Serotonin limits generation of chromaffin cells during adrenal organ development

Adrenal glands are the major organs releasing catecholamines and regulating our stress response. The mechanisms balancing generation of adrenergic chromaffin cells and protecting against neuroblastoma tumors are still enigmatic. Here we revealed that serotonin (5HT) controls the numbers of chromaffin cells by acting upon their immediate progenitor "bridge" cells via 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3A (HTR3A), and the aggressive HTR3A(high) human neuroblastoma cell lines reduce proliferation in response to HTR3A-specific agonists. In embryos (in vivo), the physiological increase of 5HT caused a prolongation of the cell cycle in "bridge" progenitors leading to a smaller chromaffin population and changing the balance of hormones and behavioral patterns in adulthood. These behavioral effects and smaller adrenals were mirrored in the progeny of pregnant female mice subjected to experimental stress, suggesting a maternal-fetal link that controls developmental adaptations. Finally, these results corresponded to a size-distribution of adrenals found in wild rodents with different coping strategies

The procedure of evaluation of the resource potential of the enterprise

Теоретичне обґрунтування і практична розробка інструментів структурного відтворення ресурсного потенціалу. Вивчено та проаналізовано методи оцінки ефективності використання ресурсного потенціалу підприємства. Розглянуто оціночні показники і параметри якісної оцінки складових ресурсного потенціалу підприємства. Запропоновано модель причинно-наслідкового взаємозв'язку ресурсного потенціалу, конкурентоспроможності та стратегічного розвитку підприємства. Наведена методика розрахунку середньозваженого показника оцінки ефективності використання ресурсного потенціалу підприємства.Теоретическое обоснование и практическая разработка инструментов структурного воспроизводства ресурсного потенциала. Изучены и проанализированы методы оценки эффективности использования ресурсного потенциала предприятия. Рассмотрены оценочные показатели и параметры качественной оценки составляющих ресурсного потенциала предприятия. Предложена модель причинно-следственной взаимосвязи ресурсного потенциала, конкурентоспособности и стратегического развития предприятия. Представленная методика расчета средневзвешенного показателя оценки эффективности использования ресурсного потенциала предприятия.Theoretical substantiation and practical development of tools for structural reproduction of resource potential. Researched and analyzed methods of evaluating the effectiveness of using resource potential at enterprises. Considers performance indicators and parameters for quality evaluation of components of resource potential of the enterprise. The proposed model of causal relationships resource potential, competitiveness and strategic development of the enterprise. The technique of calculating the weighted average of the efficiency evaluation of the resource potential of the enterprise

Multi-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the management of staghorn stones

AIM: To compare the results of a single tract versus multi-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a period of 6 years, a total of 2,264 PNLs was performed at the N.A. Lopatkin Scientific Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology, of which 875 PNLs were done for stage K3-K4 staghorn calculi. Among them, 244 (27.7%) patients underwent multi-tract PNL. We included 873 patients in our study. The median stone size was 59 (46; 88) mm. Two, three and four percutaneous tracts were used in 165 (67.6%), 63 (25.8%) and 14 (5.7%) patients, respectively. In 126 of 244 (52%) patients, a set for mini-percutaneous surgery with 14.5 and 15.5 Ch tubes was used as additional access. RESULTS: The effectiveness of single and multi-track PNL was 53.6%, and 83.8%, respectively. The mean operating time for PNL using one, two, three and four percutaneous tracts was 77.2+/-29.9, 85.7+/-26.9, 116.6+/-28, and 144.0+/-12.2 min, respectively. The median length of hospital stay for single and multi-track PNL was 6.6 (5.4, 8.7) vs. 10.2 (8.6, 12.3) days. Intra- and early postoperative infectious complications occurred in 101 (16.1%) and 54 (22.4%) patients, who underwent single and multi-track PNL, respectively. Bleeding occurred in 88 (13.9%) and 50 (20.8%) patients, respectively. After single and multi-track PNL, 54 (8.6%) and 21 (8.8%) patients needed a blood transfusion, respectively. CONCLUSION: Multi-track PNL is highly effective as a treatment modality for patients with complex forms of nephrolithiasis. Using the mini-tool significantly reduces the risk of bleeding when performing the additional access

Yeast red pigment modifies Amyloid beta growth in Alzheimer disease models in both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Drosophila melanogaster

The effect of yeast red pigment on amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation and fibril growth was studied in yeasts, fruit flies and in vitro. Yeast strains accumulating red pigment (red strains) contained less amyloid and had better survival rates compared to isogenic strains without red pigment accumulation (white strains). Confocal and fluorescent microscopy was used to visualise fluorescent Aβ-GFP aggregates. Yeast cells containing less red pigment had more Aβ-GFP aggregates despite the lower level of overall GFP fluorescence. Western blot analysis with anti-GFP, anti-Aβ and A11 antibodies also revealed that red cells contained a considerably lower amount of Aβ GFP aggregates as compared to white cells. Similar results were obtained with exogenous red pigment that was able to penetrate yeast cells. In vitro experiments with thioflavine and TEM showed that red pigment effectively decreased Aβ fibril growth. Transgenic flies expressing Aβ were cultivated on medium containing red and white isogenic yeast strains. Flies cultivated on red strains had a significant decrease in Aβ accumulation levels and brain neurodegeneration. They also demonstrated better memory and learning indexes and higher locomotor abilit