Changes In Structural Components Research Articles

Chapter 8: Searching for Life Beyond Earth.

The search for life beyond Earth necessitates a rigorous and comprehensive examination of biosignatures, the types of observable imprints that life produces. These imprints and our ability to detect them with advanced instrumentation hold the key to our understanding of the presence and abundance of life in the universe. Biosignatures are the chemical or physical features associated with past or present life and may include the distribution of elements and molecules, alone or in combination, as well as changes in structural components or physical processes that would be distinct from an abiotic background. The scientific and technical strategies used to search for life on other planets include those that can be conducted in situ to planetary bodies and those that could be observed remotely. This chapter discusses numerous strategies that can be employed to look for biosignatures directly on other planetary bodies using robotic exploration including those that have been deployed to other planetary bodies, are currently being developed for flight, or will become a critical technology on future missions. Search strategies for remote observations using current and planned ground-based and space-based telescopes are also described. Evidence from spectral absorption, emission, or transmission features can be used to search for remote biosignatures and technosignatures. Improving our understanding of biosignatures, their production, transformation, and preservation on Earth can enhance our search efforts to detect life on other planets.

АКТИН ГЛАДКОМЫШЕЧНЫХ КЛЕТОК КАК КРИТЕРИЙ ГРАВИЧУВСТВИТЕЛЬНОСТИ ЖЕЛУДОЧНО-КИШЕЧНОГО ТРАКТА МЫШЕЙ И МОНГОЛЬСКИХ ПЕСЧАНОК

Despite the key role of the smooth muscle tissue (SMT) in the gastrointestinal organs functioning, mechanisms of SMT gravity sensitivity still remain inadequately studied in space biomedicine. Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was studied in membranes of the stomach and small gut fundus in mice С57BL/6N (experiment in 30-d BION-M1 mission and synchronous control BIOS-MLZh), Mongolian gerbils Meriones unguiculatus (experiment in 12-d Foton-M3 missions), and after 30-d tail-suspension according to E.R. Morey-Holton (С57BL/6N males). Immunohistochemical detection of α-SMA was conducted in 2 µm sections using the mouse SMA monoclonal antibodies (1:100, Zytomed Systems, Cat. No. MSK030). Documentary photography and analysis of micropreparations were performed with microscope ZEISS Axio Imager А2. Quantitative analysis was performed on the basis of the area of immunopositive sections using ImageJ 1.51J8. Morphometric analysis of α-SMA in muscular coat of the stomach and jejunum of the space-flown mice and gerbils detected a reduction of immunopositive sections which points to weakening of the SMT functional activity. Gravitational sensitivity of the gastrointestinal contraction structures can be conditioned by changes in structural components of actin myofilament in smooth myocytes or myofibroblasts. Absence of changes in the α-SMA expression after tail-suspension confirms that microgravity affects functional properties of the gastrointestinal muscular coats.

Study of macronutrients in hemp seeds during short-term germination

At present, hemp seeds are becoming increasingly popular as a source of nutrients. This work addressed the dynamics of macronutrients in the process of short-term germination of hempseeds by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Lyudmila 2021 cultivated hemp seeds along with hemp sprouts were used as objects of research. The germination of hemp seeds was carried out under laboratory conditions using special trays at 18–20 °C with the water added at a ratio of 2:1 for 5 days with periodic moistening. The obtained experimental data on the protein complex suggested that, in the studied interval of the germination of hemp seeds, the key hydrolytic decomposition of proteins occurs along with changes in structural components, including through the synthesis of new proteins accompanying the sprouting. The variations in such parameters as fat content, acid number and peak intensity of functional groups in the lipid fingerprint region (1745, 1157 and 1140 cm-1) indicated the accumulation of fatty acids as a result of the hydrolysis of triglycerides. The analysis of the IR spectra of hemp sprouts and the intensity of the bands of the corresponding functional groups in the carbohydrate region (1200–680 cm-1) suggested the intensive hydrolytic decomposition of polysaccharides. The variation in the content of extractive matter in the aqueous solutions of hemp sprouts indicated the accumulation and utilisation of water-soluble substances at the early stages of germination. The data on the predominance of water- and salt-soluble protein fractions indicated an increase in the biological value of hemp seeds during short-term germination.

