Peroxide Activity Research Articles

Safety and metabolic characteristics of 17 Enterococcus faecium isolates.

In the present study, metabolic characteristics, such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, and antimicrobial activities, of 17 Enterococcus faecium isolates from white cheese samples were assessed. In E. faecium isolates, the amount of lactic acid obtained between in MRS medium 0.61-1.22% and in skim milk 0.75-1.08%, and the amount of H2O2 was found between 0.57 and 3.17µgmL-1. In MRS and skim milk, the amount of EPS production was 59-185mg L-1, 155-255mg L-1 for isolates, respectively. The antimicrobial activities of E. faecium isolates on eight different pathogenic bacteria were also performed by an agar well diffusion method. The highest inhibition zones 8.60mm were observed with culture supernatants of RI-71 isolate against Escherichia coli ATCC 35218. The safety of the E. faecium isolates was assessed by determining gelatinase activity, hemolytic activity, the resistance to ten different antibiotics, biofilm forming, and virulence genes (van A, van B, gelE, cylA, cylB, esp, agg, and asa1, efaAfm, cob, ccf, hyl). The isolates did not show gelatinase activity, β-hemolysis, and biofilm formation. All E. faecium isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, penicillin-G, tetracycline, ampicillin, and chloramphenicol. The efaAfm gene was detected most frequently (94%) followed by cob (82%), van B (59%), and ccf (53%). For enterococci to be recommended as co-starter or probiotic adjunct cultures, it is necessary to determine whether they have virulence genes and resistance to antibiotics.

Effect of Different Organic Manures Application on the Bioactive Compound and Yield of Taşköprü Garlic (Allium sativum L.) under 50% Drought

This study was carried out to assess the contribution of different organic fertilizer mixtures [(CONTROL (open field), CATTLE, CHICKEN, GOAT, İMPORTED PEAT (IPT), NATİVE PEAT (NPT), FİELD SOİL (FS: in greenhouse)] to drought tolerance of Taşköprü garlic, which was exposed to 50% water deficiency under greenhouse conditions. For this purpose, the measurement of yield was performed with bulbs, but the amount of some bioactive chemicals as chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoid, phenolic, proline, protein, free amino acid, sugars, pyruvic acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities obtained from the fresh leaf and cloves grown in the different soil mix. According to the result, while the amount of pigment was found to be higher in the leaf of FS and FS-IPT, the flavonoid in FS-CHICKEN and total phenolic in FS-CATTLE-GOAT samples, nitrogenous compounds, and sugars (glucose, sucrose) were found to be rich in the control group (open field). The measurement of bulb weight, length, diameter, and the amount of lycopene, flavonoid, total phenolic, and free amino acid of garlic cloves obtained from FS-CHICKEN-IPT, FS-CATTLE-GOAT, FS-CHICKEN-GOAT, and FS-GOAT-NPT was higher when compared to the control. Furthermore, APX and SOD increased, whereas malondialdehyde lowered in these samples. As a result, the amounts of bulb yield, enzymatic and non-enzymatic compound, and sugars estimated using organic fertilizer were higher than the control, which was grown with inorganic fertilizer in an open field. In addition, the most drought-susceptible examples are the samples of FS, FS-ITP, FS-NTP, and FS-CATTLE soils considering all data.

In Vitro Antiaging Evaluation of Sunscreen Formulated from Nanostructured Lipid Carrier and Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation leads to photoaging. There is a tremendous rise in products having a dual activity of photoprotection and antiaging. In vitro analysis in dermal fibroblasts and their biological mechanisms involved are critical to determine antiaging potential. The study aimed to investigate the antiaging potential of sunscreen formulated from nanostructured lipid carrier and tocotrienol-rich fraction (NLC-TRF sunscreen). The antioxidant activity of the NLC-TRF sunscreen was evaluated by radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide inhibition properties. Also, collagenase, elastase and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) inhibition activities, and type I collagen and elastin protein expression were studied. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to evaluate the mRNA expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), type I collagen (COL1A1), elastin (ELN), MMP-1, MMP-2, and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). The results suggested that NLC-TRF sunscreen is effective in radical, anti-hydrogen peroxide, and collagenase, elastase and MMP-1 inhibition activities. Besides, a significant increase for type I collagen (3.47-fold) and elastin (2.16-fold) protein and fibroblast regeneration genes (FGF (2.12-fold), VEGF (1.91-fold), TGF-β1 (2.84-fold), TIMP-1 (1.42-fold), ELN (2.13-fold)) were observed after sample treatment. These findings support the therapeutic potential of NLC-TRF sunscreen in antiaging.

