Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilm Formation of Escherichia coli Isolated from Pig Farms and Surroundings in Bulgaria.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a ubiquitous microorganism with pathogenic and saprophytic clones. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence, virulence, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation of E. coli in three industrial farms in Bulgaria, as well as their adjacent sites related to the utilization of manure (feces, wastewater in a separator, lagoons, means of transport, and soils). The isolation of single bacterial cultures was performed via standard procedures with modifications, and E. coli isolates were identified via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The disk diffusion method was used to assess antimicrobial resistance, and PCR was used to detect genes for antibiotic resistance (GAR) (qnr, aac(3), ampC, blaSHV/blaTEM and erm) and virulence genes (stx, stx2all, LT, STa, F4 and eae). The protocol of Stepanovic was utilized to measure the biofilm formation of the isolates. A total of 84 isolates from different samples (n = 53) were identified as E. coli. Almost all demonstrated antimicrobial resistance, and most of them demonstrated resistance to multiple antibiotics from different classes. No virulence genes coding the Shiga toxin or enterotoxins or those associated with enteropathogenicity were detected. No GAR from those tested for quinolones, aminoglycosides and macrolides were found. However, all isolates that were resistant to a penicillin-class antibiotic (56) had ß-lactamase-producing plasmid genes. All of them had ampC, and 34 of them had blaTEM. A total of 14 isolates formed strongly adherent biofilms. These results in a country where the use of antibiotics for growth promotion and prophylaxis in farms is highly restricted corroborate that the global implemented policy on antibiotics in human medicine and in animal husbandry needs revision.

Novel Mixed-Dimensional hBN-Passivated Silicon Nanowire Reconfigurable Field Effect Transistors: Fabrication and Characterization.

This work demonstrates the novel concept of a mixed-dimensional reconfigurable field effect transistor (RFET) by combining a one-dimensional (1D) channel material such as a silicon (Si) nanowire with a two-dimensional (2D) material as a gate dielectric. An RFET is an innovative device that can be dynamically programmed to perform as either an n- or p-FET by applying appropriate gate potentials. In this work, an insulating 2D material, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), is introduced as a gate dielectric and encapsulation layer around the nanowire in place of a thermally grown or atomic-layer-deposited oxide. hBN flake was mechanically exfoliated and transferred onto a silicon nanowire-based RFET device using the dry viscoelastic stamping transfer technique. The thickness of the hBN flakes was investigated by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The ambipolar transfer characteristics of the Si-hBN RFETs with different gating architectures showed a significant improvement in the device's electrical parameters due to the encapsulation and passivation of the nanowire with the hBN flake. Both n- and p-type characteristics measured through the top gate exhibited a reduction of hysteresis by 10-20 V and an increase in the on-off ratio (ION/IOFF) by 1 order of magnitude (up to 108) compared to the values measured for unpassivated nanowire. Specifically, the hBN encapsulation provided improved electrostatic top gate coupling, which is reflected in the enhanced subthreshold swing values of the devices. For a single nanowire, an improvement up to 0.97 and 0.5 V/dec in the n- and p-conduction, respectively, is observed. Due to their dynamic switching and polarity control, RFETs boast great potential in reducing the device count, lowering power consumption, and playing a crucial role in advanced electronic circuitry. The concept of mixed-dimensional RFET could further strengthen its functionality, opening up new pathways for future electronics.

Subcritical Water Extraction of Rosmarinic Acid from Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and Its Effect on Plant Cell Wall Constituents.

