Changes In Cellular Structure Research Articles

Analysis of gene expression dynamics and differential expression in viral infections using generalized linear models and quasi-likelihood methods.

Our study undertakes a detailed exploration of gene expression dynamics within human lung organ tissue equivalents (OTEs) in response to Influenza A virus (IAV), Human metapneumovirus (MPV), and Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) infections. Through the analysis of RNA-Seq data from 19,671 genes, we aim to identify differentially expressed genes under various infection conditions, elucidating the complexities of virus-host interactions. We employ Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) with Quasi-Likelihood (QL) F-tests (GLMQL) and introduce the novel Magnitude-Altitude Score (MAS) and Relaxed Magnitude-Altitude Score (RMAS) algorithms to navigate the intricate landscape of RNA-Seq data. This approach facilitates the precise identification of potential biomarkers, highlighting the host's reliance on innate immune mechanisms. Our comprehensive methodological framework includes RNA extraction, library preparation, sequencing, and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis to interpret the biological significance of our findings. The differential expression analysis unveils significant changes in gene expression triggered by IAV, MPV, and PIV3 infections. The MAS and RMAS algorithms enable focused identification of biomarkers, revealing a consistent activation of interferon-stimulated genes (e.g., IFIT1, IFIT2, IFIT3, OAS1) across all viruses. Our GO analysis provides deep insights into the host's defense mechanisms and viral strategies exploiting host cellular functions. Notably, changes in cellular structures, such as cilium assembly and mitochondrial ribosome assembly, indicate a strategic shift in cellular priorities. The precision of our methodology is validated by a 92% mean accuracy in classifying respiratory virus infections using multinomial logistic regression, demonstrating the superior efficacy of our approach over traditional methods. This study highlights the intricate interplay between viral infections and host gene expression, underscoring the need for targeted therapeutic interventions. The stability and reliability of the MAS/RMAS ranking method, even under stringent statistical corrections, and the critical importance of adequate sample size for biomarker reliability are significant findings. Our comprehensive analysis not only advances our understanding of the host's response to viral infections but also sets a new benchmark for the identification of biomarkers, paving the way for the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Morphological assessment of actin and desmin expression at different cold myocardial ischemia times: observational study

Background. Heart transplantation is currently the treatment of choice for patients in terminal stages of chronic heart failure. The critical shortage of donor organs and the growing need for heart transplantation necessitate the expansion of donor selection criteria, including the estimated ischemia time of the donor heart. Despite numerous studies, the issue remains regarding the safe cold ischemia time; no definite limit to the acceptable preservation time is known and no relevant pathomorphological data are available on the state of the donor heart myocardium at different time parameters. Objective. To comparatively assess the features of cardiomyocyte pathomorphology and expression of protein markers (actin and desmin) in the myocardium of a donor heart prior to the main stage of orthotopic heart transplantation. Methods. The work adopted the design of an observational clinical study, which was prospective in nature. The study used intraoperative myocardial biopsy specimens of the left atrial appendage from donors aged up to 60 years, following cold ischemia of the transplant in Bretschneider solution (Dr. Franz Köhler Chemie GmbH, Germany) lasting up to 240 minutes (Group 1, n = 10) and over 240 minutes (Group 2, n = 7). The nature of pathomorphological myocardial transformation in the left atrial appendage of the donor heart was determined at different cold ischemia times. Histological myocardial sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin according to standard procedures. After that, they were further studied using light and polarization microscopy; the immunohistochemical method was used to analyze the expression of actin and desmin. Morphometry was performed using the ImageJ 1.48v software (USA). In the analysis of actin and desmin amount, the area of DAB(3,3′-diaminobenzidine)-positive products of the immunohistochemical reaction was estimated as a percentage of the image area. The volume density of immunohistochemically detectable actin and desmin was determined using 20 images at a magnification of 40×10. In order to study the intensity of the immune reaction, a semiquantitative method was used, which involved counting the number of cells in 25 randomly selected fields of view. The types of myocardial contracture damage were assessed via polarization microscopy. Results. Patients included in the first and second groups were comparable in terms of mean age and anthropometric indices. The mean age of patients amounted to 50 [44;59] years in Group 1 and 50 [49;50] years in Group 2, р = 0.193. The body mass index was 25 [22;27] in Group1 and 25 [21;31] in Group 2, р = 0.288. Both groups showed male predominance: 8 (80%) in Group 1 and 6 (85.7%) in Group 2, р = 0.256. The comprehensive morphological assessment of ischemic myocardial damage at different cold ischemia times revealed the uniformity and reversibility of changes in cellular structures (in both groups) that take the form of I–II class contractures, lysis changes in individual cardiomyocytes (only in Group 2), preserved immunohistochemical reactions to actin and desmin in both groups at their average intensity and the complete absence of areas showing no reaction to desmin, which gives an idea about the degree of preservation of their macromolecular structure. Conclusion. The obtained study results showed that due to having a balanced elemental composition that determines the metabolic protection of cells and their ionic balance, the Bretschneider solution effectively protects the donor heart during its transportation, with the myocardial cold ischemia lasting up to 240 min and more.

