Immobilized nickel boride nanoparticles on magnetic functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes: a new nanocomposite for the efficient one-pot synthesis of 1,4-benzodiazepines.

In this study, a new magnetic nanocomposite consisting of NiB nanoparticles anchored on magnetic functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (FeO/f-MWCNT/NiB) was synthesized and characterized using various techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, FESEM, SEM-based EDX, SEM-based elemental mapping, HRTEM, DLS, SAED, XPS, BET, TGA, and VSM. The as-prepared magnetic nanocomposite was successfully employed for the preparation of bioactive 1,4-benzodiazepines from the three-component reaction of -phenylenediamine (1), dimedone (2), and different aldehydes (3), in polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400) as a solvent at 60 °C. The obtained results demonstrated that the current one-pot three-component protocol offers many advantages, such as good-to-excellent yields within acceptable reaction times, favorable TONs and TOFs, eco-friendliness of the procedure, easy preparation of the nanocomposite, mild reaction conditions, a broad range of products, excellent catalytic activity, green solvent, and reusability of the nanocomposite.

A new palladium-based antiproliferative agent: synthesis, characterization, computational calculations, cytotoxicity, and DNA binding properties.

A new palladium(II) complex entitled [Pd(phendione)(8Q)]NO, (PdPQ), where phendione is N,N-donor heterocyclic 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dion and 8Q is 8-hydroxyquinolinate, has been synthesized and then characterized by molar conductivity, CHN analysis and spectral data (UV-Vis, FT-IR, NMR). DFT/ TDDFT procedures were also performed to determine the electronic structure and the nature of the electronic transitions of PdPQ. Moreover, the affinity and binding properties of DNA to the desired complex have been studied in details using electronic absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopies, and viscosity measurement in combination with molecular docking technique.

A new approach to enhance the conventional two-phase anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and sewage sludge.

Background: Two-phase anaerobic co-digestion (TAcoD) is a versatile technology for the simultaneous treatment of organic materials and biogas production. However, the produced digestate and supernatant of the system contain heavy metals and organic substances that need to be treated prior to discharge or land application. Therefore, in this study, an innovative TAcoD for organic fertilizer and high supernatant quality achievement was proposed.

Synthesis of new ultrasonic-assisted palladium oxide nanoparticles: an in vitro evaluation on cytotoxicity and DNA/BSA binding properties.

Better solubility and improved toxicity of palladium complexes compared with cisplatin were major reasons for synthesis of novel Pd(II) complex, [Pd(8Q)(bpy)]NO (8Q=8-hydroxyquinolinate, bpy=2,2'-bipyridine). Interaction between the [Pd(8Q)(bpy)]NO complex and calf thymus DNA in aqueous solution has been investigated by circular dichroism (CD), UV-Visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. These experiments showed that prepared Pd(II) complex can effectively intercalate into CT-DNA and weakly bind to BSA in which the bovine serum albumin molecule was unfolded slightly.

The role of quadriceps muscle strength in the development of falls in the elderly people, a cross-sectional study.

Background: Falls are a major health issue in the elderly people and an important cause of bone fracture. The aim of this study was to determine the association between quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) and falls in the elderly subjects.

Methods: All eligible participants of the Amirkola Cohort Study entered the study.

2,2'- bipyridine coplanar with coordination square of Pd(II) nonyldithiocarbamato antitumor complex interacting with DNA in two distinct steps.

Cisplatin is one of the most effective chemotherapy drugs, and has been widely employed for more than four decades in the treatment of different forms of human tumors. In recent years, various examples of metal complex-based compounds have been used for medicinal purposes. In this context, the novel palladium(II) complex, [Pd(non-dtc)(bpy)]NO, (non-dtc = nonyldithiocarbamate and bpy = 2,2'- bipyridine) has been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, FT-IR, H NMR, C NMR, and electronic spectroscopy studies.

Leptin enhances endothelial cell differentiation and angiogenesis in murine embryonic stem cells.

The metabolic regulation of leptin and its angiogenic effects have been well characterized in adult mammals. However, the role of leptin in the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to endothelial cells (ECs) has not been characterized. We hypothesized that leptin enhances the generation of ECs derived from ESCs and, in this way, promotes angiogenesis in embryonic vessels.

Therapeutic efficacy of cardiosphere-derived cells in a transgenic mouse model of non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Aim: Cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) produce regenerative effects in the post-infarct setting. However, it is unclear whether CDCs are beneficial in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We tested the effects of CDC transplantation in mice with cardiac-specific Gαq overexpression, which predictably develop progressive cardiac dilation and failure, with accelerated mortality.

Human cardiosphere-derived cells from advanced heart failure patients exhibit augmented functional potency in myocardial repair.

Objectives: This study sought to compare the regenerative potency of cells derived from healthy and diseased human hearts.

Background: Results from pre-clinical studies and the CADUCEUS (CArdiosphere-Derived aUtologous stem CElls to reverse ventricUlar dySfunction) trial support the notion that cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) from normal and recently infarcted hearts are capable of regenerating healthy heart tissue after myocardial infarction (MI). It is unknown whether CDCs derived from advanced heart failure (HF) patients retain the same regenerative potency.

