UN Group Research Articles

Expanding BRICS Authority in Latin America: Geopolitical Significance for Russia

The paper analyzes the geopolitical situation in Latin America and the Caribbean (LACB), examines the prospects for expanding the BRICS interstate association in the region and the advantages of this organization that attracts LACB countries. Based on the criteria the authors carried out put forward, the analysis of scenarios to expand the BRICS in the strategic interests of the Russian Federation in the international arena, the directions for the most favorable cooperation and ensuring the interests of Russia in the conditions of a tense political situation and a hybrid war launched by the collective West against our country are determined. The role of BRICS is increasing in a change in the balance of power in the UN, G20 and G7 groups after the start of a special military operation by the Russian Federation. The work is based on neorealism, which considers both the global situation in international relations and Russia’s possibilities for promoting its interests in interaction with various actors. The major methods used: situational analysis and document analysis. The paper’s aim is to determine the strategic advantages of implementing Russian foreign policy interests associate the potential expansion of BRICS in Latin America.

Penguatan Peran Kelompok Pemberdayaan Kesejahteraan Keluarga Dalam Menjaga Kesehatan Lingkungan Di Desa Kemudo

The KKN 35 UNS group carried out activities aimed at addressing environmental health issues faced by the community of Kemudo Village, including household waste management and dengue fever. Efforts made by the students involved training in composting and socialization on dengue fever prevention using lavitraps. Training and socialization targeted PKK with the aim of strengthening the role of PKK in addressing environmental health issues in their village. Training involved practicing the compost making process and distributing compost making equipment. Meanwhile, socialization included delivering materials related to dengue fever, explaining lavitraps, and distributing lavitraps made by the students. The training activities received a positive response, as demonstrated by the active participation of PKK during compost making practice. The socialization activities also received positive responses as lavitraps were deemed innovative and quite effective in reducing mosquito breeding in homes.

Philosophical and Methodological Foundations of Economic-Mathematical Modeling in the Context of Achieving Goals of Sustainable Development and Energy Transition of The Russian Economy

In the 21st century, many countries intend to pursue the sustainable development goals, which were developed and defined by the UN General Assembly in the form of 17 interrelated objectives. The following regulated goals will ensure sustainable development in existing conditions and will form the foundation for a future development. To incorporate the energy transition process into national economic development, many countries are accepting appropriate low-carbon development strategies. The foundation of the strategy adopted in Russia is intersectoral calculations (estimates) as an environmental and climatic component. The target of this analysis is research philosophical-methodological foundations of economic-mathematical tools, which is used to identify structural changes (shifts) due to the energy transition and to ensure sustainable development of the Russian economy. Furthermore, the article shows a comparison of two models. The first of these tools is input-output tables, which is demonstrated in the report of the UN group of experts headed by V. Leontyev, and second is Meadows’ method, which is illustrated in first report of the Club of Rome. This comparison allows to justify the usage of tools, proposed by V. Leontyev, to assess the socio-economic consequences of the energy transition to provide the sustainable development of the national economy.

Uncovering the complexity of childhood undernutrition through strain-level analysis of the gut microbiome

