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This paper describes a simple colorimetric method for determination of Brilliant Blue, Sunset Yellow, Ponceau 4R and Tartrazine using transparent polymer optode. The method provided acceptable linear ranges 0.01–3.0 mg L−1 with correlation coefficients higher than 0.995 under the optimal conditions. Commercial beverages and juices containing different amounts of food dyes were analyzed and the results were compared to those obtained by HPLC. Image 1 • Visual and spectrophotometric determination of food colourants. • Portable analytical device for in situ rapid analysis without pretreatment. • Solid phase extraction of food colourants into transparent polymer matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of storage conditions on the safety of microvesicles produced by human multipotent umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells into the conditioned medium. It was found that microvesicles can be stored without serious degradation for up to 1 week at 4°С, but were almost completely destroyed during freezing and thawing cycles irrespective of the storage temperatures (-20°С, -70°С, or -196°С). Similar results were obtained for lyophilized medium conditioned by human multipotent umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells. Addition of a cryoprotectant (5-10% DMSO) followed by freezing and/or lyophilization preserved microvesicles at a nearly initial level. These findings indicate that during storage, microvesicles, being membrane structures, behave similar to living cells and require appropriate conditions for prolonged storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of storage conditions on the safety of microvesicles produced by human multipotent umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells into the conditioned medium. It was found that microvesicles can be stored without serious degradation for up to 1 week at 4°С, but were almost completely destroyed during freezing and thawing cycles irrespective of the storage temperatures (-20°С, -70°С, or -196°С). Similar results were obtained for lyophilized medium conditioned by human multipotent umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells. Addition of a cryoprotectant (5-10% DMSO) followed by freezing and/or lyophilization preserved microvesicles at a nearly initial level. These findings indicate that during storage, microvesicles, being membrane structures, behave similar to living cells and require appropriate conditions for prolonged storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of cytokines and growth factors by cultured human umbilical cord tissue- and bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells was measured by multiplex analysis. In most cases, the concentrations of bioactive factors in the culture medium conditioned by umbilical cord-derived cells was ten- to hundred-times higher than in the medium conditioned by bone marrow-derived cells. These results suggest that both multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells from the umbilical cord and cell-free products can have more pronounced therapeutic effect in comparison with mesenchymal stromal cells obtained from "adult" sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The visual determination of malachite green in fish. • A simple visual method for use in the field. • The solid phase extraction of malachite green in polymer matrix. Abstract Polymethylmethacrylate matrix has been developed as an analytical device for visual and spectrophotometric determination of malachite green. Based on the studied effects of different pH levels, temperature, contact time and diverse ions, optimum analysis conditions have been established. For malachite green, the calibration graph was linear in the range of 0.5–30 mg·L−1 in the samples with the detection limit of 1 mg·kg−1. The proposed simple method makes it possible to determine malachite green visually in the concentration range 8–30 mg·L−1 using a colour scale. The method has been implemented for determination of malachite green in various sea fish samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of cytokines and growth factors by cultured human umbilical cord tissue- and bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells was measured by multiplex analysis. In most cases, the concentrations of bioactive factors in the culture medium conditioned by umbilical cord-derived cells was ten- to hundred-times higher than in the medium conditioned by bone marrow-derived cells. These results suggest that both multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells from the umbilical cord and cell-free products can have more pronounced therapeutic effect in comparison with mesenchymal stromal cells obtained from “adult” sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A novel colorimetric sensor has been proposed for sensitive and accurate visual and spectrophotometric detection of thiocyanate using polymethacrylate matrix, which also has the potential for use with samples without pretreatment. The determination method is based on shaping of a Fe3+-thiocyanate colored complex into a transparent polymer matrix, followed by measurement of absorbance at 490 nm. The principle of this colorimetric sensor is not ordinary colorimetry, but a new colorimetric strategy that combines solid phase extraction and spectrophotometric determination of thiocyanate following completion of the color change processes. The method ensures determination of 0.8–30.0 mg L−1 of thiocyanate with the detection limit of 0.3 mg L−1. The proposed simple method makes it possible to determine visually in the concentration above 6.0 mg L−1 using a color scale. The test results show that the polymethacrylate matrix can be used for determination of thiocyanate in oilfield water. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A new colorimetric sensor is proposed for determination of thiocyanate. • Visual determination of thiocyanate tracer agent in fossil and drill waters. • In situ extraction/analysis of thiocyanate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of microvesicles in culture of human umbilical cord multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells was studied and comparative analysis of the expression of some surface molecules (clusters of differentiation, CD) was performed. It was found that the mesenchymal stromal cells produce microvesicles in the amount sufficient for their detection by flow cytometry. Parallel analysis of the phenotypes of maternal mesenchymal stromal cells and secreted microvesicles revealed identical expression of surface molecules CD13, CD29, CD44, CD54, CD71, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD106, and HLA-I. The concentration of microvesicles in the conditioned medium was 17.9±4.6×106/ml; i.e. one cell produced ~40-50 (44.7±11.5) microvesicles over 2 days in culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of gold nanoparticles (NPs) and semiconductor alloyed CdZnSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) in colloidal solutions is studied. It is shown that the photoluminescence intensity of QDs in a mixture decreases compared to that in the initial QD solution, which is caused by resonance nonradiative energy transfer from QDs to Au NPs in spontaneously formed aggregates. To control the formation of pairs of interacting QDs and Au NPs, we proposed have a method for creating QD-Au NP complexes bound by special molecules—ligands. It is shown that the morphology and optical properties of the samples obtained depend on the method of their preparation, in particular, on the chemical environment of QDs. It is found that the complexes form in the case of addition of hydrophilic Au NPs to hydrophobic QDs and that this almost does not change the optical properties of the latter compared to those of quasi-isolated QDs in colloidal solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell-cell interactions and the ability of mesenchymal stromal cells to support the expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells were studied in co-culture of human umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and nucleated umbilical cord blood cells. It was found that hematopoietic stem cells from the umbilical cord blood are capable to adhere to mesenchymal stromal cells and proliferate during 3-4 weeks in co-culture. However, despite the formation of hematopoietic foci and accumulation of CD34 and CD133 cells in the adherent cell fraction, the ability of newly generated blood cells to form colonies in semi-solid culture medium was appreciably reduced. These findings suggest that human umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells display a weak capability to support the 'stemness' of hematopoietic stem cell progeny despite long-term maintenance of their viability and proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α7-Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) have been discovered and studied in the human endometrium for the first time. The expression of these receptors at the level of mRNA has been shown in the endometrial tissue by polymerase chain reaction and at the protein level by Western blot. It has been found that the addition of carbachol, an agonist of acetylcholine receptors, or PHA 543613, a selective activator of α7nAChR, to the primary culture of endometrial cells leads to regulated pulse secretion of matrix metalloproteinase- 9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial and host cell interactions stimulate rabbit B cells to diversify the primary Ab repertoire in GALT. B cells at the base of appendix follicles begin proliferating and diversifying their V-(D)-J genes around 1 wk of age, ~5 d after B cells first begin entering appendix follicles. To gain insight into the microbial and host cell interactions that stimulate B cells to diversify the primary Ab repertoire, we analyzed B cell trafficking within follicles during the first week of life. We visualized B cells, as well as chemokines that mediate B cell homing in lymphoid tissues, by in situ hybridization, and we examined B cell chemokine receptor expression by flow cytometry. We found that B cells were activated and began downregulating their BCRs well before a detectable B cell proliferative region appeared at the follicle base. The proliferative region was similar to germinal center dark zones, in that it exhibited elevated CXCL12 mRNA expression, and B cells that upregulated CXCR4 mRNA in response to signals acquired from selected intestinal commensals localized in this region. Our results suggest that after entering appendix follicles, B cells home sequentially to the follicle-associated epithelium, the follicular dendritic cell network, the B cell/T cell boundary, and, ultimately, the base of the