Main Constituents Research Articles

Investigating the involvement of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 and NF-κb/MAPK pathways in the pathogenesis of gouty arthritis: Insights from irradiated and non-irradiated Trifolium alexandrium L. extracts and some metabolites

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTrifolium alexandrinum L. (TA), has traditionally been used in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties against hyperuricemia and gout. However, the specific mechanisms of action of TA have not been thoroughly studied. Aim of the workThis study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of irradiated (TR25) and non-irradiated (TR0) Trifolium alexandrinum L. aqueous extract (TAAE), along with two isolated compounds, caffeine (CAF) and saponin (SAP), in a rat model of acute gouty arthritis (GA). Materials and methodsThe GA model was established by injecting a monosodium urate (MSU) suspension into the knee joint. Synovial tissue pathology was assessed, and levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, NF-κB, mTOR, AKT1, PI3K, NLRP3, and ASC were measured by ELISA. mRNA expression of ERK1, JNK, and p-38 MAPK was detected using qRT-PCR, and Caspase-1 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. Knee swelling, uric acid levels, liver and kidney function, and oxidative stress markers were also evaluated. ResultsTAAE analysis identified 170 compounds, with 73 successfully identified using LC-HR-MS/MS, including caffeine citrate and theasapogenol B glycoside as the main constituents. The studied materials demonstrated significant protective effects against GA. TR25 administration significantly mitigated knee joint circumference compared to other treatments. It demonstrated potential in alleviating hyperuricemia, renal and hepatic impairments induced by MSU crystals. TR25 also alleviated oxidative stress and reduced levels of IL1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB. Weak Caspase-1 immune-positive staining was observed in the TR25 group. TR25 decreased NLRP3 and ASC expression, reducing inflammatory cytokine levels in GA. It effectively inhibited the PI3K, AKT, and mTOR signaling pathways, promoting autophagy. Additionally, TR25 suppressed ERK1, JNK, and p-38 MAPK gene expression in synovial tissue. These effects were attributed to various components in TAAE, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids, and triterpenes. ConclusionImportantly, irradiation (25 KGy) enhanced the antioxidant effects and phtchemical contents of TAAE. Additionally, TR0, TR25, CAF, and SAP exhibited promising protective effects against GA, suggesting their therapeutic potential for managing this condition. These effects were likely mediated through modulation of the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 and ERK/JNK/p-38 MAPK signaling pathways, as well as regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize their clinical applications.

Quantum Mechanics Characterization of Non-Covalent Interaction in Nucleotide Fragments.

Accurate calculation of non-covalent interaction energies in nucleotides is crucial for understanding the driving forces governing nucleic acid structure and function, as well as developing advanced molecular mechanics forcefields or machine learning potentials tailored to nucleic acids. Here, we dissect the nucleotides' structure into three main constituents: nucleobases (A, G, C, T, and U), sugar moieties (ribose and deoxyribose), and phosphate group. The interactions among these fragments and between fragments and water were analyzed. Different quantum mechanical methods were compared for their accuracy in capturing the interaction energy. The non-covalent interaction energy was decomposed into electrostatics, exchange-repulsion, dispersion, and induction using two ab initio methods: Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT) and Absolutely Localized Molecular Orbitals (ALMO). These calculations provide a benchmark for different QM methods, in addition to providing a valuable understanding of the roles of various intermolecular forces in hydrogen bonding and aromatic stacking. With SAPT, a higher theory level and/or larger basis set did not necessarily give more accuracy. It is hard to know which combination would be best for a given system. In contrast, ALMO EDA2 did not show dependence on theory level or basis set; additionally, it is faster.

Swelling characteristics of montmorillonite mineral particles in Gaomiaozi bentonite

