Total Activity Research Articles

Light Spectra, a Promising Tool to Modulate Ulva lacinulata Productivity and Composition

Light quality is a key factor affecting algal growth and biomass composition, particularly pigments such as carotenoids, known for their antioxidant properties. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming a cost-effective solution for indoor seaweed production when compared to fluorescent bulbs, allowing full control of the light spectra. However, knowledge of its effects on Ulva biomass production is still scarce. In this study, we investigated the effects of LEDs on the phenotype of an Ulva lacinulata strain, collected on the Northern Portuguese coast. Effects of white (W), green (G), red (R), and blue (B) LEDs were evaluated for growth (fresh weight and area), photosynthetic activity, sporulation, and content of pigments and antioxidant compounds. The results showed that there were no significant differences in terms of fresh weight accumulation and reduced sporulation among the tested LEDs, while W light induced the highest expansion rate. Under G, U. lacinulata attained a quicker photoacclimation, and the highest content of pigments and total antioxidant activity; but with R and W, antioxidant compounds against the specific radicals O2•− and •NO were produced in a higher content when compared to other LEDs. Altogether, this study demonstrated that it is possible to modulate the bioactive properties of U. lacinulata by using W, R, and G light, opening the path to the production of biomass tailored for specific nutraceutical applications.

Sulfate Nutrition Modulates the Oxidative Response against Short-Term Al3+-Toxicity Stress in Lolium perenne cv. Jumbo Shoot Tissues

Al3+-toxicity in acidic soils is among the main abiotic stress factors that generate adverse effects in plant growth; in leaves, it affects several physiological parameters such as photosynthesis and ROS balance, leading to limited crop production. On the other hand, sulfur is a macronutrient that has a key role against oxidative stress and improves plant growth in acidic soils; however, the implication of sulfate nutritional status in the modulation of short-term Al3+-toxicity tolerance mechanisms in plant leaves are barely reported. This study is focused on the role of sulfate on the leaf response of an Al3-sensitive perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv. Jumbo) after 48 h of exposure. Lolium perenne cv. Jumbo seeds were cultivated in hydroponic conditions with modified Taylor Foy solutions supplemented with 120, 240, and 360 μM sulfate in the presence or absence of Al3+-toxicity. The L. perenne cv. Jumbo leaves were collected after 48 h of Al3+-toxicity exposure and processed to evaluate the effects of sulfate on Al3+ toxicity, measuring total proteins, mineral uptake, photosynthesis modulation, and ROS defense mechanism activation. The plants exposed to Al3+-toxicity and cultivated with a 240 µM sulfate amendment showed a recovery of total proteins and Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentration levels and a reduction in TBARS, along with no changes in the chlorophyll A/B ratio, gene expression of proteins related to photosynthesis (Rubisco, ChlAbp, and Fered), or ROS defense mechanism (SOD, APX, GR, and CAT) as compared with their respective controls and the other sulfate conditions (120 and 360 µM). The present study demonstrates that adequate sulfate amendments have a key role in regulating the physiological response against the stress caused by Al3+ toxicity.

Effects of LED treatments on the growth and nutritional content of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in a hydroponic vertical farming system

