Helix Pomatia Research Articles

Altered glycosylation of several metastasis-associated glycoproteins with terminal GalNAc defines the highly invasive cancer cell phenotype.

Several distinct metastasis-associated glycosylation changes have been shown to promote cancer cell invasion and metastasis, the main cause of death of cancer patients. However, it is unclear whether their presence reflects cell- or tissue-specific variations for metastasis, or species needed to drive different phases of the metastatic cascade. To address this issue from a different perspective, we investigated here whether different cancer cell lines share any glycotopes that are common and important for their invasive phenotype. By using lectin microarray glycan profiling and an established myoma tissue-based 3D invasion assay, we identified a single glycotope recognized by Helix Pomatia agglutinin (HPA), whose expression level in different cancer cells correlated significantly with their invasive potential. Lectin pull-down assay and LC-MS/MS analysis in highly- (A431 and SW-48) and poorly invasive (HepG2 and RCC4) cancer cells revealed ~85 glycoproteins of which several metastasis-promoting members of the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14) were among the abundant ones. Moreover, we showed that the level of the GalNAc glycotope in MMP-14, EGFR, αV-, β1- and β4 integrin in highly and poorly invasive cancer cells correlated positively with their invasive potential. Collectively, our findings suggest that altered glycosylation of several metastasis-associated glycoproteins with terminal GalNAc drives the highly invasive cancer cell phenotype.

Purified recombinant enzymes efficiently hydrolyze conjugated urinary (poly)phenol metabolites.

Many strategies are used to quantify microbial (poly)phenol metabolites (MPMs) in urine. Currently, to obtain accurate results, the use of phase II conjugate analytical standards is deemed to be the gold standard. However, these standards are expensive or commercially unavailable. Quantification using an affordable and commercially available unconjugated analytical standard following hydrolysis with the crude preparation from Helix pomatia containing arylsulfatase and β-glucuronidase was once considered to be an alternative, but previous studies have shown poor hydrolysis efficiency for conjugated MPMs. In this work, we evaluated the efficiency of purified recombinant enzymes and compared them with the preparation from H. pomatia using 75 urine samples. 38 conjugated MPMs were identified before hydrolysis, associated with 17 unconjugated MPMs. Rapid chemical synthesis of sulfated compounds was carried out to increase the confidence level for the identification of 13 sulfated MPMs. Recombinant enzymes had a mean hydrolysis efficiency of over 95% for 36 out of 38 conjugated MPMs with a hydrolysis time of 30 min. In comparison, the preparation from H. pomatia achieved similar efficiency for only 28 conjugated MPMs after 6 h of hydrolysis. When comparing the concentration of unconjugated MPMs released after enzymatic hydrolysis, recombinant enzymes were more or as effective for almost every MPM. These results demonstrate that accurate quantification of MPMs in urine can be quickly achieved using purified recombinant enzymes and represent an affordable alternative to the use of conjugated analytical standards, improving access to the analysis of the metabolism of (poly)phenols by the gut microbiota.

НОВІТНІ ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ ВПЛИВУ ГАЛУЗІ РАВЛИКІВНИЦТВА НА ЕКОНОМІКУ ТА ТОРГІВЛЮ В ІТАЛІЇ

