Effects of an Extract of Physalis Peruviana Linnaeus on the Expression of Inflammatory Markers in the Caco-2 Intestinal Epithelium-like Cell Line.

Objective: Physalis Peruviana Linnaeus (PPL) is an herbaceous species characterized by a wide variety of bioactive compounds to which anti-inflammatory properties have been attributed. This makes this fruit a possible complementary therapy for diseases that involve chronic inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In the present study, the effect of a PPL extract on the expression of inflammatory markers in the Caco-2 cell line was evaluated.Methods: An in vitro gastric digest (50 g PPL pulp) was performed, obtaining an extract that was used to challenge Caco-2 cells for 24 and 72 hours. This extract was characterized by LC-MS/MS. Then, the relative mRNA expression of NF-kB, TLR4, IL-18 and MCP-1 was determined through qRT-PCR and the protein levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18 and MCP-1 through Luminex Immunoassay.Results: From the characterization of the extract, compounds with bioactive potential such as isothiocyanates, indoles and coumarins were found. Treatment of Caco-2 cells with PPL extract (80 µg/ml), particularly for 72 hours, produced a reduction of IL-18 and MCP-1 mRNA expression (p < 0.01), in addition to IL-18 (p < 0.01), IL-8 (p < 0.0001) and MCP-1 (p < 0.01) protein levels, however, no effects on NF-kB p65 (p = 0.09) and TLR4 (p = 0.20) mRNA expression were observed.Conclusion: The results obtained in this study open the possibility that the regular consumption of 50 g of PPL could constitute a possible complementary therapy for the treatment of IBD, improving the quality of life of these patients.

The complete chloroplast genome of Leonurus sibiricus Linnaeus (Labiatae, Leonurus Miller).

Leonurus sibiricus Linnaeus 1753, an annual or biennial herb found in northern China, Mongolia, and Russia, typically grows in stony, sandy grasslands, and pine forests. This study sequenced and reported the complete chloroplast genome of L. sibiricus for the first time. The entire circular genome measures 151,689 bp in length, with a GC content of 38.4%. A total of 133 genes were annotated, including 88 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and eight rRNAs. The genome exhibits a typical quadripartite structure, comprising a large single-copy (LSC 82,820 bp) region, a small single-copy (SSC 17,619 bp) region, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR 25,625 bp each) regions. Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum-likelihood method indicates that L. sibiricus is most closely related to L. japonicus Houttuyn. This study provides valuable genomic resources for further research on the phylogenetics and biodiversity of the genus Leonurus.

A systematic review on botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Potentilla anserina L.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Potentilla Anserina Linnaeus, a traditional Chinese herb with ethnic characteristics, is considered a superior material by the people of Qinghai and Tibet. Traditionally, it has been used to invigorate the spleen, quench thirst, tonify the blood, astringing to stop bleeding, and relieve diarrhea. This is the reason for its frequent usage in treating spleen deficiency, diarrhea, and various bleeding disorders. At the same time, P. anserina is often consumed as food by the Tibetan people to obtain nourishment and health benefits. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The present review provides a systematic description of P. anserina, covering its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemical constituents, and various pharmacological activities of extracts. This overview aims to provide insights into research directions and potential applications of P. anserina. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on P. anserina was gathered through various sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, CNKI, and Web of Science. In addition, information was available from native texts and prominent ethnopharmacologists. RESULTS: So far, 154 different chemical substances have been isolated and identified from P. anserina, with tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenes accounting for the majority. Polysaccharides and triterpenes are the main material components responsible for the pharmacological activity of P. anserina. Research shows that P. anserina exhibits rich pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antiviral, blood tonic, immune regulation, cardiovascular system treatment, diabetes treatment, and liver protection. CONCLUSIONS: Some traditional applications of P. anserina have been confirmed. However, due to incomplete evaluation indicators and other reasons, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to clarify its pharmacological evaluation, which remains a focus of future research. Additionally, we recommend that future studies concentrate on the quality control and safety evaluation of P. anserina to address research gaps and offer theoretical support for the plant's potential functions and clinical applications.

