Synergistic Role Research Articles

Effects of the Curcuminoid and Non-Curcuminoid Compounds of Turmeric on the Gut Microbiome and Inflammation: Potential Use in the Treatment and Prevention of Disease.

The gut microbiome is a complex system that directly interacts with and influences many systems in the body. This delicate balance of microbiota plays an important role in health and disease and is highly influenced by lifestyle factors and the surrounding environment. As further research emerges, understanding the full potential of the gut microbiome and the impact of using nutraceuticals to positively influence its function may open the door to greater therapeutic outcomes in the treatment and prevention of disease. Curcumin, a bioactive compound derived from the turmeric rhizome, has been studied in depth for its influence on human health as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the therapeutic activity of curcumin is limited by its low oral bioavailability. While most available research has primarily focused on the curcuminoid compounds of turmeric, the non-curcuminoid compounds hold promise to offer therapeutic benefits while synergistically enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin and supporting the gut microbiome. This review summarizes current knowledge of the relationship between the gut and the various systems within the body, and how dysbiosis, or disruption in the gut microbial balance, leads to inflammation and increased risk of chronic disease. The review also summarizes recent research that focuses on the bioactivity of both the curcuminoid and non-curcuminoid compounds that comprise the whole turmeric root and their synergistic role in enhancing bioavailability to support a healthy gut microbiome and promising use in the treatment and prevention of disease.

Fermentative profile and bacterial community structure of whole-plant triticale silage (Triticosecale Wittmack) with or without the addition of Streptococcus bovis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Streptococcus bovis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, bacterial communities, and predicted metabolic pathways of whole-plant triticale silage (Triticosecale Wittmack). Fresh triticale harvested at the milk stage was ensiled in sterile distilled water (CON), Streptococcus bovis (ST), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP), and a combination of S. bovis and L. plantarum (LS) for 3, 7, 15, and 30 days. During ensiling, the pH and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content in the inoculated groups was significantly lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05), especially in the LS group (P < 0.05). After 7 days of ensiling, the ST and LS groups had lower (P < 0.05) starch content and higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of lactic acid (LA) and acetic acid (AA). Inoculation with S. bovis and L. plantarum, either alone or in combination, increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Pediococcus while reducing the abundance of Weissella, Rosenbergiella, Pantoea, and Enterobacter. Metabolic prediction analysis indicated that inoculation with S. bovis enhanced starch and sucrose metabolism during the early stages of ensiling. The abundance of Streptococcus positively correlated with LA (P < 0.05) and AA concentration but negatively correlated with starch content, pH, and propionic acid (PA) concentration (P < 0.05). S. bovis inoculation increased starch hydrolysis and carbohydrate metabolism during the early stages. S. bovis and L. plantarum synergistically improved the fermentation characteristics and bacterial communities of triticale silage. Therefore, S. bovis can be used as an additive or for a fast start-up agent to improve silage fermentation quality.IMPORTANCEEnsiling is a widely used method for preserving fresh forage. Silage quality is determined by the chemical and microbial composition. Studies have shown that S. bovis grew faster than commercial species, thereby creating advantages for other lactic acid bacteria during ensiling. Therefore, we believe that S. bovis and L. plantarum can synergistically improve the fermentation characteristics and bacterial community in silage. However, few studies use high-throughput methods to explain the impact of S. bovis on silage fermentation. Results showed that S. bovis significantly affected the fermentation parameters, bacterial community, and metabolic characteristics of triticale silage. S. bovis and L. plantarum synergistically accelerated the fermentation, reducing pH and WSC while increasing lactic acid and acetic acid concentrations in the early stages of ensiling. Additionally, co-inoculation increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Pediococcus and carbohydrate metabolism. This study emphasizes the synergistic role of S. bovis and L. plantarum in enhancing triticale silage quality, providing scientific support for novel silage additives.

