Evaluation of the Anti-Cancer Potential of Rosa damascena Mill. Callus Extracts against the Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Line.

Chemotherapy is an aggressive form of chemical drug therapy aiming to destroy cancer cells. Adjuvant therapy may reduce hazards of chemotherapy and help in destroying these cells when obtained from natural products, such as medical plants. In this study, the potential therapeutic effect of Rosa damascena callus crude extract produced in vitamin-enhanced media is investigated on colorectal cancer cell line Caco-2. Two elicitors, i.e., L-ascorbic acid and citric acid at a concentration of 0.5 g/L were added to the callus induction medium. Callus extraction and the GC-MS analysis of methanolic crude extracts were also determined. Cytotoxicity, clonogenicity, proliferation and migration of Caco-2 colorectal cancer cells were investigated using MTT cytotoxicity, colony-forming, Ki-67 flow cytometry proliferation and Migration Scratch assays, respectively. Our results indicated that L-ascorbic acid treatment enhanced callus growth parameters and improved secondary metabolite contents. It showed the least IC50 value of 137 ug/mL compared to 237 ug/mL and 180 ug/mL in the citric acid-treated and control group. We can conclude that R. damascena callus elicited by L-ascorbic acid improved growth and secondary metabolite contents as well as having an efficient antiproliferative, anti-clonogenic and anti-migratory effect on Caco-2 cancer cells, thus, can be used as an adjuvant anti-cancer therapy.

The Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Ajwa Date Fruit Extract Against Acute Diclofenac Toxicity-Induced Colopathy: An Experimental Study.

Background: Studies regarding treatment of acute toxicity with diclofenac (ATD) are quite few. Diclofenac is commonly prescribed in neurology, psychiatry, and general medicine practice. This study investigated possible colon-protective effects exerted by Ajwa date fruit extract (ADFE), a prophetic medicine remedy native to Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia against ATD. Phytochemicals in ADFE as gallic acid and quercetin have reported protective effects against ATD. Methods: Total phenols and flavonoids in ADFE were estimated as equivalents to gallic acid and quercetin. Four experimental groups were allocated each of six rats: control group, ATD group received a single dose of 150 mg diclofenac intraperitoneally, toxicity prevention group received a single dose of ADFE orally followed 4 hours later by diclofenac injection, and toxicity treatment group received a similar diclofenac dose followed 4 hours later by a single dose of ADFE. Four days later, animals were sacrificed. Histological and biochemical examinations were done. Results: ADFE has a total phenolic content of 331.7 gallic acid equivalent/gram extract and a total flavonoid content of 70.23 quercetin equivalent/gram. ATD significantly increased oxidative stress markers as serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Serum MDA and H2O2 were significantly scavenged by ADFE. ATD significantly (p<0.001) decreased antioxidant power as serum total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity. That was reversed by ADFE in both prevention and treatment groups. Histologically, ATD caused complete destruction of colonic crypts architecture, patchy loss of the crypts, loss of the surface epithelium, absent goblet cells and submucosal exudate, heavy infiltration of the lamina propria and submucosa with inflammatory cells, mainly lymphocytes and eosinophils. There were mucosal haemorrhages and submucosal dilated congested blood vessels. All that was prevented and treated using ADFE. Conclusion: ADFE is rich in quercetin and gallic acid equivalents that exert potent antitoxic effects. ADFE is strongly recommended for preventive and therapeutic colon effects against ATD.

Evaluation of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Potential of Taif's Rose (Rosa damascena Mill var. trigintipetala) for Possible Recycling of Pruning Wastes.

This study investigated the phytochemical contents of Taif's rose pruning wastes and their potential application as phytomedicine, thereby practicing a waste-recycling perspective. In the Al-Shafa highland, four Taif rose farms of various ages were chosen for gathering the pruning wastes (leaves and stems) for phytochemical and pharmacological studies. The leaves and stems included significant amounts of carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds. The cardiac glycoside and flavonoid contents were higher in Taif rose stems, while the phenolic and alkaloid contents were higher in the plant leaves. Cardiovascular glycosides (2.98-5.69 mg g-1), phenolics (3.14-12.41 mg GAE g-1), flavonoids (5.09-9.33 mg RUE g -1), and alkaloids (3.22-10.96 mg AE g-1) were among the phytoconstituents found in rose tissues. According to the HPLC analysis of the phenolic compounds, Taif's rose contains flavonoid components such as luteolin, apigenin, quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, and chrysoeriol; phenolics such as ellagic acid, catechol, resorcinol, gallic acid, and phloroglucinol; alkaloids such as berbamine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, reticuline, isocorydine, and boldine. Warm water extract was highly effective against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris, whereas methanol and cold water extracts were moderately effective against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. The study's findings suggested that Taif's rose wastes could be used for varied medical purposes.

