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Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Current agrochemicals used in crop farming mainly consist of synthetic compounds with harmful effects on the environment and human health. Crop-associated fungal...
Current agrochemicals used in crop farming mainly consist of synthetic compounds with harmful effects on the environment and human health. Crop-associated fungal endophytes, which play many ecological roles including defense against pathogens, represent a promising source for bioactive and ecologically safer molecules in agrochemical discovery. The methanolic extract of the endophyte sp. LCM 1078 was evaluated in vitro against the plant pathogens , , , , and . Bioassay-guided isolation using chromatographic techniques followed by detailed chemical characterization by NMR and mass spectrometry led to the identification of menisporopsin A, which showed inhibitory activity in a dose-dependent manner against the five fungal pathogens including an endophytic strain (), with MIC values in the range of 0.63-10.0 μg/mL showing a potency equivalent to the broadly employed agrochemical mancozeb.
PubMed: 38921369
DOI: 10.3390/jof10060381 -
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Biorefinery plays a crucial role in the decarbonization of the current economic model, but its high investments and costs make its products less competitive. Identifying...
Biorefinery plays a crucial role in the decarbonization of the current economic model, but its high investments and costs make its products less competitive. Identifying the best technological route to maximize operational synergies is crucial for its viability. This study presents a new superstructure model based on mixed integer linear programming to identify an ideal biorefinery configuration. The proposed formulation considers the selection and process scale adjustment, utility selection, and heat integration by heat cascade integration from different processes. The formulation is tested by a study where the impact of new technologies on energy efficiency and the total annualized cost of a sugarcane biorefinery is evaluated. As a result, the energy efficiency of biorefinery increased from 50.25% to 74.5% with methanol production through bagasse gasification, mainly due to its high heat availability that can be transferred to the distillery, which made it possible to shift the bagasse flow from the cogeneration to gasification process. Additionally, the production of DME yields outcomes comparable to methanol production. However, CO hydrogenation negatively impacts profitability and energy efficiency due to the significant consumption and electricity cost. Nonetheless, it is advantageous for surface power density as it increases biofuel production without expanding the biomass area.
PubMed: 38920511
DOI: 10.3390/e26060501 -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Jun 2024Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women. Finding novel therapeutic agents with significant cytotoxic action and minimal adverse impact on...
In-vitro study of cytotoxic and apoptotic potential of Thalassia hemprichii (Ehren.) Asch. And Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) with correlation to their chemical profile.
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women. Finding novel therapeutic agents with significant cytotoxic action and minimal adverse impact on normal cells becomes crucial. Today, natural anticancer agents present an unconventional method of treating cancer, either as a curative or preventative agent, with considerable concern for marine organisms.
METHODS
The anticancer effect of the alcoholic extract of different Red Sea Seagrasses on MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line has been investigated. Seagrasses were collected from Wadi El Gamal, Red Sea and extracted. Qualitative HPLC analysis was performed on the extracts for the identification of their active biomarkers. This study was aimed to explore the cytotoxic impact of Thalassia hemprichii (Ehren.) and Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle on MCF-7 and their mode of action. Their anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells were performed using Neutral red assay. On the other hand, their apoptotic effect and their capacity to induce cell cycle arrest were investigated by flow cytometry assay. The effect of Seagrasses on the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM) was studied by using JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential assay kit in Seagrasses treated cancer cells to Δψ Caspases 3/7activity was examined using the colorimetric method. Gene expression analysis and quantitative real time RT-PCR for the sea grasses on MCF-7 was performed. Immune-blotting technique for Bcl-2 and p53 was investigated.
RESULTS
HPLC analysis demonstrated that the extracts contained mainly flavonoids and polyphenols such as Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acids, catechin and kaempferol that might be responsible for these anticancer effects. Seagrasses alcoholic crude extract markedly suppressed the growth and expansion of MCF-7 cells concentration-dependently with no toxicity against normal human skin fibroblast HSF. Thalassia hemprichii and Enhalus acoroides trigger mode of cell death primarily via apoptosis as confirmed by the flow cytometry. Additionally, they have ability to induce G0/S cell cycle arrest in MCF-7. The data showed the depletion in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM) in the treated cells dose-dependently Caspases 3/7activities markedly increased following 24 h treatment. Finally, Gene expression analysis showed a marked reduction in Bcl-2, Survivin and CDC2 gene expression levels and a significant increase in the expression of p53 and CC2D1A as compared to control cells.
CONCLUSION
In summary, the Methanolic extract of seagrass, Thalassia hemperchii and Enhalus ocoroides are able to induce concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects in human MCF-7 cells through intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. This study reveals the beneficial importance of sea grasses as a source of anticancer agents. Further in vivo study is recommended for the active isolated biomolecules.
Topics: Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Apoptosis; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Plant Extracts; Hydrocharitaceae; Cell Proliferation; Antineoplastic Agents
PubMed: 38915036
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04512-3 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024To achieve high-efficiency combustion of heavy fuel oil (HFO), this study investigated the combustion characteristics of methanol/HFO droplets with methanol content from...
