Microwave Electrodynamic Study on Antiferroelectric Materials in a Wide Temperature Range.

The electrodynamic properties of lead zirconate titanate ceramic solid solutions, exhibiting ferro-antiferroelectric phase transition, are investigated at microwave frequencies in a wide temperature range. Significant changes in the electrodynamic response are found, presumably associated with structural rearrangements accompanying the sequence of phase transitions between para-, ferro-, and antiferroelectric states. The phenomena observed in the experiments are considered under conditions of changing temperature and concentrations of the components; several independent measurement techniques were used for their unambiguous identification.

The Influence of the Elemental Composition, Crystal Structure, and Grain Structure of the Ferro-Piezoceramics of Various Degrees of the Ferro-Hardness on the Stability of the Polarized State.

Ferro-piezoceramic materials (FPCM) with different degrees of ferrohardness were fabricated by double solid-phase synthesis followed by the sintering technique using hot pressing method. The X-ray studies carried out in a wide temperature range showed that with increasing temperature, each of the studied FPCM undergoes a series of phase transformations, accompanied by a change in the symmetry of the unit cell. In this case, near the phase transition to the nonpolar cubic phase, in each of the FPCM, the formation of a fuzzy symmetry region is observed, which is characterized by weak distortions and temperature-time instability of the crystal structure.

Features of the Structure and Electrophysical Properties of Solid Solutions of the System (1-x-y) NaNbO-xKNbO-yCdNbO.

Ferroelectric ceramic materials based on the (1-x-y) NaNbO-xKNbO-yCdNbO system ( = 0.05-0.65, = 0.

Phase states, microstructure and dielectric characteristics of solid solutions (1 - )NaNbO - CaNbO and (1 - )NaNbO - SrNbO.

Ceramics of binary systems solid solutions (1 - )NaNbO - CaNbO and (1 - )NaNbO - SrNbO with non-isostructural extreme components were prepared by the solid-phase reactions technique with the following sintering using conventional ceramic technology. It was found that ceramics with ≤ 0.2 have a perovskite structure.

Multi-element ferroactive materials based on KNN-PZT compositions with fundamentally different physical properties.

Quasibinary section solid solutions of a four-component system of the (1-)(NaK)NbO-Pb(TiZr)O composition, based on compositions with fundamentally different physical responses (Na, K)NbO(KNN), Pb(Ti, Zr)O (PZT), have been produced by two-step solid-phase synthesis followed by sintering using conventional ceramic technology. The features of their structural formation have been revealed, a phase diagram of equilibria has been constructed, correlation relationships composition ‒ structure ‒ microstructure ‒ macroproperties have been established. Based on the measured X-ray fluorescence intensities, the concentrations of chemical elements, included in the surface composition of the samples of piezoceramic materials, have been determined.

Intercalation of water molecules from the air into perovskite and layered structures formed in the system of NaNbO-CaNbO.

The study results of the perovskite solid solution and layered compounds formed in the system of (1-)NaNbO-CaNbO, = 0.10, 0.25, 0.

In vivo stimulus-induced vasodilation occurs without IP3 receptor activation and may precede astrocytic calcium increase.

Calcium-dependent release of vasoactive gliotransmitters is widely assumed to trigger vasodilation associated with rapid increases in neuronal activity. Inconsistent with this hypothesis, intact stimulus-induced vasodilation was observed in inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) type-2 receptor (R2) knock-out (KO) mice, in which the primary mechanism of astrocytic calcium increase-the release of calcium from intracellular stores following activation of an IP3-dependent pathway-is lacking. Further, our results in wild-type (WT) mice indicate that in vivo onset of astrocytic calcium increase in response to sensory stimulus could be considerably delayed relative to the simultaneously measured onset of arteriolar dilation.

Doxorubicin dose for congestive heart failure modeling and the use of general ultrasound equipment for evaluation in rats. Longitudinal in vivo study.

Introduction: For the evaluation of the congestive heart failure (CHF) in rat models, the use of special equipment for echocardiography for dynamic evaluation is suggested. The optimal doxorubicin dose for CHF induction has still not been established.

Aims: The aims of our study was to find a reliable doxorubicin CHF rat model using a general ultrasound (US) equipment for in vivo ultrasound examination of the systemic circulation, to establish the optimal doxorubicin dose, and to assess the feasibility of US guided administration of the drug.