BackgroundUndernutrition (UN) is a critical public health issue that threatens the lives of children under five in developing countries. While evidence indicates the crucial role of the gut microbiome (GM) in UN pathogenesis, the strain-level inspection and bacterial co-occurrence network investigation in the GM of UN children are lacking.ResultsThis study examines the strain compositions of the GM in 61 undernutrition patients (UN group) and 36 healthy children (HC group) and explores the topological features of GM co-occurrence networks using a complex network strategy. The strain-level annotation reveals that the differentially enriched species between the UN and HC groups are due to discriminated strain compositions. For example, Prevotella copri is mainly composed of P. copri ASM1680343v1 and P. copri ASM345920v1 in the HC group, but it is composed of P. copri ASM346549v1 and P. copri ASM347465v1 in the UN group. In addition, the UN-risk model constructed at the strain level demonstrates higher accuracy (AUC = 0.810) than that at the species level (AUC = 0.743). With complex network analysis, we further discovered that the UN group had a more complex GM co-occurrence network, with more hub bacteria and a higher clustering coefficient but lower information transfer efficiencies. Moreover, the results at the strain level suggested the inaccurate and even false conclusions obtained from species level analysis.ConclusionsOverall, this study highlights the importance of examining the GM at the strain level and investigating bacterial co-occurrence networks to advance our knowledge of UN pathogenesis.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONSTRUCTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT MODELS IN LEARNING LISTENING SKILLS TO IMPROVE COLLEGE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Objective study this is for know effectiveness of environmental models study constructive in learning skills listen . Method study this use type quantitative quasi experiment (experiment pseudo) with nonequivalent control group design. Study this conducted at Eleven March University as group control and Semarang State University as group experiment with using a learning model environment Study constructive. Instrument study this consists from instrument test and non- test . Instrument the test form test essay college students, meanwhile instrument non-test form interviews, questionnaires, observations. Data analysis techniques are used for know appropriateness instrument study form validity and reliability, for test condition data analysis in the form of normality and homogeneity tests, as well as for test hypothesis using sample t test paired and sample t test independent test. Research result shows the class t test experiment shows the environmental model study constructive proven effective. The results of the t test analysis stated that the average posttest score for the UNS (control) group was 80.25 and the average score group Unnes (experimental ) of 87.19, there is the average difference in data is 6,942. The t-test value is 3.936 and is significant of 0,000. That figure show significant numbers (0.000 < 0.05) are meaningful there is significant difference use of environmental models study constructive to the group experiment more effective with acquisition figure 87.19 compared group control. Therefore that, based on findings research, use of environmental models study constructive in learning skills listen more effective and possible increase results study student.

한국 철도 노선명 및 역명 제정 기준의 현황과 개선 방안

Railroad lines and stations are not just physical spaces, but representations of local and regional identities, geographic information for social information communication, and important operational tools related to safety and speed for facility management and operators. Frequent complaints over the recent establishment of railway station names not only show public interest in railroad-related nominations, but also call for efforts for standardization of geographical names and rational improvement of route names and station names based on the establishment of standards. The researcher diagnosed the limitations and development tasks of the current guidelines based on the principles and recommendations of the UN Group of Experts on Geographical Names and the National Geographical Name Committee based on the correct terminology based on the law and the clarification of key concepts open to implicit interpretation, and proposed ways to improve the standards for establishing railway line names and station names. The improvement measures are summarized as follows. First, the naming of the railway lines follows the combination of the representative administrative name of the departure area and the destination area. However, along with these official line names, facility managers and operators can use the name of the station by naming method using the railway line type classification system or a combination of alphabets and Arabic numbers to promote the safety and speed of management and operation. Second, the naming of a station uses only the name of the representative administrative district where the station building is located. In a station building that spans two or more administrative districts, two or more administrative names can be consecutively used to those naming, but in this case, the name of the administrative district corresponding to the representative address shall be prioritized. Third, other improvements include the following: In principle, the standards for naming of railway lines and stations to be improved in the future should not be applied retroactively, the revision of the station name once rejected should not be allowed to be re-appointed as a future agenda, and caution against social exclusion, such as nominations for specific persons or commercial purposes, or names that can be linked to the economic interests of specific subjects.

