Silicone-geranium essential oil blend for long-term antifouling coatings

This study explores the potential of geranium essential oil as a natural solution for combating marine biofouling, addressing the environmental concerns associated with commercial antifouling coatings. Compounds with bactericidal activities were identified by 13Carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed minimal impact on film thermal stability, maintaining suitability for antifouling applications. The addition of essential oil induced changes in the morphology of the film and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated that oil remained within the film. Optical microscopy showed an increase in coating porosity after immersion in a marine environment. A total of 18 bacterial colonies were isolated, with Psychrobacter adeliensis and Shewanella algidipiscicola being the predominant biofilm-forming species. The geranium essential oil-based coating demonstrated the ability to reduce the formation of Psychrobacter adeliensis biofilms and effectively inhibit macrofouling adhesion for a duration of 11 months.

A real-world assessment of treatment patterns in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with hypercholesterolemia: a retrospective database analysis in Germany

Background

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines suggest that greater absolute reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) leads to greater cardiovascular risk reduction. Several lipid-lowering treatments (LLTs) are available in Germany; however, the research on treatment patterns and LDL-C outcomes among patients (pts) receiving LLTs in real-world setting is limited.

Purpose

To characterize the pts characteristics, treatment patterns and LDL-C outcomes of pts with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) with hypercholesterolemia (ASCVD-H) in Germany.

Methods

This is a descriptive, non-interventional, retrospective cohort study of ASCVD-H pts identified from general physician (GP) practices available in the electronic medical record (EMR) database Disease Analyzer (January 1992-June 2020) in Germany. ASCVD-H pts were included if they had a recorded diagnosis, were prescribed LLTs or had LDL-C levels of ≥55 mg/dL anytime within 6 months before and 3 months after the index date (ID), as per the data recorded by the participating physician. The first encounter of ASCVD after hypercholesterolemia during the identification period (1/07/2015–30/06/2019) was considered as the ID. Persistence was measured as the duration (in days) with allowed gap of 60 days and adherence as proportion of days covered (PDC) within 12 and 24 months after ID.

Results

We included 147,905 pts with ASCVD-H (57.2% male; mean age: 70.6 yrs; ≥75 yrs-old: 43.3%; mean BMI: 29.0 kg/m2). Coronary artery disease was the most common index diagnosis (73.2%), followed by cerebrovascular disease (31.7%) and peripheral vascular disease (21.5%). Hypertension (83.5%) and diabetes (27.6%) were the most common comorbidities among these pts. At ID, statin monotherapy (58.6%) was the most commonly prescribed LLT, with simvastatin being the most common drug (36.4%). The use of PCSK9 inhibitors, ezetimibe and fibrates was very limited (<1%; Table 1). Of note, LDL-C measurements (6 months prior and 3 months post index) were available for 50.7% of pts. In pts with uncontrolled LDL-C (≥55 mg/dL), 47.9% were receiving statin monotherapy (28.6% were on simvastatin), whereas there was no LLT prescribed in 48.0% of pts. The mean (SD) persistence and adherence to statins monotherapy within 24 months follow-up was 522 (260) days and 0.721 (0.345), respectively, with 60% of pts being adherent (PDC ≥0.80) to statins monotherapy.

Conclusions

Pts with ASCVD-H in Germany treated by GPs are elderly pts with multiple cardiovascular comorbidities. LDL-C was measured in nearly half of the pts, and almost all had LDL-C ≥55 mg/dL at ID. Findings indicate low prescription of LLTs in GP setting, particularly non-statin LLTs. The mean adherence (PDC) to statin monotherapy was 72% within the 24-month after ID. Data suggest the need for newer therapies with potential to control LDL-C levels.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.

Participation of Zip3, a ZIP domain-containing protein, in stress response and virulence in Cryptococcus gattii

