A comparative study of structural and catalytic activity alterations in firefly luciferase induced by carbon quantum dots containing amine and carboxyl functional groups

Despite of growing interest in use of carbon-based nanomaterials as carriers of functional proteins, less attention has been paid to the effects of these nanomaterials on the structure and function of the proteins. In this study, with the aim of shedding light on the mechanisms of interaction between carbon-based nanomaterials and proteins, the interactions of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) containing amine (CQD-NH2) or carboxyl groups (CQD-COOH) with Photinus pyralis firefly luciferase enzyme were investigated by experimental and computational approaches. The structural changes and reduction in activity of the luciferase upon treatment with CQDs were experimentally proved. CQD-NH2 induced more reduction in enzyme activity (15 %) compared to CQD-COOH (7.4 %). The interactions CQD-NH2 with luciferase led to higher affinity of the enzyme for its substrate. It was found by molecular dynamic simulations that CQD-NH2 binds to multiple regions on the surface of luciferase. Secondary structure analysis showed that CQD-NH2 had more profound effects on the active site amino acids, the adjacent amino acids to the active site and the residues involved in ATP binding site. In addition, CQD-NH2 interactions with luciferase were suggested to be stronger than CQD-COOH based on the number of hydrogen bonds and the binding energies.

Photocatalytic removal of imidacloprid pesticide from wastewater using CdS QDs passivated by CQDs containing thiol groups

Over the past decade, CdS QDs have become versatile semiconductors. Surface modification of CdS QDs has become an interesting case study, as it can eliminate surface defects and improve their photochemical properties. In this study, we report a new strategy of using carbon quantum dots containing a large number of thiol groups (CQDs-SH) as a passivating agent for the stabilization of CdS quantum dots (QDs). Various characterization techniques have clearly revealed that the CdS QDs have been successfully passivated by CQDs-SH. The photocatalytic performance of CQDs-SH/CdS QDs was investigated for the degradation of the insecticide imidacloprid from an aqueous solution. Parameters affecting the photodegradation process, including the light source, photocatalyst amount, initial concentration of the pollutant, radiation time, pH, oxidizing agent, and temperature, were investigated. Furthermore, the HPLC technique was applied to quantitatively analyze imidacloprid and its degradation products. The results of the HPLC analysis revealed that under simulated visible light at pH 9, imidacloprid scarcely existed after 90 min of irradiation (90.13% degradation). The LC-MS method was also used to detect the degradation products and investigate the mechanism of photodegradation of the pesticide. The results showed that the CQDs-SH/CdS QDs composite was a promising photocatalyst for the degradation of imidacloprid in wastewater.

Palladium-based pseudohomogeneous catalyst for highly selective aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols to aldehydes

This study presents a novel class of pseudohomogeneous catalysts (PHC) based on carbon quantum dots functionalized with terpyridine ligands (CQDs-Tpy) to immobilize and stabilize palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs). Extensive characterization techniques clearly confirmed the successful stabilization of Pd NPs on CQDs-Tpy. The effectiveness of the catalyst was demonstrated in the selective aerobic oxidation of primary and secondary of benzylic alcohols to aldehydes in the absence of additives and phase transfer catalyst (PTC). Remarkably, the reactions predominantly yielded aldehydes without further oxidation to carboxylic acids. By employing low catalyst loadings (0.13 mol%), high conversions (up to 89%) and excellent selectivity (> 99%) of the aldehyde derivatives were achieved. Moreover, the CQDs-Tpy/Pd NPs catalyst displayed suitable catalytic activity and recyclability, offering potential economic advantages. This promising approach opens up new opportunities in the field of catalysis for designing subnanometric metal-based PHCs.

Chiral Pseudohomogeneous Catalyst Based on Amphiphilic Carbon Quantum Dots for the Enantioselective Kharasch-Sosnovsky Reaction

The term "chiral pseudohomogeneous catalyst (PHC)" denotes a novel concept that characterizes subnanometric particles exhibiting atomic-level chirality. The PHC based on chiral amphiphilic carbon quantum dots possesses distinctive features that combine the strengths of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, thereby heralding a significant breakthrough in the fields of asymmetric synthesis and medicinal chemistry. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first and the only reported research of a chiral PHC that demonstrates exceptional performance in controlling the enantioselectivity of the Kharasch-Sosnovsky reaction, yielding the corresponding products in high conversion (95%) with a moderate enantiomeric excess (75%). Notably, the chiral information on l-tryptophan can be effectively transferred from the outer shell of the nanosized catalyst, thereby inducing enantioselectivity in C-H activation and subsequent C-O forming events. Additionally, we have investigated the impact of various factors on the allylic oxidation reaction, including the amount, diversity, and hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of the catalyst, as well as the influence of the solvent, Cu salts, temperature, and the type of alkene and perester, in order to comprehensively explore the reaction conditions. Furthermore, the catalyst can be readily recycled from the reaction medium, making this PHC a promising innovation that can significantly impact practical applications. In summary, this breakthrough can be aptly described as a "Golden Gate" due to its unparalleled potential to open up novel avenues for research and innovation.

Analysis of Racial Disparity among U.S. Patients with Gynecologic Cancers and COVID-19 Infection

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Gynecologic cancer care has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We studied the association of racial disparity and COVID infection in the care of patients with gynecologic cancers.