«ЗАКУЛИСЬЕ» ПРЕЗИДЕНТСКИХ ВЫБОРОВ В США 2016 Г. ПРОБЛЕМА ИНФОРМАЦИОННОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ

The article deals with accusations against Russia of unauthorized interference in the information system of the National Committee of the Democratic Party of the USA. The main attention in the article, for the first time in domestic and foreign historiography, is paid to the analysis of technical aspects of documents published by the prosecution. Thanks to the study of this problem, it is possible to reveal in more detail the tools and mechanisms of the information war that the United States is trying to wage against Russia, as well as to understand its logic and main directions. In this regard, the tools and mechanisms, technical capabilities and techniques used by various American political and military structures, which were willingly used by the media as part of the information war, are analyzed. The author comes to the conclusion that from the very beginning of the investigation, the American side has been focused on solving two main problems: firstly, internal political issues related to the company against D. Trump; and secondly, the geopolitical confrontation with Russia. Such an approach by the United States to solving the problem does not contribute to the development of the Russian-American dialogue in the field of cybersecurity issues, and also casts doubt on the prospects for cooperation within the framework of the UN Group of Governmental Experts on Achievements in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security.

Long-term effects of prenatal undernutrition on female rat hypothalamic KNDy neurons.

The nutritional environment during development periods induces metabolic programming, leading to metabolic disorders and detrimental influences on human reproductive health. This study aimed to determine the long-term adverse effect of intrauterine malnutrition on the reproductive center kisspeptin-neurokinin B-dynorphin A (KNDy) neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) of female offspring. Twelve pregnant rats were divided into ad-lib-fed (control, n = 6) and 50% undernutrition (UN, n = 6) groups. The UN group was restricted to 50% daily food intake of the control dams from gestation day 9 until term delivery. Differences between the two groups in terms of various maternal parameters, including body weight (BW), pregnancy duration, and litter size, as well as birth weight, puberty onset, estrous cyclicity, pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, and hypothalamic gene expression of offspring, were determined. Female offspring of UN dams exhibited low BW from birth to 3 weeks, whereas UN offspring showed signs of precocious puberty; hypothalamic Tac3 (a neurokinin B gene) expression was increased in prepubertal UN offspring, and the BW at the virginal opening was lower in UN offspring than that in the control group. Interestingly, the UN offspring showed significant decreases in the number of KNDy gene-expressing cells after 29 weeks of age, but the number of ARC kisspeptin-immunoreactive cells, pulsatile LH secretions, and estrous cyclicity were comparable between the groups. In conclusion, intrauterine undernutrition induced various changes in KNDy gene expression depending on the life stage. Thus, intrauterine undernutrition affected hypothalamic developmental programming in female rats.

The Appropriate Technology for Aquaponics in Narrow Land by KKN UNS Group in Ngarap-Arap Village, Grobogan

Utilization of narrow land is a trend that needs to be developed at this time in supporting family food self-sufficiency. The role and use of yard land varies greatly from one area to another, depending on the level of need, socio-cultural, community education, as well as physical and ecological factors of the local area. Agriculture with aquaponics techniques can provide many benefits to farmers and the community, including being able to produce two products at once, namely fresh organic vegetables and fish. Real Work Lectures (KKN) by Sebelas Maret University students, carry out programs that have been agreed upon and adapted to the needs of the community at the KKN location. The activity was carried out at the home of the head of the Brenggolo hamlet with the work program of Extension on the Utilization of Vertical Farming and Workshop on Appropriate Aquaponic Technology in Narrow Land. Through this program, he hopes to be able to give the role of independence to the community in the use of narrow land in the yard of the house.

Excessive folic acid intake combined with undernutrition during gestation alters offspring behavior and brain monoamine profiles