Highly compacted bentonite is an ideal back-filling (buffer) material for the deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste. Montmorillonite is the main constituent mineral of it. The nanoscopic swelling characteristic of montmorillonite mineral particles greatly influences the macroscopic buffering performance of highly compacted bentonite blocks. Firstly, the montmorillonite suspension liquid was exfoliated by freeze-thaw cycles, the appropriate mineral particles were selected by atomic force microscope (AFM) for making colloidal probes. Then, the swelling pressure between mineral particles was measured by AFM, investigating the effects of interlayer distance, layer number, temperature, and interlayer cation type on the nanoscale swelling pressure. The experimental results showed that the swelling pressure of montmorillonite mineral particles peaks at about 0.7–0.8 nm interlayer distance. The swelling pressure of mineral particles with more layers is smaller. The higher the ambient temperature, the greater the swelling pressure. The swelling pressure of Ca-montmorillonite is significantly larger than that of Na-montmorillonite. The Laird model has a relatively good applicability with the interlayer distance of 0.6–1.2 nm; the DLVO theory has a good applicability with the interlayer distance greater than 1.5 nm. Finally, a predictive model was developed for the swelling pressure of nanoscopic mineral particles considering the effect of layer number. The research results provide data support and theoretical support for swelling pressure generation and cross-scale transmission mechanism of highly compacted bentonite hydration.

Do essential oils suppress potato sprout growth?

Worldwide, potatoes are an essential food crop; however, substantial post-harvest losses due to sprouting during storage have been a significant issue. Chemical sprout suppressants have been widely used to extend potato dormancy and reduce or eliminate sprouting in storage. However, chlorpropham (CIPC), the most effective and the most widely used chemical suppressant worldwide has been banned in the European Union and other countries due to potential health and environmental risks. Essential oils (EOs) from various plants have been investigated and are being used as environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic chemical suppressors. This study aimed to investigate EOs that were not previously tested for preventing potato sprout suppression at room temperature. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of twenty EOs in three potato cultivars, Ranger Russet, Terra Rosa, and TrailBlazer minitubers, on the suppression of sprouts at room temperature. The results showed that Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl and Origanum majorana L. EOs suppressed sprouting in all potato cultivars throughout the storage period while maintaining potato quality during storage. Furthermore, Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel. EO showed the ability to shorten and restrict sprouts relative to the controls. The GC analysis of C. camphora EO identified eight constituents with linalool being the dominant one at 95.5 %, whereas the main EO constituents of O. majorana were terpinen-4-ol (40.3 %), γ-terpinene (14.6 %), sabinene (7.2 %), α-terpinene (6.9 %), para cymene (6.2 %), and limonene (4.1 %) in addition to other compounds. 1,8-Cineole and linalool were the major compounds in L. x intermedia EO. This work is the first report on these specific EOs as sprout suppressors. These EOs offer a potential for environmentally safe substitutes to conventional sprout inhibitors for potato storage and could be utilized in the development of commercial products for potato sprout control at room temperature.

Antiviral and Cytotoxic Activities of Ilex aquifolium Silver Queen in the Context of Chemical Profiling of Two Ilex Species.

The leaves of Ilex paraguariensis (known as Yerba mate), used as a popular beverage, are a very well-recognized plant material with various biological activities, including analeptic (because of caffeine), anti-obesity (phenolics, saponins), antimicrobial, and antiviral (phenolics, saponins). Here, the chemical compositions of the leaves of two European Ilex species (× meserveae and aquifolium) with three varieties each were investigated. The terpenoid, saponin, and polyphenolic fractions were submitted for LC-MS or GC-MS analysis against a standard Mate leaf. In addition, the aroma profiles of all the species were analysed using HS-SPME-Arrow prior to GC-MS analysis. All fractions were subjected to antiviral and cytotoxic assays. We found 86 compounds in all accessions, with limonene, linalool, and p-cymene being predominant. There were minor similarities between the volatile compositions of the European and South American species. We found ursolic and oleanolic acid to be the main compounds in the terpenoid fraction. Mono-caffeoylquinic acids and di-caffeoylquinic acids were the main constituents of the polar fractions. About 180 compounds from the saponin group were tentatively identified, of which 9 and 3 were selected as distinctive markers for I. meserveae and I. aquifolium, respectively. Based on chemical screening, I. aquifolium Silver Queen was chosen as the source of terpenoid and saponin fractions and polyphenol extracts. The most substantial inhibition of cancer cell growth was observed with saponin in the case of the MCF7 (human breast cancer) cell line, while for LoVo and L929 cell lines (human colorectal cancer and reference mouse fibroblasts), it was slightly weaker. These results should be analysed further as a promising chemoprevention of colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers. Saponin and polyphenolic extracts exhibited similar activities against HSV-1 and HAdV-5, with 4-log reduction in virus titres. This study focuses our attention on a field of potential antiviral formulations derived from European holly.

