Assessment of myocardial injuries in ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathies using magnetic resonance T1-rho mapping

AIMS

To identify clinical correlates of myocardial T1ρ and to examine how myocardial T1ρ values change under various clinical scenarios.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 66 patients (26% female, median age 57 years [Q1-Q3, 44-65 years]) with known structural heart disease and 44 controls (50% female, median age 47 years [28-57 years]) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T, including T1ρ mapping, T2 mapping, native T1 mapping, late gadolinium enhancement, and extracellular volume (ECV) imaging. In controls, T1ρ positively related with T2 (P = 0.038) and increased from basal to apical levels (P < 0.001). As compared with controls and remote myocardium, T1ρ significantly increased in all patients' sub-groups and all types of myocardial injuries: acute and chronic injuries, focal and diffuse tissue abnormalities, as well as ischaemic and non-ischaemic aetiologies (P < 0.05). T1ρ was independently associated with T2 in patients with acute injuries (P = 0.004) and with native T1 and ECV in patients with chronic injuries (P < 0.05). Myocardial T1ρ mapping demonstrated good intra- and inter-observer reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.86 and 0.83, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Myocardial T1ρ mapping appears to be reproducible and equally sensitive to acute and chronic myocardial injuries, whether of ischaemic or non-ischaemic origins. It may thus be a contrast-agent-free biomarker for gaining new and quantitative insight into myocardial structural disorders. These findings highlight the need for further studies through prospective and randomized trials.

A Metabolites Merging Strategy (MMS): Harmonization to Enable Studies' Intercomparison

Metabolomics encounters challenges in cross-study comparisons due to diverse metabolite nomenclature and reporting practices. To bridge this gap, we introduce the Metabolites Merging Strategy (MMS), offering a systematic framework to harmonize multiple metabolite datasets for enhanced interstudy comparability. MMS has three steps. Step 1: Translation and merging of the different datasets by employing InChIKeys for data integration, encompassing the translation of metabolite names (if needed). Followed by Step 2: Attributes' retrieval from the InChIkey, including descriptors of name (title name from PubChem and RefMet name from Metabolomics Workbench), and chemical properties (molecular weight and molecular formula), both systematic (InChI, InChIKey, SMILES) and non-systematic identifiers (PubChem, CheBI, HMDB, KEGG, LipidMaps, DrugBank, Bin ID and CAS number), and their ontology. Finally, a meticulous three-step curation process is used to rectify disparities for conjugated base/acid compounds (optional step), missing attributes, and synonym checking (duplicated information). The MMS procedure is exemplified through a case study of urinary asthma metabolites, where MMS facilitated the identification of significant pathways hidden when no dataset merging strategy was followed. This study highlights the need for standardized and unified metabolite datasets to enhance the reproducibility and comparability of metabolomics studies.

Immunoengineering via Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T Cell Therapy: Reprogramming Nanodrug Delivery

Following its therapeutic effect in hematological metastasis, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has gained a great deal of attention during the last years. However, the effectiveness of this treatment has been hampered by a number of challenges, including significant toxicities, difficult access to tumor locations, inadequate therapeutic persistence, and manufacturing problems. Developing novel techniques to produce effective CARs, administer them, and monitor their anti-tumor activity in CAR-T cell treatment is undoubtedly necessary. Exploiting the advantages of nanotechnology may possibly be a useful strategy to increase the efficacy of CAR-T cell treatment. This study outlines the current drawbacks of CAR-T immunotherapy and identifies promising developments and significant benefits of using nanotechnology in order to introduce CAR transgene motifs into primary T cells, promote T cell expansion, enhance T cell trafficking, promote intrinsic T cell activity and rewire the immunosuppressive cellular and vascular microenvironments. Therefore, the development of powerful CART cells can be made possible with genetic and functional alterations supported by nanotechnology. In this review, we discuss the innovative and possible uses of nanotechnology for clinical translation, including the delivery, engineering, execution, and modulation of immune functions to enhance and optimize the anti-tumor efficacy of CAR-T cell treatment.

