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Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been widely utilized as a disinfection strategy to effectively eliminate various pathogens. The disinfection task achieves complete...
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been widely utilized as a disinfection strategy to effectively eliminate various pathogens. The disinfection task achieves complete coverage of object surfaces by planning the motion trajectory of autonomous mobile robots and the UVC irradiation strategy. This introduces an additional layer of complexity to path planning, as every point on the surface of the object must receive a certain dose of irradiation. Nevertheless, the considerable dosage required for virus inactivation often leads to substantial energy consumption and dose redundancy in disinfection tasks, presenting challenges for the implementation of robots in large-scale environments. Optimizing energy consumption of light sources has become a primary concern in disinfection planning, particularly in large-scale settings. Addressing the inefficiencies associated with dosage redundancy, this study proposes a dose coverage planning framework, utilizing MOPSO to solve the multi-objective optimization model for planning UVC dose coverage. Diverging from conventional path planning methodologies, our approach prioritizes the intrinsic characteristics of dose accumulation, integrating a UVC light efficiency factor to mitigate dose redundancy with the aim of reducing energy expenditure and enhancing the efficiency of robotic disinfection. Empirical trials conducted with autonomous disinfecting robots in real-world settings have corroborated the efficacy of this model in deactivating viruses.
PubMed: 38894209
DOI: 10.3390/s24113418 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024L. possesses abundant germplasm resources and holds significant value in terms of ornamental, edible, and medicinal aspects. However, the quality characteristics vary...
L. possesses abundant germplasm resources and holds significant value in terms of ornamental, edible, and medicinal aspects. However, the quality characteristics vary significantly depending on different varieties. Selection of a high-quality variety with a characteristic aroma can increase the economic value of flowers. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is an effective decision-making method for comparing and evaluating multiple characteristic dimensions. By applying AHP, the aromatic character of 60 varieties of flowers were analyzed and evaluated in the present study. Headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was employed to identify volatile components in flowers. Thirteen volatile components were found to contribute to the aroma of flowers, which helps in assessing their potential applications in essential oil, aromatherapy, and medical treatment. These components include 2-phenylethanol, geraniol, linalool, nonanal, decanal, (E)--ocimene, α-farnesene, indole, nerolidol, 3-furanmethanol, 3-carene, benzaldehyde and benzenemethanol. The varieties with better aromatic potential can be selected from a large amount of data using an AHP model. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the aroma components in flowers, offers guidance for breeding, and enhances the economic value of flowers.
Topics: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Volatile Organic Compounds; Solid Phase Microextraction; Flowers; Odorants; Acyclic Monoterpenes; Oils, Volatile; Sesquiterpenes; Phenylethyl Alcohol; Alkenes; Indoles
PubMed: 38893586
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112712 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024We present the synthesis of a cross-linking enzyme aggregate (CLEAS) of a peroxidase from (Guinea Grass) (GGP). The biocatalyst was produced using 50%/ ethanol and...
We present the synthesis of a cross-linking enzyme aggregate (CLEAS) of a peroxidase from (Guinea Grass) (GGP). The biocatalyst was produced using 50%/ ethanol and 0.88%/ glutaraldehyde for 1 h under stirring. The immobilization yield was 93.74% and the specific activity was 36.75 U mg. The biocatalyst surpassed by 61% the free enzyme activity at the optimal pH value (pH 6 for both preparations), becoming this increase in activity almost 10-fold at pH 9. GGP-CLEAS exhibited a higher thermal stability (2-4 folds) and was more stable towards hydrogen peroxide than the free enzyme (2-3 folds). GGP-CLEAS removes over 80% of 0.05 mM indigo carmine at pH 5, in the presence of 0.55 mM HO after 60 min of reaction, a much higher value than when using the free enzyme. The operational stability showed a decrease of enzyme activity (over 60% in 4 cycles), very likely related to suicide inhibition.
Topics: Indigo Carmine; Peroxidase; Enzymes, Immobilized; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hydrogen Peroxide; Enzyme Stability; Cross-Linking Reagents; Temperature; Glutaral
PubMed: 38893568
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112696 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Herein, a new, direct paper-based fluorimetric method is described for the quantitative determination of glutathione (GSH) molecules in nutritional supplements. Briefly,...
