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Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Rice blast, a prevalent and highly destructive rice disease that significantly impacts rice yield, is caused by the rice blast fungus. In the present study, a strain...
Rice blast, a prevalent and highly destructive rice disease that significantly impacts rice yield, is caused by the rice blast fungus. In the present study, a strain named MTC-8, identified as , was demonstrated has strong antagonistic activity against the rice blast fungus, , and . The potential biocontrol agents were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis and chromatography. Further investigations elucidated the inhibitory mechanism of the isolated compound and demonstrated its ability to suppress spore germination, alter hyphal morphology, disrupt cell membrane integrity, and induce defense-related gene expression in rice. MTC-8 promoted plant growth and may lead to the development of a biocontrol agent that meets agricultural standards. Overall, the MTC-8 strain exerted beneficial effects on plant growth, immunity and disease resistance against rice blast fungus. In this study, we isolated and purified a bioactive substance from fermentation broth, and the results provide a foundation for the development and application of biopesticides. Elucidation of the inhibitory mechanism against rice blast fungus provides theoretical support for the identification of molecular targets. The successful development of a biocontrol agent lays the groundwork for its practical application in agriculture.
PubMed: 38933037
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1422476 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Tibetan tea changes during microorganism fermentation. Research on microorganisms in Tibetan tea has focused on their identification, while studies on the influence of...
Tibetan tea changes during microorganism fermentation. Research on microorganisms in Tibetan tea has focused on their identification, while studies on the influence of specific microorganisms on the components and health functions of Tibetan tea are lacking. was inoculated into Tibetan tea for intensive fermentation, and the components of -fermented tea (BLT) were detected by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TOF-MS), and then the effects of BLT on intestinal probiotic functions were investigated by experiments on mice. The results revealed the metabolites of BLT include polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, amino acids, and lipids. Intensified fermentation also improved the antioxidant capacity and the protective effect on the intestinal barrier of Tibetan tea. In addition, the enhanced fermentation of Tibetan tea exerted intestinal probiotic effects by modulating the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria in the intestinal flora. Therefore, intensive fermentation with can improve the health benefits of Tibetan tea.
PubMed: 38933031
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1376757 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Major depressive disorder (MDD) pathogenesis may involve metalloids in a significant way. The aim of our study was to identify potential links between MDD and metalloid...
BACKGROUND
Major depressive disorder (MDD) pathogenesis may involve metalloids in a significant way. The aim of our study was to identify potential links between MDD and metalloid elements [boron (B), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb)].
METHODS
A total of 72 MDD cases and 75 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited from Zhumadian Second People's Hospital in Henan Province, China. The levels of four metallic elements (B, Ge, As, and Sb) in the serum and urine were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
RESULTS
In comparison to the HCs, the B, As, and Sb levels were considerably lower in the MDD group ( < 0.05) in the serum; the MDD group had significantly higher ( < 0.05) and significantly lower ( < 0.001) B and Sb levels in the urine. After adjusting for potential confounders, serum B (OR = 0.120; 95% CI, 0.048, 0.300; < 0.001) and Sb (OR = 0.133; 95% CI, 0.055, 0.322; < 0.001) showed a negative correlation with MDD. Urine B had a negative correlation (OR = 0.393; 95% CI, 0.193, 0.801; = 0.01) with MDD, while urine Sb had a positive correlation (OR = 3.335; 95% CI, 1.654, 6.726; = 0.001) with MDD.
CONCLUSION
Our current research offers insightful hints for future investigation into the function of metalloids in connection to MDD processes.
PubMed: 38932939
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1403852 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Pollution has emerged as a significant threat to humanity, necessitating a thorough evaluation of its impacts. As a result, various methods for human biomonitoring have... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Pollution has emerged as a significant threat to humanity, necessitating a thorough evaluation of its impacts. As a result, various methods for human biomonitoring have been proposed as vital tools for assessing, managing, and mitigating exposure risks. Among these methods, urine stands out as the most commonly analyzed biological sample and the primary matrix for biomonitoring studies.
OBJECTIVES
This review concentrates on exploring the literature concerning residual pesticide determination in urine, utilizing liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and its practical applications.
METHOD
The examination focused on methods developed since 2010. Additionally, applications reported between 2015 and 2022 were thoroughly reviewed, utilizing Web of Science as a primary resource.
