Artificial Blood Research Articles

In vivo total or partial hepatectomy followed by ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation for malignant tumors: a single center experience.

Ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRAT) may provide an opportunity for R0 resection of conventionally unresectable hepatobiliary cancers and hepatic metastases. To date, few studies of the surgery for malignant tumors have been conducted and there are no known reports of in vivo partial hepatectomy followed by ELRAT (IPH-ELRAT) for malignant tumors. Between December 2021 and November 2022, ten patients with malignant hepatobiliary primary cancers or hepatic metastases underwent ELRAT at our institution. We shared the surgical skills and postoperative prognoses of these patients were assessed. The types of tumors were biliary tract cancer (BTC, n=8), hepatic metastasis of colonic carcinoma (n=1), and hepatic metastasis of small-bowel stromal tumor (n=1). Five patients underwent in vivo total hepatectomy followed by ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ITH-ELRAT), The other five received in vivo partial hepatectomy followed by ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (IPH-ELRAT). Four patients underwent inferior vena cava replacement using artificial blood vessels. The survival rate of all ten patients one month after surgery was 100%. Nine patients (90%) are currently alive, with a median follow-up of 8.5 months (range 6-16.5 months). To date, seven of the nine surviving patients have had no cancer recurrence, including six with BTC. We report the world first five cases that received IPH-ELRAT for malignancies. We also demonstrated relatively favorable outcomes in patients who underwent ELRAT. ELRAT may be a recommendable surgical option for selected patients with conventionally unresectable hepatobiliary malignant tumors.

Dual Stealth Functional Immuno-magnetic Nanoparticles for High-Performance Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells.

As a biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) biopsy, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are often used in the diagnosis of cancer and treatment guidance. For CTCs detection, immuno-magnetic nanoparticles (IMNs) are one of the most commonly used platforms. However, the nonspecific adsorption of proteins and non-tumor cells weakens the performance of IMNs to capture CTCs. In this work, we developed an IMNs platform which was constructed by a biomimetic protein corona precoating and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer to form the PEG and corona-coated IMNs (IP-CMNs). Due to the dual stealth effect of protein corona precoating and PEG spacer, the nonspecific protein adsorption and cell binding of P-CMNs could reduce by ∼5.5- and ∼5.4-fold, respectively, compared with those of unmodified particles. Furthermore, the PEG spacer could not only reduce the interaction between IP-CMNs and leukocytes but also enhance the capture performance toward tumor cells. By using artificial blood samples, the capture efficiency of IP-CMNs toward rare CTCs was found to be 88.3%, while it was 70.5% by using commercial IMNs. Finally, CTCs were successfully isolated in all HCC patient blood samples (7/7) using IP-CMNs. These results provide insight into the use of the multifunctional nanoplatform as a useful tool for CTCs detection.

STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF SILVER ALLOYING ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF MAGNESIUM ALLOY NZ30K FOR IMPLANTS IN OSTEOSYNTHESIS

Purpose. Study of the influence of silver alloying of magnesium alloy NZ30K on its mechanical properties for use in the manufacture of biodegradable implants. Research methods. The tensile strength and relative elongation of the samples were determined on a P5 tensile machine at room temperature. The microstructure of the samples was studied using a “Carl Zeiss” optical electron microscope using the “Observer.D1m” software. Samples were used after etching with a reagent containing 1 % nitric acid, 20 % acetic acid, 19 % distilled water, and 60 % ethylene glycol. Fractographic analysis of sample fractures was performed on a JSM-6360LA scanning electron microscope. The phase analysis of the structural components of magnesium alloys was studied using an electron microscope – a microanalyzer with an energy dispersive attachment РEMMA 202М and РЕМ 16I. Research on biocorrosion was carried out by keeping the samples in a solution of gelofusin – an artificial blood substitute for 2, 4, 6 weeks, using a TC-20 MICROmed thermostat. Results. The study showed that silver was a part of the complex alloyed intermetallic phases, which were additional crystallization centers. In this case, the average grain size decreases by almost three times compared to the original alloy. It was found that the optimal set of properties is achieved by the introduction of 0.1 % Ag, while the tensile strength increases by 7.9 % and the relative elongation almost doubles. It was found that the magnesium alloy with silver (0.1 %) slows down biocorrosion processes and helps to maintain a high level of tensile strength (σB = 205 MPa) after 6 weeks of exposure to a solution of helofusine. Thus, silver is a promising material for improving the structure and increasing the mechanical properties of biodegradable magnesium alloy implants. Scientific novelty. The silver content for alloying the NZ30K alloy was determined to be 0.1 % Ag, which forms the optimal ratio of strength and ductility, grain structure refinement, and slowing down biocorrosion processes. Practical value. NZ30K alloy with the addition of 0.1 % silver is promising for use in the manufacture of implants. The studied alloy provides the required level of properties until complete fracture consolidation.