Polyethylene Glycol Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with Nigella sativa Extract: A Smart Antibacterial Therapeutic Drug Delivery System.

Flaky graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using Hummer's method and then capped with polyethylene glycol (PEG) by an esterification reaction, then loaded with Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed extract. Aiming to investigate their potential use as a smart drug delivery system against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the spectral and structural characteristics of GO-PEG NPs were comprehensively analyzed by XRD, AFM, TEM, FTIR, and UV- Vis. XRD patterns revealed that GO-PEG had different crystalline structures and defects, as well as a higher interlayer spacing. AFM results showed GONPs with the main grain size of 24.41 nm, while GONPs-PEG revealed graphene oxide aggregation with the main grain size of 287.04 nm after loading N. sativa seed extract, which was verified by TEM examination. A strong OH bond appeared in FTIR spectra. Furthermore, UV- Vis absorbance peaks at (275, 284, 324, and 327) nm seemed to be correlated with GONPs, GO-PEG, N. sativa seed extract, and GO -PEG- N. sativa extract. The drug delivery system was observed to destroy the bacteria by permeating the bacterial nucleic acid and cytoplasmic membrane, resulting in the loss of cell wall integrity, nucleic acid damage, and increased cell-wall permeability.

The impact of abiotic factors on the growth and lipid accumulation of some green microalgae for sustainable biodiesel production.

Three species of freshwater planktonic green microalgae: Ankistrodesmus braunii, Ankistrodesmus falcatus, and Scenedesmus incrassatulus, were isolated from the Nile water in Upper Egypt. These microalgae were exposed to nutritional (nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron) limitations and salinity stress to study their effects on the algal growth and to elevate the lipid content within their cells. The results indicated that exposure to these conditions had a significant impact on the algal growth. The lipid content of the studied algae increased as a result of the salinity stress. The highest lipid content was recorded in A. braunii culture treated with 50 mM NaCl (34.4% of dry weight) and S. incrassatulus cultures treated with 100 mM NaCl (37.7% of dry weight) on the 6th day of cultivation, while the culture of A. falcatus treated with 100 mM NaCl recorded the maximum lipid content (53% of dry weight) on the 10th day of the experiment. The biodiesel quality parameters of the fatty acid methyl ester profile of S. incrassatulus appeared to be in agreement with the international criteria. S. incrassatulus could be regarded as a quite promising feedstock for the biodiesel production.

Colour stability of 3D-printed resin orthodontic brackets.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the colour stability of polymeric resins that could be used to 3D-print orthodontic brackets. DESIGN: In vitro, laboratory study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disc-shaped specimens were fabricated via 3D printing using three resins: Dental LT; Dental SG; and Clear. Five conditions were evaluated for each resin (n = 10 per treatment per resin) to assess its corresponding effect on colour and translucency: immersion in (1) red wine, (2) coffee, (3) tea and (4) distilled water (control), and (5) exposure to accelerated aging. Colour and translucency measurements were made before and after exposure using a spectrophotometer. Mean colour differences (ΔE00) and changes in translucency parameter (ΔTP00) were calculated for each sample using the CIEDE2000 colour difference formula. RESULTS: Statistically significant effects of the resin material, the treatment condition and interactions effects of material and condition were observed for ΔE00 and ΔTP00 (P < 0.001). The most pronounced changes in colour (ΔE00) were a result of the staining effects of wine on all three resins, ranging from 14.5 ± 0.6 to 20.8 ± 1.2. Dental LT, Dental SG and Clear resins all showed changes in colour when exposed to certain staining agents. Dental SG and Clear resins exhibited changes in colour with aging, while the colour of Dental LT resin remained stable with aging. CONCLUSIONS: The colour changes of the resins investigated does not support their use in 3D-printed aesthetic bracket applications.

