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The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Urban trees are often not considered in air-quality models although they can significantly impact the concentrations of pollutants. Gas and particles can deposit on leaf...
Urban trees are often not considered in air-quality models although they can significantly impact the concentrations of pollutants. Gas and particles can deposit on leaf surfaces, lowering their concentrations, but the tree crown aerodynamic effect is antagonist, limiting the dispersion of pollutants in streets. Furthermore, trees emit Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOCs) that react with other compounds to form ozone and secondary organic aerosols. This study aims to quantify the impacts of these three tree effects (dry deposition, aerodynamic effect and BVOC emissions) on air quality from the regional to the street scale over Paris city. Each tree effect is added in the model chain CHIMERE/MUNICH/SSH-aerosol. The tree location and characteristics are determined using the Paris tree inventory, combined with allometric equations. The air-quality simulations are performed over June and July 2022. The results show that the aerodynamic tree effect increases the concentrations of gas and particles emitted in streets, such as NOx (+4.6 % on average in streets with trees and up to +37 % for NO). This effect increases with the tree Leaf Area Index and it is more important in streets with high traffic, suggesting to limit the planting of trees with large crowns on high-traffic streets. The effect of dry deposition of gas and particles on leaves is very limited, reducing the concentrations of O concentrations by -0.6 % on average and at most -2.5 %. Tree biogenic emissions largely increase the isoprene and monoterpene concentrations, bringing the simulated concentrations closer to observations. Over the two-week sensitivity analysis, biogenic emissions induce an increase of O, organic particles and PM street concentrations by respectively +1.1, +2.4 and + 0.5 % on average over all streets. This concentration increase may reach locally +3.5, +12.3 and + 2.9 % respectively for O, organic particles and PM, suggesting to prefer the plantation of low-emitting VOC species in cities.
PubMed: 38909817
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174116 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Frequent and variant infections are caused by the virtue of opportunistic fungi pathogens. Candidiasis, aspergillosis, and mucormycosis are pathogenic microorganisms...
Frequent and variant infections are caused by the virtue of opportunistic fungi pathogens. Candidiasis, aspergillosis, and mucormycosis are pathogenic microorganisms that give rise to vast fungal diseases that alternate between moderate to fatal in severity. The use of fluconazole as an antifungal drug was limited due to the acquired resistance in some types of Candida and other fungal species. This study aims to consolidate fluconazole's biological effectiveness against several pathogenic fungi. Six active monoterpenes (MTs) of carvacrol, linalool, geraniol, α-terpinene, citronellal, and nerolidol were selected and encapsulated in nanostructure lipid carrier (NLC) with (NLC-Flu-MTs) and/without (NLC-MTs) fluconazole in one nanoformulation to determine if they will act synergistically or not? The synthesized nanoformulation NLC-Flu-MTs and NLC-MTs exhibited very good particle size of 144.5 nm and 138.6 nm for size and zeta potential values of (- 23.5 mV) and (- 20.3 mV), respectively. Transmission electron microscope investigation confirmed that the synthesized NLCs have regular and spherical shape. The abundance and concentration of the six released monoterpenes were determined, as a novel approach, using GC-MS with very good results and validity. In-vitro antifungal screening was done before and after nano co-delivery against seven pathogenic, and aggressive fungi of Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, Geotrichum Candidum, Candidaalbicans, Aspergillus Niger, and mucor circinelloides. Inhibition Zone diameter (IZD) and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were measured. Nanoformulations NLC-Flu-MTs and NLC-MTs manifested potential and unique biological susceptibility against all the tested microorganisms with reduced (MIC) values, especially against Candida Tropicalis (MIC = 0.97 µg/ml) which represents 16-fold of the value shown by NLC-MTs (MIC = 15.6 µg/ml) and 64-fold of fluconazole free before nanoformulation (MIC = 62.5 µg/ml). The efficiency of nanomaterials, particularly NLC-Flu-MTs, has become evident in the diminishing value of MIC which affirmed the synergism between fluconazole and the other six monoterpenes.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Fluconazole; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Monoterpenes; Nanostructures; Lipids; Drug Synergism; Drug Carriers; Particle Size; Candida
PubMed: 38909063
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63149-x -
Natural Product Research Jun 2024Anti- activity of compounds from fruits of Raddi (pink pepper) were evaluated, using sustainable techniques such as steam distillation (SD) and supercritical fluid...
Anti- activity of compounds from fruits of Raddi (pink pepper) were evaluated, using sustainable techniques such as steam distillation (SD) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). SD was optimised using a design of experiment and SFE was carried out using supercritical CO solvent (300 bar and 60 °C). Results of the anti- activity showed that the essential oil presented high activity (IC = 4.5 ± 0.3 μg/mL), whereas the supercritical extract had a moderate effect (IC = 19.7 ± 2.9 μg/mL). The differences in the anti- activity can be attributed to the extraction of non-volatile compounds in the SFE, such as moronic and ()-masticadienoic acids. In contrast, SD extracted only volatile compounds such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Therefore, these results suggest that the volatile compounds from pink pepper are involved with the anti- activity.
