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Scientific Reports May 2024Hercynite magnetic nanoparticles were produced through the co-precipitation of ferrous and aluminum cations. The surface of hercynite was respectively coated with...
Hercynite magnetic nanoparticles were produced through the co-precipitation of ferrous and aluminum cations. The surface of hercynite was respectively coated with silica, 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine, and 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid to provide a suitable substrate for Pd(II) loading, furnishing Pd@Her-TCT-PDA. Subsequently, the introduced Pd(II) was reduced to Pd(0) using NaBH. FT-IR, EDS, XRD, TGA, TEM and SEM images were the characteristic methods to prove the success of catalyst synthesis. The SEM image illustrated the particles with a nanosize of 25-50 nm and TEM image confirmed the presence of Pd nanoparticles with sizes lower than 2 nm. EDS elemental analysis of the catalyst proved the existence of Pd, Fe, and Al atoms along with the C, O, N, and Si atoms belong to the heterocyclic moieties. VSM analysis clarified a considerable drop in the magnetic properties of the hercynite core of the final catalyst due to its modified surface. TGA curve demonstrated that Pd@Her-TCT-PDA contains 20% organic content, attributed to the anchored heterocyclic ligands. Finally, Pd@Her-TCT-PDA was employed along with NaBH as a catalytic system to reduce completely the nitro group of aromatic compounds to their corresponding amines. The recyclability tests showed low drop in the catalytic activity of Pd@Her-TCT-PDA after third run with negligible leaching of Pd NPs.
PubMed: 38796550
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62226-5 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Yellow pitahaya is a tropical fruit that has gained popularity in recent years. Natural elicitors are compounds that can stimulate the resistance and quality of fruits....
Yellow pitahaya is a tropical fruit that has gained popularity in recent years. Natural elicitors are compounds that can stimulate the resistance and quality of fruits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of natural elicitors, methyl salicylate (MeSa), methyl jasmonate (JaMe), salicylic acid (SA) and oxalic acid (OA) at concentrations of 0.1 mM (MeSa and JaMe) and 5 mM (SA and OA), applied to the yellow pitahaya fruits under greenhouse conditions. After full blossom, four applications were made with a frequency of 15 days. At the time of harvest and after storage, the following variables were evaluated: firmness (whole fruit), total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), phenolics and carotenoids (in the pulp), while phenolics, carotenoids, macronutrients and micronutrients were determined in the peel. The results showed MeSa advanced the fruit maturation, according to higher TSS, lower TA and firmness than MeJa-treated fruits, for which a delayed ripening process was shown. All treatments induced a higher polyphenolic concentration during storage. Regarding the alternative use of the peel as a by-product, the application of natural elicitors significantly increased the content of polyphenols, carotenoids, macronutrients and micronutrients in the peel, especially MeSa, which can be used as a bioactive compound in the food industry. In conclusion, the results indicate that natural elicitors can be an alternative to improve the quality and shelf life of yellow pitahaya fruits.
Topics: Fruit; Oxylipins; Cyclopentanes; Acetates; Carotenoids; Food Storage; Cactaceae; Salicylic Acid; Salicylates; Phenols; Oxalic Acid
PubMed: 38791472
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105435 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024The lung is prone to infections from respiratory viruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A challenge in combating these infections...
The lung is prone to infections from respiratory viruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A challenge in combating these infections is the difficulty in targeting antiviral activity directly at the lung mucosal tract. Boosting the capability of the respiratory mucosa to trigger a potent immune response at the onset of infection could serve as a potential strategy for managing respiratory infections. This study focused on screening immunomodulators to enhance innate immune response in lung epithelial and immune cell models. Through testing various subfamilies and pathways of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family was found to selectively activate innate immunity in lung epithelial cells. Activation of NOD1 and dual NOD1/2 by the agonists TriDAP and M-TriDAP, respectively, increased the number of IL-8+ cells by engaging the NF-κB and interferon response pathways. Lung epithelial cells showed a stronger response to NOD1 and dual NOD1/2 agonists compared to control. Interestingly, a less-pronounced response to NOD1 agonists was noted in PBMCs, indicating a tissue-specific effect of NOD1 in lung epithelial cells without inducing widespread systemic activation. The specificity of the NOD agonist pathway was confirmed through gene silencing of NOD1 (siRNA) and selective NOD1 and dual NOD1/2 inhibitors in lung epithelial cells. Ultimately, activation induced by NOD1 and dual NOD1/2 agonists created an antiviral environment that hindered SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro in lung epithelial cells.