The article examines the experience of growing snails in Italy, the impact of heliciculture on the Italian economy, the demand for snails in Italy, as well as the import and export of snails in Italy. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the snail farming industry in Italy and its potential tocontribute to sustainable agriculture and economic growth in the country. It discusses the technical and management issues associated with snail breeding, the most popular snail dishes in Italy, and methods for optimizing snail breeding on farms. The article draws from a variety of scientific and academic sources, including journals and books, to provide a detailed analysis of the snail farming industry in Italy. The sources used in the article cover a wide range of topics related to snail farming, including the nutritional requirements of snails, the use of different feeding methods, and the various challenges faced by snail farmers in Italy. Additionally, the article examines the role of state support for snail farming and the  potential economic impact of snail exports on the Italian economy. Overall, this article provides a valuableresource for those interested in the snail farming industry in Italy. It offers an in-depth analysis of the industry and provides insights into potential areas for growth and improvement. The article highlights the economic and environmental benefits of heliciculture and provides useful information for those interested in starting or expanding a snail farming operation in Italy. The sources used in the article include scientific studies and academic articles, such as "Optimal breeding conditions for the Roman snail (Helix pomatia)" and "The future of heliciculture in Italy: an assessment of production, innovation and consumer preferences." These sources provide valuable insights into the technical and scientific aspects of snail breeding, as well as the potential for innovation and growth within the industry. The article also examines the social and cultural factors surrounding the demand for snails in Italy, including the most popular snail dishes and consumer preferences. By examining the cultural significance of snail farming in Italy, the article provides a more nuanced understanding of the industry and its place within the broader context of Italian culture and cuisine. Overall, this article offers a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the snail farming industry in Italy. Its focus on scientific research, economic analysis, and cultural factors provides a well-rounded and insightful look at the industry and its potential for growth and sustainability. The article is a valuable resource for anyone interested in snail farming or the broader issues of sustainable agriculture and economic development in Italy.

HELIX POMATIA (GRAPE SNAIL) AS A NEW SOURCE OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES

This article features findings of the research that includes processing by the physical method (in three options: freeze drying, traditional drying using dehydrators at a temperature of +35 and +105℃ ) of raw materials which appear to be waste products in the production of snails, with their subsequent laboratory studies. Approbation of the obtained results in the production industry proves the effectiveness of the implementation of the proposed solution. In the result of the growing pace in the manufacture of products of the of Helix pomatia origin, where only 40% of raw materials are used, the processing of waste products has become of great scientific and industrial interest. The purpose of the research was to comprehensively study the waste products in the manufacture of snail products, using different options in the physical method in processing of raw materials to enable the diversity in prospective product manufacturing. The scientific novelty of the research work is represented by a comprehensive study of qualitative features of waste products in snail production with the grounded potential scope of their application, and the contribution both in science and in industries promoting the development of agricultural products. As a result, it has been established and proven that the freeze-dried grape snail is used more effectively than other options in the processing of raw materials, which is characterized by the best quality indicators, including the highest content of crude protein – 74.90 % and amino acids. This fact makes Helix pomatia a promising and competitive product.

Cultivation of Helix pomatia grape snail in integration with pond fisheries

The article considers the possibility of integrating pond fish farming with the cultivation of grape snail - a new promising direction of agricultural production in Russia. The biological features of H. pomatia allow it to be grown on dams of ponds and make it a promising object of integration into pond fish farms. At the first stages of the integration of the grape snail, a herd of 300 individuals was created at the experimental base of the Research Institute of Integrated Fish Farming, individuals from the local population were selected quite large (average weight 25.6 g), outwardly healthy with an intact shell. Snail feeding was carried out in an open fenced area of 16 m². The peculiarities of the nutrition of the grape snail were studied in laboratory and field conditions. It was found that the snail willingly eats dandelion, burdock, nettle, etc. growing on the dams of ponds. Promising objects for landing on dams and additional nutrition of the snail are-lettuce, zucchini, parsley. Along with the selection of the diet, the search for optimal parameters of illumination and humidity for an experienced herd of snails was carried out. When the temperature rises above the optimum and there is no precipitation, the humidity of the air and soil in the feeding area was maintained by regular sprinkling with water from the pond. The illumination was regulated by a system of canopies and shelters in the form of wooden shields. The soils of the dam are peat, so additional liming is required, and bone flour, crushed eggshells can be used as a source of calcium for the formation of the shell. Grape snails are hermaphrodites, but during mating there is an exchange of sexual products, so the total number of producers required for obtaining offspring is 2 times less than when breeding different-sex individuals. The snail spawning took place in the feeding area, the caviar is large with a mass of 0.15 g and a diameter of 6.14 mm. Wintering is also possible at the feeding site during preliminary preparatory measures.

