The biomedical translational applications of functionalized nanoparticles require comprehensive studies on their effect on human stem cells. Here, we have tested neat star-shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (s-MSN) and their chemically functionalized derivates; we examined nanoparticles (NPs) with similar dimensions but different surface chemistry, due to the amino groups grafted on silica nanoparticles (s-MSN-NH2), and gold nanoseeds chemically adsorbed on silica nanoparticles (s-MSN-Au). The different samples were dropped on glass coverslips to obtain a homogeneous deposition differing only for NPs’ chemical functionalization and suitable for long-term culture of human Bone Marrow–Mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) and Adipose stem cells (hASCs). Our model allowed us to demonstrate that hBM-MSCs and hASCs have comparable growth curves, viability, and canonical Vinculin Focal adhesion spots on functionalized s-MSN-NH2 and s-MSN-Au as on neat s-MSN and control systems, but also to show morphological changes on all NP types compared to the control counterparts. The new shape was stem-cell-specific and was maintained on all types of NPs. Compared to the other NPs, s-MSN-Au exerted a small genotoxic effect on both stem cell types, which, however, did not affect the stem cell behavior, likely due to a peculiar stem cell metabolic restoration response.
The article deals with the legal regulation of tourist taxation in Italy with a view to improving the Russian tax system. Many European countries have adopted a tax on accommodation, also known as a tourist tax or a resort fee, in order to facilitate contribution by tourists to tourist infrastructure. This approach is currently being implemented in many countries, including those countries in the European Union which welcome a large number of tourists. Italy is one of the most popular such destinations, and has considerable experience in tourist taxation and regulation of public finances, which can serve as a useful example for the improvement of the Russian tax system. The authors point out that a nation's laws should include a direct link between a tax resident and the location of a vacationer or a tourist. They also conclude that the imposition of the tax may affect the number of tourists in a particular municipality since they may prefer to stay in a place free from resort fees. The paper also examines and supports the imposition of the tax as a reasonable and civilized solution to the problem of damage caused to the environment by a large influx of tourists into particular territories, since it makes it possible to compensate for the damage caused. The research indicates that there is room for improvement with regard to certain provisions of the Law adopted in Russia and coming into force on 1 January 2018. In the authors' view, the better solution would be to transfer resort fees to the budgets of those municipalities where tourists are accommodated. This would ensure the necessary tourist involvement in the public sphere, increase their responsibility and would also provide a direct link between the payment of the tax and the development of resort infrastructure.
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