Effect Of Various Concentrations Research Articles

Impact of Annona reticulata L. Extract Fortified Mulberry Leaves on Silk Production Parameters of Bombyx mori L.

The effects of several plant extracts in different quantities on Bombyx mori L. commercial parameters have been seen in commercial silk farming in recent years. In this study, the effects of various concentrations of chloroformic extract of Annona reticulata L. on Bombyx mori L. larvae were investigated. The overall performance of Bombyx mori in response to A. reticulata treatments were observed in the present study. According to experimental study, by utilizing concentrations of Annona reticulata L. at 1: 2, 1: 4, and 1: 8 resulted in an increasing trend for key commercial characteristics, such as filament length, filament weight, single cocoon weight, pupal weight, and shell weight of B. mori L.

A novel cryopreservation solution for adipose tissue based on metformin

BackgroundAutologous fat grafting (AFG) often needs multiple sessions due to low volume retention. Young adipose tissue demonstrates a more pronounced therapeutic effect; thus, the cryopreservation of adipose tissue of young origin is particularly crucial. This study investigated the protective effect of a new cryopreservation solution combining trehalose, glycerol, and metformin on adipose tissue.MethodsThis study initially examined the effect of various concentrations of metformin (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mM) on oxidative damage in adipose tissue to identify the optimal concentration. Subsequently, 1.5 mL of fresh human adipose tissue was subjected to freezing using trehalose + glycerol (TG group), trehalose + glycerol + metformin (TGM group), and the common cryoprotectant dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + fetal bovine serum (FBS) (DF group). Samples were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for 2 weeks. After thawing, 1 mL of adipose tissue from each group was transplanted subcutaneously into the backs of nude mice. The cryoprotective effects on adipose tissue viability were evaluated during transplantation one month after transplantation.ResultsThe 2 mM concentration of metformin exhibited the lowest reactive oxygen species (ROS) level (29.20 ± 1.73) compared to other concentrations (P < 0.05). Cell proliferation and migration assays also supported the superior performance of the 2 mM concentration. Apoptotic analyses of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells showed the lowest levels in the 2 mM group. Compared to other cryopreservation groups, the adipose tissue in the TGM group closely resembled fresh adipose tissue in terms of gross structure and histological characteristics, with the lowest apoptosis rate of SVF cells. In vivo analysis revealed the highest tissue retention rate in the TGM group, with histological examination indicating robust structural integrity.ConclusionThe TGM cryopreservation solution, containing metformin, greatly preserves adipose tissue, reduces apoptosis, and improves tissue retention rates. This solution was non-toxic and safe, making it well-suited for tissue cryopreservation in clinical settings.

DETERMINATION OF THE EFFECTIVE DOSE OF INTERFERON FOR THE CONTROL OF VIRUSES ON WINTER GARLIC

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of various concentrations of Interferon on the winter garlic degeneration. Methods. Field, biometric, weighing, statistical. The study was conducted at the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of NAAS. Domestic cultivar ‘Merefianskyi Bilyi’ included in the Register of Varieties approved for growing in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine was used in the tests. The experiments were carried out in accordance with the "Methods of Experimentation in Vegetable Melon Growing" in four replications. The record plot area was 10 m2. The plots were arranged according to a 70x8 cm scheme. The planting rate was 1.5-1.8 t/ha. The forecrop was is early potato. The effect of foliar treatment with Interferon at concentrations of 0.025, 0.050, 0.100, and 0.150% was assessed. Two-year data (2017-2018) are presented. Results. There was a significant mitigation in the manifestation of viral diseases upon cascade treatment of the winter garlic plantation with Interferon. Interferon concentrations of 0.025, 0.050, 0.100, and 0.150% were tested. In almost all investigated variants, a stimulating effect was observed as manifested as improved biometric parameters of garlic plants. In particular, the plant height and the number of leaves were increased, boosting the photosynthetic activity. There was a significant rise in the yield (by 0.5-0.9 t/ha) attributed to the use of Interferon, with the yield 3.3 t/ha in the control. However, the maximum yield of 4.2 t/ha was harvested at the 0.100% Interferon. Conclusions. The data indicate the absence of symptoms of damage to the garlic seed plantation by viral diseases after foliar treatment with 0.100% Interferon. At the same time, there was an increase in basic biometric indicators and an increase in the yield by 26.3-27.3%, depending on the agent concentration.