Study on Preparation of Regenerated Cellulose Fiber from Biomass Based on Mixed Solvents.

In this study, Arundo donax Linnaeus was utilized as the biomass and a TH/DS (Tetra-n-butylammonium hydroxide/Dimethyl sulfoxide, C16H37NO/C2H6OS) system was employed to dissolve biomass cellulose. The optimal process for the preparation of Arundo donax L. biomass regenerated cellulose fiber was determined through process optimization. The physical properties and antimicrobial performance of the resulting products were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the physical indicators of biomass regenerated cellulose fiber, prepared from Arundo donax L. cellulose, met the requirements of the standard for Viscose Filament (Dry breaking strength ≥ 1.65 CN/dtex, Elongation at dry breaking 15.5-26.0%, and Dry elongation CV value ≤ 10.0%). Additionally, excellent antimicrobial properties were exhibited by the biomass regenerated cellulose fiber developed in this study, with antibacterial rates against Staphylococcus aureus and other three strain indexes meeting the Viscose Filament standards. Furthermore, high antiviral activity of 99.99% against H1N1 and H3N2 strains of influenza A virus was observed in the experimental samples, indicating a remarkable antiviral effect. Valuable references for the comprehensive utilization of Arundo donax L. biomass resources are provided by this research.

Development of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for selective extraction of Benzoxazolinone-type alkaloids from acanthus plants.

Benzoxazolinone-type alkaloids found in Acanthus ebracteatus and Acanthus ilicifolius Linnaeus possess various beneficial properties, such as antileishmanial, antipyretic, analgesic, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. In this study, we employed a surface imprinting technique on nanomaterials. We utilized functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2NH2 as a scaffold, with 2-benzoxazolinone and 2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one serving as dual templates, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker, and 2,2-azodiisobutyric nitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. Prior to polymerization, we screened functional monomers using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The resulting magnetic surface molecular imprinting polymer (Fe3O4@SiO2@MIP) was thoroughly characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also conducted assessments of its adsorption isotherms, dynamics, and selective binding capabilities. Our findings indicate that the MIPs exhibited exceptional selective recognition performance. Through meticulous screening and optimization of extraction and separation conditions, we established an LC‒MS/MS method based on magnetic solid-phase extraction technology. The method exhibited a recovery range of 78.80-106.99 % (RSD, 0.46-3.31 %) for 2-benzoxazolinone, with a limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.85 and 9.00 µg L-1, respectively. For 2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one, the method yielded a recovery range of 84.75-103.53 % (RSD, 0.07-5.96 %), with an LOD and LOQ of 3.60 and 12.60 µg L-1, respectively, in real samples. The resulting Fe3O4@SiO2@MIP demonstrated a high capacity for class-specific adsorption.

Multidirectional insights into the phytochemical, biological, and multivariate analysis of extracts from the aerial part of Swertia perennis Linnaeus.

Swertia perennis Linnaeus (SP) has been utilised to treat gastritis. We report the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of SP. The correlation between the biological activities and total bioactive contents of the extracts was also studied via multivariate analysis. Methanol extract contained many active compounds and exhibited good antioxidant activity. Therefore, this was selected for further phytochemical profiling and stability studies. Fourteen compounds were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-orbitrap-mass spectrometry for the first time from this plant. Iridoids, xanthones, and flavonoids were the main components. Methanol extract exhibited good stability and antioxidant capacity in stability studies, with low toxicity, and showed a protective effect on the oxidation of olive and sunflower oils. SP has the potential to be developed and used as an antioxidant, or as urease and XO inhibitors, and its methanol extract could be used as a natural oil stabiliser.

Erythrina L. (Phaseoleae, Papilionoideae, Leguminosae) of Brazil: an updated nomenclatural treatment with notes on etymology and vernacular names.