Evaluation of Chemical Properties, Amino Acid Contents and Fatty Acid Compositions of Sesame Seed Provided from Different Locations.

In this study, chemical properties, amino acid contents, fatty acid compositions of sesame seeds dependin on growing locations of sesame plants were evaluated. Protein contents of sesame seeds changed between 20.80% (Afghanistan) and 26.01% (India). Oil contents of seeds were changed between 44.69% (Mozambique) and 55.37% (Niger-Kany). Crude fiber contents of sesame seeds ranged from 17.30% (Ethiopia-Volega) to 28.78% (Mozambique). The highest protein, crude oil and crude fiber were found in India, Niger-Kany and Mozambique sesame seed samples, respectively. In addition, while glutamic acid contends of seeds change between 3.28% (Uganda and Niger-Benje) and 4.57% (India), arginine contents of seeds ranged from 2.36% (Uganda) to 3.10% (India). The total amino acid contents of sesame seeds ranged from 18.12% (Uganda) to 23.51% (India). Palmitic acid contents of sesame oils ranged from 7.93% (Uganda) to 9.55% (Burkina Faso). While oleic acid contents of sesame seed oils are found between 35.88% (Mozambique) and 44.54% (Afghanistan), linoleic acid contents of oils ranged from 37.41% (Afghanistan) to 47.44% (Mozambique). The high amount of protein, oil contents, amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids can be positively considered from the nutritional point of view.

A GC-MS method validation for quantitative investigation of some chemical markers in Salvia hypargeia Fisch. & C.A. Mey. of Turkey: Enzyme inhibitory potential of ferruginol.

In the present study, a GC-MS method used for quantitative screening of 26 compounds (sclareolide, sclareol, ferruginol, cryptanol, 6,7-dehydroroyleanone, suginal, 9,10-dihydro-7,8-dimethyl-2-(1-methylethyl) phenanthren-3-ol, sugiol, inuroyleanone, 12-demethylmulticauline, 7α-hydroxy-ß-sitosterol, stigmasterol, sitosterol, salvigenin, sinensetin, α-amyrin, lupeol, lupenone, 3-acetyl lupeol, 1α,21α-dihydroxy-2,3-(1'1'-dimethyl-dioxymethylene) urs-9(11),12-dien, uvaol, betulin, pyxinol, lup-(20),29-ene-2α-hydroxy-3ß-acetate, betulin 3ß, 28ß-diacetate, 21α-hydroxy,2α,3ß-diacetoxy urs-9(11),12-dien) specific to Turkish Salvia species was developed and validated. According to the GC-MS analysis results, Salvia hypargeia Fisch. & C.A. Mey. roots were found to be rich in ferruginol (30787.97 µg/g extract) and lupenone (23276.21 µg/g extract), and leaves in lupeol (20625.92 µg/g extract). Additionally, the essential oil and aroma contents of this species were identified by GC-MS technique. According to the LC-MS/MS results, especially S. hypargeia leaf extract was rich in rosmarinic acid (38035.7 µg/g extract) and isoquercitrin (4136.91 µg/g extract). Furthermore, anticholinesterase, antiurease, antityrosinase and antielastase inhibitory, antioxidant, cytotoxic activities of the ethanol extracts, essential oil, and major components of the species were evaluated. Antioxidant potentials of all extracts of this species were quite high in all studied antioxidant methods. Moreover, butyrylcholinesterase and elastase inhibitory capacities of ferruginol, the major component of S. hypargeia roots, were notable. For these reasons, this species has a high potential for food and pharmaceutical industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This new GC-MS method was applied to S. hypargeia Fisch. & C.A. Mey. and it indicated that this species possessed high amount of ferruginol and lupeol, and that this species could be used for their natural sources. According to the results of the activity studies (antioxidant, anticholinesterase, tyrosinase, elastase, and cytotoxic), this method was used to exhibit which compound may be responsible for the activities. This developed and validated method could be easily applied to determine major/active/toxic secondary metabolites of Salvia species which are used and/or could be used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