Liver replacement therapy with extracorporeal blood purification techniques current knowledge and future directions.

Clinically, it is highly challenging to promote recovery in patients with acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Despite recent advances in understanding the underlying mechanisms of ALF and ACLF, standard medical therapy remains the primary therapeutic approach. Liver transplantation (LT) is considered the last option, and in several cases, it is the only intervention that can be lifesaving. Unfortunately, this intervention is limited by organ donation shortage or exclusion criteria such that not all patients in need can receive a transplant. Another option is to restore impaired liver function with artificial extracorporeal blood purification systems. The first such systems were developed at the end of the 20th century, providing solutions as bridging therapy, either for liver recovery or LT. They enhance the elimination of metabolites and substances that accumulate due to compromised liver function. In addition, they aid in clearance of molecules released during acute liver decompensation, which can initiate an excessive inflammatory response in these patients causing hepatic encephalopathy, multiple-organ failure, and other complications of liver failure. As compared to renal replacement therapies, we have been unsuccessful in using artificial extracorporeal blood purification systems to completely replace liver function despite the outstanding technological evolution of these systems. Extracting middle to high-molecular-weight and hydrophobic/protein-bound molecules remains extremely challenging. The majority of the currently available systems include a combination of methods that cleanse different ranges and types of molecules and toxins. Furthermore, conventional methods such as plasma exchange are being re-evaluated, and novel adsorption filters are increasingly being used for liver indications. These strategies are very promising for the treatment of liver failure. Nevertheless, the best method, system, or device has not been developed yet, and its probability of getting developed in the near future is also low. Furthermore, little is known about the effects of liver support systems on the overall and transplant-free survival of these patients, and further investigation using randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses is needed. This review presents the most popular extracorporeal blood purification techniques for liver replacement therapy. It focuses on general principles of their function, and on evidence regarding their effectiveness in detoxification and in supporting patients with ALF and ACLF. In addition, we have outlined the basic advantages and disadvantages of each system.

Subclavian Artery-Carotid Artery Bypass for Subclavian Artery or Common Carotid Artery Severe Stenosis or Occlusion.

Various surgical treatments are available for occlusive subclavian and common carotid artery diseases. Nevertheless, to date, when cerebral endovascular treatment is utilized, revascularization via direct surgery may be required. This study reported five symptomatic cases of revascularization for CCA and SCA occlusive and stenotic lesions that were expected to be challenging to treat with endovascular treatment. We performed subclavian artery-common carotid artery or internal carotid artery bypass using artificial blood vessels or saphenous vein grafts in five patients with subclavian steal syndrome, symptomatic common carotid artery occlusion, and severe proximal common carotid artery stenosis. In this study, good bypass patency was achieved in all five cases. Although there were no intraoperative complications, one patient had a postoperative lymphatic leak. Moreover, there was no recurrence of stroke during postoperative follow-up for an average of 2 years. Conclusively, subclavian artery-common carotid artery bypass can be an effective surgical treatment for common carotid artery occlusion, proximal common carotid artery stenosis, and subclavian artery occlusion.