Integration of Inkjet Printed Graphene as a Hole Transport Layer in Organic Solar Cells

This work demonstrates the green production of a graphene ink for inkjet printing and its use as a hole transport layer (HTL) in an organic solar cell. Graphene as an HTL improves the selective hole extraction at the anode and prevents charge recombination at the electronic interface and metal diffusion into the photoactive layer. Graphite was exfoliated in water, concentrated by iterative centrifugation, and characterized by Raman. The concentrated graphene ink was incorporated into inverted organic solar cells by inkjet printing on the active polymer in an ambient atmosphere. Argon plasma was used to enhance wetting of the polymer with the graphene ink during printing. The argon plasma treatment of the active polymer P3HT:PCBM was investigated by XPS, AFM and contact angle measurements. Efficiency and lifetime studies undertaken show that the device with graphene as HTL is fully functional and has good potential for an inkjet printable and flexible alternative to PEDOT:PSS.

Fatty Liver Index (FLI) Identifies Not Only Individuals with Liver Steatosis but Also at High Cardiometabolic Risk

A fatty liver index (FLI) greater than sixty (FLI ≥ 60) is an established score for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which carries a high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while a FLI ≤ 20 rules out the presence of steatosis. Thus, we investigated whether FLI was associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, i.e., visceral (VAT), subcutaneous (SC), epicardial (EPI), extrapericardial (PERI), and total cardiac (CARD-AT) adipose tissue, hepatic fat ((by magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, and spectroscopy, MRS), and insulin resistance (IR, HOMA-IR and OGIS-index), and components of metabolic syndrome. All individuals with FLI ≥ 60 had MASLD, while none with FLI ≤ 20 had steatosis (by MRS). Subjects with FLI ≥ 60 had a higher BMI and visceral and cardiac fat (VAT > 1.7 kg, CARD-AT > 0.2 kg). FLI was positively associated with increased cardiac and visceral fat and components of metabolic syndrome. FLI, VAT, and CARD-AT were all associated with IR, increased blood pressure, cholesterol, and reduced HDL. For FLI ≥ 60, the cut-off values for fat depots and laboratory measures were estimated. In conclusion, FLI ≥ 60 identified not only subjects with steatosis but also those with IR, abdominal and cardiac fat accumulation, increased blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia, i.e., those at higher risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Targeted reduction of FLI components would help reduce cardiometabolic risk.

A Detailed Comparative Analysis of the Structural Stability and Electron-Phonon Properties of ZrO2: Mechanisms of Water Adsorption on t-ZrO2 (101) and t-YSZ (101) Surfaces

