scholarly journals Relish as a Candidate Marker for Transgenerational Immune Priming in a Dampwood Termite (Blattodae: Archeotermopsidae)

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
Erin L. Cole ◽  
Jessica S. Empringham ◽  
Colette Biro ◽  
Graham J. Thompson ◽  
Rebeca B. Rosengaus
Keyword(s):  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Immune Priming ◽  
Eusocial Insects ◽  
Antibacterial Assay ◽  
Zootermopsis Angusticollis ◽  
Marker Loci ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Parental Treatment ◽  
Dampwood Termite

Natural selection should favor the transfer of immune competence from one generation to the next in a context-dependent manner. Transgenerational immune priming (TGIP) is expected to evolve when species exploit pathogen-rich environments and exhibit extended overlap of parent–offspring generations. Dampwood termites are hemimetabolous, eusocial insects (Blattodea: Archeotermopsidae) that possess both of these traits. We predict that offspring of pathogen-exposed queens of Zootermopsis angusticollis will show evidence of a primed immune system relative to the offspring of unexposed controls. We found that Relish transcripts, one of two immune marker loci tested, were enhanced in two-day-old embryos when laid by Serratia-injected queens. These data implicate the immune deficiency (IMD) signaling pathway in TGIP. Although an independent antibacterial assay revealed that embryos do express antibacterial properties, these do not vary as a function of parental treatment. Taken together, Z. angusticollis shows transcriptional but not translational evidence for TGIP. This apparent incongruence between the transcriptional and antimicrobial response from termites suggests that effectors are either absent in two-day-old embryos or their activity is too subtle to detect with our antibacterial assay. In total, we provide the first suggestive evidence of transgenerational immune priming in a termite.

scholarly journals Silver Nanoparticles Impair Cognitive Functions and Modify the Hippocampal Level of Neurotransmitters in a Coating-Dependent Manner

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (23) ◽  
pp. 12706
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Dziendzikowska ◽  
Małgorzata Węsierska ◽  
Joanna Gromadzka-Ostrowska ◽  
Jacek Wilczak ◽  
Michał Oczkowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Spatial Memory ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Coating Material ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Avoidance Task ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Memory Functioning ◽  
Place Avoidance ◽  
The Brain

Due to their potent antibacterial properties, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in industry and medicine. However, they can cross the brain–blood barrier, posing a risk to the brain and its functions. In our previous study, we demonstrated that oral administration of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated AgNPs caused an impairment in spatial memory in a dose-independent manner. In this study, we evaluated the effects of AgNPs coating material on cognition, spatial memory functioning, and neurotransmitter levels in rat hippocampus. AgNPs coated with BSA (AgNPs(BSA)), polyethylene glycol (AgNPs(PEG)), or citrate (AgNPs(Cit)) or silver ions (Ag+) were orally administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg b.w. to male Wistar rats for a period of 28 days, while the control (Ctrl) rats received 0.2 mL of water. The acquisition and maintenance of spatial memory related to place avoidance were assessed using the active allothetic place avoidance task, in which rats from AgNPs(BSA), AgNPs(PEG), and Ag+ groups performed worse than the Ctrl rats. In the retrieval test assessing long-term memory, only rats from AgNPs(Cit) and Ctrl groups showed memory maintenance. The analysis of neurotransmitter levels indicated that the ratio between serotonin and dopamine concentration was disturbed in the AgNPs(BSA) rats. Furthermore, treatment with AgNPs or Ag+ resulted in the induction of peripheral inflammation, which was reflected by the alterations in the levels of serum inflammatory mediators. In conclusion, depending on the coating material used for their stabilization, AgNPs induced changes in memory functioning and concentration of neurotransmitters.

scholarly journals NOVEL COMPOSITE OF SILVER-BACTERIAL CELLULOSE (Ag-BC) FROM SIWALAN SAP (Borassus flabellifer) AND ITS ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-25
Author(s):  
Suntini Suntini ◽  
Anastasia Wheni Indrianingsih ◽  
Harjono Harjono
Keyword(s):  
Antibacterial Activity ◽  
Bacterial Cellulose ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Reduction Process ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Natural Material ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
Antibacterial Assay ◽  
Natural Composite