MATERIALS/METHODS

To assess the association of racial disparity and COVID infection in gynecologic cancers the National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for the year 2020 for patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on COVID test result status and subsequently stratified based on race. Race/ethnicity was categorized as 1) non-Hispanic White (NHW), 2) non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and 3) Hispanic. Subjects with missing race/ethnicity information were excluded. Outcome variables were time from diagnosis to initiation of treatment (surgery, radiation therapy versus chemotherapy). Continuous and categorical variables were reported as median [interquartile range] and number [rate] and were compared using Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-Square test, respectively. Statistical software was used and the level of significance was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 36,863 subjects with newly diagnosed gynecologic cancers in 2020 underwent had available COVID testing information (4,827 with cervical, 23,935 with endometrial, and 8,101 with ovarian cancer). 31,516 (85.5%), 4,735 (12.8%), and 612 (1.7%) of the population were NHW, NHB, and Hispanic, respectively. The overall rate of COVID infection was the highest in NHB (6.9%), followed by Hispanic (5.6%) and NHW (5.4%), p < 0.001. Patients with cervical cancer had the highest rate of COVID infection (7.3%), followed by ovarian (5.6%) and endometrial (5.2%), p < 0.001. Non-Hispanic Black women with cervical cancer had the highest rate of infection (8.6%). Median time from diagnosis to first surgical procedure was highest in COVID positive NHB subjects (52 [IQR 20-91] in NHB, 41 [IQR 12-67] in NHW, and 40 [IQR 9-58] in Hispanics, p = 0.02). Median time from diagnosis to first radiation treatment was also highest in COVID positive NHB subjects (83 [IQR 29-107] in NHB, 52 [IQR 17-67] in NHW, and 39 [IQR 9-51] in Hispanics, p = 0.04). There was not racial or ethnic disparity in time from diagnosis to the first systemic therapy.

CONCLUSION

COVID pandemic has substantially impacted gynecologic cancer care in the United States and exacerbated existing healthcare disparities. Members of African American community with gynecologic cancers have been affected the most compared to other racial groups, both in terms of COVID infection rates and delays in receiving care. Further study is warranted to understand impact on long-term cancer related outcomes.

Non-Infectious Complications in B-Lymphopenic Common Variable Immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is considered the most symptomatic type of inborn errors of immunity in humans. Along with infectious complications, which have numerous consequences, non-infectious complications are also a major challenge among CVID patients.

METHODS

All registered CVID patients in the national database were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of B-cell lymphopenia. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, non-infectious organ involvements, autoimmunity, and lymphoproliferative diseases were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 387 enrolled patients, 66.4% were diagnosed with non-infectious complications; however, 33.6% had only infectious presentations. Enteropathy, autoimmunity, and lymphoproliferative disorders were reported in 35.1%, 24.3%, and 21.4% of patients, respectively. Some complications, including autoimmunity and hepatosplenomegaly, were reported to be significantly higher among patients with B-cell lymphopenia. Among organ involvement, dermatologic, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems were predominantly affected in CVID patients with B-cell lymphopenia. Among autoimmune manifestations, the frequency of rheumatologic, hematologic, and gastrointestinal autoimmunity was reported to be higher compared to other types of autoimmunity independent from the B cell-lymphopenia. Furthermore, hematological cancers, particularly lymphoma, were slightly introduced as the most common type of malignancy. Meanwhile, the mortality rate was 24.5%, and respiratory failure and malignancies were reported as the most common cause of death in our patients without significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Considering that some of the non-infectious complications might be associated with B-cell lymphopenia, therefore, regular patient monitoring and follow-up along with proper medications (besides immunoglobulins replacement therapy) are highly recommended to prevent further sequels and increase the patients' quality of life.

Screening of honey bee pollen constituents against COVID-19: an emerging hot spot in targeting SARS-CoV-2-ACE-2 interaction

The attachment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) leads the cell fusion process, so spike blockade may be a promising therapy combating COVID-19. Bee pollen bioflavonoids with intrinsic bioactivities are of outmost importance to block SARS-CoV-2-ACE-2 interaction. Herein, we conducted a molecular docking assessment through natural phenolics/non-phenolics of pollen to investigate their affinity against SARS-CoV-2 spike. Finally, kaempferol 3-neohesperidoside 7-O-rhamnoside (compound a), quercetin 7-rhamnoside (compound b), delphinidin-3-O-(6-p-coumaroyl) glucoside (compound c), and luteolin-7-O-6″-malonylglucoside (compound d) showed the lowest binding affinity of -8.1, -7.7, -7.3 and -6.7 kcal/mol. The docking procedure was validated using protein-protein interactions between ACE-2 and SARS-CoV-2 RBD via HADDOCK webserver. MD simulations were fulfilled to investigate different ligands' effects on protein movements. Collectively, compound a may possess the potency to disturb the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike-ACE-2, which can be on the call for further in vitro and in vivo study to investigate its antiviral potential against SARS-CoV-2.

