F-Actin-Dependent Regulation of NESH Dynamics in Rat Hippocampal Neurons

Synaptic plasticity is an important feature of neurons essential for learning and memory. Postsynaptic organization and composition are dynamically remodeled in response to diverse synaptic inputs during synaptic plasticity. During this process, the dynamics and localization of postsynaptic proteins are also precisely regulated. NESH/Abi-3 is a member of the Abl interactor (Abi) protein family. Overexpression of NESH is associated with reduced cell motility and tumor metastasis. Strong evidence of a close relationship between NESH and the actin cytoskeleton has been documented. Although earlier studies have shown that NESH is prominently expressed in the brain, its function and characteristics are yet to be established. Data from the present investigation suggest that synaptic localization of NESH in hippocampal neurons is regulated in an F-actin-dependent manner. The dynamic fraction of NESH in the dendritic spine was analyzed using FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching). Interestingly, F-actin stabilization and disruption significantly affected the mobile fraction of NESH, possibly through altered interactions of NESH with the F-actin. In addition, NESH was synaptically targeted from the dendritic shaft to spine after induction of chemical LTP (long-term potentiation) and the translocation was dependent on F-actin. Our data collectively support the significance of the F-actin cytoskeleton in synaptic targeting of NESH as well as its dynamics

Recent progress and perspectives of space electric propulsion systems based on smart nanomaterials

Miniaturized spacecraft built from advanced nanomaterials are poised for unmanned space exploration. In this review, the authors examine the integration of nanotechnology in electric propulsion systems and propose the concept of self-healing and adaptive thrusters

Modulation of dendritic spine development and plasticity by BDNF and vesicular trafficking: fundamental roles in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with mental retardation and autism

The process of axonal and dendritic development establishes the synaptic circuitry of the central nervous system (CNS) and is the result of interactions between intrinsic molecular factors and the external environment. One growth factor that has a compelling function in neuronal development is the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF participates in axonal and dendritic differentiation during embryonic stages of neuronal development, as well as in the formation and maturation of dendritic spines during postnatal development. Recent studies have also implicated vesicular trafficking of BDNF via secretory vesicles, and both secretory and endosomal trafficking of vesicles containing synaptic proteins, such as neurotransmitter and neurotrophin receptors, in the regulation of axonal and dendritic differentiation, and in dendritic spine morphogenesis. Several genes that are either mutated or deregulated in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with mental retardation have now been identified, and several mouse models of these disorders have been generated and characterized. Interestingly, abnormalities in dendritic and synaptic structure are consistently observed in human neurodevelopmental disorders associated with mental retardation, and in mouse models of these disorders as well. Abnormalities in dendritic and synaptic differentiation are thought to underlie altered synaptic function and network connectivity, thus contributing to the clinical outcome. Here, we review the roles of BDNF and vesicular trafficking in axonal and dendritic differentiation in the context of dendritic and axonal morphological impairments commonly observed in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with mental retardation

RECONSTRUCTIVE PLASTIC SURGERIES IN PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANCIES OF TONGUE AND FLOOR OF THE MOUTH. TYPES OF PLASTICS

Issues of tissue defects replacement after radical surgery for tumors of the head and neck do not lose their relevance. The article presents the results of plastics and replacement of the perforating combined defects of the floor of the mouth, portion of the upper and lower lips, the angle of the mouth, cheeks, neck lateral parts with simultaneous reduction of the configuration and function of the operated organs. Depending on the depth and nature of the existing tissue defect various methods of plastics were applied using arterialized flaps on the vascular pedicle in a free and non-free version. Satisfactory cosmetic and functional results were achieved in patients allowing to improve life quality and to adapt socially

On the Fundamental Possibility of a Supersonic Civil Aircraft to Comply with ICAO Noise Requirements Using Existing Technologies

Compliance with environmental protection regulations, in particular, community noise requirements, constitutes one of the major obstacles for designing future supersonic civil aircraft. Although there are several noise sources that contribute to the total noise level of supersonic aircraft, it is the turbulent jet that appears most problematic; jet noise is a dominant noise source for low-to moderate- bypass-ratio engines, and at present there are no effective methods of jet noise reduction other than decreasing jet speed by increasing bypass ratio, which, in turn, is constrained by aerodynamic requirements for supersonic flight. The present study considers a concept of supersonic civil aircraft under the assumption that its total noise is determined by turbulent jets; it is shown that compliance of the supersonic aircraft with the current regulations for subsonic aircraft noise (Chapter 14 Volume I Annex 16 ICAO) would require the decreased jet speed that corresponds to a prohibitively high bypass ratio of aircraft engines. To enable jet noise reduction without necessarily increasing bypass ratio, a novel configuration of supersonic aircraft is proposed that meets the requirements of Chapter 14, thereby demonstrating that the norms of Chapter 14 are achievable for future supersonic civil aircraft with the use of existing technologies

Analysis results of combined treatment of patients with verified cancer of the cervical esophagus and hypopharynx with the application of surgical treatment with one-stage defect’s plastic

In the treatment of many unresolved issues, indicating the need for research aimed at finding more effective treatment approaches. The aim of the study is to analyze the results of combined treatment of patients with widespread forms of cancer of the cervical esophagus and hypopharynx with the application of surgical treatment in the amount of pharyngolaryngitis with single-step plastic of the defect. A retrospective analysis of results of combined treatment of 28 patients with a verified diagnosis of cancer of the cervical esophagus and hypopharynx. Combined treatment of patients with cancer of the cervical esophagus and hypopharynx included the following treatments: induction chemoradiotherapy according to the scheme cisplatin/5-fluorouracil, external beam radiation therapy 65 Gy, brachytherapy (7 Gy 1 time per week, 3 sessions), surgical treatment with one-stage plastic of the esophagus. In 7 patients (25 %) was achieved complete regression on the background of induction chemo-therapy, 21 patients (75 %) received the treatment in full. Postoperative mortality rate was of 9.52 %, post-operative complications such as anastomosis dehiscence – 19 %