires. L'analyse transcriptionnelle prouve que la synthèse d'ARN de novo dans des noyaux isolés stimulés à l'Ang-II, et l'expression des ARNm de NF-κB étaient beaucoup plus importants lorsque les noyaux étaient exposés à de l'Ang II par rapport aux cardiomyocytes intacts. La stimulation des AT1R nucléaires a engendré une mobilisation de Ca2+ via les récepteurs de l'inositol trisphosphate (IP3R), et le blocage des IP3R a diminué la réponse transcriptionnelle. Les méthodes disponibles actuellement pour l'étude de la signalisation intracrine sont limitées aux méthodes indirectes. L'un des objectifs de cette thèse était de synthétiser et caractériser des analogues d'Ang-II cellule-perméants afin d’étudier spécifiquement dans les cellules intactes l'activité intracellulaire du SRA. Nous avons synthétisé et caractérisé pharmacologiquement des analogues photosensibles Ang-II encapsulée en incorporant un groupement 4,5-diméthoxy-2-nitrobenzyl (DMNB) photoclivable sur les sites actifs identifiés du peptide. Chacun des trois analogues d'Ang II encapsulée synthétisés et purifiés: [Tyr(DMNB)4]Ang-II, Ang-II-ODMNB et [Tyr(DMNB)4]Ang-II-ODMNB a montré une réduction par un facteur deux ou trois de l'affinité de liaison envers AT1R et AT2R dans les dosages par liaison compétitive et une activité réduite dans la contraction de l'aorte thoracique. La photostimulation de [Tyr(DMNB)4]Ang-II dans des cellules HEK a augmenté la phosphorylation d'ERK1/2 (via AT1R) et la production de cGMP (via AT2R) alors que dans les cardiomyocytes isolés elle générait une augmentation de Ca2+ nucléoplasmique et initiait la synthèse d'ARNr 18S et d'ARNm du NF-κB. Les fibroblastes sont les principaux générateurs de remodelage cardiaque structurel, et les fibroblastes auriculaires sont plus réactifs aux stimuli profibrotiques que les fibroblastes ventriculaires. Nous avons émis l'hypothèse que l’Ang-II intracellulaire et l'activation des AT1R et AT2R nucléaires associés contrôlaient les profils d'expression des gènes des fibroblastes via des systèmes de signalisation distincts et de ce fait jouaient un rôle majeur dans le développement de la fibrose cardiaque. Nous avons remarqué que les fibroblastes auriculaires expriment l’AT1R et l’AT2R nucléaire et l'Ang-II au niveau intracellulaire. L’expression d'AT1R nucléaire a été régulés positivement dans les cas d’insuffisance cardiaque (IC), tandis que l'AT2R nucléaire a été glycosylé post-traductionnellement. La machinerie protéique des protéines G, y compris Gαq/11, Gαi/3, et Gβ, a été observée dans des noyaux isolés de fibroblastes. AT1R et AT2R régulent l'initiation de la transcription du fibroblaste via les voies de transduction de signal d'IP3R et du NO. La photostimulation de [Tyr(DMNB)4]Ang-II dans une culture de fibroblastes auriculaire déclenche la libération de Ca2+ nucléoplasmique, la prolifération, et la synthèse et sécrétion de collagène qui ne sont pas inhibées par les bloqueurs d'AT1R et/ou AT2R extracellulaires.Cardiac remodelling is the process by which cardiac structure and/or function change in response to pathophysiological imbalances such as hypertension, cardiac disease, prolonged arrhythmia or altered hormonal balance. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an extensively studied hormonal system involved in numerous processes associated with cardiovascular remodelling. Classically viewed as a circulating and a local tissue system, emerging evidence suggests an independent and functionally active RAS within individual cells. Understanding intracellular RAS actions might lead to new therapeutic avenues that could prevent adverse cardiac remodelling. The purpose of this thesis was to elucidate the role of intracellular RAS in cardiac cells. Recently, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), G proteins, and their downstream effectors have been detected on intracellular membranes, including the nuclear membrane, and the concept of functional intracellular GPCRs is slowly being accepted as a reality. We therefore hypothesized that nuclear-delimited angiotensin II (Ang-II) signalling is involved in controlling cardiac gene expression. We demonstrated the presence of nuclear angiotensin-type 1 (AT1R) and angiotensin-type 2 (AT2R) receptors in adult ventricular cardiomyocytes and in a purified nuclear preparation from cardiac tissue. Ang-II was detected in cardiomyocyte lysate and microinjected Ang-II-FITC preferentially bound to nuclear sites. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated that Ang-II enhanced de novo RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei and NF-κB mRNA expression was much greater when nuclei were exposed to Ang-II. Nuclear AT1R-stimulation produced Ca2+ mobilization via nuclear inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) Ca2+-channels, and IP3R-blockade attenuated the AT1R-mediated transcriptional responses in isolated nuclei. Current methods available to study intracrine RAS signalling are limited to indirect methodologies because of a lack of selective intracellularly-acting probes. An aim of this thesis was to synthesize and characterize cell-permeant Ang-II analogues to probe intracellular RAS action with spatial and temporal precision. Using solid-phase peptide technology we synthesized and pharmacologically characterized light-sensitive caged Ang-II analogues. This was achieved by incorporating a photocleavable 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl (DMNB) moiety on sites of Ang-II responsible for receptor recognition and activation. All of the three synthesized and purified caged-Ang-II analogues: [Tyr(DMNB)4]Ang-II, Ang-II-ODMNB and [Tyr(DMNB)4]Ang-II-ODMNB, showed two-to-three orders of magnitude reduced binding affinity towards the AT1R and AT2R in competition binding assays and reduced potency in contraction assays using thoracic aorta. Photolysis of [Tyr(DMNB)4]Ang-II in HEK cells increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation (via AT1R) and cGMP production (via AT2R) whereas in isolated cardiomyocytes it induced an increase in nucleoplasmic Ca2+ and increased the abundance of 18S rRNA and NF-κB mRNA. Fibroblasts are the main drivers of cardiac structural remodelling. Atrial fibroblasts are more responsive to pro-fibrotic stimuli than ventricular fibroblasts. We hypothesized that intracellular Ang-II and associated nuclear AT1R and AT2R activation control fibroblast gene-expression patterns via discrete signalling systems and thereby play a key role in cardiac fibrosis. Atrial fibroblasts were found to express Ang-II, and nuclear AT1R and AT2R. The nuclear localisation of AT1R was increased in fibroblasts isolated from failing hearts whereas nuclear AT2R showed alterations in glycosylation. Heterotrimeric G protein subunits including Gαq/11, Gαi/3, and Gβ were observed in isolated fibroblast nuclei. AT1R and AT2R increased fibroblast transcription initiation via IP3R and NO signal transduction pathways, respectively. Photolysis of [Tyr(DMNB)4]Ang-II in cultured atrial fibroblasts induced an increase in nucleoplasmic Ca2+, proliferation, collagen synthesis and secretion that was not prevented by extracellular AT1R and/or AT2R blockers

