Accumulation of Anthocyanin in the Aleurone of Barley Grains by Targeted Restoration of the Gene.

Blue barley grain pigmentation results from anthocyanin accumulation in the aleurone layer. Anthocyanins are known for their beneficial effects on human health. The gene encoding the MYELOCYTOMATOSIS 2 (MYC2) transcription factor is potentially responsible for the blue coloration of the aleurone.

AI-Assisted Identification of Primary and Secondary Metabolomic Markers for Postoperative Delirium.

Despite considerable investigative efforts, the molecular mechanisms of postoperative delirium (POD) remain unresolved. The present investigation employs innovative methodologies for identifying potential primary and secondary metabolic markers of POD by analyzing serum metabolomic profiles utilizing the genetic algorithm and artificial neural networks. The primary metabolomic markers constitute a combination of metabolites that optimally distinguish between POD and non-POD groups of patients.

Laboratory-based 3D X-ray standing-wave analysis of nanometre-scale gratings.

The increasing structural complexity and downscaling of modern nanodevices require continuous development of structural characterization techniques that support R&D and manufacturing processes. This work explores the capability of laboratory characterization of periodic planar nanostructures using 3D X-ray standing waves as a promising method for reconstructing atomic profiles of planar nanostructures. The non-destructive nature of this metrology technique makes it highly versatile and particularly suitable for studying various types of samples.

Physicochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of Lanthanide Nitrates in Dilute Aqueous Solutions.

This work presents the results of studying dilute aqueous solutions of commercial (NO) · HO salts with = Ce-Lu using X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS: EXAFS/XANES), and pH measurements. As a reference point, XRD and XAS measurements for characterized (NO) · HO microcrystalline powder samples were performed. The local structure of -nitrate complexes in 20 mM (NO) · HO aqueous solution was studied under total external reflection conditions and EXAFS geometry was applied to obtain high-quality EXAFS data for solutions with low concentrations of ions.

Ceramides As Potential New Predictors of the Severity of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Conjunction with SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Acute coronary events (ACEs) associated with a SARS-CoV-2 infection can significantly differ from classic ACEs. New biomarkers, such as ceramides, may help in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. This study included 73 ACE patients for whom the SARS-CoV-2 infection was verified.

Constructing an Al/Zn-Based Solid Electrolyte Interphase to Enable Extraordinarily Stable Al-Based Electrochromic Devices.

The interface between the electrochromic (EC) electrode and ionic conductor is crucial for high-performance and extraordinarily stable EC devices (ECDs). Herein, the effect of the ALD-AZO interfacial layer on the performance of the WO thin film was examined, revealing that an introduction of the ALD-AZO interfacial layer to the Al-based complementary ECDs can lead to improved EC performance and stability, such as an extraordinary cyclability of more than 20,000 cycles, an outstanding coloration efficiency of 109.69 cm C, and a maximum transmittance modulation of 63.

Homogeneous and Nanogranular Prussian Blue to Enable Long-Term-Stable Electrochromic Devices.

The increasing demand for the state-of-the-art electrochromic devices has received great interest in synthesizing Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles with a uniform diameter that exhibit excellent electrochromism, electrochemistry, and cyclability. Herein, we report the controllable synthesis of sub-100 nm PB nanoparticles via the coprecipitation method. The diameter of PB nanoparticles can be modulated by adjusting the reactant concentration, the selection of a chelator, and their purification.

Homoleptic Rare-Earth-Metal Sandwiches with Dibenzo[,]cyclooctatetraene Dianions.

A family of rare-earth complexes [RE(III) = Y, La, Gd, Tb, Dy, and Er] with doubly reduced dibenzo[,]cyclooctatetraene (DBCOT) has been synthesized and structurally characterized. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that all products of the [RE(DBCOT)(THF)][RE(DBCOT)] composition consist of the anionic sandwich [RE(DBCOT)] and the cationic counterpart [RE(DBCOT)(THF)]. Within the sandwich, two elongated π decks are slightly bent toward the metal center (avg.

Gene networks for use in metabolomic data analysis of blood plasma from patients with postoperative delirium.

Postoperative delirium (POD) is considered one of the most severe complications, resulting in impaired cognitive function, extended hospitalization, and higher treatment costs. The challenge of early POD diagnosis becomes particularly significant in cardiac surgery cases, as the incidence of this complication exceeds 50 % in certain patient categories. While it is known that neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalances, disruptions in neuroendocrine regulation, and interneuronal connections contribute significantly to the development of POD, the molecular, genetic mechanisms of POD in cardiac surgery patients, along with potential metabolomic diagnostic markers, remain inadequately understood.

Regression-Based Active Learning for Accessible Acceleration of Ultra-Large Library Docking.

Structure-based drug discovery is a process for both hit finding and optimization that relies on a validated three-dimensional model of a target biomolecule, used to rationalize the structure-function relationship for this particular target. An ultralarge virtual screening approach has emerged recently for rapid discovery of high-affinity hit compounds, but it requires substantial computational resources. This study shows that active learning with simple linear regression models can accelerate virtual screening, retrieving up to 90% of the top-1% of the docking hit list after docking just 10% of the ligands.

