Fractional Extraction Research Articles

Chemical profiling, in-vitro and in silico α-glucosidase inhibition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Hypotrachyna cirrhata (Fr.) Hale ex Sipman

Natural products are essential in drug development, with increasing interest in lichen-derived compounds for their therapeutic potential. This study investigates the bioactivity of the methanolic extract of Hypotrachyna cirrhata through in vitro and in silico approaches. The ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 of 10.37 ± 0.62 μg/mL, while the methanolic extract exhibited an IC50 of 72.30 ± 0.55 μg/mL. For α-glucosidase inhibition, the ethyl acetate fraction and crude extract showed IC50 values of 1.17 ± 0.50 μg/mL and 5.00 ± 0.45 μg/mL, respectively. Antibacterial assays revealed zones of inhibition of 12 and 11 mm against Staphylococcus aureus at 25 mg/mL, with the strain showing sensitivity to the methanolic extract (MIC of 20.0 × 10−4 mg/mL). LC-MS analysis identified eight metabolites in the ethyl acetate extract, salazinic acid (1), roccellaric acid (2), constictic acid (3), protolichesterinic acid (4), mannitol (5), penta hydroxyicosatrienoicacid (6), methyl pentahydroxyoxoheptacosanoate (7), and one unknown compound. Five major compounds (1-5) were selected for computational analysis and highlighted that salazinic acid as a potential lead compound, displaying a non-competitive binding with α-glucosidase and a binding affinity of −9.9 kcal/mol. These findings suggest salazinic acid's promise as an α-glucosidase inhibitor.

Impact of different weaning strategies of high-frequency ventilation (HFV) on neonatal cerebral oxygen saturation and hemodynamics: protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial.

High-frequency ventilation (HFV) is commonly used in neonatal intensive care units to provide respiratory support for critically ill neonates. Currently, there is no standardized procedure for weaning from HFV. Two commonly used strategies are transitioning from HFV to conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) before extubation (HFV-CMV) and extubation after decreasing mean airway pressure during HFV (HFV-HFV). The impact of these strategies on neonatal cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics remains incompletely understood. We will conduct a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of two different HFV weaning strategies (HFV-CMV, HFV-HFV) on neonatal cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics. The patients enrolled in the trial will be randomly allocated to either the HFV-CMV group or the HFV-HFV group in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome will be cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO2) before and after the intervention. Second outcomes are cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction, heart rate, blood pressure, and the incidence and severity of intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia. We hypothesize that HFV-CMV results in positive impact on neonatal cerebral oxygenation compared to HFV-HFV. This study aims to identify a better weaning strategy for HFV and contribute evidence-based data to enhance its clinical application in newborns, potentially improving the care and outcomes for neonates receiving HFV. This study aims to assessing the impact of different HFV weaning strategies on neonatal cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics, as well as the relationship between the duration of HFV under different strategies and neurological complications, to identify better weaning methods for HFV. We hope to contribute evidence-based data to enhance clinical application of HFV in newborns, potentially improving the care and outcomes for neonates receiving HFV. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2400088628. Registered on August 22, 2024, https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=235926 .

Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy guided neonatal intensive care management for the preterm infant.

Infants requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are particularly vulnerable to developing brain injury. The severity of the underlying clinical conditions and the complexity of care call for continuous, cot-side, non-invasive monitoring tools. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measures the regional tissue oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (rStO2) and provides continuous information on the net-result of several factors. Cerebral rStO2 correlates with echocardiography-derived measures of blood flow. Cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction provides information on the balance between oxygen supply and demand and can be continuously derived from the combined use of cerebral rStO2 and arterial oxygen saturation. Information on cerebral blood flow autoregulatory capacity can be obtained from combining cerebral rStO2 and invasive blood pressure monitoring by appropriate software. Cerebral rStO2 provides real-time, end-organ information on perfusion-oxygenation, and when interpreted in the clinical context based on pathophysiological principles may be used as a help to guide interventions in the NICU. In this review we will discuss how to optimize NIRS monitoring for application in the NICU, with a particular focus on the preterm infant. IMPACT: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides cot-side, real-time information on blood and oxygen supply to the brain. Therefore, it is a valuable tool to better understand the pathophysiology underlaying disease processes. Current evidence suggests that NIRS-guided treatment in extremely preterm infants during transitional circulation does not improve clinical outcomes. Specific training is needed to maximize potential performance. Pathophysiological interpretation of cerebral NIRS data in the given clinical context may help in decision-making. Appropriate use of this monitoring technique, interpreted concurrently with other routine parameters, is a potential clinical tool to guide interventions in the NICU setting.

