Astrocytes dynamically regulate the blood-brain barrier in the healthy brain

The blood-brain barrier(BBB)(discovered and defined by Max Lewandowsky and Lina Stern,and not,as it is universally,and yet erroneously believed,by Paul Ehrlich(Verkhratsky and Pivoriunas,2023))that separates the nervous system from the circulation is evolutionarily conserved from arthropods to man.The primeval BBB of the invertebrates and some early vertebrates was made solely by glial cells and secured(in invertebrates)by septate junctions.

Enhanced thermal emission from metal-free,fully epitaxial structures with epsilon-near-zero InAs layers

We introduce a novel method to create mid-infrared(MIR)thermal emitters using fully epitaxial,metal-free structures.Through the strategic use of epsilon-near-zero(ENZ)thin films in InAs layers,we achieve a narrow-band,wide-angle,and p-polarized thermal emission spectra.This approach,employing molecular beam epitaxy,circumvents the complexities associated with current layered structures and yields temperature-resistant emission wavelengths.Our findings contribute a promising route towards simpler,more efficient MIR optoelectronic devices.

Alterations of protein homeostasis in Alzheimer's disease:beyond Procrustean bed of endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response

Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a major age-related form of dementia with a number of cases exponentially growing,causing enormous social and economic impact on individuals and society.Neuropathological hallmarks of AD,evident in postmortem AD brains,include a massive loss of the grey matter in the neocortex,extracellular deposition of amyloid-β(Aβ)in the form of senile plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid angiopathy,and intra-neuronal accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles,formed by hyper-phosphorylated tau protein.

3,6-Bis-β-Dicarbonylsubstituted Carbazoles Bearing N-Spacers and Their Eu(III) Complexes as Immunofluorescent Labelling Agents

New reagents for immunofluorescence analysis of carbazole series containing fluorinated β-dicarbonyl fragments and carboxylic substituent groups separated by spacers of different lengths from the light-gathering carbazole scaffold have been developed. The markers in complex with Eu3+ ions possess stability in the aqueous phase, intense and prolonged luminescence (τ 550 - 570 μs) with characteristic emission maxima in the region of 615 nm and excitation wavelengths in the region of 380 - 390 nm, which distinguishes them from most of the analogs used. In the study of marker conjugation with streptavidin, a reagent containing 4 - 5 europium labeling complexes based on spacer-containing carbazole tetraketone was obtained. The marker-doped silicate nanoparticles exhibit intense and long-lived luminescence in the characteristic region.

Decline and fall of aging astrocytes:the human perspective

“Last scene of all that ends this strange,eventful history,is second childishness and mere oblivion.I am sans teeth,sans eyes,sans taste,sans everything.”William Shakespeare‘As You Like It'Act 2,Sc.7,l.139Aging of the human brain is characterized by a progressive decline of its functional capacity;this decline however varies widely,and cognitive longevity differs substantially between individuals.

Dopamine D₁- and D₂-Receptors in Immunostimulation under Activation of Mu-Opioid Receptors in Mice with Different Psychoemotional States

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effect of activation of mu-opioid receptors (mu-OR) on the immune response under blockade of postsynaptic D1-and D2-receptors in mice of the C57BL/6J strain displaying either aggressive or depressive-like behaviors in the social conflict model. It is shown that activation of activation of mu-OR with a highly selective agonist DAGO (100 μg/kg) increased significantly IgM-immune response not only in C57BL/6J mice with an unchanged psychoemotional state but also in mice displaying aggressive or depressive-like behaviors in the social stress model (10 days of agonistic confrontations). Selective blockade of DA receptors of the D1-type with SCH-23390 (1.0 mg/kg with DAGO administration) caused a more pronounced elevation of IgM-immune response than DAGO alone while DAGO effect was completely blocked by prior administration of D2-receptor antagonist haloperidol (1.0 mg/kg). At the same time, both SCH-23390 and haloperidol prevented the immune response increase induced by DAGO injection in mice engaged in aggressive or depressive-like behaviors. Thus, in animals not subjected to social stress DAGO-induced immunostimulation is provided only by D2-receptors, whereas in animals with altered psychoemotional state mu-opioid immunostimulation is mediated by both types of DA receptors—D1 and D2. These data provide evidence for different impacts of the main subtypes of DA receptors in the mediation of immunomodulating effects of mu-opioid system under normal and stressful conditions.

