Physiological Characteristics Research Articles

ОЦЕНКА ТЕПЛОВОГО КОМФОРТА ДЕТЕЙ В ЖИЛЫХ И ОБЩЕСТВЕННЫХ ЗДАНИЯХ

In calculating children's thermal comfort, it is important to consider internal heat emissions, one of the main sources of which are the children themselves (heat exchange with the body surface, breathing, sweating). The accuracy of the calculation is influenced by their number, nature and intensity of activity, age, gender, and other parameters. Most regulatory documents base heat input calculations on a person with the following parameters: male, 20-30 years old, 70 kg, living in a temperate climate. This approach does not account for the physiological and age-specific characteristics of different age groups. The paper examines and refines the physiological parameters of children and uses models to numerically reflect the level of thermal comfort in a room. A calculation method is proposed that uses refined physiological parameters of children and evaluates thermal sensation of the indoor microclimate through the determination of Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied (PPD). Calculations of several microclimatic regimes were carried out, assessing the state of children of different ages and physical activity levels within the considered microclimate parameters. Analyzing the obtained data led to the conclusion that assessing human comfort using refined energy expenditures allows for a more flexible consideration of the thermal states of children in specific age groups. This enables higher quality regulation of the indoor microclimate of a specific room considering the examined factors.

Far-red radiation management for lettuce growth: Physiological and morphological features leading to energy optimization in vertical farming

Recently, far-red wavelengths (FR, 700–750 nm) have been largely investigated in indoor cultivation systems due to their morphological effects on plants (e.g., leaf expansion and stem elongation), resulting also in increasing yield. This work investigated the effect of substituting part of the red (R) and blue (B) radiation with far-red radiation, while keeping constant the photon flux density, in the light spectrum for lettuce grown in a vertical farm. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Canasta) plants were transplanted and grown in an ebb-and-flow system for 29 days. During the cycle, plants were subjected to five different light treatments: a control treatment consisting of an optimized R and B spectrum (ratio of 3; RB3) with a photosynthetic photon flux density of 200 µmol m−2 s−1, and four treatments in which R and B were partially replaced by 10, 30, 50 and 70 µmol m−2 s−1 of FR light, resulting in an increasing FR fraction. Biomass production and most of the morphological parameters were affected from 15 days after transplanting (DAT), while stomatal conductance from 22 DAT. Leaf greenness and specific leaf area values were influenced by the FR radiation starting from 8 DAT. At 29 DAT, substitution of an amount of R and B photons equal to 30 (RB3–30) or 50 (RB3–50) µmol m−2 s−1 with the same amount of FR radiation resulted in increased leaf biomass in both fresh (+49 and +47%, respectively) and dry weight (+45 and +42%, respectively). With RB3–30, the increase was due to leaf area expansion (+103%), whereas stomatal conductance (gs) and quantum efficiency of photosystem II (ΦPSII) did not change compared with the spectrum with only R and B. With RB3–50, gs and ΦPSII decreased compared with RB3 (-27 and -6%, respectively), but the greater biomass accumulation was supported by the greater leaf expansion (+119 %). The adoption of RB3–30 and RB3–50 also promoted light use efficiency (+45 and +42 %, respectively), lighting energy use efficiency (+48 and +53 %, respectively) and therefore the overall energy performance of the system. The adoption of RB3–30 and RB3–50 is a valid strategy to increase yield for lettuce production, but further studies, also in relation to blue radiation intensity, are needed to avoid the negative effect on leaf pigmentation.

Physiological characteristics of reproductive-age patients with female sexual dysfunction and endometriosis (a comparison of clinical and laboratory parameters in different study groups)

Physiological characteristics of reproductive-age patients with female sexual dysfunction and endometriosis (a comparison of clinical and laboratory parameters in different study groups)

Influence of shoe upper structure on shoe microclimate and human physiological characteristics during running.

