Synthesis,structural studies and biological properties of some phosphono-perfluorophenylalanine derivatives formed by SNAr reactions

Several novel phosphono-perfluorophenylalanine derivatives, as mimetics of phenylalanine, were synthesized by subjecting diethyl (2-(perfluorophenyl)-1-(phenylamino)ethyl)-phosphonate to S_NAr reactions with different types of nucleophiles such as thiols, amines and phenols. The structure of the products was confirmed using spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. For two compounds X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis and DFT investigations were performed providing information in regard to the preferable conformation, hydrogen bonds and other interactions. The antiproliferative potency of some of the new phosphono-perfluorophenylalanine derivatives obtained as well as representatives of previously synthesized perfluorophenyl phosphonate analogues of phenylalanine was studied on selected glioma cell lines. Preliminary evaluation of the compounds drug likeness was examined with respect to Lipinski''s and Veber''s rules, and showed that they meet the criteria perfectly. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay results demonstrated that the compounds exhibit moderate activity against the glioblastoma multiforme cell lines (T98G and U-118 MG). Moreover most of the studied S_NAr reaction products displayed significantly higher inhibitory activity against both cancer cell lines than the parent diethyl (2-(perfluorophenyl)-1-(phenylamino)ethyl)phosphonate.

Several novel phosphono-perfluorophenylalanine derivatives, as mimetics of phenylalanine, were synthesized by subjecting diethyl (2-(perfluorophenyl)-1-(phenylamino)ethyl)-phosphonate to S_NAr reactions with thiols, amines and phenols.     

The prospects of brain — computer interface applications in children

The restoring of motor functions in adults through brain-computer interface applications is widely studied in the contemporary literature. But there is a lack of similar analyses and research on the application of brain-computer interfaces in the neurorehabilitation of children. There is a need for expanded knowledge in the aforementioned area. This article aims at investigating the extent to which the available opportunities in the area of neurorehabilitation and neurological physiotherapy of children with severe neurological deficits using brain-computer interfaces are being applied, including our own concepts, research and observations.     

Bioreactor Study Employing Bacteria with Enhanced Activity toward Cyanobacterial Toxins Microcystins

An important aim of white (grey) biotechnology is bioremediation, where microbes are employed to remove unwanted chemicals. Microcystins (MCs) and other cyanobacterial toxins are not industrial or agricultural pollutants; however, their occurrence as a consequence of human activity and water reservoir eutrophication is regarded as anthropogenic. Microbial degradation of microcystins is suggested as an alternative to chemical and physical methods of their elimination. This paper describes a possible technique of the practical application of the biodegradation process. The idea relies on the utilization of bacteria with a significantly enhanced MC-degradation ability (in comparison with wild strains). The cells of an Escherichia coli laboratory strain expressing microcystinase (MlrA) responsible for the detoxification of MCs were immobilized in alginate beads. The degradation potency of the tested bioreactors was monitored by HPLC detection of linear microcystin LR (MC-LR) as the MlrA degradation product. An open system based on a column filled with alginate-entrapped cells was shown to operate more efficiently than a closed system (alginate beads shaken in a glass container). The maximal degradation rate calculated per one liter of carrier was 219.9 µg h⁻¹ of degraded MC-LR. A comparison of the efficiency of the described system with other biological and chemo-physical proposals suggests that this new idea presents several advantages and is worth investigating in future studies.     

The Accelerated Aging Impact on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polypropylene Composites with Sedimentary Rock Opoka-Hybrid Natural Filler