Erythrina L. is a genus that comprises ca. 120 to 130 species distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics of the world. Linnaeus established the genus in Genera Plantarum (1737) and the first binomial name given to a Brazilian Erythrina was E.crista-galli L., described by himself in Mantissa Plantarum (1767). Vellozo proposed in Florae Fluminensis (1790-1881) the first treatment of the genus in Brazil, where he treated three species from the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Martins and Tozzi proposed the most recent treatment in 2018, where the authors recognized 11 valid names and presented three new synonyms. Despite extensive efforts already made in the genus, previous works did not treat all names related to the valid ones for Brazilian Erythrina. The present work is the most comprehensive and up-to-date nomenclatural treatment for the genus in Brazil, covering all 84 related names found on digital nomenclatural databases. Here we analyze 64 protologues, update typification statuses, propose five new synonyms, 13 new lectotypes (11 first-step, two second-step) and one neotype, linking all protologues and type specimens with their corresponding available digital sources, and make additional notes on etymology and vernacular names.

Phylogenetic analysis of museum specimens of houting Coregonus oxyrinchus shows the need for a revision of its extinct status.

According to the IUCN Red List the anadromous houting Coregonus oxyrinchus is categorized as 'extinct'. However, this extinct status might be incorrect because taxonomic difference between C. oxyrinchus and the closely related C. lavaretus is based on a disputable morphological comparison. Also, phylogenetic studies on mtDNA only focused on recent obtained coregonids. We are the first to perform a mtDNA analysis on both historic and recent specimens, including the syntype specimen which was used for species description by Linnaeus originally. Two primer pairs for mitochondrial CytB and ND3 were used to extract sequences for phylogenetic analysis. Sequences from 14 out of 21 C. oxyrinchus museum specimens were successfully obtained and compared with sequences from recent obtained C. lavaretus. The sequences were combined with GenBank data from a previous phylogenetic study on houting to create a phylogenetic tree and two minimum spanning haplotype networks. Results show that C. oxyrinchus and C. lavaretus form a clade with limited genetic variation. Low bootstrap values also show weak support for geographical patterns in distribution of mitochondrial haplotypes. Statistical analysis of the haplotype networks also shows that historic and recent specimens are similar species. Our results suggest that C. oxyrinchus is a junior synonym of C. lavaretus. A definitive taxonomic revision could not be made because only CytB sequencing was successful for the syntype specimen. We discuss taxonomic consequences and the species-specific focus in nature conservation. We propose a shift in nature conservation to a more functional approach based on traits rather than species.

Mechanism of inulin in colic and gut microbiota of captive Asian elephant.

BACKGROUND: Gut microbiota have a complex role on the survivability, digestive physiology, production, and growth performance in animals. Recent studies have emphasized the effects of prebiotics therapy on the gut disease, but the relationship between elephant gut-related diseases and prebiotics remains elusive. Here, a case study was undertaken to evaluate the mechanism of inulin treatment in colic in Asian elephant (Elephas maximus Linnaeus). METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from a sick elephant and four healthy elephants. Analysis of microbial profile was carried out by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the short chain fatty acids were tested by gas chromatography. The physiological function of "inulin-microbiota" of elephant was verified in mice by fecal microbial transplantation (FMT). The expression of related proteins was determined by Western blotting and qPCR. RESULTS: (1) Eating inulin can cure gut colic of the sick elephant and changed gut microbiota. (2) It was found that "inulin microbiota" from the post-treatment elephants can promote the proliferation of intestinal cells, increase the utilization of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), maintain intestinal barrier, and reduce the inflammation in mice. (3) The mechanism was inulin-gut microbiota-SCFAs-immune barrier. CONCLUSIONS: Inulin contributed to rehabilitate the gut microbiota and gut immune barrier of the elephant with colic. This provides reasonable verification for using prebiotics to treat the colic in captive elephants. Prebiotics will foresure play an increasingly important role in disease prevention and treatment of captive animals in the future. Video Abstract.

