Using the Radial Distribution Function to Analyze Atomic Force Microscopy Images of Colloidal Systems.

Biomacromolecules generally exist and function in aqueous media. Is it possible to estimate the state and properties of molecules in an initial three-dimensional colloidal solution based on the structure properties of biomolecules adsorbed on the two-dimensional surface? Using atomic force microscopy to study nanosized objects requires their immobilization on a surface. Particles undergoing Brownian motion in a solution significantly reduce their velocity near the surface and become completely immobilized upon drying.

You Win Some, You Lose Some: Modifying the Molecular Periphery of Nitrofuran-Tagged Diazaspirooctane Reshapes Its Antibacterial Activity Profile.

The use of the concept of privileged structures significantly accelerates the search for new leads and their optimization. 6-(methylsulfonyl)-8-(4-methyl-4-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-2-(5-nitro-2-furoyl)-2,6-diazaspiro[3.4]octane has been identified as a lead, with MICs of 0.

Comparative Genomic Analysis Reveals Key Changes in the Genome of That Occurred During Classical Strain Improvement for Production of Antibiotic Cephalosporin C.

From the 1950s to the present, the main tool for obtaining fungal industrial producers of secondary metabolites remains the so-called classical strain improvement (CSI) methods associated with multi-round random mutagenesis and screening for the level of target products. As a result of the application of such techniques, the yield of target secondary metabolites in high-yielding (HY) strains was increased hundreds of times compared to the wild-type (WT) parental strains. However, the events that occur at the molecular level during CSI programs are still unknown.

Two Novel Mouse Models of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy with Similar Dmd Exon 51 Frameshift Mutations and Varied Phenotype Severity.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked genetic disorder caused by an array of mutations in the dystrophin gene, with the most commonly mutated regions being exons 48-55. One of the several existing approaches to treat DMD is gene therapy, based on alternative splicing and mutant exon skipping. Testing of such therapy requires animal models that carry mutations homologous to those found in human patients.

Inhibitory Activity of - and -Functionalized Monoterpene Diols Towards Monoamine Oxidases A and B.

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors are widely used as part of combination drug therapy for Parkinson's disease. As demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, the monoterpenoid Prottremine and some of its derivatives exhibit high antiparkinsonian activity. In this study, the inhibitory activity of Prottremine and its derivatives (including 14 new 9-- and -derivatives) against MAO-A and MAO-B enzymes has been investigated for the first time.

Alpinetin Exhibits Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in C57BL/6 Mice with Alcoholic Liver Disease Induced by the Lieber-DeCarli Ethanol Liquid Diet.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a common non-communicable chronic liver disease characterized by a spectrum of conditions ranging from steatosis and alcohol-associated steatohepatitis (AH) to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathogenesis of ALD involves a complex interplay of various molecular, biochemical, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. While the mechanisms are well studied, therapeutic options remain limited.

Domain Mobility in the ORF2p Complex Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Big Data Analysis.

ORF2p (open reading frame 2 protein) is a multifunctional multidomain enzyme that demonstrates both reverse transcriptase and endonuclease activities and is associated with the pathophysiology of cancer. The 3D structure of the entire seven-domain ORF2p complex was revealed with the recent achievements in structural studies. The different arrangements of the CTD (carboxy-terminal domain) and tower domains were identified as the "closed-ring" and "open-ring" conformations, which differed by the hairpin position of the tower domain, but the structural diversity of these complexes has the potential to be more extensive.

Synthesis of New Promising BNCT Agents Based on Conjugates of -Dodecaborate Anion and Aliphatic Diamino Acids.

In this work, a series of boronated amidines based on the -dodecaborate anion and amino acids containing an amino group in the side chain of the general formula [BHNHC(NH(CH)CH(NH)COOH)CH], where n = 2, 3, 4, were synthesized. These derivatives contain conserved α-amino and α-carboxyl groups recognized by the binding centers of the large neutral amino acid transporter (LAT) system, which serves as a target for the clinically applied BNCT agent para-boronophenylalanine (BPA). The paper describes several approaches to synthesizing the target compounds, their acute toxicity studies, and tumor uptake studies in vivo in two tumor models.