Prenatal Exposure to L-Citrulline Has Positive Effects on Reflexive Motor Behavior in Newborn Mice

L-citrulline (L-cit) is a nonessential amino acid that interacts with the veracity of neurotransmitters in the brain and might have a positive effect on fetal growth. However, there is no information about the possible effect of L-cit on reflexive motor behavior. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of prenatal exposure to L-cit on reflexive motor behavior in mice offspring. Forty pregnant female mice were allocated into four groups. In the control group, mice received water, while in groups 2-4, female mice orally gavage with L-cit (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) at 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17 days of gestation (GD). Following delivery, pups were selected, and reflexive motor behaviors were determined using ambulation, hind-limb foot angle, surface righting, hind-limb strength, grip strength, front limb suspension, and negative geotaxis tests. Also, serum Nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined. Based on the findings, maternal exposure to L-cit improved ambulation score, hind-limb suspension score, grip strength, and front-limb suspension in offspring (P<0.05). Prenatal exposure to L-cit decreased surface righting, hind-limb foot angle, and negative geotaxis in offspring (P<0.05). L-cit decreased immobility time in forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and increased number of squares crossed in the open field test (OFT) and spending time on rotarod on postpartum mice (P<0.05). L-cit increased serum NO levels (P<0.05). L-cit decreased blood MDA and increased SOD and GPx levels in offspring (P<0.05). Findings revealed that L-cit improves postpartum behaviors in mice and reflexive motor in their pups.

Immobilization of modular peptides on graphene cocktail for differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells to hepatic-like cells

In this study, two novel biomimetic modular peptide motifs based on the alpha-2 subunit of type IV collagen (CO4A2) were designed and immobilized on a graphene platform to imitate integrin and heparan sulfate- (HS-) binding proteins. The in silico study was used to design 9-mer K[KGDRGD]AG and 10-mer KK[SGDRGD]AG for testing designed Integrin-Binding Peptide (dIBP) and HS-Binding Peptide (dHBP). The virtual docking technique was used to optimize the peptide motifs and their relevant receptors. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was used to evaluate the stability of peptide-receptor complexes. The effect of the platform on the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to hepatic-like cells (HLCs) was evaluated. After differentiation, some hepatic cells’ molecular markers such as albumin, AFP, CK-18, and CK-19 were successfully followed. Graphene-heparan sulfate binding peptide (G-HSBP) enhances the mature hepatic markers’ expression instead of control (p ≤ 0.05). The pathological study showed that the designed platform is safe, and no adverse effects were seen till 21 days after implantation.

O096 Does boron bioactive glass have a role in bone regeneration?

Introduction

Bioactive glasses (BGs) provide an alternative to allogenic bone grafts. Various ions can be incorporated into the BGs structure to further influence regenerative or antimicrobial properties. Boron has recently been purposed as element that can be incorporated into BGs to promote desirable cellular regenerative response. This study aims to systematically review literature to determine the level of evidence that boron bioactive glasses (BBGs) and boron can promote desirable bone regenerative responses both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

A systematic review of Web of Science was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Data collected included bone cell behavioural analysis in response to boron or BBG compared to controls. Material properties of BBG (mechanical properties, degradation rate) compared to BG were compared.

Results

A total of 105 articles were included; 98 regarding BBG, and 12 articles studying the effect of boron. A higher biodegradation rate was observed in BBG compared with silicate-based BGs. BBGs have a lower compressive strength and increased fragility, as the percentage of B203 increases. 16 articles demonstrated a positive correlation with BBG and expression of OCN, VEGF, osteopontin, and RUNX2. Overall, metabolic activity of cells up to 14 days was lower in comparison to media and silicate BG.

Conclusion

BBGs have gained increased attention in the literature but the lack of heterogeneity and paucity of data does not provide convincing evidence of the effect of boron on bone regeneration and indicates the need for further quantitative research with a standardised approach to assessment.

Take-home message

Bioactive glasses can promote regeneration of bone, however the lack of heterogeneity and paucity of data regarding boron bioactive glass indicate the need for further quantitative research and standardised approach to assessment.

Design and Preparation of Copper(II)-Mesalamine Complex Functionalized on Silica-Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles and Study of Its Catalytic Properties for Green and Multicomponent Synthesis of Highly Substituted 4H-Chromenes and Pyridines

In the present study, a green and ecofriendly nanocatalyst was synthesized through functionalization of 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TCT) and mesalamine on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), then coordination with Cu²⁺ without agglomeration, consecutively. The silica-coated MNPs functionalized with the Cu(*II)-mesalamine complex was (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@NH₂-TCT-mesalamine-Cu(II) MNPs) completely characterized by FT-IR, XRD, EDX, FESEM, TEM, VSM, TGA, and BET analyses. Afterward, the activity of the novel catalyst was investigated in the synthesis of chromene heterocycles, which were an important group of organic compounds. The activity of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@NH₂-TCT-mesalamine-Cu(II) MNPs as a high-performance heterogeneous nanocatalyst was evaluated for the synthesis of 2-amino-4-aryl-6-(phenylthio)pyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles and 2-amino-4H-chromenes via aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, and enolizable C-H acids (resorcinol, 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione, and benzenethiol) in ethanol under reflux conditions. Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-TCT-mesalamine-Cu(II) could be quickly separated using an external magnet and reused nine times without a remarkable reduction of its catalytic activity.