Dietary folic acid augmentation during gestation reduces neurodevelopmental disorder risk in offspring; however, it is still unclear if excessive maternal folic acid intake can impair brain function in offspring. We examined if excessive folic acid intake throughout gestation altered the behavior of male offspring under poor nutrition during early gestation (E5.5-E11.5). Dams were divided into four groups: control (CON, 2mg folic acid/kg of food), excessive folic acid fortification (FF, 10mg folic acid/kg of food), undernutrition (UN, 40% food reduction from E5.5-E11.5), and excessive folic acid fortification plus undernutrition (UN-FF). Excess maternal folic acid fortification induced hyperactivity in the open-field and lower anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze at 9 weeks of age. These behavioral changes were accompanied by reduced dopamine in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), norepinephrine in the amygdala, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the dorsal midbrain (DM), PFC, and amygdala where 5-HT neurons project from the DM. Furthermore, canonical discriminant analysis, including dopamine and DOPAC concentrations in the PFC, norepinephrine concentrations in the PFC, amygdala, and pons, and 5-HT and 5-HIAA concentrations in the amygdala and DM, correctly classified 73.5% of the offspring in CON, FF, UN, and UN-FF groups. The first discriminant function mainly classified groups based on nutritional status, whereas the second function mainly classified groups based on folic acid intake. Our study suggests that combined transformations of brain monoamine profiles by maternal undernutrition and excess folic acid intake is involved in the behavioral alteration of offsprings.

Upaya Pengembangan Minat Literasi Kepada Siswa Sekolah Dasar Di Desa Logede

Logede Village located in Pejagoan, Kebumen Regency, Central Java. The majority of the people make a living in the agricultural sector and the roof tile industry. Implementation of the KKN Tematik Membangun Desa program based on local village problems and potential. Several aspects that need support, namely in the education sector where learning during the pandemic was carried out using the Distance Learning (PJJ) method. KKN 86 UNS group made a movement in the form of a Literacy Class which aimed to increase reading interest, concentration, and train children to think critically. This literacy class was the result of a discussion between the village apparatus and our group. The implementation method began with an analysis of the information at the Logede Village Elementary School, continued with a survey and visit to the student learning activities then implementation of a literacy class. Concatenation literacy class activities Started with a grand opening to introduce this program to Logede Elementary School students, this event was filled with a drama show and singing performance from KKN UNS 86 group and talented students. Logede Elementary School students look so enthusiastic and happy when participating in this activity. Moreover, when we did concatenation literacy class activities the student felt pleased. The existence of the KKN UNS 86 group hoped that it can increase students' interest in term of reading and introduce the existence of a village library that can be use for reading and learning.

Influence of customized over-scan body rings on the intraoral scanning effectiveness of a multiple implant edentulous mandibular model

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of intraoral scanning with identical multiple implant scan bodies (ISB) using customized over scan body rings (COR) as an auxiliary system. MethodsSix printed rings with different diameters and shapes were attached at different levels to each identical ISB of an edentulous mandibular master model. The master model was scanned using an intraoral scanner (Primescan CEREC) until valid digital models for the COR group (n=10) and for the unmodified ISB (UN) group (n=10) were obtained. The total scanning times and the number of rescans required was registered. To assess differences between scanning efficiency the Student T-test and Mann Whitney U-Test were applied. A Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) was used to register the reference model. To evaluate accuracy discrepancies between the test scans (n=20) and the reference model, Geomagic Control X was used. Mann Whitney U-test was applied to calculate statistically significant differences. ResultsTo achieve a valid model, an average of 4.70 rescans / repetitions were required for the UN group, whereas for the COR group required an average of 1.40 rescans (p<.001). Mean total scanning time was 201.10 s and 542.40 s for the COR and UN group, respectively (p=.001). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of accuracy (p>.05) with respectively COR and UN values; mean linear trueness 34.38 μm and 31.14 μm, mean linear precision 22.94 μm and 18.51 μm, mean angular trueness 0.12° and 0.14°, mean angular precision 0.075° and 0.08°. ConclusionThe use of the COR system may increase the scanning efficiency of multiple implants with similar ISBs without impacting the accuracy.

