Cell Volume Research Articles

3D imaging and pathological analysis of microglia in LPS-treated mice with light-sheet fluorescence microscopy.

Although two-dimensional (2D) histology and immunohistochemistry techniques have long been established and successfully applied to obtain structural information from tissues, recent advances in tissue clearing and expansion approaches combined with light sheet microscopy have led to the realization of three-dimensional (3D) nondestructive pathology, which may revolutionize our knowledge of the morphology of an organ or the whole body in its true state. Employing these 3D technologies, we obtained imaging data of microglia in whole hippocampus of mice. We established a simple procedure to analyze the 3D structures of microglia using the commercial software Amira. Major 3D structural parameters, including the volume of the whole cell, volume of the cell body, Feret's maximum/minimum diameter, number of total branches, fractal dimension, convex hull, and number of intersections,were measured. We found that lipopolysaccharide administration markedly changed multiple 3D morphological parameters of microglia. 3D analysis of microglial structures provides a more comprehensive evaluation than 2D analysis, which can be applied in future neuroscience research.

The mitochondrial membrane potential and the sources of reactive oxygen species in the hemocytes of the ark clam Anadara kagoshimensis under hypoosmotic stress.

To compensate for changes in cell volume caused by changes in salt concentration, mollusks use regulatory mechanisms such as the regulation of volume decrease (RVD). This may increase the rate of aerobic metabolism and lead to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study examined the production of ROS in the mitochondria of Anadara kagoshiensis hemocytes, the effect of mitochondrial inhibitors on osmotic stability in hemocytes, and the dynamics of changes in ROS levels and mitochondrial membrane potential when RVD is activated under hypo-osmotic conditions. Hemocytes maintained at a control osmolarity of 460mOsml-1 showed significant decreases in ROS production following incubation with complex III inhibitors (S3QEL). Hypoosmotic shock stimulated RVD in all experimental groups. The cell volume increased by about 70% immediately after osmolarity was reduced, and then decreased by about 40% over the next 30min. A reduction in osmolarity from about 460 to 200mOsml-1 significantly decreased ROS and mitochondrial potentials in A. kashimensis hemocyctes. Inhibitors of mitochondrial complexes did not affect changes in ROS or mitochondria potentials in A kashimiensis hemocytes under hypoosmotic conditions or in hemocyte volume regulation mechanisms.

Co-Administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa linn and Daflon-500® mitigates weight loss, hyperglycemia, hematological and oxidative changes in male rats with type-2 diabetes

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder associated with persistent hyperglycemia and metabolic imbalance. Flavonoid compounds possess notable qualities in mitigating diabetes and its complications. AimHibiscus sabdariffa linn and daflon-500® were assessed for their effects on body weight, blood glucose/indices, and oxidative changes in type-2 diabetes rats over 28 days. Methods35 male rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=5). Diabetes mellitus was induced in groups 2-7 via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 55mg/kg). Group 1(DW) received distilled water (2mL/kg) only. Group 2 (STZ; untreated), group 3 {MET; metformin (200mg/kg)}, group 4 {HS; Hibiscus sabdariffa (400mg/kg)}, group 5 {DAF; daflon-500® (1000mg/kg)}, group 6 {DAF+HS; daflon-500® (1000mg/kg) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (400mg/kg)}, group 7 {DAF+MET+HS; daflon-500® (1000mg/kg), metformin (200mg/kg), and Hibiscus sabdariffa (400mg/kg)}. Body weight and blood glucose were assessed fortnightly. Blood and hepatic/pancreatic tissues were collected for hematological and antioxidant testing. ResultsGroups 2-7 revealed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in body weight on day 14 compared to the increased growth rate observed on day 28 (Group 7).Blood glucose levels significantly increased on days 1 and 14 in groups 2-7 but declined on day 28 in groups 4-7. Significantly higher packed cell volume, hemoglobin levels, red blood cell counts, lymphocytes, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were observed in groups 5-7. Platelet counts were higher in Groups 2 and 5. Untreated group 2 exhibited considerably reduced catalase activity, glutathione, and malondialdehyde concentrations compared to the treated groups. ConclusionHibiscus sabdariffa linn and Daflon-500® expressed substantial hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and hemato-protective effects.

Structural basis for human NKCC1 inhibition by loop diuretic drugs.

Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporters functions as an anion importers, regulating trans-epithelial chloride secretion, cell volume, and renal salt reabsorption. Loop diuretics, including furosemide, bumetanide, and torsemide, antagonize both NKCC1 and NKCC2, and are first-line medicines for the treatment of edema and hypertension. NKCC1 activation by the molecular crowding sensing WNK kinases is critical if cells are to combat shrinkage during hypertonic stress; however, how phosphorylation accelerates NKCC1 ion transport remains unclear. Here, we present co-structures of phospho-activated NKCC1 bound with furosemide, bumetanide, or torsemide showing that furosemide and bumetanide utilize a carboxyl group to coordinate and co-occlude a K+, whereas torsemide encroaches and expels the K+ from the site. We also found that an amino-terminal segment of NKCC1, once phosphorylated, interacts with the carboxyl-terminal domain, and together, they engage with intracellular ion exit and appear to be poised to facilitate rapid ion translocation. Together, these findings enhance our understanding of NKCC-mediated epithelial ion transport and the molecular mechanisms of its inhibition by loop diuretics.

Biosynthesis of zero-dimensional TiO2 nanostructures for potential photocatalytic applications

This study introduces a sustainable approach to synthesize zero-dimensional TiO2 nanostructures using Allium sativum (garlic) clove extract as a biogenic capping and reducing agent. The synthesized particles were dried at 80 ºC for 24 hours and calcined at 450 ºC for 2 hours. X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), UV-vis spectroscopy, and photocatalytic activity analysis were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. The XRD pattern revealed the prevalence of the tetragonal anatase phase in the synthesized nanostructures, with an average crystallite size of 6.45 nm. The Williamson-Hall plot method was employed to evaluate the type of strain induced in the synthesized particles, and the crystallinity of TiO2 nanostructures was estimated to be 74.91%. The Rietveld analysis calculated the lattice parameters, cell volume, and other relevant parameters. FESEM image showed spherical nanostructures with an average size of 45.08 nm. UV-vis spectroscopy indicated an optically active region at ~361 nm, and the direct bandgap, calculated using the Tauc plot, was 3.28 eV. The photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 for methylene blue degradation reached 86.23% within 90 minutes, showing its potential for environmental remediation.

Renal damage-induced hepcidin accumulation contributes to anemia in angiotensinogen-deficient mice.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the most active peptide hormone produced by the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Genetic deletion of genes that ultimately restrict Ang II formation has been shown to result in marked anemia in mice. In this study, adult mice with a genetic deletion of the RAS precursor protein angiotensinogen (Agt-KO) were used. Experimental analyses included capillary hematocrit, hemogram, plasma and tissue iron quantifications, expression analyses of genes encoding relevant proteins for body iron homeostasis in different organs as well as plasma and urine hepcidin quantifications. As previously reported Agt-KO were anemic with reduced red blood cell counts. Interestingly, we found that they presented microcytic anemia based on the reduced red blood cell volume. In agreement, plasma quantification of iron revealed lower levels of circulating iron in Agt-KO. The major body iron stores namely in liver and spleen were also depleted in the RAS-deficient line. Hepatic hepcidin expression was reduced as well as the one of its major regulator, BMP6, as a result of the iron deficiency. However, plasma hepcidin levels were unexpectedly increased in Agt-KO. We confirm the typical morphological alterations and impaired renal function of Agt-KO and conclude that hepcidin accumulates in the circulation due to the reduced glomerular filtration in Agt-KO, and therefore identified the culprit of iron deficiency in Agt-KO. Collectively, the data demonstrated that the severe anemia developed in RAS-deficient mice is exacerbated by iron deficiency which is secondary to the renal damage-induced hepcidin accumulation in the circulation.

