scholarly journals Living with a giant, flowering parasite: metabolic differences between Tetrastigma loheri Gagnep. (Vitaceae) shoots uninfected and infected with Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) and potential applications for propagation

Planta ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 255 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanmaire Molina ◽  
Dejan Nikolic ◽  
Jashvanth Raaj Jeevarathanam ◽  
Rinat Abzalimov ◽  
Eun-Jung Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Plant Conservation ◽  
Infection Process ◽  
Preliminary Assessment ◽  
Mediate Immune Response ◽  
Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids ◽  
Grape Vine ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
First Time

Abstract Main conclusion Metabolites in Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma were compared which may have applications in Rafflesia propagation. Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, here reported for the first time in Vitaceae, were abundant in non-infected shoots and may be a form of defense. In Rafflesia-infected shoots, oxylipins, which mediate immune response, were elevated. Abstract Endemic to the forests of Southeast Asia, Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) is a genus of holoparasitic plants producing the largest flowers in the world, yet completely dependent on its host, the tropical grape vine, Tetrastigma. Rafflesia species are threatened with extinction, making them an iconic symbol of plant conservation. Thus far, propagation has proved challenging, greatly decreasing efficacy of conservation efforts. This study compared the metabolites in the shoots of Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma loheri to examine how Rafflesia infection affects host metabolomics and elucidate the Rafflesia infection process. Results from LC–MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis showed benzylisoquinoline alkaloids were naturally more abundant in non-infected shoots and are here reported for the first time in the genus Tetrastigma, and in the grape family, Vitaceae. These metabolites have been implicated in plant defense mechanisms and may prevent a Rafflesia infection. In Rafflesia-infected shoots, oxygenated fatty acids, or oxylipins, and a flavonoid, previously shown involved in plant immune response, were significantly elevated. This study provides a preliminary assessment of metabolites that differ between Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma hosts and may have applications in Rafflesia propagation to meet conservation goals.

scholarly journals Arginase Activity in Eisenia andrei Coelomocytes: Function in the Earthworm Innate Response

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3687
Author(s):  
Joanna Homa ◽  
Alina Klosowska ◽  
Magdalena Chadzinska
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Wound Healing ◽  
Arginase Activity ◽  
Eisenia Andrei ◽  
Heavy Metals Ions ◽  
First Time ◽  
Important Marker

Arginase is the manganese metalloenzyme catalyzing the conversion of l-arginine to l-ornithine and urea. In vertebrates, arginase is involved in the immune response, tissue regeneration, and wound healing and is an important marker of alternative anti-inflammatory polarization of macrophages. In invertebrates, data concerning the role of arginase in these processes are very limited. Therefore, in the present study, we focused on the changes in arginase activity in the coelomocytes of Eisenia andrei. We studied the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), heavy metals ions (e.g., Mn2+), parasite infection, wound healing, and short-term fasting (5 days) on arginase activity. For the first time in earthworms, we described arginase activity in the coelomocytes and found that it can be up-regulated upon in vitro stimulation with LPS and H2O2 and in the presence of Mn2+ ions. Moreover, arginase activity was also up-regulated in animals in vivo infected with nematodes or experiencing segment amputation, but not in fasting earthworms. Furthermore, we confirmed that the activity of coelomocyte arginase can be suppressed by l-norvaline. Our studies strongly suggest that similarly to the vertebrates, also in the earthworms, coelomocyte arginase is an important element of the immune response and wound healing processes.

scholarly journals The Structure–Properties–Cytotoxicity Interplay: A Crucial Pathway to Determining Graphene Oxide Biocompatibility

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 5401
Author(s):  
Marta Dziewięcka ◽  
Mirosława Pawlyta ◽  
Łukasz Majchrzycki ◽  
Katarzyna Balin ◽  
Sylwia Barteczko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Graphene Oxide ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Physicochemical Analysis ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Acheta Domesticus ◽  
Synthesis Process ◽  
Synthesis Methods ◽  
Toxicity Potential ◽  
Potential Applications