follicle, where they enter a proliferative program and diversify the primary Ab repertoire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of γ-irradiation on HUVEC endothelial cells co-cultured with allogeneic astrocytes. This 2D in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier has the same parameters as cerebral microvascular endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier and allows reproducing its functions in vivo. Dose-dependent changes in cell morphology and violation of monolayer integrity were observed. Real-time PCR and immunocytochemical analysis revealed changes in the expression of tight (ZO-1, claudin-5) and adherens junction protein (vascular endothelial cadherin, β-catenin) mRNA. Expression of tight and adherens junction proteins mRNA decreased in 2, 24, and 48 h after irradiation in doses of 2, 4, and 6 Gy. Significant dosedependent changes were found only for β-catenin mRNA expression in 2 h after exposition. This model of blood-brain barrier in vitro can be used for studying the molecular mechanisms regulating permeability of cerebral endothelium under normal conditions and after pathological exposures, e.g. γ-irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Most of the dogs studied for the prevalence of CVBD have previously received acaricidal and insecticidal treatments. In the present work, a very specific population of dogs (Group 1) that had never been treated against ticks and mosquitoes was studied. Moreover, the territory occupied by this population has also never been treated, because it is a protected area – Voronezh Natural Reserve. Canine patients from veterinary clinics (Group 2) that had been treated against VBD vectors were studied for comparison. Eighty-two dogs (Group 1) were enrolled in June, 2008. Blood samples were tested using the IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® test. A specific heartworm antigen was detected in 12.2% samples. The seroprevalence for Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found to be 34.1%. The antibodies to Borrelia C6 peptide and to Ehrlichia canis were detected in 2.4% of the samples. Almost all dogs with infections had no clinical signs. Only 3 mixed-infected dogs showed non-specific clinical signs. During the tick season, 358 Ixodes ricinus were collected; the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum was 21.9% and 0.6%, respectively. Four hundred and forty dogs (Group 2) were studied for comparison. Antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. were detected only in one dog, seroprevalence for A. phagocytophilum represented 1.1%, no E. canis seropositive dogs were identified, and 8.2% dogs were found infected with Dirofilaria immitis. Fifty-six percent of dogs with dirofilariosis had clinical signs. All dogs with anaplasmosis showed specific clinical signs – fever, anemia, splenitis. Three dogs died within a few days. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and tribological properties of Fe-Si-B-C powder composites are analyzed to determine scientific and engineering principles for their production by single pressing and sintering followed by heat treatment. The composites have heterophase structure and can be recommended for wear-resistant parts for dry friction applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methods to introduce silicon into Fe-Si-C and Fe-Si-B-C powder composites and its distribution in the alloy matrix are studied. Two types of silicon-containing additions, such as silicon carbide and low-carbon ferrosilicon, may be used. Silicon carbide promotes more uniform distribution of silicon in the iron matrix of the composites, while ferrosilicon leads to better compaction. Selective doping of individual phase components of the Fe-Si-B-C alloys is established: in particular, silicon diffuses only in the iron matrix and does not interact with the boron eutectic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied expression of tight junction proteins and formation of the barrier properties in the culture of umbilical vein endothelial cells under conditions of co-culturing with allogenic GFAP-positive astrocytes. This culturing signifi cantly increases of expression of tight junction proteins (claudin-5, occludin, and ZO-1). The formation of tight junctions signifi cantly increased transendothelial resistance and reduced permeability for sodium fl uorescein. Thus, reproducible in vitro model for the study of endothelial barrier properties was created based on co-culturing of umbilical endothelial cells and human astrocytes. This model can be used for evaluation of the permeability of the tissue-blood barriers for substances of different chemical structure and for studies of factors modulating the state of cell-cell contacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To generate monoclonal antibodies to the human ρ1 GABAC receptor, a ligand-gated chloride ion channel that is activated by the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), we recovered the immunoglobulin variable heavy chain (VH) and light chain (VL) regions of a guinea pig immunized with a 14-mer peptide segment of the N-terminal extracellular domain of the ρ1 subunit. Oligonucleotide primers were designed and used to amplify the VH and VL regions of guinea pig RNA by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The amplified and cloned VH and VL regions were transferred together into a