Cryptococcus gattii is an etiologic agent of cryptococcosis, a potentially fatal disease that affects humans and animals. The successful infection of mammalian hosts by cryptococcal cells relies on their ability to infect and survive in macrophages. Such phagocytic cells present a hostile environment to intracellular pathogens via the production of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, as well as low pH and reduced nutrient bioavailability. To overcome the low-metal environment found during infection, fungal pathogens express high-affinity transporters, including members of the ZIP family. Previously, we determined that functional zinc uptake driven by Zip1 and Zip2 is necessary for full C.gattiivirulence. Here, we characterized the ZIP3 gene of C. gattii, an ortholog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATX2, which codes a manganese transporter localized to the membrane of the Golgi apparatus. Cryptococcal cells lacking Zip3 were tolerant to toxic concentrations of manganese and had imbalanced expression of intracellular metal transporters, such as the vacuolar Pmc1 and Vcx1, as well as the Golgi Pmr1. Moreover, null mutants of the ZIP3 gene displayed higher sensitivity to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and substantial alteration in the expression of ROS-detoxifying enzyme-coding genes. In line with these phenotypes, cryptococcal cells displayed decreased virulence in a non-vertebrate model of cryptococcosis. Furthermore, we found that the ZIP3 null mutant strain displayed decreased melanization and secretion of the major capsular component glucuronoxylomannan, as well as an altered extracellular vesicle dimensions profile. Collectively, our data suggest that Zip3 activity impacts the physiology, and consequently, several virulence traits of C. gattii.

Effects of rivaroxaban, acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel as monotherapy and in combination in a porcine model of stent thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Despite standard dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT) (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA] and clopidogrel), there is a ≥ 1.4% incidence of in-stent thrombosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Factor Xa inhibitors are being investigated for secondary prevention after acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To study the antithrombotic effects of the FXa inhibitor rivaroxaban alone or in combination with DAT.

METHODS

Bare metal stents (12 per animal, three per intervention period) were deployed in a porcine ex vivo arteriovenous shunt and exposed to flowing arterial blood (shear rate: 1500 s(-1)). In-stent thrombus formation was analyzed under different treatments: vehicle (n = 7 animals); intravenous (i.v.) rivaroxaban (0.11, 0.33, and 1.0 μg kg(-1) min(-1)) (n = 8); rivaroxaban + ASA (1.0 mg kg(-1) i.v.) (n = 6); rivaroxaban + ASA (1.0 mg kg(-1) i.v.) + clopidogrel (0.5 mg kg(-1) i.v.) (n = 7); and ASA (1.0 mg kg(-1) i.v.) + clopidogrel (0.5 mg kg(-1) i.v.) (n = 6).

RESULTS

Rivaroxaban dose-dependently reduced stent thrombus weight by ≤ 66% vs. vehicle (P < 0.05, all doses). Rivaroxaban + ASA further reduced thrombus weight vs. vehicle (86% at the highest rivaroxaban dose; P < 0.001). DAT reduced thrombus weight by ≤ 79%. However, rivaroxaban + ASA + clopidogrel almost completely abolished in-stent thrombus formation (98% reduction vs. vehicle at the highest rivaroxaban dose; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data on the inhibitory effect of rivaroxaban alone or with DAT are consistent with the ATLAS 2 trial findings, and support its potential use for preventing stent thrombosis after stent deployment.

Oligonucleotides incorporating 7-(aminoalkyn-1-yl)-7-deaza-2'-deoxyguanosines: duplex stability and phosphodiester hydrolysis by exonucleases

Self-complementary [[5'-d(G-C)4]2] and non-selfcomplementary oligonucleotides [5'-d(TAG GTC AAT ACT) x 3'-d(ATC CAG TTA TGA)] containing 7-(omega-aminoalkyn-1-yl)-7-deaza-2'-deoxyguanosines (1a-c) (1) and 7-deaza-2'-deoxyguanosine instead of dG were studied regarding their thermal stability as well as their phosphodiester hydrolysis by either 3' --> 5'- or 5' --> 3'-phosphodiesterase studied by MALDI-TOF MS.

A rapid decrease in the expression of DMT1 and Dcytb but not Ireg1 or hephaestin explains the mucosal block phenomenon of iron absorption

BACKGROUND

A large oral dose of iron will reduce the absorption of a subsequent smaller dose of iron in a phenomenon known as mucosal block. Molecular analysis of this process may provide insights into the regulation of intestinal iron absorption.

AIMS

To determine the effect of an oral bolus of iron on duodenal expression of molecules associated with intestinal iron transport in rats and to relate this to changes in iron absorption.

METHODS

Rats were given an oral dose of iron and duodenal expression of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), Dcytb, Ireg1, and hephaestin (Hp) was determined using the ribonuclease protection assay, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Iron absorption was measured using radioactive (59)Fe.

