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Cells May 2024The future of drug delivery offers immense potential for the creation of nanoplatforms based on nanogels. Nanogels present a significant possibility for pharmaceutical... (Review)
Review
The future of drug delivery offers immense potential for the creation of nanoplatforms based on nanogels. Nanogels present a significant possibility for pharmaceutical advancements because of their excellent stability and effective drug-loading capability for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic agents. As multifunctional systems, composite nanogels demonstrate the capacity to carry genes, drugs, and diagnostic agents while offering a perfect platform for theranostic multimodal applications. Nanogels can achieve diverse responsiveness and enable the stimuli-responsive release of chemo-/immunotherapy drugs and thus reprogramming cells within the TME in order to inhibit tumor proliferation, progression, and metastasis. In order to achieve active targeting and boost drug accumulation at target sites, particular ligands can be added to nanogels to improve the therapeutic outcomes and enhance the precision of cancer therapy. Modern "immune-specific" nanogels also have extra sophisticated tumor tissue-editing properties. Consequently, the introduction of a multifunctional nanogel-based drug delivery system improves the targeted distribution of immunotherapy drugs and combinational therapeutic treatments, thereby increasing the effectiveness of tumor therapy.
Topics: Humans; Tumor Microenvironment; Drug Delivery Systems; Nanogels; Neoplasms; Animals; Polyethyleneimine
PubMed: 38891040
DOI: 10.3390/cells13110908 -
Cells May 2024Improving the drought resistance of rice is of great significance for expanding the planting area and improving the stable yield of rice. In our previous work, we found...
Improving the drought resistance of rice is of great significance for expanding the planting area and improving the stable yield of rice. In our previous work, we found that () protein promoted enhanced tolerance to drought stress by eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and triggering the abscisic acid (ABA) response. However, the mechanism through which REL1 regulates drought tolerance by removing ROS is unclear. In this study, we identified REL1 interacting protein 5 (RIP5) and found that it directly combines with REL1 in the chloroplast. We found that was strongly expressed in ZH11 under drought-stress conditions, and that the mutants significantly improved the tolerance of rice plants to drought, whereas overexpression of resulted in greater susceptibility to drought. Further investigation suggested that negatively regulated drought tolerance in rice by decreasing the content of ascorbic acid (AsA), thereby reducing ROS clearance. RNA sequencing showed that the knockout of caused differential gene expression that is chiefly associated with ascorbate and aldarate metabolism. Furthermore, multiple experimental results suggest that is involved in regulating drought tolerance by inhibiting . Collectively, our findings reveal the importance of the inhibition of RIP5 by REL1 in affecting the rice's response to drought stress. This work not only explains the drought tolerance mechanism of rice, but will also help to improve the drought tolerance of rice.
Topics: Oryza; Plant Proteins; Droughts; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Reactive Oxygen Species; Stress, Physiological; Abscisic Acid; Chloroplasts; Adaptation, Physiological; Plants, Genetically Modified; Ascorbic Acid; Protein Binding; Drought Resistance
PubMed: 38891020
DOI: 10.3390/cells13110887 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Four different concentrations of an aqueous extract of cuttlefish ( spp.) ink (CI) were introduced, respectively, into the packing medium employed during golden seabream...
Four different concentrations of an aqueous extract of cuttlefish ( spp.) ink (CI) were introduced, respectively, into the packing medium employed during golden seabream () canning. The quality parameters of the resulting canned fish were determined and compared to the initial fish and the control canned muscle. An important effect of the CI concentration introduced in the packing medium was proved. The presence in the packing medium of a relatively low CI concentration (CI-2 batch) led to a lower ( < 0.05) lipid oxidation development (fluorescent compound formation), lower ( < 0.05) changes of colour parameters ( and values), and lower ( < 0.05) trimethylamine values in canned fish when compared to control canned samples. Additionally, the two lowest CI concentrations tested led to higher average values of C22:6ω3, ω3/ω6 ratios, and polyene index. On the contrary, the use of the most concentrated CI extract (CI-4 condition) led to a prooxidant effect (higher fluorescence ratio value). In agreement with environmental sustainability and circular economy requirements, the study can be considered the first approach to a novel and valuable use of the current marine byproduct for the quality enhancement of canned fish. On-coming research focused on the optimisation of the CI-extract concentration is envisaged.
PubMed: 38890914
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111685 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Faecal microbiota plays a critical role in human health, but its relationship with nutritional status among schoolchildren remains under-explored. Here, in a... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Faecal microbiota of schoolchildren is associated with nutritional status and markers of inflammation: a double-blinded cluster-randomized controlled trial using multi-micronutrient fortified rice.
