Times Higher Concentrations Research Articles

Biochar amendment affects the fate of phthalic acid esters in the soil-vegetable system

Phthalates, e.g., esters of phthalic acid (PAEs), when used as plasticizers due to weak physical bonding with polymer matrix favoring leaching, are widely noted in the environment. Their confirmed toxicity to plants and animals implies that their fate should be monitored in the environment, especially when considering the interaction between soil and vegetables. Removal of PAEs from the environment or limiting their bioavailability is a key point in reducing their harmful effects. In the present paper, the fate of six PAEs in the biochar-amended soil during the cultivation of two popular vegetables, lettuce, and radish, was estimated. High bioaccumulation in the soil was noted with the biochar obtained from residues from biogas production being up to 15% higher than in the case of the other biochar and up to 10 times higher than in plants due to increased basic character of biochar. This biochar reduced the bioavailability of DEP (diethyl phthalate), DBP (dibutyl phthalate), BBP (butyl benzyl phthalate), and DNOP (di-n-octyl phthalate) in radish roots and DBP in lettuce leaves. However, PAEs significantly increased the fresh mass of radish and slightly increased the mass of lettuce. All six tested PAEs in both plants reached higher concentrations in the leaves (up to two orders of magnitude) than in the roots. Additionally, PAEs were present in two times higher concentrations in the lettuce than in the radish. The biochar aromaticity, porosity, and the presence of organic carbon and inorganics (ash) affect the fate of tested pollutants depending on the tested plant and compound.

Impact of Surface Functionality on Biodistribution of Gold Nanoparticles in Silkworms

To date, animal models are still indispensable for studying biodistribution and elimination of nanomaterials. However, the use of mammals for in vivo experiments faces various challenges including increasing regulatory hurdles and costs. This study aims to validate larvae of the domestic silkworm Bombyx mori as an alternative invertebrate model for preliminary in vivo research. Organ distribution and elimination of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are compared with four different surface functionalities in silkworms after systemic administration: AuNPs coated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), with polyglycidols (PGs) that are slightly hydrophobic (PG(alkyl)), positively charged (PG(+)), or negatively charged (PG(−)). Subsequent inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry 6 or 24 h after AuNPs administration reveals the biodistribution in silkworm hemolymph, midgut, epidermis, and excrements. Even after 24 h incubation, hemolymph contains the highest AuNPs concentrations, independent of surface functionalization indicating a prolonged circulation time and slow distribution into different silkworm organs and tissues. Positively charged PG(+)AuNPs show three times higher concentrations in the midgut and are excreted at the fastest rate when compared to other AuNPs. In the findings, a surface‐dependent biodistribution and elimination of AuNPs are indicated in silkworms, and the feasibility of using this inexpensive animal model for time‐ and cost‐effective, preliminary in vivo studies of NPs is confirmed.

Urine Excretion, Organ Distribution, and Placental Transfer of 6PPD and 6PPD-Quinone in Mice and Potential Developmental Toxicity through Nuclear Receptor Pathways.

The rubber antioxidant 6PPD has gained significant attention due to its highly toxic transformation product, 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ). Despite their detection in urines of pregnant women, the placental transfer and developmental toxicity of 6PPD and 6PPDQ are unknown. Here, we treated C57Bl/6 mice with 4 mg/kg 6PPD or 6PPDQ to investigate their urine excretion and placental transfer. Female and male mice exhibited sex difference in excretion profiles of 6PPD and 6PPDQ. Urine concentrations of 6PPDQ were one order of magnitude lower than those of 6PPD, suggesting lower excretion and higher bioaccumulation of 6PPDQ. In pregnant mice treated with 6PPD or 6PPDQ from embryonic day 11.5 to 15.5, 6PPDQ showed ∼1.5-8 times higher concentrations than 6PPD in placenta, embryo body, and embryo brain, suggesting higher placental transfer of 6PPDQ. Using in vitro dual-luciferase reporter assays, we revealed that 6PPDQ activated the human retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) and retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) at concentrations as low as 0.3 μM, which was ∼10-fold higher than the concentrations detected in human urines. 6PPD activated the RXRα at concentrations as low as 1.2 μM. These results demonstrate the exposure risks of 6PPD and 6PPDQ during pregnancy and emphasize the need for further toxicological and epidemiological investigations.