Introduction: LED-integrated hydroponic vertical farming system (HVFS) may address food security challenges arising from urbanisation, while antioxidants in vegetables may prevent cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to explore the LED effects on yield, antioxidant properties, and vitamin C content in Butterhead lettuce (BL) and Italian lettuce (IL). Methods: Three LED combinations were used: 77% red, 14% green, and 9% blue lights (77R:14G:9B); 7% red, 41% green, and 52% blue lights (7R:41G:52B); and 25% red, 67% green, and 8% blue lights (25R:67G:8B). The concentration and pH of nutrient solution in HVFS ranged from 0.878-2.061ppm and 6.0-6.6, respectively, with a 12:12 light-dark cycle. Chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents were measured using chlorophyll and anthocyanin meters, respectively. Total phenolic and vitamin C content were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric assay. Total flavonoid and antioxidant activity were determined through aluminium chloride colorimetric assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) colorimetric assay, respectively. Completely randomised design was adapted with three replications. Results: BL exhibited greater yield, anthocyanin and chlorophyll contents, while IL had higher vitamin C content. Significantly (p<0.001) higher yields were produced under 77R:14G:9B and 25R:67G:8B. Significantly higher phenolic (p<0.001) and flavonoid (p=0.003) contents were produced under 25R:67G:8B. Vitamin C was significantly (p=0.037) higher under 25R:67G:8B than 7R:41G:52B. Conclusion: LED treatment with higher proportion of red light generated greater yield, whereas higher proportion of green light gave higher phenolic, flavonoids, and vitamin C accumulation. This study provided preliminary data on boosting crop yield and phytochemical contents, which may improve food self-production and population health.

Probiotic set yogurt infused with orange pulp: A multifaceted evaluation of nutritional, antioxidant, and physical attributes.

Fortification of yogurt with orange pulp tends to increase its protein network strength resulting in reduced syneresis. The aim of the current study was to prepare set-type orange yogurt with cow milk, skim milk powder, guar gum, and orange pulp at 0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, and 4.0% concentrations, respectively. The changes in proximate, total soluble solid, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, and syneresis were assessed. Yogurt was stored for consecutive three weeks during that duration all attributes were evaluated weekly. Set-type orange pulp incorporated yogurt significantly increased the fat (3.91% to 4.9%), protein (3.90% to 3.94%), moisture (84% to 84.80%), total soluble solids (16.01% to 18.51%), ascorbic acid (16.99% to 20.43%), and syneresis (28.90% to 29.94%), respectively. Overall results indicate that 4% orange pulp-enriched set-type yogurt presented more stable parameters as compared to other formulas.

Total Physical Activity, Plant-based Diet and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Prospective Cohort Study of the UK Biobank

IntroductionNeurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) result from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and aging factors. A balanced diet and adequate physical activity (PA) are recognized as pivotal components among modifiable environmental factors. The independent impact on NDD incidence has been previously debated. This investigation seeks to delineate the association between PA and NDDs across various levels of adherence to a plant-based diet. MethodsIn this study, a cohort of 368,934 participants from the UK Biobank was analyzed. Total physical activity (TPA) levels and healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) were calculated and categorized. A multiple adjusted Cox model was utilized to evaluate the influence of TPA and hPDI on common NDDs, respectively. ResultsFinally, 4,602 identified cases diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We found that higher TPA was significantly associated with a reduced risk of developing AD (Q3: HR 0.87; Q4: HR 0.78) and PD (Q3: HR 0.86; Q4: HR 0.81). The protective effect was further accentuated with adherence to a plant-based diet. However, these connections were not observed in the analysis of ALS regardless of dietary patterns. ConclusionOur findings underscore a significant association between higher TPA and reduced risks of AD and PD, with an enhanced effect observed in conjunction with a plant-based diet. This study contributes to addressing the knowledge gap regarding the combined impact of TPA and a plant-based diet on NDDs occurrence, providing insights into potential underlying mechanisms.

In vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and antioxidants of soursop (Annona muricata L.) peel and pulp

We evaluated the nutritional composition and quantified the bioactive compounds present in the soursop pulp and peel and investigated the impact of in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion on antioxidants and phenolic compounds of soursop. Soursop peel had a significant amount of fiber (17.6 g.100g-1 w.b.), particularly insoluble fiber (16.8 g.100g-1 w.b.), and higher levels of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity than pulp. The pulp has 30% higher levels of ascorbic acid than the peel (40.2 mg ascorbic acid 100 g-1). Gallic acid, benzoic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and hesperidin were detected in the peel and pulp of soursop. After in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion, results show that total phenolic compounds of the peel exhibited stability throughout the gastric and intestinal stages. In the pulp, simulated digestion showed an increase in total phenolic compounds on enteric II stage. About antioxidant compounds, peel showed stability in DPPH assay and higher accessibility in the enteric II stages (40% and 29%) on ABTS and FRAP assays. Soursop pulp increased accessibility in the gastric stage on DPPH and FRAP assay. In the ABTS assay, soursop pulp showed the highest values in enteric phase II. The in vitro accessibility of these compounds offers insights into their potential utilization by the organism. This knowledge holds significant implications for nutrition experts, as it can advise the development of healthier dietary habits.