Exploring land snails’ response to habitat characteristics and their potential as bioindicators of riparian forest quality

Riparian ecosystems are crucial for landscape-level biodiversity, especially in highly anthropic and agricultural areas. Although the low mobility of snails reduces their dispersal capacity and makes them vulnerable to habitat degradation, they are less commonly used as indicators. We evaluated the potential of land snails as bioindicators of riparian forest quality in central European riparian forests by surveying snail communities in relation to habitat characteristics that characterize its quality. Habitat characteristics were found to affect both snail abundance and species richness. The abundance of snail species increased with the forest continuity, forest width and abundance of leaf litter and decreased with the cover of ruderal plant species and presence of household waste deposits. Snail diversity was positively influenced by habitat continuity, forest width, and abundance of dead wood. The community composition was also sensitive to habitat characteristics, most species having their optimum in habitats with high amounts of decaying dead wood and litter. Many species responded positively to habitat continuity, demonstrating that fragmentation is the main factor affecting abundance of land snail communities. Both total abundance of land snail communities and species richness were good predictors of habitat quality, snail abundance being more powerful than diversity. Aegopinella epipedostoma, Perforatella bidentata, and Helix pomatia were best at discriminating among high and poor quality forest habitats among individual species. Our study showed that among the parameters describing habitat quality, spatial and temporal continuity of riparian forest are the main factors affecting snail communities. Habitat fragmentation and the absence of suitable microhabitats for snail species preferring decaying wood lead to lower abundance and diversity of land snail communities confirming the potential of land snails as bioindicators of riparian forest quality.

Allantoin from Valuable Romanian Animal and Plant Sources with Promising Anti-Inflammatory Activity as a Nutricosmetic Ingredient

Helix aspersa (HA), Helix pomatia (HP) and Symphytum officinale are common organisms in Romania’s biosphere, widely known for their allantoin content and their therapeutic properties. Herein, the allantoin was separated and quantified from the aqueous extracts of Romanian comfrey root and the secretions of HA and HP snails. This study also focused on determining the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of these Romanian allantoin-rich samples. The plant extracts were obtained through two methods: ultrasonic extraction and enzymatic ultrasonic extraction. A microplate method was used for the quantitative determination of allantoin content. The antioxidant activity was measured by using the DPPH radical scavenging method. The antioxidant capacity of the samples was studied in order to observe the type of interactions generated by the chemical complex present in their composition. High concentrations of allantoin were obtained by enzymatic ultrasonic extraction method (EUE—102 ± 0.74 μg/mL), and also in the water-soluble fraction of the snail secretion (FS1—22.051 μg/mL). The antioxidant screening suggests that Symphytum officinale and snail mucus extracts could be used as promising natural substitutes for synthetic antioxidants in products used for therapeutic purposes. The evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity was also investigated, allantoin-rich samples showing a promising action (FS1—81.87 ± 2.34%). In future, the inclusion of allantoin-rich extracts in various novel pharmaceutical forms for new therapeutic applications could be achieved. The study will continue with the formulation of a nutricosmetic product with snail mucus and Symphytum officinale extract as principal bioactive ingredients.

Simultaneous determination of melatonin and 6-hydroxymelatonin in human overnight urine by LC-MS/MS

For the quantification of the pineal hormone melatonin and its metabolite, 6-hydroxymelatonin, in human overnight urine, a single accurate method by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been developed. Urine samples were deconjugated using β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase from Helix pomatia before solid phase extraction (SPE) purification. Chromatographic separation was performed using a reverse phase C18 column with a 7-minute gradient elution. Water was used as matrix to prepare the calibration standards, and deuterated analogues of melatonin and 6-hydroxymelatonin were used as internal standards. This newly developed method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, repeatability, intermediate precision, recovery, matrix effect, and stability according to the guidelines of the European Medicines Agency. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of overnight urine samples from 12 healthy volunteers, showing significant correlations of urinary melatonin and 6-hydroxymelatonin excretion rates with age. The urinary 6-hydroxymelatonin to melatonin ratio was also established and will be assessed in further studies as a potential endogenous metric of CYP1A2 activity.

