Microbial diversity and biochemical profile of aguamiel collected from Agave salmiana and A. atrovirens during different seasons of year

M. Isabel Enríquez-Salazar,Fabiola Veana,Cristóbal N. Aguilar,Iliana M. De la Garza-Rodríguez,Mercedes G. Lo´pez,Olga M. Rutiaga-Quiñones,Jesú s A. Morlett-Chávez,Raúl Rodríguez-Herrera 한국식품과학회 2017 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.26 No.4

Aguamiel is a beverage produced by some Agave species that is consumed in its fresh or fermented form. Despite its uses and popularity, seasonal effects on its microbial and chemical profiles are unknown. In this study, using aguamiel collected from A. salmiana and A. atrovirens during different seasons, we identified microorganisms by sequencing the 16S and 18S rDNA genes and determined their chemical profiles. In total, 49 microbial strains were identified (38 bacteria and 11 yeasts). The highest richness and biodiversity were observed during winter and summer. Different lactic acid bacteria and yeast genera with potential industrial applications were identified, such as Acetobacter, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Clavispora. The analysis of the chemical profiles indicated the presence of maltooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides, which are associated with human health improvements, during spring in Agave aguamiel. Aguamiel can be used in the food industry due to its microbiological and chemical profiles.

PATTERNS IN MARKETING PRACTICES OF RUSSIAN COMPANIES ACROSS FOUR FINANCIAL GROUPS

A.Grigoriev,Darya Lagutaeva,Olga Tretyak 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2016 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2016 No.7

This paper broadly addresses the development of optimal marketing budget allocating among firms in the Russian market and applies methodologies produced by the contemporary marketing practices (CMP) project (New Zealand, the university of Auckland). From that project, it would seem that there are two separate paradigms that distinguish modern firms, namely a transactional approach and a relational approach. In a transactional type, the marketing campaign depends entirely upon closing the sale, based on a marketing miх or 4P conception. Relational marketing is based, rather, on a long term relationships with the customer, and it is generally typical of B2B markets where a limited number of companies try to develop customer’s loyalty due to the strong competition. Using marketing practices according to these two paradigms in Russia as an emerging market, however, reveals a difficulty in determining how to apply the CMP method to businesses: how is firm efficiency in these markets associated with one paradigm or the other? Is the situation in Russia typical for transition or emerging markets, or is it closer to that of advanced market economies, and which patterns in marketing practices do companies from different financial level prefer? Finally, how can firms use this approach to optimize marketing resources allocation? These questions were not resolved by the CMP project, yet they are critical for understanding the evolution of firms in transition countries such as Russia. The theoretical understanding in the literature shows a general cross-country relationship between marketing practices and firm efficiency. It is generally admitted that marketing creates value for a company, e.g. by analyzing customer database, selecting profitable clients segments, activities of the company, choosing an appropriate business model and strategic direction of the company. These are some of the most prominent reasons why marketing and company’s revenues are closely connected (Doyle, 2000; Rust et.al. 2004). The literature on marketing practices additionally identifies several regularities for developed and emerging markets: 1. Increased effectiveness can be achieved primarily by using database technology: switch marketing attention from markets to customers (individuals) and analyze clients flow. (Sheth and Sisodia, 2002; Rust and Chung, 2006) 2. Markets should be aimed not only at the customer acquisition but also at the customer retention. (Sheth and Sisodia, 2002) 3. Marketing is mostly characterized by delayed effect in time, implying companies should relate marketing activities with longer term effects (Dekimpe, Hanssens, 1995). 4. The consumer-company interrelation influence on the cumulative level of the marketing assets of the company. (Reinartz and Kumar, 2002)

Aggrecan catabolism during mesenchymal stromal cell in vitro chondrogenesis

María Lucía Gutiérrez,Johana María Guevara,Olga Yaneth Echeverri,Diego Garzón-Alvarado,Luis Alejandro Barrera 한국통합생물학회 2013 Animal cells and systems Vol.17 No.4