Improvement of margarine shelf-life using alginate-chitosan coated multiple W/O/W nanoemulsions containing sesamol and retinol

Alginate-chitosan (Alg-CH) coated multiple water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) nanoemulsion loaded with sesamol and retinol was hypothesized to enhance the oxidative stability of margarine. Total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity, acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), para-anisidine value (pAV), induction period (IP), and residual values of sesamol and retinol by HPLC were determined for 90 days. Margarine with tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) (T3) had the higher TPC and antioxidant activity (8.05 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g), 53.1 %) than T1 (nanoemulsion, 7.39 mg GAE/g, 38.95 %), T2 (free-sesamol and -retinol, 6.98 mg GAE/g, 31.07 %), and T4 (no antioxidant, 6.46 mg GAE/g, and 14.45 %) while T1 had higher antioxidant activity and TPC than T2 and T4 after 90 days. On day 90, the highest residual values of sesamol (200.10 mg/100 g) and retinol (118.09 μg/100 g) obtained for T1. Overall, T1 contributed to the prolonged oxidative stability of margarine, potentially offering an alternative to synthetic antioxidants.

Combining chemical profiles and biological abilities of different extracts from Tanacetum nitens(Boiss. & Noë)Grierson using network pharmacology.

Tanacetum nitens(Boiss. & Noë)Grierson is an aromatic perennial herb used in Turkish traditional medicine to treat headache, fever, and skin diseases. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxic properties of T. nitens aerial parts. Organic solvent extracts were prepared by sequential maceration in hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol while aqueous extracts were obtained by maceration or infusion. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and LC-DAD-MS analysis allowed the identification and quantification of different phytoconstituents including parthenolide, tanacetol B, tatridin B, quinic acid derivatives, β-sitosterol, and glycoside derivatives of quercetin and luteolin. The type and amount of these phytochemicals recovered by each solvent were variable and significant enough to impact the biological activities of the plant. Methanolic and aqueous extracts displayed the highest scavenging and ions-reducing properties while the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts exerted the best total antioxidant activity and metal chelating power. Results of enzyme inhibition activity showed that the hexane, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane extracts had comparable anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and the latter extract revealed the highest anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity. The best α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities were obtained from the hexane extract. The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited the highest cytotoxic effect against the prostate carcinoma DU-145 cells. In conclusion, these findings indicated that T. nitens can be a promising source of biomolecules with potential therapeutic applications.

Modeling Fallout from Nuclear Weapon Detonations: Efficient Activity and Dose Calculation of Radionuclides and Their Progeny.

The purpose of this paper is to present a practical method for quick determination of potential radiological doses and contaminations by fallout from nuclear detonations, or other releases, that includes the contributions from all nuclides. We precalculate individual (total) activities of all radionuclides from any initial cocktail and all their ingrowing progeny at a set of pinpoints in time with a logarithmic time-spacing. This is combined with the set of dose conversion factors (DCC) for any exposure pathway to obtain a time-dependent cocktail for the whole release as if it is one substance. An atmospheric dispersion model then provides the thinning coefficient of the released material to give local concentrations and dose rates. Progeny ingrowth is illustrated for pure 238 U and for a nuclear reactor that has been shut down. Efficient dose assessment is demonstrated for fallout from nuclear detonations and compared with the traditional approach of preselecting nuclides for specific endpoints and periods-of-interest. The compound cocktail DCC reduces the assessment of contaminations and potential dose-effects from fallout after a nuclear detonation to (the atmospheric dispersion of) only one tracer substance, representing any cocktail of nuclides and their progeny. This removes the need to follow all separate nuclides or an endpoint-specific preselection of "most important nuclides." As the cocktail DCCs can be precalculated and the atmospheric dispersion of only one tracer substance has to be modelled, our method is fast. The model for calculating cocktail DCCs is freely available, easily coupled to any regular atmospheric dispersion model, and therefore ready for operational use by others.