Changes in Carbon Partitioning and Pattern of Antioxidant Enzyme Activity Induced by Arginine Treatment in the Green Microalga Dunaliella salina Under Long-Term Salinity.

In this work, the effects of arginine (Arg) on biochemical responses and antioxidant enzyme activity in the green microalga Dunaliella salina grown at different salt concentrations were investigated. Suspensions adapted with the concentrations of 1, 2, and 3M NaCl were treated at the exponential growth phase with a concentration of 5mM Arg. Salt stress was associated with a large decrease in the number of cells and non-reducing sugar levels but accumulated higher amounts of chlorophyll, β-carotene, reducing sugar, starch, total protein, free amino acid, and glycerol. Increased levels of protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, proteolysis, hydrogen peroxide, and antioxidant enzyme activity also occurred during salinity. Arg treatment changed the pattern of biochemical responses in the cells grown at high salinity by directing carbon flow to the biosynthesis of non-reducing sugars instead of starch, lowering levels of hydrogen peroxide, and downregulating antioxidant enzyme activity, but the levels of lipid peroxidation, glycerol, and β-carotene remained nearly unchanged. These results suggest that Arg treatment alleviates salinity-induced oxidative stress in D. salina cells by modifying carbon partitioning and inducing signaling molecules rather than antioxidant enzymes.

Fig seed oil‐loaded nanostructured lipid carriers: Evaluation of the protective effects against oxidation

The aim of this study was to develop a carrier system that protects fig seed oil (FSO) from oxidation by encapsulating into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). NLCs were prepared by high shear mixing technique and the effects of solid lipids and surfactants on the formulation parameters were investigated. The formulations were characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential, and fatty acid and tocopherol amounts were determined by GC and HPLC, respectively. NLC loaded with FSO was obtained at a particle size of 241 nm with low polydispersity (0.259) and a negative electrical charge (−13.6 mV). The antioxidant capacity has been evaluated by accelerated oxidation storage tests, radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity tests. The stability of the final formulation with high concentration of gamma tocopherol and unsaturated linoleic acid content of FSO was increased by loading into NLCs. Novelty impact statement NLC formulations loaded with FSO were prepared for the first time at a dimension of 241 nm with low polydispersity. FSO was protected against lipid oxidation by encapsulation into NLC as revealed by lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, and radical scavenging activity tests. FSO-loaded NLC formulations were shown to be valuable carriers for encapsulation of bioactive food materials for stability.

Flower beverages of native medicinal plants from Argentina (Acacia caven, Geoffroea decorticans and Larrea divaricata) as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHerbal beverages have been used as a natural part of the medicinal and food culture in northwestern Argentina. The flower beverages (infusion or decoction) of Acacia caven, Geoffroea decorticans and Larrea divaricata, three native species from arid and semiarid regions of Argentina are widely used as anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic by several local communities. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to analyze the phytochemical composition of some Argentine flower beverage and to validate its traditional use as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Materials and methodsPhenolic profiles from all flower infusions and decoctions were analyzed by both spectrophotometric analysis and HPLC-DAD. ABTS•+; the scavenging activity of both hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical was determined and finally, their ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as xanthine oxidase (XOD), and lipoxygenase (LOX) was also assessed. ResultsThe flower beverages of all assayed species showed a high level of phenolic compounds with similar chromatographic patterns in both infusions and decoctions of each plant species, the major components of which have been identified. The flower beverages, especially G. decorticans infusion and decoctions, displayed an important antioxidant activity (SC50 values between 18.14 and 47 μg/mL) through different mechanisms; all of them were able to inhibit the XOD enzyme activity and, consequently, the formation of uric acid and reactive oxygen species, the primary cause of arthritis-related diseases. The most active beverages as XOD inhibitor were G. decorticans flower infusion and decoctions (IC50 values of 20 and 35 μg/mL, respectively). Pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as LOX, were also inhibited by infusions and decoctions of G. decorticans, L. cuneifolia and A caven flowers, lessening inflammation mediators in all beverages. ConclusionsThe present work validates the traditional medicinal use of flower beverages from Argentina as an anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory agent as it has been used for hundreds of years in several pathologies associated with oxidative stress.

