Analysis of 28 trace elements in the blood and serum antioxidant status in chickens under arsenic and/or copper exposure

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the 28 trace elements in the blood and serum antioxidant status in chickens under arsenic (As) and/or copper (Cu) exposure. A total of 200 1-day-old male Hy-Line chickens were fed either a commercial diet (C-group) or arsenic trioxide (30 mg/kg) and/or cupric sulfate (300 mg/kg) for 90 days. The 28 trace element levels in the blood were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentrations of As in the blood of chickens were elevated approximately 17.15-fold, 2.30-fold, and 13.37-fold in the As-group, Cu-group, and As + Cu-group, respectively, at 90 days. The concentrations of Cu did not change in the As-group and increased approximately 29.53 and 23.37% in the Cu-group and As + Cu-group, respectively, at 90 days. Moreover, As exposure caused ion profile disorders in the blood, including increased concentrations of Na, Mg, Si, K, Cr, Fe, and Se and reduced B, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Sr, and Mo. Cu exposure increased the contents of Mg, Si, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, and Se and decreased the content of B, Ca, Al, Ni, and Mo. As + Cu exposure increased the contents of Mg, Si, Cr, Fe, Zn, and Se and decreased the content of B, Ca, Ti, Co, Ni, Sr, and Mo. Moreover, As and/or Cu exposure induced oxidative stress in the blood of chickens. In conclusion, the results indicated that the mixture of As and Cu caused a synergistic effect via disturbing homeostasis of trace elements and oxidative stress in the blood of chickens.

http://ift.tt/2xLKyhH

Application of micro X-ray fluorescence and micro computed tomography to the study of laser cleaning efficiency on limestone monuments covered by black crusts

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): Giorgio S. Senesi, Ignazio Allegretta, Carlo Porfido, Olga De Pascale, Roberto Terzano
Laser cleaning is widely used to remove black crusts from weathered limestone monuments. The cleaning efficiency is commonly tested using conventional analytical techniques, which do not allow to analyze the same sample before and after the treatment. In this paper, micro computed tomography (μ-CT) and micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μ-XRF) techniques were used for the first time to evaluate the laser cleaning efficiency on two different encrusted quoins collected from a limestone monument. Analyses were carried out non-destructively on the same portion of the two lithotypes before and after the treatment. μ-XRF confirmed the presence of gypsum in the black crust, and showed a marked decrease of S and other typical elements after laser cleaning of both samples. μ-CT clearly showed the different structure of limestone before and after cleaning and the crust portion removed by the laser. The combination of the two techniques allowed to assess that, even if the two samples had a similar chemical composition, their response to laser cleaning was different on dependence of their different fabric/structure. In fact, in one sample calcium sulphate was still partially retained also after the black crust removal, whereas in the other sample the sulphate layer was almost completely ablated due to its more compact structure. In both cases, laser cleaning operation was shown not to cause any structural modification or mechanical damage of the original stone material. In conclusion, the use of these novel techniques appears very promising for studying the effects of laser ablation on rock samples in order to set the best working conditions for their cleaning.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yPcUaK

A robotic magnetic nanoparticle solid phase extraction system coupled to flow-batch analyzer and GFAAS for determination of trace cadmium in edible oils without external pretreatment

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): Inakã S. Barreto, Stefani I.E. Andrade, Francisco A.S. Cunha, Marcelo B. Lima, Mario Cesar U. Araujo, Luciano F. Almeida
A lab-made magnetic-mechanical robotic (MMR) system coupled to a flow-batch analyzer (FBA) for magnetic nanoparticles solid phase extraction (MSPE) is presented. As an illustrative application, an NMR-FBA couple was connected to a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (GFAAS) for quantification of trace cadmium in edible oils. Factors affecting MSPE, such as the amount of adsorbent, the type, concentration and volume of the eluent and elution time were studied. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the interferents studied did not reveal a significant change in the analytical response, indicating that proposed method is selective. The sampling rate, characteristic mass, working linear range, limits of detection (LOD), and sensitivity were 10h⁻¹, 0.18pg, 0.05–1.0μgkg⁻¹, 0.006μgL^–1, and 0.4197, respectively. An enrichment factor of 9 was achieved using a 2.5mL oil sample. In order to evaluate the accuracy, a certified reference material was analyzed by the proposed and a reference method. The values obtained were compared with the one provided from the manufacturer and no statistically significant differences were observed among three values at a confidence level of 95% using paired t-test. In addition, the precision intra-day and inter day of the proposed method and the robustness were assessed and again no statistically significant differences were observed at a confidence level of 95%. The use of a microcolumn to immobilize the MNPs is not needed with the proposed MMR-FBA-GFAAS system, thus avoiding the well-known problem of non-uniform packing of the MNPs presented in previous flow-based automatic methods. Despite a high organic load of edible oils, the method developed is simple, robust and presents satisfactory analytical features when compared with others that have been reported in the literature, suggesting that it is a potentially useful alternative to determine trace analytes in viscous matrices without external pretreatment.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yPcSzE

Design and construction of an injection port for coupling stir-bar sorptive extraction with ion mobility spectrometry

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): Mohammad T. Jafari, Mohammad R. Rezayat, Mehdi Mossaddegh
An appropriate injection port was designed and constructed for direct analysis of stir-bar sorptive extractions using an ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). The novel design of the port offers great simplicity in use, high sensitivity, and high thermal and mechanical stability. The sol-gel technique was applied to prepare polydimethylsiloxane absorbent on a stir-bar. The parameters affecting extraction efficiency including stirring rate, extraction temperature, extraction time, salt addition and desorption temperature were optimized. The detection limit of the method was calculated to be 1.5μgL⁻¹, for diazinon, an organophosphorus pesticide selected as a test compound. The linear dynamic range was obtained to be 5.0–200.0μgL⁻¹ with a determination coefficient of 0.9991 for the test compound. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations were calculated to be 4% and 5%, respectively. Agricultural wastewater, well water, and apple were selected as real samples. The detection limit was calculated to be 1.5μgL⁻¹ and 7.5μgkg⁻¹ for the real water samples and the apple sample, respectively. The recovery values (%) were 105 ± 6, 107 ± 3 and 96 ± 6 for the spiked agricultural wastewater, well water and apple samples, respectively. The results revealed that the injection port can be used for direct analysis of samples extracted by any sorbent support, without any further sample preparation.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yPcRvA

Assessment of cyanide contamination in soils with a handheld mid-infrared spectrometer

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): José M. Soriano-Disla, Leslie J. Janik, Michael J. McLaughlin
We examined the feasibility of using handheld mid-infrared (MIR) Fourier-Transform infrared (FT-IR) instrumentation for detecting and analysing cyanide (CN) contamination in field contaminated soils. Cyanide spiking experiments were first carried out, in the laboratory, to test the sensitivity of infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectrometry to ferro- and ferricyanide compounds across a range of reference soils and minerals. Both benchtop and handheld diffuse reflectance infrared spectrometers were tested. Excellent results were obtained for the reference soils and minerals, with the MIR outperforming the near-infrared (NIR) range. Spectral peaks characteristic of the –C≡N group were observed near 2062 and 2118cm^-1 in the MIR region for the ferro- and ferricyanide compounds spiked into soils/minerals, respectively. In the NIR region such peaks were observed near 4134 and 4220cm^-1. Cyanide-contaminated samples were then collected in the field and analyzed with the two spectrometers to further test the applicability of the DRIFT technique for soils containing aged CN residues. The prediction of total CN in dry and ground contaminated soils using the handheld MIR instrument resulted in a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.88–0.98 and root mean square error of the cross-validation (RMSE) of 21–49mgkg^-1 for a CN range of 0–611mgkg^-1. A major peak was observed in the MIR at about 2092cm^-1 which was attributed to "Prussian Blue" (Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3·xH2O). These results demonstrate the potential of handheld DRIFT instrumentation as a promising alternative to the standard laboratory method to predict CN concentrations in contaminated field soils.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yPu3B5

Optical molecular analysis using office flatbed photo scanner: New approaches and solutions

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): K.V. Oskolok, E.V. Shults, O.V. Monogarova, A.A. Chaplenko
The design and operations principles of a prototype of optical device based on an office flatbed photo scanner with a slide adapter are described in the paper. The developed device is intended for the analysis of liquid-phase samples by colorimetry, photometry, fluorimetry and nephelometry. Teflon cassettes designed for fixing cuvettes on glass plate of the scanner. Teflon wedge-shaped inserts for cuvettes have been developed to optimize the conditions of colorimetric analysis. These inserts allow varying the thickness of the absorbing layer of solutions. Multilayer absorption filters with a variable bandwidth are proposed for light monochromatization. Filters are obtained by the method of inkjet printing on polymer films. A violet laser pointer is used as a light source for fluorimetric and nephelometric analysis. The principal possibility of measuring the absorption and fluorescence spectra using photo scanner is shown. The analytical capabilities of the developed prototype of an optical molecular analyzer are demonstrated when determining riboflavin in an injection solution, acetylsalicylic acid and magnesium hydroxide in Cardiomagnyl® drug.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yPcOjo

ChromiSense: A colourimetric lab-on-a-disc sensor for chromium speciation in water

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): G. Duffy, I. Maguire, Brendan Heery, Pauline Gers, J. Ducrée, F. Regan
The development of a centrifugal device for quantitative analysis of both chromium (III) and (VI) species in water is reported. ChromiSense is a colourimetric sensor system that has been applied to the measurement of chromium in spiked river water samples. For analysis, the sample is loaded into a reservoir on the disposable microfluidic disc, along with reagents. A centrifugal force is created by spinning the disc to pump liquids through microchannels, causing them to mix and react to form a coloured product. The coloured product is then presented to a low-cost optical detection system, where absorbance measurements can be recorded. The optical detection system consists of a light emitting diode (LED) and photodiode (PD) couple. Chromium (III) was measured using 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid as a ligand, forming a complex that was measured at 535nm and at 335nm. While measuring at 535nm allowed for the use of a low cost LED, the sensitivity was improved 2.5 times by measuring at 335nm. However, 335nm also yielded a diminished linear range with little improvement in limit of deteciton (LOD), and required a lengthier manufacturing process due to the need for a UV-transparent material. Chromium (VI) was detected using 1,5-diphenyl carbazide (DPC). This standard analysis method was simplified for automation on-disc, and optimised to achieve a low LOD. The LOD for trivalent and hexavalent chromium using this device were 21mgL⁻¹ and 4μgL⁻¹, respectively. The linear range for quantitative analysis was found to be 69–1000mgL⁻¹ for Cr(III) and 14–1000μgL⁻¹ for Cr (VI). While this range is high for Cr(III), incorporation of an off-disc pre-concentration method would make this technology suitable for environmental sample analysis. The device is simple to use, low in cost, and could provide rapid on-site measurements, with results comparable to those obtained using a benchtop spectrophotometer.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yPu0oT

