Impact of Sel-Plex® dietary supplementation on growth performance, physiological response, oxidative status, and immunity-linked gene expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila.

Background: Organic selenium (Sel-Plex®) supplementation holds considerable promise for improving the effectiveness of fish production. Aim: This experiment was accomplished to judge the potential benefits of Sel-Plex® nutritional additive on growth outcomes, physiological response, oxidative status, and immunity-linked gene expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings exposed to bacterial infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. Methods: Utilizing a basal diet of 30% protein, four experimental diets were prepared, each of which contained Sel-Plex® at concentrations of 0.0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg, respectively. Three replicates of 20 fish/treatment were used using 240 healthy Nile tilapia fingerlings. Fish were placed in 12 glass aquariums and separated into 4 groups at random. For the entire span of 8 weeks, diets were admitted to fish at a 3% rate of fish biomass/aquarium. After the feeding trial, pathogenic A. hydrophila was intraperitoneally injected into fish of each treatment, and fish were observed for 15 days to track the survival rate (SR) after the challenge. Results: Growth performance, physiological response, immunological parameters (phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, and lysozyme), and antioxidant parameters [catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] were noticeably improved in Sel-Plex® treated groups. Moreover, Sel-Plex® increased gene expression linked with the immune system in the liver (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 1ß), to growth (insulin-like growth factor 1 and growth hormone receptor), and antioxidants (SOD and GPx). Under pathogen-challenge conditions, the employed dietary Sel-Plex® supplementation could successfully lower fish oxidative stress, offering a potential preventive additive for Nile tilapia instead of antibiotics. On the other hand, Sel-Plex® significantly enhanced each of three intestinal morphological measurements (villus width, villus length, and crypt depth), demonstrating the greatest influence on the improvement of intestinal structure overall. In the Nile tilapia control group, the infection with A. hydrophila caused noticeable degenerative alterations in the gut, hepatopancreas, spleen, and posterior kidney. The severity of the lesion was significantly reduced and significantly improved with higher Sel-Plex® concentrations. Sel-Plex® supplemented groups had 100% SRs among the A. hydrophila-challenged groups. Conclusion: It could be advised to enrich the diets of Nile tilapia fingerlings with 1-2 mg.kg-1 of Sel-Plex® to enhance growth rate, physiological response, immunological reaction, and intestinal absorptive capacity.

Protective effects of Urtica dioica on the cerebral cortex damage induced by Potassium bromate in adult male albino rats.

Potassium bromate is used in cheese production, beer making and is also used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic. It is a proven carcinogen as it is a strong oxidizing agent that generates free radicals during xenobiotic metabolism. Urtica dioica (Ud) (from the plants' family of Urticaceae) is a plant that has long been used as a medicinal plant in many parts of the world. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunosuppressive properties. So, this study aimed to clarify the effect of Potassium bromate on the histological structure of cerebral cortex of adult male albino rats, evaluate the possible protective role of Urtica dioica. Thirty adult healthy male albino rats were divided into three groups; group I (Control group), group II (KBrO3 treated group). Group III (KBrO3 and Urtica dioica treated group).At the end of the experiment, rats in all groups were anesthetized and specimens were processed for light and electron microscope. Morphometric and statistical analyses were also performed. Nerve cells of the treated group showed irregular contours, dark nuclei, irregular nuclear envelopes, dilated RER cisternae, and mitochondria with ruptured cristae. Vacuolated neuropil was also observed. Immunohistochemically, stained sections for GFAP showed strong positive reaction in the processes of astrocytes. Recovery group showed revealed nearly the same as the histological picture as the control group. In conclusion, potassium bromate induces degenerative effects on neurons of cerebral cortex and urtica dioica provide an important neuroprotective effects against these damaging impacts through their antioxidant properties.

Fluorescence-guided surgical system using holographic display: from phantom studies to canine patients.

