Diagnostic Potential of Differentially Expressed Homer1, IL-1β, and TNF-α in Coronary Artery Disease

Increasing evidences suggest that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Numerous inflammatory cytokines and related genes mediate adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CAD, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Homer in the present study. The study was carried out on 163 CAD patients at different stages and 68 controls. The gene expression of Homer1, Homer2, Homer3, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the peripheral blood leukocytes were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA levels of Homer1, IL-1β, and TNF-α in CAD patients were significantly higher than those in the control group, but not Homer2 and Homer3. However, there was no considerable difference in the mRNA levels of Homer1, IL-1β, and TNF-α among AMI, UAP, and SAP three subgroups of CAD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that Homer1 had a better diagnostic value for UAP patients compared with IL-1β and TNF-α. Like IL-1β and TNF-α, Homer1 may also be an important participant of atherosclerotic plaque development and eventually rupture. The results of the present study may provide an important basis for diagnosing CAD patients, and provide new therapeutic targets for CAD.     

Is water a friend or foe in organometallic chemistry? The case of group 13 organometallic compounds

This Account summarizes the recent developments in the hydrolysis chemistry of Group 13 trialkyl and triaryl compounds. Emphasis has been placed on the results obtained by us on (a) 1H NMR investigations of controlled hydrolyses of AlMes3 and GaMes3, (b) low-temperature isolation of water adducts of triaryl compounds of aluminum and gallium, (c) synthesis and structural characterization of new polyhedral alumoxanes and galloxanes, and (d) the search for an easy way to synthesize well-defined crystalline methylalumoxanes by deprotonation of the hydroxides with alkyllithium reagents. The systematic studies on the hydrolysis of tBu3Al carried out by Barron et al. are also discussed in order to elucidate the roles of (i) reaction temperature, (ii) solvent medium, and (iii) source of water molecules, in building up hitherto unknown alumoxane clusters. The role of water impurity in organometallic reactions involving a Group 13 alkyl and other ligands (such as silanetriols and phosphorus acids) to build molecular clusters has also been discussed.     

Design,Synthesis, and in vitro Evaluation of Tubulin-Targeting Dibenzothiazines with Antiproliferative Activity as a Novel Heterocycle Building Block

We prepared a series of free NH and N-substituted dibenzonthiazines with potential anti-tumor activity from N-aryl-benzenesulfonamides. A biological test of synthesized compounds (59 samples) was performed in vitro measuring their antiproliferative activity against a panel of six human solid tumor cell lines and its tubulin inhibitory activity. We identified 6-(phenylsulfonyl)-6H-dibenzo[c,e][1,2]thiazine 5,5-dioxide and 6-tosyl-6H-dibenzo[c,e][1,2]thiazine 5,5-dioxide as the best compounds with promising values of activity (overall range of 2–5.4 μM). Herein, we report the dibenzothiazine core as a novel building block with antiproliferative activity, targeting tubulin dynamics.     

The Anti-TNF-α Antibody Infliximab Inhibits the Expression of Fat-Transporter-Protein FAT/CD36 in a Selective Hepatic-Radiation Mouse Model

Previously, we reported a radiation-induced inflammation triggering fat-accumulation through fatty-acid-translocase/cluster of differentiation protein 36 (FAT/CD36) in rat liver. Furthermore, inhibition of radiation-induced FAT/CD36-expression by anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) (infliximab) was shown in vitro. The current study investigates fat-accumulation in a mouse-model of single-dose liver-irradiation (25-Gray) and the effect of anti-TNF-α-therapy on FAT/CD36 gene-expression. Mice livers were selectively irradiated in vivo in presence or absence of infliximab. Serum- and hepatic-triglycerides, mRNA, and protein were analyzed by colorimetric assays, RT-PCR, Immunofluorescence and Western-Blot, respectively. Sudan-staining was used demonstrating fat-accumulation in tissue. In mice livers, early (1–3 h) induction of TNF-α-expression, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, was observed. It was followed by elevated hepatic-triglyceride level (6–12 h), compared to sham-irradiated controls. In contrast, serum-triglyceride level was decreased at these time points. Similar to triglyceride level in mice livers, Sudan staining of liver cryosections showed a quick (6–12 h) increase of fat-droplets after irradiation. Furthermore, expression of fat-transporter-protein FAT/CD36 was increased at protein level caused by radiation or TNF-α. TNF-α-blockage by anti-TNF-α showed an early inhibition of radiation-induced FAT/CD36 expression in mice livers. Immunohistochemistry showed basolateral and cytoplasmic expression of FAT/CD36 in hepatocytes. Moreover, co-localization of FAT/CD36 was detected with α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA⁺) cells and F4/80⁺ macrophages. In summary, hepatic-radiation triggers fat-accumulation in mice livers, involving acute-phase-processes. Accordingly, anti-TNF-α-therapy prevented early radiation-induced expression of FAT/CD36 in vivo.     