Fractional extraction phenolics from C. oleifera seed kernels exhibited anti-inflammatory effect via PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway under Caco-2/RAW264.7 co-culture cell model

Camellia oleifera Abel (C. oleifera) is a multifunctional oilseed, which is rich in many biological active substances with health-promoting properties, especially polyphenols. Previous research revealed that camellia oil phenolics exhibited anti-inflammatory effect, which originated from seed. Thus, we aimed to explore the components of camellia seed phenolics and its potential mechanism of anti-inflammation. Initially, fractional extraction was processed to prepare the phenolics from camellia seed kernels, and we compare four different fractions of phenolics under the LPS-induced Caco-2/RAW264.7 coculturing model. Results showed that free phenolics (FP) had best effect on alleviating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) compared to esterified-bound phenolics (EP), glycosylated-bound phenolics (GP) and insoluble-bound phenolics (IP). Furthermore, FP reduced inflammation by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway and effectively inhibited LPS-induced intestinal permeability increase, tight junction related proteins loss (ZO-1, claudin-1). Same results obtained, as the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity of high-dose FP treated group was high than model group. Finally, molecular docking was used for evaluating the anti-inflammatory effect for phenolic monomer. KGRG (kaempferol −3-O-(2-O-glucopyranosyl-6-O-rhamnopyranosyl)-glucopyranoside), KXR (kaempferol 3-O-(2′’-xylopyranosyl)-rutinoside) and leucoside (kaempferol 3-O-sambubioside) show lower binding energy docking with NF-κB, PI3K and Akt protein, indicating better interactions, which might be effective constituents against inflammation. Subsequently, five major polyphenols were obtained to validate the docking results, especially, indicating the best anti-inflammatory activities of KGRG. Overall, this research sheds insights on the therapy of phenolics from C. oleifera seed towards LPS-induced intestinal inflammation model in vitro and its related mechanism.

Protocol for the Extraction and Characterization of Trabecular Meshwork Cell Cytoskeleton Fraction.

Among various cellular attributes modulating aqueous humor (AH) outflow through the trabecular pathway and eventually intraocular pressure, the involvement of actomyosin regulated cellular contraction and relaxation, cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and cell-cell junctions, and mechanotransduction are well recognized. Although various biological and pharmacological agent-modulated AH outflows were associated with altered actin cytoskeletal organization and cell adhesive interactions of trabecular meshwork (TM) cells, these changes were analyzed largely with a biased approach to examine the specific proteins, but there were very few efforts in examining them with hypothesis-free unbiased approach in their native state. Therefore, in this chapter, we describe a protocol tailored to characterize the cytoskeleton of TM cells. This simple protocol can be applied to identifying the differentially regulated TM cell cytoskeleton proteins under any given treatment condition in conjunction with quantitative proteomic analysis.

Combined effect of sprint interval training and post-exercise blood flow restriction on muscle deoxygenation responses during ramp incremental cycling.

This study investigated the effect of sprint-interval training combined with post-exercise blood flow restriction (i.e., SIT + BFR) on pulmonary gas exchange and microvascular deoxygenation responses during ramp incremental (RI) cycling. Nineteen healthy, untrained males (mean ± SD age: 24 ± 5years; height: 178 ± 6cm; body mass: 77.0 ± 10.7kg) were assigned to receive 4weeks of SIT or SIT + BFR. Before and after the intervention period, each participant completed a RI cycling test for determination of peak oxygen uptake ( ) and the gas exchange threshold (GET) with deoxygenated heme (Δdeoxy[heme]) and tissue oxygenation index (TOI) measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in vastus lateralis (VL) muscle. Relative increased by 7% following both interventions (P ≤ 0.03). SIT + BFR increased peak Δdeoxy[heme] when normalized relative to leg arterial occlusion (PRE: 57.3 ± 13.0 vs. POST: 62.0 ± 13.2%; P = 0.009) whereas there was no significant difference following SIT (PRE: 64.9 ± 14.3 vs. POST: 71.4 ± 11.7%; P = 0.17). Likewise, TOI nadir decreased at exhaustion following SIT + BFR (PRE: 56.9 ± 9.1 vs. POST: 51.4 ± 9.2%; P = 0.002) but not after SIT (PRE: 58.5 ± 7.1 vs. POST: 56.3 ± 8.2%; P = 0.29). The absolute cycling power at the GET increased following SIT + BFR (PRE: 108 ± 13 vs. POST: 125 ± 17 W, P = 0.001) but was not significantly different following SIT (PRE: 112 ± 7 VS. POST: 116 ± 11 W, P = 0.54). The addition of post-exercise BFR to SIT alters the mechanism underlying the enhancement in by increasing the peak rate of muscle fractional O2 extraction in previously untrained males.