phagemid vector, yielding a library of 5×106 members, which displayed chimeric fragments of antigen binding (Fabs) with guinea pig variable and human constant regions fused to protein III of M13 bacteriophage. Through affinity selection of this phage-display library with the biotinylated 14-mer peptide segment of GABAC, we isolated four different antibody fragments that bound specifically to the immunogenic peptide. Phage particles displaying two of these antibodies, but not negative controls, bound selectively to the surface of neuroblastoma cells expressing the ρ1 GABAC receptor. Such antibody fragments will be useful in future studies involving targeting of specific neural tissues that express the GABAC receptor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The structure and mechanical and tribotechnical properties of iron-boron-carbon alloys produced from a mixture of iron, boron carbide, and graphite powders by single pressing and sintering are used to examine heterophase wear-resistant materials containing from 0.8 to 2.4% boron and from 0.7 to 1.6% fixed carbon. The wear resistance of the materials depends on the ratios of boron and carbon in them and on their total content and substantially exceeds the wear resistance of ShKh15 steel chosen as a reference sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of boron-containing structural powder steels produced using master alloys and boron carbide are examined. It is established that sintered and thermally treated materials produced with master alloys show better mechanical properties than those made with the use of boron carbide. The boron content of structural powder steels that promotes the optimum combination of properties with the use of master alloys with different compositions is about 1.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt) is potentially one of several virulence factors of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, the prime etiological agent of localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP). Little is known regarding the Cdt-specific antibody response in humans. The current study is a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the toxin-specific antibody response in a cohort of LAP patients and age-, race- and sex-matched controls. Methods: Ninety-five subjects provided a total of 692 serum samples. Sera were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to determine the titers of antibody against the intact Cdt holotoxin as well as the individual subunit proteins (CdtA, CdtB, and CdtC). Neutralization of growth inhibition mediated by Cdt was evaluated in a modified colony-forming assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells. Results: Fourteen of the 95 subjects exhibited significant serum Cdt-binding activity. There were no differences in the percentages of seropositive individuals or in the mean antibody titers between the control and LAP groups. Binding activity was detected against each of the three Cdt subunit proteins in all of the positive samples. Neutralization of Cdt-mediated growth inhibition was detected in samples from all of the seropositive subjects (range 20–75%). Conclusions: Cdt, a recently identified A. actinomycetemcomitans virulence factor, is capable of inducing a neutralizing antibody response indicating that the toxin is produced during natural infection of humans. The failure of a vast majority (20 of 23) of the LAP subjects to mount a significant anti-Cdt response may in part explain their relative susceptibility to the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  The paper presents a thermodynamic analysis of chemical equilibrium characteristics of Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo and Co-Cr-Ni-Mo alloys used to produce retention coatings on dentures by diffusion saturation from point sources under 0.1 MPa at 500–1500 K. It is shown that metals are transported through the gaseous phase with FeCl and FeCl2, CoCl and CoCl2, CrCl and CrCl3, NiCl and NiCl2, and MoCl3 and MoCl4 molecules. Chromium, nickel, and molybdenum in the iron-based system should be expected to be alloyed with iron and chromium transport should be expected in the cobalt-based system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The presence of valine-154 instead of glycine in the constant region of lambda1 causes a severe λ1 B cell defect in SJL and λ1-valine knock-in mice with a compensatory increase in λ2,3 B cells. The defect is due to low signaling by the λ1-valine BCR. λ1-Valine B cells deficient in the SHP-1 phosphatase survive better than λ2,3 B cells in these mice, or λ1 B cells in lambda1 wildtype mice. Low signaling is apparently due to misfolding of the λ1-valine light chain as demonstrated by the absence of a regular beta-sheet structure determined by circular dichroism, the sedimentation of the light chain in solution, and the association of valine–valine constant regions in a yeast two-hybrid assay. λ1-Valine B cells that survive apparently have a higher BCR signal, presumably because of their specific λ1-heavy chain combination or having encountered a high-affiniy antigen. λ1-Valine mice have increased B1 cells which were shown by others to have a higher signaling potential. Valine mice crossed with non-conventional γ2b transgenic mice, in which B cell development is accelerated and in which B1 cells and high signaling cells are greatly reduced, have essentially no, λ2,3 B cells, but increased numbers of λ1-valine B cells. This supports the conclusion that the major defect in λ1-valine mice is the inability of valine-preB cells to produce a threshold signal for B cell development. The reduction of λ2,3 B cells in valine mice with a γ2b transgene shows that the majority of their compensatory increase is almost entirely of the B1 cell type. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the lives and works of authors Iosif Brodskii and Joseph Brodsky. Brodsky made his first appearance in The New York Review of Books, one of the most influential publications in the U.S. Brodskii not only continued writing in his native language, but also managed to assert himself as an Anglophone prose writer, poet, and translator when he emigrate from Russia.

The Cdt is a family of gram-negative bacterial toxins that typically arrest eukaryotic cells in the G0/G1 or G2/M phase of the cell cycle. The toxin is a heterotrimer composed of the cdtA, cdtB and cdtC gene products. Although it has been shown that the CdtA protein subunit binds to cells in culture and in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CELISA) the precise mechanisms by which CdtA interacts with CdtB and CdtC has not yet been clarified. In this study we employed a random mutagenesis strategy to construct a library of point mutations in cdtA to assess the contribution of individual amino acids to binding activity and to the ability of the subunit to form biologically active holotoxin. Single unique amino acid substitutions in seven CdtA mutants resulted in reduced binding of the purified recombinant protein to Chinese hamster ovary cells and loss of binding to the fucose-containing glycoprotein, thyroglobulin. These mutations clustered at the 5′- and 3′-ends of the cdtA gene resulting in amino acid substitutions that resided outside of the aromatic patch region and a conserved region in CdtA homologues. Three of the amino acid substitutions, at positions S165N (mutA81), T41A (mutA121) and C178W (mutA221) resulted in gene products that formed holotoxin complexes that exhibited a 60% reduction (mutA81) or loss (mutA121, mutA221) of proliferation inhibition. A similar pattern was observed when these mutant holotoxins were tested for their ability to induce cell cycle arrest and to convert supercoiled DNA to relaxed and linear forms in vitro. The mutations in mutA81 and mutA221 disrupted holotoxin formation. The positions of the amino acid substitutions were mapped in the Haemophilus ducreyi Cdt crystal structure providing some insight into structure and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite difference methods of the second order of accuracy are elaborated for numerical calculation of non-steady-state ion transfer, which is caused by diffusion, migration, and convection in the unidimensional electrochemical systems. The methods of decoupling a set of coupled continuity equations of the electrolyte species are proposed, which ensures that the discrete equations are consistent with the initial differential equations and the electroneutrality condition is rigorously met. The methods of approximation of the boundary conditions of the second order temporal and spatial accuracy and the method of decoupling the transfer equations in the boundary nodes are elaborated. The explicit, fully implicit, and semi-implicit finite difference schemes are elaborated. For semi-implicit schemes, two versions of difference equation closure are proposed, which assure the unambiguity of determination of the distribution of electrical potential. Comparison analysis of the accuracy of elaborated finite difference methods of calculation of non-steady-state ion transfer is performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The finite difference method of calculation of non-steady-state ion transfer in electrochemical systems under the conditions of natural convection is elaborated. The method is based on the mathematical model involving the continuity equations for electrolyte species, the condition of electroneutrality, and the Navier–Stokes equations for a viscous incompressible liquid with the corresponding initial and boundary conditions. A scheme of decoupling is proposed, which provides successive calculation of the field of hydrodynamic velocities (a stream function), the distribution of electric potential, and the distribution of electrolyte species concentrations subject to the condition of electroneutrality. To enhance the efficiency of the method at large Schmidt numbers, the distribution of electrolyte species concentrations was calculated by the implicit difference scheme. The results of computational experiments are reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper examines the thermal synthesis of master alloys from a mixture of iron and boron carbide powders. It is shown that the content of boron decreases as compared with the starting mixture and the boron/carbon ratio in the master alloy powder changes with increasing synthesis temperature. Thus the initial content of boron carbide in the mixture insignificantly influences the boron/carbon ratio after sintering. At the same time, the content of boron carbide in the mixture and synthesis temperature essentially influence the structure and phase composition of the master alloy obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Degradation of salicylic acids under the action of oxidants generated by electrolysis of sulfuric acid was studied. In the course of oxidation, salicylic acids decompose to simpler and nontoxic substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A colorimetric sensor is proposed for determination of thiocyanate based on the destruction of mercury–diphenyl–carbazone complex immobilized in the optically transparent polymethacrylate matrix in the concentration range 0.8– 50 mg dm –3 with the detection limit of 0.6 mg dm –3 or visual determination with ‘naked eye’ in the concentration above 1 mg dm –3 . The possibility of application of such sensors for determining thiocyanate in fossil and drill waters is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal conditions for culturing of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells in the presence of pooled umbilical cord blood serum were determined. It was found that umbilical cord blood serum in a concentration range of 1-10% effectively supported high viability and proliferative activity of cells with unaltered phenotype and preserved multilineage differentiation capacity. The proposed approach allows avoiding the use of xenogenic animal sera for culturing of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells and creates prerequisites for designing and manufacturing safe cellular and/or acellular products for medical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the expression of different classes of surface molecules (CD13, CD29, CD40, CD44, CD54, CD71, CD73, CD80, CD86, CD90, CD105, CD106, CD146, HLA-I, and HLA-DR) in mesenchymal stromal cells from human umbilical cord and bone marrow during co-culturing with nucleated umbilical cord blood cells. Expression of the majority of surface markers in both types of mesenchymal stromal cells was stable and did not depend on the presence of the blood cells. Significant differences were found only for cell adhesion molecules CD54 (ICAM-1) and CD106 (VCAM-1) responsible for direct cell-cell contacts with leukocytes and only for bone marrow derived cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed changes in cell composition of umbilical cord blood and functional activity of hematopoietic stem cells during cryogenic storage and after repeated freezing/thawing cycles. It was found that repeated freezing/thawing cycles performed according to the optimal programmable freezing protocol did not significantly affect viability and functional activity of hematopoietic stem cells. When fast freezing program was used, the cells completely lost their capacity to form colonies in semisolid medium, despite high viability parameters in the test with 7-AAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Umbilical cord stroma is an easily available, convenient, and promising source of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells for regenerative medicine. Cryogenic storage of umbilical cord tissue provides more possibilities for further isolation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells for autologous transplantation or scientific purposes. Here we developed a protocol for preparation of the whole umbilical cord tissue for cryogenic storage that in combination with the previously described modified method of isolation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells allowed us to isolate cells with high proliferative potential, typical phenotype, and preserved differentiation potencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We suggest optical sensor systems based on the gold nanoparticles embedded within the polymethacrylate matrix for dual-signal spectrophotometric and colorimetric approaches can be used for the determination of glucose in the range of 0.1–0.8 mM and 0.3–0.8 mM with the detection limits of 0.06 mM and 0.1 mM, correspondingly. We studied the conditions of interaction between the gold nanoparticles, iodide and glucose by evaluating the influence of such factors as the contact time, pH and the analyte concentration upon the analytical signal. • Spectrophotometric abilities of gold nanoparticles. • Smartphone-based image processing for colorimetric determination. • Digital colorimetric and solid phase spectrophotometric determination. • Portable analytical unit for colorimetric rapid determination of glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extraembryonic tissues, in particular, umbilical cord stroma are promising sources of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells for regenerative medicine. In recent years, methods for isolation of mesenchymal stromal cells from different compartments of the umbilical cords based on enzymatic disaggregation of the tissue or on tissue explants have been proposed. Here we propose a protocol of isolation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells from the whole umbilical cord that combines the advantages of each approach and ensures sufficient cell yield for further experimental and clinical applications. A combination of short-term incubation of tissue fragments on cold collagenase solution followed by their culturing in the form of explants significantly increased the yield of cells with high proliferative activity, typical pluripotent mesenchymal stromal cell phenotype, and preserved differentiation capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] We suggest Ag0 nanoparticles immobilized into transparent polymethacrylate matrix (PMM–Ag0) as a simple colorimetric sensor for determination of glucose. We demonstrate the capabilities of a smartphone to process the images and further analyze the information obtained by determination of glucose using PMM–Ag0 sensor. The method can be employed for glucose concentrations of 0.1–4.3 mmol dm−3, while its detection limit is 0.05 mmol dm−3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized inside the small plates of transparent polymer medium by reduction of silver cations. The difference in morphology and sizes of nanoparticles synthesized by chemical, photochemical and thermal reduction was revealed, which depends both on the component ratio of the mixture and on the reduction time for the specific component ratio The polymethacrylate matrix itself acts as the stabilizing agent. A colorimetric sensor based on polymethacrylate matrix and silver nanoparticles was developed for the detection of hydrogen peroxide. The optical properties of the sensor were characterized by spectrophotometer using the surface plasmon resonance. A colorimetric sensor with nanoparticles undergoing to thermal reduction showed a quick result for the determination of hydrogen peroxide in the range 0.2–4.4 mM with a detection limit 0.1 mM. [Display omitted] • Spectrophotometric abilities of silver nanoparticles embedded within polymethacrylate matrix. • Combination of transparent polymethacrylate sensor and silver nanoparticles. • Solid phase spectrophotometric determination of hydrogen peroxide using colorimetric sensor based on silver nanoparticles embedded within polymethacrylate matrix. • Portable analytical unit for colorimetric rapid determination of hydrogen peroxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chimeras composed of the cdtB gene of a novel bacterial genotoxin and the human type I DNAse I gene were constructed and their products characterized relative to the biochemical and enzymatic properties of the native proteins. The product of a cdtB/DNAse I chimera formed a heterotrimer with the CdtA and CdtC subunits of the genotoxin, and targeted mutations increased the specific activity of the hybrid protein. Expression of active chimeric gene products established that the CdtB protein is an atypical divalent cation-dependent endonuclease and demonstrated the potential for genetically engineering a new class of therapeutic agent for inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, but many cancers are not impacted by currently available immunotherapeutic strategies. Here, we investigated inflammatory signaling pathways in neuroblastoma, a classically "cold" pediatric cancer. By testing the functional response of a panel of 20 diverse neuroblastoma cell lines to three different inflammatory stimuli, we found that all cell lines have intact interferon signaling, and all but one lack functional cytosolic DNA sensing via cGAS-STING. However, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) sensing via Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) was heterogeneous, as was signaling through other dsRNA sensors and TLRs more broadly. Seven cell lines showed robust response to dsRNA, six of which are in the mesenchymal epigenetic state, while all unresponsive cell lines are in the adrenergic state. Genetically switching adrenergic cell lines toward the mesenchymal state fully restored responsiveness. In responsive cells, dsRNA sensing results in the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, enrichment of inflammatory transcriptomic signatures, and increased tumor killing by T cells in vitro. Using single-cell RNA sequencing data, we show that human neuroblastoma cells with stronger mesenchymal signatures have a higher basal inflammatory state, demonstrating intratumoral heterogeneity in inflammatory signaling that has significant implications for immunotherapeutic strategies in this aggressive childhood cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The proposed iodometric solid-phase spectrophotometry method is based on interaction of ascorbic acid with molecular iodine in a solution with further extraction of the unreacted iodine into a polymethacrylate matrix followed by its spectrophotometric measurement in the solid phase. The amount of iodine extracted by the matrix is in inverse linear dependence on the concentration of ascorbic acid in the solution. The method can be employed for the range of ascorbic acid concentrations 1.0–9.0 mg dm–3, while its detection limit is 0.8 mg dm–3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alterations in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) genes have been identified as potential driver oncogenes. Pharmacological targeting of FGFRs may therefore provide therapeutic benefit to selected cancer patients, and proof-of-concept has been established in early clinical trials of FGFR inhibitors. Here, we present the molecular structure and preclinical characterization of INCB054828 (pemigatinib), a novel, selective inhibitor of FGFR 1, 2, and 3, currently in phase 2 clinical trials. INCB054828 pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were investigated using cell lines and tumor models, and the antitumor effect of oral INCB054828 was investigated using xenograft tumor models with genetic alterations in FGFR1, 2, or 3. Enzymatic assays with recombinant human FGFR kinases showed potent inhibition of FGFR1, 2, and 3 by INCB054828 (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] 