ADAPTATION PROCESSES IN A SINGLE KIDNEY AT THE ORGANIC, TISSUE, CELLULAR AND SUBCELLULAR LEVELS

Adaptive processes in a single kidney after nephrectomy are manifested in the early stages of compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining kidney. Changes in kidney size (length, width, thickness) were determined. The results of studies have shown that the width of the kidney, not length, is a predictor of renal failure. Renal volume has been shown to be the optimal parameter for predicting renal function. Microscopic and submicroscopic changes of structural components of nephrons at different times after nephrectomy are described.

Increase in dead wood, large living trees and tree diversity, yet decrease in understory vegetation cover: The effect of three decades of biodiversity-oriented forest policy in Swedish forests

In Sweden, the majority of forest area has been altered by industrial forestry over the decades. Almost 30 years ago, a shift towards biodiversity-oriented forest management practices occurred. Here we took advantage of long-term data collected by the Swedish National Forest Inventory to track developmental changes in forest structural components over this time. We assessed changes in structural components that play an important role in biodiversity (dead wood, large living trees, tree species composition, and understory vegetation) in four forest types with descending tiers of biodiversity protection: protected areas, woodland key habitats, low-productivity forests and production forests. Overall, we found a positive trend in the volumes of dead wood and large living trees, as well as in tree species diversity, while there was a general decline in understory vegetation coverage. Most observed changes were consistent with the intended outcomes of the current forest policy, adapted in the early 1990s. The implementation of retention forestry is likely driving some of the observed changes in forest structural components in the south. In contrast, we observed no changes in any of the focal structural components in the north, which could be attributed to the ongoing clear-cutting of forests previously managed less intensively. Dead wood and large living trees increased not only in managed, but also in unmanaged forests, likely reflecting historical management. The increased tree species diversity can be explained through current forest management practices that encourages maintenance of additional tree species. Decreasing understory vegetation coverage in both dense managed and unmanaged forests suggests that factors other than forestry contribute to the ongoing changes in understory vegetation in Swedish forests. Overall, the observed increase in structural components has not yet been reflected in documented improvements for red-listed forest species, which may be due to delays in species responses to small improvements, as well as a lack of detailed monitoring. Similarly, the increased availability of forest structural components might still be insufficient to meet the specific habitat requirements of red-listed species.

Investigation of Microbial Hydrolysis of Hen Combs with Bacterial Concentrates

When slaughtering and processing poultry, large quantities of meat by-products are generated; therefore, the development of the newest methods for processing secondary raw materials is an urgent problem. Animal proteins have relevant technological applications and are also considered as a potential source of bioactive peptides. Current technologies suggested that protein substances can be isolated from meat co-products through microbial hydrolysis. The purpose of the study was to optimize the technological parameters of microbial hydrolysis of hen combs and to analyze the modification of the microstructure and properties of hydrolyzed by-products under the action of bacterial enzymes. Hen’s combs were hydrolyzed by bifidobacteria and concentrated Propionix liquid. A multifactorial experiment was used to determine the optimal conditions for the hydrolysis process. As a result of the study, multiple regression equations and response surfaces were obtained, which describe the process of hydrolysis of hen combs to identify the optimal hydrolysis parameters. Temperature, amount of bacterial concentrate and hydrolysis period are factors that have a significant impact on the degree of hydrolysis. The results of microscopic and dispersed analysis confirm the good hydrolyzability of combs due to changes in structural components and an increase in the amount of smaller protein particles.