Black pepper extract reduces tumour incidence via suppressing tumour-promoted cytokines/chemokines and modulating T cell subtype

ABSTRACT Our study aimed to evaluate tumour retardation effects of low-piperine fractional Piper nigrum extract (PFPE or LP-PE) related to enhancement of immune response. Results showed that PFPE at doses of 50 (low), 100 (intermediated) and 150 (high) mg/kg BW had a tumour incidence of 20, 20 and 0%, respectively. PFPE at low dose inhibited cytokines/chemokines in the early stages of cancer however it could not suppress longer than 3 months. Intermediated dose of PFPE inhibited cancer cytokines/chemokines including sICAM-1, CX3CL1, CXCL7, VEGF, TIMP-1, CCL5, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL9 and IL-1β. Interestingly, PFPE stimulated IFN- γ at 3 months after treatment in all doses. Intermediated and high doses of PFPE increased Th1 and reduced Th2. Moreover, only a high dose of PFPE reduced Treg. Additionally, PFPE reduced ER-α and NF-κB and increased IL-6R and STAT3 proteins in tumour tissues. Our findings indicate that PFPE suppressed breast cancer via immune modulation.

A Small-Sample Classification Strategy for Extracting Fractional Cover of Native Grass Species and Noxious Weeds in the Alpine Grasslands.

The fractional cover of native grass species (NGS) and noxious weeds (NW) provides a more comprehensive understanding of grassland health in the alpine grasslands. However, coverage extraction of NGS and NW from satellite hyperspectral imagery can be challenging due to the small spectral and spatial feature difference, insufficient training samples, and the lack of effective fractional cover extraction methods. In this research, firstly, a feature optimization method is proposed to optimize the difference feature between NGS and NW. Secondly, a spectral-spatial constrained re-clustering training sample extension method (SSCTSE) is proposed to increase the number of training samples. Thirdly, a composite three-kernel SVM method (CTK-SVM) is developed to produce fractional cover maps of NGS and NW. The experimental results show that (1) the feature optimization method is effective in preserving the spectral and spatial difference features while eliminating invalid features; (2) the SSCTSE algorithm is capable of significantly increasing the number of training samples; (3) the fractional cover maps of NGS and NW are produced with the CTK-SVM method with overall accuracies of approximately 65%, and the RMSEs of NGS and NW are approximately 16% and 11%, respectively. The results provide a foundation for the fractional cover extraction of different grass species in alpine grasslands based on satellite hyperspectral imagery.

By-Products Valorization: Peptide Fractions from Milk Permeate Exert Antioxidant Activity in Cellular and In Vivo Models.

The discarding of agri-food by-products is a stringent problem due to their high environmental impact. Recovery strategies can lead to a reduction of waste and result in new applications. Agri-food waste represents a source of bioactive molecules, which could promote health benefits. The primary goal of this research has been the assessment of the antioxidant activity of milk permeate, a dairy farm by-product, and the isolation and identification of peptide fractions endowed with antioxidant activity. The chromatographic extraction of the peptide fractions was carried out, and the peptides were identified by mass spectrometry. The fractions showed radical scavenging activity in vitro. Moreover, the results in the Caco-2 cell model demonstrated that the peptide fractions were able to protect from oxidative stress by stimulating the Keap1/Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway, increasing the transcription of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, the bioactive peptides can affect cellular metabolism, increasing mitochondrial respiration. The action of the peptide fractions was also assessed in vivo on a zebrafish model and resulted in the protection of the whole organism from the adverse effects of acute cold stress, highlighting their strong capability to protect from an oxidative insult. Altogether, the results unveil novel recovery strategies for food by-products as sources of antioxidant bioactive peptides that might be utilized for the development of functional foods.

