Dual Modulator of ASIC Channels and GABA Receptors from Thyme Alters Fear-Related Hippocampal Activity.

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated ion channels that mediate nociception in the peripheral nervous system and contribute to fear and learning in the central nervous system. Sevanol was reported previously as a naturally-occurring ASIC inhibitor from thyme with favorable analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Using electrophysiological methods, we found that in the high micromolar range, the compound effectively inhibited homomeric ASIC1a and, in sub- and low-micromolar ranges, positively modulated the currents of α1β2γ2 GABA receptors.

Environmental Pollution in Geopark Management: A Systematic Review of the Literary Evidence.

Dozens of geoparks have been created in the world since the beginning of the 21st century. Their environmental impact is yet to be fully understood. A bibliographical survey was undertaken to systematically review the journal articles devoted to environmental pollution in geoparks.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining, meandering tropical rivers, and geological heritage: Evidence from Brazil and Indonesia.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) flourishes along many tropical rivers, and it still requires proper documentation in many countries, as well as interpretation in terms of rational resource exploitation and wildlife preservation. In this study we used remote sensing techniques to analyze two representative examples of ASGM: one along the Marupa River in Brazil (Tapajós Domain) and another one along the Kahayan River in Indonesia (Central Kalimantan). The documented spatial extent of ASGM is ~9175 km along the Marupa River and ~30,427 km along the Kahayan River.

[Progress and prospects of metabolic therapy in multiple sclerosis].

Side-effects and incomplete response to standard therapy of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) stimulate the development of an alternative therapy, that influences, in particular, metabolic functions of MS patients. Metabolic therapy (vitamins, antioxidants and others) have been used for a long time in neurologic practice for the treatment of MS on the basis of pathophysiological mechanisms, positive clinical experience, low rate of side-effects and practical availability. Recent objective scientific data explain the necessity of correction of the disturbed metabolic profile (metabolome) in MS, and the first evidence of the efficacy of several metabolic agents, particularly, biotin and vitamin D, was shown.

Phytoplankton and Its Role in Accumulation of Microelements in Bottom Deposits of Azov Sea.

The importance of phytoplankton is high in transformation of substances in aquatic ecosystems and in formation of suspension's material structure. Its main functions are consumption of the dissolved biogenic components and chemical elements and their conversion to a firm phase. The article is devoted to the bioaccumulation of microelements by phytoplankton in the ecosystem of the Azov Sea.