Reduced up-regulation of gene expression in response to elevated temperatures in the mid-Atlantic population of Calanus finmarchicus

Abstract Climate change is affecting numerous species worldwide, including dominant and important copepods of the genus Calanus. Despite the growing body of studies that examine effects of climate change stressors on Calanus species, comparative intraspecific studies are lacking. Importantly, acclimatization and genetic adaptation can modify the stress response, thus leading to a differential response of separated populations to the same stressor. The molecular and physiological responses of a C. finmarchicus population from the mid-Atlantic, with an in situ temperature of 8.5 °C, were investigated under experimental thermal conditions of 0 °C, 5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, and 20 °C for durations of 3 h and 6 days. This experimental set-up mirrored previously published experiments conducted on C. finmarchicus at the northern limit of its distribution allowing a comparison between two populations. The greatest physiological response, assessed as fecal pellet production, was seen after 3 h exposure at 10 °C and 15 °C, and after 6 days exposure at 5 °C, 10 °C and 15 °C. Molecular response was assessed by the change in expression of 5 selected genes: hsp70_2, dnaja1, nap 1l1, rps11, and gdh. Only two out of the five genes (gdh and nap1l1) showed significant up-regulation with increased temperature and duration of exposure. These findings differ from the results obtained in the northern population where all 5 genes were differently expressed. Overall, the results suggest population-specific response to temperature in C. finmarchicus, however determining the source of such variation (genetic adaptation or acclimatization) requires more detailed studies

Probabilistic approach for analysis of strength of ceramics with different porous structure based on movable cellular automaton modeling

Movable cellular automaton method which is a computational method of particle mechanics is applied to simulating uniaxial compression of 3D porous ceramic specimens. Pores were considered explicitly by removing automata selected randomly from the original fcc packing. Distribution of pores in space, their size and the total fraction were varied. For each values of porosity there were generated several represented specimens with individual pore position in space. The resulting values of elastic modulus and strength of the specimens were scattered and well described by the Weibull distribution. We showed that to reveal dependence of the elastic and strength properties on porosity it is much better to consider not average of the values for the specimens of the same porosity, but the mathematical expectation of the corresponding Weibull distribution. It is shown that relation between mechanical properties of the material and its porosity depends significantly on pore structure. Namely, percolation transition from closed porosity to interconnected pores strongly manifests itself on strength dependence on porosity. Thus, the curve of strength versus porosity fits different equations for different kind of pore structure. Composite ceramics which pores are filled by plastic filler shows the similar behavior

Structural and functional model of organization of geometric and graphic training of the students

The topicality of the investigated problem is stipulated by the social need for training competitive engineers with a high level of graphical literacy; especially geometric and graphic training of students and its projected results in a competence-based approach; individual characteristics and interests of the students, as well as methodological approaches to the design of training and methodological support of the process of individualization of geometric and graphic training. The purpose of the article is to develop a structural and functional model of organization of geometric and graphic training of students of a technical University and its approbation. The leading method of research of this problem is a pedagogical modeling, which allows to consider this issue as a process of developing students readiness to operate spatial objects in the study of geometric and graphic disciplines. The article presents the structural and functional organization model of geometric and graphic training of students in technical university, consisting of interrelated components: a target, theoretical and methodological, technological, diagnostic and effective; we developed an algorithm for the implementation of this model. The article can be useful for the organization of the geometric and graphic training in universities, with appropriate adaptation in educational institutions of secondary vocational education in specialized classes in secondary schools. © 2016 Poluyanov et al

Managing cryptic biodiversity: fine-scale intralacustrine speciation along a benthic gradient in Alpine whitefish ( Coregonus spp.)

