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The twenty-first century is a time of unprecedented social and technological development. Defining the period is an internationally interconnected world pregnant with information, dynamic events, and individual choice. These attributes create a highly complex, unpredictable, ambiguous and volatile environment that places new demands on every adult individual to continue in their efforts to educate, requalify and upskill during the course of their whole life. Based on both national and international educational strategies, a willingness to pursue life-long learning and an ability for it represent the main objectives for the curricula and educational programs. The current study presents a language teaching model that aims at student autonomy in language learning. The model, specifically focused on business English, was based on student needs analysis studies conducted and replicated in 2006, 2013 and 2016 at ŠKODA AUTO University, and as part of an international HEI cooperation research between 2017 and 2020. The Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approach is adopted to combine course topics and outlines. In-class and self-study activities aim at language competences proportionally distributed between reading, writing, listening, and speaking tasks. Teaching methods cover both individual work and peer cooperation. Course requirements provide students with a high degree of freedom when making decisions about the content of their projects. As such, this concept helps students find the area of their self-realization, which boosts their motivation, willingness and ability both to continue and self-direct their further learning.

STUDY QUESTION What are the effects of plant-derived antioxidant compounds urolithin A (UA) and B (UB) on the growth and pathogenetic properties of an in vitro endometriosis model? SUMMARY ANSWER Both urolithins showed inhibitory effects on cell behavior related to the development of endometriosis by differentially affecting growth, adhesion, motility, and invasion of endometriotic cells in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Endometriosis is one of the most common benign gynecological diseases in women of reproductive age and is defined by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. As current pharmacological therapies are associated with side effects interfering with fertility, we aimed at finding alternative therapeutics using natural compounds that can be administered for prolonged periods with a favorable side effects profile. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In vitro cultures of primary endometriotic stromal cells from 6 patients subjected to laparoscopy for benign pathologies with histologically confirmed endometriosis; and immortalized endometrial stromal (St-T1b) and endometriotic epithelial cells (12Z) were utilized to assess the effects of UA and UB on endometriotic cell properties. Results were validated in three-dimensional (3D) in vitro co-culture spheroids of 12Z and primary endometriotic stroma cells of one patient, and organoids from 3 independent donors with endometriosis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The effects on cell growth were measured by non-radioactive colorimetric assay to measure cellular metabolic activity as an indicator of cell viability (MTT assay) and flow cytometric cell cycle assay on primary cultures, St-T1b, and 12Z. Apoptosis analyses, the impact on in vitro adhesion, migration, and invasion were evaluated in the cell lines. Moreover, Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays were performed on primary cultures, St- T1b and 12Z to evaluate a plausible mechanistic contribution by factors related to proteolysis (matrix metalloproteinase 2, 3 and 9 -MMP2, MMP3, MMP9-, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases -TIMP-1-), cytoskeletal regulators (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 -RAC1-, Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 -ROCK2-), and cell adhesion molecules (Syndecan 1 -SDC1-, Integrin alpha V–ITGAV-). Finally, the urolithins effects were evaluated on spheroids and organoids by formation, viability, and drug screen assays. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE 40 µM UA and 20 µM UB produced a significant decrease in cell proliferation in the primary endometriotic cell cultures (P LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was performed on in vitro endometriosis models. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These in vitro results provide new insights into the pathogenetic pathways affected by these compounds and mark their use as a potential new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded EU MSCA-RISE-2015 project MOMENDO (691058). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

''Professor Heyrovský. You are the originator of one of the most important methods of contemporary chemical analysis. Your instrument is extremely simple - just falling droplets of mercury - but you and your collaborators have shown that it can be used for the most diverse purposes ... May I ask you to advance and receive the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for this year from the hands of our King'', said professor Arne Ölander, member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, in Czech language to the laureate Jaroslav Heyrovský at the award ceremony in the Stockholm Concert Hall on 10th December 1959. The year of 2020 is the year of 130th anniversary of the birth of prof. Jaroslav Heyrovský, the first Czech recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and 61 years since he received his prize in Stockholm (Sweden).

