Constantin Bele

Enhanced laser thermal ablation for the in vitro treatment of liver cancer by specific delivery of multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with human serum albumin

The main goal of this investigation was to develop and test a new method of treatment for human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We present a method of carbon nanotube-enhanced laser thermal ablation of HepG2 cells (human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line) based on a simple multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) carrier system, such as human serum albumin (HSA), and demonstrate its selective therapeutic efficacy compared with normal hepatocyte cells. Both HepG2 cells and hepatocytes were treated with HSA–MWCNTs at various concentrations and at various incubation times and further irradiated using a 2 W, 808 nm laser beam. Transmission electron, phase contrast, and confocal microscopy combined with immunochemical staining were used to demonstrate the selective internalization of HSA–MWCNTs via Gp60 receptors and the caveolin-mediated endocytosis inside HepG2 cells. The postirradiation apoptotic rate of HepG2 cells treated with HSA–MWCNTs ranged from 88.24% (for 50 mg/L) at 60 sec to 92.34% (for 50 mg/L) at 30 min. Significantly lower necrotic rates were obtained when human hepatocytes were treated with HSA–MWCNTs in a similar manner. Our results clearly show that HSA–MWCNTs selectively attach on the albondin (aka Gp60) receptor located on the HepG2 membrane, followed by an uptake through a caveolin-dependent endocytosis process. These unique results may represent a major step in liver cancer treatment using nanolocalized thermal ablation by laser heating.

Selective ex-vivo photothermal ablation of human pancreatic cancer with albumin functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The process of laser-mediated ablation of cancer cells marked with biofunctionalized carbon nanotubes is frequently called “nanophotothermolysis”. We herein present a method of selective nanophotothermolisys of pancreatic cancer (PC) using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with human serum albumin (HSA). With the purpose of testing the therapeutic value of these nanobioconjugates, we have developed an ex-vivo experimental platform. Surgically resected specimens from patients with PC were preserved in a cold medium and kept alive via intra-arterial perfusion. Additionally, the HSA-MWCNTs have been intra-arterially administered in the greater pancreatic artery under ultrasound guidance. Confocal and transmission electron microscopy combined with immunohistochemical staining have confirmed the selective accumulation of HSA-MWCNTs inside the human PC tissue. The external laser irradiation of the specimen has significantly produced extensive necrosis of the malign tissue after the intra-arterial administration of HSA-MWCNTs, without any harmful effects on the surrounding healthy parenchyma. We have obtained a selective photothermal ablation of the malign tissue based on the selective internalization of MWCNTs with HSA cargo inside the pancreatic adenocarcinoma after the ex-vivo intra-arterial perfusion.

Seasonal changes of buffalo colostrum: physicochemical parameters, fatty acids and cholesterol variation

BackgroundColostrum has many beneficial effects on newborns due to its main compounds(proteins, fats, lactose, essential fatty acids, amino acids) as well asprotective antibodies that confer to the body. The buffaloes are the secondimportant species for milk production in the world after cows. The importance ofthe species is also conferred by a longer longevity, high dry content of milk anda strong organic resistance when compared with cows. The purpose of this study wasto investigate the changes of buffalo colostrum compounds such as fatty acids,cholesterol and physicochemical parameters during the first seven dayspostpartum and under the impact of the season, summer on pasture andwinter on dry diet (hay based).ResultsFat from colostrum differs depending on the postpartum day showing meanvalues of 11.31-7.56% (summer season) and 11.22-7.51% (winter season). Thesevalues gradually decreased starting with first day postpartum until dayseven. Dry substance and protein presented a similar evolution to fat reaching thelowest values at the end of the colostral period. Lactose, ash and pH showed agradually increase reaching the maximum on day seven postpartum. Thehighest titres of fatty acids from colostrum are: butyric acid (C4:0), myristicacid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:1) and the lowest valuesshowed up in myristoleic acid (C14:1), cis-10-pentadecanoic acid (C15:1),pentadecylic acid (C15:0) and margaric acid (C17:0) for both seasons. Higherconcentrations have been recorded for the summer season in general. Cholesterolconcentration decreased from 12.93 and 12.68 mg/100 mL (summer and winter season)to 9.02 and 7.88 mg/100 mL in the end of the colostral period.ConclusionsPhysicochemical compounds of buffalo colostrum were influenced by season andpostpartum day of milking. Excepting lactose all other parametersgradually decreased during colostral period. Fatty acids and cholesterol showedthe same evolution, presenting higher values for the summer season. Specificfeeding in the summer season (on pasture) did lead in more concentrated colostrumin dry substance, fatty acids and cholesterol.