Shoes upper has been shown to affect the shoe microclimate (temperature and humidity). However, the existing data on the correlation between the microclimate inside footwear and the body's physical factors is still quite limited. This study examined whether shoes air permeability would influence foot microclimate and spatial characteristics of lower limb and body. Twelve recreational male habitual runners were instructed to finish an 80 min experimental protocol, wearing two running shoes with different air permeability. Participants wearing CLOSED upper structure shoe exhibited higher in-shoe temperature and relative humidity. Although there was no significant difference, shank temperature and metabolism in OPEN upper structure shoes were lower. This indicates that the air permeability of shoes can modify the microclimate of the feet, potentially affecting the lower limb temperature. This study provides relevant information for the design and evaluation of footwear.

Development of a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Population Model for Diabetic Patients and its Application to Understand Disease-drug-drug Interactions.

The activity changes of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, along with the complicated medication scenarios in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, result in the unanticipated pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling has been a useful tool for assessing the influence of disease status on CYP enzymes and the resulting DDIs. This work aims to develop a novel diabetic PBPK population model to facilitate the prediction of PK and DDI in DM patients. First, mathematical functions were constructed to describe the demographic and non-CYP physiological characteristics specific to DM, which were then incorporated into the PBPK model to quantify the net changes in CYP enzyme activities by comparing the PK of CYP probe drugs in DM versus non-DM subjects. The results show that the enzyme activity is reduced by 32.3% for CYP3A4/5, 39.1% for CYP2C19, and 27% for CYP2B6, while CYP2C9 activity is enhanced by 38% under DM condition. Finally, the diabetic PBPK model was developed through integrating the DM-specific CYP activities and other parameters and was further used to perform PK simulations under 12 drug combination scenarios, among which 3 combinations were predicted to result in significant PK changes in DM, which may cause DDI risks in DM patients. The PBPK modeling applied herein provides a quantitative tool to assess the impact of disease factors on relevant enzyme pathways and potential disease-drug-drug-interactions (DDDIs), which may be useful for dosing regimen optimization and minimizing the DDI risks associated with the treatment of DM.

High-resolution vasomotion analysis reveals novel arteriole physiological features and progressive modulation of cerebral vascular networks by stroke.

Spontaneous cerebral vasomotion, characterized by ∼0.1 Hz rhythmic contractility, is crucial for brain homeostasis. However, our understanding of vasomotion is limited due to a lack of high-precision analytical methods to determine single vasomotion events at basal levels. Here, we developed a novel strategy that integrates a baseline smoothing algorithm, allowing precise measurements of vasodynamics and concomitant Ca2+ dynamics in mouse cerebral vasculature imaged by two-photon microscopy. We identified several previously unrecognized vasomotion properties under different physiological and pathological conditions, especially in ischemic stroke, which is a highly harmful brain disease that results from vessel occlusion. First, the dynamic characteristics between SMCs Ca2+ and corresponding arteriolar vasomotion are correlated. Second, compared to previous diameter-based estimations, our radius-based measurements reveal anisotropic vascular movements, enabling a more precise determination of the latency between smooth muscle cell (SMC) Ca2+ activity and vasoconstriction. Third, we characterized single vasomotion event kinetics at scales of less than 4 seconds. Finally, following pathological vasoconstrictions induced by ischemic stroke, vasoactive arterioles entered an inert state and persisted despite recanalization. In summary, we developed a highly accurate technique for analyzing spontaneous vasomotion, and our data suggested a potential strategy to reduce stroke damage by promoting vasomotion recovery.

Combined activity of blue vitriol, brimstone and black stone on clinical Candida species isolates using fractional inhibitory concentration Index

Combination antimicrobial therapy (CAT) involves intentional addition of two or more antimicrobial agents for better therapeutic outcome. CAT is normally applied for treatment of polymicrobial infections, life-threatening infections and prevention of the emergence of resistance. This research aimed at determining the combined activity of blue vitriol, brimstone and black stone on clinical Candida species isolates using Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index. The brimstone, blue vitriol and black stone samples were purchased from a community market in southeastern Nigeria. The isolates were obtained from high vaginal swab samples of patients attending a Teaching hospital in Nigeria and identified based on their morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the samples were determined using the broth dilution method. The fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICI) of the samples against the isolates were obtained from their individual FIC values. FICI of <1 indicates synergism; 1 to 2 (Indifference); while >2 (antagonism). All the test agents were synergistic against C. albicans (FICI < 1). All the test agents were indifferent against C. tropicalis (FICI 1 - 2). Brimstone + black stone combination was indifferent (FICI 1 - 2) against C. glabrata; while all the test agents were antagonistic against the isolate (FICI > 2). Blue vitriol + Black stone combination was antagonistic (FICI > 2) against C. parapsilosis; Blue vitriol + brimstone was indifferent (FICI 1 - 2); while brimstone + black stone was synergistic (FICI < 1). The findings have revealed that antimicrobial combination outcome could be synergistic, antagonistic or indifferent; thus the need for proper in vitro screening before combination therapy.