Interest in graphene oxide nature and potential applications (especially nanocarriers) has resulted in numerous studies, but the results do not lead to clear conclusions. In this paper, graphene oxide is obtained by multiple synthesis methods and generally characterized. The mechanism of GO interaction with the organism is hard to summarize due to its high chemical activity and variability during the synthesis process and in biological buffers’ environments. When assessing the biocompatibility of GO, it is necessary to take into account many factors derived from nanoparticles (structure, morphology, chemical composition) and the organism (species, defense mechanisms, adaptation). This research aims to determine and compare the in vivo toxicity potential of GO samples from various manufacturers. Each GO sample is analyzed in two concentrations and applied with food. The physiological reactions of an easy model Acheta domesticus (cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative defense, DNA damage) during ten-day lasting exposure were observed. This study emphasizes the variability of the GO nature and complements the biocompatibility aspect, especially in the context of various GO-based experimental models. Changes in the cell biomarkers are discussed in light of detailed physicochemical analysis.

Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan-Casein Phosphopeptides Biocomposite Coatings on the Medical Titanium Alloy

2011 ◽  
Vol 480-481 ◽  
pp. 1065-1069
Author(s):  
Bin Liu ◽  
Lin Wang ◽  
Yin Zhong Bu ◽  
Sheng Rong Yang ◽  
Jin Qing Wang
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Attenuated Total Reflectance ◽  
Ti Alloy ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Implant Materials ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Casein Phosphopeptides ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
First Time

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys have been applied in orthopedics as one of the most popular biomedical metallic implant materials. In this work, to enhance the bioactivity, the surface of Ti alloy pre-modified by silane coupling agent and glutaraldehyde was covalently grafted with chitosan (CS) via biochemical multistep self-assembled method. Then, for the first time, the achieved surface was further immobilized with casein phosphopeptides (CPP), which are one group of bioactive peptides released from caseins in the digestive tract and can facilitate the calcium adsorption and usage, to form CS-CPP biocomposite coatings. The structure and composition of the fabricated coatings were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). As the experimental results indicated, multi-step assembly was successfully performed, and the CS and CPP were assembled onto the Ti alloy surface orderly. It is anticipated that the Ti alloys modified by CS-CPP biocomposite coatings will find potential applications as implant materials in biomedical fields.

scholarly journals Fabrication and Characterization of Lignin/Dendrimer Electrospun Blended Fiber Mats

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 518
Author(s):  
Somaye Akbari ◽  
Addie Bahi ◽  
Ali Farahani ◽  
Abbas S. Milani ◽  
Frank Ko
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Characteristics ◽  
Dendritic Polymers ◽  
Amino Groups ◽  
Fiber Mats ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Solution Electrospinning ◽  
Nanofiber Mats ◽  
Softwood Kraft Lignin ◽  
First Time

Blending lignin as the second most abundant polymer in Nature with nanostructured compounds such as dendritic polymers can not only add value to lignin, but also increase its application in various fields. In this study, softwood Kraft lignin/polyamidoamine dendritic polymer (PAMAM) blends were fabricated by the solution electrospinning to produce bead-free nanofiber mats for the first time. The mats were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, zeta potential, and thermogravimetry analyses. The chemical intermolecular interactions between the lignin functional groups and abundant amino groups in the PAMAM were verified by FTIR and viscosity measurements. These interactions proved to enhance the mechanical and thermal characteristics of the lignin/PAMAM mats, suggesting their potential applications e.g. in membranes, filtration, controlled release drug delivery, among others.

CHARACTERISTICS OF AGE-DEPENDENT CHANGES IN THE URINE'S PROTEOM COMPOSITION OF THE HEALTHY PERSONS (EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORETICAL STUDY)

2020 ◽  
pp. 735-740
Author(s):  
Л. Х. Пастушкова ◽  
Д. Н. Каширина ◽  
А. Г. Гончарова ◽  
Н. Б. Захарова ◽  
Е. С. Тийс ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Insulin Signaling ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Theoretical Study ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
First Time ◽  
Healthy Persons ◽  
Over Time