The T/Tn-Specific Helix pomatia Lectin Induces Cell Death in Lymphoma Cells Negative for T/Tn Antigens.

Simple SummaryChanges in glycosylation, such as incomplete synthesis and higher density of O-glycans on the cell surface, are frequently observed in cancer cells. Several types of truncated O-glycan structures, e.g., T/Tn antigens, are suspected to disrupt molecular interactions between tumor microenvironment and immune cells, for instance, facilitating cancer immune-escape. Therefore, numerous exogenous lectins targeting aberrant O-glycans are interesting tools for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. However, the ability of exolectins to detect subtle alterations in the glycome of tumor cells and to interfere in tumor/healthy cell interactions remains largely unknown. The present article reports for the first time that the Helix pomatia (HPA) lectin, a well-known T/Tn-specific lectin, currently used as a tool in cancer diagnostics, kills Tn-positive leukemia cells and Tn-negative lymphoma cells but does not affect healthy lymphocytes. Thus, HPA could be used to discriminate between tumor and healthy cells, and detect subtle alterations in the glycosylation profile.Morniga G is a T/Tn-specific lectin, inducing cell death in Tn-positive leukemias but not in healthy lymphocytes. Helix pomatia lectin (HPA) is another T/Tn-specific lectin, currently used as tool for cancer diagnostics. The HPA-mediated tumor cell death was evaluated on human leukemia and mouse lymphoma cells, and compared to the effect of Morniga G. Both lectins induced an equivalent percentage of cell death in Tn-positive Jurkat human leukemia. In contrast, EL4 mouse lymphoma resisted Morniga G-mediated cytotoxicity but were killed by HPA at concentrations of 2.5 μg/mL (0.032 nM) and higher. In both malignant cells, HPA-mediated cell death showed features compatible with apoptosis (annexin-externalization, caspase-activation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and ROS production). Cytometry analysis indicated that EL4 cells are T/Tn-negative. Because previous results showed a high amount of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc, sugar present in Tn antigen) on EL4 cell surface, this GalNAc could be involved in the formation of truncated O-glycans other than the T/Tn residues. When compared to Morniga G, bioinformatic analysis suggested that HPA benefits from an extended carbohydrate-binding site, better adapted than Morniga G to the accommodation of more complex branched and truncated O-glycans (such as core 2). Finally, HPA killed EL4 cells but not healthy lymphocytes in a mixture of lymphoma cells + lymphocytes, suggesting that HPA selectively triggers tumor cell death.

Experimental indications of gardeners' anecdotes that snails interfere with invasive slugs.

The invasive Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris) is an important pest species in agriculture and horticulture in Europe. In the last decades it has spread across the continent where it outcompetes native slug and snail species, thus posing a threat for biodiversity. A popular anecdote suggests to promote Roman snails (Helix pomatia) in gardens because they are able to control A. vulgaris. We examined a potential interrelationship between these two species using a mesocosm experiment with lettuce plants. 13C-15N stable isotope labelling of lettuce allowed us to investigate interactions between Helix and Arion on weight gain/loss and herbivory. Additionally, we wanted to know whether different watering regimes (daily vs. every 3rd day watering of weekly amount) and earthworms alter these interactions. Egg predation of Helix on Arion eggs was further tested in a food-choice experiment. Arion showed a five times higher herbivory per body mass than Helix in a single-species setting. However, in mesocosms containing both species percentage of herbivory per body mass was significantly lower than in Arion-only mesocosms, especially when watered every three days. Overall isotope uptake via eaten lettuce was unaffected by the presence of the other species. Only very little predation (three out of 200 eggs) of Helix on Arion eggs was observed. Our results provide no evidence for a clear dismissal or confirmation of the popular gardener’s anecdote that Helix snails have a negative effect on Arion abundance or herbivory.