Bio-transformation of poultry litter and activated sewage sludge to produce biomixtures for the remediation of water polluted with pesticides

The aim of this study was to formulate novel biomixtures with the ability to dissipate globally used pesticides. For this, an effective stabilization of two wastes, poultry litter and activated sewage sludge, was achieved through a combination of composting and vermicomposting, with the aid of the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Hence, two different mixtures were prepared combining the wastes with and without the addition of sewage sludge, and their physicochemical and microbiological characterization was examined during both processes. Earthworms reproduction was promoted by more than fourteen times the initial number of individuals introduced. This step made it possible to obtain substrates rich in organic matter, stable and non-pathogenic. The resulting vermicomposted substrates (V-C1 and V-C2) were used to produce two different biomixtures with wheat stubble (WS) and soil (S): SWSV-C1 and SWSV-C2, and they were tested for the remediation of a solution of five pesticides (2,4-D, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, acetochlor and dimethoate) in a 119-days assay. Comparisons were made with a WS-only biomixture (SWS) and a soil control. All biomixtures were more successful in dissipating the pesticides than soil; 2,4-D, dimethoate, and acetochlor degradation reached more than 99% in the three biomixtures after 28-56 days of assay. Biomixtures containing either vermicomposts acted faster than SWS, particularly for 2,4-D, dimethoate and cypermethrin. The total microbial activity was found to be higher in the two biomixtures containing vermicompost, which can be linked to their enhanced performance in the degradation of pesticides. Although the germination of Lactuca sativa proved that neither of the three spent biomixtures were phytotoxic at the end (germination index > 60%), only SWSV-C1 and SWSV-C2 proved to be safe for the survival of E. fetida. This work confirms that vermicompost improves the success of biomixtures, not only in terms of pesticide removal, but also providing non-toxic spent biomixtures.

Impact of Spent Mushroom Substrate Combined with Hydroponic Leafy Vegetable Roots on Pleurotus citrinopileatus Productivity and Fruit Bodies Biological Properties

Agricultural activities produce large quantities of organic byproducts and waste rich in lignocellulosic materials, which are not sufficiently utilized. In this study, alternative agricultural waste products, namely, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) from the cultivation of edible Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms and the roots of leafy vegetables from hydroponic cultivation (HRL), were evaluated for their potential to be used as substrates for the cultivation of Pleurotus citrinopileatus and their effects on the quality, the nutritional value, the chemical properties (lipid, protein, carbohydrate, ash, fatty acid and carbohydrate composition) and the bioactive content (total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity) of produced mushrooms. SMS and HRL (in different ratios with and without additives) and wheat straw with additives (WS—control) were used. During incubation, the linear growth rate of the mycelium (Kr, mm/day) was measured and used for screening. Mushroom cultivation took place in bags, where several characteristics were examined: earliness (duration between the day of substrate inoculation and the day of first harvest) and biological efficiency (B.E. %, the ratio of the weight of fresh mushrooms produced per dry weight of the substrate × 100). Furthermore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the protein extract (PE) and carbohydrate extract (CE) of P. citrinopileatus after in vitro digestion (fraction less than 3kDa: PE-DP-3; digestate fraction: CE-D, respectively) on the expression of antioxidant-related genes in the THP-1 cell line. The results showed that mushrooms grown on SMS 50%-HRL 40% had the fastest growth (6.1 mm/d) and the highest protein and lipid contents (34.7% d.w.; 5.1% d.w.). The highest B.E. (73.5%), total carbohydrate (65.7%) and total phenolic compound (60.2 mg GAE/g d.w.) values were recorded on the control substrate. Antioxidant activity was observed in all extracts; the total flavonoid content was low in the samples, and the maximum total triterpene value was detected in SMS 80%-HRL 20% (9.8 mg UA/g d.w.). In all mushrooms, linoleic acid (C18:2) was the main fatty acid (above 60%), and fructose was the dominant individual saccharide. In the investigation of the regulation pathway, NFE2L2 gene expression was upregulated only in the SMS 60%-HRL 40% intervention during incubation with CE-D samples. Additionally, the transcription levels of antioxidant-related genes, SOD1, CAT, HMOX1 and GSR, were increased in the SMS 60–30% intervention. Compared to WS, the alternative substrates are observed to trigger a pathway concerning CE that may resist oxidative stress. This study supports the utilization of agricultural byproducts through sustainable and environmentally friendly practices while simultaneously producing high-value-added products such as mushrooms. Therefore, alternative substrates, particularly those containing HRL, could serve as natural sources of antioxidant potential.