Notes on the Taxonomy of Salix vitellina (Salicaceae).

Salix vitellina L., or golden willow, was described by C. Linnaeus in 1753. It was later considered to be affiliated with S. alba, and its taxonomic rank has been changed to variety, subspecies, and form. A recent proposal designated it as a form of S. alba × S. fragilis. The goal of this study was to verify the taxonomic designation of S. vitellina using morphological characteristics including ovule number. A few specimens of S. vitellina from Europe and North America, including the lectotype LINN1158.13, were analyzed. It was recorded that S. vitellina has an ovule index of 6-10, with most valves with four and five ovules and less than 50% of valves with five ovules. These ovule parameters were similar to those of S. alba. The other floral characteristics also indicated that S. vitellina is associated with S. alba. No signs of androgyny or flower aberrations, commonly occurring in willow hybrids, were found in the specimens of S. vitellina. Thus, the analyses did not corroborate the hybrid origin of S. vitellina. The ovule analysis also confirmed that f. chermesina with orange-red stems is also a taxon of S. alba, which differs from f. vitellina by a greater ovule index of 12-16.

A case of chronic schistosomiasis in a Dongola stallion (Equus ferus caballus Linnaeus, 1758) from Nigeria.

Schistosomiasis is a worldwide snail-borne parasitic infestation of man and animals with acute or chronic phases having devastating sequelae. The present case report focused on post-mortem examination of a cachexic Dongola stallion (Equus ferus caballus Linnaeus, 1758) in Abuja, Nigeria, that failed to respond to treatment. Typical dense collagenous granulomatous lesions with marked inflammatory responses and fibrosis occurred in the liver and several visceral organs of the horse along with other lesions indicative of systemic collapse. Special Ziehl-Neelsen and Periodic Acid-Schiff staining as well as microbial culture returned negative results to rule out acid-fast bacilli, fungal, and other bacterial involvement. In addition, the presence of a yellowish-brown eggshell within fibrosing granulomatous lesions led to the diagnosis of chronic schistosomiasis. Prolonged malnutrition under harsh and changing increment weather conditions with lack of medical care following the infection might have predisposed the horse to the recorded systemic collapse in the present case. The dearth of information on the ante-mortem evaluation of acute equine schistosomiasis cases notwithstanding, the observed lesions/cellular changes reinforced  associated multi-organ damages and systemic collapse in chronic cases. Our findings highlighted the pathological presentations and prognosis of chronic schistosomiasis and its triggers, especially in endemic areas, and in horses that often do not present obvious clinical manifestations.

First account of microplastics in pelagic sporting dolphinfish from the eastern Mexican coast of Baja California Sur.

This study is a baseline data on the presence of MPs from the gastro-intestinal tracts (GITs) in Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, from eastern Baja California Sur, México. 878 MPs items (in %) of fibers (29%), fragments (68%) and films (1.3%) were detected from 51 GITs of Coryphaena hippurus. Transparent, white, blue and black were the prevalent colours. Morphological features observed through SEM analysis, the presence of heavily weathered MPs is due to the mechanical, microbiological and chemical weathering process. PP (29%), Nylon (29%), PS (17%), PE (11%), PET (6%) and HDPE (8%) presence indicates their source from regional anthropogenic stress. Trophic level transition is enforced by polymer derivative, permitting the sinking behavior of MPs and increased ingestion probability. Fishes were classified as slim despite their higher feeding capabilities and ingested MPs indicates a relationship with environmental contaminants. Current study emphasizes the health risk linked to biological aspects of MPs ingestion.

Five New Cantharidin Derivatives from the Insect Mylabris cichorii L. and Their Potential against Kidney Fibrosis In Vitro.