In vivo alterations in calcium buffering capacity in transgenic mouse model of synucleinopathy.

Abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein is centrally involved in the pathogenesis of many disorders with Parkinsonism and dementia. Previous in vitro studies suggest that α-synuclein dysregulates intracellular calcium. However, it is unclear whether these alterations occur in vivo.

Low dosage of rasagiline and epigallocatechin gallate synergistically restored the nigrostriatal axis in MPTP-induced parkinsonism.

Background: The anti-Parkinson monoamine oxidase B inhibitor rasagiline appears to be the first neuroprotective disease-modifying therapy in early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective: Using a polypharmacy paradigm, we tested whether the distinct neuroprotective pharmacological profile of rasagiline would complement that of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main antioxidant/iron chelator polyphenol constituent of green tea, and restore the neuronal loss and molecular targets damaged in animal parkinsonism.

Methods/results: We show by high-performance liquid chromatography, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses that the combination of rasagiline and EGCG, at subliminal doses which have no profound protective effect, acts synergistically to restore the nigrostriatal axis in N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice.

A sporadic Parkinson disease model via silencing of the ubiquitin-proteasome/E3 ligase component SKP1A.

The aim of this study was to develop a new model of sporadic Parkinson disease (PD) based on silencing of the SKP1A gene, a component of the ubiquitin-proteasome/E3 ligase complex, Skp1, Cullin 1, F-box protein, which was found to be highly decreased in the substantia nigra of sporadic PD patients. Initially, an embryonic mouse substantia nigra-derived cell line (SN4741 cells) was infected with short hairpin RNA lentiviruses encoding the murine transcript of the SKP1A gene or with scrambled vector. SKP1A silencing resulted in increased susceptibility to neuronal damages induced by the parkinsonism-inducing neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion and serum starvation, in parallel with a decline in the expression of the dopaminergic markers, dopamine transporter and vesicular monoamine transporter-2.

Simultaneous manipulation of multiple brain targets by green tea catechins: a potential neuroprotective strategy for Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases.

Current therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer and Parkinson disease (AD and PD, respectively) are merely symptomatic, intended for the treatment of symptoms, but offer only partial benefit, without any disease-modifying activity. Novel promising strategies suggest the use of antiinflammatory drugs, antioxidants, iron-complexing molecules, neurotrophic factor delivery, inhibitors of the amyloid precursor protein (APP)-processing secretases, gamma and beta (that generate the amyloid-beta peptides, Abeta), anti-Abeta aggregation molecules, the interference with lipid cholesterol metabolism and naturally occurring plant flavonoids to potentially reverse the course of the diseases. Human epidemiological and new animal data suggest that tea drinking may decrease the incidence of dementia, AD, and PD.

Cell signaling pathways and iron chelation in the neurorestorative activity of green tea polyphenols: special reference to epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

Although much progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the current therapeutic approaches are merely symptomatic, intended for the treatment of cognitive symptoms, such as disturbances in memory and perception. Novel promising strategies suggest the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, antioxidants including natural occurring plant flavonoids, iron-complexing molecules, neurotrophic factor delivery, inhibitors of the amyloid-beta protein precursor processing secretases, gamma and beta, that generate amyloid-beta peptides and the interference with lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Human epidemiological and new animal data suggest that tea drinking may decrease the incidence of dementia, AD and Parkinson's disease.

Targeting multiple neurodegenerative diseases etiologies with multimodal-acting green tea catechins.

Green tea is currently considered a source of dietary constituents endowed with biological and pharmacological activities relevant to human health. Human epidemiological and new animal data suggest that the pharmacological benefits of tea drinking may help to protect the brain as we age. Indeed, tea consumption is inversely correlated with the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Neurorescue activity, APP regulation and amyloid-beta peptide reduction by novel multi-functional brain permeable iron- chelating- antioxidants, M-30 and green tea polyphenol, EGCG.