In this study, we considered the structural stability, electronic properties, and phonon dispersion of the cubic (c-ZrO2), tetragonal (t-ZrO2), and monoclinic (m-ZrO2) phases of ZrO2. We found that the monoclinic phase of zirconium dioxide is the most stable among the three phases in terms of total energy, lowest enthalpy, highest entropy, and other thermodynamic properties. The smallest negative modes were found for m-ZrO2. Our analysis of the electronic properties showed that during the m-t phase transformation of ZrO2, the Fermi level first shifts by 0.125 eV toward higher energies, and then decreases by 0.08 eV in the t-c cross-section. The band gaps for c-ZrO2, t-ZrO2, and m-ZrO2 are 5.140 eV, 5.898 eV, and 5.288 eV, respectively. Calculations based on the analysis of the influence of doping 3.23, 6.67, 10.35, and 16.15 mol. %Y2O3 onto the m-ZrO2 structure showed that the enthalpy of m-YSZ decreases linearly, which accompanies the further stabilization of monoclinic ZrO2 and an increase in its defectiveness. A doping-induced and concentration-dependent phase transition in ZrO2 under the influence of Y2O3 was discovered, due to which the position of the Fermi level changes and the energy gap decreases. It has been established that the main contribution to the formation of the conduction band is made by the p-states of electrons, not only for pure systems, but also those doped with Y2O3. The t-ZrO2 (101) and t-YSZ (101) surface models were selected as optimal surfaces for water adsorption based on a comparison of their surface energies. An analysis of the mechanism of water adsorption on the surface of t-ZrO2 (101) and t-YSZ (101) showed that H2O on unstabilized t-ZrO2 (101) is adsorbed dissociatively with an energy of -1.22 eV, as well as by the method of molecular chemisorption with an energy of -0.69 eV and the formation of a hydrogen bond with a bond length of 1.01 Å. In the case of t-YSZ (101), water is molecularly adsorbed onto the surface with an energy of -1.84 eV. Dissociative adsorption of water occurs at an energy of -1.23 eV, near the yttrium atom. The results show that ab initio approaches are able to describe the mechanism of doping-induced phase transitions in (ZrO2+Y2O3)-like systems, based on which it can be assumed that DFT calculations can also flawlessly evaluate other physical and chemical properties of YSZ, which have not yet been studied quantum chemical research. The obtained results complement the database of research works carried out in the field of the application of biocompatible zirconium dioxide crystals and ceramics in green energy generation, and can be used in designing humidity-to-electricity converters and in creating solid oxide fuel cells based on ZrO2.

Unravelling Heavy Metal Dynamics in Soil and Honey: A Case Study from Maramureș Region, Romania

The study examined soil and honey samples from the Maramureș region, assessing potentially toxic elements and their concentrations. The highest concentrations were found for (Cu), (Zn), (Pb), (Cr), (Ni), (Cd), (Co), and (As), while (Hg) remained below the detection limit. Samples near anthropogenic sources displayed elevated metal levels, with the Aurul settling pond and Herja mine being major contamination sources. Copper concentrations exceeded the legal limits in areas near these sources. Zinc concentrations were highest near mining areas, and Pb and Cd levels surpassed the legal limits near beehives producing acacia honey. Nickel and Co levels were generally within limits but elevated near the Herja mine. The study highlighted the role of anthropogenic activities in heavy metal pollution. In the second part, honey samples were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations, with variations across types and locations. Positive correlations were identified between certain elements in honey, influenced by factors like location and pollution sources. The research emphasized the need for pollution control measures to ensure honey safety. The bioaccumulation factor analysis indicated a sequential metal transfer from soil to honey. The study's comprehensive approach sheds light on toxic element contamination in honey, addressing pollution sources and pathways.

Neurophysiological Assessment of An Innovative Maritime Safety System in Terms of Ship Operators' Mental Workload, Stress, and Attention in the Full Mission Bridge Simulator

The current industrial environment relies heavily on maritime transportation. Despite the continuous technological advances for the development of innovative safety software and hardware systems, there is a consistent gap in the scientific literature regarding the objective evaluation of the performance of maritime operators. The human factor is profoundly affected by changes in human performance or psychological state. The difficulty lies in the fact that the technology, tools, and protocols for investigating human performance are not fully mature or suitable for experimental investigation. The present research aims to integrate these two concepts by (i) objectively characterizing the psychological state of mariners, i.e., mental workload, stress, and attention, through their electroencephalographic (EEG) signal analysis, and (ii) validating an innovative safety framework countermeasure, defined as Human Risk-Informed Design (HURID), through the aforementioned neurophysiological approach. The proposed study involved 26 mariners within a high-fidelity bridge simulator while encountering collision risk in congested waters with and without the HURID. Subjective, behavioral, and neurophysiological data, i.e., EEG, were collected throughout the experimental activities. The results showed that the participants experienced a statistically significant higher mental workload and stress while performing the maritime activities without the HURID, while their attention level was statistically lower compared to the condition in which they performed the experiments with the HURID (all p < 0.05). Therefore, the presented study confirmed the effectiveness of the HURID during maritime operations in critical scenarios and led the way to extend the neurophysiological evaluation of the HFs of maritime operators during the performance of critical and/or standard shipboard tasks.