Rosmarinic acid (RA), an ester of caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid, is a potent radical scavenger, a chelator of prooxidant ions, and an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation. RA-containing extracts are widely used natural antioxidants in food products, and many herbal preparations and food supplements, containing RA, are marketed with claims of beneficial health effects. The current study investigated the effectiveness of subcritical water extraction (SWE) for the recovery of RA from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), as a "green" alternative to conventional hydro-alcoholic extraction. Different durations (10 min and 20 min) and extraction temperatures (100 °C and 150 °C) were applied. Subcritical water applied at a temperature of 100 °C was equally efficient as 50% ethanol in extracting RA. However, the further elevation of temperature to 150 °C decreased RA content by up to 20% due to thermal degradation. The content of RA in dried extracts was between 2.36% and 5.55% and the higher temperature of SWE increased extract yield by up to 41%. The higher extraction yield resulted from the degradation of plant material by subcritical water as evidenced by the increased extraction and degradation of proteins, pectin, and cellulose. These results reveal that SWE is an efficient technology for the extraction of RA and other antioxidants from lemon balm at reduced extraction time and without the use of toxic organic solvents. Furthermore, by modification of SWE conditions, dry extracts with different purity and content of RA are obtained. These extracts could be used in the food industry as food antioxidants, or in the development of food supplements and functional foods.

Chemical characterization and biological effect of exopolysaccharides synthesized by Antarctic yeasts Cystobasidium ongulense AL101 and Leucosporidium yakuticum AL102 on murine innate immune cells.

The current study aimed to investigate exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by two Antarctic yeasts isolated from soil and penguin feathers samples collected on Livingston Island (Antarctica). The strains were identified as belonging to the species Leucosporidium yakuticum (LY) and Cystobasidium ongulense (CO) based on molecular genetic analysis. The EPS production was investigated using submerged cultivation. Different chemical, chromatographic, and spectral analyses were employed to characterize EPSs. LY accumulated 5.5 g/L biomass and 4.0 g/L EPS after 120 h of cultivation, while CO synthesized 2.1 g/L EPS at the end of cultivation, and the biomass amount reached 5.5 g/L. LY-EPS was characterized by a higher total carbohydrate content (80%) and a lower protein content (18%) by comparison with CO-EPS (62%, 30%). The LY-EPS mainly consisted of mannose (90 mol%), whereas CO-EPS had also glucose, galactose, and small amounts of uronic acids (8-5 mol%). Spectral analyses (FT-IR and 1D, 2D NMR) revealed that LY-EPS comprised a typical ß-(1 → 4)-mannan. Branched (hetero)mannan, together with ß/α-glucans constituted the majority of CO-EPS. Unlike LY-EPS, which had a high percentage of high molecular weight populations, CO-EPS displayed a large quantity of lower molecular weight fractions and a higher degree of heterogeneity. LY-EPS (100 ng/mL) elevated significantly interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production in splenic murine macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells. The results indicated that newly identified EPSs might affect IFN-γ signaling and in turn, might enhance anti-infectious responses. The data obtained also revealed the potential of EPSs and yeasts for practical application in biochemical engineering and biotechnology.

Natural Xylooligosaccharides Exert Antitumor Activity via Modulation of Cellular Antioxidant State and TLR4.

It has been recently proven that xylooligosaccharides (XOS) with prebiotic properties have diverse beneficial biological effects including immunomodulatory and antitumor activities. The present article focused on the chemical and biological evaluation of corn-derived commercially available XOS and aimed to elucidate their cytotoxicity and inhibitory potential against tumor cells. Spectrophotometric chemical analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography analyses were performed. Antioxidant activity was determined by measuring the oxygen radical absorbance capacity and hydroxyl radical averting capacity. In vitro cytotoxicity assays with human cell lines derived from normal and tumor tissues, assessments of ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potential specific staining, cytokine assays, and molecular docking were used to evaluate the biological activity of XOS. The sample showed significant antioxidant activity, and it was determined that most xylose oligomers in it are composed of six units. XOS exhibited antitumor activity with pronounced inhibitory effect on lysosomes, but mitochondrial functionality was also affected. The production of proinflammatory cytokines by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated U-937 cells was reduced by XOS treatment, which suggested the involvement of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated signaling in the mechanism of XOS action. Molecular docking analyses confirmed the potential inhibitory interaction between the sample and TLR4. In addition, XOS treatment had significant tumor-cell-specific influence on the glutathione antioxidant system, affecting its balance and thus contributing to the inhibition of cellular viability. The present study elucidated the tumor-inhibitory potential of commercially available XOS that could be utilized in pharmaceutical and food industry providing disease-preventive and therapeutic benefits.