Survival Analysis Of Dry Eye Disease Related To The Bleb Morphology In Primary Glaucoma Patient Post Trabeculectomy

Abstract
 Introduction & Objectives : Dry eye disease (DED) has a prevalence of approximately 40-59% of all glaucoma patients. Changes in cellular structure after trabeculectomy underlie the instability of the tear film. This study aims to determine the relationship between DED and post-trabeculectomy bleb morphology.
 Methods : An observational study with survival analysis design to evaluate the time to DED in primary glaucoma patients with post- trabeculectomy blebs was undertaken at the Eye Health Polyclinic of Mohammad Hoesin Hospital Palembang from January to March 2022. There were 30 primary glaucoma patients who met the inclusion criteria. Bivariate analysis to determine the relationship between bleb morphology and DED was analyzed using the Fisher Exact test. DED survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan Meier analysis.
 Results : Three months after trabeculectomy, 11 of 30 (36.7%) patients suffered from DED. There was a significant relationship between bleb height and DED three months after trabeculectomy [PR = 14.222 (Cl 95% 2.324- 87.028; p = 0.004)]. In addition, the results showed that there was a significant difference in the survival time of DED in glaucoma patients based on bleb height (p = 0.001).
 Conclusion : Bleb height is a predictor of DED in glaucoma patients after trabeculectomy.

AI-Enhanced Blood Cell Recognition and Analysis: Advancing Traditional Microscopy with the Web-Based Platform IKOSA

Microscopy of stained blood smears is still a ubiquitous technique in pathology. It is often used in addition to automated electronic counters or flow cytometers to evaluate leukocytes and their morphologies in a rather simple manner and has low requirements for resources and equipment. However, despite the constant advances in microscopy, computer science, and pathology, it still usually follows the traditional approach of manual assessment by humans. We aimed to extend this technique using AI-based automated cell recognition methods while maintaining its technical simplicity. Using the web platform IKOSA, we developed an AI-based workflow to segment and identify all blood cells in DAPI-Giemsa co-stained blood smears. Thereby, we could automatically detect and classify neutrophils (young and segmented), lymphocytes, eosinophils, and monocytes, in addition to erythrocytes and platelets, in contrast to previously published algorithms, which usually focus on only one type of blood cell. Furthermore, our method delivers quantitative measurements, unattainable by the classical method or formerly published AI techniques, and it provides more sophisticated analyses based on entropy or gray-level co-occurrence matrices (GLCMs), which have the potential to monitor changes in internal cellular structures associated with disease states or responses to treatment. We conclude that AI-based automated blood cell evaluation has the potential to facilitate and improve routine diagnostics by adding quantitative shape and structure parameters to simple leukocyte counts of classical analysis.