Preparation and Analysis of Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Kombucha Tea Produced from Beijing Bamboo Leaf Tea (Dendrocalamus sp.) and Green Tea

Beijing bamboo (Dendrocalamus sp.), belonging to the Poaceae family, has been largely neglected and underutilized, particularly its leaves. This study aims to investigate the physicochemical properties, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Beijing bamboo leaf and Beijing bamboo leaf kombucha. Hot air drying was conducted at temperatures of 60, 65, and 70ºC, with results indicating that 65ºC is the optimal drying temperature for achieving the highest levels of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities. Beijing bamboo leaf tea underwent a 21-day fermentation process with a kombucha consortium comprising yeasts and acetic acid bacteria. The results showed that the changing trends of pH, total acidity, and total soluble solids were similar between kombucha produced from Beijing bamboo leaf tea and green tea. Fermentation notably enhanced the antioxidant activity of the kombucha, as evidenced by DPPH and FRAP assays, which correlated with increases in phenolics and flavonoids. The antimicrobial efficacy was assessed through the agar diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), revealing that both Beijing bamboo leaf tea and green tea suppressed the growth of pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella Typhimurium DMST 562, E. coli DMST 4242, Bacillus cereus DMST 5040, Staphylococcus aureus DMST 8840, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa DMST 4739. Notably, kombucha from green tea exhibited superior antimicrobial effects compared to Beijing bamboo leaf tea kombucha. Additionally, fermentation of Beijing bamboo leaf tea resulted in higher counts of yeast, acetic acid bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria throughout the fermentation process than those observed in green tea kombucha. These findings highlight the potential of Beijing bamboo leaves as a valuable resource for developing functional properties in underutilized plant resources, offering promising applications in the food and health industries.

S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) induces necroptotic cell death in K562 cells: Involvement of p73, TSC2 and SIRT1

BackgroundNitric oxide and Reactive Nitrogen Species are known to effect tumorigenicity. GSNO is one of the main NO carrying signalling moiety in cell. In the current study, we tried to delve into the effect of GSNO induced nitrosative stress in three different myelogenous leukemic K562, U937 and THP-1 cell lines. MethodWST-8 assay was performed to investigate cell viability. RT-PCR and western-blot analysis were done to investigate mRNA and protein expression. Spectrophotometric and fluorimetric assays were done to investigate enzyme activities. ResultWe found that GSNO exposure led to reduced cell viability and the mode of cell death in K562 was non apoptotic in nature. GSNO promoted impaired autophagic flux and necroptosis. GSNO treatment heightened phosphorylation of AMPK and TSC2 and inhibited mTOR pathway. We observed increase in NAD+/ NADH ratio following GSNO treatment. Increase in both SIRT1 m-RNA and protein expression was observed. While total SIRT activity remained unaltered. GSNO increased tumor suppressor TAp73/ oncogenic ∆Np73 ratio in K562 cells which was correlated with cell mortality. Surprisingly, GSNO did not alter cellular redox status or redox associated protein expression. However, steep increase in total SNO and PSNO content was observed. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy, AMPK phosphorylation or SIRT1 exacerbated the effect of GSNO. Altogether our work gives insights into GSNO mediated necroptotic event in K562 cells which can be excavated to develop NO based anticancer therapeutics. ConclusionOur data suggests that GSNO could induce necroptotic cell death in K562 through mitochondrial dysfunctionality and PTM of different cellular proteins.