Ultrasound-assisted pseudohomogeneous tungstate catalyst for selective oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes

The idea of applying ultrasound (US) as a green activation method in chemical transformations, especially in catalytic alcohol oxidations, technically and ecologically appeals to chemists. In the present work, as an attempt to fulfill the idea of designing an eco-friendly system to oxidize alcoholic substrates into corresponding aldehydes, we developed multifunctional tungstate-decorated CQD base catalyst, A-CQDs/W, and examined its sonooxidation performance in presence of H₂O₂ as a green oxidant in aqua media. By comparing the catalyst performance in oxidize benzyl alcohol as a testing model to benzaldehyde (BeOH) prior and after US irradiation—trace vs 93%- the key role of ultrasonic irradiation in achieving high yield is completely appreciated. Exceptional thermal and compression condition that is created as a result of acoustic waves is in charge of unparalleled yield results in this type of activation method. The immense degree of reagent interaction in this method, ensures the maximum yield in notably low time, which in turn leads to decrease in the number of unreacted reagents and by-products. Meanwhile, the need for using toxic organic solvents and hazardous oxidants, auxiliaries and phase transfer catalyst (PTC) is completely obviated.

Magnetic Silica-Coated Picolylamine Copper Complex [Fe3O4@SiO2@GP/Picolylamine-Cu(II)]-Catalyzed Biginelli Annulation Reaction

An efficient and heterogeneous novel magnetic silica-coated picolylaminecopper complex [Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@GP/Picolylamine-Cu(II)] was synthesized, characterized, and employed as a magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst in Biginelli condensation for the preparation of biologically active 3,4-dihydropyrimidinones. Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@GP/Picolylamine-Cu(II) was synthesized easily using chemical attachment of the picolylaminecompound on Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@GP, followed by treatment with copper salt in ethanol under reflux conditions. Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@GP/Picolylamine-Cu(II) was affirmed by various analyses such as Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, vibrating-sample magnetometry, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, DLS, inductively coupled plasma, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller. The resulting catalyst system was successfully used in the Biginelli reaction through a variety of compounds such as aromatic aldehyde, urea, and ethyl acetoacetate under solvent-free conditions or ethylene glycol at 80 °C and yielded the desired products with high conversions with powerful reusability. The current approach was convenient and clean, and only 0.01 g of the catalyst could be used to perform the reaction. The easy work-up procedure, gram-scale synthesis, usage of nontoxic solvent, improved yield, short reaction times, and high durability of the catalyst are several remarkable advantages of the current approach. Also, the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@GP/Picolylamine-Cu(II) nanocatalyst could be recycled by an external magnet for eight runs with only a significant loss in the product yields.

Design of a Schiff Base Complex of Copper Coated on Epoxy-Modified Core-Shell MNPs as an Environmentally Friendly and Novel Catalyst for the One-Pot Synthesis of Various Chromene-Annulated Heterocycles

An ecofriendly inorganic-organic hybrid and novel Schiff base complex of copper coated on epoxy-modified Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs was successfully designed and prepared from readily available chemicals. In this method, a Schiff base complex as a linker is utilized to protect copper nanoparticles to the core-shell Fe3O4 exterior without agglomeration. The resulted Schiff base complex of copper coated on epoxy-modified Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs was characterized and confirmed via different analyses such as FT-IR, TGA, XRD, VSM, FE-SEM, TEM, ICP, EDX, and BET. The novel catalyst was examined for the synthesis of various chromene-annulated heterocycles through the one-pot three component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, various phenols (2-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione/resorcinol/β-naphthol), and malononitrile in ethanol at reflux conditions. This method includes important aspects like no usage of column chromatography, very short reaction times, simplicity of product isolation using ethanol, excellent yields, simple procedures, and magnetic recoverability of the catalyst. All in all, our method makes a novel and significant advancement in the synthesis of various chromene-annulated heterocycles.

In silico evaluation of COVID-19 main protease interactions with honeybee natural products for discovery of high potential antiviral compounds

This research investigates antiviral potential of extracted honeybee products against COVID-19 main protease (Mpro) by computational methods. The crystal structure of COVID-19 Mpro was obtained from the protein data bank. Six synthetic drugs with antiviral properties were used as control samples in order to compare the results with those of natural ligands. The six honeybee components, namely 3,4,5-Tricaffeoylquinic acid, Kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, (E)-2'-Geranyl-3',4',7-Trihydroxyflavanone, 6-Cinnamylchrysin, (+)-Pinoresinol, and (24E)-3-Oxo-27,28-dihydroxycycloart-24-en-26-oic acid, have represented the lowest binding energies of -9.0, -8.5, -8.2, -7.8, -7.7, -7.3 and -6.7 Kcal/mol, respectively. These natural inhibitors were then picked for further investigations on their pharmacokinetic features. Also a 150 ns of Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out in order to evaluate their effects on protein structure and dynamics. The 3, 4, 5-Tricaffeoylquinic acid is hopefully proposed for COVID-19 Mpro inhibition if further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trial studies will approve its effectiveness against COVID-19.

