Influence of systematically varied nano-scale topography on cell morphology and adhesion

The types of cell-matrix adhesions and the signals they transduce strongly affect the cell-phenotype. We hypothesized that cells sense and respond to the three-dimensionality of their environment, which could be modulated by nano-structures on silicon surfaces. Human foreskin fibroblasts were cultured on nano-structures with different patterns (nano-post and nano-grate) and heights for 3 days. The presence of integrin alpha(5), beta(1), beta(3), paxillin and phosphorylated FAK (pFAK) were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. Integrin beta(3) exhibited stronger signals on nano-grates. pFAK and paxillin were observed as small dot-like patterns on the cell-periphery on nano-posts and as elongated and aligned patterns on nano-grates. Collectively, our observations highlighted the presence of focal (integrin beta(1), beta(3), pFAK, paxillin), fibrillar (integrin alpha(5), beta(1)) and 3-D matrix (integrin alpha(5), beta(1), paxillin) adhesions on nano-structures. The presented nano-structures offer interesting opportunities to study the interaction of cells with topographical features comparable to the size of extracellular matrix components.     

Biocompatible scaffolds based on collagen and oxidized dextran for endothelial cell survival and function in tissue engineering

Angiogenesis is a vital step in tissue regeneration. Hence, the current study aimed to prepare oxidized dextran (Odex)/collagen (Col)-hydrogels with laminin (LMN), as an angiogenic extracellular matrix (ECM) component, for promoting human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and function. Odex/Col scaffolds were constructed at various concentrations and temperatures. Using oscillatory rheometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cell viability testing, the scaffolds were characterized, and then HUVEC proliferation and function was compared with or without LMN. The gelation time could be modified by altering the Odex/Col mass ratio as well as the temperature. SEM showed that Odex/Col hydrogels had a more regular three-dimensional (3D) porous structure than the Col hydrogels. Moreover, HUVECs grew faster in the Col scaffold (12 mg/mL), whereas the Odex (30 mg/mL)/Col (6 mg/mL) scaffold exhibited the lowest apoptosis index. Furthermore, the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA in the group without LMN was higher than that with LMN, and the Odex (30 mg/mL)/Col (6 mg/mL) scaffold without LMN had the highest VEGF protein secretion, allowing the cells to survive and function effectively. Odex/Col scaffolds, with or without LMN, are proposed as a tissue engineering construct to improve HUVEC survival and function for angiogenesis.     

Evaluation of groundwater quality using water quality index and its suitability for assessing water for drinking and irrigation purposes: Case study of Sistan and Baluchistan province (Iran)

The present study evaluates the groundwater quality for drinking and agricultural purposes and determines physicochemical characteristics of groundwater in the Sistan and Baluchistan province in Iran. In order to investigate the water quality, sampling was done in 654 open dug wells, the chemical parameters were analyzed, and water quality index was determined. In this regard, Langelier saturation index (LSI), Ryznar Stability index (RSI), Puckorius scaling index (PSI), Larson–Skold index (LS), and Aggressiveness index (AI) were considered to determine water suitability for industrial purposes. Finally, the analytical results were taken to generate the numerical spatial distribution of the parameters using the geographic information system (GIS) environment. According to the results, water sources were less corrosive based on AI and PSI, low and light corrosion according to RSI, and corrosion according to the Larsson–Sckold index. The results of the drinking water quality index showed that 1.2% shared extraction wells were classified as excellent, 52.1% as good, 39% as poor, 6% as very poor, and 1.7% as unsuitable for drinking purpose classes. In addition, irrigating water quality index illustrated that 19.9% and 80.1% wells were placed in the “excellent” and “Good” classes, respectively. Also, the quality of water in this study was categorized as brackish.     

RNA Binding to CBP Stimulates Histone Acetylation and Transcription

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Control of Mycosphaerella graminicola on wheat seedlings by medical drugs known to modulate the activity of ATP-binding cassette transporters

Medical drugs known to modulate the activity of human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins (modulators) were tested for the ability to potentiate the activity of the azole fungicide cyproconazole against in vitro growth of Mycosphaerella graminicola and to control disease development due to this pathogen on wheat seedlings. In vitro modulation of cyproconazole activity could be demonstrated in paper disk bioassays. Some of the active modulators (amitriptyline, flavanone, and phenothiazines) increased the accumulation of cyproconazole in M. graminicola, suggesting that they reversed cyproconazole efflux. However, synergism between cyproconazole and modulators against M. graminicola on wheat seedlings could not be shown. Despite their low in vitro toxicity to M. graminicola, some modulators (amitriptyline, loperamide, and promazine) did show significant intrinsic disease control activity in preventive and curative foliar spray tests with wheat seedlings. The results suggest that these compounds have indirect disease control activity based on modulation of fungal ABC transporters essential for virulence and constitute a new class of disease control agents.