Topics: Humans; Nod1 Signaling Adaptor Protein; Immunity, Innate; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Epithelial Cells; Lung; Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; NF-kappa B; Antiviral Agents; A549 Cells; Diaminopimelic Acid; Signal Transduction; Interleukin-8
PubMed: 38791357
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105318 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Previous studies have documented that FOLFOX and XELOX therapies negatively impact the metabolism of skeletal muscle and extra-muscle districts. This pilot study tested...
Previous studies have documented that FOLFOX and XELOX therapies negatively impact the metabolism of skeletal muscle and extra-muscle districts. This pilot study tested whether three-month FOLFOX or XELOX therapy produced changes in plasma amino acid levels (PAAL) (an estimation of whole-body amino acid metabolism) and in plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid hyper oxidation. Fourteen ambulatory, resected patients with colorectal cancer scheduled to receive FOLFOX (n = 9) or XELOX (n = 5) therapy, after overnight fasting, underwent peripheral venous blood sampling, to determine PAAL and MDA before, during, and at the end of three-month therapy. Fifteen healthy matched subjects (controls) only underwent measures of PAAL at baseline. The results showed changes in 87.5% of plasma essential amino acids (EAAs) and 38.4% of non-EAAs in patients treated with FOLFOX or XELOX. These changes in EAAs occurred in two opposite directions: EAAs decreased with FOLFOX and increased or did not decrease with XELOX (interactions: from = 0.034 to = 0.003). Baseline plasma MDA levels in both FOLFOX and XELOX patients were above the normal range of values, and increased, albeit not significantly, during therapy. In conclusion, three-month FOLFOX or XELOX therapy affected plasma EAAs differently but not the baseline MDA levels, which were already high.
Topics: Humans; Colorectal Neoplasms; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Amino Acids; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Aged; Fluorouracil; Oxaloacetates; Leucovorin; Capecitabine; Malondialdehyde; Deoxycytidine; Organoplatinum Compounds; Pilot Projects; Oxidation-Reduction; Adult; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipid Metabolism
PubMed: 38791339
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105300 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024(BP) is a medicinal plant used to treat many conditions when taken as a leaf juice, leaves in capsules, as an ethanolic extract, and as herbal tea. These preparations...
(BP) is a medicinal plant used to treat many conditions when taken as a leaf juice, leaves in capsules, as an ethanolic extract, and as herbal tea. These preparations have been chemically analyzed except for decoctions derived from boiled green leaves. In preparation for a clinical trial to validate BP tea as a treatment for kidney stones, we used NMR and MS analyses to characterize the saturation kinetics of the release of metabolites. During boiling of the leaves, (a) the pH decreased to 4.8 within 14 min and then stabilized; (b) regarding organic acids, citric and malic acid were released with maximum release time (t) = 35 min; (c) for glycoflavonoids, quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (Q-3O-ArRh), myricetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (M-3O-ArRh), kappinatoside, myricitrin, and quercitrin were released with t = 5-10 min; and (d) the total phenolic content (TPC) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) reached a t at 55 min and 61 min, respectively. In summary, 24 g of leaves boiled in 250 mL of water for 61 min ensures a maximal release of key water-soluble metabolites, including organic acids and flavonoids. These metabolites are beneficial for treating kidney stones because they target oxidative stress and inflammation and inhibit stone formation.
Topics: Kalanchoe; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Kidney Calculi; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Kinetics; Mass Spectrometry; Humans; Malates
PubMed: 38791318
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105280 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Here, starch derivatives, i.e., sodium starch octenylsuccinate (OSA starch, hereinafter referred to as OSA), were employed as both reducing and stabilizing agents for...
Here, starch derivatives, i.e., sodium starch octenylsuccinate (OSA starch, hereinafter referred to as OSA), were employed as both reducing and stabilizing agents for the unique, inexpensive, and simple synthesis of gold nanoparticles (OSA-AuNPs) in an aqueous solution with gold salt. The obtained OSA-AuNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of the obtained gold colloids was studied in the reduction of organic dyes, including methylene blue (C.I. Basic Blue 9) and rhodamine B (C.I. Basic Violet 10), and food coloring, including tartrazine (E102) and azorubine (E122), by sodium borohydride. Moreover, OSA-AuNPs were utilized as signal amplifiers in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The obtained results confirmed that gold nanoparticles can be used as effective catalysts in reduction reactions of selected organic dyes, as well as signal enhancers in the SERS technique.
Topics: Gold; Metal Nanoparticles; Catalysis; Starch; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Succinates; Oxidation-Reduction
PubMed: 38791154
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105116 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jul 2024Manganese (Mn) overexposure has been associated with the development of neurological damage reminiscent of Parkinson's disease, while the underlying mechanisms have yet...
