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PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this text is the extensive appraisal of the modifications in the conditions of people’s safety in water areas during the COVID-19 pandemic in the region of West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland and the management of the safety of people in water areas in this region from the perspective of the rescue organisation., DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The publication uses research methods characteristic of the social sciences, including the analytical method relating to the different types of reports and quantitative and qualitative data, and dogmatic method focusing on the analysis of the legal text., FINDINGS: The pandemic situation has notably affected the number of rescue operations being carried out. In 2020, there was observed an increase in the number of incidents supplied by the water rescue units compared to the previous years. At the same time the number of domestic tourists reduced by 7.4%, while the number of foreign tourists decreased by a noteworthy 42.9%. COVID-19 pandemic also resulted in changing the nature of the lifeguard's role from ‘supervisor of the swimming area’ to ‘creator of conscious use of the body of water’. Through water patrols and contact with all water users (sailors, anglers and people practising other water sports), lifeguards can build social awareness and by creating positive habits and focus most of their time on preventive activities, a kind of ‘water culture’ based on a set of rules for responsible behaviour on the water., PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Having an increased group of responsible people on a given body of water, there is a possibility to build a specific ‘aquatic community’ that not only takes the full responsibility for independent and safe use of water areas, but also becomes a perfect example for other users. In an era of increased awareness of responsibility for one's own health and life, such a solution seems to be socially more effective and economically viable., ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study presents an original approach to the problem of COVID-19 pandemic by including two important subjects, modifications in the conditions of people’s safety in water areas during the COVID-19 pandemic and the management of the safety of people in water areas in this region from the perspective of the rescue organisation., peer-reviewed

A progressive way in photodynamic therapy is to design photosensitive agents that may operate at lower optical power. Hybrid organic–inorganic silver-, iron-, and silver&iron-contained nanoparticle...

This study investigates changes in the MRI contrast properties of Gd(III)-containing paramagnetic liposomes following the incorporation of photosensitizing agent (ZnPc—zinc phthalocyanine). It provides identification of mechanisms responsible for enhancement of proton relaxation rate and hence, the increased both r1 and r2 relaxivities. Five liposomal formulations, containing fatty acids derivatives of Gd(III) salt and hydrophobic ZnPc, were synthesized. NMRD profiles of liposomal solutions (magnetic field range from 0.0002 to 9.4 T) were obtained and Modified Florence model was applied. The contrast properties of the model drug itself was separated from the lipid bilayer deformation influence, caused by its incorporation. The latter resulted, among other, in optimization of an apparent water exchange correlation time. As Gd(III) is located in the outer and inner lipid layers, some of the Gd(III) chelates are localized in aqueous interior of the liposomes, thus their contrasting efficiency depends on the water exchange rate through the membrane. The proposed approach raises the possibility of reducing the amount of potentially harmful contrast media based on gadolinium, by taking into account the increase of the relaxation effect caused by other components of the system.

The B-cell CLL/lymphoma 11B gene

Novel multifunctional ZnO:Gd@ZIF-8 hybrid inorganic-organic nanocomposites with tunable luminescent-magnetic performance were successfully fabricated using wet chemistry synthesis routes. Physico-chemical characterization including crystal structure, phase compositions, morphology, surface properties, as well as photoluminescent and magnetic characteristics was performed using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR analysis, transmission and scanning electron microscopies (TEM/SEM), N

“Western diet” containing high concentrations of sugar and fat consumed during pregnancy contributes to development of obesity and diabetes type 2 in offspring. To mimic effects of this diet in animals, a cafeteria (CAF) diet is used. We hypothesized that CAF diet given to rats before, and during pregnancy and lactation differently influences fat content, metabolic and inflammation profiles in offspring. Females were exposed to CAF or control diets before pregnancy, during pregnancy and lactation. At postnatal day 25 (PND 25), body composition, fat contents were measured, and blood was collected for assessment of metabolic and inflammation profiles. We have found that CAF diet lead to sex-specific alterations in offspring. At PND25, CAF offspring had: (1) higher percentage of fat content, and were lighter; (2) sex-specific differences in levels of glucose; (3) higher levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α); (4) sex-specific differences in concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α, with an increase in CAF females; (5) higher level of IL-10 in both sexes, with a more pronounced increase in females. We concluded that maternal CAF diet affects fat content, metabolic profiles, and inflammation parameters in offspring. Above effects are sex-specific, with female offspring being more susceptible to the diet.