Впервые описаны белки, достоверно увеличивающиеся и уменьшающиеся в моче с возрастом в интервале 20-60 лет. Охарактеризованы комбинации белков, связанных с изменением иммунных процессов, нарушением реологии крови, в том числе риском коагулопатии, противоопухолевых защитных механизмов, инсулинового сигнального пути, с изменением характеристик клеточного деления и качества новообразованной ткани. Таким образом, возрастная динамика основных процессов запускает каскад реакций, проявляющихся в замыкании «патологических биохимических кругов», которые формируют предпосылки к развитию заболеваний и, с течением времени, клинические проявления. For the first time proteins are described, reliably increasing and decreasing in urine with age in the range of 20 to 60 years. The combinations of proteins associated with changes in immune processes, violation of blood reology, including the risk of coagulopathy, anticancer defense mechanisms, insulin signaling pathway, changes in cell characteristics are characterized division and quality of the newly formed fabric. Thus, the age dynamics of the main processes triggers a cascade of reactions manifested in the closure of «pathological biochemical circles» that form the prerequisites for the development of diseases and, over time, clinical manifestations.

scholarly journals Macrophage Autophagy and Oxidative Stress: An Ultrastructural and Immunoelectron Microscopical Study

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Perrotta ◽  
Valentina Carito ◽  
Emilio Russo ◽  
Sandro Tripepi ◽  
Saveria Aquila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Ultrastructural Localization ◽  
Microscopical Study ◽  
Beclin 1 ◽  
Cell Organelles ◽  
A Cell ◽  
First Time

The word autophagy broadly refers to the cellular catabolic processes that lead to the removal of damaged cytosolic proteins or cell organelles through lysosomes. Although autophagy is often observed during programmed cell death, it may also serve as a cell survival mechanism. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species within tissues and cells induces various defense mechanisms or programmed cell death. It has been shown that, besides inducing apoptosis, oxidative stress can also induce autophagy. To date, however, the regulation of autophagy in response to oxidative stress remains largely elusive and poorly understood. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the ratio between oxidative stress and autophagy in macrophages after oxidant exposure (AAPH) and to investigate the ultrastructural localization of beclin-1, a protein essential for autophagy, under basal and stressful conditions. Our data provide evidence that oxidative stress induces autophagy in macrophages. We demonstrate, for the first time by immunoelectron microscopy, the subcellular localization of beclin-1 in autophagic cells.

Topotactic route to synthesis of novel hydroxylated phases: I. Trioctahedral Micas

Clay Minerals ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Komarneni ◽  
R. Roy
Keyword(s):  
Ion Exchange ◽  
Alkaline Earth ◽  
Water Molecules ◽  
Hydration Energy ◽  
Hydrothermal Conditions ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Clay Layers ◽  
First Time ◽  
Hydrolysis Of ◽  
Alkaline Earth Cations

AbstractK-depleted phlogopite mica was used as a topotactic precursor and treated with alkali (Li+, K+, , Rb+, Cs+), alkaline-earth (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) and trivalent (Al3+) cations under hydrothermal conditions of 200°C and 30 MPa pressure. K-, NH4-, Rb- and Cs-aluminosilicate micas were synthesised at 200°C in one day. The synthesis of Cs-aluminosilicate mica, with potential applications in the management of nuclear wastes, has been achieved for the first time by this approach. Ion exchange by Li+, Na+ and alkaline-earth cations under hydrothermal conditions did not produce anhydrous mica phases but resulted in hydrous phases with one or two layers of water molecules between the clay layers. The formation of hydrous phases may be attributed to the high hydration energy of the above cations compared to K+, , RB+ and Cs+. Ion exchange with Al3+ produced a chlorite-like phase because of the hydrolysis of Al3+ under these hydrothermal conditions. These studies are of relevance in the immobilization of wastes where hazardous ions can be fixed in highly stable insoluble phases like mica or chlorite.

scholarly journals MOF Decomposition and Introduction of Repairable Defects Using a Photodegradable Strut

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingjing Yan ◽  
John MacDonald ◽  
Shawn Burdette
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Porous Materials ◽  
New Method ◽  
Innovative Approach ◽  
Partial Decomposition ◽  
Multiple Defects ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Defect Repair ◽  
First Time ◽  
Interesting Area

