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Modulation of the cervix by steroid hormones and commensal microbiome play a central role in the health of the female reproductive tract. Here we describe organ-on-a-chip (Organ Chip) models that recreate the human cervical epithelial-stromal interface with a functional epithelial barrier and production of mucus with biochemical and hormone-responsive properties similar to living cervix. When Cervix Chips are populated with optimal healthy versus dysbiotic microbial communities (dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus and Gardnerella vaginalis, respectively), significant differences in tissue innate immune responses, barrier function, cell viability, proteome, and mucus composition are observed that are similar to those seen in vivo. Thus, human Cervix Organ Chips represent physiologically relevant in vitro models to study cervix physiology and host-microbiome interactions, and hence may be used as a preclinical testbed for development of therapeutic interventions to enhance womens health.

Abstract Modulation of the cervix by steroid hormones and commensal microbiome play a central role in the health of the female reproductive tract. Here we describe organ-on-a-chip (Organ Chip) models that recreate the human cervical epithelial-stromal interface with a functional epithelial barrier and production of mucus with biochemical and hormone-responsive properties similar to living cervix. When Cervix Chips are populated with optimal healthy versus dysbiotic microbial communities (dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus and Gardnerella vaginalis, respectively), significant differences in tissue innate immune responses, barrier function, cell viability, proteome, and mucus composition are observed that are similar to those seen in vivo. Thus, human Cervix Organ Chips represent physiologically relevant in vitro models to study cervix physiology and host-microbiome interactions, and hence may be used as a preclinical testbed for development of therapeutic interventions to enhance women’s health.

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.

This study investigates whether the aggregate investor information demand for all stocks in a sector demonstrated in the Google search volume index (SVI) can predict the sector's performance. The evidence shows that a sector's abnormal SVI can predict the sector's performance next month, even after controlling for the sector's contemporaneous standardized unexpected earnings and lagged returns on both the market and the sector. Also found is a partial reversal in the sector's long-run performance that is not completely consistent with the price pressure hypothesis. This indicates that some fundamental information about a sector can be captured by the sector's abnormal SVI on a timely basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Various proteins play a decisive role in the pathology of different neurodegenerative diseases. Nonetheless, most of these proteins can only be detected during a neuropathological assessment, although some non-specific biomarkers are routinely tested for in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a part of the differential diagnosis of dementia. In antemortem CSF samples from 117 patients with different types of neuropathologically confirmed neurodegenerative disease with dementia, we assessed total-tau (t-tau), phosphorylated-tau (181P) (p-tau), amyloid-beta (1–42) (Aβ42), TAR DNA binding protein (TDP)-43, progranulin (PGRN), and neurofilament light (NfL) chain levels, and positivity of protein 14-3-3. We found t-tau levels and the t-tau/p-tau ratios were significantly higher in prion diseases compared to the other neurodegenerative diseases. Statistically significant differences in the t-tau/Aβ42 ratio predominantly corresponded to t-tau levels in prion diseases and Aβ42 levels in AD. TDP-43 levels were significantly lower in prion diseases. Additionally, the TDP-43/Aβ42 ratio was better able to distinguish Alzheimer’s disease from other neurodegenerative diseases compared to using Aβ42 alone. In frontotemporal lobar degeneration, PRGN levels were significantly higher in comparison to other neurodegenerative diseases. There is an increasing need for biomarkers suitable for diagnostic workups for neurodegenerative diseases. It appears that adding TDP-43 and PGRN to the testing panel for neurodegenerative diseases could improve the resolution of differential diagnoses.