Recently, a wound healing from natural composite with excellent properties is in a high demand. In this study, a novel composite of bacterial cellulose made from Siwalan sap (Borassus flabellifer) was achieved. Siwalan is a common plant in Java Island of Indonesia and the application is very limited for beverage only. This study aims to determine the effect of the AgNO3/NaBH4 concentration ratio in the development of Ag-BC composites and its antibacterial properties from Siwalan sap. Ag-BC composites were prepared by impregnating the silver solution into the BC matrix through the reduction process with NaBH4. Characterization of Ag-BC composites conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). Antibacterial assay was performed using disc diffusion method against Salmonella typhimurium (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) bacteria. The characterization of Ag-BC composite shows the nanostructure of BC with a length of fiber around 35-60 nm in width. The SEM-EDX micrograph showed that silver particles were impregnated into the BC matrix. Antibacterial activity test results showed that the Ag-BC composite had the ability to inhibit the bacteria S. typhimurium and S. aureus with good inhibition. This result showed the potential application of Ag-BC composite from Siwalan plant as a natural material for medical and pharmaceutical purpose, especially as an antibacterial agent.

scholarly journals Silver Nanoparticles Induce Mitochondrial Protein Oxidation in Lung Cells Impacting Cell Cycle and Proliferation

Antioxidants ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reetta J. Holmila ◽  
Stephen A. Vance ◽  
S. Bruce King ◽  
Allen W. Tsang ◽  
Ravi Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Protein Oxidation ◽  
Mitochondrial Protein ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mitochondrial Redox State ◽  
And Function

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used nanomaterials in both commercial and clinical biomedical applications, due to their antibacterial properties. AgNPs are also being explored for the treatment of cancer in particular in combination with ionizing radiation. In this work, we studied the effects of AgNPs and ionizing radiation on mitochondrial redox state and function in a panel of lung cell lines (A549, BEAS-2B, Calu-1 and NCI-H358). The exposure to AgNPs caused cell cycle arrest and decreased cell proliferation in A549, BEAS-2B and Calu-1, but not in NCI-H358. The mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein oxidation increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner in the more sensitive cell lines with the AgNP exposure, but not in NCI-H358. While ionizing radiation also induced changes in the mitochondrial redox profiles, in general, these were not synergistic with the effects of AgNPs with the exception of NCI-H358 and only at a higher dose of radiation.

scholarly journals Model-Driven Controlled Alteration of Nanopillar Cap Architecture Reveals its Effects on Bactericidal Activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taiyeb Zahir ◽  
Jiri Pesek ◽  
Sabine Franke ◽  
Jasper Van Pee ◽  
Ashish Rathore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bactericidal Activity ◽  
Cell Envelope ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Biophysical Model ◽  
Surface Measurement ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Bending Rigidity ◽  
Nanostructured Surfaces ◽  
Model Driven ◽  
Antibacterial Surfaces

Nanostructured surfaces can be engineered to kill bacteria in a contact-dependent manner. The study of bacterial interactions with a nanoscale topology is thus crucial to developing antibacterial surfaces. Here, a systematic study of the effects of nanoscale topology on bactericidal activity is presented. We describe the antibacterial properties of highly ordered and uniformly arrayed cotton swab-shaped (or mushroom-shaped) nanopillars. These nanostructured surfaces show bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A biophysical model of the cell envelope in contact with the surface, developed ab initio from the infinitesimal strain theory, suggests that bacterial adhesion and subsequent lysis are highly influenced by the bending rigidity of the cell envelope and the surface topography formed by the nanopillars. We used the biophysical model to analyse the influence of the nanopillar cap geometry on the bactericidal activity and made several geometrical alterations of the nanostructured surface. Measurement of the bactericidal activities of these surfaces confirms model predictions, highlights the non-trivial role of cell envelope bending rigidity, and sheds light on the effects of nanopillar cap architecture on the interactions with the bacterial envelope. More importantly, our results show that the surface nanotopology can be rationally designed to enhance the bactericidal efficiency.

scholarly journals Antioxidant And Antibacterial Activity Of Methanolic Extract Of Machilus Odoratissima

1970 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Subedi ◽  
Mohan Prasad Amatya ◽  
Tirtha Maiya Shrestha ◽  
Shyam Kumar Mishra ◽  
Bharat Mani Pokhrel
Keyword(s):  
Antibacterial Activity ◽  
Methanol Extract ◽  
Radical Scavenging Activity ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Scavenging Activity ◽  
Deoxy Sugar ◽  
Radical Method ◽  
Dose Dependent

The methanol extract of the bark of Machilus odoratissima was subjected to investigate its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of different types of compound like terpenoids, tannins, deoxy sugar, saponins and phenolic compounds. The methanol extract of the plant was tested for antioxidant activity using scavenging activity of DPPH(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil) radical method and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli & Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria using cup plate method. The extract exhibited high free radical scavenging activity. IC50 was found to be 3.37μg/ml. Antibacterial activity was observed against S. aureus in dose dependent manner DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kuset.v8i1.6045 KUSET 2012; 8(1): 73-80

scholarly journals Preparation of antibacterial and antifouling PSF/ZnO/eugenol membrane for peat water ultrafiltration