RESULTS

A decrease in intestinal iron absorption occurred following an oral dose of iron and this was associated with increased enterocyte iron levels, as assessed by iron regulatory protein activity and immunoblotting for ferritin. Reduced absorption was also accompanied by a rapid decrease in expression of the mRNAs encoding the brush border iron transport molecules Dcytb and the iron responsive element (IRE) containing the splice variant of DMT1. No such change was seen in expression of the non-IRE splice variant of DMT1 or the basolateral iron transport molecules Ireg1 and Hp. Similar changes were observed at the protein level.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that brush border, but not basolateral, iron transport components are regulated locally by enterocyte iron levels and support the hypothesis that systemic stimuli exert their primary effect on basolateral transport molecules.

Relationship between intestinal iron-transporter expression, hepatic hepcidin levels and the control of iron absorption

Hepcidin is an anti-microbial peptide predicted to be involved in the regulation of intestinal iron absorption. We have examined the relationship between the expression of hepcidin in the liver and the expression of the iron-transport molecules divalent-metal transporter 1, duodenal cytochrome b, hephaestin and Ireg1 in the duodenum of rats switched from an iron-replete to an iron-deficient diet or treated to induce an acute phase response. In each case, elevated hepcidin expression correlated with reduced iron absorption and depressed levels of iron-transport molecules. These data are consistent with hepcidin playing a role as a negative regulator of intestinal iron absorption.

NO-independent regulatory site on soluble guanylate cyclase

Nitric oxide (NO) is a widespread, potent, biological mediator that has many physiological and pathophysiological roles. Research in the field of NO appears to have followed a straightforward path, and the findings have been progressive: NO and cyclic GMP are involved in vasodilatation; glycerol trinitrate relaxes vascular smooth muscles by bioconversion to NO; mammalian cells synthesize NO; and last, NO mediates vasodilatation by stimulating the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), a heterodimeric (alpha/beta) haem protein that converts GTP to cGMP2-4. Here we report the discovery of a regulatory site on sGC. Using photoaffinity labelling, we have identified the cysteine 238 and cysteine 243 region in the alpha1-subunit of sGC as the target for a new type of sGC stimulator. Moreover, we present a pyrazolopyridine, BAY 41-2272, that potently stimulates sGC through this site by a mechanism that is independent of NO. This results in antiplatelet activity, a strong decrease in blood pressure and an increase in survival in a low-NO rat model of hypertension, and as such may offer an approach for treating cardiovascular diseases.

Characterization of a family of repetitive sequences that is eliminated late during macronuclear development of the hypotrichous ciliate Stylonychia lemnae

A repetitive element from the hypotrichous ciliate Stylonychia lemnae was characterized by restriction and hybridization analysis. This repetitive element is present in about 5,000-7,000 copies per haploid genome in the micronucleus and the macronuclear anlagen. Its DNA sequence is very conserved, but the length of the repetitive sequence blocs is variable. In some cases, it is associated with telomeric sequences and macronucleus-homologous sequences. Restriction analysis of genomic micronuclear and macronuclear anlagen DNA and in situ hybridization showed that the repetitive sequences are amplified during the formation of polytene chromosomes. They are localized in many bands of the polytene chromosomes and are eliminated during the degradation of the polytene chromosomes. Possible functions of the repetitive sequences during macronuclear differentiation are discussed.

The vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP): target of YC-1 and nitric oxide effects in human and rat platelets

The effects of the different types of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators on the phosphorylation status of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) in both human and rat platelets were studied under in vitro and in vivo conditions. sGC-dependent VASP phosphorylation (at Ser(239) and Ser(157)) both by the new direct sGC stimulator YC-1 and by NO donors was examined by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE) with different antibodies. One antibody, which recognizes VASP independent of its phosphorylation state, was used to detect the mobility shift of VASP caused by Ser(157) phosphorylation. The other antibody was specifically directed against VASP phosphorylated at Ser(239), the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) preferred phosphorylation site of VASP. In vitro YC-1 increased both VASP phosphorylation and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels as did the NO donors 2-(N,N-diethylamino)-diazenolate-2-oxide (DEA/NO) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The combination of both types induced a synergistic effect in both VASP phosphorylation and cGMP increase. In rat platelets, similar effects could be shown in vitro. In vivo we observed a significant increase in cGMP and a distinct effect on VASP phosphorylation in rat platelets 1 h after oral administration of YC-1. These biochemical alterations are supported by a significant prolongation in rat-tail bleeding time. Direct stimulators of sGC like YC-1 are on the one hand direct potent stimulators of the cGMP/PKG/VASP pathway in platelets and on the other hand synergize with NO, the physiologic stimulator of sGC. Therefore YC-1-like substances are interesting tools for the development of new cardiovascular drugs with vasodilatory and antithrombotic properties.

