Atherosclerosis with associated cardiovascular diseases remains one of the main causes of disability and death worldwide, requiring development of new solutions for prevention and treatment. Macrophages are the key effectors of a series of events involved in atherogenesis, such as inflammation, plaque formation, and changes in lipid metabolism. Some of these events were shown to be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. Moreover, macrophages represent a promising target for novel therapeutic approaches that are based on the expression of various receptors and nanoparticle uptake. Lipid‐based gene delivery to mitochondria is considered to be an interesting strategy for mtDNA damage correction. To date, several nanocarriers and their modifications have been developed that demonstrate high transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity. This review discusses the possibilities of lipid‐based gene delivery to macrophage mitochondria for atherosclerosis therapy.
During aging cognitive functions change differently from others. Unlike most of the body systems, there is no clear decline pattern in cognitive processes. One of the most significant cognitive processes is decision-making, which defines social interactions, economical relationships, and risky behavior. Among factors influence decisionmaking process, individual lifelong experience is considered to be an important one. Obviously, older adults have more life experience, than the younger groups. However, the former often do not tend to rational choices and beneficial strategies. In this case it is important to assess how aging processes in brain contribute into searching for the most beneficial option during decision-making. On the basis of today’s studies about risky behavior, judgement of fairness, financial games, and modern neuroimaging data this review will observe and discuss age-related differences in decision-making. Thus, a correct cognitive profile of older adult in decision-making context can be determined.
The cerebellum is a well-established primary brain center in charge of controlling sensorimotor functions and non-motor functions. Recent reports depicted the significance of cerebellum in higher-order cognitive functions, including emotion-processing, language, reward-related behavior, working memory, and social behavior. As it can influence diverse behavioral patterns, any defects in cerebellar functions could invoke neuropsychiatric diseases as indicated by the incidence of alexithymia and induce alterations in emotional and behavioral patterns. Furthermore, its defects can trigger motor diseases, such as ataxia and Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this review, we have extensively discussed the role of cerebellum in motor and non-motor functions and how the cerebellum malfunctions in relation to the neural circuit wiring as it could impact brain function and behavioral outcomes in patients with neuropsychiatric diseases. Relevant data regarding cerebellar non-motor functions have been vividly described, along with anatomy and physiology of these functions. In addition to the defects in basal ganglia, the lack of activity in motor related regions of the cerebellum could be associated with the severity of motor symptoms. All together, this review delineates the importance of cerebellar involvement in patients with PD and unravels a crucial link for various clinical aspects of PD with specific cerebellar sub-regions.
17 April 2019 in Journal of Morphological Sciences
Objectives In the recent years, many strategies in anatomy education have appeared. However, these innovations reduce the time students can spend on cadaver-based classes, which are considered to be an effective method of learning anatomy. The aim of the present research was to observe the advantages and features of dissection sessions in medical universities. Materials and Methods The comparative analysis of the academic performance of dissector (n = 30) and nondissector (n = 105) students and a survey questionnaire were conducted. The data was collected through the work of the Dissection Mastery School (DMS) of the Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia, between 2016 and 2018. Results The data analysis showed significant higher examination results in the dissectors cohort (p < 0.001) and a strong opinion about dissection as a good tool to improve anatomy knowledge (95% of responders). Apart from that, prosection is proven to have advantages in comparison with alternative learning approaches, according to researches performed by colleagues. Conclusion These data show that dissection still remains one of the most effective and beneficial methods of teaching anatomy in medical universities, and that it should be further integrated into the medical curriculum.
1 July 2021 in Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology
D.A. Zhdanov is the eminent member of Russian anatomy school, member of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences, great lymphologist, talented master and wise mentor whose 110th jubilee is held this year. Having introduced completely new way of teaching and learning anatomy, Zhdanov expanded knowledge of functions and structure of lymphatic system, presented new information unknown before and determined direction of further studies for his disciples. Being the founder of functional anatomy of the lymphatic system, D.A. Zhdanov brought up a lot of scientists of morphology who developed the aspects he had noticed. The article reveals main directions of Zhdanov’s occupation and activity (studying the lymphatic system, mentorship and tutorship); major findings and methods which he used in his researche works; his interesting and many-sided personality. The article also describes works of D.A. Zhdanov in other scientific areas such as history of medicine and art, analyzes his international scientific work and role in formation of the Russian anatomy school, presents some biographical data, description of researches and recollections of colleagues.