Molecular insights into developmental toxicity induced by PCB77 exposure on zebrafish via integrating transcriptomics with adverse outcome pathway.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a typical type of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), were previously widely employed as insulating and heat exchange fluids in transformers and capacitors. Despite knowledge of its adverse effects, the precise mechanism underlying PCB77 toxicity remains enigmatic. In this study, we utilized zebrafish as a model organism to explore the toxic effects of various concentrations of PCB77 (10, 200, and 1000μg/L) and its molecular toxicity mechanisms. Upon exposure to dosages of PCB77 throughout embryonic and larval stages, the zebrafish exhibited adverse phenotypic manifestations, including deformities, decreased heart rates, increased distances between the bulbus arteriosus (BA) and sinus venosus (SV) and reduced locomotor ability. Transcriptome analysis revealed the common enriched pathways across all PCB77 concentration groups, such as retinol metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, which are closely related to the activity of cytochrome P450 (cyp1a) enzymes. Furthermore, Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework which integrates AOPs and dose-dependent transcriptomics to predict PCB77-induced adverse outcomes (AOs) revealed that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) associated AOPs triggered by PCB77 exposure may increase early-life stage mortality and decrease cardiac development, indicating that the primary toxic pathways of PCB77 in zebrafish may involve AhR-mediated signaling. Besides, molecular docking modeling demonstrated that PCB77 could bind to the groove within the AhR domain, suggesting that PCB77 induces embryotoxicity in zebrafish through its interaction with AhR. Collectively, these findings not only deliver a thorough examination of PCB77-induced developmental toxicity as well as the underlying mechanisms, but also validate the efficacy of the analytical approach leveraging AOP framework in unraveling toxicity mechanisms of environmental contaminants, which holds promise for risk assessment associated with novel environmental pollutants.

Citronellol Induces Apoptosis via Differential Regulation of Caspase-3, NF-κB, and JAK2 Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma Cell Line.

Citronellol (CT) is a naturally occurring lipophilic monoterpenoid which has shown anticancer effects in numerous cancerous cell lines. This study was, therefore, designed to examine CT's potential as an anticancer agent against glioblastoma (GBM). Network pharmacology analysis was employed to identify potential anticancer targets of CT. A comprehensive data mining was carried out to assess CT and GBM-associated target genes. Protein-protein interaction network was constructed to identify hub genes and later GO and KEGG enrichment analysis was performed to elucidate the possible mechanism. Human glioblastoma cell line "SF767" was used to confirm in silico findings. MTT, crystal violet, and trypan blue assays were performed to assess the cytotoxic effects of various concentrations of CT. Subsequently, ELISA and qPCR were performed to analyze the effects of CT on proapoptotic and inflammatory mediators. In silico findings indicated that CT differentially regulated proapoptotic and inflammatory pathways by activating caspase-3 and 8 and inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). Molecular docking also demonstrated strong binding affinities of CT with the above-mentioned mediators when compared to 5-fluorouracil or temozolomide. In SF767 cell line, CT displayed dose-dependent cytotoxic and antioxidant effects, and upregulation of annexin-V, caspase-3, and 8 along with downregulation of inflammatory modulators. In a nutshell, it can be concluded from these findings that CT possesses robust anticancer activity which is mediated via differential regulation of caspase-3, JAK2, and NF-κB pathways.

