Morphological Deterioration Research Articles

Attenuation of Activated eIF2\u03b1 Signaling by ISRIB Treatment After Spinal Cord Injury Improves Locomotor Function

Following spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple signaling cascades are activated instantaneously in the injured segments of the spinal cord to create a complex and pathogenic microenvironment, making it difficult to treat SCI. Nevertheless, the significance of the integrated stress response (ISR) to the series of physiological and pathological changes that occur after SCI remains unclear. Through western blotting (WB), we determined that the autophosphorylation of stress receptors (GCN2, PERK, PKR, and HRI) was enhanced after SCI, leading to increased phosphorylation of eIF2α at Ser51. Strikingly, we found that eIF2α was highly phosphorylated at 1 day post injury (dpi) and that this hypophosphorylation was maintained thereafter in the spinal cord, especially in neurons, which suggests that intervening with eIF2α phosphorylation may be a treatment strategy for SCI. Therefore, we employed the small molecule ISRIB, which inhibits eIF2α phosphorylation when the ISR is activated at moderate or low levels but not when the ISR is highly activated. Daily intraperitoneal injection of ISRIB significantly inhibited ISR signaling after SCI, reduced the cytosolic localization of RNA-binding proteins, and decreased neuronal apoptosis. Histological and functional experiments further demonstrated that treatment with ISRIB after SCI effectively curbed morphological deterioration and promoted the recovery of locomotor function. In summary, the ISR plays an important role in SCI, and ISRIB is a promising drug for the treatment of SCI.

Additive-free organic solar cells with enhanced efficiency enabled by unidirectional printing flow of high shear rate

High-performance OSCs prepared by scalable techniques without additives are highly desirable because residual additives may cause gradual deterioration of the photoactive-layer morphology and device performance. Printing flows with high shear rate have the potential to replace additives by inducing higher degree of ordered stacking and crystallinity of organic molecules, as well as favorable phase separation. Here, PTQ10:Y6 organic solar cells (OSCs) without any additives were fabricated by a scalable and robust processing approach termed as soft porous blade printing (SPBP). The fluid flow and drying process of the wet films made by SPBP, blade coating and spin coating are visualized by high speed imaging, which reveals that the blade coating and SPBP introduce unidirectional flow while the wet film interference pattern of spin coating is irregular and random. The simplified flow model of SPBP suggests that the shear rate could be as high as ~1000 s−1. The additive-free SPBP produces photoactive-layer with adequate morphology, which could be attributed to three intrinsic properties of SPBP: very high shear rate, flow assisted crystallizations induced by microstructures of the soft porous blade, and numerous nucleation sites generated as the liquid contact line follows the motion of the blade. The additive-free SPBP device demonstrates weaker charge recombination, higher and more balanced charge transport, and consequently better device performance than the spin-coated and blade-coated devices with 0.25 vol% 1,8-diioctane (DIO). SPBP achieved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.45%, which is higher than those of spin-coated and blade-coated counterparts doped with DIO.

Macular Microvascular Modifications in Progressive Lamellar Macular Holes.

Lamellar macular holes (LMHs) may show morphological and functional deterioration over time, yet no definite prognostic factor for progression has been identified. Since neurovascular retinal unit impairment may take part in neurodegeneration, we compare progressive LMHs to stable ones in optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography parameters. Methods: OCT B scans of eyes with LMH were analyzed to detect the presence of tissue loss (TL) over time, allowing us to identify a TL group and a stable (ST) group (14 patients each). The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at each considered imaging time point was collected. Lastly, patients underwent macular OCT angiography. Results: BCVA at last follow up was significantly reduced in the TL group compared to both the ST group and TL group baseline assessment. SCP foveal vessel density (VD), SCP and deep capillary plexus (DCP) perfusion density (PD) and parafoveal PD were lower in the TL group. Linear correlations between quantitative TL over time and parafoveal PD in SCP and between the speed of TL and BCVA variation during follow up were also detected. Conclusions: TL in LMHs is associated with both OCT angiography modifications and BCVA deterioration over time. We suggest these findings to be a manifestation of foveal Muller cell impairment in progressive LMHs.

