In Vitro/In Vivo Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Defatted Extract and a Phenolic Fraction Obtained from Phlomis Tuberosa.

An in vitro/in vivo hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotection evaluation of a defatted extract and a phenolic fraction from Phlomis tuberosa, administered alone and in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced metabolic bioactivation model, was performed. The extract and the phenolic fraction were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the total flavonoid content, to identify flavonoids and to quantify verbascoside. In addition, total polyphenolics in the samples were expressed as gallic acid equivalents. Applied alone, the extract and the fraction (5, 10 and 50 µg/mL) did not show a statistically significant hepatotoxic effect on isolated rat hepatocytes in vitro. In a CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity model, the samples exhibited a concentration-dependent, statistically significant hepatoprotective effect, which was most pronounced at 50 µg/mL for both. The phenolic fraction exhibited a more pronounced hepatoprotective effect compared to the extract. Data from the in vitro study on the effects of the extract were also confirmed in the in vivo experiment conducted in a CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity model in rats. A histopathological study showed that the animals treated with CCl4 and the extract had an unaltered histoarchitecture of the liver. The effects of the extract were the same as those of silymarin.

Induction of humoral and cellular immune responses to COVID-19 mRNA and vector vaccines: A prospective cohort study in Bulgarian healthcare workers.

Installing efficient protective immunity by anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is the only current means to overcome coronavirus disease 2019 pandemics. The cellular and humoral immune responses induced with an messenger RNA (mRNA) (BNT162b2) or with a vector (ChAdOx1nCoV-19) vaccine among Bulgarian healthcare workers (n = 123, aged 23-71 years) were studied in the course of 16 weeks after priming. Receptor-binding domain (RBD)-blocking Abs and SARS-CoV-2 RBD immunoglobulin A  (IgA) were evaluated in parallel with interferon gamma (IFNγ)-producing virus-specific T cells. Both vaccines induced RBD-blocking Abs in 100% of the participants after complete immunization while the levels of protection after a single dose largely varied (22%-98%). Advanced age had a negative impact on the level and longevity of virus-neutralizing activity induced by one dose mRNA, but not by the vector vaccine. RBD-binding IgA was detected in 100% of tested donors from the mRNA vaccine cohort, and in 67% of tested from the vector vaccine cohort, at least 1 month after completed immunization. One month after completing mRNA immunization, the number of IFNγ-producing T cells correlated significantly with the levels of RBD-specific IgA and virus-neutralizing activity induced after priming. Enumeration of circulating virus-specific IFNγ+ T cells is not recommended for evaluation of protective immunity as their detection may require longer stimulation beyond the firstmonth postimmunization. In conclusion, BNT162B2 and ChAdOx1nCoV-19 induced potent and comparable humoral and cellular anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune responses, peaking between 10 and 30 days after complete immunization. A single dose of any vaccine did not induce adequate protection in a great part of donors, making the shorter interval between mRNA vaccine doses preferable in the settings of increased risk of infection.

Development and application of a modified procedure for quantitative fit testing of disposable masks and respirators.

In this study, a modified procedure for quantitative fit testing of disposable masks and respirators using condensation nuclei counting was developed and applied. The procedure permits disposable masks and respirators to be initially tested and retested multiple times after use. Different types of masks and respirators were tested over time and quantitative results were obtained. It was found that after multiple testing that the N95 respirator passed the testing requirements with a fit factor above 100, the KN95 respirator did not perform satisfactorily in the tests, and the disposable masks did not reach fit factors above 4 or 7. The results in this study provided relevant information toward use, reuse, and testing of disposable masks and respirators, particularly relevant during the COVID pandemic when access to N95 respirators was limited.

WEST NILE VIRUS INFECTION WITH NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS: A CASE REPORT AND A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE SITUATION IN BULGARIA.

A case of a 66-year-old man with West Nile neuroinvassive disease manifested with fever, weakness, fatigue, consciousness disorders and underlying diabetes mellitus type 2 and cardiovascular diseases is presented. Laboratory data showed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and fibrinogen. Serological tests revealed West Nile virus specific antibodies of class IgM and IgG in serum. West Nile virus RNA was detected in urine sample. Supportive therapy was applied.