The surfaces of human internal organs are lined by a mucus layer that ensures symbiotic relationships with commensal microbiome while protecting against potentially injurious environmental chemicals, toxins, and pathogens, and disruption of this layer can contribute to disease development. Studying mucus biology has been challenging due to the lack of physiologically relevant human in vitro models. Here we review recent progress that has been made in the development of human organ-on-a-chip microfluidic culture models that reconstitute epithelial tissue barriers and physiologically relevant mucus layers with a focus on lung, colon, small intestine, cervix and vagina. These organ-on-a-chip models that incorporate dynamic fluid flow, air-liquid interfaces, and physiologically relevant mechanical cues can be used to study mucus composition, mechanics, and structure, as well as investigate its contributions to human health and disease with a level of biomimicry not possible in the past.

The West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus causing meningoencephalitis in humans and animals. Due to their particular susceptibility to WNV infection, horses serve as a sentinel species. In a population of Romanian semi-feral horses living in the Danube delta region, we have analyzed the distribution of candidate polymorphic genetic markers between anti WNV-IgG seropositive and seronegative horses. Thirty-six SNPs located in 28 immunity-related genes and 26 microsatellites located in the MHC and LY49 complex genomic regions were genotyped in 57 seropositive and 32 seronegative horses. The most significant association (pcorr

Background We aimed to produce a detailed neuropathological analysis of pyramidal motor system pathology and provide its clinical pathological correlation in cases with definite progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Methods Pyramidal motor system pathologies were analyzed in 18 cases with neuropathologically confirmed PSP. Based on a retrospective clinical analysis, cases were subtyped according to Movement Disorder Society criteria for clinical diagnosis of PSP as probable, possible or suggestive of PSP with Richardson’s syndrome (n = 10), PSP with predominant corticobasal syndrome (n = 3), PSP with predominant parkinsonism (n = 3), PSP with predominant speech/language disorder (n = 1), and PSP with progressive gait freezing (n = 1). Clinical manifestations of motor neuron involvement (pseudobulbar or bulbar signs and spasticity) were retrospectively assessed semiquantitatively. Neuropathologically, hyperphosphorylated tau-related pyramidal motor system neuronal, neuritic, and glial pathology using anti-tau AT8 clone immunohistochemistry, was also evaluated. Results Clinical manifestations of pyramidal motor system involvement were found in patients with different PSP subtypes. A statistically significant higher load of tau pathology was found in the pyramidal system in PSP-Richardson’s syndrome compared to other PSP subtypes (p = 0.016); however, there was no significant correlation between pyramidal system tau pathology and related motor clinical symptoms. Conclusions Tau pathology in the spinal cord and pyramidal motor system structures is very common in progressive supranuclear palsy and may neuropathologically supplement the distinction between classic Richardson’s syndrome from other progressive supranuclear palsy subtypes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-019-1270-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

This study examines aluminium as a potentially phytotoxic element in acidic forest soils. Concentrations of Al forms in soils are generally controlled by soil chemical conditions, such as pH, organic matter, base cation contents, etc. Moreover, soil conditions are influenced by the vegetation cover. This study analyzed the distribution of Al forms in soils after changes in vegetation. HPLC/IC was used for the separation of three Al fractions in two soil extracts according to their charge. An aqueous extract (AlH2O) simulated the natural soil conditions and bioavailable Al fractions. Potentially available Al form was represented by a 0.5 M KCl extract (AlKCl). We demonstrated that the vegetation type influences the concentrations of different Al fractions, mainly in the surface organic horizons. Differences were more common in the KCl extract. The trivalent fraction was less influenced by vegetation changes than the mono- and divalent fractions. Afforestation increased the concentrations of AlKCl and AlH2O. In contrast, grass expansion after deforestation led to significantly decreased concentrations of AlKCl and AlH2O. Concentrations of AlH2O in organic horizons were higher in spruce forest than in beech forest. A long-term effect of liming on soil pH and concentrations of potentially toxic Al fractions was not apparent. The results provide information on the variations of Al fractions distributions following vegetation type changes and indicate the existence of some natural mechanisms controlling Al toxicity. Furthermore, the results can be used in the management of forested areas endangered by soil acidification.