Vitamin D3 requirements and relative bioavailability for starter male White Pekin ducks fed either cholecalciferol or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol

The objectives were to investigate effects of various concentrations of dietary vitamin D3 (VD3) or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on growth performance, VD3 status, calcium (Ca) metabolism, and tibia mineralization of starter male White Pekin ducks, and dietary requirements and relative bioavailability of these two compounds. One-day-old male White Pekin ducks (n = 624) were assigned to 13 dietary treatments, including 6 added VD3 concentrations (100, 200, 400, 800, 1200, and 2000 IU/kg), and 2 vitamin D3 sources (VD3 and 25-OH-D3), plus a negative control (no vitamin D3 supplementation) for 21 days. Each group had 6 replicate pens of 8 birds per pen. At 21 days of age, growth performance, carcass traits, plasma 25-OH-D3 and Ca content, and tibia mineralization were examined. There was a high incidence of leg disease and mortality in ducks fed the control diet; however, those negative effects were avoided by adequate VD3 or 25-OH-D3 supplementation. Ducks in the negative control group had the lowest body weight, average daily weight gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), breast muscle percentage, plasma 25-OH-D3, plasma Ca, and tibia indices (weight, diameter, ash, density, tibia mineral, strength) (P < 0.05), with all these end points enhanced linearly or quadratically as dietary VD3 or 25-OH-D3 increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, at 100 or 200 IU/kg, ducks fed 25-OH-D3 had greater body weight, ADG, ADFI, plasma Ca, plasma 25-OH-D3, tibia weight, tibia diameter, tibia ash than those fed VD3 (P < 0.05), indicating 25-OH-D3 was more effective in stimulating growth, Ca absorption, and tibia mineralization. For growth performance, breast muscle percentage, plasma Ca, and tibial indices of starter male Pekin ducks, the VD3 requirements were 281 to 633 IU/kg, whereas 25-OH-D3 requirements were 119 to 395 IU/kg. Based on slope ratio comparisons from multiple linear regressions of plasma 25-OH-D3, bioavailability of 25-OH-D3 was 186% relative to cholecalciferol.

Transcriptomic Approaches to Investigate the Anti-Aging Effects of Blueberry Anthocyanins in a Caenorhabditis Elegans Aging Model.

This study investigates the anti-aging effects of various concentrations of blueberry anthocyanins (BA) on the lifespan and health-related phenotypes of Caenorhabditis elegans. Blueberry anthocyanins were administered at concentrations of 50.0 μg/mL, 200.0 μg/mL, and 500.0 μg/mL, and their effects on nematode lifespan, locomotion, pharyngeal pumping rate, and the accumulation of lipofuscin and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to explore the regulatory effects of BA on anti-aging molecular pathways and key genes in C. elegans. Results showed a significant, dose-dependent extension of lifespan, improvement in locomotion and pharyngeal pumping rate, and reduction in lipofuscin and ROS accumulation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that BA activated anti-aging pathways such as FOXO, IIS, and PI3K/Akt, upregulating critical genes like daf-16. These findings highlight the potential of blueberry anthocyanins as promising anti-aging agents through multiple physiological and molecular mechanisms.

Extract of Cyperus rotundus L. Stimulates Root Production in Seedlings of Melanoxylon brauna Schott

ABSTRACT A major challenge in producing Melanoxylon brauna seedlings from seeds is the limited formation of lateral roots. A potential solution to this problem is the exogenous application of growth regulators. This study analyzed the effect of various concentrations of Cyperus rotundus tuber extracts on the root system and growth parameters of M. brauna seedlings. The experiment used a completely randomized design with five treatments (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% C. rotundus extract) and five replicates of 10 seedlings each. The root fresh mass data underwent Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests. The number of lateral roots, height, and stem diameter were evaluated using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test. Regression analysis was used to identify the dose maximizing the stimulating effect. The extract of C. rotundus positively influenced root fresh mass, number of lateral roots and height. The concentration of 64.65% provided the highest root fresh mass (Adj.R2 = 0.9815). The exogenous application of C. rotundus extract proved technically feasible, offering an alternative to synthetic growth regulators used to stimulate root development in forest species seedlings. This study highlights the potential of natural extracts in sustainable forestry practices, particularly for promoting rhizogenesis in M. brauna and optimizing the production of high-quality seedlings.