During skeleton formation, mesenchymal cells condense and differentiate into chondrocytes in a process known as chondrogenesis. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), main components of aggrecan in the extracellular matrix (ECM),have an important role in this process. An in vitro simplified system has been devised to study chondrogenesis using mesenchymal progenitor cells. Although the capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells to differentiate into the chondrogenic lineage is well established, there is a lack of knowledge with respect to lysosomal enzyme activity during the chondrogenic process. To further understand GAG’s catabolic activities during in vitro chondrogenesis, we evaluated three lysosomal enzymes. Chondrogenic differentiation was demonstrated by Alcian blue positive stain quantified by a grading system using ImageJ. Enzyme activity for N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate-sulfatase during chondrogenic induction decreased significantly with time of culture; b-galactosidase enzyme activity had a similar tendency of temporal activity. On the contrary, b-glucuronidase enzyme activity decreased from the first to second week of induction, but remained the same during the third week of culture. Aggrecan’s immunohistochemistry values for aggregates under chondrogenic induction revealed a similar temporal pattern to that of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate-sulfatase and b-galactosidase enzyme activity. This work has contributed to the evaluation of enzyme activities associated with GAG degradation, critical component of cartilage ECM. These findings are relevant in understanding the role of enzymes responsible for degradation of molecules predominantly synthesized in the chondrogenic differentiation process. A better understanding of the roles of these enzymes during development could help elucidate further association of deficiencies of these enzymes in skeletal pathologies, primarily chondrodysplasias.

Novel antigen panel for modern broad-spectrum recombinant rotavirus A vaccine

Olga A. Kondakova,Peter A. Ivanov,Oleg A. Baranov,Ekaterina M. Ryabchevskaya,Marina V. Arkhipenko,Eugene V. Skurat,Ekaterina A. Evtushenko,Nikolai A. Nikitin,Olga V. Karpova 대한백신학회 2021 Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research Vol.10 No.2

Purpose: Recombinant rotavirus A vaccines are being developed as an alternative to existing live oral attenuated vaccines. One of the main problems in the production of such vaccines is the genetic diversity of the strains that are in circulation. The goal of this study was to create an antigen panel for modern broad-spectrum recombinant rotavirus A vaccine. Materials and Methods: The antigens of rotavirus were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Antigenic specificity was investigated by Western blot analysis, which was performed using commercial polyclonal antisera to several RVA strains. Phylogenetic analysis was based on the amino acid sequences of the VP8* protein fragment of human RVA isolates representing genotypes P[4], P[6], and P[8]. Results: A universal panel of antigens was established, including consensus and conserved sequences of structural proteins VP8*, VP5*, and VP7, which are the main targets of neutralizing antibodies. For the first time, a consensus approach was used in the design of extended antigens based on VP8* (genotypes P[4], P[6], and P[8]) and VP5* (genotype P[8]) proteins’ fragments. In addition, a gene coding the protein (ep-875) containing several copies of conserved short neutralizing epitopes of VP8*, VP7, and VP5* was created. Western blot analysis demonstrated that three synthetic VP8*-based antigens were not recognized by commercial antiserum against rotavirus strains isolated more than 35 years ago, but the specific activity of the VP5* and ep-875 antigens was confirmed. The problems of serological mismatch of vaccine strains and antigens with currently circulating strains are discussed. Conclusion: Five antigens representing sequences of structural proteins belonging to different genotypes can be used in various combinations (from mono- to pentavalent mixtures) for the development of an effective broad-spectrum rotavirus vaccine.

The protective effects of echinochrome A structural analogs against oxidative stress and doxorubicin in AC16 cardiomyocytes

Chang Shin Yoon,Hyoung Kyu Kim,Natalia P. Mishchenko,Elena A. Vasileva,Sergey A. Fedoreyev,Olga P. Shestak,Nadezhda N. Balaneva,Vyacheslav L. Novikov,Valentin A. Stonik,한진 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2019 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.15 No.4