Herein, a new, direct paper-based fluorimetric method is described for the quantitative determination of glutathione (GSH) molecules in nutritional supplements. Briefly, the proposed analytical method is based on the fluorescence emission resulting from the direct and selective chemical reaction of GSH molecules with the derivatization reagent that is o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) in acidic conditions at room temperature. The intensity of the emitted fluorescence on the surface of the analytical paper devices after irradiation with a lamp at 365 nm is proportional to the concentration of GSH and is measured using a smartphone as the detector. This methodology, which is suitable for measurements in laboratories with limited resources, does not require specialized instrumentation or trained personnel. The protocol governing the proposed method is simple and easily applicable. Essentially, the chemical analyst should adjust the value of pH on the surface of the paper by adding a minimal amount of buffer solution; then, after adding a few microliters of the derivatization reagent, wait for the surface of the paper to dry and, finally, add the analyte. Subsequently, the irradiation of the sensor and the measurement of the emitted fluorescence can be recorded with a mobile phone. In the present study, several parameters affecting the chemical reaction and the emitted fluorescence were optimized, the effect of interfering compounds that may be present in dietary supplements was examined, and the stability of these paper sensors under different storage conditions was evaluated. Additionally, the chemical stability of these paper devices in various maintenance conditions was studied, with satisfactory results. The detection limit calculated as 3.3 S/N was 20.5 μmol L, while the precision of the method was satisfactory, ranging from 3.1% (intra-day) to 7.3% (inter-day). Finally, the method was successfully applied to three different samples of dietary supplements.
Topics: o-Phthalaldehyde; Dietary Supplements; Fluorometry; Paper; Glutathione; Spectrometry, Fluorescence
PubMed: 38893425
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112550 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024The microbiome of the ocular surface has been characterised, but only limited information is available on a possible silent intraocular microbial colonisation in normal...
The microbiome of the ocular surface has been characterised, but only limited information is available on a possible silent intraocular microbial colonisation in normal eyes. Therefore, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 16S rDNA genes in the aqueous humour. The aqueous humour was sampled from three patients during cataract surgery. Air swabs, conjunctival swabs from patients as well as from healthy donors served as controls. Following DNA extraction, the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rDNA gene were amplified and sequenced followed by denoising. The resulting Amplicon Sequence Variants were matched to a subset of the Ribosomal Database Project 16S database. The deduced bacterial community was then statistically analysed. The DNA content in all samples was low (0-1.49 ng/µL) but sufficient for analysis. The main phyla in the samples were (48%), (26%), (14%), (8%), and (2%). Patients' conjunctival control samples and anterior chamber fluid showed similar patterns of bacterial species containing many waterborne species. Non-disinfected samples showed a different bacterial spectrum than the air swab samples. The data confirm the existence of an ocular surface microbiome. Meanwhile, a distinct intraocular microbiome was not discernible from the background, suggesting the absence of an intraocular microbiome in normal eyes.
Topics: Humans; Aqueous Humor; Microbiota; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Bacteria; DNA, Bacterial; Male; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 38892316
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116128 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Viral pathogens pose a substantial threat to public health and necessitate the development of effective remediation and antiviral strategies. This short communication...
Viral pathogens pose a substantial threat to public health and necessitate the development of effective remediation and antiviral strategies. This short communication aimed to investigate the antiviral efficacy of disinfectants on the surface proteins of human pathogenic viruses. Using in silico modeling, the ligand-binding energies (LBEs) of selected disinfectants were predicted and combined with their environmental impacts and costs through an eco-pharmaco-economic analysis (EPEA). The results revealed that the binding affinities of chemical disinfectants to viral proteins varied significantly ( < 0.005). Rutin demonstrated promising broad-spectrum antiviral efficacy with an LBE of -8.49 ± 0.92 kcal/mol across all tested proteins. Additionally, rutin showed a superior eco-pharmaco-economic profile compared to the other chemicals, effectively balancing high antiviral effectiveness, moderate environmental impact, and affordability. These findings highlight rutin as a key phytochemical for use in remediating viral contaminants.
Topics: Disinfectants; Antiviral Agents; Rutin; Humans; Computer Simulation; Viruses; Viral Proteins; Molecular Docking Simulation; Membrane Proteins; Protein Binding
PubMed: 38892197
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116009 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Foodborne diseases can be attributed not only to contamination with bacterial or fungal pathogens but also their associated toxins. Thus, to maintain food safety,...
Foodborne diseases can be attributed not only to contamination with bacterial or fungal pathogens but also their associated toxins. Thus, to maintain food safety, innovative decontamination techniques for toxins are required. We previously demonstrated that an atmospheric-pressure dielectric-barrier discharge (APDBD) plasma generated by a roller conveyer plasma device is effective at inactivating bacteria and fungi in foods. Here, we have further examined whether the roller conveyer plasma device can be used to degrade toxins produced by foodborne bacterial pathogens, including aflatoxin, Shiga toxins (Stx1 and Stx2), enterotoxin B and cereulide. Each toxin was spotted onto an aluminum plate, allowed to dry, and then treated with APDBD plasma applied by the roller conveyer plasma device for different time periods. Assessments were conducted using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results demonstrate a significant time-dependent decrease in the levels of these toxins. ELISA showed that aflatoxin B concentrations were reduced from 308.6 µg/mL to 74.4 µg/mL within 1 min. For Shiga toxins, Stx1 decreased from 913.8 µg/mL to 65.1 µg/mL, and Stx2 from 2309.0 µg/mL to 187.6 µg/mL within the same time frame (1 min). Enterotoxin B levels dropped from 62.67 µg/mL to 1.74 µg/mL at 15 min, and 1.43 µg/mL at 30 min, but did not display a significant decrease within 5 min. LC-MS/MS analysis verified that cereulide was reduced to below the detection limit following 30 min of APDBD plasma treatment. Taken together, these findings highlight that a range of foodborne toxins can be degraded by a relatively short exposure to plasma generated by an APDBD using a roller conveyer device. This technology offers promising advancements in food safety, providing a novel method to alleviate toxin contamination in the food processing industry.