Enhanced adsorption and biocompatibility of polysulfone hollow fibre membrane via the addition of silica/alpha-mangostin hybrid nanoparticle for uremic toxins removal

In this study, a highly biocompatible adsorptive membrane is developed for haemodialysis application. Silica/α-mangostin hybrid nanoparticle was incorporated into polysulfone (PSf) based membrane to enhance the biocompatibility and the adsorption capacity of the membrane. The PSf based membranes were fabricated via dry-wet phase inversion technique and characterised based on scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurement. The effects of silica/α-mangostin nanoparticle incorporation into PSf membrane were evaluated in terms of permeability, p-cresol adsorption capacity, urea, and creatinine removal capabilities, bovine serum albumin rejection and p-cresol dynamic adsorption. The biocompatibility assessment was done based on platelet adhesion, antioxidant properties, and complement activation of the membrane. The incorporation of the nanoparticle into PSf based membrane helped to smoothen the surface of the membrane and enhanced its hydrophilicity of the membrane by 12.54%. The presence of silica/α-mangostin in the membrane enhanced the adsorption capacity of the membrane by 20.92% with adsorption capacity of 55.64 mg/g at 500 mg/L initial concentration. The modified PSf membrane had also successfully improved the biocompatibility of the membrane by enhancing the scavenging activity of hydrogen peroxide and nitrogen oxide by 61.8% and 36%, respectively and inhibited the formation of C5a by 27.27%. The developed biocompatible PSf based adsorptive membrane has a good potential to be used for haemodialysis application.

Diversity in Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacities, and Nutrient Contents Among Mungbean and Lentil Microgreens When Grown at Plain-Altitude Region (Delhi) and High-Altitude Region (Leh-Ladakh), India.

Mungbeans and lentils are relatively easily grown and cheaper sources of microgreens, but their phytonutrient diversity is not yet deeply explored. In this study, 20 diverse genotypes each of mungbean and lentil were grown as microgreens under plain-altitude (Delhi) and high-altitude (Leh) conditions, which showed significant genotypic variations for ascorbic acid, tocopherol, carotenoids, flavonoid, total phenolics, DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power), peroxide activity, proteins, enzymes (peroxidase and catalase), micronutrients, and macronutrients contents. The lentil and mungbean genotypes L830 and MH810, respectively, were found superior for most of the studied parameters over other studied genotypes. Interestingly, for most of the studied parameters, Leh-grown microgreens were found superior to the Delhi-grown microgreens, which could be due to unique environmental conditions of Leh, especially wide temperature amplitude, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and UV-B content. In mungbean microgreens, total phenolics content (TPC) was found positively correlated with FRAP and DPPH, while in lentil microgreens, total flavonoid content (TFC) was found positively correlated with DPPH. The most abundant elements recorded were in the order of K, P, and Ca in mungbean microgreens; and K, Ca, and P in the lentil microgreens. In addition, these Fabaceae microgreens may help in the nutritional security of the population residing in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh, especially during winter months when this region remains landlocked due to heavy snowfall.

Investigation of Antidiabetogenic Effect of the Iodine-Selenium Concentrate in Animals with Chronic Alloxan Diabetes of Varying Severity

BACKGROUND: The diabetogenic effect of alloxan is known is determined by ability to stimulate lipid peroxydation processes in B-cells of the pancreas.
 AIM: to investigate of the possible antidiabetic action of long time prolonged of Iodine-Selenium concentrate action in rats with alloxan diabetes.
 METHODS: Reproduction of experimental alloxan diabetes was carried out in rats by a single intravenous injection of alloxan 35-43 mg / kg body weight. The “iodine-selenium” concentrate was administered per os through a tube at the rate of 1.25 ml / 100 g of the concentrate. In experimental animals with mild and heavy diabetes mellitus, the level of glucose in the blood was assessed, products of LPO-AOD; the state of the histostructure of the pancreas and of insulin content in B cells were studied using of aldehyde fuchsin and diethylpseudoisocyanine methods.
 RESULTS: Long time prolonged administration of the “iodine-selenium” concentrate (60 days) to animals with mild experimental diabetes mellitus is accompanied by a significant decrease in blood glucose levels by 1.89 times compared to the control (p ˂ 0.05) and of LPO within normal values as by increase of the level of glutathione peroxidase (GPO) by 2.23 times compared with the initial (p˂ 0.01), by prevention of the development of histological changes in pancreatic islets and a slight decrease of insulin content in B-cells. Under similar experimental conditions in animals with severe alloxan diabetes, the level of glycemia significantly decreased from 20.23 ± 2.15 mmol / l to 12.39 ± 1.52 mmol / l as of the level of diene conjugates of erythrocytes and plasma, as decrease of ketodienes, MDA of plasma and in erythrocytes and primary lipid peroxidation products, while remaining elevated, despite an increase in GPO by 50.0% compared with control (p˂0.05) in the presence of histological changes in the pancreatic islets as in experimental diabetes.
 