Contrasting molecular characteristics and formation mechanisms of biogenic and anthropogenic secondary organic aerosols at the summit and foot of Mt. Huang, East China

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) exerts a considerable influence on atmospheric chemistry. However, little information about the vertical distribution of SOA in the alpine setting is available, which limited the simulation of SOA using chemical transport models. Here, a total of 15 biogenic and anthropogenic SOA tracers were measured in PM2.5 aerosols at both the summit (1840 m a.s.l.) and foot (480 m a.s.l.) of Mt. Huang during the winter of 2020 to explore their vertical distribution and formation mechanism. Most of the determined chemical species (e.g., BSOA and ASOA tracers, carbonaceous components, major inorganic ions) and gaseous pollutants at the foot of Mt. Huang were 1.7–3.2 times higher concentrations than those at the summit, suggesting the relatively more significant effect of anthropogenic emissions at the ground level. The ISORROPIA-II model showed that aerosol acidity increases as altitude decreases. Air mass trajectories, potential source contribution function (PSCF), and correlation analysis of BSOA tracers with temperature revealed that SOA at the foot of Mt. Huang was mostly derived from the local oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while SOA at the summit was mainly influenced by long-distance transport. The robust correlations of BSOA tracers with anthropogenic pollutants (e.g., NH3, NO2, and SO2) (r = 0.54–0.91, p < 0.05) indicated that anthropogenic emissions could promote BSOA productions in the mountainous background atmosphere. Moreover, most of SOA tracers (r = 0.63–0.96, p < 0.01) and carbonaceous species (r = 0.58–0.81, p < 0.01) were correlated well with levoglucosan in all samples, suggesting that biomass burning played an important role in the mountain troposphere. This work demonstrated that daytime SOA at the summit of Mt. Huang was significantly influenced by the valley breeze in winter. Our results provide new insights into the vertical distributions and provenance of SOA in the free troposphere over East China.

The Production of Bioaroma by Auriporia aurulenta Using Agroindustrial Waste as a Substrate in Submerged Cultures

The present study was carried out to investigate the potential of the basidiomycete Auriporia aurulenta to metabolize residues remaining from the processing of umbu, cajá, plum, and persimmon fruits for the production of natural aroma compounds using submerged fermentation. The volatile compounds obtained from the fermentation of A. aurulenta cultivated in these residues were extracted via stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) and analyzed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system. Esters and alcohols were the main compounds produced, with emphasis on the compounds 2-phenethyl acetate and 2-phenylethanol, which were mainly produced from umbu residue. The acid medium favored the production of 2-phenethyl acetate, reaching its maximum value (11.38 mg/L) on day 3.5, while higher concentrations of 2-phenylethanol were found in the basic medium, with optimal production (2.27 mg/L) on the 7th day. By varying the concentrations of pre-inoculum and residue in the optimization of this fermentation process, it was possible to double the production (24.47 mg/L) of 2-phenethyl acetate and obtain a seven times higher concentration (15.56 mg/L) of 2-phenylethanol. The diversity and expressive production of these aromatic compounds found in the fermentation media using these agroindustrial residues indicate that their use as substrates is an economical and environmentally viable alternative.