Manganese (Mn) overexposure has been associated with the development of neurological damage reminiscent of Parkinson's disease, while the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully characterized. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms leading to injury in dopaminergic neurons induced by Mn and identify novel treatment approaches. In the in vivo and in vitro models, ICR mice and dopaminergic neuron-like PC12 cells were exposed to Mn, respectively. We treated them with anti-ferroptotic agents ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), deferoxamine (DFO), HIF-1α activator dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) and inhibitor LW6. We also used p53-siRNA to verify the mechanism underlying Mn-induced neurotoxicity. Fe and Mn concentrations increased in ICR mice brains overexposed to Mn. Additionally, Mn-exposed mice exhibited movement impairment and encephalic pathological changes, with decreased HIF-1α, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins and increased p53 protein levels. Fer-1 exhibited protective effects against Mn-induced both behavioral and biochemical changes. Consistently, in vitro, Mn exposure caused ferroptosis-related changes and decreased HIF-1α levels, all ameliorated by Fer-1. Upregulation of HIF-1α by DMOG alleviated the Mn-associated ferroptosis, while LW6 exacerbated Mn-induced neurotoxicity through downregulating HIF-1α. p53 knock-down also rescued Mn-induced ferroptosis without altering HIF-1α protein expression. Mn overexposure resulted in ferroptosis in dopaminergic neurons, mediated through the HIF-1α/p53/SLC7A11 pathway.
Topics: Animals; Ferroptosis; PC12 Cells; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Mice, Inbred ICR; Mice; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Manganese; Brain; Amino Acid Transport System y+; Rats; Male; Dopaminergic Neurons; Cyclohexylamines; Phenylenediamines; Deferoxamine; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase; Amino Acids, Dicarboxylic
PubMed: 38788562
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116481 -
STAR Protocols Jun 2024OXCT1 acts as a succinyltransferase to promote serine beta-lactamase-like protein (LACTB) K284 succinylation. Here, we present a protocol for detecting OXCT1-mediated...
OXCT1 acts as a succinyltransferase to promote serine beta-lactamase-like protein (LACTB) K284 succinylation. Here, we present a protocol for detecting OXCT1-mediated LACTB succinylation levels and sites. We describe steps for using western blotting (WB) and mass spectrometry to determine OXCT1-mediated LACTB succinylation levels and sites in vitro. This protocol can be applied to detect and identify succinylation levels and sites on other proteins. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ma et al..
Topics: beta-Lactamases; Blotting, Western; Mass Spectrometry; Succinic Acid; Protein Processing, Post-Translational
PubMed: 38787728
DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103088 -
Biomolecules Apr 2024Although both localized nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and non-localized nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) generate the same information,... (Review)
Review
Although both localized nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and non-localized nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) generate the same information, i.e., spectra generated by various groups from the structure of metabolites, they are rarely employed in the same study or by the same research group. As our review reveals, these techniques have never been applied in the same study of methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), propionic acidemia (PA) or vitamin B deficiency patients. On the other hand, MRS and NMR provide complementary information which is very valuable in the assessment of the severity of disease and efficiency of its treatment. Thus, MRS provides intracellular metabolic information from localized regions of the brain, while NMR provides extracellular metabolic information from biological fluids like urine, blood or cerebrospinal fluid. This paper presents an up-to-date review of the NMR and MRS studies reported to date for methylmalonic and propionic acidemias. Vitamin B deficiency, although in most of its cases not inherited, shares similarities in its metabolic effects with MMA and it is also covered in this review.
Topics: Humans; Propionic Acidemia; Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Methylmalonic Acid
PubMed: 38785935
DOI: 10.3390/biom14050528 -
Biomolecules Apr 2024Primary hyperoxalurias (PHs) are inherited metabolic disorders marked by enzymatic cascade disruption, leading to excessive oxalate production that is subsequently... (Review)
Review
Primary hyperoxalurias (PHs) are inherited metabolic disorders marked by enzymatic cascade disruption, leading to excessive oxalate production that is subsequently excreted in the urine. Calcium oxalate deposition in the renal tubules and interstitium triggers renal injury, precipitating systemic oxalate build-up and subsequent secondary organ impairment. Recent explorations of novel therapeutic strategies have challenged and necessitated the reassessment of established management frameworks. The execution of diverse clinical trials across various medication classes has provided new insights and knowledge. With the evolution of PH treatments reaching a new milestone, prompt and accurate diagnosis is increasingly critical. Developing early, effective management and treatment plans is essential to improve the long-term quality of life for PH patients.
Topics: Humans; Hyperoxaluria, Primary; Calcium Oxalate; Oxalates; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38785918
DOI: 10.3390/biom14050511