Colour changes and morphological performance of impregnated jabon wood using polymerised merbau extractives

Colour can be one of the preferencial factors prior to making a decision when people want to make a purchase of a wood product. Impregnation treatment can alter the wood colour. This study investigated the colour change of young plantation Jabon wood due to impregnation using Polymerised Merbau Extractives. Colour evaluation was done using the CIEL*a*b* system. Investigations also included morphological appearance by Scanning Electron Microscopic and chemical change by Fourier Transform Infrared analysis. The results demonstrated that impregnation treatment using selected Polymerised Merbau Extractives i.e. PME22 and PME33, resulted in the colour change of the wood. Appearance of the impregnated wood was different from the original wood; it was like a 'new wood'. The colour was changed permanently. PME33 caused Jabon wood samples to be darker. The SEM results of untreated and treated Jabon wood showed apparent difference due to deposited cured polymerised Merbau extractives (PME) in wood vessels. Obviously, a certain amount of cured PME precipitated on the surface of wood vessels and filled in the cell wall illustrated by the cross section of treated wood. FTIR spectra revealed that impregnating treatment using polymerised Merbau extractives made chemical changes in the wood of new functional groups bonded to Jabon wood

The Blood-Brain Barrier and the EphR/Ephrin System: Perspectives on a Link Between Neurovascular and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Interactions among endothelial cells (EC) forming blood vessels and their surrounding cell types are essential to establish the blood-brain barrier (BBB), an integral part of the neurovascular unit (NVU). Research on the NVU has recently seen a renaissance to especially understand the neurobiology of vascular and brain pathologies and their frequently occurring comorbidities. Diverse signaling molecules activated in the near proximity of blood vessels trigger paracellular pathways which regulate the formation and stabilization of tight junctions (TJ) between EC and thereby influence BBB permeability. Among regulatory molecules, the erythropoietin-producing-hepatocellular carcinoma receptors (EphR) and their Eph receptor-interacting signals (ephrins) play a pivotal role in EC differentiation, angiogenesis and BBB integrity. Multiple EphR-ligand interactions between EC and other cell types influence different aspects of angiogenesis and BBB formation. Such interactions additionally control BBB sealing properties and thus the penetration of substances into the brain parenchyma. Thus, they play critical roles in the healthy brain and during the pathogenesis of brain disorders. In this mini-review article, we aim at integrating the constantly growing literature about the functional roles of the EphR/ephrin system for the development of the vascular system and the BBB and in the pathogenesis of neurovascular and neuropsychiatric disorders. We suggest the hypothesis that a disrupted EphR/ephrin signaling at the BBB might represent an underappreciated molecular hub of disease comorbidity. Finally, we propose the possibility that the EphR/ephrin system bears the potential of becoming a novel target for the development of alternative therapeutic treatments, focusing on such comorbidities

Characterisation of production, marketing and consumption patterns of farmed tilapia in the Nile Delta of Egypt

AbstractEgypt has one of the world’s largest aquaculture sectors which makes a significant contribution to income, employment creation and food security. However, there are very limited data available on the farmed tilapia value chain. The aim of this study therefore was to characterise production, marketing and consumption patterns of farmed tilapia in the Nile Delta of Egypt. A cross sectional study was conducted to collect data from tilapia producers (100), transporters (32), retailers (100), fish fry shops (20) and households (300) in three case study communities (fish producing, peri-urban and rural community). We conducted structured questionnaire interviews and participatory assessments for producers and consumers. Focus group discussions with mothers were also held to collect data for the availability, sources and consumption patterns of tilapia.Results showed that, more than half of producers were small scale, having a farm size of 10feddan or less (1feddan=4200m2). The main water supply for almost all farms was agricultural drain water, a potential source of contamination with chemical and biological hazards. The main production constraints were reported to be feed prices, water quality and availability, land rent, fuel and energy sources and environmental conditions. The farmed tilapia value chain was short with some value added in the form of marketing fresh and live fish as well as selling tilapia in fried or grilled form. The majority of produced tilapia was transported to retail sale and sold to consumers as fresh, while only a small proportion was processed by cleaning, grilling or frying. A lack of hygiene during transportation and marketing of farmed tilapia was found that could be potential sources for post-harvesting contamination. The availability and frequency of tilapia consumption were higher in the community in the production areas than in other communities. In non-producing areas, tilapia may be available in the market once a week during the village market day. Potential areas for further research in order to improve safety, quality and production of farmed tilapia were identified