Les récepteurs intracellulaires de l'angiotensine II : nouvelles cibles thérapeutiques pour le remodelage cardiaque

L'angiotensine-II (Ang-II), synthétisée à partir de sources extracardiaques et intracardiaques, régule l'homéostasie cardiaque en favorisant des effets mitogéniques et en promouvant la croissance cellulaire résultant d’une altération de l'expression génique. Dans cette étude, nous avons évalué la possibilité que les récepteurs de l'angiotensine-1 (AT1) ou les récepteurs de l'angiotensine-2 (AT2) situés sur l'enveloppe nucléaire régulent l’expression génique des cardiomyocytes. En analysant les noyaux cellulaires retenus des fractions de cœur de rat par immunobuvardage Western, nous avons détecté une co-purification préférentielle des protéines AT1 et AT2 avec un marqueur de la membrane nucléaire (Nup 62), par rapport aux marqueurs de la membrane plasmique (Calpactin I), de l’appareil de Golgi (GRP 78) ou du réticulum endoplasmique (GM130). La microscopie confocale a permis de démontrer la présence des AT1 et AT2 dans les membranes nucléaires. La microinjection de l’Ang-II-FITC sur des cardiomyocytes a provoqué une liaison de préférence aux sites nucléaires. Les enregistrements de transients calciques ont illustré que les AT1 nucléaires régulent le relâchement du Ca2+. L’incubation des ligands spécifiques d’AT1 et d’AT2 avec l’UTP [α32P] a résulté en une synthèse de novo d’ARN (par exemple, 16,9 ± 0,5 cpm/ng ADN contrôle vs 162,4 ± 29,7 cpm/ng ADN-Ang II, 219,4 ± 8,2 cpm/ng ADN L -162313 (AT1) et 126,5 ± 8,7 cpm/ng ADN CGP42112A (AT2), P <0,001). L’incubation des noyaux avec Ang-II augmente de façon significative l’expression de NFκB, une réponse qui est réprimée partiellement par la co-administration de valsartan ou de PD123177. Les expériences dose-réponse avec Ang-II administrée à l'ensemble des noyaux purifiés vs. aux cardiomyocytes seuls a montré une augmentation plus importante dans les niveaux d'ARNm de NFκB avec une affinité de ~ 3 fois plus grande (valeurs d’EC50 = 9 contre 28 pmol/L, respectivement), suggérant un rôle préférentiel nucléaire dans la signalisation. Par conséquent, nous avons conclu que les membranes cardiaques nucléaires possèdent des récepteurs d’Ang-II couplés à des voies de signalisation et à la transcription génique. La signalisation nucléaire pourrait jouer un rôle clé dans les changements de l'expression de gènes cardiaques, entraînant ainsi des implications mécanistiques et thérapeutiques diverses.Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) from extracardiac sources and intracardiac synthesis regulates cardiac homeostasis, with mitogenic and growth-promoting effects largely due to altered gene-expression. In this study, the possibility that angiotensin-1 (AT1R) or angiotensin-2 (AT2R) receptors are located on the nuclear envelope and mediate effects on cardiomyocyte gene expression was assessed. Western blot tests of nucleus-enriched rat heart fractions indicated the presence of AT1R and AT2R proteins that preferentially copurified with a nuclear membrane marker (Nup 62) but not markers of plasma (Calpactin I), Golgi apparatus (GRP 78) or endoplasmic reticulum (GM130) membranes. Confocal microscopy revealed the existence of AT1R and AT2R proteins on nuclear membranes. Microinjected Ang-II preferentially bound to nuclear sites of isolated cardiomyocytes. Ca2+i-recordings on nuclear preparations demonstrated an AT1R-mediated Ca2+ release. AT1R and AT2R ligands enhanced de novo RNA synthesis in isolated cardiomyocyte nuclei incubated with [α32P]UTP (e.g. 16.9 ± 0.5 cpm/ng for DNA control vs. 162.4 ± 29.7 cpm/ng for DNA Ang-II, 219.4 ± 8.2 cpm/ng for DNA L-162313 (AT1) and 126.5 ± 8.7 cpm/ng for DNA CGP42112A (AT2), P<0.001). Ang-II application to isolated cardiomyocyte nuclei enhanced NFκB mRNA-expression, a response that was suppressed by co-administration of valsartan or PD123177. Dose-response experiments with Ang-II applied to purified nuclei vs. to whole cardiomyocytes showed a greater increase in NFκB mRNA levels at saturating concentrations with ~3 fold greater affinity (EC50 values 9 vs. 28 pmol/L, respectively), suggesting preferential nuclear signaling. These results lead us to conclude that cardiac nuclear membranes possess angiotensin receptors that couple to nuclear signaling pathways and regulate transcription. Signaling within the nuclear envelope (e.g. from intracellularly synthesized Ang-II) may play a role in Ang-II-mediated changes in cardiac gene-expression, with potentially important mechanistic and therapeutic implications

Prvek překvapení: Studie dvou moderních překvapivých útoků

The thesis analyses two modern surprise attacks - the 1982 Falklands War between Argentina and Great Britain; and the 2016 April War (also known as the Four Days War) among Azerbaijan, Armenia, and de facto Republic of Nagorno Karabakh. Using literature of the Theory of Surprise, the study tries to determine the reasons why states chose the strategy of surprise, and how did they decide on the timing of the wars. It also displays the shortcomings inherent in the strategy of surprise, and points out where the mistakes, false assumptions of the belligerents in these two cases studies lay. Finally, a comparative study of the cases highlights the ideas that can improve a state's preparedness and hopefully avoid surprise attacks in the future. Thesis title: The Element of Surprise: A Study of Two Modern Surprise Attacks Author: Tatevik Tadevosyan Study programme: Security Studies Supervisor: Dr Jan Ludvík, PhD Year of the defence: 2020Práce analyzuje dva moderní překvapivé útoky - Falklandskou válku z roku 1982 mezi Argentinou a Velkou Británií a válku z dubna 2016 (známá též pod názvem čtyřdenní válka) mezi Ázerbájdžánem, Arménií a fakticky Republikou Náhorní Karabach. Studie se pomocí literatury Teorie překvapení pokouší zjistit, proč státy zvolily strategii překvapení a jakým způsobem se rozhodovaly o načasování válek. Zároveň ukazuje nedostatky, které jsou vlastní strategii překvapení, a poukazuje na to, kde leží chyby a falešné předpoklady bojovníků v těchto dvou případových studiích. Na závěr, srovnávací studie případů vyzdvihuje myšlenky, které mohou zlepšit připravenost státu a snad ss vyhnout podobným překvapivým útokům v budoucnosti. Název práce: Prvek překvapení: Studie dvou moderních překvapivých útoků Autorka: Tatevik TadevosyanKatedra bezpečnostních studiíDepartment of Security StudiesFaculty of Social SciencesFakulta sociálních vě