Crime Light Imaging (CLI): A Novel Sensor for Stand-Off Detection and Localization of Forensic Traces

Stand-off detection of latent traces avoids the scene alteration that might occur during close inspection by handheld forensic lights. Here, we describe a novel sensor, named Crime Light Imaging (CLI), designed to perform high-resolution photography of targets at a distance of 2-10 m and to visualize some common latent traces. CLI is based on four high-power illumination LEDs and one color CMOS camera with a motorized objective plus frontal filters; the LEDs and camera could be synchronized to obtain short-exposure images weakly dependent on the ambient light. The sensor is integrated into a motorized platform, providing the target scanning and necessary information for 3D scene reconstruction. The whole system is portable and equipped with a user-friendly interface. The preliminary tests of CLI on fingerprints at distance of 7 m showed an excellent image resolution and drastic contrast enhancement under green LED light. At the same distance, a small (1 µL) blood droplet on black tissue was captured by CLI under NIR LED, while a trace from 15 µL semen on white cotton became visible under UV LED illumination. These results represent the first demonstration of true stand-off photography of latent traces, thus opening the way for a completely new approach in crime scene forensic examination.

RNA polymerase redistribution supports growth in E. coli strains with a minimal number of rRNA operons

Bacterial transcription by RNA polymerase (RNAP) is spatially organized. RNAPs transcribing highly expressed genes locate in the nucleoid periphery, and form clusters in rich medium, with several studies linking RNAP clustering and transcription of rRNA (rrn). However, the nature of RNAP clusters and their association with rrn transcription remains unclear. Here we address these questions by using single-molecule tracking to monitor the subcellular distribution of mobile and immobile RNAP in strains with a heavily reduced number of chromosomal rrn operons (Δrrn strains). Strikingly, we find that the fraction of chromosome-associated RNAP (which is mainly engaged in transcription) is robust to deleting five or six of the seven chromosomal rrn operons. Spatial analysis in Δrrn strains showed substantial RNAP redistribution during moderate growth, with clustering increasing at cell endcaps, where the remaining rrn operons reside. These results support a model where RNAPs in Δrrn strains relocate to copies of the remaining rrn operons. In rich medium, Δrrn strains redistribute RNAP to minimize growth defects due to rrn deletions, with very high RNAP densities on rrn genes leading to genomic instability. Our study links RNAP clusters and rrn transcription, and offers insight into how bacteria maintain growth in the presence of only 1-2 rrn operons.

The Adaptation of Botrytis cinerea Extracellular Vesicles Proteome to Surrounding Conditions: Revealing New Tools for Its Infection Process

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous particles released by different organisms. EVs carry several sets of macromolecules implicated in cell communication. EVs have become a relevant topic in the study of pathogenic fungi due to their relationship with fungal-host interactions. One of the essential research areas in this field is the characterization protein profile of EVs since plant fungal pathogens rely heavily on secreted proteins to invade their hosts. However, EVs of Botrytis cinerea are little known, which is one of the most devastating phytopathogenic fungi. The present study has two main objectives: the characterization of B. cinerea EVs proteome changes under two pathogenic conditions and the description of their potential role during the infective process. All the experimental procedure was conducted in B. cinerea growing in a minimal salt medium supplemented with glucose as a constitutive stage and deproteinized tomato cell walls (TCW) as a virulence inductor. The isolation of EVs was performed by differential centrifugation, filtration, ultrafiltration, and sucrose cushion ultracentrifugation. EVs fractions were visualised by TEM using negative staining. Proteomic analysis of EVs cargo was addressed by LC-MS/MS. The methodology used allowed the correct isolation of B. cinerea EVs and the identification of a high number of EV proteins, including potential EV markers. The isolated EVs displayed differences in morphology under both assayed conditions. GO analysis of EV proteins showed enrichment in cell wall metabolism and proteolysis under TCW. KEGG analysis also showed the difference in EVs function under both conditions, highlighting the presence of potential virulence/pathogenic factors implicated in cell wall metabolism, among others. This work describes the first evidence of EVs protein cargo adaptation in B. cinerea, which seems to play an essential role in its infection process, sharing crucial functions with the conventional secretion pathways.

