FRaeppli, a multispectral imaging toolbox for cell tracing and dense tissue analysis in zebrafish

Visualizing cell shapes, interactions and lineages of differentiating cells is instrumental for understanding organ development and repair. Across species, strategies for stochastic multicolour labelling have greatly facilitated tracking cells in in vivo and mapping neuronal connectivity. Nevertheless, integrating multi-fluorophore information into the context of developing tissues in zebrafish is challenging given their cytoplasmic localization and spectral incompatibility with commonly used fluorescent markers. Here, we developed FRaeppli (Fish-Raeppli) expressing bright membrane- or nuclear-targeted fluorescent proteins for efficient cell shape analysis and tracking. High spatiotemporal activation flexibility is provided by the Gal4/UAS system together with Cre/lox and/or PhiC31integrase. The distinct spectra of the FRaeppli fluorescent proteins allow simultaneous imaging with GFP and infrared subcellular reporters or tissue landmarks. By tailoring hyperspectral protocols for time-efficient acquisition, we demonstrate FRaeppli s suitability for live imaging of complex internal organs, like the liver. Combining FRaeppli with polarity markers revealed previously unknown canalicular topologies between differentiating hepatocytes, reminiscent of the mammalian liver, suggesting shared developmental mechanisms. The multispectral FRaeppli toolbox thus enables the comprehensive analysis of intricate cellular morphologies, topologies and tissue lineages at single-cell resolution in zebrafish.

The optimal modeling method of specific tuberculosis peritonitis (experimental research)

The objective: to create a reproducible model of chronic tuberculosis peritonitis to study pathophysiological mechanisms of its progression and to develop pathogenetically based therapy.Subjects and Methods. The study was performed using 10 male rabbits of the Chinchilla breed. The animals were administered intraperitoneal culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tuberculosis peritonitis modeling was performed according to the proposed method.Results. In the course of the experiment, it was proved that all animals developed tuberculous peritonitis with lesions of the large omentum and serous integuments of internal organs. Molecular genetic tests of fragments of the omentum and peritoneum detected DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Systemic Sclerosis: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic, immune-mediated chronic disorder characterized by small vessel alterations and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The combination of a predisposing genetic background and triggering factors that causes a persistent activation of immune system at microvascular and tissue level is thought to be the pathogenetic driver of SSc. Endothelial alterations with subsequent myofibroblast activation, excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and unrestrained tissue fibrosis are the pathogenetic steps responsible for the clinical manifestations of this disease, which can be highly heterogeneous according to the different entity of each pathogenic step in individual subjects. Although substantial progress has been made in the management of SSc in recent years, disease-modifying therapies are still lacking. Several molecular pathways involved in SSc pathogenesis are currently under evaluation as possible therapeutic targets in clinical trials. These include drugs targeting fibrotic and metabolic pathways (e.g., TGF-β, autotaxin/LPA, melanocortin, and mTOR), as well as molecules and cells involved in the persistent activation of the immune system (e.g., IL4/IL13, IL23, JAK/STAT, B cells, and plasma cells). In this review, we provide an overview of the most promising therapeutic targets that could improve the future clinical management of SSc.

Simultaneous occurrence of accelerated nodulosis in lungs, liver, and kidneys, and acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: an autopsy case report

Background Accelerated nodulosis (ARN) is a rare variant of rheumatoid nodules (RNs) that is characterized by a rapid onset or the worsening of RNs. It generally develops at the fingers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving methotrexate (MTX). Few case reports have described ARN at an extracutaneous location. Case presentation An elderly patient with long-standing RA was admitted to our hospital with acute respiratory failure. Computed tomography upon admission showed diffuse ground-glass opacities superimposed with subpleural reticular shadowing and honeycombing and multiple nodules in the lungs and liver. Despite the discontinuation of MTX and introduction of an immunosuppressive regimen with pulse methylprednisolone followed by a tapering dose of prednisolone and intravenous cyclophosphamide, the patient died due to the acute exacerbation (AE) of RA-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) following the parallel waxing and waning of a diffuse interstitial shadow and pulmonary and liver nodules. At autopsy, RNs were scattered throughout both lung fields in addition to extensive interstitial changes. RNs were also detected in the liver and kidneys. The foci of cryptococcosis were mainly identified in alveolar spaces. Based on the clinical and pathological findings, these nodules were most consistent with ARN because of acute increases in the size and number of previously detected pulmonary nodules. Conclusion The present case is noteworthy because ARN was concurrently detected in multiple internal organs and may be associated with the AE of RA-related ILD.

