Super Nutritive Marine Astaxanthin, an Effectual Dietary Carotenoid for Neurodegenerative Diseases

2019 ◽  
pp. 115-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumaresan Kowsalya ◽  
Nandakumar Vidya ◽  
Vijayraj Vijayalakshmi ◽  
Muthukrishnan Arun
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Cell Membranes ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Coenzyme Q ◽  
Skin Pigmentation ◽  
Beta Carotene ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Commercial Applications ◽  
Dietary Carotenoid ◽  
Single Oxygen

The red-pigmented astaxanthin (3,-3’-dihydroxy-?,?-carotene-4,4’-dione) were commonly found in marine algae and aquatic animals such as shrimp, lobster, and trout. These pigments are produced as secondary metabolites which fall in arytenoids under class xanthophylls. Synthetic astaxanthin has a wide range of commercial applications such as color additives, usage in cosmetics and immune-boosters. In aquaculture, supplementing synthetic astaxanthin as feed, enhances skin pigmentation which possesses commercial importance. However, synthetic astaxanthin is not highly efficient compared to naturally derived counter forms. On the other hand, humans should only depend on microbial and aquatic sources for their dietary intake of natural astaxanthin. Being a powerful antioxidant, natural astaxanthin is called as king of antioxidants which has scavenging activity 6000 times stronger than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E in protecting cell membranes. It also has a single oxygen quenching activity up to 800 times stronger than coenzyme Q, 550 times more powerful than green tea catechins, 4.9 times stronger than beta-carotene and three times stronger than lute in. Furthermore, researchers revealed that this carotenoid has the capacity to alleviate tumor activity, protecting against lipid per oxidation, free radicals, oxidative damage to LDL-cholesterol and UV light affects on cell membranes and tissues. Also, it is mainly recommended for curing the macular degeneration of cataracts. Anti-aging properties of astaxanthin improve skin health by reducing wrinkles and repairs the UV-induced DNA damage in human cells. Interestingly, the ability of astaxanthin in crossing the blood-brain barrier has brought this compound to limelight as a potential target in treating neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Hence, in this review, we are mainly focusing on the therapeutic usage of astaxanthin in neurodegenerative diseases.

A Technique for Marking Marsupial Pouch Young With Fluorescent Pigment Tattoos

1988 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 561 ◽  
Author(s):  
TR Soderquist ◽  
CR Dickman
Keyword(s):  
Uv Light ◽  
Skin Pigmentation ◽  
Fluorescent Pigment ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Marsupial Species

Small quantities of fluorescent pigments were tattooed into the pinnae of pouch young Dasyurus geoffroii and Isoodon obesulus (Marsupialia), and into the pinnae of 5-day-old Mus rnusculus (Rodentia). The tattoos contrasted sharply with natural skin pigmentation when scanned with a UV light. Of 11 pigments tested, Flare 610 pigments were the most persistent, remaining visible for a minimum of 6 months. The technique facilitates rapid, cheap and reliable marking of marsupial pouch young, and should be generally applicable for determining filial relationships in a wide range of marsupial species.

Green Synthesis of ZnO/Dy/NiO Heterostructures for Enhanced Photocatalytic Applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-36
Author(s):  
Shubha Jayachamarajapura Pranesh ◽  
Diwya Lanka
Keyword(s):  
Visible Light ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Combustion Method ◽  
Hybrid Nanocomposites ◽  
Synthetic Dyes ◽  
Hybrid Nanostructure ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Visible Light Active ◽  
Textile Industries ◽  
Photocatalytic Applications