The Optimization of the Hot Water Extraction of the Polysaccharide-Rich Fraction from Agaricus bisporus

The optimization of extraction parameters, including the process time, temperature, and liquid-to-solid ratio, was conducted in order to obtain the polysaccharide-rich fraction from the lyophilized Agaricus bisporus fruiting body. The efficiency of extraction for polysaccharides and antioxidant activity was determined by analyzing the extracts for total carbohydrate content, the reducing sugars content, and the antioxidant activity employing DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. The results showed that all parameters, except for the extraction time, impacted differently on the extraction efficiency of polysaccharides and antioxidant activity. The highest total carbohydrate content was observed at the longest process time, highest temperature, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 118 mL/g. To minimize the reducing sugar level, a lower temperature is required, while the highest antioxidant activity requires a moderate temperature and the lowest liquid-to-solid ratio. The optimization of antioxidant activity by means of the DPPH and H2O2 method failed, which shows that the specific mechanism of polysaccharides as antioxidants needs further investigation. The aqueous extraction method demonstrated to be an efficient and simple approach to recover the potentially bioactive polysaccharide fractions from Agaricus bisporus that are also active as antioxidants.

A comparative analysis of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of the crude and fractionated extracts from Distichochlamys benenica

Abstract Distichochlamys benenica is a newly discovered plant belonging to the Distichochlamys family, which exerts many important biological activities. However, the anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects of the crude (ME) and fractioned extracts of D. benenica, such as hexane (HE), chloroform (CE), and ethyl acetate extracts (EAE), have not been elucidated yet. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated via DPPH free radical scavenging and phosphomolybdate assays. The anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts was assessed via their inhibitory effects on protein denaturation and nitric oxide production. The anti-cancer effect of the extracts against A549 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines was determined via MTT assay. The results revealed that among four extracts, the polyphenol concentration was highest in EAE (350.59 ± 13.26 mg GAE/g) while the flavonoid content was highest in HE and ME. Furthermore, the greatest DPPH radical capture efficiency was demonstrated by EAE (89.76 ± 0.68%), and total antioxidant activity was greatest in HE (204.18 ± 3.51 mg AAE/g). The greatest suppression of NO generation was similarly shown by EAE and HE, with IC50 values ranging from 3.72-4.06 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, HE and EAE exhibited an inhibitory effect on protein denaturation (ranging from 12.76%-28.81%). HE and EAE had the greatest effectiveness against MDA-MB-231 cell lines in the antitumor test. These findings validate the potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties of D. benenica extracts, especially EAE and HE, and pave the way for the application of the extracts in the pharmaceutical industry as promising anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer medicines.

Effects of cooking and market classes on nutritional and antioxidant properties of dry bean flours and soluble dietary fiber-rich fractions

Dry beans are a rich source of proteins, starch, dietary fiber, and phenolic compounds, thus exhibiting potential health benefits. Fractionating dry beans, especially soluble dietary fiber (SDF), could be considered a valuable functional food ingredient. This study investigated the effects of pinto and black dry bean market classes and atmospheric pressure cooking on the physicochemical attributes of dry bean flours and the extraction and characterization of SDF-rich fractions. Cooking significantly (p < 0.05) increased the dietary fiber content, altering the macronutrient profile. Raw flours exhibited higher levels of extractable phenols and antioxidant capacity, while cooked flours had more hydrolyzable phenols and associated antioxidant activities. Pinto beans were found to have higher levels of slowly digestible starch (23.76%) and resistant starch (5.24%) compared to black beans (20.63% and 3.22%, respectively). The SDF-rich fraction from cooked flours showed a reduced residual protein content and included pectic polysaccharides, hemicelluloses, and raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), with cooking affecting their molecular weight distribution. These fractions demonstrated shear-thinning behavior and temperature-dependent viscosity. The study highlights the significant influence of market class and cooking process on the nutritional and antioxidant properties of dry beans, suggesting their potential contributions to dietary health.