Transgenerational hormesis in healthy aging and antiaging medicine from bench to clinics: Role of food components

Neurodegenerative diseases have multifactorial pathogenesis, mainly involving neuroinflammatory processes. Finding drugs able to treat these diseases, expecially because for most of these diseases there are no effective drugs, and the current drugs cause undesired side effects, represent a crucial point. Most in vivo and in vitro studies have been concentrated on various aspects related to neurons (e.g. neuroprotection), however, there has not been focus on the prevention of early stages involving glial cell activation and neuroinflammation. Recently, it has been demonstrated that nutritional phytochemicals including polyphenols, the main active constituents of the Mediterranean diet, maintain redox balance and neuroprotection through the activation of hormetic vitagene pathway. Recent lipidomics data from our laboratory indicate mushrooms as strong nutritional neuronutrients with strongly activity against neuroinflammation in Meniere’ diseaseas, a model of cochleovestibular neural degeneration, as well as in animal model of traumatic brain injury, or rotenone induced parkinson’s disease. Moreover, Hidrox®, an aqueous extract of olive containing hydroxytyrosol, and Boswellia, acting as Nrf2 activators, promote resilience by enhancing the redox potential, and thus, regulate through hormetic mechanisms, cellular stress response mechanisms., Thus, modulation of cellular stress pathways, in particular vitagenes system, may be an innovative approach for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative disorders.

Weibel-Palade bodies: function and role in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and in diarrhea phase of STEC-hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Vascular endothelial cells are equipped with numerous specialized granules called Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs). They contain a cocktail of proteins that can be rapidly secreted (3-5min) into the vascular lumen after an appropriate stimulus such as thrombin. These proteins are ready without synthesis. Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and P-selectin are the main constituents of WPBs. Upon stimulation, release of ultralarge VWF multimers occurs and assembles into VWF strings on the apical side of endothelium. The VWF A1 domain becomes exposed in a shear-dependent manner recruiting and activating platelets. VWF is able to recruit leukocytes via direct leukocyte binding or via the activated platelets promoting NETosis. Ultralarge VWF strings are ultimately cleaved into smaller pieces by the protease ADAMTS-13 preventing excessive platelet adhesion. Under carefully performed flowing conditions and adequate dose of Shiga toxins, the toxin induces the release of ultralarge VWF multimers from cultured endothelial cells. This basic information allows insight into the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and of STEC-HUS in the diarrhea phase. In TTP, ADAMTS-13 activity is deficient and systemic aggregation of platelets will occur after a second trigger. In STEC-HUS, stimulated release of WPB components in the diarrhea phase of the disease can be presumed to be the first hit in the damage of Gb3 positive endothelial cells.

Phytochemical profiling, antiviral activities, molecular docking, and dynamic simulations of selected Ruellia species extracts

The antiviral properties of the flowering aerial extracts of Ruellia tuberosa and Ruellia patula were investigated through phytochemical profiling via LC–MS/MS and HPLC techniques. Qualitative LC–MS/MS analyses identified seventy-seven metabolites from both Ruellia species. R. tuberosa had the highest phenolic content (49.3%), whereas R. patula had the highest flavonoid content (57.8%). Additionally, quantitative HPLC investigations of the compounds identified by LC–MS/MS were performed using the available standard compounds. The main constituents in the R. tuberosa extract was found to be catechin (5321.63 µg/g), gallic acid (2878.71 µg/g), and ellagic acid (2530.79 µg/g), whereas the major compounds in the R. patula extract was found to be rutin (11,074.19 µg/g) and chlorogenic acid (3157.35 µg/g). Furthermore, the antiviral activities of both Ruellia species against HAdV-40, herpes simplex type 2 and H1N1 were evaluated. These findings demonstrated that R. tuberosa was more active than R. patula against all tested viruses, except for the HSV-2 virus, against which R. patula showed greater activity than R. tuberosa, with IC50 values of 20, 65, 22.59, and 13.13 µg/ml for R. tuberosa flowering aerial parts and 32.26, 11.66, and 23.03 µg/ml for R. patula flowering aerial parts, respectively for HAdV-40, herpes simplex type 2, and H1N1. Additionally, computational docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to assess the molecular interactions between the bioactive compounds and specific viral targets. The combined findings from the in-vitro and in-silico experiments comprehensively evaluated the antiviral activities of both Ruellia species extracts.