Abstract P2-12-14: Effect of moderate physical exercise on the immune system modulation in breast cancer patients during preoperative chemotherapy: The NEO-RUNNER study

Abstract Background It is known that the biological mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of physical exercise is linked to immune system stimulation. However, immune mechanisms activated by physical activity are not yet fully understood. We tried to investigate the immune effect of moderate physical activity (MPA), nordic or fit walking, during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in breast cancer (BC) patients. Methods Patients candidate to NACT were enrolled. NACT consisted of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide for 4 cycles and weekly paclitaxel for 12 weeks. Trastuzumab and carboplatin were added in HER2 positive and high-risk triple negative BC pts, respectively. Blood samples from pts underwent MPA (TR) were collected at baseline (T0), during CT before starting MPA (T1), before surgery (S) (T2) and after S (T3). Samples were also collected in a group of pts not exposed to MPA (UN) at the same timepoints and in 15 healthy volunteers (HV). MPA consisted of 3 workouts per week, 1 hour each, in the 9-10 weeks before S. The immune profile at each timepoint was evaluated measuring the concentration of 17 cytokines (cys) (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, CCL-2, CCL-4, CXCL-10, CCL-22, IFN-γ, TGF-β, TNF-α, VEGF). Differences in the median cys values were analyzed with non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components (HCPC) were performed to cluster subjects using only the cys able to discriminate TR and UN groups, identified by Receiving Operating Curve (ROC) analysis as variables. Results The study is ongoing. Up to now 52 pts have been enrolled and 39 fully analyzed: 18 TR and 21 UN. The present report focuses on MPA effect. A significant increase of IL-2, CXCL-10 and CCL-22 was found from T1 to T2 in TR pts. IL-2 increased also from T1 to T3. At T1 UN had higher levels of IL-4 and TGF-β compared to TR pts. At T2 IL-6, CCL-2, VEGF and TGF- β levels were significantly higher in UN than in TR pts. At T3 IL-8 level was significantly higher in UN compared to TR pts. ROC Analysis identified 6 cys (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, CCL-2, VEGF and TGF-β). Using them, HCPC identified 7 clusters at T1, 4 at T2 and 3 at T3. At T1 100% of HV was distributed in cluster 1 and 3. Cluster 1 included also 23.8% of TR and 16.7% of UN pts. The remaining clusters contained only UN and TR mixed populations. At T2: cluster 1 included 86.7% HV, 47.6% TR and 11.1% UN pts. Cluster 2 included 27.7% UN, 38.1% TR pts and 13.3% HV. Cluster 3 encompassed 55.5% UN and 14.3% TR pts. At T3 a very large cluster included 93.3% of HV 66.7% of TR and 61.1% of UN pts. Conclusions Longitudinal analysis showed that cys levels were influenced by MPA. Moreover, at T2 several cys were significantly lower in TR compared to UN pts as possible consequence of MPA. Selecting only the best discriminating cys at T1 a small number of TR and UN pts join the cluster of HV. However, the UN group remains substantially constant after MPA while, almost half of TR pts resettled near HV. Intriguingly, the same cys may separate UN from TR pts, suggesting that cys could also contain enough information to identify the two pts groups. In TR pts MPA may help to restore the immune profile similar to that of HV. At T3, the same percentage of TR and UN pts were close to HV indicating that tumor removal damped the cancer related anti-inflammatory status. Citation Format: Ornella Garrone, Matteo Paccagnella, Fiorella Ruatta, Andrea Abbona, Antonella Falletta, Paola Vanella, Nerina Denaro, Marco C Merlano. Effect of moderate physical exercise on the immune system modulation in breast cancer patients during preoperative chemotherapy: The NEO-RUNNER study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-12-14.

