Nanotube-Based NEMS: Control vs. Thermodynamic Fluctuations

Multi-scale simulations of nanotube-based nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) controlled by a nonuniform electric field are performed by an example of a gigahertz oscillator. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we obtain the friction coefficients and characteristics of the thermal noise associated with the relative motion of the nanotube walls. These results are used in a phenomenological one-dimensional oscillator model. The analysis based both on this model and the Fokker-Planck equation for the oscillation energy distribution function shows how thermodynamic fluctuations restrict the possibility of controlling NEMS operation for systems of small sizes. The parameters of the force for which control of the oscillator operation is possible are determined.Comment: 40 pages, 12 figure

Morphological Changes in Neural Progenitors Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Transplanted into the Striatum of a Parkinson's Disease Rat Model

Introduction. Development of cell therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) requires protocols based on transplantation of neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into the damaged area of the brain. Objective: to characterize neurons transplanted into a rat brain and evaluate neural transplantation efficacy using a PD animal model. Materials and methods. Neurons derived from hiPSCs (IPSRG4S line) were transplanted into the striatum of rats after intranigral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Immunostaining was performed to identify expression of glial and neuronal markers in the transplanted cells within 224 weeks posttransplant. Results. 4 weeks posttransplant we observed increased expression of mature neuron markers, decreased expression of neural progenitor markers, and primary pro-inflammatory response of glial cells in the graft. Differentiation and maturation of neuronal cells in the graft lasted over 3 months. At 3 and 6 months we detected 2 graft zones: one mainly contained the transplanted neurons and the other human astrocytes. We detected human neurites in the corpus callosum and surrounding striatal tissue and large human tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing neurons in the graft. Conclusion. With graft's morphological characteristics identified at different periods we can better understand pathophysiology and temporal patterns of new dopaminergic neurons integration and striatal reinnervation in a rat PD model in the long-term postoperative period

The effect of zinc complex of N-isopropenylimidazole on the morphological characteristics of gum tissues in experimental endodontic-periodontal lesions in rats Authors

Introduction: Combined inflammatory and destructive processes affecting the dental pulp and tissues of the periodontal complex are among the most problem diseases of the dental system. Current therapy with use of available pharmacological agents does not always allow achieving the expected positive result. In addition, often the lack of information about morphological processes in the tissues of the dental system, in particular the gums, with endodontic-periodontal lesion (EPL) limits the ability of dentists to carry out targeted pharmacotherapy with both traditional and, in particular, new medications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics of gum tissues in a therapeutic context of N-isopropenylimidazole zinc complex derivative in experimental endodontic-periodontal lesion in rats. Materials and Methods: A simulation of EPL in rats was performed in two ways: simultaneous induction of acute periodontitis and parodontitis by pulp extraction and natural infection of the pulp cavity, as well as by ligation of the necks of lower incisors. The research protocols included 5 groups of animals: 1st – intact group (control-1); 2nd – animals with simulated EPL (control-2); 3rd – animals with simulated EPL and treated with Metrogyl Denta® gel (M-D); 4th – animals with simulated EPL and treated with N–isopropenylimidazole zinc complex derivative gel under the laboratory code Pilim-1; and 5th – animals with simulated EPL and treated with the combination of M-D + Pilim-1. The gum of the lower incisors was taken for morphological studies. Slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Computer morphometry was performed using the ImageJ software. Results and Discussion: The substances M-D, Pilim-1 and, especially, the combination of M-D+Pilim-1 (against the background of chlorhexidine bigluconate used as oral rinse) for 14 days in rats with simulated EPL cause a significant improvement of the morphological structure of the gum with minimal residual dystrophy and sclerosis. The combination M-D + Pilim-1 led to a 1.3-time increase in epithelial thickness, and a 1.5-time decrease in acanthosis depth in comparison with M-D, while the number of capillaries and their diameter had no significant differences. Compared with Pilim-1, the epithelial thickness increased 1.5 times, and the acanthosis depth and the number of capillaries decreased 1.6 and 1.4 times, respectively, whereas the diameter of the capillaries did not change significantly. The pronounced protective effect of the combination M-D + Pilim-1 on the morphological structure of the gingival mucosa of rats with simulated EPL may be associated with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, regenerating, angioprotective and antioxidant properties of both M-D and Pilim-1 separately, and, possibly to a greater extent, of the combination M-D + Pilim-1. Conclusion: The substances M-D, Pilim-1 and, especially, the combination M-D + Pilim-1 (against the background of chlorhexidine bigluconate used as oral rinse) for 14 days in rats with simulated EPL have a protective effect on the epithelial structure and the connective tissue of the proper mucous plate, manifested in active normalization of pathological changes and significant restoration of their organotypic structure

Surgical outcomes in patients with drug-resistant bilateral temporal lobe epilepsy confirmed via magnetic resonance imaging