A Molecular Toolbox to Identify and Quantify Grape Varieties: On the Trace of "Glera"

A pillar of wine authenticity is the variety/ies used. Ampelographic descriptors and SSR markers, included in several national and international databases, are extensively used for varietal identification purposes. Recently, SNP markers have been proposed as useful for grape varietal identification and traceability. Our study has been directed toward the development of a molecular toolbox able to track grape varieties from the nursery to the must. Two complementary approaches were developed, exploiting SNP markers with two different technologies, i.e., a high-throughput platform for varietal identification and a digital PCR system for varietal quantification. As proof-of-concept, the toolbox was successfully applied to the identification and quantification of the "Glera" variety along the Prosecco wine production chain. The assays developed found their limits in commercial, aged wines.

Dendritic Structures Functionalized with Boron Clusters, in Particular Carboranes, and Their Biological Properties

The presence of a large number of boron atoms in boron clusters make them attractive tools for the treatment of cancer using boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Since the quantity of boron atoms present in the target cell directly affects the effectiveness of BNCT, the idea of gathering a high number of boron atoms in a single entity has emerged many years ago. In this perspective, using hyper-branched macromolecules such as dendrimers appears as an interesting solution. In this review, we will first present the synthesis of diverse dendritic entities (dendrimers, dendrons, and Janus dendrimers) that incorporate boron clusters, in particular carboranes, anywhere in their structure. Four parts of this review present the synthesis of dendrimers having boron clusters on the surface, or inside their structure, of dendrons and of Janus dendrimers, bearing boron clusters. Practically all these boronated dendritic structures were synthesized with the objective to study their biological properties, but in fact only a few of them have been tested against cancerous cells, and even a smaller number was tested in BNCT experiments. The biological experiments are discussed in the fifth part of this review. A good efficiency is generally observed with the boronated dendrimers, even in animal models, with an increase in their mean survival time (MST).

Intervention Approaches in Studying the Response to Vitamin D3 Supplementation

Vitamin D intervention studies are designed to evaluate the impact of the micronutrient vitamin D3 on health and disease. The appropriate design of studies is essential for their quality, successful execution, and interpretation. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the "gold standard" for intervention studies. However, the most recent large-scale (up to 25,000 participants), long-term RCTs involving vitamin D3 did not provide any statistically significant primary results. This may be because they are designed similarly to RCTs of a therapeutic drug but not of a nutritional compound and that only a limited set of parameters per individual were determined. We propose an alternative concept using the segregation of study participants into different groups of responsiveness to vitamin D3 supplementation and in parallel measuring a larger set of genome-wide parameters over multiple time points. This is in accordance with recently developed mechanistic modeling approaches that do not require a large number of study participants, as in the case of statistical modeling of the results of a RCT. Our experience is based on the vitamin D intervention trials VitDmet, VitDbol, and VitDHiD, which allowed us to distinguish the study participants into high, mid, and low vitamin D responders. In particular, investigating the vulnerable group of low vitamin D responders will provide future studies with more conclusive results both on the clinical and molecular benefits of vitamin D3 supplementation. In conclusion, our approach suggests a paradigm shift towards detailed investigations of transcriptome and epigenome-wide parameters of a limited set of individuals, who, due to a longitudinal design, can act as their own controls.

