Zróżnicowanie i przemiany naturalnej i półnaturalnej roślinności kuesty górnojurajskiej oraz związanej z nią flory

Upper Jurassic Cuesta is a specific landform – a ridge that defines the border between the Silesian Upland and the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. Its characteristic feature is a large diversity of environmental conditions, mainly due to its geological structure and geographical extent. The plant cover of this area has not been studied so far, only fragments of this area have been surveyed (Szczypek, Wika 1995, Babczyńska-Sendek, Barć 2009, Babczyńska-Sendek et. al 2014; Babczyńska-Sendek et. al 2015). Due to the specific environmental features of this ridge, a large diversity of flora and vegetation was expected, thus detailed phytosociological and floristic studies were undertaken. A total of 263 phytosociological relevés were performed and 201 floristic inventories were carried out. Moreover, 73 soil samples were collected and analyzed. The classification of phytosociological data set was made using the TWINSPAN analysis. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was used in order to identify the key environmental variable influencing the diversity of vegetation. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to determine the relationship between vegetation and soil properties. The vegetation was analyzed in terms of phytocoenotic and functional diversity, as well as in terms of occurring disturbances. The Z Disturbance Index (Kącki 2012) was used for this analysis. Floristic diversity was investigated in the 16 designated research sections, and the synthesis of the data was made in relation to three main parts of the studied area (northern, central and southern). In the studied area 23 vegetation units were identified (communities and associations). The largest share in the vegetation cover were Molinio-Arrhenatheretea meadows communities (31% of all phytocoenoses studied), Festuco-Brometea grasslands (23%) and Rhamno-Prunetea shrubs (18%). The most common plant community in this area was Pruno-Crataegetum (16%). The vegetation diversity was reflected in the diversification of its functional structure. The most important functional traits, which distinguish studied plant communities, were selected. For forest vegetation they were among others: SLA, seed mass and share of competitors; and for non-forest vegetation, among others: share of species with different life strategies, plant height, type of reproduction and seed mass. It was shown that the studied environmental variables explain 24% of variation of the cuesta vegetation. The main vegetation changes indicators of the studied area are: share of plants with a competitive strategy; share of low (less than 30 cm), erosulate and semi-rosette species; and small seeds plants. A total of 682 vascular plant species were found in the area of Upper Jurassic cuesta. The vast majority are native plants. The floristically richest is ‘Włodowice’ research sections, where 357 species of vascular plants were found, which constitutes 51% of the entire flora of this area. The core of flora in particular parts of the cuesta is similar, significant differences between them were demonstrated in the case of the participation of the most valuable elements of flora and species belonging to various sociological and ecological groups. The most valuable elements of the flora of this area were among others: 1 species from the Polish Red Book of Plants: Orobanche bartlingii, 29 species of the Polish red list of ferns and flower plants, 135 threatened species of the Silesian Province and 46 species covered by legal protection. Two species (Silaum silaus and Carex michelii) reach the limit of their natural range in this area. Five natural habitats of European importance were identified in the studied area. Based on the research findings, the most valuable fragments of vegetation were identified and protective recommendations were specified

Casein kinase 2 activity is a host restriction factor for AAV transduction

So far, the mechanisms that impede AAV transduction, especially in the human heart, are poorly understood, hampering the introduction of new, effective gene therapy strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and overcome the main cellular barriers to successful transduction in the heart, using iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs), cardiac fibroblasts (iPSC-CFs), and primary endothelial cells (HAECs) to model vector-host interactions. Through phosphoproteome analysis we established that casein kinase 2 (CK2) signalling is one of the most significantly affected pathways upon AAV exposure. Transient inhibition of CK2 activity substantially enhanced the transduction rate of AAV2, AAV6 and AAV9 in all tested cell types. In particular, CK2 inhibition improved the trafficking of AAVs through the cytoplasm, impaired DNA-damage response through destabilisation of Mre11 and altered the RNA processing pathways, which were also highly responsive to AAV transduction. Also, it augmented transgene expression in already transduced iPSC-CFs, which retain AAV genomes in a functional, but probably silent form. In summary, presented study provides new insights into the current understanding of the host-AAV vector interaction, identifying CK2 activity as a key barrier to efficient transduction and transgene expression, what may translate to improvement the outcome of AAV-based therapies in the future

Factors that may alter soil microbial biomass: a review

Although the application of agro-industrial effluents on soil is an important practice of environmental management in the industry, this practice can cause impacts on soil microbiology due to the nutrient load and other components present in this waste. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate and select relevant articles, involving studies of factors that may influence the amount of biomass in the soil, comparing methodology and progress in studies with this theme. For this, articles indexed in three electronic databases were used: Web of Science, Scopus and Scielo. From these databases, 18 articles related to the topic were selected, all published between 2005 and 2018. For the total of selected scientific studies, 11 have methodologies related to the scope of the study and 7 reinforce the theoretical basis in the elaboration and complementation of the study. It was observed that the main articles were published in the English language, mainly in studies related to the Scopus and Web of Science bases and the most recurrent methods were titrimetric and spectrophotogrammetric methods. It is also concluded that the majority of the studies analyzed relate to microbial biomass alteration of the soil under influence of effluent disposal, as well as a variation of these communities as a function of soil cover

