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Angiotensin 2 impairs vascular function by activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and development of endothelial dysfunction. Metformin, the first-line therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus, has vascular protective properties, beyond its glucose lowering effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction between metformin and angiotensin 2 in human internal mammary arteries harvested from patients with coronary heart disease undergoing revascularization procedure, by evaluation of vascular function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the gene expression of nitric oxide (NO) synthases (endothelial – eNOS, neuronal – nNOS and inducible – iNOS). To this aim, vascular samples were incubated with angiotensin 2 (Ang2, 12 h) with/without metformin (Metf, 10 μM) and used for ROS measurement (FOX assay), vascular reactivity in organ bath (contractility to phenylephrine, relaxation to acetylcholine, contractility to NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester/L-NAME) and RTPCT studies. Acute incubation of the vascular rings with Ang2 impaired vascular reactivity (increase contractility, decrease relaxation), increased ROS production, supressed eNOS/nNOS and increased iNOS mRNA expression. Ex vivo incubation with metformin at a clinically relevant concentration reversed all these effects. These data suggest that Metformin might be useful in alleviating endothelial dysfunction by improving the endothelial-dependent relaxation and mitigating oxidative stress in clinical setting associated with cardiovascular disease regardless the presence of impaired glucose metabolism.

The increasing pollution of surface and groundwater bodies by pharmaceuticals is a general environmental problem requiring routine monitoring. Conventional analytical techniques used to quantify traces of pharmaceuticals are relatively expensive and generally demand long analysis times, associated with difficulties in performing field analyses. Propranolol, a widely used β-blocker, is representative of an emerging class of pharmaceutical pollutants with a noticeable presence in the aquatic environment. In this context, we focused on developing an innovative, highly accessible analytical platform based on self-assembled metal colloidal nanoparticle films for the fast and sensitive detection of propranolol based on Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The ideal nature of the metal used as the active SERS substrate was investigated by comparing silver and gold self-assembled colloidal nanoparticle films, and the improved enhancement observed on the gold substrate was discussed and supported by Density Functional Theory calculations, optical spectra analyses, and Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations. Next, direct detection of propranolol at low concentrations was demonstrated, reaching the ppb regime. Finally, we showed that the self-assembled gold nanoparticle films could be successfully used as working electrodes in electrochemical-SERS analyses, opening the possibility of implementing them in a wide array of analytical applications and fundamental studies. This study reports for the first time a direct comparison between gold and silver nanoparticle films and, thus, contributes to a more rational design of nanoparticle-based SERS substrates for sensing applications.