Immune Cell Subsets Evaluation as a Predictive Tool for Hepatitis B Infection Outcome and Treatment Responsiveness.

BACKGROUND: The patient's immune response is one of the major factors influencing HBV eradication or chronification, and it is thought to be responsible for the treatment success. AIM: Our study aimed to investigate whether cellular defense mechanisms are associated with the course of HBV infection (spontaneous recovery [SR] or chronification [CHB]) and with the therapeutic approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 139 patients (118 with CHB, 21 SR) and 29 healthy individuals (HI) were immunophenotyped by flowcytometry. Fifty-six patients were treatment-naïve, 20 were treated with interferons and 42 with nucleoside/ nucleotide analogues. RESULTS: Deficiency of T lymphocytes, helper-inducer (CD3+CD4+), suppressorcytotoxic (CD8+CD3+) and cytotoxic (CD8+CD11b-, CD8+CD28+) subsets, activated T cells (CD3+HLA-DR+, CD8+CD38+) and increased CD57+CD8- cells, elevated percentages of B lymphocytes and NKT cells were observed in CHB patients compared with HI. In SR patients, elevated CD8+CD11b+, NKT and activated T cells were found in comparison with controls. The higher values of T cells and their subsets in SR patients than in CHB patients reflect a recovery of cellular immunity in resolved HBV infection individuals. In both groups of treated patients, reduced T lymphocytes, CD3+CD4+ and CD8+CD38+ subsets were found in comparison with HI. Higher proportions of cytotoxic subsets were observed in treated patients compared with treatment-naïve CHB patients, more pronounced in the group with interferon therapy. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that cellular immune profiles may be of prognostic value in predicting the clinical course of HBV infection, and the determination of the therapeutic response.

Analysis of Bacterial Biofilm Formation and MUC5AC and MUC5B Expression in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a condition affecting as much as 16% of the adult population in developed countries with many factors attributed to its development, including the more recently proposed role of bacterial biofilm infections. Plenty of research has been conducted on biofilms in CRS and the causes behind the development of such an infection in the nasal cavity and sinuses. One such probable cause is the production of mucin glycoproteins by the mucosa of the nasal cavity. To investigate the possible link between biofilm formation and mucin expression levels and their relationship with CRS etiology, we examined samples from 85 patients by means of spinning disk confocal microscopy (SDCM) to establish their biofilm status and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to determine MUC5AC and MUC5B expression levels. We observed a significantly higher prevalence of bacterial biofilms in the CRS patient group compared to the control group. In addition, we detected higher expression levels of MUC5B but not MUC5AC in the CRS group, which suggested a possible role for MUC5B in CRS development. Finally, we found no direct relationship between biofilm presence and mucin expression levels, thereby showing a multifaceted connection between these two major factors implicated in CRS etiology.

A low-temperature thermal ALD process for nickel utilizing dichlorobis(triethylphosphine)nickel(II) and 1,4-bis(trimethylgermyl)-1,4-dihydropyrazine.

In this work, we developed a new ALD process for nickel metal from dichlorobis(triethylphosphine)nickel(II) (NiCl2(PEt3)2) and 1,4-bis(trimethylgermyl)-1,4-dihydropyrazine ((Me3Ge)2DHP). A series of phosphine adducts of nickel and cobalt halides were synthesized and characterized for their volatility and thermal stability. Also (Me3Ge)2DHP is a novel reducing agent in ALD. Smooth nickel films were deposited on different substrate materials at 110 °C, which is the lowest deposition temperature for Ni metal found in the literature. The growth rate is 0.2 Å per cycle when the film is not continuous and decreases to 0.1 Å per cycle after the film becomes pinhole-free. Besides a small amount (7 at%) of carbidic carbon, the films have only small amounts of impurities. Most notably, the chlorine content is below 0.2 at%, indicating efficient reduction. Furthermore, we think that (Me3Ge)2DHP can open new avenues for the ALD of other metals at low temperatures.

Beneficial effects of the fructus Sophorae extract on experimentally induced osteoporosis in New Zealand white rabbits.