Liposomes are phospholipid-based self-assembled nanoparticles. Various components can be solubilized in the lipid bilayer, encapsulated in the aqueous core or attached to the surface, making liposomes attractive platforms for multimodality functionalization. Here we describe theranostic liposomes delivering a magnetic resonance contrast agent (lipid derivative of gadopentetic acid) and a hydrophobic photosensitizer (zinc phthalocyanine, ZnPc) for photodynamic therapy of cancer. For the first time, this theranostic system was prepared by the microfluidic method. Analogous formulations were produced by thin lipid film hydration (TLH) with down-sizing performed by extrusion for comparison purposes. We demonstrated double the loading capacity of ZnPc into liposomes made by microfluidics compared to TLH/extrusion. Microfluidics resulted in the theranostic nanoliposomes characterized by sizes =2.5x smaller than vesicles prepared by TLH/extrusion. Increased relaxivity was observed for liposomes manufactured by microfluidics compared to TLH, despite a slightly lower Gd chelate recovery. We attributed the improved relaxation to the increased surface area/volume ratio of vesicles and decreased phosphatidylcholine/ZnPc molar ratio, which affected water molecules' diffusion through the liposomal membrane. Finally, we showed photodynamic efficacy of ZnPc loaded into theranostic liposomes in head and neck cancer model, resulting in IC50 of 0.22 – 0.61 μM, depending on the formulation and cell line used. We demonstrate microfluidics' feasibility to be used for theranostic liposome manufacturing and co-entrapment of therapeutic and imaging components in a single-step process with a high yield.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease, causing motor neuron and skeletal muscle loss and death. One of the promising therapeutic approaches is stem cell graft application into the brain, however, an immune reaction against it creates serious limitations. This study aimed to research the efficiency of glial restricted progenitors (GRPs) grafted into murine CNS (central nervous system) in healthy models and the SOD1G93A ALS disease model. The cellular grafts were administered in semiallogenic and allogeneic settings. To investigate the models of immune reaction against grafted GRPs, we applied three immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory regimens: preimplantation factor (PiF), Tacrolimus, and CTLA-4, MR1 co-stimulatory blockade. We tracked the cells with bioluminescence imaging (BLI) in vivo to study their survival. The immune response character was evaluated with brain tissue assays and multiplex ELISA in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The application of immunosuppressive drugs is disputable when considering cellular transplants into the immune-privileged site/brain. However, our data revealed that semiallogenic GRP graft might survive inside murine CNS without the necessity to apply any immunomodulation or immunosuppression, whereas, in the situation of allogeneic mouse setting, the combination of CTLA-4, MR1 blockade can be considered as the best immunosuppressive option.

PURPOSE: Spatial and social aspects of safety of people using water areas in the West Pomeranian Region in 2011–2015 with the use of drowning indicators are presented. The main research problem concerned the dependence of the number and distribution of drownings on spatial and social factors., DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The achievement of the research objective defined in this way was achieved using the methods of descriptive statistics in conjunction with data from spatial information databases. This allowed for the presentation of a unified drowning index and for the determination of new drowning indexes in water areas in terms of quality., FINDINGS: The drowning rate may be a diagnosed qualitative feature that allows identifying regional development with a constant increase in the living standards of the region's inhabitants. The drowning index as well as other regional development indicators may be affected by changes in the economic potential, economic structure, natural environment, infrastructure development, spatial order, and spatial development. threats to the safety of people staying in water areas, including the identification of the most endangered areas, types of reservoirs and groups using water in the West Pomeranian Region., PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of the research may contribute to the adoption of the drowning index as a qualitative aspect of the analyses of regional development in Poland., ORIGINALITY/VALUE: An attempt was made to focus on drowning, which, in the authors' opinion, should be one of the elements of qualitative assessments of regional development regarding the transformation of socio-economic structures, because of which they acquire a new feature., peer-reviewed

The B-cell CLL/lymphoma 11B gene (BCL11B) plays a crucial role in T-cell development, but its role in T-cell malignancies is still unclear. To study its role in the development of T-cell neoplasms, we generated an inducible BCL11B knockout in a murine T cell leukemia/lymphoma model. Mice, bearing human oncogenes TAL BHLH Transcription Factor 1 (TAL1; SCL) or LIM Domain Only 1 (LMO1), responsible for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) development, were crossed with BCL11B floxed and with CRE-ER/lox mice. The mice with a single oncogene BCL11Bflox/floxCREtg/tgTAL1tg or BCL11Bflox/floxCREtg/tgLMO1tg were healthy, bred normally, and were used to maintain the mice in culture. When crossed with each other, >90% of the double transgenic mice BCL11Bflox/floxCREtg/tgTAL1tgLMO1tg, within 3 to 6 months after birth, spontaneously developed T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Upon administration of synthetic estrogen (tamoxifen), which binds to the estrogen receptor and activates the Cre recombinase, the BCL11B gene was knocked out by excision of its fourth exon from the genome. The mouse model of inducible BCL11B knockout we generated can be used to study the role of this gene in cancer development and the potential therapeutic effect of BCL11B inhibition in T-cell leukemia and lymphoma.

The present study is focused on the development of liposomes bearing gadolinium chelate (GdLip) providing two functionalities for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and photodynamic therapy of cancer. A lipid derivative of gadolinium(III) diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid salt (GdDTPA1) was inserted in the liposomal membrane and served as MRI contrast agent whereas a zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) was used as a model photosensitizer. In addition to conventional liposomes, pegylated lipids were used for the preparation of "stealth" liposomes. The characterization of different GdLip formulations involved evaluation of the liposomes size by nanoparticle tracking analysis, thermal phase behavior by differential scanning calorimetry and ZnPc-mediated singlet oxygen production. Furthermore, relaxivity measurements were performed as well as cytotoxicity and photodynamic activity against cancerous and normal cell lines was studied. Size and thermal behavior were only slightly influenced by GdLip composition, however it distinctly affected singlet oxygen production of ZnPc-loaded GdLip. The quantum yields of singlet oxygen generation by zinc phthalocyanine incorporated in GdLip containing cationic or/and pegylated lipids were smaller than those obtained for non-pegylated carriers with l-α-phosphatidylglycerol. In general, all formulations of GdLip, irrespectively of composition, were characterized by relaxivities higher than those of commercially used contrast agents (e.g. Magnevist®). NMR study has shown that the incorporation of ZnPc into the formulations of GdLip increases the relaxation parameters r1 and r2, compared to the values for the non-loaded vesicles. GdDTPA1 did not influence the photodynamic activity of ZnPc against HeLa cells.

