Cytoskeleton systems contribute differently to the functional intrinsic properties of chondrospheres.

Cytoskeleton systems, actin microfilaments, microtubules (MTs) and intermediate filaments (IFs) provide the biomechanical stability and spatial organization in cells. To understand the specific contributions of each cytoskeleton systems to intrinsic properties of spheroids, we've scrutinized the effects of the cytoskeleton perturbants, cytochalasin D (Cyto D), nocodazole (Noc) and withaferin A (WFA) on fusion, spreading on adhesive surface, morphology and biomechanics of chondrospheres (CSs). We confirmed that treatment with Cyto D but not with Noc or WFA severely affected CSs fusion and spreading dynamics and significantly reduced biomechanical properties of cell aggregates.

Biomarkers in bivalve mollusks and amphipods for assessment of effects linked to cyanobacteria and elodea: Mesocosm study.

The effects of cyanobacteria (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (90%), Microcystis aeruginosa) and dense Elodea canadensis beds on the health endpoints of the amphipod Gmelinoides fasciatus and bivalve mollusc Unio pictorum were examined in mesocosms with simulated summer conditions (July-August 2018) in the environment of the Rybinsk Reservoir (Volga River Basin, Russia). Four treatments were conducted, including one control and three treatments with influencing factors, cyanobacteria and dense elodea beds (separately and combined). After 20 days of exposure, we evaluated the frequency of malformed and dead embryos in amphipods, heart rate (HR) and its recovery (HRR) after stress tests in molluscs as well as heat tolerance (critical thermal maximum or CTMax) in both amphipods and molluscs.

Multiparametric Analysis of Tissue Spheroids Fabricated from Different Types of Cells.

Reproducible, scalable, and cost effective fabrication and versatile characterization of tissue spheroids (TS) is highly demanded by 3D bioprinting and drug discovery. Consistent geometry, defined mechanical properties, optimal viability, appropriate extracellular matrix/cell organization are required for cell aggregates aimed for application in these fields. A straightforward procedure for fabrication and systematic multiparametric characterization of TS with defined properties and uniform predictable geometry employing non-adhesive technology is suggested.

Responses of Aquatic Organisms to Cyanobacteria and Elodea in Microcosms.

The aim of the present study is investigation of the impact of mass development of cyanobacteria and Elodea on population characteristics (abundance, biomass, fecundity) and "health" parameters (the state of embryos, heart rate, and thermal resistance) of aquatic invertebrates in experiments with controlled conditions. In July-August 2018, in four variants of microcosms, the conditions were modeled characteristic of the coastal zone of the Rybinsk Reservoir in the period of mass development of cyanobacteria. Mass species were placed in microcosms of planktonic (with domination (80%) Daphnia longispina) and bottom animals (Unio pictorum, Gmelinoides fasciatus, Asellus aquaticus), as well as Elodea canadensis.

[Immunotactoid glomerulonephritis].

Immunotactoid glomerulonephritis is a rare disease of unclear etiology and pathogenesis. Clinically immunotactoid glomerulonephritis manifests itself as the nephrotic syndrome in most cases. The diagnosis of the disease is based on electron microscopic findings and characterized by tubules, average 30 nm in diameter, aligned in parallel in the deposits of immune complexes.