Sophora japonica is a source of several flavonol, flavone and isoflavone glycosides that are reported to positively affect menopausal symptoms including osteoporotic complications. In the present study fructus Sophorae extract (FSE) was administered orally for three months at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 in ovariectomized (OVX) New Zealand rabbits. 3D computed tomography scans and histopathological images revealed microstructural disturbances in the bones of the castrated animals. FSE recovered most of the affected parameters in bones in a manner similar to zoledronic acid (ZA) used as a positive control. The aglycones of the main active compounds of FSE, daidzin, and genistin, were docked into the alpha and beta estrogen receptors and stable complexes were found. The findings of this study provide an insight into the effects of FSE on bone tissue loss and suggest that it could be further developed as a potential candidate for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporotic complications.

Safety and Efficacy of Vidofludimus Calcium in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2 Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Vidofludimus calcium has shown anti-inflammatory effects in clinical trials of autoimmune diseases and recently demonstrated antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vidofludimus calcium in patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Europe and the USA. METHODS: Patients aged 18 years or older who positive for COVID-19 were randomized (1:1) to receive placebo or 45 mg vidofludimus calcium for 14 days with both groups receiving standard-of-care treatment. The primary endpoint was the need for invasive ventilation after 28 days (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04379271; EudraCT 2020-001264-28). RESULTS: Between June 12, 2020 and December 10, 2020, a total of 223 were randomized to receive either placebo (n = 112) or vidofludimus calcium (n = 111); three patients withdrew consent and were not treated. Eight (9%) patients in the placebo group and 12 (11%) patients in the vidofludimus calcium group needed invasive ventilation during the 28-day study period, which was lower than the assumed rate of 40%. Time to clinical improvement was shorter by approximately 1 day in the vidofludimus calcium group (15.0 days [90% CI 14.8-15.9]) compared to the placebo group (15.9 days [90% CI 14.9-19.9]). This effect was greatest in patients who initiated therapy within 9 days of symptom onset (3.8 days shorter in the vidofludimus calcium group). Higher trough concentrations of vidofludimus calcium were associated with quicker time to clinical recovery. The rate and timing of appearance of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were not different between groups. Serious adverse events occurred in 4 (4%) patients in the placebo group and 2 (2%) patients in the vidofludimus calcium group; treatment-emergent adverse events of increased severity related to COVID-19 occurred in 13 (12%) patients in the placebo group and 8 (7%) patients in the vidofludimus calcium group. Overall mortality was low (2%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings support vidofludimus calcium being safe and well tolerated in patients with COVID-19.

Atomic layer deposition of PbCl2, PbBr2 and mixed lead halide (Cl, Br, I) PbXnY2-n thin films.

Atomic layer deposition offers outstanding film uniformity and conformality on substrates with high aspect ratio features. These qualities are essential for mixed-halide perovskite films applied in tandem solar cells, transistors and light-emitting diodes. The optical and electronic properties of mixed-halide perovskites can be adjusted by adjusting the ratios of different halides. So far ALD is only capable of depositing iodine-based halide perovskites whereas other halide processes are lacking. We describe six new low temperature (≤100 °C) ALD processes for PbCl2 and PbBr2 that are crucial steps for the deposition of mixed-halide perovskites with ALD. Lead bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide]-GaCl3 and -TiBr4 processes yield the purest, crystalline, uniform and conformal films of PbCl2 and PbBr2 respectively. We show that these two processes in combination with a PbI2 process from the literature deposit mixed lead halide films. The four less optimal processes revealed that reaction by-products in lead halide deposition processes may cause film etching or incorporate themselves into the film.

Oxidative MLD of Conductive PEDOT Thin Films with EDOT and ReCl5 as Precursors.

Because of its high conductivity and intrinsic stability, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) has gained great attention both in academic research and industry over the years. In this study, we used the oxidative molecular layer deposition (oMLD) technique to deposit PEDOT from 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and a new inorganic oxidizing agent, rhenium pentachloride (ReCl5). We extensively characterized the properties of the films by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman, and conductivity measurements. The oMLD of polymers is based on the sequential adsorption of the monomer and its oxidation-induced polymerization. However, oMLD has been scarcely used because of the challenge of finding a suitable combination of volatile, reactive, and stable organic monomers applicable at high temperatures. ReCl5 showed promising properties in oMLD because it has high thermal stability and high oxidizing ability for EDOT. PEDOT films were deposited at temperatures of 125-200 °C. EDS and XPS measurements showed that the as-deposited films contained residues of rhenium and chlorine, which could be removed by rinsing the films with deionized water. The polymer films were transparent in the visible region and showed relatively high electrical conductivities within the 2-2000 S cm-1 range.