A class of peptides designed to replicate and enhance the Receptor for Hyaluronic Acid Mediated Motility binding domain

The extra-cellular matrix (ECM) is a complex and rich microenvironment that is exposed and over-expressed across several injury or disease pathologies. Biomaterial therapeutics are often enriched with peptide binders to target the ECM with greater specificity. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of the ECM, yet to date, few HA adherent peptides have been discovered. A class of HA binding peptides was designed using B(X7)B hyaluronic acid binding domains inspired from the helical face of the Receptor for Hyaluronic Acid Mediated Motility (RHAMM). These peptides were bioengineered using a custom alpha helical net method, allowing for the enrichment of multiple B(X7)B domains and the optimization of contiguous and non-contiguous domain orientations. Unexpectedly, the molecules also exhibited the behaviour of nanofiber forming self-assembling peptides and were investigated for this characteristic. Ten 23-27 amino acid residue peptides were assessed. Simple molecular modelling was used to depict helical secondary structures. Binding assays were performed with varying concentrations (1-10 mg/mL) and extra-cellular matrices (HA, collagens I-IV, elastin, and Geltrex). Concentration mediated secondary structures were assessed using circular dichroism (CD), and higher order nanostructures were visualized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). All peptides formed the initial apparent 310/alpha-helices, yet peptides 17x-3, 4, BHP3 and BHP4 were HA specific and potent (i.e., a significant effect) binders at increasing concentrations. These peptides shifted from apparent 310/alpha-helical structures at low concentration to beta-sheets at increasing concentration and also formed nanofibers which are noted as self-assembling structures. Several of the HA binding peptides outperformed our positive control (mPEP35) at 3-4 times higher concentrations, and were enhanced by self-assembly as each of these groups had observable nanofibers. Statement of significanceSpecific biomolecules or peptides have played a crucial role in developing materials or systems to deliver key drugs and therapeutics to a broad spectrum of diseases and disorders. In these diseased tissues, cells build protein/sugar networks, which are uniquely exposed and great targets to deliver drugs to. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is involved in every stage of injury and is abundant in cancer. To date, only two HA specific peptides have been discovered. In our work, we have designed a way to model and trace binding regions as they appear on the face of a helical peptide. Using this method we have created a family of peptides enriched with HA binding domains that stick with 3-4 higher affinity than those previously discovered.

An experimental study on recovering and concentrating ammonia by sweep gas membrane distillation

Ammonia is a toxic and hazardous substance, as well as a valuable chemical. The gaseous ammonia are soluble in water, rendering some industrial wastewater contains high concentration of ammonia. These wastewater can be a direct source for the production of commercially concentrated ammonia solution via sweep gas membrane distillation (SGMD). Taking advantage of vapor-liquid equilibrium of ammonia-water binary system, ammonia can be recovered from these wastewater, and concentrated to several times higher concentration under optimized conditions. In this work, we have demonstrated the ammonia recovery by SGMD process, and comprehensively investigated the effect of different operation conditions on the SGMD performance.

Onsite coalescence behavior of whey protein-stabilized bubbles generated at parallel microscale pores: Role of pore geometry and liquid phase properties

In the formulation of (food) foams, an excess of protein is needed to prevent instant coalescence of bubbles from happening at (sub)millisecond time scales. However, protein adsorption and its influences on coalescence stability rarely have been investigated under such conditions of short time scales and high protein concentrations. In the current study, the coalescence stability of whey protein isolate-stabilized bubbles was studied using a microfluidic device, for a wide range of process conditions, including bubble-forming pore geometries and liquid phase properties. The bubble formation time was varied via the applied pressure, and the corresponding extent of bubble coalescence was quantified via the analysis of bubble sizes obtained through high-speed recordings. The experimental results of bubble coalescence as function of bubble formation time, in the presence of various protein concentrations, were also captured in a semi-empirical model. The amount of proteins accumulating at the surface of coalescing bubbles can be derived from a mass balance, with protein adsorption towards the surface of coalescing bubbles assumed to follow a Langmuir isotherm. The model showed a good fit with the experimental results, and we found that as the protein concentration increases from 2.5 to 7.5% wt., in our device the minimum time required to stabilize bubbles decreases from 0.5 to 0.1 ms. From a practical perspective, our microfluidic device can be used as an efficient tool to capture the instant, (sub)milliseconds, behavior of bubble coalescence, providing closer insights for industrial-scale production of (food) foams that also takes place at these time scales.

The mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action of enisamium iodide

The role of cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and/or COX-2), transcription nuclear factor NF-κB, anti-inflammatory cytokines - TGF1b, IL-4, IL-10 and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6 were studied to substantiate the expediency of antiviral agent enisamium iodide (Nobazit) using to regulate key inflammatory components in acute respiratory infections, IL-8, TNF-alpha in the realization of the pharmacological activity of this drug. Gene expression was determined by real-time RT-PCR, the concentration of interleukins was determined by ELISA, and the viability of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was assessed by the MTT spectrophotometric method. The chemiluminescence method was used to assess PBMC oxidant activity. Enisamium iodide (10 μM) reduced mRNA levels of COX-1, COX-2, NF-κB, TGF1b, IL-1, IL-6 in stimulated PBMC of healthy donors by an average of 48% (p≤0.05). At 5 times higher concentration, 50 μM, enisamium iodide suppressed the expression of these genes by an average of 43% (p≤0.05). At a concentration of 100 μM, enisamium iodide reduced the expression of COX-2, TGF1b, IL-1, IL-6 by an average of 47% (p≤0.05). At a concentration of 10 μM, enisamium iodide stimulated the secretion of IL-10 by mononuclear cells by 1.2 times, p≤0.05. The tested drug at a concentration of 50 μM did not affected on the concentration of IL-1, IL-4, IL-8 and TNF-alpha, but significantly stimulated the production of IL-10 by 1.5 times, p≤0.05. The chemiluminescence method revealed that enisamium iodide in the entire concentration range (10-100 μM) does not reduce the viability of macrophages, but inhibits their oxidative activity (maximum value of CL intensity) by an average of 55% (p≤0.05). The anti-inflammatory effect of enisamium iodide at a concentration of 10 μM may be associated with inhibition of the expression of COX-1, 2, NF-κB, IL-1, IL-6, TGF1b and an increase in the expression and production of IL-10. An additional contribution to the anti-inflammatory activity of enisamium iodide is made by its antioxidant and antiradical activity. The absence of the effect of enisamium iodide (10-100 µM) on the viability of PBMC indicates its safety for the cells of the immune system and the expediency of using it to suppress inflammatory reactions in acute respiratory infections, restore the quality of life of patients and the possibility of using Nobazit as an effective agent for treatment of these infections of various etiologies.

Appraisal of stormwater-induced runoff quality influenced by site-specific land use patterns in the south-eastern region of Bangladesh.

Urban stormwater runoff is considered as one of the major contributors to nonpoint source that contributes to the pollution of all water resources in the surrounding environment. Pollutant concentrations of urban stormwater runoff are directly or indirectly linked with land use types in a catchment that is quite different in different places, and hence, site-specific studies are necessary, unless otherwise the modelling of runoff quality using modelling tools may not be rationally reflected the actual field scenarios. This paper portrays the influence of land use types on stormwater runoff physicochemical quality in Chattogram city, where land use's demarcation is often complicated due to the different natural and human-induced anthropogenic factors. The stormwater runoff samples were collected from the residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial land use types, in the city of Chattogram, Bangladesh, during the period from July to September 2020. The standard laboratory protocol for elemental concentrations and principal component analysis was performed in addition to basic statistics to identify the influence of urban surface characteristics on the quality of stormwater runoff. In general, pollutant concentrations were identified by analysing key physical and chemical quality parameters including colour, temperature, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and exhibited 2 to 3 times higher concentrations than reported elsewhere. Furthermore, the present study reported the greater concentrations of few pollutants, such as TSS, BOD5, and EC, derived from the residential land uses compared to other land use types that are surprising; however, it confirmed the distinct complexity of unplanned land use patterns that should not be overlooked rather discussed. The strong correlation between land use types and stormwater runoff quality indicates the site-specific influences of runoff quality. The outcomes of this study would be particularly helpful in calibrating water quality models considering different land use types. Additionally, datasets and information obtained from this research will assist engineers and practitioners in developing decision-making tools for effective stormwater management.