Salicylic acid and Tocopherol improve wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Physio-biochemical and agronomic features grown in deep sowing stress: a way forward towards sustainable production

BackgroundThe rate of germination and other physiological characteristics of seeds that are germinating are impacted by deep sowing. Based on the results of earlier studies, conclusions were drawn that deep sowing altered the physio-biochemical and agronomic characteristics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).ResultsIn this study, seeds of wheat were sown at 2 (control) and 6 cm depth and the impact of exogenously applied salicylic acid and tocopherol (Vitamin-E) on its physio-biochemical and agronomic features was assessed. As a result, seeds grown at 2 cm depth witnessed an increase in mean germination time, germination percentage, germination rate index, germination energy, and seed vigor index. In contrast, 6 cm deep sowing resulted in negatively affecting all the aforementioned agronomic characteristics. In addition, deep planting led to a rise in MDA, glutathione reductase, and antioxidants enzymes including APX, POD, and SOD concentration. Moreover, the concentration of chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids, proline, protein, sugar, hydrogen peroxide, and agronomic attributes was boosted significantly with exogenously applied salicylic acid and tocopherol under deep sowing stress.ConclusionsThe results of the study showed that the depth of seed sowing has an impact on agronomic and physio-biochemical characteristics and that the negative effects of deep sowing stress can be reduced by applying salicylic acid and tocopherol to the leaves.

Purpureocillium lilacinum SBF054: Endophytic in Phaseolus vulgaris, Glycine max, and Helianthus annuus; Antagonistic to Rhizoctonia solani; and Virulent to Euschistus heros.

Microorganisms with multiple ecological functions can be a useful biotechnological resource in integrated pest- and disease-management programs. This work aimed to investigate the potential endophytic and virulent effects of a strain of Purpureocillium lilacinum on organic cultivation in Brazil. Specifically, the strain's ability to establish itself as an endophyte in common bean, soybean, and sunflower plants when inoculated via seed was evaluated. Furthermore, its antifungal activity against phytopathogens and its pathogenicity and virulence against insects of the order Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera were evaluated. Furthermore, the strain was evaluated for its biochemical and physiological characteristics. For virulence bioassays, the experiments were conducted under a factorial scheme (2 × 3), with the following factors: (a) fungal inoculation and control without inoculum and (b) types of inocula (blastospores, aerial conidia, and metabolites). The treatments were sprayed on insect species at different stages of development. In summary, it was found that the SBF054 strain endophytically colonized the common bean, with partial recovery from the root tissues of soybean and sunflower plants, 30 days after inoculation; suppressed 86% of Rhizoctonia solani mycelial growth in an in vitro assay; and controlled eggs, nymphs, and Euschistus heros adults. These multifunctional abilities are mainly attributed to the strain's mechanisms of producing metabolites, such as organic acids, soluble nutrients, and hydrolytic enzymes.

Fabrication of bioactive silk composite meshes for hernia repair and guided soft tissue remodeling: In silico, in vitro and in vivo models