Oxidative Stress: A Biomarker for Animal Health and Production: A Review

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in body. Body produces free radicals during metabolic processes which are neutralized by antioxidants. However, too many free radicals produced can interfere with cell regeneration and repair, which over time can lead to accelerated aging and the development of certain diseases. Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between increased sources of oxidation and decreased or defective antioxidant mechanisms. This definition lends itself to the notion that a special type of mechanism exists and that deviations from this can affect the homeostasis and potentially cause or worsen disease. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Long-term exposure to high levels of pro-oxidant factors can lead to structural defects at the mitochondrial DNA level and functional changes in several enzymes and cellular structures leading to aberrations in gene expression. As such, many attempts has been made to restore this “balance” by providing antioxidants to animals and human beings to prevent the ill effects of these free radicles produced by the body tissues. Oxidative stress is a disease driver or an epiphenomenon; which worsen the condition in body and the use of antioxidants treatment may prevent some degree of oxidative stress from occurring, which could play an important role in controlling inflammation and cellular adaptive responses.

The Effects of Fluidized Bed Drying, Soaking, and Microwaving on the Phytic Acid Content, Protein Structure, and Digestibility of Dehulled Faba Beans

Different pre-treatments of pulses affect the content of antinutritional factors and protein digestibility. This study addresses the challenge of removing phytic acid, which is one of the major anti-nutritional factors present in faba beans. From this study, fluidized bed drying at 120 °C and 140 °C removed 8–22% of the phytic acid present. Phytic acid is thermally stable, and drying did not lead to a large reduction in concentration. Greater drying temperatures and drying times had little effect on the removal of phytic acid. Soaking the dehulled faba beans in 0.1% citric acid for 12 h at 37 °C removed 51 ± 11% of the phytic acid. After soaking for 12 h, microwaving the faba beans for two minutes removed over 70% of the phytic acid, including soaking in water or soaking in 0.1% citric acid solution. The mechanism for phytic acid reduction after microwaving appears to be linked with changes in the cotyledon cellular structure of the faba bean, as demonstrated using scanning electron microscopy. The protein secondary structure in the faba bean was modified after microwaving. The in vitro protein digestibility of dehulled faba beans used in this study increased by 15.7% compared with the fresh faba beans of 75.5 ± 0.5%. The in vitro digestibility of dehulled faba beans increased to 88.3 ± 0.6% after two minutes of microwaving, so both dehulling and microwaving improved the digestibility of the faba bean proteins.

HIV-1 active and latent infections induce disparate chromatin reorganization and transcriptional regulation of mRNAs and lncRNAs in SupT1 cells.

HIV-1 infection of T-lymphocytes depends on co-opting cellular transcriptional and translational machineries for viral replication. This requires significant changes in the cellular microenvironment. We have characterized and compared the changes in cellular chromatin structures as well as gene expression landscapes in T cells that are either actively or latently infected with HIV-1. Our results reveal that chromatin accessibility and expression of both protein-coding mRNAs and non-coding lncRNAs are uniquely regulated in HIV-1-infected T cells, depending on whether the virus is actively transcribing or remains in a transcriptionally silent, latent state. HIV-1 latent infection elicits more robust changes in the cellular chromatin organization than active viral infection. Our analysis also identifies the effects of such epigenomic changes on the cellular gene expression and subsequent biological pathways. This study comprehensively characterizes the cellular epigenomic and transcriptomic states that support active and latent HIV-1 infection in an in vitro model of SupT1 cells.