New oxovanadium(IV) complexes overcame drug resistance and increased in vitro cytotoxicity by an apoptotic pathway in breast cancer cells

In order to examine the anticancer potential of oxovanadium(IV) complexes with thiosemicarbazone, two new complexes were prepared starting from 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone-S-methylthiosemicarbazone. The complexes with tetradentate thiosemicarbazone ligand were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ESI MS, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, was determined by MTT assay. Cisplatin was positive control and the results were compared with those of the normal cells, HUVEC and 3T3. The complexes exhibited greater activity on cancer cells than cisplatin, but they were cytotoxic at several times higher concentrations in the healthy cells. In our study, the presence of thiophene and fluoro groups in the oxovanadium(IV) complexes with thiosemicarbazone increased greatly the cytotoxic activity of the complexes on breast cancer cells. Moreover, the complexes induced apoptosis-mediated cell death and also reduced the expression of MDR-1 or P-glycoprotein and ABCG2. As a result, the findings indicated that the complexes have selective cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells and can overcome multidrug resistance. These properties of the complexes make it possible to be a potential anticancer drug candidate for breast cancer treatment.

Enhancing Agrichemical Delivery and Plant Development with Biopolymer-Based Stimuli Responsive Core-Shell Nanostructures.

The inefficient delivery of agrichemicals in agrifood systems is among the leading cause of serious negative planetary and public health impacts. Such inefficiency is mainly attributed to the inability to deliver the agrichemicals at the right place (target), right time, and right dose. In this study, scalable, biodegradable, sustainable, biopolymer-based multistimuli responsive core-shell nanostructures were developed for smart agrichemical delivery. Three types of responsive core/shell nanostructures incorporated with model agrichemicals (i.e., CuSO4 and NPK fertilizer) were synthesized by coaxial electrospray, and the resulting nanostructures showed spherical morphology with an average diameter about 160 nm. Tunable agrichemical release kinetics were achieved by controlling the surface hydrophobicity of nanostructures. The pH and enzyme responsiveness was also demonstrated by the model analyte release kinetics (up to 7 days) in aqueous solution. Finally, the efficacy of the stimuli responsive nanostructures was evaluated in soil-based greenhouse studies using soybean and wheat in terms of photosynthesis efficacy and linear electron flow (LEF), two important metrics for seedling development and health. Findings confirmed plant specificity; for soybean, the nanostructures resulted in 34.3% higher value of relative chlorophyll content and 41.2% higher value of PS1 centers in photosystem I than the ionic control with equivalent agrichemical concentration. For wheat, the nanostructures resulted in 37.6% higher value of LEF than the ionic agrichemicals applied at 4 times higher concentration, indicating that the responsive core-shell nanostructure is an effective platform to achieve precision agrichemical delivery while minimizing inputs. Moreover, the Zn and Na content in the leaves of 4-week-old soybean seedlings were significantly increased with nanostructure amendment, indicating that the developed nanostructures can potentially be used to modulate the accumulation of other important micronutrients through a potential biofortification strategy.

Characterization of Aerosol Pollution in Two Hungarian Cities in Winter 2009–2010

