Peroxide Activity Research Articles

Histopathological, Biochemical and Genetic Profile Post Application of Free Silver Nanoparticles and H2O2 Combined Form in Vitro Study

Current studyaimed to evaluate the antiviral activities of free silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and hydrogen peroxide combined silver nanoparticles(AgNP-H2O2) compared to standard IFN-α2a against Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The related biochemical and pathological changes as well asthe expression levels of antiviral biomarkers, namely Mx-A and 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (2'-5'-OAS)were investigated. Cytotoxicity of AgNPs and AgNP-H2O2 was monitored against Vero cellsusing MTT assay. Data revealed that the toxicity was concentration dependent and AgNP-H2O2was significantly (P<0.05)toxicthan AgNPs recording an IC50value of 0.864 and7μM/ml, respectively. Oxidative stress markers showed elevated reactive oxygen species and decreased lactate dehydrogenase post treatment with AgNPs and AgNP-H2O2 compared to untreated cellcontrol. Assessment of the antiviral activity of tested particles prior to infection showed thatAgNP-H2O2exhibited higher reduction in the viralinfectivity titer in the order of 76.21% and 57.89% compared to that recorded post infection (34.11% and 36.84%) against HSV-1 and VSV, respectively. Similar pattern was observed in case of AgNPs but with lower depletion rate while, the highest depletion was in case of IFN-α2a. The percentage reduction in the plaque forming units against MERS-CoV were 33.3%, 66.6% and 87.5% post treatment with AgNPs, AgNP-H2O2 and IFN-α2a, respectively.MxA and2'-5'-OAS genes exhibited a signifinat (P<0.05) up-regrulationin. Pathological changes post treatment with tested particles showed signs of apoptosis indicating that although these particles exhibited promising antiviralpotentials, buttheir toxicity profile should be considered.

Kurarinone Attenuates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice by Inhibiting Th1/Th17 Cell Responses and Oxidative Stress.

Kurarinone is a flavanone, extracted from Sophora flavescens Aiton, with multiple biological effects. Here, we determine the therapeutic potential of kurarinone and elucidate the interplay between kurarinone and the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Arthritis was recapitulated by induction of bovine collagen II (CII) in DBA/1 mice as a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. After the establishment of the CIA, kurarinone was given orally from day 21 to 42 (100 mg/kg/day) followed by determination of the severity based on a symptom scoring scale and with histopathology. Levels of cytokines, anti-CII antibodies, and the proliferation and lineages of T cells from the draining lymph nodes were measured using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. The expressional changes, including STAT1, STAT3, Nrf2, KEAP-1, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) changes in the paw tissues, were evaluated by Western blot assay. Oxidative stress featured with malondiadehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) activities in paw tissues were also evaluated. Results showed that kurarinone treatment reduced arthritis severity of CIA mice, as well as their levels of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-17A, in the serum and paw tissues. T cell proliferation was also reduced by kurarinone even under the stimulation of CII and anti-CD3 antibody. In addition, kurarinone reduced STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation and the proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells in lymph nodes. Moreover, kurarinone suppressed the production of MDA and H2O2. All while promoting enzymatic activities of key antioxidant enzymes, SOD and GSH-Px. In the paw tissues, upregulation of Nrf-2 and HO-1, and downregulation of KEAP-1 were observed. Overall, kurarinone showed an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation and an antioxidant effect exerted in part through activating the Nrf-2/KEAP-1 pathway. These beneficial effects in CIA mice contributed to the amelioration of their arthritis, indicating that kurarinone might be an adjunct treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis.

The Effect of Brassinosteroids on Rootting of Stem Cuttings in Two Barberry (Berberis thunbergii L.) Cultivars

Brassinosteroids are a group of over seventy steroid compounds whose discovery in lower and higher plant organisms created new possibilities of plant growth control. The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of two brassinosteroids: brassinolide (BL) and 24-epibrassinolide (24epiBL) as compared to the auxin rooting enhancer indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), on the rooting of stem cuttings in two Thunberg’s barberry cultivars ‘Maria’ and ‘Red Rocket’. The cuttings were sprayed with water solutions of growth regulators: IBA (200 mg·L−1), 0.05% BL or 24epiBL, as well as with a combination of each of brassinosteroids with the auxin while the control cuttings were sprayed with water. In both cultivars brassinosteroids positively affected a degree of rooting and root length. Their application resulted in elevated contents of chlorophyll, total soluble sugars, free amino acids, hydrogen peroxide and catalase activity. Brassinosteroids were more effective when combined with the auxin than when used singly.