Herbal Medicine for Glioblastoma: Current and Future Prospects.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and devastating tumours of the central nervous system with short survival time. Glioblastoma usually shows fast cell proliferation and invasion of normal brain tissue causing poor prognosis. The present standard of care in patients with glioblastoma includes surgery followed by radiotherapy and temozolomide (TMZ) based chemotherapy. Unfortunately, these approaches are not sufficient to lead a favorable prognosis and survival rates. As the current approaches do not provide a long-term benefit in those patients, new alternative treatments including natural compounds, have drawn attention. Due to their natural origin, they are associated with minimum cellular toxicity towards normal cells and it has become one of the most attractive approaches to treat tumours by natural compounds or phytochemicals. OBJECTIVE: In the present review, the role of natural compounds or phytochemicals in the treatment of glioblastoma describing their efficacy on various aspects of glioblastoma pathophysiology such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, cellular signaling pathways, chemoresistance and their role in combinatorial therapeutic approaches was described. METHODS: Peer-reviewed literature was extracted using Pubmed, EMBASE Ovid and Google Scholar to be reviewed in the present article. CONCLUSION: Preclinical data available in the literature suggest that phytochemicals hold immense potential to be translated into treatment modalities. However, further clinical studies with conclusive results are required to implement phytochemicals in treatment modalities.

Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of Ajwa date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) extracts in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet.

This study investigated the chemical composition, in vivo antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemic potential of Ajwa date polyphenol extract (DPE). Chemical analysis revealed that the Ajwa dates contain substantial amounts of carbohydrates, energy, potassium, iron, polyphenols, and flavonoids. In vivo studies showed that feeding rats with cholesterol-rich diets significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased their body and liver weights, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) in plasma and liver, and reduced the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) content and antioxidant enzyme activities. However, oral administration of 25, 50, and 100 mg DPE/kg body weight to hypercholestrolemic rats, significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced their body and liver weights, total hepatic cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and triglycerides. Furthermore, treatment with DPE improved (p ≤ 0.05) the HDL-C concentration and antioxidant enzyme activity in a concentration-dependent fashion, thereby regulating lipid profiles, enhancing the antioxidant defense system. Overall, DPE showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) nutritional, antioxidants, and antihyperlipidemic benefits. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world. Consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in polyphenol have shown to exert cardio-protective effect. This work revealed that phenolic extracts of Ajwa dates have positive impacts on the health as it reduced TC, LDL-C, and lipids VLDL-C and improved HDL-C and the antioxidant defense system in rats. The findings of this study could aid in the profound understanding of the nutritional and health potentials of Ajwa dates and thus could help in utilization of these valuable fruits for the prevention and curing of cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of feeding flaxseed on performance, carcass trait, and meat fatty acid composition of Guinea pigs (Cavia procellus) under northern Peruvian condition.

A study was conducted to determine the effects of flaxseed supplementation on performance, carcass traits, and hindleg fatty acid composition of guinea pigs. Sixty male and female weaned guinea pigs (1 month old, five animals/cage) were blocked by sex and bodyweight and randomly fed 0 (control) or 100 g/kg flaxseed concentrate diets (15 g/animal) plus ad libitum fresh alfalfa for 30 days. Results showed that flaxseed supplementation had no influence on animal performance. However, final body weight (P = 0.035), total feed intake (P = 0.019), and body weight gain (P < 0.001) were higher in male than female guinea pigs. Similar results were also observed for carcass composition (i.e., hot, chilled, and reference carcass weights). Inclusion of flaxseed reduced saturated (P < 0.001), mono-unsaturated (P = 0.004), and increased (P < 0.001) polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acid concentrations in hindlegs. Concentrations of linolenic acid and n-3 PUFA increased (P < 0.001) by 49.7 and 37.1%, respectively as a result of flaxseed inclusion. It was concluded that feeding flaxseed to guinea pigs at 100 g/kg of the concentrate diets improves meat PUFA concentrations with no adverse effects on performance or carcass composition.

Effects of Cold-Press and Soxhlet Extraction Systems on Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenol Contents, Fatty Acids, and Tocopherol Contents of Walnut Kernel Oils.