ObjectivesPost-operative complications stemming from incompatible meshes often lead to delayed wound healing, seroma, infections, inappropriate tissue infiltration and pain. The present study was outlined to develop biocompatible composite hand-knitted silk meshes modified with polymers and natural extracts. Our study introduced hand-knitted B. mori silk fibroin as the primary mesh material, offering superior mechanical strength and biocompatibility. The spin-assisted dip coating achieved desirable morphology, internal structures, thickness, and surface roughness. Moreover, the application of biopolymeric composite coatings containing polymers and natural extracts introduced antimicrobial character, facilitated cell attachment, migration, proliferation, potentiating gene expression and accelerating the process of wound healing. These composite meshes are a viable solution for addressing post-op complications in hernia and soft tissue repair surgeries. MethodIn this study, 9 silk-based composite meshes (modified with polymeric-extract blends through spin-assisted dip coating) were successfully developed. Experimental variants were then subjected to various characterizations including SEM, DMA and chemical analysis (FTIR and GC-MS). Modified meshes were evaluated for their physiological characteristics and biological responses (the basic criterion for the selection of composite silk mesh). The biological testing included (antimicrobial susceptibility testing, in vitro cell viability assay, cell attachment assay (NIH3T3 and hUc-MSCs), in vitro cell migration, in vitro gene expression analysis with NIH3T3, in silico molecular docking with bioactive ligands of HE extract and in vivo analysis with PHBV-HE and PHBV-Control composite meshes in rat models. ResultsResults showed that all variants exhibited a multi-fiber morphology with significant surface coating, allowing for optimal drug release up to 72 h. This release facilitated antibacterial properties and biocompatibility, as evidenced by in vitro cell viability, migration assays and gene expression analysis. Among the variants, the PHBV-HE composite mesh demonstrated superior results. In the case of PHBV-coated polymeric controls, the SEM analysis concluded that the presence of coating reduced the pore size up to 39.62 % whereas, fiber diameter was increased by up to 19.89 % as compared to the control. The presence of a coating on the mesh improved the mechanical strength/modulus by 165.89 %, UTS by 185.38 % and reduced the % strain by 64.67 %. The fast release of HE from PHBV-HE composite mesh was 90.7% up to 72h, confirming that it can induce antibacterial activity against surgical infections. ConclusionPHBV-HE showed the highest cell viability, wound healing and gene expression. Based on appreciable biological evaluation results shown by PHBV-HE, in rat hernia models, only the PHBV-HE variant was tested for in-vivo analysis. Results confirmed its non-toxic nature and wound-healing abilities. Enhanced cell proliferation and wound healing observed both in vitro and in vivo indicated that PHBV-HE holds promise as a biomedical implant suggesting its potential for effective hernia and soft tissue repair and regeneration.

Alnus glutinosa (Alder) sapling as a phytoremediator for cadmium in contaminated soil of industrial park

Heavy metals can contaminate soil through human activities such as mining, waste disposal, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and fossil fuels. In Iran, uncontrolled urban growth and lack of waste collection systems have led agricultural lands to become receptors of urban and industrial waste, resulting in the contamination of soil with cadmium, which has negative consequences for the environment and health. Alder sapling may have considerable potential for phytoremediation. The soil was placed in plastic pots of 40 cm in diameter with 7 kg air-dried weight soil per pot, spiked with solutions of cadmium chloride [Cd Cl2.H2O] at rates of 0 (control), 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg in a solution. The analyzed data revealed a significant reduction in vegetative growth (plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll, stem diameter growth, stem dry weight, root dry weight, and leaves dry weight). The means were compared to assess the impact of cadmium accumulation on certain biochemical and physiological characteristics. The mean separation was performed using Duncan's Multiple Range test with a p-value ≤0.05. However, there was a simultaneous significant increase in enzymatic activities (peroxidase and catalase) and an increase in proline compared to control plants. The bioconcentration factor of stem, leaves, and roots was under one. The translocation factor (TF) of cadmium was more than 1, and cadmium contents were more localized in roots compared to leaves and stems, minimizing the risk of contamination through leaves. Alnus glutinosa has defense mechanisms against cadmium up to 19.5 mg/kg soil, as the tolerance index for roots and biomass is more than 0.8. Finally, it is a good candidate for research on phytoremediation and phytoextraction.

Modular, inducible, and titratable expression systems for Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii.