Alteration of Blood Parameters in Non-Dialyzed Patients of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health problem that can lead to end-stage renal disease. Patients with CKD are usually suffered from anemia, which is one of the major consequences of kidney damage which in turn lead to reduce quality of life, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment. The study aimed to assess the hematological abnormalities in the CKD patients during pre-dialyzed conditions in EL-Beyda City. The study was included 107 patients who are attended to Nephrology Department in EL-Bayda Medical Center in the period from November 2021 to March 2022. The study was included all CKD stages and were not on dialysis and they were following upped by these centers regularly each month. Data sources were obtained from the personal interview with patients and the records files in Nephrology units. Blood samples were taken in EDTA tube to measure complete blood counts (CBC) include hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), Mean cell volume (MCV), Mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), Mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets count (PLT), as well as renal function tests (blood urea and creatinine). The data were analyzed by Minitab version17. Out of 107 patients were included in this study, 63(58.8%) of patients were females and 44(41.1%) were males, The majority of patients had chronic diseases which could be the contributing cause of CKD; 62% were suffered from hypertension, 40% suffered from diabetes. Anemia was the main abnormality in our study which observed in 49 of participants (45.8%) while the others were non anemic accounting 54% (14.6±0.23). There was a significant difference in the mean of hemoglobin and hematocrit between anemic and non-anemic participants (p- value=0.000). Red cell indices showed normocytic normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia was noticed in 7 (14%) of patients and leukocytosis was reported in 9 (18%) of them. We can conclude that developing of anemia in CKD patients is associated with poor outcomes and requires a careful management to avoid comorbidities.

Reduced-Order Model for Cell Volume Homeostasis: Application to Aqueous Humor Production

The ability of a cell to keep its volume constant irrespective of intra- and extracellular conditions is essential for cellular homeostasis and survival. The purpose of this study is to elaborate a theoretical model of cell volume homeostasis and to apply it to a simulation of human aqueous humor (AH) production. The model assumes a cell with a spherical shape and only radial deformation satisfying the property that the cell volume in rest conditions equals that of the cell couplets constituting the ciliary epithelium of the human eye. The cytoplasm is described as a homogeneous mixture containing fluid, ions, and neutral solutes whose evolution is determined by net production mechanisms occurring in the intracellular volume and by water and solute exchange across the membrane. Averaging the balance equations over the cell volume leads to a coupled system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) which are solved using the θ-method and the Matlab function ode15s. Simulation tests are conducted to characterize the set of parameters corresponding to baseline conditions in AH production. The model is subsequently used to investigate the relative importance of (a) impermeant charged proteins; (b) sodium–potassium (Na+/K+) pumps; (c) carbonic anhydrase (CA) in the AH production process; and (d) intraocular pressure. Results suggest that (a) and (b) play a role; (c) lacks significant weight, at least for low carbon dioxide values; and (d) plays a role for the elevated values of intraocular pressure. Model results describe a higher impact from charged proteins and Na+/K+ ATPase than CA on AH production and cellular volume. The computational virtual laboratory provides a method to further test in vivo experiments and machine learning-based data analysis toward the prevention and cure of ocular diseases such as glaucoma.

Microstructure and Wear and Corrosion Resistance of CoCrFeMoNiSix (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) HEACs Prepared by Plasma Cladding

CoCrFeMoNiSix (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) HEACs were successfully prepared on Q235 steel substrates by the plasma cladding method. The phase structure, microstructure, element distribution, and wear and corrosion resistance of these coatings were investigated by XRD, OM, SEM, EDS, a friction and wear tester, and an electrochemical workstation. The results show that the CoCrFeMoNiSix (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) coatings are composed of a major FCC phase and minor BCC phase. With an increase in Si content, the lattice constant and cell volume of both phases and the BCC phase content in these alloys gradually increase, while the enthalpy of mixing, Gibbs free energy, atomic radius difference, VEC, and phase density decrease. All the three alloys exhibit typical dendritic structures. With an increase in Si content, the enrichment of Mo and Si in the interdendrite region is significantly reduced. The friction coefficients of CoCrFeMoNiSix (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) HEACs show a trend of first increasing, then decreasing, and gradually stabilizing with an increase in time, and are 0.604, 0.526, and 0.534, respectively. The wear resistance of the three alloys is mainly related to the changes in crystallinity and high-strength BCC phase content caused by different Si contents. The polarization curves of CoCrFeMoNiSix (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) high-entropy alloy coatings show an obvious passivation zone, and the corrosion resistance is significantly better than that of Q235 steel substrate. The CoCrFeMoNiSi0.75 coating has the highest self-corrosion potential, smallest self-corrosion current, largest capacitive reactance arc radius, and best corrosion resistance in a 3.5% NaCl solution.