Basement membrane product, endostatin, as a link between inflammation, coagulation and vascular permeability in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome

Background: Immune cell recruitment, endothelial cell barrier disruption, and platelet activation are hallmarks of lung injuries caused by COVID-19 or other insults which can result in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Basement membrane (BM) disruption is commonly observed in ARDS, however, the role of newly generated bioactive BM fragments is mostly unknown. Here, we investigate the role of endostatin, a fragment of the BM protein collagen XVIIIα1, on ARDS associated cellular functions such as neutrophil recruitment, endothelial cell barrier integrity, and platelet aggregation in vitro. Methods: In our study we analyzed endostatin in plasma and post-mortem lung specimens of patients with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS. Functionally, we investigated the effect of endostatin on neutrophil activation and migration, platelet aggregation, and endothelial barrier function in vitro. Additionally, we performed correlation analysis for endostatin and other critical plasma parameters. Results: We observed increased plasma levels of endostatin in our COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS cohort. Immunohistochemical staining of ARDS lung sections depicted BM disruption, alongside immunoreactivity for endostatin in proximity to immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibrinous clots. Functionally, endostatin enhanced the activity of neutrophils, and platelets, and the thrombin-induced microvascular barrier disruption. Finally, we showed a positive correlation of endostatin with soluble disease markers VE-Cadherin, c-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and interleukin (IL)-6 in our COVID-19 cohort. Conclusion: The cumulative effects of endostatin on propagating neutrophil chemotaxis, platelet aggregation, and endothelial cell barrier disruption may suggest endostatin as a link between those cellular events in ARDS pathology

Oxidation of Hydrocarbons on the Surface of Tin Dioxide Chemical Sensors

The paper presents the results of our investigation on the effect of the molecular structure of organic vapors on the characteristics of resistive chemical gas sensors. The sensors were based on tin dioxide and prepared by means of thick film technology. The electrical and catalytic examinations showed that the abstraction of two hydrogen atoms from the organic molecule and formation of a water in result of reaction with a chemisorbed oxygen ion, determine the rate of oxidation reactions, and thus the sensor performance. The rate of the process depends on the order of carbon atoms and Lewis acidity of the molecule. Therefore, any modification of the surface centers of a sensor material, modifies not only the sensor sensitivity, but also its selectivity

Identification of human tRNA:m(5)C methyltransferase catalysing intron-dependent m(5)C formation in the first position of the anticodon of the [Formula: see text]

We identified a human orthologue of tRNA:m(5)C methyltransferase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which has been previously shown to catalyse the specific modification of C(34) in the intron-containing yeast [Formula: see text]. Using transcripts of intron-less and intron-containing human [Formula: see text] genes as substrates, we have shown that m(5)C(34) is introduced only in the intron-containing tRNA precursors when the substrates were incubated in the HeLa extract. m(5)C(34) formation depends on the nucleotide sequence surrounding the wobble cytidine and on the structure of the prolongated anticodon stem. Expression of the human Trm4 (hTrm4) cDNA in yeast partially complements the lack of the endogenous Trm4p enzyme. The yeast extract prepared from the strain deprived of the endogenous TRM4 gene and transformed with hTrm4 cDNA exhibits the same activity and substrate specificity toward human pre-tRNA(Leu) transcripts as the HeLa extract. The hTrm4 MTase has a much narrower specificity against the yeast substrates than its yeast orthologue: human enzyme is not able to form m(5)C at positions 48 and 49 of human and yeast tRNA precursors. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing intron-dependent methylation of human [Formula: see text] and identification of human gene encoding tRNA methylase responsible for this reaction

Egzoszkielet na rękę - koncepcja i rozwój w ramach grantu "Rzeczy są dla ludzi"