A pseudohomogeneous nanocarrier based on carbon quantum dots decorated with arginine as an efficient gene delivery vehicle

A pseudohomogeneous carrier as an emerging term refers to subnanometric carbon-based vehicle with a high ability to interact with genetic materials to form stable carboplex and successfully transfer them into the cell which will result in inhibiting or expressing of therapeutic genes. Chitosan is a non-toxic polyaminosaccharide used as a precursor in the presence of citric acid to produce carbon quantum dots (CQDs), which decorated with arginine as a surface passivation agent with high amine density in hydrothermal methodology. The Arginine-CQDs are comprehensively characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, fluorescence, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), zeta potential and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). In this regard, for the first time, carboplex are formed by electrostatic conjugating of Arginine-CQDs with DNA to protect it from enzymatic degradation. Moreover, the carboplex, like the chitosan precursor, has not shown toxicity against AGS cell line. Interestingly, the Arginine-CQDs have exhibited an excellent ability to overcome cell barriers to deliver into cells compared to chitosan at the same weight ratio. The Arginine-CQDs/pEGFP (W/W) nanocomplex, not only lead to transfection with a relatively higher efficiency than PEI polymer, which is the "golden standard", but carboplex also demonstrates no significant toxicity. Indeed, the EGFP expression level has reached to 2.4 ± 0.2 via Arginine-CQDs carboplex at W/W 50 weight ratio. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report includes chitosan-based CQDs functionalized by arginine which is applied to serve as a pseudohomogeneous vehicle for gene transfection.

Addition of milk to coffee beverages; the effect on functional, nutritional, and sensorial properties

To date, there exists a debate on the effect of milk added to coffee infusions/beverages concerning the nutritional quality of coffee and the functional properties of its phenolic compounds. Yet, the full nutritional quality and functional properties of a coffee beverage without a significant negative impact on its sensorial profile are highly desired by the consumers. Negative/masking, positive, and neutral effects of milk on the antioxidant activity and bioavailability of coffee phenolics (particularly, chlorogenic acids) have been reported. Some potential factors including the type and amount of milk added, type of coffee beverage, the composition of both milk (protein and fat) and coffee (phenolic compounds), preparation method, assays used to measure antioxidant properties, and sampling size may account for the various reported findings. Interactions between phenolic compounds in coffee and milk proteins could account as the main responsible aspect for the reported masking/negative impact of milk on the antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility/bioavailability of coffee bioactives. However, considering the interactions between milk components and coffee phenolics, which result in the loss of their functionality, the role of milk fat globules and the milk fat globule membrane can also be crucial, but this has not been addressed in the literature so far.HighlightsIn most cases, milk is added to the coffee beverages in several various ways.Effect of milk on the nutritional/functional properties of coffee is controversial.Enough evidence suggests negative effects of milk addition on properties of coffee.Interactions of coffee phenolics and milk proteins could account as the main aspect.The role of milk fat globules and milk fat globule membrane may also be crucial.

Amphiphilic Carbon Quantum Dots as a Bridge to a Pseudohomogeneous Catalyst for Selective Oxidative Cracking of Alkenes to Aldehydes: A Nonmetallic Oxidation System

The oxidative cleavage of alkenes to the corresponding aldehydes using new amphiphilic carbon quantum dots (A-CQDs) as a pseudohomogeneous carbocatalyst is achieved for the first time through green and sustainable chemical processes. In this work, we successfully design a recyclable pseudohomogeneous catalyst based on A-CQDs, which is decorated with 1-aminopropyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride and stearic acid. The functionalization is conducted to introduce a hydrophilic/hydrophobic functionality on the surface of the catalyst to achieve high catalyst availability in polar and nonpolar media with the green goal of eliminating organic (co)solvents and additives. This amphiphilic carbocatalyst provides high mass transferability to the biphasic system, which is beneficial to promoting the oxidative cracking of a variety of olefins into corresponding aldehydes with a substrate/A-CQD ratio of 150. Around 87% of the substrates are converted to the related aldehydes using the carbocatalyst in the presence of H₂O₂, in pure water, without using a phase-transfer catalyst or any additives and organic solvents, which is comparable with the current metal-based cleavage systems. Surprisingly, A-CQDs exhibit high catalytic activity for the scission of electron-deficient C═C bond of coumarin derivatives, accompanied by the cleavage of C-O bonds to produce the corresponding salicylaldehyde derivatives without overoxidation to acid. As a brief conclusion, A-CQDs exhibit high conversion efficiency without significant loss of activity even after six catalytic cycles. The conversion of alkenes into aldehydes is fast and high-throughput without overoxidation to acids and is accompanied by excellent solubility and stability in various solvents. Moreover, the product and the catalyst are recoverable from the reaction medium by simple extraction. So, this pseudohomogeneous carbocatalyst promises new horizons in imminent "catalytic age". All in all, this paper provides a significant and novel advancement in carbocatalyst chemistry.