Carotenoid and fatty acid profiles of bilberries and cultivated blueberries from Romania

The worldwide consumption of blueberries has increased due to their potential health effects. They contain micronutrients, various phytochemicals and anti-oxidant pigments, represented especially by anthocyanins. In addition to these, carotenoids and fatty acids are also present. The aim of this study was the identification and quantification of carotenoids (by HPLC) and fatty acids (by GC with flame ionisation detection) in two bilberry genotypes (Wild 1 and 2) and three cultivars (BlueCrop, Elliot, and Duke). The main carotenoids identified were lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, and β-carotene, with the average total carotenoid content of 266 μg per 100 g of fruit. The ratio of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was 0.098 for Wild 1 and 0.11 for Wild 2 genotypes and ranged from 0.14 to 0.28 for cultivars. The main fatty acids identified were linoleic (18:2) and linolenic (18:3) acids in all the samples analysed. In Vaccinium myrtillus the amount of carotenoids and fatty acids was higher than in Vaccinium corymbosum species.

FIRST SYNTHESIS, ROTAMERISM AND HERBICIDAL EVALUATION OF SUBSTITUTED s-TRIAZINES WITH SERINOLIC FRAGMENT

First example of melamines and precursors, based on commercially C-substituted-2-amino1,3-propanediols (pharmaceutical chemistry nomenclature as serinols) in reaction with cyanuryl chloride is reported, e.g. starting from 2-amino-2-methyl-l,3-propanediol. The diastereomerism generated by the more or less restricted rotation about the C(j -triazine) -N< (serinol) bond in this series is for the first time discussed along with a preliminary herbicidal evaluation of a representative term.

Quality Appraisal of Feed Obtained by Production Units and Recommendations on how to use it in Animal Nutrition

Experiments were carried out on broiler chickens separated into three groups. Chickens were fed with combined fodder having a different protein source: animal (meat meal) and vegetable (soybean grit and green peas meal). Based on laboratory data and those obtained in digestibility experiments, the nutritional value was estimated - expressed in kg dry matter in PD (g) = protein digestion, GE (gross Kcal) = gross energy, DE = (kcal digestible) = digestible energy, N.U. = oat nutritive unit. No significant differences were found between the three fodder. It is recommended to extend the research to an industrial production environment.

An Approach Regarding the Walnut Oil Obtained in a Press Screw and its Quality

The cold pressed walnut kernels oil is treasured by epicurians. The oil is important for a small segment of the market being used in the gourmet kitchen. The cold pressed oil from walnut kernels (Juglans regia L.) with a content of about 90 % of unsaturated fatty acids in the triglycerides, is a remarkable source ω-3 si ω-6 fatty acids (70 % of the oil triglycerides). The aim of the study was the processing of walnut oil from walnut kernels from the area of Cluj by cold pressing and the influence of the raw material quality upon the oil quality. Walnut kernels from the area of Cluj were used for the oil processing, two, respectively 6 months after harvesting, with a screw press of small capacity (until 5 kg oleaginous seeds/hour). Different pressing heads: 5, 6 and 7mm in diameter were tested. The efficiency of the pressing process and the productivity of the press were determined. For the raw material there were determined the water content (drying at 103±2°C) and the raw fat content (extraction with petroleum ether at 60 °C with Soxhlet extractor). The acid value, the iod value and the fatty acids profile of the triglycerides (GS-methods) were determined for the walnut kernel oil obtained by cold pressing. The naturally dried walnut kernels had water contents of 3,20 and 3,36% and fat contents of 67,14 and 66,36% (two, respectively 6 month after harvesting). The process efficiency by using the press head of 6mm in diameter (65,11 and 66,65 % walnut oil) was better compared to those obtained when the pressing heads used were 5mm (63,86 and 63,87%) and 7mm (62,97%) in diameter. The best pressing productivity was obtained by using the press head of 6 mm in diameter (1,27 kg walnut kernel/h) when walnut kernels were processed two months after harvesting. At the use of the pressing head 5 mm in diameter no big differences occurred between the press productivity values (1,02 and 1,09 kg walnut kernels/h kernels processed two, respectively 6 moths after harvesting). The acid value of the walnut oils was lower than 1,26 mg KOH/g oil, after 6 moths of cold storage, being under the accepted limit value for crude oil (4 mg KOH/g oil). The iodine value was between 127,65 and 138,68. The results of fatty acids profile of the triglyceride from the walnut oil emphasised its alimentary value (8,78 % saturated fatty acids, 19,5 % monounsaturated fatty acids, 60,87 % linoleic acid and 10,56 % linolenic acid–average values). Results were comparable to the literature data. We recommend further studies of the walnut kernels oil processing and quality and the improving of the consumer information program regarding the importance and alimentary value of the different cold pressed oils.