Experimental study on the simultaneous effect of smart water and clay particles on the stability of asphaltene molecule and emulsion phase

Enhancing oil recovery in sandstone reservoirs, particularly through smart water flooding, is an appealing area of research that has been thoroughly documented. However, few studies have examined the formation of water-in-heavy oil emulsion because of the incompatibility between the injected water-folded ions, clay particles, and heavy fraction in the oil phase. In this study, we investigated the synergistic roles of asphaltene and clay in the smart water flooding process using a novel experimental approach. Our results provide new insights into how the behavior and properties of water in heavy oil emulsions are affected by changes in ion-tuned water in clay-rich sandstone reservoirs. To investigate this, heavy oil was combined with aqueous phases (in the absence and presence of clay) for 20 days at 80 °C. Then, the emulsion phases were centrifuged to separate the oil and brine phases (aged oil and brine). The separated oil phases were analyzed using Interfacial Tension (IFT), oil viscosity measurements, and asphaltene onset point precipitation (AOP) experiments. We observed significant decreases in viscosity and AOP when crude oil was exposed to the aqueous phases containing brine and clay, which was also reflected in the IP-143 results. Additionally, ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection) results and elemental analysis obtained from asphaltenes extracted from the aged oil phase, along with zeta potential measurements of the aged oils, indicated a reduction in the concentration of aliphatic groups as well as in the polar and negative components of the asphaltene molecular structure from the oil phases. Furthermore, the analysis of the simultaneous effects of ion-tuned water and clay on emulsion properties revealed differing impacts on the stability of the emulsion phase. These variations were attributed to the contribution of polar asphaltene components at the interface. These findings could potentially reduce undesirable emulsion damage during heavy oil recovery with ion-tuned water flooding in clay-rich reservoirs.

Synergistic Role of Streptomyces Composite Inoculants in Mitigating Wheat Drought Stress Under Field Conditions

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a globally important staple crop; however, its growth and yield are severely limited by drought stress. This study evaluated the effects of a combined microbial inoculant, Streptomyces pactum Act12 and Streptomyces rochei D74, on wheat photosynthesis, physiological traits, and yield under drought conditions. Key physiological and yield parameters were measured during the jointing, heading, and grain-filling stages. Drought stress significantly reduced chlorophyll content, maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) (Fv/Fm), and antioxidant enzyme activities, while increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, leading to a notable yield decline. In contrast, inoculation with Streptomyces strains alleviated these adverse effects, with the combined inoculant (Act12+D74) group demonstrating the most significant improvement. Chlorophyll content increased by up to 32.60%, Fv/Fm improved by 43.07%, and antioxidant enzyme activities were enhanced, with superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increasing by 19.32% and peroxidase (POD) activity by 75.44%. Meanwhile, MDA levels were reduced by 61.61%. The proline content in the combined inoculant group increased by 90.44% at the jointing stage and the soluble protein content increased by 60.17% at the heading stage. Furthermore, it improved the yield by 26.19% by increasing both effective spikes and grains per spike. For the first time, this study revealed the synergistic effects of Act12 and D74 in enhancing photosynthesis, strengthening antioxidant defenses, and optimizing osmotic regulation under drought conditions. These findings provide a theoretical basis for developing environmentally friendly drought management strategies and highlight the potential applications of this inoculant in sustainable agriculture.

Green finance and “greenization” of enterprise’s technology: based on evolutionary game theory and empirical test in China

ABSTRACT Green innovation emerges as a pivotal breakthrough for expediting the shift towards a sustainable green development model. Green Finance Reform and Innovation Pilot Zones (GFRIPZ), functioning as a comprehensive policy initiative, harness diverse policy instruments to catalyse the green transformation of enterprises. Constructing a tripartite game model (government, banks, enterprises), this study sheds light on the green evolution of enterprises’ strategic behaviour with the incentive of GFRIPZ, and explains the underlying mechanism of green finance for green innovation. Data of Chinese listed companies (2007–2019) are used to test the mechanism and specific effect of green finance with the difference-in-differences method. The findings reveal that green finance effectively promotes enterprises’ adoption of green innovation strategies. The mechanism appears to be that green finance promotes green innovation by increasing environmental protection investment, reducing financing constraints and improving total factor productivity. Meanwhile, enterprise digitization and industry-finance integration play a positive synergistic role in connecting green finance and green innovation. Besides, the promoting effect of green finance on green innovation in large, non-polluting and mature enterprises is more prominent relative to that in others. This study elucidates the micro-mechanisms underlying green finance system design that foster green innovation and achieve high-quality economic development.