Generation and characterization of a stable soluble guanylate cyclase-overexpressing CHO cell line

A stably transfected soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC, alpha1 and beta1 subunits of the rat lung enzyme)-overexpressing CHO cell line was generated for the characterization of different types of activators of the soluble guanylate cyclase. Polyclonal antibodies directed against both subunits of the rat enzyme were used to detect both subunits in the cytosol of the transfected CHO cells. We studied the effects of different nitric oxide (NO) donors like SNP and DEA/NO and, in particular, the direct, NO-independent stimulator of the soluble guanylate cyclase 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1), on intracellular guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) production. DEA/NO (0.01-3 microM), SNP (1-10 microM), and YC-1 (1-10 microM) induced a concentration-dependent intracellular cGMP increase with maximal effects of 16-fold (3 microM DEA/NO), 8-fold (10 microM SNP), and 6-fold (10 microM YC-1) stimulation compared to controls, respectively. In addition, a synergistic effect of the combination of the NO donor and YC-1 could be observed with a maximal stimulation of 64-fold by SNP (10 microM) and YC-1 (10 microM). 1H-(1,2,4)-Oxadiazolo-(4,3-a)-6-bromo-quinoxazin-1-one (ODQ, 10 microM), a potent and selective inhibitor of sGC, inhibited both the single effects of NO donors [DEA/NO (3 microM), 77%; SNP (3 microM), 83%] and YC-1 [YC-1 (3 microM), 82%], but moreover the synergistic effects between NO donors and YC-1 [DEA/NO (3 microM) + YC-1 (3 microM), 81%; SNP (3 microM) + YC-1 (3 microM),89%] on intracellular cGMP production. In summary,we have generated a simple, sensitive, and useful bioassay method to characterize all types of sGC activators on the cellular level without the need of primary cell culture, several transfections, or purifying enzyme from biological materials.

Purified soluble guanylyl cyclase expressed in a baculovirus/Sf9 system: stimulation by YC-1, nitric oxide, and carbon monoxide

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is the main receptor for nitric oxide, a messenger molecule with multiple clinical implications. Understanding the activation of sGC is an important step for establishing new therapeutic principles. We have now overexpressed sGC in a baculovirus/Sf9 system optimized for high protein yields to facilitate spectral and kinetic studies of the activation mechanisms of this enzyme. It was expressed in a batch fermenter using a defined mixture of viruses encoding the alpha and beta1 subunits of the rat lung enzyme. The expressed enzyme was purified from the cytosolic fraction by anion exchange chromatography, hydroxyapatite chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography. By use of this new method 2.5 l culture yielded about 1 mg of apparently homogeneous sGC with a content of about one heme per heterodimer without the need of a heme reconstitution step. The enzyme did not contain stoichiometric amounts of copper. The basal activities of the purified enzyme were 153 and 1259 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) in the presence of Mg2+ and Mn2+, respectively. The nitric oxide releasing agent 2-(N,N-diethylamino)-diazenolate-2-oxide (DEA/NO) stimulated the enzyme 160-fold with Mg2+, whereas the NO-independent activator 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole (YC-1) induced an increase in the activity of 101-fold at a concentration of 300 microM. The combination of DEA/NO (10 microM) and YC-1 (100 microM) elicited a dose-dependent synergistic stimulation with a maximum of a 792-fold increase over the basal activity in the presence of Mg2+, resulting in a specific activity of 121 micromol min(-1) mg(-1). The synergistic stimulation of DEA/NO and YC-1 was attenuated by the sGC inhibitor 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazole(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) (10 microM) by 94%. In a different experimental setup a saturated carbon monoxide solution in the absence of ambient oxygen or NO stimulated the enzyme 15-fold in the absence and 1260-fold in the presence of YC-1 compared to an argon control. The heme spectra of the enzyme showed a shift of the Soret peak from 432 to 399 and 424 nm in the presence of DEA/NO or carbon monoxide, respectively. The heme spectra were not affected by YC-1 in the absence or in the presence of DEA/NO or of carbon monoxide, which reflects the fact that YC-1 does not interact directly with the heme group of the enzyme. In summary, this study shows that our expression/purification procedure is suitable for producing large amounts of highly pure sGC which contains one heme per heterodimer without a reconstitution step. The activator experiments show that in a synergistic stimulation with YC-1 sGC can be activated maximally both by nitric oxide and by carbon monoxide and that YC-1 does not directly act via heme. The described method should help to facilitate the investigation of the new therapeutic principle of NO-independent guanylyl cyclase activators.