Artykul jest probą odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy oznaczenia jakości, w powszechnym odczuciu traktowane jako bardzo istotne dla danego produktu, w branzy wodnej mają przelozenie na kwestie bezpieczenstwa. Sprawdzono, czy znane i stosowane systemy certyfikacji marin, portow i przystani jachtowych zawierają elementy bezpieczenstwa przystani i osob na niej przebywających, a jeśli tak, na jakim poziomie zostaly umieszczone. W pracy porownano najbardziej znane systemy certyfikacyjne marin i portow jachtowych na świecie, zwracając szczegolną uwage na kwestie bezpieczenstwa – zdiagnozowanie, na ktorym poziomie znajdują sie aspekty najbardziej istotne z punktu widzenia przebywających w danym obiekcie. Przeanalizowano zarowno procedure uzyskiwania certyfikatu, jak i ujecie w niej kwestii bezpieczenstwa oraz sposob wyeksponowania certyfikatu. W toku analizy uzyskanych danych i przedstawiania wnioskow dowiedziono, ze wspolczesne systemy certyfikacji marin powaznie i na wysokim poziomie traktują kwestie bezpieczenstwa, zaś samo posiadanie certyfikatu pozytywnie wplywa na świadomośc przebywających na danym obiekcie osob.

Nagle zatrzymanie krązenia (NZK) to wstrzymanie funkcjonowania ukladu krązenia. Prawdopodobienstwo wystąpienia tego stanu chorobowego wzrasta z wiekiem i zalezne jest od czynnikow ryzyka oraz czynnikow profilaktycznych. Wczesne rozpoczecie resuscytacji krązeniowo-oddechowej oraz wykonanie defibrylacji mogą znacznie zwiekszyc przezywalnośc osob, ktore ulegly NZK. Szybsze wykonanie defibrylacji obserwuje sie w miejscach z latwym dostepem do defibrylatora (AED). Dostepnośc godzinowa oraz liczba urządzen AED w miastach wojewodztwa zachodniopomorskiego wzgledem wystepowania ryzyka wystąpienia NZK jest niewystarczająca. W celu ulatwienia lokalizacji defibrylatorow nalezy oznaczyc je zgodnie z zaleceniami ILCOR oraz umozliwic calodobowy do nich dostep. Stworzenie i udostepnienie jednolitego dla calej Polski zintegrowanego systemu dostepności do AED moze miec wplyw na zwiekszenie przezywalności w sytuacjach zagrozenia zdrowia i zycia w Polsce.

Multimodal nanoparticles (NPs) that may be used for therapies and diagnostics is the most promising trend for efficient therapy. We demonstrate that nanocomposite based on self-organizing silver and ultrasmall magnetic iron oxide NPs (MAg) produced in one-step synthesis revealed unique combination of fluorescence, bactericidal, fungicidal properties and have a potential as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. Using the green chemistry approach, ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome extract was applied as capping agent for MAg synthesis, providing also additional fluorescent properties of NPs and inducing hydrocolloids structuring. The MAg were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive microanalysis (EDS), fluorescence microscopy, cryo-SEM, dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopies. MAg dispersions in water and some biological media are very stable which is important for biomedical application. The existence of microstructure in MAg hydrocolloids was proved. The hierarchical character and high ordering of this microstructure were discovered and its level-by-level building blocks were investigated. The microstructure was found to be responsible for fluorescence emittance of MAg hydrocolloids. The properties as well as potential application of the MAg hydrocolloids is yet to be discovered. Keywords: Ultrasmall, Silver, Ginger, Nanoparticles, Hydrocolloid, Microstructure

Masculinized females, also called neomales or sex-reversed females have a male phenotype but retain the female genotype (XX). Therefore, all spermatozoa produced in their functional testes carry an X chromosome, which is desired for the production of all-female rainbow trout populations. Semen of sex-reversed female rainbow trout is of low quality and in vitro maturation is required, which includes dilution of sperm suspensions with specially formulated maturation solutions. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dilution in different maturation media on sperm quality (sperm motility characteristics and fertilizing capacity) of frozen/thawed sperm of sex-reversed female rainbow trout. The effect of time of post-thaw storage (0, 15, 60 and 120min) on semen quality was also tested. Sperm motility parameters and fertilization rate at the eyed and hatching stages were assessed for post-thaw semen diluted in different media. The cryopreservation procedure resulted in high post-thaw sperm motility of about 57% and did not differ from fresh semen. Unexpectedly, maturation media decreased sperm activation capacity immediately after dilution; however, sperm motility increased over time. Fertilization rates of frozen/thawed semen were high (71-87%) and did not differ significantly between experimental variants at any of tested periods of storage. Our results demonstrated that the effect of the maturation media on frozen/thawed sperm is different from that of fresh sperm. The progressive increase in post-thaw sperm motility in maturation media can potentially be applied to routine hatchery practice.

