791 research outputs found
Evaluating the In vivo Efficacy of Copper-Chitosan Nanocomposition for Treating Vascular Wilt Disease in Date Palm
Date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, as one of the most important fruit crops in Egypt and many other countries, can be affected by many fungal diseases, among which the vascular wilt disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum, is considered the most deteriorating one. This study aims at evaluating the efficiency of Copper-Chitosan Nanopcomposition for treating the vascular wilt disease in date palm. The study relies mainly on beleaguering the disease via the double-role functionality of copper-chitosan nanocomposition, i.e. its potential antifungal effect on the fungal pathogen, besides its capability to enhance the immune responses of the infected plant. In this regard, chitosan nanoparticles were prepared according to the ionic gelation method, whereas copper nanoparticles were prepared according to the chemical reduction method. Physicochemical characterization of both chitosan and copper nanoparticles was performed using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Copper-chitosan nanocomposition could significantly reduce the vascular wilt disease severity; this means that the nanocomposition can be used in the future for developing new nano-fungicides to control such pathogens
Novel Pressure Induced Structural Phase Transition in AgSbTe
We report a novel high pressure structural sequence for the functionally
graded thermoelectric, narrow band gap semiconductor AgSbTe, using angle
dispersive x-ray diffraction in a diamond anvil cell with synchrotron radiation
at room temperature. The compound undergoes a B1 to B2 transition; the
transition proceeds through an intermediate amorphous phase found between 17-26
GPa that is quenchable down to ambient conditions. The pressure induced
structural transition observed in this compound is the first of its type
reported in this ternary cubic family, and it is new for the B1-B2 transition
pathway reported to date. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations
performed for the B1 and B2 phases are in good agreement with the experimental
results.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure
Nanocoating with plant-derived pectins activates osteoblast response in vitro
Abstract: A new strategy to improve osseointegration of implants is to
stimulate adhesion of bone cells, bone matrix formation, and mineralization at
the implant surface by modifying surface coating on the nanoscale level.
Plant-derived pectins have been proposed as potential candidates for surface
nanocoating of orthopedic and dental titanium implants due to 1) their
osteogenic stimulation of osteoblasts to mineralize and 2) their ability to
control pectin structural changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate in
vitro the impact of the nanoscale plant-derived pectin Rhamnogalacturonan-I
(RG-I) from potato on the osteogenic response of murine osteoblasts. RG-I from
potato pulps was isolated, structurally modified, or left unmodified. Tissue
culture plates were either coated with modified RG-I or unmodified RG-I or â
as a control â left uncoated. The effect of nanocoating on mice osteoblast-
like cells MC3T3-E1 and primary murine osteoblast with regard to
proliferation, osteogenic response in terms of mineralization, and gene
expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphate
(Alpl), osteocalcin (Bglap), α-1 type I collagen (Col1a1), and receptor
activator of NF-ÎșB ligand (Rankl) were analyzed after 3, 7, 14, and 21 days,
respectively. Nanocoating with pectin RG-Is increased proliferation and
mineralization of MC3T3-E1 and primary osteoblast as compared to osteoblasts
cultured without nanocoating. Moreover, osteogenic transcriptional response of
osteoblasts was induced by nanocoating in terms of gene induction of Runx2,
Alpl, Bglap, and Col1a1 in a time-dependent manner â of note â to the highest
extent under the PA-coating condition. In contrast, Rankl expression was
initially reduced by nanocoating in MC3T3-E1 or remained unaltered in primary
osteoblast as compared to the uncoated controls. Our results showed that
nanocoating of implants with modified RG-I beneficially 1) supports
osteogenesis, 2) has the capacity to improve osseointegration of implants, and
is therefore 3) a potential candidate for nanocoating of bone implants
Spatial Distribution of Macrophages During Callus Formation and Maturation Reveals Close Crosstalk Between Macrophages and Newly Forming Vessels
Macrophages are essential players in the process of fracture healing, acting by remodeling of the extracellular matrix and enabling vascularization. Whilst activated macrophages of M1-like phenotype are present in the initial pro-inflammatory phase of hours to days of fracture healing, an anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophage phenotype is supposed to be crucial for the induction of downstream cascades of healing, especially the initiation of vascularization. In a mouse-osteotomy model, we provide a comprehensive characterization of vessel (CD31+, Emcn+) and macrophage phenotypes (F4/80, CD206, CD80, Mac-2) during the process of fracture healing. To this end, we phenotype the phases of vascular regeneration-the expansion phase (d1-d7 after injury) and the remodeling phase of the endothelial network, until tissue integrity is restored (d14-d21 after injury). Vessels which appear during the bone formation process resemble type H endothelium (CD31hiEmcnhi), and are closely connected to osteoprogenitors (Runx2+, Osx+) and F4/80+ macrophages. M1-like macrophages are present in the initial phase of vascularization until day 3 post osteotomy, but they are rare during later regeneration phases. M2-like macrophages localize mainly extramedullary, and CD206+ macrophages are found to express Mac-2+ during the expansion phase. VEGFA expression is initiated by CD80+ cells, including F4/80+ macrophages, until day 3, while subsequently osteoblasts and chondrocytes are main contributors to VEGFA production at the fracture site. Using Longitudinal Intravital Microendoscopy of the Bone (LIMB) we observe changes in the motility and organization of CX3CR1+ cells, which infiltrate the injury site after an osteotomy. A transient accumulation, resulting in spatial polarization of both, endothelial cells and macrophages, in regions distal to the fracture site, is evident. Immunofluorescence histology followed by histocytometric analysis reveals that F4/80+CX3CR1+ myeloid cells precede vascularization
