Distribution, morphological variability, ecology and the present state of Nitella from Lake Ohrid and its surroundings

Our research into 52 profiles of the littoral zone of the Macedonian part of Lake Ohrid and numerous samples taken from its surroundings has resulted in a detailed picture of the composition of the Charophyta vegetation in the lake. The results of the research also include data regarding the species composition and present state of Nitella. The dominant species of Nitella is Nitella opaca, which is characterized by a specific distribution, morphological variability and ecology. The present state of Nitella is not steady, especially in the watershed of the lake, since in this area there are some permanent changes in the hydrology of the terrain. Therefore, there is a need to establish long-term and complex monitoring which will result in the prompt detection of risk factors and influences, thereby enabling a rapid reaction to a possible newly emerged negative state

Reptilian Heart Development And The Molecular Basis Of Cardiac Chamber Evolution

The emergence of terrestrial life witnessed the need for more sophisticated circulatory systems. This has evolved in birds, mammals and crocodilians into complete septation of the heart into left and right sides, allowing separate pulmonary and systemic circulatory systems, a key requirement for the evolution of endothermy(1-3). However, the evolution of the amniote heart is poorly understood. Reptilian hearts have been the subject of debate in the context of the evolution of cardiac septation: do they possess a single ventricular chamber or two incompletely septated ventricles(4-7)? Here we examine heart development in the red-eared slider turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans (a chelonian), and the green anole, Anolis carolinensis (a squamate), focusing on gene expression in the developing ventricles. Both reptiles initially form a ventricular chamber that homogenously expresses the T-box transcription factor gene Tbx5. In contrast, in birds and mammals, Tbx5 is restricted to left ventricle precursors(8,9). In later stages, Tbx5 expression in the turtle (but not anole) heart is gradually restricted to a distinct left ventricle, forming a left-right gradient. This suggests that Tbx5 expression was refined during evolution to pattern the ventricles. In support of this hypothesis, we show that loss of Tbx5 in the mouse ventricle results in a single chamber lacking distinct identity, indicating a requirement for Tbx5 in septation. Importantly, misexpression of Tbx5 throughout the developing myocardium to mimic the reptilian expression pattern also results in a single mispatterned ventricular chamber lacking septation. Thus ventricular septation is established by a steep and correctly positioned Tbx5 gradient. Our findings provide a molecular mechanism for the evolution of the amniote ventricle, and support the concept that altered expression of developmental regulators is a key mechanism of vertebrate evolution

Venom gland transcriptomes of two elapid snakes (Bungarus multicinctus and Naja atra) and evolution of toxin genes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Kraits (genus <it>Bungarus</it>) and cobras (genus <it>Naja</it>) are two representative toxic genera of elapids in the old world. Although they are closely related genera and both of their venoms are very toxic, the compositions of their venoms are very different. To unveil their detailed venoms and their evolutionary patterns, we constructed venom gland cDNA libraries and genomic bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries for <it>Bungarus multicinctus </it>and <it>Naja atra</it>, respectively. We sequenced about 1500 cDNA clones for each of the venom cDNA libraries and screened BAC libraries of the two snakes by blot analysis using four kinds of toxin probes; <it>i.e</it>., three-finger toxin (3FTx), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), kunitz-type protease inhibitor (Kunitz), and natriuretic peptide (NP).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In total, 1092 valid expressed sequences tags (ESTs) for <it>B. multicinctus </it>and 1166 ESTs for <it>N. atra </it>were generated. About 70% of these ESTs can be annotated as snake toxin transcripts. 3FTx (64.5%) and <it>β </it>bungarotoxin (25.1%) comprise the main toxin classes in <it>B. multicinctus</it>, while 3FTx (95.8%) is the dominant toxin in <it>N. atra</it>. We also observed several less abundant venom families in <it>B. multicinctus </it>and <it>N. atra</it>, such as PLA2, C-type lectins, and Kunitz. Peculiarly a cluster of NP precursors with tandem NPs was detected in <it>B. multicinctus</it>. A total of 71 positive toxin BAC clones in <it>B. multicinctus </it>and <it>N. atra </it>were identified using four kinds of toxin probes (3FTx, PLA2, Kunitz, and NP), among which 39 3FTx-postive BACs were sequenced to reveal gene structures of 3FTx toxin genes.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Based on the toxin ESTs and 3FTx gene sequences, the major components of <it>B. multicinctus </it>venom transcriptome are neurotoxins, including long chain alpha neurotoxins (<it>α</it>-ntx) and the recently originated <it>β </it>bungarotoxin, whereas the <it>N. atra </it>venom transcriptome mainly contains 3FTxs with cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity (short chain <it>α</it>-ntx). The data also revealed that tandem duplications contributed the most to the expansion of toxin multigene families. Analysis of nonsynonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitution rate ratios (<it>dN</it>/<it>dS</it>) indicates that not only multigene toxin families but also other less abundant toxins might have been under rapid diversifying evolution.</p

