Multiparametric Analysis of Tissue Spheroids Fabricated from Different Types of Cells

Reproducible, scalable, and cost effective fabrication and versatile characterization of tissue spheroids (TS) is highly demanded by 3D bioprinting and drug discovery. Consistent geometry, defined mechanical properties, optimal viability, appropriate extracellular matrix/cell organization are required for cell aggregates aimed for application in these fields. A straightforward procedure for fabrication and systematic multiparametric characterization of TS with defined properties and uniform predictable geometry employing non‐adhesive technology is suggested. Applying immortalized and primary cells, the reproducibility of spheroid generation, the strong correlation of ultimate spheroid diameter, and growth pattern with cell type and initial seeding concentration are demonstrated. Spheroids viability and mechanical properties are governed by cell derivation. In this study, a new decision procedure to apply for any cell type one starts to work with to prepare and typify TS meeting high quality standards in biofabrication and drug discovery is suggested.     

Rd7 genotyping of M. tuberculosis strains isolated from patients with lung tuberculosis in different areas of Kazakhstan

A three-primer PCR assay was designed for detection of possible deletions in the RD7 region of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex chromosome. The assay produced amplicons of different size depending on the presence or absence of the deletions. The PCR assay was applied to 176 isolates from patients with lung tuberculosis collected in different areas of Kazakhstan in summer 2004. The isolates were initially characterized by culture and biochemical tests. The RD7 genotyping results demonstrated no polymorphism and the absence of deletions in the RD7 genome region. Some strains were additionally characterized using PCR-RFLP analysis of gyrB and hsp64 genes. The RFLP-patterns obtained corresponded to the M. tuberculosis genotypes. The results of this work are consistent with certain previous studies, indicating population stability of the RD7 region in M. tuberculosis strains. Species characterization of the isolates shows that M. tuberculosis sensu stricto is the principal causative agent of human lung tuberculosis in Kazakhstan.     

C-fos gene expression in the rat spinal cord and brain cells during stress and the use of different types of halothane anesthesia

C-fos gene expression was studied as a marker of nervous cells activation in the rat spinal cord and brain cells under different conditions (different kinds of narcosis). Using of 1.5% light halothane narcosis allowed the detection of c-Fos-like proteins expression in the spinal cord cells only. Under initial 1.5% halothane narcosis, c-Fos-like proteins expression in the rat spinal cord (lumbar segments) and the brain cells was observed after placing the rats into the hammock, noxious mechanical stimulation (NMS) or high frequency electromagnetic irradiation of the skin (EHF). The pattern of the brain structures reacting on the NMS by c-Fos proteins expression, was determined. It was shown that NMS increases the c-Fos positive cell quantity in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), ventro-medial (VMH), dorso-medial (DMH) hypothalamic nuclei and anterior hypothalamic area (AHN) by 116, 199, 101 and 157% resp., in comparison with the c-Fos immunoreactive cell quantity in intact animals. EHF irradiation of the skin decreased the intensity of c-Fos-like proteins synthesis induced by NMS in the most of the investigated structures (LHA, VMH, DMH and AHA by 32.8, 29, 15 and 33%, resp.). It was shown that only initial halothane narcosis allowed to determine the hypothalamic structures which realized the responses to the NMS, and modification effects of EHF skin irradiation on the intensity of these responses.     

Effect of modification of the structure of interleukin-1beta on its physiological activity

Modification of the structure of recombinant human IL-1 beta: deletion of the amino acids serine, asparagine, and asparagic acid in position 52-54 in mutant delta SND, led to major changes in its functional activity. Significant reduction of the main IL-1 beta activities: concomitant, pyrogenic and corticotropic ones in the mutant delta SND, suggests the latter to be a partial agonist of IL-1 beta. Nevertheless the reduction in certain parameters of the humoral immune response in mice following administration of the delta SND preparation suggests that, when manifesting its immunomodulatory properties, the delta SND acts as a partial antagonist of the IL-1 beta.     

Ultrastructure of the reticulate uterus and specific features of matrotrophy in three species of higher cestodes (Cestoda,Cyclophyllidea)

The ultrastructure of the reticular uterus has been analyzed in pregravid and gravid proglottids of cyclophillid cestodes dwelling in water (Alcataenia dominicana and A. larina) and in terrestrial hosts (Arostrilepis tenuicirrosa). Cells of the medullary parenchyma surrounding the uterus are filled with lipid inclusions in all species investigated. The hypertrophic development of small excretory ducts that surround the uterus, contact the uterine epithelium, and penetrate the diverticula is characteristic of Alcataenia dominicana and Arostrilepis tenuicirrosa. A comparative analysis of the results and the data available for other cestode species allow for the assumption that the reticulate structure of the uterus, lipid accumulation, and contacts between the uterine epithelium and the excretory ducts are morphological and functional adaptations that enable matrotrophy and the attainment of maximal fecundity by cyclophillid cestodes.     

Computational study of the mechanical behavior of the astrocyte network and axonal compartments in the mouse optic nerve head

Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology - Glaucoma is a blinding disease characterized by the degeneration of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons at the optic nerve head (ONH). A major risk...     

Phytoplankton in the Littoral and Pelagial Zones of the Rybinsk Reservoir in Years with Different Temperature and Water-Level Regimes

The features of the floristic composition and dynamics of the biomass of phytoplankton in shallow and deep areas of the Volga reach in the Rybinsk Reservoir have been studied during years with different thermal and water-level regimes (2009–2011). The floristic diversity and biomass of phytoplankton increase with a decrease in depth. The increase in water temperature at low water level stimulates phytoplankton vegetation in the pelagial zone and a decrease in biomass in the littoral zone, while a high diversity of algocenoses is recorded irrespective of habitat. The contribution of filamentous algae and cyanoprokaryotes to the biomass increases in the shallow littoral part; in the open part of the reservoir, the biomass of mixotrophic flagellates decreases. Their abundance, as well as the abundance of zignematales, increases with decreasing depth.     

Ultrastructural Organization of a Novel Halotolerant Strain <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kocuria</Emphasis> sp. ICIS A2.2 (Actinobacteria) after a Change of Carbon Source

Morphological and physiological properties, the partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, and the ultrastructure of a novel halotolerant hydrocarbon oxidizing bacterium Kocuria sp. (strain ICIS A2.2) isolated from the association with the ciliate Cyclidium sp. have been characterized. Morphological and ultrastructural changes have been revealed in cells of the studied strain while growing in a media with different carbon sources (sucrose or diesel fuel). At the cellular level, the enlargement of the cells, changes in their shape, and the formation of aggregates occur. At the subcellular level, both the number and size of cytoplasmic membrane bodies increase and electron-transparent inclusions appear. These changes may be considered a result of adaptation to a medium containing hydrocarbons.