P2X7 Receptor and Purinergic Signaling: Orchestrating Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the basic hallmarks of cellular pathology in neurodegenerative diseases. Since the metabolic activity of neurons is highly dependent on energy supply, nerve cells are especially vulnerable to impaired mitochondrial function. Besides providing oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondria are also involved in controlling levels of second messengers such as Ca ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Fos regulates macrophage infiltration against surrounding tissue resistance by a cortical actin-based mechanism in Drosophila.

The infiltration of immune cells into tissues underlies the establishment of tissue-resident macrophages and responses to infections and tumors. Yet the mechanisms immune cells utilize to negotiate tissue barriers in living organisms are not well understood, and a role for cortical actin has not been examined. Here, we find that the tissue invasion of Drosophila macrophages, also known as plasmatocytes or hemocytes, utilizes enhanced cortical F-actin levels stimulated by the Drosophila member of the fos proto oncogene transcription factor family (Dfos, Kayak).

Pigments from spent Zn, Ni, Cu, and Cd electrolytes from electroplating industry.

One of the problems of electroplating industry is the periodic discharge of concentrated spent electrolytes together with rinsing wastewater. This leads to irreversible loss of valuable components, as well as to the risk of heavy metal ions entering the environment, which have toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects. The paper presents research on the processing of spent electrolytes from electroplating industry of zinc, nickel, copper, and cadmium plating, collected over 3 years.

Tools Allowing Independent Visualization and Genetic Manipulation of Macrophages and Surrounding Tissues.

plasmatocytes, the phagocytic cells among hemocytes, are essential for immune responses, but also play key roles from early development to death through their interactions with other cell types. They regulate homeostasis and signaling during development, stem cell proliferation, metabolism, cancer, wound responses, and aging, displaying intriguing molecular and functional conservation with vertebrate macrophages. Given the relative ease of genetics in compared to vertebrates, tools permitting visualization and genetic manipulation of plasmatocytes and surrounding tissues independently at all stages would greatly aid a fuller understanding of these processes, but are lacking.

[HIV infection risk perception and stigmatizing attitude: Results of surveys of dwellers from the Central Administrative District of Moscow].

Aim: To study human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection risk perception and stigmatizing attitudes in the dwellers of the Central Administrative District of Moscow.

Subjects And Methods: An anonymous survey was conducted using specially developed questionnaires. A total of 893 people were interviewed.

Drosophila immune cell migration and adhesion during embryonic development and larval immune responses.

The majority of immune cells in Drosophila melanogaster are plasmatocytes; they carry out similar functions to vertebrate macrophages, influencing development as well as protecting against infection and cancer. Plasmatocytes, sometimes referred to with the broader term of hemocytes, migrate widely during embryonic development and cycle in the larvae between sessile and circulating positions. Here we discuss the similarities of plasmatocyte developmental migration and its functions to that of vertebrate macrophages, considering the recent controversy regarding the functions of Drosophila PDGF/VEGF related ligands.

[Awareness of the issues of HIV infection in the dwellers of the Central Administrative District of Moscow].

Aim: To study the awareness of HIV infection in the dwellers of the Central Administrative District of Moscow.

Subjects And Methods: A continuous cross-sectional survey was made in all the citizens who applied to the V.A.

Psychosocial care for HIV-infected individuals in Russia.

The relatively small number of people known to be infected with HIV in Russia together with the absence of large numbers of affected people does not help to increase awareness of HIV infection as a social problem. This results in almost non-existent organized care systems for psychosocial support. Characteristics of psychosocial stress in HIV-infected individuals in Russia were studied over 3 years and ways to overcome it were examined.