PubMed: 38907673
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2371108 -
Natural Product Research Jun 2024The genus L. (Lamiaceae) comprises more than 300 species as annual or perennial herbs or small shrubs, spread in temperate regions of Mediterranean, Asia, America, and...
The genus L. (Lamiaceae) comprises more than 300 species as annual or perennial herbs or small shrubs, spread in temperate regions of Mediterranean, Asia, America, and Southern Africa and several species have been used in the traditional medicine of many countries. Section , one of nineteen sections of genus , is divided in two subsections: and . In the present study the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Coss., endemic of Morocco, and belonging to subsection , was analysed by GC-MS. No report has been previously published on this species. The result showed the presence of large quantity of monoterpene hydrocarbons (73.3%), being -pinene (38.0%) -pinene (14.8%), and limonene (11.1%) the principal constituents. Furthermore, a complete review on the chemical composition and biological properties of all the other taxa, belonging to section , studied so far, was carried out.
PubMed: 38907665
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2368750 -
Natural Product Research Jun 2024The genus of is the largest genus of Caprifoliaceae family. This study revealed the composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial actions of essential oils of L. in...
The genus of is the largest genus of Caprifoliaceae family. This study revealed the composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial actions of essential oils of L. in different areas of Iran; Qom, Mashhad, Shiraz. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry examination was applied to recognise the oil conformation. The essential oils of Qom included a high number of monoterpenes, with linalool as the significant constituent. In the essential oil of Mashhad, the main elements were methyl linoleate. The essential oil of Shiraz displayed a similar profile, including a large quantity of fatty acid, with methyl palmitate as the main component. The antioxidant activity was assessed the DPPH exam, and the antimicrobial action was verified using the broth microdilution procedure. The essential oils of Qom revealed the maximum antimicrobial and antioxidant actions between the three regions, ascribed to its high concentration of monoterpenes and phenolic composites. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) and heat map successfully revealed the variation and correlation between metabolites of the three oils. These conclusions highlight the potential of as natural foundations of antimicrobial and antioxidant representatives, with investigation required to reveal their therapeutic requests.
PubMed: 38907660
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2369229 -
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines Jun 2024Depression ranks among the most common neuropsychiatric disorders globally. Current studies examining the roles of inflammation and mitochondrial autophagy in the...
Depression ranks among the most common neuropsychiatric disorders globally. Current studies examining the roles of inflammation and mitochondrial autophagy in the antidepressant efficacy of paeoniflorin (PF) are sparse. This study aimed to elucidate PF's antidepressant mechanism by promoting autophagy and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation using chronic unpredictable mild stimulation (CUMS)-induced C57BL/6 mouse models in vivo and corticosterone (CORT)-induced HT22 cell models in vitro. Results demonstrated that PF enhanced the viability of HT22 cells following CORT exposure, restored mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation, increased LC3 fluorescence intensity, and suppressed inflammatory cytokine secretion and inflammation activation. Additionally, PF ameliorated depressive behaviors induced by CUMS and improved damage in hippocampal neurons. It also reduced the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Moreover, PF upregulated the expression of autophagy-related proteins in the hippocampus, facilitating the clearance of damaged mitochondria and enhancing autophagy. The role of autophagy in PF's antidepressant effects was further confirmed through the use of the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA), which reduced the efficacy of PF. In conclusion, PF effectively improved depressive behaviors in CUMS-induced mice and reduced NLRP3-mediated inflammation both in vivo and in vitro, likely via the induction of autophagy.
Topics: Animals; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Glucosides; Autophagy; Monoterpenes; Mice; Mitochondria; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Inflammasomes; Male; Depression; Antidepressive Agents; Hippocampus; Disease Models, Animal; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 38906599
DOI: 10.1016/S1875-5364(24)60654-0 -
Evidence that the cold- and menthol-sensing functions of the human TRPM8 channel evolved separately.Science Advances Jun 2024Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is a temperature- and menthol-sensitive ion channel that contributes to diverse physiological roles, including cold...
Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is a temperature- and menthol-sensitive ion channel that contributes to diverse physiological roles, including cold sensing and pain perception. Clinical trials targeting TRPM8 have faced repeated setbacks predominantly due to the knowledge gap in unraveling the molecular underpinnings governing polymodal activation. A better understanding of the molecular foundations between the TRPM8 activation modes may aid the development of mode-specific, thermal-neutral therapies. Ancestral sequence reconstruction was used to explore the origins of TRPM8 activation modes. By resurrecting key TRPM8 nodes along the human evolutionary trajectory, we gained valuable insights into the trafficking, stability, and function of these ancestral forms. Notably, this approach unveiled the differential emergence of cold and menthol sensitivity over evolutionary time, providing a fresh perspective on complex polymodal behavior. These studies provide a paradigm for understanding polymodal behavior in TRPM8 and other proteins with the potential to enhance our understanding of sensory receptor biology and pave the way for innovative therapeutic interventions.