Many promising applications of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), such as microfluidic SERS and electrochemical (EC)-SERS, require immersion of plasmonic nanostructured films in aqueous media. Correlational investigations of the optical response and SERS efficiency of solid SERS substrates immersed in water are absent in the literature. This work presents an approach for tuning the efficiency of gold films over nanospheres (AuFoN) as SERS substrates for applications in aqueous environment. AuFoN are fabricated by convective self-assembly of colloidal polystyrene nanospheres of various diameters (300–800 nm), followed by magnetron sputtering of gold films. The optical reflectance of the AuFoN and Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations in both water and air reveal the dependence of the surface plasmon band on nanospheres’ diameter and environment. SERS enhancement of a common Raman reporter on AuFoN immersed in water is analyzed under 785 nm laser excitation, but also using the 633 nm line for the films in air. The provided correlations between the SERS efficiency and optical response in both air and water indicate the best structural parameters for high SERS efficiency and highlight a route for predicting and optimizing the SERS response of AuFoN in water based on the behavior in air, which is more practical. Finally, the AuFoN are successfully tested as electrodes for EC-SERS detection of the thiabendazole pesticide and as SERS substrates integrated in a flow-through microchannel format. The obtained results represent an important step toward the development of microfluidic EC-SERS devices for sensing applications.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as one of the most progressive diseases with increased mortality and morbidity. Metabolomics offers new insights into CKD pathogenesis and the discovery of new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CKD. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess metabolomic profiling of serum and urine samples obtained from CKD patients. Untargeted metabolomics followed by multivariate and univariate analysis of blood and urine samples from 88 patients with CKD, staged by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and 20 healthy control subjects was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry. Serum levels of Oleoyl glycine, alpha-lipoic acid, Propylthiouracil, and L-cysteine correlated directly with eGFR. Negative correlations were observed between serum 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid, Phenylalanine, Pyridoxamine, Cysteinyl glycine, Propenoylcarnitine, Uridine, and All-trans retinoic acid levels and eGFR. In urine samples, the majority of molecules were increased in patients with advanced CKD as compared with early CKD patients and controls. Amino acids, antioxidants, uremic toxins, acylcarnitines, and tryptophane metabolites were found in all CKD stages. Their dual variations in serum and urine may explain their impact on both glomerular and tubular structures, even in the early stages of CKD. Patients with CKD display a specific metabolomic profile. Since this paper represents a pilot study, future research is needed to confirm our findings that metabolites can serve as indicators of early CKD.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major complication of pregnancy with partially elucidated pathophysiology. Placental mitochondrial dysfunction has been increasingly studied as major pathomechanism in both early- and late-onset PE. Impairment of mitochondrial respiration in platelets has recently emerged as a peripheral biomarker that may mirror organ mitochondrial dysfunction in several acute and chronic pathologies. The present study was purported to assess mitochondrial respiratory dys/function in both platelets and placental mitochondria in PE pregnancies. To this aim, a high-resolution respirometry SUIT (Substrate-Uncoupler-Inhibitor-Titration) protocol was adapted to assess complex I (glutamate + malate)- and complex II (succinate)-supported respiration. A decrease in all respiratory parameters (basal, coupled, and maximal uncoupled respiration) in peripheral platelets was found in preeclamptic as compared to healthy pregnancies. At variance, placental mitochondria showed a dichotomous behavior in preeclampsia in relation to the fetal birth weight. PE pregnancies with fetal growth restriction were associated with decreased in coupled respiration (oxidative phosphorylation/OXPHOS capacity) and maximal uncoupled respiration (electron transfer/ET capacity). At variance, these respiratory parameters were increased for both complex I- and II-supported respiration in PE pregnancies with normal weight fetuses. Large randomized controlled clinical studies are needed in order to advance our understanding of mitochondrial adaptive vs. pathological changes in preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major complication of pregnancy with both mother and fetal adverse outcomes. Pregnancy is a state of increased oxidative stress that has been reported to be exacerbated when complicated with preeclampsia. However, conflicting data are available in literature regarding the systemic oxidative stress in PE pregnancies. The present pilot study was purported to assess systemic oxidative stress in preeclamptic vs healthy pregnancies. To this aim plasma derived compounds of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) were determined in mild and severe preeclamptic pregnancies using the Diacron equipment. Both healthy and preeclamptic pregnancies showed high levels of systemic oxidative stress. Paradoxically, significantly higher values of d-ROMs were found in healthy pregnancies as compared to the PE ones. At variance, in preeclamptic pregnancies, a major increase in the plasma antioxidant capacity occurred. In this pilot study, we report an increase in the systemic antioxidant capacity in preeclamptic pregnancies.

Mitochondria are central organelles in the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system via the integration of several physiological processes, such as ATP generation via oxidative phosphorylation, synthesis/exchange of metabolites, calcium sequestration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production/buffering and control of cellular survival/death. Mitochondrial impairment has been widely recognized as a central pathomechanism of almost all cardiovascular diseases, rendering these organelles important therapeutic targets. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported to occur in the setting of drug-induced toxicity in several tissues and organs, including the heart. Members of the drug classes currently used in the therapeutics of cardiovascular pathologies have been reported to both support and undermine mitochondrial function. For the latter case, mitochondrial toxicity is the consequence of drug interference (direct or off-target effects) with mitochondrial respiration/energy conversion, DNA replication, ROS production and detoxification, cell death signaling and mitochondrial dynamics. The present narrative review aims to summarize the beneficial and deleterious mitochondrial effects of common cardiovascular medications as described in various experimental models and identify those for which evidence for both types of effects is available in the literature.

