Cover Image,Volume 98, Issue 10

The cover image, by Vessela Kancheva et al., is based on the Research Article Protective effects of new antioxidant compositions of 4‐methylcoumarins andrelated compounds with DL‐α‐tocopherol and L‐ascorbic acid, DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8892 .

     

Modification of the electrical and optical properties of hydrated vanadium pentoxide as a result of proton electromigration

Variation of the optical and electrical properties of films of hydrated vanadium pentoxide under the action of an applied electric field was studied. The samples exhibited an “internal” electrochromic effect caused by a redistribution of hydrogen ions in the film, rather than by their penetration from outside (electrolyte). The process of cathodic polarization at a current of I～10^?5 A for t～10 min is accompanied by a local increase in the hydrogen concentration (confirmed by direct measurements of the ionic conductivity), leading to a change in the optical properties. This is manifested by an increase in the transmission coefficient in the longwave spectral region and by a shift of the absorption edge (at hν=2.3 eV) toward greater wavelengths. According to the IR spectroscopy data, this is also accompanied by some increase in the water content in colored regions of the V₂O₅·nH₂O film.     

Effect of flavin coenzymes on the pyridoxine treatment of avitaminosis B6

In the treatment of Sprengel's deformity, extraperiosteal greenstick fracture of the clavicle in conjunction with surgical release of all attachments between the scapula and the spine provides an easy, safe method of relocating the scapula to its normal level. The improved position is maintained by temporary fixation of the inferior border of the scapula to the eighth rib with slowly resorbable sutures. Section of the coracoclavicular ligaments, excision of the superior pole of the scapula, and suture fixation of the medial angle of the scapula to the spinous process of the fourth vertebra enables the procedure to be performed on patients until the age of puberty. This surgical technique has been performed in 28 consecutive patients with Sprengel's deformity, aged 4 to 19 years, without any neurovascular complications. A normal scapular position was achieved in 67% of cases, 1 to 2 cm elevation in 29%, and 5 cm in 4%.     

Analysis and optimization of nonequilibrium capillary electrophoresis of alpha-fetoprotein isoforms

The L3 isoform of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a specific marker for hepatocellular carcinoma. The separation and quantitation of L3 isoform from the L1 isoform is facilitated by Lens culinaris agglutin (LCA) affinity of the L3 isoform. The affinity-based separation is characterized by nonequilibrium conditions since electrophoresis perturbs the species concentrations away from equilibrium. The design of such separations requires careful consideration of the interplay between the reaction, diffusion, and separation time scales. We performed experiments to investigate the effect of separation parameters such as LCA concentration and CE voltage on the L1-L3 separation dynamics. We also describe a comprehensive mathematical model to predict electropherograms for affinity-based separations. The model includes the effects of molecular diffusion, electromigration, nonequilibrium reaction, and detection process. Together, the results demonstrate a process by which to optimize the affinity-based separations of AFP isoforms. We also obtained the kinetic rate constants for LCA affinity (kon=1.6x10(3) mol(-1) s(-1) L, koff=1x10(-3) s(-1)) by comparing the model predictions with experimental data. This study provides insight into the physics of affinity-based separations and can be extended to describe and optimize other nonequilibrium CE systems.     

Hybrid materials on the basis of gelatin and hydrophilic–hydrophobic silica

Silica–gelatin films with different proportions of gelatin and silica have been prepared on the basis of gelatin and hydrophilic or hydrophilic–hydrophobic silica. The wettability of the hybrid materials, their swelling in aqueous media, and the thermal desorption of water from the obtained films are studied. It is shown that the presence of hydrophilic silica in the material gives rise to inhibition of swelling of the gelatin films and to a decrease in their affinity to water, while the replacement of hydrophilic silica by hydrophilic–hydrophobic silica allows one to additionally increase the hydrophobicity of hybrid materials.     

Spheroid Formation and Peritoneal Metastasis in Ovarian Cancer: The Role of Stromal and Immune Components

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common gynecological cancers, with the worst prognosis and the highest mortality rate. Peritoneal dissemination (or carcinomatosis) accompanied by ascites formation is the most unfavorable factor in the progression and recurrence of OC. Tumor cells in ascites are present as either separate cells or, more often, as cell aggregates, i.e., spheroids which promote implantation on the surface of nearby organs and, at later stages, metastases to distant organs. Malignant ascites comprises a unique tumor microenvironment; this fact may be of relevance in the search for new prognostic and predictive factors that would make it possible to personalize the treatment of patients with OC. However, the precise mechanisms of spheroid formation and carcinomatosis are still under investigation. Here, we summarize data on ascites composition as well as the activity of fibroblasts and macrophages, the key stromal and immune components, in OC ascites. We describe current knowledge about the role of fibroblasts and macrophages in tumor spheroid formation, and discuss the specific functions of fibroblasts, macrophages and T cells in tumor peritoneal dissemination and implantation.