Modified plant‐derived exosomes: Precision medicine in cancer treatment

AbstractPlant‐derived exosomes (PDEs) are extracellular vesicles (EVs) occurring naturally,which have propitious applications in the development of cost‐effective and fruitful cancer therapy with minimum aftereffects and ramifications. Recent advancements in research based on PDEs demonstrate their extraordinary advantages in cancer therapy. The components of PDEs exhibit accomplished cancer prevention activity and having insignificant or negligible toxicity. The conventional methods to deliver drugs to the target have various problems, several of which can be solved by using PDEs for drug delivery. The main constituents of PDEs are proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA. PDEs are believed to revolutionize cancer therapy due to their magnificent attributes, but only a few clinical trials on PDEs are in progress. The mechanisms and regulations by which PDEs execute anticancer properties are yet not completely understood. Hence, research are conducted worldwide to understand the mechanisms of action of cancer antagonist PDEs more comprehensively and perspicuously. Modified PDEs have prospect in evolution of precision medicine which can bring a new dimension in the treatment of cancer.

Sangju Cold Granule exerts anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activities against influenza A virus in vitro and in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSangju Cold Granule (SJCG) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription described in “Item Differentiation of Warm Febrile Diseases”. Historically, SJCG was employed to treat respiratory illnesses. Despite its popular usage, the alleviating effect of SJCG on influenza A virus infection and its mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Aim of the studyInfluenza is a severe respiratory disease that threatens human health. This study aims to assess the therapeutic potential of SJCG and the possible molecular mechanism underlying its activity against influenza A virus in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methodsUltrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-Q-Exactive was used to identify the components of SJCG. The 50% cytotoxic concentration of SJCG in MDCK and A549 cells were determined using the CCK-8 assay. The activity of SJCG against influenza A virus H1N1 was evaluated in vitro using plaque reduction and progeny virus titer reduction assays. RT-qPCR was performed to obtain the expression levels of inflammatory mediators and the transcriptional regulation of RIG-I and MDA5 in H1N1-infected A549 cells. Then, the mechanism of SJCG effect on viral replication and inflammation was further explored by measuring the expressions of proteins of the RIG-I/NF-kB/IFN(I/III) signaling pathway by Western blot. The impact of SJCG was explored in vivo in an intranasally H1N1-infected BALB/c mouse pneumonia model treated with varying doses of SJCG. The protective role of SJCG in this model was evaluated by survival, body weight monitoring, lung viral titers, lung index, lung histological changes, lung inflammatory mediators, and peripheral blood leukocyte count. ResultsThe main SJCG chemical constituents were flavonoids, carbohydrates and glycosides, amino acids, peptides, and derivatives, organic acids and derivatives, alkaloids, fatty acyls, and terpenes. The CC50 of SJCG were 24.43 mg/mL on MDCK cells and 20.54 mg/mL on A549 cells, respectively. In vitro, SJCG significantly inhibited H1N1 replication and reduced the production of TNF-α, IFN-β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, IP-10, RANTES, TRAIL, and SOCS1 in infected A549 cells. Intracellularly, SJCG reduced the expression of RIG-I, MDA5, P–NF-κB P65 (P–P65), P-IκBα, P-STAT1, P-STAT2, and IRF9. In vivo, SJCG enhanced the survival rate and decreased body weight loss in H1N1-infected mice. Mice with H1N1-induced pneumonia treated with SJCG showed a lower lung viral load and lung index than untreated mice. SJCG effectively alleviated lung damage and reduced the levels of TNF-α, IFN-β, IL-6, IP-10, RANTES, and SOCS1 in lung tissue. Moreover, SJCG significantly ameliorated H1N1-induced leukocyte changes in peripheral blood. ConclusionsSJCG significantly reduced influenza A virus and virus-mediated inflammation through inhibiting the RIG-I/NF-kB/IFN(I/III) signaling pathway. Thus, SJCG could provide an effective TCM for influenza treatment.

The Effects of Thymus Caramanicus Jalas Extract and Its Main Constituent Carvacrol Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice.

