scholarly journals A Novel Pseudoalteromonas xiamenensis Marine Isolate as a Potential Probiotic: Anti-Inflammatory and Innate Immune Modulatory Effects against Thermal and Pathogenic Stresses

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 707
Author(s):  
Withanage Prasadini Wasana ◽  
Amal Senevirathne ◽  
Chamilani Nikapitiya ◽  
Tae-Yang Eom ◽  
Youngdeuk Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Immunoblot Analysis ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Bacterial Biofilm ◽  
Zebrafish Model ◽  
Marine Isolate ◽  
Enhanced Expression ◽  
Potential Applications

A marine bacterial strain was isolated from seawater and characterized for it beneficial probiotic effects using zebrafish as a model system. The strain was identified by morphological, physiological, biochemical, and phylogenetic analyses. The strain was most closely related to Pseudoalteromonas xiamenensis Y2, with 99.66% similarity; thus, we named it Pseudoalteromonas xiamenensis S1131. Improvement of host disease tolerance for the P. xiamenensis isolate was adapted in a zebrafish model using Edwardsiella piscicida challenge. The larvae were pre-exposed to P. xiamenensis prior to E. piscicida challenge, resulting in a 73.3% survival rate compared to a 46.6% survival for the control. The treated larvae tolerated elevated temperatures at 38 °C, with 85% survival, compared to 60% survival for the control. Assessment of immunomodulatory responses at the mRNA level demonstrated the suppression of pro-inflammatory markers tnfα and il6, and upregulation of heat shock protein hsp90 and mucin genes. The same effect was corroborated by immunoblot analysis, revealing significant inhibition of Tnfα and an enhanced expression of the Hsp90 protein. The antibacterial activity of P. xiamenensis may be related to mucin overexpression, which can suppress bacterial biofilm formation and enhance macrophage uptake. This phenomenon was evaluated using nonstimulated macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Further studies may be warranted to elucidate a complete profile of the probiotic effects, to expand the potential applications of the present P. xiamenensis isolate.

scholarly journals Preparation and Properties of Electrospun Phenylethynyl—Terminated Polyimide Nano-Fibrous Membranes with Potential Applications as Solvent-Free and High-Temperature Resistant Adhesives for Harsh Environments

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1525
Author(s):  
Hao-ran Qi ◽  
Deng-xiong Shen ◽  
Yan-jiang Jia ◽  
Yuan-cheng An ◽  
Hao Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Solvent Free ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Lap Shear ◽  
High Adhesion ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Fibrous Membranes

High-temperature-resistant polymeric adhesives with high servicing temperatures and high adhesion strengths are highly desired in aerospace, aviation, microelectronic and other high-tech areas. The currently used high-temperature resistant polymeric adhesives, such as polyamic acid (PAA), are usually made from the high contents of solvents in the composition, which might cause adhesion failure due to the undesirable voids caused by the evaporation of the solvents. In the current work, electrospun preimidized polyimide (PI) nano-fibrous membranes (NFMs) were proposed to be used as solvent-free or solvent-less adhesives for stainless steel adhesion. In order to enhance the adhesion reliability of the PI NFMs, thermally crosslinkable phenylethynyl end-cappers were incorporated into the PIs derived from 3,3’,4,4’-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) and 3,3-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]phthalide (BAPPT). The derived phenylethynyl-terminated PETI-10K and PETI-20K with the controlled molecular weights of 10,000 g mol−1 and 20,000 g mol−1, respectively, showed good solubility in polar aprotic solvents, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc). The PI NFMs were successfully fabricated by electrospinning with the PETI/DMAc solutions. The ultrafine PETI NFMs showed the average fiber diameters (dav) of 627 nm for PETI-10K 695 nm for PETI-20K, respectively. The PETI NFMs showed good thermal resistance, which is reflected in the glass transition temperatures (Tgs) above 270 °C. The PETI NFMs exhibited excellent thermoplasticity at elevated temperatures. The stainless steel adherends were successfully adhered using the PETI NFMs as the adhesives. The PI NFMs provided good adhesion to the stainless steels with the single lap shear strengths (LSS) higher than 20.0 MPa either at room temperature (25 °C) or at an elevated temperature (200 °C).

scholarly journals Zinc Chloride Exposure Inhibits Brain Acetylcholine Levels, Produces Neurotoxic Signatures, and Diminishes Memory and Motor Activities in Adult Zebrafish

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 3195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sreeja Sarasamma ◽  
Gilbert Audira ◽  
Stevhen Juniardi ◽  
Bonifasius Sampurna ◽  
Sung-Tzu Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Zinc Chloride ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Antioxidant Defense System ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adult Zebrafish ◽  
Zebrafish Model ◽  
Low Concentrations