Reproductive Aging in Caenorhabditis elegans: From Molecules to Ecology

Aging animals display a broad range of progressive degenerative changes, and one of the most fascinating is the decline of female reproductive function. In the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, hermaphrodites reach a peak of progeny production on day 2 of adulthood and then display a rapid decline; progeny production typically ends by day 8 of adulthood. Since animals typically survive until day 15 of adulthood, there is a substantial post reproductive lifespan. Here we review the molecular and cellular changes that occur during reproductive aging, including reductions in stem cell number and activity, slowing meiotic progression, diminished Notch signaling, and deterioration of germ line and oocyte morphology. Several interventions have been identified that delay reproductive aging, including mutations, drugs and environmental factors such as temperature. The detailed description of reproductive aging coupled with interventions that delay this process have made C. elegans a leading model system to understand the mechanisms that drive reproductive aging. While reproductive aging has dramatic consequences for individual fertility, it also has consequences for the ecology of the population. Population dynamics are driven by birth and death, and reproductive aging is one important factor that influences birth rate. A variety of theories have been advanced to explain why reproductive aging occurs and how it has been sculpted during evolution. Here we summarize these theories and discuss the utility of C. elegans for testing mechanistic and evolutionary models of reproductive aging.

Central serous chorioretinopathy in uveitis patients after corticosteroid therapy: a report of 6 cases

Purpose. To report central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) in uveitis patients.Material and methods. A retrospective chart review of uveitis patients seen in a time frame of 20 years at the Centre for Ophthalmic Specialised Care, Lausanne, Switzerland. The ophthalmic and systemic features are presented.Results. Out of 1793 uveitis patients followed at the Centre for Ophthalmic Specialised Care, 6 patients (0.3%) developed CSСR following corticosteroid therapy due to uveitis. The mean age of patients was 40 ± 13.4 years, disease incidence was not associated with gender. In all 6 patients’ clinical disease was unilateral but subclinical signs were present in all fellow eyes. The mean duration of corticosteroid therapy before CSCR had occurred was 4.95 ± 4.0 months. The mean best-corrected visual acuity at the moment of CSCR was 0.6 ± 0.26 and 0.8 ± 0.17 after discontinuation of corticosteroids. Neurosensory retinal detachment and pigment epithelium detachment were observed in 3 eyes, respectively. During fluorescein angiography (FA), focal dye leakage and areas of alteration of RPE were observed in 6 out of 10 eyes. Diffuse hyperfluorescence of choroidal vessels observed by ICGA was detected in all eyes.Conclusion. Central serous chorioretinopathy should be suspected when functional and morphological deterioration occurs in uveitis patients receiving corticosteroid therapy with no signs of inflammation reactivation. This complication is extremely rare but serious condition which needs a prompt tapering and discontinuing of corticosteroids.

Corrosion resistance and passivation behavior of 3004 AlMnMg and 4044AlSi aluminum alloys in acid-chloride electrolytes

Corrosion resistance of 3004 and 4044 aluminium alloys (3004Al and 4044Al) in neutral chloride (0.5%–4.5% concentration), sulphate (0.00625M-0.1 M concentration), and chloride-sulphate (0.00625 M H2SO4/0.5%–4.5% chloride concentration) solutions was studied with potentiodynamic polarization, open circuit potential, cyclic polarization, and optical microscopy. Results show 4044Al exhibited higher resistance to general corrosion while 3004Al was more resistant to localized corrosion. Corrosion of 4044Al decreases with increase in chloride concentration while 3004 Al increases. Corrosion rate values for 3004Al and 4044Al in sulphate solution were generally similar between 0.061–0.395 mm y−1 and 0.168–0.213 mm y−1, respectively. In chloride-sulphate solution, corrosion rate of 3004Al increased from 0.130 mm y−1 to 1.563 mm y−1 at peak chloride concentration whereas the corrosion rate of 4044Al is near constant. The passive film on 4044Al is found to weaken significantly with increase in chloride concentration. Passivation values varied from 0.39 V at 0.5% chloride concentration to 0.01 V at 4.5% concentration while the potential at which stable pitting occurred increased. The passivation range values for 3004Al are relatively stable with respect to chloride concentration. Results from cyclic polarization experiments show the deterioration rate of both alloys in NaCl solution is subject to chloride concentration. The results show the alloys corrode at all NaCl concentrations (0.5%–4.5%) with the lowest pitting corrosion risk in 0.5% and 1.5%NaCl solutions. The highest pitting corrosion risk of the alloys occurred in 3.5% NaCl solution. Significant localized morphological deterioration is visible throughout the entirety of 4044Al relative to the adjacent Al alloy matrix compared to total surface deterioration on 3004Al.