The synergistic roles of MsRCI2B and MsRCI2E in the regulation of ion balance and ROS homeostasis in alfalfa under salt stress.

Under salt stress, plasma membrane proteins regulate ion homeostasis and the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we investigated the functions of two small membrane proteins-MsRCI2B (tailless) and MsRCI2E (tailed)-encoded by the RCI2 (Rare Cold Inducible 2) gene family in Medicago sativa (alfalfa). We identified the distinct subcellular localization and expression patterns of these proteins under salt stress. Using yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), GST pull-down, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays, we confirmed the physical interactions between MsRCI2B and MsRCI2E. Transgenic alfalfa lines overexpressing MsRCI2(OE#RCI2) and co-expressing both MsRCI2B and MsRCI2E (OE#RCI2E-2B) were developed to explore their roles in salt tolerance. Interestingly, the C-terminal tail of MsRCI2E negatively affects salt tolerance; however, its interaction with MsRCI2B mitigates this adverse effect. To further understand the regulatory mechanisms, we screened for plasma membrane proteins (PMPs) that interact with MsRCI2B or MsRCI2E using a DUALmembrane yeast two-hybrid system. MsCaM1 interacts with MsRCI2B, whereas MsPIP1;4 and MsHVP1 specifically interact with MsRCI2E. Notably, the MsRCI2E-PIP1;4 interaction influenced the intracellular trafficking of PIP1;4, reducing its presence on the plasma membrane and thereby limiting the export of H2O2, which helps maintain ROS homeostasis. Additionally, the interaction between MsRCI2E and HVP1 promoted ion homeostasis by decreasing Na+ influx under salt stress. Overall, our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms through which MsRCI2B and MsRCI2E coordinate the ion and ROS balance under salt stress and offering promising strategies for enhancing crop tolerance to salinity.

Palmitic acid induces cardiomyocyte apoptosis by enhancing the KLF4/cMLCK signaling pathway.

Hyperlipidemia and myocardial apoptosis caused by myocardial ischemia are the main causes of high mortality rates in cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have indicated that Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is involved in the induction of cardiac myocyte apoptosis under various stress conditions. In current study, we discovered that KLF4 also participates in palmitic acid (PA)-induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis. However, the specific mechanisms by which KLF4 regulates cardiac myocyte apoptosis remain unclear. Cardiac myosin light-chain kinase (cMLCK) is a crucial enzyme involved in regulating cardiac myocyte contraction and is closely associated with the regulation of apoptosis. Here, we employed the lipotoxicity in vitro and in vivo models to explore the potential synergistic role of KLF4 and cMLCK in cardiac myocyte apoptosis. Our findings demonstrate that under the influence of PA, upregulation of KLF4 expression accompanied by downregulation of cMLCK expression leads to cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cell proliferation inhibition. Selective knockdown and overexpression of KLF4 in cardiomyocytes further confirmed the involvement of KLF4 in PA-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Likewise, overexpression of cMLCK alleviated PA-induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis. Our study reveals the pro-apoptotic effect of KLF4 and elucidates the specific mechanism by which the KLF4/cMLCK signaling pathway is involved in PA-induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis, providing new therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease treatment.

Antifouling and Bactericidal Zwitterionic Polymer Coatings with Synergistic Inhibitory and Killing Properties.