Faecal microbiota plays a critical role in human health, but its relationship with nutritional status among schoolchildren remains under-explored. Here, in a double-blinded cluster-randomized controlled trial on 380 Cambodian schoolchildren, we characterize the impact of six months consumption of two types of rice fortified with different levels of vitamins and minerals on pre-specified outcomes. We investigate the association between the faecal microbiota (16SrRNA sequencing) and age, sex, nutritional status (underweight, stunting), micronutrient status (iron, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies, anaemia, iron deficient anaemia, hemoglobinopathy), inflammation (systemic, gut), and parasitic infection. We show that the faecal microbiota is characterised by a surprisingly high proportion of Lactobacillaceae. We discover that deficiencies in specific micronutrients, such as iron and vitamin A, correlate with particular microbiota profiles, whereas zinc deficiency shows no such association. The nutritional intervention with the two rice treatments impacts both the composition and functions predicted from compositional analysis in different ways. (ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01706419)).
Topics: Humans; Oryza; Feces; Female; Male; Double-Blind Method; Child; Micronutrients; Nutritional Status; Food, Fortified; Inflammation; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Biomarkers; Adolescent; Vitamin A; Zinc
PubMed: 38890302
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49093-4 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Crocin is a carotenoid compound in saffron with anti-cancer properties. However, its therapeutic application is limited by its low absorption, bioavailability, and...
Crocin is a carotenoid compound in saffron with anti-cancer properties. However, its therapeutic application is limited by its low absorption, bioavailability, and stability, which can be overcome through nanocarrier delivery systems. This study used surface-modified Nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC) to deliver crocin to cancer cells. NCC modified with CTAB were loaded with crocin and then conjugated with folic acid (NCF-CR-NPs). The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using FTIR, XRD, DLS, and FESEM. The crystallinity index of NCC was 66.64%, higher than microcrystalline cellulose (61.4%). The crocin loading and encapsulation efficiency in NCF-CR-NPs were evaluated. Toxicity testing by MTT assay showed that NCF-CR-NPs had higher toxicity against various cancer cell lines, including colon cancer HT-29 cells (IC50 ~ 11.6 μg/ml), compared to free crocin. Fluorescent staining, flow cytometry, and molecular analysis confirmed that NCF-CR-NPs induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells by increasing p53 and caspase 8 expression. The antioxidant capacity of NCF-CR-NPs was also evaluated using ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays. NCF-CR-NPs exhibited high free radical scavenging ability, with an IC50 of ~ 46.5 μg/ml for ABTS. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of NCF-CR-NPs to deliver crocin to cancer cells effectively. The NPs exhibited enhanced anti-cancer and antioxidant activities compared to free crocin, making them a promising nanocarrier system for crocin-based cancer therapy.
Topics: Carotenoids; Folic Acid; Humans; Cellulose; Nanoparticles; Apoptosis; Antineoplastic Agents; HT29 Cells; Drug Carriers; Antioxidants; Cell Line, Tumor; Drug Delivery Systems; Cell Survival
PubMed: 38886450
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64758-2 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Owing to its noninvasive nature, broad-spectrum effectiveness, minimal bacterial resistance, and high efficiency, phototherapy has significant potential for...
PURPOSE
Owing to its noninvasive nature, broad-spectrum effectiveness, minimal bacterial resistance, and high efficiency, phototherapy has significant potential for antibiotic-free antibacterial interventions and combating antibacterial biofilms. However, finding effective strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of excessive temperature and elevated concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) remains a pressing issue that requires immediate attention.
METHODS
In this study, we designed a pH-responsive cationic polymer sodium nitroside dihydrate/branched polyethylenimine-indocyanine green@polyethylene glycol (SNP/PEI-ICG@PEG) nanoplatform using the electrostatic adsorption method and Schiff's base reaction. Relevant testing techniques were applied to characterize and analyze SNP/PEI-ICG@PEG, proving the successful synthesis of the nanomaterials. In vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of SNP/PEI-ICG@PEG.