2018 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2018 - Proceedings

Phantoms used in medical imaging for quality control tests should have the same physical properties as the object being simulated. To develop a 3D printed phantom for DXA scanners, it would require printer filaments that have similar attenuation characteristics as bone and fat.To mimic bone, a PLA/Calcium filament blend has been developed that can be printed using a consumer 3D printer. This was tested on CT and DXA scanners. DXA imaging was performed on two discs made from a PLA/Calcium blend and PLA to investigate the properties of the materials using X-rays. CT imaging was performed on PLA/Calcium and PLA filament cubes.Analysis of the DXA images found that the PLA/Calcium blend identified as bone with the PLA filament identifying as fat. The CT images had an average Hounsfield Units of 518 and 120 for PLA/Calcium and PLA ROI, respectively. A PLA/Calcium filament has been developed that has more realistic bone properties for imaging than PLA for the attenuation of X-ray photons. Further development may enable the filament to be used to print phantoms for use with other modalities such as SPECT/CT

Audit of enuresis referrals on the waiting list for a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic.

AIM: Enuresis, defined as intermittent incontinence occurring exclusively during sleep, affects 4-19% of children, but can be effectively treated using education and alarm-bell therapies. However, delays in treatment are likely to impact upon the quality of life of the child, parents and carers. Poor quality and incomplete referrals are thought to be a major driver of inefficiencies. The aim of this study was to explore characteristics of enuresis referrals on the waiting list for a general medicine clinic at a tertiary paediatric hospital. METHODS: An audit was conducted to examine all enuresis referrals on the general medicine outpatient clinic waiting list in February 2019 at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Enuresis referrals with an organic cause and those for children less than 5 years of age were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 2613 referrals on the general medicine waiting list, 486 of 2613 (19%) were related to enuresis. The median age of patients on the waiting list was 8 years and 65% (315/486) were male. Sufficient detail was provided to determine temporal and disease stratification in 45% (218/486) of referrals; primary versus secondary enuresis, and monosymptomatic versus non-monosymptomatic enuresis. The mean number of days on the waiting list calculated at the time of data extraction (13 February 2019) was 226 (±179) days. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study suggest that there are long waiting times for enuresis services and referrals often do not contain complete information

Improved technical characteristics of the Mi-8/17 in the Army of FYR Macedonia / Повышение технических характеристик вертолета Ми-8/17 в процессе вооружения Армии БЮР Македония / Poboljšanje tehničkih karakteristika helikoptera MI-8/17 u naoružanju vojske BJR Makedonije