In this study, atmospheric particulate matter (APM) pollution was compared in urban background sites of two cities in Hungary—namely the capital Budapest and Debrecen—by analyzing daily aerosol samples collected between 8 December 2009 and 18 March 2010. Concentration, elemental composition, including BC, and sources of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM2.5–10) aerosol pollution, as well as their variation due to meteorological conditions and anthropogenic activities, were determined for both cities. The average PM2.5 concentrations were 22 μg/m3 and 17 μg/m3 in Budapest and Debrecen, respectively. In the case of PM10, the mean concentration was 32 μg/m3 in Budapest and 23 μg/m3 in Debrecen. The concentration of the coarse fraction decreased significantly over the weekends compared to working days. The number of exceedances of the WHO recommended limit value for PM2.5 (15 μg/m3) were 67 in Budapest and 46 in Debrecen, which corresponds to 73% and 50% of the sampling days, respectively. At the time of the exceedances the daily average temperature was below freezing. The average PM2.5/PM10 ratio was 70% and 75% for the two sites, indicating the dominance of the fine fraction aerosol particles during the study period. Elements of natural origin (Al, Si, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ba) and chlorine were found to be dominant in the coarse fraction, while elements of anthropogenic origin (S, K, Cu, Zn, Pb) were characteristic to the fine fraction. Similar concentrations were measured in the two cities in the case of S which originates from regional transport and K which serves as a tracer for biomass combustion. Traffic-related elements were present in 2–3 times higher concentrations in Budapest. The episodic peaks in the Cl time series could be attributed to salting after snowfalls. The following sources of APM pollution were identified by using the EPA Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) 5.0 receptor model: soil, traffic, road dust, secondary sulfate, biomass burning, and de-icing of streets. On polluted days when the PM2.5 concentration exceeded the 25 μg/m3 value the contribution of secondary sulfate, domestic heating, and traffic increased significantly compared to the average. On weekends and holidays the contribution of soil and traffic decreased. The main pollution sources and their contributions were similar to the ones in other cities in the region. Comparing our findings to results from winter 2015 it can be concluded that while the PM2.5 pollution level remained almost the same, a significant increase in the contribution of biomass burning was observed in both cities from 2010 to 2015, indicating a change of heating habits.

1H NMR Profiling of Honey Bee Bodies Revealed Metabolic Differences between Summer and Winter Bees.

Simple SummaryThe European honey bee, Apis mellifera, is well-known to have two distinct populations in temperate climate zone: short-living summer bees and long-living winter bees. Several biological factors related to the different lifespans of the two populations have been studied. However, the link between the metabolic changes and basic physiological features in the bodies of summer bees and winter bees is limited. This study aimed to identify the metabolic fingerprints that characterize summer and winter bees using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. In total, we found 28 significantly changed metabolites between the two populations. The results suggest that the metabolites detected in honey bee bodies can distinguish the summer and winter bees. Changes in carbohydrates, amino acids, choline-containing compounds, and an unknown compound were noticeable during the transition from summer bees to winter bees. The results from this study give us a broad perspective on honey bee metabolism that will support future research related to honey bee lifespan and overwintering management. In temperate climates, honey bee workers of the species Apis mellifera have different lifespans depending on the seasonal phenotype: summer bees (short lifespan) and winter bees (long lifespan). Many studies have revealed the biochemical parameters involved in the lifespan differentiation of summer and winter bees. However, comprehensive information regarding the metabolic changes occurring in their bodies between the two is limited. This study used proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy to analyze the metabolic differences between summer and winter bees of the same age. The multivariate analysis showed that summer and winter bees could be distinguished based on their metabolic profiles. Among the 36 metabolites found, 28 metabolites have displayed significant changes from summer to winter bees. Compared to summer bees, trehalose in winter bees showed 1.9 times higher concentration, and all amino acids except for proline and alanine showed decreased patterns. We have also detected an unknown compound, with a CH3 singlet at 2.83 ppm, which is a potential biomarker that is about 13 times higher in summer bees. Our results show that the metabolites in summer and winter bees have distinctive characteristics; this information could provide new insights and support further studies on honey bee longevity and overwintering.

Taurine and Its Derivatives: Analysis of the Inhibitory Effect on Platelet Function and Their Antithrombotic Potential.