Targeting SIRT5 By Succinylating Hadha Synergizes with Venetoclax in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is genetically diverse, driven by multiple oncogenic factors. Metabolic dysregulation is a critical vulnerability in AML cells for targeted therapy. BCL2 has been previously reported to maintain mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in AML cells. One of the mechanisms of action of the combination of venetoclax and azacitidine is to inhibit amino acid metabolism, leading to cell death. Although venetoclax-based treatment regimens have shown promising clinical outcomes in AML patients, treatment resistance has become a newly emerged challenge. Leukemia stem cells isolated from venetoclax-resistant patients exhibit distinctive metabolic features, including elevated nicotinamide metabolism. SIRT5 is an NAD+-dependent deacylase enzyme, and its knockout leads to elevated succinylation of various enzymes involved in OXPHOS. Hence, we hypothesize that inhibiting SIRT5 may augment venetoclax's cytotoxic effect by dampening metabolism. To further elucidate this mechanism, we employed proteome analyses of succinylation to identify specific target molecules regulated by SIRT5. Methods: To determine the effects of combination therapy on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and colony formation, AML cell lines were transduced with lentiviruses carrying either shNC or shSIRT5, or treated with NRD167 (a specific inhibitor of SIRT5), followed by venetoclax treatment. To evaluate the clearance of leukemia cells in vivo, NSG mice were transplanted with MOLM-13 cells (carrying shNC or shSIRT5) and then subjected to vehicle or venetoclax treatment (80 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage for 14 days. Weekly live animal in vivo imaging was conducted to monitor tumor engraftment and growth. The synergistic effect on the metabolic level of AML was assessed by measuring ATP, glutathione, mitochondrial superoxide, and oxygen consumption rates (OCR). Electron microscopy was employed to detect changes in cellular mitochondrial structure after SIRT5 knockdown and venetoclax utilization. Furthermore, lysine succinylation proteome analyses were performed to identify proteins and sites with altered succinylation on lysine before and after SIRT5 knockdown in MOLM-13 cells. Immunoprecipitation assays and Western blot were conducted to verify the interaction and altered succinylation levels of the relevant proteins. Results: The combination of SIRT5 inhibition with venetoclax treatment resulted in further suppression of cell proliferation, reduced colony formation, and increased apoptosis in AML cells compared to venetoclax treatment alone.The combination led to alterations in the metabolic profile of leukemia cells, increased the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced intracellular glutathione levels, inhibited ATP production, and suppressed OCR. Notably, combination therapy resulted in a significant reduction in the engraftment levels of human leukemia cells in NSG mice. Mechanistically, electron microscopy revealed that combination treatment with SIRT5 knockdown increased mitochondrial damage. Lysine succinylation proteome analyses demonstrated upregulation of succinylation modification on mitochondrial trifunctional enzyme subunit α (HADHA), a protein involved in the fatty acid oxidation (FAO) pathway. Co-immunoprecipitation of SIRT5 confirmed its interaction with HADHA, and the relative succinylation level of precipitated HADHA was upregulated after SIRT5 knockdown. Moreover, the combination of trimetazidine (a specific inhibitor of HADHA) with venetoclax demonstrated a preferential reduction in cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in AML cells. Conclusion: Targeting of SIRT5 in combination with venetoclax treatment results in synergistic cytotoxic effects in AML cells. We hypothesize that SIRT5 desuccinylase activity promotes FAO and reduces intracellular mitochondrial ROS levels by desuccinylating HADHA. Targeting SIRT5 inhibits fatty acid metabolism in AML cells, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect of venetoclax. We will further investigate the site(s) of SIRT5 desuccinylation modification of HADHA through lysine site mutation and assess changes in HADHA enzyme activity to elucidate its regulatory mechanism.

