Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the hidden EF-hand of EF-SAM as a possible key thermal sensor for STIM1 activation by temperature.

Intracellular calcium signaling is essential for many cellular processes, including store-operated Ca entry (SOCE), which is initiated by stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) detecting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca depletion. STIM1 is also activated by temperature independent of ER Ca depletion. Here we provide evidence, from advanced molecular dynamics simulations, that EF-SAM may act as a true temperature sensor for STIM1, with the prompt and extended unfolding of the hidden EF-hand subdomain (hEF) even at slightly elevated temperatures, exposing a highly conserved hydrophobic Phe108.

A Multicenter Cohort Study Evaluating the Teratogenic Effects of Isotretinoin on Neonates.

(1) Background: Isotretinoin (ISO) is a systemic retinoid known for its teratogenic effects on embryos and fetuses. The aim of this study was to compare the pregnancy outcomes of women who were exposed to isotretinoin with those of women without such exposure from a teratogenic point of view. (2) Methods: A total of 1459 female patients from three clinical hospitals in Poland and Romania, segregated into two groups depending on their ISO exposure, were evaluated between January and December 2019.

Investigation of a biosystem based on Arthrospira platensis for air revitalisation in spacecrafts: Performance evaluation through response surface methodology.

Arthrospira platensis is featured as a promising microalgae candidate for the development of the biosystems for air revitalisation in spacecrafts and life support in space. An enhanced configuration of a sparged type photobioreactor (PBR), containing 5 L of A. platensis culture, which was equipped with an external LED lighting tube around the reactor, was used in this study.

On the Charge-Transfer Excitations in Azobenzene Maleimide Compounds: A Theoretical Study.

Photoswitchable systems with charge-transfer (CT) transitions have gained much attention during the recent years because of their many emerging applications. CT transitions themselves are of fundamental importance from physical, chemical, engineering, and molecular modeling points of view because they depend on the modified intramolecular electronic structure. CT transitions in azobenzene (AB) were observed when substituted with the maleimide (MI) functional group.

In vitro and in vivo behavior of ketoprofen intercalated into layered double hydroxides.

Ketoprofen (Ket) was intercalated into layered double hydroxides (ZnAlLDH and MgAlLDH) using the ionic exchange method. The drug intercalation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR spectroscopy. Ket release from the inorganic matrix was studied at pH 7.

Biocompatibilizing possibilities of some vinylic functionalized structures.

The paper presents a study concerning the capacity of albumin coupling by conventional method and through a procedure in the magnetic field presence onto pre-formed vinylic matrices in order to obtain biocompatible structure. The increase of the coupling yield of the protein structure onto functionalized polymeric matrix via acetylation with acidic halogenic chlorides was evidenced, too.

Synthesis and characterization of a hydrogel with therapeutic applications.

The study presents the synthesis of an acrylamide polymeric hydrogel in aqueous solution by copolymerization concomitant with a crosslinking process using a bifunctional co-monomer with a redox initiation system--potassium peroxo-disulphate/ascorbic acid. The swelling kinetics as well the characterization of structure through optical microscopy was performed. The synthesized polymeric gel shows temperature sensitivity, maintaining low temperatures for a prolonged period of time.