Miniaturized QuEChERS based methodology for multiresidue determination of pesticides in odonate nymphs as ecosystem biomonitors

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): Florencia Jesús, Ricardo Hladki, Natalia Gérez, Natalia Besil, Silvina Niell, Grisel Fernández, Horacio Heinzen, María Verónica Cesio
The impacts of the modern, agrochemicals based agriculture that threatens the overall systems sustainability, need to be monitored and evaluated. Seeking for agroecosystems monitors, the present article focus in the occurrence and abundance of aquatic macroinvertebrates, that have been frequently used as bioindicators of water quality due to their relationship with land use. Some of these organisms are on the top of the food chain, where bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes can be observed, and they can turn into secondary pollution sources of systems and terrestrial organisms as well. Odonate nymphs, which belong to the functional group of predators, were selected for this study. A methodology to determine 73 pesticide residues in odonate nymphs by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS was developed. A QuEChERS sample preparation strategy was adapted. As it is complex to obtain samples especially in disturbed ecosystems, the method was minimized to a sample size of 200mg of fresh nymphs. The method was validated and good recoveries (71–120%) with RSDs below 20% for the majority of the studied pesticides at least at two of the assayed levels 1, 10 and 50µgkg⁻¹ were obtained. For 32 analytes the limit of quantitation was 1µgkg⁻¹ and 10µgkg⁻¹ for the others. The lineal range was observed between 1–100µgkg⁻¹ in matrix-matched and solvent calibration curves for most of the assessed pesticides. LC-MS/MS matrix effects were evaluated, 40% of the analytes presented low or no signal suppression. Only flufenoxuron presented high matrix effects. The obtained methodology is adequate for pesticide multiresidue analysis in aquatic macroinvertebrates (odonates) aiming to contribute to the ecological state evaluation of freshwater ecosystems.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yPtZkP

Improved assessment of accuracy and performance using a rotational paper-based device for multiplexed detection of heavy metals

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): Xiange Sun, Bowei Li, Anjin Qi, Chongguo Tian, Jinglong Han, Yajun Shi, Bingcheng Lin, Lingxin Chen
In this work, a novel rotational microfluidic paper-based device was developed to improve the accuracy and performance of the multiplexed colorimetric detection by effectively avoiding the diffusion of colorimetric reagent on the detection zone. The integrated paper-based rotational valves were used to control the connection or disconnection between detection zones and fluid channels. Based on the manipulation of the rotational valves, this rotational paper-based device could prevent the random diffusion of colorimetric reagent and reduce the error of quantitative analysis considerably. The multiplexed colorimetric detection of heavy metals Ni(II), Cu(II) and Cr(VI) were implemented on the rotational device and the detection limits could be found to be 4.8, 1.6, and 0.18mg/L, respectively. The developed rotational device showed the great advantage in improving the detection accuracy and was expected to be a low-cost, portable analytical platform for the on-site detection.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yPcJfA

Ultrasound-Guided Stellate Ganglion Block Improves Gastrointestinal Function After Thoracolumbar Spinal Surgery

Publication date: Available online 30 September 2017
Source:Clinical Therapeutics
Author(s): Ke Peng, Juan Zhang, Wei-rong Chen, Hua-yue Liu, Fu-hai Ji
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on gastrointestinal function after thoracolumbar spinal surgery.MethodsForty patients with thoracolumbar fracture scheduled for posterior spinal surgery were randomly assigned to 2 groups: ultrasound-guided SGB or sham (control group). After induction, ultrasound-guided SGB (n = 20) or a sham procedure (n = 20) was conducted with a 6-mL injection of 1% lidocaine or 0.9% saline, respectively. Primary outcomes were postoperative gastrointestinal function, including auscultation of bowel sounds, incidence and degree of abdominal bloating, flatus time, and paralytic ileus.FindingsPatients in the SGB group had better gastrointestinal function compared with those in the sham (control) group, as indicated by more regular bowel sounds at 24 and 36 hours postoperatively (80% vs 40%, P = 0.024, and 95% vs 60%, P = 0.023), lesser abdominal bloating (10% vs 45%, P = 0.034), and slightly shorter flatus time (mean [SD], 12.0 [4.4] vs 14.7 [4.6] hours, P = 0.068). Survival analysis based on regular bowel sounds found a significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.004). In addition, more patients had higher satisfaction after SGB (85% vs 45%, P = 0.020). No postoperative ileus or mortality occurred.ImplicationsIn this preliminary study, ultrasound-guided SGB accelerated the return of gastrointestinal transit, alleviated bowel symptoms, and improved patient satisfaction after thoracolumbar spinal surgery. chictr.org.cn identifier: ChiCTR-TRC-14004289.



http://ift.tt/2xIGK2O

Editorial Board/Title Page

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Cortex, Volume 95





http://ift.tt/2fZCaDp

Cover Figure

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Cortex, Volume 95





http://ift.tt/2xSJRoC

Clinical Thyroidology for the Public – Highlighted Article

From Clinical Thyroidology for the Public: In 2016, the encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer with no evidence of spread into the thyroid capsule or into the blood vessels seen under the microscope was renamed as noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), and was suggested that it was a non-cancer diagnosis. Read More….

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Let us know what you want to see in this publication.

Feedback & Suggestions

The post Clinical Thyroidology for the Public – Highlighted Article appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://ift.tt/2kcET0S

Editorial board

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 147





http://ift.tt/2xOxPMF

Multifunctional mesoporous ZrO2 encapsulated upconversion nanoparticles for mild NIR light activated synergistic cancer therapy

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 147
Author(s): Lili Feng, Shili Gai, Fei He, Yunlu Dai, Chongna Zhong, Piaoping Yang, Jun Lin
Desirable nanosystem that could not only deliver drugs safely and effectively into tumor sites, but also be expected to serve as photosensitizer to realize the photodynamic therapeutic function, would be of great significance in the synergistic cancer therapy. To perform this task, a multifunctional nanosystem has been developed for markedly enhanced cancer therapeutic efficacy by loading chemotherapy agent (doxorubicin hydrochloride, DOX) and photosensitive drug chlorin e6 (Ce6) into the channels of mesoporous zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) layer which coats on Nd³⁺-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). As a temperature sensitive phase change material (PCM), the loaded tetradecanol was served as switch for control release of DOX and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the condition of enhanced temperature triggered by the near infrared (NIR) light irradiation. The hyperthermia generated from the UCNPs cores exposed to NIR laser could raise the temperature of tumor location to 47.8 °C. The as-synthesized UCNPs@ZrO2-Ce6/DOX/PCM nanosystem demonstrates an excellent in vivo synergistic effect by administrating into U14 tumor-bearing mice via intravenous injection, under mild NIR laser irradiation (0.5 W cm⁻², 5 min break after 5 min irradiation). In a word, our experimental results indicate that the finely designed UCNPs@ZrO2-Ce6/DOX/PCM may act as an ideal nanoplatform for multiple imaging guided tumor therapy.



http://ift.tt/2fCl2D2

Multifunctional superparamagnetic nanoparticles conjugated with fluorescein-labeled designed ankyrin repeat protein as an efficient HER2-targeted probe in breast cancer

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 147
Author(s): Dong-Li Li, Jian-Er Tan, Ying Tian, Shun Huang, Peng-Hui Sun, Meng Wang, Yan-Jiang Han, Hong-Sheng Li, Hu-Bing Wu, Xing-Mei Zhang, Yi-Kai Xu, Quan-Shi Wang
Based on the discordance of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) expression between primary and metastatic/recurrent breast cancer, HER2 molecular imaging, which had potential to systemically assess and dynamically monitor HER2 expression, might improve the selection of patients for anti-HER2 therapy. In this study, designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) G3, a novel binding protein with picomolar affinity for HER2, was used and multifunctional superparamagnetic nanoparticles modified with fluorescein-5-maleimide-labeled DARPin G3 (SPIO-G3-5MF) were developed for HER2 imaging. Our results showed that SPIO-G3-5MF nanoparticles, which possessed uniform size of about 100 nm, favorable dispersity and low cytotoxicity, could selectively bind to HER2-positive breast cancer cells even in the presence of trastuzumab. Biodistribution assay demonstrated that abundant accumulation and long retention of SPIO-G3-5MF were observed in HER2-positive transplantation breast tumors although a portion of SPIO-G3-5MF nanoparticles were unavoidably captured by liver and spleen. Further MR imaging revealed that SPIO-G3-5MF could selectively image HER2-positive transplantation breast tumors, yielding remarkable T2 signal reduction (50.33 ± 2.90% at 6 h and 47.29 ± 9.36% at 24 h). Our study suggested that SPIO-G3-5MF might be a promising MR molecular probe for diagnosing and monitoring HER2 expression state of breast cancer in the future.



http://ift.tt/2xOxQA8

Molecular insights for the biological interactions between polyethylene glycol and cells

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 147
Author(s): Li Xu, Jiapei Yang, Bai Xue, Chuan Zhang, Leilei Shi, Chenwei Wu, Yue Su, Xin Jin, Yumin Liu, Xinyuan Zhu
As the gold standard polymer for drug delivery system, polyethylene glycol (PEG) has excellent biocompatibility. It's reported that the low nonspecific interactions between PEG and body contribute to its biocompatibility. However, here we discover dynamic biological interactions exist between PEG and cells on the molecular level. PEG (2 kD) can induce metabolism modulations and survival autophagy by creating an intracellular hypoxic environment, which act as cellular survival strategies in response to the hypoxia. In the cellular adaption process during hypoxia, PEG-treated cells decrease energy consumption by reducing cell growth rate, increase energy supply by amino acid catabolism in a short period, and survival autophagy over a relatively long period, to keep energy homeostasis and survival. Our research provides molecular insights for understanding the mechanism underlying the excellent biocompatibility of PEG, which will be of fundamental importance for further related studies on other polymers and development of polymeric materials with improved characteristics.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2fyVJSc