Nutrition and Stem Cell Integrity in Aging: Theory and Implications

The aging process is a natural phenomenon that involves complex changes in cellular structure and function. The integrity of stem cells, which play a central role in tissue maintenance and regeneration, is affected by various factors, including nutrition. This abstract discusses the role of nutrition in influencing stem cell integrity during aging. Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining the health and normal function of stem cells. Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and selenium protect stem cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage, which can compromise regenerative abilities. Anti-inflammatory nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols help reduce chronic inflammation that can damage the environment in which stem cells operate, maintaining conditions that support regeneration. Apart from that, nutrition also influences the length of telomeres, which protect chromosomes during replication. Folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C play a role in DNA methylation around telomeres, which can influence the maintenance of telomere length and genetic integrity. Aging-related telomere shortening can trigger detrimental genetic changes and disrupt the capabilities of stem cells. A balanced diet, which includes proper nutritional intake, is an important strategy for maintaining healthy stem cells during aging. Reducing the consumption of nutrients that can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress and increasing intake of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients can help maintain stem cell integrity. Nutritional regulation also plays a role in regulating the signaling pathways that lead to stem cell differentiation, ensuring that stem cells can differentiate into the cell types necessary for tissue repair.

In Situ Observation of Cellular Structure Changes in and Chain Segregations of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 on TiO2 Films under a Photocatalytic Device.

Cyanobacteria outbreaks are serious water pollution events, causing water crises around the world. Photocatalytic disinfection, as an effective approach, has been widely used to inhibit blue algae growth. In this study, a tiny reaction room containing a TiO2 film was designed to fulfill in situ optical observation of the destruction process of a one-dimensional multicellular microorganism, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, which is also a typical bacterial strain causing water blooms. It was found that the fragment number increased exponentially with the activation time. The fracture mechanics of the algae chains were hypothesized to be the combining functions of increased local tensile stress originated from the cell contracting as well as the oxidative attacks coming from reactive oxygen species (ROSs). It was assumed that the oxidative species were the root cause of cellular structure changes in and chain fractures of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 in the photocatalytic inactivation activity.

Sub-Cellular Dynamic Analysis of BGC823 Cells after Treatment with the Multi-Component Drug CKI Using Raman Spectroscopy.

Multi-component drugs (MCDs) can induce various cellular changes covering multiple levels, from molecular and subcellular structure to cell morphology. A "non-invasive" method for comprehensively detecting the dynamic changes of cellular fine structure and chemical components on the subcellular level is highly desirable for MCD studies. In this study, the subcellular dynamic processes of gastric cancer BGC823 cells after treatment with a multi-component drug, Compound Kushen Injection (CKI), were investigated using a homemade, high-resolution, confocal Raman spectroscopy (RS) device combined with bright-field imaging. The Raman spectra of the nucleus, cytoplasm and intracellular vesicles (0.4-1 μm) were collected simultaneously for each cell treated with CKI at different times and doses. The RS measurements showed that CKI decreased the DNA signatures, which the drug is known to inhibit. Meanwhile, the CKI-induced subcellular dynamic changes in the appearance of numerous intracellular vesicles and the deconstruction of cytoplasm components were observed and discussed. The results demonstrated that high-resolution subcellular micro-Raman spectroscopy has potential for detecting fine cellular dynamic variation induced by drugs and the screening of MCDs in cancer therapy.

Morphometrics and structural changes of fig (Ficus carica L. var. Ipoh Blue Giant) syconium during growth, maturation and on-tree ripening

There has been almost no research on fig (Ficus carica) syconium growth and ripening in tropical countries. Therefore, a study using the fig variety Ipoh Blue Giant grown in the Malaysian tropical climate was conducted to determine its physico-chemical characteristics and cellular structure during growth and on-tree ripening. The fig bud was tagged, and its development was monitored weekly from the 1st week after bud emergence (WAB) until syconium senescence. Upon observation, the fig took 12 weeks to develop from a tiny bud into a mature syconium, followed by five (5) days of on-tree ripening before senescence. Based on the fruit size (diameter, volume and weight), the fig exhibited a double sigmoid growth curve with a rapid increase in size during the first four (4) weeks of growth and ripening. Based on its physiological characteristics, the fig demonstrated a climacteric respiration pattern with increased carbon dioxide and ethylene emission on day 1 of on-tree ripening. The green colour of the fig syconium gradually disappeared and turned red as it ripened. The pulp firmness increased as WAB progressed but significantly decreased as ripening occurred, although there were no changes in the total pectin content. The soluble solids concentration of the developing fig was stagnant but increased during ripening and aligned with glucose and fructose contents. The titratable acidity of the fig initially increased as WAB progressed but decreased as it ripened, while the fig pH displayed an inverse trend to the titratable acidity. Overall, the changes in the fig's cellular structure during growth and ripening aligned with its size.