Synthesis and Aggregation of Novel Sugar-Based Gemini Surfactant with a N,N′-Acetylethylenediamine Spacer in Aqueous Solution

A novel sugar-based Gemini surfactant with a N,N′-acetylethylenediamine spacer (N,N′ (N-dodecyl-2-D-glucosaminyl acetyl) ethylenediamine, Glu(12)-(AA)-Glu(12)), was synthesized with D-(+)-Glucono-1,5-lactone as starting material in three steps. The surfactant's structure was confirmed using ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The aggregation behavior of Glu(12)-(AA)-Glu(12) in aqueous solution at pH 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0 was investigated by surface tension, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and cryogenic transmission electron microscopic (Cryo-TEM) measurements. The surface tension measurement shows that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of Glu(12)-(AA)-Glu(12) is at the concentration level of 10⁻⁵ mol·L⁻¹ at 25 °C, which is significantly lower than that of corresponding monomeric sugar-based surfactants. Compared with such sugar-based Gemini surfactants with similar hydrophilic spacers, Glu(12)-(AA)-Glu(12) demonstrated similar or slightly lower surface activity. The CMC value of Glu(12)-(AA)-Glu(12) underwent a slight decrease with the increase of pH. DLS and Cryo-TEM measurements reveal that Glu(12)-(AA)-Glu(12) forms micelles at acidic pH (pH 4.0) and the micelles are transformed into vesicles at neutral or high pH (pH 7.0, 10.0). The microstructural transformation of Glu(12)-(AA)-Glu(12) aggregates is related to the protonation state of its two tertiary amines in the head groups versus pH.     

In Situ Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles in Novel L-Phenylalanine Based Poly(Amide-Benzimidazole-imide) Matrix Through Metal Complexation Method Using N,N′-Dimethylformamide as a Reaction Medium and Reducing Agent

Silver nanoparticles were obtained in novel optically active poly(amide-benzimidazole-imide) (PABI) matrix through an in situ procedure. Chiral PABI was prepared by polycondensation of amino acid based diacid and benzimidazole containing diamine in the presence of molten tetrabutylammonium bromide. Synthesized PABI was characterized by several techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectra, ¹H-NMR, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Then, PABI/Ag nanocomposite was fabricated based on metal complexation route for preparing silver nanoparticles in the PABI matrix and was characterized by various techniques. Microscopic images revealed good dispersion of Ag nanoparticles in the polymer matrix.     

A Corrosion Inhibition Study of a Novel Synthesized Gemini Nonionic Surfactant for Carbon Steel in 1 M HCl Solution

In this study, a gemini nonionic surfactant was synthesized as a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in 1 M HCl. Surface properties of the synthesized gemini nonionic surfactant were determined by using surface tension. The results showed that the gemini nonionic surfactant has good surface active properties. The corrosion inhibition effect of the synthesized inhibitor on carbon steel was evaluated by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization and weight loss methods. The characterization of the film formed on the steel surface was carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM) methods. The inhibitor molecules were adsorbed physically onto a carbon steel surface according to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The results revealed that the inhibitor acted as a mixed-type inhibitor. It was found that the inhibition efficiency increases with an increase in inhibitor concentration and decreases with increasing temperature. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated to elucidate the inhibitive mechanism.     

Synthesis,Surface Properties,and Inhibiting Action of Novel Nonionic Surfactants on Carbon Steel Corrosion in 1 M Hydrochloric Acid Solution

In the present study novel nonionic surfactants were synthesized, characterized, and tested as corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution. The inhibiting performances of these surfactants were studied by weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The adsorption of these inhibitors was well described by Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and the kinetic parameters were calculated and discussed. The inhibition efficiency (IE) was found to rise with increasing the concentration of these inhibitors. Polarization measurements revealed that the inhibitors acted as mixed-type inhibitors. The efficiencies obtained from the impedance measurements were in good agreement with those obtained from the weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization techniques which prove the validity of these tools in the measurements of the tested inhibitors. The surface parameters of the synthesized nonionic surfactants were investigated and the results showed that these surfactants have lower values of surface tension and are effective as wetting and emulsifying agents.     