In this work surface-enhanced Raman spectra of nucleic acids from in vitro grown Solanum tuberosum L. cultivars and populations (Buzau population, Lazarea population, Patraque d'Auvergne, RFA Roclas Clone 2.6 Ferma, Vitelotte Negresse, Roclas Clone C, Blue Congo) were measured with 532 nm laser line. Main surface-enhanced Raman modes of these DNAs have been analyzed. Also, DNA from two grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties were studied at acidic pHs by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Modified SERS intensities and wavenumber shifts of nucleic acids bands were observed upon lowering the pH, being a proof of binding affinity changes of DNA with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and of structural modifications induced at acidic pHs in DNA molecular groups. Furthermore, the (sub)picosecond surface dynamics of DNA extracted from leaf tissues of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties was investigated. In this work, the bands full widths at half-maximum (FWHMs) have values in the wavenumber range from 8 to 34 cm

Characterization of mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood cells has recently emerged as a potential biomarker for the assessment of the severity of hematological malignancies (HM) in adults. Whether changes in platelet respiratory function occur in children with or without HM it is unknown. The present pilot study was double-aimed: (i) to investigate whether platelet respiration is age-dependent in non-HM children and (ii) to assess the platelet mitochondrial respiration in children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Blood samples obtained from age-grouped children (10–11, 13–14 and 16–17 years) with non-HM and children with ALL (10–11 years) were used to isolate platelets via differential centrifugation. High-resolution respirometry studies of isolated platelets were performed according to a protocol adapted to evaluate complex I and II-supported respiration. An age-related decrease in respiration was observed in the non-HM pediatric population and had comparable values for the 13–14 and 16–17 years. groups. In children with ALL, a significant increase in C I-supported active respiration and decrease in maximal noncoupled respiration were found at the disease onset. In conclusion, in a pediatric population, platelet mitochondrial respiration is age-dependent. Platelet respiratory dysfunction occurs in children with newly-diagnosed ALL, an observation that warrants further investigation of this change as a disease biomarker.

The discovery of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from an electrochemical (EC)-SERS experiment is known as a historic breakthrough. Five decades have passed and Raman spectroelectrochemistry (SEC) has developed into a common characterization tool that provides information about the electrode–electrolyte interface. Recently, this technique has been successfully explored for analytical purposes. EC was found to highly improve the performances of SERS sensors, providing, among others, controlled adsorption of analytes and increased reproducibility. In this review, we highlight the potential of EC-SERS sensors to be implemented for point-of-need (PON) analyses as miniaturized devices, and their ability to revolutionize fields like quality control, diagnosis or environmental and food safety. Important developments have been achieved in Raman spectroelectrochemistry, which now represents a promising alternative to conventional analytical methods and interests more and more researchers. The studies included in this review open endless possibilities for real-life EC-SERS analytical applications.

Open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) remains the standard approach for complex cardiac pathologies, such as advanced coronary heart disease and severe valvular defects. Platelet dysfunction has been widely reported, with both structural and functional changes being elicited by the CPB circuit. Succinate is a mitochondrial substrate that is metabolized through complex II (CII) but is impermeable to cellular membranes when given exogenously. Cell-permeable succinates are novel prodrugs developed to support mitochondrial electron transport (ET) and prevent energy depletion in various pathologies. The aim of the present pilot study was to investigate the role of NV118 (diacetoxymethyl succinate), a cell-permeable succinate, on platelet respiration in a pilot group of patients undergoing CPB. Blood samples (20 mL) were collected from participants before (prior to heparin administration) and after CPB (within 10 min after protamine sulphate administration). Platelets were isolated through a two-step centrifugation protocol. Mitochondrial respiration was analyzed by means of high-resolution respirometry in the presence of NV118 or its solvent (DMSO). The main respiratory parameters recorded were as follows: ROUTINE respiration, LEAK respiration, and maximal uncoupled respiration for both CI and CII (ET capacity) and for CII solely after CI inhibition (ET CII capacity). Here, we report that NV118 elicited a global increase in platelet respiration both pre- and post-CPB. In conclusion, NV118, a cell-permeable succinate, improved platelet bioenergetics in the setting of cardiopulmonary bypass. Whether the compound can support platelet function and/or provide organ protection at the mitochondrial level during CPB are clearly worthy and important areas for future investigation.

In this work structural and (sub)picosecond surface dynamical changes of genomic DNA isolated from different medicinal plants (Hyssopus officinalis, Majorana hortensis, Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita cv "Cristal", Monarda didyma and Matricaria chamomilla), as probed with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), are discussed upon modifying the acidic pH of mixtures consisting of silver colloidal suspension and DNA samples, respectively. Binding affinity changes of DNA with silver NPs and nucleic acids protonation are supposed to take place upon lowering the pH. A small percentage of Hoogsteen GC basepairs was found in Mentha piperita cv "Cristal" DNA, at low acidic pH. As a general observation, the global relaxation times corresponding to different functional groups of the investigated genomic DNAs, respectively, show a decrease of their values upon lowering the pH.