Five new monoterpenoids including three 1-hydroxymethyl-2-methyl cantharimide-type derivatives (1, 2, and 5) and two 1,2-dimethyl cantharimide-type derivatives (3 and 4), together with three known compounds (6-8) were isolated from the insect Mylabris cichorii Linnaeus. The structures of these new compounds, including their absolute configurations, were characterized by detailed analysis of NMR, chemical derivatization, and quantum chemical ECD calculations. All of the compounds were tested for their biological activity against kidney fibrosis. The results revealed that compounds 2, 4, and 7 could inhibit kidney fibrosis in vitro at 40 µM by inhibiting the expression of fibronectin and collagen I in TGF-ß1-induced NRK-52e cells.

Gregor Mendel and the theory of species multiplication.

According to the revisionist interpretation of Mendel's pea crosses, his primary aim was not to study the inheritance of traits. Instead, he was interested in the question raised by Linnaeus as to whether new species could arise from the hybridization of existing species. The genetic interpretation is therefore seen as ahistorical by the revisionists. This view goes back to the 1979 article "Mendel no Mendelian?" by the historian of science R.C. Olby. A closer analysis shows that Olby implicitly assumed Mendel adhered to the unusual strictest species definition for Pisum. However, we argue that Mendel only mentions the hypothetical application of this strict definition in his 1866 paper. Like most of his contemporaries, Mendel accepted variation within species where the differences between varieties and species were a matter of degree. After researching variable hybrids in peas (Pisum; 1854-1863), Mendel also studied constant hybrids in hawkweeds (Hieracium; 1866-1873), which he considered to be new species. There is no debate about the latter, but the matter becomes muddled because Olby lumps Pisum and Hieracium together, despite their having completely different reproduction systems. Based on newly discovered historical sources, we also dispute several other assumptions made by Olby. We do not consider Olby's claim that Mendel conducted the Pisum experiments to investigate species multiplication to be tenable.

Efficacy of Imidacloprid Seed Treatments against Four Wheat Aphids under Laboratory and Field Conditions.

Imidacloprid seed treatments are effective at reducing the cohorts of many insect pests on crops such as cotton, corn, and cereals. The effects of imidacloprid seed treatments depend on the aphid species. In China, there are four wheat aphid species-Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus), Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), and Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker)-and for a given region, these four aphid species differ in dominance with changes in cultivation practices and climate. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of imidacloprid seed treatments on the four different aphid species. In experiments in the laboratory, imidacloprid seed treatments significantly reduced the survival rates of S. avenae, R. padi, and S. graminum to 57.33 ± 2.86%, 12.67 ± 1.92%, and 20.66 ± 2.33%, respectively, but for M. dirhodum, there was no significant difference between the control (96.33 ± 1.08%) and the treatment (97.00 ± 0.98%). The fecundities of the four aphid species were much reduced, especially for R. padi when feeding on treated wheat plants. For the field survey, only three aphid species were considered because the density of S. graminum was too low to be analyzed. The effects of imidacloprid seed treatment on the three aphid species in the field were consistent with the laboratory results. Imidacloprid seed treatment reduced the population sizes of S. avenae and R. padi at rates of 70.30 ± 3.15% and 87.62 ± 2.28%, respectively, for the whole wheat season in the field. For M. dirhodum, imidacloprid seed treatments were less effective, and the densities of M. dirhodum increased on four sample days. From this study, we confirmed that the effect of imidacloprid seed treatment varied with the composition of aphid species, being especially less effective for M. dirhodum.