 CONCLUSION: The antidiabetic effect of the “iodine-selenium” concentrate in rats with mild alloxan diabetes on the level of glycemia, LPO - AOD and state of the histostructure of the pancreas and the content of deposited insulin in pancreatic B-cells, is probably due to antioxidant effect of selenium to stimulate activity of glutathione blocking lipid peroxide and hydrogen peroxide in alloxan diabetes mellitus.

Fruit Herbivory Alters Plant Electrome: Evidence for Fruit-Shoot Long-Distance Electrical Signaling in Tomato Plants

The electrical activity of tomato plants subjected to fruit herbivory was investigated. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that tomato fruits transmit long-distance electrical signals to the shoot when subjected to herbivory. For such, time series classification by machine learning techniques and analyses related to the oxidative response were employed. Tomato plants (cv. “Micro-Tom”) were placed into a Faraday's cage and an electrode pair was inserted in the fruit's peduncle. Helicoverpa armigera caterpillars were placed on the fruit (either green and ripe) for 24 h. The time series were recorded before and after the fruit's exposure of the caterpillars. The plant material for chemical analyses was collected 24 and 48 h after the end of the acquisition of electrophysiological data. The time series were analyzed by the following techniques: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Wavelet Transform, Power Spectral Density (PSD), and Approximate Entropy. The following features from FFT, PSD, and Wavelet Transform were used for PCA (Principal Component Analysis): average, maximum and minimum value, variance, skewness, and kurtosis. Additionally, these features were used in Machine Learning (ML) analyses for looking for classifiable patterns between tomato plants before and after fruit herbivory. Also, we compared the electrome before and after herbivory in the green and ripe fruits. To evaluate an oxidative response in different organs, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activity were evaluated in fruit and leaves. The results show with 90% of accuracy that the electrome registered in the fruit's peduncle before herbivory is different from the electrome during predation on the fruits. Interestingly, there was also a sharp difference in the electrome of the green and ripe fruits' peduncles before, but not during, the herbivory, which demonstrates that the signals generated by the herbivory stand over the others. Biochemical analysis showed that herbivory in the fruit triggered an oxidative response in other parts of the plant. Here, we demonstrate that the fruit perceives biotic stimuli and transmits electrical signals to the shoot of tomato plants. This study raises new possibilities for studies involving electrical signals in signaling and systemic response, as well as for the applicability of ML to classify electrophysiological data and its use in early diagnosis.

Integrated Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities in Lavandulapubescens.