#5130 THE EXPERIENCE OF SELECTIVE PLASMA EXCHANGE THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE MYELOMA

Abstract Background and Aims High concentrations of free light chains (FLCs) in multiple myeloma lead to cast-nephropathy and obstructive acute renal failure in 18-56% of patients. The aim of this research is to estimate the efficiency of extracorporeal free light chains of immunoglobulin elimination under this pathological condition during plasma exchange therapy using selective filters. Method Selective plasma exchange therapy (SEPET) was carried out in 11 patients with multiple myeloma. The patients were 61 [47-69] years old. Paraproteinemia level at primary examination varied from 1.6 to 78.8 g/liter. All patients exhibited proteinuria of 0.56 to 12.7 g/day, Bence Jones protein excretion (from 0.4 to 11.2 g/day) was detected in 9 cases. Blood creatinine levels ranged from 272 μmol/L to 534 μmol/L. None of the patients required renal replacement therapy. FLCs levels above 500 mg/L, irrespective of azotemia level, served as an indication for starting the procedure. All patients received VMP induction chemotherapy after sessions of selective plasma exchange therapy. SEPET was carried out on a “Multifiltrate” (Fresenius) hemodialysis machine in hemofiltration mode. «Evaclio 2C20» plasmafilter (Japan) was used. Patients underwent one procedures of SEPET in a dose of 3 volumes of circulating plasma. Blood flow velocity during varied from 40 to 60 ml/min, the duration of each procedure was 5-6 hours. Plasma substitution was performed with «Prismasol K4» solution - 10.0 L and albumin solution 20%-400 ml. Regulated clotting by nonfractionated heparin was calculated individually from the APTT values. No early or delayed complications of extracorporeal hemocorrection were recorded. FLCs, creatinine levels, and coagulogram results of patients were examined before and after the procedure. Results Analysis of serum FLC values before treatment showed a significant increase of κ- or λ-FLC levels, significantly surpassing normal values: 3-21.5 mg/liter κ-FLC and 5-27 mg/liter λ-FLC, with κ/λ-FLC proportion of 0.25-1.65. The primary levels of involved FLC medians in the group were 472 [312;44700] mg/L for κ-FLC and 163 [ 473; 24673] mg/L for λ-FLC, κ/λ-FLC proportions were 2.89. Through the membrane of the plasma filter “Evaclio 2C20” are sieved and removed substances with a molecular weight less than the molecular weight of albumin (65 kD). Kappa FLCs circulate as monomers of 22 kDa but may assemble into dimers of 45 kDa, particularly lambda FLCs. There is a partial loss of albumin. High molecular weight substances do not pass through this membrane. During SEPET the κ-FLC level in the plasmafiltrate was 272 mg/L, the λ-FLC level was 94 mg/L. After SEPET median serum κ-FLC was 231 mg/L, median serum λ-FLC was 96 mg/L. Compared with baseline data, serum FLC levels decreased after 24 hours, so that median serum κ-FLC was 281 mg/L, median serum λ-FLC was 101 mg/L. Clinical tolerance of extracorporeal detoxification was satisfactory and hemodynamically stable in all patients; and there were no were traumas of blood elements or decrease of serum albumin. Renal function recovered in 3 patients in the course of therapy, improved in 5 patients with renal insufficiency, and remained unchanged in 3 patients. Conclusion The Selective plasma exchange therapy directly removes FLCs excess from circulating blood. Rapid reduction of FLCs level in the course of selective extracorporeal elimination can prevent the development of irreversible renal failure and make it possible to carry out adequate antitumor therapy.

Nickel Oxy-Hydroxy/Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Film Coupled with a 3D-Printed Device as a Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensor.

A rapid and simple method for the amperometric determination of glucose using a nanocomposite film of nickel oxyhydroxide and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) was evaluated. The NiHCF)/MWCNT electrode film was fabricated using the liquid-liquid interface method, and it was used as a precursor for the electrochemical synthesis of nickel oxy-hydroxy (Ni(OH)2/NiOOH/MWCNT). The interaction between nickel oxy-hydroxy and the MWCNTs provided a film that is stable over the electrode surface, with high surface area and excellent conductivity. The nanocomposite presented an excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of glucose in an alkaline medium. The sensitivity of the sensor was found to be 0.0561 μA μmol L-1, and a linear range from 0.1 to 150 μmol L-1 was obtained, with a good limit of detection (0.030 μmol L-1). The electrode exhibits a fast response (150 injections h-1) and a sensitive catalytic performance, which may be due to the high conductivity of MWCNT and the increased active surface area of the electrode. Additionally, a minimal difference in the slopes for ascending (0.0561 µA µmol L-1) and descending (0.0531 µA µmol L-1) was observed. Moreover, the sensor was applied to the detection of glucose in artificial plasma blood samples, achieving values of 89 to 98% of recovery.

