Short neuropeptide F in integrated insect physiology.

The short neuropeptide F (sNPF) family of peptides is a multifunctional group of neurohormones involved in the regulation of various physiological processes in insects. They have been found in a broad spectrum of species, but the number of isoforms in the precursor molecule varies from one to four. The receptor for sNPF (sNPFR), which belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor family, has been characterized in various insect orders and was shown to be an ortholog of the mammalian prolactin-releasing peptide receptor (PrPR).

Differential Effects of Invasive Anodal Trans-spinal Direct Current Stimulation on Monosynaptic Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials, Ia Afferents Excitability, and Motoneuron Intrinsic Properties Between Superoxide Dismutase Type-1 Glycine to Alanine Substitution at Position 93 and Wildtype Mice.

In presymptomatic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal motoneurons (MNs) have reduced firing patterns and synaptic excitation levels. Preliminary data indicated that in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS, monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) evoked in spinal MN by Ia proprioceptive afferent stimulation could be facilitated by trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS). However, which element of the Ia afferent-MN circuit is affected by tsDCS, and whether tsDCS-induced EPSP facilitation is a general phenomenon or specific to the superoxide dismutase type-1 (SOD1) Glycine to Alanine substitution at position 93 (G93A) mutation, remain to be determined.

THE USE OF EXTRACTS FROM PASSIFLORA SPP. IN HELPING THE TREATMENT OF ACANTHAMOEBIASIS.

Chronic progressive diseases of the central nervous system such as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, amoebic keratitis, amoebic pneumonitis and also skin infections caused by free-living amoebae (Acanhamoeba spp.) are a significant challenge for pharmacotherapy. This is due to the lack of effective treatment because of encystation, which makes the amoebae highly resistant to anti-amoebic drugs.

Influence of Artemisia annua L. on toll-like receptor expression in brain of mice infected with Acanthamoeba sp.

The treatment of acanthamoebiasis is a still a problem. Our previous studies showed that the application of extracts from Artemisia annua L. significantly prolonged the survival of mice infected by Acanthamoeba.

Hygiene pests as vectors for parasitic and bacterial diseases in humans.

Diseases transmitted by hygiene pests remain a very serious problem in spite of fast developments in science and medicine. The present study focuses on pests carrying germs that pose a threat to human health and life. The quick pace of life, the need to satisfy human needs and mass production of food sometimes result in flagrant sanitary, hygienic and epidemiological deficiencies.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of tea tree oil in treatment of Acanthamoeba infection.

Eye diseases caused by amoebae from the genus Acanthamoeba are usually chronic and severe, and their treatment is prolonged and not very effective. The difficulties associated with therapy have led to attempts at finding alternative treatment methods. Particularly popular is searching for cures among drugs made of plants.

Artemisia annua L. as a plant with potential use in the treatment of acanthamoebiasis.

The treatment of acanthamoebiasis is a great problem. Most cerebral invasions end with death, and the treatment of ocular invasions is usually long-lasting and not very effective. Numerous plant extracts and substances isolated from plants, which are effective against trophozoites or cysts, have been studied in the treatment of acanthamoebiasis.

Parasitic diseases in humans transmitted by vectors.

Despite the considerable progress of medicine, parasitic diseases still pose a great threat to human health and life. Among parasitic diseases, those transmitted by vectors, mainly arthropods, play a particular role. These diseases occur most frequently in the poorest countries and affect a vast part of the human population.

Genotypic characterization of amoeba isolated from Acanthamoeba keratitis in Poland.

Free-living amoebae belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba are the causative factor of many diseases. Among others, they cause Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a condition that usually occurs in contact lens wearers, though it is also observed in non-wearers. The number of diagnosed cases of AK increased more than eightfold during 8 years in the USA, and a proportional increase in frequency also occurred in Poland and Europe.

Hyperglycaemia and intramitochondrial glycogen granules in the brain of mice. Ultrastructural study.

The mechanism of cytotoxic effects of hyperglycaemia on the brain has not yet been explained and the proposed hypotheses are not fully convincing. In the present study, we aimed to assess the effect of high doses of glucose on the ultrastructure of the mice brain. The results, which are in agreement with the literature data, show that the administration of a single high dose of glucose, as well as its chronic application, leads to accumulation of glycogen granules in the cytoplasm of astrocytes.