РОЗВИТОК МІЖНАРОДНОГО РИНКУ ПРАЦІ: СТРУКТУРНО-ІННОВАЦІЙНИЙ АСПЕКТ

The article examines the key problems of the development of the international labor market and changes in structural components that occur under the influence of globalization and technological processes. It has been established that structural shifts in employment, which are observed by introduction of innovations, lead to significant changes in the international labor market. The strengthening of the role of innovative factors in ensuring the rational use of the labor force of individual countries is substantiated. The segmentation of the international labor market in the conditions of globalization and innovative changes is analyzed. The objectivity of strengthening the role of the segment of highly qualified labor in ensuring the development of the international labor market has been proven. In the process of research, the main factors of innovative development of the international labor market were characterized technological and knowledge factors that affect the general level of competence and skills of the workforce. It was concluded that the introduction of innovative technologies in the conditions of globalization, such as artificial intelligence, digitalization, can contribute to raising the level of qualifications and improving the skills of the workforce. The obtained results indicate that the international labor market undergoes significant changes during periods of economic shocks caused by the pace of economic growth of the world's economies slows down. The usage of new technologies will provide an opportunity to stimulate overall productivity and could affect additional job development in current and new sectors of the economy. Moreover, the quality of these kinds of jobs will require new skills and knowledge from employees and finally will significantly increase competition both in the local and international labor market. Consecutively, the implementation of the following innovative technologies as artificial intelligence, analysis of large amounts of information, and digitalization under globalization could significantly affect the qualification level and skills of a labor force. Furthermore, changing the structure of the international labor market caused by innovations could also affect the overall level of labor force readiness to perceive and generate innovations. Eventually, it results in the opportunity to produce new knowledge and innovations and improve the quality characteristics of the workforce. Keywords: international labor market, factors of innovative development, globalization changes, innovative development of the international labor market.

The dynamics of morphological changes of structural components of the intervertebral disc at the end of the thirty-fifth and forty-second days while applying the experimental opioid impact

Background. According to the WHO, the diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which cause disability and mortality, rank fourth in the world following cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Due to the statistics, every fifth person suffers from back pain. Chronic diseases of musculoskeletal system are also one of the most urgent problems in Ukraine, and about 3.5 million people encountered the problem of musculoskeletal system. Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of opioids on changes of structural components of the intervertebral disc at the end of the fifth and sixth weeks of the experiment. Methods. The materials of the study were 32 sexually mature, outbred male rats, weighing from 125 to 135 g, aged 4.5 months. Animals were injected with nalbuphine intramuscularly daily in the same intervals (at 10-11 am) for 42 days. This aim was achieved by using microscopic techniques of visualization of cellular components of the rat’s intervertebral disc. Histological specimens were prepared according to the common methods using the dye hematoxylin, eosin, azan according to Heidenhain method, PAS reaction according to McManus and Alcian blue according to Steedman. Results. As a result of experimental opioid exposure for 35 and 42 days, we discovered that in 35 days the gelatinous nucleus was reduced and deformed. Notochondral cells were rare. Mostly cell-free zones with a somewhat compacted matrix were localized in the gelatinous nucleus. In 42 days, there were significant structural changes in the gelatinous nucleus, as well as in the structural elements of the fibrous ring and cartilaginous locking plates. The amount of notochondral cells was reduced. The cytoplasm of some notochondral cells was compacted. Conclusion. Pathomorphological changes in the structural components of the intervertebral disc while applying the experimental opioid effect at the end of the 35th and 42nd days will serve as a basis for further study and comparison of the manifestations of opioid chondropathy in the longer periods applying experimental opioid impact.