Zeffiro User Interface for Electromagnetic Brain Imaging: a GPU Accelerated FEM Tool for Forward and Inverse Computations in Matlab

This article introduces the Zeffiro interface (ZI) version 2.2 for brain imaging. ZI aims to provide a simple, accessible and multimodal open source platform for finite element method (FEM) based and graphics processing unit (GPU) accelerated forward and inverse computations in the Matlab environment. It allows one to (1) generate a given multi-compartment head model, (2) to evaluate a lead field matrix as well as (3) to invert and analyze a given set of measurements. GPU acceleration is applied in each of the processing stages (1)-(3). In its current configuration, ZI includes forward solvers for electro-/magnetoencephalography (EEG) and linearized electrical impedance tomography (EIT) as well as a set of inverse solvers based on the hierarchical Bayesian model (HBM). We report the results of EEG and EIT inversion tests performed with real and synthetic data, respectively, and demonstrate numerically how the inversion parameters affect the EEG inversion outcome in HBM. The GPU acceleration was found to be essential in the generation of the FE mesh and the LF matrix in order to achieve a reasonable computing time. The code package can be extended in the future based on the directions given in this article.

Randomized Multiresolution Scanning in Focal and Fast E/MEG Sensing of Brain Activity with a Variable Depth

We focus on electro-/magnetoencephalography imaging of the neural activity and, in particular, finding a robust estimate for the primary current distribution via the hierarchical Bayesian model (HBM). Our aim is to develop a reasonably fast maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation technique which would be applicable for both superficial and deep areas without specific a priori knowledge of the number or location of the activity. To enable source distinguishability for any depth, we introduce a randomized multiresolution scanning (RAMUS) approach in which the MAP estimate of the brain activity is varied during the reconstruction process. RAMUS aims to provide a robust and accurate imaging outcome for the whole brain, while maintaining the computational cost on an appropriate level. The inverse gamma (IG) distribution is applied as the primary hyperprior in order to achieve an optimal performance for the deep part of the brain. In this proof-of-the-concept study, we consider the detection of simultaneous thalamic and somatosensory activity via numerically simulated data modeling the 14-20 ms post-stimulus somatosensory evoked potential and field response to electrical wrist stimulation. Both a spherical and realistic model are utilized to analyze the source reconstruction discrepancies. In the numerically examined case, RAMUS was observed to enhance the visibility of deep components and also marginalizing the random effects of the discretization and optimization without a remarkable computation cost. A robust and accurate MAP estimate for the primary current density was obtained in both superficial and deep parts of the brain.

Sophisticated polycaprolactone/gelatin nanofibrous nerve guided conduit containing platelet-rich plasma and citicoline for peripheral nerve regeneration: In vitro and in vivo study

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a devastating condition that may result in loss of sensory function, motor function, or both. In the present study, we construct an electrospun nerve guide conduit (NGC) based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin filled with citicoline bearing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel as a treatment for PNI. The NGCs fabricated from PCL/Gel polymeric blend using the electrospinning technique. The characterizations demonstrated that the fabricated nanofibers were straight with the diameter of 708 ± 476 nm, the water contact angle of 78.30 ± 2.52°, the weight loss of 41.60 ± 6.94% during 60 days, the tensile strength of 5.31 ± 0.97 MPa, and the young's modulus of 3.47 ± 0.10 GPa. The in vitro studies revealed that the PCL/Gel/PRP/Citi NGC was biocompatible and hemocompatible. The in vivo studies conducted on sciatic nerve injury in rats showed that the implantation of PCL/Gel/PRP/Citi NGC induced regeneration of nerve tissue, demonstrated with histopathological assessments. Moreover, the sciatic function index (SFI) value of -30.3 ± 3.5 and hot plate latency time of 6.10 ± 1.10 s revealed that the PCL/Gel/PRP/Citi NGCs recovered motor and sensory functions. Our findings implied that the fabricated NGC exhibited promising physicochemical and biological activates favorable for PNI treatment.

Interleukin-23 receptor gene polymorphisms in Iranian patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Considering the possible roles of interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) gene in the pathogenesis of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), the objective of this study was to elucidate whether polymorphisms of the IL23R are associated with susceptibility to JSLE in an Iranian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case-control study on 62 patients with JSLE and 78 healthy controls was performed to investigate the associations of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-23R gene, namely, rs7517847, rs10489629, rs11209026, and rs1343151, with susceptibility to JSLE, using real-time polymerase chain reaction Taqman genotyping technique.

RESULTS

Analysis of allele and genotype frequency of four selected SNPs revealed statistically significant positive association between homozygous variant of rs7517847 (TT) (P, 0.02) and T allele at the same position (P, 0.01) with JSLE vulnerability. There was no significant association between other evaluated SNPs and JSLE susceptibility.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that particular IL-23R gene variants could affect individual susceptibility to JSLE.

A novel bio-inspired conductive, biocompatible, and adhesive terpolymer based on polyaniline, polydopamine, and polylactide as scaffolding biomaterial for tissue engineering application

A novel electrically conductive nanofibrous scaffold based on polyaniline-co-(polydopamine-grafted-poly(d,l-lactide)) [PANI-co-(PDA-g-PLA)] was fabricated using electrospinning technique and its physicochemical as well as biological characteristics toward bone tissue engineering (TE) were investigated extensively. In detail, PANI-co-PDA was synthesized via a one-step chemical oxidization approach. Then, d,l-lactaide monomer was grafted onto PDA segment using a ring opening polymerization (ROP) to afford PANI-co-(PDA-g-PLA) terpolymer. The successful synthesis of PANI-co-(PDA-g-PLA) terpolymer was confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy as well as TGA analysis. Finally, a solution of the synthesized terpolymer was electrospun to fabricate a conductive nanofibrous scaffold. Some physicochemical features such as mechanical, conductivity, electroactivity, hydrophobicity, and morphology as well as biological characteristics including biocompatibility, biodegradability, as well as enhancing the cells adhesion and proliferation were investigated. According to the above-mentioned experimental results, the fabricated electrospun nanofibers can be considered as a potential scaffold for TE application, mainly due to its proper physicochemical and biological properties.