A Comparative Investigation of Chemical Decontamination Methods for In-Situ Cleaning of Dental Implant Surfaces

Surface chemistry evaluation is crucial in assessing the efficacy of chemical decontamination products for titanium implants. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of chemical decontamination solutions in cleaning a contaminated dental implant surface and to evaluate the potential of combining Pluronic gel with hydrogen peroxide (NuBone®Clean) by evaluating pellicle disruption and re-formation on implant surfaces. In addition, ensuring safety with in vitro and human testing protocols. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was utilised for surface analysis. All the tested gels had some effect on the surface cleanness except for PrefGel®. Among the tested chemical decontamination candidates, NuBone®Clean demonstrated effectiveness in providing a cleaner titanium surface. Furthermore, none of the tested chemical agents exhibited cytotoxic effects, and the safety assessment showed no adverse events. The results of this study highlight the significance of conducting comprehensive evaluations, encompassing safety and efficacy, before introducing new chemical agents for dental treatments. The findings suggest that NuBone®Clean shows potential as a chemical decontamination solution for implant surfaces. However, further investigation through randomised clinical trials is necessary. By adhering to rigorous testing protocols, the development of safe and efficient chemical decontamination strategies can be advanced, benefiting patients and promoting progress in implant dentistry.

(E)-2-Benzylidenecyclanones: Part XVIII Study the Possible Link between Glutathione Reactivity and Cancer Cell Cytotoxic Effects of Some Cyclic Chalcone Analogs A Comparison of the Reactivity of the Open-Chain and the Seven-Membered Homologs

Non-enzymatic thiol addition into the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system is associated with several biological effects. In vivo, the reactions can form small-molecule thiol (e.g., glutathione) or protein thiol adducts. The reaction of two synthetic (4'-methyl- and 4'-methoxy substituted) cyclic chalcone analogs with reduced glutathione (GSH) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was studied by (high-pressure liquid chromatography-ultraviolet spectroscopy) HPLC-UV method. The selected compounds displayed in vitro cancer cell cytotoxicity (IC₅₀) of different orders of magnitude. The structure of the formed adducts was confirmed by (high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) HPLC-MS. The incubations were performed under three different pH conditions (pH 3.2/3.7, 6.3/6.8, and 8.0/7.4). The chalcones intrinsically reacted with both thiols under all incubation conditions. The initial rates and compositions of the final mixtures depended on the substitution and the pH. The frontier molecular orbitals and the Fukui function were carried out to investigate the effects on open-chain and seven-membered cyclic analogs. Furthermore, machine learning protocols were used to provide more insights into physicochemical properties and to support the different thiol-reactivity. HPLC analysis indicated diastereoselectivity of the reactions. The observed reactivities do not directly relate to the different in vitro cancer cell cytotoxicity of the compounds.

The Employment of the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Microscopy Sensor for the Detection of Individual Extracellular Vesicles and Non-Biological Nanoparticles

A wide-field surface plasmon resonance (SPR) microscopy sensor employs the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon to detect individual biological and non-biological nanoparticles. This sensor enables the detection, sizing, and quantification of biological nanoparticles (bioNPs), such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), viruses, and virus-like particles. The selectivity of bioNP detection does not require biological particle labeling, and it is achieved via the functionalization of the gold sensor surface by target-bioNP-specific antibodies. In the current work, we demonstrate the ability of SPR microscopy sensors to detect, simultaneously, silica NPs that differ by four times in size. Employed silica particles are close in their refractive index to bioNPs. The literature reports the ability of SPR microscopy sensors to detect the binding of lymphocytes (around 10 μm objects) to the sensor surface. Taken together, our findings and the results reported in the literature indicate the power of SPR microscopy sensors to detect bioNPs that differ by at least two orders in size. Modifications of the optical sensor scheme, such as mounting a concave lens, help to achieve homogeneous illumination of a gold sensor chip surface. In the current work, we also characterize the improved magnification factor of the modified SPR instrument. We evaluate the effectiveness of the modified and the primary version of the SPR microscopy sensors in detecting EVs isolated via different approaches. In addition, we demonstrate the possibility of employing translation and rotation stepper motors for precise adjustments of the positions of sensor optical elements-prism and objective-in the primary version of the SPR microscopy sensor instrument, and we present an algorithm to establish effective sensor-actuator coupling.