To achieve high-efficiency combustion of heavy fuel oil (HFO), this study investigated the combustion characteristics of methanol/HFO droplets with methanol content from 10 to 30% using the suspension method under ambient temperature from 923 to 1023 K. The combustion of methanol/HFO droplets was summarized as a two-phase process consisting of six typical stages, emphasizing liquid phase. Especially, the fluctuation evaporation stage, induced by frequent and intense puffing, was identified as prominent character. Both the ignition delay and lifetime of HFO and methanol/HFO droplets decreased with increasing ambient temperatures. For the methanol/HFO droplet, the ignition delay and droplet lifetime increased with the increasing methanol content. Prominently, compared to HFO, HM10 had the most significant reduction in droplet lifetime and TINL under the same operating conditions, which indicated that the addition of 10% methanol accelerated the combustion process and reduced soot generation. Additionally, the thermos-dynamic characteristics of methanol/HFO droplets were investigated. Puffing was primarily attributed to superheating of methanol and pyrolysis of heavy components in HFO, which resulted in active and passive rupture of bubbles. Similarity and maximum deformation were employed to qualitatively distinguish between them. The obtained findings aimed to develop a promising alternative fuel to reduce emissions and preserve energy.
PubMed: 38914642
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64482-x -
Heliyon Jun 2024Poor distillation practices in the production of spirits have historically resulted in many instances of adverse health outcomes including death. Concern has focused on...
OBJECTIVE
Poor distillation practices in the production of spirits have historically resulted in many instances of adverse health outcomes including death. Concern has focused on lead and copper contamination as well as unhealthy levels of methanol and glyphosate. This study assesses home-distilled and commercially distilled alcohols from Texas for these substances of concern, highlighting their potential risks to public health.
METHODS
Atomic absorption spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were employed to determine lead and copper, methanol, and glyphosate levels in 12 commercial and 36 home-distilled alcohol samples.
RESULTS
Our findings showed that 11 % of the home-distilled alcohols exceeded the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau's copper safety limits of 0.5 mg/L for wine. Additionally, 36 % of these samples surpassed the European Commission (EC)'s lead legal threshold of 0.15 mg/L set for wine products. Results from commercial alcohols indicated that no samples exceeded the same safety limits for copper, and 33 % exceeded the same legal threshold for lead. Both commercial and home-distilled alcohols exhibited methanol concentrations remarkably below the 0.35 % limit for brandy set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Only two home-distilled samples contained detectable glyphosate concentrations well below 100 μg/L, the maximum residue level in beer and wine established by the EC.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggested that consumption of alcohol in Texas may pose potential health risks associated with the elevated content of lead and copper. There is a need for increased focus on alcohol as a potential source of exposure to heavy metals.
PubMed: 38912503
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32317 -
Chemical Composition, Nutritional Value, Antioxidative, and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Cladode.ACS Omega Jun 2024The cactus family plant has been used in folk medicine for a long time. In this work, chemical composition and its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties were...
The cactus family plant has been used in folk medicine for a long time. In this work, chemical composition and its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties were investigated. Our results showed that is highly rich in fibers and minerals. The present study assessed the levels of polyphenol contents and antioxidant and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. The highest phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were observed in the methanolic extract. Concerning the qualitative analysis, nine phenolic and organic acids were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Luteolin-7-Glu (4.25 μg/g), apigenin-7-Glu (3.15 μg/g), and catechin (2.85 μg/g) were identified as major phenolic compounds. The predominant fatty acids detected by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to a flame ionization detector were linoleic and linolenic acids (35.11%). A factorial design plan was used to determine the effect of temperature, agitation speed, and maceration period on phenolic contents. , the methanol extract from showed anti-inflammatory activity. The computational modeling reveals that compounds bind VEGF, IL-6, and TNF-α with high binding scores that reach -8.7 kcal/mol and establish significant molecular interactions with some key residues that satisfactorily explain both and findings. These data indicate that cladode powder could be potentially useful in pharmaceutical and food applications.
PubMed: 38911808
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c04330 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024This study investigates the commercial viability of repurposing fruit waste for enzyme production, specifically focusing on the invertase enzyme derived from . By...
