Onco-metabolism: defining the prognostic significance of obesity and diabetes in women with brain metastases from breast cancer

Metabolic dysregulation has been implicated as a molecular driver of breast cancer in preclinical studies, especially with respect to metastases. We hypothesized that abnormalities in patient metabolism, such as obesity and diabetes, may drive outcomes in breast cancer patients with brain metastases.

Development of extracellular matrix supported 3D culture of renal cancer cells and renal cancer stem cells

Novel experimental conditions of cancer cell line culture have evolved throughout the recent years, with significantly growing interest in xeno-free, serum-free and three-dimensional culture variants. The choice of proper culture media may enable to mimic tumor microenvironment and promotion of cancer stem cells proliferation. To assess whether stem-like phenotype inducing media may be applied in renal cancer stem cell research, we performed a widespread screening of 13 cell culture media dedicated for mesenchymal cells, stem cells as well as mesenchymal stem cells. We have also screened extracellular matrix compounds and selected optimal RCC 3D-ECM supported culture model. Our results revealed that 786-O as well as HKCSCs cell line cultures in xeno-free media (NutriStem/StemXvivo) and laminin coated plates provide a useful tool in RCC cancer biology research and at the same time enable effective drug toxicity screening. We propose bio-mimic 3D RCC cell culture model with specific low-serum and xeno-free media that promote RCC cell viability and stem-like phenotype according to the tested genes encoding stemness factors including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, HIF1, HIF2, VEGF, SOX2, PAX2 and NESTIN.

Genotype-by-environment interaction for seed quality traits in interspecific cross-derived Brassica lines using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model

The aim of this study was to assess genotype by environment interaction for seed quality traits in interspecific cross-derived Brassica lines by the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model. The study comprised of 25 winter rapeseed genotypes i.e.: B. napus cultivar Californium, twenty three cross-derived Brassica lines and male sterile line of an F 8 generation of B. napus (MS8), selected from resynthesized oilseed rape ( B. rapa ssp. chinensis  ×  B. oleracea var. gemmifera ) using in vitro cultures of isolated embryos. Field trials were performed at three locations in 3 years in a randomized complete block design, with three replicates. AMMI analyses revealed significant genotype and environmental effects as well as genotype by environmental interaction with respect to all five observed traits. The lines 16 ( B. napus line MS8 ×  B. rapa ssp. pekinensis ) and 7 ( B. napus line MS8 ×  B. carinata ) are recommended for further inclusion in the breeding programs because their stability and good average values of observed traits, except total glucosinolates content for line 16 (the best total genotype selection indexes were equal to 81 and 97, respectively).

Monosubstituted hydrazone β-cyclodextrin derivatives for pH-sensitive complex formation with aromatic drugs

A new and convenient synthetic pathway was developed to produce monosubstituted cyclodextrins with high yields. Each of the β-cyclodextrin derivatives described in this work has an aromatic substituent connected with cyclodextrin core by a pH-sensitive hydrazone linker and a carbon chain. Carbon chains differ in lengths having one or three carbon atoms. The correlation between water solubility and linker length was determined using UV–Vis spectroscopy, while the dependence of hydrazone bond hydrolysis on the electrolyte pH was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry. The pH-dependent complex-formation ability between the hydrazone derivative of cyclodextrin and anthracycline drug was examined by square wave voltammetry. The significantly big solubility and the appropriate pH, at which the hydrolysis of the hydrazone bond occurs, make the newly synthesized derivatives attractive for pharmaceutical and medical applications.

The Influence of Substitution of a Phosphorus-Containing Polyol with the Bio-polyol on the Properties of Bio-based PUR/PIR Foams

In this work, effects of incorporating of a phosphorus-containing polyol into rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate foams’ formulations developed with use of two different bio-based polyols, derived from crude glycerol or liquefied cellulose were examined. The bio-polyol derived from crude glycerol was synthesized via two-step process from crude glycerol and castor oil, whereas the bio-polyol derived from liquefied cellulose was prepared in lignocellulose biomass liquefaction process. Rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate foams were prepared by substitution 25, 50, 75 and 100 wt% of a bio-polyol with the phosphorus-containing polyol. Density, compressive modulus, thermal stability and chemical and cellular structure content of the PUR/PIR foams were studied. Cell morphology was also observed by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, thermal stability and flammability were investigated. The results show that the phosphorus-based polyol favors some PUR/PIR foams properties such as fire retardancy, what was expected, but also compressive strength behavior.

