Cytoprotective Mechanisms of DJ-1: Implications in Cardiac Pathophysiology

DJ-1 was originally identified as an oncogene product while mutations of the gene encoding DJ-1/PARK7 were later associated with a recessive form of Parkinson’s disease. Its ubiquitous expression and diversity of function suggest that DJ-1 is also involved in mechanisms outside the central nervous system. In the last decade, the contribution of DJ-1 to the protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury has been recognized and its involvement in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease is attracting increasing attention. This review describes the current and gaps in our knowledge of DJ-1, focusing on its role in regulating cardiovascular function. In parallel, we present original data showing an association between increased DJ-1 expression and antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory markers following cardiac and vascular surgical procedures. Future studies should address DJ-1’s role as a plausible novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease.     

Application of phenolic compounds as natural dye extracted from date-pits: dyeing studies of modified acrylic fibres

This research work involves the dyeing of acrylic fabric with natural dye extracted from date pits powders using Soxhlet extraction process. The effect of dye bath pH, salt concentration, dyeing time and temperature were studied. The optimal dyeing conditions where pH 4, 0 g/L salt, 60 min, and 80 °C. The COD and the BOD5 of the residual dye bath were measured and it was shown from the registered values that the residual dye bath presents an acceptable rate of organic discharge.     

Micro and Nanoporous Membrane Platforms for Carbon Neutrality: Membrane Gas Separation Prospects

Recently, carbon neutrality has been promoted as a potentially practical solution to global CO₂ emissions and increasing energy-consumption challenges. Many attempts have been made to remove CO₂ from the environment to address climate change and rising sea levels owing to anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. Herein, membrane technology is proposed as a suitable solution for carbon neutrality. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the currently available scientific research on membranes for carbon capture, focusing on innovative microporous material membranes used for CO₂ separation and considering their material, chemical, and physical characteristics and permeability factors. Membranes from such materials comprise metal-organic frameworks, zeolites, silica, porous organic frameworks, and microporous polymers. The critical obstacles related to membrane design, growth, and CO₂ capture and usage processes are summarized to establish novel membranes and strategies and accelerate their scaleup.