Occurrence of Alternaria Toxins, Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxins B1 in Green Arabic Coffee (Coffea arabica) in Saudi Arabia: Risk Assessment on HepG-2 Cell Line and Male Albino Rats

Arabica coffee (Coffee arabica L.) is among the most popular and widely consumed drinks globally today. The current study aimed to detect and quantify of potential mycotoxins in coffee beans and to investigate their potential risk on HepG-2 human liver cancer cells and male albino rats. Eighteen fully matured coffee beans samples were collected from different geographical locations in Saudi Arabia. Mycotoxins detected and quantified utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxicity of the detected toxins was investigated utilizing the MTT assay method toward HepG-2 cells and male albino rats. Cytotoxic properties of the detected mycotoxins were investigated at doses of 31.25, 62.50, 125, 250 and 500 µg/ml following exposure durations of 24 and 48 h in comparison with control. HPLC analysis revealed the detection of four Alternaria toxins (ALT-Ts) namely Altenuene (ALT), Tenuazonic acid (TA), Alternariol (AOH), and Altenuisol being AOH reported as the frequently detected mycotoxin in 18 coffee beans samples representing 75 % with quantity ranged 0.98 to 8.97 μg/g. OTA was frequently detected (10 samples, 55.5%) in concentrations varied from 0.75 to 9.87 μg/g. In addition, Aflatoxin B1 was also detected with low quantity ranged 0.89 to 3.22 μg/g. Treatment of HepG-2 cell line with combined Alternaria toxins (ALT, TeA, AOH, and Altenuisol), Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Ochratoxin A (OTA) as well as their combination triggered a decline in cell viability that was proportional to the dose administered. The elevated doses (62.50, 125, 250 and 500 µg/ml) notably reduced cell viability and induced cellular damages when contrasted with the lowest dose (31.25 µg/ml) and control. The IC50 for the tested mycotoxins registered for ALT-Ts, AFB1 and OTA as well as their combination were 115.95, 56.68, 59.86 and 31.05 µg/ml after 48 h of exposure. Secreting inflammatory markers (Interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and COX-2), and oxidative markers (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH) and nitrite (NO) were downregulated by all mycotoxins with the highest decrease induced by their mixture. Malonaldehydes (MDA) and TAC were significantly increased by all toxins in treated rats. Hematological results revealed that AFB1, OTA and ALT-Ts-treated rats exhibited a notable decline in hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and packed cell volume % (PCV). However, single and double dose-treated rats with OTA, Mix1 and Mix2 exhibited a marked increase in WBCs. The results demonstrated a notable decline in liver and kidney functions in all mycotoxins-treated rats. The studied organs (liver, kidney and spleen) exhibited significant damage, with the most severe alterations observed in the Mix1 and Mix2-treated group in comparison with the groups receiving individual treatment. This indicates that the mixture of AFB1, ALT-Ts and OTA had an enhanced toxic consequence against treated HepG-2 cell line and rats. Our results indicated the synergistic effect of the combined different mycotoxins against HepG-2 human liver cancer cells and male albino rats. This work could help fill in data gaps and enhance risk assessment for human health by addressing some of the possible risks associated with Alternaria toxins

Impact of Dietary Inclusion of Rice Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) on Hematological Parameters of Commercial Broiler Chicks

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of dietary inclusion of rice-derived distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on the hematological parameters of commercial broiler chicks. A total of 2250 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to treatment groups, each with five replicates. The birds in the control group were fed a basal diet fulfilled with the all nutrient requirements. The experimental diets contained rice DDGS at inclusion levels up to 16 per cent, respectively. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from one bird per replicate for hematological analysis. The results showed significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin levels between the control and DDGS-treated groups, although the numerical differences were minimal. Non-significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in white blood cell (WBC) count and differential leukocyte counts between the control and DDGS-treated groups were observed. These findings revealed that the inclusion of rice DDGS up to 16% in broiler diets does not negatively affect key hematological indices. It was concluded that rice DDGS can be incorporated into broiler diets at inclusion levels up to 16% without adverse effects on hematological parameters.