Tumor cell-targeted delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 by aptamer-functionalized lipopolymer for therapeutic genome editing of VEGFA in osteosarcoma

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 147
Author(s): Chao Liang, Fangfei Li, Luyao Wang, Zong-Kang Zhang, Chao Wang, Bing He, Jie Li, Zhihao Chen, Atik Badshah Shaikh, Jin Liu, Xiaohao Wu, Songlin Peng, Lei Dang, Baosheng Guo, Xiaojuan He, D.W.T. Au, Cheng Lu, Hailong Zhu, Bao-Ting Zhang, Aiping Lu, Ge Zhang
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive pediatric cancer, characterized by frequent lung metastasis and pathologic bone destruction. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), highly expressed in OS, not only contributes to angiogenesis within the tumor microenvironment via paracrine stimulation of vascular endothelial cells, but also acts as an autocrine survival factor for tumor cell themselves, thus making it a promising therapeutic target for OS. CRISPR/Cas9 is a versatile genome editing technology and holds tremendous promise for cancer treatment. However, a major bottleneck to achieve the therapeutic potential of the CRISPR/Cas9 is the lack of in vivo tumor-targeted delivery systems. Here, we screened an OS cell-specific aptamer (LC09) and developed a LC09-functionalized PEG-PEI-Cholesterol (PPC) lipopolymer encapsulating CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids encoding VEGFA gRNA and Cas9. Our results demonstrated that LC09 facilitated selective distribution of CRISPR/Cas9 in both orthotopic OS and lung metastasis, leading to effective VEGFA genome editing in tumor, decreased VEGFA expression and secretion, inhibited orthotopic OS malignancy and lung metastasis, as well as reduced angiogenesis and bone lesion with no detectable toxicity. The delivery system simultaneously restrained autocrine and paracrine VEGFA signaling in tumor cells and could facilitate translating CRISPR-Cas9 into clinical cancer treatment.



http://ift.tt/2fyVJ4E

Clausena anisata and Dysphania ambrosioides essential oils: from ethno-medicine to modern uses as effective insecticides

Abstract

Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (Amaranthaceae) and Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex Benth. (Rutaceae) are two aromatic species traditionally used in Cameroon to repel and kill insects. The present work was carried out to substantiate this traditional use and to evaluate the possible incorporation in commercial botanical insecticides of their essential oils (EOs). The EOs were distilled from leaves of C. anisata and aerial parts of D. ambrosioides and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The insecticidal activity of both EOs was investigated against the filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus, and the housefly, Musca domestica. As possible mode of action, the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by the two EOs was investigated as well. The D. ambrosioides EO was characterized by the monoterpene peroxide ascaridole (61.4%) and the aromatic p-cymene (29.0%), whereas the C. anisata EO was dominated by the phenylpropanoids (E)-anethole (64.6%) and (E)-methyl isoeugenol (16.1%). The C. anisata EO proved to be very toxic to third instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus showing LC₅₀ of 29.3 μl/l, whereas D. ambrosioides EO was more toxic to adults of M. domestica showing a LD₅₀ of 51.7 μg/adult. The mixture of both EOs showed a significant synergistic effect against mosquito larvae with LC₅₀ estimated as 19.3 μl/l, whereas this phenomenon was not observed upon application to M. domestica adults (LD₅₀ = 75.9 μg/adult). Of the two EOs, the D. ambrosioides one provided a good inhibition of AChE (IC₅₀ = 77 μg/ml), whereas C. anisata oil was not effective. These findings provide new evidences supporting the ethno-botanical use of these two Cameroonian plants, and their possible application even in synergistic binary blends, to develop new eco-friendly, safe and effective herbal insecticides.

http://ift.tt/2fHCQjQ

Removal of industrial dyes and heavy metals by Beauveria bassiana : FTIR, SEM, TEM and AFM investigations with Pb(II)

Abstract

Presence of industrial dyes and heavy metal as a contaminant in environment poses a great risk to human health. In order to develop a potential technology for remediation of dyes (Reactive remazol red, Yellow 3RS, Indanthrene blue and Vat novatic grey) and heavy metal [Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Cr(VI) and Pb(II)] contamination, present study was performed with entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana (MTCC no. 4580). High dye removal (88–97%) was observed during the growth of B. bassiana while removal percentage for heavy metals ranged from 58 to 75%. Further, detailed investigations were performed with Pb(II) in terms of growth kinetics, effect of process parameters and mechanism of removal. Growth rate decreased from 0.118 h⁻¹ (control) to 0.031 h⁻¹, showing 28% reduction in biomass at 30 mg L⁻¹ Pb(II) with 58.4% metal removal. Maximum Pb(II) removal was observed at 30 °C, neutral pH and 30 mg L⁻¹ initial metal concentration. FTIR analysis indicated the changes induced by Pb(II) in functional groups on biomass surface. Further, microscopic analysis (SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM)) was performed to understand the changes in cell surface morphology of the fungal cell. SEM micrograph showed a clear deformation of fungal hyphae, whereas AFM studies proved the increase in surface roughness (RSM) in comparison to control cell. Homogenous bioaccumulation of Pb(II) inside the fungal cell was clearly depicted by TEM-high-angle annular dark field coupled with EDX. Present study provides an insight into the mechanism of Pb(II) bioremediation and strengthens the significance of using entomopathogenic fungus such as B. bassiana for metal and dye removal.

http://ift.tt/2yfWKKz

Mucoadhesive nanostructured polyelectrolytes complexes modulate the intestinal permeability of methotrexate

Publication date: 1 January 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 111
Author(s): Fernanda Isadora Boni, Andreia Almeida, Anna Lechanteur, Bruno Sarmento, Beatriz Stringhetti Ferreira Cury, Maria Palmira Daflon Gremião
Nanostructured polyelectrolytes complexes (nano PECs) loaded with methotrexate (MTX) were obtained by the polyelectrolyte complexation of chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA), further incorporating hypromellose phthalate (HP). The mean diameter of nano PECs ranged from 325 to 458nm, with a narrow size distribution. Zeta potential was close to +30mV, decreasing to +21mV after the incorporation of HP, a range of values that favour the physical stability of system as the interaction with cationic biological membranes. The electrostatic interactions between the different components were indicated by the FTIR data. The mucoadhesiveness of nano PECs was demonstrated and MTX and HP influenced this property. The cell viability assays showed the biosafety of the isolated polymers and nano PECs in intestinal HT29-MTX and Caco-2 cell lines at 4h of test. The permeability values of MTX loaded in CS/HA nano PECs were 7.6 and 4-fold higher than those of CS/HA/HP nano PECS and free drug, respectively, in the Caco-2 monoculture. In mucus secreting co-culture cell model these values were 3 and 6.5 fold, respectively. Such features indicate that nano PECs developed in this work can be promising carriers for MTX in the treatment of local or systemic diseases.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yfdAsS

Mucoadhesive maleimide-functionalised liposomes for drug delivery to urinary bladder

Publication date: 1 January 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 111
Author(s): Daulet B. Kaldybekov, Prasopchai Tonglairoum, Praneet Opanasopit, Vitaliy V. Khutoryanskiy
Intravesical drug administration is used to deliver chemotherapeutic agents via a catheter to treat bladder cancer. The major limitation of this treatment is poor retention of the drug in the bladder due to periodic urine voiding. In this work, maleimide-functionalised PEGylated liposomes (PEG-Mal) were explored as mucoadhesive vehicles for drug delivery to the urinary bladder. The retention of these liposomes on freshly excised porcine bladder mucosa in vitro was compared with conventional liposomes, PEGylated liposomes, two controls (dextran and chitosan), and evaluated through Wash Out50 (WO50) values. PEG-Mal liposomes exhibited greater retention on mucosal surfaces compared to other liposomes. The penetration abilities of conventional, PEG-Mal-functionalised and PEGylated liposomal dispersions with encapsulated fluorescein sodium into the bladder mucosa ex vivo were assessed using a fluorescence microscopy technique. PEGylated liposomes were found to be more mucosa-penetrating compared to other liposomes. All liposomes were loaded with fluorescein sodium salt as a model drug and the in vitro release kinetics was evaluated. Longer drug release was observed from PEG-Mal liposomes.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yfdzoO

Evaluation of the digestibility of solid lipid nanoparticles of glyceryl dibehenate produced by two techniques: Ultrasonication and spray-flash evaporation

Publication date: 1 January 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 111
Author(s): Vincent Jannin, Lucia Blas, Stéphanie Chevrier, Cédric Miolane, Frédéric Demarne, Denis Spitzer
ObjectiveTo evaluate the digestibility of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) of glyceryl dibehenate prepared either with surfactants by ultrasonication or without surfactant by spray-flash evaporation.MethodsSLN of glyceryl dibehenate (Compritol® 888 ATO) were produced by two processes: (i) high-shear homogenization with a solution of water-soluble surfactants followed by ultrasonication (ii) and Spray-Flash Evaporation (SFE) of the pure lipid. The digestibility of these nanoparticles was then tested by in vitro lipolysis using a pH-stat apparatus and the assay of glycerides by gel phase chromatography.ResultsSLN of glyceryl dibehenate prepared by ultrasonication exhibited a mean particle size of 180nm and showed a limited digestion of the lipid excipient. SLN comprising only glyceryl dibehenate produced by SFE have a mean particle size between 235 and 411nm depending on process parameters. These nanoparticles were not digested by lipases. The presence of surfactant at the lipid/water interface of the SLN seems to be mandatory to allow the adsorption of the lipase and degradation of glyceryl behenate.ConclusionsGlyceryl dibehenate as a solid particle – even as a SLN – is not digested by pancreatin during in vitro lipolysis test.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yfdyRM

Evaluating the toxic effects of three priority hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) to rotifer Brachionus plicatilis