Disposable and Sensitive Electrochemical Determination of Molnupiravir at a Pencil Graphite Electrode (PGE) by Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV)

This study describes the sensitive voltammetric determination of the COVID-19 drug, molnupiravir, at a pencil graphite electrode (PGE) which is easily available, inexpensive, disposable, and highly electrochemically active. For comparison purposes, cyclic and differential pulse voltammetric responses of molnupiravir were compared at the carbon paste electrode (CPE) and glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The results show that the oxidation potential of molnupiravir shifts to a more negative direction and the peak current of molnupiravir increases significantly with the PGE compared to the CPE and GCE. The PGE demonstrates remarkable electrocatalysis upon the oxidation of molnupiravir. The detection limit and linear range for molnupiravir were determined to be 7.2 nM and 25 to 1000 nM by differential pulse voltammetry. In addition, the selectivity of PGE is high for molnupiravir. The applicability of the sensor was examined by the analysis of pharmaceutical and artificial blood samples. This low-cost and practical sensor was demonstrated to determine molnupiravir with good accuracy and precision.

Gastrointestinal peristalsis-inspired hydrogel actuators for NIR-controlled transport of viscous liquids.

Liquid transportation is fundamentally important in microfluidics, water collection, biosensing and printing, and has attracted enormous research interest in the past decades. However, despite substantial progress, it remains a big challenge to achieve the controlled transport of viscous liquids (>100 mPa∙s) commonly existing in daily life and the chemical industry. Inspired by the gastrointestinal peristalsis of mammalians that can efficiently transport viscous chyme (viscosity up to 2,000 mPa∙s) by the synergistic combination of contraction driving force and lubrication, this paper reports the design and construction of double-layered tubular hydrogel actuators for directional transport of highly viscous liquids ranging from ∼1000 mPa∙s to >80000 mPa∙s under the control of an applied 808nm laser, which is attributed to the cooperation of outer layer contraction and water film lubrication of the inner layer. It's demonstrated that the actuators are capable of transporting polymerizing liquid whose viscosity significantly increases to ∼11182 mPa·s in 2h. This work paves a new avenue towards directional transport of highly viscous liquids, which not only expands the research scope of liquid transportation, but will spur the design of new liquid actuators with potential applications in viscous liquid-based microfluidics, artificial blood vessels, and soft robots. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

CLASSIFICATION OF BLOOD SUBSTITUTES

Blood substitutes are substances used to replace or supplement the activities of biological blood cellular or acellular components. It is meant to be a transfusion-free option. There are four main categories that blood substitutes fall into: red blood cell substitutes, white blood cell substitutes, platelet substitutes, and plasma derivatives. Red blood cells (RBCs) substitutes can be divided into biological and chemical oxygen carriers. Biological oxygen carriers are haemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) and stem cell derived red blood cells (cRBC). Sanguinate is the sole FDA-approved HBOC drug due to its sickle cell reversal, vasodilatory, and noninflammatory qualities while cRBC is utilized to produce universal group of RBCs. It has greater biological connections with natural bloods than chemical oxygen carriers, the second type of RBCs substitutes. When cRBC were transfused into participants, it was found that 63% of the cells continued to circulate in the blood, matching the half-life of a normal RBC, which is 28 days. These showed that red blood cells could be cultivated in a lab and that they also responded well in the human body. A study on stem cell derived red blood cells (cRBC) using growth stimulants, medium cultures, and genetic manipulation to immortalise human erythroid line has yielded mature RBCs. Now, this study is in the clinical trials which portrayed a huge success in the artificial blood field due to its immortal property. Perfluorocarbon (PFC) and polymer-based oxygen carriers are the two subcategories of chemical-based oxygen carriers. Products in this category may not be structurally resemble haemoglobin or RBCs, but they are intended to serve the primary physiological function of blood. Due to the complexity of the cellular parts of the immune system, no alternative to white blood cells (WBC) has been made artificially yet. However, immunotherapy strategies may offer the "functional substitution" for WBC especially in the case of artificial adaptive immunity. There have been approved alternatives for plasma derivatives but none to substitute platelets yet.

Assessing vector competence of mosquitoes from northeastern France to West Nile virus and Usutu virus.