Graphene/AgNPs-based surface dynamics of native DNA functional groups at different acidic pH values was discussed using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Also, ab initio dynamics of Verlet type was investigated for nucleic acid nitrogenous bases adsorbed on a graphene surface, respectively. The experimental dynamical parameters were given in terms of full widths at half-maximum (FWHMs) and (sub)picosecond global relaxation times, associated with SERS bands. Furthermore, using density functional theory (DFT) as implemented in SIESTA and the velocity autocorrelation function (VACF), we have obtained the vibrational density of states (VDOS) for each of the four DNA bases placed on a pristine graphene layer. Graphical abstract Top: computed VbDOS for guanine. Bottom: Verlet temperature as a function of time.

Dynamical properties of functional groups in 2�-deoxyadenosine-5�-monophosphate (dAMP) compound, were identified by UV resonance Raman spectroscopy (UVRR), upon varying nucleotide concentration in aqueous solution (200-600 μM). The studied full-widths at half-maximum (fwhm�s) were found between 13 - 21 cm-1 and the corresponding global relaxation times were faster than 0.817 ps and slower than 0.506 ps. Also, the band around 1430 cm-1 (C4N9-δC8H) in the UV resonance Raman spectrum of dAMP molecule at 400 μM concentration in aqueous solution, was selected for vibrational band shape analysis through time correlation function (CF) concept. Current theories developed for vibrational dephasing (Kubo-Rothschild and Oxtoby) have been applied to this profile and relevant relaxation parameters have been obtained and discussed. The best fit parameters for this dissipation channel of the vibrational excitation energy were established. To our knowledge this is the first UVRR study on nucleotide vibrational band shape analysis through time correlation function concept.

The genetic relationship among three Streptocarpus parents and twelve F1 hybrids was assessed using sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) molecular markers and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Both methods were able to discriminate F1 hybrids and parents as revealed by cluster analysis. For hybrid identification, the type III SRAP marker was the most effective due to the presence of male-specific bands in the hybrids. Different behaviors in the biochemical variability of DNA samples have been observed by FT-IR spectral analysis, which might be attributed to the inherent nature of the genomic DNA from parents and their F1 progenies. Mantel test was also carried out to compare morphological, SRAP, and FT-IR results based on genetic distances. The highest correlation coefficient was found between morphological and SRAP marker distances (R = 0.607, p &le, 0.022). A lower correlation was observed between the morphological and FT-IR distance matrix (R = 0.231, 0.008). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the distances generated with SRAP and FT-IR analyses (R = 0.026) but was not statistically significant. These findings show that both SRAP and FT-IR techniques combined with morphological descriptions can be used effectively for nonconventional breeding programs for Streptocarpus to obtain new and valuable varieties.

Vibrational properties and structural behavior upon ultraviolet (UV) irradiation are reported here for DNAs isolated from three serovars of Salmonella bacteria, respectively (S. enteritidis, S. infantis and S. typhimurium) by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The FT-IR absorbance spectra were recorded for bacterial DNAs, control and UV irradiated samples (30 min, 1 h, 1 h 30 min), respectively, and are presented in the wavenumber ranges from 800 to 1800 cm−1 and from 3000 to 4000 cm−1, respectively. Molecular specific structural information has been found based on DNA marker bands, which were monitored primarily in terms of intensity changes. As a general remark, a serovar’s dependent nonlinear behavior has been detected for some FT-IR band intensities corresponding to Salmonella DNAs, as a function of irradiation time. Particularly, alterations in DNA functional groups and molecular geometry have been observed. Chemometric analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) were successfully applied for the identification of inter- and intra- serovar differences between DNA spectra, before and after UV irradiation. The elucidation of the main spectral features characteristic to pathogenic bacterial DNAs offers further opportunity for bacteria identification and for establishing the mechanisms of infections, leading to the development of innovative diagnosis tools and more effective therapies. Particularly, DNA-damaging agents are most effective in cancer therapy.