Efficacy and safety of Aviron Rapid® in 18-60-year-old patients with clinical diagnosis of acute respiratory viral infection: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

AIM: Prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections are given the highest priority because of the tremendous health and economic impact of these diseases. Development of novel effective and safe options for treatment can contribute considerably to decrease the burden of disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in ambulatory-treated adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute upper respiratory tract viral infection. The patients (18-60 years old) were randomized into two groups and followed-up for 5 days. Group 1 received the standard symptomatic therapy + Aviron Rapid®, and Group 2 received the standard symptomatic therapy + placebo. The primary endpoint of the study was defined as the duration of disease measured by the percentages of disease-free patients for every 12-hour period of the study. RESULTS: Treating clinically relevant patients with the natural product Aviron Rapid® for 5 days decreases the duration of disease, the intake of antipyretics and the severity of symptoms. Significant difference between the tested groups for most of studied parameters was found as soon as 12 or 24 hours after initiation of administration in favour of active arm and was the most prominent on days 3 and 4. Significant decrease in the total score of symptoms severity was achieved on day 4 and extended to the end of study. There were no dif-ferences in the adverse events between the groups and the tested product demonstrated excellent safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: This study is a clinical confirmation of well documented antiviral activity of the product targeting multiple points in viral replication and covering broad spectrum viral pathogens.

Antiproliferative and antitumour activity of saponins from Astragalus glycyphyllos on myeloid Graffi tumour.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Astragalus glycyphyllos L. has been extensively used in Bulgarian folk medicine as an antihypertensive, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, in cases of cardiac insufficiency, renal inflammation, calculosis, etc. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the possible in vitro/in vivo anti-proliferative/anti-tumour activity of a purified saponins' mixture (PSM) obtained from the plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Viability and proliferative activity of the Graffi myeloid tumour cells was assessed by MTT test. The morphological alterations were visualized and analysed by fluorescent microscopy after intravital double staining. An in vivo model of Graffi tumour bearing hamsters was used to examine the influence of PSM on transplantability, tumour growth, survival and mortality as well as to observe pathomorphological changes. RESULTS: Graffi tumour cells were sensitive to purified saponins' mixture after 24 and 48 h treatment. The treatment induced a statistically significant decrease of the viability/proliferation of the Graffi tumour cells. These effects were concentration- and time-dependent. Fluorescent microscopy studies showed that these antiproliferative effects were connected to the induction of apoptosis. The in vivo study showed the presence of a stromal component, single mononuclear cells in the stroma. Multiple incorrect mitotic figures were observed in the tumour tissue from the control group. Well-formed stroma with accumulation of mononuclear cells and mitotic cells were found in the group, treated with PSM. The tumour weight was decreased in the group, treated with PMS. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that PSM exhibited in vitro/in vivo antiproliferative/anti-tumour effects.

KIR/HLA ligands immunogenetics markers associated with outcome of hepatitis B virus infection in the Bulgarian population.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most common infections worldwide, having negative impact on world health due to the tendency for chronification with late complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Natural killer (NK) cells as part of innate antiviral defense influence the clinical course of HBV infection: elimination of the virus or chronic disease. AIM: Therefore, we investigated the polymorphisms of the main gene systems, regulating NK-cell function: killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and their appropriate HLA class I ligands in 144 HBV infected patients (124 chronic carriers and 20 spontaneously recoved) and 126 ethnically matched healthy controls from the Bulgarian population in a case-control study. METHODS: KIRs and HLA ligands were determined by PCR-SSP or PCR high-resolution typing methods. RESULTS: KIR2DL5B allele variant was significantly less frequent in spontaneously recovered (SR) patients compared to healthy controls (10.0% vs. 45.5%, Pcorr=0.006). The presence of KIR3DL1*004 allele was higher in chronic HBV carriers (CH) than in controls (33.1% vs. 17.6%, Pcorr=0.036). Additionally, SR patients differed from healthy individuals by the lower frequency of HLA-Bw4Ile80 group ligands (30.0% vs 63.7%, P=0.015). Three KIR genotypes were found more frequent in healthy in comparison with HBV infected individuals: ID2 (13.5% vs 5.6%, P=0.025), KIR genotype containing 6 activating KIRs (18.0% vs 7.6%, P=0.017), and KIR genotype composed of 4 activating and 5 inhibitory KIRs (23.8% vs 5.6%, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that inherited KIR and HLA class I ligand polymorphisms may influence the clinical course of HBV infection.