The synthetic triterpenoid RTA dh404 (CDDO-dhTFEA) restores endothelial function impaired by reduced Nrf2 activity in chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with endothelial dysfunction and accelerated cardiovascular disease, which are largely driven by systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation in CKD are associated with and, in part, due to impaired activity of the cytoprotective transcription factor Nrf2. RTA dh404 is a synthetic oleanane triterpenoid compound which potently activates Nrf2 and inhibits the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB.

The synthetic triterpenoid RTA dh404 (CDDO-dhTFEA) restores Nrf2 activity and attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in rats with chronic kidney disease.

1. Chronic oxidative stress and inflammation are major mediators of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and result in impaired activation of the cytoprotective transcription factor Nrf2. Given the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in CKD pathogenesis, strategies aimed at restoring Nrf2 activity may attenuate CKD progression.

Role of impaired Nrf2 activation in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic tubulo-interstitial nephropathy.

Background: Tubulo-interstitial nephropathy (TIN) is a common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Consumption of an adenine-containing diet causes the accumulation of 2,8-dihydroxyadenine in the renal tubules triggering intense chronic TIN and progressive CKD in rats. CKD in this model is associated with, and largely driven by, oxidative stress and inflammation.

Cardiomyocyte proliferation and progenitor cell recruitment underlie therapeutic regeneration after myocardial infarction in the adult mouse heart.

Cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) have been shown to regenerate infarcted myocardium in patients after myocardial infarction (MI). However, whether the cells of the newly formed myocardium originate from the proliferation of adult cardiomyocytes or from the differentiation of endogenous stem cells remains unknown. Using genetic fate mapping to mark resident myocytes in combination with long-term BrdU pulsing, we investigated the origins of postnatal cardiomyogenesis in the normal, infarcted and cell-treated adult mammalian heart.

Participation of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the pathogenesis of spontaneous glomerulosclerosis--role of intra-renal angiotensin system.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the site of synthesis, folding, assembly, and degradation of proteins. Disruption of ER function leads to ER stress, which is marked by accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER lumen. Detection of unfolded proteins by the ER membrane receptors triggers the "unfolded protein response (UPR)" designed to restore ER function via activation of the adaptive/cytoprotective responses.

Downregulation of the renal and hepatic hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-producing enzymes and capacity in chronic kidney disease.

Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are constant features and major mediators of progression and cardiovascular complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is an endogenous signaling gas, which possesses potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive and other regulatory functions. H(2)S is produced by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase (MST).

Effect of nephrotic syndrome on homocysteine metabolism.

Background: Proteinuria and hyperhomocysteinaemia are independently associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The available data on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level in patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) are contradictory with increased, decreased and unchanged values reported by different investigators. The majority of Hcy in the plasma is bound to albumin whose urinary losses and diminished plasma concentration are the defining features of NS.

Human uraemic plasma stimulates release of leptin and uptake of tumour necrosis factor-alpha in visceral adipocytes.

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is commonly associated with anorexia, malnutrition and inflammation. In addition to serving as the primary reservoir for energy storage, adipocytes produce numerous pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators and regulate food intake by releasing the appetite-suppressing (leptin) and appetite-stimulating (adiponectin) hormones. Under normal conditions, release of leptin is stimulated by feeding to prevent excess intake, and release of adiponectin is stimulated by fasting to induce feeding.

Association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (C677T) polymorphism with hyperuricemia.

Background And Aims: Homozygosity for the thermolabile variant of 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (C677T) has been suggested to be positively associated with the risk of vascular disease and neural tube defects. In addition, recent studies have suggested that elevated serum uric acid predicts ischemic heart disease, and epidemiological data on ethnic groups have suggested that genetic factors are determinants of serum uric acid levels. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (C677T) polymorphism may be associated with hyperuricemia.

Hyperhomocysteinemia induces insulin resistance in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Association between elevated plasma homocysteine levels and insulin resistance has been reported, however, whether hyperhomocysteinemia induces insulin resistance or it is actually hyperinsulinemia that causes elevated plasma homocysteine levels, the direction of causality in this association is not still clear. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that hyperhomocysteinemia may cause hyperinsulinemia leading to insulin resistance in rats. Plasma glucose, insulin and total homocysteine concentrations were determined in two groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats, a test group that administered with homocysteine and a control group with no homocysteine in daily drinking water before and after 50 days.

Association of low red blood cell folate concentrations with coronary artery disease in Iranians: a matched case-control study.

Background: It is not fully established whether the increasing risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with high plasma homocysteine levels or components of the homocysteine remethylation pathway, e.g. vitamin B(12) or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) in plasma and red blood cells (RBC).

Association of plasma folate, plasma total homocysteine, but not methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C667T polymorphism, with bone mineral density in postmenopausal Iranian women: a cross-sectional study.

Polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) have been well documented to cause hyperhomocysteinemia, and recent studies suggest an association of C677T mutation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase with low bone mineral density (BMD). In this study, the association of plasma total homocysteine (Hcy), plasma folate, and vitamin B12 as well as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C667T polymorphism with bone mineral density at neck of femur and lumbar spine in 271 postmenopausal Iranian women was investigated. Bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.