Introduction. In patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), surgical treatment is aimed to resect an epileptogenic zone (EZ) followed by seizure control. Despite complicated EZ location, surgical resection should be considered as a treatment of choice in bilateral TLE. Objective: to evaluate surgical outcomes and factors contributing to outcomes in patients with drug-resistant bilateral TLE confirmed via magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and methods. The study included patients with unilateral (n = 50) and bilateral (n = 50) temporal lobe involvement. The results of surgical treatment were evaluated according to the classification of J. Engel (1993). Results. Favorable outcomes of surgical treatment (Engel I and Engel II) in the group with unilateral temporal lobe involvement were found in 98% of patients after 12 months, in 88% after 24 months, and in 100% after 48 and 60 months after surgery. In the group with bilateral temporal lobe involvement outcomes of surgical treatment were favorable in 41% of patients after 12 months, in 50% after 24 months, in 39% after 48 months, and in 50% of patients after 60 months post-surgery. Conclusion. Early onset, burdened perinatal history, and MRI-confirmed left temporal lobe involvement contribute to the poor outcome (Engel III and Engel IV) in the bilateral TLE group. Engel I outcomes were more common in the patients with unilateral TLE while Engel IIIV outcomes were more common in the patients with bilateral TLE

In Vivo Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Monitors Binding of Specific Probes to Cancer Biomarkers

One of the most important factors in choosing a treatment strategy for cancer is characterization of biomarkers in cancer cells. Particularly, recent advances in Monoclonal Antibodies (MAB) as primary-specific drugs targeting tumor receptors show that their efficacy depends strongly on characterization of tumor biomarkers. Assessment of their status in individual patients would facilitate selection of an optimal treatment strategy, and the continuous monitoring of those biomarkers and their binding process to the therapy would provide a means for early evaluation of the efficacy of therapeutic intervention. In this study we have demonstrated for the first time in live animals that the fluorescence lifetime can be used to detect the binding of targeted optical probes to the extracellular receptors on tumor cells in vivo. The rationale was that fluorescence lifetime of a specific probe is sensitive to local environment and/or affinity to other molecules. We attached Near-InfraRed (NIR) fluorescent probes to Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (HER2/neu)-specific Affibody molecules and used our time-resolved optical system to compare the fluorescence lifetime of the optical probes that were bound and unbound to tumor cells in live mice. Our results show that the fluorescence lifetime changes in our model system delineate HER2 receptor bound from the unbound probe in vivo. Thus, this method is useful as a specific marker of the receptor binding process, which can open a new paradigm in the “image and treat” concept, especially for early evaluation of the efficacy of the therapy

Development, production and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (Coronaviridae: <i>Orthocoronavirinae: Betacoronavirus: Sarbecovirus</i>)

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has created serious health problems worldwide. The most effective way to prevent the occurrence of new epidemic outbreaks is vaccination. One of the modern and effective approaches to vaccine development is the use of virus-like particles (VLPs). The aim of the study is to develop a technology for production of VLP based on recombinant SARS-CoV-2 proteins (E, M, N and S) in insect cells. Materials and methods. Synthetic genes encoding coronavirus proteins E, M, N and S were used. VLP with various surface proteins of strains similar to the Wuhan virus, Delta, Alpha and Omicron were developed and cloned into the pFastBac plasmid. The proteins were synthesized in the baculovirus expression system and assembled into VLP in the portable Trichoplusia ni cell. The presence of insertion in the baculovirus genome was determined by PCR. ELISA and immunoblotting were used to study the antigenic activity of VLP. VLP purification was performed by ultracentrifugation using 20% sucrose. Morphology was assessed using electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Results. VLPs consisting of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 proteins (S, M, E and N) were obtained and characterized. The specific binding of antigenic determinants in synthesized VLPs with antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 proteins has been demonstrated. The immunogenic properties of VLPs have been studied. Conclusion. The production and purification of recombinant VLPs consisting of full-length SARS-CoV-2 proteins with a universal set of surface antigens have been developed and optimized. Self-assembling particles that mimic the coronavirus virion induce a specific immune response against SARS-CoV-2

EUNIS Habitat Classification: Expert system, characteristic species combinations and distribution maps of European habitats

Aim: The EUNIS Habitat Classification is a widely used reference framework for European habitat types (habitats), but it lacks formal definitions of individual habitats that would enable their unequivocal identification. Our goal was to develop a tool for assigning vegetation‐plot records to the habitats of the EUNIS system, use it to classify a European vegetation‐plot database, and compile statistically‐derived characteristic species combinations and distribution maps for these habitats. Location: Europe. Methods: We developed the classification expert system EUNIS‐ESy, which contains definitions of individual EUNIS habitats based on their species composition and geographic location. Each habitat was formally defined as a formula in a computer language combining algebraic and set‐theoretic concepts with formal logical operators. We applied this expert system to classify 1,261,373 vegetation plots from the European Vegetation Archive (EVA) and other databases. Then we determined diagnostic, constant and dominant species for each habitat by calculating species‐to‐habitat fidelity and constancy (occurrence frequency) in the classified data set. Finally, we mapped the plot locations for each habitat. Results: Formal definitions were developed for 199 habitats at Level 3 of the EUNIS hierarchy, including 25 coastal, 18 wetland, 55 grassland, 43 shrubland, 46 forest and 12 man‐made habitats. The expert system classified 1,125,121 vegetation plots to these habitat groups and 73,188 to other habitats, while 63,064 plots remained unclassified or were classified to more than one habitat. Data on each habitat were summarized in factsheets containing habitat description, distribution map, corresponding syntaxa and characteristic species combination. Conclusions: EUNIS habitats were characterized for the first time in terms of their species composition and distribution, based on a classification of a European database of vegetation plots using the newly developed electronic expert system EUNIS‐ESy. The data provided and the expert system have considerable potential for future use in European nature conservation planning, monitoring and assessment