Effect of simulated occlusal force on periodontal ligament stem cells of the deciduous teeth at different stages of root absorption

Objective: To explore the related mechanisms of biological root resorption in decidual teeth by studying the biological effect of simulated occlusal force on the periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) at different stages of root absorption. Methods: According to the tooth type and root absorption degree, healthy retained deciduous incisors and healthy first premolars that needed to be removed for orthodontic treatment were collected and divided into three groups with six teeth in each group: the deciduous unabsorbed group (UN group), the absorbed group (R group) and the permanent teeth group (P group). PDLSC was isolated from periodontal ligament and cultured. PDLSC of three groups were loaded with dynamic pressure of 0-45, 0-90, 0-135, 0-180, 0-225 and 0-270 kPa, respectively. The proliferation ability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) technique on day 1 to day 7, respectively. The apoptosis levels of PDLSC after loading with dynamic pressure of 0-45, 0-90, 0-135, 0-180 and 0-225 kPa were observed by the flow cytometry. The changes of microfilaments were observed by fibrous actin (F-actin) staining after the cytokeleton was subjected to dynamic pressure of 0-90 kPa. Results: PDLSC of three groups exhibited various proliferation abilities to dynamic pressure. The A values in the UN group and R group were significantly higher than those in the P group and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the UN group and the R group (P>0.05). The A values of PDLSC in UN group and R group under dynamic pressures of 0-45, 0-90, 0-135 and 0-180 kPa had no statistical significance compared with the control group unloading dynamic pressure (P>0.05). However, under 0-225 and 0-270 kPa dynamic pressures, the A values at the day 3 to day 7 were statistically significant (P<0.05). The A values of PDLSC in P group under 0-45, 0-90, 0-135, 0-180 and 0-225 kPa dynamic pressures for 1 to 7 days were no statistically significant difference compared with the control group (P>0.05). The A value in P group under the 0-270 kPa was statistically significant only on day 3 (1.386±0.131) and day 5 to day 7 (1.728±0.226, 2.029±0.168 and 2.263±0.210, respectively)(P<0.05). The result of apoptosis showed that the A values of PDLSC in UN group, R group and P group were significantly increased under 0-90, 0-135, 0-180 kPa and above dynamic pressures, respectively (P<0.05) compared with the control group unloading dynamic pressure. Under 0-90 kPa dynamic pressure, F-actin fluorescence staining samples in three groups all showed green filaments which were arranged along the long axis of the cells in the R group and the P group, while some fibers in the UN group were closely arranged and promoted stress fiber assembly. Conclusions: The biological characteristics of PDLSC at different root absorption stages were changed when they were stimulated by mechanical stress, and PDLSC of the deciduous teeth at the root unabsorption stage were more sensitive to mechanical stress stimulation.

Cyber norms: technical extensions and technological challenges

ABSTRACT Since the late 1990s, the UN has been home to debates and negotiations on the rules, norms and principles of states' responsible behaviour in cyberspace. As these discussions matured over years, they have been taken further to different fora and have been embedded in various stakeholder initiatives. In early 2021, the Open-Ended Working Group on Developments in the Field of ICTs in the context of international security (OEWG) and the UN Group of Governmental Experts on advancing responsible state behaviour in cyberspace in the context of international security (GGE) presented their respective consensus reports, the result of over two years work. It is not only the content of this work per se that is of interest - both in what has been achieved and which parts of these mandates were less successful. These processes, historically due to the two-decades-long GGE efforts, are shaping more than just the states' commitments around cyber strategies. They help build an overarching normative environment shifting priorities in cyber risk management and contribute to the development of voluntary tech-norms, while doing this out of sync with the implications of the emerging technologies for state as well as non-state actors' accountability in cyberspace.

The (im)possibilities of addressing election interference and the public core of the internet in the UN GGE and OEWG: a mid-process assessment

ABSTRACT This paper investigates whether and how the twin UN processes of the UN Group of Governmental Experts (UN GGE) and the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) are willing and able to address two ‘below-the-threshold’ problems in their deliberations. The call for the protection of the public core of the internet and the call for the protection against foreign election interference have been flagged by many state and non-state parties for consideration by both processes. This paper analyses the threats that the vulnerability of the public core of the internet and foreign election interference pose for stability in cyberspace, as well as the legal and normative proposals that have been suggested to promote responsible state behaviour. On the basis of the public documents that states have submitted to the more transparent OEWG process, the contours are sketched of what the inclusion of these issues in possible consensus reports for both processes may look like. The OEWG concluded its deliberations with a consensus report that addresses some aspects of these issues, shifting the task of further elaboration and guidance firstly onto the ongoing UN GGE process, as well as onto the new OEWG 2021–2025 and other UN processes that are emerging.