Impact loading in female runners with single and multiple bone stress injuries during fresh and exerted conditions

Background:Bone stress injuries(BSIs)are common in female runners,and recurrent BSI rates are high.Previous work suggests an association between higher impact loading during running and tibial BSI.However,it is unknown whether impact loading and fatigue-related loading changes discriminate women with a history of multiple BSIs.This study compared impact variables at the beginning of a treadmill run to exertion andthe changes in those variables with exertion among female runners with no history of BSI as well as among those with a history of single or multiple BSIs.Methods:We enrolled 45 female runners(aged 18-40 years)for this cross-sectional study:having no history of diagnosed lower extremity BSI(N-BSI,n=14);a history of 1 lower extremity BSI(1-BSI,n=16);and diagnosed by imaging,or a history of multiple(>3)lower extremity BSIs(M-BSI,n=15).Participants completed a 5-km race speed run on an instrumented treadmill while wearing an Inertial Measurement Unit.The vertical average loading rate(VALR),vertical instantaneous loading rate(VILR),vertical stiffness during impact via instrumented treadmill,and tibial shock determined as the peak po sitive tibial acceleration via Inertial Measurement Unit were measured at the beginning and the end of the run.Results:There were no differences between groups in VALR,VILR,vertical stiffness,or tibial shock in a fresh or exerted condition.However,compared to N-BSI,women with M-BSI had greater increase with exertion in VALR(-1.8%vs.6.1%,p=0.01)and VILR(1.5%vs.4.8%,p=0.03).Similarly,compared to N-BSI,vertical stiffness increased more with exertion among women with M-BSI(-0.9%vs.7.3%,p=0.006)and 1-BSI(-0.9%vs.1.8%,p=0.05).Finally,compared to N-BSI,the increase in tibial shock from fresh to exerted condition was greater among women with M-BSI(0.9%vs.5.5%,p=0.03)and 1-BSI(0.9%vs.11.2%,p=0.02).Conclusion:Women with 1-BSI or M-BSIs experience greater exertion-related increases in impact loading than women with N-BSI.These observations imply that exertion-related changes in gait biomechanics may contribute to risk of BSI.

Modified graphene‐based materials as effective catalysts for transesterification of rapeseed oil to biodiesel fuel

Production of biodiesel by the transesterification process using different modified graphene‐based materials as catalysts was studied.Solid acid graphene‐based samples were prepared by grafting sulfonic or phosphate groups on the surface of thermally reduced graphene oxide.The obtained materials were thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy,X‐ray diffraction,thermogravimetric analysis,X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy,N2 adsorption‐desorption measurements,potentiometric titration,elemental analysis,and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.The prepared catalysts were tested in the transesterification of rapeseed oil with methanol at 130°C under pressure,and their activities were compared to the performance of a commercially available heterogeneous acidic catalyst,Amberlyst‐15.All modified samples were active in the transesterification process;however,significant differences were observed in the yield of biodiesel,depending on the method of catalyst preparation and strength of the acidic sites.The highest yield of fatty acid methyl esters of 70%was obtained for thermally reduced graphene oxide functionalized with 4‐benzenediazonium sulfonate after 6 h of processing,and this result was much higher than that obtained for the commercial catalyst Amberlyst‐15.The results of the reusability test were also promising.