Clinical utility of hematological parameters in aplastic anemia

Hematological parameters available on automated hematology analyzers have been shown to be useful indicators for hematological disorders. However, extensive studies especially in aplastic anemia for these indices are sparse. Our aim was to investigate the clinical utility of hematological parameters in aplastic anemia. The retrospective study included 146 patients with aplastic anemia and 150 normal controls matched in age and gender, where clinical characteristics and hematological parameters were classified and statistically analyzed. The study showed a statistical difference in the hematological parameters between aplastic anemia patients and controls. White blood cells, absolute neutrophil count, platelet, absolute reticulocyte count, mean reticulocyte volume, immature reticulocyte fraction, mean sphered cell volume, and light scattering reticulocyte count showed significant differences between non-severe aplastic anemia and severe aplastic anemia (p < 0.05). The analysis of the ROC curve showed that the hematological parameters were valuable for the differential diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia (areas under curve of white blood cell, absolute neutrophil count, platelet, absolute reticulocyte count, mean reticulocyte volume, immature reticulocyte fraction, mean sphered cell volume, light scatter reticulocytes were 0.620–0.859). Meanwhile, a combination of absolute neutrophil count, absolute reticulocyte count and mean sphered cell volume (AUC 0.893, 95% confidence interval 0.842–0.943, sensitivity 78.9%, specificity 85.7%) showed excellent precision for the differential diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia. Hematological parameters are readily available parameters that can be helpful to differentiate severe aplastic anemia from non-severe aplastic anemia. They may extend valuable prospects for clinical practice and research in aplastic anemia.

Ferritin Outperforms Other Biomarkers in Predicting Bone Marrow Iron Stores in Hematological Patients.

Although iron deficiency anemia is common, interpreting iron laboratory test results can be challenging in patients with comorbidities. We aimed to study the accuracy of common iron biomarkers compared with bone marrow iron staining in a large retrospective dataset of hematological patients. We collected from 6610 patients (median age 66 years) results of iron staining, with their concurrent ferritin, transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor, transferrin, hemoglobin, and mean red blood cell volume results from Helsinki University Hospital electronic health records. In receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, ferritin had the highest area under curve (AUC) with 88% (95% CI 86-90%) for females and 89% (87-91%) for males in predicting reduced bone marrow iron. Using a ferritin cut-off of 30 µg/L resulted in high specificity rates of 97% in females and 99% in males. However, sensitivity rates were only 54% and 35%, respectively. Other studied biomarkers had inferior AUCs. Multivariate logistic regression models did not significantly perform better in prediction compared to ferritin alone. With 50% pre-probability for reduced iron stores, a ferritin of 30 µg/L (females) and 51 µg/L (males) had 95% positive predictive value for reduced iron stores. A 95% negative predictive value was achieved at 1750 µg/L (females) and 4967 µg/L (males). In our large population study, ferritin was the best single biomarker for iron deficiency in secondary care. Adding other blood tests in a multivariate model did not improve performance. However, in these hematological patients, even a high ferritin did not rule out iron deficiency with 95% certainty.

A Needle in a Haystack: Transient Porosity in a Closed Pore Square Lattice Coordination Network.

Guest transport through discrete voids (closed pores) in crystalline solids is poorly understood. Herein, we report the gas sorption properties of a nonporous coordination network, [Co(bib)2Cl2]n·2MeOH (sql-bib-Co-Cl-α), featuring square lattice (sql) topology and the bent linker 1,3-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene (bib). The as-synthesized sql-bib-Co-Cl-α has 11.3% (313 Å3) of its unit cell volume in closed pores occupied by methanol (MeOH). Upon desolvation and air exposure, sql-bib-Co-Cl-α underwent a single-crystal to single-crystal (SC-SC) phase transformation to sql-bib-Co-Cl-β', wherein MeOH was replaced by water. Activation (vacuum or N2 flow) resulted in dehydration and retention of the closed pores, affording sql-bib-Co-Cl-β with 7.7% (194 Å3) guest-accessible space. sql-bib-Co-Cl-β was found to preferentially adsorb C2H2 (at 265 K) over CO2 (at 195 K) through gate-opening mechanisms, at gate-opening pressures of 31.1 and 59.8 kPa, respectively, while other C2 gases were excluded. PXRD was used to monitor transformations between the three phases of sql-bib-Co-Cl, while in situ DSC, in situ SCXRD under CO2 pressure, and computational studies provided insight into the guest transport mechanism, which we attribute to the angular, flexible nature of the bib ligand. Further the preferential adsorption of C2H2 over CO2 and other C2 gases suggests that transiently porous sorbents might have utility in separations.

