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Scientific Reports Apr 2024An essential research area for scientists is the development of high-performing, inexpensive, non-toxic antibacterial materials that prevent the transfer of bacteria. In...
An essential research area for scientists is the development of high-performing, inexpensive, non-toxic antibacterial materials that prevent the transfer of bacteria. In this study, pure BiWO and BiWO/MWCNTs nanocomposite were prepared by hydrothermal method. A series of characterization results by using XRD FTIR, Raman, FESEM, TEM, and EDS analyses, reveal the formation of orthorhombic nanoflakes BiWO by the addition of NaOH and pH adjustment to 7. Compared to pure BiWO, the BiWO/MWCNTs nanocomposite exhibited that CNTs are efficiently embedded into the structure of BiWO which results in charge transfer between metal ion electrons and the conduction or valence band of BiWO and MWCNTs and result in shifting to longer wavelength as shown in UV-visible and PL. The results confirmed that MWCNTs are stuck to the surface of the microflowers, and some of them embedded inside the BiWO nanoflakes without affecting the structure of BiWO nanoflakes as demonstrated by TEM. In addition, Pure BiWO and the BiWO/MWCNTs nanocomposite were tested against P. mirabilis and S. mutans., confirming the effect of addition MWCNTs materials had better antibacterial activity in opposition to both bacterial strains than pure BiWO. Besides, pure BiWO and the BiWO/MWCNTs nanocomposite tested for cytotoxicity against lung MTT test on Hep-G2 liver cancer cells, and flow-cytometry. Results indicated that pure BiWO and the BiWO/MWCNTs nanocomposite have significant anti-cancer efficacy against Hep-G2 cells in vitro. In addition, the findings demonstrated that BiWO and BiWO/MWCNTs triggered cell death via increasing ROS. Based on these findings, it appears that pure BiWO and the BiWO/MWCNTs nanocomposite have the potential to be developed as nanotherapeutics for the treatment of bacterial infections, and liver cancer.
Topics: Nanocomposites; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Antineoplastic Agents; Bismuth; Tungsten Compounds; Nanotubes, Carbon; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Cell Survival; Hep G2 Cells
PubMed: 38664493
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58751-y -
Marine Biotechnology (New York, N.Y.) Jun 2024Many organisms incorporate inorganic solids into their tissues to improve functional and mechanical properties. The resulting mineralized tissues are called biominerals....
Many organisms incorporate inorganic solids into their tissues to improve functional and mechanical properties. The resulting mineralized tissues are called biominerals. Several studies have shown that nacreous biominerals induce osteoblastic extracellular mineralization. Among them, Pinctada margaritifera is well known for the ability of its organic matrix to stimulate bone cells. In this context, we aimed to study the effects of shell extracts from three other Pinctada species (Pinctada radiata, Pinctada maxima, and Pinctada fucata) on osteoblastic extracellular matrix mineralization, by using an in vitro model of mouse osteoblastic precursor cells (MC3T3-E1). For a better understanding of the Pinctada-bone mineralization relationship, we evaluated the effects of 4 other nacreous mollusks that are phylogenetically distant and distinct from the Pinctada genus. In addition, we tested 12 non-nacreous mollusks and one extra-group. Biomineral shell powders were prepared, and their organic matrix was partially extracted using ethanol. Firstly, the effect of these powders and extracts was assessed on the viability of MC3T3-E1. Our results indicated that neither the powder nor the ethanol-soluble matrix (ESM) affected cell viability at low concentrations. Then, we evaluated osteoblastic mineralization using Alizarin Red staining and we found a prominent MC3T3-E1 mineralization mainly induced by nacreous biominerals, especially those belonging to the Pinctada genus. However, few non-nacreous biominerals were also able to stimulate the extracellular mineralization. Overall, our findings validate the remarkable ability of CaCO biomineral extracts to promote bone mineralization. Nevertheless, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to uncover the mechanisms of action of biominerals in bone.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Osteoblasts; Pinctada; Calcium Carbonate; Calcification, Physiologic; Animal Shells; Cell Survival; Cell Line; Extracellular Matrix; Nacre; Biomineralization
PubMed: 38652191
DOI: 10.1007/s10126-024-10316-w -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Malaria remains a global health challenge, necessitating the development of effective vaccines. The RTS,S vaccination prevents (Pf) malaria but is ineffective against...