Models to predict injury, physical fitness failure and attrition in recruit training: a retrospective cohort study

Background:Attrition rate in new army recruits is higher than in incumbent troops.In the current study,we identified the risk factors for attrition due to injuries and physical fitness failure in recruit training.A variety of predictive models were attempted.Methods:This retrospective cohort included 19,769 Army soldiers of the Australian Defence Force receiving recruit training during a period from 2006 to 2011.Among them,7692 reserve soldiers received a 28-day training course,and the remaining 12,077 full-time soldiers received an 80-day training course.Retrieved data included anthropometric measures,course-specific variables,injury,and physical fitness failure.Multivariate regression was used to develop a variety of models to predict the rate of attrition due to injuries and physical fitness failure.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the performance of the models.Results:In the overall analysis that included both the 28-day and 80-day courses,the incidence of injury of any type was 27.8%.The 80-day course had a higher rate of injury if calculated per course(34.3%vs.17.6%in the 28-day course),but lower number of injuries per person-year(1.56 vs.2.29).Fitness test failure rate was significantly higher in the 28-day course(30.0%vs.12.1%).The overall attrition rate was 5.2%and 5.0%in the 28-day and 80-day courses,respectively.Stress fracture was common in the 80-day course(n=44)and rare in the 28-day course(n=1).The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the course-specific predictive models were relatively low(ranging from 0.51 to 0.69),consistent with"failed"to"poor"predictive accuracy.The course-combined models performed somewhat better than the course-specific models,with two models having AUC of 0.70 and 0.78,which are considered"fair"predictive accuracy.Conclusion:Attrition rate was similar between 28-day and 80-day courses.In comparison to the 80-day full course,the 28-day course had a lower rate of injury but a higher number of injuries per person-year and of fitness test failure.These findings suggest fitness level at the commencement of training is a critically important factor to consider when designing the course curriculum,particularly short courses.

Results of the influenza virus surveillance in wild birds in Western part of Mongolia

Objective:To present results of virological study of wild birds inhabiting Western Mongolia. Methods:Over a period of 2003-2008,we isolated 13 influenza A viruses:H1N1,H3N6, H13N8 and H4N6 subtypes.We did not isolate any H5N1 subtype,that still cause epizooty in wild birds and poultry.Results:We revealed taxonomic and ecological heterogeneity of the birds involved in maintenance of circulation of influenza viruses in the given territory.Influenza viruses were isolated from birds of 6 orders;among them there are species preferring water and semi-aquatic biotopes,one species preferring dry plain region,and also one species which can inhabit both dry and water biotopes.Conclusions:Representatives of all main orders of Western Mongolia avifauna are involved in support of influenza A virus circulation,highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses were registered in Mongolia thus it’s necessary to continue permanent influenza virus surveillance in wild birds’ populations.

The bactericidal spectrum and virucidal effects of silver nanoparticles against the pathogens in sericulture

Silver nanoparticles have mainly been studied for their antimicrobial potential against bacteria, but have also proven to be active against several types of viruses, even against pebrine as well. Methods: Petri dishes and transmission electronic microscope were applied to observe silver nanoparticles against bacteria strains and nuclear polyhedral viruses (NPV) and cytoplasmic polyhedral viruses (CPV). For biological test, 108 CFU/mL NPV with strong pathogenicity, and the NPV samples treated with 1:100 ratio of “Sumerian Silver” for 8 hrs were sprayed on the mulberry leaves, respectively, for silkworm rearing. Conclusion: Silver nanoparticle solution showed a strong bactericidal effect against both G+ and G﹣bacterial pathogenic strains from Bombyx mori and mulberry. Under transmission electronic microscope (TEM), Bacillus sp. Samples showed light particles in the cells when treated with silver nanoparticles, in contrast, untreated samples showed homogeneity contents. Further, NPV particles showed no significant differences between treated and untreated samples, but CPV showed strong effects that almost all CPV were collapsed. For biological test, “Sumerian Silver” treated NPV showed no diseased silkworm but nearly all silkworms were dead with no treatment. It seems like that silver nanoparticles were proved to be more effective against CPV than that of NPV. The significant differences between two antivirus or virucidal mechanism should be greatly aroused the scientific interest.