Clinical Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection is spreading around the world, including countries from Southeastern Europe. The purpose of the study was to present the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 patients admitted to the Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted for a period of 3 months from March 2020 to June 2020 on this infection in our hospital. All participants were laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19. RT-PCR was performed for etiological diagnosis. The hospitalized patients were divided into two groups on admission, that is, nonsevere and severe. Results: One hundred thirty-eight COVID-19 patients were hospitalized and analyzed during the study period. The mean age was 52.9 years. Male was the dominant sex (sex ratio: male/female = 1/0.6). The leading clinical signs were fever, fatigue, cough, and headache. On comparative analysis of both groups (nonsevere and severe) was measured significant elevation of white blood cells (odds ratio [OR] = 1.238; p value = 0.006), C-reactive protein (OR = 1.021; p < 0.001), creatinine (OR = 1.037; p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (OR = 1.014; p = 0.040), lactate dehydrogenase (OR = 1.004; p < 0.001), ferritin (OR = 1.002; p < 0.001), fibrinogen (OR = 2.028; p < 0.001), and d-dimer (OR = 2.162; p = 0.002) in severe group than in nonsevere group. Interleukin 6 was tested in 17.4% of patients and high value was found-38.6 pg/mL (95% confidence interval: 16.5-60.7). Conclusion: The first Bulgarian retrospective study of COVID-19 hospitalized patients was presented. Older age, male sex, comorbidity, and signs of dyspnea and nausea were estimated as higher risk factors for severe form. Abnormality in inflammatory markers was associated with poor progression of the illness.

Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Bulgaria: A Brief Analysis of the Situation in the Country.

BACKGROUND: Over the past two decades, more thorough investigations for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection have been done in the world. Reports from Southeast European countries have increased. AIM: The current article presents a critical analysis of all studies for HEV in Bulgaria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was done using available medical databases. We analysed the literature in PubMed databases and Bulgarian medical databases for English and Bulgarian languages sources. Preference was given to the sources published within the past 24 years (January 1995 - September 2018). RESULTS: Two thousand two hundred and fifty-seven blood serums were tested for the analysed period (1995 - 2018), and 13.1% of them were positive for acute HEV (Mean ± SD: 20.38 ± 25.77%; 95% CI: 1.29 - 39.47%). The following subtypes were established in the country - HEV Subtype 3e, HEV Subtype 3f, HEV Subtype 3c, HEV Subtype 3i, HEV Subtype 3hi and HEV Subtype 1. CONCLUSION: We hope that the National Health Organizations will take adequate and timely measures to increase the knowledge and research for HEV among Bulgarian citizens.

Fever of unknown origin and Q-fever: a case series in a Bulgarian hospital.

BACKGROUND: Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a perplexing medical problem. The causes for FUO are more than 200 diseases. The aim of the study was to present human clinical cases of Coxiella burnetii infection debuting as FUO. METHODS: The following methods were conducted in the study: literature search, laboratory, imaging, and statistical methods. Criteria of Durack and Street were applied for FUO definition. For the etiological diagnosis indirect immunoenzyme assay (ELISA) for antibodies detection against Coxiella burnetii was used (cut-off = 0.481-0.519). RESULTS: From 2008 until 2015, nine patients with FUO caused by C. burnetii were hospitalized at the Military Medical Academy of Sofia. Male gender was predominant (male/female - 77.8% /22.2%), mean age was 48.78±14.52 years (range: 26-67), hospital stay was 9.78±2.95 days (range: 5-15), fever duration was 54.33±56.23 days (range: 21-180). Laboratory investigations estimated the elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate 49.11±31.74mm/h (95%CI = 13.09-111.31), C-reactive protein 37.68±37.62mg/L (95% CI = 36.07-111.42) and fibrinogen 5.69±1.59g/L (95% CI=2.57-8.81). The mean values of liver enzymes were in reference range. Among imaging tests, abdominal ultrasound and X-ray demonstrated 33.3% contribution to the final diagnosis. Transthoracic echocardiography found 22.2% contribution. Serological methods presented 100% contribution. CONCLUSION: C. burnetii infection was accepted as a final diagnosis among 9 patients with FUO based on the integrated information from the applied methods. Active search and establishment of this pathogen among FUO should lead to avoiding potential complications and consequences in case of untreated patients infected with C. burnetii.