SYNTHESIS
Recent advancements in chromatography-mass spectrometry technology have significantly enhanced the development of multi-residue methods. These determinations are now capable of simultaneously detecting numerous pesticide residues from various chemical and use classes. Furthermore, these methods encompass analytes from a variety of environmental contaminants, offering a comprehensive approach to biomonitoring. These methodologies have been employed across diverse perspectives, including toxicological studies, assessing pesticide exposure in the general population, occupational exposure among farmers, pest control workers, horticulturists, and florists, as well as investigating consequences during pregnancy and childhood, neurodevelopmental impacts, and reproductive disorders.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Such strategies were essential in examining the health risks associated with exposure to complex mixtures, including pesticides and other relevant compounds, thereby painting a broader and more accurate picture of human exposure. Moreover, the implementation of integrated strategies, involving international research initiatives and biomonitoring programs, is crucial to optimize resource utilization, enhancing efficiency in health risk assessment.
Topics: Humans; Pesticide Residues; Biological Monitoring; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Mass Spectrometry; Environmental Exposure; Chromatography, Liquid
PubMed: 38932775
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1336014 -
Vaccines Jun 2024Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan , remains a major public health challenge affecting millions in Latin America and worldwide. Although significant progress has...
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan , remains a major public health challenge affecting millions in Latin America and worldwide. Although significant progress has been made in vector control, no vaccine exists to prevent infection or mitigate disease pathogenesis. We developed a rationally designed chimeric protein vaccine, N-Tc52/TSkb20, incorporating immunodominant epitopes from two antigens, the amino-terminal portion of Tc52 and the TSkb20 epitope derived from trans-sialidase. The objectives of this study were to construct and characterize the antigen and evaluate its protective potential in an immunoprophylactic murine model of infection. The N-Tc52/TSkb20 protein was recombinantly expressed in and its identity was confirmed using mass spectrometry and Western blotting. Immunization with the chimeric protein significantly controlled parasitemia and reduced the heart, colon, and skeletal muscle parasite burdens compared to non-vaccinated mice. Protection was superior to vaccination with the individual parental antigen components. Mechanistically, the vaccine induced potent CD8+ T-cell and IFNγ responses against the incorporated epitopes and a protective IgG antibody profile. A relatively low IL-10 response favored early parasite control. These results validate the promising multi-epitope approach and support the continued development of this type of rational vaccine design strategy against Chagas disease.
PubMed: 38932350
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060621 -
Vaccines Jun 2024Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is an allergic, inflammatory, and pruritic skin disease associated with the production of IgE antibodies against environmental allergens...
Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is an allergic, inflammatory, and pruritic skin disease associated with the production of IgE antibodies against environmental allergens and mainly house dust mite allergens. This complex dermatological pathology involves Interleukin 31 (IL-31) as a central itch mediator. One of the most effective CAD treatments is a caninized monoclonal antibody (mAb) called Lokivetmab. It is produced in CHO cells and targets specifically canine IL-31 (cIL-31) and blocks its cellular messaging. This treatment has undoubtedly contributed to a breakthrough in dermatitis-related pruritus. However, its production in mammalian cells requires time-consuming procedures, high production costs, and investment. Plants are considered an emerging protein production platform for recombinant biopharmaceuticals due to their cost-effectiveness and rapidity for production. Here, we use transient expression in plants to produce recombinant canine Interleukin 31 (cIL-31) and an anti-IL-31 monoclonal antibody (M1). First, we describe the production and characterization of M1 and then its activity on an IL-31-induced pruritic model in dogs compared to its commercial homolog. Dogs treated with the plant-made M1 mAb have shown similar improvements to Lokivetmab-treated ones after different challenges using canine IL-31. Furthermore, M1 injections were not associated with any side effects. These results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this plant-made Lokivetmab biosimilar to control dogs' pruritus in a well-established model. Finally, this study shows that the plant-production platform can be utilized to produce rapidly functional mAbs and bring hope to the immunotherapy field of veterinary medicine.
PubMed: 38932349
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060620 -
Viruses Jun 2024African swine fever (ASF) is an acute, hemorrhagic, highly contagious disease in pigs caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). Our previous study identified that the...
African swine fever (ASF) is an acute, hemorrhagic, highly contagious disease in pigs caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). Our previous study identified that the ASFV MGF300-2R protein functions as a virulence factor and found that MGF300-2R degrades IKK via selective autophagy. However, the E3 ubiquitin ligase responsible for IKK ubiquitination during autophagic degradation still remains unknown. In order to solve this problem, we first pulled down 328 proteins interacting with MGF300-2R through immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry. Next, we analyzed and confirmed the interaction between the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21 and MGF300-2R and demonstrated the catalytic role of TRIM21 in IKK ubiquitination. Finally, we indicated that the degradation of IKK by MGF300-2R was dependent on TRIM21. In summary, our results indicate TRIM21 is the E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in the degradation of IKK by MGF300-2R, thereby augmenting our understanding of the functions of MGF300-2R and offering insights into the rational design of live attenuated vaccines and antiviral strategies against ASF.