The main aim of this research was the synthesis of the multimodal hybrid ZnO@Gd 2 O 3 nanostructures as prospective contrast agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for bio-medical applications. The nanoparticles surface was functionalized by organosilicon compounds (OSC) then, by folic acid (FA) as targeting agent and doxorubicin (Dox) as chemotherapeutic agent. Doxorubicin and folic acid were attached to the nanoparticles surface by amino groups as well as due to attractive physical interactions. The morphology and crystallography of the nanostructures were studied by HRTEM and SAXS techniques. After ZnO nanoparticles surface modification by Gd 3+ and annealing at 900 °C, ZnO@Gd 2 O 3 nanostructures are polydispersed with size 30–100 nm. NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) studies of ZnO@Gd 2 O 3 were performed on fractionated particles with size up to 50 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis spectroscopy, zeta-potential measurements and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) showed that functional groups have been effectively bonded onto the nanoparticles surface. The high adsorption capacity of folic acid (up to 20%) and doxorubicin (up to 40%) on nanoparticles was reached upon 15 min of adsorption process in a temperature-dependent manner. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation measurements confirmed that the obtained ZnO@Gd 2 O 3 nanostructures could be good contrast agents, useful for magnetic resonance imaging.

The aim of the study was to assess selected nutritional behaviors and the level of physical activity of high school students in the West Pomeranian Voivodship. The research included questionnaires regarding the consumption of breakfast, detailing school days and weekends, the amount of vegetables, fruit, sweets and sugary drinks consumed, as well as questions about physical activity during school and extracurricular classes, intensity of exercises and participation of parents in joint sport. Anthropometric measurements were performed including: body weight, height, BMI, fat mass, lean mass, muscle mass. Body composition analysis was based on the bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA). There were many irregularities in the way students were eating: lack of breakfast, too little consumption of vegetables and fruits and frequent consumption of sweets and sugary drinks. Physical activity in the majority of students was at a correct level. Despite the nutritional mistakes made, the average BMI of the tested students was correct.

Mitotic gynogenesis results in the production of fully homozygous individuals in a single generation. Since inbred fish were found to exhibit an increased frequency of body deformations that may affect their survival, the main focus of this research was to evaluate the ratio of individuals with spinal deformities among gynogenetic doubled haploids (DHs) brown trout as compared to nonmanipulated heterozygous individuals. Gynogenetic development was induced by the activation of brown trout eggs by UV-irradiated homologous and heterologous (rainbow trout) spermatozoa. The subsequent exposure of the activated eggs to the high hydrostatic pressure disturbed the first cleavage in gynogenetic zygotes and enabled duplication of the maternal haploid set of chromosomes. The survival rate was significantly higher among gynogenetic brown trout hatched from eggs activated with the homologous UV-irradiated spermatozoa when compared to DHs hatched from eggs activated by the heterologous spermatozoa. More than 35% of the gynogenetic larvae exhibited body deformities, mostly lordosis and scoliosis. The percentage of malformed brown trout from the control group did not exceed 15%. The increased number of deformed larvae among DHs brown trout suggested rather a genetic background of the disease related to the fish spine deformities; however, both genetic and environmental factors were discussed as a cause of such conditions in fish.

Olejniczak, R.; Kowalewska-Kalkowska, H., and Zalewski, T., 2020. Analysis of the effectiveness of the rescue operation with use of different motorboat units in the Baltic coast conditions. In: Malvarez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 905–909. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.The effectiveness of aid provided to drowning people depends on numerous anthropogenic and environmental variables. Anthropogenic variables include rescue team experience level and the technical equipment used. Natural determinants include hydrological and meteorological conditions. As far as the Baltic Sea is concerned, hydrological and meteorological conditions sometimes change very rapidly, which can have a crucial influence on the quality of rescue operations. Due to the fact that environmental determinants affect the quality of water rescue operations, the idea was to examine their influence on the time of reaching a casualty. The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of the simulated rescue operations that took place in 2019 on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea at the beach resort in Miedzyzdroje. Three different motorboat units were used in the operation. The analysis needed to choose the right unit was based on the rescue procedure in sea waters using three most frequently applied motorboat units on the Baltic coast. During the research, the times of reaching particular strategic places by motorboats were measured during the rescue operation. The research showed that the level of a lifeguard's experience has an influence on the time of reaching a casualty. Furthermore, the season, in which the rescue operations take place may lengthen or shorten the time needed to reach a casualty. The choice of a motorboat unit, depending on weather conditions, can have a direct influence on life-saving effectiveness. What is more, the research highlighted the need to monitor the infrastructure that surrounds the bathing areas. It is due to the fact that a smooth discharge of a rescue unit and an unobstructed access to the area is of paramount and crucial importance on speed of reaching a casualty.

Bifunctional nanoparticles combining diagnostic and therapeutic functions (known as theranostic agents) are the subject of an increasing number of studies. This group includes liposomes - highly biocompatible spherical particles formed from lipids. Liposomes, after appropriate functionalization can be used as contrast agents in many imaging methods e.g. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). In addition, research on the properties of paramagnetic liposomes that contain a gadolinium (III) ion (Gd (III)) in their structure, as well as therapeutic agents, provide the basis for the preparation of a new generation of hybrid nanoparticles. These hybrids, due to their contrasting abilities in MRI, allow one to monitor the biodistribution of drugs administered in a human body. This study investigates changes in the contrast properties of Gd(III)-containing paramagnetic liposomes following the incorporation of photosensitizing agent (ZnPc - zinc phthalocyanine). It provides identification of mechanisms responsible for enhancement of proton relaxation rate and hence, the increased both $\mathbf{r}_{1}s$ and $\mathbf{r}_{2}$ relaxivities. Here we demonstrate that the relaxation enhancement originates mainly from modification of a structure of the lipid bilayer. Modified Florence model was fitted to the experimental NMRD profiles of liposomal solutions (magnetic field range from 0.0002 T to 9.4 T). These results indicate the water permeability changes and deformation of the lipid bilayer structure as a result of ZnPc incorporation. As Gd(III) is located in the outer and inner lipid layers, some of the Gd(III) chelates are localized in aqueous interior of the liposomes, thus their contrasting efficiency depends on the water exchange rate through the membrane. Therefore, increased water permeability results in an increase of the overall relaxivity. The proposed approach raises the possibility of reducing the amount of potentially harmful contrast media based on gadolinium, by taking into account the increase of the relaxation effect caused by other components of the system.