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 2248-2255 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Gede Wenten ◽  
Yuda S. Syaifi ◽  
Firmansyah A. Saputra ◽  
Megawati Zunita ◽  
Putu T. P. Aryanti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Inversion ◽  
Pure Water ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Recovery Ratio ◽  
Water Contact ◽  
Hydrophilic Nature ◽  
Phase Inversion Technique ◽  
Blending Method ◽  
Antibacterial Assay ◽  
Inhibition Zones

Abstract In this work, polysulfone (PSF)-based ultrafiltration (UF) membrane with antibacterial and antifouling properties was prepared by the phase inversion technique. ZnO and eugenol were used as additives and introduced into the membrane matrix via the additive blending method. The additives could improve the performance of the PSF membrane due to their hydrophilic nature. The water contact angle (WCA) of the PSF membrane decreased from 67.7° ± 1.2° to 52.8° ± 0.8° when the additive loading was increased from 0 to 5%-wt. The PSF membrane with 5%-wt ZnO and 5%-wt eugenol had pure water permeability and humic substance rejection of 83.8 ± 3.7 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and 95.6%, respectively. In addition, the additives were able to improve antifouling properties, e.g. a recovery ratio (FRR) of 85.4% and relative flux reduction ratio (RFR) of 30.2%. In the antibacterial assay, the membrane displayed 3 mm and 10 mm inhibition zones against Escherichia coli and peat water microorganisms, respectively, probably due to antibacterial properties of the additives.

scholarly journals Young but not defenceless: antifungal activity during embryonic development of a social insect

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 191418
Author(s):  
Erin L. Cole ◽  
Haley Bayne ◽  
Rebeca B. Rosengaus
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Developmental Stage ◽  
Immature Stage ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
Fungistatic Activity ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Zootermopsis Angusticollis ◽  
Endogenous Proteins ◽  
Dampwood Termite

Termites live in environments heavily colonized by diverse microorganisms, including pathogens. Eggs laid within the nest are likely to experience similar pathogenic pressures as those experienced by older nest-mates. Consequently, eggs may be under selective pressures to be immune-competent. Through in vitro experiments using developing embryos of the dampwood termite, Zootermopsis angusticollis , we tested the ontogeny, location and strength of their antifungal activity against the fungus, Metarhizium brunneum . Exterior washes of the chorion (extra-chorionic) and components within the chorion (intra-chorionic) were incubated with fungal conidia, which were then scored for viability. The fungistatic activity was location and developmental stage dependent. Extra-chorionic washes had relatively weak antifungal activity. Intra-chorionic homogenates were highly antifungal, exhibiting increased potency through development. The positive correlation between intra-chorionic fungistasis and developmental stage is probably due to the expression of endogenous proteins during embryogenesis. Boiling of both the extra-chorionic washes and the intra-chorionic contents rescued conidia viability, indicating the antifungal agent(s) is (are) heat-sensitive and probably proteinaceous. This study is the first to address embryonic antifungal activity in a hemimetabolous, eusocial taxon. Our results support the hypothesis that microbes have been significant agents of selection in termites, fostering the evolution of antifungal properties even in the most immature stage of development.

scholarly journals Gastric MALT lymphoma B cells express polyreactive, somatically mutated immunoglobulins

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 581-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa J. Craig ◽  
Isabelle Arnold ◽  
Christiane Gerke ◽  
Minh Q. Huynh ◽  
Thomas Wündisch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cell ◽  
Malt Lymphoma ◽  
Somatic Hypermutation ◽  
Human Tumor ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Gastric Malt Lymphoma ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Antigen Specificity ◽  
Show Evidence

Abstract Gastric B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) arises against a background of chronic inflammation caused by persistent Helicobacter pylori infection. The clinical and histopathologic features of the human tumor can be reproduced by Helicobacter infection of BALB/c mice. In this study, we have analyzed the antibody sequences and antigen specificity of a panel of murine and human MALT lymphoma–derived antibodies. We find that a majority of tumors in patients as well as experimentally infected mice are monoclonal. The tumor immunoglobulin heavy chain genes have undergone somatic hypermutation, and approximately half of all tumors show evidence of intraclonal variation and positive and/or negative selective pressure. Recombinantly expressed MALT lymphoma antibodies bind with intermediate affinity to various unrelated self- and foreign antigens, including Helicobacter sonicate, immunoglobulin G (IgG), DNA, and stomach extract; antigen binding is blocked in a dose-dependent manner in competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A strong bias toward the use of VH gene segments previously linked to autoantibodies and/or polyreactive antibodies in B-cell malignancies or autoimmune pathologies supports the experimental finding of polyreactivity. Our results suggest that MALT lymphoma development may be facilitated by an array of local self- and foreign antigens, providing direct antigenic stimulation of the tumor cells via their B-cell receptor.

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