Antiedemic Effect of the Myosin Light Chain Kinase Inhibitor PIK7 in the Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury.

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury increases myocardial microvascular permeability, leading to enhanced microvascular filtration and interstitial fluid accumulation that is associated with greater microvascular obstruction and inadequate myocardial perfusion. A burst of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators during reperfusion causes myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)-dependent endothelial hyperpermeability, which is considered a preventable cause of reperfusion injury. In the present study, a single intravenous injection of MLCK peptide inhibitor PIK7 (2.

Essential and Nonessential Elements, Lipids and Volatile Compounds in Coffee and Transfer to Coffee Brews: Assessment of the Benefits and Potential Risks for Human Health.

Coffee is a popular beverage with significant commercial and social importance. The study aimed to determine the fatty acids profile, volatile compounds, and concentration of major and trace elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, P, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Pb) in the two most important varieties of coffee, namely arabica and robusta. The leaching percentages of mineral elements and the effect of boiling time on the transfer of elements to aqueous extracts were also determined.

Electrochemical deposition of Ni on arrays of GaAs nanowires with n-type channels.

The processes of electrochemical deposition of Ni on vertically aligned GaAs nanowires (NWs) grown by molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) using Au as a growth catalyst on n-type Si(111) substrates were studied. Based on the results of electrochemical deposition, it was concluded that during the MBE synthesis of NWs the self-induced formation of conductive channels can occur inside NWs, thereby forming quasi core-shell NWs. Depending on the length of the channel compare to the NW heights and the parameters of electrochemical deposition, the different hybrid metal-semiconductor nanostructures, such as Ni nanoparticles on GaAs NW side walls, Ni clusters on top ends of GaAs NWs, core-shell GaAs/Ni NWs, were obtained.

Composites Based on Natural Zeolites and Green Materials for the Immobilization of Toxic Elements in Contaminated Soils: A Review.

Soil contamination by toxic elements is a global problem, and the remediation of contaminated soils requires complex and time-consuming technology. Conventional methods of soil remediation are often inapplicable, so an intensive search is underway for innovative and environmentally friendly ways to clean up ecosystems. The use of amendments that stabilize the toxic elements in soil by reducing their mobility and bioavailability is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to remediate soil.

Lead Catalyzed GaAs Nanowires Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy.

This study investigates the growth of gallium arsenide nanowires, using lead as a catalyst. Typically, nanowires are grown through the vapor-solid-liquid mechanism, where a key factor is the reduction in the nucleation barrier beneath the catalyst droplet. Arsenic exhibits limited solubility in conventional catalysts; however, this research explores an alternative scenario in which lead serves as a solvent for arsenic, while gallium and lead are immiscible liquids.

Moss biomonitoring of lithogenic impact on the distribution of various chemical elements in the air in the region of Mariovo, North Macedonia.

A study was conducted to investigate the air deposition and explore the distribution of potentially toxic elements in the Mariovo region, North Macedonia, using moss samples as biomonitors of air pollution. The distribution of 44 chemical elements was detected in 20 moss samples collected in the area. The moss samples were analyzed after microwave digestion using inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

The effect of nanoceria on the alginate-gum arabic crosslinking mechanism and in vitro behavior as a wound dressing.

Medical practice has proven that chronic wounds can be treated successfully if the dressing is chosen according to the healing phase of the wound. Correct intervention from the hemostasis and inflammatory phase can prevent oxidative stress and ensure optimal conditions for healing. It is important to design a new wound dressing that does not cause additional injury, has an antioxidant effect, removes dead cells, and promotes wound healing.

Restructuring the Basic Design of Several Accelerator-Based Concrete Mixes by Integrating Superplasticizers.

The increasing demand for infrastructure, the need to consolidate aging structures, and the effects of climate change imply the replacement or improvement of traditional concrete. This study investigates three accelerators and their mixtures (Ca(NO)·4HO, Al(SO)·18HO, and NaSO·5HO) (series I) and their counterparts with superplasticizers (Dynamon SR41) (series II) as additives in standard concrete to improve its functionality. The standard concrete and new concrete mixes were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and tests for water absorption, bulk density, and compressive strength.

The Adsorption of Arsenate and Arsenite Ions on Oxidic Substrates Prepared with a Variable-Charge Lithological Material.

The adsorption of As(V) and As(III) (0.01-1 mM) on a calcined oxidic lithologic material substrate with pH-dependent surface variable charges, chemically modifiable, was investigated. The substrate was prepared via thermal treatment using a natural lithologic material rich in amphoteric oxides of Fe, Al, Mn and Ti.

Sustainable Valorisation of Coffee Waste as a Protein Source, Mycelium-Based Packaging Material and Renewable Energy Pellet.

This study investigates the valorization of spent coffee grounds (SCGs) through protein extraction and their application in mycelium-based packaging and renewable energy pellets. Three extraction methods-mechanical stirring, ultrasound-assisted, and CO-assisted extraction-were applied to SCGs. CO-assisted extraction yielded the highest protein content at 34.

Cells have the ability to break and chemically modify GaP(As) nanowires.