Poor quality eggs produced by the fully homozygous doubled haploids (DHs) may impair generation of clonal lines in fish species. In the present research, gynogenetic development of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was induced in eggs originated from the DH females. Eggs were activated with the UV-irradiated grayling (Thymallus thymallus) spermatozoa and subjected to the high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) shock to provide diploid clonal individuals. Only two of four DH females produced eggs that were successfully activated by the irradiated spermatozoa and subsequently developed into the gynogenetic embryos. Survival rates of rainbow trout from the clonal lines equalled 21.5% and 19.8% during embryogenesis and decreased after hatching to 18.6% and 14.9%, respectively. Some of the dead rainbow trout clones collected between hatching and swim-up stage were emaciated and exhibited spinal deformities including scoliosis. Provided results confirmed limited developmental competences of eggs produced by rainbow trout DH females. Clonal rainbow trout developing in such eggs exhibited reduced survival and increased frequency of the body abnormalities.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most frequent causes of death in industrialized countries. Stem cells therapy seems to be very promising for regenerative medicine. Skeletal myoblasts transplantation into postinfarction scar has been shown to be effective in the failing heart but shows limitations such, e.g. cell retention and survival. We synthesized and investigated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as an agent for direct cell labeling, which can be used for stem cells imaging. High quality, monodisperse and biocompatible DMSA-coated SPIONs were obtained with thermal decomposition and subsequent ligand exchange reaction. SPIONs’ presence within myoblasts was confirmed by Prussian Blue staining and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). SPIONs’ influence on tested cells was studied by their proliferation, ageing, differentiation potential and ROS production. Cytotoxicity of obtained nanoparticles and myoblast associated apoptosis were also tested, as well as iron-related and coating-related genes expression. We examined SPIONs’ impact on overexpression of two pro-angiogenic factors introduced via myoblast electroporation method. Proposed SPION-labeling was sufficient to visualize firefly luciferase-modified and SPION-labeled cells with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with bioluminescence imaging (BLI) in vivo. The obtained results demonstrated a limited SPIONs’ influence on treated skeletal myoblasts, not interfering with basic cell functions.

Multimodal imaging based on nanostructures has become a subject of interest for numerous biomedical laboratories. The main focus was placed on applying nanocrystals for the purpose of two types of clinical imaging (contrast and fluorescent agents) due to their excellent luminescence and/or paramagnetic properties. Such systems should also be characterized by low toxicity and high cellular uptake efficiency. Since bare rare earth fluoride nanocrystals influence the cell membrane integrity, it is expected that their coatings will improve biocompatibility profile, as well as increase hydrophilicity, dispersion and chemical stability. Hence, by synthesis of β-NaGdF4:Yb3+Er3+ nanorods (NRs) coated with noncovalently bounded polyethylene glycol monooleate (PEG-Mo), it should be possible to obtain multimodal imaging biomarkers meeting established criteria. Synthesis of β-NaGdF4:Yb3+Er3+@PEG-Mo NRs was performed by the co-precipitation method. These nanostructures were characterized in terms of their size, morphology, zeta potential, magnetic and optical properties as well as their cytotoxicity profile and cellular internalization was evaluated. It was shown that the shape and size of nanocrystals, namely 20 nm nanorods, present generally accepted parameters for biomedical purpose. Ligand attraction of PEG-Mo 860 resulted in the encapsulation of oleic acid coated NRs and formation of hydrophilic bilayer. Superparamagnetic and luminescence properties were highly efficient. Cytotoxic profiles of normal and cancer cell lines were low and determined by dose and time. Cellular uptake was confirmed by the presence of upconversion luminescence in cell interior. These findings are showing multimodal imaging properties of rod shaped β-NaGdF4:Yb3+Er3+@PEG-Mo NRs which may be useful in some biomedical applications.

This study examines the use of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotube/iron (O-MWCNT/Fe) nanohybrids modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as multifunctional cellular imaging agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence microscopy. The PEGylated MWCNTs with embedded iron particles were investigated as T2-weighted contrast agents for MRI. The number of PEG molecules attached to the MWCNT surface was calculated. The PEG–MWCNT/Fe complex was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies. Covalent surface modification of the MWCNTs improves their solubility and enables the attachment of further biomolecules to their surface. The PEGylated nanostructures were labeled with the MDC organic dye and internalized inside HeLa cells for cellular imaging. Additionally, the minimal cytotoxic effect of PEGylated complexes in comparison to non-PEGylated samples was measured using the WST-1 test and an In Cell Analyzer. A confocal microscopy study of the organelle morphology also confirmed that the HeLa cell morphology was unchanged after treatment with PEGylated MWCNTs.