Whitefish (Coregonus spp.) are an important catch for many freshwater fisheries, particularly in Switzerland. In support of this, supplemental stocking of whitefish species is carried out, despite lacking complete knowledge of the extent, distribution and origin of whitefish diversity in these lakes, potentially threatening local endemics via artificial gene flow. Here, we investigate phenotypic and genetic differentiation among coexisting whitefish species spawning along a depth gradient in a subalpine Swiss lake to better delineate intralacustrine whitefish biodiversity. We find depth-related clines in adaptive morphology and in neutral genetic markers. This individual variation is structured in three distinct clusters with spatial overlap. Individual genetic distances correlate strongly with differences in growth rate and gill-raker number, consistent with predictions of isolation-by-adaptation and ecological speciation. Genetic differentiation between species suggests reproductive isolation, despite demographic admixture on spawning grounds. Our results are consistent with clinal speciation resulting in three species coexisting in close ecological parapatry, one (C. sp. “benthic intermediate”) being previously unknown. A second unknown species spawning in close proximity, was found to be of potential allochthonous origin. This study highlights the importance of taxonomically unbiased sampling strategies to both understand evolutionary mechanisms structuring biodiversity and to better inform conservation and fisheries management

ОКСИДАТИВНЫЙ ДИСТРЕСС В ПАТОГЕНЕЗЕ АЛКОГОЛЬНОЙ БОЛЕЗНИ ПЕЧЕНИ И ПУТИ ЕГО КОРРЕКЦИИ

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the succinatecontaining antioxidants Reamberin and Cytoflavin on (1) free radical oxidation of lipids and functioning of the antioxidant system in patient with alcoholic liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy and (2) severity of hepatocellular dysfunction.Material and methods. Prospective study involved 150 patients with alcoholic liver disease divided into three groups: Group 1 (n=50), Group 2 (n=50) and the control group (n=50). Patients of two main experimental groups (Group 1 and Group 2) received antioxidants in addition to conventional basic therapy: patients of Group 1 were administered with Reamberin, whereas in Group 2 Cytoflavin was administered. Intensive care for the patients of the control group did not include any antioxidants. The study involved assessment of the clinical course of hepat ic encephalopathy, biochemical markers of hepatic cell dysfunction, and indicators of lipid oxidation and antioxi dant defense system of the body. Nonparametric statistic methods were used for evaluation of the results.Results. All examined patients had an increased intensity of free radical oxidation of lipids and low general antioxidant activity demonstrating oxidative distress. Patients from groups 1and 2 exhibited significant improve ment in cognitive and motor functions, positive dynamics of the clinical course of the disease and hepatocellular dysfunction. There was also a trend towards normalization of free radical oxidation of lipids antioxidant para metrs of blood.Conclusion. Administration of succinatecontaining drugs in alcoholic liver disease resulted in reduction of the period of patients' stay at the Intensive Care Unit and improved longterm effects manifested as prolonged periods of clinical remission of hepatic encephalopathy.Цель исследования — оценить влияние сукцинатсодержащих антиоксидантов реамберина и цитофлавина на процессы свободнорадикального окисления и систему антиоксидантной защиты организма при алкогольной болезни печени, а также на клиническое течение печеночной энцефалопатии и степень печеночно-клеточной дисфункции.Материал и методы. Провели проспективное исследование 150 больных алкогольной болезнью печени, разделенных на три группы: первую основную (n=50), вторую основную (n=50) и контрольную (n=50) группы. В основных группах пациенты дополнительно к традиционной базисной терапии получали антиоксиданты: в первой основной группе — реамберин, во второй основной группе — цитофлавин. В интенсивной терапии больных контрольной группы антиоксиданты не применялись. В ходе исследования оценивали динамику клинического течения печеночной энцефалопатии, биохимические маркеры печеночноклеточной дисфункции, показатели свободнорадикального окисления липидов и системы антиоксидантной защиты организма. Для оценки результатов использовали методы непараметрической статистики.Результаты. У всех исследованных больных регистрировали повышенную интенсивность процессов свободнорадикального окисления липидов и низкую общую антиоксидантную активность, что свидетельствовало о наличии оксидативного дистресса. На фоне антиоксидантной терапии у больных алкогольной болезнью печени наблюдали достоверное улучшение когнитивных и моторных функций, положительную динамику клинического течения заболевания и проявлений гепатоцеллюлярной дисфункции.Заключение. Терапия сукцинатсодержащими препаратами при алкогольной болезни печени позволила сократить время пребывания больных в отделении интенсивной терапии, улучшить отдаленные резуль таты лечения в виде увеличения периодов клинической ремиссии печеночной энцефалопатии

Distance learning: opportunities and challenges in quarantine.