Abstract

Hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) spill in the marine environment is an issue of growing concern, and it will mostly continue to do so in the future owing to the increase of high chemical traffic. Nevertheless, the effects of HNS spill on marine environment, especially on aquatic organisms are unclear. Consequently, it is emergent to provide valuable information for the toxicities to marine biota caused by HNS spill. Accordingly, the acute toxicity of three preferential HNS and sub-lethal effects of acrylonitrile on Brachionus plicatilis were evaluated. The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) at 24 h were 47.2 mg acrylonitrile L⁻¹, 276.9 mg styrene L⁻¹, and 488.3 mg p-xylene L⁻¹, respectively. Sub-lethal toxicity effects of acrylonitrile on feeding behavior, development, and reproduction parameters of B. plicatilis were also evaluated. Results demonstrated that rates of filtration and ingestion were significantly reduced at 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg L⁻¹ of acrylonitrile. Additionally, reproductive period, fecundity, and life span were significantly decreased at high acrylonitrile concentrations. Conversely, juvenile period was significantly increased at the highest two doses and no effects were observed on embryonic development and post-reproductive period. Meanwhile, we found that ingestion rate decline could be a good predictor of reproduction toxicity in B. plicatilis and ecologically relevant endpoint for toxicity assessment. These data will be useful to assess and deal with marine HNS spillages.

http://ift.tt/2x68p9D

Chemical characteristics and source analysis on ionic composition of rainwater collected in the Carpathians “Cold Pole,” Ciuc basin, Eastern Carpathians, Romania

Abstract

A study of precipitation chemistry was conducted for 11 years (01 January 2006–31 December 2016) in the Ciuc basin, Eastern Carpathians, Romania. The studied area is an enclosed basin, also called "the Carpathians cold pole." All collected samples were analyzed for major cations and anions. HCO₃⁻ concentrations were calculated based on the empirical relationship between pH and HCO₃⁻. The multiannual arithmetic mean of pH values was found to be 6.57. The lowest and highest pH values were measured in 2009 and 2013, being 6.57% lower, respectively, 7.57% higher than the multiannual mean. Only 3.31% of the studied rainwater samples indicate acidic character. In descending order, the majority of the samples are as follows: NH₄⁺ >Ca²⁺ >SO₄²⁻ >Cl⁻ >HCO₃⁻ >NO₃⁻ >Na⁺ >K⁺ >Mg²⁺ >NO₂⁻ >H⁺. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed the NH₄⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ contribution to the neutralization process and their sources. The anthropogenic origin of SO₄²⁻ was supported by the high non-sea-salt fraction (NSSF) (~ 91%). The results of this study suggest that rainwater chemistry is strongly influenced by local natural and anthropogenic sources (agricultural activities) rather than marine sources. The pollutants in rainwater samples were mainly derived from calcareous and dolomitic soil dust and specific local climatic conditions, long-range transport, local industry, and traffic sources.

http://ift.tt/2wqZujt

Identification of groundwater redox process induced by landfill leachate based on sensitive factor method

Abstract

Landfill site is a significant source of groundwater pollution. To ensure that the groundwater contamination of landfills can be controlled and repaired scientifically, the identification of groundwater pollution process is needed. On the basis of biogeochemical process of leachate pollutants in the groundwater environment, a sensitive factor method for the identification of groundwater redox process from landfills was established in this research. The method encompasses four phases, including sensitive factors selection, redox zone characterization, weight calculation, and redox zone identification. In the sensitive factor index system employed here, five indicators involving dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrite, Fe²⁺, sulfide, and CO₂ were selected. The boundary of each redox zones was determined by the quantitative method, and the weight of each indicator was calculated by combined weight method. This method was applied to a landfill site in the northeast of China. The result showed that there were five redox zones that appeared in pollution plume, including methanogenic zone (MGZ), sulfate reduction zone (SRZ), iron reduction zone (IRZ), nitrate reduction zone (NRZ), and oxygen reduction zone (ORZ). The results were consistent with the actual situation of the site. The sensitive factor method was scientific and effective to identify the groundwater redox process in landfill and can provide reference data related to investigation and remediation of groundwater pollution in landfill sites.

http://ift.tt/2x65Lkg

Chimpanzee vertebrate consumption: Savanna and forest chimpanzees compared

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 112
Author(s): Jim Moore, Jessica Black, R. Adriana Hernandez-Aguilar, Gen'ichi Idani, Alex Piel, Fiona Stewart
There is broad consensus among paleoanthropologists that meat-eating played a key role in the evolution of Homo, but the details of where, when, and why are hotly debated. It has been argued that increased faunivory was causally connected with hominin adaptation to open, savanna habitats. If savanna-dwelling chimpanzees eat meat more frequently than do forest chimpanzees, it would support the notion that open, dry, seasonal habitats promote hunting or scavenging by hominoids. Here we present observational and fecal analysis data on vertebrate consumption from several localities within the dry, open Ugalla region of Tanzania. Combining these with published fecal analyses, we summarize chimpanzee vertebrate consumption rates, showing quantitatively that savanna chimpanzee populations do not differ significantly from forest populations. Compared with forest populations, savanna chimpanzees consume smaller vertebrates that are less likely to be shared, and they do so more seasonally. Analyses of chimpanzee hunting that focus exclusively on capture of forest monkeys are thus difficult to apply to chimpanzee faunivory in open-country habitats and may be misleading when used to model early hominin behavior. These findings bear on discussions of why chimpanzees hunt and suggest that increases in hominin faunivory were related to differences between hominins and chimpanzees and/or differences between modern and Pliocene savanna woodland environments.



http://ift.tt/2xFNMWn

Sleep on your memory traces: How sleep effects can be explained by Act-In, a functional memory model

Numerous studies have explored the effect of sleep on memory. It is well known that a period of sleep, compared to a similar period of wakefulness, protects memories from interference, improves performance, and might also reorganize memory traces in a way that encourages creativity and rule extraction. It is assumed that these benefits come from the reactivation of brain networks, mainly involving the hippocampal structure, as well as from their synchronization with neocortical networks during sleep, thereby underpinning sleep-dependent memory consolidation and reorganization.

http://ift.tt/2x3LJf3

Editors, Issue sections

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Current Opinion in Immunology, Volume 47





http://ift.tt/2xJkPGt

Contents, Cover details

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Current Opinion in Immunology, Volume 47





http://ift.tt/2yffSYT

Editorial overview: Vaccines

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Current Opinion in Immunology, Volume 47
Author(s): Ross M Kedl, Robert Seder




http://ift.tt/2xI5WEc

Bladder-sparing radiotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A survey of providers to determine barriers and enablers

Publication date: Available online 30 September 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Melanie Walker, Simon D. French, R. Christopher Doiron, Kelly Brennan, Deb Feldman-Stewart, D. Robert Siemens, William J. Mackillop, Christopher M. Booth
BackgroundTo understand barriers and enablers to use of curative-intent radiotherapy (RT) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).MethodsCanadian urologists, radiation oncologists (ROs) and medical oncologists (MOs) participated in a web-based survey to assess barriers and enablers to use of RT. Survey questions were thematically mapped to TDF domains. Logistic regression was used to identify TDF domains associated with high referral/use of RT.Results64 urologists, 29 ROs and 26 MOs participated. Participants reported comparable survival at five years with cystectomy (51%) and RT with concurrent chemotherapy (50%). Despite this, participants reported low RT referral/treatment rates: Urologists referred a median of 2/10 patients to RO; ROs treated a median of 5/10 patients referred; and MOs referred a median of 2/8 patients not referred to RO by urology. Among urologists, the TDF domains 'beliefs about consequences' (OR=8.1, 95% CI 1.5–44.9), 'social and professional role' (OR=11.2, 95% CI 2.3–53.6) and 'environmental context and resources' (OR=5.9, 95% CI 1.5–23.3) were associated with higher rates of RO referral.ConclusionsWe have identified factors associated with referral for RT among patients with bladder cancer. These factors should be addressed as part of a concerted effort to increase utilization of RT.



http://ift.tt/2fzT6Qd

Dataset on the synthesis and characterization of boron fenbufen and its F-18 labeled homolog

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 15
Author(s): Chun-Nan Yeh, Chi-Wei Chang, Yi-Hsiu Chung, Shi-Wei Tien, Yong-Ren Chen, Tsung-Wen Chen, Ying-Cheng Huang, Hsin-Ell Wang, You-Cheng Chou, Ming-Huang Chen, Kun-Chun Chiang, Wen-Sheng Huang, Chung-Shan Yu
The data presented in this article are related to the research article entitled "Synthesis and Characterization of Boron Fenbufen and its F-18 Labeled Homolog for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy of COX-2 Overexpressed Cholangiocarcinoma". The contents of the data article include 1) the set up for performing in vitro binding assay, 2) ¹H-, ¹³C- and ¹⁹F-NMR of compounds described in main text, 3) HPLC chromatogram of the fluorination mixtures, 4) data of in vitro stability test, cell survival assay, western blot and PCR analysis, 5) the modules for fixing the two CCA rats for BNCT, and 6) bar diagram for tumor reduction using [¹⁸F]FDG-PET 24h post treatment with BNCT.



http://ift.tt/2kc2U8i

Dataset for the proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of perivitelline fluid proteins in Pomacea snail eggs

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 15
Author(s): Huawei Mu, Jin Sun, Horacio Heras, Ka Hou Chu, Jian-Wen Qiu
This article describes how the proteomic and transcriptomic data were produced during a study of the reproductive proteins of Pomacea maculata, an aquatic apple snail laying colorful aerial eggs, and provides public access to the data. The data are related to a research article titled 'An integrated proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of perivitelline fluid proteins in a freshwater gastropod laying aerial eggs' (Mu et al., 2017) [1]. RNA was extracted from the albumen gland and other tissues and sequenced on an Illumina Hiseq. 2000. The assembled transcriptome was translated into protein sequences and then used for protein identification. Proteins from the perivitelline fluid of P. maculata were separated in SDS-PAGE and analyzed by LTQ-Orbitrap Elite coupled to an Easy-nLC. The translated transcriptome data are provided in this article. Proteomic data (.raw file format) are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD006718.



http://ift.tt/2yzJsV7

Magnetic characteristics of M2FeV3O11 (M=Mg, Zn, Pb, Co, Ni) compounds

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, Volume 447
Author(s): T. Groń, A. Blonska-Tabero, E. Filipek, Z. Stokłosa, H. Duda, B. Sawicki
The unusual physical characteristics of the multicomponent oxide systems renewed the interest as the potential cathode materials in high-energy cells. Since the earlier magnetic characteristics were not entirely conclusive, we report the results of dc magnetic measurements including higher harmonics of ac magnetic susceptibility of the M2FeV3O11 (M=Mg, Zn, Pb, Co, Ni) compounds. Ferrimagnetic long-range and antiferromagnetic short-range interactions for all compounds under study at low temperatures as well as superparamagnetic-like behavior with the blocking temperature of 29K and the freezing parameter of 0.013 were observed. These effects are discussed within the framework of superexchange and double exchange magnetic interactions as well as the mixed valence band of iron ions.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2yeUnaK