Topics: Atmospheric Pressure; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Enterotoxins; Depsipeptides; Food Microbiology; Chromatography, Liquid; Foodborne Diseases; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Food Contamination; Plasma Gases; Aflatoxin B1
PubMed: 38892174
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115986 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024In the face of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, characterized by the virus's rapid mutation rates, developing timely and targeted therapeutic and diagnostic interventions...
In the face of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, characterized by the virus's rapid mutation rates, developing timely and targeted therapeutic and diagnostic interventions presents a significant challenge. This study utilizes bioinformatic analyses to pinpoint conserved genomic regions within SARS-CoV-2, offering a strategic advantage in the fight against this and future pathogens. Our approach has enabled the creation of a diagnostic assay that is not only rapid, reliable, and cost-effective but also possesses a remarkable capacity to detect a wide array of current and prospective variants with unmatched precision. The significance of our findings lies in the demonstration that focusing on these conserved genomic sequences can significantly enhance our preparedness for and response to emerging infectious diseases. By providing a blueprint for the development of versatile diagnostic tools and therapeutics, this research paves the way for a more effective global pandemic response strategy.
Topics: SARS-CoV-2; Genome, Viral; COVID-19; Humans; Computational Biology; Conserved Sequence; Pandemics
PubMed: 38891951
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115764 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024(IIIb) is frequently isolated from reptiles and less frequently from birds and mammals. However, its isolation from invasive human infections has not been widely...
(IIIb) is frequently isolated from reptiles and less frequently from birds and mammals. However, its isolation from invasive human infections has not been widely reported. Migratory mallard ducks are excellent bioindicators of pathogen presence and pathogen antibiotic resistance (AMR). We present the first isolation from a mallard duck in central Europe of the antibiotic-resistant subsp. with the unique antigenic pattern 58:r:z and report its whole-genome sequencing, serosequencing, and genotyping, which enabled the prediction of its pathogenicity and comparison with phenotypic AMR. The isolated strain was highly similar to isolated from humans and food. Twenty-four AMR genes were detected, including those encoding aminoglycoside, fluoroquinolone, macrolide, carbapenem, tetracycline, cephalosporin, nitroimidazole, peptide antibiotic, and disinfecting agent/antiseptic resistance. Six pathogenicity islands were found (SPI-1, SPI-2, SPI-3, SPI-5, SPI-9, and SPI-13). An iron transport system was detected in SPI-1 centisome C63PI. Plasmid profile analyses showed three to be present. Sequence mutations in the and genes were noted, which truncated and elongated the proteins, respectively. The strain also harbored genes encoding type-III secretion-system effector proteins and many virulence factors found in associated with human infections. This study aims to elucidate the AMR and virulence genes in subsp. that may most seriously threaten human health.
Topics: Animals; Ducks; Humans; Salmonella; Whole Genome Sequencing; Genomic Islands; Salmonella Infections, Animal; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Salmonella enterica; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Genome, Bacterial; Phylogeny; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Plasmids
PubMed: 38891852
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115664 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Infants and young animals often suffer from intestinal damage caused by oxidative stress, which may adversely affect their overall health. Hydroxytyrosol, a plant...
Infants and young animals often suffer from intestinal damage caused by oxidative stress, which may adversely affect their overall health. Hydroxytyrosol, a plant polyphenol, has shown potential in decreasing intestinal oxidative stress, but its application and mechanism of action in infants and young animals are still inadequately documented. This study selected piglets as a model to investigate the alleviating effects of hydroxytyrosol on intestinal oxidative stress induced by diquat and its potential mechanism. Hydroxytyrosol improved intestinal morphology, characterized by higher villus height and villus height/crypt depth. Meanwhile, hydroxytyrosol led to higher expression of Occludin, MUC2, Nrf2, and its downstream genes, and lower expression of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Both oxidative stress and hydroxytyrosol resulted in a higher abundance of , and a lower abundance of and , without a significant effect on short-chain fatty acids levels. Oxidative stress also led to disorders in bile acid (BA) metabolism, such as the lower levels of primary BAs, hyocholic acid, hyodeoxycholic acid, and tauroursodeoxycholic acid, which were partially restored by hydroxytyrosol. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between these BA levels and the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream genes. Collectively, hydroxytyrosol may reduce oxidative stress-induced intestinal damage by regulating BA metabolism.
Topics: Animals; Oxidative Stress; Phenylethyl Alcohol; Swine; Bile Acids and Salts; Intestinal Mucosa; Intestines; Disease Models, Animal; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; NF-E2-Related Factor 2
PubMed: 38891778
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115590