Ethnopharmacology of Rubus idaeus Linnaeus: A critical review on ethnobotany, processing methods, phytochemicals, pharmacology and quality control.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Rubus idaeus Linnaeus (RI) is a Chinese herbal medicine that has been widely used in China for a long time to reinforce the kidney, nourish the liver, improve vision, and arrest polyuria. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work aims to evaluate the recent progress of the chemical composition, pharmacological activity, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and quality control and of Rubus idaeus, which focuses on the insufficiency of existing research and will shed light on future studies of Rubus idaeus. METHODS: Literatures about "Rubus idaeus","Red raspberry" and "Fupenzi"are retrieved by browsing the database, such as Web of Science (http://www.webofknowledge.com/wos), Pubmed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/), CNKI (http://www.cnki.net/), and Wanfang Data (http://www.wanfangdata.com.cn). In addition, related textbooks and digital documents are interrogated to provide a holistic and critical review of the topic. The period of the literature covered from 1981 to 2022. RESULTS: Approximately 194 compounds have been isolated from Rubus idaeus, which is rich in phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, and fatty acids. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that Rubus idaeus exhibits many pharmacological activities, including hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic, anti-Alzheimer effect, anti-osteoporosis, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-bacteria and skin care, etc. However, it is worth noting that most of the research is not associated with the conventional effect, such as reducing urination and treating opacity of the cornea. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of Rubus idaeus has been proved by its long-term clinical application. The research on the pharmacological activity of Rubus idaeus has flourished. In many pharmacological experiments, only the high-dose group can achieve the corresponding efficacy, so the efficacy of Rubus idaeus needs to be further interrogated. Meanwhile, the relationship between pharmacological activity and specific compounds of Rubus idaeus has not been clarified yet. Last but not least, studies involving toxicology and pharmacokinetics are very limited. Knowledge of bioavailability and toxicological behavior of Rubus idaeus can help understand the herb's pharmacodynamic and safety profile.

The history of natural history and race: Decolonizing human dimensions of ecology.

Natural history, loosely defined as the observational study of organisms in the habitats where they occur, is recognized at the roots of ecology. Although the centrality of natural history in ecology has shifted over time, natural history is currently in resurgence: many again consider it to be the foundation of ecological and evolutionary inquiry and advocate the value of organism-centered approaches to address contemporary ecological challenges. Educators identify natural history as the foundational entryway into the practice of ecology, for example in the Ecological Society of America's Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) framework. A strong natural history foundation can help generate testable hypotheses to refine mechanistic understanding of the drivers regulating species distributions and abundances and to inform restoration and conservation efforts. Given the resurgence of natural history as the foundation for ecological knowledge and practice, it is important to recognize that natural history has a long history of racism that has impacted ecological thought and priorities. This history shapes not only who conducts ecological science but also foundational ecological concepts. For example, natural history's emphasis on pristine nature untouched by humans disregards or appropriates stewardship and knowledge of most of the world's population. Because of the legacy of chattel slavery, this exclusion is particularly strong for people of African descent. This exclusion narrows ecological inquiry, limits the capacity to find solutions to ecological problems, and risks interventions that perpetuate the relation between eugenics, ecological knowledge, and natural systems. If ecology is to become an inclusive, responsive, and resilient discipline, this knowledge gap must be addressed. We here present the colonial and racist underpinnings of natural history and offer strategies to expand inclusion in the study of nature. Natural history was steeped in racism, providing a hierarchy of cultures and a taxonomy of races. Complementing growing interest in traditional and Indigenous ecological knowledge, we focus on Black ecological knowledge, for example in the study of "maroon ecologies." Addressing the racist history of natural history is necessary for removing structural and racist barriers to diverse participation and expanding ecological knowledge bases in service of better and more just science.

Two new spongian diterpene derivatives from the aquaculture sponge Spongia officinalis Linnaeus, 1759.

2ß,3α,19-Triacetoxy-17-hydroxyspongia-13(16),14-diene (1), a novel acetoxy diterpenoid, and 18-nor-2,17-hydroxyspongia-1,4,13(16),14-quaien-3-one (2), belonging to the rare 18-nor-spongian carbon skeleton, together with six related known metabolites (3‒8), were isolated from the aquaculture Spongia officinalis Linnaeus, 1759. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, quantum chemical calculation of NMR parameters, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Compounds 3, 4, and 5 exhibited moderate inhibition against STAT3/NF-κB, HIF-1, Wnt signalling pathways. Compounds 1, 3, and 5 showed cytotoxicity activities against K562 cell line with IC50 values of 7.3, 3.5, and 6.4 µM, respectively.