The maladies affecting the female reproductive tract (FRT) range from infections to endometriosis to carcinomas. In vitro models of the FRT play an increasingly important role in both basic and translational research, since the anatomy and physiology of the FRT of humans and other primates differ significantly from most of the commonly used animal models, including rodents. Using organoid culture to study the FRT has overcome the longstanding hurdle of maintaining epithelial phenotype in culture. Both ECM-derived and engineered materials have proved critical for maintaining a physiological phenotype of FRT cells in vitro by providing the requisite 3D environment, ligands, and architecture. Advanced materials have also enabled the systematic study of factors contributing to the invasive metastatic processes. Meanwhile, microphysiological devices make it possible to incorporate physical signals such as flow and cyclic exposure to hormones. Going forward, advanced materials compatible with hormones and optimised to support FRT-derived cells' long-term growth, will play a key role in addressing the diverse array of FRT pathologies and lead to impactful new treatments that support the improvement of women's health. Statement of significance The female reproductive system is a crucial component of the female anatomy. In addition to enabling reproduction, it has wide ranging influence on tissues throughout the body via endocrine signalling. This intrinsic role in regulating normal female biology makes it susceptible to a variety of female-specific diseases. However, the complexity and human-specific features of the reproductive system make it challenging to study. This has spurred the development of human-relevant in vitro models for helping to decipher the complex issues that can affect the reproductive system, including endometriosis, infection, and cancer. In this Review, we cover the current state of in vitro models for studying the female reproductive system, and the key role biomaterials play in enabling their development.

This chapter uses the example of the Instagram account of Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez as a point of departure to elaborate on feminist visual politics that makes a breakdown of technology and human bodies its message and its medium. The aim is to understand the power of encounter between Ocasio-Cortez and her mostly anonymous Instagram followers against the conditions of algorithmic manipulation and explain why the imperfect and amateur visuality of Ocasio-Cortez’s Instagram stream should be considered as an example of the way in which the algorithmic, mass image can become a meaningful, political image. Finding power in figures of weakness, the chapter draws from works by feminist artists and theorists, who place the breakability of both the human body and technology on center stage. It is also to show how the history of resistance of the oppressed can play a significant role in finding ways to navigate the ambiguous landscape of online platforms.

Downregulated microRNA-142-3p signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, an invasive disease where the lining of the uterus grows at ectopic locations, by yet incompletely understood mechanisms. Using bioinformatics and in vitro assays, this study identifies cytoskeletal regulation and integrin signaling as two relevant categories of miR-142-3p targets. qPCR revealed that miR-142-3p upregulation in St-T1b cells downregulates Rho-associated protein kinase 2 (ROCK2), cofilin 2 (CFL2), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1), neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASL), and integrin α-V (ITGAV). qPCR and Western-blotting showed miR-142-3p effect on WASL and ITGAV was significant also in primary endometriotic stroma cells. Luciferase reporter assays in ST-T1b cells then confirmed direct regulation of ITGAV and WASL. On the functional side, miR-142-3p upregulation significantly reduced ST-T1b cell size, the size of vinculin plaques, migration through fibronectin-coated transwell filters, and the ability of ST-T1b and primary endometriotic stroma cells to contract collagen I gels. These results suggest that miR-142-3p has a strong mechanoregulatory effect on endometrial stroma cells and its external administration reduces the invasive endometrial phenotype. Within the limits of an in vitro investigation, our study provides new mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of endometriosis and provides a perspective for the development of miR-142-3p based drugs for inhibiting invasive growth of endometriotic cells., Finanziert durch den Open-Access-Publikationsfonds der Westfälischen Wilhelms-Universität Münster (WWU Münster).