Biomimetic Transparent Eye Protection Inspired by the Carapace of an Ostracod (Crustacea)

In this study we mimic the unique, transparent protective carapace (shell) of myodocopid ostracods, through which their compound eyes see, to demonstrate that the carapace ultrastructure also provides functions of strength and protection for a relatively thin structure. The bulk ultrastructure of the transparent window in the carapace of the relatively large, pelagic cypridinid (Myodocopida) Macrocypridina castanea was mimicked using the thin film deposition of dielectric materials to create a transparent, 15 bi-layer material. This biomimetic material was subjected to the natural forces withstood by the ostracod carapace in situ, including scratching by captured prey and strikes by water-borne particles. The biomimetic material was then tested in terms of its extrinsic (hardness value) and intrinsic (elastic modulus) response to indentation along with its scratch resistance. The performance of the biomimetic material was compared with that of a commonly used, anti-scratch resistant lens and polycarbonate that is typically used in the field of transparent armoury. The biomimetic material showed the best scratch resistant performance, and significantly greater hardness and elastic modulus values. The ability of biomimetic material to revert back to its original form (post loading), along with its scratch resistant qualities, offers potential for biomimetic eye protection coating that could enhance material currently in use

Copper(II) complexes with 2-ethylpyridine and related hydroxyl pyridine derivatives : structural, spectroscopic, magnetic and anticancer in vitro studies

Copper(ii) complexes with 2-ethylpyridine (1 and 2), 2-(hydroxyethyl)pyridine (3) and 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (4) have been synthesized and characterized. All inorganic compounds have been studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, vibrational and EPR spectroscopy as well as theoretical methods. The geometry of the complexes 1, 3 and 4 adopts nearly perfect geometry close to square planar (1, 4) or square pyramid (3) stereochemistry, respectively. The distortion of five coordinated copper(ii) ions in complex 2 indicates intermediate geometry between square pyramidal and trigonal pyramidal geometry. Further, the magnetic measurements have shown antiferromagnetic behaviour of the prepared complexes in a wide range of temperatures. The antiferromagnetic behaviour of 2 should originate from the superexchange interactions between each copper(ii) ion by the mixed chloride and μ(4)-O ion pathways. Besides, the weak antiferromagnetic character of 2 can be also attributed to the presence of intrachain exchange between dimeric units through double oxide ion. In complex 3, strong antiferromagnetic coupling between Cu(ii) centres in the Cu(2)O(2)Cl(2) moiety is found. The cytotoxicity of all compounds was tested in vitro against various cancer cell lines: human lung adenocarcinoma (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7), human prostate carcinoma; derived from metastatic site: brain (DU-145) and two normal cell lines: human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) and human keratinocyte (HaCat). Furthermore, Pluronic P-123 micelles loaded with selected complexes (1 and 3) were proposed to overcome low solubility and to minimize systemic side effects. More detailed study revealed that complex 3 loaded inside micelles causes DU-145 cells' death with simultaneous decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and a high level of reactive oxygen species generation. The stability of the compounds 1–4 in DMSO was confirmed by UV-Vis and FT-IR spectra studies

Liposomal binuclear Ir(III)–Cu(II) coordination compounds with phosphino-fluoroquinolone conjugates for human prostate carcinoma treatment