In this study, we evaluated the acute (24, 48, 72, and 96 h) and chronic (21 days) adverse effects induced by low doses (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg/L) of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) exposure in adult zebrafish by using behavioral endpoints like three-dimensional (3D) locomotion, passive avoidance, aggression, circadian rhythm, and predator avoidance tests. Also, brain tissues were dissected and subjected to analysis of multiple parameters related to oxidative stress, antioxidant responses, superoxide dismutase (SOD), neurotoxicity, and neurotransmitters. The results showed that ZnCl2-exposed fishes displayed decreased locomotor behavior and impaired short-term memory, which caused an Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)-like syndrome. In addition, low concentrations of ZnCl2 induced amyloid beta (amyloid β) and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) protein levels in brains. In addition, significant induction in oxidative stress indices (reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), reduction in antioxidant defense system (glutathione (GSH), GSH peroxidase (GSH-Px) and SOD) and changes in neurotransmitters were observed at low concentrations of ZnCl2. Neurotoxic effects of ZnCl2 were observed with significant inhibition of acetylcholine (ACh) activity when the exposure dose was higher than 1 ppm. Furthermore, we found that zinc, metallothionein (MT), and cortisol levels in brain were elevated compared to the control group. A significantly negative correlation was observed between memory and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In summary, these findings revealed that exposure to ZnCl2 affected the behavior profile of zebrafish, and induced neurotoxicity which may be associated with damaged brain areas related to memory. Moreover, our ZnCl2-induced zebrafish model may have potential for AD-associated research in the future.

scholarly journals Mining Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) Family Genes in Cleistogenes songorica, a Xerophyte Perennial Desert Plant

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 3430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blaise Muvunyi ◽  
Qi Yan ◽  
Fan Wu ◽  
Xueyang Min ◽  
Zhuan Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Late Embryogenesis Abundant ◽  
Desert Plant ◽  
Promoter Regions ◽  
Biotic Stresses ◽  
Lea Genes ◽  
Crop Tolerance ◽  
Late Embryogenesis ◽  
Potential Applications

Plant growth and development depends on its ability to maintain optimal cellular homeostasis during abiotic and biotic stresses. Cleistogenes songorica, a xerophyte desert plant, is known to have novel drought stress adaptation strategies and contains rich pools of stress tolerance genes. Proteins encoded by Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) family genes promote cellular activities by functioning as disordered molecules, or by limiting collisions between enzymes during stresses. To date, functions of the LEA family genes have been heavily investigated in many plant species except perennial monocotyledonous species. In this study, 44 putative LEA genes were identified in the C. songorica genome and were grouped into eight subfamilies, based on their conserved protein domains and domain organizations. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that C. songorica Dehydrin and LEA_2 subfamily proteins shared high sequence homology with stress responsive Dehydrin proteins from Arabidopsis. Additionally, promoter regions of CsLEA_2 or CsDehydrin subfamily genes were rich in G-box, drought responsive (MBS), and/or Abscisic acid responsive (ABRE) cis-regulatory elements. In addition, gene expression analyses indicated that genes from these two subfamilies were highly responsive to heat stress and ABA treatment, in both leaves and roots. In summary, the results from this study provided a comprehensive view of C. songorica LEA genes and the potential applications of these genes for the improvement of crop tolerance to abiotic stresses.

scholarly journals A Bis-Monophospholyl Dysprosium Cation Showing Magnetic Hysteresis at 48 Kelvin

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Evans ◽  
Daniel Reta ◽  
George F. S. Whitehead ◽  
Nicholas Chilton ◽  
David Mills
Keyword(s):  
Data Storage ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Spin Dynamics ◽  
Magnetic Hysteresis ◽  
Relaxation Times ◽  
Magnetic Memory ◽  
Relaxation Processes ◽  
Potential Applications

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) have potential applications in high-density data storage, but magnetic relaxation times at elevated temperatures must be increased to make them practically useful. <i>Bis</i>-cyclopentadienyl lanthanide sandwich complexes have emerged as the leading candidates for SMMs that show magnetic memory at liquid nitrogen temperatures, but the relaxation mechanisms mediated by aromatic C<sub>5</sub> rings have not been fully established. Here we synthesise a <i>bis</i>-monophospholyl dysprosium SMM [Dy(Dtp)<sub>2</sub>][Al{OC(CF<sub>3</sub>)<sub>3</sub>}<sub>4</sub>] (<b>1</b>, Dtp = {P(C<sup>t</sup>BuCMe)<sub>2</sub>}) by the treatment of <i>in situ</i>-prepared “[Dy(Dtp)<sub>2</sub>(C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>5</sub>)]” with [HNEt<sub>3</sub>][Al{OC(CF<sub>3</sub>)<sub>3</sub>}<sub>4</sub>]. SQUID magnetometry reveals that <b>1</b> has an effective barrier to magnetisation reversal of 1,760 K (1,223 cm<sup>–1</sup>) and magnetic hysteresis up to 48 K. <i>Ab initio</i> calculation of the spin dynamics reveal that transitions out of the ground state are slower in <b>1</b> than in the first reported dysprosocenium SMM, [Dy(Cp<sup>ttt</sup>)<sub>2</sub>][B(C<sub>6</sub>F<sub>5</sub>)<sub>4</sub>] (Cp<sup>ttt</sup> = C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>2</sub><sup>t</sup>Bu<sub>3</sub>-1,2,4), however relaxation is faster in <b>1</b> overall due to the compression of electronic energies and to vibrational modes being brought on-resonance by the chemical and structural changes introduced by the <i>bis</i>-Dtp framework. With the preparation and analysis of <b>1</b> we are thus able to further refine our understanding of relaxation processes operating in <i>bis</i>-C<sub>5</sub>/C<sub>4</sub>P sandwich lanthanide SMMs, which is the necessary first step towards rationally achieving higher magnetic blocking temperatures in these systems in future.