Gene expression systems that transcend species barriers are needed for cross-species analysis of gene function. In particular, expression systems that can be utilized in both model and pathogenic bacteria underpin comparative functional approaches that inform conserved and variable features of bacterial physiology. Here, we develop replicative and integrative vectors alongside a novel, IPTG-inducible promoter that can be used in the model bacterium Escherichia coli K-12 as well as strains of the antibiotic-resistant pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii. We generate modular vectors that transfer by conjugation at high efficiency and either replicate or integrate into the genome, depending on design. Embedded in these vectors, we also developed a synthetic, IPTG-inducible promoter, P abstBR , that induces to a high level, but is less leaky than the commonly used trc promoter. We show that P abstBR is titratable at both the population and single cell level, regardless of species, highlighting the utility of our expression systems for cross-species functional studies. Finally, as a proof of principle, we use our integrating vector to develop a reporter for the E. coli envelope stress σ factor, RpoE, and deploy the reporter in E. coli and A. baumannii, finding that A. baumannii does not recognize RpoE-dependent promoters unless RpoE is heterologously expressed. We envision that these vector and promoter tools will be valuable for the community of researchers that study fundamental biology of E. coli and A. baumannii.

In vitro culture of Campomanesia pubescens under different light qualities: a morphoanatomical and physiological characterization

Campomanesia pubescens (gabiroba) is a fruit tree that is native to the Cerrado and that has commercial potential and medicinal properties. It has recalcitrant seeds that do not tolerate desiccation and storage. Here, C. pubescens plants were grown in vitro under different light qualities. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used at wavelengths for white (W) and blue in combination with red in the proportions BR (1:1), BR (1:3) and BR (3:1), at 100 ± 5 μmol m-2 s-1 over a 16-hour photoperiod. The leaf anatomy, chlorophyll a fluorescence, chloroplast pigments and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were evaluated. Studies on Cerrado plants grown in vitro focusing on light quality and its effects on plant development and growth are scarce. Records of anatomical and physiological C. pubescens characteristics when grown in vitro under different lighting qualities using LEDs are nonexistent. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyze the anatomical and physiological responses of C. pubescens seedlings from in vitro cultivation under different light qualities, to support future studies on the propagation and conservation of this species. This work is a pioneer for this species. When the plants were cultivated in combinations of blue/red LEDs 1:1 and 3:1, they yielded higher biomass, presenting higher epidermis and chlorenchyma values with greater stomatal density and functionality, better photosynthetic efficiency, higher Y(II) values, qP and higher total chlorophyll concentrations, and thus these lights did not cause oxidative damage compared to the white (control) LEDs. This study contributed to a better understanding of the anatomical and physiological changes in C. pubescens plants grown in vitro under different light qualities. C. pubescens plants exhibited varied anatomical and physiological characteristics depending on the spectrum of light used here. The combinations of BR (1:1) or BR (3:1) LEDs are promising for the propagation of the species, given their positive influence on most of the studied traits.

In vivo calcium and voltage mapping of the zebrafish heart

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) Purpose Inherited cardiac arrhythmias are characterized by a disturbance in the normal electrical functioning of the heart due to a dysfunction of cardiac ion channels, accessory proteins and/or structural components. This complex process is difficult to model in vitro, while in vivo mouse models differ substantially from humans with regards to cardiac electrophysiology. Thus, there is a need for alternative disease models in cardiac arrhythmia research. The zebrafish heart shows remarkable similarity to humans in its electrocardiogram and action potential (AP) morphology. Due to the optical translucency of zebrafish larvae, it is possible visualize the cardiac calcium and voltage dynamics across their entire hearts in vivo by use of genetically encoded calcium and voltage indicators (GECI and GEVI). We combined the fast kinetics of a next generation voltage reporter (Ace2N-mNeon) with a spectrally compatible calcium sensor (R-GECO) to create a sensitive high throughput method for in vivo characterization of the cardiac AP. Methods Ace2N-mNeon and R-GECO were expressed under control of a myocardial specific promoter via the Tol2kit system. The effect of sensor expression on normal physiology was assessed by patch clamp experiments. Fluorescence recordings were obtained with a Leica SP8 DLS microscope and a custom-built light sheet microscope. Our zebrafish sensor line was validated by experiments with quinidine drug exposure, as well as a novel model for long QT syndrome (LQTS) with a knock-in (KI) mutation in the cacna1c gene. Results Sensor expression did not significantly alter cardiac electrophysiology. The tg(myl7:Ace2N-mNeon/R-GECO) line demonstrated alterations in the heart rate, depolarization and repolarization induced by quinidine exposure. We observed a significantly prolonged ventricular repolarization in the LQTS KI line. Three-dimensional optical maps of AP characteristics across the entire zebrafish heart exhibited the physiological characteristics of the zebrafish cardiac electrophysiology, with activation initiated at the atrial venous pole and propagated towards the ventricular outflow tract, prolonged repolarization in the ventricles compared to the atria and slowed depolarization in the atrio-ventricular canal. Conclusion By expressing Ace2N-mNeon and R-GECO in the zebrafish heart, we were able to accurately detect drug- and mutation induced alterations in the cardiac AP, as well as AP characteristics across the entire heart, without compromising normal cardiac electrophysiology. Our transgenic line will provide a promising assay for future studies of cardiac arrhythmia.