Topics: TRPM Cation Channels; Humans; Menthol; Cold Temperature; Evolution, Molecular; Phylogeny; Thermosensing
PubMed: 38905339
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm9228 -
Tree Physiology Jun 2024With climate warming and economic globalization, insect-microbe assemblages are becoming increasingly responsible for various devastating forest diseases worldwide....
With climate warming and economic globalization, insect-microbe assemblages are becoming increasingly responsible for various devastating forest diseases worldwide. Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) is extensively cultivated in China because of its high survival rate, rapid maturation, and robust mechanical properties. Endoconidiophora fujiensis, an ophiostomatoid fungus associated with Ips subelongatus, has been identified as a lethal pathogen of L. kaempferi in Japan. However, there is a dearth of research on the pathogenicity of E. fujiensis in larches in China. Therefore, we investigated the pathogenicity of E. fujiensis in introduced L. kaempferi and indigenous larch (Larix olgensis) trees and compared the induced resistance responses to the pathogen in both tree species in terms of physiology and gene expression. Five-year-old saplings and 25-year-old adult trees of L. olgensis and L. kaempferi were inoculated in parallel during the same growing season. E. fujiensis exhibited high pathogenicity in both larch species, but particularly in L. kaempferi compared to L. olgensis adult trees; adult L. olgensis was more resistant to E. fujiensis than adult L. kaempferi, which was reflected in higher accumulation of defensive monoterpenes, such as myrcene, 3-carene, and limonene, and the earlier induction of defense genes catalase (CAT) and pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR1). This study contributes to our understanding of the interactions between bark beetle-associated ophiostomatoid fungi and host larches, from phenotypic responses to alterations in secondary metabolites via defense- and metabolism-related gene activation, providing a valuable foundation for the management of larch diseases and pests in the future.
PubMed: 38905265
DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpae069 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Rubber trees emit a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including isoprene, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes, as part of their natural metabolism. These VOCs can...
Rubber trees emit a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including isoprene, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes, as part of their natural metabolism. These VOCs can significantly influence air quality through photochemical reactions that produce ozone and secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). This study examines the impact of VOCs detected in a rubber tree plantation in Northeastern Thailand on air quality, highlighting their role in atmospheric reactions that lead to the formation of ozone and SOAs. VOCs were collected at varying heights and seasons using Tenax-TA tubes paired with an atmospheric sampler pump and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In total, 100 VOCs were identified, including alkanes, alkenes, terpenes, aromatics, and oxygenated VOCs. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) revealed distinct seasonal VOC profiles, with hydrocarbons, peaking in summer and terpenes in the rainy season. The Linear Mixed-Effects (LME) model indicates that VOC concentrations are more influenced by seasonal changes than by sampling heights. Secondary organic aerosol potential (SOAP) and ozone formation potential (OFP) of selected VOC species were also determined. The total SOAP ranged from 67.24 μg/m in summer to 17.87 μg/m in winter, while the total OFP ranged from 377.87 μg/m in summer to 139.39 μg/m in winter. Additionally, positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis identified four main VOC sources: gasoline combustion (18.3 %), microbial activity (38.6 %), monoterpene emissions during latex production (15.0 %), and industrial sources (28.1 %). These findings provide essential information for managing air pollution in rubber tree plantations. By adopting focused air quality management strategies, plantation operators can mitigate the adverse effects of VOCs, promoting a healthier and more sustainable future.
PubMed: 38897456
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173984 -
Metabolic Engineering Jun 2024Monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) are a group of plant-derived natural products with high-value medicinal properties. However, their availability for clinical...
Monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) are a group of plant-derived natural products with high-value medicinal properties. However, their availability for clinical application is limited due to challenges in plant extraction. Microbial production has emerged as a promising strategy to meet the clinical demands for MIAs. The biosynthetic pathway of cis-trans nepetalactol, which serves as the universal iridoid scaffold for all MIAs, has been successfully identified and reconstituted. However, bottlenecks and challenges remain to construct a high-yielding platform strain for cis-trans nepetalactol production, which is vital for subsequent MIAs biosynthesis. In the present study, we focused on engineering of Pichia pastoris cell factories to enhance the production of geraniol, 8-hydroxygeraniol, and cis-trans nepetalactol. By targeting the biosynthetic pathway from acetyl-CoA to geraniol in both peroxisomes and cytoplasm, we achieved comparable geraniol titers in both compartments. Through protein engineering, we found that either G8H or CPR truncation increased the production of 8-hydroxygeraniol, with a 47.8-fold and 14.0-fold increase in the peroxisomal and cytosolic pathway strain, respectively. Furthermore, through a combination of dynamical control of ERG20, precursor and cofactor supply engineering, diploid engineering, and dual subcellular compartmentalization engineering, we achieved the highest ever reported production of cis-trans nepetalactol, with a titer of 4429.4 mg/L using fed-batch fermentation in a 5-L bioreactor. We anticipate our systematic metabolic engineering strategies to facilitate the development of P. pastoris cell factories for sustainable production of MIAs and other plant natural products.
PubMed: 38897449
DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2024.06.007