Use of in silico approaches, synthesis and profiling of Pan-filovirus GP-1,2 preprotein specific antibodies.

Intermolecular interactions of protein-protein complexes play a principal role in the process of discovering new substances used in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. Among such complexes of proteins, we have to mention antibodies; they interact with specific antigens of two genera of single-stranded RNA viruses belonging to the family Filoviridae-Ebolavirus and Marburgvirus; both cause rare but fatal viral hemorrhagic fever in Africa, with pandemic potential. In this research, we conduct studies aimed at the design and evaluation of antibodies targeting the filovirus glycoprotein precursor GP-1,2 to develop potential targets for the pan-filovirus easy-to-use rapid diagnostic tests. The in silico research using the available 3D structure of the natural antibody-antigen complex was carried out to determine the stability of individual protein segments in the process of its formation and maintenance. The computed free binding energy of the complex and its decomposition for all amino acids allowed us to define the residues that play an essential role in the structure and indicated the spots where potential antibodies can be improved. Following that, the study involved targeting six epitopes of the filovirus GP1,2 with two polyclonal antibodies (pABs) and 14 monoclonal antibodies (mABs). The evaluation conducted using Enzyme Immunoassays tested 62 different sandwich combinations of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), identifying 10 combinations that successfully captured the recombinant GP1,2 (rGP). Among these combinations, the sandwich option (3G2G12* - (rGP) - 2D8F11) exhibited the highest propensity for capturing the rGP antigen.

The ground-level ozone concentration is inversely correlated with the number of COVID-19 cases in Warsaw, Poland.

COVID-19, which is a consequence of infection with the novel viral agent SARS-CoV-2, first identified in China (Hubei Province), has been declared a pandemic by the WHO. As of September 10, 2020, over 70,000 cases and over 2000 deaths have been recorded in Poland. Of the many factors contributing to the level of transmission of the virus, the weather appears to be significant. In this work, we analyze the impact of weather factors such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and ground-level ozone concentration on the number of COVID-19 cases in Warsaw, Poland. The obtained results show an inverse correlation between ground-level ozone concentration and the daily number of COVID-19 cases.

The Haematococcus pluvialis extract enriched by bioaccumulation process with Mg(II) ions improves insulin resistance in equine adipose-derived stromal cells (EqASCs).

Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the characteristic features of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). Presently, the only therapies of choice are caloric restrictions combined with mineral supplementation, which might improve insulin sensitivity. In this study we investigated the effect of Haematococcus pluvialis algae water extract enriched in bioaccumulation process in magnesium ions (Hp_Mg(II)) on equine adipose derived mesenchymal stromal stem cells, in which insulin resistance was induced by palmitic acid (IR-EqASCs). For this purpose, chemical characterization of H. pluvialis was performed with special emphasis on the analysis of minerals composition, total phenolic and carotenoids contents, as well as scavenging activity. To examine the influence of H. pluvialis extract on IR-EqASCs, various methods of molecular biology and microscopic observations (i.e., immunofluorescence staining, SEM, gene expression by RT-qPCR, proliferative and metabolic cells activity analysis) were applied to investigate in vitro viability, oxidative stress markers and apoptosis-related factor accumulation, along with insulin resistance-related genes expression. Obtained results show, that Hp_Mg(II) significantly improves proliferative and metabolic activity of IR-EqASCs, shortens their population doubling time, improves their clonogenic potential and reduces expression of apoptosis related genes. Moreover, anti-oxidative effect of extract was presented.

Phosphonium ionic liquids as extractants for recovery of ruthenium(III) from acidic aqueous solutions.

The aim of this work is to investigate extraction of ruthenium(III) from acidic aqueous solutions with phosphonium ionic liquids such as trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride (Cyphos IL 101), trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinate (Cyphos IL 104) and tributyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride (Cyphos IL 167) as extractants. The influence of HCl content in the feed solutions on extraction of Ru(III) was investigated. The research was performed for model solutions containing Ru(III) and a mixture of waste solutions containing Ru(III) and Rh(III). In addition, investigation of the type of extractant and its concentration in the organic phase on extraction of Ru(III) was carried out. Co-extraction of protons to the organic phase was determined. To the best of our knowledge, the extraction of Ru(III) with Cyphos IL 167 (tributyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride) as an extractant has not yet been described in the scientific literature.

Assessing contamination of microalgal astaxanthin producer Haematococcus cultures with high-resolution melting curve analysis.

Due to its superior antioxidant capabilities and higher activity than other carotenoids, astaxanthin is used widely in the nutraceutical and medicine industries. The most prolific natural producer of astaxanthin is the unicellular green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. The correct identification of any contaminants in H. pluvialis cultures is both essential and nontrivial for several reasons. Firstly, while it is possible to distinguish the main microalgal contaminant Coelastrella sp. (in H. pluvialis cultures), in practice, it is frequently a daunting and error-prone task for personnel without extensive experience in the microscopic identification of algal species. Secondly, the undetected contaminants may decrease or stop production of astaxanthin. Lastly, the presence of other contaminants such as fungi can eventually infect and destroy the whole algae collection. In this study, high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis was developed to detect microalgal and fungal contamination. The developed diagnostic procedure allowed to distinguish pure H. pluvialis samples from cultures contaminated with low amounts (1.25 ng/ml) of microalgal DNA and fungal DNA (2.5 ng/ml). Such discrimination is not possible with the use of microscopy observations and allows fast and efficient collection testing.

Nanofiltration, bipolar electrodialysis and reactive extraction hybrid system for separation of fumaric acid from fermentation broth.

A novel approach based on a hybrid system allowing nanofiltration, bipolar electrodialysis and reactive extraction, was proposed to remove fumaric acid from fermentation broth left after bioconversion of glycerol. The fumaric salts can be concentrated in the nanofiltration process to a high yield (80-95% depending on pressure), fumaric acid can be selectively separated from other fermentation components, as well as sodium fumarate can be conversed into the acid form in bipolar electrodialysis process (stack consists of bipolar and anion-exchange membranes). Reactive extraction with quaternary ammonium chloride (Aliquat 336) or alkylphosphine oxides (Cyanex 923) solutions (yield between 60% and 98%) was applied as the final step for fumaric acid recovery from aqueous streams after the membrane techniques. The hybrid system permitting nanofiltration, bipolar electrodialysis and reactive extraction was found effective for recovery of fumaric acid from the fermentation broth.