Geochemical modeling in TOUGHREACT code was used to simulate chemical processes in CO2–rock–brackish water systems in a pilot research environment of CO2 storage in the Brodske area (Czech Republic). Models studied mineralogical changes in rock samples resulting from acidification of the aqueous phase caused by the dissolution of pressurized supercritical CO2. Rock samples of the reservoir horizon and cement from the grouting of an injection borehole were considered, and the water phase represented the mineralized groundwater. The aim of the study was to characterize the influence of CO2 in the geological structure on mineralogical rock changes and to predict gas distribution through the rocks bearing brackish water. The most important chemical processes are dissolution of carbonates and clay minerals during the injection of CO2 into the structure, as the increase in porosity in the structure affects the sequestration capacity of the reservoir rock. In the CO2–cement–brackish water system, the models confirm the rapid dissolution of portlandite and its replacement with calcite. The CSH gel is also dissolved, and silica gel appears. The porosity of the cement decreases. Further studies on such a cement slurry are needed to prevent the possibility of mechanical damage to the integrity of the borehole.

Abstract 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.

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.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a complex pathogen causing feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Host genetics represents a factor contributing to the pathogenesis of the disease. Differential susceptibility of various breeds to FIP was reported with controversial results. The objective of this study was to compare the genetic diversity of different breeds on a panel of candidate genes potentially affecting FCoV infection. One hundred thirteen cats of six breeds were genotyped on a panel of sixteen candidate genes. SNP allelic/haplotype frequencies were calculated; pairwise FST and molecular variance analyses were performed. Principal coordinate (PCoA) and STRUCTURE analyses were used to infer population structure. Interbreed differences in allele frequencies were observed. PCoA analysis performed for all genes of the panel indicated no population substructure. In contrast to the full marker set, PCoA of SNP markers associated with FCoV shedding (NCR1 and SLX4IP) showed three clusters containing only alleles associated with susceptibility to FCoV shedding, homozygotes and heterozygotes for the susceptibility alleles, and all three genotypes, respectively. Each cluster contained cats of multiple breeds. Three clusters of haplotypes were identified by PCoA, two clusters by STRUCTURE. Haplotypes of a single gene (SNX5) differed significantly between the PCoA clusters.

Research background: Although the world is still in a coronavirus crisis, it also sees hope in vaccines being developed, government measures taken to revive the economy and borders reopening. At the same time, the globalized world has learned a lot. Knowledge management and knowledge sharing in a globalized world now have even higher mission than before, since work regimes have completely changed and the necessary requirements for the protection of employees´ health and safety are being adopted. Purpose of the article: Knowledge management is a multidisciplinary activity; its individual disciplines will be described, characterized and researched. Research surveys will map the activities of knowledge management in new work regimes with the protection of employee health and safety in order to optimize knowledge management of businesses in a globalised world with existing threats. Methods: After the questionnaire survey is completed, the respondents’ answers will be encoded in Microsoft Excel. The encoded data will be exported to the SPSS statistical software. The objective of the statistical evaluation is to extract relationships and linkages that could contribute to optimising the knowledge management of enterprises in a globalised world. To detect basic relationships and linkages, Pearson’s chi-square test of independence will be used at the level of descriptive statistics, using contingency tables. Findings & Value added: Based on the conducted research, it diagnoses existing knowledge management barriers and knowledge sharing in globalized enterprises.

The Feline coronavirus (FCoV) can cause a fatal disease, the Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Persistent shedders represent the most important source of infection. The role of the host in FCoV fecal shedding is unknown. The objective of this study was to develop gene markers and to test their associations with FCoV shedding patterns. Fecal samples were taken from 57 cats of 12 breeds on the day 0 and after 2, 4 and 12 months. Variation from persistent and/or high-intensity shedding to no shedding was observed. Thirteen immunity-related genes were selected as functional and positional/functional candidates. Positional candidates were selected in a candidate region detected by a GWAS analysis. Tens to hundreds of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) per gene were identified using next generation sequencing. Associations with different phenotypes were assessed by chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. SNPs of one functional and one positional candidate (NCR1 and SLX4IP, respectively) and haplotypes of four genes (SNX5, NCR2, SLX4IP, NCR1) were associated with FCoV shedding at pcorected < 0.01. Highly significant associations were observed for extreme phenotypes (persistent/high-intensity shedders and non-shedders) suggesting that there are two major phenotypes associated with different genotypes, highly susceptible cats permanently shedding high amounts of viral particles and resistant non-shedders.

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.