RESULTS
The morphology and particle size of SNP/PEI-ICG@PEG were observed via TEM. The zeta potential and UV-visible (UV-vis) results indicated the synthesis of the nanomaterials. The negligible cytotoxicity of up to 1 mg/mL of SNP/PEI-ICG@PEG in the presence or absence of light demonstrated its biosafety. Systematic in vivo and in vitro antimicrobial assays confirmed that SNP/PEI-ICG@PEG had good water solubility and biosafety and could be activated by near-infrared (NIR) light and synergistically treated using four therapeutic modes, photodynamic therapy (PDT), gaseous therapy (GT), mild photothermal therapy (PTT, 46 °C), and cation. Ultimately, the development of Gram-positive (G) Staphylococcus aureus () and Gram-negative (G) Escherichia coli () were both completely killed in the free state, and the biofilm that had formed was eliminated.
CONCLUSION
SNP/PEI-ICG@PEG demonstrated remarkable efficacy in achieving controlled multimodal synergistic antibacterial activity and biofilm infection treatment. The nanoplatform thus holds promise for future clinical applications.
Topics: Biofilms; Photochemotherapy; Animals; Polyethylene Glycols; Indocyanine Green; Photothermal Therapy; Infrared Rays; Mice; Staphylococcus aureus; Polyethyleneimine; Escherichia coli; Nitric Oxide; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Reactive Oxygen Species; Nanoparticles; Particle Size
PubMed: 38882537
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S454762 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024An optimum restoration for reconstructing endodontically treated teeth should provide excellent marginal adaptation, high fracture resistance as well as maximum tooth... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Comparative evaluation of marginal adaptation and fatigue resistance of endodontically treated premolars restored with direct and indirect coronal restorations: an in vitro study.
BACKGROUND
An optimum restoration for reconstructing endodontically treated teeth should provide excellent marginal adaptation, high fracture resistance as well as maximum tooth structure conservation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal adaptation and fatigue resistance of different coronal restorations in endodontically treated premolars.
METHODS
Thirty sound maxillary first premolars were endodontically treated and received MOD cavities. Teeth were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 10) according to the type of coronal restoration: Group R: polyethylene fibers (ribbond), fibers-reinforced composite (everX posterior) and final layer of nano-hybrid composite. Group O: indirect lithium disilicate overlay and Group C: fiber-post, resin composite restoration, and lithium disilicate crown. Marginal gap assessment was performed before and after thermocycling (5000 cycles) using stereomicroscope. Samples were subjected to stepwise-stress loading starting at 200 N, and increased by 100 N in each step until failure occurred. Statistical analysis was done by One-way ANOVA followed Tukey`s Post Hoc test for multiple comparison. Paired t test was used to compare the marginal adaptation before and after thermocycling. Survival probability was evaluated by Life table survival analysis. Failure mode analysis was performed with Chi-square test.
RESULTS
Marginal gap was significantly the lowest in group R (37.49 ± 5.05) and (42.68 ± 2.38), while being the highest in group C (59.78 ± 5.67) and (71.52 ± 5.18) in before and after thermocycling respectively (P < 0.0001). Fatigue resistance was the highest for group O (1310.8 ± 196.7), and the lowest for group R (905.4 ± 170.51) with a significant difference between groups (P < 0.0001). Crown group had the highest percentage (80%) of catastrophic failure, while, overlay group exhibited the lowest (20%).
CONCLUSIONS
Direct restoration without cuspal coverage using ribbon fibers with short FRC provided better marginal adaptation than indirect overlays and crowns, but fatigue resistance wasn't significantly improved. Adhesive ceramic overlays showed the best fatigue performance and the least catastrophic failure rate compared to both direct fiber-reinforced composite and indirect ceramic full coverage restorations.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Indirect adhesive overlays are a suitable, more conservative restorative option for endodontically treated teeth than full coverage restorations, especially when tooth structure is severely compromised.
Topics: Humans; Bicuspid; Composite Resins; Tooth, Nonvital; Dental Marginal Adaptation; In Vitro Techniques; Post and Core Technique; Crowns; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Dental Porcelain; Dental Stress Analysis; Polyethylenes; Dental Restoration Failure; Materials Testing; Dental Materials
PubMed: 38879492
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04382-8 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by rearrangements of the retinoic acid receptor, RARα, which makes all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) highly effective...