A forward genetic screen identifies potassium channel essentiality in SHH medulloblastoma maintenance.

Distinguishing tumor maintenance genes from initiation, progression, and passenger genes is critical for developing effective therapies. We employed a functional genomic approach using the Lazy Piggy transposon to identify tumor maintenance genes invivo and applied this to sonic hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastoma (MB). Combining Lazy Piggy screening in mice and transcriptomic profiling of human MB, we identified the voltage-gated potassium channel KCNB2 as a candidate maintenance driver. KCNB2 governs cell volume of MB-propagating cells (MPCs), with KCNB2 depletion causing osmotic swelling, decreased plasma membrane tension, and elevated endocytic internalization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), thereby mitigating proliferation of MPCs to ultimately impair MB growth. KCNB2 is largely dispensable for mouse development and KCNB2 knockout synergizes with anti-SHH therapy in treating MB. These results demonstrate the utility of the Lazy Piggy functional genomic approach in identifying cancer maintenance drivers and elucidate a mechanism by which potassium homeostasis integrates biomechanical and biochemical signaling to promote MB aggression.

NO-mediated DNA damage induced by polystyrene nanoparticles triggers program cell death in mesenchymal stem cells

Daily contact with considerable amounts of polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) may cause harmful effects on the living organisms, through mechanisms that are not fully understood. The study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of PSNPs (size 200 nm and 40 nm) in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In order to estimate cellular uptake and retention of nanoplastics, PSNP-treated cells have been analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. For assessing morphology and viability of MSCs after PSNP treatment at two environmentally relevant doses (0.47 and 4.7 μl/ml) for 24 hours, HE and Giemsa staining were performed. Annexin V‑FITC/PI assay was used to quantify PSNPs-mediated cell death. Genotoxicity of PSNPs was evaluated by Comet test. The capacity of PSNPs to trigger the production of free radicals in MSCs was also evaluated. TEM confirmed endocytosis of PSNPs. Decreased cell volume, nuclear hyperchromatism, edge aggregation, and formation of densely stained apoptotic bodies, indicated that PSNP-treated MSCs undergo apoptosis. The presented data showed that both concentration of PS particles significantly increased early apoptotic cell death in comparison to untreated cells. Moreover, both doses of PSNPs significantly increased the genetic damage index in MSCs in dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, PSNPs penetrate, accumulate and induce cytotoxic and genotoxic damage in MSCs.

Electronic Structure and Optical Properties of GaAs Doped with Rare-Earth Elements (Sc, Y, La, Ce, and Pr)

Herein, the electronic structure and optical properties of GaAs doped with rare-earth elements (Sc, Y, La, Ce, and Pr) were evaluated using the first-principles method. Results showed that the lattice constants and cell volume of GaAs increased after doping. Band structure calculations indicated that the lowest conduction band and highest valence band were evident at the G-point, demonstrating that rare-earth-element doping did not alter the material type of GaAs, which remained a direct-bandgap semiconductor. The bandgap of Sc-doped GaAs increased, whereas those of Y-, La-, Ce-, and Pr-doped GaAs decreased. Moreover, the density of energy levels increased. Doping with Ce and Pr introduced impurity levels, and the Fermi level shifted into the conduction band. Investigation of the optical properties revealed that the static dielectric constant increased with La doping but decreased with Y, La, Ce, and Pr doping. The variation trends of the extinction coefficients of the doped samples were consistent with that of undoped GaAs: the extinction coefficient shifted to a low-energy region. In addition, a slight redshift occurred in the absorption spectrum. The absorption peak also diminished owing to rare-earth-element doping. We concluded that Ce- and Pr-doped GaAs can form metal alloys with different compositions. Such doping may provide a new class of materials for use in optoelectronic devices.

Analysis of gradual diameter thrombectomy stent in vitro.