Structural Features and Immunomodulatory Effects of Water-Extractable Polysaccharides from Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer.

Macrolepiota procera (MP) is an edible mushroom used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and inflammation. However, the structure and biological effects of its polysaccharides (PSs) are unclear. This study investigates the structural features of a PS complex from MP (MP-PSC), its immunomodulatory activities and effects on probiotic and pathogenic bacteria. MP-PSC was obtained by boiling water, and PSs were characterized by 2D NMR spectroscopy. The immunomodulatory effects on blood and derived neutrophils, other leukocytes, and murine macrophages were studied by flow cytometry, chemiluminescence, spectrophotometry, and ELISA. The total carbohydrate content of MP-PSC was 74.2%, with glycogen occupying 36.7%, followed by ß-D-glucan, α-L-fuco-2-(1,6)-D-galactan, and ß-D-glucomannan. MP-PSC (200 µg/mL) increased the number of CD14+ monocyte cells in the blood, after ex vivo incubation for 24 h. It dose-dependently (50-200 µg/mL) activated the spontaneous oxidative burst of whole blood phagocytes, NO, and interleukin 6 productions in RAW264.7 cells. MP-PSC exhibited a low antioxidant activity and failed to suppress the oxidative burst and NO generation, induced by inflammatory agents. It (2.0%, w/v) stimulated probiotic co-cultures and hindered the growth and biofilm development of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans and Salmonella enterica. MP PSs can be included in synbiotics to test their immunostimulating effects on compromised immune systems and gut health.

Nutrient Constituents, Bioactive Phytochemicals, and Antioxidant Properties of Service Tree (Sorbus domestica L.) Fruits.

The current study aimed to determine the major and minor nutritional constituents of Sorbus domestica L. fruits. It was revealed that palmitic acid was the most commonly occurring saturated fatty acid, while linoleic acid represented the major polyunsaturated fatty acid. The sterol fraction consisted mainly of ß-sitosterol. Small amounts of lipophilic pigments were quantified. Potassium, iron, and boron were the most abundant macro-, micro-, and ultra-trace elements. The amino acid composition analysis suggested that the non-essential amino acids predominated over the essential ones. Soluble sugars (fructose and glucose) represented a large part of the total carbohydrate content, but pectin formed the major part of polysaccharides. Malic acid was the most abundant organic acid whereas quercetin-3-ß-glucoside, neochlorogenic, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids were the major phenolic constituents. Fruits exhibited free-radical scavenging and protecting ability against peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals. Service tree fruits provided valuable bioactive constituents having a high nutritional value and potential health benefits.

A jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) seed cake extracts express hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced toxicity in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of jojoba seed cake extracts against an acute paracetamol (PC) intoxication. Two aqueous extracts from jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) seed cake, a simmondsin-rich extract (WE), and a simmondsin-hydrolyzed extract (NE) using Viscozyme L enzyme have been prepared and characterized. After enzyme treatment, simmondsin content decreased from 33.0 % to 3.0 % and glucose content increased from 16.2 % to 27.3 % reflecting simmondsin hydrolysis. Both extracts were administered to different rat groups via gavage (0.6 g/kg b.w.) before PC treatment (2 g/kg b.w.) three times a week for 3 weeks. The PC intoxication altered the serum biomarkers, the oxidative status, and the Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), Bax and Bcl-2 protein expressions of tested animals. In addition, the histological analysis of liver tissues proved significant injury and hepatocellular necrosis. WE and NE extract showed a relatively high in vitro radical scavenging (ORAC) and averting activities (HORAC) with a polyphenol content of 3.6 % and 2.9 %, respectively. Both extracts showed a powerful in vivo hepatoprotective activity against PC-induced toxicity by improving the hepatocellular antioxidant status and blocking proteins expression (TNF-α, Bax and Bcl-2), involved in inflammation and liver damage. However, the enzymatic treatment improved the hepatoprotective activity of NE despite its lower simmondsin content and lower in vitro antioxidant capacity. This enhancement could be linked to the synergetic effect between the antioxidant components and the new hydrolytic products as glucose, uronic acids, arabinose and simmondsin-aglycons. These results suggest that jojoba waste could be potentially valorized in developing hepatoprotective drugs.