Effect of roasting temperature on the physicochemical characteristics, phenolic content and bioactive potential of Spondias spp. seed flours

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of roasting temperature on physicochemical characteristics, phenolic content, and bioactive potential of yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) and Brazil plum (Spondias tuberosa) seed flours. The flours were characterized and roasted at 165 ºC, 170 ºC, 175 ºC, and 180 ºC for 6 minutes. After treatment, the samples were evaluated concerning color, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, enzyme inhibition and technological properties. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results showed a thermal resistance of the flours up to approximately 200 ºC. The color parameters varied significantly between samples, darkening with increasing temperature. Phenolic compounds were partially degraded after roasting. However, the values obtained still guarantee the maintenance of antioxidant capacity, with IC50 (50% radical scavenging activity) values of up to 9.38 mg/mL, and in vitro hypoglycemic activity greater than 70%. Furthermore, all technological properties of the flours remained stable after roasting. Therefore, Spondias spp. seed flours after roasting can be used as a functional ingredient by the food industry.

18F-FDG-PET/CT Uptake by Noncancerous Lung as a Predictor of Interstitial Lung Disease Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Rationale and objectiveImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved lung cancer prognosis; however, ICI-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) is fatal and difficult to predict. Herein, we hypothesized that pre-existing lung inflammation on radiological imaging can be a potential risk factor for ILD onset. Therefore, we investigated the association between high uptake in noncancerous lungs (NCL) on 18F- FDG-PET/CT and ICI-ILD in lung cancer. MethodsPatients with primary lung cancer who underwent FDG-PET/CT within three months prior to ICI therapy were retrospectively included. Artificial intelligence was utilized for extracting the NCL regions (background lung) from the lung contralateral to the primary tumor. FDG uptake by the NCL was assessed via the SUVmax (NCL-SUVmax), SUVmean (NCL-SUVmean), and total glycolytic activity (NCL-TGA=NCL-SUVmean × NCL volume [ml]). NCL-SUVmean and NCL-TGA were calculated using the following four SUV thresholds: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0. ResultsOf the 165 patients, 28 (17%) developed ILD. Univariate analysis showed that high values of NCL-SUVmax, NCL-SUVmean2.0 (SUV threshold=2.0), and NCL-TGA1.0 (SUV threshold=1.0) were significantly associated with ILD onset (all p=0.003). Multivariate analysis adjusted for age, tumor FDG uptake, and pre-existing interstitial lung abnormalities revealed that a high NCL-TGA1.0 (≥149.45) was independently associated with ILD onset (odds ratio, 6.588; p=0.002). Two-year cumulative incidence of ILD was significantly higher in the high NCL-TGA1.0 group than in the low group (58.4% vs. 14.4%; p<0.001). ConclusionsHigh uptake of NCL on FDG-PET/CT is correlated with ICI-ILD development, which could serve as a risk stratification tool before ICI therapy in primary lung cancer.