Significance: Holographic display technology is a promising area of research that can lead to significant advancements in cancer surgery. We present the benefits of combining bioinspired multispectral imaging technology with holographic goggles for fluorescence-guided cancer surgery. Through a series of experiments with 43D-printed phantoms, small animal models of cancer, and surgeries on canine patients with head and neck cancer, we showcase the advantages of this holistic approach. Aim: The aim of our study is to demonstrate the feasibility and potential benefits of utilizing holographic display for fluorescence-guided surgery through a series of experiments involving 3D-printed phantoms and canine patients with head and neck cancer. Approach: We explore the integration of a bioinspired camera with a mixed reality headset to project fluorescent images as holograms onto a see-through display, and we demonstrate the potential benefits of this technology through benchtop and in vivo animal studies. Results: Our complete imaging and holographic display system showcased improved delineation of fluorescent targets in phantoms compared with the 2D monitor display approach and easy integration into the veterinarian surgical workflow. Conclusions: Based on our findings, it is evident that our comprehensive approach, which combines a bioinspired multispectral imaging sensor with holographic goggles, holds promise in enhancing the presentation of fluorescent information to surgeons during intraoperative scenarios while minimizing disruptions.

Fatty Acid Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum L.): Effect of Origin and Fruit Component.

In the present work, the influence of geographical location on the fatty acid profiles, antioxidant potential, as well as cytotoxicity of edible dabai fruit fractions (kernel, skin, and pulp) were analyzed. The fatty acid profiles were determined by Gas Chromatography (GC), and the antioxidant activity was quantified with free 2,2-diphenyl-1-picr/ylhdrazyl, while the cytotoxicity was assessed by the brine shrimp lethality test. The results showed that the samples from Sibu, Serian, and Kapit geographical locations had a high content of the saturated fatty acids, ranging from 46.63% to 53.31% in the three fractions. The highest mono-saturated fatty acids (MUFA) content was found in Sibu. Serian and Kapit kernel fractions MUFA, however, ranged from 21.2% to 45.91%. No fatty acid composition was detected in Bentong and Kanowit. The fatty acid composition and DPPH free radical scavenging antioxidant activity of dabai were statistically independent using a multivariate analysis in different localities in Malaysia. The skin fraction had a more appreciable antioxidant potential and toxicity level than the pulp and kernel fractions. The highest antioxidant activity (EC50 198.76 ± 1.06 µg/mL) with an LC50 value of 1387.22 µg/mL was obtained from the Sibu skin fraction. Therefore, the fatty acid composition, antioxidant, as well as cytotoxicity analyses of the extracts from different localities indicated that "geographical location" remarkably influenced fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, and toxicity.

A New Strategy to Increase Production of Genoprotective Bioactive Molecules from Cotyledon-Derived Silybum marianum L. Callus.

There is a need to enhance the production of bioactive secondary metabolites and to establish new production systems, e.g., for liver-protective compounds of Silybum marianum seeds. Quantifying and identifying the produced phytochemicals, and examining their protective effects against genotoxic agents, is of great interest. This study established a protocol for the qualitative and quantitative production of hepatoprotective compounds in cotyledon-derived Silybum marianum callus through optimized supplementation of the MS medium with the growth regulators 2,4-D, benzylaminopurine, myoinositol, and asparagine. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) allowed for identification and quantification of the produced compounds. None of the growth medium combinations supported a detectable production of silymarin. Instead, the generated calli accumulated phenolic acids, in particular chlorogenic acid and dicaffeoylquinic acid, as revealed by HPLC and mass spectrometric analysis. 4-Nitro-o-phenylenediamine (NPD) was employed in the AMES-test with Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98 because it is a potent mutagen for this strain. Results revealed that callus extract had a high anti-genotoxic activity with respect to standard silymarin but more evident with respect seed extract. The callus produced chlorogenic acid and dicaffeoylquinic acid, which revealed higher bioactivity than silymarin. Both compounds were not formed or could not be detected in the seeds of Silybum marianum Egyptian ecotype.