Background: Textile industries discharge harmful synthetic dyes to nearby water sources. These colour effluents should be treated before discharge to reduce the toxicity caused by synthetic colours. Objective: To synthesize visible light active superstructures to reduce water pollution caused by textile industries. Methods: We have successfully synthesized ZnO/Dy/NiO hybrid nanocomposites using waste curd as fuel by a simple combustion method. The obtained material was able to reduce recombination and enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. The as-synthesized material was characterized by XRD, absorption spectroscopy, FESEM, EDAX, etc. The obtained hybrid nanostructure was used as a photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue under sunlight, UV light as well as in dark. Comparative experiments were carried out with a variation of catalytic load, pH, dye concentrations, etc. for a better understanding of the performance of the catalyst at various conditions. Results and Conclusion: The ternary compound shows wide range of absorption by expanding absorption band both in UV and visible regions. ZnO/Dy/NiO hybrid nanocomposites performed well and showed uniqueness in the activity uder visible light.

scholarly journals Melanogenesis Connection with Innate Immunity and Toll-Like Receptors

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 9769
Author(s):  
Saaya Koike ◽  
Kenshi Yamasaki
Keyword(s):  
Skin Pigmentation ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Ultraviolet Rays ◽  
Toll Like Receptors ◽  
Pigment Formation ◽  
Living Body ◽  
Pigmentary Disorders ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Griscelli Syndrome

The epidermis is located in the outermost layer of the living body and is the place where external stimuli such as ultraviolet rays and microorganisms first come into contact. Melanocytes and melanin play a wide range of roles such as adsorption of metals, thermoregulation, and protection from foreign enemies by camouflage. Pigmentary disorders are observed in diseases associated with immunodeficiency such as Griscelli syndrome, indicating molecular sharing between immune systems and the machineries of pigment formation. Melanocytes express functional toll-like receptors (TLRs), and innate immune stimulation via TLRs affects melanin synthesis and melanosome transport to modulate skin pigmentation. TLR2 enhances melanogenetic gene expression to augment melanogenesis. In contrast, TLR3 increases melanosome transport to transfer to keratinocytes through Rab27A, the responsible molecule of Griscelli syndrome. TLR4 and TLR9 enhance tyrosinase expression and melanogenesis through p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and NFκB signaling pathway, respectively. TLR7 suppresses microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and MITF reduction leads to melanocyte apoptosis. Accumulating knowledge of the TLRs function of melanocytes has enlightened the link between melanogenesis and innate immune system.

scholarly journals Genetic Differentiation in Anthocyanin Content among Berry Fruits

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-51
Author(s):  
Alicja Ponder ◽  
Ewelina Hallmann ◽  
Martyna Kwolek ◽  
Dominika Średnicka-Tober ◽  
Renata Kazimierczak
Keyword(s):  
Essential Role ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Skin Pigmentation ◽  
Highbush Blueberry ◽  
Anthocyanin Content ◽  
Healthy Nutrition ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Berry Fruits ◽  
Red Currant

Anthocyanins are widely distributed secondary metabolites that play an essential role in skin pigmentation of many plant organs and microorganisms. Anthocyanins have been associated with a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties. They are also effective agents in the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases. Berries are particularly abundant in these compounds; therefore, their dietary intake has health-promoting effects. The aim of this study was to identify and determine the anthocyanin content in selected species and cultivars of berry fruits, such as raspberry, blackberry, red currant, blackcurrant, and highbush blueberry, widely consumed by Europeans. The concentrations of anthocyanins were determined by HPLC, identifying individual compounds: cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, delphinidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, and malvidin-3-O-galactoside. The experimental data showed that the selected species and cultivars of berry fruits differ significantly in the contents of anthocyanins. Among all species tested, blackberry and blackcurrant were characterized significantly by the highest content of anthocyanins (sum), while the lowest content was found in red currant fruits. Additionally, the content of individual anthocyanin compounds in particular species and cultivars was also different. Considering the high content of anthocyanins and their potential positive impact on human health and protection against disease, berries should be part of healthy nutrition.

scholarly journals Formation of Carbon Quantum Dots via Hydrothermal Carbonization: Investigate the Effect of Precursors