Ability of short-chain fatty acids to reduce inflammation and attract leucocytes to the inflamed skin of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

The aim of the study was to investigate the potential preventive use of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to modulate inflammatory responses in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) skin. Initially, in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of butyric acid, acetic acid and propionic acid, as well as their combination, on the cytotoxicity and cell viability of three different cell lines. The results determined the safe concentration of SCFAs, which was then used for an in vivo study. Fish were allocated into six groups and administered different combinations of SCFAs via intramuscular injection, followed by an injection of carrageenan as an inflammatory agent. Skin samples were taken from the injection site three hours post-administration and used to analyse gene expression and immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that treatment with SCFAs resulted in increased expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes and leucocyte markers in the inflamed skin of fish. The highest gene expression and recruitment of acidophilic granulocytes were observed in fish injected with propionic acid and carrageenan. It is concluded that acetic acid is the most effective anti-inflammatory SCFA tested in gilthead seabream exposed to acute inflammation induced by carrageenan injection. Acetic acid exhibited the most pronounced direct anti-inflammatory effect, although propionic acid appeared to play a significant role in several mechanisms contributing to the resolution of inflammation and recruitment of immune cells to the site of carrageenan-inflamed area in gilthead seabream skin.

Effect of Flos Sophorae Immaturus extract on the formation of heterocyclic amines and quality characteristics of fried chicken patties

Flos Sophorae Immaturus extract (FSIE) is rich in flavonoids and phenolics. The effects of various concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g/100 g of meat) of FSIE on the quality and heterocyclic amine (HCA) formation of chicken patties fried at 170°C and 190°C were investigated for the first time. The total HCA content of chicken patties fried at 190°C (7.23-13.73 ng/g) was remarkably higher than that of patties fried at 170°C (2.34-2.57 ng/g). It is noteworthy that most HCAs formed on the surface of the patties. FSIE at 0.2-0.6 g/100 g significantly reduced the formation of HCAs in chicken patties fried at 190°C by 27.09-47.34%, which may be related to the enhanced total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of FSIE after heating. With the addition of FSIE, the L* and a* values of meat patties decreased and b* values increased. However, the addition of FSIE to chicken did not negatively affect the sensory attributes of fried chicken patties. Also, FSIE somewhat reduced the TBARS and carbonyl values of fried chicken patties. Correlation analysis revealed that the protein carbonyl value of meat patties was significantly and positively correlated with the total HCA formation (r = 0.90, p < 0.01). These results provide evidence that the addition of FSIE to high-temperature fried products, especially on the product surface or in the frying medium, can effectively reduce the formation of hazardous HCAs.

Evaluating Paeonia emodi propagation protocols by seed and root cuttings and phytochemical analysis of the plants

The present study aimed to develop conventional propagation protocols for Paeonia emodi, a threatened and high-value medicinal herb of the Himalayan region. Different experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on seed germination and vegetative propagation (root cuttings) in nursery conditions. Leaves of well-developed plants were used to evaluate phytochemical content and antioxidant activity. Seed germination percentage reached a maximum (78.88 ± 1.25%) with gibberellic acid + abscisic acid treatment (GA3+ABA) at a concentration of 100 µM each. However, 100% sprouting was observed in roots treated with 500 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Seeds treated with GA3 (100 µM) induced a maximum plant height (11.98 ± 0.05 cm). Similarly, roots treated with IBA (500 mg L−1) resulted in 35.54 ± 0.84 cm plant height and maximum root diameter (25.18 ± 0.90 mm) in IBA (100 mg L−1) treated plants. Among differently treated plants, total phenolic content (100.95 ± 1.36 mg GAE/g dw) and 2, 2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate assay activity (25.24 ± 0.35 mg AAE/g dw) were higher in GA3+ABA (100 µM each) treated seed raised plants. However, vegetatively propagated plants treated with IBA 100 mg L−1 had the highest levels of total phenolics (110.42 ± 3.42 mg GAE/g dw) and 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay activity (22.35 ± 0.48 mg AAE/g dw). The results of the study will help in the mass multiplication of the species for large-scale production.

Mesenchymal stem cells treated with Interleukin-1 beta for mediation of an inflammatory response in human tissues.