γ-Bungarotoxin impairs the vascular endothelial barrier function by inhibiting integrin α5

γ-bungarotoxin (γ-BGT) is an RGD motif-containing protein, derived from the venom of Bungarus multicinctus, leading to acute death in mice. These RGD motif-containing proteins from snake venom belonging to the disintegrin family can interfere with vascular endothelial homeostasis by directly binding cell surface integrins. Targeting integrins that generate vascular endothelial dysfunction may contribute to γ-BGT poisoning, however, the underlying mechanisms have not been investigated in detail. In this study, the results showed that γ-BGT played a role in -promoting the permeability of the vascular endothelial barrier. Depending on its selective binding to integrin α5 in vascular endothelium (VE), γ-BGT initiated downstream events, including focal adhesion kinase dephosphorylation and cytoskeleton remodeling, resulting in the intercellular junction interruption. Those alternations facilitated paracellular permeability of VE and barrier dysfunction. Proteomics profiling identified that as a downstream effector of the integrin α5 / FAK signaling pathway cyclin D1 partially mediated the cellular structural changes and barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, VE-released plasminogen activator urokinase and platelet-derived growth factor D could serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for γ-BGT-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction. Our results indicate the mechanisms through which γ-BGT as a novel disintegrin directly interacts with the VE, with consequences for barrier dysfunction.

Lipid production and cellular changes in Fremyella diplosiphon exposed to nanoscale zerovalent iron nanoparticles and ampicillin

With the dramatic decrease in fossil fuel stocks and their detrimental effects on the environment, renewable energy sources have gained imminent importance in the mitigation of emissions. As lipid-enriched energy stocks, cyanobacteria are the leading group of microorganisms contributing to the advent of a new energy era. In the present study, the impact of Nanofer 25 s nanoscale zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVIs) and ampicillin on lipid production and cellular structural changes in Fremyella diplosiphon strain B481-SD were investigated. Total lipid abundance, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) compositions, and alkene production as detected by high-resolution two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC/TOF–MS) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the individual application of 0.8 mg/L ampicillin, 3.2 mg/L nZVIs, and a combined regimen of 0.8 mg/L ampicillin and 3.2 mg/L nZVIs compared to the untreated control. In addition, we identified significant increases (p < 0.05) in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in F. diplosiphon treated with the combination regimen compared to the untreated control, 0.8 mg/L of ampicillin, and 3.2 mg/L of nZVIs. Furthermore, individual treatment with 0.8 mg/L ampicillin and the combination regimen (0.8 mg/L ampicillin + 3.2 mg/L nZVIs) significantly increased (p < 0.05) Nile red fluorescence compared to the untreated control, indicating neutral membrane lipids to be the main target of ampicillin added treatments. Transmission electron microscopy studies revealed the presence of single-layered thylakoid membranes in the untreated control, while complex stacked membranes of 5–8 layers were visualized in ampicillin and nZVI-treated F. diplosiphon. Our results indicate that nZVIs in combination with ampicillin significantly enhanced total lipids, essential FAMEs, and alkenes in F. diplosiphon. These findings offer a promising approach to augment the potential of using the strain as a large-scale biofuel agent.

