Total Stromal Fraction (TSF) - Fortified Adipose tissue-derived Stem Cells Source: An Emerging Regenerative Realm Against COVID-19 Induced Pulmonary Compromise

: The inception of the COVID-19 pandemic has jeopardized humanity with markedly dampening of worldwide resources. The viral infection may present with varying signs and symptoms, imitating pneumonia and seasonal flu. With a gradual course, this may progress and result in the deadliest state of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI). Moreover, following recovery from the severe brunt of COVID-19 infection, interstitial portions of alveoli have been found to undergo residual scarring and further to have compromised air exchange. Such alterations in the lung microenvironment and associated systemic manifestations have been recognized to occur due to the extensive release of cytokines. The mortality rate increases with advancing age and in individuals with underlying co-morbidity. Presently, there is no availability of specific antiviral therapy or any other definitive modality to counter this progressive worsening. However, we believe principles and advancing cell-based therapy may prove fruitful in subjugating such reported worsening in these patients. This article reviews eminent knowledge and relevant advancements about the amelioration of lung damage due to COVID-19 infection using adipose tissue-derived – total stromal fraction (TSF).

Influence of Glycomacropeptide on Rehydration Characteristics of Micellar Casein Concentrate Powder

Glycomacropeptide (GMP) shows potential for enhancing the rehydration properties of high-protein dairy powders due to its hydrophilic nature. This study involved formulating micellar casein concentrate (MCC) solutions (8.6% final protein content) with 0, 10, and 20% GMP as a percentage of total protein, and investigated the physicochemical and rehydration properties of the resultant freeze-dried powders (P-MCC-0G, P-MCC-10G, and P-MCC-20G, respectively). The surface charges of caseins in the control MCC and 10 or 20% GMP blended solutions were −25.8, −29.6, and −31.5 mV, respectively. Tablets prepared from P-MCC-10G or P-MCC-20G powders displayed enhanced wettability with contact angle values of 80.6° and 79.5°, respectively, compared with 85.5° for P-MCC-0G. Moreover, blending of GMP with MCC resulted in faster disintegration of powder particles during rehydration (i.e., dispersibility) compared to P-MCC-0G. Faster and more extensive release of caseins from powder particles into solution was evident with the increasing proportion of GMP, with the majority of GMP released within the first 15 min of rehydration. The results of this study will contribute to further development of formulation science for achieving enhanced solubility characteristics of high-protein dairy powder ingredients, such as MCC.

Gas-phase structure and relative stability of proton-bound homo- and heterochiral clusters of tetra-amide macrocycles with amines

The structure, stability, and CID pattern of proton-bound homochiral and heterochiral complexes, formed in the gas phase by the combination of two molecules of a chiral macrocyclic tetra-amide and an amine B, i.e. CH3NH2, (CH3)2NH, or (S)-(–)-1-phenylethylamine, have been examined by ESI-ITMS-CID mass spectrometry. With B = CH3NH2, the CID pattern is characterized by the predominant loss of B, accompanied by a much less extensive release of one tetra-amide molecule. With (S)-(–)-1-phenylethylamine, loss of a tetra-amide molecule efficiently competes with loss of B. Finally, with (CH3)2NH, loss of a tetra-amide molecule predominates over loss of B. No appreciable isotope and chiral guest configuration effects have been detected in the fragmentation of the homochiral complexes. A distinct configurational effect has been appreciated in the CID of the homo- and the heterochiral complexes with all amines used. The results of this study have been discussed in the light of semi-empirical computational evidence. The differences in the CID patterns of the homo- and the heterochiral complexes have been rationalized in terms of structural factors and of the basicity of amine B.

Concentration levels and spatial distribution of sulphur and metals in fine-grained sediments in western Finland

On the coastal plains of Finland, widespread Holocene marine and lacustrine sediments have developed into acid sulphate soil as a result of extensive artificial drainage for agricultural purposes. This has caused a variety of environmental problems. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration levels and spatial distribution of sulphur, carbon and metals [titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese (Mn), iron, cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn)] in these sediments, in order to increase the geochemical understanding of the parent materials from which acid sulphate soil develops. Sediment samples were collected at 317 sites from a depth of 1.5–3 m. While the sediments have high S (sulphide) concentrations (median = 0.54%) and thus a strong acidification potential, they carry transition metals mainly in smallsized silicates close to “background concentrations” far below contamination limits. The previously documented extensive release of Co, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn from oxidised and acidified layers of these sediments (i.e. acid sulphate soil) is thus not explained by anomalously high natural or anthropogenic metal concentrations of the soils/sediments, but by an inherent highly mobile metal pool. Spatial-distribution maps highlight areas of elevated S and Mn concentrations, where it is likely that ditching and subsequent oxidation will result in an exceptionally large release of protons and Mn respectively.;

Acid leaching and dissolution of major sulphide ore minerals: processes and galvanic effects in complex systems

The kinetics and mechanisms of dissolution of the major base metal sulphide minerals, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite in acidic (chloride) media have been investigated. Minerals were ground in air, then dissolved in air-equilibrated solutions at pH 2.5, while monitoring the redox potential. Solution samples were analysed by ICP-AES and HPLC, and surfaces of residual sulphides analysed using XPS. Dissolution of aerial oxidation products on pyrite particles in the first 15 min apparently led to a sulphur-rich surface, and was followed by slower dissolution of pyrite itself, driven by oxygen reduction, and resulting in net production of protons. Chalcopyrite dissolution resulted in a Cu, S-rich (near) surface layer, accompanied by net consumption of protons. Apparently incongruent dissolution of galena and sphalerite may reflect the formation of elemental S at the surface. The rates of dissolution of chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite in the presence of pyrite were determined, respectively, as 18, 31 and 1.5 times more rapid than in single-mineral experiments. These data were consistent with galvanically-promoted mineral oxidation of the other sulphides in the presence of pyrite. In the case of galena, the experimental data suggested extensive release of Pb ions and development of a sulphur-rich surface during galvanically-promoted dissolution.