Malaria remains a global health challenge, necessitating the development of effective vaccines. The RTS,S vaccination prevents (Pf) malaria but is ineffective against (Pv) disease. Herein, we evaluated the murine immunogenicity of a recombinant PvCSP incorporating prevalent polymorphisms, adjuvanted with Alhydrogel or Poly I:C. Both formulations induced prolonged IgG responses, with IgG1 dominance by the Alhydrogel group and high titers of all IgG isotypes by the Poly I:C counterpart. Poly I:C-adjuvanted vaccination increased splenic plasma cells, terminally-differentiated memory cells (MBCs), and precursors relative to the Alhydrogel-combined immunization. Splenic B-cells from Poly I:C-vaccinated mice revealed an antibody-secreting cell- and MBC-differentiating gene expression profile. Biological processes such as antibody folding and secretion were highlighted by the Poly I:C-adjuvanted vaccination. These findings underscore the potential of Poly I:C to strengthen immune responses against Pv malaria.
Topics: Animals; Malaria Vaccines; Protozoan Proteins; Mice; Plasmodium vivax; Antibodies, Protozoan; Poly I-C; Malaria, Vivax; Aluminum Hydroxide; Immunoglobulin G; Female; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Immunity, Humoral; Immunity, Cellular; Mice, Inbred BALB C
PubMed: 38650939
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1331474 -
BMC Medicine Apr 2024The stalling global progress in malaria control highlights the need for novel tools for malaria elimination, including transmission-blocking vaccines.... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The stalling global progress in malaria control highlights the need for novel tools for malaria elimination, including transmission-blocking vaccines. Transmission-blocking vaccines aim to induce human antibodies that block parasite development in the mosquito and mosquitoes becoming infectious. The Pfs48/45 protein is a leading Plasmodium falciparum transmission-blocking vaccine candidate. The R0.6C fusion protein, consisting of Pfs48/45 domain 3 (6C) and the N-terminal region of P. falciparum glutamate-rich protein (R0), has previously been produced in Lactococcus lactis and elicited functional antibodies in rodents. Here, we assess the safety and transmission-reducing efficacy of R0.6C adsorbed to aluminium hydroxide with and without Matrix-M™ adjuvant in humans.
METHODS
In this first-in-human, open-label clinical trial, malaria-naïve adults, aged 18-55 years, were recruited at the Radboudumc in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Participants received four intramuscular vaccinations on days 0, 28, 56 and 168 with either 30 µg or 100 µg of R0.6C and were randomised for the allocation of one of the two different adjuvant combinations: aluminium hydroxide alone, or aluminium hydroxide combined with Matrix-M1™ adjuvant. Adverse events were recorded from inclusion until 84 days after the fourth vaccination. Anti-R0.6C and anti-6C IgG titres were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Transmission-reducing activity of participants' serum and purified vaccine-specific immunoglobulin G was assessed by standard membrane feeding assays using laboratory-reared Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes and cultured P. falciparum gametocytes.
RESULTS
Thirty-one participants completed four vaccinations and were included in the analysis. Administration of all doses was safe and well-tolerated, with one related grade 3 adverse event (transient fever) and no serious adverse events occurring. Anti-R0.6C and anti-6C IgG titres were similar between the 30 and 100 µg R0.6C arms, but higher in Matrix-M1™ arms. Neat participant sera did not induce significant transmission-reducing activity in mosquito feeding experiments, but concentrated vaccine-specific IgGs purified from sera collected two weeks after the fourth vaccination achieved up to 99% transmission-reducing activity.