Backgrounds: Echinochrome A (6-ethyl-2,3,5,7,8-pentahydroxy- 1,4-naphthoquinone) is a common naphthoquinone pigment found in the shells, spines, and coelomic fluid of sea urchins. We previously reported that echinochrome A has a cardioprotective function as an antioxidant against reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by tert-Butyl hydroperoxide and doxorubicin. Methods: In the current study, we evaluated the antioxidant activity, ATP production, and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of seven echinochrome structural analogs (spinochromes) in AC16 human cardiomyocyte cells. The compounds included in the study had various substituents including hydroxyl (Sp B and Sp E), amino (Echm A), methoxyl (TriMeEch A), pentyl (No. 284), and hydroxypentyl (No. 285). We also investigated the effects of one dimeric spinochrome (Binaphthoquinone). Results: Spinochromes exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity and ATP production. Interestingly, the hydroxylated compounds significantly enhanced the OCR and had a cardiomyocyte protective effect in the presence of doxorubicin. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that echinochrome A structural analogs may have therapeutic potential for cardio-protection.

Work Ability Index: Psychometric Testing in Aeronautical Industry Workers

González-Domínguez María Eugenia,Fernández-García Elena,Paloma-Castro Olga,González-López Regina María,Rivas Pérez María Paz,López-Molina Luis,García-Jiménez Jesús,Romero-Sánchez José Manuel 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2024 Safety and health at work Vol.15 No.1

Background The Work Ability Index (WAI) is an instrument that measures work ability. The wide dispersion of the WAI internationally has led to its adaptation for use in different countries. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the WAI. Methods A methodological design was used over an opportunistic sample of 233 workers in the aeronautical industry in Spain. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency. Factorial validity, known groups, and convergent validity were tested. Results The Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation indicated an adequate internal consistency. The confirmatory factor analysis, performed to evaluate the factorial validity, found adequate fit indices for a two-factor solution with a high correlation between the factors. Factor 1, “Subjectively estimated work ability and resources”, was composed of 3 subscales and factor 2, “Ill-health-related”, of 2 subscales. Subscales 4 and 6 had loading in both factors. Workers under 45 years of age obtained higher significant scores than older ones. Convergent validity was also evidenced since WAI was highly correlated with self-assessment of health status. Conclusions The Spanish version of the WAI has shown evidence of reliability and validity in this study, supporting its use in individual and collective health surveillance by occupational health professionals. The factorial solution that was found has previously been reported in another international context. However, further research is needed to resolve the discrepancies detected in the role of some subscales between other national and international studies. Background The Work Ability Index (WAI) is an instrument that measures work ability. The wide dispersion of the WAI internationally has led to its adaptation for use in different countries. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the WAI. Methods A methodological design was used over an opportunistic sample of 233 workers in the aeronautical industry in Spain. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency. Factorial validity, known groups, and convergent validity were tested. Results The Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation indicated an adequate internal consistency. The confirmatory factor analysis, performed to evaluate the factorial validity, found adequate fit indices for a two-factor solution with a high correlation between the factors. Factor 1, “Subjectively estimated work ability and resources”, was composed of 3 subscales and factor 2, “Ill-health-related”, of 2 subscales. Subscales 4 and 6 had loading in both factors. Workers under 45 years of age obtained higher significant scores than older ones. Convergent validity was also evidenced since WAI was highly correlated with self-assessment of health status. Conclusions The Spanish version of the WAI has shown evidence of reliability and validity in this study, supporting its use in individual and collective health surveillance by occupational health professionals. The factorial solution that was found has previously been reported in another international context. However, further research is needed to resolve the discrepancies detected in the role of some subscales between other national and international studies.

Sustainable Economic Development and Resource-Saving: Interrelation and Mutual Influence

Olga V. Antipova,Oleg M. Suprun,Vera A. Gnevasheva,Sergeys Ignatyevs,Nazygul Batyrova 대한산업공학회 2020 Industrial Engineeering & Management Systems Vol.19 No.1

The issues of resource-saving are the central problem in the national economy in general and in the economy of the enterprise. The assessment of production efficiency and resource-saving programs is one of the most important conditions that determine the validity of management decisions. This study focuses on the complexities of the transition from a consumption economy to the development based on a reasonable balance between consumption and environmental conservation. The main purpose is to illustrate the relationship between the factors of resource-saving and sustainable development of the economy. The methods of communication modeling based on reducing the dimension of the factor space through Hotelling transformations are used. Displaying such a logical connection determines the need for a stimulating effect on the joint activities of production units of enterprises and scientific institutions. As a result, the economy obtains the following benefits: a new understanding of efficiency based on the consideration of the cost of natural goods and the damage from anti-environmental decisions; the benefits of improving technologies of lean production, recovery, the organization of production and labor.