Adverse effects of copper, manganese and mercury, alone and in mixtures on the aorta and heart of Spraque-Dawley rats.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a common global cause of death and are therefore a major health concern. Inhaled or ingested environmental heavy metals contribute to the development of CVD. The aim of this study was to address the limited information available on the effect of relevant dosages of metals in mixtures. Three metals with reported effects on the cardiovascular system (CVS) were identified, and these metals were copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and mercury (Hg). In Sprague-Dawley rats, the adverse effects of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and mercury (Hg), alone and as part of mixtures, on the blood parameters, the aorta and heart were investigated. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 6): control, Cu, Mn, Hg, Cu + Mn, Cu + Hg, Mn + Hg and Cu, Mn + Hg. The seven experimental groups received the metal mixtures at 100 times the World Health Organisation (WHO) safety limit for drinking water (2mg/L for Cu, 0.4mg/L for Mn and 0.06mg/L for Hg) via oral gavage for 28days. After 28days, compared with the control, red blood cell levels were increased for Cu + Hg. All other measured blood parameters were unchanged. Morphological changes in the tunica media were connective tissue deposition and an abundance of collagen type I in the metal exposed aortic tissues. In the cardiac tissue of metal-exposed rats, changes in the cardiomyocyte and myofibrillar arrangement, with an increase in collagen type I and III was observed. Ultrastructurally, the aortic collagen and elastin band arrangement and the cardiac mitochondrial and myofibrillar arrangement and structures were altered in the experimental groups. These changes indicated that exposure to these metals in rats caused minor changes in the blood parameters, however, the changes in tissue and cellular structure indicated an increased risk for the development of CVD.

Effect of Magnetic Microparticles on Cultivated Human Corneal Endothelial Cells.

To investigate effects of magnetic microparticles on movement of magnet controlled human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs). Immortalized HCEC line (B4G12) and primary culture of HCECs were exposed to two commercially available magnetic micro- or nanoparticles, SiMAG (average size 100 nm) and fluidMAG (average size <1000 nm). Cell viability assays and reactive oxygen species production assays were performed. Cellular structural changes, intracellular distribution of microparticles, and expression levels of proteins related to cellular survival were analyzed. Ex vivo human corneas were exposed to microparticles to further evaluate their effects. Magnetic particle-laden HCECs were cultured under the influence of a neodymium magnet. No significant decrease of viability was found in HCECs after exposure to both magnetic particles at concentrations up to 20 µg/mL for 48 hours. However, high concentrations (40 µg/mL and 80 µg/mL) of SiMAG and FluidMAG significantly decreased viability in immortalized HCECs, and only 80 µg/mL of SiMAG and FluidMAG decreased viability in primary HCECs after 48 hours of exposure. There was relative stability of viability at various concentrations of magnetic particles, despite a dose-dependent increase of reactive oxygen species, lactate dehydrogenase, and markers of apoptosis. Ex vivo human cornea study further revealed that exposure to 20 µg/mL of SiMAG and fluidMAG for 72 hours was tolerable. Endocytosed magnetic particles were mainly localized in the cytoplasm. The application of a magnetic field during cell culture successfully demonstrated that magnetic particle-loaded HCECs moved toward the magnet area and that the population density of HCECs was significantly increased. We verified short-term effects of SiMAG and fluidMAG on HCECs and their ability to control movement of HCECs by an external magnetic field. A technology of applying magnetic particles to a human corneal endothelial cell culture and controlling the movement of cells to a desired area using a magnetic field could be used to increase cell density during cell culture or improve the localization of corneal endothelial cells injected into the anterior chamber to the back of the cornea.