Unusual Genomic and Biochemical Features of sp. nov-A Novel Bacterial Species Isolated from Anthill Soil.

The black garden ant () is a widely distributed species across Europe, North America, and North Africa, playing a pivotal role in ecological processes within its diverse habitats. However, the microbiome associated with remains poorly investigated. In the present study, we isolated a novel species, , from the soil of the anthill.

Role Assessment of Water-Soluble Pharmaceutical Form of Phosphatidylcholine on the Catalytic Activity of Cytochrome P450 2C9 and 2D6.

This study aimed to investigate whether the water-soluble pharmaceutical form of phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles (wPC) stimulated the catalytic activity of CYP enzymes 2C9 and 2D6. We have shown that electroenzymatic CYP2C9 catalysis to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen as a substrate was enhanced from 100% to 155% in the presence of wPC in media. Electroenzymatic CYP2D6 activity in the presence of the adrenoceptor-blocking agent bisoprolol as a substrate was elevated significantly from 100% to 144% when wPC was added to potassium phosphate buffer solution.

Creation of Long-Term Physical Stability of Amorphous Solid Dispersions N-Butyl-N-methyl-1-phenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-3-carboxamide, Resistant to Recrystallization Caused by Exposure to Moisture.

Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) technology is often used as a promising strategy to improve the solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). ASDs allow APIs to be dispersed at the molecular level in a polymer carrier, destroying the crystalline structure of the APIs and, thanks to the polymer, providing long-term supersaturation in solution. However, stability issues are an obstacle to the development of new medications with ASD.

Current Strategies in Developing Antibacterial Surfaces for Joint Arthroplasty Implant Applications.

Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) remain a significant challenge, occurring in 1% to 2% of joint arthroplasties and potentially leading to a 20% to 30% mortality rate within 5 years. The primary pathogens responsible for PJIs include Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Gram-negative bacteria, typically treated with intravenous antibiotic drugs. However, this conventional approach fails to effectively eradicate biofilms or the microbial burden in affected tissues.

The Effect of Particle-Matrix Interface on the Local Mechanical Properties of Filled Polymer Composites: Simulations and Theoretical Analysis.

A finite element model of the local mechanical response of a filled polymer composite to uniaxial compression is presented. The interfacial layer between filler particles and polymer matrix is explicitly modeled as a third phase of the composite. Unit cells containing one or several anisometric filler particles surrounded by interface shells are considered.

Optical Methods for Determining the Phagocytic Activity Profile of CD206-Positive Macrophages Extracted from Bronchoalveolar Lavage by Specific Mannosylated Polymeric Ligands.

Macrophage (Mph) polarization and functional activity play an important role in the development of inflammatory lung conditions. The previously widely used bimodal classification of Mph into M1 and M2 does not adequately reflect the full range of changes in polarization and functional diversity observed in Mph in response to various stimuli and disease states. Here, we have developed a model for the direct assessment of Mph from bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) functional alterations, in terms of phagocytosis activity, depending on external stimuli, such as exposure to a range of bacteria (, and ).

Advances in Electrically and Thermally Conductive Functional Nanocomposites Based on Carbon Nanotubes.

The paper presents a review of CNTs synthesis methods and their application as a functional filler to obtain polymer composites for various technical purposes for strain gauges, electrical heating, anti-static coatings, electrically conductive compounds, etc. Various synthesis methods allow CNTs with different morphology and structural properties to be created, which expands the possibilities of the application of such nanoscale structures. Polymers can provide such effects as 'shape memory' and self-repair of mechanical defects.

Redox-Active Water-Soluble Low-Weight and Polymer-Based Anolytes Containing Tetrazine Groups: Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization.