Structural characterization of polysaccharides from Geranium sanguineum L. and their immunomodulatory effects in response to inflammatory agents.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Geranium sanguineum L. is used for treatment of inflammations, anemia, malignant diseases of the blood-forming organs, diarrhea, respiratory infections, etc. Only flavonoids in root extracts have been elucidated as immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory compounds, and polysaccharides in the herb have not been examined. AIM OF THE STUDY: to compare the chemical features of polysaccharide complexes (PSCs) from leaves (GSL-PSC) and roots (GSR-PSC) of G. sanguineum, as well as their immunomodulatory activities on leukocytes after inflammation, and effects on the growth of different bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples were isolated by water extraction and their structural features were studied by 2D NMR spectroscopy. The stimulatory effects of both PSCs on human leukocytes were analyzed with flow cytometry. Their suppressive activities on the oxidative burst in blood and derived neutrophils against opsonized zymosan and phorbol myristate acetate were investigated. The effects of the samples on viability, NO and interleukin 6 (IL-6) syntheses in RAW264.7 cells after inflammation with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were tested. The prebiotic and anti-biofilm activities of the PSCs were evaluated. RESULTS: The total carbohydrate content in the samples was significant (73.6-76.8%). GSL-PSC contained pectins, which were rich in homogalacturonan (HG), and smaller amounts of rhamnogalacturonan (RG) type I, decorated by 1,5-α-L-Araf, 1,4- and 1,6-ß-D-Galp chains. GSR-PSC contained starch, followed by pectins with lower HG content and more RG-I regions, substituted by 1 â†’ 3,5-α-L-arabinans and 1 â†’ 3,6-ß-D-galactans. GSL-PSC and GSR-PSC (200 µg/mL) increased monocyte and granulocyte cell counts, but GSR-PSC also elevated T helper and B cell levels in a normal and activated state. GSR-PSC triggered a dose-dependent (50-200 µg/mL) oxidative burst in blood, but alleviated it after inflammation even in blood-derived neutrophils. It was free of LPS, and activated NO and IL-6 productions in RAW264.7 cells better than GSL-PSC, without affecting their viability. Both PSCs (2.0%, w/v) stimulated probiotic co-cultures between Clostridium beijerinckii strains and Lactobacillus sp. ZK9, and inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans and Salmonella enterica. CONCLUSIONS: The PSs in G. sanguineum could be involved in the stimulatory effects on blood-forming organs and anti-inflammatory action of aqueous root extracts in case of infections. These PSs should be included in synbiotic foods to support the treatment of inflammations and infections in the gut.

Influence of Gamma Irradiation on Different Phytochemical Constituents of Dried Rose Hip (Rosa canina L.) Fruits.

Gamma irradiation is efficiently applied to many foods, but nevertheless there is a distinct lack of information about the changes of macro- and micronutrients (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids, organic acids, and phenolics) in dried rose hip (RH) fruits. Therefore, in this study, for the first time, the effect of gamma irradiation (10 and 25 kGy) on RH constituents is investigated. Different analytical techniques (GC-FID, HPLC-UV, HPSEC-RID, IR-FT, and SEM) are employed to examine this effect. The irradiation treatment (10 kGy) increased the glucose content by 30% and released cellobiose from RH fruits, thus revealing cellulose destruction. The extractability of total uronic acids increased from 51% (control) to 70.5% (25 kGy-irradiated), resulting in a higher pectin yield (10.8% < 12.8% < 13.4%) and molecular heterogeneity. Moreover, de-esterification was not a major effect of the irradiation-induced degradation of pectin. The sample exposure to the highest dose did not change the content of total carotenoids, ß-carotene, and (un)saturated fatty acids, but it affected the tocopherols levels. Gamma rays had a negligible effect on the phenolic constituents and did not affect ORAC and HORAC antioxidant activity. In conclusion, it can be compromised that the exposition of dried RH is safe and can be successfully applied to decontaminate fruits without affecting their nutritional value and biological activity.