Taurine is a semi-essential, the most abundant free amino acid in the human body, with a six times higher concentration in platelets than any other amino acid. It is highly beneficial for the organism, has many therapeutic actions, and is currently approved for heart failure treatment in Japan. Taurine has been repeatedly reported to elicit an inhibitory action on platelet activation and aggregation, sustained by in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro animal and human studies. Taurine showed effectiveness in several pathologies involving thrombotic diathesis, such as diabetes, traumatic brain injury, acute ischemic stroke, and others. As human prospective studies on thrombosis outcome are very difficult to carry out, there is an obvious need to validate existing findings, and bring new compelling data about the mechanisms underlying taurine and derivatives antiplatelet action and their antithrombotic potential. Chloramine derivatives of taurine proved a higher stability and pronounced selectivity for platelet receptors, raising the assumption that they could represent future potential antithrombotic agents. Considering that taurine and its analogues display permissible side effects, along with the need of finding new, alternative antithrombotic drugs with minimal side effects and long-term action, the potential clinical relevance of this fascinating nutrient and its derivatives requires further consideration.

Ripe and unripe seed of Xanthium italicum – elemental composition

Elements content in plants varies considerably, which is a consequence of various factors, such as plant species, vegetative stage, pedological characteristics of the soil and environmental conditions. The subject of this work is an investigation of the elemental composition of Xanthium italicum ripe and unripe seed collected in Temska using ICP OES. Out of the analyzed macroelements, potassium is the one with the highest concentration, and its content significantly differs in the ripe and unripe seeds. Iron showed five times higher concentration in unripe (27.7 µg/g) compared to ripe (6.2 µg/g) seed. The content of Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn also differ in the ripe and unripe stages of the analyzed seed, which indices that elemental composition is affected by the vegetative stage. Lead and arsenic content are higher than permissible limits, which might affect honey production in this region.

A Mitochondria-Penetrating Peptide Exerts Potent Anti-Plasmodium Activity and Localizes at Parasites' Mitochondria.

Mitochondria are considered a novel drug target as they play a key role in energy production and programmed cell death of eukaryotic cells. The mitochondria of malaria parasites differ from those of their vertebrate hosts, contributing to the drug selectivity and the development of antimalarial drugs. (Fxr)3, a mitochondria-penetrating peptide or MPP, entered malaria-infected red cells without disrupting the membrane and subsequently killed the blood stage of P. falciparum parasites. The effects were more potent on the late stages than on the younger stages. Confocal microscopy showed that the (Fxr)3 intensely localized at the parasite mitochondria. (Fxr)3 highly affected both the lab-strain, chloroquine-resistant K1, and freshly isolated malaria parasites. (Fxr)3 (1 ng/mL to 10 μg/mL) was rarely toxic towards various mammalian cells, i.e., mouse fibroblasts (L929), human leukocytes and erythrocytes. At a thousand times higher concentration (100 μg/mL) than that of the antimalarial activity, cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity of (Fxr)3 were observed. Compared with the known antimalarial drug, atovaquone, (Fxr)3 exhibited more rapid killing activity. This is the first report on antimalarial activity of (Fxr)3, showing localization at parasites’ mitochondria.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Anoectochilus elatus, and their biomedical applications

Zinc and its derivatives requirement increased to enhance human immunity against the different pandemics, including covid-19. Green synthesis is an emerging field of research. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have been prepared from Anoectochilus elatus and characterized using absorption, vibrational and electron microscope analysis. They were carried for antibacterial, inflammatory control tendency, and potential antioxidant activities. The brine shrimp lethal assay tested the biologically derived nanomaterial toxicity and the lethal concentration (LC50) is 599.79 µg/ml. The inhibition against the important disease-causing pathogens was measured against four-gram negative, gram-positive bacteria and two fungus pathogens. The nanomaterial exposed inhibition zone for gram-positive bacteria between 17 mm and 25 mm. The inhibition zone against gram-negative bacteria exists between 19 mm and 24 mm. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by inhibition of protein denaturation and protease inhibitory activity using nanomaterial. The antioxidant activity was examined using four assays for the therapeutic activities. The average size range of 60–80 nm nanoparticles has prepared and exposed the good biological activity between 50 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml. The comparative results of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant assay results with standards such as Aspirin and vitamin C exposed that two to three times higher concentrations are required for the fifty percent of inhibitions. The prepared low-cost nanoparticle has exhibited excellent biological activity without any side effects and may enhance immunity.