Polymeric coatings that combine resistance to adhesion ("defending") and killing ("attacking") of biocontaminants were proposed to endow the surface with nonadhesive and bactericidal capabilities. In contrast, a zwitterionic copolymer P(GMA-co-DMAPS) with antifouling groups ([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide, DMAPS) and a zwitterionic/cationic copolymer P(GMA-co-DMAPS-co-DMC) with bactericidal groups ([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride, DMC) were synthesized, of which the latter exhibited synergistic inhibitory and killing properties. The distinct feed ratios of monomers were conducted, and the optimal molar ratio was obtained. The polymer coating was chemically bonded to the surface of substrates such as stainless steel via the addition-elimination reaction of epoxy groups and hydroxyl groups. Stainless steel surfaces grafted with G20D80-5DMC exhibited fine antifouling and bactericidal properties. The results showed that a highly efficient defending-attacking synergistic effect was achieved with antiprotein adsorption of more than 90% and bactericidal rates against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of 98.6% and 96.6%, respectively. The polymers proposed in this study can effectively play an antifouling and antibacterial synergistic role and can be grafted onto substrates through a simple and effective method, showing attractive potential in marine, biomedical, and industrial applications.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Vanillic Acid in Human Plasma, Human Neutrophils, and Non-Cellular Models In Vitro

Vanillic acid (VA) is a dietary benzoic acid derivative, flavoring agent, and food stabilizer. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of VA was explored in vitro and ex vivo in human immune cells and non-cellular models. In neutrophils, VA significantly downregulated the fMLP-induced oxidative burst and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); it also suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8) and the tissue-remodeling enzyme elastase-2 (ELA-2) in cells stimulated with LPS and fMLP+cytochalasin B. Additionally, VA showed good biocompatibility with human neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) across the tested concentrations of 1–50 µg/mL. Furthermore, VA at 1–5 μg/mL enhanced the non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity of human plasma (NEAC) and prevented oxidative and nitrative damage to plasma proteins by protecting tyrosine moieties and thiols from peroxynitrite. VA also inhibited lipid peroxidation and the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (at 50 μg/mL) and protein-bound carbonyls (at 5–50 μg/mL) in peroxynitrite-treated plasma. In non-cellular tests, VA acted as a hypochlorous acid and hydrogen peroxide scavenger and inhibited non-enzymatic protein glycation, outperforming the references Trolox and aminoguanidine. Along with existing data from animal models and studies on polyphenol intake, these results might support the synergic role of VA in dietary protection against chronic diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation.

Highly crystalline carbon nitride induced by ultralow dosage of sodium fluoride with pinning-docking mechanism.

In the typical ionothermal synthesis of crystalline carbon nitride (CCN), alkali metal halides are usually used in large amounts. Here, we report a new method for synthesizing poly (heptazine imide) (PHI) using only a trace amount of NaF, which is 20 times less than the amount of NaCl typically required to achieve the PHI structure. Different from the prevailing view that salts function primarily as templates and chelating agents during polymerization, our research revealed the unique role that NaF plays in the polymerization of PHI. We propose a new formation mechanism, termed the "pinning-docking mechanism," in which fluoride (F) atoms and bidentate nitrogen atoms (N) coordinated to sodium (Na) atoms build a strong triangle configuration that synergistically promotes the formation of PHI. Calculations indicate that the highly electronegative F atom generates an effective electron flow within the N-metal-F complex, causing local electron reorganization and accordingly activating the N sites for H2 evolution. The synergistic roles of Na and F atoms in NaF for synthesizing PHI cannot be replicated with either NaCl or NH4F salts under low dosage conditions. The synthesized PHI structure exhibits an exceptional hydrogen evolution rate of 10.2mmol h-1 gcat-1, exceeding that of amorphous TCN(550) by 217 times. This work provides an economical method for CCN synthesis and explores the underlying role of NaF salt during polymerization, which can be valuable for designing highly crystalline carbon nitride materials.