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 986
Author(s):  
Md Rifat Hasan ◽  
Nepu Saha ◽  
Thomas Quaid ◽  
M. Toufiq Reza
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Optical Properties ◽  
Microcrystalline Cellulose ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Synthesis Method ◽  
Hydrothermal Carbonization ◽  
Carbon Quantum Dots ◽  
Medical Diagnostics ◽  
Particle Size Range ◽  
Wide Range

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are nanomaterials with a particle size range of 2 to 10 nm. CQDs have a wide range of applications such as medical diagnostics, bio-imaging, biosensors, coatings, solar cells, and photocatalysis. Although the effect of various experimental parameters, such as the synthesis method, reaction time, etc., have been investigated, the effect of different feedstocks on CQDs has not been studied yet. In this study, CQDs were synthesized from hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, and microcrystalline cellulose via hydrothermal carbonization at 220 °C for 30 min of residence time. The produced CQDs showed green luminescence behavior under the short-wavelength UV light. Furthermore, the optical properties of CQDs were investigated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and emission spectrophotometer, while the morphology and chemical bonds of CQDs were investigated using transmission electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Results showed that all CQDs produced from various precursors have absorption and emission properties but these optical properties are highly dependent on the type of precursor. For instance, the mean particle sizes were 6.36 ± 0.54, 5.35 ± 0.56, and 3.94 ± 0.60 nm for the synthesized CQDs from microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxymethylfurfural, and furfural, respectively, which appeared to have similar trends in emission intensities. In addition, the synthesized CQDs experienced different functionality (e.g., C=O, O-H, C-O) resulting in different absorption behavior.

Heparin remodels the microtubule-binding repeat R3 of Tau protein towards fibril-prone conformations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuewei Dong ◽  
Ruxi Qi ◽  
Qin Qiao ◽  
Xuhua Li ◽  
Fangying Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Tau Protein ◽  
Amyloid Fibrils ◽  
Microtubule Binding ◽  
Wide Range

Abnormal aggregation of proteins into pathological amyloid fibrils are implicated in a wide range of devastating human neurodegenerative diseases. Intracellular fibrillary inclusions formed by Tau protein are characterized as the...

scholarly journals Photoprotection and Skin Pigmentation: Melanin-Related Molecules and Some Other New Agents Obtained from Natural Sources

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Solano
Keyword(s):  
Human Skin ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Stratospheric Ozone ◽  
Skin Pigmentation ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Marine Organisms ◽  
Electromagnetic Spectrum ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Skin Lightening

Direct sun exposure is one of the most aggressive factors for human skin. Sun radiation contains a range of the electromagnetic spectrum including UV light. In addition to the stratospheric ozone layer filtering the most harmful UVC, human skin contains a photoprotective pigment called melanin to protect from UVB, UVA, and blue visible light. This pigment is a redox UV-absorbing agent and functions as a shield to prevent direct UV action on the DNA of epidermal cells. In addition, melanin indirectly scavenges reactive oxygenated species (ROS) formed during the UV-inducing oxidative stress on the skin. The amounts of melanin in the skin depend on the phototype. In most phenotypes, endogenous melanin is not enough for full protection, especially in the summertime. Thus, photoprotective molecules should be added to commercial sunscreens. These molecules should show UV-absorbing capacity to complement the intrinsic photoprotection of the cutaneous natural pigment. This review deals with (a) the use of exogenous melanin or melanin-related compounds to mimic endogenous melanin and (b) the use of a number of natural compounds from plants and marine organisms that can act as UV filters and ROS scavengers. These agents have antioxidant properties, but this feature usually is associated to skin-lightening action. In contrast, good photoprotectors would be able to enhance natural cutaneous pigmentation. This review examines flavonoids, one of the main groups of these agents, as well as new promising compounds with other chemical structures recently obtained from marine organisms.

scholarly journals Effect of light on aggregational behavior of planarian Dugesia tigrina

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaemin Lee
Keyword(s):  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Infrared Light ◽  
Light Sources ◽  
Initial Exposure ◽  
Dugesia Tigrina ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Photophobic Response ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Effect Of Light