CONCLUSIONS
R0.6C/aluminium hydroxide with or without Matrix-M1™ is safe, immunogenic and induces functional Pfs48/45-specific transmission-blocking antibodies, albeit at insufficient serum concentrations to result in transmission reduction by neat serum. Future work should focus on identifying alternative vaccine formulations or regimens that enhance functional antibody responses.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT04862416.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Aluminum Hydroxide; Antibodies, Protozoan; Malaria Vaccines; Malaria, Falciparum; Membrane Glycoproteins; Netherlands; Plasmodium falciparum; Protozoan Proteins
PubMed: 38649867
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03379-y -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) provide potent acid inhibition, yet studies on P-CAB-based quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication are limited. We... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Fourteen-day vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication in an area with high clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance: a prospective randomized study (VQ-HP trial).
Potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) provide potent acid inhibition, yet studies on P-CAB-based quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication are limited. We theorized that integrating bismuth subsalicylate into a quadruple therapy regimen could enhance eradication rates. However, data on the efficacy of vonoprazan bismuth quadruple therapy are notably scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy in areas with high clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance. This was a prospective, single-center, randomized trial conducted to compare the efficacy of 7-day and 14-day vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication between June 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. Qualified patients were randomly assigned to the 7-day or 14-day regimen (1:1 ratio by computer-generated randomized list as follows: 51 patients for the 7-day regimen and 50 patients for the 14-day regimen). The regimens consisted of vonoprazan (20 mg) twice daily, bismuth subsalicylate (1024 mg) twice daily, metronidazole (400 mg) three times daily, and tetracycline (500 mg) four times daily. CYP3A4/5 genotyping and antibiotic susceptibility tests were also performed. Successful eradication was defined as negative C-UBTs 4 weeks after treatment. The primary endpoint was to compare the efficacy of 7-day and 14-day regimens as first-line treatments, which were assessed by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. The secondary endpoints included adverse effects. A total of 337 dyspeptic patients who underwent gastroscopy were included; 105 patients (31.1%) were diagnosed with H. pylori infection, and 101 patients were randomly assigned to each regimen. No dropouts were detected. The antibiotic resistance rate was 33.3% for clarithromycin, 29.4% for metronidazole, and 27.7% for levofloxacin. The CYP3A4 genotype was associated with 100% rapid metabolism. The H. pylori eradication rates for the 7-day and 14-day regimens were 84.4%, 95% CI 74.3-94.2 and 94%, 95% CI 87.4-100, respectively (RR difference 0.25, 95% CI 0.03-0.53, p value = 0.11). Interestingly, the 14-day regimen led to 100% eradication in the clarithromycin-resistant group. Among the patients in the 7-day regimen group, only two exhibited resistance to clarithromycin; unfortunately, neither of them achieved a cure from H. pylori infection. The incidence of adverse events was similar in both treatment groups, occurring in 29.4% (15/51) and 28% (14/50) of patients in the 7-day and 14-day regimens, respectively. No serious adverse reactions were reported. In conclusion, 14 days of vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy is highly effective for H. pylori eradication in areas with high levels of dual clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bismuth; Clarithromycin; Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A; Drug Therapy, Combination; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Levofloxacin; Metronidazole; Organometallic Compounds; Prospective Studies; Pyrroles; Salicylates; Sulfonamides; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38637591
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59621-3 -
Open Veterinary Journal Jan 2024Nanoparticles are regarded as magical bullets because of their exclusive features. Recently, the usage of nanoparticles has progressed in almost all aspects of science...
BACKGROUND
Nanoparticles are regarded as magical bullets because of their exclusive features. Recently, the usage of nanoparticles has progressed in almost all aspects of science and technology due to its ability to revolutionize certain fields. In the field of food science and technology, the application of nanoparticles is being researched in many various areas thus provides the dairy industry with a variety of new attitudes for developing the quality, prolong shelf life, ensure the safety and healthiness of foods.
AIM
This study aimed to focus on the application of some inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles (zinc oxide (ZnO), magnesium oxide (MgO), and calcium oxide (CaO)) to control in raw milk and ensure its safety.