To analyze the effect of gradient thrombectomy stent in vitro. The cerebrovascular fluid circulation model was made and fixed on the test table. About 0.9% sodium chloride injection was injected to the vascular model through a miniature water pump to circulate it. Four kinds of thrombus products containing different red blood cell (RBC) volumes of 0, 5, 40, and 80% were placed at the target location as thrombus. Each type of thrombus was removed five times using SOLITAIRE stent and gradient thrombectomy stent. The thrombectomy effects were observed by comparison of the two types of stents. Thrombus containing 80% volume of RBC escaped thrombus fragments during thrombectomy with both stents. Thrombus containing 0% volume of RBC (rich in fibrin) had poor chimerism with stents. In the thrombus containing 0% RBC volume, there was no statistically significant difference between the two stents (p = 1). Thrombus removal was successful in all cases. The gradient thrombectomy stent is as effective as the currently used thrombectomy stent in vitro studies, and there is much room for improvement.

Heparinized venous blood gas syringes are associated with a significant decrease in measured packed cell volume in dogs due to hemodilution.

To assess the effect of hemodilution on PCV when commercial preheparinized venous blood gas (PH-VBG) syringes are used compared to directly filled Hct tubes, and to evaluate the impact of delayed centrifugation on PCV. A prospective study of 102 dogs presenting to a private emergency department between November 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, with 306 corresponding blood samples. Samples were collected by direct venipuncture. Samples were analyzed with the use of 3 methods: directly filled microhematocrit tubes (direct), PH-VBG syringe (PH-VBG), and PH-VBG syringe with a 15-minute delay before centrifugation (delayed PH-VBG). Mean PCV of the direct method was 43.9%, the PH-VBG method was 41.7% (range, 11.0% to 60.0%; SD, 9.8%), and the delayed PH-VBG method was 40.1% (range, 7.0% to 60.0%; SD, 11.2%). When the direct and PH-VBG methods were compared, the direct method was biased on average 2.2% higher than the PH-VBG method, with limits of agreement (LOAs) of -0.9 to 5.3. The direct method was biased on average 3.8% higher than the delayed PH-VBG method, with LOAs of -4.3 to 11.9. In anemic dogs (n = 14), the direct method was biased on average 6.1% higher than the delayed PH-VBG method, with LOAs of -0.05 to 12.2. In nonanemic dogs (n = 88), the direct method was biased on average 2.3% higher than the PH-VBG method, with LOAs of -0.9 to 5.4. Use of preheparinized syringes and delayed sample processing led to hemodilution and lower PCV values. Direct venipuncture and immediate sample processing are recommended to ensure accurate PCV results.

Ameliorative role of camel protein hydrolysates diet against alkaline stress in Oreochrmis niloticus: Hematology, immune responses and their regulating genes expression, and histopathological assays.

This investigation looked at the ameliorative role of camel whey protein hydrolysates-diet (PH) in Oreochromis niloticus stocked under alkaline conditions. One hundred sixty fish (16.02 ± 0.14g) were allocated equally into four groups with four replications for 30 days. The first (control) and second (alkaline) groups were fed basal diets and maintained in fresh and alkaline water, respectively. The third and fourth groups were fed on a PH diet (basal diet containing 75g PH/kg) and maintained in fresh water and alkaline water, respectively. The hematology, immune-antioxidant indices, immune-regulatory genes, histopathological investigation of the spleen, and resistance to Aeromonas sobria were investigated. The results showed that the alkaline condition induced hematological disorders (lowered red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and white blood cell count) and immunosuppression (lowered phagocytic activity and index, lysozyme, nitric oxide, and complement 3) in the exposed fish. Alkaline exposure induced oxidative stress through elevation of the malondialdehyde and reduction in the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione S-reductase, and reduced glutathione). The immune modulatory genes (tolls like receptor-5, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, interleukin-17, nuclear factor kappa beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were down-regulated by exposure to alkaline conditions. The microscopic section of the spleen of the fish subjected to alkaline conditions showed notable hyperplasia of the melanomacrophage centers, besides vascular congestion, endothelial cell hypertrophy, and mild hypercellularity in the erythroid and lymphoid elements. In addition, few sections manifested more pronounced erythroid hyperplasia than the lymphoid one. The survival of the fish subjected to alkaline conditions was reduced during the A. sobria challenge. Feeding on a PH diet, the hematology was restored and the immune-antioxidant functions were modulated. Modulation of the immune-regulatory genes and increased survivability of the alkaline-exposed fish were noticed when fed on the PH diet. Consequently, we can recommend enriching the Nile tilapia diet with a 75g PH/kg diet especially when reared under alkaline conditions to support the immune functions of the fish.