Cell Sheet Comprised of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Overexpressing Stem Cell Factor Promotes Epicardium Activation and Heart Function Improvement in a Rat Model of Myocardium Infarction

Cell therapy of the post-infarcted myocardium is still far from clinical use. Poor survival of transplanted cells, insufficient regeneration, and replacement of the damaged tissue limit the potential of currently available cell-based techniques. In this study, we generated a multilayered construct from adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) modified to secrete stem cell factor, SCF. In a rat model of myocardium infarction, we show that transplantation of SCF producing cell sheet induced activation of the epicardium and promoted the accumulation of c-kit positive cells in ischemic muscle. Morphometry showed the reduction of infarct size (16%) and a left ventricle expansion index (0.12) in the treatment group compared to controls (24–28%; 0.17–0.32). The ratio of viable myocardium was more than 1.5-fold higher, reaching 49% compared to the control (28%) or unmodified cell sheet group (30%). Finally, by day 30 after myocardium infarction, SCF-producing cell sheet transplantation increased left ventricle ejection fraction from 37% in the control sham-operated group to 53%. Our results suggest that, combining the genetic modification of MSCs and their assembly into a multilayered construct, we can provide prolonged pleiotropic effects to the damaged heart, induce endogenous regenerative processes, and improve cardiac function.     

2-Hydroxy-1, 4-napthoquinone solubilization,thermodynamics and adsorption kinetics with surfactant

2-Hydroxy-1,4-napthoquinone(lawsone) natural red-orange dye was extracted from fresh henna(Lawsonia inermis) leaves in an alkaline media.The lawsone-surfactant solubilization constants(K_(LS))were calculated for the first time by using cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide(CTAB) and anionic sodium dodecyl sulphate(SDS).The standard free energy,concentration of solubilized lawsone and number of lawsone molecules solubilized into micelles were calculated and discussed.Surface excess,minimum surface area per molecule,surface pressure,free energy(adsorption and aggregation) and equilibrium constants of different states were determined from tensiometry.Different metal ions(Ag~+,Co~(2+),Cu~(2+),Ni~(2+),Fe~(3+),Zn~(2+) and Al~(3+)) were used to determine the complex forming ability with lawsone.Out of these,Ag~+ ions have strong binding capacity with lawsone.The adsorption of lawsone on the surface of glass with silver ions in presence of CTAB was also observed at pH 9.0.The pseudo-first, secondorder kinetic equation,intraparticles diffusion and Elovich models were used to determine the kinetics of lawsone adsorption onto the surface of glass and a probable mechanism has been discussed.Lawsone adsorption followed second-order kinetic equation(k_2=0.019 g·mg~(-1)·min~(-1)).     

Optimization of the hot alkali treatment of polyester/cotton fabric with sodium hydrosulfite

The treatment of cotton or polyester fabric in alkali media is a common modification process for producing a fabric with desirable qualities. Alkali treatment of polyester/cotton fabric could produce a fabric with better performance. In this research, polyester/cotton fabric was treated with NaOH at different temperatures and times. The results show that alkali treatment at the optimum temperature and time with NaOH could hydrolyze the polyester fiber surface and remove some of the impurities from the cotton fiber at the same time and may also improve some of the fabric properties, such as fabric regain, water drop absorbency, and fabric pilling. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100:5049–5055, 2006     

Synthesis of nano-structured La0.8Ba0.2MnO3 perovskite via a mechano-thermal route

In this study, barium-doped lanthanum manganite, La_0.8Ba_0.2MnO₃, was synthesized via a mechano-thermal route employing high energy ball milling and subsequent heat treatment. The structural evolution, morphology and thermal behaviour of the powders were evaluated using XRD, FESEM, and DTA/TGA, respectively. DTA/TGA results showed that the calcination temperature of the carbonates significantly decreased by increasing the milling time. The results revealed that single phase perovskite was formed at 900 °C in a milled sample for 2 h and this temperature decreased to 600 °C by increasing the milling time to 30 h. The mean crystallite size also decreased from 32 to 20 nm by increasing the milling time from 2 to 30 h. The reaction sequence of La_0.8Ba_0.2MnO₃ formation via the mechano-thermal route is proposed using XRD and DTA/TGA results. FESEM micrographs showed that the mean particle size of the perovskite phase is increased slightly from 30 to 40 nm by increasing the heat treatment temperature from 600 to 900 °C.     

Inhibition of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling Mitigates Microvascular Loss but Not Fibrosis in a Model of Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury

The development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) following an episode of acute kidney injury (AKI) is an increasingly recognized clinical problem. Inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protects renal function in animal models of AKI and has become a viable therapeutic strategy in AKI. However, the impact of TLR4 inhibition on the chronic sequelae of AKI is unknown. Consequently, we examined the chronic effects of TLR4 inhibition in a model of ischemic AKI. Mice with a TLR4-deletion on a C57BL/6 background and wild-type (WT) background control mice (C57BL/6) were subjected to bilateral renal artery clamping for 19 min and reperfusion for up to 6 weeks. Despite the acute protective effect of TLR4 inhibition on renal function (serum creatinine 1.6 ± 0.4 mg/dL TLR4-deletion vs. 2.8 ± 0.3 mg/dL·WT) and rates of tubular apoptosis following ischemic AKI, we found no difference in neutrophil or macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, we observed significant protection from microvascular rarefaction at six weeks following injury with TLR4-deletion, but this did not alter development of fibrosis. In conclusion, we validate the acute protective effect of TLR4 signal inhibition in AKI but demonstrate that this protective effect does not mitigate the sequential fibrogenic response in this model of ischemic AKI.     