Can Serum be a Match for Urine in the Regulatory Analysis of Boldenone in Cattle? A Systematic Comparison Between Detection Window, Stability, and Enzymatic Hydrolysis

This work involved a systematic comparison between serum and urine for the monitoring of anabolic androgenic steroids in livestock. Incurred samples were collected over 120 days from crossbred steers treated with intramuscular injections containing boldenone undecylenate. Independent high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) methods were used for the assessment of the respective detection windows, which were larger for serum samples. Both matrices presented adequate performance in terms of long-term stability, assessed using an isochronous approach during 196 days at -20 °C and for five freeze-thaw cycles. The effectiveness of the enzymatic hydrolysis reaction using Helix pomatia juice was also compared. The calculated concentrations in serum samples were not statistically influenced by the deconjugation reaction. On the other hand, urine hydrolysis conditions were studied using a 33 Box-Behnken Design, in which a central point condition led to a satisfactory deconjugation performance. It could be observed that serum exhibited equivalent or better performance than urine for most of the evaluated criteria; thus, its inclusion in the regulatory analysis of boldenone in cattle is supported.

Modelling the production process of Roman snail using RIDGE and LASSO regression

This article is a continuation of a series of works on the study and modelling of the production process of the Roman snail (Helix pomatia L.). The paper considers the applicability of three models for simulating the average weight of groups of Roman snails based on the values of environmental parameters, snail’s ration and specific factors characteristic of molluscs. The main focus of the simulation is on two models: RIDGE and LASSO regression. It is proved that RIDGE regression gives the best results in modelling. The combination of qualitative and quantitative parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, nutrition and some specific factors characteristic of molluscs) is sufficient for modelling the production process of Roman snail.

A method for the analysis of 121 multi-class environmental chemicals in urine by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Biomonitoring of human exposure to environmental chemicals has gained momentum in recent years. Biomonitoring methods often include analysis of a single class of chemicals with similar chemical properties. In this study, we describe a method that involves solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and capable of measuring 121 environmental chemicals comprising plasticizers (PMs; n = 45), environmental phenols (EPs; n = 45), and pesticides (n = 31) through a single extraction of urine. Urine samples were incubated with 20 µL of β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase (4000 units/mL urine) (from Helix pomatia) buffered at pH 5.5 for 2 h at 37 °C for optimal deconjugation conditions. We compared two extraction methods, namely liquid-liquid extraction and SPE, and the latter with ABS Elut NEXUS® cartridges was optimized to yield best extraction efficiencies. For increased resolution and chromatographic separation, two methods involving Ultra AQ C18® and Betasil™ C18® columns were used. The MS/MS analyses were performed under both negative and positive ionization modes. The optimized method yielded excellent intra- and inter-day variabilities (relative standard deviation: 0.40–11%) and satisfactory recoveries (80–120%) for >95% of the analytes. The limits of detection were ≤ 0.1 ng/mL for 101 analytes and between 0.1 and 1.0 ng/mL for 18 analytes. The optimized SPE LC-MS/MS method was validated through the analysis of standard reference materials and proficiency test urine samples and further applied in the analysis of 21 real urine samples to demonstrate simultaneous determination of 121 environmental chemicals in urine samples.

Reproduction of the Roman snail (Helix pomatia L.) from a local natural population in farm conditions and in a natural habitat

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the quality of clutches and reproduction results of two groups of Roman snails (Helix pomatia) from the same local population, laying eggs simultaneously in semi-natural farm conditions and in a natural habitat. The study material were Roman snails aged 2 or more years which had entered the third phenological season of their life and thus the first season of sexual maturity. Observations were conducted at an earthen enclosure in a greenhouse belonging to the experimental farm for edible snails at the National Research Institute of Animal Reproduction in Balice near Kraków (Poland) as well as at a site where a local population naturally occurs in the uncultivated park surrounding the Radziwiłł Palace. In the June-July season, differences among such parameters as weight of clutch, number of eggs in clutch, mean egg weight, and hatchling percentage when compared to the total number of eggs in the clutch were compared. It was determined that clutches of eggs from the natural population laid in the greenhouse were of lesser weight (P<0.01), contained fewer eggs (P<0.05), and the mean weight of individual eggs was less (P<0.05) than in clutches laid simultaneously in a natural habitat. Both in the greenhouse and the natural habitat, in the first phase of laying eggs (June) the weight of the clutch and number of eggs its contained were greater than in the second phase (July). However, only for snails laying eggs in the greenhouse were these differences statistically significant (P<0.05) and highly significant (P<0.01), respectively. Statistically significant differences were not observed in hatchling percentage between eggs laid in the greenhouse and the natural habitat. The lower number of eggs laid in the farmed conditions of the greenhouse was successfully compensated for by the absence of mass destruction by rodents which occurred in the natural habitat.

Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Helix pomatia in Wasit Province Iraq

DNA of a total of 96 samples of (32) enteric, (32) gastric and (32) pod of Helix pomatia has been obtainedthrough the use of the Genomic DNA Extraction kit and tested by the use of the Real time PCR and specificset of the primers and probe for the detection of the Toxoplasma gondii B1 gene. Six enteric samples and only2 gastric samples have been positive while the others have been negative, that result indicates the presenceof the T. gondii in that snail species, and based upon those results infection can either be acquired from thecontaminated environment or as a result of consuming the grass that has been contaminated with parasiteoocysts. The negative result of pod samples may be due to the failure of filtration the infectious stages ofparasites into the organs that close contacts with environment or inability of the parasites in surviving inthose organs.

Analysis of the adventitious fauna of terrestrial molluscs in the centre of the Russian Plain

The terrestrial mollusc fauna of the central part of the Russian Plain has been analysed with respect to its species composition and the proportion of adventitious species. The classification of adventitious species follows that accepted in Russia. Considerable changes in the fauna took place in the period 2016–2020. Helix lucorum Linnaeus and Cornu aspersum (O. F. Müller) were added to the terrestrial malacofauna of the area. Within the last four years, Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon colonised anthropogenic habitats and its spread continues. Krynickillus melanocephalus Kaleniczenko, Arianta arbustorum (Linnaeus), and Helix pomatia Linnaeus are now firmly established in natural ecosystems. Populations of A. vulgaris, K. melanocephalus, and A. arbustorum have become so abundant that now they cause significant damage to agricultural crops. In both natural and anthropogenic habitats K. melanocephalus and A. arbustorum displace Succinea putris (Linnaeus), Deroceras laeve (O. F. Müller), D. sturanyi (Simroth), D. invadens Reise, Hutchinson, Schunack et Schlitt, 2011, D. agreste (Linnaeus), D. reticulatum (O. F. Müller), Fruticicola fruticum (O. F. Müller) and Euomphalia strigella (Draparnaud). Interactions between invasive species are discussed. The proportion of alien species in several European countries and in Central Asia is compared.

The evolution of hemocyanin genes in Tectipleura: a multitude of conserved introns in highly diverse gastropods

BackgroundHemocyanin is the oxygen transporter of most molluscs. Since the oxygen affinity of hemocyanin is strongly temperature-dependent, this essential protein needs to be well-adapted to the environment. In Tectipleura, a very diverse group of gastropods with > 27,000 species living in all kinds of habitats, several hemocyanin genes have already been analyzed. Multiple independent duplications of this gene have been identified and may represent potential adaptations to different environments and lifestyles. The aim of this study is to further explore the evolution of these genes by analyzing their exon–intron architectures.ResultsWe have reconstructed the gene architectures of ten hemocyanin genes from four Tectipleura species: Aplysia californica, Lymnaea stagnalis, Cornu aspersum and Helix pomatia. Their hemocyanin genes each contain 53 introns, significantly more than in the hemocyanin genes of Cephalopoda (9–11), Vetigastropoda (15) and Caenogastropoda (28–33). The gene structures of Tectipleura hemocyanins are identical in terms of intron number and location, with the exception of one out of two hemocyanin genes of L. stagnalis that comprises one additional intron. We found that gene structures that differ between molluscan lineages most probably evolved more recently through independent intron gains.ConclusionsThe strict conservation of the large number of introns in Tectipleura hemocyanin genes over 200 million years suggests the influence of a selective pressure on this gene structure. While we could not identify conserved sequence motifs within these introns, it may be simply the great number of introns that offers increased possibilities of gene regulation relative to hemocyanin genes with less introns and thus may have facilitated habitat shifts and speciation events. This hypothesis is supported by the relatively high number of introns within the hemocyanin genes of Pomacea canaliculata that has evolved independently of the Tectipleura. Pomacea canaliculata belongs to the Caenogastropoda, the sister group of Heterobranchia (that encompass Tectipleura) which is also very diverse and comprises species living in different habitats. Our findings provide a hint to some of the molecular mechanisms that may have supported the spectacular radiation of one of Metazoa’s most species rich groups.