In this study, physico-chemical properties, fatty acid composition, and tocopherol contents of several walnut kernel oils obtained through cold-press and Soxhlet extractions were investigated. The acidity, peroxide, and unsaponifiable matter of oil samples extracted in the Soxhlet system were found higher. Total phenol contents of the oils obtained in cold press and Soxhlet extraction systems were 121.9 mg GAE/100g (Kaman-2) and 154.6 mg GAE/ 100g (Büyükoba), and between 135.9 mg GAE/100g (Kaman-2) and 163.8 mg GAE/100g (Büyükoba), respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, antioxidant activity valuesof walnut oils obtained in cold press and Soxhlet extractions varied between 17.3% (Kaman-2) and 19.7% (Kaman-5), and between 18.4% (Kaman-2) and 23.8% (Büyükoba), respectively (p < 0.05). Linoleic acid contents of the oil samples extracted in cold-press varied between 55.19% (Kaman-5) and 56.71% (Kaman-2), while that extracted from Soxhlet extraction system varied between 54.47% (Kaman-2) and 55.93% (Büyükoba). É£-Tocopherol contents of walnut oils extracted in cold press and Soxhlet extraction ranged between 9.41 mg/100g (Büyükoba) and 10.83 mg/100g (Kaman-2), and 8.76 mg/100g (Kaman-5) and 9.33 mg/100g (Kaman-2), respectively, and were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Malnutrition Risk at Diagnosis and Over a 6-Month Treatment Period in Pediatric Oncology Patients With Hematologic Malignancies and Solid Tumors.

In total, 74 pediatric oncology patients with hematologic malignancies (n=56) or solid tumors (n=18) and a median age of 78.5 months were included in this prospective study. The aims were to assess malnutrition risks and nutritional status over a 6-month treatment period measured at regular intervals. The rate of patients with high risk for malnutrition at diagnosis was 28.4% by Screening Tool for Risk of Impaired Nutritional Status and Growth tool and 36.5% by Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score. Body mass index (BMI) z-scores at diagnosis showed 12.3% undernutrition (<-2 SD) and 6.8% overnutrition (>2 SD), which changed to 6.7% and 11.1% at the sixth month, respectively. Malnutrition (BMI<5th age percentile) was detected in 13.7% at diagnosis. Despite an initial deterioration noted in BMI, BMI for age percentile, and z-scores at month 1 in all malignancy subgroups (at month 3 for acute lymphoblastic leukemia), the scores improved later on. There was an increase in weight from baseline in 88.2% of patients over 6 months. This study revealed a decrease in the prevalence of undernutrition and malnutrition over a 6-month treatment period with improved anthropometrics despite an initial deterioration in all malignancy subgroups and even in patients with high risk for malnutrition at baseline screening. Solid tumors and acute lymphoblastic leukemia seem to be associated with higher likelihood of undernutrition and overnutrition, respectively, during treatment.

Effect of different microwave power setting on quality of chia seed oil obtained in a cold press.

This study was conducted to investigate the impacts of microwave heating treatments at different powers (0, 180, 360, 540, 720 and 900Watts) on the quality attributes of chia seed oil. Linoleic acid contents of the chia seed oil heated in microwave oven changed between 19.21% (900 W) and 21.17% (control), respectively (p < 0.05). Linolenic acid contents of heated chia seed oils varied between 66.84% (900 W) and 68.71% (control). α-Tocopherol and ß-tocopherol contents of the chia oil samples varied between 47.71 mg/100 g (900 W) and 51.17 mg/100 g (control) to 62.58 mg/100 g (900 W) and 67.81 mg/100 g (control), respectively. While caffeic acid contents of the oils change between 0.27 mg/g (900 W) and 3.84 mg/g (control), rosmarinic acid contents of chia seed oils were found between 1.32 mg/g (900 W) and 3.17 mg/g (control). Results reflect a change in the chemical structures of the chia oil. Overall, much care should be taken when roasting chia seeds in microwave to avoid lossess in the bioactive components of chia oil.

Effects of extruded flaxseed on layer performance, nutrient retention and yolk fatty acid composition.