Nano-Chelated Nitrogen Fertilizer as a New Replacement for Urea to Improve Olive Oil Quality

Different sources of nitrogen fertilizers are being used in olive orchards, of which urea is widely used by olive growers. However, nano-chelated nitrogen (nano-N) is a newly found feature of the fertilizer with very little known information. In the current research, the impact of foliar spray of two nitrogen sources; urea (U) and nano-N on oil content and quality of olive cv. ‘Zard’ during two consecutive seasons were investigated. The olive trees were sprayed with 2.21 g (U1) and 2.95 g (U2), and 6 g nano-N1 and 8 g nano-N2 at several phenological stages of olive tree. The detailed observations showed that U1 significantly increased fruit yield. Monounsaturated fatty acid and the ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid were increased by the nitrogen treatments, especially with nano-N2, whereas it decreased in the case of saturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The application of both fertilizer sources improved the leaf mineral compositions as well as the oil quality such as free fatty acids, peroxide activity, K232 and K270 extinction coefficients, the chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments. Total phenolic content of the oil in olive trees sprayed with urea was lower than those treated with nano-N. In contrast, the oil antioxidant capacity was high in those trees treated with nano-N. Overall, the results showed that nano-fertilizer, especially nan-N2 treatment rather than urea, is an effective approach to improve oil quality.

Assessment of the potential of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma discharge and microwave energy against Tribolium castaneum and Trogoderma granarium.

This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of the non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma produced with dielectric barrier discharge (APPD) using air as a processing gas and microwave energy to control Tribolium castaneum and Trogoderma granarium adults and larvae in wheat grains. Insects' mortality was found to be power and time-dependent. The results indicated that non-thermal APPD and the microwave have enough insecticidal effect on the target pests. From the bioassay, LT50's and LT90's levels were estimated, T. granarium larvae appeared more tolerant to non-thermal APPD and the microwave energy than adults 7 days post-exposure. The germination percentage of wheat grains increased as the time of exposure to the non-thermal APPD increased. On the contrary, the germination percentage of wheat grains decreased as the time of exposure to the microwave increased. In addition, changes in antioxidant enzyme activities, catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and peroxidase, in adults and larvae were examined after 24 h post-treatment to non-thermal APPD at 15.9 W power level, which caused 50% mortality. The activity of CAT, GST and lipid peroxide in the treated larvae showed a significant increase post-exposure to the non-thermal APPD at 15.9 W power level. On the other hand, no significant change in GSH-Px activity was observed. Reductions in the level of glutathione (GSH) and protein content occurred in treated larvae in comparison with the control.

The Use of Halophytic Companion Plant (Portulaca oleracea L.) on Some Growth, Fruit, and Biochemical Parameters of Strawberry Plants under Salt Stress

Strawberry is a salt-sensitive plant adversely affected by slightly or moderately saline conditions. The growth, fruit, and biochemical parameters of strawberry plants grown under NaCl (0, 30, 60, and 90 mmol L−1) conditions with or without a halophytic companion plant (Portulaca oleracea L.) were elucidated in a pot experiment. Salt stress negatively affected the growth, physiological (stomatal conductance and electrolyte leakage), and biochemical parameters such as chlorophyll contents (chl-a and chl-b); proline, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, catalase, and peroxidase enzyme activities; total soluble solids; and lycopene and vitamin C contents, as well as the mineral uptake, of strawberry plants. The companionship of P. oleracea increased fresh weight, dry weight, and fruit average weight, as well as the total fruit yield of strawberry plants along with improvements of physiological and biochemical parameters. This study showed that the cultivation of P. oleracea with strawberry plants under salt stress conditions effectively increased strawberry fruit yield and quality. Therefore, we suggest that approaches towards the use of P. oleracea could be an environmentally friendly method that should be commonly practiced where salinity is of great concern.

Growth Performance and Health Status of Broiler Chickens Treated with Natural Kaolin

The The use of Kaolin as an inert ingredient in feed has been very common in the poultry industry. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different inclusion rates of Egyptian kaolinite in broiler chickens’ diet on growth performance, immune response, some blood serum changes, and bone development. A total of 240 unsexed one-day-old Avian 48 breed chickens were used in this experiment. The chickens were individually weighed and randomly allotted into 3 equal groups (80 chickens per each group) and each group was subdivided into 4 replicates (20 chickens per replicate), which received one of the three experimental diets (0.0, 0.5, and 1.0% kaolin for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively) during the experimental period (6 weeks). The obtained data revealed that kaolin addition at the dose of 0.5 or 1.0% in broiler chickens' diet insignificantly increased final body weight by 4.5% and 4.4%, respectively. On the other hand, it respectively decreased total feed intake by 1.0% and 1.8% and significantly improved the average feed conversion ratio and efficiency of energy utilization throughout the whole experimental period compared to the control. Moreover, kaolin addition had no adverse effect on the serum lipid profile and improved antioxidative activity through reduced nitric oxide and lipid peroxidase (malondialdehyde) concentrations or increased the activities of Glutathione peroxide, Catalase, and Superoxide dismutases in serum or liver tissues. Lysosomal and bactericidal activities were increased with kaolin addition at both levels in the broiler chickens’ diets. The present results suggested that the broiler chickens’ fed with kaolin-enriched diets improved growth, antioxidant activity, bone mineralization, and immune response.

Kinetin modulates physiological and biochemical attributes of Vigna radiata L. seedlings exposed to 2-benzoxazolinone stress

Cytokinins are growth regulators concerned with influencing numerous plant metabolic and stress adaptive mechanisms under adversity. The present investigation was conducted to study the role of kinetin (KN) in ameliorating the damaging effects of allelochemical 2-benzoxazolinone (BOA) on Vigna radiata seedlings. The experiment was undertaken in sand culture under glasshouse conditions where plants were exposed to BOA (1 and 1.5 mM) by root and KN (1 mM) foliarly and then sampled for different growth parameters. BOA at both concentrations induced growth retardation which was more pronounced at the higher dose (1.5 mM). BOA toxicity gradually decreased photosynthetic pigment, relative water, protein, anthocyanin content, nitrate reductase activity and antioxidant enzyme activity. On contrary, enhanced electrolyte leakage (EL), lipid peroxidation (LP), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proline content and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity (PAL). The foliar KN supplementation assisted in growth restoration by influencing several physiobiochemical attributes. KN-induced growth amelioration was reflected as reduced generation of reactive oxygen species and membrane stability with reduced LP and EL. The seedlings exposed to combined BOA and KN treatment exhibited higher antioxidant enzyme activity and total phenolic content (TPC) coupled with proline accumulation which play significant role in combating stress efficiently. The results revealed that KN has potential to buttress the defence system of crops grown in soil having higher BOA content. In future, research emphasis should be given on gene regulation mechanisms by allelopathins in plant system.

In vitro evaluation of probiotic potential of Enterococcus faecium strains isolated from Turkish pastırma

This study is aimed at evaluating the probiotic potential of three Enterococcus faecium strains (called 29-P2, 168-P6 and 277-S3) isolated from 'pastırma', a Turkish traditional dry-cured meat product. For this, key probiotic properties and some functional characteristics of strains were tested in vitro. Antimicrobial activity of 3 E. faecium strains was evaluated against 18 indicator microorganisms consisting of 13 foodborne pathogens and 5 lactic acid bacteria and all strains were found as the producer of antimicrobial substance. Especially one strain 168-P6 showed a remarkable activity spectrum and inhibited all of the used foodborne pathogen indicators. Antimicrobial compounds produced by strains were identified by determining the effect of enzyme, pH and temperature on antimicrobial activity. All strains exhibited tolerance to acidic conditions and a simulated gastric environment. Also, strains exhibited high adhesion capacity. The safety of the strains was assessed by determining hemolytic activity and the resistance to 14 different antibiotics. None of the three strains exhibited hemolytic activity, also strains were found reliable in terms of clinically relevant antibiotics, only one strain 29-P2 was found resistant to vancomycin. In addition, metabolic activities of strains including lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, exopolysaccharide production and proteolytic activity were determined and amounts of all metabolic products were found low. When evaluated all data obtained, it is believed that the strains have enviable characteristics as a probiotic candidate.

MicroRNA-363-3p reduces endothelial cell inflammatory responses in coronary heart disease via inactivation of the NOX4-dependent p38 MAPK axis.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the leading causes of heart-associated deaths worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which microRNA-363-3p (miR-363-3p) regulates endothelial injury induced by inflammatory responses in CHD. The expression patterns of miR-363-3p, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and p38 MAPK/p-p38 MAPK were examined in an established atherosclerosis (AS) model in C57BL/6 mice and in isolated coronary arterial endothelial cells (CAECs) after gain- or loss-of-function experiments. We also measured the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, ICAM-1, IL-10 and IL-1β), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and catalase (CAT) activity, followed by detection of cell viability and apoptosis. In AS, miR-363-3p was downregulated and NOX4 was upregulated, while miR-363-3p was identified as targeting NOX4 and negatively regulating its expression. The AS progression was reduced in NOX4 knockout mice. Furthermore, miR-363-3p resulted in a decreased inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis in CAECs while augmenting their viability via blockade of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Overall, miR-363-3p hampers the NOX4-dependent p38 MAPK axis to attenuate apoptosis, oxidative stress injury, and the inflammatory reaction in CAECs, thus protecting CAECs against CHD. This finding suggests the miR-363-3p-dependent NOX4 p38 MAPK axis as a promising therapeutic target for CHD.

Improving photosynthetic characteristics and antioxidant enzyme activity of capsule wall and subtending leaves increases cotton biomass under limited irrigation system

The photosynthetic performance of the canopy boll-leaf system (BLS) reflects the material and energy exchange abilities between plant and external environment. A two-year field experiment determined the response to irrigation regimes [600 (W1), 480 (W2), and 360 (W3) m3 ha-1] of cotton BLS physio-biochemical traits. Decreasing irrigation, photochemical quenching coefficient, the electron transfer rate of PSII, chlorophyll, and stomata width of the BLS decreased; nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents increased at 7-21 day interval after anthesis (TAA). Among them, W2 increased SOD and POD by 3.5-42.1% and 1.4-57.8%, respectively, compared to W1 treatment. NPQ and carotenoid contents of capsule wall and CAT of subtending leaves increased. Principal component analysis showed that NPQ, MDA, H2O2, POD, and CAT were positively correlated with the seed biomass. Therefore, cotton could protect photosynthetic apparatus by maintaining lower membrane lipid peroxidation and higher heat dissipation capacity of capsule wall and subtending leaves to ensure higher biomass accumulation under limited irrigation.

Effect of Biostimulants on Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomatoes Grown in Fertile and Stressed Soils

Plant biostimulants are microorganisms (PGPR) and/or products obtained from different organic substances that positively affect plant growth and efficiency and reduce the negative effects of abiotic challenges. Effects of biostimulants on the plant growth, yield, mineral content, antioxidant enzyme activity, H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), sucrose, and proline contents of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme L.) grown in soils with two different characteristics were investigated during a pot study under greenhouse conditions. Soil I was a fertile routinely vegetable-cultivated soil. Soil II had high salinity, high CaCO3 content, and low organic matter content. Commercial biostimulant products Powhumus® (PH), Huminbio Microsense Seed® (SC), Huminbio Microsense Bio® (RE), and Fulvagra® (FU) were used as seed coatings and/or drench solutions. All biostimulant treatments improved the plant growth and yield compared with the control in both soils. All biostimulant applications were more effective in soil II than in soil I. RE was the most effective application for mineral content in soil I, whereas FU was the most effective in soil II. Antioxidant activity, H2O2, MDA, and proline contents were decreased in both soils when biostimulants were used compared with the control. Peroxide (POD) activity was greater with SC1 in soil II. The RE treatment increased the sucrose content in soil II. In conclusion, single and combined use of high-purity fulvic acid and PGPR had positive effects on the growth of cherry tomato in fertile soil and under stressed conditions.

Calcium-dependent protein kinase 2 plays a positive role in the salt stress response in potato.

StCDPK2 is an early player in the salt stress response in potato plants; its overexpression promoted ROS scavenging, chlorophyll stability, and the induction of stress-responsive genes conferring tolerance to salinity. The salinity of soils affects plant development and is responsible for great losses in crop yields. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are sensor-transducers that decode Ca2+ signatures triggered by abiotic stimuli and translate them into physiological responses. Histochemical analyses of potato plants harboring StCDPK2 promoter fused to the reporter gene β-glucuronidase (ProStCDPK2:GUS) revealed that GUS activity was high in the leaf blade and veins, it was restricted to root tips and lateral root primordia, and was observed upon stolon swelling. Comparison with ProStCDPK1:GUS and ProStCDPK3:GUS plants revealed their differential activities in the plant tissues. ProStCDPK2:GUS plants exposed to high salt presented enhanced GUS activity in roots which correlated with the numerous stress-responsive sites predicted in its promoter sequence. Moreover, StCDPK2 expression increased in in vitro potato plants after 2h of high salt exposure and in greenhouse plants exposed to a dynamic stress condition. As inferred from biometric data and chlorophyll content, plants that overexpress StCDPK2 were more tolerant than wild-type plants when exposed to high salt. Overexpressing plants have a more efficient antioxidant system; they showed reduced accumulation of peroxide and higher catalase activity under salt conditions, and enhanced expression of WRKY6 and ERF5 transcription factors under control conditions. Our results indicate that StCDPK2 is an early player in the salt stress response and support a positive correlation between StCDPK2 overexpression and tolerance towards salt stress.

Phytochemical composition and andrographolide content of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) grown in Andaman Islands

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) is known as king of bitterness, Kalmegh is used as traditional medicine for curing different ailments and is known for its wide medicinal properties. The whole herb is used for herbal cure at Andaman Islands and is grown in homestead gardens, An attempt was made to study the phytochemical composition and andrographolide content of both leaves and stem extracts. Methanolic extract yielded maximum total phenols in both leaf (24.18 mg/g) and stem extract (27.35 mg/g). Flavonoid content was also maximum in methanolic extract of leaf (52.57 mg/g) and stem (71.82 mg/g) of A. paniculata. Highest DPPH activity was found in methanolic extract in both leaf (7.08 mg BHT/g) and stem samples (7.15 mg BHT/g). The NO activity was highest in ethanolic extract in both leaf (13.85 mg vit C/g) and stem (12.86 mg Vit C/g). The methanol extract of leaf (14.65 mg EDTA/g) and stem (12.85 mg EDTA/g) showed higher chelating activity. The acetone extract of stem (3.16 mg vit c/g) and leaf (2.97 mg vit c/g) of Kalmegh showed effective reduction in the activity of hydrogen peroxide. Andrographolide content was maximum in leaf (3.49%) followed by stem (1.59%).

In vitro Activity of Hydrogen Peroxide and Hypochlorous Acid Generated by Electrochemical Scaffolds Against Planktonic and Biofilm Bacteria.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) are biocides used for cleaning and debriding chronic wound infections, which often harbor drug resistant bacteria. Here, we evaluated the in vitro activity of H2O2 and HOCl against 27 isolates of eight bacterial species involved in wound infections. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum biofilm bactericidal concentrations (MBBCs) were measured. When compared to their respective MICs, MBBCs of isolates exposed to H2O2 were 16- to 1,024-fold higher and those exposed to HOCl were 2- to 4-fold higher. We evaluated selection of resistance after exposure of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms to 10 iterations of electrochemically generated HOCl or H2O2 delivered using electrochemical scaffolds (e-scaffolds), observing no decrease in anti-biofilm effects with serial exposure to e-scaffold-generated H2O2 or HOCl. 24-hour exposure to H2O2-generating e-scaffolds consistently decreased colony forming units (CFUs) of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms by ∼5.0-log10 and ∼4.78-log10 through 10 iterations of exposure, respectively. 4-hour exposure to HOCl-generating e-scaffolds consistently decreased CFUs of S. aureus biofilms by ∼4.9-log10, and 1-hour exposure to HOCl-generating e-scaffolds consistently decreased CFUs of P. aeruginosa biofilms by ∼1.57-log10 These results suggest that HOCl has similar activity against planktonic and biofilm bacteria, whereas the activity of H2O2 is less against biofilm than planktonic bacteria, and that repeat exposure to either biocide, generated electrochemically under the experimental conditions studied, does not lessen antibiofilm effects.

Impact of Foliar Application of Chitosan Dissolved in Different Organic Acids on Isozymes, Protein Patterns and Physio-Biochemical Characteristics of Tomato Grown under Salinity Stress.

In this study, the anti-stress capabilities of the foliar application of chitosan, dissolved in four different organic acids (acetic acid, ascorbic acid, citric acid and malic acid) have been investigated on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants under salinity stress (100 mM NaCl). Morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, secondary metabolites, oxidative stress, minerals, antioxidant enzymes activity, isozymes and protein patterns were tested for potential tolerance of tomato plants growing under salinity stress. Salinity stress was caused a reduction in growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars, soluble proteins and potassium (K+) content. However, the contents of proline, ascorbic acid, total phenol, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sodium (Na+) and antioxidant enzyme activity were increased in tomato plants grown under saline conditions. Chitosan treatments in any of the non-stressed plants showed improvements in morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, total phenol and antioxidant enzymes activity. Besides, the harmful impacts of salinity on tomato plants have also been reduced by lowering MDA, H2O2 and Na+ levels. Chitosan treatments in either non-stressed or stressed plants showed different responses in number and density of peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) isozymes. NaCl stress led to the diminishing of protein bands with different molecular weights, while they were produced again in response to chitosan foliar application. These responses were varied according to the type of solvent acid. It could be suggested that foliar application of chitosan, especially that dissolved in ascorbic or citric acid, could be commercially used for the stimulation of tomato plants grown under salinity stress.

Highly Oriented Nitrogen‐doped Carbon Nanotube Integrated Bimetallic Cobalt Copper Organic Framework for Non‐enzymatic Electrochemical Glucose and Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor

AbstractThe hierarchical three‐dimensional nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotube anchored bimetallic cobalt copper organic framework (NCNT MOF CoCu) is successfully synthesized by the direct growth approach using the high‐temperature carbonization of bimetallic cobalt copper organic framework (MOF CoCu‐500). The as‐prepared NCNT MOF CoCu nanostructure possesses high‐level activity for both glucose and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensing molecules. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) studies demonstrate excellent electrocatalytic performance for the oxidation of glucose with a linear range of 0.05 to 2.5 mM, high sensitivity of 1027 μA mM−1cm−2, and the lowest detection limit of 0.15 μM. Similarly, the NCNT MOF CoCu nanostructure showed significantly higher H2O2 activity with a linear range of 0.05 to 3.5 mM, high sensitivity of 639.5 μA mM−1cm−2, and the lowest detection limit of 0.206 μM. Thanks to its special hierarchical nanoarchitecture, homogeneous nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes, and highly graphitized carbon, which may be increased the synergistic effect between bimetallic CoCu and NCNT in the organic framework. The potentially effective fabricated sensor was also used as a suitable probe for the detection of glucose and H2O2 in the analysis of the real samples.

Ergosterol peroxide exhibits antiviral and immunomodulatory abilities against porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) via suppression of NF-κB and p38/MAPK signaling pathways in vitro

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging swine enteropathogenic coronavirus (CoV) that poses economic and public health burdens. Currently, there are no effective antiviral agents against PDCoV. Cryptoporus volvatus often serves as an antimicrobial agent in Traditional Chinese Medicines. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral activities of ergosterol peroxide (EP) from C. volvatus against PDCoV infection. The inhibitory activity of EP against PDCoV was assessed by using virus titration and performing Quantitative Reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays in LLC-PK1 cells. The mechanism of EP against PDCoV was analyzed by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR and Western blotting. We found that EP treatment inhibited PDCoV infection in LLC-PK1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Subsequently, we demonstrated that EP blocked virus attachment and entry using RT-qPCR. Time-of-addition assays indicated that EP mainly exerted its inhibitory effect at the early and middle stages in the PDCoV replication cycle. EP also inactivated PDCoV infectivity directly as well as suppressed PDCoV-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, EP treatment decreased the phosphorylation of IκBα and p38 MAPK induced by PDCoV infection as well as the mRNA levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-β, Mx1 and PKR). These results imply that EP can inhibit PDCoV infection and regulate host immune responses by downregulating the activation of the NF-κB and p38/MAPK signaling pathways in vitro. EP can be used as a potential candidate for the development of a new anti-PDCoV therapy.

An overview of antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, and amino acids of Aureobasidium pullulans GM6

Aureobasidium pullulans grown in submerged flask culture for 5 days was investigated for antioxidant activity. The ethanolic extract of mycelium was used for determination of the antioxidant properties using different methods: total antioxidant activity, linoleic acid bleaching, DPPH free radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, reduction of metal ions, and chelating abilities against ferrous ions. Total phenolics and amino acids content was establish in amount of 5.78 mg GAE and 5.16 µg Gly/g dry extract, respectively. The result of total antioxidant activity showed 7.83 µg AA/g dry extract. The results for free radical-scavenging activities in terms of DPPH, H2O2, and OH expressed as EC50 were 61.81, 26.61, and 69.79 µg/ml, respectively. The extract showed very potent reducing and chelating power (EC50 = 0.51 and 35.02 μg/ml, respectively). Total phenolics and amino acids contents of the extract were attributed to overall antioxidant capacity (r = 0.707–1.000) and (r = 0.140–0.978), respectively. Practical applications Aureobasidium pullulans is most famous fungus belonging to the family Dothioraceae. The fungus produces a broad range of natural products which have been regarded as safe and very important for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and environmental application. Among the best known products are: pullulan (exopolysaccharide), numerous commercially enzymes (protease, lipase, xylanase, amylase, pectinase, etc.), secondary metabolites, and antibiotics. Investigating isolates of the fungus that live in different extreme conditions and optimizing the experimental conditions for the production of natural products are of great importance for their practical application. The current study was focused on the details evaluation of antioxidant profile, content of total phenolics and amino acids in EtOH extract of mycelium A. pullulans GM6, after 5 days of incubation in submerged conditions. These data will provide some useful information relevant to understanding the antioxidant role of the fungus and further screening of isolate as potential source of new natural antioxidants.

Risk assessment and ecotoxicological effects of leachates extracted from industrial district soils of Nanjing, China.

With the intensification of industrial development and urbanization, soil pollution is increasingly prominent. Therefore, the potential adverse effects caused by industrial activities need to be investigated. In this study, nine soil samples were collected from the industrial district of Nanjing, China, and the heavy metal concentrations were analyzed. Ambient severity of health (ASI) and ambient severity of ecology (ASII) caused by heavy metals in soil extracts were also evaluated via the multi-media environmental goals (MEG). The environmental risk assessment model was used to assess the health risk of soil extracts. The toxicity of soil extracts was diagnosed for wheat and Vicia faba. The results indicate that the contents of heavy metals were significantly different among the nine soil samples and mass concentration of heavy metals were as followed: Pb > Mn > As > Zn > Cd. Except for CK and S9, the total health impact of all sampling sites were greater than 1. Also, the total ecological hazard degrees of the five heavy metals were all greater than 1, which showed that the soil extracts were harmful to human health and ecological environment. According to the risk characterization model, the carcinogen risk of soil extracts was 1 to 10 orders of magnitude higher than that of non-carcinogens. Drinking water intake was the most direct and primary exposure route. In addition, the ecotoxicological results indicated that with the increase of heavy metal concentration, the activity of amylase (AMS) decreased, while the activity of peroxide (POD) increased, indicating that the soil extracts were toxic to V. faba. The micronucleus rates of V. faba root tips in the sampling soils were significantly higher compared with the control group, reflecting the higher genotoxicity. Our study provides theoretical support for the evaluation of potential health and ecological risks in this industrial district.