Lavandula pubescens, belonging to the Labiatae family, is a newly discovered strongly aromatic species of lavender that is potentially beneficial for human health. Given the economic importance of lavender species, we sought in this study to characterize the terpenoid biosynthesis of L. pubescens by obtaining transcriptomic and metabolic datasets. Transcriptome analysis of L. pubescens grown aseptically in tissue culture medium yielded 124,233 unigenes with an average length of 470 bp and N50 value of 522 bp from 9,476,122,928 raw reads. In order to provide relevant biological information, the unigenes were annotated using the following public databases: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) nucleotide (NT) and non-redundant protein (NR), Brassica (BRAD), Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR), Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG), and Gene Ontology (GO). NR annotation results revealed that L. pubescens is genetically closely related to Sesamum indicum. On the basis of the transcriptome data, a total of 14 cDNA clones encoding the terpene biosynthetic genes LpDXS, LpMCT, LpMCS, LpHDR, LpIDI, LpAACT, LpHMGS, LpHMGR, LpMVK, LpPMK, LpMVD, LpGPPS, LpSQS, and LpGGPPS were identified in L. pubescens. These were quantified in the roots, stems, and leaves of L. pubescens using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), which revealed that the gene expression levels were higher in the leaves and stems than in the roots, which was found to be consistent with the levels of ursolic and oleanolic acids in the different organs using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A total of 48 hydrophilic metabolites were identified and quantified in the organs using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS). Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of an ethyl acetate extract of L. pubescens leaves was examined using different methods to determine the potential therapeutic properties. A reducing power assay revealed that the absorbance values increased in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay indicated the strong activity (60.4 ± 0.9%) of the ethyl acetate extract at a concentration of 100 µg/mL, which also showed strong hydrogen peroxide (57.4 ± 2.7%), superoxide radical (62.1 ± 0.7%), and hydroxyl radical (58.6 ± 0.4%) scavenging activities.

An eco-friendly approach to low-temperature and near-neutral bleaching of cotton knitted fabrics using glycerol triacetate as an activator

Near-neutral bleaching of cotton fabrics at low temperature is of great importance for saving energy and ecological friendliness in textile industry. In this work, glycerol triacetate (GT) was investigated as an activator of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for low temperature bleaching of cotton knitted fabrics, and satisfactory whiteness was obtained. The bleaching properties of H2O2/GT system for cotton was assessed by the CIE whiteness index (WI), H2O2 decomposition rate, concentration of generated peracetic acid and bursting strength. Possible factors affecting the properties of cotton bleached by H2O2/GT bleaching system were discussed in detail. At 60 °C, adding only 10 mmol/L GT to the hydrogen peroxide solution (60 mmol/L) to bleach cotton knitted fabrics for 60 min, the WI was significantly increased from 52.09 to 68.92. By using benzenepentacarboxylic acid as a fluorescent probe for hydroxyl radical (HO·) detection, it was found that GT could clearly promote HO· generation and its concentration closely related to the WI of cotton fabric. Furthermore, the bleaching mechanism of H2O2/GT system was proposed by exploring the relationship between WI and HO· concentration. GT as a bleach activator has more economical benefits and better water solubility than tetraacetylethylenediamine. The H2O2/GT system may provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly bleaching approach of cotton as alternative to conventional alkaline high-temperature bleaching.

Chemical Identification of Catalytically Active Sites on Oxygen-doped Carbon Nanosheet to Decipher the High Activity for Electro-synthesis Hydrogen Peroxide.

Electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) through two-electron (2 e- ) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an on-site and clean route. Oxygen-doped carbon materials with high ORR activity and H2 O2 selectivity have been considered as the promising catalysts, however, there is still a lack of direct experimental evidence to identify true active sites at the complex carbon surface. Herein, we propose a chemical titration strategy to decipher the oxygen-doped carbon nanosheet (OCNS900 ) catalyst for 2 e- ORR. The OCNS900 exhibits outstanding 2 e- ORR performances with onset potential of 0.825 V (vs. RHE), mass activity of 14.5 A g-1 at 0.75 V (vs. RHE) and H2 O2 production rate of 770 mmol g-1 h-1 in flow cell, surpassing most reported carbon catalysts. Through selective chemical titration of C=O, C-OH, and COOH groups, we found that C=O species contributed to the most electrocatalytic activity and were the most active sites for 2 e- ORR, which were corroborated by theoretical calculations.

Protective Effect of Borassus flabellifer Haustorium Extract against Alkoxyl Radical-Induced Cytotoxicity by Improving Glutathione Metabolism by Modulating Nrf2/Haeme Oxygenase-1 Expression

