IKK-β inhibition prevents adaptive left ventricular hypertrophy

Most cardiovascular studies have implicated the central transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) as contributing to the detrimental effects of cardiac injury. This ostensibly negative view of NF-κB competes with its important role in the normal host inflammatory and immune response. Pressure-overload, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and heart failure represent a spectrum of disease that has both adaptive and maladaptive components. As opposed to its known effects related to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, we hypothesized that NF-κB is necessary for the compensatory phase of cardiac remodeling

Exergoeconomic based optimization of a gas fired steam power plant using genetic algorithm

This research paper mainly deals with exergy, economic, and environmental investigation of a 250 MW steam power plant located in Iran. In order to model this power plant, energy balance equations are used and each part of the power plant is modeled accordingly. Further by introducing the boiler as the main source of irreversibility, two approaches are presented to improve the boiler performance, reduction of excess air, and temperature reduction of gasses leaving the stacks. To study the effect of these two approaches, an objective function including the cost rate of exergy destruction of boiler, fuel cost, and cost rate of environmental impact is presented. The optimization process is done using a genetic algorithm. It is concluded that by optimizing, 20% reduction in the overall cost rate and 88% reduction in the cost rate of environmental impact can be achieved

Plant protein-based nanocomposite films: A review on the used nanomaterials, characteristics, and food packaging applications

Consumer demands to utilize environmentally friendly packaging have led researchers to develop packaging materials from naturally derived resources. In recent years, plant protein-based films as a replacement for synthetic plastics have attracted the attention of the global food packaging industry due to their biodegradability and unique properties. Biopolymer-based films need a filler to show improved packaging properties. One of the latest strategies introduced to food packaging technology is the production of nanocomposite films which are multiphase materials containing a filler with at least one dimension less than 100 nm. This review provides the recent findings on plant-based protein films as biodegradable materials that can be combined with nanoparticles that are applicable to food packaging. Moreover, it investigates the characterization of nanocomposite plant-based protein films/edible coatings. It also briefly describes the application of plant-based protein nanocomposite films/coating on fruits/vegetables, meat and seafood products, and some other foods. The results indicate that the functional performance, barrier, mechanical, optical, thermal and antimicrobial properties of plant protein-based materials can be extended by incorporating nanomaterials. Recent reports provide a better understanding of how incorporating nanomaterials into plant protein-based biopolymers leads to an increase in the shelf life of food products during storage time

Application of Molecular Dynamics in Coating Ag-Conjugated Nanoparticles with Potential Therapeutic Applications

Drug delivery systems may benefit from nanoparticles synthesized using biological methods. While chemical reduction of particles is facilitated by some active compounds present in the bio-extract, other active compounds, with potential therapeutic activities, may be adsorbed onto the surface of nanoparticles. However, the mechanism of bio-based nanoparticle synthesis is still under debate. Here, we first employed a molecular dynamics (MD) approach to theoretically predict the coating of a hypothetical 4.5 nm silver nanoparticle with four selected rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis L.) active compounds (rosmanol, isorosmanol, carnosol, and carnosic acid). Analysis of density maps and radial distribution functions (RDF) values suggested that the examined compounds had strong hydrophobic properties and could instantaneously be adsorbed to the nanoparticle surfaces. Next, we experimentally examined the capacity of rosemary leaf extract to synthesize and coat Ag-conjugated nanoparticles. The data obtained from ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction analyses confirmed the production of spherical Ag-conjugated nanoparticles with an average size of 12-15 nm, coated with proteins, secondary metabolites and other active compounds. Since this method can predict the dynamic behavior of therapeutic compounds when they are in contact with nanoparticles, we believe it provides a valid and new avenue to designing new therapeutic nanoparticles

Longitudinal assessment of the platelet transcriptome in advanced heart failure patients following mechanical unloading

Patients with heart failure (HF) and left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have dysregulated thrombo-inflammatory responses, mediated in part by platelets. While studies of platelet activation have been undertaken in HF, changes in the platelet transcriptome in HF patients following mechanical unloading with an LVAD have not been investigated. We prospectively enrolled and longitudinally followed advanced HF patients (n = 32) for a mean of 57 months post-LVAD implantation. For comparison, healthy donors were also enrolled (n = 20). Platelets were hyperactive in HF, as evidenced by significantly increased formation of circulating platelet-monocyte aggregate formation. Platelet transcriptome interrogation by next-generation RNA-sequencing identified that the expression of numerous genes (n = 588) was significantly (FDR < 0.05) altered in HF patients prior to LVAD implantation. Differentially expressed genes were predicted to have roles in angiogenesis, immune and inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and cardiac muscle contraction. 90 days following LVAD implantation, the majority (80%) of differentially expressed genes in HF patients normalized, as compared to the platelet transcriptomes of healthy donors. In conclusion, advanced HF is associated with marked alterations in the platelet transcriptome. While LVAD implantation to off load the failing heart results in resolution in the majority of differentially expressed genes, a subset of the platelet transcriptome remains persistently altered

Lower urinary tract signs and symptoms in patients with COVID-19

Background!#!The type of pneumonia that is caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has spread across the world in a pandemic. It is not clear if COVID-19 patients have any lower urinary tract signs or symptoms.!##!Methods!#!The effect of COVID-19 on lower urinary tract function was studied in a prospective multi-centre, observational study including 238 patients who were admitted with symptoms caused by COVID-19 to the university hospital of Aachen in Germany and Tabriz in Iran.!##!Results!#!None of the patients reported to have any lower urinary tract symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 was found in the urine of 19% of the tested patients. The mortality rate in COVID-19 infected patients with microscopic haematuria together with white blood cells in their urine, was significantly increased from 48 to 61% in the Tabriz cohort (p-value = 0.03) and from 30 to 35% in the Aachen cohort (p-value =0.045). Furthermore, in the group of patients with SARS-CoV-2 urine PCR, the mortality rate rose from 30 to 58%. (p-value =0.039).!##!Conclusion!#!Patients admitted with COVID-19 did not report to have any lower urinary tract symptoms, even those patient who had a positive Urine SARS-CoV-2 PCR. In addition, hematuria, WBC in urine as well as SARS- CoV-2 presence in urine, were found to be strong negative prognostic factors in admitted COVID-19 patients