Clinical Endoscopic and Histological Characteristics of Helicobacter Pylori Positive and Negative Armenian Children with Recurrent Abdominal Pain and/or Dyspepsia

Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and dyspepsia are common complaints in children. These symptoms are often associated with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection. The aim of the present study was to prospectively analyze clinical, endoscopic, and histological characteristics of Hp+ and Hp- children with RAP and/or dyspepsia. Patients aged 2-18 years with RAP and/or dyspepsia, referred for an upper endoscopy to Arabkir Medical Center - Institute of Child and Adolescent Health (Arabkir MC-ICAH) from November 2015 to December 2017, were involved in the study. Histology was assessed according to the updated Sydney system. Gastric and duodenal specimens were stained by modified Giemsa staining for Hp infection. One antral biopsy was cultured in Hp selective media. 150 patients were included into the study: 70.7% Hp+, 29.3% Hp-. Nausea and vomiting were significantly more common in Hp+ patients (p<0.05). Gastric nodularity (p=0.02), erosions in the stomach (p=0.056), and duodenal erosions (p=0.019) were more common in Hp+. Chronic active (p=0.027) and non-active gastritis (p=0.002), cumulative findings of metaplasia/dysplasia/atrophy in the stomach (p=0.014) and chronic non-active duodenitis (p=0.016), were significantly more common in Hp+ patients. Hp infection prevalence is high in Armenian children with dyspepsia and/or RAP. Clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings, and histopathological findings were significantly different in Hp+ patients as compared to Hp- patients

Biodiesel production through esterification using ionic liquids as catalysts

There is a growing interest in the development of alternative technologies to the oil economy, based on renewable energy sources. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that can be produced from a wide range of raw materials such as vegetable oils and animal fats. Yet, the use of sources that do not compete with the food market, such as waste cooking oils - which usually feature high levels of free fatty acids (FFA’s) -, can lead to problems in the process of biodiesel production through alkaline transesterification. Ionic liquids (ILs) could be employed in the biodiesel production to partially overcome these problems; since they are able to catalyze the esterification reaction of FFA’s to biodiesel (FAMEs) as well as the transesterification reaction of triglycerides. Ionic liquids are also viable due to the fact that they can be easily recovered and recycled, decreasing their cost. Experimental results concerning the recyclability of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate [BMIM][HSO4] and its influence on the conversion of organic acids to biodiesel and the content of FAMEs will be presentedinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Biodiesel production through esterification using ionic liquids as catalysts

There is a growing interest in the development of alternative technologies to the oil economy, based on renewable energy sources. A possible solution is a biofuel usable in compression-ignition engines, produced from biomass rich in fats and oils. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that can be produced from a wide range of raw materials such as vegetable oils and animal fats. Yet, the use of sources that do not compete with the food market, like waste cooking oils - which usually feature high levels of free fatty acids (FFA’s) -, can lead to problems in the process of biodiesel production through alkaline transesterification. Ionic liquids (ILs) could be employed in the biodiesel production to partially overcome these problems; since they are able to catalyze the esterification reaction of FFA’s to biodiesel. In this work, experimental results will be presented concerning the study of the influence of ILs in the catalysis of esterification reactions of organic acids to the corresponding methyl esters. Different imidazolium-based ILs were tested for biodiesel production through an esterification reaction of oleic acid, using a previously optimized reaction methodology [1]: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([BMIM][HSO4]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methyl sulfate, 1-metylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([HMIM][HSO4]) and tributylmethylammonium methylsulfate. The experimental values obtained for the conversion of the oleic acid through an esterification reaction showed that the ionic liquid ([BMIM][HSO4]) would be one of the most promising catalysts. The recovery of the selected [BMIM][HSO4] ionic liquid was studied for different catalyst loading: 10, 15 and 20 wt% - relative to the mass of oleic acid. The reaction yield was determined by acidity using a titrimetric method (EN 14104). The composition characterization of the biodiesel samples (identification of fatty acid methyl esters) was evaluated by gas chromatography with FID detector (EN 14103). The obtained results confirm that it is possible to reuse [BMIM][HSO4] ionic liquid in successive reactions without great loss of yield and, thereafter, to significantly reduce the costs associated with the use of ILs as catalysts. Moreover, the esterification reaction with the [HMIM][HSO4] IL was also studied and further comparison of the methyl esters content obtained with each catalyst will be possible.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio