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The disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is largely influenced by amyloid beta (Aβ). In this study, we developed a high-throughput microfluidic BBB model devoid of a physical membrane, featuring endothelial cells interacting with an extracellular matrix (ECM). This paper focuses on the impact of varying concentrations of Aβ1–42 oligomers on BBB dysfunction by treating them in the luminal. Our findings reveal a pronounced accumulation of Aβ1–42 oligomers at the BBB, resulting in the disruption of tight junctions and subsequent leakage evidenced by a barrier integrity assay. Additionally, cytotoxicity assessments indicate a concentration-dependent increase in cell death in response to Aβ1–42 oligomers (LC50 ~ 1 µM). This study underscores the utility of our membrane-free vascular chip in elucidating the dysfunction induced by Aβ with respect to the BBB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formation of new active presynaptic terminals of synaptic transmission machinery is demonstrated by video imaging of GFP-actin at individual synapses. Photoconductive stimulation model reveals that a single tetanus moves presynaptic actin toward synaptic junction while postsynaptic actin moving away from it.

The crystal structure, bonding, infrared spectra and electrochemical properties of the triiron bicapped Fe3(CO)9(mu3-EMLn)2 clusters have been studied. Changes in heteroatom E = P, As and Sb and the capping metal group MLn = MnCp(CO)2 and Cr(CO)5 produce these clusters which can be considered as analogues of organopnictane (ER3) ligands. A motivation for undertaking the study was the detection of single two-electron reduction in the cluster Fe3(CO)9(mu3-PMnCp(CO)2)2. This phenomenon converts the closed 48-electron triangular cluster to an open 50-electron triangular cluster.

The biodegradable ability of magnesium alloys is an attractive feature for tracheal stents since they can be absorbed by the body through gradual degradation after healing of the airway structure, which can reduce the risk of inflammation caused by long-term implantation and prevent the repetitive surgery for removal of existing stent. In this study, the effects of bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) and mucin in Gamble's solution on the corrosion behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy were investigated, using immersion and electrochemical tests to systematically identify the biodegradation kinetics of magnesium alloy under in vitro environment, mimicking the epithelial mucus surfaces in a trachea for development of biodegradable airway stents. Analysis of corrosion products after immersion test was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to identify the effects of bicarbonate ions and mucin on the corrosion behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloys with the temporal change of corrosion resistance. The results show that the increase of the bicarbonate ions in Gamble's solution accelerates the dissolution of AZ31 magnesium alloy, while the addition of mucin retards the corrosion. The experimental data in this work is intended to be used as foundational knowledge to predict the corrosion behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy in the airway environment while providing degradation information for future in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon nanotube (CNT)-modified silver titania (Ag–TiO2) nanoparticle composites were synthesized by photochemical reduction. Characterization of the composites was performed using field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that TiO2 particles were uniformly distributed on CNTs, and the silver particles were decorated on the surface of the TiO2. The photocatalytic activity of Ag–TiO2–CNT nanoparticle composites synthesized with various concentrations of CNTs was investigated using methylene blue (MB) dye solution. Adsorption and recovery of MB showed that Ag–TiO2–CNT nanoparticle composites have a higher absorption efficiency than unadorned CNTs. The higher absorption demonstrates a synergistic effect between the CNTs and silver titania. Overall, novel photocatalytic nanoparticle composites that adsorb organic molecules, absorb light energy, and separate long-lived electron–hole pairs through spatial separation were developed. Minimization of electron–hole recombination allows efficient transfer of photochemical energy which affects the redox chemistry across the interfaces in the composites. The new composites were designed for environmental cleanup of organic pollutants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]