METHODS
The antibacterial action of certain nanoparticles (ZnO, MgO, and CaO) with multiple concentrations (0.1, 0.05, 0.025, 0.0125, 0.006, and 0.003 mg/ml) was evaluated against strains in ultra heat treated (UHT) milk samples. Also, storage temperature and storage period effects were studied.
RESULTS
The findings of the current research revealed that inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles had a significant antibacterial role against , in the following order; ZnO, MgO, and CaO, respectively. The antibacterial effect of inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles is more noticeable at lower temperatures.
CONCLUSION
Inorganic metal nanoparticles can be used in the food industry for the purpose of the control of and extension of the shelf life of dairy products
Topics: Animals; Escherichia coli; Zinc Oxide; Magnesium Oxide; Milk; Oxides; Metal Nanoparticles; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Calcium Compounds
PubMed: 38633155
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i1.49 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024The main challenge in the large-scale application of MICP lies in its low efficiency and promoting biofilm growth can effectively address this problem. In the present...
The main challenge in the large-scale application of MICP lies in its low efficiency and promoting biofilm growth can effectively address this problem. In the present study, a prediction model was proposed using the response surface method. With the prediction model, optimum concentrations of nutrients in the medium can be obtained. Moreover, the optimized medium was compared with other media via bio-cementation tests. The results show that this prediction model was accurate and effective, and the predicted results were close to the measured results. By using the prediction model, the optimized culture media was determined (20.0 g/l yeast extract, 10.0 g/l polypeptone, 5.0 g/l ammonium sulfate, and 10.0 g/l NaCl). Furthermore, the optimized medium significantly promoted the growth of biofilm compared to other media. In the medium, the effect of polypeptone on biofilm growth was smaller than the effect of yeast extract and increasing the concentration of polypeptone was not beneficial in promoting biofilm growth. In addition, the sand column solidified with the optimized medium had the highest strength and the largest calcium carbonate contents. The prediction model represents a platform technology that leverages culture medium to impart novel sensing, adjustive, and responsive multifunctionality to structural materials in the civil engineering and material engineering fields.
Topics: Cementation; Calcium Carbonate; Sand; Chemical Precipitation
PubMed: 38627410
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58063-1 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Salinity is an environmental stress that severely impacts rice grain yield and quality. However, limited information is available on the molecular mechanism by which...
Salinity is an environmental stress that severely impacts rice grain yield and quality. However, limited information is available on the molecular mechanism by which salinity reduces grain quality. In this study, we investigated the milling, appearance, eating and cooking, and nutritional quality among three japonica rice cultivars grown either under moderate salinity with an electrical conductivity of 4 dS/m or under non-saline conditions in a paddy field in Dongying, Shandong, China. Moderate salinity affected rice appearance quality predominantly by increasing chalkiness rate and chalkiness degree and affected rice eating and cooking and nutritional quality predominantly by decreasing amylose content and increasing protein content. We compared the expression levels of genes determining grain chalkiness, amylose content, and protein content in developing seeds (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 days after flowering) of plants grown under saline or non-saline conditions. The chalkiness-related gene was up-regulated and was repressed. The genes and which determine amylose content, were downregulated, while protein-content-associated genes and were upregulated by salinity in the developing seeds. These findings suggest some target genes that may be utilized to improve the grain quality under salinity stress conditions via gene-pyramiding breeding approaches.
Topics: Oryza; Amylose; Plant Breeding; Salt Stress; Seeds; Calcium Carbonate; Edible Grain; Methamphetamine
PubMed: 38612852
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074042 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Alkaline earth metal oxide (MgO, CaO, SrO) catalysts supported on BEA zeolite were prepared by a wet impregnation method and tested in the transesterification reaction...
Biodiesel Production by Methanolysis of Rapeseed Oil-Influence of SiO/AlO Ratio in BEA Zeolite Structure on Physicochemical and Catalytic Properties of Zeolite Systems with Alkaline Earth Oxides (MgO, CaO, SrO).