Mid- and far-infrared localized surface plasmon resonances in chalcogen-hyperdoped silicon.

Plasmonic sensing in the infrared region employs the direct interaction of the vibrational fingerprints of molecules with the plasmonic resonances, creating surface-enhanced sensing platforms that are superior to traditional spectroscopy. However, the standard noble metals used for plasmonic resonances suffer from high radiative losses as well as fabrication challenges, such as tuning the spectral resonance positions into mid- to far-infrared regions, and the compatibility issue with the existing complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) manufacturing platform. Here, we demonstrate the occurrence of mid-infrared localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) in thin Si films hyperdoped with the known deep-level impurity tellurium. We show that the mid-infrared LSPR can be further enhanced and spectrally extended to the far-infrared range by fabricating two-dimensional arrays of micrometer-sized antennas in a Te-hyperdoped Si chip. Since Te-hyperdoped Si can also work as an infrared photodetector, we believe that our results will unlock the route toward the direct integration of plasmonic sensors with the on-chip CMOS platform, greatly advancing the possibility of mass manufacturing of high-performance plasmonic sensing systems.

Addition of Medicinal Plants Increases Antioxidant Activity, Color, and Anthocyanin Stability of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Functional Beverages.

The present study investigates the effect of the addition of medicinal plants, such as lady's mantle, lavender, rosehip, and meadowsweet, on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and color intensity of ready-to-drink aronia nectar during pasteurization and long-term storage. Pasteurization caused a significant decrease in anthocyanin content of aronia nectar, which reduced to 20% of the initial value after four months of storage. Herbs provided different protection to aronia anthocyanins that degraded more slowly during the four-month storage compared to pasteurized control without herbs. The addition of medicinal plants enriched aronia nectar with phenolic compounds and increased its antioxidant activity by up to 52% in meadowsweet-aronia nectar. Moreover, it was accompanied by a color intensity magnification due to co-pigmentation of aronia anthocyanins and herbal phenolics. In contrast to anthocyanins, which constantly degraded during the whole period, color intensity began to stabilize after 30 days, demonstrating that co-pigmentation was progressively established during the time and rosehip provided the best stabilization of aronia nectar color. Current research demonstrates for the first time that medicinal plants such as lady's mantle, rosehip, and especially meadowsweet can be used to increase antioxidant activity, color, and anthocyanin stability of black chokeberry functional beverages.

Controlled Silicidation of Silicon Nanowires Using Flash Lamp Annealing.

Among other new device concepts, nickel silicide (NiSix)-based Schottky barrier nanowire transistors are projected to supplement down-scaling of the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology as its physical limits are reached. Control over the NiSix phase and its intrusions into the nanowire is essential for superior performance and down-scaling of these devices. Several works have shown control over the phase, but control over the intrusion lengths has remained a challenge. To overcome this, we report a novel millisecond-range flash lamp annealing (FLA)-based silicidation process. Nanowires are fabricated on silicon-on-insulator substrates using a top-down approach. Subsequently, Ni silicidation experiments are carried out using FLA. It is demonstrated that this silicidation process gives unprecedented control over the silicide intrusions. Scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy are performed for structural characterization of the silicide. FLA temperatures are estimated with the help of simulations.

Electrical Characterization of Germanium Nanowires Using a Symmetric Hall Bar Configuration: Size and Shape Dependence.