Aim The study was aimed to assess the ability of Borassus flabellifer haustorium methanolic extract (BHE) on de novo glutathione biosynthesis in normal and pro-oxidant exposed cells via Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and haeme oxygenase-1 (HO1) signaling in 2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) di-hydrochloride (AAPH) induced cytotoxicity in normal intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6 cells). Methods The in vitro antioxidant activity was determined in terms of radical scavenging and ex vivo hemolysis. The cytoprotective effect was studied using AAP H as the alkoxyl radical inducer in IEC-6 cell model. The mechanistic basis of protection is determined by Nrf2/HO1 expression using qPCR. Results In vitro screening observed DPPH, hydrogen peroxide and ABTS radical scavenging activity for the BHE; further, BHE also protected the oxidative hemolysis in the erythrocytes induced by AAPH. In IEC-6 cells, AAPH treatment significantly reduced the cell viability (p < 0.001) by inducing lipid peroxidation. Further, there observed a significant reduction in the activities of enzymes involved in the de novo glutathione biosynthesis (p < 0.01) and glutathione reductase in these cells. However, pretreatment with BHE (10, 25 and 50 µg/mL) dose-dependently protected from the cytotoxicity of AAPH-derived alkoxyl radicals (p < 0.05); besides, the de novo glutathione biosynthesis and regeneration of GSH from oxidized form was also increased in these cells. In corroboration with the biochemical parameters, the Nrf2/HO1 expression was upregulated by the BHE pretreatment concomitantly reducing the cellular lipid peroxidation products. The improvement glutathione biosynthesis was also observed in BHE alone treated cells. Conclusion The study indicated the potential of methanolic extract of Borassus flabellifer haustorium in enhancing the de novo glutathione biosynthesis in normal and pro-oxidant exposed cells by Nrf2/HO1 dependent manner, concomitantly mitigating the toxicity of AAPH-derived alkoxyl radicals in intestinal epithelial cells.

Identification and functional characterization of Gh_D01G0514 (GhNAC072) transcription factor in response to drought stress tolerance in cotton

Cotton encounters long-term drought stress problems resulting in major yield losses. Transcription factors (TFs) plays an important role in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. The coexpression patterns of gene networks associated with drought stress tolerance were investigated using transcriptome profiles. Applying a weighted gene coexpression network analysis, we discovered a salmon module with 144 genes strongly linked to drought stress tolerance. Based on coexpression and RT-qPCR analysis GH_D01G0514 was selected as the candidate gene, as it was also identified as a hub gene in both roots and leaves with a consistent expression in response to drought stress in both tissues. For validation of GH_D01G0514, Virus Induced Gene Silencing was performed and VIGS plants showed significantly higher excised leaf water loss and ion leakage, while lower relative water and chlorophyll contents as compared to WT (Wild type) and positive control plants. Furthermore, the WT and positive control seedlings showed higher CAT and SOD activities, and lower activities of hydrogen peroxide and MDA enzymes as compared to the VIGS plants. Gh_D01G0514 (GhNAC072) was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Y2H assay demonstrates that Gh_D01G0514 has a potential of auto activation. It was observed that the Gh_D01G0514 was highly upregulated in both tissues based on RNA Seq and RT-qPCR analysis. Thus, we inferred that, this candidate gene might be responsible for drought stress tolerance in cotton. This finding adds significantly to the existing knowledge of drought stress tolerance in cotton and deep molecular analysis are required to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying drought stress tolerance in cotton.

Attenuation of vanillic acid toxicity by foliar application with indole-3-acetic acid in tomato seedlings

ABSTRACT The allelopathic compound vanillic acid (VA), a phenol present in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), behaves as a potent autotoxin and hampers growth processes. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) regulates growth and metabolism of plants under various environmental extremes. The work was undertaken to determine alleviating effects of IAA (1 mM) on biochemical and physiological responses of tomato plants exposed to VA toxicity (0.5 or 1 mM). Plants were grown under glasshouse conditions, treated with VA by root exposure and IAA through foliar application. The VA restrained plant growth at both doses by reducing pigment content, relative water content, protein content, nitrate reductase activity and anthocyanin content. Increased antioxidant enzyme activity, electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, proline content and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity were measured in stressed plants. Foliar application of IAA in plants treated with VA alleviated biophysical and biochemical parameters to promote restoration. The foliar IAA application could protect plant cellular mechanisms against endogenous autotoxins in plants grown in fields under monocropping. The IAA may protect plants exposed to VA toxicity by accelerating defense mechanisms.