Basal ganglia volumetric changes in psychotic spectrum disorders

BackgroundBasal ganglia are particularly important for understanding the pathobiology of psychosis given their key roles in dopaminergic neurotransmission which are associated with psychotic symptoms and one of the target sites of antipsychotic drugs. Psychotic symptoms are prevalent in both schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). Although the components of basal ganglia are implicated in psychosis, comparative structural changes of components of the basal ganglia between SZ and BD are less clear after disentanglement of clinical effects of antipsychotic dose, duration and severity of illness. MethodsIn this study, we examined the morphology of the basal ganglia in 326 subjects comprising of 45 patients of BD type I with psychotic symptoms, 97 first-episode SZ (FE-SZ) patients, 86 non-first-episode chronic SZ (NFE-SZ) patients, in comparison with 98 healthy controls (HC). ResultsResults showed increased volumes in subregions of caudate, putamen, and pallidum in chronic SZ patients compared with HC after controlling for age, gender, and total intracranial volume. No change was found between FE-SZ patients, psychotic BD patients, and HC. Furthermore, hierarchical regressions showed that the dosage of antipsychotics had a significant contribution to basal ganglia volumetric enlargement in NFE-SZ after controlling for the effects of age, gender, total intracranial volume, age at illness onset, as well as illness duration and severity. LimitationsLack of information about the cumulative history of exposure to medication for all the three groups of patients is a major limitation in our study. ConclusionsThere are distinct basal ganglia structural changes in SZ and psychotic BD. Basal ganglia are enlarged in chronic SZ but not in FE-SZ and BD and this enlargement is significantly associated with antipsychotic dosage over and beyond the effects of illness duration and severity.

Morphofunctional changes of structural components of masticatory muscles of mature animals in mercazolilum-induced hypothyroidism

The damage of the muscular system is one of the frequent complications in thyroid diseases, but today there is no unanimous view on the morphofunctional changes in masticatory muscles in hypothyroidism. The purpose of this study was to determine the peculiarities of the structural organization of the masseter and lateral pterygoid muscles of mature rats in various stages of experimentally modeled hypothyroidism. The study was performed on the masticatory muscles of mature male rats during the 14th, 21st, 28th days of the development of mercazolilum-induced hypothyroidism. The following research methods were used: injection method of study of the circulatory bed of the masticatory muscles; histological examination of blood vessels and tissue elements of the masticatory muscles; electron microscopic examination; morphometric analysis (mean value of blood vessels’ lumen and thickness of their walls; number of capillaries in 1 μm2 of cross section of muscular fiber; the quantity of the capillaries at one muscular fiber, the percentage of oxidative (OMF), oxidative-glycolytic (OGMF), glycolytic (GMF) muscular fibers, average muscular fiber area, biochemical methods, and statistical analysis was conducted out using the software RV.3.0. The development of hypothyroidism is indicated by the reduction of hormones of the thyroid gland in the blood. During the 14th day of the experiment in the arterial bed in the injection of Parisian blue in the masticatory muscles there is a deformation of the vascular pattern. The number of hemocapillaries decreases. The edema of the cytoplasm of endothelial cells is submicroscopically marked. In muscular fibers, the cross-striation is broken, the area of their cross-section is enlarged, the dilation and vacuolization are observed in the endomysium. A change was determined in the quantitative distribution of all types of fibers (the number of OGMF and OMF decreased, and the amount of GMF increased). At the ultramicroscopic level, there were observed pronounced changes in all types of muscular fibers, especially in the GMF and OMF of the masseter muscle. On the 21st day, a significant deformation of the vascular pattern was observed, with a decrease of the arterial lumen and an increase of the vein lumen. The number of hemocapillaries continues to decrease. Ultra-structurally, in the endothelial cells of the hemocapillaries of the masticatory muscles, edema changes progress. In muscular fibers there is a loss of cross-striation and observed swelling. There is a tendency to decrease of the number of OGMF and OMF and increase of the amount of GMF. At the ultramicroscopic level, there are pronounced changes in all types of fibers, especially in the masseter muscle. During the 28th day of mercazolilum-induced hypothyroidism changes in the vessels and muscle fibers are progressing. Described morphological changes are associated with the dynamics of the trace substances’ composition. Thus, in mercazolilum-induced hypothyroidism in the masticatory muscles there are edematous changes both in the vascular bed and in muscular fibers. Moreover, the changes are deepened depending on the duration of the experiment.