Valorisation of Blackcurrant Pomace by Extraction of Pectin-Rich Fractions: Structural Characterization and Evaluation as Multifunctional Cosmetic Ingredient

Blackcurrant pomace is a widely available waste stream derived from the industrial production of juice rich in pectin and unextracted polyphenols. Since pectin, an emerging class of gastrointestinal prebiotics, is also a common cosmetic ingredient, the aim of this work was to evaluate blackcurrant pomace as a source of pectin-rich fractions suitable for application in prebiotic cosmetics. Hereby, this raw material was valorised by sequential extraction of acid-soluble (by citric acid, CAP) and Ca-bound (by ammonium oxalate, AOPP) pectic polysaccharides. Both fractions had favourable physicochemical features and a similar degree of methyl-esterification between low- and high-methoxyl pectin (approx. 50%), but CAP had significantly higher galacturonic acid content (72.3%), branching, and purity. Regardless of that, both had very high oil (18.96 mL/g for CAP and 19.32 mL/g for AOPP) and water (9.97 mL/g for CAP and 7.32 mL/g for AOPP)-holding capacities and excellent emulsifying properties, making them promising cosmetic ingredients. The polyphenol content was 10 times higher in CAP, while corresponding antioxidant activity was 3-fold higher. Finally, the influence of varying CAP and AOPP concentrations on common skin pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus, and beneficial skin bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis, was examined. The results show significant prebiotic potential of two pectic fractions since they were capable of selectively stimulating S. epidermidis, while S. aureus growth was inhibited, whereas CAP demonstrated a particularly high capacity of up to 2.2, even with methicillin-resistant S. aureus.

In vivo and in silico antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of Vernonia amygdalina Del. leaf extracts

Vernonia amygdalina (VA) leaves contain many potential active ingredients and exhibit diverse pharmacological activities. The antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects of VA crude and fraction extracts were carried out using Swiss albino mice models. VAE is considered safe to be administered due to LD50 being greater than 10,000 mg/kg body weight. A dose-dependent increase in antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities was observed in both VAE and fractions, similar to the reference drugs. The antihypertensive effect of the VAE 2.0 (2000 mg/kg, SBP: ↓26.05 %, DBP: ↓34.51 %) was nearly equivalent to Captopril (100 mg/kg, SBP: ↓30.28 %, DBP: ↓40.71 %) with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). The VAE 1.0 (1000 mg/kg), and EA 30 (30 mg/kg) showed potent anti-inflammatory activity when reducing the total edematous paw volume significantly (p < 0.01) by ↓65.58 %, and ↓69.34 %, respectively, similar to Ibuprofen (7.5 mg/kg, ↓67.03 %). Besides, VAE (>500 mg/kg), and W 400 (water, 400 mg/kg) fraction extracts showed a potent analgesic effect equivalent to Para 50 (paracetamol 50 mg/kg) for the highest protection (>65 %) against the acetic acid-induced writhing after 35 min. Moreover, cepharanthine, cynaroside, and vernoniosides of VA leaf extract exhibited the highest affinity (>10 kcal/mol) in anti-inflammatory and analgesic targets (iNOS and COX-2) and antihypertensive targets (ACE and β1 adrenoreceptor). Therefore, the crude and fraction extracts of VA leaves from the percolation method and bioactive metabolites are a potential source that can be developed into antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents in herbal medicine.

Low rigidity despite high asphaltene content in bitumen: The role of resins

This research presents a laboratory study on three different bitumens, chosen as representative, coming from three different oils with different origins (Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Russia) for assessing their structural differences due their different origins. The three bitumens have penetration indexes of 160/220, 70/100, 70/100 respectively, whereas their S.A.R.A. compositions showed marked differences particularly in the asphaltene and resin content, being the bitumen from Saudi Arabia particularly rich in such fractions, and that from Venezuela possessing the lower content of these. Rheological characterization carried out as a function of frequency and temperature suggests that: (i) the modulus at an angular frequency of 1 rad/s takes the lowest value for sample from Saudi Arabia, in accordance with the penetration index trend of the samples (ii) from a microscopic point of view, the average number of first neighbors involved in the flowing process is around one. Further analysis involved the extraction of the asphaltenic fraction according to the standard ASTM D4124 procedure: the melting point of the asphaltene fraction is 175 and 195 °C for the samples from Venezuela and Russia, respectively, while it can hardly be detected for the sample from Saudi Arabia. This anomalous behavior has been interpreted with the aid of X-Ray scattering data, which highlighted a lower order in asphaltene assembly at higher level of aggregation, which means that asphaltene molecules are arranged to form local assemblies with structural well-defined order only at short range, being higher levels of aggregations more disordered. All the data self-consistently show that the bitumen from Saudi Arabia, thanks to a higher content of resins, can stabilize more efficiently aphaltenes and therefore the latter can form ordered stacks only ad short range (only few Angstroms), leaving a more amorphous structure at longer ranges with consequently higher penetration index and lower modulus.

