The depth of the soil's horizons profile has an effect on the human health impact score

The chemical composition of soils reflects the degree of industrial exposure. Cu and Ni concentrations in soils of the «Severonickel » plant vicinity are higher than remote ones. In the impact area, the mean concentration of the heavy metals in the subsoils is 55 [ppm] for Ni and 33 [ppm] for Cu. Soils’ chemical composition varies over different mineral horizons. The subsoil layer is the main accumulator of chemical elements, including pollutants. Erosion of the surface layer and technogenic disturbance of the soil profile can lead to subsoil spreading and a significant increase in the human health Impact Score. At the same time, the default IS calculation is focused on the 0.1 [m] depth for all zones. In the paper two factors are considered in the impact modeling modification. The human health Impact Score is calculated specifically for each genetic soil layer with the respective depth of the profile (from 0.05 [m] to 0.2 [m]) and for soils from background and impact areas. The discrepancies between default and modified Impact Scores are observed. In the Impact area, the highest IShum for Ni is 60, for Cu is 5.6 [DALY]; in the Background area, it is 11 and 3.1 [DALY] respectively. The importance of using the regionally modified values in population health impact monitoring is highlighted.The statistical data processing is supported by State program RF « Science», project FSWW-35 0022–202

The extracellular-matrix protein matrilin 2 participates in peripheral nerve regeneration

Matrilins are adaptor proteins of the extracellular matrix involved in the formation of both collagen-dependent and collagen-independent filamentous networks. Although their molecular structure and binding partners have been characterized, the functional roles of the four matrilin family members in vivo are still largely unknown. Here, we show that matrilin 2, expressed in pre-myelinating Schwann cells during normal development, profoundly influences the behaviour of glial cells and neurons in vitro. When offered as a uniform substrate, matrilin 2 increased neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and enhanced the migration of both cell line- and embryonic DRG-derived Schwann cells. Vice versa, axonal outgrowth and cell migration were decreased in DRG cultures prepared from matrilin-2-deficient mice compared with wild-type (wt) cultures. In stripe assays, matrilin 2 alone was sufficient to guide axonal growth and, interestingly, axons favoured the combination of matrilin 2 and laminin over laminin alone. In vivo, matrilin 2 was strongly upregulated in injured peripheral nerves of adult wild-type mice and failure of protein upregulation in knockout mice resulted in delayed regrowth of regenerating axons and delayed time-course of functional recovery. Strikingly, the functional recovery 2 months after nerve injury was inferior in matrilin-2-deficient mice compared with wild-type littermates, although motoneuron survival, quality of axonal regeneration, estimated by analyses of axonal diameters and degrees of myelination, and Schwann cell proliferation were not influenced by the mutation. These results show that matrilin 2 is a permissive substrate for axonal growth and cell migration, and that it is required for successful nerve regeneratio

In Vitro Development of Human iPSC-Derived Functional Neuronal Networks on Laser-Fabricated 3D Scaffolds

Neural progenitor cells generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are the forefront of ″brain-on-chip″ investigations. Viable and functional hiPSC-derived neuronal networks are shaping powerful in vitro models for evaluating the normal and abnormal formation of cortical circuits, understanding the underlying disease mechanisms, and investigating the response to drugs. They therefore represent a desirable instrument for both the scientific community and the pharmacological industry. However, culture conditions required for the full functional maturation of individual neurons and networks are still unidentified. It has been recognized that three-dimensional (3D) culture conditions can better emulate in vivo neuronal tissue development compared to 2D cultures and thus provide a more desirable in vitro approach. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a 3D scaffold platform that supports and promotes intricate neuronal network development. 3D scaffolds were produced through direct laser writing by two-photon polymerization (2PP), a high-resolution 3D laser microstructuring technology, using the biocompatible and nondegradable photoreactive resin Dental LT Clear (DClear). Neurons developed and interconnected on a 3D environment shaped by vertically stacked scaffold layers. The developed networks could support different cell types. Starting at the day 50 of 3D culture, neuronal progenitor cells could develop into cortical projection neurons (CNPs) of all six layers, different types of inhibitory neurons, and glia. Additionally and in contrast to 2D conditions, 3D scaffolds supported the long-term culturing of neuronal networks over the course of 120 days. Network health and functionality were probed through calcium imaging, which revealed a strong spontaneous neuronal activity that combined individual and collective events. Taken together, our results highlight advanced microstructured 3D scaffolds as a reliable platform for the 3D in vitro modeling of neuronal functions.publishedVersio

Expression Pattern of Kv11 (Ether à-go-go-Related Gene; erg) K+ Channels in the Mouse Retina