New methodology of structural estimation and study: local inhomogeneity simulation

Problem. A support of the reliable operation and an increase of the operational durability of iron-carbon alloys products and parts operating under wear and large impact and thermocyclic loads, are determined by the degree of metal degradation with the development of phase heterogeneity and damage. Study of the structural heterogeneity happening due to these phenomena, development of new methods and improvement of the accuracy of analysis techniques of the existing ones are among the most important tasks in the search for ways of improvement the operational stability of such products and the reliability prediction. The Goal of our study consists in development and improvement of the new methods for material studies that allow one to both model the changes of structural components' local heterogeneity resulting from the a variety of external influences and to significantly reduce the number of factors in correlation dependencies in order to simplify the calculations without the assessment quality loss. Methodology involves an estimate of the local inhomogeneity of different phases, the variation degree in the dislocation structure of high-carbon alloys is studied. Its distribution density is evaluated under the conditions of stresses generated as a result of heat treatment. Images of microstructures are studied using the methods of our optical-mathematical computer analysis developed and described in a number of our previous papers. Results our research dedicated to modeling of the local heterogeneity of structural components as a result of various external influences, allows us to offer a new complex method for study of metallographic images with the optical-mathematical analysis used and including the new estimation parameters: M-triples and their invariants. Originality. The proposed methodology makes possible the further development of the researches that include modeling on the whole range of rotations. This makes it possible to establish the closest interconnections between them and all the parameters that make up the M triples. Further, this enables to estimate both the structural components heterogeneity and to reveal the various structural components of heterogeneous alloys. It is established that there is a functional connection between three rotational angles which corresponds to each triplet. Practical value the proposed methodical approach allow to evaluate the materials properties, primarily, material hardness.

Investigation of functional group distribution of asphalt using liquid chromatography transform and prediction of molecular model

The present study investigated functional group distribution of virgin and aged asphalt binder through liquid chromatography (LC) transform, a device that combines the functions of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The corresponding molecular models of virgin and PAV aged asphalt components were constructed. The temperature-dependent density of the model was calculated to verify the accuracy of the model. The chemical structure of the components was evaluated using a series of indicators, including the aromatic index, the aging index, the CO index and the δ (CH3)/δ (CH3 + CH2). The structural changes of components with molecular weight of the virgin and aged asphalt were also analyzed. The molecular simulation results indicated that the molecular model developed in this study was consistent with real asphalt.

Effect of thermal treatment on the charge storage properties of graphene oxide/12-tungstophosphoric acid nanocomposite

The influence of thermal treatment in an inert atmosphere on the charge storage properties of graphene oxide (GO)/12-tungstophosphoric acid (WPA) nanocomposite was examined. The transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed high dispersion of WPA on GO matrix, while the surface analysis showed thermal activation of structural changes of WPA and desorption of oxygen functional groups from GO and GO/WPA nanocomposite. Initial GO/WPA nanocomposite had approximately two times higher capacitance compared to initial GO. The thermal treatment of initial GO and GO/WPA to 500°C induced twofold increase of capacitance of GO and 40% increase of GO/WPA, accompanied with significant increase of operating voltage compared to GO (for 300mV). Above 500°C, a decrease of capacitance of both GO and GO/WPA was observed. The results suggest that understanding of structural changes of components and their interaction is crucial for improvement of electrochemical properties of considered composite.

Quantification of Breast Cancer Cell Transmigration across Brain and Lung Microvascular Endothelium

