Wide-Ranging Multitool Study of Structure and Porosity of PLGA Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering.

In this study, the nanoscale transformation of the polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) internal structure, before and after its supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO) swelling and plasticization, followed by foaming after a CO pressure drop, was studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for the first time. A comparative analysis of the internal structure data and porosity measurements for PLGA scaffolds, produced by sc-CO processing, on a scale ranging from 0.02 to 1000 μm, was performed by SAXS, helium pycnometry (HP), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and both "lab-source" and synchrotron X-ray microtomography (micro-CT).

Comment on the Optimal Parameters to Derive Intrinsically Disordered Protein Conformational Ensembles from Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Data Using the Ensemble Optimization Method.

The Ensemble Optimization Method (EOM) is a popular approach to describe small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data from highly disordered proteins. The EOM algorithm selects subensembles of coexisting states from large pools of randomized conformations to fit the SAXS data. Based on the unphysical bimodal radius of gyration () distribution of conformations resulting from the EOM analysis, a recent article (Fagerberg et al.

Immunoinformatics analysis to design novel epitope based vaccine candidate targeting the glycoprotein and nucleoprotein of Lassa mammarenavirus (LASMV) using strains from Nigeria.

Lassa mammarenavirus (LASMV) is responsible for a specific type of acute viral hemorrhagic fever known as Lassa fever. Lack of effective treatments and counter-measures against the virus has resulted in a high mortality rate in its endemic regions. Therefore, in this study, a novel epitope-based vaccine has been designed using the methods of immunoinformatics targeting the glycoprotein and nucleoprotein of the virus.

Hybrid Polycarbosilane-Siloxane Dendrimers: Synthesis and Properties.

A series of carbosilane dendrimers of the 4th, 6th, and 7th generations with a terminal trimethylsilylsiloxane layer was synthesized. Theoretical models of these dendrimers were developed, and equilibrium dendrimer conformations obtained via molecular dynamics simulations were in a good agreement with experimental small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data demonstrating molecule monodispersity and an almost spherical shape. It was confirmed that the glass transition temperature is independent of the dendrimer generation, but is greatly affected by the chemical nature of the dendrimer terminal groups.

Feasibility of X-ray beam nanofocusing with compound refractive lenses.

A more general analytical theory of X-ray beam propagation through compound refractive lenses (CRLs) than the earlier study by Kohn [(2003). JETP, 97, 204-215] is presented. The problem of nanofocusing with CRLs is examined in detail.

Modeling of Old Scars: Histopathological, Biochemical and Thermal Analysis of the Scar Tissue Maturation.

Mature hypertrophic scars (HSs) remain a challenging clinical problem, particularly due to the absence of biologically relevant experimental models as a standard rabbit ear HS model only reflects an early stage of scarring. The current study aims to adapt this animal model for simulation of mature HS by validating the time of the scar stabilization using qualitative and quantitative criteria. The full-thickness skin and perichondrium excision wounds were created on the ventral side of the rabbit ears.

Gold nanoparticle-carbon nanotube multilayers on silica microspheres: Optoacoustic-Raman enhancement and potential biomedical applications.

There has been growing interest in recent years in developing multifunctional materials for studying the structure interface in biological systems. In this regard, the multimodal systems, which possess activity in the near-infrared (NIR) region, become even more critical for the possibility of improving examined biotissue depth and, eventually, data analysis. Herein, we engineered bi-modal contrast agents by integrating carbon nanotubes (CNT) and gold nanoparticles (AuNP) around silica microspheres using the Layer-by-Layer self-assembly method.

Ordered Clusters of the Complete Oxidative Phosphorylation System in Cardiac Mitochondria.

The existence of a complete oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) supercomplex including both electron transport system and ATP synthases has long been assumed based on functional evidence. However, no structural confirmation of the docking between ATP synthase and proton pumps has been obtained. In this study, cryo-electron tomography was used to reveal the supramolecular architecture of the rat heart mitochondria cristae during ATP synthesis.

and Analysis of Adhesive, Anti-Inflammatory, and Proangiogenic Properties of Novel 3D Printed Hyaluronic Acid Glycidyl Methacrylate Hydrogel Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering.

In this study, we prepared hydrogel scaffolds for tissue engineering by computer-assisted extrusion three-dimensional (3D) printing with photocured (λ = 445 nm) hyaluronic acid glycidyl methacrylate (HAGM). The developed product was compared with the polylactic--glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffolds generated by means of the original antisolvent 3D printing methodology. The cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility of the scaffolds were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide tests, flow cytometry, and scanning electron microscopy.

Fine details of crystal structure and atomic vibrations in YbB with a metal-insulator transition.

The crystal structure of single-crystal Kondo insulator YbB was studied at nine temperatures in the range 85-293 K based on X-ray diffraction data. Very weak Jahn-Teller distortions of the cubic lattice were detected at all temperatures, but did not require a revision of the structural model. Heat capacity and electrical conductivity of YbB single crystals were studied in the temperature range 1.

Flux growth, structure refinement and Mössbauer studies of FeGaBO single crystals.

High-quality FeGaBO single crystals (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) in the form of basal plates were synthesized by the flux technique.

Evaluation of immune and chemical precipitation methods for plasma exosome isolation.

Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by multiple mammalian cell types and involved in intercellular communication. Numerous studies have explored the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of exosomes. The key challenge is the lack of efficient and standard techniques for isolation and downstream analysis of nanovesicles.