Theaflavin ameliorates ionizing radiation-induced hematopoietic injury via the NRF2 pathway

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 113
Author(s): Xiaodan Han, Junling Zhang, Xiaolei Xue, Yu Zhao, Lu Lu, Ming Cui, Weimin Miao, Saijun Fan
It has been well established that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in ionizing radiation (IR)-induced hematopoietic injury. Theaflavin (TF), a polyphenolic compound from black tea, has been implicated in the regulation of endogenous cellular antioxidant systems. However, it remains unclear whether TF could ameliorate IR-induced hematopoietic injury, particularly the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) injury. In this study, we explored the potential role of TF in IR-induced HSC injury and the underlying mechanism in a total body irradiation (TBI) mouse model. Our results showed that TF improved survival of irradiated wild-type mice and ameliorated TBI-induced hematopoietic injury by attenuating myelosuppression and myeloid skewing, increasing HSC frequency, and promoting reconstitution of irradiated HSCs. Furthermore, TF inhibited TBI-induced HSC senescence. These effects of TF were associated with a decline in ROS levels and DNA damage in irradiated HSCs. TF reduced oxidative stress mainly by up-regulating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and its downstream targets in irradiated Lineage^-c-kit⁺ positive cells. However, TF failed to improve the survival, to increase HSC frequency and to reduce ROS levels of HSCs in irradiated Nrf2^-/- mice. These findings suggest that TF ameliorates IR-induced HSC injury via the NRF2 pathway. Therefore, TF has the potential to be used as a radioprotective agent to ameliorate IR-induced hematopoietic injury.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2ygoI95

PDGF receptors in tumor stroma; biological effects and associations with prognosis and response to treatment

Publication date: Available online 29 September 2017
Source:Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
Author(s): Arne Östman
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) ligands and their receptors (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ) regulate mesenchymal cells, such as fibroblasts and pericytes. These cells are important constituents of tumor stroma where they impact on tumor growth, metastasis and drug response.Studies in model systems have demonstrated ability of the PDGF system to regulate the tumor-stimulatory effects of fibroblasts, as well as their ability to promote cancer cell migration and invasion. Animal studies imply PDGFR-signaling as a regulator of tumor drug uptake.Emerging correlative analyses of different tumor collections are identifying clinically relevant variations in stromal PDGFR status, and associations between PDGFR status in tumor stroma and survival. These associations could either relate to effects of stromal PDGFR signaling on the natural course of the disease or response to treatment.The availability of clinically approved PDGFR-inhibitory drugs suggest interesting possibilities for novel clinical studies, performed on selected patient sub-groups, which further exploits tumor stroma-derived PDGFR signaling.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2x4SGrr

The biology of mucus: Composition, synthesis and organization

Publication date: Available online 29 September 2017
Source:Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
Author(s): Rama Bansil, Bradley S. Turner
In this review we discuss mucus, the viscoelastic secretion from goblet or mucous producing cells that lines the epithelial surfaces of all organs exposed to the external world. Mucus is a complex aqueous fluid that owes its viscoelastic, lubricating and hydration properties to the glycoprotein mucin combined with electrolytes, lipids and other smaller proteins. Electron microscopy of mucosal surfaces reveals a highly convoluted surface with a network of fibers and pores of varying sizes. The major structural and functional component, mucin is a complex glycoprotein coded by about 20 mucin genes which produce a protein backbone having multiple tandem repeats of Serine, Threonine (ST repeats) where oligosaccharides are covalently O-linked. The N- and C-terminals of this apoprotein contain other domains with little or no glycosylation but rich in cysteines leading to dimerization and further multimerization via S-S bonds. The synthesis of this complex protein starts in the endoplasmic reticulum with the formation of the apoprotein and is further modified via glycosylation in the cis and medial golgi and packaged into mucin granules via Ca²⁺ bridging of the negative charges on the oligosaccharide brush in the trans golgi. The mucin granules fuse with the plasma membrane of the secretory cells and following activation by signaling molecules release Ca²⁺ and undergo a dramatic change in volume due to hydration of the highly negatively charged polymer brush leading to exocytosis from the cells and forming the mucus layer. The rheological properties of mucus and its active component mucin and its mucoadhesivity are briefly discussed in light of their importance to mucosal drug delivery.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2x53sxV

The DNA methylation landscape of CD4+ T cells in oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Publication date: Available online 29 September 2017
Source:Journal of Autoimmunity
Author(s): Raul A. Chavez-Valencia, Rachel C. Chiaroni-Clarke, David J. Martino, Jane E. Munro, Roger C. Allen, Jonathan D. Akikusa, Anne-Louise Ponsonby, Jeffrey M. Craig, Richard Saffery, Justine A. Ellis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is presumed to be driven by an adverse combination of genes and environment. Epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, act as a conduit through which the environment can regulate gene activity. Altered DNA methylation has been associated with adult autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, but studies are lacking for paediatric autoimmune rheumatic diseases including JIA. Here, we performed a genome-scale case-control analysis of CD4⁺ T cell DNA methylation from 56 oligoarticular JIA (oJIA) cases and 57 age and sex matched controls using Illumina HumanMethylation450 arrays. DNA methylation at each array probe was tested for association with oJIA using RUV (Remove Unwanted Variation) together with a moderated t-test. Further to this 'all-inclusive' analysis, we stratified by age at diagnosis (≤6yrs, >6yrs) and by sex as potential sources of heterogeneity. Following False Discovery Rate (FDR) adjustment, no probes were associated with oJIA in the all-inclusive, >6yrs-diagnosed, or sex-stratified analyses, and only one probe was associated with oJIA in the ≤6yrs-diagnosed analysis. We attempted technical validation and replication of 14 probes (punadj<0.01) at genes of known/potential relevance to disease. At VPS53, we demonstrated a regional shift towards higher methylation in oJIA (all-inclusive) compared to controls. At REEP3, where polymorphism has been previously associated with JIA, we demonstrated higher DNA methylation in male oJIA compared to male controls. This is the most comprehensive JIA case-control analysis of DNA methylation to date. While we have generated some evidence of altered methylation in oJIA, substantial differences are not apparent in CD4⁺ T cells. This may indicate a lesser relevance of DNA methylation levels in childhood, compared to adult, rheumatic disease.



http://ift.tt/2hEXORf

Leishmania donovani serine protease encapsulated in liposome elicits protective immunity in experimental visceral leishmaniasis

Publication date: Available online 29 September 2017
Source:Microbes and Infection
Author(s): Partha Das, Dibyendu Paik, Ksudiram Naskar, Tapati Chakraborti
This study is aimed to evaluate the protective effect of L.donovani intracellular serine protease (SP-Ld) in combination with Freund's adjuvant and liposomal formulations against experimental visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The animals were immunized with SP-Ld in combination with adjuvant and evaluated for its immunogenicity and protective efficacy against L. donovani. The infection was initially assessed by microscopic examination. Immunogenicity of SP-Ld was measured by detecting protease specific-IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a levels by ELISA. Cytokines levels were measured by ELISA and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The vaccine efficacy of SP-Ld was also evaluated by measuring antibody response and survival potency in hamster model. SP-Ld vaccinated Balb/c mice resulted significant reduction of parasite burden with increased levels of IgG2a and decreased levels of IgG1. SP-Ld vaccination also induced Th1 type immune response with the rise of IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α with decreased levels of IL-10 and TGF-β. Importantly, liposomal incorporated SP-Ld exerted better protection rather than in combination with Freund's adjuvant. Additionally, liposome encapsulated SP-Ld vaccinated hamsters continued to survive beyond 8 months against virulent L.donovani post challenge. Overall, these findings demonstrated SP-Ld as an effective immunogen which opens a new perspective for the generation of potential vaccine candidate against leishmaniasis.



http://ift.tt/2xK2WYe

Removable complete digital dentures: A workflow that integrates open technologies

Publication date: Available online 28 September 2017
Source:The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
Author(s): Lucio Lo Russo, Angelo Salamini
Digitalization of the design and manufacture of removable complete dentures has numerous advantages. The workflow as presented integrates current open digital technologies into a functional protocol, enabling complete dentures to be designed and fabricated without system-specific trays or instruments. This is done by using a conventional technique to acquire anatomic information.



http://ift.tt/2k99qwk

Impact of bacterial ice nucleating particles on weather predicted by a numerical weather prediction model

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 170
Author(s): Maher Sahyoun, Ulrik S. Korsholm, Jens H. Sørensen, Tina Šantl-Temkiv, Kai Finster, Ulrich Gosewinkel, Niels W. Nielsen
Bacterial ice-nucleating particles (INP) have the ability to facilitate ice nucleation from super-cooled cloud droplets at temperatures just below the melting point. Bacterial INP have been detected in cloud water, precipitation, and dry air, hence they may have an impact on weather and climate. In modeling studies, the potential impact of bacteria on ice nucleation and precipitation formation on global scale is still uncertain due to their small concentration compared to other types of INP, i.e. dust. Those earlier studies did not account for the yet undetected high concentration of nanoscale fragments of bacterial INP, which may be found free or attached to soil dust in the atmosphere. In this study, we investigate the sensitivity of modeled cloud ice, precipitation and global solar radiation in different weather scenarios to changes in the fraction of cloud droplets containing bacterial INP, regardless of their size. For this purpose, a module that calculates the probability of ice nucleation as a function of ice nucleation rate and bacterial INP fraction was developed and implemented in a numerical weather prediction model. The threshold value for the fraction of cloud droplets containing bacterial INP needed to produce a 1% increase in cloud ice was determined at 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁴. We also found that increasing this fraction causes a perturbation in the forecast, leading to significant differences in cloud ice and smaller differences in convective and total precipitation and in net solar radiation reaching the surface. These effects were most pronounced in local convective events. Our results show that bacterial INP can be considered as a trigger factor for precipitation, but not an enhancement factor.



http://ift.tt/2xSqTOT

Isoprenoid emission variation of Norway spruce across a European latitudinal transect

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 170
Author(s): Ylva van Meeningen, Min Wang, Tomas Karlsson, Ana Seifert, Guy Schurgers, Riikka Rinnan, Thomas Holst
Norway spruce (Picea abies) is one of the dominant tree species in the European boreal zone with the capacity to grow over large areas within Europe. It is an important emitter of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), which can act as precursors of photochemical smog and ozone and contribute to the formation and growth of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) in the atmosphere.Isoprenoid emissions were measured from Norway spruce trees at seven different sites, distributed from Ljubljana in Slovenia to Piikkiö in Finland. Four of the sites were part of a network of genetically identical spruce trees and contained two separate provenances. The remaining three sites were part of other networks which have been used to conduct studies in the European boreal zone.There were minimal differences in the standardized emission rates between sites and across latitudes. The emission profile differed between provenances and sites, but there were not any distinct patterns which could be connected to a change in latitude. By using genetically identical trees and comparing the emission rates between sites and with genetically different trees, it was observed that the emission patterns were mostly influenced by genetics. But in order to confirm this possible stability of the relative emission profile based on genetics, more studies need to be performed.The effects of branch height, season and variation between years on observed emission pattern variations were also investigated. There were indications of potential influences of all three factors. However, due to different experimental setups between measurement campaigns, it is difficult to draw any robust conclusions.



http://ift.tt/2xRf37L

Perovskite solar cells: In pursuit of efficiency and stability

Publication date: 15 December 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 136
Author(s): Jasmin S. Shaikh, Navajsharif S. Shaikh, Arif D. Sheikh, Sawanta S. Mali, Abhijeet J. Kale, Pongsakorn Kanjanaboos, Chang Kook Hong, J.H. Kim, Pramod S. Patil
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are coming with positive hopes for researchers to commercialize high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) and low-cost solar cells. Recently, NREL-certified record PCE of PSC is 22.1%, which is competing to silicon solar cells has been reported. However, PSC devices are environmentally sensitive leading to a rapid PCE degradation. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact of the role of various parameters to achieve highly stable PSC without compromising on its performance. This review contains an overview of a recent progress in PSC with respect to PCE, materials engineering, and stability. Energy level diagram of various perovskite materials, electron conducting materials (ECMs) and hole conducting materials (HCMs) constitute pivotal role in selecting their combinations. Hence we have added detailed energy level diagrams from which researcher can select best possible combination to achieve highest efficiency. An in-depth discussion on the types of PSCs based on thin film, mesoporous, n-i-p and p-i-n architectures fabricated by using different deposition techniques has been provided. In order to transfer this exciting achievement to industry level, it is necessary to understand degradation process at different conditions. A detailed discussion on the mechanism of recombination, instability in PSCs and achieved success has been incorporated to apprehend the step-wise developments in this field and to find possible pathways that limit their stability.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2fG5JwW

Modeling elevated-temperature mechanical behavior of high and ultra-high strength steels in structural fire design

Publication date: 15 December 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 136
Author(s): Martin Neuenschwander, Claudio Scandella, Markus Knobloch, Mario Fontana
High and ultra-high strength steels are increasingly used in structures of tall and super-tall buildings, where fire safety has a substantial impact on the structural design. However, more widespread employment in engineering practice is substantially impeded by the lack of suitable design models for the constitutive mechanical behavior of such steels at elevated temperatures; and respective available experimental research is limited to investigations of unusually thin plate material with respect to structural applications. The present study completes the current database with an extensive series of strain-rate controlled tensile tests at different strain-rates with coupon specimens from high and ultra-high strength steel plates of varying thickness, and approves on the basis of this novel most comprehensive and consistent database that existing constitutive fire design models for mild carbon steels are only restrictedly adoptable for high strength steels. Analysis of the impact of the revealed model shortcomings at the material level on structural fire designs shows that the model's overestimation of the elevated-temperature yield strength leads to unsafe fire designs of structural applications with strength-induced failure modes, whereas in contrast the model's underestimation of the elevated-temperature Young's modulus leads to occasionally highly overconservative fire designs of structural applications with stability-induced failure modes.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2fF3zh1

A molecular dynamics-based analysis of the influence of strain-rate and temperature on the mechanical strength of PPTA crystallites

Publication date: 27 October 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 129
Author(s): Brian Mercer, Edward Zywicz, Panayiotis Papadopoulos
Molecular dynamic simulations are used to quantify how the mechanical behavior of PPTA crystallites, the fundamental building blocks of aramid fibers such as Kevlar^®, depend on strain-rate, temperature, and crystallite size. The (axial) crystallite elastic modulus is found to be independent of strain-rate and decreases with increasing temperature. The crystallite failure strain increases with increasing strain rate and decreases with increasing temperature and crystallite size. These observations are consistent with crystallite failure being driven by stress-assisted thermal fluctuations of bonds within PPTA crystallites and the concepts of the kinetic theory of fracture. Appealing to reliability theory, a model is proposed that predicts the onset of both primary and secondary bond failure within a crystallite as of function of strain rate, temperature, and crystallite size. The model is parameterized using bond failure data from constant strain-rate molecular dynamic strain-to-failure simulations and is used to compute the activation volume, activation energy, and frequency for both primary and secondary bond ruptures.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2fFO5JJ

Comparison of chain-growth polymerization in solution versus on surface using reactive coarse-grained simulations

Publication date: 27 October 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 129
Author(s): Binghui Deng, Edmund F. Palermo, Yunfeng Shi
We developed a reactive coarse-grained model for chain-growth polymerization to study the chain length distribution of polymers grafted from a surface as compared to those grown in solution. The surface-initiated polymer chains exhibit a markedly broader distribution of chain lengths (larger dispersity) and slower chain growth kinetics as compared to the solution phase process. Two key factors that cause deviation from ideal grafting are identified: (1) the formation of chain "loops" with both termini attached to the substrate via recombination and (2) the "starvation" effect, in which the live chain ends of short polymers are sterically shielded from monomers by the presence of longer neighboring chains. Both effects are markedly amplified with increasing initiator surface density, thus limiting the density of high molecular weight chains grafted from the surface. Whereas the "loop" effect is absent in systems that are very strictly "living" (no termination), the starvation effect is likely operative in most real systems. Taken together, these results suggest a theoretical limit on the density of polymer brushes that can form on surfaces by a "grafting-from" technique, based on the kinetics of the chain-growth polymerization process.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2fGIfHP

Chain mobility, secondary relaxation, and oxygen transport in terephthalate copolyesters with rigid and flexible cyclic diols

Publication date: 27 October 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 129
Author(s): Krishnan A. Iyer
High glass transition temperature (Tg) polyesters based on cycloaliphatic diols such as 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD) have attracted significant interest as bisphenol-A replacement. Whereas most literature reports focus on synthetic approaches, the present study investigates in depth various structure-property relationships in CHDM- and TMCD-containing novel copolyesters. Significant enhancements in Tg and increases in fragility are observed with the incorporation of bulky CHDM and rigid TMCD as comonomers. Substantial increase in oxygen permeability is measured with the incorporation of CHDM from 14.3 for poly(ethylene terephthalate) to 52.6 cc-mil/100in².day.atm (SPU) for poly(1,4-cyclohexyldimethylene terephthalate). When 35 mol% CHDM is replaced by TMCD as comonomer, the value further increases to 137.0 SPU. In the case of CHDM-containing polyesters, improvements in both sub-Tg molecular mobility (due to additional chair-to-boat transformations) and fractional free volume (FFV) result in an increase in oxygen diffusion. On the other hand, substituting 35 mol% CHDM with more rigid TMCD yields a suppressed β-relaxation. In particular, CHDM-based copolyesters follow a linear correlation between the strength of β-relaxation and diffusivity whereas the TMCD-based copolyester exhibits a significantly positive deviation from the correlation. Therefore, the much higher FFV in TMCD-containing polyester plays a more important role in determining oxygen transport through such polymer. Finally, we demonstrate that copolyesters based on CHDM and TMCD display significantly enhanced resistance to moisture-induced plasticization and the competing penetrant effect.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2fF3vOj

Effect of anisotropic thermal expansion on the torsional actuation of twist oriented polymer fibres

Publication date: 27 October 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 129
Author(s): Shazed Aziz, Sina Naficy, Javad Foroughi, Hugh R. Brown, Geoffrey M. Spinks
Torsional actuation of twisted polymer fibres is the basis for high performance tensile actuation when these fibres are formed into coils. The thermally-induced torsional actuation of twisted polyamide-6 fibres can be predicted by a single helix approximation when the measured diameter and length direction thermal expansion coefficients are known. The single helix model illustrates the sensitivity of the magnitude of torsional actuation to the volume expansion anisotropy for a given volume change. The applicability of the model has been further assessed by investigating three polymer fibres that display different thermal expansion anisotropies. Commercially available polyethylene, polypropylene and polyamide-6 fibres were twisted to the maximum extent without coiling and then heat treated to fix the twisted structure. Heating the twisted fibres between 26 and 62 °C resulted in a partial untwist which was reversed during cooling. The single-helix model of the twisted fibres was used to accurately predict the torsional stroke based on the measured fibre length and diameter change during heating. Comparative torsional stroke of twisted polyamide-6, polyethylene and polypropylene was explained in terms of materials thermo-physical properties. Generated blocked torques was also correctly predicted by the single-helix model when combined with the measured fibre torsional stiffness. Variances between torsional stiffnesses were found to be dependent of different anisotropic thermal properties of tested fibres.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2fFO3l5

Functional polyethylene with regularly distributed ester pendants via ring-opening metathesis polymerization of ester functionalized cyclopentene: Synthesis and characterization

Publication date: 27 October 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 129
Author(s): Shaofei Song, Zhenyan Xing, Zhenmei Cheng, Zhisheng Fu, Junting Xu, Zhiqiang Fan
A new series of functional polyethylene (PE) with ester pendant (−COOR, R = methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-octyl, n-dodecyl, n-tetradecyl and n-hexadecyl) on every five main chain carbons were prepared via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of COOR functionalized cyclopentene catalyzed by a ruthenium-based catalyst and subsequent hydrogenation of the ROMP products. High monomer conversions (70–80%) were achieved in all the ROMP reactions. Chain structure, molecular weight and molecular weight distribution (MWD) of the ROMP products and hydrogenated polymers were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C NMR and GPC, which showed regular distribution of the COOR pendants along the main chain, moderate molecular weight and narrow MWD. Thermal properties and side chain crystallization behaviors of the functional PEs were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer decreased for nearly 30 °C when R of the pendant COOR was enlarged from methyl to n-octyl, and the new polymers showed lower melting temperature (Tm), higher side chain crystallinity (Xc) and more precise side chain lamellar crystal thickness (lc) as compared with corresponding polyacrylates carrying the same side alkyl. The new polymers exhibited moderate thermal stability.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2fFkK1R

Associations between oral hygiene habits, diet, tobacco and alcohol and risk of oral cancer: A case–control study from India

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 51
Author(s): Bhawna Gupta, Freddie Bray, Narinder Kumar, Newell W Johnson
ObjectiveThis study examines the association between the incidence of oral cancer in India and oral hygiene habits, diet, chewing and smoking tobacco, and drinking alcohol. We also assessed the effects of oral hygiene habits with oral cancer risk among chewers versus never chewers.MethodsA hospital-based case–control study was conducted in Pune, India, based on face-to-face interviews, anthropometry, and intra-oral examinations conducted for 187 oral cancer cases and 240 controls.ResultsPoor oral hygiene score was associated with a significant risk of oral cancer (adjusted OR=6.98; 95%CI 3.72–13.05). When stratified by tobacco-chewing habit, the poor oral hygiene score was a significant risk factor only among ever tobacco chewers (adjusted OR=14.74; 95%CI 6.49–33.46) compared with never chewers (adjusted OR=0.71; 95%CI 0.14–3.63). Dental check-ups only at the time of pain by ever-chewers with poor oral hygiene was associated with an elevated risk (adjusted OR=4.22; 95%CI 2.44–7.29), while consumption of green, yellow, and cruciferous vegetables and citrus fruits was protective. A linear dose–response association was observed between oral cancer and chewing tobacco in terms of age at initiation, duration, and frequency of chewing per day (P<0.001). Smoking more than 10 bidis/cigarettes per day (adjusted OR=2.74; 95%CI 1.28–5.89) and for a duration >25 years (adjusted OR=2.31; 95%CI 1.14–4.71) elevated the risk of oral cancer.ConclusionGood oral hygiene habits – as characterized by healthy gums, brushing more than once daily, use of toothpaste, annual dental check-ups, and a minimal number of missing teeth – can reduce the risk of oral cancer significantly. In addition to refraining from chewing/smoking tobacco, a diet adequate in fruits and vegetables may protect against the disease.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2fZlgF6

Vaccination with a recombinant OprL fragment induces a Th17 response and confers serotype-independent protection against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in mice

Publication date: Available online 29 September 2017
Source:Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Chen Gao, Feng Yang, Ying Wang, Yaling Liao, Jinyong Zhang, Hao Zeng, Quanming Zou, Jiang Gu
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is the major causative agent of nosocomial infection. Despite of adequate use of antibiotics, it still represents a major challenge in controlling PA infection. The local pulmonary Th17 response plays an important protective role against PA infection. And the Th17-mediated protection is antibody independent, so we hypothesized that it would be an optimal strategy of a vaccine for PA control to induce an effective Th17 response. Herein we report the successful production of a recombinant fragment of the OprL (reOprL) of PA. Purified reOprL forms homogeneous monomers in solution and vaccination with reOprL elicited a remarkable Th17 response. In addition, reOprL vaccination conferred effective serotype-independent protection against PA infection, which relied on the Th17 response. Our data suggest that reOprL is a good candidate for the future development of Th17 immunity based PA vaccines.



http://ift.tt/2fHPEqp

Overestimation of orthophosphate monoesters in lake sediment by solution 31 P-NMR analysis

Abstract

Solution ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (³¹P-NMR) is a useful method for analyzing organic phosphorus (P_o). Unfortunately, the extraction conditions, which are highly alkaline and require long extraction times, make this analysis less effective. In this research, according to the lability of orthophosphate monoesters (mono-P_o) and orthophosphate diesters (diesters-P_o), we verified the hypothesized overestimation of mono-P_o in lake sediment using solution ³¹P-NMR. We set three scenes to redistribute the mono-P_o and diesters-P_o. Six components, including eight mono-P_o species, were detected in the NaOH–EDTA extracts of sediment samples using ³¹P-NMR. The results showed that mono-P_o (212.7 mg kg⁻¹) was the dominant P_o in the surface sediment. In the three scenes, mono-P_o decreased from 212.7 to 112.0 mg kg⁻¹, and diesters-P_o increased from 31.9 to 132.7 mg kg⁻¹. The ratio of mono-P_o to diesters-P_o increased from 6.7 to 0.8. Therefore, we deduced that the concentration of mono-P_o was overestimated, while that of diesters-P_o was underestimated, in most research because of the high pH and long extraction process. Diesters-P_o might be an important labile P source during the P "exhausted" period.

http://ift.tt/2fGx6XD

Inhibition of Phytophthora species, agents of cocoa black pod disease, by secondary metabolites of Trichoderma species

Abstract

Cocoa production is affected by the black pod disease caused by several Phytophthora species that bring, about each year, an estimated loss of 44% of world production. Chemical control remains expensive and poses an enormous risk of poisoning for the users and the environment. Biocontrol by using antagonistic microorganisms has become an alternative to the integrated control strategy against this disease. Trichoderma viride T7, T. harzanium T40, and T. asperellum T54, which showed in vivo and in vitro antagonistic activity against P. palmivora, were cultured and mycelia extracted. Inhibition activity of crude extracts was determined, and then organic compounds were isolated and characterized. The in vitro effect of each compound on the conidia germination and mycelia growth of four P. palmivora, two P. megakaria, and one P. capsici was evaluated. T. viride that displayed best activities produced two active metabolites, viridin and gliovirin, against P. palmivora and P. megakaria strains. However, no activity against P. capsici was observed. Besides being active separately, these two compounds have a synergistic effect for both inhibitions, mycelia growth and conidia germination. These results provide the basis for the development of a low-impact pesticide based on a mixture of viridin and gliovirine.

http://ift.tt/2xFeZbr

Phytoremediation potential of moso bamboo ( Phyllostachys pubescens ) intercropped with Sedum plumbizincicola in metal-contaminated soil

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the capability of moso bamboo grown alone and in combination with Sedum plumbizincicola to remediate heavy metals. Monoculture of moso bamboo (MM), intercropping of moso bamboo × S. plumbizincicola (IMS), and control (uncultivated, CK) were established in Cu-, Zn-, and Cd-contaminated soil. Soil properties and heavy metal removal capacity were assessed. Results showed that the available and total heavy metal contents in soil (0–20 and 20–40 cm soil layers) were ranked IMS < MM < CK. Available Cu, Zn, and Cd contents were 65.0, 28.7, and 48.4% lower in the IMS and 52.8, 24.8, and 45.5% lower in the MM than those in the CK, respectively. In plants, Cu contents in bamboo rhizomes, branches, and leaves and those of Zn and Cd in all bamboo tissues were significantly higher in the IMS than in the MM. The bioconcentration and translocation factors of bamboo tissues showed an obviously increasing tendency from MM to IMS. Moso bamboo possessed the properties of endurance to heavy metals and high biomass production. Phytoremediation by moso bamboo in association with S. plumbizincicola is an economical strategy to promote heavy metal removal from metal-contaminated soil.

http://ift.tt/2fHP9g1

Rapid biosynthesized AgNPs from Gelidiella acerosa aqueous extract mitigates quorum sensing mediated biofilm formation of Vibrio species—an in vitro and in vivo approach

Abstract

The present study explores the non-bactericidal anti-virulence efficacy of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Gelidiella acerosa against multi-drug resistant Vibrio spp. Spectral characterization of AgNPs was performed through UV-Visible, FT-IR, and energy-dispersive spectroscopic techniques followed by X-ray crystallography and zeta potential analysis. Further, the structural characterization was done by electron and atomic force microscopic techniques. AgNPs profoundly quelled the quorum sensing mediated violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum and CV026. Characterized AgNPs at 100 μg mL⁻¹ concentrations depicted a phenomenal anti-biofilm efficacy against Vibrio parahaemolyticus (71%) and Vibrio vulnificus (83%) biofilms, which was further confirmed through light, confocal, and scanning electron microscopic analyses. In vitro bioassays revealed the remarkable inhibitory values of AgNPs, by inhibiting the exopolysaccharide production, hydrophobicity, and motility. In vivo studies using Artemia franciscana larvae also confirmed the anti-infective proficiency, as the AgNPs effectively reduced the bacterial colonization and enhanced the survival rate of larvae up to 100% without any toxicity effect.

Graphical abstract

Rapid biosynthesized AgNPs from Gelidiella acerosa quench quorum sensing controlled virulence traits in vibrios

http://ift.tt/2xGrSSV

The Croton megalobotrys Müll Arg. traditional medicine in HIV/AIDS management: Documentation of patient use, in vitro activation of latent HIV-1 provirus, and isolation of active phorbol esters

Publication date: Available online 29 September 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Ian Tietjen, Barbara N. Ngwenya, Ghislain Fotso, David E. Williams, Sundana Simonambango, Bonaventure T. Ngadjui, Raymond J. Andersen, Mark A. Brockman, Zabrina L. Brumme, Kerstin Andrae-Marobela
Ethnopharmacological relevanceCurrent HIV therapies do not act on latent cellular HIV reservoirs; hence they are not curative. While experimental latency reversal agents (LRAs) can promote HIV expression in these cells, thereby exposing them to immune recognition, existing LRAs exhibit limited clinical efficacy and high toxicity. We previously described a traditional 3-step medicinal plant regimen used for HIV/AIDS management in Northern Botswana that inhibits HIV replication in vitro. Here we describe use of one component of the regimen that additionally contains novel phorbol esters possessing HIV latency-reversal properties.Aim of the studyWe sought to document experiences of traditional medicine users, assess the ability of traditional medicine components to reverse HIV latency in vitro, and identify pure compounds that conferred these activities.Materials and methodsExperiences of two HIV-positive traditional medicine users (patients) were documented using qualitative interview techniques. Latency reversal activity was assessed using a cell-based model (J-Lat, clone 9.2). Crude plant extracts were fractionated by open column chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC. Compound structures were elucidated using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.ResultsPatients using the 3-step regimen reported improved health over several years despite no reported use of standard HIV therapies. Crude extracts from Croton megalobotrys Müll Arg. ("Mukungulu"), the third component of the 3-step regimen, induced HIV expression in J-lat cells to levels comparable to the known LRA prostratin. Co-incubation with known LRAs and pharmacological inhibitors indicated that the active agent(s) in C. megalobotrys were likely to be protein kinase C (PKC) activator(s). Consistent with these results, two novel phorbol esters (Namushen 1 and 2) were isolated as abundant components of C. megalobotrys and were sufficient to confer HIV latency reversal in vitro.ConclusionWe have identified novel LRAs of the phorbol ester class from a medicinal plant used in HIV/AIDS management. These data, combined with self-reported health effects and previously-described in vitro anti-HIV activities of this traditional 3-step regimen, support the utility of longitudinal observational studies of patients undergoing this regimen to quantify its effects on plasma viral loads and HIV reservoir size in vivo.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2xFGHoo