Cisplatin, an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug, has nephrotoxic effects. Thymus caramanicus Jalas (TCJ) has antioxidant effects due to its main components. In the current research, we assessed the impact of TCJ extract and its main compound on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Forty-two male mice were used in the study. Depending on their group, the animals received saline, carvacrol (10 mg/kg), or TCJ extract (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) for 10 days. On the fifth day, mice received cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.). After 10 days, serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) contents, as well as the activity levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in the kidney tissues. The western blotting method was used to determine the kidney's expression of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Kidney tissue damage score (KTDS) was assessed using the hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining method. Cisplatin significantly increased serum Cr, KTDS, MDA, BUN levels, NF-κB, TNF-α, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax protein expression in the cisplatin group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Additionally, cisplatin significantly decreased the kidney tissue's TAC and GSH content, activity levels of SOD, catalase, and GPx indicators, and expression of Bcl-2 protein (P < 0.05). TCJ and carvacrol significantly ameliorated these indicators in the cisplatin + TCJ (150 mg/kg) and cisplatin + carvacrol (10 mg/kg) groups compared to the cisplatin group (P < 0.05). TCJ (150 mg/kg) and its main component, carvacrol, could somewhat reduce cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity through their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Prediction of the Fatty Acid Profiles of Iberian Pig Products by Near Infrared Spectroscopy: A Comparison Between Multiple Regression Tools and Artificial Neural Networks

AbstractIn this study, the feasibility of predicting the lipid profiles of Iberian ham and shoulder samples by using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was evaluated. Gas chromatography analysis was the reference method used. The muscles analyzed and recorded by NIR spectroscopy were 76 Biceps femoris for Iberian hams and 72 Brachiocephalicus for Iberian shoulders. NIR calibrations were carried out by using two methods: modified partial least squares regression (MPLS) and artificial neural networks (ANN). With the MPLS method, it was possible to obtain equations with regression’s coefficients (RSQ) of &gt; 0.5 for 5 individual fatty acids and 3 summations: polyunsaturated fatty acids, n3 and n6. The use of neural networks made it possible to find equations with RSQ of &gt; 0.5 for 10 individual fatty acids, all of which are present in over 90% of the samples, and 5 summations of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (SFA, MUFA, PUFA), n3 and n6, finding that the calibration curves of the fatty acids C18:1, C18:2n6, and C18:3n3 presented RSQ’s of &gt; 0.7. The results obtained indicate that NIR spectroscopy could be a very useful technology for the quality control of cured products as it allows estimating the main fatty constituents quickly and without using reagents.

SEDIMENTOLOGIA, ESTRATIGRAFIA E MINERALOGIA DA FORMAÇÃO SOLIMÕES NO IGARAPÉ DIABINHO AFLUENTE DO RIO ENVIRA FEIJÓ-ACRE

The Igarapé Diabinho, is a tributary on the right bank of the Envira river, which is part of the Juruá river basin in the central region of the State of Acre (municipality of Feijó). It is in a U-type valley, carving out the sediments known as the Solimões Formation, considered as of Late Miocene to Pliocene age. In this stream, as well as in many regions of Acre, these sediments are partly covered by alluvial (fluvial-lacustrine) sediments from the Quaternary. The rocky exposures along the Diabinho stream show a succession of massive silt-clay sediments, green to cream in color, with vertical columnar concretions, scattered irregular calcite concretions, and gypsum venulations. These sediments are in turn covered by other compact sandy silts cemented by friable carbonates or even partially covered by a layer of horizontal discoid concretions of calcitic limestone. It is common in this area to locally occur accumulations of remains of fossil bones of vertebrates and plant trunks, constituting a basal conglomerate. For this study, three vertical stratigraphic profiles were described approximately 15 meters apart and rock samples were collected in addition to fossil bones along the profiles, which were subjected to granulometric analysis and mineralogical identification with the aid of X-rays diffraction (XRD), transmitted light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/SED) with semiquantitative analysis. The sediments have a silty-sandy grain size with little clay, manganese, and carbonate concretions. The main minerals identified in these sediments by XRD and optical microscopy in thin sections were quartz, smectite, kaolinite, illite, albite, microcline, muscovite, chlorite, and hematite. In fragments of fossil vertebrate bones, scanning electron microscopy and semiquantitative analyses allowed the identification of the presence of apatite as the main constituent in addition to the presence of calcite, rhodochrosite, siderite, goethite, hematite, and gypsum.