In silico and in vivo studies of Astragalus glycyphylloides saponin(s) with relevance to metabolic syndrome modulation.

Triterpenoids are well known modulators of metabolic syndrome. One of the suggested modes of action (MoAs) involves peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) binding. In this study we aimed to: (i) evaluate in silico potential metabolites and PPARγ-mediated MoA of the sapogenin of the main saponin present in a purified saponins' mixture (PSM) from Astragalus glycyphylloides; (ii) estimate in silico and in vivo PSM's toxicity; and (iii) investigate in vivo antihyperglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of PSM. Metabolites and toxicity were predicted using Meteor and Derek Nexus expert systems (Lhasa Limited) and PPARγ binding was investigated using the software MOE (CCG Inc.). PSM's acute oral toxicity was evaluated in mice and the pharmacological effects were assessed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Liver histopathology was studied as well. PPARγ weak partial agonism was predicted in silico for 24 probable/plausible Phase I metabolites which docking poses were clustered in 12 different binding modes with characteristic protein-ligand interactions. PSM's beneficial effects on the levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, on oxidative stress markers and liver histology in diabetic SHRs were comparable to those of the PPARγ ligand pioglitazone. PSM's safety profile was confirmed in silico and in vivo.

Atomic Layer Deposition of Photoconductive Cu2O Thin Films.

Herein, we report an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process for Cu2O thin films using copper(II) acetate [Cu(OAc)2] and water vapor as precursors. This precursor combination enables the deposition of phase-pure, polycrystalline, and impurity-free Cu2O thin films at temperatures of 180-220 °C. The deposition of Cu(I) oxide films from a Cu(II) precursor without the use of a reducing agent is explained by the thermally induced reduction of Cu(OAc)2 to the volatile copper(I) acetate, CuOAc. In addition to the optimization of ALD process parameters and characterization of film properties, we studied the Cu2O films in the fabrication of photoconductor devices. Our proof-of-concept devices show that approximately 20 nm thick Cu2O films can be used for photodetection in the visible wavelength range and that the thin film photoconductors exhibit improved device characteristics in comparison to bulk Cu2O crystals.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of alcesefoliside from Astragalus monspessulanus

Abstract The hepatoprotective potential of alcesefoliside (AF) from Astragalus monspessulanus was investigated. Iron sulphate/ascorbic acid (Fe2+/AA) lipid peroxidation was induced in rat liver microsomes and pre-incubated with AF and silybin (100, 10 and 1 µmol). Pronounced effects were observed in 100 µmol. In vivo experiments were carried out on rats, challenged orally with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) alone and after pre-treatment and followed by curative treatment with AF (10 mg/kg). The activity of the serum and antioxidant enzymes, together with reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and malonedialdehyde (MDA) quantity were measured. Microsomal incubation with Fe2+/AA increased MDA production. The pre-incubation with AF reduced the formation of MDA, comparable to silybin. These findings were supported by the in vivo study where CCl4-induced liver damage was discerned by significant increase in serum enzymes and in MDA production as well as by GSH depletion and reduced antioxidant enzymes activity. The AF pre-treatment and consecutive curative treatment normalizes the activity of the serum and antioxidant enzymes alike, as well as the levels of GSH and MDA. Histological examination of AF-treated livers showed a decrease in the abnormal accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes as well as reduced alterative changes in their structure in a model of CCl4-induced toxicity.