Impact of aerosols on liver xenobiotic metabolism: A comparison of two methods of exposure

Assessment of aerosols effects on liver CYP function generally involves aqueous fractions (AF). Although easy and efficient, this method has not been optimized recently or comparatively assessed against other aerosol exposure methods. Here, we comparatively evaluated the effects of the AFs of cigarette smoke (CS) and Tobacco Heating System (THS) aerosols on CYP activity in liver spheroids. We then used these data to develop a physiological aerosol exposure system combining a multi-organs-on-a-chip, 3D lung tissues, liver spheroids, and a direct aerosol exposure system. Liver spheroids incubated with CS AF showed a dose-dependent increase in CYP1A1/1B1, CYP1A2, and CYP2B6 activity and a dose-dependent decrease in CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 activity relative to untreated tissues. In our physiological exposure system, repeated CS exposure of the bronchial tissues also caused CYP1A1/1B1 and CYP1A2 induction in the bronchial tissues and liver spheroids; but the spheroids showed an increase in CYP3A4 activity and no effect on CYP2C9 or CYP2D6 activity relative to air-exposed tissues, which resembles the results reported in smokers. THS aerosol did not affect CYP activity in bronchial or liver tissues, even at 4 times higher concentrations than CS. In conclusion, our system allows us to physiologically test the effects of CS or other aerosols on lung and liver tissues cultured in the same chip circuit, thus delivering more in vivo like data.

Faecal Cortisol Metabolites as an Indicator of Adrenocortical Activity in Farmed Blue Foxes.

Simple SummaryThe measurement of faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) is increasingly used to monitor physiological stress responses in different animal species. Before this method is applied in coming stress- and welfare-related studies of farmed blue foxes (Vulpes lagopus), a species-specific validation is first required. In the current study, a 5α-pregnane-3ß,11ß,21-triol-20-one enzyme immunoassay was found suited to measure FCMs and thus hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity in farmed blue foxes. FCMs can therefore serve as a valid indicator of stress in future welfare studies of blue foxes.Welfare studies of blue foxes would benefit from a measurement of faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) as a non-invasive, physiological stress parameter reflecting hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Before implementation, a species-specific validation of such a method is required. Therefore, we conducted a physiological validation of an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to measure FCMs in blue foxes. Twenty individuals (nine males and eleven females) were injected with synthetic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and faecal samples were collected every third h for two days. The FCM baseline levels were assessed based on the first sampling day (control period, 144 samples), followed by the ACTH injection and the second day of sampling (treatment period, 122 samples). FCMs were analysed with a 5α-pregnane-3ß,11ß,21-triol-20-one EIA. We compared the estimated mean FCM concentrations of the treatment samples to the baseline average. All samples for the two periods were collected at the same time of the day, which enabled to test the data also with an hourly pairwise comparison. With the two statistical approaches, we tested whether a possible diurnal fluctuation in the FCM concentrations affected the interpretation of the results. Compared to the baseline levels, both approaches showed 2.4–3.2 times higher concentrations on time points sampled 8–14 h after the ACTH injection (p < 0.05). The estimated FCM concentrations also fluctuated slightly within the control period (p < 0.01). Inter-individual variations in FCM levels were marked, which highlights the importance of having a sufficient number of animals in experiments utilising FCMs. The sampling intervals of 3 h enabled forming of informative FCM curves. Taken together, this study proves that FCM analysis with a 5α-pregnane-3ß,11ß,21-triol-20-one EIA is a valid measurement of adrenocortical activity in the farmed blue foxes. Therefore, it can be utilised as a non-invasive stress indicator in future animal welfare studies of the species.