A highly efficient computational approach for fast scan-resolved microstructure predictions in metal additive manufacturing on the scale of real parts

In metal additive manufacturing (AM), fast and efficient simulation approaches are essential to explore the full potential of these promising processes, particularly in generating components with tailored microstructures via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Due to the inherent multiscale nature of LPBF, existing approaches often need to resort to strong simplifications, such as layer-wise heating models, to make part-scale simulations feasible. In contrast, the present article proposes a scan-resolved approach, which consistently resolves the laser scan path in a coupled thermo-microstructural model of LPBF. Building on a high-performance computing model for the thermal problem, we propose a highly efficient implementation of a recently developed microstructure model for Ti-6Al-4V with three main constituents: stable αs-phase, martensitic αm-phase and β-phase. The implementation is tailored to modern hardware features using vectorization and fast approximations of transcendental functions. A performance model and selected numerical examples of LPBF manufacturing of parts on the centimeter scale are studied to verify the high degree of optimization. Depending on the specific example, results were obtained with moderate computational resources in a few hours to days. We demonstrate how the proposed scan-resolved model allows us to predict the correlation between scan strategy and resulting microstructure composition, an aspect that layer-wise heating models cannot capture. The numerical examples include scan-resolved thermo-microstructure simulations of the full NIST AM Benchmark cantilever specimen. It is shown that varying the build plate temperature by only 100K can significantly change the microstructure composition from αm- to αs-dominated.

Tumor microenvironment (Part I): Tissue integrity in a rat model of peripheral neural cancer

ICAM–1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) and MPZ (myelin protein zero) are thought to be a factor in the integrity of nerve tissues. In this report, we attempted to trace the expression of ICAM–1, responsible for cell-to-cell adhesion, and of MPZ, the main constituent of myelin sheath, in malignant tissues of the sciatic nerve (SN) in inbred male Copenhagen rats. AT–1 Cells (anaplastic tumor 1) were injected in the perineurial sheath, and tissues of the SNs were collected after 7, 14 and 21 days and compared to a sham-operated group of rats (n = 6 each). Tissues were sectioned and histologically examined, under light microscope, and stained for measuring the immunoreactivity of ICAM–1 and MPZ under laser scanning microscope. The cancer model was established, and the tumor growth was confirmed. ICAM–1 showed severe decreases, proportional to the growing anaplastic cells, as compared to the sham group. MPZ revealed, however, a distinct defensive pattern before substantially decreasing in a comparison with sham. These results support the notion that malignancies damage peripheral nerves and cause severe axonal injury and loss of neuronal integrity, and clearly define the role of ICAM–1 and MPZ in safeguarding the nerve tissues.

Promising Potential of Curcumin and Related Compounds for Antiviral Drug Discovery.

Viruses are acellular, microscopic, and mobile particles containing genetic particles, either DNA/RNA strands as nucleoproteins, responsible for 69,53,743 deaths till the year 2023. Curcumin and related compounds are among the areas of pivotal interest for researchers because of their versatile pharmacological profile. Chemically known as diferuloylmethane, which is a main constituent of turmeric along with demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, they have a broad spectrum of antiviral activity against viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus, influenza virus (Avian influenza) and Hepatitis C virus HIV. The possible role of curcumin as an antiviral agent may be attributed to the activation of the 20S proteasome, a cellular machinery responsible for degrading unfolded or misfolded proteins in a ubiquitin-independent manner. It shows suppression of HBV entry at various infection stages by inhibiting cccDNA replication by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to attenuate IAV-induced myocarditis.