Targeted Development of Sustainable Green Catalysts for Oxidation of Alcohols via Tungstate-Decorated Multifunctional Amphiphilic Carbon Quantum Dots

Achieving green and sustainable chemical processes by replacing organic solvents with water has always been one of the green chemistry goals and a challenging topic for chemists. However, the poor solubility of organic materials is a major limitation to achieving this goal, especially in alcohol oxidation. In this contribution, the development and design of amphiphilic catalysts via abundant, safe, cheaper, and more biocompatible sources have received notable attention. To this purpose, herein, our group successfully synthesized a new multifunctional amphiphilic carbon quantum dot (CQD) composed of 1-aminopropyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride ([APMim][Cl]), dodecylamine (DDA), and citric acid (CA) (denoted as CQDs@DDA-IL/Cl) using a one-pot hydrothermal route. The CQDs@DDA-IL/Cl was then utilized as an amphiphilic stabilizer for anchoring tungsten ions using an anion-exchange method (marked as CQDs@DDA-IL/W). The CQDs@DDA-IL/W as a reusable catalyst selectivity mediated the oxidation of alcoholic substrates with stoichiometric H₂O₂ in water solvent. The extraordinary performance of our catalyst was attributable to the coexistence of ionic liquid (IL) and DDA upon the surface of the CQDs@DDA-IL/W, which plays a main duty in the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance, and significantly increase the catalyst compatibility in the aqueous medium with the purpose of removing organic solvents. As a result, the great mass transfer occurs in the two-phase medium using this amphiphilic nanocatalyst without any phase transfer catalyst (PTC) or other additives. The 100% selectivity, excellent turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF), high yield, almost complete and fast conversion of alcohol to the desired aldehydes and ketones without more oxidation, and easy and no-trouble isolation of product and catalyst are outstanding features of this catalytic system.

Gill lesions and mortality in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) with a dense bloom of Heterosigma-like algae in Khuzestan province

BACKGROUND

Widespread common carp (Cyprinus carpio) mortalities have been recorded in Khuzestan province fish farms in recent years. In summer of 2017 two cases of harmful algal bloom were encountered that led to massive mortality in common carp in Khuzestan, Iran.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to identify the possible etiologic agent of two mortalities with characteristic symptoms of gill lesions due to harmful algae.

METHODS

Water samples were collected and 5 moribund fishes were examined by histophatologic, scanning electron microscopic and PCR examination.

RESULTS

In wet smear preparations, a lot of algal cells and fragments, and sloughed, necrotic epithelial cells were observed between the lamellae. In histopathologic examination of gills, hyperplasia, necrosis and algal cells surrounded by hyperplastic cells were seen in tissue sections. No inflammatory cell aggregation was noticed. In scanning electron microscopic examination the algae was found attached to the gill surface (cell diameter: 8.5 ± 4.2 µm) with 2 equal flagella.

CONCLUSION

Phytoplankton analysis using direct microscopy and electron microscopy, morphologically resembling Heterosigma was identified, however, in PCR tests, Heterosigma analysis showed negative results, therefore the causative agent was called "Heterosigma-like" algae.

Prevalence of metallo‑beta‑lactamase producing Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from intensive care unit in tertiary care hospitals

INTRODUCTION

The emergence of Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing Acinetobacter baumannii has become a global concern in nosocomial infections. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of MBL producing genes among clinical isolates of A. baumannii from hospitalized patients.

METHODS

This study was performed from October 2015 to October 2016 at three teaching hospitals located in Isfahan, Iran. Totally, 100 A-baumannii isolates were collected from clinical specimens and identified as A-baumannii using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was determined by disc diffusion method according to the CLSI. Furthermore, the determination of bla _IMP-1, bla _IMP-2, bla _VIM-1, bla _VIM-2and bla _SIM-1 was detected by PCR.

RESULTS

Totally, Sixty-eight percent (68%) of isolates of A. baumannii were recovered from tracheal aspirate. According to the antibiotic susceptibility pattern, the highest level of resistance was against ciprofloxacin (99%), while among tested antibiotics amikacin (10%) was found to be the most effective. 21%, 4%, 7% and 6% isolates carried bla _IMP-1, bla _IMP-2, bla _VIM-1 and bla _VIM-2 genes, respectively. Also, bla _SIM-1 was not detected in any of the isolates.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed high rate of the MBL producing A-baumannii isolates in our region and displayed that MBLs producing A-baumannii strains are emerging threats to ICUs.

Association of NLRP3 single nucleotide polymorphisms with ulcerative colitis: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic inflammation episodes within mucosal layer of the intestine mostly affecting colon and rectum. As the role of innate immunity in pathogenesis of disease and important role of NLRP3, the aim of this study is to investigate the association of NLRP3 SNPs with UC in Iranian patients.