CrWSKP1, an SKP1-like Gene,Is Involved in the Self-Incompatibility Reaction of “Wuzishatangju” (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

Plant S-phase kinase-associated protein 1 (SKP1) genes play crucial roles in plant development and differentiation. However, the role of SKP1 in citrus is unclear. Herein, we described a novel SKP1-like gene, designated as CrWSKP1, from “Wuzishatangju” (Citrus reticulata Blanco). The cDNA sequence of CrWSKP1 is 779 base pairs (bp) and contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 477 bp. The genomic sequence of the CrWSKP1 gene is 1296 bp with two exons and one intron. CrWSKP1 has high identity with SKP1-like genes from other plant species within two conserved regions. Approximately 85% of pollen tubes of self-pollinated CrWSKP1 transgenic tobaccos became twisted at four days after self-pollination. Pollen tube numbers of self-pollinated CrWSKP1 transformants entering into ovules were significantly fewer than that of the control. Seed number of self-pollinated CrWSKP1 transformants was significantly reduced. These results suggested that the CrWSKP1 is involved in the self-incompatibility (SI) reaction of “Wuzishatangju”.     

Synthesis, Surface Properties, Synergism Parameter and Inhibitive Performance of Novel Cationic Gemini Surfactant on Carbon Steel Corrosion in 1 M HCl Solution

Electrochemical and gravimetric measurements were performed to investigate the effectiveness of a synthesized cationic gemini surfactant as corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution. The inhibition efficiency obtained from all methods are in good agreement. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements showed that, the prepared surfactant hinders both anodic and cathodic processes, i.e. acted as mixed-type inhibitor. It was found that the adsorption of the synthesized inhibitor followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and showed a mixed physical and chemical adsorption. Kinetic parameters were calculated and discussed. The inhibitor exhibited a synergistic effect with Sn²⁺ more than with Cu²⁺. The synthesized cationic gemini surfactant exhibited good surface properties.     

Flaxseed Oil Supplementation Improve Gene Expression Levels of PPAR-γ, LP(a), IL-1 and TNF-α in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

This study was carried out to determine the effects of flaxseed oil administration on gene expression levels related to insulin, lipid and inflammation in overweight diabetic patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). This randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted among 60 diabetic patients with CHD. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to intake either 1000 mg n‐3 fatty acid from flaxseed oil containing 400 mg α‐Linolenic acid [ALA (18:3n‐3)] (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) twice a day for 12 weeks. Gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation were quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of diabetic patients with CHD with RT‐PCR method. Results of RT‐PCR demonstrated that after the 12‐week intervention, compared with the placebo, flaxseed oil supplementation could up‐regulate gene expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ) (P = 0.02) in PBMC of diabetic patients with CHD. In addition, compared with the placebo, taking flaxseed oil supplements down‐regulated gene expression levels of lipoprotein(a) [LP(a)] (P = 0.001), interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) (P = 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) (P = 0.02) in PBMC of diabetic patients with CHD. We did not observe any significant effect of flaxseed oil supplementation on gene expression levels of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), IL‐8 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) in PBMC of diabetic patients with CHD. Overall, flaxseed oil supplementation for 12 weeks in diabetic patients with CHD significantly improved gene expression levels of PPAR‐γ, LP(a), IL‐1 and TNF‐α, but did not influence LDLR, IL‐8 and TGF‐β.     

The effect of magnetic field on the impurity binding energy of shallow donor impurities in a Ga1?xInxNyAs1?y/GaAs quantum well

Using a variational approach, we have investigated the effects of the magnetic field, the impurity position, and the nitrogen and indium concentrations on impurity binding energy in a Ga_1−xIn_xN_yAs_1−y/GaAs quantum well. Our calculations have revealed the dependence of impurity binding on the applied magnetic field, the impurity position, and the nitrogen and indium concentrations.     

Expression of IL-8, IL-6 and IL-1β in Tears as a Main Characteristic of the Immune Response in Human Microbial Keratitis

Corneal infections are frequent and potentially vision-threatening diseases, and despite the significance of the immunological response in animal models of microbial keratitis (MK), it remains unclear in humans. The aim of this study was to describe the cytokine profile of tears in patients with MK. Characteristics of ocular lesions such as size of the epithelial defect, stromal infiltration, and hypopyon were analyzed. Immunological evaluation included determination of interleukine (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in tear samples obtained from infected eyes of 28 patients with MK and compared with their contralateral non-infected eyes. Additionally, frequency of CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD19⁺ and CD3⁻CD56⁺ cells was also determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with MK, and compared with 48 healthy controls. Non-significant differences were observed in the size of the epithelial defect, stromal infiltration, and hypopyon. Nevertheless, we found an immunological profile apparently related to MK etiology. IL-8 > IL-6 in patients with bacterial keratitis; IL-8 > IL-6 > IL-1β and increased frequency of circulating CD3⁻CD56⁺ NK cells in patients with gram-negative keratitis; and IL-8 = IL-6 > IL-1β in patients with fungal keratitis. Characterization of tear cytokines from patients with MK could aid our understanding of the immune pathophysiological mechanisms underlying corneal damage in humans.     