Electrochemical Degradation Study of 4‐Chlorophenol Using Magnesium Ferrite Catalysts Prepared by Solution Combustion

ABSTRACTElectrochemical degradation of 4‐chlorophenol (4‐CP) was investigated using a rotating disk electrode (RDE) over magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4), iron‐oxide and magnesium‐oxide in presence of 4‐CP in varying concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 mg/L. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of these catalysts in achieving high current densities during the degradation process, and to understand their relation with the structural properties of the catalysts obtained from standard characterization techniques. Our results indicate that the MgO catalyst shows a poor current density for electrocatalytic degradation of 4‐CP. However, when MgO is used in presence of iron oxide, as in MgFe2O4, a high current density for 4‐CP degradation is observed, indicating the synergistic role of MgFe system in improving catalytic activity. On the other hand, iron oxide alone showed the highest current density, however, most of which is expected to be associated with water splitting as opposed to 4‐CP degradation. Our findings highlight the potential of magnesium ferrite based mixed oxide catalysts in environmental applications, and also provide insights into the role of Mg in modulating catalytic performance. Additionally, this work also emphasizes the role of implementing RDE technique in identifying suitable catalysts for studying 4‐CP degradation in wastewater.

Mechanistic Insights into the Anticancer Potential of Methoxyflavones Analogs: A Review.

2-phenylchromen-4-one, commonly known as flavone, plays multifaceted roles in biological response that can be abundantly present in natural sources. The methoxy group in naturally occurring flavones promotes cytotoxic activity in various cancer cell lines by targeting protein markers, in facilitating ligand-protein binding mechanisms and activating cascading downstream signaling pathways leading to cell death. However, the lipophilic nature of these analogs is a key concern as it impacts drug membrane transfer. While lipophilicity is crucial for drug efficacy, the excessive lipophilic effects in flavonoids can reduce water solubility and hinder drug transport to target sites. Recent in vitro studies suggest that the incorporation of polar hydroxyl groups which can form hydrogen bonds and stabilize free radicals may help overcome the challenges associated with methoxy groups while maintaining their essential lipophilic properties. Naturally coexisting with methoxyflavones, this review explores the synergistic role of hydroxy and methoxy moieties through hydrogen bonding capacity in maximizing cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. The physicochemical analysis revealed the potential intramolecular interaction and favorable electron delocalization region between both moieties to improve cytotoxicity levels. Together, the analysis provides a useful strategy for the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of flavonoid analogs in distinct protein markers, suggesting optimal functional group positioning to achieve balanced lipophilicity, effective hydrogen bonding, and simultaneously minimized steric hindrance in targeting specific cancer cell types.

Liquid-Based Diagnostic Panels for Prostate Cancer: The Synergistic Role of Soluble PD-L1, PD-1, and mRNA Biomarkers.

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of soluble Programmed Death Ligand 1 (sPD-L1) and Programmed Death 1 (sPD-1) molecules in plasma, along with urinary mRNA biomarkers-Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), Prostate Cancer Antigen 3 (PCA3), and androgen receptor (AR) genes-for identifying clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa), defined as pathological stage 3. In a cohort of 68 PCa patients, sPD-L1 and sPD-1 levels were quantified using ELISA, while mRNA transcripts were measured by RT-qPCR. Results highlight the potential of integrating these liquid-based biomarkers. In particular, the combination of sPD-L1, sPD-1, and AR demonstrated the most significant improvement in diagnostic performance, increasing the area under the curve (AUC) from 0.65 to 0.81 and sensitivity from 60% to 88%, compared to AR alone. PSMA demonstrated an AUC of 0.82 and a specificity of 52.8%, which improved to an AUC of 0.85 and a specificity of 94.4% with the inclusion of sPD-L1 and sPD-1. Similarly, PCA3 achieved an AUC of 0.75 and a specificity of 53.8%, increasing to an AUC of 0.78 and a specificity of 76.9% when combined with these biomarkers. Incorporating sPD-L1 into a three-gene panel further elevated the AUC from 0.74 to 0.94. These findings underscore the value of multimodal liquid-based diagnostic panels in improving the management of clinically significant PCa.

Levetiracetam and valproic acid in glioma: antiseizure and potential antineoplastic effects.

