In‐Situ XRD Measurement and Quantitative Analysis of Hydrating Cement: Implications for Sulfate Incorporation in C–S–H

The study of hydration kinetics by in‐situ X‐ray powder diffraction can provide fundamental details on the time evolution of the phase assemblage in hydrating cement pastes. The main limit of the technique is the lack of quantitative information about the amount of C–S–H and unbound water, which cannot be measured directly by conventional quantitative phase analysis procedures based on X‐ray diffraction, due to their X‐ray amorphous nature. Here, a mass balance algorithm, which can be used to determine the amount of both C–S–H and capillary water, is presented and compared with methods based on standards. This method can also provide information about the stoichiometry of C–S–H formed by the reaction of C₃S, hydrated in the presence of gypsum, suggesting the incorporation of 0.3 mol of sulfate per mole of C–S–H precipitated. In addition, the results show a significant increase in the rate of C₃S hydration, when gypsum is added to the system.     

Time-resolved thermal crosstalk characterisation of laser diode arrays

Thermal crosstalk in a diode array has been investigated using a time-resolved technique. The transmission of a probe beam injected into any of the array diodes is measured while one of them is alternatively switched on and off. The dynamics of temperature evolution of each diode and the thermal crosstalk owing to lateral heat spreading are deduced from temperature-induced Fabry-Perot oscillations.     

Stress Modifies the Expression of Glucocorticoid-Responsive Genes by Acting at Epigenetic Levels in the Rat Prefrontal Cortex: Modulatory Activity of Lurasidone

Epigenetics is one of the mechanisms by which environmental factors can alter brain function and may contribute to central nervous system disorders. Alterations of DNA methylation and miRNA expression can induce long-lasting changes in neurobiological processes. Hence, we investigated the effect of chronic stress, by employing the chronic mild stress (CMS) and the chronic restraint stress protocol, in adult male rats, on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function. We focused on DNA methylation specifically in the proximity of the glucocorticoid responsive element (GRE) of the GR responsive genes Gadd45β, Sgk1, and Gilz and on selected miRNA targeting these genes. Moreover, we assessed the role of the antipsychotic lurasidone in modulating these alterations. Chronic stress downregulated Gadd45β and Gilz gene expression and lurasidone normalized the Gadd45β modification. At the epigenetic level, CMS induced hypermethylation of the GRE of Gadd45β gene, an effect prevented by lurasidone treatment. These stress-induced alterations were still present even after a period of rest from stress, indicating the enduring nature of such changes. However, the contribution of miRNA to the alterations in gene expression was moderate in our experimental conditions. Our results demonstrated that chronic stress mainly affects Gadd45β expression and methylation, effects that are prolonged over time, suggesting that stress leads to changes in DNA methylation that last also after the cessation of stress procedure, and that lurasidone is a modifier of such mechanisms.     

Effect of norgestomet treatment after insemination on the calving rate of postpartum suckled beef cows

Two experiments were conducted on postpartum suckled beef cows synchronized with Syncro-Mate B and artificially inseminated approximately 48 h after implant removal. In Exp. 1, cows (> or = 42 d postpartum at the timed AI) were randomly assigned to treated (n = 101) and control (n = 85) groups on d 12 after the timed AI. Treated cows received norgestomet/silicone implants that were left in situ for 9 d. Norgestomet treatment had no effect (P > .25) on the calving rates from the initial timed AI or from the return estrus. Nonpregnant norgestomet-treated cows returned to estrus in a more (P < .05) synchronized manner than the nonpregnant control cows. In Exp. 2, early postpartum cows (< 42 d postpartum at the first AI; n = 30) were included and all 118 cows (88 cows were > or = 42 d postpartum) received norgestomet/silicone implants as in Exp. 1. Of the 30 early postpartum cows, eight (19 to 41 d postpartum at the time of the first AI; mean = 29.3 d) calved to the first AI and nine calved to the second synchronized estrus. The calving dates at the next calving season for these 17 cows (57% of the cows in this group) was advanced an average of 46 d (319-d calving interval). The calving rates for the two timed insemination periods were similar (P > .25) for early and later (> or = 42 d postpartum) postpartum cows. Treatment with norgestomet implants on d 12 through 21 had no detrimental effects on established or subsequent pregnancy, synchronized the return estrus of nonpregnant cows, and was efficacious in establishing pregnancy early postpartum.     