Evaluation of Upper Urinary Tract Integrity After Radical Cystectomy and Orthotopic Diversion with Ileal and Sigmoid Neobladder.

The study aims to evaluate the effects of orthotopic urinary diversion using ileal and sigmoid segments after radical cystectomy on upper urinary tract function and morphology. A retrospective study included 60 patients divided into 2 equal groups (W-ileal pouch group and sigmoid pouch group). We assessed renal function and morphology post-operative after 6months and after 1year by serum creatinine, ultrasound, IVP, pouchogram, and renal scan study. After 6months post-operatively, in the W-ileal group, there were 16 renal units (26.6%) deteriorated in morphology and 11 renal units (18.4%) deteriorated in function. After 1year, further deterioration in morphology was noted in 17 renal units (28.3%) and in function in 16 renal units (26.7%). In the sigmoid group, after 6months post-operatively, there were 14 renal units (23.3%) deteriorated in morphology and 14 renal units (23.4%) deteriorated in function. After 1year, further deterioration in morphology was noted in 47 renal units (24.4%) and in function in 18 renal units (30%). Incorporating the bowel into the urinary tract is potentially dangerous to the upper urinary tract's integrity, and the leading cause of renal impairment is uretero-pouch obstruction.

Binary-mixed organic electron transport layers for planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells with high efficiency and thermal reliability

The optimal electron transport layer (ETL) is a crucial component in the inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) for achieving high photovoltaic performance and device stability. We herein address the alloy ETL strategy, which incorporates a non-fullerene small molecule, ITIC-4F, into the fullerene-based ETL to optimize the electron-selective interfacial properties of CH3NH3PbI3-based inverted PSCs. The alloy ETL exhibited tailored energy level alignment at the interface of perovskite and ETL, so the electron-extraction/recombination behavior is greatly improved. Also, the hydrophobic surface of the alloy ETL effectively impedes not only moisture invasion but also morphological deterioration under continuous operation, so the resultant CH3NH3PbI3-based inverted device modified with the alloy ETL exhibited superior power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 19.99%, with a negligible hysteresis. The alloy ETL-based PSCs also achieves 25.1% efficiency under indoor lighting condition, which promises a feasible design strategy of interfacial optimization in high-performance PSCs using organic semiconductors.

Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on the organism as a whole and structural units (Literature review)

This work presents a review of the available experimental and theoretical data on the effects of electromagnetic radiation from the global mobile communications system (GSM) on a living organism. Radiation exposure has long been a problem for the public, health policymakers, and researchers. Recently, the effect of radiofrequency radiation on biological objects has increased significantly. In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reviewed the published literature and classified this type of radiation as a potent (group 2B) carcinogen for humans. To date, research results indicate a wide range of adverse effects on human health associated with radiation in the radio range. Of particular concern is the effects of this factor on reproductive function and the nervous system, particularly in children’s developing brains. Radiation from a cell phone, leaning against the head of a child, has a more detrimental effect on brain structures than in the case of an adult. Experimental studies also show men wearing cell phones in their trouser pockets lead to a significant decrease in sperm cells and the deterioration of mobility and morphology. Based on the accumulated evidence, we suggest Federal Service on Customers’ Rights Protection and Human Well-being Surveillance (Rospotrebnadzor) and Federal Agency for the Supervision in Education and Science (Rosobrnadzor) introduce control over the use of cell phones by children under 16 years of age and pregnant women and review the place of radiofrequency radiation in the systematics of hazardous environmental factors.

Heat-Shock Induces Granule Cell Dispersion and Microgliosis in Hippocampal Slice Cultures.