The fabrication of individual nanowire-based devices and their comprehensive electrical characterization remains a major challenge. Here, we present a symmetric Hall bar configuration for highly p-type germanium nanowires (GeNWs), fabricated by a top-down approach using electron beam lithography and inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching. The configuration allows two equivalent measurement sets to check the homogeneity of GeNWs in terms of resistivity and the Hall coefficient. The highest Hall mobility and carrier concentration of GeNWs at 5 K were in the order of 100 cm2/(Vs) and 4×1019cm-3, respectively. With a decreasing nanowire width, the resistivity increases and the carrier concentration decreases, which is attributed to carrier scattering in the region near the surface. By comparing the measured data with simulations, one can conclude the existence of a depletion region, which decreases the effective cross-section of GeNWs. Moreover, the resistivity of thin GeNWs is strongly influenced by the cross-sectional shape.

Structural study of a pectic polysaccharide fraction isolated from "mountain tea" (Sideritis scardica Griseb.).

The present study was conducted to investigate the structural characteristics of an acid-extracted polysaccharide fraction from mountain tea. The monosaccharide composition revealed that uronic acids (72.4 mol%) considerably predominated in the fraction, followed by smaller amounts of galactose (14.5 mol%) and glucose (6.2 mol%). The fraction contained mostly a highly methyl-esterified homogalacturonan (HG) - 71 mol%. The pectin had a high molecular weight population (∼60-100 kDa). Enzymatic fingerprinting was employed with a combination of HG degrading enzymes and LC-HILIC-MS, HPAEC, HPSEC to examine the structure in greater detail. Unsaturated oligomers released indicated the presence of large blocks of highly methyl-esterified GalA residues. Furthermore, the presence of blocks of non-esterified GalA residues and partly methyl-esterified and acetylated GalA residues in HG domain was demonstrated. The research findings provide a basis for further investigations regarding biological activity and commercial exploitation of mountain tea.

Structural, rheological and functional properties of galactose-rich pectic polysaccharide fraction from leek.

An acid-extracted polysaccharide from alchohol-insoluble solids of leek was obtained. The sugar composition indicated that galactose and galacturonic acid were the major sugars, followed by small amounts of rhamnose and arabinose. The fraction contained a relatively high methyl-esterified homogalacturonan next to rhamnogalacturonan type I decorated with galactose-rich side chains. The fraction consisted of three high Mw populations, covering the range of 10-100 kDa. Enzymatic fingerprinting was performed with HG/RG-I degrading enzymes to elucidate the structure. The oligomers were analysed using LC-HILIC-MS, HPAEC, and MALDI-TOF MS. The data revealed the presence of GalA sequences, having different patterns of methyl-esterification, RG-I composed of unbranched segments and segments heavily substituted with ß-(1→4)-linked galactan chains of varying length. The rheological study showed the shear-thinning, weak thixotropic, anti-thixotropic, and non-Newtonian behavior of the polysaccharide. The pectin exhibited higher water holding capacity than oil-holding capacity and the fraction did form stable foams at high concentration.

The ancient Thracian endemic plant Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. and related species: A review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Haberlea rhodopensis (HR) use dates back to the Thracian and Roman periods. Bulgarians call it Orpheus flower and exploit its leaves for making tea and extracts with detoxifying, tonic, restorative and rejuvenating effects. HR was traditionally applied in wound healing and treatment of cattle diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: The general aim of the review was to analyze the progress of phytochemical and pharmacological studies on HR, focusing on its radioprotective and immunomodulating effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The main source material for the review was collected using several global search engines with the phrase: Haberlea rhodopensis, as well as Bulgarian books and dissertations. RESULTS: HR metabolite profile includes large amounts of free sugars, polyols, polysaccharides (PS), flavonoids, phenolic acids and carotenoids. The radioprotective effect of 70% ethanolic leaf extract (70HREE) is explained by preservation of lymphocytes, other blood cells and testicular tissue from aberration under γ-radiation via stimulation of antioxidant enzymes and neutralization of free radicals. The extract immunomodulating activity results from raised antibody response, stem and neutrophil cell count, complement system activation, anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory effects. The detoxifying, restorative, rejuvenating and wound healing plant properties known to ethnomedicine were supported by radioprotective and immunomodulating studies. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolites of phenolic origin involved in HR resurrection are supposed to contribute to its radioprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-aging effects. However, there is no chemical characterization of 70HREE in the investigations with humans and animals. Structure-activity relationship studies on HR immunomodulating and radioprotective compounds, and on their mode of action are required. They should include not only phenols but PS and other unexplored molecules. The metabolic activity of phagocytes, platelets and lymphocytes triggered by HR extracts has to be examined to elucidate their immunostimulatory potential. HR formulations can be tested in cosmetic, food and medical products as adjuvants to treat infectious, chronic inflammatory and tumour diseases, and especially in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Detection of ultra-low protein concentrations with the simplest possible field effect transistor.