Project-based learning in a computer modelling course

The paper reports authors’ experience of implementing educational projects in a computer modelling course offered to the students majoring in “Secondary Education (Computer Science)” at Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University. We analyze approaches to teaching mathematical and computer modelling such as: integration of modelling tasks, naturalistic case study, using of role-playing games, possibilities of STEM-education, motivation and positive attitude to modelling training, etc. Then we illustrate the implementation of the project to study the population dynamics of the grape snail Helix pomatia. The implementation of the project splits into several stages: formulation of the problem, presentation of project tasks, brainstorming, development, testing, presentation of results. The study was conducted at Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University within the Norwegian-Ukrainian Project “Development of students' mathematical competencies through Digital Mathematical Modelling” (DeDiMaMo) in partnership with the University of Agder (Norway) and Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University.

Detection and Quantification of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Sulfates in Human Serum

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent toxic chemicals with both legacy sources (e.g., Aroclors) and new sources (e.g., unintentional contaminants in some pigments and varnishes). PCB sulfates are derived from further metabolism of hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs), which are oxidative metabolites of PCBs. While OH-PCBs and PCB sulfates are implicated in multiple toxicological effects, studies of PCB sulfates in human serum have been limited by available analytical procedures. We have now developed a method for extraction of PCB sulfates from serum followed by differential analysis with, and without, sulfatase-catalyzed hydrolysis to OH-PCBs. A sulfatase from Helix pomatia was purified by affinity chromatography, and it displayed broad specificity for PCB sulfates without contaminant glucuronidase activity. Following sulfatase-catalyzed hydrolysis of the PCB sulfates extracted from serum, the corresponding OH-PCBs were derivatized to methoxy-PCBs and quantitated by GC-MS/MS. In a pooled sample of human serum, we identified 10 PCB sulfates, with three PCB sulfate congeners exhibiting the highest concentrations from 1200 to 3970 pg/g of serum. In conclusion, we have developed a sensitive and specific method for the determination of PCB sulfates in human serum.

Helix pomatia albumen gland water soluble protein extract as powerful antiaging agent.

Accounting for increasingly developed population aging and dramatic elevation of aging-related severe disorders worldwide, search of the efficient antiaging agents is becoming one of the urgent problems of contemporary biomedical science. The aim of current study was to reveal the potential protective effects of water-soluble proteins extracted from albumen gland of snails against aging processes. We evaluated the antioxidant effect of the extract in 20 older adult rats in vivo and on 60 human blood samples ex vivo at the cellular level under physiological and oxidative stress conditions using the methods of spectrophotometric analysis, two-photon imaging and cell viability assay. The in vivo animal experiments showed significant increase in the levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase in treated older adult rats, compared to non-treated group. The ex vivo studies involving three human groups (young, middle aged and older adult), demonstrated that the extract has no effect on the cell viability, moreover significantly increases the number of erythrocytes, decreases age-related oxidative stress and the percentage of hemolysis of erythrocytes by aging. Thus, the snails albumen gland protein extract can be considered as effective natural antioxidative antiaging agent in prevention of aging-related pathological processes associated with oxidative stress.