Impact and Friction Sensitivity of Energetic Materials：Methodical Evaluation of Technological Safety Features

Key methods developed and used in the USSR and in the Russian Federation to determine the impact and friction sensitivity of energetic materials and explosives have been discussed.Experimental methodologies and instruments that underlie the assessment of their production and handling safety have been described.Studies of a large number of compounds have revealed relationships between their sensitivity parameters and structure of individual compounds and compositions.The range of change of physical and chemical characteristics for the compounds we examined covers the entire region of their existence.Theoretical methodology and equations have been formulated to estimate the impact and friction sensitivity parameters of energetic materials and to evaluate the technological safety in use.The developed methodology is characterized by high-accuracy calculations and prediction of sensitivity parameters.

Neuroprotective properties of extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells

Extracellular vesicles（EVs）provide a novel mechanism of intercellular communication via the transfer of proteins,lipids,and miR NAs between cells.It is now widely accepted that cargo content of EVs depends on cell type and its physiological state.Accordingly,EVs derived from healthy cells may have a comparable therapeutic potential as cells themselves.

Cotton Physiological Parameters Affected by Episodic Irrigation Interruption

Improving cotton irrigation management practices in West Texas is important for increasing farmers＇ profits and for sustainability of the Ogallala aquifer. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects in field controlled episodic drought conditions on cotton gas exchange. Irrigated cotton was subjected to water stress at different timings. Irrigation was interrupted at the squaring stage, early flowering stage, from three weeks at peak bloom, and from peak bloom to the crop termination. These episodic drought treatments were compared with cotton fully irrigated throughout the whole season. From 2010 to 2012, cotton cultivar FM9180 gas exchange was measured throughout the season using a LiCor-6400 portable photosynthesis system. In 2011 and 2012, measurements were also made on DP0935 cultivar. The cotton physiological parameters evaluated included photosynthesis, transpiration and temperature. From the several parameters evaluated, some relationships were presented. Episodic drought periods can affect leaf-level gas exchange and impact yield. Photosynthesis and yield were particularly sensitive to water deficit at early flowering. Despite an increase in leaf water use efficiency under water deficit, overall growth and yield were inhibited in all treatments with a stress component. Understanding the relative sensitivity at different growth stages can help with irrigation decisions when water resources are limited.

Changes in Soil Microbial Activity and Community Composition as a Result of Selected Agricultural Practices

For a constantly growing human population, healthy and productive soil is critical for sustainable delivery of agricultural products. The soil microorganisms play a crucial role in soil structure and functioning. They are responsible for soil formation, ecosystem biogeochemistry, cycling of nutrients and degradation of plant residues and xenobiotics. Certain agricultural treatments, such as fertilizers and pesticides applications, crop rotation, or soil amendment addition, influence the composition, abundance and function of bacteria and fungi in the soil ecosystems. Some of these practices have rather negative effects;others can help soil microorganisms by creating a friendlier habitat or providing nutrients. The changes in microbial community structure cannot be fully captured with traditional methods that are limited only to culturable organisms, which represent less than 1% of the whole population. The use of new molecular techniques such as metagenomics offers the possibility to better understand how agriculture affects soil microbiota. Therefore, the main goal of this review is to discuss how common farming practices influence microbial activity in the soil, with a special focus on pesticides, fertilizers, heavy metals and crop rotation. Furthermore, potential practices to mitigate the negative effects of some treatments are suggested and treatments that can beneficially influence soil microbiota are pointed out. Finally, application of metagenomics technique in agriculture and perspectives of developing efficient molecular tools in order to assess soil condition in the context of microbial activities are underlined.