Using cerebral regional oxygen saturation and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography in neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: preliminary experience from a single center

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the application value in neurological outcome of cerebral regional oxygen saturation (CrSO2) and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) monitoring during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) courses.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 18 neonates receiving veno-arterial ECMO (V-A ECMO) support at our hospital from July 2021 to December 2022. Continuous monitoring of CrSO2 and brain electrical activity was conducted using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and aEEG throughout the ECMO treatment. We collected and analyzed related clinical data.ResultsAmong the 11 survivors, 5 were categorized as the normal group (N group) and 6 as the abnormal group (AN group) based on post-ECMO brain MRI outcomes. The N group exhibited shorter time percentage of significant CrSO2 reduction (> 25% from baseline or absolute value < 40%), better fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) rates, and more stable mean percentage changes in CrSO2 compared to the AN group. Neonates in the N group predominantly showed mildly abnormal aEEG readings, with one patient displaying disrupted sleep-wake cycles. This particular patient also had more significant CrSO2 reduction and poorer FTOE compared to others in the N group. Additionally, the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) scores indicated hypoevolutism in this patient before discharge, while others in the N group had normal TIMP scores. In the AN group, 4 exhibited moderate and 2 severe aEEG abnormalities; 5 had hypoevolutism TIMP scores, and 1 with moderate aEEG abnormalities maintained a normal TIMP score, exhibiting lesser CrSO2 reduction and improved FTOE.ConclusionCrSO2 and aEEG monitoring show potential as routine assessments for neurological outcomes during neonatal ECMO. In our cohort, a tendency was observed where neonates with greater reductions in CrSO2 and more severe aEEG abnormalities experienced poorer neurological outcomes.

Extraction of polysaccharide fraction from cadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba) fruits and evaluation of its in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities

In this study, polysaccharide fraction (PFFNC) derived from Neolamarckia cadamba fruits showed remarkable antioxidant activity. The PFFNC was successfully extracted from the fruits by the hot water extraction process, followed by decolorization, defatting, and deproteinization. The chemical composition of PFFNC was effectively characterized by the use of UV–Vis, FT-IR, CHN, GC–MS, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The findings indicated that PFFNC had an average molecular weight of 292 kDa and was predominantly composed of carbohydrates (76 %), with notable contributions from uronic acids (37.22 %) and proteins (12.35 %). The primary components of the sugar content were glucose (19.24 %), galactose (10.19 %), mannose (4.09 %), and glucuronic acid (2.8 %). The tertiary structural study verified the existence of a triple-helical structure. PFFNC exhibited a strong reducing power in vitro as determined by ABTS (IC50: 121 ± 0.12 μg/mL), DPPH (IC50: 146.065 ± 0.54 μg/mL), FRAP (677.788 ± 24.189 mM Fe (II)/g), hydroxyl radical scavenging (IC50: 78.736 ± 0.32 μg/mL), and phosphomolybdate assay (90.7 ± 0.43 mg AAE/g). In addition, the PFFNC furthermore showed significant in vivo antioxidant capacity, as determined using the brine shrimp (Bsmp) (Artemia salina Leach) model. The PFFNC exhibits significant antioxidant potential, suggesting broad spectrum applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and oxidative stress-related disorders.

Muscle microvascular oxygen delivery limitations during the contraction phase of intermittent maximal effort contractions.

The end-test torque (ETT) during intermittent maximal effort contractions reflects the highest contraction intensity at which a muscle metabolic steady-state can be attained. This study determined if ETT is the highest intensity at which the contraction phase of intermittent exercise does not limit the matching of microvascular oxygen delivery to muscle oxygen demand. Microvascular oxygenation characteristics of the biceps brachii muscle were measured in sixteen young, healthy individuals (8M/8F, 22 ± 3years, 80.9 ± 20.3kg) by near-infrared spectroscopy during maximal effort elbow flexion under control conditions (CON) and with complete circulatory occlusion (OCC). Increases in total-[heme] were blunted during OCC compared to CON (225 ± 87 vs. 264 ± 88μM, p < 0.001) but OCC did not elicit a compensatory increase in deoxygenated-[heme] at any timepoint (108 ± 62 vs. 101 ± 61μM, p > 0.05). Deoxygenated-[heme] was significantly elevated during contraction, relative to relaxation, above ETT (107 ± 60 vs. 98.8 ± 60.5μM, p < 0.001), but not at ETT (91.7 ± 54.1 vs. 98.4 ± 62.2μM, p = 0.174). Total-[heme] was significantly reduced during contraction, relative to relaxation, at all contraction intensities during CON (p < 0.05) and OCC (p < 0.05). These data suggest that ETT may reflect the highest contraction intensity at which contraction-induced increases in intramuscular pressures do not limit muscle perfusion to a degree that requires further increases in fractional oxygen extraction (i.e., deoxygenated-[heme]) despite limited microvascular diffusive conductance (i.e., total-[heme]).

