Vliv ptačí schistosomy Trichobilharzia regenti na aktivitu hemocytů plovatkovitých plžů

Plži (Gastropoda) jsou ve svém přirozeném prostředí exponováni různým patogenům, a to například bakteriím nebo mnohobuněčným parazitům (digenetickým motolicím), které se v plžích vyvíjejí. V boji proti těmto patogenům využívají plži sofistikovaný vnitřní obranný systém, který je tvořen humorální a buněčnou složkou. Lektiny jsou považovány za nejdůležitější humorální komponenty, zatímco hemocyty představují nejvýznamnější efektorové buňky. Imunita je jeden z důležitých faktorů podmiňujících kompatibilitu/nekompatibilitu plžů a patogenů (zejména plžů a motolic). Úvod této dizertační práce zahrnuje přehled literatury o imunitním systému plžů a jeho reakcích proti patogenům, a to bakteriím a motolicím. Zároveň jsou v této části shrnuty i poznatky o imunomodulacích způsobených kompatibilními motolicemi. Experimentální práce (prezentována v přiložených publikacích) se zaměřila zejména na vliv ptačí schistosomy Trichobilharzia regenti na aktivitu hemocytů dvou druhů plovatkovitých plžů: (i) Radix lagotis, v němž se T. regenti vyvíjí a (ii) Lymnaea stagnalis, který je k infekci rezistentní. Tento parazit způsobuje neuromotorické poruchy u specifických defnitivních hostitelů (vodních ptáků), ale náhodně může infikovat i člověka a způsobovat tzv. cerkáriovou dermatitidu. Originální publikace zahrnují...Gastropod molluscs are naturally exposed to various pathogens such as bacteria, or multicellular parasites that include digenetic trematodes (digeneans) which develop in snails. To combat these pathogens gastropods have evolved a sophisticated internal defence system that is composed of humoral and cellular arms. Lectins are probably the most important humoral components, whereas haemocytes represent the main effector cells. Immunity is one of the important factors determining compatibility/non-compatibility of gastropods and pathogens (particularly snails and trematodes). The introductory part of this thesis includes a review of literature focused on the components of the gastropod immune system and their reactions against pathogens represented by bacteria and digeneans. Additionally, selected immunomodulations caused by compatible digenean species are reviewed. Experimental work (presented in publications) focused mainly on the influence of the bird schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti on haemocyte activities of two lymnaeid snail species, Radix lagotis and Lymnaea stagnalis that are susceptible or refractory to the parasite, respectively. This schistosome parasite causes neuromotor disorders in specific definitive hosts (waterfowl), but it also causes cercarial dermatitis in accidental hosts...Katedra parazitologieDepartment of ParasitologyFaculty of SciencePřírodovědecká fakult

The synergic effect of whey-based hydrogel amendment on soil water holding capacity and availability of nutrients for more efficient valorization of dairy by-products

Agricultural production is influenced by the water content in the soil and the availability of nutrients. Recently, changes in the quantity and seasonal water availability are expected to impact agriculture due to climate change. This study aimed to test an agricultural product with promising properties to improve soil quality and water-holding capacity during agricultural application. Most of the traditional hydrogels are low-biodegradable synthetic materials with under-researched long-term fate in field soil conditions. The novel, biodegradable hydrogel made from acid whey and cellulose derivatives cross-linked with citric acid was used. The soil-improving effects were tested under controlled experimental conditions with the sandy artificial soil consisting of 10% finely ground sphagnum peat, 20% kaolinite clay, and 70% quartz sand. Soil pH, the content of organic carbon (Cox), total nitrogen (N), available forms of the essential macronutrients (P, K, Ca, and Mg), the cation exchange capacity (CEC), the maximum water capacity (MWC) and water holding capacity (WHC) were determined. The results showed a positive effect on water retention and basic soil properties after the different levels of hydrogel had been introduced into the soil. Generally, the addition of whey-based hydrogel increases the available nutrients concentration and water retention in soil. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech RepublicMinistry of Agriculture, Czech Republic [QK1910392]; [MZE-RO0218]MZE-RO0218, QK191039