Potential medical application of UV laser pulses for cancer treatment is one of the main motivations behind this study. Surface-enhanced Raman signatures-based structural and (sub)picosecond dynamical characterization of genomic DNAs from different medicinal plants are presented. Moreover, structural and surface dynamical changes induced in genomic DNAs from selected medicinal plants species by UV femtosecond laser pulses (λ=280 nm, 170 fs) were investigated between 300 and 1800 cm−1. As a general observation, after nucleic acids irradiation some modes became higher in intensity especially in the wavenumber range between 1050 cm−1–1650 cm−1 or new profiles appeared in this interval in the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) characteristics. Changes in the structure of dA, dG, dC dT residues, nucleic acid backbone and deoxyribose or unstacking of DNA bases were found. Large wavenumber shifts of the marker bands, which appear in the SERS spectra upon nucleic acids irradiation might be associated with loss of essential structural organization of DNA. As far as surface dynamics of DNA is concerned, for control nucleic acids functional groups, the global relaxation times varied between 0.39–1.77 ps and for UV femtosecond laser pulses-irradiated DNAs, this parameter was slower than 0.35 ps and faster than 1.63 ps. A decrease of the limit values of global relaxation times variation interval is to be observed upon UV treatment of nucleic acids. This faster surface dynamics might be explained by the presence of broken bonds (lesions) in DNA systems after laser pulses irradiation.

Building sector focuses on surpassing challenges linked to energy efficiency and mitigation measures related to greenhouse gas emissions, in consequence, it needs to improve building performance in the interest of decreasing impact over environment. Buildings with reduced long-term operating cost, environmental-friendly and moderate construction costs can be achieved only by multi-object optimization and cross-disciplinary analysis, embodying a holistic approach. Following the main principles of the holistic sustainable design approach, the paper presents a sustainable experimental modular laboratory involving various strategy in regard with sustainable building, as resource, cost and material efficiency, health and well-being, environmentally conscious design, life cycle design, modular design, reusable/recyclable element, environment-friendly demolition method, safety design, consideration of life cycle cost, materials cost and waste disposal cost. Besides the installation of renewable energy sources and conservation of energy, the holistic construction of laboratory included also an integrated design with consideration for technology, operation and maintenance, which involved the implementation of a monitored energy management system. The system provides an accurate overview of the building’s performance during operational phase. Although the monitoring is still in an incipient phase, recordings showed promising results regarding the behaviour of recycled-PET thermal wadding used for insulation and indoor comfort conditions.

Vibrational band shape analysis through time correlation function concept is widely used to obtain experimental information on the molecular dynamics of medium-size molecules in different environments. Interesting details are revealed by extending this technique to biomolecules such as functional groups of the nucleic acids in media approaching the physiological conditions. In this work a study into the UV resonance Raman (UVRR) vibrational half bandwidths of functional groups in LacDNA, upon lowering the pH (pH 6.4, pH 3.45) and in the presence of Mn2+ and Ca2+ ions, respectively, was of interest. The corresponding global relaxation times have been derived. Also, the 793 cm–1 UVRR band, corresponding to ν (backbone O–P–O, dT) oscillator of LacDNA in aqueous solutions, was selected for band shape-analysis. Vibrational relaxation appears as the dominant relaxation process for this mode, with vibrational dephasing being the most efficient for this oscillator. Current theories developed for vibrational depha...

In this work, Raman total half bandwidths and the corresponding global relaxation times of seven nucleic acid constituents (adenosine, guanosine hydrate, cytidine, thymidine, uridine, adenosine 5′-monophosphate disodium salt and 2′-deoxyadenosine-5′-monophosphate) have been identified, respectively. In our study, we have established that the full widths at half-maximum for the Raman bands of the investigated compounds are typically in the wavenumber range from 9 to 27 cm−1. Moreover, the molecular relaxation processes studied in this work are characterized by global relaxation times with values smaller than 1.18 ps and larger than 0.39 ps. Here, we can suppose that the dominant relaxation mechanism is the vibrational one.