[Image: see text] Novel heteronuclear Ir(III)–Cu(II) coordination compounds ([Ir(η(5)-Cp*)Cl(2)Pcfx-Cu(phen)](NO(3))·1.75(CH(3)OH)·0.75(H(2)O) (1), [Ir(η(5)-Cp*)Cl(2)Pnfx-Cu(phen)](NO(3))·1.75(CH(3)OH)·0.75(H(2)O) (2), [Ir(η(5)-Cp*)Cl(2)Plfx-Cu(phen)](NO(3))·1.3(H(2)O)·1.95(CH(3)OH) (3), [Ir(η(5)-Cp*)Cl(2)Psfx-Cu(phen)] (4)) bearing phosphines derived from fluoroquinolones, namely, sparfloxacin (Hsfx), ciprofloxacin (Hcfx), lomefloxacin (Hlfx), and norfloxacin (Hnfx), have been synthesized and studied as possible anticancer chemotherapeutics. All compounds have been characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), a number of spectroscopic methods (i.e., IR, fluorescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)), cyclic voltammetry, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements, and X-ray diffractometry. The coordination geometry of Ir(III) in all complexes adopts a characteristic piano-stool geometry with the η(5)-coordinated and three additional sites occupied by two chloride and phosphine ligands, while Cu(II) ions in complexes 1 and 2 form a distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry, and in complex 3, the coordination geometry around Cu(II) ions is a distorted octahedron. Interestingly, the crystal structure of [Ir(η(5)-Cp*)Cl(2)Plfx-Cu(phen)] features the one-dimensional (1D) metal–organic polymer. Liposomes loaded with redox-active and fluorescent [Ir(η(5)-Cp*)Cl(2)Pcfx-Cu(phen)] (1L) have been prepared to increase water solubility and minimize serious systemic side effects. It has been proven, by confocal microscopy and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis, that the liposomal form of compound 1 can be effectively accumulated inside human lung adenocarcinoma and human prostate carcinoma cells with selective localization in nuclei. A cytometric analysis showed dominance of apoptosis over the other cell death types. Furthermore, the investigated nanoformulations induced changes in the cell cycle, leading to S phase arrest in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, in vitro anticancer action on three-dimensional (3D) multicellular tumor spheroids has been demonstrated

Viral and cellular mRNA-specific activators harness PABP and eIF4G to promote translation initiation downstream of cap binding

Regulation of mRNA translation is a major control point for gene expression and is critical for life. Of central importance is the complex between cap-bound eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), eIF4G, and poly(A) tail-binding protein (PABP) that circularizes mRNAs, promoting translation and stability. This complex is often targeted to regulate overall translation rates, and also by mRNA-specific translational repressors. However, the mechanisms of mRNA-specific translational activation by RNA-binding proteins remain poorly understood. Here, we address this deficit, focusing on a herpes simplex virus-1 protein, ICP27. We reveal a direct interaction with PABP that is sufficient to promote PABP recruitment and necessary for ICP27-mediated activation. PABP binds several translation factors but is primarily considered to activate translation initiation as part of the PABP-eIF4G-eIF4E complex that stimulates the initial cap-binding step. Importantly, we find that ICP27-PABP forms a complex with, and requires the activity of, eIF4G. Surprisingly, ICP27-PABP-eIF4G complexes act independently of the effects of PABP-eIF4G on cap binding to promote small ribosomal subunit recruitment. Moreover, we find that a cellular mRNA-specific regulator, Deleted in Azoospermia-like (Dazl), also employs the PABP-eIF4G interaction in a similar manner. We propose a mechanism whereby diverse RNA-binding proteins directly recruit PABP, in a non-poly(A) tail-dependent manner, to stimulate the small subunit recruitment step. This strategy may be particularly relevant to biological conditions associated with hypoadenylated mRNAs (e.g., germ cells/neurons) and/or limiting cytoplasmic PABP (e.g., viral infection, cell stress). This mechanism adds significant insight into our knowledge of mRNA-specific translational activation and the function of the PABP-eIF4G complex in translation initiation