Biological control of downy mildew Peronosclerospora spp. L. by application of endophytic agents in corn

ABSTRACT This research was carried out to evaluate endophytic biocontrol agents (eBCA) in inducing corn plant resistance to downy mildew Peronosclerospora spp. In this context, the estimation of total phenolic content and peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity was carried out in contrast to control without induction treatments. Corn seed treatment using three eBCA II.D2.2, DC.5, and AC.3 on susceptible and tolerant cultivars in a screenhouse and field showed variation in downy mildew reduction. The results showed that Trichoderma asperellum AC.3 treatment suppressed downy mildew by 2.7–23.0% in the screen house. In the field, resistance induction by applications of Bacillus cereus II.D2.2, Fusarium verticillioides DC.5, and T. asperellum AC.3 suppressed the infection from 23% to 79% on susceptible cultivars. However, the T. asperellum AC.3 treatment reported the highest suppression of 55–79% on tolerant and susceptible cultivars. Resistant induction with F. verticillioides DC.5 increased POD enzyme activity by 300.5% and suppressed the infection by 63% in the field. The pathogen suppression ability through the induction with eBCA was related to triggering the increase of total phenolic content and POD enzyme activity in plant tissues. Applications of B. cereus II.D2.2, F. verticillioides DC.5, and T. asperellum AC.3 suppressed downy mildew infection in the field through the induction of total phenolic content and POD enzyme activity in corn. Meanwhile, the best treatment using T. asperellum AC.3 was lower by 30–70% than the application of synthetic fungicide as control.

Impact of the in-office surgical activity on the classical phonomicrosurgical interventions in a laryngology referral center.

Office-based laryngology procedures evolved in the recent years with all the technology advances and have gained popularity among laryngologists. The indications enlarged, making it a valid surgical option for almost all voice disorders. This emerging technique raise the question of the place left for traditional phonosurgeries in the operating room under general anesthesia. We reviewed our surgical activity in our laryngology referral center from 2018 to 2023. Since we started the in-office procedures in 2018, the number of these interventions significantly increased, accompanying a significant increase in our total surgical activity. We noted no significant decrease in the number of interventions done in the operating room, which made us consider the office-based procedures as a complimentary and not a competitive option for traditional surgeries, helping us increase our total number of interventions, and thus offer patients more opportunities for a quicker medical care. Our register review showed also a change of treatment trends for unilateral vocal fold paralysis, with office-based interventions becoming the first-line treatment.

Antioxidant Capacity, Enzyme Activities Related to Energy Metabolism, and Transcriptome Analysis of Crassostrea hongkongensis Exposed to Hypoxia

Crassostrea hongkongensis (C. hongkongensis) is one of the three most commonly cultivated oyster species in China. Seasonal hypoxia is one of the most serious threats to its metabolism, reproductive behavior, and survival. To investigate the effects of hypoxia stress on the antioxidant capacity and energy metabolism of C. hongkongensis, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glycogen content, and enzyme activities (phosphofructokinase, PFK; pyruvate kinase, PK; phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, PEPCK) of oysters were determined under normoxic (DO 6 ± 0.2 mg/L) and hypoxic (DO 1.5 mg/L) conditions at 0 h, 6 h, 48 h, and 72 h. We also determined the T-AOC, glycogen content, and enzyme activities of oysters under reoxygenation (recovered to normoxia for 24 h). To further examine the potential molecular regulatory mechanism of hypoxic adaptation, a transcriptome analysis was conducted on the gill of C. hongkongensis under normoxia (N, 72 h), hypoxia (H, 72 h), and reoxygenation (R). After being exposed to hypoxia for 6 h, the T-AOC, glycogen content, and enzyme activities of PK, PFK, and PEPCK in C. hongkongensis were significantly decreased. However, after prolonging the duration of hypoxia exposure for 72 h, the T-AOC, glycogen content, and enzyme activities increased compared to that of 48 h. After 24 h reoxygenation, the T-AOC, glycogen content, and enzyme activity of PK and PFK returned to close to initial levels. In addition, a transcriptome analysis discovered 6097 novel genes by mapping the C. hongkongensis genome with the clean reads. In total, 352 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the H vs. N comparison group (235 upregulated and 117 downregulated genes). After recovery to normoxia, 292 DEGs (134 upregulated and 158 downregulated genes) were identified in the R vs. N comparison group, and 632 DEGs were identified (253 upregulated and 379 downregulated genes) in the R vs. H comparison group. The DEGs included some hypoxia-tolerant genes, such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), mitochondrial (AOX), tyramine beta-hydroxylase (TBH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and egl nine homolog 1 isoform X2 (EGLN1). Additionally, DEGs were significantly enriched in the KEGG pathways that are involved in hypoxia tolerance, including the metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 pathways and the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Then, we selected the five hypoxic-tolerant candidate DEGs for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) validation, and the results were consistent with the transcriptome sequencing data. These discoveries have increased our understanding of hypoxia tolerance, recovery ability after reoxygenation, and molecular mechanisms governing the responses to hypoxia in C. hongkongensis.

