The Hygienic Significance of Microbiota and Probiotics for Human Wellbeing.

The human body can be viewed as a combination of ecological niches inhabited by trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, all united by the microbiota concept. Human health largely depends on the nature of these relationships and how they are built and maintained. However, personal hygiene practices have historically been focused on the wholesale elimination of pathogens and "hygiene-challenging microorganisms" without considering the collateral damage to beneficial and commensal species.

[Computational radiofrequency electromagnetic field dosimetry in evaluation of biological effects].

Given growing computational resources, radiofrequency electromagnetic field dosimetry is becoming more vital in the study of biological effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. The study analyzes numerical methods which are used in theoretical dosimetry to assess the exposure level and specific absorption rate distribution. The advances of theoretical dosimetry are shown.

[Application of laser interference microscopy (LIM) for investigating the features of UV(B)-irradiated mouse peritoneal macrophages].

The plasma membrane dose-dependent damage of UV(B)-irradiated mouse peritoneal macrophages was investigated using laser interference microscopy (LIM). LIM is a method which allows one to estimate morphological and functional parameters of a cell without dyeing or introduction of other substances which can affect the cell condition. This makes it possible to reduce and accelerate the procedure of counting the damaged cells as compared with the methods using different dyes.

Caspase-3 activity in hippocampal slices reflects changes in synaptic plasticity.

Electrophysiological measures of the functional activity of neurons in field CA1 in conditions of paired-pulse stimulation of Schäffer collaterals were performed in relation to the involvement of caspase-3 in mediating neuroplasticity; the relationship between functional activity and caspase-3 activity in hippocampal slices from Wistar rats was addressed. Enzyme activity was assessed in each individual slice at the end of the electrophysiological experiment. The results obtained here showed that the highest level of enzyme activity was seen when the efficiency of interneuronal interactions decreased.

Kindling in the early postnatal period: Effects on the dynamics of age-related changes in electrophysiological characteristics of hippocampal neurons.

The effects of chronic administration of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) during early ontogenesis (from postnatal day 14) on the dynamics of age-related changes in electrophysiological characteristics of rat hippocampal slices were studied. Unlike the situation in adult animals, convulsive activity did not develop in rat pups in response to repeated injections. Comparison of the amplitude characteristics of total monosynaptic responses of neurons in hippocampal field CA1 to application of single and paired (separated by 70 msec) stimulation of Schäffer collaterals during the period of maximally intense hippocampal synaptogenesis (at weeks 2-3 of postnatal development) revealed no significant differences between the control group (administration of isotonic saline) and the group given PTZ.