Physiological and transcriptome characterization provide new sights into cadmium tolerance and accumulation mechanisms in Tagetes patula L.

Tagetes patula L. (T. patula) is a Cd hyperaccumulator plant with high ornamental value and strong resistance. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of Cd tolerance in hyper-accumulating plants is important for improving phytoremediation efficiency. This investigation studied to how Cd affected T. patula's physiological characteristics and molecular alterations. With the increase of Cd concentration, chlorophyll content, and root biomass decreased; the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as GST, SOD and POD increased. Initially, Cd accumulated mainly in the root and then transferred upward to the leaves. The molecular mechanisms of T. patula after 150 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg treatments were analyzed by transcriptome. In total, 5429 and 6546 differentially expressed unigenes were identified. Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism were identified as key pathways in reaction to Cd stress. In addition, many differential genes involved in the response to Cd stress were identified, including heavy metal transporter protein genes, genes and transcription factors related to Cd detoxification. These results indicate that the response of T. patula to Cd was multifaceted, laying the foundation for studies to improve its tolerance to toxic metals.

Acidithiobacillus acidisediminis sp. nov., an acidophilic sulphur-oxidizing chemolithotroph isolated from acid mine drainage sediment.

Strain S30A2T, isolated from the acid mine drainage sediment of Mengzi Copper Mine, Yunnan, is proposed to represent a novel species of the sulphur-oxidizing genus Acidithiobacillus. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, non-endospore forming, highly motile with one or two monopolar flagella and rod-shaped. The strain was mesophilic, growing at 30-50 °C (optimum, 38 °C), acidophilic, growing at pH 2.0-4.5 (optimum, pH 2.5), and tolerant of 0-4 % (w/v; 684 mol l-1) NaCl. The 16S rRNA gene-based sequence analysis showed that strain S30A2T belongs to the genus Acidithiobacillus and shows the largest similarity of 96.6 % to the type strain Acidithiobacillus caldus KUT. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain S30A2T was 59.25 mol%. The average nucleotide identity ANIb and ANIm values between strain S30A2T and A. caldus KUT were 70.95 and 89.78 %, respectively and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization value was 24.9 %. Strain S30A2T was strictly aerobic and could utilize elementary sulphur and tetrathionate to support chemolithotrophic growth. The major cellular fatty acid of S30A2T was C19 : 1ω7c. The respiratory quinones were ubiquinone-8 and ubiquinone-7. Based upon its phylogenetic, genetic, phenotypic, physiologic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain S30A2T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Acidithiobacillus, for which the name Acidithiobacillus acidisediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S30A2T (=CGMCC 1.17059T=KCTC 72580T).

