Long-term Interactions of Circulating Neutrophils with Titanium Implants, the Role of Platelets in Regulation of Leukocyte Function

Despite the fact that different biomaterials are widely used in many biomedical applications, they can still cause side effects. Therefore, our aim was to assess neutrophil activity during the inflammatory phase of the repair process and long-term interactions between circulating neutrophils and Titanium (Ti) implants. Additionally, neutrophil in vitro response after stimulation by the extract of antimicrobial peptides (AMP extract), pentoxifylline (PTX) and some platelet-rich (L-PRP and PURE PRP) and platelet-poor (PPP) concentrates were tested. The study was conducted on eight sheep after Ti implant insertion into the tibia and revealed that the Ti implant did not cause any side effects during the course of experiment. After addition of L-PRP into neutrophils, culture activity of these cells significantly increased (p < 0.01), whereas treatment with AMP extract, PURE PRP, PPP or PTX caused decrease in neutrophil enzymatic response (on the basis of elastase, myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase release) and free radical generation. These effects were observed in neutrophils isolated during the inflammatory phase as well as 4 and 10 months after implantation. Obtained results will be useful in regulation of inflammatory response during implantation of biomaterial and create possibility to modulate the cells response towards pro- or anti-inflammatory to reduce host tissue damage.

The Role of Hydrodynamics on the Sustainable Mussels’ Culture Activity. The Case of the Chalastra Basin (NW Gulf of Thessaloniki)

In line with the framework of strategic guidelines for marine aquacultures, mussel cultures have to be operated in Areas of Organized Aquaculture Development (AOAD). Forty per cent of the national mussel culture production, which is based in Chalastra (NW Gulf of Thessaloniki, part of the Thermaikos Gulf), uses pole and longline systems. Due to legislative changes, both farmers and the authorities are in the process of reforming the existing units and planning processes based on the principles of sustainability, as defined in AOAD. The aim of this study is to estimate the appropriate orientation lines on which the mussel socks are to be placed in the mussel culturing units, in relation to the direction of sea currents for optimum water circulation in AOAD. The hydro-dynamics of the Chalastra basin is mainly wind driven and affected by prevailing northerly and southerly winds during winter and summer periods, respectively. When placed perpendicular to sea currents, the socks in the mussel production lines form an obstacle. Thus, the appropriate orientation of pole and longline units based on natural current directions can comprise a useful tool for sustainable mussel cultures. The benefits arising from the application of the proposed scheme are twofold: (a) productivity through the appropriate circulation and regeneration of nutrients can be maximized and (b) the environmental impacts of mussel culture activity can be minimized, as byproducts can more easily be dispersed of and biodegraded. In the present study, two basic schemes are proposed: (a) the division of AOAD is being researched into three sub-areas for pole and long-line units respectively and (b) the placement of the shortest possible length of production lines parallel to sea currents.

Glucosidase inhibitors suppress SARS-CoV-2 in tissue culture and may potentiate

Iminosugar glucosidase inhibitors prevent the folding of a range of viral N-linked glycoproteins, ranging from hepatitis B to Ebola. We recently showed they inhibit folding and function of the ACE2 protein, which is the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, and they have also inhibited the SARS Spike polypeptides. Here we report that the imino sugar glucosidase inhibitors, N-butyl deoxynojirimycin (NBDNJ), which is approved for management of lysosomal storage disease (sold as Zavesca), and ureido-N-hexyl deoxynojirimycine (BSBI-19029), suppress the replication of SARS-ncCoV-2/USA/WA1/2020 strain, in tissue culture. Moreover, combinations of either of these iminosugars with Remdesivir were particularly potent in suppressing SARS-CoV-2. Briefly, NBDNJ, 19029 and Remdesivir suppressed SARS-CoV-2 production in A549ACE2 human lung cells with IC90s of ~130 μM, ~4.0 μM, and 0.006 μM respectively. The combination of as little as 0.037 μM of NBDNJ or 0.04 μM 19029, respectively and 0.002 μM Remdesivir yielded IC90s. Medical strategies to manage SARS-CoV-2 infection of people are urgently needed, and although Remdesivir and Favipiravir have shown efficacy, it is limited. NBDNJ was recently reported by others to have tissue culture activity against SARS-CoV-2, so our report confirms this, and extends the findings to a more potent iminosugar, 19029 and combination with Remdesivir. Since both NBDNJ and Remdesivir are both approved and available for human use, the possibility that NBDNJ has mono therapeutic value against SARS-CoV-2 as well as can enhance Remdesivir, may have clinical implications, which are discussed, here.

Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing in biocompatibility research

In this paper, the possibility of using cell culture impedance measurements to assess the biocompatibility of a material in contact with cells was analyzed. For this purpose, the Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) method and a commercial measuring device were used. The test substrates with thin-film electrodes made of various metals were prepared using the magnetron sputtering method. The choice of metals was dictated by their varying degrees of biocompatibility. Cultures of mouse fibroblasts were cultured on the prepared substrates. The experiment showed that the complete cycle of culture from attachment and reproduction to apoptosis occurred. The results obtained indicate that it is possible to use the ECIS method to study the influence of metal on cell culture activity.