Utilizing a photolabile ligand as MOF strut can make a framework undergo full or partial decomposition upon irradiation. For the first time, a nitrophenylacetate derivative has been incorporated into MOF as a backbone linker via PLSE method. The photo-induced decarboxylation of the NPDAC-MOF represents a novel way of degrading a MOF, which provides an innovative approach to formulating photoresponsive porous materials with potential applications in molecular release and drug delivery. When photoactive linker is mixed with non-photolabile linker via partial PLSE, the MOF structure can be retained after irradiation, but with the introduction of multiple defects, offering a new method to create vacancies in MOFs. Defect repair can be achieved by treatment with replacement ligands, the scope of which is an interesting area for developing customizable MOF contents.<br>

scholarly journals Evaluation of anthocyanin encapsulation efficiency into yeast cell by plasmolysis, ethanol, and ultrasound treatments using alone or in combination

Food Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 557-562
Author(s):  
M.D. Lieu ◽  
T.T.H. Hoang ◽  
H.N.T. Nguyen ◽  
T.K.T. Dang
Keyword(s):  
Yeast Cell ◽  
Encapsulation Efficiency ◽  
Color Stability ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Time Treatment ◽  
Treated Sample ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
The Individual ◽  
First Time

Anthocyanin is a water-soluble color compound of the flavonoid which was successfully encapsulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by plasmolysis, ethanol, and ultrasound treatments using alone or in combination in the first time. Treatment agents significantly enhanced the encapsulation efficiency of anthocyanin fluid. The encapsulation yield (EY) of the combined factors was higher than the individual impact factors. Ethanol 10% (v/v) and ultrasound 180 seconds for the highest EY 40.22±0.67%, then ethanol 10% (v/v) and NaCl 10% (w/v) for EY 36.45±0.35%, NaCl 10% and ultrasound for EY 32.14±0.98% lowest. The color stability evaluation of the capsules was carried out at 80°C for 30 minutes. The color lost rate was determined by the spectrometer. The color loss of samples with the un-treatment yeast was 20.45±1.21%, higher than the treated sample. This suggests that anthocyanin encapsulation by yeast cell is efficient in overcoming the effects of high temperatures and having potential applications in food processing.

scholarly journals Validation and characterization of a DNA methylation alcohol biomarker across the life course

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Darius Yousefi ◽  
Rebecca Richmond ◽  
Ryan Langdon ◽  
Andrew Ness ◽  
Chunyu Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Average Alcohol ◽  
Alcohol Biomarker ◽  
Audit Score ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
The Life Course ◽  
Offspring Generation ◽  
First Time

AbstractRecently, an alcohol predictor was developed using DNA methylation at 144 CpG sites (DNAm-Alc) as a biomarker for improved clinical or epidemiologic assessment of alcohol-related ill health. We validate the performance and characterize the drivers of this DNAm-Alc for the first time in independent populations. In N=1,049 parents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) Accessible Resource for Integrated Epigenomic Studies (ARIES) at midlife, we found DNAm-Alc explained 7.6% of the variation in alcohol intake, roughly half of what had been reported previously, and interestingly explained a larger 9.8% of AUDIT score, a scale of alcohol use disorder. Explanatory capacity in participants from the offspring generation of ARIES measured during adolescence was much lower. However, DNAm-Alc explained 14.3% of the variation in replication using the Head and Neck 5000 (HN5000) clinical cohort that had higher average alcohol consumption. To investigate whether this relationship was being driven by genetic and/or earlier environment confounding we examined how earlier vs. concurrent DNAm-Alc measures predicted AUDIT scores. In both ARIES parental and offspring generations, we observed associations between AUDIT and concurrent, but not earlier DNAm-Alc, suggesting independence from genetic and stable environmental contributions. The stronger relationship between DNAm-Alcs and AUDIT in parents at midlife compared to adolescents despite similar levels of consumption suggests that DNAm-Alc likely reflects long-term patterns of alcohol abuse. Such biomarkers may have potential applications for biomonitoring and risk prediction, especially in cases where reporting bias is a concern.

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