The Effect of Dapagliflozin on Accelerometer-Based Measures of Physical Activity in Patients with Heart Failure: An Analysis of the DETERMINE Trials.

Background: Wearable accelerometers can quantify the frequency and intensity of physical activity during everyday life and may provide complementary data to established functional outcome measures on the effect of heart failure therapies on functional limitations. Methods: In a voluntary substudy of the DETERMINE (Dapagliflozin EffecT on ExeRcise capacity using a 6-MINutE walk test in patients with HF) trials, patients wore a waist-worn tri-axial accelerometer for as long as possible (ideally for 24 hours/day for 7 days) at 3 points during the trial; between the screening visit and randomization (baseline data), and during weeks 8 and 14-16. Accelerometer outcomes included the change from baseline to week 16 in the total number of steps, time spent in light-to-vigorous physical activity (LVPA), time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), movement intensity during walking, number of vector magnitude units (VMUs)' and total activity counts. Results: Adequate baseline and week 16 accelerometer data were available for 211 of 817 (26%) randomized patients (defined as ≥10 hours of wear-time for ≥3 days). Dapagliflozin had a favorable effect on the mean change from baseline at 16 weeks in the number of steps (between-group difference 778 [95%CI 240, 1315]), time spent in MVPA (0.16 hours [95%CI 0.03, 0.29]) and in the mean VMUs (25 counts per minute [95%CI 0.1, 49]). There were no between-group differences in the other accelerometer outcomes of interest. Conclusions: In this exploratory analysis of the DETERMINE trials, dapagliflozin had a beneficial effect on selected accelerometer-based measures of physical activity in patients with HF across the entire left ventricular ejection fraction spectrum, yet did not improve 6MWD, as previously reported. These data suggest that accelerometer-based measurements of everyday activity may provide complementary information to 6MWD and identify beneficial effects of treatment not detected by 6MWD. Trial Registration: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov Unique Identifier: NCT03877237 and NCT03877224.

Real-world safety profile of eculizumab: an analysis of FDA adverse event reporting system and systematic review of case reports

ABSTRACT Background Most of the safety data regarding eculizumab came from clinical trials, while its safety information in the real world is still limited. Research design and methods The data of eculizumab in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database (from the first quarter of 2007 to the first quarter of 2023) was collected and analyzed. The case reports of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to eculizumab in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science before May 2023 were systematically reviewed. Results A total of 464 ADRs of eculizumab were identified in the FAERS database. The top five ADRs with the highest proportional reporting ratio (PRR) are total complement activity decreased, extravascular hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, total complement activity increased and breakthrough hemolysis. Fifty-one cases of ADR related to eculizumab were identified from 44 publications. The number of reported cases of eculizumab associated Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in case reports was observed to be comparable to the number of cases of Neisseria meningitidis infection. Conclusions Clinicians must pay close attention to the risk of infections in patients receiving eculizumab, including severe N. meningitidis infection and other potentially fatal infections such as N. gonorrhoeae infection. In addition, The possible emergence of new ADRs should be vigilant during clinical medication.