Granule cell dispersion (GCD) has been found in the dentate gyrus (dg) of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and a history of febrile seizures but was also recently observed in pediatric patients that did not suffer from epilepsy. This indicates that GCD might not always be disease related, but instead could reflect normal morphological variation. Thus, distribution of newborn granule cells within the hilar region is part of normal dg development at early stages but could be misinterpreted as pathological GCD. In turn, pathological GCD may be caused, for example, by genetic mutations, such as the reeler mutation. GCD in the reeler mutant goes along with an increased susceptibility to epileptiform activity. Pathological GCD in combination with epilepsy is caused by experimental administration of the glutamate receptor agonist kainic acid in rodents. In consequence, the interpretation of GCD and the role of febrile seizures remain controversial. Here, we asked whether febrile temperatures alone might be sufficient to trigger GCD and used hippocampal slice cultures as in vitro model to analyze the effect of a transient temperature increase on the dg morphology. We found that a heat-shock of 41°C for 6 h was sufficient to induce GCD and degeneration of a fraction of granule cells. Both of these factors, broadening of the granule cell layer (gcl) and increased neuronal cell death within the gcl, contributed to the development of a significantly reduced packaging density of granule cells. In contrast, Reelin expressing Cajal–Retzius (CR) cells in the molecular layer were heat-shock resistant. Thus, their number was not reduced, and we did not detect degenerating CR cells after heat-shock, implying that GCD was not caused by the loss of CR cells. Importantly, the heat-shock-induced deterioration of dg morphology was accompanied by a massive microgliosis, reflecting a robust heat-shock-induced immune response. In contrast, in the study that reported on GCD as a non-specific finding in pediatric patients, no microglia reaction was observed. Thus, our findings underpin the importance of microglia as a marker to distinguish pathological GCD from normal morphological variation.

Tunnel Junctions with a Doped ( In,Ga)N Quantum Well for Vertical Integration of III -Nitride Optoelectronic Devices

Properties of tunnel junctions (TJs) grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy are investigated. Examined TJs consist of a ($\mathrm{In},\mathrm{Ga})\mathrm{N}$ quantum well (QW) sandwiched between ${\mathrm{In}}_{0.02}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.98}\mathrm{N}$ barriers. The influence of piezoelectric polarization, doping, and width of a TJ QW on resistivity of TJs is studied. A decrease of TJ resistivity is observed for high doping and high ($\mathrm{In},\mathrm{Ga})\mathrm{N}$ composition. Additionally, the crystal quality of TJs as a function of magnesium and silicon doping in a ($\mathrm{In},\mathrm{Ga})\mathrm{N}$ QW is discussed. Generation of defects in highly doped layers is observed in transmission electron microscopy and by defect selective etching. High doping leads to deterioration of surface morphology, which is corroborated by atomic force microscopy imaging. TJs with low resistance and high crystalline quality, without formation of structural defects, are demonstrated. A theoretical model for calculation of tunneling currents is proposed based on Kane tunneling theory, which considers a realistic electric field distribution in a TJ. A good agreement with the experimental data is obtained. The model is used to predict electrical parameters in a wide range of ${\mathrm{In}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{N}$ compositions (x = 0--0.40), doping (${n}_{\mathrm{Mg},\mathrm{Si}}={10}^{17}\ensuremath{-}5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{21}\phantom{\rule{0.25em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$), and TJ QW width (d = 2 -- 12 nm).

Archaeological Painted and Dyed Textiles: Studying Variations and Morphological Characteristics Using Microscopy Techniques

The main objective of this study is to identify the differences between two important techniques of colouring and decorating textiles in ancient Egypt, namely the dyeing and painting and their influences on the morphology of archaeological textiles. In this study experimental samples were prepared from artificially aged dyed and painted linen textiles with some of the common pigments and natural dyes used in ancient Egypt, to obtain samples similar as possible to the archaeological ones. The samples were studied and investigated using a Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with EDX unit (SEM-EDX) and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) microscopy. The results showed that the inorganic pigment particles are deposited on and in-between the fibres’ surfaces, and serve as a protective coating for the fibres against the morphological deterioration caused by artificial ageing. In contrast, the dye molecules are small enough to penetrate and colour the fibres uniformly. They also decreased the degradation of the surface morphology of the fibres after ageing.

Dementia with Lewy bodies-associated ß-synuclein mutations V70M and P123H cause mutation-specific neuropathological lesions.