In response to light, most retinal neurons exhibit gradual changes in membrane potential. Therefore K+ channels that mediate threshold currents are well-suited for the fine-tuning of signal transduction. In the present study we demonstrate the expression of the different Kv11 (ether-à-go-go related gene; erg) channel subunits in the human and mouse retina by RT PCR and quantitative PCR, respectively. Immunofluorescence analysis with cryosections of mouse retinae revealed the following local distribution of the three Kv11 subunits: Kv11.1 (m-erg1) displayed the most abundant expression with the strongest immunoreactivity in rod bipolar cells. In addition, immunoreactivity was found in the inner part of the outer plexiform layer (OPL), in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and in the inner segments of photoreceptors. Immunoreactivity for Kv11.2 (m-erg2) was observed in the outer part of the OPL and throughout the IPL. Double-labeling for vGluT1 or synaptophysin indicated a mainly presynaptic localization of Kv11.2. While no significant staining for Kv11.3 (m-erg3) was detected in the neuronal retina, strong Kv11.3 immunoreactivity was present in the apical membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium. The different expression levels were confirmed by real-time PCR showing almost equal levels of Kv11.1 and Kv11.2, while Kv11.3 mRNA expression was significantly lower. The two main splice variants of Kv11.1, isoforms a and b were detected in comparable levels suggesting a possible formation of cGMP/cGK-sensitive Kv11.1 channels in photoreceptors and rod bipolar cells. Taken together, the immunohistological results revealed different expression patterns of the three Kv11 channels in the mouse retina supposing distinct physiological roles

The Role of Microbiome in Personalized Healthcare

The link between nutrition and human diseases has always been recognized, but only with modern molecular genetic analysis tools, the role of the gut microbiome including gastrointestinal tract function on neurodegenerative diseases has become obvious. Gut microbiota significantly influences metabolic and immune responses of the host organism, and thus, dietor infection-related imbalances (dysbiosis) of the gut microbiota disrupt the local and systemic homeostasis and often lead to digestive diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), type II diabetes, obesity, as well as neurological diseases. The association of the gastrointestinal tract diseases with neurodegenerative diseases, as well as mental and neurological disorders such as depression, anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia has been described. This interaction is called the gut-brain axis and represents one of the most relevant targets for the treatment of IBD and cardiovascular and neurological diseases. One of the most important regulators of this axis is the gut microbiota and its metabolites, which influence brain functions via the immune system, tryptophan metabolism, vagus nerve, and enteric nervous system. We are studying the importance of gut microbiota and their metabolites in immune and glial/microglial reaction in the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, to provide valuable insights into the functional potential of the microbiome on the gut-brain axis via specific metabolites. We combine several modern techniques, including molecular manipulations, advanced cellular imaging techniques, and behavioral approaches, to address additional systems-level questions

DESA1002 'Continuous City' Daria Guseva

Dubrovnik was founded in the first half of the 7th century by a group of refugees from Epidaurum (today's Cavtat). They established their settlement at the island and named it Laus. Opposite of that location, at the foot of Srđ Mountain, Slavs developed their own settlement under the name of Dubrovnik (named by "Dub" - type of wood). It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Adriatic, a seaport and the centre of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. It was decided to assemble the Observatory in Dubrovnik due to advantageous location of the entire Site. It is positioned right at the edge of the old city of Dubrovnik and has beautiful views to the ocean. Another important fact that was discovered saying that only in the area of Croatia people can observe gamma-ray bursts which among the most energy-intensive events in the world of stars, leading to the emission of record amounts of high-energy particles. The actual Observatory building has 2 levels. As it is shown on the plans of the structure on the ground floor there are entrances to main Observatory domes (north and south) and Planetarium. There is also a café/restaurant 150m2(which has it’s own entrance) and can hold different events and functions. On the second level there are exhibitions and offices. There is also an opportunity to go up the roof and observe the sky and magnificent Dubrovnik’s views

DESA1002 'Continuous City' Daria Guseva

Dubrovnik was founded in the first half of the 7th century by a group of refugees from Epidaurum (today's Cavtat). They established their settlement at the island and named it Laus. Opposite of that location, at the foot of Srđ Mountain, Slavs developed their own settlement under the name of Dubrovnik (named by "Dub" - type of wood). It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Adriatic, a seaport and the centre of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. It was decided to assemble the Observatory in Dubrovnik due to advantageous location of the entire Site. It is positioned right at the edge of the old city of Dubrovnik and has beautiful views to the ocean. Another important fact that was discovered saying that only in the area of Croatia people can observe gamma-ray bursts which among the most energy-intensive events in the world of stars, leading to the emission of record amounts of high-energy particles. The actual Observatory building has 2 levels. As it is shown on the plans of the structure on the ground floor there are entrances to main Observatory domes (north and south) and Planetarium. There is also a café/restaurant 150m2(which has it’s own entrance) and can hold different events and functions. On the second level there are exhibitions and offices. There is also an opportunity to go up the roof and observe the sky and magnificent Dubrovnik’s views

The role of recombinant neurotrophic- and transcription factors and adhesion molecules in cell-mediated gene therapy of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: thesis abstract of the dissertation on the degree of Doctor of Science: 03.01.04 – biochemistry

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