Role of different types of vegetables and fruit in the prevention of cancer of the colon, rectum, and breast

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is a distinct clinicopathologic entity, which is characterized by chronic recurrent sinopulmonary infection and inflammation. We describe 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) associated with DPB and consider that DPB is one of the bronchopulmonary manifestations associated with RA.     

Hypoxia as a Stimulus for the Maturation of Meniscal Cells: Highway to Novel Tissue Engineering Strategies?

The meniscus possesses low self-healing properties. A perfect regenerative technique for this tissue has not yet been developed. This work aims to evaluate the role of hypoxia in meniscal development in vitro. Menisci from neonatal pigs (day 0) were harvested and cultured under two different atmospheric conditions: hypoxia (1% O₂) and normoxia (21% O₂) for up to 14 days. Samples were analysed at 0, 7 and 14 days by histochemical (Safranin-O staining), immunofluorescence and RT-PCR (in both methods for SOX-9, HIF-1α, collagen I and II), and biochemical (DNA, GAGs, DNA/GAGs ratio) techniques to record any possible differences in the maturation of meniscal cells. Safranin-O staining showed increments in matrix deposition and round-shape “fibro-chondrocytic” cells in hypoxia-cultured menisci compared with controls under normal atmospheric conditions. The same maturation shifting was observed by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR analysis: SOX-9 and collagen II increased from day zero up to 14 days under a hypoxic environment. An increment of DNA/GAGs ratio typical of mature meniscal tissue (characterized by fewer cells and more GAGs) was observed by biochemical analysis. This study shows that hypoxia can be considered as a booster to achieve meniscal cell maturation, and opens new opportunities in the field of meniscus tissue engineering.     

Selective and Practical Oxidation of Sulfides to Diastereopure Sulfoxides: A Combined Experimental and Computational Investigation

We describe an effective oxidation of diltiazem (DTZ)‐like molecules (a class of prochiral sulfides with potential pharmacological properties) using m‐chloroperbenzoic acid (MCPBA) as oxidant either in dichloromethane or methanol. An excellent diastereomeric excess of one sulfoxide has been observed “in the absence of any chiral auxiliary”. The stereochemistry of the two diastereomeric sulfoxides has been determined by TDDFT simulations of the experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. A computational DFT study of the reaction mechanism shows that the attack of MCPBA on the two sulfide enantiotopic faces affords two preliminary complexes M1 and M1′. M1 is more stable than M1′ by 3.3 and 3.5 kcal mol⁻¹ in dichloromethane and methanol, respectively, and after equilibration its population must be dominant. Two diastereomeric pathways originate from M1 and M1′ and give two diastereomeric sulfoxides with R and S configurations at the new chiral sulfur, respectively. Since TS (the transition state originating from M1 ) is more stable than TS′ (the energy gap is 0.7 kcal mol⁻¹ in dichloromethane or methanol), following the Curtin–Hammett principle, the favoured path is the pro‐R channel ( M1 → TS→M2 ) affording the (R_c,R_s)‐ 2a′ product species in agreement with the observed diastereoselectivity. The M1 – M1′ and TS – TS′ energy gaps are actually determined by the difference in the hydrogen bond network that features the two species even if the approaching orientation of the two molecules is governed by the interactions between the π systems of oxidant and substrate aromatic rings. The diastereomeric ratio computed on the basis of the energy difference between TS and TS′ (0.7 kcal mol⁻¹) is 63:37, which must be compared to the experimental value 9:1. When we consider free energy differences (2.4 kcal mol⁻¹ in vacuum and 2.9 kcal mol⁻¹ in solution) this theoretical ratio becomes 85:15 and 89:11, respectively, in excellent agreement with the experimental value 9:1.     