Bekasam, an Indonesian unique traditional fermented fish as umami sources

Bekasam is a fish that is spontaneously fermented by adding salt and a source of carbohydrates (such as cooked white rice). This traditional food is often found in several regions of Indonesia, especially in South Sumatra, South Kalimantan, and North Sulawesi. Bekasam is traditionally produced to preserve fish during the harvest season. This review aims to present information on the historical background of bekasam, its manufacturing process, chemical characteristics, the types of microflora that exist within it, and the potential utilization of bekasam as a source of umami in dishes. The methodology for this study included a combination of literature review, observational interviews with traditional bekasam producers, experimental bekasam processing, and thorough documentation. A total of 60 articles were collected and chosen based on appropriate criteria. The results of the review article offer several explanations, based on historical aspects bekasam is an adaptation of Chinese cuisine introduced by traders who visited Sriwijaya. In the South Sumatra region, especially among the Ogan and Komering tribes, clay jars left by the Chinese are used to store bekasam in the kitchen. The Komering tribe refers to the fermentation of bekasam as sam-sam. Various microbes are found in bekasam, with the main constituent being Lactobacillus spp., and a significant presence of Lactobacillus plantarum. During fermentation, the proteins in the raw materials of bekasam are degraded into simple compounds, mainly amino acids. Glutamate and aspartate had the highest values in the total composition of the other amino acids. These two amino acids contribute to the umami taste of food products. After exceeding the threshold for glutamate and aspartate, bekasam has the potential to contribute to the umami taste. Due to its umami potential, bekasam has been developed into various cuisines, including fried bekasam, sautéed bekasam, and chili sauce.

The cornel Iridoid glycoside attenuated brain edema of the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rats by modulating the polarized aquaporin 4

Brain edema after ischemic stroke could worsen cerebral injury in patients who received intravenous thrombolysis. Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc., a long-established traditional Chinese medicine, is beneficial to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including ischemic stroke. In particular, its major component, cornel iridoid glycoside (CIG), was evidenced to exhibit neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury (CIR/I). Aimed to explore the effects of the CIG on brain edema of the CIR/I rats, the CIG was analyzed with the main constituents by using HPLC. The molecular docking analysis was performed between the CIG constituents and AQP4-M23. TGN-020, an AQP4 inhibitor, was used as a comparison. In the in vivo experiments, the rats were pre-treated with the CIG and were injured by performing middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). After 24 h, the rats were examined for neurological function, pathological changes, brain edema, and polarized Aqp4 expressions in the brain. The HPLC analysis indicated that the CIG was composed of morroniside and loganin. The molecular docking analysis showed that both morroniside and loganin displayed lower binding energies to AQP4-M23 than TGN-020. The CIG pre-treated rats exhibited fewer neurological function deficits, minimized brain swelling, and reduced lesion volumes compared to the MCAO/R rats. In the peri-infarct and infarct regions, the CIG pre-treatment restored the polarized Aqp4 expression which was lost in the MCAO/R rats. The results suggested that the CIG could attenuate brain edema of the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rats by modulating the polarized Aqp4 through the interaction of AQP4-M23 with morroniside and loganin.

Spectroscopic Identification of Mineral Pigments in White Decorated Prehistoric Pottery from Bulgaria

In the prehistoric period on the Balkan Peninsula, the technology of white decoration underwent a drastic change. At the beginning of the Neolithic white pigment was applied as paint on a polished surface. At the end of the epoch, white paste was inlaid in incised channels on the surfaces of vessels. This study is focused on the identification of mineral pigments used for white decoration of Neolithic and Chalcolithic pottery from the territory of Bulgaria. The aim of this work is to answer the question of whether the composition of the white pigment varies according to the technique of decoration (paint and inlay). A set of 41 pottery fragments from 11 archaeological sites on the territory of Bulgaria was analyzed utilizing two spectroscopic techniques: laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, the experimental data from the LIBS were statistically treated with the multivariate technique, principal component analysis (PCA). The results from the spectral analysis indicated that the main constituent in the white decorated sherds is calcite in various combinations with carrier materials like quartz, feldspars, and metal oxides. The statistical analysis revealed that the primal constituent in the inlaid sherds is calcite while in the painted part, the carrier material is dominant. In some particular sherds, gypsum, hydroxylapatite, kaolinite, and aragonite were also detected.

Back to black: Analysis of the earliest natron glass found in Italy

An assemblage of black-appearing glass objects (predominantly beads) that is dated to the 9th–7th centuries BCE and found in Iron Age contexts of Southern Etruria and Latium (central Italy) was analysed using portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The analytical approach allowed us to discuss the technology of glass-making in a period of relevant technological changes. It resulted that the glass that reached the Italian peninsula was somewhat different, from a compositional point of view, from both earlier and later periods. The data collected showed that iron – the main colouring agent for these glasses – was obtained from several sources as was silica – the main component of glass. Lime, one of the main constituents of many types of glass, plays a modest role in this assemblage, which places these samples in a special position because of the peculiar batch formula. At least three centres of raw glass production are suggested by the compositional data, but in each case the glass was imported to the Italian peninsula.