Shape control over microwave hydrothermally grown Y2O3:Eu by europium concentration adjustment

Two-step synthesis of Y2〇3:Eu nanostructures was performed. It includes microwave driven hydrothermal and calcination stages. Performed route results in crystallization of Y4〇(OH)g(N〇3):Eu crystals initially, then Y2〇3:Eu crystals after calcination. Arranged Eu contents in relation to overall cation quantity were set to 2 mol%, 10 mol% and 20 mol%. Varying europium concentrations influence habit of obtained Y4〇(OH)g(N〇3):Eu crystals from needle-like to plate-like and as a result, also shapes of final Y2〇3:Eu nanostructures. Additionally, certain amount of Eu2+ ions was detected in as-grown material using laser spectroscopy and decay kinetics measurements. Obtained material was calcined at 1200 °C in the air, which results in oxidation of Eu2+ ions and crystallization of small number of cubic EU2 O3 nanocrystals. Characterization of obtained materials was performed using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, CL,Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy.     

Epigenetic Changes in Neoplastic Mast Cells and Potential Impact in Mastocytosis

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a hematologic neoplasm with abnormal accumulation of mast cells in various organ systems such as the bone marrow, other visceral organs and skin. So far, only little is known about epigenetic changes contributing to the pathogenesis of SM. In the current article, we provide an overview of epigenetic changes that may occur and be relevant to mastocytosis, including mutations in genes involved in epigenetic processes, such as TET2, DNMT3A and ASXL1, and global and gene-specific methylation patterns in neoplastic cells. Moreover, we discuss methylation-specific pathways and other epigenetic events that may trigger disease progression in mast cell neoplasms. Finally, we discuss epigenetic targets and the effects of epigenetic drugs, such as demethylating agents and BET-targeting drugs, on growth and viability of neoplastic mast cells. The definitive impact of these targets and the efficacy of epigenetic therapies in advanced SM need to be explored in future preclinical studies and clinical trials.     

Differential Response of Lung Cancer Cells,with Various Driver Mutations,to Plant Polyphenol Resveratrol and Vitamin D Active Metabolite PRI-2191

Plant polyphenols and vitamins D exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic anticancer effects. We first evaluated the biological effects of the plant polyphenol resveratrol (RESV) and vitamin D active metabolite PRI-2191 on lung cancer cells having different genetic backgrounds. RESV and PRI-2191 showed divergent responses depending on the genetic profile of cells. Antiproliferative activity of PRI-2191 was noticeable in EGFRmut cells, while RESV showed the highest antiproliferative and caspase-3-inducing activity in KRASmut cells. RESV upregulated p53 expression in wtp53 cells, while downregulated it in mutp53 cells with simultaneous upregulation of p21 expression in both cases. The effect of PRI-2191 on the induction of CYP24A1 expression was enhanced by RESV in two KRASmut cell lines. The effect of RESV combined with PRI-2191 on cytokine production was pronounced and modulated. RESV cooperated with PRI-2191 in regulating the expression of IL-8 in EGFRmut cells, while OPN in KRASmut cells and PD-L1 in both cell subtypes. We hypothesize that the differences in response to RESV and PRI-2191 between EGFRmut and KRASmut cell lines result from the differences in epigenetic modifications since both cell subtypes are associated with the divergent smoking history that can induce epigenetic alterations.     

Molecular Insights into an Antibiotic Enhancer Action of New Morpholine-Containing 5-Arylideneimidazolones in the Fight against MDR Bacteria

In the search for an effective strategy to overcome antimicrobial resistance, a series of new morpholine-containing 5-arylideneimidazolones differing within either the amine moiety or at position five of imidazolones was explored as potential antibiotic adjuvants against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Compounds (7–23) were tested for oxacillin adjuvant properties in the Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) strain ATCC 25923 and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus MRSA 19449. Compounds 14–16 were tested additionally in combination with various antibiotics. Molecular modelling was performed to assess potential mechanism of action. Microdilution and real-time efflux (RTE) assays were carried out in strains of K. aerogenes to determine the potential of compounds 7–23 to block the multidrug efflux pump AcrAB-TolC. Drug-like properties were determined experimentally. Two compounds (10, 15) containing non-condensed aromatic rings, significantly reduced oxacillin MICs in MRSA 19449, while 15 additionally enhanced the effectiveness of ampicillin. Results of molecular modelling confirmed the interaction with the allosteric site of PBP2a as a probable MDR-reversing mechanism. In RTE, the compounds inhibited AcrAB-TolC even to 90% (19). The 4-phenylbenzylidene derivative (15) demonstrated significant MDR-reversal “dual action” for β-lactam antibiotics in MRSA and inhibited AcrAB-TolC in K. aerogenes. 15 displayed also satisfied solubility and safety towards CYP3A4 in vitro.     

Effect of ethanol on properties of extrudates enriched with high-fibre by-products

In this study, we produced snacks based on mixtures of corn grits enriched with ethyl alcohol and high-fibr by-products like potato pulp, as well as flaxseed, rosehip and apple pomace. The prepared mixtures were subjected to the extrusion at the following process parameters: temperature of section I – 130 °C, temperature of section II – 150 °C, temperature of section III – 170 °C and screw speed – 200 r.p.m. The presence of ethanol in the extruded mixture significantly improved mechanical properties and increased colour lightness of snacks. The highest scores were given in sensory analysis to control snacks, whereas among the enriched snacks – to these with apple pomace. The most negative effect on snacks assessment was attributed to the addition of flaxseed and rosehip pomace. Ethanol addition had a very beneficial effect on scores given during sensory analysis to colour, texture and structure attributes of the snacks.