Endometriosis is a painful gynaecological condition characterized by ectopic growth of endometrial cells outside of the uterus. Little is known about the mechanisms by which endometrial fragments invade tissues. This is partially due to a lack of suitable experimental models. In this study, we show that a spheroid 3D model, but not single cells mimic the collective endometrial fragment-like invasion through the extracellular matrix. This model reveals that collagen I, the main constituent of surgical scars, significantly increases the rate of lesion formation by healthy endometrial stromal cells (St-T1b) in vitro compared to the basement membrane-like matrix Matrigel. Stromal cell invasion of collagen I requires MMPs, whereas collective migration of endometriotic epithelial 12Z cells involves Rac-signalling. We show that inhibiting ROCK signalling responsible for actomyosin contraction increases the lesion-size. Moreover, endometriotic epithelial 12Z cells, but not eutopic stromal cells St-T1b migrate on Matrigel. The rate of this migration is decreased by the microRNA miR-200b and increased by miR-145. Our 3D model offers a facile approach to dissect how endometrial fragments invade tissues and is an important step toward developing new personalized therapeutics for endometriosis. Moreover, our model is a suitable tool to screen small molecule drugs and microRNA-based therapeutics.

Czech company ProSpon spol. s r.o. has introduced 3D printing technology in its production in 2015. This company operates in the field of development, manufacture and distribution of medical implants and instruments for orthopedics, traumatology and surgery. Therefore, the current intention is to employ Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology for production of complex and patient-specific implants from titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. Nevertheless, first series of produced test specimens suffered from very low plasticity insufficient for the intended application. The reduction in elongation was almost 7fold compared to conventionally used wrought standard. From that reason, specimens were subjected to fractographic evaluation of fracture surfaces, but also metallographic evaluation. The main cause of the identified problem turned out to be porosity originating from inappropriate set-up of the machine. After the adjustment of process parameters new series of specimens were prepared in which the porosity was already significantly lower. Consequently, mechanical properties reached higher and better values.

Individual case clinical description. (DOCX 32 kb)

Table S1. Detailed demographic and other description of individual cases. (DOCX 19 kb)

This work aims at experimental investigation of several variants of fiber reinforced cementitious composite with strain hardening made partially with industrial by-products. This paper describes the manufacturing, testing and evaluating the properties of the composite. Industrial waste produced mainly in Moravia-Silesia Region in the Czech Republic was used for the manufacturing of the fiber reinforced cementitious composite with strain hardening. The basic physical and mechanical properties were measured - volume density of wet and hardened composite, consistency, tensile, flexural and compressive strength and elastic modulus. The findings show that the fiber reinforced cementitious composite made partially with industrial by-products is a suitable material for sustainable constructions. Web of Science 24 6 480 471

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic neurotropic virus capable to cause lethal meningoencephalitis (WNE) in infected hosts such as birds, horses, and humans. Due to their sensitivity, horses serve as sentinel species in areas at risk. We studied a population of Camargue horses living in Southern France in two zones with endemic WNV circulation where WNV outbreaks were recorded in 2000 and 2003–4. Two sets of microsatellite markers located in MHC and Ly49 genomic regions were genotyped as well as multiple SNPs in ten immunity-related candidate gene regions. Associations between genetic polymorphisms and resistance/susceptibility to WNE were tested. While single marker associations were weak, compound two-gene genotypes of SNPs located within the MAVS, NCR2 and IL-10 genes and microsatellites HMS082 and CZM013 were associated with susceptibility to WNE. Combinations of microsatellite markers CZM009, ABGe17402 and ABGe9019 were associated with simple seroconversion without clinical signs of WNE (resistance). In addition, a distribution of polymorphic markers between WNV-IgG seropositive horses and a control group of WNV-IgG seronegative horses was tested. One SNP in the OAS1 gene (NC_009151.3:g.21961328A>G) was significantly associated with the seropositive phenotype (pcorr = 0.023; OR = 40.5 CI (4.28; 383.26); RR = 8.18 CI (1.27; 52.89) in the Camargue breed. In compound genotypes, SNP markers for SLC11A1, MAVS, OAS1, TLR4, ADAM17 and NCR2 genes and ten microsatellites showed non-random distribution between seropositive and seronegative groups of horses. Further analysis of associated markers could contribute to our understanding of anti-WNV defense mechanisms in horses.