0.4, 0.5, and 1.0 nM, respectively) with weaker activity against FGFR4 (IC50 30 nM). INCB054828 selectively inhibited growth of tumor cell lines with activation of FGFR signaling compared with cell lines lacking FGFR aberrations. The preclinical pharmacokinetic profile suggests target inhibition is achievable by INCB054828 in vivo with low oral doses. INCB054828 suppressed the growth of xenografted tumor models with FGFR1, 2, or 3 alterations as monotherapy, and the combination of INCB054828 with cisplatin provided significant benefit over either single agent, with an acceptable tolerability. The preclinical data presented for INCB054828, together with preliminary clinical observations, support continued investigation in patients with FGFR alterations, such as fusions and activating mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV criminalization describes the unjust application of criminal and similar laws to people living with HIV ostensibly based on their HIV status, either via HIV-specific criminal statutes or general criminal or other laws. As well as being a human rights issue of global concern, HIV criminalization is a barrier to universal access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care [2,3]. Ending unjust HIV criminalization: leave no-one behind. [Extracted from the article]

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a fatal lung disease associated with germline or somatic inactivating mutations in tuberous sclerosis complex genes (TSC1 or TSC2). LAM is characterized by neoplastic growth of smooth muscle-α-actin-positive cells that destroy lung parenchyma and by the formation of benign renal neoplasms called angiolipomas. The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitor rapamycin slows progression of these diseases but is not curative and associated with notable toxicity at clinically effective doses, highlighting the need for better understanding LAM's molecular etiology. We report here that LAM lesions and angiomyolipomas overexpress urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Tsc1-/- and Tsc2-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts expressed higher uPA levels than their WT counterparts, resulting from the TSC inactivation. Inhibition of uPA expression in Tsc2-null cells reduced the growth and invasiveness and increased susceptibility to apoptosis. However, rapamycin further increased uPA expression in TSC2-null tumor cells and immortalized TSC2-null angiomyolipoma cells, but not in cells with intact TSC. Induction of glucocorticoid receptor signaling or forkhead box (FOXO) 1/3 inhibition abolished the rapamycin-induced uPA expression in TSC-compromised cells. Moreover, rapamycin-enhanced migration of TSC2-null cells was inhibited by the uPA inhibitor UK122, dexamethasone, and a FOXO inhibitor. uPA-knock-out mice developed fewer and smaller TSC2-null lung tumors, and introduction of uPA shRNA in tumor cells or amiloride-induced uPA inhibition reduced tumorigenesis in vivo These findings suggest that interference with the uPA-dependent pathway, when used along with rapamycin, might attenuate LAM progression and potentially other TSC-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the production of 19 humoral factors in mixed cultures of mesenchymal stromal cells from Wharton's jelly and allogenic peripheral blood lymphocytes. For evaluation of the specificity of immunosuppressive activity of mesenchymal stromal cells, comparative analysis of the production of these humoral factors in mixed cultures of lymphocytes and epithelial BxPC-3 cells was conducted. The production of soluble factors in both mono- and mixed cultures significantly correlated ( p<0.05). The maximum production was found for proinflammatory chemokine IP-10 and IFN-γ and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The major difference of mesenchymal stromal cells from epithelial BxPC-3 cells was 7-fold higher production of IL-10, which can explain the immunosuppressive effect of mesenchymal stromal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technique of identification and quantification of D,L-lactide, lactic acid and its oligomers by the method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed. The separation was done on two columns connected consecutively using an aqueous solution of orthophosphoric acid and acetonitrile in the ratio 88:12 vol. % at a flow rate of 1.2 ml min-1 as a mobile phase. The developed method is simple and linear. Research of specificity, accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility shows that the technique is suitable for analytical control of all stages of the lactide synthesis from lactic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

cDNA extracellular Ig-like domains I-III of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was cloned in an expressing vector pET_32a. Western blotting showed immunochemical identity of recombinant VEGFR2 produced by prokaryotic expression system to the native receptor. BALB/c mice were immunized with VEGFR2 for obtaining specific antibodies to VEGFR2. Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies were selected by ELISA, Western blotting, and immunocytochemical assay. Thus, we obtained hybridoma producing monoclonal antibodies to VEGFR2 that selectively interact with both recombinant and native extracellular fragment of the receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]