The present study examined the functional activities of the human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) under the effects of various concentrations of the inflammatory mediator interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). The effects of IL-1β on the functional properties of hBM-MSCs were measured using functional assays (adhesion, proliferation, and migration). hBM-MSCs expressions of colony-stimulating factors 1 and 2 (CSF1, CSF2), C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 1 and 3 (CXCL1, CXCL3), were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR). The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β did not disrupt hBM-MSCs adhesion, but it improved proliferation and migration only up to 50 ng/ml. However, in response to 100 ng/ml IL-1β, cell growth, proliferation, and migration were reduced significantly. The expression of CSF1, CCR2, CXCL3, and IL-1β genes increased with the increase in the concentration of IL-1β. CSF2 and CXCL1 gene expression increased in the 50ng/ml group compared with the 10ng/ml group to be higher than the control group in the 100ng/ml IL-1β group which might facilitate the differentiation, and homing of MSCs to the site of injury and augment their activities in the inflamed microenvironment. The study corroborates the advantages of prior stimulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with the cytokine IL-1β, demonstrating an upregulation of key chemokines and cytokines. This upregulation potentially enhances MSCs' ability to differentiate and migrate to injury sites, while also augmenting their functional role within an inflamed microenvironment, thereby amplifying their therapeutic potential.

Chemical Composition, Physiological and Morphological Variations in Salvia subg. Perovskia Populations in Response to Different Salinity Levels.

This study evaluated the salinity tolerance of five populations of Salvia subg. Perovskia (S. abrotanoides and S. yadngii). The aims of the study were to assess essential oil components, as well as growth and physiological parameters of two Salvia species in response to salt stress. Four different levels of salinity (0, 60, 90, and 120 mM NaCl) were applied. The effects of various concentrations of NaCl on essential oil content, composition, growth, water relation, proline, lipid peroxidation (MDA), hydrogen peroxide content, and antioxidant enzyme activity, as well as Na and K contents in leaves and the roots were evaluated. The results revealed that root dry weight loss was higher than that of shoots, indicating root vulnerability due to direct exposure to the salt stress. The lowest and highest oil content was obtained in PATKH (0.6%) at 60 mM and PABAD (0.6%) in 90 mM to 2.16% in PABSM population under 120 mM NaCl. Based on GC-MS analysis, 1,8-cineol (11.64 to 22.02%), camphor (2.67 to 27.14%), bornyl acetate (2.12 to 11.07%), borneol (2.38 to 24.37%), β-caryophyllene (3.24 to 7.58%), α-humulene (2.97 to 7.92%), and δ-3-carene (5.31 to 26.65%) were the most abundant compounds. Based on the principal component analysis (PCA), the most salinity-tolerant populations belonged to P. abrotanoides species. These populations are characterized by high root stress tolerance index (STI), root elements, and relative water content (RWC) with elevated levels of salinity stress. Finally, the findings might be useful in unraveling the salinity tolerance mechanisms for integrating stress tolerance with medicinal qualities in future studies.

TFC‐1326 Compound Reduces Clinical Signs of Skin Aging. Evidence From In Vitro Human Adipose and Skin Models and Pilot Clinical Trial

ABSTRACTBackgroundAnti‐freeze Glycoproteins (AFGPs) were described to preserve biological materials and protect them from different stresses.AimsThe effects of a synthetic anti‐freeze glycoprotein‐based compound, TFC‐1326, on human skin quality and its biological actions were studied.MethodsThe effects of various concentrations of TFC‐1326 on the biology of human preadipocytes, differentiated in the proinflammatory microenvironment, and on human fibroblasts grown in coculture with human mature adipocytes or monocultured in stress conditions were investigated in, in vitro studies. Additionally, the efficacy of a 1% TFC‐1326 topical cream was evaluated in a clinical investigation on the skin biology and appearance of 20 women aged between 40 and 65 years throughout 84 days of application.ResultsThe in vitro studies revealed that TFC‐1326 mitigated the deleterious effects of a proinflammatory cytokine cocktail produced by human macrophages, by restoring preadipocyte adipogenic capacity and by reducing their fibroinflammatory state. TFC‐1326 also stimulated the proliferative capacity of dermal fibroblasts co‐cultured with mature adipocytes as well as their production of hyaluronic acid and procollagen type I, while decreasing IL6 secretion and increasing fibroblast viability. Furthermore, daily 1% TFC‐1326 topical cream application, measurably improved skin radiance and laxity, as well as skin density. Finally, significant reductions of the volume and depth of the crow's feet wrinkles were also observed.ConclusionsThe compound TFC‐1326 significantly improved the physiological appearance and cellular functions of aging skin.