West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are two arthropod-borne viruses that circulate in mainland France. Assessing vector competence has only been conducted so far with mosquitoes from southern France while an increasingly active circulation of WNV and USUV has been reported in the last years. The main vectors are mosquitoes of the Culex genus and the common mosquito Culex pipiens. Here, we measure the vector competence of five mosquito species (Aedes rusticus, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles plumbeus, Culex pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata) present in northeastern France. Field-collected populations were exposed to artificial infectious blood meal containing WNV or USUV and examined at different days post-infection. We show that (i) Cx. pipiens transmitted WNV and USUV, (ii) Ae. rusticus only WNV, and (iii) unexpectedly, Ae. albopictus transmitted both WNV and USUV. Less surprising, An. plumbeus was not competent for both viruses. Combined with data on distribution and population dynamics, these assessments of vector competence will help in developing a risk map and implementing appropriate prevention and control measures.

A Three-Dimensional Anterior and Middle Cranial Fossa Model for Skull Base Surgical Training with Two Layers of the Colored Dura Mater

Adequate epidural procedures and anatomical knowledge are essential for the technical success of skull base surgery. We evaluated the usefulness of our three-dimensional (3D) model of the anterior and middle cranial fossa as a learning tool in improving knowledge of anatomy and surgical approaches, including skull base drilling and dura matter peeling techniques. Using a 3D printer, a bone model of the anterior and middle cranial fossa was created based on multi-detector row computed tomography data, incorporating artificial cranial nerves, blood vessels, and dura mater. The artificial dura mater was painted using different colors, with 2 pieces glued together to allow for the simulation of peeling the temporal dura propria from the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. Two experts in skull base surgery and 1 trainee surgeon operated on this model and 12 expert skull base surgeons watched the operation video to evaluate this model subtlety on a scale of 1 to5. A total of 15 neurosurgeons, 14 of whom were skull base surgery expert, evaluated, scoring 4 or higher on most of the items. The experience of dural dissection and 3D positioning of important structures, including cranial nerves and blood vessels, was similar to that in actual surgery. This model was designed to facilitate teaching anatomical knowledge and essential epidural procedure-related skills. It was shown to be useful for teaching essential elements of skull-base surgery.

3D positioning and autofocus of the particle field based on the depth-from-defocus method and the deep networks

Accurate three-dimensional positioning of particles is a critical task in microscopic particle research, with one of the main challenges being the measurement of particle depths. In this paper, we propose a method for detecting particle depths from their blurred images using the depth-from-defocus technique and a deep neural network-based object detection framework called you-only-look-once. Our method provides simultaneous lateral position information for the particles and has been tested and evaluated on various samples, including synthetic particles, polystyrene particles, blood cells, and plankton, even in a noise-filled environment. We achieved autofocus for target particles in different depths using generative adversarial networks, obtaining clear-focused images. Our algorithm can process a single multi-target image in 0.008 s, allowing real-time application. Our proposed method provides new opportunities for particle field research.

Simulation and preparation of novel medium convex artificial blood vessel for reducing compliance mismatch

Compliance mismatch between artificial blood vessel and host vessel can cause abnormal hemodynamics and is the main mechanical trigger of intimal hyperplasia (IH) after transplantation. To explore the specific effects of the degree of compliance mismatch on hemodynamics, the concept of “compliance mismatch degree” was defined in this paper. Numerical results showed that when the compliance mismatch degree was less than −22.21% or more than 3.16%, the minimum WSS in the anastomotic site was less than the safety threshold of 0.5 ​Pa, which is easy to induce IH. In addition, the compliance mismatch caused different radial displacements first, which in turn affected the hemodynamics. Inspired by this, a novel medium convex artificial blood vessel was proposed, and the simulation results theoretically validated its desired effect on reducing the compliance mismatch. An increase of 0.22 ​mm in the diameter of the artificial blood vessel corresponded to a decrease of 0.88% in compliance mismatch degree. The feasibility of preparing real medium convex artificial blood vessel was also investigated. The PLCL medium convex artificial blood vessel with good mechanical properties was prepared by dip-coating and electrospinning composite method. These findings are valuable for the design and preparation of novel artificial blood vessel which can make up for the mismatch of compliance.