Physiology and antioxidant activity of Pediococcus pentosaceus R1 and Lactobacillus fermentum R6 in response to lactic acid stress

The effect of lactic acid stress on the physiology and antioxidant activity of Pediococcus pentosaceus R1 and Lactobacillus fermentum R6 was investigated in this study. Both the strains were incubated in de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) broth with different pH values (6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.5, 4.0, and 3.5) at 37 °C for 1 h. The results revealed that the survival rates of both the strains significantly decreased with a decrease in pH from 4.5 to 3.5 (P < 0.05). Reactive oxygen species levels increased, while ATP concentrations decreased. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed severe cell damage with a decrease in pH. However, the hydrogen peroxide tolerance, free radical scavenging rates, reducing power, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxide activities, and total antioxidant capacities of both the strains were improved with a decrease in pH from 5.0 to 4.0, which indicated that appropriate lactic acid stress can improve the antioxidant activities of both the strains. This study brings a new strategy for improving the antioxidant activities of lactic acid bacteria and provides valuable information on the application of these strains as antioxidant starter cultures in fermented foods.

The Effectiveness of Giving Natural Honey as a Bactericide Against the Growth of Escherichia coli Bacteria

Honey is one of the natural treatments with antibacterial effects such as hydrogen peroxide, low pH and short water activity that may inhibit bacterial growth. This study aimed to determine the activity of honey as antibacterial to bacteria Escherichia coli. Antibacterial activity test was done in vitro through diffusion method by using disk disc in MHA media then measuring the diameter of a clear zone that inhibition zone form growth of Escherichia coli bacteria and scaled it millimetre unit. This research was done in the laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Kristen Indonesia. The concentrations used are 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100% by using sterile equates as honey diluents. The control used was chloramphenicol, the results obtained at a concentration of 10% with a zone of 7.6 mm inhibition of honey had been able to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria, and the optimum concentration was 100% with a zone of 24.5 mm. This test showed that natural honey could inhibit bacteria, which conclude that honey might be used as alternative medicine in society.&#x0D; Keywords: Antibacterial effect, Escherichia coli, honey

Physiological, Morphological and Antioxidant Responses of Pediococcus pentosaceus R1 and Lactobacillus fermentum R6 Isolated from Harbin Dry Sausages to Oxidative Stress.

As functional starter cultures and potential probiotics, the ability of lactic acid bacteria to resist oxidative stress is essential to maintain viability and functional properties. This study investigates the effects of H2O2 at different concentrations (0, 1, 2, and 3 mM) on the physiological, morphological, and antioxidant properties of Pediococcus pentosaceus R1 and Lactobacillus fermentum R6 isolated from Harbin dry sausages. The increase in H2O2 concentration induced a significant increase in reactive oxygen species and a decrease in intracellular ATP levels (p < 0.05). Based on scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electric conductivity analysis, H2O2 stress caused cell deformation, the destruction of cell membrane integrity, partial loss of the cytoplasm, and an increase in the cell conductivity of both strains. H2O2 stress with 1 mM or 2 mM concentrations could effectively improve the scavenging rates of free radicals, the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxide, and the total antioxidant capacity of both strains (p < 0.05). In conclusion, an appropriate oxidative stress contributed to the activation of the antioxidant defense system of both strains, conferred strains a better effect in inhibiting the oxidation of fermented foods, and improved the health of the host.

Novel antioxidant quinoxaline derivative: Synthesis, crystal structure, theoretical studies, antidiabetic activity and molecular docking study

New quinoxaline derivative, N-(4-methyl-2-nitrophenyl)-2-(3-methyl-2-oxoquinoxalin-1(2H)-yl)acetamide (NPOQA) has been synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H &13C NMR, ESI-MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis using experimental and theoretical methods. The thermodynamic quantities and quantum chemical parameters were predicted by using B3LYP/6–311G** level to investigate the physical and electronic properties of the compound. Frontier Molecular Orbital “FMO” and Natural Bond Orbital “NBO” analyses of the compound were performed to enligten the possible rectivity trend and intramolecular interactions contibuted to the decreasing of the stabilization. In addition, the newly synthesized compound was evaluated for its in vitro antidiabetic activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes and for antioxidant activity by utilizing several tests as DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl), ABTS (2, 2′-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulfonicacid), reducing power test (FRAP) and Hydrogen Peroxide Activity H2O2. Finally, Molecular docking studies were performed to investigate the binding mode between the quinoxaline derivative NPOQA and α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Docking calculations showed an important binding affinity as compared to standard drug acarbose, -6.5 and -6.9 kcal/mol successively for α-glucosidase and α-amylase, which are in agreement with the results of in vitro studies.