Decoration of Nanovesicles with pH (Low) Insertion Peptide (pHLIP) for Targeted Delivery

Acidity at surface of cancer cells is a hallmark of tumor microenvironments, which does not depend on tumor perfusion, thus it may serve as a general biomarker for targeting tumor cells. We used the pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP) for decoration of liposomes and niosomes. pHLIP senses pH at the surface of cancer cells and inserts into the membrane of targeted cells, and brings nanomaterial to close proximity of cellular membrane. DMPC liposomes and Tween 20 or Span 20 niosomes with and without pHLIP in their coating were fully characterized in order to obtain fundamental understanding on nanocarrier features and facilitate the rational design of acidity sensitive nanovectors. The samples stability over time and in presence of serum was demonstrated. The size, ζ-potential, and morphology of nanovectors, as well as their ability to entrap a hydrophilic probe and modulate its release were investigated. pHLIP decorated vesicles could be useful to obtain a prolonged (modified) release of biological active substances for targeting tumors and other acidic diseased tissues.     

Bacillus spore germination at moderate high pressure: A review on underlying mechanisms,influencing factors,and its comparison with nutrient germination

Spore-forming bacteria are resistant to stress conditions owing to their ability to form highly resistant dormant spores. These spores can survive adverse environmental conditions in nature, as well as decontamination processes in the food and related industries. Bacterial spores may return to their vegetative state through a process called germination. As spore germination is critical for the loss of resistance, outgrowth, and development of pathogenicity and spoilage potential, the germination pathway has piqued the interest of the scientific community. The inhibition and induction of germination have critical applications in the food industry. Targeted germination can aid in decreasing the resistance of spores and allow the application of milder inactivation procedures. This germination-inactivation strategy allows better maintenance of important food quality attributes. Different stimuli are reported to trigger germination. Among those, isostatic high pressure (HP) has gained increasing attention due to its potential applications in industrial processes. However, pressure-mediated spore germination is extremely heterogeneous as some spores germinate rapidly, while others exhibit slow germination or do not undergo germination at all. The successful and safe implementation of the germination-inactivation strategy, however, depends on the germination of all spores. Therefore, there is a need to elucidate the mechanisms of HP-mediated germination. This work aimed to critically review the current state of knowledge on Bacillus spore germination at a moderate HP of 50–300 MPa. In this review, the germination mechanism, heterogeneity, and influencing factors have been outlined along with knowledge gaps.     

PEA-OXA Mitigates Oxaliplatin-Induced Painful Neuropathy through NF-κB/Nrf-2 Axis

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is a common, dose-dependent adverse effect of several antineoplastics, such as oxaliplatin (L-OHP). The aim of the present work was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of 2-pentadecyl-2-oxazoline (PEA-OXA) in a murine model of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN). OIPN was induced by an intraperitoneally injection of L-OHP in rats on five consecutive days (D0–4) for a final cumulative dose of 10 mg/kg. PEA-OXA and ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEAum), both 10 mg/kg, were given orally 15–20 min prior (L-OHP) and sacrifice was made on day 25. Our results demonstrated that PEA-OXA, more than PEAum, reduced the development of hypersensitivity in rats; this was associated with the reduction in hyperactivation of glia cells and the increased production of proinflammatory cytokines in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, accompanied by an upregulation of neurotrophic factors in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Moreover, we showed that PEA-OXA reduced L-OHP damage via a reduction in NF-κB pathway activation and a modulation of Nrf-2 pathways. Our findings identify PEA-OXA as a therapeutic target in chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy, through the biomolecular signaling NF-κB/Nrf-2 axis, thanks to its abilities to counteract L-OHP damage. Therefore, we can consider PEA-OXA as a promising adjunct to chemotherapy to reduce chronic pain in patients.