1. This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding an extruded flaxseed (EF) on layer performance, apparent total tract nutrient retention (ATTR) and egg yolk fatty acid concentrations. 2. Seventy-two White Leghorn laying hens (58-week-old; three per cage) were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments: 0%, 7.5%, 15.0% and 22.5% of EF-supplemented diets for 8 weeks. 3. Supplementation with EF had no effect on feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio and egg weight. Egg components (yolk, albumen and shell percentages) were similar among treatments, except that shell percentage was greater for layers fed 22.5% EF than those fed 7.5% and 15% EF. The ATTR of dry matter and organic matter were highest for 0% and 7.5% EF, intermediate for 15% EF and lowest for 22.5% EF. Similar reductions on ATTR of crude protein and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy were observed for layers fed 22.5% EF relative to those fed 0% or 7.5% EF. 4. Feeding EF at 7.5%, 15.0% and 22.5% of the diet markedly increased (by 92%, 198% and 271%, respectively) egg yolk concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and reduced saturated fatty acid and n-6 PUFA concentrations. 5. It was concluded that omega-3 labelled eggs (300 mg/60 g of egg) may be produced with low (7.5% of diet) levels of dietary EF without compromising egg production parameters. However, feeding moderate to high levels of EF (i.e. 15% and 22.5% EF) may reduce total tract nutrient and energy utilisation.

Effect of feeding broccoli floret residues on leghorn layer performance and egg quality and nutrient digestibility.

1. A study was conducted to determine the effects of dried broccoli floret (DBF) on egg production parameters, egg quality and apparent nutrient digestibility of laying hens. It was hypothesised that feeding DBF can improve egg quality without adversely affecting layer performance.2. Seventy-two White Leghorn layers aged 62 weeks were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments (6 cage replicates with 3 hens each) and fed diets containing 0, 40, 80 and 120 g/kg DBF in feed for 56 d.3. Inclusion of DBF had no effect on feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio or egg components. However, egg weight increased (linear effect, P < 0.05) as the level of DBF in the diet increased. Egg breakage strength, eggshell strength and Haugh unit were not influenced by dietary treatments. Egg yolk colour (quadratic effect, P = 0.002) and α-tocopherol concentration (quadratic effect, P < 0.0001) improved as a result of DBF inclusion. Egg yolk cholesterol concentration was not altered by DBF inclusion. Apparent total tract nutrient (dry matter, organic matter and crude protein) digestibility coefficients decreased (linear effect, P < 0.05) as the level of DBF increased.4. Feeding DBF to layers up to 120 g/kg of the diet had no negative effects on feed intake, egg production and feed efficiency and improved egg yolk colour and α-tocopherol concentration. However, total tract nutrient digestibility coefficients were negatively decreased as a result of DBF inclusion.

Antimicrobial activity of nanoemulsion on drug-resistant bacterial pathogens.

The appearance of drug-resistant (DR) bacteria in the community is a crucial development, and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, healthcare costs, and antibiotic use. Natural oil nanoemulsions (NEs) have potential for antimicrobial applications. In the present study, we determined the antimicrobial activity of an NE against DR bacterial pathogens in vitro. The NE comprised Cleome viscosa essential oil, Tween 80 nonionic surfactant, and water. We found that an NE with a droplet size of 7 nm and an oil:surfactant (v/v) ratio of 1:3 was effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), DR Streptococcus pyogenes, and DR extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that NE treatment modified the functional groups of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in DR bacterial cells. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed damage to the cell membranes and walls of NE-treated DR bacteria. These alterations were caused by bioactive compounds with wide-spectrum enzyme-inhibiting activity in the NE, such as ß-sitosterol, demecolcine, campesterol, and heneicosyl formate. The results suggest that the nanoemulsion is effective against DR bacteria, and acts by inhibiting the drug efflux mechanism of DR strains.

Fatty Acid Characterization and Biodiesel Production by the Marine Microalga Asteromonas gracilis: Statistical Optimization of Medium for Biomass and Lipid Enhancement.