Beta (ß)-synuclein (ß-Syn) has long been considered to be an attenuator for the neuropathological effects caused by the Parkinson's disease-related alpha (α)-synuclein (α-Syn) protein. However, recent studies demonstrated that overabundant ß-Syn can form aggregates and induce neurodegeneration in central nervous system (CNS) neurons in vitro and in vivo, albeit at a slower pace as compared with α-Syn. Here, we demonstrate that ß-Syn mutants V70M, detected in a sporadic case of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and P123H, detected in a familial case of DLB, robustly aggravate the neurotoxic potential of ß-Syn. Intriguingly, the two mutations trigger mutually exclusive pathways. ß-Syn V70M enhances morphological mitochondrial deterioration and degeneration of dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neurons, but it has no influence on neuronal network activity. Conversely, ß-Syn P123H silences neuronal network activity, but it does not aggravate neurodegeneration. ß-Syn wild type (WT), V70M and P123H formed proteinase K-resistant intracellular fibrils within neurons, albeit with less stable C-termini as compared with α-Syn. Under cell-free conditions, ß-Syn V70M demonstrated a much slower pace of fibril formation as compared with WT ß-Syn, and P123H fibrils present with a unique phenotype characterized by large numbers of short, truncated fibrils. Thus, it is possible that V70M and P123H cause structural alterations in ß-Syn, which are linked to their distinct neuropathological profiles. The extent of the lesions caused by these neuropathological profiles is almost identical to that of overabundant α-Syn and is thus likely to be directly involved into the etiology of DLB. Overall, this study provides insights into distinct disease mechanisms caused by mutations of ß-Syn.

BaZiBuShen alleviates altered testicular morphology and spermatogenesis and modulates Sirt6/P53 and Sirt6/NF-κB pathways in aging mice induced by D-galactose and NaNO2

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSperm infertility and testicular atrophy are symptoms associated with aging. BaZiBuShen formula (BZBS), a patented Chinese herbal prescription composed of Semen Cuscutae, Fructus Lycii, Epimedii Folium, Fructus Schisandrae Sphenantherae, Fructus Cnidii, Fructus Rosae Laevigatae, Semen Allii Tuberosi., Radix Morindae Officinalis, Herba Cistanches, Fructus Rubi, Radix Rehmanniae Recens, Radix Cyathulae, Radix Ginseng, Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum, Hippocampus, and Fuctus Toosendan, has been used as a kidney-tonifying and anti-aging drug as well as for the treatment of impotence and male infertility in traditional Chinese medicine. Aim of the studyWe aimed at investigating whether BZBS preserves sperm and testes morphology in aging mice, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsBZBS was orally administered to aging mice induced by D-galactose (D-gal) and NaNO2 for 65 days. Sperm quality and testes pathophysiological alterations were examined by a Semen Analysis System, hematoxylin-eosin staining, transmission electron microscopy, and mitochondrial complex IV activity. In addition, serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-desoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione disulfide (GSSG), testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA. The expressions of P450 aromatase (CYP19), sirtuin 6 (Sirt6), P53, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-p65, and phospho–NF–κB-p65 (NF-κB-pp65) in the testes were examined by western blot and/or immunohistochemical staining. ResultsSustained exposure to D-gal/NaNO2 caused a deterioration of sperm quality and testes morphology in this rapid aging mouse model. BZBS treatment curtailed these alterations. These beneficial effects were associated with increased serum levels of TAC, GSH/GSSG, T, E2, and FSH, and decreased levels of MDA, TNF-α, and 8-OH-dG. BZBS treatment also downregulated the expressions of P53, iNOS, and NF-κB-pp65, as well as upregulated the expressions of Sirt6 and CYP19 in aging testes. ConclusionsBZBS preserves testicular morphology and spermatogenesis possibly via inhibition of oxidative stress and the modulation of the Sirt6/P53 and Sirt6/NF-κB signaling pathways. The results shed light on the beneficial effect of BZBS on sperm quality and fertility in aging males.