Semiconductor nanowires are known for their unusual geometry, providing unique electronic and optical properties. Substrates with vertical nanowires have highly non-uniform surfaces, which are attractive in terms of the study of live cells that can interact and be labeled with the wires. Despite several previous works studying cells cultivated over nanowires, questions regarding cell rupture and interaction with the wires remain open.

The Fungal Side of the Story: Saprotrophic- vs. Symbiotrophic-Predicted Ecological Roles of Fungal Communities in Two Meromictic Hypersaline Lakes from Romania.

Over three-quarters of Earth's surface exhibits extreme environments where life thrives under harsh physicochemical conditions. While prokaryotes have often been investigated in these environments, only recent studies have revealed the remarkable adaptability of eukaryotes, in particular fungi. This study explored the mycobiota of two meromictic hypersaline lakes, Ursu and Fără Fund, in Transylvania (Romania).

Instantaneous growth of single monolayers as the origin of spontaneous core-shell InGaN nanowires with bright red photoluminescence.

Increasing the InN content in the InGaN compound is paramount for optoelectronic applications. It has been demonstrated in homogeneous nanowires or deliberately grown nanowire heterostructures. Here, we present spontaneous core-shell InGaN nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy on Si substrates at 625 °C.

Validation of high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry for determination of selected toxic and potential toxic metals in the decontamination process of wastewater discharged in natural receivers.

A new method based on high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-FAAS) was validated for the determination of selected toxic and potentially toxic metals in wastewater resulting from mining activity. The results were compared with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The HR-CS-FAAS method was characterized by detection limits in the range (µg L-1) 0.

Registration of activity of a single molecule of horseradish peroxidase using a detector based on a solid-state nanopore.

This work demonstrates the use of a solid-state nanopore detector to monitor the activity of a single molecule of a model enzyme, horseradish peroxidase (HRP). This detector includes a measuring cell, which is divided into cis- and trans- chambers by a silicon nitride chip (SiN structure) with a nanopore of 5 nm in diameter. To entrap a single HRP molecule into the nanopore, an electrode had been placed into the cis-chamber; HRP solution was added into this chamber after application of a negative voltage.

Microfluidics-Driven Dripping Technique for Fabricating Polymer Microspheres Doped with AgInS/ZnS Quantum Dots.

Fluorescent microspheres are at the forefront of biosensing technologies. They can be used for a wide range of biomedical applications. They consist of organic dyes and polymers, which are relatively immune to photobleaching and other environmental factors.

Large Enhancement of Photoluminescence Obtained in Thin Polyfluorene Films of Optimized Microstructure.

There is a clearly demonstrated relationship between the microstructure, processing and resulting optoelectronic properties of conjugated polymers. Here, we exploited this relationship by exposing polyfluorene thin films to various solvent vapors via confined-solvent vapor annealing to optimize their microstructure, with the final goal being to enhance their emission properties. Our results have demonstrated enlargements in photoluminescence intensity of up to 270%, 258% and 240% when thin films of polyfluorenes of average molecular weights of 105,491 g/mol, 63,114 g/mol and 14,000 g/mol, respectively, experienced increases in their -phase fractions upon processing.

Assessing microbiological and heavy metal pollution in surface waters associated with potential human health risk assessment at fish ingestion exposure.

Fish represent a significant source of nutrients but also cause negative health effects due to their bioaccumulation capacity for pollutants. The aim of this study was to examine the transfer of metals from the water of several rivers (Somes, Tisa, Sasar, Lapus, Lăpusel) to fish (Caras sp) tissue (subcutaneous fat, muscles, liver, intestines, kidneys, gills, brain, and eyes) and to identify and assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), Cooper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr) and Zinc (Zn) through the ingestion of fish (muscles and subcutaneous fat tissues). The obtained results indicated that a diet consisting of fish is particularly vulnerable, particularly in children compared to adults.

Recent Advances in the Determination of Major and Trace Elements in Plants Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry.

Interest in measuring major and trace elements in plants has increased in recent years because of growing concerns about the elements' contribution to daily intakes or the health risks posed by ingesting vegetables contaminated by potentially toxic elements. The recent advances in using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to measure major and trace elements in plant samples are reviewed in the present work. The sample preparation before instrumental determination and the main advantages and limitations of ICP-OES are described.

Validation of microwave acid digestion, diffusive gradients in thin-film preconcentration and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry methodology for the determination of REEs in natural zeolites.

The determination of rare earth element (REE) content in different natural minerals is of high interest due to their extensive use in modern and sustainable technologies. The REEs occurring in natural zeolites are specific to each deposit. This study presents the validation and evaluation of the measurement uncertainty for the determination of REEs (Ce, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, La, Lu, Nd, Pr, Sm, Y, and Yb) in natural zeolites using microwave-assisted acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after diffusive gradients in thin-film preconcentration.

Evaluation of Alternative Sources of Proteins and Other Nutrients with Potential Applications in Fish Nutrition.

The European Union's (EU) agricultural self-sufficiency is challenged by its reliance on imported plant proteins, particularly soy from the Americas, contributing to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing the EU's protein deficit, this study evaluates alternative protein sources for aquaculture, focusing on their nutritional value, elemental content, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Protein flours from gastropods (, , ) and their hepatopancreas, along with plant-based proteins from food industry by-products (oilcakes, coffee grounds, spent brewer's yeast), were analyzed.