The provision of proprioceptive feedback from limb muscle to spinal motor neuron is essential for the generation of coordinated movement. Proprioceptive sensory neurons form a precise matrix of connections with motor neurons and do so in the absence of patterned activity, implying the existence of proprioceptor subtype identities that mediate selective connectivity. The developing limb has been shown to influence the pattern of connections made by proprioceptors with motor neurons, suggesting that the patterning cues distributed along its cardinal axes are capable of influencing the molecular identities of proprioceptors. In this thesis, I describe efforts to characterize the molecular diversity of proprioceptors supplying distinct muscles located at different dorsoventral and proximodistal positions within the mouse hindlimb. I demonstrate the selective expression of several genes – cdh13, vstm2b, sema5a, and crtac1 – by proprioceptors supplying defined positional domains of the limb. I proceed to determine the limb tissue source of proprioceptor patterning information by examining the expression of these genes in mice in which one of three tissues encountered by proprioceptors – the motor axon, limb mesenchyme, and target muscle – has been genetically manipulated, revealing that both mesenchyme and muscle supply cues capable of directing proprioceptor gene expression. Finally, I show that one marker of proprioceptor muscle-type identity, cdh13, mediates the formation of selective connections between proprioceptors and motor neurons, thereby establishing a molecular link between proprioceptor subtype identity and patterned central connectivity.

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The evolution, development and function of the embryonic and larval peripheral nervous system (PNS) were investigated in a number of dipteran species, including Aedes aegypti, Hermetia pallescens, Lucilia cuprina, Bactrocera tryoni and Drosophila melanogaster. Comparative immuno-cytochemical data was generated for developmental proteins in the embryonic PNS and degenerative PCR was employed to identify homologous proneural genes amongst the species. Immunocytochemistry revealed aspects of sense-organ evolution amongst the Diptera, particularly an increase in sense-cell number and number of sensilla comprising proprioceptive organs in the crawling versus swimming larvae. The function of putative proprioceptive cells was investigated via mutant analysis and laser ablation. Results indicate that the multiple-dendrite (md) and bipolar-dendrite (bd) neurons contribute in a cumulative and roughly equal fashion to maintain peristaltic waves in crawling larvae. This work highlights the usefulness of the dipteran PNS as a model of adaptive evolution that can be investigated via developmental mechanisms.

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Title: 3D analysis of immediate effect on posture of shoe with postural insoles based on Rašev and with proceptor insoles PodoAktiv® Objectives: The thesis aims to show the immediate effect of application of custom-made insole on postural hold of chosen body segments and we would like to determine whether it is possible to use PodoAktiv® or insole based on Rašev to correct body posture. Methodology: In this thesis we examined 9 participants who agreed joining the study. We used the Balance®4D device made by Paromed company. The selected body segments were marked by white spheric stickers. To compare postural hold of selected body segments we examined the participants in altogether 4 situations. Barefoot stand, stand in shoes without insoles, stand in shoes with postural insoles based on Rašev and stand in shoes with proceptor insoles PodoAktiv®. Results: The results of this study show that there is a slight immeadiate effect of the custom- made insoles on postural hold of body segments. Larger effect was observed in the participants who already had a bad postural barefoot hold. Of all 6 parameters, the biggest effect was observed in the shift of overall body axis after application of PodoAktiv® insoles. Keywords: Shoe insoles, proprioceptors, somatosensory system, 3D static analysis, postural hold

Title: 3D analysis of immediate effect on posture of shoe with postural insoles based on Rašev and with proceptor insoles PodoAktiv® Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the immediate effect of shoe insoles with postural pelote by Rašev and shoe insoles with proceptors PodoAktiv® on the postural hold with main focus at the pelvis and shoulder. Methodology: In this thesis we examined 9 participants who agreed joining the study. To messure postural hold body segments which we have chosen, we have used the Balance® 4D device. The selected body segments were marked by white spheric stickers. To compare postural hold of selected body segments we examined the participants in altogether 4 situations. Barefoot stand, stand in shoes without insoles, stand in shoes with custom-made postural insoles based on Rašev and stand in shoes with custom-made insoles PodoAktiv® . Results: In this study we confirmed that postural insoles based on Rašev have immediate effect on the hold of pelvis and shoulders. The insoles PodoAktiv® don't show such an effect on the hold of those segments we have tested. The hypothesis H1 and H2 have been confirmed, hypothesis H3 and H4 have been rejected. There was not found any trend which would describe the immediate reaction of the participants (postural hold with main...

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