The Polysialylated Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule Promotes Neurogenesis in vitro

A characteristic feature of neurogenic sites in the postnatal brain is the expression of the polysialylated forms of the neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM). To investigate the role of PSA-NCAM in generation of neuronal populations, we developed an in vitro model where neurogenesis occurs in primary cortical cultures following serum withdrawal. We show that removal or inactivation of the PSA tail of NCAM in these cultures leads to a significant decrease in the number of newly generated neurons. Similarly, cultures prepared from NCAM knock-out mice exhibit a significantly reduced neurogenesis. Pulse-chase experiments using the proliferation marker BrdU reveal that the lack of PSA does not affect the mitotic rate of neural progenitors but rather, it reduces the early survival of newly generated neurons. These results suggest that, in addition to its role in the migration of neuronal progenitors, PSA-NCAM is required for the adequate survival of these cell

Trade liberalisation and sustainability : a case study of agro-food transport optimisation

Purpose: The aim of the article is to describe the characteristic features of the international trade in agricultural products, and to determine how the optimisation of international flow of goods could contribute to reducing the environmental burden of transport. Design/methodology/approach: The research is based on a combination of three key databases - FAOSTAT bilateral commodity trade matrices, CEPII distance tables and the EcoTransIT. Findings: It has been proven that the current international trade relations form dense, scale-free networks, shaped under the influence of both bi- and multilateral historical, cultural, political and economic relations is approved. By the application of linear optimisation for the minimisation of total greenhouse gas emissions it can be proven that the trade in wheat is far from optimal. Theoretically, concerning 2016 is possible to reduce environmental pollution by 38%. In the case of maize the re-organisation of the global trade network could reduce pollution by 18%, and in the case of soya beans by 8%. Comparing the difference between actual and optimal transportation networks based of historical data (2007-2016) it could be proven, that the average additional environmental burden, caused by suboptimal international transport were in case of wheat 36%, in case of maize 11% and in case of soya beans 10%. Practical implications: The optimization of the global trade and international transport of these three commodities offers a more than 500 kt/year decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Comparative analysis of current and optimized trade networks highlights the increasing importance of the role of regional hubs in key exporting states. Originality/value: This fact underlines the importance the efforts for liberalisation of international trade system.peer-reviewe

The Drug Candidate BGP-15 Delays the Onset of Diastolic Dysfunction in the Goto-Kakizaki Rat Model of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

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