The Institute of Computer Science and the Faculty of Mechatronics at Kazimierz Wielki University, together with Edurewolucje Sp. z o. o. z/s in Bydgoszcz, received funding under the 'Things are for people' competition of the National Centre for Research and Development for the project entitled 'Development of a functional arm exoskeleton for active training and rehabilitation'. The aim of the project is to carry out research and development work leading to the development of an innovative technology allowing for the independent rehabilitation ofpeople with special needs (with the participation of rehabilitators and physiotherapists). The project envisages the construction of a prototype of a mechanical rehabilitation robot, the so-called hand exoskeleton, which will support the process of rehabilitation of people with paresis and other specific needs regarding lack of mobility in the hand area. The project will develop specialised, dedicated software that will adapt the strength and type of work of the hand exoskeleton to the current needs and goals of the patient's rehabilitation programme. The aim ofthis paper is to provide an insight into the origins and development of the above concept within the project team during the project work to date.Instytut Informatyki oraz Wydział Mechatroniki Uniwersytetu Kazimierza Wielkiego wraz z firmą Edurewolucje Sp. z o. o. z/s w Bydgoszczy w ramach konkursu Narodowego Centrum Badań i Rozwoju "Rzeczy są dla ludzi" otrzymali dofinansowanie na realizacjęprzedsięwzięcia pn. „Opracowanie funkcjonalnego egzoszkieletu ręki do aktywnego treningu i rehabilitacji”. Celem projektu jest realizacja prac badawczo-rozwojowych prowadzących do opracowania innowacyjnej technologii pozwalającej na samodzielną rehabilitację osób zeszczególnymi potrzebami (przy udziale rehabilitantów i fizjoterapeutów). Projekt przewiduje skonstruowanie prototypu mechanicznego robota rehabilitacyjnego tzw. egzoszkieletu ręki, który wspomoże proces rehabilitacji osób z jej niedowładem oraz innymi szczególnymipotrzebami dotyczącymi braku mobilności w obszarze ręki. W ramach projektu powstanie specjalistyczne, dedykowane oprogramowanie, które będzie dostosowywało siłę i rodzaj pracy egzoszkieletu na rękę do aktualnych potrzeb i celów programu rehabilitacyjnego pacjenta. Celem niniejszej pracy jest przybliżenie powstania i rozwoju ww. koncepcji w ramach zespołu projektowego podczas dotychczasowych prac projektowych

MLP (muscle LIM protein) as a stress sensor in the heart

Muscle LIM protein (MLP, also known as cysteine rich protein 3 (CSRP3, CRP3)) is a muscle-specific-expressed LIM-only protein. It consists of 194 amino-acids and has been described initially as a factor involved in myogenesis (Arber et al. Cell 79:221–231, 1994). MLP soon became an important model for experimental cardiology when it was first demonstrated that MLP deficiency leads to myocardial hypertrophy followed by a dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure phenotype (Arber et al. Cell 88:393–403, 1997). At this time, this was the first genetically altered animal model to develop this devastating disease. Interestingly, MLP was also found to be down-regulated in humans with heart failure (Zolk et al. Circulation 101:2674–2677, 2000) and MLP mutations are able to cause hypertrophic and dilated forms of cardiomyopathy in humans (Bos et al. Mol Genet Metab 88:78–85, 2006; Geier et al. Circulation 107:1390–1395, 2003; Hershberger et al. Clin Transl Sci 1:21–26, 2008; Knöll et al. Cell 111:943–955, 2002; Knöll et al. Circ Res 106:695–704, 2010; Mohapatra et al. Mol Genet Metab 80:207–215, 2003). Although considerable efforts have been undertaken to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms—how MLP mutations, either in model organisms or in the human setting cause these diseases are still unclear. In contrast, only precise knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms will allow the development of novel and innovative therapeutic strategies to combat this otherwise lethal condition. The focus of this review will be on the function of MLP in cardiac mechanosensation and we shall point to possible future directions in MLP research

Basement membrane product, endostatin, as a link between inflammation, coagulation and vascular permeability in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome

BackgroundImmune cell recruitment, endothelial cell barrier disruption, and platelet activation are hallmarks of lung injuries caused by COVID-19 or other insults which can result in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Basement membrane (BM) disruption is commonly observed in ARDS, however, the role of newly generated bioactive BM fragments is mostly unknown. Here, we investigate the role of endostatin, a fragment of the BM protein collagen XVIIIα1, on ARDS associated cellular functions such as neutrophil recruitment, endothelial cell barrier integrity, and platelet aggregation in vitro.MethodsIn our study we analyzed endostatin in plasma and post-mortem lung specimens of patients with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS. Functionally, we investigated the effect of endostatin on neutrophil activation and migration, platelet aggregation, and endothelial barrier function in vitro. Additionally, we performed correlation analysis for endostatin and other critical plasma parameters.ResultsWe observed increased plasma levels of endostatin in our COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS cohort. Immunohistochemical staining of ARDS lung sections depicted BM disruption, alongside immunoreactivity for endostatin in proximity to immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibrinous clots. Functionally, endostatin enhanced the activity of neutrophils, and platelets, and the thrombin-induced microvascular barrier disruption. Finally, we showed a positive correlation of endostatin with soluble disease markers VE-Cadherin, c-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and interleukin (IL)-6 in our COVID-19 cohort.ConclusionThe cumulative effects of endostatin on propagating neutrophil chemotaxis, platelet aggregation, and endothelial cell barrier disruption may suggest endostatin as a link between those cellular events in ARDS pathology