Seizures are a frequent complication in glioma. Incidence of brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) in high-grade glioma (HGG) is an estimated > 25% and in low-grade glioma (LGG) is approximately 72%. Two first-line antiseizure medications (ASMs) for BTRE include levetiracetam (LEV) and valproic acid (VPA). Use of VPA has decreased because of a broader side effect profile, potential interaction with chemotherapeutic drugs, and availability of newer generation agents. In refractory BTRE, LEV and VPA may be prescribed together to enhance seizure control. VPA and LEV have gained attention for their purported antineoplastic effects and synergistic role with temozolomide. VPA is suggested to modulate anticancer activity in vitro through multiple mechanisms. In addition, retrospective studies indicate increased overall survival in patients with epileptogenic HGGs who are managed with LEV or VPA rather than other ASMs. However, these studies have numerous limitations. It is also reported that patients with glioma and a seizure history have a longer survival. This extended survival, if one exists, may be only observed in certain gliomas with corresponding patient characteristics. We provide a brief overview of the management of BTRE, VPA and LEV as anticonvulsants and antineoplastics, and the factors that may be associated with survival in epileptogenic glioma.

Vitamin D Supplementation Is Associated with Inflammation Amelioration and Cognitive Improvement in Decompensated Patients with Cirrhosis.

Background/Objectives: Decompensated cirrhosis is characterized by systemic inflammation and innate and adaptive immune dysfunction. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a prevalent and debilitating condition characterized by cognitive disturbances in which ammonia and inflammation play a synergistic pathogenic role. Extraskeletal functions of vitamin D include immunomodulation, and its deficiency has been implicated in immune dysfunction and different forms of cognitive impairment. The aim was to assess changes in cognitive function and inflammation in decompensated patients with cirrhosis receiving vitamin D supplementation. Methods: Patients with cirrhosis discharged from decompensation in two tertiary hospitals in Spain (from September 2017 to January 2020) were assessed before, at 6 and 12 months after vitamin D supplementation. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery and neuroinflammatory markers were examined. In a subgroup of patients, peripheral immune blood cells were analyzed. Results: Thirty-nine patients were recruited. Of those, 27 completed the 6 months evaluation and were analyzed [age 62.4 ± 11.3 years; 22 men; Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 11.7 ± 4.0; prior overt HE 33%; median 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) plasma level 12.7 µgr/L] and 22 achieved 12 months assessment. At baseline, learning and memory (R = 0.382; p = 0.049) and working memory (R = 0.503; p = 0.047) subtests correlated with plasma 25OHD levels. In addition, processing speed (R = -0.42; p = 0.04), attention (R = -0.48; p = 0.04), Tinnetti balance (R = -0.656; p < 0.001) and Tinnetti score (R = -0.659; p < 0.001) were linked to neuroinflammation marker IL-1β. Patients with lower 25OHD had a greater proportion of TH1cells at baseline and a larger amelioration of IL-1β and IL-6 following supplementation. An improvement in working memory was found after 25OHD replacement (46.7 ± 13 to 50 ± 11; p = 0.047). Conclusions: This study supports that vitamin D supplementation modulates low-grade inflammation in decompensated cirrhosis providing cognitive benefits, particularly in working memory.

HERC5/ISG15 Enhances Glioblastoma Stemness and Tumor Progression by mediating SERBP1protein stability.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor, and has a low survival rate and a poor prognosis. Intensive studies of pathogenic mechanisms are essential for exploring therapeutic targets for GBM. In this study, the roles played by interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), HECT, RCC1-containing protein 5 (HERC5), and SERPINE1 mRNA binding protein 1 (SERBP1) in regulating GBM cell stemness were investigated. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blotting (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to determine the expression levels of HERC5, ISG15, and SERBP1. Cell stemness was analyzed using a cell sphere formation assay. Colony formation and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to assess cell proliferation, Transwell assays used to evaluate cell migration and invasion, and flow cytometry was used to assess cell apoptosis after treatment with temozolomide. SERBP1 stability was assessed by a CHX chase assay. A co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay verified the binding of ISG15 and HERC5 onto SERBP1. Our results showed that HERC5 and ISG15 were highly expressed in GBM. HERC5 and ISG15 promoted the cell stemness of GBM, and increased cell proliferation, sphere formation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance. Moreover, HERC5 and ISG15 played a synergistic role in promoting the cell stemness of GBM. We also found that HERC5/ISG15 promoted the stability of SERBP1, which also promoted the cell stemness of GBM. The tumor-promoting role of HERC5 and ISG15 was also confirmed in a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model. Collectively, HERC5/ISG15 was found to regulate GBM stemness and tumor progression by mediating SERBP1 protein stability. Our present study suggests a promising therapeutic target for GBM.