Extravasation is a crucial step during tumor metastasis. Breast cancer cells prefer to extravasate into the lungs and brain. However, where and how tumor cells transmigrate through these organ-specific endothelial barriers to complete their extravasation remains unclear. Using an in vitro transwell model, we performed a transmigration assay of malignant breast tumor cells (MDA-MB-231) through lung or brain microvascular endothelial monolayers under control and pathological conditions. The locations and rates of tumor cell transmigration as well as the changes in structural components of endothelial monolayers were investigated by confocal microscopy. Endothelial monolayer permeability to albumin Palbumin was also quantified under the same conditions. Our results show: 1) More than 95% of transmigration occurs at the joints of endothelial cells instead of cell bodies; 2) Tumor cell adhesion and transmigration degrade endothelial surface glycocalyx and disrupt junctional proteins between adjacent endothelial cells, consequently increasing Palbumin; 3) The transmigration rate of breast tumor cells is higher through the lung endothelial monolayer with higher Palbumin; 4) Both Palbumin and tumor transmigration rates are increased by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and an inflammatory agent, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) treatments. These results suggest that reinforcing endothelial structural integrity, e.g. preserving surface glycocalyx and junction proteins, is an effective approach for inhibiting tumor extravasation. Supported by NIH SC1CA153325-01.

Using health worker opinions to assess changes in structural components of quality in a Cluster Randomized Trial.

BackgroundThe ‘resource readiness’ of health facilities to provide effective services is captured in the structure component of the classical Donabedian paradigm often used for assessment of the quality of care in the health sector. Periodic inventories are commonly used to confirm the presence (or absence) of equipment or drugs by physical observation or by asking those in charge to indicate whether an item is present or not. It is then assumed that this point observation is representative of the everyday status. However the availability of an item (consumables) may vary. Arguably therefore a more useful assessment for resources would be one that captures this fluctuation in time. Here we report an approach that may circumvent these difficulties.MethodsWe used self-administered questionnaires (SAQ) to seek health worker views of availability of key resources supporting paediatric care linked to a cluster randomized trial of a multifaceted intervention aimed at improving this care conducted in eight rural Kenyan district hospitals. Four hospitals received a full intervention and four a partial intervention. Data were collected pre-intervention and after 6 and 18 months from health workers in three clinical areas asked to score item availability using an 11-point scale. Mean scores for items common to all 3 areas and mean scores for items allocated to domains identified using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to describe availability and explore changes over time.ResultsSAQ were collected from 1,156 health workers. EFA identified 11 item domains across the three departments. Mean availability scores for these domains were often <5/10 at baseline reflecting lack of basic resources such as oxygen, nutrition and second line drugs. An improvement in mean scores occurred in 8 out of 11 domains in both control and intervention groups. A calculation of difference in difference of means for intervention vs. control suggested an intervention effect resulting in greater changes in 5 out of 11 domains.ConclusionUsing SAQ data to assess resource availability experienced by health workers provides an alternative to direct observations that provide point prevalence estimates. Further the approach was able to demonstrate poor access to resources, change over time and variability across place.

Batteries. Capturing metastable structures during high-rate cycling of LiFePO₄ nanoparticle electrodes.

The absence of a phase transformation involving substantial structural rearrangements and large volume changes is generally considered to be a key characteristic underpinning the high-rate capability of any battery electrode material. In apparent contradiction, nanoparticulate LiFePO4, a commercially important cathode material, displays exceptionally high rates, whereas its lithium-composition phase diagram indicates that it should react via a kinetically limited, two-phase nucleation and growth process. Knowledge concerning the equilibrium phases is therefore insufficient, and direct investigation of the dynamic process is required. Using time-resolved in situ x-ray powder diffraction, we reveal the existence of a continuous metastable solid solution phase during rapid lithium extraction and insertion. This nonequilibrium facile phase transformation route provides a mechanism for realizing high-rate capability of electrode materials that operate via two-phase reactions.

Watching battery materials in action

Batteries When batteries get rapidly charged and discharged repeatedly, they will often stop working. This is especially true when the cycling changes the crystal structure of the battery components. Liu et al. examined the structural changes in components of a type of lithium battery (see the Perspective by Owen and Hector). Their findings explain why LiFePO4 delivers unexpectedly good electrochemical performances, particularly during rapid cycling. Science , this issue p. [10.1126/science.1252817][1]; see also p. [1451][2] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1252817 [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1255819

A new in vivo model of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration reveals a surprising role for transcriptional regulation in pathogenesis

Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN) is a neurodegenerative disorder with a poorly understood molecular mechanism. It is caused by mutations in Pantothenate Kinase, the first enzyme in the Coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthetic pathway. Here, we developed a Drosophila model of PKAN (tim-fbl flies) that allows us to continuously monitor the modeled disease in the brain. In tim-fbl flies, downregulation of fumble, the Drosophila PanK homologue in the cells containing a circadian clock results in characteristic features of PKAN such as developmental lethality, hypersensitivity to oxidative stress, and diminished life span. Despite quasi-normal circadian transcriptional rhythms, tim-fbl flies display brain-specific aberrant circadian locomotor rhythms, and a unique transcriptional signature. Comparison with expression data from flies exposed to paraquat demonstrates that, as previously suggested, pathways others than oxidative stress are affected by PANK downregulation. Surprisingly we found a significant decrease in the expression of key components of the photoreceptor recycling pathways, which could lead to retinal degeneration, a hallmark of PKAN. Importantly, these defects are not accompanied by changes in structural components in eye genes suggesting that changes in gene expression in the eye precede and may cause the retinal degeneration. Indeed tim-fbl flies have diminished response to light transitions, and their altered day/night patterns of activity demonstrates defects in light perception. This suggest that retinal lesions are not solely due to oxidative stress and demonstrates a role for the transcriptional response to CoA deficiency underlying the defects observed in dPanK deficient flies. Moreover, in the present study we developed a new fly model that can be applied to other diseases and that allows the assessment of neurodegeneration in the brains of living flies.

Alteration of sensory neurons and spinal response to an experimental osteoarthritis pain model

To verify the biologic links between progressive cellular and structural alterations within knee joint components and development of symptomatic chronic pain that are characteristic of osteoarthritis (OA), and to investigate the molecular basis of alterations in nociceptive pathways caused by OA-induced pain. An animal model of knee joint OA pain was generated by intraarticular injection of mono-iodoacetate (MIA) in Sprague-Dawley rats, and symptomatic pain behavior tests were performed. Relationships between development of OA with accompanying pain responses and gradual alterations in cellular and structural knee joint components (i.e., cartilage, synovium, meniscus, subchondral bone) were examined by histologic and immunohistologic analysis, microscopic examination, and microfocal computed tomography. Progressive changes in the dynamic interrelationships between peripheral knee joint tissue and central components of nociceptive pathways caused by OA-induced pain were examined by investigating cytokine production and expression in sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord. We observed that structural changes in components of the peripheral knee joint correlate with alterations in the central compartments (dorsal root ganglia and the spinal cord) and symptomatic pain assessed by behavioral hyperalgesia. Our comparative gene expression studies revealed that the pain pathways in MIA-induced knee OA may overlap, at least in part, with neuropathic pain mechanisms. Similar results were also observed upon destabilization of the knee joint in the anterior cruciate ligament transection and destabilization of the medial meniscus models of OA. Our results indicate that MIA-induced joint degeneration in rats generates an animal model that is suitable for mechanistic and pharmacologic studies on nociceptive pain pathways caused by OA, and provide key in vivo evidence that OA pain is caused by central sensitization through communication between peripheral OA nociceptors and the central sensory system. Furthermore, our data suggest a mechanistic overlap between OA-induced pain and neuropathic pain.

Identifying time trends in advertising expenditure components

The study analyzes the components of advertising spending for a group of European countries with stable total advertising spending over the period 1994–2007. Three components of advertising spending were considered: Electronic, Print, and Online. Our main objective was to study how the components were restructured within the period under study and to find clusters of similar countries. A specific distance for time series, which is expressed as a linear combination of a standard distance measure and the weights, was to be used. The standard distance used for compositional data is the Aitchison distance, however it was found unsuitable due to zero and near zero values in the Online component. As a simple alternative a linear regression model on the components was used, followed by standard cluster analysis on the regression estimates. Results enable a deeper insight into the level of each component and into the structural changes in components for clusters of examined countries.