Nipah Frond Waste as a Renewable Source for Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Nipah frond is one of the wastes that has not been widely utilized by community. Nipah frond contain a relatively high cellulose content that can be used as renewable source for carboxymethyl cellulose production. This research focus on the extraction of cellulose from nipah fronds, followed by synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose through alkalization and carboxymethylation processes. In the process of the synthesis carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose was carried out by alkalization and carboxymethylation using sodium hydroxie (NaOH), and trichloroacetic acid. Characterization of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The degree of substitution (DS) was determined using the rasio of -OH and ether absorption. The effect of various concentrations of trichloroacetic acid on the DS of CMC was analyzed. DS of CMC obtained through variations in trichloroacetic acid concentration shows a decreasing trend in DS value due to the formation of by-product that inhibit the carboxymethylation. The maximum DS of 0.92 was obtained when the carboxymethylation process with 15% of trichloroacetic acid. The result of the analysis using FT-IR spectrophotometer showed there is a stretching O-H group at the wave number of 3333 cm-1, and supported with the ether vibration in the 1024 cm-1 and the presence of the carbonyl group COO- at 1601 cm-1.

Responses in organs, sperm, steroid hormones and CYP450 enzyme in male mice treated by quinestrol only or in conjunction with clarithromycin

Pest rodents persistently undermine crop yields and food security. Fertility control could be a viable alternative for managing rodent populations. This study investigates the antifertility effects of various concentrations of clarithromycin combined with 1.0 mg/kg quinestrol on male rodents to determine an effective contraceptive dose that minimizes quinestrol usage, addressing key concerns such as potential environmental residue, which may impact ecological balance, and poor palatability, which could reduce ingestion and limit the sterilant’s effectiveness. Male mice were divided into five groups and administered different doses of clarithromycin or clarithromycin and quinestrol for three consecutive days, while the control group received sunflower seed oil only. After seven days, organ weights, reproductive organ weights, sperm density, serum hormone levels, and CYP3A4 content in small intestinal and liver tissues were measured to assess persistent effects. Compared with the control group, all treatment groups had significant reductions in epididymal weight, seminal vesicle weight, and serum T and LH levels. Higher concentrations of clarithromycin (2 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) significantly impacted reproductive metrics, including sperm density, organ weights, and serum LH and testosterone levels, though complete sterilization was not achieved, with more than 60 million cauda epididymal spermatozoa remaining. However, the combination demonstrated potential as an effective strategy for male fertility control. The combination of 2.0 mg/kg clarithromycin and quinestrol can mitigate organ enlargement seen with quinestrol alone. This combination also decreased total enzyme content, thereby diminishing quinestrol’s induction of CYP3A4, which may increase the sterilization effectiveness of the treatment.

Biosensor for integrin inhibition of mammalian cell adhesion and migration using micropatterned cell culture substrate and retroreflective optical signaling

Integrins are a family of transmembrane receptors that play a crucial role in cell adhesion and migration. Integrins can uniquely transduce biochemical signals bidirectionally across the membrane and physically link the cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) with ligand bonds. The arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide motif is present in the ECM as a minimal recognition sequence for integrins. To leverage this property in cell-based therapy, RGD variants, such as cyclic-type RGDfK (c(RGDfK)), which share a similar structure with RGD but exhibit a higher affinity for integrins, have been developed. However, because most evaluation methods for newly developed RGD variants focus on affinity strength, tools for cellular effects are required. In this study, we developed a new platform that integrates micropatterned three-dimensional cell culture substrates with a non-spectroscopic optical analysis system to quantitatively analyze the effects of RGD variants on cell adhesion and migration. The specially micropatterned substrate provides a cell adhesive and migration area to provide a restricted analysis area. Owing to the characteristics of retroreflective Janus particles (RJPs), a non-spectroscopic optical analysis system provides long-term stable optical verification properties and a simple optical setup. These techniques were integrated to quantitatively determine the integrin inhibitory effect of various concentrations of RGD variant. To demonstrate the efficacy of the developed cellular level RGD variant testing platform, the model cell line L929 fibroblast and model RGD variant c(RGDfK) were analyzed ranging from 0 to 10 μM. The results showed that the developed system could effectively and quantitatively analyze the effects of RGD variants on cells across various concentrations.