Steel façade systems follow the actual tendencies in construction offering robust and sustainable solutions, able to answer to actual conditions and to offer adequate interior thermal comfort. The modern sandwich panels provided by the current façade system producers combine the required thermal resistance by varying the thermal insulation material and its thickness with the required structural demands. In addition, the façade layer could be over-coated with different materials, thus offering the required architectural aspect. Other advantages of the systems rely on industrialized prefabrication, fast installation and adaptability. They could also be disassembled and reused. The study presents an analysis of some envelope solutions existing on the market for buildings made of thin-walled cold-formed steel structural systems. The study consists in an annual energetic analysis of Mineral Wool (MW)-based system and a more sustainable recycled-PET thermal wadding-system. The analysis includes for input the own-produced energy by power grids and additional national grid energy while for output heating / cooling and electric appliances are considered. The study is completed by a life-cycle environmental analysis. The study revealed that when the thermal insulations have nearly the same U-value, the environmental impact of the recycled-PET thermal wadding-based system is smaller than that of MW-based system. Although the environmental impact of the recycled-PET thermal wadding is higher in the production stage, the insulation quantity of the material needed for PET-recycled thermal wadding to accomplish the required thermal resistance is much smaller than that of MW. Moreover, the original material for the recycled-PET thermal wadding is 100% recycled which implies a certain benefit of circularity to the material. The study also proves that the glazing ratio has also an impact on the thermal performances of studied systems: by reducing the overall glazing ratio of the envelope, the solar gain drops significantly, which leads to an increased heating energy demand, in order to meet indoor thermal comfort.

Clinical symptoms of hemoptysis, chest pain, dyspnea, night sweats and weight loss seen in a patient known for 14 years with pulmonary tuberculosis with sequelae lesions, will always guide the diagnose to a reactivated pulmonary tuberculosis. Yet, in this case, the latest pulmonary radiography revealed newly emerging bilateral lesions with the appearance of a macronodular opacity of medium intensity, discreetly non-homogeneous, located apical-sub-clavicular on the right side, but also with an apical-sub-clavicular cavity lesion on the left side, well defined, with uniform opaque content, and clear-cut outline. Complementary examinations, computed tomography and biopsy bronchoscopy, confirmed the diagnosis of upper right lobe pulmonary tumor with suspicion of aspergilloma in the upper left lobe.

The dynamics of genomic DNA and its nucleobases at a silver surface were explored using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and ab initio Verlet-type dynamics, respectively. The bands observed had full widths at half-maximum (FWHMs) in the wavenumber range 10–29 cm−1. (Sub)picosecond molecular dynamics with global relaxation times of 0.37–1.06 ps were noted. Furthermore, the on-surface ab initio dynamics of the DNA bases were examined using DFT with a Verlet-type algorithm. The results attained for these ergodic dynamic systems describe real systems quite well and could therefore be correlated with corresponding experimental data.

In this work the surface-enhanced Raman total half band widths of seven genomic DNAs from leaves of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Ramat.), common sundew (Drosera rotundifolia L.), edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum Cass), Epilobium hirsutum L., Hypericum richeri ssp. transsilvanicum (Čelak) Ciocârlan, rose (Rosa x hybrida L.) and redwood (Sequoia sempervirens D. Don. Endl.) have been measured. We have shown that surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can be used to study the fast subpicosecond dynamics of DNA in the proximity of a metallic surface. The dependencies of the total half band widths and the global relaxation times, on the DNA molecular subgroup structure and on the type of genomic DNA, are reported. In our study, the full widths at half-maximum (FWHMs) for the SERS bands of genomic DNAs from different leaf tissues are typically in the wavenumber range from 15 to 55 cm(-1). Besides, it can be observed that molecular relaxation processes studied in this work have a global relaxation time smaller than 0.71 ps and larger than 0.19 ps. A comparison between different ranges of FT-Raman and SERS band parameters, respectively, corresponding to DNA extracted from leaf tissues is given. It is shown that the interaction between DNA and a metallic surface has the potential to lead to a shortening of the global relaxation times, as compared with molecular dynamics in solution. We have found that the surface dynamics of molecular subgroups in plant DNA is, in some cases, about two times faster than the solution dynamics of nucleic acids. This can be rationalized in a qualitative manner by invoking the complex landscape of the interaction energy between the molecule and the silver surface.