The use of tool flank wear and average roughness in assessing effectiveness of vegetable oils as cutting fluids during turning—a critical review

Vegetable oils have significant potential to replace conventional cutting fluids for green machining due to their lower environmental impact. The effectiveness of these oils when used as cutting fluids has been assessed using several measures, such as tool wear, cutting forces, surface roughness of workpiece, cutting zone temperature, vibration, and chip formation. Among these, the two most commonly investigated parameters in the past are tool flank wear and average surface roughness (Ra). The use of flank wear and average roughness in assessing the effectiveness of the oils as cutting fluids, however, has resulted in confusing and contradicting findings in many of the published literature. One common anomaly found in many of the published works is the improvement in surface roughness in spite of an increase in tool flank wear. This contradiction is mainly due to the poor correlation between the major flank wear and average roughness Ra. Moreover, since Ra is a measure of the average absolute height of the roughness profile, and thus is insensitive to changes in the overall morphology of the surface profile of the workpiece as a result of tool wear, the use of Ra as the sole roughness measure could potentially lead to erroneous conclusions. In this paper, the major issues and anomalies in previously published research are highlighted and discussed critically. More reliable measures of surface finish quality that could be used to assess the effectiveness of vegetable oils as cutting fluids are proposed and demonstrated using simulated and real surfaces produced by finish turning. The cross-correlation method is shown to provide a more reliable means of assessing the deterioration of the surface morphology due to gradual and excessive tool wear compared with Ra.

Exposure to the anthelmintic dinitroaniline oryzalin causes changes in meiotic prophase morphology and loss of synaptonemal complexes in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract The anthelmintic dinitroaniline oryzalin interferes with the formation of microtubules and inhibits meiosis and mitosis in nematodes. Exposure to oryzalin resulted in deterioration in morphology of the oocytes and loss of synaptonemal complexes at meiotic prophase I. The nuclear matrix and envelope were poorly formed, and the central rachis was diminished. These results provide the basis for the loss of fecundity after treatment with the oryzalin resulting in control of parasitic nematodes.

A Protein from Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese Yam) Improves Hydrocortisone-Induced Testicular Dysfunction by Alleviating Leydig Cell Injury via Upregulation of the Nrf2 Pathway.

Leydig cell injury has been described as a primary driver of testicular dysfunction and is affected by oxidative stress. Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese yam) is used to improve testicular dysfunction in clinical and pharmacological research via its antioxidative activity, but the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of Chinese yam on testicular dysfunction and its suppression of Leydig cell oxidative damage remain unclear. In this study, we obtained a Chinese yam protein (DP1) and explored its effectiveness and possible mechanism in improving testicular dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. We established a testicular dysfunction model in rats using hydrocortisone (HCT). DP1 increased body weight and organ index, improved the deterioration in testicular morphology (including increasing the diameter of seminiferous tubules and thickness of germinal cell layers, inhibiting testicular cell apoptosis by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and impeding collagen leakage by downregulating TGF-β1 and p-SMAD2/3 expression), and restored the testosterone content. In addition, DP1 enhanced the number of Leydig cells in rats and H2O2-induced TM3 Leydig cells, and the effect of DP1 on the apoptosis, fibrosis, and testosterone content of TM3 cells was similar to that observed in vivo. These changes were dependent on the regulation of oxidative stress, including significantly reduced intracellular 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine levels, enhanced superoxide dismutase activities, and decreased superoxide anion levels, which were confirmed via a superoxide overexpression system. Furthermore, we observed that DP1 promoted Nrf2 nuclear import and upregulated antioxidant factor expression in vivo and in vitro. However, Nrf2 silencing eliminated the ability of DP1 to increase the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, reduce the expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-SMAD2/3, and increase testosterone contents in H2O2-induced TM3 cells. In conclusion, DP1 reversed the HCT-induced testicular apoptosis and fibrosis and decreased testosterone contents by alleviating Leydig cell oxidative damage via upregulation of the Nrf2 pathway.