The urgent introduction of distance education into the learning process due to the COVID-19 pandemic has become a spontaneous experiment, requiring urgent decisions, effective mechanisms to implement into the educational process and analysis of ongoing educational process. The possibilities of modern digital technologies made it possible to quickly set up the information component of education and to controle student’s knowledge. A detailed analysis of the communication between the faculty members of the department among themselves and analysis of the features of teaching and self-education of students in the field of medical radiology and oncology based on answers and comments with using Google classroom, Socrative, Messenger Telegram, etc. was made. Issues of communicative interaction between faculty members and students, psychological aspects of distance communication, language of instruction, logistics of distance education and methodological problems are described in details. It has been suggested that distance education may be equally effective for theoretical subjects in full-time study form, but when studying clinical disciplines, the priority should be given to traditional methods of teaching, involving student's bedside training. Taking into account technical possibilities and high risk of development of extreme and emergency situations, it is suggested to introduce permanent readiness for distance education, to create all – Ukrainian distance imitation service of patients’ follow-up. The importance of using the state language in training as the basis for mastering the professional Ukrainian and English language as the basis for mastering international medical experience is indicated

Postglacial expansion of the arctic keystone copepod calanus glacialis

Calanus glacialis, a major contributor to zooplankton biomass in the Arctic shelf seas, is a key link between primary production and higher trophic levels that may be sensitive to climate warming. The aim of this study was to explore genetic variation in contemporary populations of this species to infer possible changes during the Quaternary period, and to assess its population structure in both space and time. Calanus glacialis was sampled in the fjords of Spitsbergen (Hornsund and Kongsfjorden) in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2012. The sequence of a mitochondrial marker, belonging to the ND5 gene, selected for the study was 1249 base pairs long and distinguished 75 unique haplotypes among 140 individuals that formed three main clades. There was no detectable pattern in the distribution of haplotypes by geographic distance or over time. Interestingly, a Bayesian skyline plot suggested that a 1000-fold increase in population size occurred approximately 10,000 years before present, suggesting a species expansion after the Last Glacial Maximum.GAME from the National Science Centre, the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education Iuventus Plus [IP2014 050573]; FCT-PT [CCMAR/Multi/04326/2013]; [2011/03/B/NZ8/02876

Estimating the costs of air pollution to the National Health Service and social care : An assessment and forecast up to 2035

BACKGROUND: Air pollution damages health by promoting the onset of some non-communicable diseases (NCDs), putting additional strain on the National Health Service (NHS) and social care. This study quantifies the total health and related NHS and social care cost burden due to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in England. METHOD AND FINDINGS: Air pollutant concentration surfaces from land use regression models and cost data from hospital admissions data and a literature review were fed into a microsimulation model, that was run from 2015 to 2035. Different scenarios were modelled: (1) baseline 'no change' scenario; (2) individuals' pollutant exposure is reduced to natural (non-anthropogenic) levels to compute the disease cases attributable to PM2.5 and NO2; (3) PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations reduced by 1 μg/m3; and (4) NO2 annual European Union limit values reached (40 μg/m3). For the 18 years after baseline, the total cumulative cost to the NHS and social care is estimated at £5.37 billion for PM2.5 and NO2 combined, rising to £18.57 billion when costs for diseases for which there is less robust evidence are included. These costs are due to the cumulative incidence of air-pollution-related NCDs, such as 348,878 coronary heart disease cases estimated to be attributable to PM2.5 and 573,363 diabetes cases estimated to be attributable to NO2 by 2035. Findings from modelling studies are limited by the conceptual model, assumptions, and the availability and quality of input data. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 2.5 million cases of NCDs attributable to air pollution are predicted by 2035 if PM2.5 and NO2 stay at current levels, making air pollution an important public health priority. In future work, the modelling framework should be updated to include multi-pollutant exposure-response functions, as well as to disaggregate results by socioeconomic status