Effects of Feed Supplementation on Nesfatin-1, Insulin, Glucagon, Leptin, T3, Cortisol, and BCS in Milking Ewes Grazing on Semi-Natural Pastures.

Simple SummaryIn Central Italy Apennine sheep represent the most bred species, which is still bred today in a semi-extensive manner, exploiting the natural pastures. However, the increase in summer aridity induces a decrease in the pastoral value of the grasslands, resulting in poor animal performance and production. Only research-derived innovation can support farmers’ economy in order to maintain the pastoral activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of cereals supplementation on body condition score and metabolic hormones profile in milking ewes grazing on semi-natural pastures on mid mountain rangelands. Our findings showed that feed supplementation preserves grazing ewes from the usual lowering of the body state associated to the lactation period and sustains the metabolic status of animals. Taken together, our results could represent a helpful instrument in the farm management practices.This study aimed to investigate the effects of feed supplementation on body condition score (BCS) and different metabolic hormones concentration in lactating sheep reared in Italian Central Apennine pastures during the grazing summer period. In this study, 24 Comisana x Appenninica pluriparous ewes from June until August were divided into two homogenous groups: the control group (UNS) was free to graze, while the other group (SUP), in addition to grazing, was supplemented with 600 g/day/head of cereals. At the start of the supplementation and at an interval of 9–10 days until the end of experimentation, BCS evaluation and blood withdrawal to assay nesfatin-1, insulin, glucagon, leptin, triiodothyronine and cortisol levels were performed. Univariable analysis showed no remarkable differences between the groups, while multivariable analysis suggested that the UNS group was characterized by a lower BCS and greater nesfatin-1 than the SUP group. These findings can be considered in relation to milk production, which shows a clear better persistence in the SUP group. Our results indicate that nutritional supplementation has protected ewes from the usual lowering of the body state linked to lactation and provides a good maintenance of milk production, determining also a better overall body and metabolic state of the animals, which is important at the beginning of the sexual season.

Low Expression of FGF23 and Its Effect on Rats with Intrauterine Growth Retardation

Abstract Objective: To explore the levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) during pregnancy and its relationship with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Methods: Pregnant rats were classified into an ad libitum rat chow group (ad libitum rat chow, AD group, n = 25) and an undernutrition group (50% of their daily food requirement, UN group, n = 25). The levels of maternal serum FGF23, tissue homogenate FGF23, and bone gla protein in fetal rats, and placental FGF23 mRNA and protein expression were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time qPCR analysis respectively. Finally, the effect of recombinant FGF23 on the viability of MG-63 cells was determined by cell proliferation assay. Data were analyzed with independent two-tailed t test and one-way analysis of variance. Spearman rank- order correlation coefficients (continuous variables) was performed to determine the relationship of results. Results: The diet restriction induced IUGR in rat offsprings, and the UN group exhibited a significantly lower FGF23 level (P &lt; 0.05, n = 25). The FGF23 level was increased and peaked in maternal serum on gestation day (GD) 15, but peaked in fetal and placenta on GD20. Moreover, the tissue homogenate levels of FGF23 and bone gla protein in fetal rats in both groups were positively correlated (r = 0.923, P &lt; 0.05; r = 0.925, P &lt; 0.05, respectively, n = 25), FGF23 was localized to both decidual and labyrinth zones, with remarkably higher expression on GD20, P &lt; 0.05, n = 25. In vitro, recombinant human FGF23 enhanced MG-63 cell viability, P &lt; 0.05, n = 25. Conclusion: Prenatal undernutrition could decrease the FGF23 expression in fetal rats caused by the mother through the placenta, and induced the IUGR and hindered the ossification. And the FGF23 levels are peaked on GD15 mother but peaked on GD20 placenta and fetuses, these might be associated with the over compensation of maternal placenta on GD20.