Topics: Animals; African Swine Fever Virus; Ubiquitination; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases; Swine; I-kappa B Kinase; Ribonucleoproteins; Viral Proteins; African Swine Fever; Humans; HEK293 Cells; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Virulence Factors; Autophagy; Protein Binding
PubMed: 38932241
DOI: 10.3390/v16060949 -
Viruses Jun 2024The genomes of positive-sense (+) single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses are believed to be subjected to a wide range of RNA modifications. In this study, we focused on the...
The genomes of positive-sense (+) single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses are believed to be subjected to a wide range of RNA modifications. In this study, we focused on the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) as a model (+) ssRNA virus to study the landscape of viral RNA modification in infected human cells. Among the 32 distinct RNA modifications analysed by mass spectrometry, inosine was found enriched in the genomic CHIKV RNA. However, orthogonal validation by Illumina RNA-seq analyses did not identify any inosine modification along the CHIKV RNA genome. Moreover, CHIKV infection did not alter the expression of ADAR1 isoforms, the enzymes that catalyse the adenosine to inosine conversion. Together, this study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to assess the presence of RNA modifications in viral RNA genomes.
Topics: Chikungunya virus; Humans; RNA, Viral; RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; Transcriptome; Genome, Viral; Chikungunya Fever; Inosine; RNA-Binding Proteins; Adenosine; Adenosine Deaminase
PubMed: 38932237
DOI: 10.3390/v16060945 -
Polymers Jun 2024Polymers have a wide range of applications depending on their composition, size, and architecture. Varying any of these three characteristics can greatly impact the...
Polymers have a wide range of applications depending on their composition, size, and architecture. Varying any of these three characteristics can greatly impact the resulting chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. While many techniques are available to determine polymer composition and size, determining the exact polymer architecture is more challenging. Herein, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) methods are utilized to derive crucial architectural information about dithiol-yne comb polymers. Based on their unique fragmentation products and IM drift times, dithiol-yne oligomers with distinct architectures were successfully differentiated and characterized. Additionally, experimental collision cross-sections (Ω) derived via IM-MS were compared to theoretically extracted Ω values from molecular dynamics simulated structures to deduce the architectural motif of these comb oligomers. Overall, this work demonstrates the benefits of combining various mass spectrometry techniques in order to gain a complete understanding of a complex polymer mixture.
PubMed: 38932016
DOI: 10.3390/polym16121665 -
Pharmaceutics Jun 2024Nanocapsules provide selective delivery and increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. In this study, we examined the anticancer and immunomodulatory potential...
Nanocapsules provide selective delivery and increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. In this study, we examined the anticancer and immunomodulatory potential of (crajiru) extract encapsulated in nanocapsules targeting myeloid leukemias. Nanocapsules containing crajiru (nanocapsules-CRJ) were prepared via interfacial polymer deposition and solvent displacement. Size and polydispersity were measured by dynamic light scattering. Biological assays were performed on leukemia cell lines HL60 and K562 and on non-cancerous Vero cells and human PBMC. The anticancer activity was evaluated using cytotoxicity and clonogenic assays, while the immunomodulatory activity was evaluated by measuring the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in PBMC supernatants treated with concentrations of nanocapsules-CRJ. Nanocapsules-CRJ exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against HL60 and K562 cells at concentrations ranging from 0.75 to 50 μg/mL, with the greatest reductions in cell viability observed at 50 μg/mL ( < 0.001 for HL60; < 0.01 for K562), while not affecting non-cancerous Vero cells and human PBMCs. At concentrations of 25 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL, nanocapsules-CRJ reduced the formation of HL60 and K562 colonies by more than 90% ( < 0.0001). Additionally, at a concentration of 12 μg/mL, nanocapsules-CRJ induced the production of the cytokines IL-6 ( = 0.0002), IL-10 ( = 0.0005), IL-12 ( = 0.001), and TNF-α ( = 0.005), indicating their immunomodulatory potential. These findings suggest that nanocapsules-CRJ hold promise as a potential therapeutic agent with both cytotoxic and immunomodulatory properties.
PubMed: 38931948
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060828