Artificial Circulation Effect on Oxygen Saturation in the Brain Phantom

Cardiovascular surgery represents a field where the anesthetist frequently deals with quickly evolving conditions associated with anesthesia, perfusion, and the scope of surgery, that have a direct and indirect impact on the oxygen delivery to organs and tissues and its consumption ratio. The prospects of predicting the oxygen concentration influential factors on the brain create a possibility for effective decisions in the crucial moments of cardiac surgery during a cardiopulmonary bypass, to choose specific neuroprotection to decrease postoperative neurologic complication risk. Nowadays, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology has been used to perform cerebral oximetry analysis. By reviewing available literature, the work on the possible dependence of artificial blood circulation on oxygen concentration in the brain is provided. This research aims to investigate how artificial circulation, specifically the flow and viscosity of the fluid equivalent to blood, affects oxygen concentration in the cerebral phantom. The thesis contains methodology for measuring the concentration of oxygen was considered, as well as the manufacture of a phantom of the brain and an equivalent blood fluid. The results illustrate that the artificial blood flow rate has a non-linear effect on the oxygen concentration in the brain phantom. This was confirmed through the value of the oxygen concentration in the brain phantom under conditions of artificial blood circulation rSO_2avg.= 85% with laminar flow and the value of rSO_2avg.= 78% with turbulent flow. Additionally, it was proven that as the viscosity of the blood-equivalent fluid increases, the oxygen concentration decreases almost linearly. The calculated average rSO₂ value at minimum viscosity η=2.0 mPa∙s and flow rate Q=0.5 l/min has maximum rSO_2avg.=85%, while at maximum viscosity η=4.2 mPa∙s, rSO₂ average value was the smallest rSO_2avg.=72%. The study demonstrates that the type and rate of flow, as well as viscosity of the cardiopulmonary bypass, affect the measurements of oxygen concentration in the brain phantom.

Comparison of an automated digital cell morphology analysis system with manual counting

AbstractBackgroundBionovation's CSFA800 is a new automated digital cell imaging analyzer. We evaluated the performance of the CSFA800 by comparing it with artificial peripheral blood white blood cell counting.MethodsAccording to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 131 randomly selected samples (77 abnormal samples and 54 normal samples) were compared. Correlations between automated and manual counting results were analyzed. Manual counting was carried out according to the guidelines of the Association of Clinical and Laboratory Standards.ResultsCounts of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and immature granulocytes obtained from CSFA800 and artificial methods were linearly and positively correlated, with R values of 0.73, 0.65, 0.24, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.63, respectively, all p < 0.05. Therefore, correlations between CSFA800 and manual counting are acceptable. Compared with the DI‐60 Automated Digital Cell Morphology System (DI‐60; Sysmex), CSFA800 is more efficient and can analyze 20,000 cells in 1 min. However, the overall accuracy of CSFA800 is not as good as DI‐60, although its counting performance is better for basophils.ConclusionsThe performance of CSFA800 for WBC counts is acceptable, and it displayed good performance for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and immature granulocytes. Compared to DI‐60, CSFA800 is more efficient but has slightly lower overall accuracy. To some extent, CSFA800 is helpful to optimize the clinical laboratory workflow and improve the working efficiency of inspectors.

Estimating the Presence of Blood with Reference to Anti-Forensic-A Comparative Study

Number of presumptive tests is there for detection of blood in forensic science. But problems arise in choosing the presumptive test that gives the least false positive result. Difficulties arise due to the small quantity of blood found, so to prevent damage of the sample appropriate reagent is required for the detection of blood. Blood, artificial blood, fake blood, and some false positive-giving substances (including commercial products such as Bleach, Enamel paint, Sauce, and Betadine, chemicals such as copper sulphate, ferrous oxide, and potassium permanganate, vegetables/cereals/fruits such as cauliflower, strawberries, red kidney beans, and rust) were used in these studies. Presumptive tests like Kastle-Meyer, Tetra methyl benzidine, leucomalachite green, BLUESTAR® FORENSIC and Fluorescein test were used. To overcome this problems, comparison of these test reagents are done. In comparison to all other test reagents, Lecomalachite green has the highest accuracy, followed by BLUESTAR® FORENSIC, Fluorescein, Kastle-Meyer, and Tetramethylbenzidine test, which has the lowest accuracy.

