Alterations in the Genomic Distribution of 5hmC in In Vivo Aged Human Skin Fibroblasts

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a functionally active epigenetic modification. We analyzed whether changes in DNA 5-hydroxymethylation are an element of age-related epigenetic drift. We tested primary fibroblast cultures originating from individuals aged 22–35 years and 74–94 years. Global quantities of methylation-related DNA modifications were estimated by the dot blot and colorimetric methods. Regions of the genome differentially hydroxymethylated with age (DHMRs) were identified by hMeDIP-seq and the MEDIPS and DiffBind algorithms. Global levels of DNA modifications were not associated with age. We identified numerous DHMRs that were enriched within introns and intergenic regions and most commonly associated with the H3K4me1 histone mark, promoter-flanking regions, and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) binding sites. However, only seven DHMRs were identified by both algorithms and all of their settings. Among them, hypo-hydroxymethylated DHMR in the intron of Rab Escort Protein 1 (CHM) coexisted with increased expression in old cells, while increased 5-hydroxymethylation in the bodies of Arginine and Serine Rich Protein 1 (RSRP1) and Mitochondrial Poly(A) Polymerase (MTPAP) did not change their expression. These age-related differences were not associated with changes in the expression of any of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes or their activity. In conclusion, the distribution of 5hmC in DNA of in vivo aged human fibroblasts underwent age-associated modifications. The identified DHMRs are, likely, marker changes.     

Sensory characteristics and storage quality indicators of surimi franks nutritionally enhanced with omega‐3 rich flaxseed oil and salmon oil

Surimi franks were fortified with flaxseed or salmon oil at 2 g/100 g sample, franks without added oil served as a control. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values were highest (P < 0.001) in salmon oil franks; however, these values did not change over the 21‐day storage period regardless of frank type (P > 0.05). Frank pH decreased over time (P = 0.011) for all frank types. There were differences in textural properties between frank types (P < 0.05), with the flaxseed franks being softer and less gummy, cohesive and chewy than the control franks. Participants (n = 79; age 18–35) evaluated visual appeal, colour, aroma, texture, flavour and acceptability on a hedonic scale; there were no differences (P > 0.05) between franks. Fifty‐four panellists reported consuming sausage on a weekly to monthly basis, and most (50/79) indicated interest in purchasing this type product. The surimi franks were accepted by young adult consumers, which may indicate market potential of these types of products.     

Effect of carbon nanoparticle reinforcement on mechanical and thermal properties of silicon carbide ceramics

This research presents an analysis of the influence of graphene reinforcement on the thermal and mechanical properties of silicon carbide ceramics, at 2.5% (wt%) graphene content. The SiC composites, containing various carbon nanofillers (graphene oxide and graphene nanoparticles), were sintered by the classical two stage spark plasma sintering method. Two current modes were used, the continuous mode and the pulsed current mode. The results from photothermal radiometry and investigations of the mechanical properties showed that graphene additives significantly improve the thermal properties and toughness of material, sintered from a SiC powder. An 45% growth in the toughness was observed, which increased from 1.21 to 1.75?MPa/m^1/2. The thermal diffusivity value also increased from 0.60 to 0.71?cm²/s and giving an improvement in thermal properties of 18%. The friction coefficient reached 7% giving an increase in value from 0.62 to 0.66. Microscopic investigations supported the photothermal radiometry (PTR) results. Whilst, thermal imaging revealed homogeneity of the local thermal properties of the products fabricated from the starting SiC powder.     

Nephrotoxicity as a Complication of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer,Melanoma and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Acute kidney injury is a common complication of many medical procedures, including those used in cancer treatment. Both chemotherapy and immunotherapy may result in deterioration of kidney function, which may lead to an increase in mortality among patients with cancer. Antineoplastic agents can affect any element of the nephron, leading to the appearance of clinical symptoms such as proteinuria, hypertension, electrolyte disorders, glomerulonephritis, acute and chronic interstitial nephritis and acute kidney injury. The medical literature describing renal complications occurring during chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic treatment in neoplasms, such as colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma, was analysed. The immune system plays an important role in controlling the development of neoplasms and fighting them. Oncological treatment algorithms include immunotherapy as monotherapy, combined with chemotherapy or chemotherapy as monotherapy. In the treatment of the above-mentioned neoplasms immunotherapeutics are used, such as checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) (i.e., ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors (i.e., bevacizumab, ramucirumab) and a variety of chemotherapeutic agents (irinotecan, capecitabine, oxaliplatin, gefitinib, erlotinib, gemcitabine, cisplatin, paclitaxel, carboplatin, doclitaxel, vinorelbine, topotecan, etoposide). In our article, we focused on the number and type of renal complications as well as on the time of their manifestation when using specific treatment regimens. Our analysis also includes case reports. We discussed treatment of immunological complications and adjustments of the dose of chemotherapeutic agents depending on the creatinine clearance. Analysing the data from the literature, when two immunotherapeutic agents are used together, the number of recorded renal complications increases. Bevacizumab and ramucirumab are the cause of the largest number of renal complications among the immunotherapeutic agents described above. Cisplatin is the best-described substance with the greatest nephrotoxic potential among the chemotherapeutic agents. Crucial for renal complications are also cancer stage, previous chemotherapy and other risk factors of AKI such as age, comorbidities and medications used. Due to the described complications during oncological treatment, including kidney damage, it seems necessary to elaborate standards of cooperation between oncologists and nephrologists both during and after treatment of a patient with cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further research and develop algorithms for management of a cancer patient, especially during such an intensive progress in oncology.     

Gas‐phase removal of indoor volatile organic compounds and airborne microorganisms over mono‐ and bimetal‐modified (Pt,Cu, Ag) titanium(IV) oxide nanocomposites

The photocatalytic deactivation of volatile organic compounds and mold fungi using TiO₂ modified with mono‐ and bimetallic (Pt, Cu, Ag) particles is reported in this study. The mono‐ and bimetal‐modified (Pt, Cu, Ag) titanium(IV) oxide photocatalysts were prepared by chemical reduction method and characterized using XRD, XPS, DR/UV‐Vis, BET, and TEM analysis. The effect of incident light, type and content of mono‐ and bimetallic nanoparticles deposited on titanium(IV) oxide was studied. Photocatalytic activity of as‐prepared nanocomposites was examined in the gas phase using LEDs array. High photocatalytic activity of Ag/Pt‐TiO₂ and Cu/Pt‐TiO₂ in the reaction of toluene degradation resulted from improved efficiency of interfacial charge transfer process, which was consistent with the fluorescence quenching effect revealed by photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra. The photocatalytic deactivation of Penicillium chrysogenum, a pathogenic fungi present in the indoor environment, especially in a damp or water‐damaged building using mono‐ and bimetal‐modified (Pt, Cu, Ag) titanium(IV) oxide was evaluated for the first time. TiO₂ modified with mono‐ and bimetallic NPs of Ag/Pt, Cu, and Ag deposited on TiO₂ exhibited improved fungicidal activity under LEDs illumination than pure TiO₂.     

Photoelastic study of the influence of oil film on contact stresses

The paper describes some experiments, the object of which was to determine the stress distribution at a contact surface or below of it. Plastic and glass cylinders were rolled on the inner surface of a hardened steel ring under dry and lubricated conditions. The ring and the cylinder were driven by separate motors to enable rolling and sliding contact.