Three-dimensional free vibration of variable thickness thick circular and annular isotropic and functionally graded plates on Pasternak foundation

This paper describes a study of three-dimensional free vibration analysis of thick circular and annular isotropic and functionally graded (FG) plates with variable thickness along the radial direction, resting on Pasternak foundation. The formulation is based on the linear, small strain and exact elasticity theory. Plates with different boundary conditions are considered and the material properties of the FG plate are assumed to vary continuously through the thickness according to power law. The kinematic and the potential energy of the plate-foundation system are formulated and the polynomial-Ritz method is used to solve the eigenvalue problem. Convergence and comparison studies are done to demonstrate the correctness and accuracy of the present method. With respect to geometric parameters, elastic coefficients of foundation and different boundary conditions some new results are reported which may be used as benchmark solutions for future researches.     

The performance of CBN tools in the machining of titanium alloys

Advancements in the aerospace, nuclear and other industries require the enhanced in-service performance of engineering components. These requirements have resulted in the large scale development and use of heat-resistant and high-strength materials such as titanium alloys, which pose considerable machining problems. In this study on machining of titanium alloy using CBN tools, the machining performance was evaluated in terms of cutting force, specific cutting pressure, cutting temperature, chip strain and surface finish.     

Effect of multipurpose solutions for contact lens care on the in vitro drug-induced spoliation of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) in simulated aqueous humour.

Drug-induced spoliation of hydrogels as contact lenses or as implants in the anterior eye is a frequent occurrence in clinical practice. This study explores the capacity of three commercial multipurpose solutions for contact lens care to reduce the spoliation of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) specimens exposed to a simulated aqueous humour formulation and to three topical drugs commonly administered after insertion of artificial corneas (Predsol, Optimol and Depo-Ralovera). ReNu MultiPlus (Bausch & Lomb), Complete Blink-N-Cleantrade mark Lens Drops (Allergan) and Complete Protein Remover Tablets dissolved in Complete ComfortPLUS (both from Allergan) were evaluated. All multipurpose solutions were able to dislodge passively the deposits formed on hydrogels in the simulated aqueous and in the presence of Predsol and Optimol, but none were effective against the deposits induced by Depo-Ralovera. A reduction of the calcium content in deposits caused by Predsol and Optimol was confirmed after treatment with the protein remover preparation, while the other multipurpose solutions caused the complete removal of the deposits. In experiments designed to evaluate the preventive action of the multipurpose solutions, no such effects were observed regardless of the drug involved. The prospect of using multipurpose solutions as eye drops following implantation of a hydrogel artificial cornea is a valid alternative for reducing device spoliation, however it appears to depend on the nature of the postoperative medication.     

Novel Antitumor L‐Arabinose Derivative of Indolocarbazole with High Affinity to DNA

Novel indolocarbazole derivative 12‐(α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl)indolo[2,3‐α]pyrrolo[3,4‐c]carbazole‐5,7‐dione (AIC) demonstrated high potency (at submicromolar concentrations) against the NCI panel of human tumor cell lines and transplanted tumors in vivo. In search of tentative targets for AIC, we found that the drug formed high affinity intercalative complexes with d(AT)₂₀, d(GC)₂₀ and calf thymus DNA (binding constants (1.6×10⁶) M ^?1≤K_a≤(3.3×10⁶) M ^?1). The drug intercalated preferentially into GC pairs of the duplex. Importantly, the concentrations at which AIC formed the intercalative complexes with DNA (C≤1 μM ) were identical to the concentrations that triggered p53‐dependent gene reporter transactivation, the replication block, the inhibition of topoisomerase I‐mediated DNA relaxation and death of HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells. We conclude that the formation of high affinity intercalative complexes with DNA is an important factor for anticancer efficacy of AIC.     

Ambulatory phlebectomy. Literature review and personal experience

Outpatient varicose veins surgery, "Phlébectomie Ambulatoire" (FA) introduced by R. Muller in 1966, is now a widespread technique; modified by many authors with personal tips, FA enables most lower limb varicosities to be treated on an outpatient basis and under local anaesthesia. To achieve good functional results, an accurate preoperative diagnostic examination is mandatory; the authors present a review of the indications of FA and their personal experience. Precision in performing micro-incisions, accurate dissection of the varicosities in the subcutaneous tissue and an adequate postoperative elastic bandage guarantee good aesthetic results. At present the treatment of Saphena magna with FA is debated, but some authors have already reported encouraging results.