The genetic evidence for human origin of Jivaroan shrunken heads in collections from the Polish museums

Advances in forensic identification using molecular genetics are helpful in resolving some historical mysteries. The aim of this study was to confirm the authenticity of shrunken-head artifacts exhibited by two Polish museums. Shrunken heads, known as tsantsas, were headhunting trophies of South American Indians (Jivaroan). A special preparation preserved their hair and facial appearance. However, it was quite common to offer counterfeit shrunken heads of sloths or monkeys to collectors of curiosities. We sampled small skin specimens of four shrunken-head skin from the museum collection from Warsaw and Krakow, Poland. Following genomic DNA isolation, highly polymorphic short tandem repeats were genotyped using a commercial chemistry and DNA sequencing analyzer. Haplogroups of human Y chromosome were identified. We obtained an informative genetic profile of genomic short tandem repeats from all the samples of shrunken heads. Moreover, amplification of amelogenin loci allowed for sex determination. All four studied shrunken heads were of human origin. In two ones, a shared Y-chromosome haplogroup Q characteristic for Indigenous Americans was detected. Another artifact was counterfeited because Y-chromosome haplogroup I2 was found, characteristic for the Southeastern European origin. Commercial genetic methods of identification can be applied successfully in studies on the origin and authenticity of some unusual collection items

FORTIS: a Live-Cell Assay to Monitor AMPA Receptors Using pH-Sensitive Fluorescence Tags

The real-time live fluorescent monitoring of surface AMPA receptors (AMPARs) could open new opportunities for drug discovery and phenotypic screening concerning neuropsychiatric disorders. We have developed FORTIS, a tool based on pH sensitivity capable of detecting subtle changes in surface AMPARs at a neuronal population level. The expression of SEP-GluA1 or pHuji-GluA1 recombinant AMPAR subunits in mammalian neurons cultured in 96-well plates enables surface AMPARs to be monitored with a microplate reader. Thus, FORTIS can register rapid changes in surface AMPARs induced by drugs or genetic modifications without having to rely on conventional electrophysiology or imaging. By combining FORTIS with pharmacological manipulations, basal surface AMPARs, and plasticity-like changes can be monitored. We expect that employing FORTIS to screen for changes in surface AMPARs will accelerate both neuroscience research and drug discovery.This study was supported by the following agencies: National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev; Israel Science Foundation (536/19); Spanish Ministry of Science (Europa Excelencia 15/02, SAF2016-78071-R)

Development of the VISAGE enhanced tool and statistical models for epigenetic age estimation in blood, buccal cells and bones

DNA methylation is known as a biomarker for age with applications in forensics. Here we describe the VISAGE (VISible Attributes through GEnomics) Consortium’s enhanced tool for epigenetic age estimation in somatic tissues. The tool is based on eight DNA methylation markers (44 CpGs), bisulfite multiplex PCR followed by sequencing on the MiSeq FGx platform, and three statistical prediction models for blood, buccal cells and bones. The model for blood is based on six CpGs from ELOVL2, MIR29B2CHG, KLF14, FHL2, TRIM59 and PDE4C, and predicts age with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 3.2 years, while the model for buccal cells includes five CpGs from PDE4C, MIR29B2CHG, ELOVL2, KLF14 and EDARADD and predicts age with MAE of 3.7 years, and the model for bones has six CpGs from ELOVL2, KLF14, PDE4C and ASPA and predicts age with MAE of 3.4 years. The VISAGE enhanced tool for age estimation in somatic tissues enables reliable collection of DNA methylation data from small amounts of DNA using a sensitive multiplex MPS assay that provides accurate estimation of age in blood, buccal swabs, and bones using the statistical model tailored to each tissue

SELF Tool Platform in SaaS Model for Automation and Standardization of Solutions Generatione

W artykule zaprezentowano funkcjonalności oraz możliwości zastosowania platformy narzędziowej SELF. Omówiono cztery zdefiniowane warstwy platformy oraz przedstawiono proces wdrożenia rozwiązania oraz integrację poszczególnych warstw. Przedstawiono rynek systemów ERP w Polsce oraz dostępne na rynku alternatywne rozwiązania. Zaprezentowana platforma SELF, stworzona w modelu SaaS, jest jednym z kluczowych narzędzi technologicznych wprowadzonych w firmie Soneta w celu wdrożenia efektywnej metody organizacji pracy wewnątrz samego przedsiębiorstwa oraz z jego siecią autoryzowanych partnerów.In the article the functionalities and possibilities of using the SELF tool platform (Soneta Elevation LifeCycle Framework) are presented. The four defined layers of the platform are discussed, the process of implementing the solution and the integration of individual layers is presented. The market of ERP systems in Poland and alternative solutions available on the market are also discussed. The presented SELF platform, created in the SaaS (Software as a Service) model, is one of the key technological tools introduced in Soneta to implement an effective method of work organization within the firm and with its network of authorized partners

Postprandial decrease in LDL-cholesterol in men with metabolic syndrome

Background: In some epidemiological studies, blood lipids are determined at non-fasting state, which may impact cardiovascular risk estimation. The aim of this study was to evaluate postprandial LDL-C changes in men with newly diagnosed metabolic syndrome (MetSy). Methods: 36 male patients were examined: 12 men with and 24 men without MetSy. The fat tolerance test was performed before and after a three-month hypolipidemic treatment. Serum lipids were measured using routine methods, lipid peroxides (LPO) colorimetrically, apoli- poproteins A-I, B, and hsCRP immunoturbidimetrically. Results: The postprandial increase in triglycerides was associated with a decrease in LDL-C and a small decrease in apo B. In men with MetSy, the mean change in LDL-C (-19.5 ± 2.3 mg/dl) was greater than in healthy men (-5.7 ± 3.8 mg/dl). All lipid changes (ΔTG, ΔLDL-C and ΔLPO) were linearly dependent on the postprandial non-LDL-choles- terol. After three months of hypolipidemic treatment, in all men with MetSy, the apoB/apoA-I ratio remained the same as before the therapy. Conclusion: In men diagnosed with MetSy, postprandial decreases in LDL-cholesterol may cause underestimation of cardiovascular risk. After three months of hypolipidemic treatment, there was only a partial reduction in this risk, as the apoB/apoA-I ratio remained the same

Effects of additional colostrum feeding on the levels of protein fractions in calves’ serum

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of additional colostrum feeding to new born calves on levels of selected serum protein fractions. The study was conducted on a commercial dairy farm. Twenty-four cows of Polish Holstein-Friesian breed and their calves were included in the trial. Chemical composition, the somatic cell count (SCC), the total bacteria count (TBC) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration were determined in colostrum samples. Blood was collected via jugular vein puncture from a total of 24 calves at the 36th hour of life. Total serum protein (TSP), as well as its fractions (albumins, globulins) and IgG concentration were determined. Greater IgG, total protein, albumins and globulins concentrations were found in serum of calves fed colostrum four times compared with three times on the first day of life. It was concluded that increasing the number of colostrum feedings to four times can be beneficial to forming of passive immunity of newborn calves