Development of wear and pitting curves with vibration analysis for lubricating grease under contamination conditions

The application of grease under contaminated environmental conditions typically leads to its degradation and subsequent damage to lubricated surfaces. This study examines the effects of various concentrations of environmental particles and water content, both separately and in combination, on the variation of tribological characteristics of lithium-based grease during wear. Wear and pitting curves are established for grease contaminated with varying weight percentages of water and particles. The introduction of water into grease reduces wear by absorbing friction heat but increases pitting, while particles extend the running-in period and destabilize surface roughness. In mixed conditions, particles exert a greater influence on the tribological behavior than water. To improve pitting monitoring, vibration indicators FM4 and NA4 are modified by incorporating the cumulative effect of the friction coefficient over time, accounting for the progressive accumulation of wear and vibration energy. The modified FM4 indicator proves more effective in detecting pitting variations under contaminated conditions.

Evaluating the Protective Effect of Melatonin on Atorvastatin-induced Mitochondrial Toxicity in Pancreatic Beta Cells.

Atorvastatin and other statins belong to a category of cholesterollowering drugs, which may cause some damage to pancreatic cells despite their effectiveness. The present study investigated the effects of melatonin against atorvastatin-induced toxicity on islets of Langerhans and CRI-D2 cells. The MTT assay was used to determine cell viability. The effect of various concentrations of melatonin (0,10, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 μM) on CRI-D2 cell viability was evaluated for 24 hours to determine the non-cytotoxic concentrations of melatonin. Additionally, cells were treated with different concentrations of atorvastatin (10, 100, and 150 ng/mL) for 24 hours to determine a concentration that could induce the maximum cell death. After selecting the appropriate concentrations for melatonin, cells were treated with atorvastatin (10, 100, and 150 ng/ml) and melatonin (10 and 100 μM) simultaneously for a period of 24 hours. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity were assessed as indicators of oxidative stress. To assess mitochondrial function, the ratio of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured. Atorvastatin markedly raised ROS and MDA levels. This result was associated with a decrease in MMP, an increase in the ADP/ATP ratio, and a change in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Atorvastatin (150 ng/mL)-induced mitochondrial damage was alleviated by concurrent melatonin and atorvastatin therapy. These results suggest that melatonin has a protective effect against atorvastatininduced toxicity in the mitochondria of pancreatic cells.

Effect of Larval Ages and Honey Treatment on the Sex Reversal of Betta Fish (Betta splendens).

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Betta fish is one of the most popular ornamental fish because of their attractive body shape, especially for males. The fish development usually results in a similar number of males and females or an even higher number of females. This study aimed to determine the effect of various concentrations of honey and the age of larvae on the sex ratio of Betta fish. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This study was conducted using a completely randomized design with two variables; the concentrations of honey and the ages of Betta fish larvae in 3 replications. There are 45 groups in total with 20 larvae in each group. The levels of honey concentration were 0 (control), 10, 20, 30 and 40 mL/L and the levels of larval ages were 3, 4 and 5 days old. All groups were immersed for 10 hrs in the honey mix and then maintained for 4 months. Sex ratio calculation was performed after 3 months. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The both factors have a significant effect on male sex formation. The highest number of males was produced in the honey concentration of 40 mL/L. A significant difference in the number of males was shown in the larval group of ages 3 and 4 days old but not in the groups of 5 days old. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Honey treatment and the larval age affect the formation of male Betta fish.