Leishmanicidal activity of the Root Bark of Erythrophleum Ivorense (Fabaceae) and Identification of some of its compounds by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS)

Publication date: Available online 29 September 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Francis A. Armah, Isaac K. Amponsah, Abraham Y. Mensah, Rita A. Dickson, Paul A. Steenkamp, Ntakadzeni E. Madala, Christian K. Adokoh
Ethnopharmacological relevanceLeishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania transmitted by sandflies. High cost and lack of oral formulation of existing drugs, rapid developments of resistance by the parasite coupled with serious side effects require new treatments to augment or replace currently available therapies. The major merits of herbal medicine seem to demonstrate perceived efficacy, low incidence of serious adverse effects and low cost. Erythrophleum plants possess beneficial biological properties and, as such, characterization of the bioactive components of these plants is imperative. Previous work has shown an overwhelming presence of cassaine alkaloids in these plants. However, amongst these plants, the African based specie (Erythrophleum ivorense) is the least studied.ObjectiveIn the current study, the in vitro anti-leishmanial activity of the crude extract, its fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated using direct counting assay of promastigotes of Leishmania donovani using amphotericin B as positive control.Materials and methodsThe anti-leishmanial activity of E. ivorense extract was evaluated in vitro against the promastigote forms of Leishmania Donovani using a direct counting assay based on growth inhibition. Different crude extracts from ethyl acetate, pet-ether, and methanol as well as pure isolated compounds of E. ivorense: Erythroivorensin, Eriodictyol and Betulinic acid were screened. To know the possible components of the active methanolic extract, attempt was made to elucidate the extract using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS).ResultsThis afforded a weak pet-ether fraction, a moderately active ethyl acetate fraction and a significantly active methanol fraction (IC50 = 2.97μg/mL) compared to Amphotericin B (IC50 = 2.40±0.67μg/mL). The novel diterpene erythroivorensin, betulinic acid and the flavanone Eriodictyol, from the ethyl acetate fraction, showed weak activity. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS was used to identify the cassaine diterpenoids from the active methanol fraction. Here, 10 compounds of this type were putatively identified from the ethanol crude extract.ConclusionThe fragmentation mechanism of these metabolites is also proposed and are expected to serve as reference template for identification of these and related compounds in future. The presence of these compounds is an indication that they are an inherited and evolutionary component of plants belonging to the Erythrophleum genus. Our results further present another dimension where these compounds and their relative abundances can be used as chemo-taxonomical bio-markers of the genus. The present study also successfully demonstrated/re-affirmed the use of UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS as a robust technique for the characterization of natural products.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2xFdpXh

In vitro multimodal-effect of Trichilia catigua A. Juss. (Meliaceae) bark aqueous extract in CNS targets

Publication date: Available online 29 September 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): João Bernardo, Federico Ferreres, Ángel Gil-Izquierdo, Romeu António Videira, Patrícia Valentão, Francisco Veiga, Paula B. Andrade
Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe bark of Trichilia catigua A. Juss. (Meliaceae), popularly known as "big catuaba", is traditionally used in Brazilian folk medicine for its neuroactive potential as memory stimulant, and antinociceptive and antidepressant effects.Aim of the studyTo study the aqueous extract of T. catigua bark as dual inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). To explore its antioxidant potential through interaction with xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO) pathway, and to attempt a relationship between its phenolic profile and effects displayed.Materials and methodsPhenolic profiling was achieved by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ and UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analyses. The capacity to inhibit hMAO-A was assessed in vitro, as was that for AChE, evaluated in rat brain homogenates. The direct inhibition of the X/XO pathway and the scavenging of superoxide anion radical were the selected in vitro models to explore the antioxidant potential. The cytotoxic effects were assayed with the human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells by MTT reduction, after direct exposure (24h).ResultsTwenty-six compounds were identified and quantified (551.02 ± 37.61mg/g of lyophilized extract). The phenylpropanoid substituted flavan-3-ols were the most representative compounds (~81% of quantified mass). The extract inhibited hMAO activity in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 121.06 ± 2.13 μg/mL). A mixed model of inhibition of AChE activity was observed, reflected by the pronounced increase of Km values and a more discreet effect over the Vmax parameters, calculated from Michaelis-Menten fitted equations. In addition, it was demonstrated that the extract directly inhibits the X/XO pathway (IC50 = 121.06 ± 2.13 μg/mL) and also imbalance the oxidative stress acting as superoxide anion radical scavenger (EC50 = 104.42 ± 10.67 μg/mL), an oxidative by-product of this reaction. All these neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects were displayed within the non-toxic range of concentrations (0.063–0.500 μg/mL) in SH-SY5Y cells.ConclusionsOur results validate the traditional use of T. catigua bark for its neuroactive and neuroprotective potential. A novel approach upon its application towards the management of neurodegenerative and related symptomatology was likewise demonstrated.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2xFGFgg

Anti-Inflammatory effects of Perillae Herba ethanolic extract against TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated human keratinocyte HaCaT cells

Publication date: Available online 29 September 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Ju-Hye Yang, Jae-Myung Yoo, Esther Lee, BoHyoung Lee, Won-Kyung Cho, Kwang-Il Park, Jin Yeul Ma
Ethnopharmacological relevancePerillae Herba is a perennial plant that is widely distributed throughout Asia. The leaves of Perillae Herba have been widely used to treat various diseases, such as cold due to wind-cold, headache, cough, abdominal fullness, distention, and fish and crab poisoning.Materials and MethodsTo assess the anti-inflammatory activity of Perillae Herba leaf ethanolic extract (PHE) in human keratinocytes, we measured the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ-induced mRNA expression and production of proinflammatory chemokines such as thymus and activation-regulated chemokines; regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted; interleukin (IL)−6; and IL-8 in HaCaT cells. We evaluated the ability of PHE to decrease the expression of proinflammatory marker proteins, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), STAT-1, and NK-κB, using western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry.ResultsPHE inhibited activation of p38, ERK, and JNK and suppressed the phosphorylation of STAT-1 and NK-κB in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. PHE also suppressed chemokine mRNA and protein levels in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. PHE appears to regulate chemokine formation by inhibiting activation of MAPK, as well as the STAT-1 and NK-κB pathways.ConclusionsPHE suppresses the expression and production of TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated proinflammatory chemokines by blocking NF-κB, STAT-1, and MAPK activation.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2xGhCdn

Systems analysis of singly and multiply O-glycosylated peptides in the human serum glycoproteome via EThcD and HCD mass spectrometry

Publication date: Available online 29 September 2017
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Yong Zhang, Xinfang Xie, Xinyuan Zhao, Fang Tian, Jicheng Lv, Wantao Ying, Xiaohong Qian
Human serum has been intensively studied to identify biomarkers via global proteomic analysis. The altered O-glycoproteome is associated with human pathological state including cancer, inflammatory and degenerative diseases and is an attractive source of disease biomarkers. Because of the microheterogeneity and macroheterogeneity of O-glycosylation, site-specific O-glycosylation analysis in human serum is still challenging. Here, we developed a systematic strategy that combined multiple enzyme digestion, multidimensional separation for sample preparation and high-resolution tandem MS with Byonic software for intact O-glycopeptide characterization. We demonstrated that multiple enzyme digestion or multidimensional separation can make sample preparation more efficient and that EThcD is not only suitable for the identification of singly O-glycosylated peptides (50.3%) but also doubly (21.2%) and triply (28.5%) O-glycosylated peptides. Totally, with the strict scoring criteria, 499 non-redundant intact O-glycopeptides, 173 O-glycosylation sites and 6 types of O-glycans originating from 49 O-glycoprotein groups were identified in human serum, including 121 novel O-glycosylation sites. Currently, this is the largest data set of site-specific native O-glycoproteome from human serum samples. We expect that the strategies developed by this study will facilitate in-depth analyses of native O-glycoproteomes in human serum and provide opportunities to understand the functional roles of protein O-glycosylation in human health and diseases.Biological significanceThe altered O-glycoproteome is associated with human pathological state and is an attractive source of disease biomarkers. However, site-specific O-glycosylation analysis is challenging because of the microheterogeneity (different glycoforms attached to one glycosylation site) and macroheterogeneity (site occupancy) of O-glycosylation.In this work, we developed a systematic strategy for intact O-glycopeptide characterization. This study took advantage of the inherent properties of the new fragmentation method called EThcD, which provides more complete fragmentation information about O-glycosylated peptides and a more confident site localization of O-glycans than collision-induced dissociation (HCD). We demonstrated that multiple enzyme digestion or multidimensional separation can make sample preparation more efficient and that EThcD was not only suitable for the identification of singly O-glycosylated peptides (50.3%) but also doubly (21.2%) and triply (28.5%) O-glycosylated peptides. Finally, we got a largest data set of site-specific native O-glycoproteome from human serum samples. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of intact O-glycopeptides from the serum samples of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients and healthy donors was performed, and the results showed the potential of the strategy to discover O-glycosylation biomarkers.We expect that the strategies developed by this study will facilitate in-depth analyses of native O-glycoproteomes in human serum and lead to exciting opportunities to understand the functional roles of protein O-glycosylation in human health and diseases.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2wq6eOF

Scholar : These new articles for Computer-Aided Design and Applications are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Computer-Aided Design and Applications and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Parametric comparing for local inspection of industrial plants by using as-built model acquired from laser scan data Cong Hong Phong Nguyen & Young Choi Pages: 1-9 | DOI: 10.1080/16864360.2017.1375675 Read selected content from the Journal of Structural Integrity and Maintenance for free! http://ift.tt/2coiFom To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.