Synthesis, molecular modeling and cholinesterase inhibitory effects of 2-indolinone-based hydrazinecarbothioamides

Background: 2-Indolinone-based hydrazinecarbothioamides carrying a 3-phenylsulfonamide moiety (7–9) were designed by replacement of donepezil's pharmacophore group indanone with a 2-indolinone ring. Method: Compounds 7–9 were synthesized by reaction of N-(3-sulfamoylphenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamide (6) with 1 H-indolin-2,3-diones (1–3). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory effects of compounds 7–9 were assayed. Molecular modeling studies of 5-chloro-1,7-dimethyl-substituted compound 8e were carried out to determine the possible binding interactions at the active site of AChE. Results: Compound 8e showed the strongest inhibition against AChE ( Ki = 0.52 ± 0.11 μM) as well as the highest selectivity (SI = 37.69). The selectivity for AChE over BuChE of compound 8e was approximately 17-times higher than donepezil and 26-times higher than galantamine. Conclusion: Further development of compounds 7–9 may present new promising agents for Alzheimer's treatment.

Surface and optical properties of ethylene glycol-based nanofluids containing silicon dioxide nanoparticles: an experimental study

In this paper, the results of the experimental study on density, surface tension and optical properties of ethylene glycol-based nanofluids containing silicon dioxide have been presented. The nanofluid-air surface tension values were determined in the temperature range from 283.15 K to 318.15 K with Du Noüy ring method with the commercial equipment and self-made station. To determine the surface tension of a fluid, the information about its density is required; therefore, density of all examined nanofluids was measured in the same temperature range, and results were summarized in the paper. The refractive index of SiO$$_2$$ 2 -EG nanofluids was determined in the same temperature range in which the surface tension was examined. Finally, the extinction (UV–Vis spectra) of these materials was examined and presented.

The Terraces of the Anti-Atlas: From Abandonment to the Risk of Degradation of a Landscape Heritage

The Anti-Atlas is subject to an intense rural exodus. The agricultural terraces built for several centuries have been abandoned. They are gradually deteriorating. The risks of runoff and erosion are becoming significant. The objective was to study the effect of the abandonment of terraces on the risks of runoff and erosion in the territory of two villages, Tizerkine and Timzemzit. After the characterization of the soil surface conditions, the extent of erosion and the risk of runoff were qualified according to the age of abandonment. Erosion was assessed by estimating the “soil surface factor” (PAP/CAR method) and infiltration by the double ring method. The abandonment of the terraces has led to a reduction in the plant cover of the soil surface and its opening and to enhancing its compaction. The risk of runoff is high. A year of abandonment reduced the infiltration from 301.8 mm/h (SD: 105.8 mm/h) to 129.6 mm/h (SD: 28.9 mm/h). Furthermore, 5 years of abandonment reduced it to 62.9 mm/h (SD: 14.9 mm/h). The walls of the terraces are gradually being destroyed with an increasing age of abandonment. More than half (57%) of the terraced slope surface has suffered moderate to high water erosion. More than 11% of the surfaces are severely degraded after 20 years of abandonment. The heritage made up of these managed slopes is being lost. Particular attention must be paid to these landscapes in order to better rehabilitate and develop them.

A history of varying methods for determining tree age in Estonia with emphasis on oak

This paper explores the history of age detection of trees, especially the age history of oak trees, throughout two centuries in Estonia. It was already in the beginning of the 19th century when relations between the size and age of oaks in northern Latvia (previous Livonian province) were described. The paper explains how the species concept of Quercus robur developed over time in the past and points out discussions on the existence of two varieties Q. robur L. var. tardiflora Czern and Q. robur L. var. praecox Czern. It also states that thanks to the use of the increment borer, the first dendrochronological studies were carried out in Estonia in the 1920s. Dendrochronological research in the Soviet Union began in the 1950s with Lithuania being the leading country in the field headed by Teodaras Bitvinskas. In Estonia, research was continued in the 1960s until now. The paper takes a look at the life of Mart Rohtla who introduced the method of determining tree age according to tree bark, presents his standpoints on oaks and critically assesses these. A comparative assessment is given on the ages of oak and lime trees found according to the tree-ring method and bark increment method. The great ages of the oaks and limes found by applying the bark increments method are doubted and considered unreliable. However, the age of the surface layers of the bark of oaks and limes needs clarification in the future.

Hydrotherapy aquatic physiotherapy and the application of bad ragaz ring method

This paper reviews the use of water-based therapy to rehabilitate patients with deficits of functional movement or muscle control. The properties of water are described and their relevance to the application of treatment techniques to patients in a therapy pool. The physiological effects of being immersed in water are described with reference to treatment application. It is important to ensure that the contraindications and precautions are considered before a patient can enter a therapy pool. A specific approach to rehabilitation of patients in a therapy pool utilising the Bad Ragaz Ring Method is outlined, with examples being given of how this approach may be used in the rehabilitation of patients.

Hydrotherapy aquatic physiotherapy and the application of bad ragaz ring method

This paper reviews the use of water-based therapy to rehabilitate patients with deficits of functional movement or muscle control. The properties of water are described and their relevance to the application of treatment techniques to patients in a therapy pool. The physiological effects of being immersed in water are described with reference to treatment application. It is important to ensure that the contraindications and precautions are considered before a patient can enter a therapy pool. A specific approach to rehabilitation of patients in a therapy pool utilising the Bad Ragaz Ring Method is outlined, with examples being given of how this approach may be used in the rehabilitation of patients.

Low-Cost Method and Biochip for Measuring the Trans-Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) of Esophageal Epithelium

Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) is a good indicator of the barrier integrity of epithelial tissues and is often employed in biomedical research as an effective tool to assess ion transport and permeability of tight junctions. The Ussing chamber is the gold standard for measuring TEER of tissue specimens, but it has major drawbacks: it is a macroscopic method that requires a careful and labor intensive sample mounting protocol, allows a very limited viability for the mounted sample, has large parasitic components and low throughput as it cannot perform multiple simultaneous measurements, and this sophisticated and delicate apparatus has a relatively high cost. This paper demonstrates a low-cost home-made “sandwich ring” method which was used to measure the TEER of tissue specimens effectively. This method inspired the subsequent design of a biochip fabricated using standard soft lithography and laser engraving technologies, with which the TEER of pig epithelial tissues was measured. Moreover, it was possible to temporarily preserve the tissue specimens for days in the biochip and monitor the TEER continuously. Tissue responses after exposure tests to media of various pH values were also successfully recorded using the biochip. All these demonstrate that this biochip could be an effective, cheaper, and easier to use Ussing chamber substitute that may have relevant applications in clinical practice.