Charge-switchable cell-penetrating peptides for rerouting nanoparticles to glioblastoma treatment

Glioblastoma (GB) is one of the most lethal types of neoplasms with unique anatomic, physiologic, and pathologic features that usually persist after exposure to standard therapeutic modalities. It is biologically aggressive, and the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits the efficacy of standard therapies. In this work, we hypothesize the potential of surface-functionalized ultra-small nanostructured lipid carriers (usNLCs) with charge-switchable cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to overcome this biological barrier and improve targeted delivery to brain tumor tissues. The big question is: what is the potential of CPPs in directing nanoparticles toward brain tumor tissue? To answer this question, the usNLCs were functionalized with distinct biomolecules [five CPPs, c(RGDfK) and transferrin, Tf] through electrostatic interaction and its ability as a targeting approach to BBB (HBMEC) and glioma cells (U87 cells) evaluated in terms of physicochemical properties, cellular uptake, permeability in a 2D-BBB model, and tumor growth inhibition. Monte Carlo simulations elucidated CPP adsorption patterns. The permeability studies revealed that targeted usNLCs, especially usNLCsTf and usNLCsCPP4, exhibited an increased permeability coefficient compared to the non-targeted usNLCs. Functionalized usNLCs evidenced enhanced uptake in BBB cells, with smaller CPPs showing higher internalization (CPP1 and CPP2). Similarly, functionalized usNLCs exhibited more significant cytotoxicity in glioma cells, with specific CPPs promoting favorable internalization. Analysis of the endocytic pathway indicated that usNLCsCPPs were mainly internalized by direct translocation and caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Optimal usNLCs with dual targeting capabilities to both BBB and GB cells provide a promising therapeutic strategy for GB.

Three-Dimensional Hepatocyte Spheroids: Model for Assessing Chemotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Three-dimensional cellular models provide a more comprehensive representation of in vivo cell properties, encompassing physiological characteristics and drug susceptibility. Primary hepatocytes were seeded in ultra-low attachment plates to form spheroids, with or without tumoral cells. Spheroid structure, cell proliferation, and apoptosis were analyzed using histological staining techniques. In addition, extracellular vesicles were isolated from conditioned media by differential ultracentrifugation. Spheroids were exposed to cytotoxic drugs, and both spheroid growth and cell death were measured by microscopic imaging and flow cytometry with vital staining, respectively. Concerning spheroid structure, an active outer layer forms a boundary with the media, while the inner core comprises a mass of cell debris. Hepatocyte-formed spheroids release vesicles into the extracellular media, and a decrease in the concentration of vesicles in the culture media can be observed over time. When co-cultured with tumoral cells, a distinct distribution pattern emerges over the primary hepatocytes, resulting in different spheroid conformations. Tumoral cell growth was compromised upon antitumoral drug challenges. Treatment of mixed spheroids with different cytotoxic drugs enables the characterization of drug effects on both hepatocytes and tumoral cells, determining drug specificity effects on these cell types.

Effects of Putrescine Application Against Drought Stress on the Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of Grapevines

Effects of Putrescine Application Against Drought Stress on the Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of Grapevines

Unveiling the protective role of anthocyanin in rice: insights into drought-induced oxidative stress and metabolic regulation.

This study investigates the impact of anthocyanin treatment on rice plants under drought stress, focusing on phenotypic, molecular, and biochemical responses. Anthocyanin were treated to one month old plants one week before the droughtexposure. Drought stress was imposed by using 10% polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000). Anthocyanin-treated plants exhibited significant enhancements in various traits, including growth parameters and reproductive characteristics, under normal conditions. When subjected to drought stress, these plants displayed resilience, maintaining or improving essential morphological and physiological features compared to non-treated counterparts. Notably, anthocyanin application mitigated drought-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid membrane peroxidation. The study also elucidates the regulatory role of anthocyanins in the expression of flavonoid biosynthetic genes, leading to increased levels of key secondary metabolites. Furthermore, anthocyanin treatment influenced the levels of stress-related signaling molecules, including melatonin, proline, abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid (SA), contributing to enhanced stress tolerance. The enzymatic activity of antioxidants and the expression of drought-responsive genes were modulated by anthocyanins, emphasizing their role in antioxidant defense and stress response. Additionally, anthocyanin treatment positively influenced macronutrient concentrations, particularly calcium ion (Ca+), potassium ion (K+), and sodium ion (Na+), essential for cell wall and membrane stability. The findings collectively highlight the multifaceted protective effects of anthocyanins, positioning them as potential key players in conferring resilience to drought stress in rice plants. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying anthocyanin-mediated enhancement of drought stress tolerance, suggesting promising applications in agricultural practices for sustainable crop production.