Morphological and antioxidant responses of Nopalea cochenillifera cv. Maya (edible Opuntia sp. “Kasugai Saboten”) to chilling acclimatization

To clarify the wintering ability of the cactus Nopalea cochenillifera cv. Maya (edible Opuntia sp., common name “Kasugai Saboten”), we investigated the effects of temperature and antioxidant capacity on chilling acclimatization. We analyzed the anatomy of cladode chlorenchyma tissue of plants exposed to light under chilling. We found that chilling acclimatization can be achieved by exposure to approximately 15 °C for 2 weeks and suggest that it is affected by whether or not antioxidant capacity can recover. The overwintering cacti had the thinnest cuticle but firm cuticular wax, which is important in the acquisition of low temperature tolerance under strong light. In cacti with severe chilling injury, round swollen nuclei with clumping chloroplasts were localized in the upper part (axial side) of the cell, as though pushed up by large vacuoles in the lower part. In overwintering cacti, chloroplasts were arranged on the lateral side of the cell as in control plants, but they formed pockets: invaginations with a thin layer of chloroplast stroma that surrounded mitochondria and peroxisomes. Specific cellular structural changes depended on the degree of chilling stress and provide useful insights linking chloroplast behavior and structural changes to the environmental stress response.

Exploring the Plant Nematode Interaction of Meloidogyne Incognita under Okra Ecosystem

Southern root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita is an important nematode genus infesting okra growing tracts of Tamil Nadu. The present study was carried out to understand the cytological changes that occur during Meloidogyne incognita interaction with okra roots by employing Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results exhibited the explicit changes in cellular structures of healthy and nematode-infested roots. The healthy roots possessed normal cell size for metaxylem, protoxylem, pith and cortex region nevertheless nematode infested roots revealed coalesced cellular structures. Root cell wall thickening, cell wall ingrowth, and starch granule accumulates of varying diameter were also observed in M. incognita infested okra roots, which were found to be the factors responsible for producing above ground symptoms during host-nematode interaction. Longitudinal imaging of nematode infested roots showed the nematode entry points of varying diameter along with adhered juveniles Juveniles on root topography and this was in contrast in M. incognita infested okra roots. Comparatively, these structures were absent in healthy roots.

Propagation characteristics of unstable detonation waves in a round tube with annular perturbation

The detonation propagation characteristics of the mixtures, 2H2 + O2+3Ar and CH4 + 2O2, were investigated. Accordingly, the mixtures were tested in round tube with inner diameter of D = 80 mm and annular tubes with widths of w = 25 mm, 15 mm, and 5 mm. The two mixtures represent stable mixture with regular cell pattern and unstable mixture with irregular cell pattern, respectively. Smoked foils were utilized to record cellular structure under various initial conditions. Subsequently, the length scale Ldsc was measured, which represents the length from the start of the test section to the position where the cellular structure changes drastically (the cell size obviously increases or the structure disappears). The results reveal that both mixtures can successfully propagate in round tube and annular tubes of 25 mm and 15 mm, but fail in 5 mm annular tube. The Ldsc value of 2H2 + O2 + 3Ar is higher than that of CH4 + 2O2 in 80 mm and 15 mm tubes, but it is opposite in 25 mm tube. Moreover, the relationship between Ldsc and hydraulic diameter DH was analysed. For a given tube, the values of Ldsc and Ldsc/DH increased when the initial pressure increased. And the variation trend of Ldsc and Ldsc/DH of CH4 + 2O2 is steeper. Furthermore, the mixtures 2H2 + O2 + 3Ar and CH4 + 2O2 resulted in over-driven detonation in 15 mm and 25 mm annular tubes, respectively. The ratio between the total reaction length (sum of the induction length and exothermic length) and the hydraulic diameter (DH/(Δi + Δe)) correspond to critical values of 18 for hydrogen-oxygen-argon and 6 for methane-oxygen, below which the detonation will fail.

Advantages of microwave heating when processing broccoli into a semi-finished product for baking

A technological solution has been developed for processing broccoli using microwave heating, which provides an increase in the antioxidant value of the finished puree in comparison with puree from fresh and blanched cabbage, respectively, by 2.0 and 1.2 times. This fact is due to a complex process of changes in cellular structures, leading to an increase in their permeability to antioxidants. Such puree is recommended to be used in the production of vegetable paste as a semi-finished product for bakery products in order to increase their antioxidant value.