This study investigates the commercial viability of repurposing fruit waste for enzyme production, specifically focusing on the invertase enzyme derived from . By utilizing fruit pulp that incorporates mulberry, carob, Figure, and grape pulp as a nutrient source, it is observed that the culture medium containing carob pulp exhibits the highest invertase activity. Specifically, the invertase activity in this medium is approximately 2.5 times greater (12.90 U/mg protein) than that observed in the peptone medium (5.98 U/mg protein). The extract undergoes several purification steps, including ultrafiltration, ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, and ion-exchange chromatography (purification ratio: 12.11 times, yield: 26.93%). The purified enzyme is immobilized using alginate beads, improving pH and thermal stability. The immobilized enzyme exhibits optimal activity between pH 3.50 and pH 7.00, thereby broadening the enzyme's high-activity pH range. The thermal stability of the immobilized invertase enzyme is significantly improved, especially at 65 °C. Activity studies in the presence of metal ions and certain chemicals have been conducted. The immobilized enzyme's activity increases by approximately 40% in the presence of Ca and Mg, and the immobilized enzyme maintains its activity in the presence of detergents such as SDS, Tween-20, and organic solvents like ethanol and methanol. The potential for the reuse of immobilized invertase was investigated under standard assay conditions. After 20 cycles, the immobilized enzyme was found to retain 80% of its initial activity. Overall, the study establishes the commercial potential of fruit pulp, typically discarded in fruit juice production, as a valuable source for obtaining an invertase enzyme. Furthermore, this study also aims to develop a suitable purification process for invertase in the fruit juice industry. By harnessing fruit waste and implementing innovative enzyme production strategies, industries can enhance their efficiency, reduce their environmental footprint, and optimize resource utilization.
PubMed: 38911758
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01732 -
ACS Measurement Science Au Jun 2024Electrosynthesis traditionally requires dedicated reactor systems and an added electrolyte, although some paired electrosynthesis processes are possible at...
Electrosynthesis traditionally requires dedicated reactor systems and an added electrolyte, although some paired electrosynthesis processes are possible at interdigitated microband electrodes simply immersed in solution and without an intentionally added electrolyte. Here, 1,1'-ferrocenedimethanol oxidation and activated olefin electro-hydrogenation reactions are investigated as model processes at a Pt-Pt interdigitated microband array electrode with 5 μm width and with 5 μm interelectrode gap. Voltammetric responses for electro-hydrogenation are discussed, and product yields are determined in methanol (MeOH) in the presence/absence of an added electrolyte (LiClO). An isotope effect is observed in CHOD solvent, leading to olefin monodeuteration linked to a fast EC-type process close to the cathode surface (in the cathode reaction zone) rather than to charge annihilation in the interelectrode zone. A finite element simulation is employed to visualize/discuss reaction zones and to contrast the rate of charge annihilation processes with/without a supporting electrolyte.
PubMed: 38910865
DOI: 10.1021/acsmeasuresciau.4c00009 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Burning fossil fuels causes toxic gas emissions to increase, therefore, scientists are trying to find alternative green fuels. One of the important alternative fuels is...
Burning fossil fuels causes toxic gas emissions to increase, therefore, scientists are trying to find alternative green fuels. One of the important alternative fuels is biodiesel. However, using eco-friendly primary materials is a main factor. Sustainable catalysts should have high performance, good activity, easy separation from reaction cells, and regenerability. In this study, to solve the mentioned problem NaOH@Graphene oxide-FeO as a magnetic catalyst was used for the first time to generate biodiesel from waste cooking oil. The crystal structure, functional groups, surface area and morphology of catalyst were studied by XRD, FTIR, BET, and FESEM techniques. The response surface methodology based central composite design (RSM-CCD) was used for biodiesel production via ultrasonic technique. The maximum biodiesel yield was 95.88% in the following operation: 10.52:1 molar ratio of methanol to oil, a catalyst weight of 3.76 wt%, a voltage of 49.58 kHz, and a time of 33.29 min. The physiochemical characterization of biodiesel was based to ASTM standard. The magnetic catalyst was high standstill to free fatty acid due to the five cycle's regeneration. The kinetic study results possess good agreement with first-order kinetics as well as the activation energy and Arrhenius constant are 49.2 kJ/min and 16.47 * 10 min, respectively.
PubMed: 38909146
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64865-0 -
Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical... 2024Leaves of have medicinal potential which has gained attention from researchers around the world. This study has an objective to screen the antioxidant and cytotoxicity...
Leaves of have medicinal potential which has gained attention from researchers around the world. This study has an objective to screen the antioxidant and cytotoxicity of ethyl acetate extract from leaves and its fraction. The fine powder of was macerated in methanol and further partitioned using two different solvents, namely n-hexane and ethyl acetate. In this article, we reported the screening results for ethyl acetate extract. Fractionation was then performed on the extract by means of column chromatography by gradient elution resulting in five combined fractions. Brine shrimp lethality test and 1-diphenyl-2-pycrilhidrazil (DPPH) assays were employed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antioxidant of the extract, respectively. Characterization using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) was then conducted. The cytotoxicity of the samples was indicated by median lethal concentration values ranging from 28.84 to 1023.3 ppm. As for the antioxidant activity, the DPPH median inhibitory concentration values ranged from 4.12 to 180.66 ppm. GC-MS analysis on the most bioactive fraction revealed the predominating phytochemical contents of neophytadiene, palmitic acid, and phytol. In conclusion, the fraction of ethyl acetate extract from leaves could potentially act as a strong antioxidant and moderate cytotoxic agent.
PubMed: 38903553
DOI: 10.4103/JAPTR.JAPTR_470_23