The performance of Chlorella vulgaris growth on mass-scale cultivation

Phytoplankton have many benefits, including as a primary producer, natural food, bioindicator, and water pollution treatment. For this reason, their availability needs to be managed, one of which is through cultivation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the mass scale cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris. The research was conducted at the Technical Implementation Unit of Freshwater and Brackish Water Aquaculture, Situbondo, using a descriptive method. The data were analyzed statistically using MS. Excel 2016 software, and a multiple linear regression test was carried out to determine the effect of water quality parameters on the growth of C. vulgaris using the SPSS 16.0 application. The cultivation process started from strain preparation, water preparation, tank and culture media preparation, inoculation, fertilization, and then harvesting. The initial density of C. vulgaris used was 145x104 Cell. mL-1 in tank 1 and 188x104 Cell. mL-1 in tank 2. The results showed that the cell density value of C. vulgaris increased every day until it entered the exponential phase, namely on the 4th day of the culture activity, which was 507 x 104 in tank 1 and 536 x 104 Cell. mL-1 in tank 2. Furthermore, the value of water quality parameters that affected the growth of C. vulgaris in tank 1 and tank 2 was dissolved oxygen of 4.82-6.97 mg. L-1, pH 8.2-9.1, transparency of 20-45 cm, temperature was 26.8-28.2 oC, nitrate of 0.10-0.50 mg. L-1, phosphate of 0.75-2 mg. L-1, and salinity of 30-39 ppt.

“No Other Island”: Shima complex and the tragi-comic otherness of the Isle of Wight

This essay presents a consideration of Englishness refracted through and anecdotal and discursive refl ection on the way the microcosm of an island mediates Englishness as a condition of national identity, peculiar to islands. The island chosen for consideration of this “exemplary singularity” is the Isle of Wight, given its peculiarly overdetermined status – at once rural paradise, Brexit voters’ haven, extended retirement community, and locus of much counter culture activity over a 50 year period.

Budidaya ikan lele (Clarias gariepinus) sistim bioflok skala rumah tangga

This community service activity aimed to apply the bioflock culture techniques and good business management to fish farmer group. As much as 2000 individuals catfish ranging from 5-7 cm in length was used in this activity. The fish obtained from Fresh Water Aquaculture Board, Tatelu were pun in oxygenated plastic bags and transported to fish farmer group in West Kombos, District of Singkil. The culture activity that applied the bioflock culture techniques took place for about six months. The specific target to be achieved at the end of the training were all members of the partner group could make the fish feed formulations with local raw materials by themselves. In addition, they have skilled on management, marketing and could have simple bookkeeping note as well. In overcoming these problems, an approach was carried out through direct field counseling and training. Then, partners had the opportunity to practice it until they can do it by themselves. The first step of this activities was preparation, the second was three days of training (4 hours /day), and the last were monitoring, evaluation, and assistance up to the end of this program

A INFLUÊNCIA DA CULTURA ORGANIZACIONAL NOS PROCESSOS DE TRABALHO DOS COLETORES DE LIXO DOMICILIAR: UM ESTUDO DE CASO

O trabalho exercido pelo coletor de lixo pode ser considerado penoso, pois solicita deste indivíduo grande esforço para concluir sua tarefa. Esse trabalho envolve manusear resíduos domiciliares, além de se locomover em um ambiente repleto de variabilidades relacionadas ao clima, interação com a população, trânsito, estado de conservação das vias, entre outras. O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a atividade do coletor de lixo, ressaltando características referentes aos níveis e aos elementos da cultura organizacional que permeiam essa atividade. A pesquisa, de natureza qualitativa e exploratória, foi realizada a partir de um estudo de caso em uma empresa privada instalada em uma cidade de médio porte no interior de São Paulo. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevistas, análise documental e observações assistêmicas Entre os principais resultados, tem-se que os trabalhadores atribuem sentido ao trabalho e valorizam o companheirismo para tornar o trabalho menos penoso. Os novos trabalhadores recebem treinamento antes de iniciar suas atividades, mas são os próprios coletores que transmitem como o trabalho real deve ser realizado. Os vocabulários próprios e os discursos transmitem o que é considerado correto e tornam visíveis a intensidade emocional presente na rotina desses trabalhadores.Palavras-chave: Coletores de lixo. Cultura Organizacional. Ergonomia da Atividade.ABSTRACTThe work carried out by the garbage collector can be considered arduous, since it demands of this individual a great effort to complete his/her task. This work involves handling of household residues, besides moving in an environment full of variabilities related to the climate, interaction with the population, and state of conservation of streets, among others. This article aims to analyze the activity of the garbage collector, highlighting characteristics referring to the levels and elements of the organizational culture that permeate this activity. The research, of a qualitative and exploratory nature, was carried out based on a case study in a private company installed in a medium-size city in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil. The data collection took place through interviews, documentary analysis, and non-systemic observations. Among the main results, it has been that the workers give meaning to the work and value the companionship to make the work less arduous. New workers receive training before starting their activities, but it is the collectors themselves who convey how the real work should be done. Own vocabularies and discourses convey what is considered correct and make visible the emotional intensity present in the routine of these workers. Keywords: Garbage collector. Organizational Culture. Activity Ergonomics.

STRENGTHENING OF INTERNATIONAL CONSENT IN REALIZATION OF THE STATE NATIONAL POLICY (ON THE EXAMPLE OF OREL)

Intercultural dialogue can be an exchange of cultural subjects, activity kinds and an exchange of consciousness images. New foreign culture activity is understood by means of the subject image and activity of one’s own culture. Dialogue of the cultures proceeds only in the mind of con-crete culture carrier. Collision with a new culture during intercultural communications makes the person to study his own culture more deeply and promotes its better understanding.