In this work, functionalized Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes of specified length and containing well-defined iron particles (O-MWCNT/Fe) were prepared. A significant enhancement in contrast in Magnetic Resonance Imaging was found for the investigated composites. The magnetic characterization revealed the ferromagnetic nature of iron particles embedded within O-MWCNTs. The enhancement of the 1 H spin–spin relaxation time of MRI scans using hydrophilic O-MWCNT/Fe as potential contrast agents was estimated for selected dispersive media. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the hybrids was studied in two cell lines, i.e. cancer cells (HeLa) and fibroblasts (GM07492). The intracellular impact of O-MWCNT/Fes in HeLa cells was observed after staining of selected organelles (nuclei and mitochondria). Significant changes in cell morphology were found for water soluble MWCNT/Fes with diameters above 30 nm.

To gain insight into the possible implications for aquaculture of the presence of ZEN in fish feed at the EC guidance level, we determined the effects of over two months of feeding of premarket size rainbow trout (~ 250 g) with ZEN-contaminated feed at a dose of 1.81 mg·kg − 1 feed (90.5% of the current guidance value) under aquaculture conditions. After 37 and 71 days of the experiment, both control and ZEN-challenged fish were weighed and measured to assess their growth performance. To examine the health-related effects of ZEN exposure, fish blood was collected for biochemical measurements of plasma markers, and their livers and gonads were fixed for histopathological analysis. Additionally, to examine the effect of ZEN on the molecular background of fish reproduction, the mRNA level of vitellogenin (vtg) in the fishes' liver was determined. Finally, exposed fish tissues were analyzed for residual concentrations of ZEN and its metabolites in order to estimate the potential health risks for the fish consumers. Our results indicate that when premarket size fish are fed for two months with ZEN-contaminated feed at a concentration just below the EC guidance value, the growth of the fish is not affected. The analysis of residual concentrations of ZEN indicated that there was no threat to the health of potential consumers of the meat from the exposed fish. However, the residuals accumulated in the fishes' intestine and liver, and trace amounts of ZEN were also found in their ovaries. Although histological analysis of the liver cross-sections revealed structural irregularities in the treated group, including necrotic areas, disorders of polygonal hepatocytes, cytoplasm vacuolization, and macrophage aggregates, these developments were not accompanied by alterations in levels of plasma biochemical markers. This shows that ZEN had only a limited influence on the liver structure of the exposed fish. Although the experimental groups did not differ in terms of vtg mRNA levels, our results suggest that ZEN in feed may accelerate sexual maturation of the female fish, as ovarian development was more advanced in the exposed group. Our findings suggest that the presence of ZEN in fish feed may have consequences for aquaculture and warrant the need for further research in order to reassess the recommended limits. Statement of relevance Current feed guideline may have consequences for aquaculture.

Meiotic gynogenetic development of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792) was induced in the course of egg activation performed by the UV-irradiated homologous and heterologous (European grayling Thymallus thymallus Linnaeus, 1758) spermatozoa. To recover diploidy in the gynogenetic zygotes, activated eggs were subjected to the high pressure shock in order to inhibit extrusion of the second polar body. Gynogenetic rainbow trout progeny hatched from the eggs activated by the irradiated rainbow trout and grayling milt with similar hatching rates of 28.19% and 29.22%, respectively. However, gynogenetic rainbow trout produced with grayling semen had shown lower survival than gynogenotes provided with the homologous spermatozoa during two years of rearing. Viable hybrids are not produced between rainbow trout and grayling which ensured that fish obtained in this experiment were true gynogenetic progenies. A Robertsonian polymorphism characteristic for the rainbow trout from the studied strain was also observed among the gynogenetic specimens that exhibited diploid chromosome number ranging from 58 to 62 and stable chromosome arm number (FN= 104). No radiation-induced fragments of the paternal chromosomes were observed in the gynogenetic individuals. Fish produced in both experimental variants were genotypic (XX) and phenotypic (gonads) females. The results confirmed that the gynogenetic protocol used in the present research is an efficient means of producing all-female gynogenetic rainbow trout stocks.

Due to their unique physical properties, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are increasingly used in medical applications. They are very useful carriers for delivering antitumor drugs in targeted cancer treatment. Magnetic nanoparticles with chemiotherapeutic were synthesized by coprecipitation method followed by coating with biocompatible polymer. The aim of this work is to characterize physical and magnetic properties of synthesized nanoparicles. Characterization was carried out using EPR, HRTEM, X-ray diffraction, SQUID and NMR methods. The present findings show that synthesized nanosystem is promising tool for potential magnetic drug delivery.