Exploring Sexual Dimorphism in the Intestinal Microbiota of the Yellow Drum (Nibea albiflora, Sciaenidae)

Most of fish species exhibit striking sexual dimorphism, particularly during growth. There are also sexual dimorphisms of internal organs and biological functions, including those of intestinal microbiota, which likely plays a key role in growth. In this study, the growth and intestinal microbiota of the female, male, and all-female Nibea albiflora (yellow drums) were comprehensively analyzed. The caged culture female and all-female yellow drums showed higher growth rates than males. A further analysis of the intestinal microbiota showed a significant difference in diversity between females and males in the summer, whereas there were no significant differences in the diversity and richness between females and males in the winter. In contrast, a significant difference in richness was observed between all-female and male fish, regardless of the season. Although the main composition of the intestinal microbiota showed no significant sex differences, the community structure of the intestinal microbiota of yellow drums did. Furthermore, the correlations between intestinal microbial communities are likely to be influenced by sex. The ecological processes of the intestinal microbial communities of the yellow drums showed clear sexual dimorphism. Further network analysis revealed that, although the main components of the network in the intestinal microbiota of female, male, and all-female fish were similar, the network structures showed significant sex differences. The negative interactions among microbial species were the dominant relationships in the intestinal ecosystem, and Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were identified as the functional keystone microbes. In addition, the functional pathways in the intestinal microbiota of yellow drums showed no significant sexual or seasonal differences. Based on the findings of this study, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between sex, growth, and intestinal microbiota in yellow drums.

Innovative technology of information analysis of electrocardiosignals for the purpose of diagnostics of diseases of internal organs at any stage of their development

Given the results of years of research information on the properties of electrocardiosignals, set their properties, characteristic of the impulse nature, the proposed methods of information analysis of electrocardiosignals to diagnose diseases of internal organs at any stage of development, protected by patents of the Russian Federation. The main stages of the technology of information analysis of electrocardiosignals for the purpose of diagnostics of diseases of internal organs are described. The rationale for the diagnosis of these diseases at any stage of their development is given. Data were obtained according to which targeted therapeutic and preventive measures at the initial stage of disease development can provide effective prevention of their final stage, which is dangerous for human life due to its complications.

The natural history of the Stenoderminae Chiroderma doriae vizottoi Taddei and Lim 2010 (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in a semiarid region from Brazil

Original data on diet, internal anatomy, morphology, reproduction, and parasites of Chiroderma doriae vizottoi from the State of Ceará (Brazil) are presented. Intact and crushed seeds of Solanum rhytidoandrum and scales of Lepidoptera were detected in the gastrointestinal tract and feces. Observation of internal organs did not reveal any abnormalities; the intestines were, on average, 11 times longer than the animal’s body length. Reproduction seems to occur in the rainy season. The association with an ectoparasite, Mastoptera sp. (Diptera, Streblidae), was recorded.

Modern ecological and hygienic problems of the agricultural economy associated with development of pond fish farming

The materials on the study of the content of heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides in fish are presented. It has been established that the level of heavy metals and pesticides in fish is influenced by the territorial location of the pond production. Therefore, the content of lead, cadmium and mercury in the liver and gonads of carp was higher than the permissible values for fish growing in ponds located in the city limits near highways. The pesticides DDT and HCH were detected in the organs of fish in the territories of pond fish farming of farms. Residual concentrations of pesticides contained in fish did not exceed the maximum permissible levels. In order to safely consume fish grown near highways by the population, we recommend the removal of internal organs (liver and gonads) from fish products.

One More Time about the Heart: Naive Anatomy in the Kazakh Language in Comparison with Russian and English

The naive anatomy of the Kazakhs, the nomadic Turkic people, has evolved over millennia and is based on knowledge about the anatomy of animals. Various mental properties, emotions are attributed to the internal organs of a person, which is reflected in the metaphorical and metonymic use of their names and idioms. The article examines the somatism jurek (‘heart’) in the Kazakh naive anatomy which denotes the second most important internal organ, giving way to the primacy of the liver, the most important organ from the point of view of nomads. The carriers of Russian-speaking and English-speaking cultures consider the heart as the most important internal organ. The complex of meaningful features is determined, showing the universality of the conceptualization of jurek/ serdtse/ heart, while a number of descriptors demonstrate the peculiarity of the naive-anatomical views of the Kazakhs.

INTERNAL ANATOMY OF THE OLIVE TURTLE (Lepidochelys olivacea)

In this article, the internal organs of an olive sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) were described. The autopsy was based on a methodological guide of “Virchow”. The Cardiorespiratory, Digestive, Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Spleen, Genito-Urinary System, and Endocrine System systems were observed. This description of the internal organs aimed to provide practice in anatomical identification and to provide didactic information for the students of the course in veterinary medicine.