PIM-1 mixed matrix membranes incorporated with magnetic responsive cobalt-based ionic liquid for O2/N2 separation

Membrane technology for O2/N2 separation is a mature industrial unit. Membranes with excellent permeation-separation performance are still one of the critical requirements. The cobalt-based compounds have been well known for their good affinity for O2, which can facilitate O2 transfer and improve the O2/N2 selectivity in membranes. The cobalt-based compounds, moreover, have a magnetic responsive effect, which can lead to a further improvement in O2/N2 separation under a magnetic field. A class of PIM-1 mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), containing cobalt-based ionic liquid (CILs)@polyarylate (aromatic polyester) (PAR) (core-shell) composite nanospheres (CILs@PAR (c-s) CNPs), were prepared. Chemical compositions of CILs@PAR (core-shell) CNPs were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Morphologies and structures of CILs@PAR (core-shell) CNPs were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Gas adsorption properties of CILs@PAR (core-shell) CNPs were tested. Thermal properties of the (CILs@PAR (c-s) CNPs)/PIM MMMs were investigated by simultaneous thermal analysis (TGA-DSC). Gas permeation-separation performances of the (CILs@PAR (c-s) CNPs)/PIM MMMs were also reported. Compared with the original PIM-1 membrane, the (CILs@PAR (c-s) CNPs)/PIM MMMs display higher O2/N2 selectivity because of cobalt-based ionic liquid as O2 carrier, coupled with a reduction in O2 permeability. With increasing the content of the CILs@PAR (c-s) CNPs, the O2/N2 selectivity increases, and the O2 permeability decreases. It is also found that, as a magnetic field on the MMMs, the O2/N2 selectivity further increases; and it increases more, as a higher content of CILs@PAR (c-s) CNPs. Therefore, the (CILs@PAR (c-s) CNPs)/PIM MMMs exhibit excellent O2/N2 selectivity of ∼5 coupled with good O2 permeability of ∼140 Barrer under a 180 mT magnetic field and show great potential for air separation.

Development of the "hidden" multi-target-directed ligands by AChE/BuChE for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Accumulation of evidences suggested that excessive amounts of AChE and BuChE in the brain of AD patients at the different stage of AD, which could hydrolyze ACh and accelerated Aβ aggregation. To develop new "hidden" multifunctional agents through AChE/BuChE would be a promising strategy to treat AD. To this end, firstly, a series of chalcone derivatives with chelating property was designed and synthesized. The in vitro results showed that compound 3f indicated significant selective MAO-B inhibitory activity (IC50=0.67μM) and remarkable anti-inflammatory property. It also significantly inhibited self-induced Aβ1-42 aggregation and showed remarkable neuroprotective effects on Aβ25-35-induced PC12cell injury. Furthermore, compound 3f was a selective metal chelator and could inhibit Cu2+-induced Aβ1-42 aggregation. Based on this, the carbamate fragment was introduced to compound 3f to obtain carbamate derivatives. The biological activity results exhibited that compound 4b showed good BBB permeability, good AChE inhibitory potency (IC50=5.3μM), moderate BuChE inhibitory potency (IC50=12.4μM), significant MAO-B inhibitory potency, anti-inflammation potency on LPS-induced BV-2cells and neuroprotective effects on Aβ25-35-induced PC12cell injury. Compared with 3f, compound 4b did not show obvious chelation property. Significantly, compound 4b could be activated by AChE/BuChE following inhibition of AChE/BuChE to liberate an active multifunctional chelator 3f, which was consistent with our original intention. More importantly, compounds 3f and 4b presented favorable ADME properties and good stability in artificial gastrointestinal fluid, blood plasma and rat liver microsomes. The in vivo results suggested that compound 4b (0.0195μg/mL) could significantly improve dyskinesia and reaction capacity of the AlCl3-induced zebrafish AD model by increasing the level of ACh. Together our data suggest that compound 4b was a promising "hidden" multifunctional agent by AChE/BuChE, and this strategy deserved further development for the treatment of AD.

Membrane Technology for Artificial Lungs and Blood Oxygenators

Membrane Technology for Artificial Lungs and Blood Oxygenators