Oxidative Neurodegeneration Is Prevented by UCP0045037, an Allosteric Modulator for the Reduced Form of DJ-1, a Wild-Type of Familial Parkinson��s Disease-Linked PARK7

Although a loss-of-function mutation has been identified in familial Parkinson’s disease PARK7, the wild-type of DJ-1 is known to act as an oxidative stress sensor in neuronal cells. Recently, we identified UCP0045037 as a compound that bound to the reduced form of DJ-1 by in silico virtual screening. In this study, we determined the neuroprotective effects of UCP0045037 against focal cerebral ischemia-induced neurodegeneration in rats. Hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death was significantly inhibited by UCP0045037 in both rat mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons and human normal SH-SY5Y cells. In contrast, DJ-1-knockdown SH-SY5Y cells lost the protective activity of UCP0045037. These results suggest that UCP0045037 interacts with endogenous DJ-1 and produces a neuroprotective response.     

Is There a Connection between the Metabolism of Copper,Sulfur, and Molybdenum in Alzheimer’s Disease? New Insights on Disease Etiology

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia was ranked 3rd in both the Americas and Europe in 2019 in a World Health Organization (WHO) publication listing the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Copper (Cu) imbalance has been reported in AD and increasing evidence suggests metal imbalance, including molybdenum (Mo), as a potential link with AD occurrence.We conducted an extensive literature review of the last 60 years of research on AD and its relationship with Cu, sulfur (S), and Mo at out of range levels.Weanalyzed the interactions among metallic elements’ metabolisms;Cu and Mo are biological antagonists, Mo is a sulfite oxidase and xanthine oxidase co-factor, and their low activities impair S metabolism and reduce uric acid, respectively. We found significant evidence in the literature of a new potential mechanism linking Cu imbalance to Mo and S abnormalities in AD etiology: under certain circumstances, the accumulation of Cu not bound to ceruloplasmin might affect the transport of Mo outside the blood vessels, causing a mild Mo deficiency that might lowerthe activity of Mo and S enzymes essential for neuronal activity. The current review provides an updated discussion of the plausible mechanisms combining Cu, S, and Mo alterations in AD.     

The Viscosity of Molten Material in Pores and Capillary Channels of the Matrix Phase of High-Alumina Castables Employed in Thermal Power Units of Ferrous Metallurgy. 1. Viscosity Analysis of Melts in the CaO – Al2O3 –FeO – Fe2O3 – SiO2 System

A new approach to the viscosity analysis of high-alumina, low-calcium melts of the CaO – Al₂O₃ – FeO – Fe₂O₃ – SiO₂ system is used. A mathematical formalism for handling experimental viscosity data on the CaO – FeO – Fe₂O₃ – SiO₂ system is proposed that allows viscosity of the system to be evaluated within _av = 0.004 Pa · sec in the temperature range of 1500 – 1700°C at concentrations (mol.%) of CaO = 15.3 – 50.3, Fe_xO_y = 2.3 – 38.5, and SiO₂ = 17.7 – 57.7. An equation describing viscosity as a function of temperature is derived. Using this equation, the viscosity of model melts compositionally analogous to the products of interaction between molten slag and the glassy matrix phase of castables employed in thermal power units of ferrous metallurgy is considered.     

Is “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness” a False Friend? The Potential Implication of the Fascial Connective Tissue in Post-Exercise Discomfort

Strenuous and unaccustomed exercise frequently lead to what has been coined “delayed onset muscle soreness” (DOMS). As implied by this term, it has been proposed that the associated pain and stiffness stem from micro-lesions, inflammation, or metabolite accumulation within the skeletal muscle. However, recent research points towards a strong involvement of the connective tissue. First, according to anatomical studies, the deep fascia displays an intimate structural relationship with the underlying skeletal muscle and may therefore be damaged during excessive loading. Second, histological and experimental studies suggest a rich supply of algogenic nociceptors whose stimulation evokes stronger pain responses than muscle irritation. Taken together, the findings support the hypothesis that DOMS originates in the muscle-associated connective tissue rather than in the muscle itself. Sports and fitness professionals designing exercise programs should hence consider fascia-oriented methods and techniques (e.g., foam rolling, collagen supplementation) when aiming to treat or prevent DOMS.