Contents Gynogenetic and androgenetic brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus 1758) haploids (Hs) and doubled haploids (DHs) were produced in the present research. Haploid development was induced by radiation-induced genetic inactivation of spermatozoa (gynogenesis) or eggs (androgenesis) before insemination. To provide DHs, gynogenetic and androgenetic haploid zygotes were subjected to the high pressure shock to suppress the first mitotic cleavage. Among haploids, gynogenetic embryos were showing lower mortality when compared to the androgenetic embryos; however, most of them die before the first feeding stage. Gynogenetic doubled haploids provided in the course of the brown trout eggs activation performed by homologous and heterologous sperm (rainbow trout) were developing equally showing hatching rates of 14.76 ± 2.4% and 16.14 ± 2.90% and the survival rates at the first feeding stage of 10.48 ± 3.48% and 12.78 ± 2.18%, respectively. Significantly, lower survival rate was observed among androgenetic progenies from the diploid groups with only few specimens that survived to the first feeding stage. Cytogenetic survey showed that among embryos from the diploid variants of the research, only gynogenetic individuals possessed doubled sets of chromosomes. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that radiation employed for the genetic inactivation of the brown trout eggs misaligned mechanism responsible for the cell divisions and might have delayed or even arrested the first mitotic cleavage in the androgenetic brown trout zygotes. Moreover, protocol for the radiation-induced inactivation of the paternal and maternal genome should be adjusted as some of the cytogenetically surveyed gynogenetic and androgenetic embryos exhibited fragments of the irradiated chromosomes.

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) and sea trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758) show large karyotypic differences and their hybrid offspring is not viable due to unstable karyotype and chromosome fragmentation. However, gametes from these two species were used to induce gynogenetic development. Rainbow trout eggs activated by UV-irradiated sea trout sperm were subjected to high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) shock to prevent release of the 2nd polar body (early shock) or to inhibit the first cleavage (late shock) in order to produce diploid meiotic gynogenotes and gynogenetic doubled haploids (DHs), respectively. Cytogenetic analysis proved fish that development was induced by the sea trout spermatozoa were rainbow trout. In turn, molecular examination confirmed homozygosity of the gynogenetic DHs. Presumed appearance of the recessive alleles resulted in lower survival of the gynogenetic DH larvae (~25%) when compared to survival of the heterozygous (meiotic) gynogenotes (c. 50%). Our results proved that genomic incompatibilities between studied trout species result in the hybrid unviability. However, artificial gynogenesis including activation of rainbow trout eggs with UV-irradiated sea trout spermatozoa was successfully induced. As both species are unable to cross, application of the UV-irradiated sea trout spermatozoa to activate rainbow trout development assures only maternal inheritance with no contamination by the residues of the paternal chromosomes.

To investigate whether ZEN transfers from the alimentary tract of fish to the somatic cells of ovaries or the oocytes, mature females of rainbow trout were orally exposed to ZEN at a dose of 1 mg·kg − 1 body mass. At sampling times of 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96 h, tissues of the fish (intestine, liver, ovaries, oocytes, muscles, and plasma) were extracted to determine the concentration of ZEN and its metabolites using immunoaffinity columns and HPLC-FLD. Our results confirm that ZEN is transferred from the alimentary tract to the reproductive system of the fish, and indicate that the mycotoxin concentrates in the somatic cells of the ovaries. Importantly, ZEN transferred to the fishes' oocytes and muscles only to a limited extent. Our additional survey of fish hatcheries and local stores indicated only trace amounts of ZEN residuals in the samples that were collected in Poland and Norway between 2013 and 2015, which probably reflects good hygienic conditions for the feed used in these hatcheries. Furthermore, our results indicate that the health risk from dietary intake of ZEN from fish roe is negligible. However, the potential of ZEN to transfer to the fish ovaries may be of concern for aquaculture.

We tested the usefulness of 0.18 M glucose in 9% methanol as an extender for the cryopreservation of semen of sex-reversed rainbow trout females (n = 9). The semen-to-extender ratio of 1:9 and 15 min equilibration were used. Motility and viability parameters as well as the fertilization rate at the eyed stage and hatching were assessed for post-thaw sperm. The fertilization success of cryopreserved semen was about 80% for both 500,000 and 1,000,000:1 sperm-to-egg ratios. The application of the cryopreservation procedure resulted in remarkably high post-thaw sperm motility and viability (55 and 56%, respectively). Our results for the first time show that the post-thaw fertilization ability of rainbow trout sex-reversed female semen can be similar to that of fresh semen at a sperm-to-egg ratio as low as 500,000:1. The sperm motility pattern characterized by low linearity, high amplitude of lateral head displacement and curvilinear velocity seems to be beneficial for the fertilizing ability of thawed sperm. Sperm viability appears to be a reliable indicator of the quality of thawed semen of rainbow trout sex-reversed females. The cryopreservation procedure using glucose–methanol extender after scaling up can be recommended for routine hatchery practice.

The goal of this study was to improve post-thaw quality of cryopreserved rainbow trout semen. Quality was assessed by measuring sperm motility and fertilization rates at the eyed, hatching, and swim-up larvae stages. We first tested how varying glucose concentrations in a methanol extender (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 M, n = 9 different males per concentration) and different semen-extender ratios (1:3, 1:1, and 3:1, n = 3 males and in a separate experiment 1:3 and 1:5, n = 6) affected post-thaw motility. Sperm motility and fertilization rates of samples with 0.18 M glucose in 9% methanol as an extender, a 1:5 sperm-to-extender ratio, and a 15 min equilibration period then were measured at sperm-to-egg ratios of 100,000, 300,000, and 600,000:1. The optimal cryopreservation conditions were found to be 0.15 M glucose in the extender, a 15 min equilibration period, and a 1:5 semen-to-extender ratio. This combination resulted in high post-thaw motility (49.9%) and hatching rates (67.1 ± 18.7, 78.6 ± 17.0, and 84.4 ± 10.0% for sperm-to-egg ratios of 100,000, 300,000 and 600,000:1, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate that the post-thaw fertilization ability of rainbow trout semen can be similar to that of fresh semen at a sperm-to-egg ratio as low as 600,000:1.