A Reaction-Based Sensing Scheme for Gold Species: Introduction of a (2-Ethynyl)benzoate Reactive Moiety

Seo, Hyewon,Jun, Mi Eun,Egorova, Olga A.,Lee, Kyung-Ha,Kim, Kyong-Tai,Ahn, Kyo Han American Chemical Society 2012 Organic letters Vol.14 No.19

<P>To alleviate side reactions identified in an <I>N</I>-propargyl-rhodamine lactam sensing system, we devised the novel reaction-based sensing scheme for gold species based on the alkynophilicity. A fluorescein (2-ethynyl)benzoate underwent Au(III)-promoted ester hydrolysis selectively over other metal ions with high sensitivity, which accompanies a turn-on fluorescence change in pH 7.4 HEPES buffer. The work offers a versatile reactive moiety for the development of gold probes with improved sensing properties.</P><P><B>Graphic Abstract</B> <IMG SRC='http://pubs.acs.org/appl/literatum/publisher/achs/journals/content/orlef7/2012/orlef7.2012.14.issue-19/ol302291c/production/images/medium/ol-2012-02291c_0002.gif'></P><P><A href='http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/ol302291c'>ACS Electronic Supporting Info</A></P>

Ecological Development and Genetic Diversity of Microcystis aeruginosa from Artificial Reservoir in Russia

Nikolay A. Gaevsky,Vladimir I. Kolmakov,Olga I. Belykh,Irina V. Tikhonova,정요찬,안태석,Valentina A. Nabatova,Anna S. Gladkikh3 한국미생물학회 2011 The journal of microbiology Vol.49 No.5

Microcystis aeruginosa is a well-known Cyanobacterium responsible for the formation of toxic water blooms around the world. Shallow, warm, and eutrophic reservoirs provide the most favourable conditions for M. aeruginosa development. Numerous studies have been devoted to this species, but there still is a necessity to develop additional approaches for the monitoring of cyanobacteria in reservoirs. In this study, M. aeruginosa in the water column of a hypereutrophic Siberian reservoir was investigated by fluorescence, light, and electron microscopy as well as genetic analysis using a mcyE marker. Here, we demonstrate the genetic diversity and features of the fluorescence spectra for different ecotypes of this species. We suggest that a fluorescence approach can be used to identify M. aeruginosa in a natural environment in order to increase the effectiveness of ecological monitoring and water quality evaluation.

Photoluminescent materials based on PMMA and a highly-emissive octahedral molybdenum metal cluster complex

Efremova, Olga A.,Brylev, Konstantin A.,Vorotnikov, Yuri A.,Vejsadová,, Lucie,Shestopalov, Michael A.,Chimonides, Gwen F.,Mikes, Petr,Topham, Paul D.,Kim, Sung-Jin,Kitamura, Noboru,Sutherland, A The Royal Society of Chemistry 2016 Journal of Materials Chemistry C Vol.4 No.3

<▼1><P>Transparent yet photoluminescent, materials with facile processability are key in many applications.</P></▼1><▼2><P>Materials that combine photoluminescence, optical transparency and facile processability are of high importance in many applications. This article reports on the development of photoluminescent poly(methyl methacrylate) materials based on novel highly emissive anionic molybdenum cluster complex [{Mo6I8}(OTs)6]<SUP>2−</SUP> (where OTs<SUP>−</SUP> is the <I>p</I>-toluenesulfonate ion). The materials were obtained by both solution and bulk copolymerisation of methyl methacrylate and (dMDAEMA)2[{Mo6I8}(OTs)6], where dMDAEMA<SUP>+</SUP> is the polymerisable cation [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-dodecylammonium. Evaluation of the resultant hybrid materials showed that one could combine the excellent photoluminescent properties of the cluster complex with the transparency and processability of PMMA.</P></▼2>