Hydrogen activation on Pt–Sn nanoalloys supported on mixed Sn–Ce oxide films

We have studied the interaction of H2 with Pt–Sn nanoalloys supported on Sn–Ce mixed oxide films of different composition by means of synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy and resonant photoemission spectroscopy. The model catalysts are prepared in a three step procedure that involves (i) the preparation of well-ordered CeO2(111) films on Cu(111) followed by subsequent physical vapor deposition of (ii) metallic Sn and (iii) metallic Pt. The formation of mixed Sn–Ce oxide is accompanied by partial reduction of Ce4+ cations to Ce3+. Pt deposition leads to the formation of Pt–Sn nanoalloys accompanied by the partial re-oxidation of Ce3+ to Ce4+. Subsequent annealing promotes further Pt–Sn alloy formation at expense of the Sn content in the Sn–Ce mixed oxide. Adsorption of H2 on Pt–Sn/Sn–Ce–O at 150 K followed by stepwise annealing results in reversible reduction of Ce cations caused by spillover of dissociated hydrogen between 150 and 300 K. Above 500 K, annealing of Pt–Sn/Sn–Ce–O in a hydrogen atmosphere results in irreversible reduction of Ce cations. This reduction is caused by the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen provided by the mixed oxide substrate via the reverse spillover to Pt–Sn nanoalloy. The extent of the hydrogen and oxygen spillover strongly depends on the amount of Sn in the Sn–Ce mixed-oxide. We observe an enhancement of hydrogen spillover on Pt–Sn/Sn–Ce–O at low Sn concentration as compared to Sn-free Pt/CeO2. Although the extent of hydrogen spillover on Pt–Sn/Sn–Ce–O with high Sn concentration is comparable to Pt/CeO2, the reverse oxygen spillover is substantially suppressed on these samples

Surface sites on Pt–CeO2 mixed oxide catalysts probed by CO adsorption: a synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy study

By means of synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy, we have investigated Pt–CeO2 mixed oxide films prepared on CeO2(111)/Cu(111). Using CO molecules as a probe, we associate the corresponding surface species with specific surface sites. This allows us to identify the changes in the composition and morphology of Pt–CeO2 mixed oxide films caused by annealing in an ultrahigh vacuum. Specifically, two peaks in C 1s spectra at 289.4 and 291.2 eV, associated with tridentate and bidentate carbonate species, are formed on the nanostructured stoichiometric CeO2 film. The peak at 290.5–291.0 eV in the C 1s spectra indicates the onset of restructuring, i.e. coarsening, of the Pt–CeO2 film. This peak is associated with a carbonate species formed near an oxygen vacancy. The onset of cerium oxide reduction is indicated by the peak at 287.8–288.0 eV associated with carbonite species formed near Ce3+ cations. The development of surface species on the Pt–CeO2 mixed oxides suggests that restructuring of the films occurs above 300 K irrespective of Pt loadings. We do not find any adsorbed CO species associated with Pt4+ or Pt2+. The onset of Pt2+ reduction is indicated by the peak at 286.9 eV in the C 1s spectra due to CO adsorption on metallic Pt particles. The thermal stability of Pt2+ in Pt–CeO2 mixed oxide depends on Pt loading. We find excellent stability of Pt2+ for 12% Pt content in the CeO2 film, whereas at a Pt concentration of 25% in the CeO2 film, a large fraction of the Pt2+ is converted into metallic Pt particles above 300 K

Hormone receptor conversion in metastatic breast cancer

Background/Objective: Hormone receptor (HR) status is one of the key factors in determining the treatment of breast cancer. Previous studies suggested that HR status may change in metastatic tissue. However, available studies focused mainly on primary biopsies and there are only few trials comparing HR status in the primary tumour and the metastasis using material from complete resection. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of HR alterations in metastatic breast cancer. Materials and methods: The study retrospectively examines a total of 50 patients who underwent brain, lung, or liver metastasectomy for metastatic breast cancer between January 2000 and January 2019. Results: HR conversion was observed in a total of 30 cases (60.0%), while HER-2/neu (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) discrepancy surprisingly occurred only in one case (2.0%). A change in immunophenotype occurred in 28% of cases. Triple-negativity was more frequent in brain metastases (p = 0.039). Conclusions: We have confirmed that HR conversion between the primary tumour and its metastases occurs in a significant number of cases, which has important implications for further treatment decisions

Excitons at the B K edge of boron nitride nanotubes probed by x-ray absorption spectroscopy

We have performed a near-edge x-ray absorption fine-structure (NEXAFS) investigation of multi-walled boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs). We show that the one-dimensionality of BNNTs is clearly evident in the B K edge spectrum, while the N K edge spectrum is similar to that of layered hexagonal BN (h-BN). We observe a sharp feature at the Ã* onset of the B K edge, which we ascribe to a core exciton state. We also report a comparison with spectra taken after an ammonia plasma treatment, showing that the B K edge becomes indistinguishable from that of h-BN, due to the breaking of the tubular order and the formation of small h-BN clusters

Reactivity of atomically dispersed Pt2+ species towards H2: model Pt–CeO2 fuel cell catalyst