Mitotic gynogenesis results in the production of fully homozygous individuals in a single generation. Since inbred fish were found to exhibit an increased frequency of body deformations that may affect their survival, the main focus of this research was to evaluate the ratio of individuals with spinal deformities among gynogenetic doubled haploids (DHs) brown trout as compared to nonmanipulated heterozygous individuals. Gynogenetic development was induced by the activation of brown trout eggs by UV-irradiated homologous and heterologous (rainbow trout) spermatozoa. The subsequent exposure of the activated eggs to the high hydrostatic pressure disturbed the first cleavage in gynogenetic zygotes and enabled duplication of the maternal haploid set of chromosomes. The survival rate was significantly higher among gynogenetic brown trout hatched from eggs activated with the homologous UV-irradiated spermatozoa when compared to DHs hatched from eggs activated by the heterologous spermatozoa. More than 35% of the gynogenetic larvae exhibited body deformities, mostly lordosis and scoliosis. The percentage of malformed brown trout from the control group did not exceed 15%. The increased number of deformed larvae among DHs brown trout suggested rather a genetic background of the disease related to the fish spine deformities; however, both genetic and environmental factors were discussed as a cause of such conditions in fish.

The chemical composition of nanoparticles (NPs) may be so designed as to provide measurability for numerous imaging techniques in order to achieve synergistic advantages. Innovative and unique structure of the core/shell ZnO@Gd

Potassium ions are known to have an inhibitory effect on the sperm motility of salmonids. For this reason, the addition of K(+) to the extender is frequently applied. However, the effect of the addition of K(+) to the extender has not yet been tested. The aim of this study was to test the influence of potassium ion supplementation of the extender on the sperm motility parameters from five Salmonidae species (rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), sex-reversed female rainbow trout, whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus), brown trout (Salmo trutta) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)). Semen samples were diluted in extender containing 0.18 M glucose in 9% methanol (GM) supplemented with 0, 20 or 40 mM potassium chloride. After thawing sperm were stored for 30, 60, 120 and 240 min at 4 °C. Our results demonstrated that the presence of potassium ions in the extender had a negative effect on percentage of motile sperm in four of the salmonid species. In contrast, potassium ions appeared to have a positive effect on percentage of post-thaw motile sperm in whitefish semen. However, this effect could be mimicked by changing the osmolality of the extender (which was achieved by increasing the glucose concentration to 0.22 M). The addition of potassium ions turned out to have no positive effect on post-thaw storage time. Our results suggest that osmolality, rather than potassium ions, seems to be essential for cryopreservation success of salmonids sperm. Further studies should focus on the effects of small changes in osmolality on the post-thaw quality of semen.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the ability of the noninvasive magnetic resonance techniques to monitor the scaffold-aided process of articular cartilage repair.Defects of 4 mm in diameter and 3 mm in depth were created in right knees of 30 adolescent white New Zealand rabbits. Fourteen rabbits were implanted with poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold trimmed to match the size and the shape of the defect (PLGA+ group). No procedure was applied to the remaining 16 animals (PLGA- group). Animals were sacrificed sequentially at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the surgery and magnetic resonance T (2)-weighted images (400 MHz) of the dissected bone plugs at eight different echo times were taken to derive T (2) relaxation time. The images and the T (2) time dependencies versus the tissue depth were statistically analyzed. Histological results of bone plugs were evaluated using semiquantitative histological scales.The results obtained for PLGA repair tissue were evaluated versus the PLGA- group and the healthy tissue harvested from the opposite knee (reference group), and compared with histological results (hematoxylin and eosin staining). The magnetic resonance images and T (2) relaxation time profiles taken 4 weeks after surgery for both the PLGA- and PLGA+ group did not reveal the tissue reconstruction. After 12 weeks of treatment T (2) time dependence indicates a slight reconstruction for PLGA+ group. The T (2) time dependence obtained for PLGA+ samples taken after 24 weeks of treatment resembled the one observed for the healthy cartilage, indicating tissue reconstruction in the form of fibrous cartilage. The tissue reconstruction was not observed for PLGA- samples.The study revealed correlation between magnetic resonance and histology data, indicating the potential value of using MRI and spatial variation of T (2) as the noninvasive tools to evaluate the process of articular cartilage repair. It also suggested, that the PLGA scaffold-aided treatment could help to restore the proper architecture of collagen fibrils.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to study temporal and spatial water uptake and distribution in germinating lupine (Lupinus luteus L.) seeds. During 24 h of imbibition, water was unevenly distributed within the seed and some anatomical parts were more hydrated than others. Water entered the seed through the hilum and micropyle. The embryonic axis was the first to show hydration followed by seed coat and later cotyledons. The changes in water status were characterized by NMR spectroscopy. Analyses of T 2 relaxation times revealed a three-component water proton system (structural, intracellular and extracellular water) in germinating lupine seeds. The data on the components of transverse relaxation time studies indicated the complex exchange processes taking place between water components inside lupine seed over first 2.5 h of hydration, with a distinguished increase in structural water and decrease in other components. This speaks in favor of the high water-absorbing capacity of lupine seeds as related to high protein content. Germination was accompanied by swelling of protein bodies and changes in the organization of stored reserves with gradual disappearance of protein from the cells.