Alkaline earth metal oxide (MgO, CaO, SrO) catalysts supported on BEA zeolite were prepared by a wet impregnation method and tested in the transesterification reaction of rapeseed oil with methanol towards the formation of biodiesel (FAMEs-fatty acid methyl esters). To assess the influence of the SiO/AlO ratio on the catalytic activity in the tested reaction, a BEA zeolite carrier material with different Si/Al ratios was used. The prepared catalysts were tested in the transesterification reaction at temperatures of 180 °C and 220 °C using a molar ratio of methanol/oil reagents of 9:1. The transesterification process was carried out for 2 h with the catalyst mass of 0.5 g. The oil conversion value and efficiency towards FAME formation were determined using the HPLC technique. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were determined using the following research techniques: CO-TPD, XRD, BET, FTIR, and SEM-EDS. The results of the catalytic activity showed that higher activity in the tested process was confirmed for the catalysts supported on the BEA zeolite characterized by the highest silica/alumina ratio for the reaction carried out at a temperature of 220 °C. The most active zeolite catalyst was the 10% CaO/BEA system (Si/Al = 300), which showed the highest triglyceride (TG) conversion of 90.5% and the second highest FAME yield of 94.6% in the transesterification reaction carried out at 220 °C. The high activity of this system is associated with its alkalinity, high value of the specific surface area, the size of the active phase crystallites, and its characteristic sorption properties in relation to methanol.
Topics: Biofuels; Magnesium Oxide; Methanol; Rapeseed Oil; Silicon Dioxide; Zeolites; Fatty Acids; Oxides
PubMed: 38612389
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073570 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024α-Dicarbonyls are significant degradation products resulting from the Maillard reaction during food processing. Their presence in foods can indicate the extent of heat...
α-Dicarbonyls are significant degradation products resulting from the Maillard reaction during food processing. Their presence in foods can indicate the extent of heat exposure, processing treatments, and storage conditions. Moreover, they may be useful in providing insights into the potential antibacterial and antioxidant activity of U.S. honey. Despite their importance, the occurrence of α-dicarbonyls in honey produced in the United States has not been extensively studied. This study aims to assess the concentrations of α-dicarbonyls in honey samples from different regions across the United States. The identification and quantification of α-dicarbonyls were conducted using reverse-phase liquid chromatography after derivatization with o-phenylenediamine (OPD) and detected using ultraviolet (UV) and mass spectrometry methods. This study investigated the effects of pH, color, and derivatization reagent on the presence of α-dicarbonyls in honey. The quantification method was validated by estimating the linearity, precision, recovery, method limit of detection, and quantification using known standards for GO, MGO, and 3-DG, respectively. Three major OPD-derivatized α-dicarbonyls including methylglyoxal (MGO), glyoxal (GO), and 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), were quantified in all the honey samples. 3-Deoxyglucosone (3-DG) was identified as the predominant α-dicarbonyl in all the U.S. honey samples, with concentrations ranging from 10.80 to 50.24 mg/kg. The total α-dicarbonyl content ranged from 16.81 to 55.74 mg/kg, with the highest concentration measured for Southern California honey. Our results showed no significant correlation between the total α-dicarbonyl content and the measured pH solutions. Similarly, we found that lower amounts of the OPD reagent are optimal for efficient derivatization of MGO, GO, and 3-DG in honey. Our results also indicated that darker types of honey may contain higher α-dicarbonyl content compared with lighter ones. The method validation results yielded excellent recovery rates for 3-DG (82.5%), MGO (75.8%), and GO (67.0%). The method demonstrated high linearity with a limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) ranging from 0.0015 to 0.002 mg/kg and 0.005 to 0.008 mg/kg, respectively. Our results provide insights into the occurrence and concentrations of α-dicarbonyl compounds in U.S. honey varieties, offering valuable information on their quality and susceptibility to thermal processing effects.
Topics: Honey; Magnesium Oxide; Glyoxal; Pyruvaldehyde; Phenylenediamines
PubMed: 38611866
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071588