Optical Diagnostics of Supercritical CO and CO-Ethanol Mixture in the Widom Delta.

The supercritical CO (scCO) is widely used as solvent and transport media in different technologies. The technological aspects of scCO fluid applications strongly depend on spatial-temporal fluctuations of its thermodynamic parameters. The region of these parameters' maximal fluctuations on the p-T (pressure-temperature) diagram is called Widom delta.

The comparative analysis of the properties and structures of purine nucleoside phosphorylases from thermophilic bacterium HB27.

Two recombinant purine nucleoside phosphorylases from thermophilic bacterium HB27 encoded by genes TT_C1070 (PNPI) and TT_C0194 (PNPII) were purified and characterized. The comparative analysis of their sequences, molecular weight, enzymes specificity and kinetics of the catalyzed reaction were realized. As a result, it was determined that the PNPI is specific to guanosine while the PNPII to adenosine.

Viscoelasticity and Volume of Cortical Neurons under Glutamate Excitotoxicity and Osmotic Challenges.

Neural activity depends on the maintenance of ionic and osmotic homeostasis. Under these conditions, the cell volume must be regulated to maintain optimal neural function. A disturbance in the neuronal volume regulation often occurs in pathological conditions such as glutamate excitotoxicity.

Dual Targeting of Cancer Cells with DARPin-Based Toxins for Overcoming Tumor Escape.

We report here a combined anti-cancer therapy directed toward HER2 and EpCAM, common tumor-associated antigens of breast cancer cells. The combined therapeutic effect is achieved owing to two highly toxic proteins-a low immunogenic variant of exotoxin A and ribonuclease Barnase from . The delivery of toxins to cancer cells was carried out by targeting designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins).

Hydrophobic up-conversion carboxylated nanocellulose/fluoride phosphor composite films modified with alkyl ketene dimer.

Hydrophobic up-conversion nanocomposite films have been developed based on TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNF) modified with alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) as a matrix and MF:Ho (M = Ca, Sr) as a phosphor. Fabrication of homogeneous, strong and translucent TOCNF/MF:Ho-AKD films with water contact angle of 123 ± 2° was accomplished with mild drying at 110 °C. These hydrophobic nanocomposite films demonstrated stable up-conversion luminescence in the visible spectral range upon excitation of the I level of Ho ions by laser irradiation at 1912 nm both under ambient conditions and in a humid atmosphere (92 ± 2% humidity).

A new TlFeHf(MoO) ternary molybdate: crystal structure and properties.

Single crystals of TlFeHf(MoO) [a = b = 10.5550 (3), c = 37.7824 (9) Å, γ = 120°] are obtained by the self-flux method in the TlMoO-Fe(MoO)-Hf(MoO) system.

Arrays Formation of Zinc Oxide Nano-Objects with Varying Morphology for Sensor Applications.

The regularities and features of the formation of arrays of zinc oxide nano-objects with varying morphology are determined by CO laser processing with intensification of diffusion processes in the solid state of Cu-Zn metallic materials which are selectively oxidizable. In the process of laser treatment in air using the synergy of heat exposure and vibrations induced by laser with a force fundamental frequency of 100 Hz, the brass surface of samples is oxidized mainly with the generation of ZnO nanowires. The condition for intensification is the local non-stationary deformation caused by sound waves induced by laser.

Mechanical properties of anterior lens capsule assessed with AFM and nanoindenter in relation to human aging, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, and trypan blue staining.

The purpose of this study is the mechanical characterization of the mid-to- old-age human anterior lens capsules (ALCs) obtained by capsulorhexis using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and a nanoindenter at different spatial scales. The dependencies on the human age, presence or absence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX), and application of trypan blue staining during the surgery were analyzed. The measurements on both the anterior (AS) and epithelial (ES) sides of the ALC were conducted and the effect of cells present on the epithelial side was carefully accounted for.

Fabrication and evaluation of nanocontainers for lipophilic anticancer drug delivery in 3D in vitro model.

Presently, most of anticancer drugs are high toxic for normal cells and, and as a result, they have severe side effects. Moreover, most of the formulations are lipophilic and have poor selectivity. To overcome these limitations, various drug delivery systems could be proposed.

Nanomechanical properties of enucleated cells: contribution of the nucleus to the passive cell mechanics.

Background: The nucleus, besides its functions in the gene maintenance and regulation, plays a significant role in the cell mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction. It is the largest cellular organelle that is often considered as the stiffest cell part as well. Interestingly, the previous studies have revealed that the nucleus might be dispensable for some of the cell properties, like polarization and 1D and 2D migration.

Proteomic Approach for Searching for Universal, Tissue-Specific, and Line-Specific Markers of Extracellular Vesicles in Lung and Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines.

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, contain proteins that mirror the molecular landscape of producer cells. Being potentially detectible in biological fluids, EVs are of great interest for the screening of cancer biomarkers. To reveal universal, tissue-specific, and line-specific markers, we performed label-free mass spectrometric profiling of EVs originating from the human colon cancer cell lines Caco-2, HT29, and HCT-116, as well as from the lung cancer cell lines NCI-H23 and A549.

Synthesis, structure and properties of layered PrMoO-based oxymolybdates doped with Mg.

Undoped and Mg-doped PrMoO oxymolybdate polycrystals and single crystals have been prepared by solid-state reactions and flux growth. The compounds have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, scanning transmission electron microscopy, single crystal X-ray structure analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. The (MgO)(PrO)(MoO) (x + y + z = 1) solid solution series has been shown to extend to x = 0.