Lipid production is an important indicator for evaluating microalgal species for biodiesel production. In this study, a new green microalga was isolated from a salt lake in Egypt and identified as Asteromonas gracilis. The main parameters such as biomass productivity, lipid content, and lipid productivity were evaluated in A. gracilis, cultivated in nutrient-starved (nitrogen, phosphorous), and salinity stress as a one-factor-at-a-time method. These parameters in general did not vary significantly from the standard nutrient growth media when these factors were utilized separately. Hence, response surface methodology (RSM) was assessed to study the combinatorial effect of different concentrations of the abovementioned factor conditions and to maximize the biomass productivity, lipid content, and lipid productivity of A. gracilis by determining optimal concentrations. RSM optimized media, including 1.36 M NaCl, 1 g/L nitrogen, and 0.0 g/L phosphorus recorded maximum biomass productivity, lipid content, and lipid productivity (40.6 mg/L/day, 39.3%, and 15.9 mg/L/day, respectively) which agreed well with the predicted values (40.1 mg/L/day, 43.6%, and 14.6 mg/L/day, respectively). Fatty acid profile of A. gracilis was composed of C16:0, C16:1, C18:0, C18:3, C18:2, C18:1, and C20:5, and the properties of fuel were also in agreement with international standards. These results suggest that A. gracilis is a promising feedstock for biodiesel production.

Prolonged immunomodulation in inflammatory arthritis using the selective Kv1.3 channel blocker HsTX1[R14A] and its PEGylated analog.

Effector memory T lymphocytes (TEM cells) that lack expression of CCR7 are major drivers of inflammation in a number of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The Kv1.3 potassium channel is a key regulator of CCR7- TEM cell activation. Blocking Kv1.3 inhibits TEM cell activation and attenuates inflammation in autoimmunity, and as such, Kv1.3 has emerged as a promising target for the treatment of TEM cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. The scorpion venom-derived peptide HsTX1 and its analog HsTX1[R14A] are potent Kv1.3 blockers and HsTX1[R14A] is selective for Kv1.3 over closely-related Kv1 channels. PEGylation of HsTX1[R14A] to create a Kv1.3 blocker with a long circulating half-life reduced its affinity but not its selectivity for Kv1.3, dramatically reduced its adsorption to inert surfaces, and enhanced its circulating half-life in rats. PEG-HsTX1[R14A] is equipotent to HsTX1[R14A] in preferential inhibition of human and rat CCR7- TEM cell proliferation, leaving CCR7+ naïve and central memory T cells able to proliferate. It reduced inflammation in an active delayed-type hypersensitivity model and in the pristane-induced arthritis (PIA) model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Importantly, a single subcutaneous dose of PEG-HsTX1[R14A] reduced inflammation in PIA for a longer period of time than the non-PEGylated HsTX1[R14A]. Together, these data indicate that HsTX1[R14A] and PEG-HsTX1[R14A] are effective in a model of RA and are therefore potential therapeutics for TEM cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. PEG-HsTX1[R14A] has the additional advantages of reduced non-specific adsorption to inert surfaces and enhanced circulating half-life.

Release of Growth Factors into Root Canal by Irrigations in Regenerative Endodontics.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the release of growth factors into root canal space after the irrigation procedure of regenerative endodontic procedure. METHODS: Sixty standardized root segments were prepared from extracted single-root teeth. Nail varnish was applied to all surfaces except the root canal surface. Root segments were irrigated with 1.5% NaOCl + 17% EDTA, 2.5% NaOCl + 17% EDTA, 17% EDTA, or deionized water. The profile of growth factors that were released after irrigation was studied by growth factor array. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to validate the release of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) at 4 hours, 1 day, and 3 days after irrigation. The final concentrations were calculated on the basis of the root canal volume measured by cone-beam computed tomography. Dental pulp stem cell migration on growth factors released from root segments was measured by using Transwell assay. RESULTS: Total of 11 of 41 growth factors were detected by growth factors array. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that TGF-ß1 was released in all irrigation groups. Compared with the group with 17% EDTA (6.92 ± 4.49 ng/mL), the groups with 1.5% NaOCl + 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl + 17% EDTA had significantly higher release of TGF-ß1 (69.04 ± 30.41 ng/mL and 59.26 ± 3.37 ng/mL, respectively), with a peak release at day 1. The release of bFGF was detected at a low level in all groups (0 ng/mL to 0.43 ± 0.22 ng/mL). Migration assay showed the growth factors released from root segments induced dental pulp stem cell migration. CONCLUSIONS: The root segment model in present study simulated clinical scenario and indicated that the current irrigation protocol released a significant amount of TGF-ß1 but not bFGF. The growth factors released into root canal space induced dental pulp stem cell migration.