Significance: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a frequent complication occurring even in well-controlled asymptomatic diabetic patients, and it may advance to heart failure (HF). Recent Advances: The diabetic heart is characterized by a state of “metabolic rigidity” involving enhanced rates of fatty acid uptake and mitochondrial oxidation as the predominant energy source, and it exhibits mitochondrial electron transport chain defects. These alterations promote redox state changes evidenced by a decreased NAD+/NADH ratio associated with an increase in acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio. NAD+ is a co-substrate for deacetylases, sirtuins, and a critical molecule in metabolism and redox signaling; whereas acetyl-CoA promotes protein lysine acetylation, affecting mitochondrial integrity and causing epigenetic changes. Critical Issues: DCM lacks specific therapies with treatment only in later disease stages using standard, palliative HF interventions. Traditional therapy targeting neurohormonal signaling and hemodynamics failed to improve mortality rates. Though mitochondrial redox state changes occur in the heart with obesity and diabetes, how the mitochondrial NAD+/NADH redox couple connects the remodeled energy metabolism with mitochondrial and cytosolic antioxidant defense and nuclear epigenetic changes remains to be determined. Mitochondrial therapies targeting the mitochondrial NAD+/NADH redox ratio may alleviate cardiac dysfunction. Future Directions: Specific therapies must be supported by an optimal understanding of changes in mitochondrial redox state and how it influences other cellular compartments; this field has begun to surface as a therapeutic target for the diabetic heart. We propose an approach based on an alternate mitochondrial electron transport that normalizes the mitochondrial redox state and improves cardiac function in diabetes.

Today, more than half of the urban population in Romania lives in collective housing units based on standard typologies built from large prefabricated reinforced concrete panels. These units were built on a large scale between the early 60s and 90s in order to rapidly provide housing for a large number of workers coming from the rural areas due to the intense expansion of the industries near the cities. With the evolution of technology and social routines, these housing units are now outdated and consume significant amounts of energy for heating, cooling and ventilation while, not being able to meet modern living needs. Based on the main aspects of sustainable development, a retrofitting scenario of these building is proposed, i.e.: (1) social, by rethinking the space configuration within the apartments, accessibility and transforming the inner courtyards, now occupied by cars, into a positive space; (2) economic, by offering a new building envelope based on a ventilated facade system and by improving the existing facilities for heating, ventilation and cooling; (3) environment, by integrating renewable energy systems and passive design strategies - a new extension module is placed on top of the buildings that behaves as an active core and house a solar panel array and energy distribution networks. With the transition of the existing power grids to the so-called “smart grids”, such buildings can become, consumers as well as suppliers, and the possible energy losses on the grid to be eliminated.

More than half of the urban population in Romania lives today in residential buildings made out of large prefabricated reinforced concrete panels. Since their initial design was made in the 1960’s, these housing units are now being technically and morally outdated, consuming large amounts of energy for heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting, while failing to meet the needs of the contemporary life-style. Due to their widespread use, the design of a system that improves their energy efficiency would have a real impact, not only on the energy consumption of the residential sector, but also on the quality of life that it offers. Furthermore, with the transition of today’s existing power grid to a “smart grid”, buildings could become an active element for future electricity networks by contributing in micro-generation and energy storage. One of the most addressed issues today is to find locally adapted strategies that can be applied considering the 20-20-20 EU policy criteria and to offer sustainable and innovative solutions for the cost-optimal energy performance of buildings adapted on the existing local market. This paper presents a possible adaptive design scenario towards sustainable retrofitting of these housing units. The apartments are transformed in order to meet the current living requirements and additional extensions are placed on top of the building, replacing the unused roof space, acting not only as housing units, but as active solar energy collection systems. An adaptive building envelope is ensured in order to achieve overall air-tightness and an elevator system is introduced to facilitate access to the upper levels., {"references":["A. Botici., V. Ungureanu., A. Ciutina, A. Botici, D. Dubina., Sustainable Retrofitting of Large Prefabricated Concrete Residential Buildings, Central Europe towards Sustainable Building, 2013.","L. A. Fülöp , M. J. Riihimäki, Opportunities in Sustainably Retrofitting the Large Panel Reinforced Concrete Building Stock in East Europe, Opportunities and challenges in sustainably retrofitting the large panel concrete building stock, 2014, pp. 1-8, Oizonturi Universitare Press, Timsoara, Romania.","S. S. Lewin, C. Goodman, Transformative Renewal and Urban Sustainability. Journal of Green Building: Fall 2013, Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 17-38.","M. Popov, M. Szitar, M. Sămânță, An Integrated Approach - Retrofitting the Blocks of Flats Made of Prefabricated Panels, Opportunities and challenges in sustainably retrofitting the large panel concrete building stock, 2014, pp. 131-144, Oizonturi Universitare Press, Timsoara, Romania.","M. Szitar, D. Grecea, M. Popov, M. Adam, M. 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