Polysaccharide biocomposites with tunable adsorption and antipathogen activity via surface immobilization of chitosan onto modified flax fibers

Flax fiber modified composite (FFMC) duplex systems with unique sorbent and antipathogen properties were developed by physisorption of chitosan onto modified flax fibers by a facile method. Complementary characterization of the FFMCs (Raman, NMR, and IR, SEM, XRD, TGA and BET analysis) revealed variable composite morphology with incremental chitosan doping and supramolecular interactions between the fiber substrate and immobilized chitosan. Dye adsorption profiles of FFMCs with Rose Bengal corroborated the role of physisorption with an adsorption capacity that rises to 17.9 mg/g, whereas the water sorption capacity reaches an impressive value ca. 11 g/g, which indicated the role of synergism upon chitosan immobilization. Anti-microbial and fungal properties were supported by antimicrobial tests. The FFMCs have high antimicrobial potency toward gram negative (E. coli), gram positive (Streptococcus aureus) and a fungal strain (Candida albicans) based on the low FFMC dosages required to achieve 100 % microbial elimination. This versatile class of unique biocomposites displayed unique structure-function relationships related to synergistic water sorption and antipathogenic effects, as compared to available literature reports. FFMCs are a diversiform class of biocomposites with unique physicochemical and biological properties that extend the field of adsorption science and technology from environmental remediation to biomedical devices.

Synergistic Enhancement of Photocatalytic Degradation of Polyethylene Plastics by Ni Cocatalyst and Oxygen Vacancies Engineering TiO2 Nanosheets

AbstractDue to the significant accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, the development of mild and effective plastic degradation technology is highly desirable. In this work, Ni clusters decorated TiO2 nanosheets with oxygen vacancies have been made through plasma treatment. The photocatalytic degradation of low‐density polyethylene (PE) has been investigated with the as‐prepared catalyst under simulated sunlight irradiation. During the photodegradation, the yield rates of CO2 and CO are 14.3 mg h−1 gcat−1 and 190 µg h−1 gcat−1, respectively, which were 4.3 times and 2.0 times higher than those of the pristine TiO2 and non‐treated catalyst. The related experimental results demonstrate that Ni and oxygen vacancies exert a synergistic enhancement role for the photocatalytic performance. The present study provides an avenue to obtain efficient and economical catalysts for the disinfection of plastic pollutants.

The MIL-125(Ti)/Co3O4 towards efficiently removing tetracycline by synergistic adsorption-photocatalysis roles

The MIL-125(Ti)/Co3O4 towards efficiently removing tetracycline by synergistic adsorption-photocatalysis roles

Review: Gut microbiota: Therapeutic targets of ginseng polysaccharides against multiple disorders.

As biological macromolecules, ginseng polysaccharides (GP) are often difficult to be directly absorbed through the intestinal cell membrane. It has been found that it can regulate gut microbiota by acting as a prebiotic, and then play a therapeutic role in some diseases, such as diarrhea, tumour, diabetic, dementia, obesity. With the deepening of research, we found that the role played by GP as a prebiotic cannot be ignored. Not only that, it can also affect the immunity and the metabolism and absorption of ginsenosides to play a synergistic role. Overall, GP can regulate the diversity of gut microbiota, which in turn affects the synthesis of secondary metabolites. GP also promotes the transformation of ginsenosides, leading to improved absorptivity of these compounds. This review aims to provide a deeper understanding of how GP interacts with the gut microbiota in various disorders and the transformation of ginsenosides. By exploring these interactions, we can gain valuable insights into the potential benefits of GP in managing different health conditions and enhancing the bioavailability of ginsenosides.