Acute tryptophan depletion in accordance with body weight: influx of amino acids across the bloodâbrain barrier
Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) is a method of reducing central nervous serotonin (5-HT) synthesis in humans by administering an amino acid (AA) beverage lacking in tryptophan (TRP), the physiological precursor of 5-HT. However, to date, the use of conventional ATD protocols in children and adolescents was limited due to frequently observed side effects (e.g., vomiting and nausea). This study investigated the effects of diminished central nervous system 5-HT synthesis on plasma concentrations of relevant AAs and TRP influx into the brain in 24 healthy young adults using the ATD procedure Moja-De, a test protocol that has been used in preliminary research in youths. Twenty-four healthy participants received ATD and a TRP-balanced amino acid load (BAL) using a randomized double-blind within-subject crossover design. Plasma concentrations of the relevant AAs that compete with TRP on the same transport system were assessed at baseline and 90, 180, and 240Â min after ATD/BAL intake. TRP influx across the bloodâbrain barrier was calculated using MichaelisâMenten kinetics with a correction for multiple substrate competition, indicating a significant decrease in TRP influx into the central nervous system under Moja-De. ATD Moja-De decreased TRP influx into the brain and central nervous system 5-HT synthesis safely and effectively and was well tolerated, allowing it to be used in children and adolescents. Future research into other secondary, compensatory effects induced by ATD in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders and healthy populations is needed. ATD Moja-De allows this type of research with a focus on a developmental viewpoint. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00702-012-0793-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users
All-fibre source of amplitude-squeezed light pulses
An all-fibre source of amplitude squeezed solitons utilizing the self-phase
modulation in an asymmetric Sagnac interferometer is experimentally
demonstrated. The asymmetry of the interferometer is passively controlled by an
integrated fibre coupler, allowing for the optimisation of the noise reduction.
We have carefully studied the dependence of the amplitude noise on the
asymmetry and the power launched into the Sagnac interferometer. Qualitatively,
we find good agreement between the experimental results, a semi-classical
theory and earlier numerical calculations [Schmitt etl.al., PRL Vol. 81,
p.2446, (1998)]. The stability and flexibility of this all-fibre source makes
it particularly well suited to applications in quantum information science
New Mononuclear and Binuclear Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) Thiosemicarbazone Complexes with Potential Biological Activity: Antimicrobial and Molecular Docking Study
Herein, we report the synthesis of eight new mononuclear and binuclear Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ methoxy thiosemicarbazone (MTSC) complexes aiming at obtaining thiosemicarbazone complex with potent biological activity. The structure of the MTSC ligand and its metal complexes was fully characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic techniques (NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis), molar conductivity, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and thermal differential analysis (DrTGA). The spectral and analytical data revealed that the obtained thiosemicarbazone-metal complexes have octahedral geometry around the metal center, except for the Zn2+-thiosemicarbazone complexes, which showed a tetrahedral geometry. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the MTSC ligand and its (Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+) metal complexes were also investigated. Interestingly, the antibacterial activity of MTSC- metal complexes against examined bacteria was higher than that of the MTSC alone, which indicates that metal complexation improved the antibacterial activity of the parent ligand. Among different metal complexes, the MTSC- mono- and binuclear Cu2+ complexes showed significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Proteus vulgaris, better than that of the standard gentamycin drug. The in silico molecular docking study has revealed that the MTSC ligand could be a potential inhibitor for the oxidoreductase protein.Taif UniversityPeer Reviewe
Improved diagnostics targeting c-MET in non-small cell lung cancer: expression, amplification and activation?
Background: Several c-MET targeting inhibitory molecules have already shown promising results in the treatment of patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Combination of EGFR-and c-MET-specific molecules may overcome EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance. The aim of this study was to allow for the identification of patients who might benefit from TKI treatments targeting MET and to narrow in on the diagnostic assessment of MET. Methods: 222 tumor tissues of patients with NSCLC were analyzed concerning c-MET expression and activation in terms of phosphorylation (Y1234/1235 and Y1349) using a microarray format employing immunohistochemistry (IHC). Furthermore, protein expression and MET activation was correlated with the amplification status by Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH). Results: Correlation was observed between phosphorylation of c-MET at Y1234/1235 and Y1349 (spearman correlation coefficient r(s) = 0.41;p 0.05). c-MET gene amplification was detected in eight of 214 patients (3.7 %). No significant association was observed between c-MET amplification, c-MET protein expression and phosphorylation. Conclusion: Our data indicate, that neither expression of c-MET nor the gene amplification status might be the best way to select patients for MET targeting therapies, since no correlation with the activation status of MET was observed. We propose to take into account analyzing the phosphorylation status of MET by IHC to select patients for MET targeting therapies. Signaling of the receptor and the activation of downstream molecules might be more crucial for the benefit of therapeutics targeting MET receptor tyrosine kinases than expression levels alone
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