This paper presents the impact of accelerated aging on selected mechanical and thermal properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) composites filled with sedimentary hybrid natural filler-Opoka rock. The filler was used in two forms: an industrial raw material originating as a subsieve fraction natural material, and a rock calcinated at 1000 °C for production of phosphorous sorbents. Fillers were incorporated with constant amount of 5 wt % of the resulting composite, and the material was subjected to accelerated weathering tests with different exposition times. The neat polypropylene and composites with calcium carbonate as a reference filler material were used for comparison. The aim of the research was to determine the possibility of using the Opoka rock as a new hybrid filler for polypropylene, which could be an alternative to the widely used calcium carbonate and silica. The thermal, mechanical, and structural properties were evaluated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR/ATR) prior to and after accelerated aging. As a result, it was found that the composites of polypropylene with Opoka were characterized by similar or higher functional properties and higher resistance to photodegradation compared to composites with conventional calcium carbonate. The results of measurements of mechanical properties, structural and surface changes, and the carbonyl index as a function of accelerated aging proved that Opoka was an effective ultraviolet (UV) stabilizer, significantly exceeding the reference calcium carbonate in this respect. The new hybrid filler of natural origin in the form of Opoka can therefore be used not only as a typical powder filler, but above all as a UV blocker/stabilizer, thus extending the life of polypropylene composites, especially for outdoor applications.     

Comparison of Numerical Simulation Techniques of Ballistic Ceramics under Projectile Impact Conditions

This article presents an analysis of the effectiveness of available numerical techniques in mapping the characteristic behavior of ballistic ceramics under projectile impact conditions. As part of the work, the ballistic tests were performed on the layered ceramic/steel composite armor and tested with the 7.62 × 39 mm, armor-piercing incendiary (API) BZ projectile. The experimental tests were then mapped using computer simulations. In numerical analyses, four different techniques were used to describe cubic ceramic tiles Al₂O₃ placed on the ARMOX 500T steel backing plate, i.e.,: the Finite Element Method without Erosion (FEM), Finite Element with erosion (FEM + Erosion), Smoothed Particles Hydrodynamics (SPH) and a hybrid method that converts finite elements to SPH particles after exceeding the defined failure criteria (FEM to SPH conversion). The effectiveness of the individual methods was compared in terms of quality (mapping of characteristic phenomena occurring during the penetration process), quantity (bulge height of the backing plate) and time needed to complete the calculations. On the basis of the results of the experiments and numerical simulations, it was noticed that the most accurate reproduction of the phenomenon of ballistic impact of AP projectiles on ceramic/steel composite armor can be obtained by using a hybrid method, incorporating the conversion of finite elements into SPH particles. This method should be used in cases where accuracy of the results is more important than the time required to complete the calculations. In other situations where the purpose of the calculation is not to determine, for example, the exact value of penetration depth but only to observe a certain trend, the FEM method with defined erosion criteria (variant 2), which is more than 10 times faster, can be successfully used.     

Influence of Laser Beam Power on Microstructure and Microhardness of Fe/ZrC Coatings Produced on Steel Using Laser Processing—Preliminary Study on the Single Laser Tracks

This paper presents preliminary tests of the parameter analysis of the Fe/ZrC coatings production process and the obtained properties. The effects of laser beam power on the obtained microstructure, chemical composition and microhardness were investigated. The tests consisted of the production of composite coatings by laser processing of initial coatings made in the form of a paste on a steel substrate. During the tests, a diode laser with a rated power of 3 kW was used. The laser processing process was carried out using a constant scanning speed laser beam of 3 m/min and four different powers of the laser beam: 500 W, 700 W, 900 W, 1100 W. It was found that it is possible to create composite coatings on a steel surface, where the matrix is made of iron-based alloy and the reinforcing phase is ZrC carbide. It was also found that reinforcing phase content decreased as laser beam power increased. A similar relationship was found for microhardness. As laser beam power increases, the microhardness of the iron-based matrix decreases, finally reaching a value lower than the heat-affected zone. It was found that the amount of hard carbide phases in the iron-based matrix affects the total hardness of the coatings. Presented study concern Fe/ZrC coatings that have not previously been produced on steel by laser processing of precoating, which may be a new contribution in the field of metal surface engineering.     

Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite/Iron Oxide Composite and Comparison of Selected Structural,Surface, and Electrochemical Properties

The paper presents the synthesis of a hydroxyapatite/iron oxide composite utilizing the wet chemical method, as well as the comparison of several selected material characteristics. As follows from the literature reports, hydroxyapatite is a common mineral possessing numerous significant properties. Nowadays, there is an increase in the amount of research on possible modifications of this compound. The promising way to improve hydroxyapatite features is its combination with iron oxide. Particularly, there can be two forms that are distinguished, namely Fe₃O₄ and γ-Fe₂O₃. These oxides exhibit valuable properties, particularly magnetism. A combination of the mentioned materials leads to multifunctional composite formation with many potential applications, as follows from several studies. However, this area of science is not fully developed. There are still many aspects to be examined. The synthesized composite and its components were analyzed by employing the following methods. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed formation of hydroxyapatite and Fe₂O₃ crystalline phases. Moreover, porosimetry proved a larger specific area for the composite sample in comparison with other materials. The results obtained using the SEM method confirmed an external layer of hydroxyapatite and spherical shapes of internal Fe₂O₃ particles. Furthermore, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data presented characteristic peaks of Fe, Ca, P, and O atoms in all samples. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectra displayed all the specific vibrations typical of the analyzed materials. What is more, the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer method confirmed the paramagnetic nature of the samples. It could be concluded that the synthesized composite has intermediate properties between the components used in the formation process. The results suggest that these composites are superparamagnetic. This type of material architecture would be well suited for biomedical applications.     

Therapeutic approach to pediatric acute mastoiditis – an update

IntroductionAcute mastoiditis remains the most common complication of acute otitis media. It may rarely appear also in cochlear implant patients. However, the treatment recommendations for this disease are not precisely defined or employed, and in the current literature the differences regarding both the diagnosis and management are relatively substantial.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine a standard and safe procedure to be applied in case of pediatric acute mastoiditis.MethodsA retrospective chart review of 73 patients with 83 episodes of acute mastoiditis hospitalized at our tertiary-care center between 2001 and 2016 was conducted. Bacteriology, methods of treatment, hospital course, complications, and otologic history were analyzed. Based on our experience and literature data, a protocol was established in order to standardize management of pediatric acute mastoiditis.ResultsAll the patients treated for acute mastoiditis were submitted to an intravenous antibiotic regimen. In the analyzed group pharmacological treatment only was applied in 11% of children, in 12% myringotomy/tympanostomy was added, and in the vast majority of patients (77%) mastoidectomy was performed. In our study recurrent mastoiditis was noted in 8% of the patients. We also experienced acute mastoiditis in a cochlear implant child, and in this case, a minimal surgical procedure, in order to protect the device, was recommended.ConclusionsThe main points of the management protocol are: initiate a broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic treatment; mastoidectomy should be performed if the infection fails to be controlled after 48 h of administering intravenous antibiotic therapy. We believe that early mastoidectomy prevents serious complications, and our initial observation is that by performing broad mastoidectomy with posterior attic and facial recess exposure, recurrence of acute mastoiditis can be prevented.     

Mechanical Characteristics of the Flebogrif System—The New System of Mechano-Chemical Endovenous Ablation

Non-thermal endovenous ablations, due to the lowest probability of complications, are the new method of treating chronic venous insufficiency—one of the most common diseases globally. The Flebogrif system (Balton Sp. z o.o., Warsaw, Poland) is a new mechano-chemical ablation system causing the mechanical damage of endothelium that allows for better sclerosant penetration into its wall. The purpose of the article is to provide mechanical characteristics in the form of force–displacement dependence for a single cutting element, and a bundle of cutting elements of Flebogrif as a whole for different levels of protrusion of the bundle of cutting elements. A TA.HD plus (Stable Micro Systems, Godalming, UK) analyzer equipped with special handles, was used for characteristics testing. The head movement speed used was 5 mm·s⁻¹. The Flebogrif system was tested for three cutting element protrusion levels: L = L_max, L = 0.9·L_max, and L = 0.8·L_max. Before testing, geometric measurement of the spacing of the cutting elements for three proposed protrusions was performed. It was established that decreasing the working length of the cutting elements will increase their rigidity, and, as a result, increase the force exerted on the internal surface of the vein wall. The obtained characteristics will allow for specifying contact force variability ranges and the corresponding diameter ranges of operated veins.