Undetected Excess Cement at Marginal Areas of Zirconia Crown Copings: In Vitro Analysis of Two Luting Agents and Their Influence on Retention.

To evaluate the amount of residual cement (ECL) around the margins of zirconia crown copings after careful luting and cleaning procedures and to investigate these factors in relation to two tested luting materials. An experimental model of a maxillary arch was selected for this in vitro study. The maxillary first molar was prepared to receive an all-ceramic, single, full-crown restoration with a finish line located 1 mm below the artificial gingiva. After scanning of the prepared tooth, 20 paired zirconia coping-abutment assemblies were CAD/CAM fabricated. A slot in the model allowed for insertion and removal of the assemblies for each new test. Specimens were divided into two groups according to the cementation procedure: half (n = 10) were luted using a resin-modified glass-ionomer (RMGI) (Ketac-Cem Plus) (GI group), and the other half with a dual-curing self-adhesive resin agent (RelyX Unicem 2) (UN group). The substructures were loaded with cement, and a customized preseating device was adopted for preliminary reduction of excess. The zirconia copings were finally seated on their respective abutments located on the simulation model. A blinded investigator attempted to remove all excess cement with clinically available instruments. The amount of excess cement left in situ after cleaning procedures was weighed in grams. Dislodging forces of luted coping-abutment assemblies were obtained by using pull-off tests in a universal testing machine (crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute) after 24 hours of water storage. Means and standard deviations were calculated for ECL and for retention force values, and Mann-Whitney and ANOVA tests were carried out to detect significant differences (α = .05) among groups. Cement remnants were found in all specimens despite the cleaning procedures, with a typical distribution in interproximal areas. Mean ECL values for the GI and UN groups were 0.0079 ± 0.0060 and 0.0107 ± 0.0081, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between tested cements (P = .3284). Removal stress values (MPa) were significantly higher (P = .0313) for the UN group (12.4 ± 6.5) than for the GI group (6.57 ± 4.69). Similar amounts of undetected cement remnants were discovered around the esthetic margins of zirconia crown copings regardless of cement type. The luting procedure using the self-adhesive resin cement provided significantly higher early retention values than the RMGI material.

Проблема международной информационной безопасности в ООН

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have transformed society and the economy and expanded opportunities for international cooperation. However, the unique capabilities of ICTs are used not only for the common good of humanity. Today, we are talking about an accelerated increase in threats in the information and cyberspace. Many states consider them as additional, but often these are the main spaces for military-political confrontation. Thus, the issues of inadmissibility of application of ICTs with military and political purposes for realization of hostile actions and acts of aggression are critically urgent acute. For this reason, the task of ensuring international information security has become part of the agenda for one of the six main committees of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) – the First Committee, where states investigate threats to peace, seek for ways to promote global security and disarmament. Discussion on international information security issues within this Committee plays a crucial role and requires a deep analysis by the scientific and expert community. The article presents the results of this analysis, starting from 1998, when the problem of international information security was first discussed at the UN on the initiative of Russia. The study identifies and investigates the possibilities and prospects of implementing the main goal in the process of ensuring international information security: namely, the creation of an international legal regime to ban the development, production and use of information and cyber weapons. In addition, this paper includes the results of a study on the UN work and prospects for its success in maintaining international information security in a new format: within the framework of the Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) organized in 2019 at the suggestion of Russia, and the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) proposed by the United States. The output of both groups is going to have a significant impact on information security trends and policies on a global scale. Therefore, a timely scientific analysis of the issue, current challenges and threats, as well as the forecast of trends and prospects for enhancing international information security, presented in the article, are currently among the most relevant tasks.