A New Approach to Chemical Recycling of Polyamide 6.6 and Synthesis of Polyurethanes with Recovered Intermediates

Synthesis, characterization, and interactions of single-walled carbon nanotubes modified with doxorubicin with Langmuir–Blodgett biomimetic membranes

The synthesis, characterization, and the influence of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) modified with an anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOx) on the properties of model biological membrane as well as the comparison of the two modes of modification has been presented. The drug was covalently attached to the nanotubes either preferentially on the sides or at the ends of the nanotubes by the formation of hydrazone bond. The efficiency of the modification was proved by the results of FTIR, Raman, and thermogravimetric analysis. In order to characterize the influence of SWCNT-DOx conjugates on model biological membranes, Langmuir technique has been employed. The mixed monolayers composed of 1,2-dipalmitoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphothioethanol (DPPTE) and SWCNT-DOx with different weight ratio have been prepared. It has been shown that changes in the isotherm characteristics depend on the SWCNTs content. While smaller amounts of SWCNTs do not exert significant differences, the introduction of the prevailing content of the nanotubes increases area per molecule and decreases the maximum value of compression modulus, leading to more fluid monolayer. However, upon increasing the surface pressure, the aggregation of carbon nanotubes within the thiolipid matrix has been observed. Mixed layers of DPPTE/SWCNT-DOx were also transferred onto gold electrodes by means of LB method. Cyclic voltammetry showed that SWCNT-DOx conjugates remain adsorbed at the electrode surface and are stable in time. Additionally, higher values of peak current and DOx surface concentration obtained for side modification prove that side modification allows for more efficient conjugation of the drug to carbon nanotubes.Graphical abstract ᅟElectronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11051-018-4239-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Landslide features identification and morphology investigation using high-resolution DEM derivatives

Combined description (morphology with DNA barcode data) of a new quill mite Torotrogla paenae n. sp. (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) parasitising the Kalahari scrub-robin Cercotrichas paena (Smith) (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) in Namibia

A new quill mite species Torotrogla paenae n. sp. (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) parasitising the Kalahari scrub-robin Cercotrichas paena (Smith) (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) in Namibia is described based on the external morphology and DNA barcode data (the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 sequences, cox1). Females of T. paenae n. sp. morphologically differ from the most similar species T. lusciniae Skoracki, 2004 by the total body length (780-830 vs 645-715 µm in T. lusciniae) and the presence of hysteronotal shields (vs absence), apunctate propodonotal and pygidial shields (vs punctate), apunctate coxal fields (vs punctate), the fan-like setae p' and p" of legs III-IV provided with c.10 tines (vs 14-15) and the length of setae si (140-180 vs 190-210 µm) and se (160-185 vs 210-225 µm). The male of T. paenae n. sp. morphologically differs from T. lusciniae by the lateral branch of peritremes composed of 4 chambers (vs 7-8 chambers) and lengths of setae ve (45 vs 70-75 µm) and se (120 vs 165 µm).

Childbearing Motivations and Desires, Fertility Beliefs, and Contraceptive Use among Urban African-American Adolescents and Young Adults with STI Histories

This study explored the influence of STI history on childbearing motivations, fertility beliefs, current childbearing desires, and contraception use among urban African-American adolescents and young adults (AYA). Secondary data were from the Neighborhood Influences on Adolescent and Young Adult Health (NIAAH) study, conducted from 2004 to 2007. Sample included 517 AYA ages 15-24 years (male: n = 199, female: n = 318). Linear and logistic regression models examined gender differences in childbearing motivations (CBM) and desires, fertility beliefs, condom, and contraception use. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine age, pregnancy history, and STI fertility knowledge as potential confounders. AYA men (3.29) and AYA women (3.23) had similar CBM mean scores. AYA women had more positive CBM and used condoms less. Condom use was not associated with CBM among AYA men (OR = 0.71, p = 0.069). Low beliefs about fertility (OR = 0.52, p = 0.003) and prior pregnancy (OR = 5.27, p = 0.002) were associated with current childbearing desires among AYA women. AYA men's low fertility beliefs were only associated with current childbearing desires (OR = 0.56, p = 0.044). AYA men reported more contraception use (67.46 vs. 55.04%), especially with no partner pregnancy history (OR = 0.26, p = 0.017). Younger men (15 to 18 years old) reported more contraception or condom use compared to older AYA men (19-25 years old) (OR = 0.40, p = 0.016). Young men reporting a partner's prior pregnancy used fewer condoms or contraception (OR = 0.23, p = 0.028). STI history did not influence CBM in this sample of urban youth. Prior pregnancy experiences and chronological age, however, were important milestones shaping proximal motivations and desires to bear children, beliefs about fertility, and contraception behaviors.