scholarly journals Blend of natural waxes as a matrix for aroma encapsulation

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-111
Author(s):  
Jelena Milanovic ◽  
Gordana Ilic-Sevic ◽  
Marijana Gavrilovic ◽  
Milutin Milosavljevic ◽  
Branko Bugarski
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Thermal Characteristics ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Morphological Properties ◽  
Particle Size Range ◽  
Carnauba Wax ◽  
Potential Applications

In this study, the possibility of using a blend of natural waxes (bees and carnauba) for encapsulation of some aroma compounds was investigated. Melt dispersion/melt solidification technique was applied for microbeads production. Since one of the most important characteristics of the particles are the size and shape, particle size distribution as well as morphological properties are tested. Thermal characteristics are also examined as significant properties for thermal behavior at elevated temperatures, important for application of encapsulated particles in food production processes. Different contents of the carnauba wax in the mixture with beeswax are investigated, from 10% to 50% (w/w). Since one of the potential applications of the encapsulated aroma is in feed additives production, the targeted particle size range was under 300 ?m to be suitable for handling and mixing with other powder substances. According to the obtained results, a higher carnauba wax content in the wax blend had an impact on particle size distribution. Also, it had an impact on the surface morphology and thermal properties. The obtained results may contribute to the development of methods of encapsulation of hydrophobic aromas in the natural wax matrix.

Chemical profile and antiperiodontal potential of Thymus linearis Benth. Essential oil using ADMET prediction, In silico and in vitro tools

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Abdul Rafey ◽  
Aqsa Batool ◽  
Muhammad Kamran ◽  
Samiullah Khan ◽  
Muhammad Akram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Bacterial Biofilm ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Major Constituent ◽  
Antimicrobial Studies ◽  
Development Of Resistance

Periodontitis is an important health concern that is associated with long term complications. Development of resistance to antibiotics limits the treatment options in periodontitis. We investigated Thymus linearis essential oil for treatment of periodontitis. The essential oil was collected using hydrodistillation and characterized using GC-MS. The constituents were further analyzed for druglikeness, ADMET properties and molecular docking using transcription regulators 2UV0 and 3QP5. The GC-MS results revealed that carvacrol was a major constituent (76.26%) followed by caryophyllene oxide (6.83%) and L-borneol (6.08%). The in vitro antimicrobial studies showed significant inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC range 0.024 –0.312μg/mL). The essential oil showed a good inhibition of bacterial biofilm produced by S. aureus (72%) and S. epidermidis (70%). Finally, the antiquorum sensing property (30 mm zone of inhibition) was recorded with violacein inhibition (58%). Based on in silico and in vitro findings, it was concluded that T. linearis essential oil can be used for the treatment of periodontal infections.

scholarly journals An atherogenic stimulus homocysteine inhibits cofactor activity of thrombomodulin and enhances thrombomodulin expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Blood ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 79 (11) ◽  
pp. 2930-2936 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Hayashi ◽  
G Honda ◽  
K Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Protein Level ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Immunoblot Analysis ◽  
Whole Cells ◽  
Total Protein Level ◽  
Cofactor Activity