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by rearrangements of the retinoic acid receptor, RARα, which makes all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) highly effective in the treatment of this disease, inducing promyelocytes differentiation. Current therapy, based on ATRA in combination with arsenic trioxide, with or without chemotherapy, provides high rates of event-free survival and overall survival. However, a decline in the drug activity, due to increased ATRA metabolism and RARα mutations, is often observed over long-term treatments. Furthermore, dedifferentiation can occur providing relapse of the disease. In this study we evaluated fenretinide, a semisynthetic ATRA derivative, encapsulated in nanomicelles (nano-fenretinide) as an alternative treatment to ATRA in APL. Nano-fenretinide was prepared by fenretinide encapsulation in a self-assembling phospholipid mixture. Physico-chemical characterization was carried out by dinamic light scattering and spectrophotometry. The biological activity was evaluated by MTT assay, flow cytometry and confocal laser-scanning fluorescence microscopy. Nano-fenretinide induced apoptosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL60) by an early increase of reactive oxygen species and a mitochondrial potential decrease. The fenretinide concentration that induced 90-100% decrease in cell viability was about 2.0 µM at 24 h, a concentration easily achievable in vivo when nano-fenretinide is administered by oral or intravenous route, as demonstrated in previous studies. Nano-fenretinide was effective, albeit at slightly higher concentrations, also in doxorubicin-resistant HL60 cells, while a comparison with TK6 lymphoblasts indicated a lack of toxicity on normal cells. The results indicate that nano-fenretinide can be considered an alternative therapy to ATRA in acute promyelocytic leukemia when decreased efficacy, resistance or recurrence of disease emerge after protracted treatments with ATRA.
Topics: Humans; Fenretinide; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute; HL-60 Cells; Apoptosis; Reactive Oxygen Species; Antineoplastic Agents; Nanoparticles; Cell Survival; Micelles; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial
PubMed: 38877119
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64629-w -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Topical consumer interest in natural, healthier, safer and nutritional juice, has inspired the search for innovative technologies that can minimize product degradation....
Topical consumer interest in natural, healthier, safer and nutritional juice, has inspired the search for innovative technologies that can minimize product degradation. In this regard, thermosonication has been proposed as a potential processing technology that can preserve and produce "fresh" products. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice is a nutrient-rich fruit juice that is desired by consumers due to its appealing color, pleasant odor, sweet taste and low-calorie content. This fruit juice is, however, highly perishable and prone to microorganisms, because of its neutral pH value and high amount of water activity. In addition, it is thermo-sensitive and therefore degrades quickly under thermal processing. This study aimed to identify the optimal thermosonication processing conditions for retaining the critical quality parameters (lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid and total polyphenolic content) of watermelon juice. Response surface methodology, employing a central composite design, was used to determine the effects of temperature (18-52 °C), processing time (2-13 min) and amplitude level (24-73 μm) at a constant frequency of 25 kHz. The highest quality parameters were obtained at 25 °C, 2 min, and 24 µm at a constant frequency of 25 kHz, which resulted in lycopene of 8.10 mg/100 g, β-carotene of 0.19 mg/100 g, ascorbic acid of 3.11 mg/100 g and total polyphenolic content of 23.96 mg/GAE/g with a desirability of 0.81. The proposed model was adequate (p < 0.0001), with a satisfactory determination coefficient (R) of less than 0.8 for all phytochemicals. Thermosonicated watermelon juice samples showed minimal changes in their phytochemical properties, when compared to fresh juices; the lycopene content showed a significant increase after thermosonication, and a significant retention of β-carotene, ascorbic acid and total polyphenolic acid was observed. According to the findings, thermosonication could be a viable method for preserving watermelon juice, with minimal quality loss and improved functional attributes.
Topics: Citrullus; Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Lycopene; Ascorbic Acid; Sonication; Food Handling; Temperature; Hot Temperature; Polyphenols
PubMed: 38877060
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64066-9 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Aug 2024The texture of tomato products can be modified by choice of variety, their growing conditions and/or processing method, but no clear explanation exists of the mechanisms...
The texture of tomato products can be modified by choice of variety, their growing conditions and/or processing method, but no clear explanation exists of the mechanisms that transform fruit tissue, how they act on texture, or whether genetics and processing impact the same physical parameters. We therefore conducted a study that processed 4 varieties produced under low/high nitrogen supply, into puree using both hot and cold break processes. No specific rheological signature allows discrimination between cultivar-induced or process-induced textural changes, but that they can be distinguished by sensory analysis. Growth conditions impacted but was not sensory distinguished. Both caused significant variations in 7 of 11 physico-chemical parameters, but the order of importance of these traits controlling texture varied, depending on whether the cause was genetic or process-related. Analysis of alcohol insoluble solids revealed a specific signature in pectin composition and conformation that could be linked to particle aggregation in the presence of lycopene-rich particles.
Topics: Solanum lycopersicum; Viscosity; Food Handling; Rheology; Fruit; Pectins; Lycopene; Taste; Carotenoids; Humans
PubMed: 38876585
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114495