Silicon nanowire (Si NW) sensors have attracted great attention due to their ability to provide fast, low-cost, label-free, real-time detection of chemical and biological species. Usually configured as field effect transistors (FETs), they have already demonstrated remarkable sensitivity with high selectivity (through appropriate functionalisation) towards a large number of analytes in both liquid and gas phases. Despite these excellent results, Si NW FET sensors have not yet been successfully employed to detect single molecules of either a chemical or biological target species. Here we show that sensors based on silicon junctionless nanowire transistors (JNTs), the simplest possible transistors, are capable of detecting the protein streptavidin at a concentration as low as 580 zM closely approaching the single molecule level. This ultrahigh detection sensitivity is due to the intrinsic advantages of junctionless devices over conventional FETs. Apart from their superior functionality, JNTs are much easier to fabricate by standard microelectronic processes than transistors containing p-n junctions. The ability of JNT sensors to detect ultra-low concentrations (in the zeptomolar range) of target species, and their potential for low-cost mass production, will permit their deployment in numerous environments, including life sciences, biotechnology, medicine, pharmacology, product safety, environmental monitoring and security.

Co-pigmentation of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) anthocyanins with phenolic co-pigments and herbal extracts.

The co-pigmentation of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) anthocyanins with ten phenolic co-pigments was studied. Tested compounds provoked different co-pigmentation effect, manifested by hyperchromic and batochromic shifts. The co-pigmentation was accompanied by a magnification of color intensity and decrease of color hue, both related to a more pleasant color. The hyperchromic effect was the most significant for rosmarinic acid (51.02%), syringic acid (43.24%) and catechin (39.73%). However, it was observed at the highest pigment/co-pigment ratio (1:50), not achievable in plant matter. Targeting the potential practical application of co-pigmentation, we tested eight herbal extracts for their co-pigmentation ability with aronia anthocyanins. The use of herbal extracts led to a significant hyperchromic effect at much lower pigment/co-pigment ratios, compared to pure compounds. The use of selected herbal extracts as co-pigments opens realistic prospects for development of aronia functional foods with improved sensory properties and biological effects, due to enhanced color and anthocyanin stability.

Fabrication of Si and Ge nanoarrays through graphoepitaxial directed hardmask block copolymer self-assembly.

Films of self assembled diblock copolymers (BCPs) have attracted significant attention for generating semiconductor nanoarrays of sizes below 100 nm through a simple low cost approach for device fabrication. A challenging abstract is controlling microdomain orientation and ordering dictated by complex interplay of surface energies, polymer-solvent interactions and domain spacing. In context, microphase separated poly (styrene-b-ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO) thin films is illustrated to fabricate nanopatterns on silicon and germanium materials trenches. The trenched templates was produced by simple electron beam lithography using hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) resist. The orientation of PEO, minority cylinder forming block, was controlled by controlling trench width and varying solvent annealing parameters viz. temperature, time etc. A noticeable difference in microdomain orientation was observed for Si and Ge trenches processed under same conditions. The Ge trenches promoted horizontal orientations compared to Si due to difference in surface properties without any prior surface treatments. This methodology allows to create Ge nanopatterns for device fabrication since native oxides on Ge often induce patterning challenges. Subsequently, a selective metal inclusion method was used to form hardmask nanoarrays to pattern transfer into those substrates through dry etching. The hardmask allows to create good fidelity, low line edge roughness (LER) materials nanopatterns.