Abstract Thrombomodulin plays a role as a cofactor for thrombin-catalyzed activation of protein C on endothelial cells. We examined the effect of homocysteine, a stimulant of atherosclerosis and thrombotic disease, on the cofactor activity and protein level of thrombomodulin and also on the expression of thrombomodulin in endothelial cells. Homocysteine inhibited the cofactor activity of thrombomodulin both on the surface of endothelial cells and in the whole cells dose- and time-dependently, and maximal inhibition of the cofactor activity occurred after a 3- to 6-hour incubation with 10 mmol/L homocysteine (10% of initial activity). Homocysteine also decreased the amount of intact (unreduced) thrombomodulin in endothelial cells. However, at the same condition the total protein level (reduced and unreduced form) of thrombomodulin, determined by dot immunoblot analysis using the monoclonal antibody that recognized both reduced and unreduced thrombomodulin, decreased slightly, and the mRNA level of thrombomodulin showed a twofold to three-fold increase. After 24 hours of incubation, the cofactor activity and total protein level of thrombomodulin were 60% and 165% of the initial values, respectively. When purified thrombomodulin fixed to a microwell plate was treated with homocysteine, both cofactor activity and thrombin-binding ability to the thrombomodulin were decreased in proportion to the concentration of homocysteine. These findings suggest that homocysteine directly inhibited the cofactor activity of thrombomodulin on endothelial cells by reducing the disulfide-bond rich epidermal growth factor-like structures of thrombomodulin. This would a result in the decrease of the antithrombotic property of endothelium and may also trigger off the synthesis of mRNA and protein of thrombomodulin to maintain the antithrombotic properties of the cells.

scholarly journals Phycobiliproteins from extreme environments and their potential applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (13) ◽  
pp. 3827-3842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anton Puzorjov ◽  
Alistair J McCormick
Keyword(s):  
Hot Springs ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Algal Species ◽  
Extreme Environments ◽  
Fundamental Understanding ◽  
Thermophilic Species ◽  
Red Algal ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Thermophilic Organisms ◽  
Photosynthetic Adaptation

Abstract The light-harvesting phycobilisome complex is an important component of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria and red algae. Phycobilisomes are composed of phycobiliproteins, including the blue phycobiliprotein phycocyanin, that are considered high-value products with applications in several industries. Remarkably, several cyanobacteria and red algal species retain the capacity to harvest light and photosynthesise under highly selective environments such as hot springs, and flourish in extremes of pH and elevated temperatures. These thermophilic organisms produce thermostable phycobiliproteins, which have superior qualities much needed for wider adoption of these natural pigment–proteins in the food, textile, and other industries. Here we review the available literature on the thermostability of phycobilisome components from thermophilic species and discuss how a better appreciation of phycobiliproteins from extreme environments will benefit our fundamental understanding of photosynthetic adaptation and could provide a sustainable resource for several industrial processes.

Tribological Behavior of Al–20Si–5Fe–2Ni Alloy at Elevated Temperatures Under Dry Sliding

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Tan ◽  
Jun Cheng ◽  
Shuai Wang ◽  
Shengyu Zhu ◽  
Yuan Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Tribological Behavior ◽  
Wear Behavior ◽  
Dry Sliding Wear ◽  
Dry Sliding ◽  
Sintered Alloy ◽  
Aisi 52100 ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Aisi 52100 Steel ◽  
Worn Surface

Wear-resistant aluminum alloys have enormous potential applications. In this paper, the Al–20Si–5Fe–2Ni alloy was fabricated by hot-pressed sintering, and its dry sliding wear behavior was investigated from 25 °C to 500 °C sliding against Al2O3 ceramic and AISI 52100 steel. The microstructure, phase, high temperature hardness, and worn surface of the sintered alloy were examined. The results indicate that the uniform distribution of Si particles and Al5FeSi intermetallic in the Al matrix contribute to its superior tribological properties. Additionally, the correlation of the tribological behavior of the alloy with the sliding testing conditions was studied, and its wear mechanism was discussed.

scholarly journals Effects of the P1 Plasmid Centromere on Expression of P1 Partition Genes

2002 ◽  
Vol 184 (17) ◽  
pp. 4857-4867 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Jiang Hao ◽  
Michael Yarmolinsky
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Change ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Regulation Of Expression ◽  
Daughter Cells ◽  
Selective Modulation ◽  
Enhanced Expression

ABSTRACT The partition operon of P1 plasmid encodes two proteins, ParA and ParB, required for the faithful segregation of plasmid copies to daughter cells. The operon is followed by a centromere analog, parS, at which ParB binds. ParA, a weak ATPase, represses the par promoter most effectively in its ADP-bound form. ParB can recruit ParA to parS, stimulate its ATPase, and significantly stimulate the repression. We report here that parS also participates in the regulation of expression of the par genes. A single chromosomal parS was shown to augment repression of several copies of the par promoter by severalfold. The repression increase was sensitive to the levels of ParA and ParB and to their ratio. The increase may be attributable to a conformational change in ParA mediated by the parS-ParB complex, possibly acting catalytically. We also observed an in cis effect of parS which enhanced expression of parB, presumably due to a selective modulation of the mRNA level. Although ParB had been earlier found to spread into and silence genes flanking parS, silencing of the par operon by ParB spreading was not significant. Based upon analogies between partitioning and septum placement, we speculate that the regulatory switch controlled by the parS-ParB complex might be essential for partitioning itself.

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