利用金属膜的针尖诱导氧化过程和点击原子力显微镜工作模式实现纳米尺度模板复制(英文)

我们讨论用扫描探针显微技术研究超薄无序钛薄膜局域氧化过程 ,并利用此氧化过程实现薄膜表面纳米尺度网板修饰。实验说明针尖诱导氧化过程可被认为是电化学阳极氧化过程。钛薄膜的电阻、环境相对湿度、施加的电压幅度和氧化持续时间对纳米修饰的速度和分辨率都有影响。使用专门设计的软件 。

Effects of Calcium on the GABA_A-Coupled CI^-/HCO₃^--ATPase from Plasma Membrane of Rat Brain

The work is a study of the influence of Ca2+ (0.01 - 1 mM) on neuronal CI-, HCO3-, -ATPase complex: an enzyme that is a CI--pump which is functionally and structurally coupled to GABAA-receptors. It is found that influence of Ca2+ on the multifunctional complex starts at concentration of 50·M and at concentration of 0.1 mM, it reduces the “basal” one and increases the CI-, HCO3-, -stimulated Mg2+-ATPase activities. GABA (0.1 - 100μM) activates the “basal” Mg2+-ATPase activity in the ab-sence of calcium. The effect of GABA on the enzyme in the presence of 0.01 ·M Ca2+ does not change. At the same time, 1 mM Ca2+eliminates the GABA effect on the “basal” Mg2+-ATPase activity. Competitive blocker of GABAA-receptors bicuculline (5 - 20 μM) in the absence of Ca2+ ions elimi-nates the stimulation of the “basal” Mg2+-ATPase by anions. When 0.25 mM Ca2+ is added to the in-cubation medium the inhibitory bicuculline effect on the enzyme does not appear. We found that 0.1 mM o-vanadate (protein tyrosine phosphatase blocker) reduces the GABA-activated ATPase activity. At the same time, 0.1 mM genistein (a protein tyrosine kinase blocker) has no effect on enzyme activity. In the presence of Ca2+ (0.25 mM), the effect of o-vanadate on the “basal” and CI-, HCO3-, -ATPase activities does not appear. It is shown for the first time that high concentrations of Ca2+prevent the action of GABAA-ergic ligands on the study ATPase. It is assumed that there is the involvement of protein kinases and protein phosphatases in the modulation of the enzyme activity by calcium. The observed effect of calcium on the ATPase may play an important role in the study of the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and seizure activity.

Comments for Current Interpretation EEG Alpha Activity: A Review and Analysis

Introduction: Exploring the EEG alpha oscillations generates considerable interest because there is well known its role in cognitive and psycho emotional aspects of human life. However, till now there isn’t well determined definition what is alpha activity phenomena and which indices are characterize it. Method: This article focuses on the attempt to determine EEG alpha-activity phenomena, its physical, molecular and morphological nature, to highlight its indices and their role in optimal functioning. Results: Specifically, this article examines individual alpha activity indices: 1) the individual alpha peak frequency;2) activation magnitude measured by estimation the amount of alpha amplitude suppression in response to eyes open and individual alpha band width;3) three alpha “autorhythmicity” indices: intra-spindle amplitude variability, spindle length and steepness. Conclusions: Throughout, the article provides a number of suggestions which alpha activity indices and in which conditions could be applied in psycho physiological investigations, what is their role in optimal functioning and what are possible directions for future research.

Astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles mediate intercellular communications of the neurogliovascular unit

The cortical grey matter of mammals has a specific cyto-architecture defined by the process of "tiling" in which protoplasmic astrocytes parcellate the nervous tissue into spatially segregated territorial domains.

Tbio-Model of a Start-up with Focus in Biotechnological Solutions for Coffee Chain

Tbio is a start-up created to give support to commercialize the products of the biofactory installed in the Federal University of Lavras, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, part of the Innovation Program developed by this University. Its specialty is to innovate, through biological solutions with the vision of the future, once there is a strong demand of food and beverages free of chemical residues and with lower employing of these substances along the production chain by several consumers. The innovative products are generated from microorganisms tested regarding its capacity to promote yield protection, pests and disease control, acceleration of the desmucilage waste water treatment, and improvement of process of faster solubilization, that depends on natural phosphate fertilizers. The goal of this article is to approach the activities that have been developed in this start-up and the knowledge about biocontrol and natural antimicrobials produced by fungi resulting in innovative products to attend the world claim for products free of chemical residues of any kind and harmless to the consumers, environment and workers.