Molecularly imprinted polymer-specific solid-phase extraction for the determination of 4-hydroxy-2(3H)benzoxazolone isolated from Acanthus ilicifolius Linnaeus using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

The minor constituent found in Acanthus ilicifolius Linnaeus, 4-hydroxy-2 (3H) benzoxazolone alkaloid (HBOA), has a range of versatile applications. Herein, a quick and straightforward method for extracting HBOA from A. ilicifolius Linnaeus was proposed. HBOA was used as a template, whereas methacrylic acid, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and acetonitrile were used as functional monomers, cross-linkers, and porogens, respectively. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were synthesized by precipitation polymerization, and their adsorption isotherms, dynamics, and selective binding ability were characterized and analyzed. The results showed that the adsorption amount of the template was 90.18 mg/g. The MIPs were used as solid-phase extraction fillers and actual sample extraction columns, with a linear range of 0-100 µg/L, average recovery of 78.50-101.12%, and a relative standard deviation of 1.20-3.26%. The HBOA concentrations in the roots, stems, and leaves were 1,226, 557, and 205 µg/g, respectively. In addition, MIP-SPE was successfully used in isolating and purifying HBOA from different parts of A. ilicifolius Linnaeus, indicating its effectiveness in extracting and determining HBOA in other herbs.

Interaction of Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus with the biofilm-forming Aeromonas hydrophila.

Background and Aim: The resistance of susceptible fish populations and the adaptive potential of heterogeneous biofilms, which cause multiple antibacterial resistance and long-term persistence of microorganisms, mediate the development and outcome of the infectious process. The study of the fish immunological parameters in interaction with biofilm-forming bacteria is of practical importance for assessing the stability of the homeostasis of the fish. This study aimed to determine the immunobiological parameters of Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus when interacting with biofilm-forming bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila. Materials and Methods: Clinically healthy fish C. carpio L. (Linnaeus, 1758) of both sexes, aged 4 years, and weighing 1.0-1.5 kg (n = 10), were used in this study. The fish were taken from the pond of the VNIIR experimental base in the period of 2020-2022. The standard method was employed to determine the phagocytic activity of blood cells, the total redox activity of neutrophils, and the bactericidal activity of blood serum. Results: After 24-48 h of cultivation in nutrient broth, the implementation of the processes of intercellular communication of bacteria had common patterns of formation of the heterogeneous structure of biofilms. Moreover, analyzing the optical density indices (density, D), it was observed that A. hydrophila was a strong producer of biofilms, as the optical density of the sample (density of sample, Ds) exceeded the optical density of the control (density of control, Dc) by more than 4 times (D = 0.464 ± 0.07). The ratio of the average number of microorganisms attached to the surface of one erythrocyte (average adhesion index) and the percentage (%) of erythrocytes having bacteria on their surface (adhesion coefficient [AC]) was 14.05 ± 0.72, and the adhesion index, AI was ≥4.00, indicating A. hydrophila to be highly adhesive. In addition, the AC of erythrocytes having bacteria on the surface was 14.05% ± 0.72%. A direct correlation was established (R2 = 0.94) between the AC (14.05% ± 0.11%-13.29% ± 0.08%) and the phagocytic index (11.3% ± 0.29%-32.0% ± 0.8%). The indicators of spontaneous nitro blue tetrazolium were 103.20 ± 11.70 when estimating the total redox activity of neutrophils. The optical density increased to 182.10 ± 21.12 with the addition of 20.0 mL of A. hydrophila bacteria (1 billion/mL) and the activity of neutrophils also increased. Conclusion: Among the markers of homeostasis stability, immunological indicators most fully reflect the mechanisms of initiation, development, and outcome of the infectious process mediated by the interaction of adhesive molecules of multicellular eukaryotes and adhesives of infectious disease pathogens. The research will contribute to further understanding the potential mechanism of quorum-sensing molecules and the search for new anti-adhesive drugs that reduce the formation of biofilms.