Polymer-based aqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs) are attracting increasing attention as a promising next-generation energy storage technology due to their potential for low cost and environmental friendliness. The search for new redox-active organic compounds for incorporation into polymer materials is ongoing, with anolyte-type compounds in high demand. In response to this need, we have synthesized and tested a range of new water-soluble redox-active s-tetrazine derivatives, including both low molecular weight compounds and polymers with different architectures.

Increasing the Permeability of Polyphenylene Sulfone Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration Membranes by Switching the Polymer End Groups.

The influence of the molecular weight and chemical structure of polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU) end groups on the formation of the porous structure of ultrafiltration (UF) hollow fiber membranes was investigated. Polymers with a molecular weight ranging from 67 to 81 kg/mol and with a hydroxyl-to-chlorine end group ratio ranging from 0.43 to 17.

Liquid-Gas Phase Transition Actuator: Rejuvenation Procedure Extended and Open-Air Performance.

To achieve the actuation of silicone-based foamed composites, a liquid-gas phase transition of the liquid captured in its pores is employed. The uncertainty of key parameters for a single or sequential open-air performance of such soft actuators limits their application. To define the main characteristics of the composites, in this work, two functions of the liquid there were separated: the pore-forming agent (FPA) and working liquid (WL).

Near-Infrared Responsive Composites of Poly-3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene with Fullerene Derivatives.

Electrochemical polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene in the presence of water-soluble fullerene derivatives was investigated. The electronic structure, morphology, spectroelectrochemical, electrochemical properties and near-IR photoconductivity of composite films of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with fullerenes were studied for the first time. It was shown that fullerene with hydroxyl groups creates favorable conditions for the formation of PEDOT chains and more effectively compensates for the positive charges on the PEDOT chains.

Response of Pedunculate Oak ( L.) to Adverse Environmental Conditions in Genetic and Dendrochronological Studies.

Pedunculate oak ( L.) is widely distributed across Europe and serves critical ecological, economic, and recreational functions. Investigating its responses to stressors such as drought, extreme temperatures, pests, and pathogens provides valuable insights into its capacity to adapt to climate change.

Wood-Inhabiting Nematode, sp. n. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) from David Elm, with Molecular Phylogeny of the Genus Based on Partial Mitochondrial Genomes.

A new nematode species, sp. n. is described in the bark beetle-elm tree association ( and var.

Multilateral Use of Dandelion in Folk Medicine of Central-Eastern Europe.

Background: Dandelion ( sect. , also referred to as F.H.

Viroids and Retrozymes: Plant Circular RNAs Capable of Autonomous Replication.

Among the long non-coding RNAs that are currently recognized as important regulatory molecules influencing a plethora of processes in eukaryotic cells, circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a distinct class of RNAs that are predominantly produced by back-splicing of pre-mRNA. The most studied regulatory mechanisms involving circRNAs are acting as miRNA sponges, forming R-loops with genomic DNA, and encoding functional proteins. In addition to circRNAs generated by back-splicing, two types of circRNAs capable of autonomous RNA-RNA replication and systemic transport have been described in plants: viroids, which are infectious RNAs that cause a number of plant diseases, and retrozymes, which are transcripts of retrotransposon genomic loci that are capable of circularization due to ribozymes.

Genetic Diversity of the Collection of Far Eastern spp. Revealed by RAD Sequencing Technology.

More than ten species of the Lindl. genus bear edible fruits rich in biologically active compounds, which are essential and beneficial for human health. The most popular cultivars today are the large-fruited species, and , commonly known as kiwi.

Artemisinin Stimulates Neuronal Cell Viability and Possess a Neuroprotective Effect In Vitro.

Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone derived from the plant L., renowned for its antimalarial activity. Based on this compound, various derivatives and analogues have been obtained that exhibit diverse biological activities, including clinically approved drugs.