Introduction. Planarians are renowned for their regenerative ability due to pluripotent stem cells, as well as their peculiar photophobic response. However, few facts are known about their aggregational behavior. This study aims to reveal the effect of light on aggregational behavior. Reynierse (1966) suggested that light has a negative effect on the formation of aggregations. However, one of his objectives for aggregational behavior was inappropriate. This study reevaluated the effect of existence of light on aggregational behavior, as well as ascertained the effect of wavelength on the formation of aggregations. Methods. In this study, the ratio of individuals participating in aggregations was measured as a criterion to determine aggregational behavior. Aggregational behavior was measured after two hours from the initial exposure to different light sources. The behaviors under white LED light and under shade were compared, as well as the behaviors under five different light sources: infrared lamp, red, green, blue LED, and ultraviolet lamp. Results. The existence of light interfered the formation of aggregations (t-test, p < 0.0001), which supports the former study of Reynierse. Also, aggregational behavior differed under different wavelengths (ANOVA, p < 0.0001). Except for the infrared light which emitted a wide range of wavelengths, the behavior showed hierarchy: decreasing aggregational behavior in accordance with decreasing wavelength. UV light has the most significant negative effect on the formation of aggregations. Discussion. Exposure to light caused negative effects on performing aggregational behavior. Participation in aggregations appears to be influenced by photophobic response, especially under lights of short wavelength. Disintegrating aggregations under exposure to lights can potentially bring evolutionary benefit. This behavior possibly makes the aggregating planarians altogether exposed to a higher risk or predation, considering that they lack defense mechanisms. Planarians can lower the risk and continue the populations by disintegrating the aggregational behavior under the existence of UV and lights of higher wavelength, which are indicatives of daytime. Understanding aggregational behavior of animals of a lower order would give better insight on general herding behavior, and potentially help interpreting more complex behaviors of higher animals.

Bacterial extracellular polysaccharides

1988 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Whitfield
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Structural Information ◽  
Extracellular Polysaccharides ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Surface Polysaccharides ◽  
Surface Location ◽  
Commercial Applications

The synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides has been recognized in certain bacterial cultures since the 1880s. It is now apparent that a wide range of bacteria produce these polymers and an equally wide range of chemical structures are possible. Their surface location, together with the range of available monosaccharide combinations, noncarbohydrate substituents, and linkage types, make extracellular polysaccharides excellent agents of diversity. As a result, much effort has been directed towards elucidating their structure in pathogenic bacteria and in enteric organisms in particular. Commercial applications of microbial polysaccharides have now broadened the scope of structural information. Most recently, technological advances in molecular biology have created the possibility of manipulating desired polymer characteristics, and with these advances, our knowledge of the mechanisms of synthesis and regulation of cell surface polysaccharides has improved. Ultimately more information regarding the function of extracellular polysaccharides in natural environments may result.

Time-Based QoS Prediction and Rank Aggregation of Web Services

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 79-100
Author(s):  
V. Mareeswari ◽  
E. Sathiyamoorthy
Keyword(s):  
Web Services ◽  
Web Applications ◽  
Cloud Model ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Rank Aggregation ◽  
Qos Prediction ◽  
Short Time Span ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Commercial Applications

Everyday activities are equipped with smart intellectual possessions in the modern Internet domain for which a wide range of web services are deployed in business, health-care systems, and environmental solutions. Entire services are accessed through web applications or hand-held computing devices. The recommender system is more prevalent in commercial applications. This research predicts the preference of consumers and lists the recommended services in order of ranking for consumers to choose services in a short time span. This proposed approach aims to offer the exact prediction of missing QoS (quality of service) value of web services at a specified time slice. The uncertainty of QoS value has been predicted using the cloud model theory. The focus is to give the global ranking using the aggregated ranking of the consumer's ranking list, which has been obtained through the Kemeny optimal aggregation algorithm. In this work, multidimensional QoS data of web services have experimented and given an accurate prediction and ranking in the web environment.

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