The reactivity of atomically dispersed Pt2+ species on the surface of nanostructured CeO2 films and the mechanism of H2 activation on these sites have been investigated by means of synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy and resonant photoemission spectroscopy in combination with density functional calculations. Isolated Pt2+ sites are found to be inactive towards H2 dissociation due to high activation energy required for H–H bond scission. Trace amounts of metallic Pt are necessary to initiate H2 dissociation on Pt–CeO2 films. H2 dissociation triggers the reduction of Ce4+ cations which, in turn, is coupled with the reduction of Pt2+ species. The mechanism of Pt2+ reduction involves reverse oxygen spillover and formation of oxygen vacancies on Pt–CeO2 films. Our calculations suggest the existence of a threshold concentration of oxygen vacancies associated with the onset of Pt2+ reduction

Selective electrooxidation of 2-propanol on Pt nanoparticles supported on Co3O4: an in-situ study on atomically defined model systems

2-Propanol and its dehydrogenated counterpart acetone can be used as a rechargeable electrofuel. The concept involves selective oxidation of 2-propanol to acetone in a fuel cell coupled with reverse catalytic hydrogenation of acetone to 2-propanol in a closed cycle. We studied electrocatalytic oxidation of 2-propanol on complex model Pt/Co3O4(111) electrocatalysts prepared in ultra-high vacuum and characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy. The electrocatalytic behavior of the model electrocatalysts has been investigated in alkaline media (pH 10, phosphate buffer) by means of electrochemical infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy and ex-situ emersion synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy as a function of Pt particle size and compared with the electrocatalytic behavior of Pt(111) and pristine Co3O4(111) electrodes under similar conditions. We found that the Co3O4(111) film is inactive towards electrochemical oxidation of 2-propanol under the electrochemical conditions (0.3–1.1 VRHE). The electrochemical oxidation of 2-propanol readily occurs on Pt(111) yielding acetone at an onset potential of 0.4 VRHE. The reaction pathway does not involve CO but yields strongly adsorbed acetone species leading to a partial poisoning of the surface sites. On model Pt/Co3O4(111) electrocatalysts, we observed distinct metal support interactions and particle size effects associated with the charge transfer at the metal/oxide interface. We found that ultra-small Pt particles (around 1 nm and below) consist of partially oxidized Pt δ + species which show minor activity towards 2-propanol oxidation. In contrast, conventional Pt particles (particle size of a few nm) are mainly metallic and show high activity toward 2-propanol oxidation

Influence of 'Trichobilharzia regenti' (Digenea: Schistosomatidae) on the defence activity of 'Radix lagotis' (Lymnaeidae) haemocytes

Radix lagotis is an intermediate snail host of the nasal bird schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti. Changes in defence responses in infected snails that might be related to host-parasite compatibility are not known. This study therefore aimed to characterize R. lagotis haemocyte defence mechanisms and determine the extent to which they are modulated by T. regenti. Histological observations of R. lagotis infected with T. regenti revealed that early phases of infection were accompanied by haemocyte accumulation around the developing larvae 2–36 h post exposure (p.e.) to the parasite. At later time points, 44–92 h p.e., no haemocytes were observed around T. regenti. Additionally, microtubular aggregates likely corresponding to phagocytosed ciliary plates of T. regenti miracidia were observed within haemocytes by use of transmission electron microscopy. When the infection was in the patent phase, haemocyte phagocytic activity and hydrogen peroxide production were significantly reduced in infected R. lagotis when compared to uninfected counterparts, whereas haemocyte abundance increased in infected snails. At a molecular level, protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) were found to play an important role in regulating these defence reactions in R. lagotis. Moreover, haemocytes from snails with patent infection displayed lower PKC and ERK activity in cell adhesion assays when compared to those from uninfected snails, which may therefore be related to the reduced defence activities of these cells. These data provide the first integrated insight into the immunobiology of R. lagotis and demonstrate modulation of haemocyte-mediated responses in patent T. regenti infected snails. Given that immunomodulation occurs during patency, interference of snail-host defence by T. regenti might be important for the sustained production and/or release of infective cercariae

The Appearance of Minerals in North-Bohemian brown Coal Basin

Import 01/09/2009Tato bakalářská práce podává přehled sběratelsky zajímavých nerostů na území severočeské hnědouhelné pánve. Práce je rozdělena do tří částí. V první části je tato lokalita popsána z přírodního hlediska. Charakteristika nerostů z hlediska mineralogického systému – chemického složení je zpracována ve druhé části. Závěrečná část je zaměřena na turisticky zajímavé lokality. K těmto oblastem je uvedena lokalizace, stručná geologická stavba a také zajímavosti při jejich návštěvě.This bachelor work gives an overview of interesting collectors of minerals on the territory of the North bohemian lignite basin. Bachelor´s work is divided into three parts. In the first part is described characterized site of the natural point of view. Characteristic minerals of mineralogical aspects of the system - the chemical composition is processed in the second part. The last part is focused on the interesting tourist sites. These sites are listed location, a brief geological structure and features of their visit.Prezenční541 - Institut geologického inženýrstvívelmi dobř