Worldwide experience has shown that MI-8/17 helicopters are on the top of the middle class list of high performance multipurpose helicopters, flying at high altitudes in complex meteorological conditions. The paper addresses their development, transport, as well as rescuing and combat capabilities. The excellent technical characteristics of flight and their capabilities for uninterrupted and smooth performance of tasks demonstrate the reason why the Armed forces of the FYR of Macedonia decided to use Mi-8/17 helicopters and are determined to invest in their modernization and improvement of their technical capabilities. The modernization of the resources of armies is a continuous process, which is a part of all modern military security structures. Most armed forces do not economize the funds allocated for this purpose, due to the fact that they aspire to achieve the planned capabilities, so that they would attain the ultimate preparedness in terms of capabilities of the security forces regarding technology and trained personnel. / Практика в эксплуатации вертолетов МИ-8/17 в целом мире показала, что они являются лидерами между многоцелевыми вертолетами среднего класса высокого эксплуатационного качества с высоким порогом высоты полета при тяжелых метеорологических условиях. В данной работе большое внимание посвящено изучению развития транспортных, поисково- спасательных и боевых характеристик данных вертолетов. Превосходные технические характеристики в полете и их возможности непрерывного и качественного выполнения задач подтверждают правильность решения об инвестировании в модернизацию этих вертолетов, которое приняли Вооруженные силы БЮР Македонии, а также об инвестировании в повышение их технических характеристик. Модернизация средств в армии всегда является длительным процессом в любой современной структуре военной безопасности. Большинство армий не экономит средств на осуществление целей в усовершенствовании возможностей своей техники, для того чтобы впоследствии оказаться на вершине технологической безопасности и подготовленности своих кадров. / Iskustva iz celog sveta su pokazala da su helikopteri MI-8/17 na vrhu liste višenamenskih helikoptera srednje klase sa visokim performansama za visoko letenje u složenim vremenskim i meteorološkim uslovima. Cilj ovog rada je da se prouči njihov razvoj, kao i transportne, spasilačke i borbene mogućnosti ovih letelica. Odlične tehničke karakteristike za letenje i njihove sposobnosti za neometano i kvalitetno izvršavanje namenjenih zadataka pokazuju zašto je Vojska BJR Makedonije odlučila da ulaže u modernizaciju ovih helikoptera i usavršavanje njihovih tehničkih sposobnosti. Modernizacija sredstava u jednoj armiji je kontinuiran proces u svakoj savremenoj vojnobezbednosnoj strukturi. Veliki broj armija ne štedi sredstva namenjena za ove ciljeve, kako bi ostvarile osposobljenost snaga i obučenost ljudstva u skladu sa tehnologijom

The involvement of TRPC3 channels in sinoatrial arrhythmias.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The currently available treatments are limited and AF continues to be a major clinical challenge. Clinical studies have shown that AF is frequently associated with dysfunction in the sino-atrial node (SAN). The association between AF and SAN dysfunction is probably related to the communication between the SAN and the surrounding atrial cells that form the SAN-atrial pacemaker complex and/or pathological processes that affect both the SAN and atrial simultaneously. Recent evidence suggests that Ca(2+) entry through TRPC3 (Transient Receptor Potential Canonical-3) channels may underlie several pathophysiological conditions -including cardiac arrhythmias. However, it is still not known if atrial and sinoatrial node cells are also involved. In this article we will first briefly review TRPC3 and IP3R signaling that relate to store/receptor-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE/ROCE) mechanisms and cardiac arrhythmias. We will then present some of our recent research progress in this field. Our experiments results suggest that pacing-induced AF in angiotensin II (Ang II) treated mice are significantly reduced in mice lacking the TRPC3 gene (TRPC3(-/-) mice) compared to wild type controls. We also show that pacemaker cells express TRPC3 and several other molecular components related to SOCE/ROCE signaling, including STIM1 and IP3R. Activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) signaling that is able to modulate SOCE/ROCE and Ang II induced Ca(2+) homeostasis changes in sinoatrial complex being linked to TRPC3. The results provide new evidence that TRPC3 may play a role in sinoatrial and atrial arrhythmias that are caused by GPCRs activation