Mechanistic Insights into Anion-Induced Electrochromism of Ru(II)-Based Metallo-Supramolecular Polymer.

The metallo-supramolecular polymer (MSP) is considered one of the most promising electrodes for electrochromic devices due to its intrinsically stable redox properties. Nevertheless, despite extensive work focusing on improving the electrochromic and electrochemical properties of MSPs, little experimental evidence exists from in-depth investigations on the anion-induced electrochromism of MSPs. Herein, Ru-based metallo-supramolecular polymer (polyRu) films with excellent electrochromic performance were fabricated through a novel electrochemical deposition method, and the electrochromic mechanism was further understood.

Constitutive Androstane Receptor Agonist Initiates Metabolic Activity Required for Hepatocyte Proliferation.

Activation of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR1I3) by chemical compounds induces liver hyperplasia in rodents. 1,4-Bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)] benzene (TCPOBOP), a mouse CAR agonist, is most often used to study chemically induced liver hyperplasia and hepatocyte proliferation in vivo. TCPOBOP is a potent murine liver chemical mitogen, which induces rapid liver hyperplasia in mice independently of liver injury.

Pharmacokinetic study of Tdp1 inhibitor resulted in a significant increase in antitumor effect in the treatment of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice by its combination with topotecan.

We have previously shown that the Tdp1 inhibitor, enamine derivative of usnic acid, the agent OL9-116, enhances the antitumor activity of topotecan. In the present study, we developed and validated LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of OL9-116 in mouse whole blood and studied pharmacokinetics of the agent. The substance OL9-116 was shown to be stable in the whole blood in vitro.

Global LC-MS/MS targeted metabolomics using a combination of HILIC and RP LC separation modes on an organic monolithic column based on 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole.

The paper presents an LC-MS/MS-based approach to targeted screening of both polar and non-polar metabolites using a synthesized monolithic column which is a copolymer of styrene, divinylbenzene, and 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole. It was shown that this column in combination with eluents 20 mM (NH)CO + NH (pH = 9.8, eluent A) and ACN (eluent B) allows for separation of metabolites of different nature in two modes, HILIC and RP LC, and these methods are mutually complementary.

Amorphous/Nanocrystalline High-Entropy CoCrFeNiTi Thin Films with Low Thermal Coefficient of Resistivity Obtained via Magnetron Deposition.

High-entropy alloys are promising materials for novel thin-film resistors since they have high resistivity and a low-temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR). In this work, a new high-entropy thin-film CoCrFeNiTi was deposited on a Si/SiO substrate by means of magnetron sputtering of the multi-component target produced by hot pressing of the powder mixture. The samples possessed a thickness of 130-230 nm and an amorphous atomic structure with nanocrystallite traces.

Mechanisms of inward transmembrane proton translocation.

Proton transport is indispensable for cell life. It is believed that molecular mechanisms of proton movement through different types of proton-conducting molecules have general universal features. However, elucidation of such mechanisms is a challenge.

Development of an LC-MS/MS-based method for quantification and pharmacokinetics study on SCID mice of a dehydroabietylamine-adamantylamine conjugate, a promising inhibitor of the DNA repair enzyme.

Earlier, it was found that the agent KS-389, a conjugate of dehydroabietylamine and 1-aminoadamantane, possess inhibiting activity with regard to Tdp1. It this study, LC-MS/MS-based methods of quantification of KS-389 in mice blood and several organs (brain, liver and kidney) were developed and validated. Validation of the methods was performed according to the guidelines of U.

Diverse Biological Activity of Benzofuroxan/Sterically Hindered Phenols Hybrids.

Combining two pharmacophores in a molecule can lead to useful synergistic effects. Herein, we show hybrid systems that combine sterically hindered phenols with dinitrobenzofuroxan fragments exhibit a broad range of biological activities. The modular assembly of such phenol/benzofuroxan hybrids allows variations in the phenol/benzofuroxan ratio.

Influence of the Structure on Magnetic Properties of Calcium-Phosphate Systems Doped with Iron and Vanadium Ions.

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize the glasses made of x(FeO∙VO)∙(100 - x)[PO∙CaO] with x ranging of 0-50%. The contribution of FeO and VO amount on the structure of PO·CaO matrix was investigated. The vitreous materials were characterized by XRD (X-ray diffraction analysis), EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements.

Novel Hydrophobic Ultrafiltration Membranes for Treatment of Oil-Contaminated Wastewater.

Cutting fluids are the main source of oily wastewater in the metalworking industry. This study deals with the development of antifouling composite hydrophobic membranes for treatment of oily wastewater. The novelty of this study is that a low energy electron-beam deposition technique was applied for a polysulfone (PSf) membrane with a molecular-weight cut-off of 300 kDa, which is promising for use in the treatment of oil-contaminated wastewater, by using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as target materials.