Accumulation of iron at sites where neurons degenerate in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is thought to have a major role in oxidative stress induced process of neurodegeneration. The novel non-toxic lipophilic brain- permeable iron chelators, VK-28 (5- [4- (2- hydroxyethyl) piperazine-1-ylmethyl]- quinoline- 8- ol) and its multi-functional derivative, M-30 (5-[N-methyl-N-propargylaminomethyl]-8-hydroxyquinoline), as well as the main polyphenol constituent of green tea (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which possesses iron metal chelating, radical scavenging and neuroprotective properties, offer potential therapeutic benefits for these diseases. M-30 and EGCG decreased apoptosis of human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in a neurorescue, serum deprivation model, via multiple protection mechanisms including: reduction of the pro-apoptotic proteins, Bad and Bax, reduction of apoptosis-associated Ser139 phosphorylated H2A.

Green tea catechins as brain-permeable, non toxic iron chelators to "iron out iron" from the brain.

Evidence to link abnormal metal (iron, copper and zinc) metabolism and handling with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases pathology has frequently been reported. The capacity of free iron to enhance and promote the generation of toxic reactive oxygen radicals has been discussed numerous times. Metal chelation has the potential to prevent iron-induced oxidative stress and aggregation of alpha-synuclein and beta-amyloid peptides.

Reduction of iron-regulated amyloid precursor protein and beta-amyloid peptide by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate in cell cultures: implications for iron chelation in Alzheimer's disease.

Brain iron dysregulation and its association with amyloid precursor protein (APP) plaque formation are implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and so iron chelation could be considered a rational therapeutic strategy for AD. Here we analyzed the effect of the main polyphenol constituent of green tea, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which possesses metal-chelating and radical-scavenging properties, on the regulation of the iron metabolism-related proteins APP and transferrin receptor (TfR). EGCG exhibited potent iron-chelating activity comparable to that of the prototype iron chelator desferrioxamine, and dose dependently (1-10 microm) increased TfR protein and mRNA levels in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.

Green tea catechins as brain-permeable, natural iron chelators-antioxidants for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Neurodegeneration in Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, or other neurodegenerative diseases appears to be multifactorial, where a complex set of toxic reactions, including oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, reduced expression of trophic factors, and accumulation of protein aggregates, lead to the demise of neurons. One of the prominent pathological features is the abnormal accumulation of iron on top of the dying neurons and in the surrounding microglia. The capacity of free iron to enhance and promote the generation of toxic reactive oxygen radicals has been discussed numerous times.

Multifunctional activities of green tea catechins in neuroprotection. Modulation of cell survival genes, iron-dependent oxidative stress and PKC signaling pathway.

Many lines of evidence suggest that oxidative stress resulting in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and inflammation play a pivotal role in the age-associated cognitive decline and neuronal loss in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD) and Huntington's diseases. One cardinal chemical pathology observed in these disorders is the accumulation of iron at sites where the neurons die. The buildup of an iron gradient in conjunction with ROS (superoxide, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide) are thought to constitute a major trigger in neuronal toxicity and demise in all these diseases.

Green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate induces neurorescue of long-term serum-deprived PC12 cells and promotes neurite outgrowth.

Our previous studies have shown that the green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) prevents neuronal cell death caused by several neurotoxins. The present study sought to determine the neuroprotective effect of EGCG when it is administered after the induction of cell damage ('neurorescue'). In an attempt to imitate a progressive mode of death, PC12 cells were initially subjected to serum-starvation conditions for a period of 1 or 3 days before administration of EGCG (0.

Green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects rat PC12 cells from apoptosis induced by serum withdrawal independent of P13-Akt pathway.

Our recent studies have demonstrated that green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) exerts neuroprotective/neurorescue effects against B-amyloid toxicity and protects neuronal cells from 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinium ion (MPP+) and 6-hydroxydopamine in vitro, or from N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine- (MPTP-) induced nigral dopaminergic neuronal loss in mice. In the present study, we report that EGCG (0.1 and 1 microM) significantly protects rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells from apoptosis induced by serum support withdrawal, suggesting that EGCG may play a role in the growth of PC12 cells, where it stimulates survival-promoting pathways.

[Secondary prevention of arterial hypertension in an organized population: methods of implementation, efficacy, prospects].

Five-year follow-up of an organized population of males between 35 and 54 years of age and medication of patients with arterial hypertension (AH) demonstrated possibilities of considerably reducing the incidence of cerebral insult (by 42.9%) and myocardial infarction (by 15.5%) and the respective mortality rates (by 56.