Cytotoxic properties, glycolytic effects and high-resolution respirometry mitochondrial activities of Eriocephalus racemosus against MDA-MB 231 triple-negative breast cancer

IntroductionTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a significant global health crisis due to its resistance to conventional therapies and lack of specific molecular targets. This study explored the potential of Eriocephalus racemosus (E. racemosus) as an alternative treatment for TNBC. The cytotoxic properties and high-resolution respirometry mitochondrial activities of E. racemosus against the MDA-MB 231 TNBC cell line were evaluated.MethodsHexane solvent and bioactive fraction extractions of E. racemosus were performed, while mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling was used to identify the phytochemical constituents of the extracts. The extracts were further tested against MDA-MB 231 TNBC cells to determine their cytotoxicity. The mode of cell death was determined using flow cytometry. The activities of caspases 3, 8, and 9 were assessed using a multiplex activity assay kit. Glycolytic activity and High-resolution respirometry measurements of mitochondrial function in the MDA-MB 231 cell line were conducted using the Seahorse XFp and Oroboros O2K.ResultsMetabolite profiling of E. racemosus plant crude extracts identified the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, and unknown compounds. The extracts demonstrated promising cytotoxic activities, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 12.84 µg/mL for the crude hexane extract and 15.49 µg/mL for the bioactive fraction. Further, the crude hexane and bioactive fraction extracts induced apoptosis in the MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells, like the reference drug cisplatin (17.44%, 17.26% and 20.25%, respectively) compared to untreated cells. Caspase 3 activities confirmed the induction of apoptosis in both cisplatin and the plant crude extracts, while caspase 8 and 9 activities confirmed the activation of both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. Increased levels of glycolytic activity were observed in the hexane crude extract. High-resolution respiratory measurements showed elevated mitochondrial activities in all mitochondrial states except for complex-IV activity.ConclusionThese findings support further exploration of E. racemosus as a potential therapeutic agent for TNBC, offering a promising avenue for the development of targeted treatments with minimal adverse effects.

Effects of Prostaglandin E1 and Balloon Atrial Septostomy on Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygenation in Newborns Diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries.

Dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) is a critical congenital heart defect that can impact neurodevelopment due to cerebral perfusion and oxygenation disorders followed by alterations in synaptogenesis, gyrification, sulcation, and the microstructure. Brain injuries can occur both pre-operatively and postoperatively, especially white matter injuries, neuronal loss, and stroke. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary center between 2016 and 2023, we investigated the early effects of Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) administration and balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) on cerebral blood flow and oxygenation in inborn neonates with D-TGA. Cerebral Doppler Ultrasound in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) was performed to assess the resistive index (RI), Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), and End-Diastolic Velocity (EVD) before PGE1, before the BAS procedure, and 24 h after birth. Cerebral regional saturations of oxygen (crSO2) and cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) were evaluated. D-TGA patients were divided into the PGE1 group and the PGE1 + BAS group. Age-matched healthy controls were used for comparison. Results: All 83 D-TGA newborns received PGE1 within two hours after delivery, of whom 46 (55.42%) underwent BAS. In addition, 77 newborns composed the control group. PGE1 administration increased crSO2 from 47% to 50% in the PGE1 group, but lower than in controls at 24 h of life, while cFTOE remained elevated. The RI increased 24 h after delivery (0.718 vs. 0.769; p = 0.000002) due to decreased EDV (10.71 vs. 8.74; p < 0.0001) following PGE1 treatment. The BAS procedure resulted in a significant increase in crSO2 from 42% to 51% at 24 h of life in the PGE1 + BAS group. Doppler parameters exhibited a similar trend as observed in the PGE1 group. Conclusions: PGE1 treatment and BAS are lifesaving interventions that may improve cerebral perfusion and oxygenation in newborns with D-TGA during the transition period, as reflected by increasing SpO2 and crSO2.