(Invited) The Life and Death of Anode-Free Lithium Metal Cells

Anode-free lithium metal cells store 60% more energy per volume than conventional lithium ion cells. Such high energy density cells will enable electric vehicles with increased range and decreased cost. The anode-free strategy of using zero excess lithium presents a number of advantages and challenges over conventional lithium metal cells. Anode-free cells exhibit ultra-high stack energy density >1200 Wh/L for the NMC532 and 811 cells investigated in this work. Lithium metal cells, on the other hand, with lithium foils thicker than 60 µm are actually less energy dense than lithium ion cells. Challenges associated with manufacturing thin lithium foils and their incorporation in cell production are avoided in anode-free cells. Safety is a concern for any cell with metallic lithium, although this often remains unaddressed in the literature. However, with no excess lithium, anode-free cells suffer from rapid capacity loss. Lifetimes of fewer than 40 cycles to 80% capacity are common. Increasing cycle life to hundreds of cycles is necessary to produce viable anode-free cells for electric vehicles.Recently, we demonstrated state-of-the-art cycle life for anode-free cells utilizing a dual-salt carbonate-based electrolyte.1 This liquid electrolyte enabled a pristine lithium morphology of tightly packed lithium grains forming a smooth lithium mosaic, shown in Fig. 1a-b. In this present work, we probe the lithium morphology at different states of charge and conclude that this morphology is composed of lithium columns (Fig. 1c-e). Incredibly, the columnar lithium enabled by dual-salt electrolyte forms a matrix of dead lithium which facilitates reversible lithium deposition.Unfortunately, this pristine morphology is not maintained. In this work, we characterize the degradation of anode-free cells with dual-salt electrolyte. We probe the deterioration of lithium morphology during aging with SEM and correlate this to electrolyte degradation. We observe increased lithium porosity via x-ray tomography and use acoustic transmission imaging to demonstrate electrolyte depletion. For safety characterization, we measure the temperature of cells during penetration with a nail and compare to cells made with other electrolytes promoted in the literature. Finally, we use the insights gained here to build anode-free cells that deliver a greater energy density than lithium ion cells for over 200 cycles. Although lifetime must still be increased, we believe anode-free lithium metal cells with liquid electrolyte present the most straightforward and lowest cost path towards viable high energy density lithium batteries. Reference s : [1] Rochelle Weber, Matthew Genovese, A. J. Louli, Samuel Hames, Cameron Martin, Ian G. Hill and J. R. Dahn, Nat. Energy, 4 (2019) 683-689. Figure 1

Nitrogen-Bearing Carbon Nanoparticles by Pyrolytic Decomposition of Piperazine Citrate Macromolecules for Cellular Imaging.

In this work, highly photoluminescent carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) are fabricated by pyrolytic decomposition of piperazine citrate at high pressure and high temperature. Piperazine serves as a hydrolytic, surface-passivating, and N-doping agent, facilitating the formation of a photopolymer. The as-synthesized CNPs, without any surface protection/passivation, exhibit excellent photolumi-nescence and a maximum quantum yield of 84%. The average particle size of the N-doped CNPs is 0.89±0.05 nm. In addition, the N-doped CNPs exhibit uniform diameters and nearly spherical shapes. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results reveal that the CNPs are composed of carbon (64.4 wt%), oxygen (18.5 wt%), and nitrogen (17.1 wt%), indicating the presence of nitrogen-doped and carbon-rich moieties in the CNPs. Notably, the CNPs purified by the procedure developed in this work exhibit more stable luminescence properties than those purified with the conventional dialysis membrane. In addition, the potential application of the CNPs as fluorescent bioimaging probes, which offer a broad dosing window and exhibit multicolor emission, is investigated by directly cultur-ing A549 cells with the CNPs. The results reveal that the CNPs exhibit not only exceptional optical stability, but also outstanding biocompatibility and cell labeling capability. After incubating the A549 cells with CNPs, the CNPs are confined in perinuclear vacuole-similar shapes with a granulated form in cytoplasm preserving the nucleus. Notably, no significant morphological deterioration such as nuclear contraction is detected.

Desmin Interacts Directly with Mitochondria

Desmin intermediate filaments (IFs) play an important role in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of muscle cells. They connect contractile myofibrils to plasma membrane, nuclei, and mitochondria. Disturbance of their network due to desmin mutations or deficiency leads to an infringement of myofibril organization and to a deterioration of mitochondrial distribution, morphology, and functions. The nature of the interaction of desmin IFs with mitochondria is not clear. To elucidate the possibility that desmin can directly bind to mitochondria, we have undertaken the study of their interaction in vitro. Using desmin mutant Des(Y122L) that forms unit-length filaments (ULFs) but is incapable of forming long filaments and, therefore, could be effectively separated from mitochondria by centrifugation through sucrose gradient, we probed the interaction of recombinant human desmin with mitochondria isolated from rat liver. Our data show that desmin can directly bind to mitochondria, and this binding depends on its N-terminal domain. We have found that mitochondrial cysteine protease can disrupt this interaction by cleavage of desmin at its N-terminus.