METHODS

Blood samples from 45 UC patients and 56 healthy subjects were tested for single nucleotide polymorphisms in rs10754558, rs3806265, rs4612666, and rs35829419 of NLRP3 gene, using real-time PCR method.

RESULTS

Among the investigated SNPs, "GG" genotype of rs10754558 have been 2.48 times more common among UC patients (P=0.04), while "CG" genotype has indicated protective effect against UC, as more frequently found in healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION

Despite no significant association between three investigated SNPs and disease, "GG" and "CG" genotypes of rs10754558 have been significantly associated with disease.

Decline in peripheral blood NKG2D+CD3+CD56+ NKT cells in metastatic colorectal cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the main causes of cancer deaths in the world. This cancer can be divided into non-metastatic and metastatic CRC stages. CD3+CD56+ NKT cell subsets are a minor T cell subset in peripheral blood and conduct the killing of tumor cells in direct manner. Little is obvious about levels and surface markers of these cells such as NKG2D in different cancers, especially in CRC.

METHODS

We included 15 non-metastatic (low-grade), 11 non-metastatic (high-grade), 10 metastatic colorectal cancer patients and 18 healthy controls. The percentages of CD3+CD56+ NKT cells and NKG2D+CD56+ NKT cells from samples were analyzed by flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of samples.

RESULTS

We found that there was a significantly lower number of NKG2D+CD3+CD56+ cells in peripheral blood of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer compared with normal controls (77.53 ± 5.79 % vs 90.74 ± 9.84 %; p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The fact that frequency of NKG2D+CD56+ NKT cells was significantly lower in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer compared to healthy controls strengthens the hypothesis that NKT cells can play a substantial role in the protection against human colorectal cancer, and this opens up avenues for novel studies about elucidating the other aspects of tumor surveillance in CRC progression and immunotherapy (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 46).

Cell attachment evaluation of the immobilized bioactive peptide on a nanographene oxide composite

The immobilization of bioactive peptides as key molecules in numerous biological and physiological functions holds promise for designing advanced biomaterials. Graphene and its derivatives, having unique physicochemical properties, have brought considerable attention in the life sciences. In this regard, the chemical manipulation of the graphene surface with bioactive peptides opens a new horizon to design bioactive materials for a variety of future nanobiotechnologies. In this study, the first straightforward strategy for the covalent immobilization of the cell-adhesion peptide onto the graphene surface based on the Ugi four-component assembly process (Ugi 4-CAP) will be presented. The modified adhesion motif peptide, as an amine component in the presence of formaldehyde, cyclohexylisocyanide and carboxylated-graphene (G-COOH), was adopted in a four component reaction to fabricate a peptide-graphene (Peptide-G) biomaterial in water as a green solvent at an ambient temperature. The amino functional groups corresponded to the modified adhesion motif peptide and were immobilized onto the graphene sheets, which were quantified by the Kaiser test. The sheets were characterized by further analyses with FT-IR, AFM, UV-vis, Raman and thermogravimetric analyses. The Peptide-G biomaterial showed excellent biocompatibility. In addition, the Peptide-G treated surface, due to the presence of RGD on the surface of the graphene, significantly accelerated the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) at a better rate regarding the tissue plate.

Imaging techniques: new avenues in cancer gene and cell therapy

Cancer is one of the world's most concerning health problems and poses many challenges in the range of approaches associated with the treatment of cancer. Current understanding of this disease brings to the fore a number of novel therapies that can be useful in the treatment of cancer. Among them, gene and cell therapies have emerged as novel and effective approaches. One of the most important challenges for cancer gene and cell therapies is correct monitoring of the modified genes and cells. In fact, visual tracking of therapeutic cells, immune cells, stem cells and genetic vectors that contain therapeutic genes and the various drugs is important in cancer therapy. Similarly, molecular imaging, such as nanosystems, fluorescence, bioluminescence, positron emission tomography, single photon-emission computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, have also been found to be powerful tools in monitoring cancer patients who have received therapeutic cell and gene therapies or drug therapies. In this review, we focus on these therapies and their molecular imaging techniques in treating and monitoring the progress of the therapies on various types of cancer.

Association of interleukin-2 and interferon-γ single nucleotide polymorphisms with Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

PURPOSE

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is a severe and chronic autoimmune disease of unknown origin. Inflammatory cytokines can play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of JSLE, while their secretion is under genetic control. The current investigation was performed to analyse the associations of particular single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) genes in a case control study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies of the polymorphic IL-2 (G/T at -330, rs2069762, and G/T at +166, rs2069763) and IFN-γ (A/T at +874, rs2430561) genes were estimated in 59 patients with JSLE by contrast with 140 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method.

RESULTS

Results of the analysed data revealed a negative allelic association for JSLE in IL-2 -330/T (P=0.02), as well as a positive allelic association for IL-2 -330/G (P=0.02). IL-2 GG genotype (-330) in the patient group was also significantly overrepresented (P<0.001), while IL-2 GT genotype (-330) was notably decreased in the patients with JSLE (P<0.001). Additionally, the frequency of IL-2 (-330, +166) GT haplotype was significantly higher in the patient group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

IL-2 cytokine gene polymorphisms could affect individual susceptibility to JSLE and can take on the role of possible genetic markers for vulnerability to JSLE.