Tagetnoic acid, a new lipoxygenase inhibitor peroxy fatty acid from Tagetes minuta growing in Saudi Arabia.

A new peroxy fatty acid, tagetnoic acid (5) [4-((3S,6S)-6-((3E,8E)-octadeca-3,8-dien-1-yl)-3,6-dihydro-1,2-dioxin-3-yl)butanoic acid] and four known metabolites: ecliptal (5-formyl-α-terthiophene) (1), 5-(4-hydroxybut-1-ynyl)-2,2'-bithiophene (2), 22,23-dihydrospinasterone (3), and stigmasterol (4) were separated from the n-hexane fraction of the aerial parts of Tagetes minuta L. (Asteraceae). Their chemical structures were verified using IR, UV, 2D and 1D NMR, and HRMS. Compounds 3-5 displayed potent lipoxygenase inhibitory potential with IC50s 2.26, 1.83, and 1.17 µM, respectively compared to indomethacin (IC50 0.89 µM). Moreover, molecular docking study revealed that the potent activity of 5 is due to H-bonding and hydrophobic interaction. The results of this study suggested that Tagetes minuta dietary consumption would be useful for the individuals at risk of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders.

Anti-inflammatory terpenoids from Cyperus rotundus rhizomes.

Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae) rhizomes afforded a new norterpenoid with an unprecedented carbon skeleton, namely cyperalin A (1) and sugetriol triacetate (2). Their structures were identified by using advanced spectroscopic technique such as UV, IR, 1D (1H and 13C), 2D (1H-1HCOSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) NMR, and HRESIMS as well as comparison with literature data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity. Compound 1 displayed the highest inhibitory activity of PGE2, COX-2, and LOX-5 with IC50s 0.22, 1.03, and 1.37 µM, respectively compared to indomethacin (IC50s 0.15, 0.69, and 0.81 µM, respectively). Moreover, 2 demonstrated significant activity with IC50s 0.57 (PGE2), 1.74 (COX-2) and 2.03 (LOX-5) µM.

Biologically active fungal depsidones: Chemistry, biosynthesis, structural characterization, and bioactivities.

Fungi produce a wide range of structurally unique metabolites. Depsidones represent one of the most interesting classes of metabolites, consisting of two 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid rings linked together by both ether and ester bonds. Naturally occurring depsidones are produced by lichen, fungi, and plants. They possessed a wide array of bioactivities, including antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimalarial, cytotoxic, antibacterial, radical scavenging, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and aromatase and protein kinase inhibitory. In order to point out the potential of this class of compounds, the present review focuses only on the depsidones that have been isolated from fungal source and published from 1978 to 2018. This review outlined the research on the biosynthesis, source, isolation, spectral and physical data, and bioactivities of the naturally occurring fungal depsidones. On the basis of 88 references, > 80 compounds have been described.

Analysis of Transcriptional Responses of the Inflorescence Meristems in Jatropha curcas Following Gibberellin Treatment.

Jatropha curcas L. seeds an oilseed plant with great potential for biodiesel production. However, low seed yield, which was limited by its lower female flowers, was a major drawback for its utilization. Our previous study found that the flower number and female-to-male ratio were increased by gibberellin treatment. Here, we compared the transcriptomic profiles of inflorescence meristem at different time points after gibberellic acid A3 (GA3) treatment. The present study showed that 951 differentially expressed genes were obtained in response to gibberellin treatment, compared with control samples. The 6-h time point was an important phase in the response to exogenous gibberellin. Furthermore, the plant endogenous gibberellin, auxin, ethylene, abscisic acid, and brassinolide-signaling transduction pathways were repressed, whereas the genes associated with cytokinin and jasmonic acid signaling were upregulated for 24-h time point following GA3 treatment. In addition, the floral meristem determinacy genes (JcLFY, JcSOC1) and floral organ identity genes (JcAP3, JcPI, JcSEP1-3) were significantly upregulated, but their negative regulator (JcSVP) was downregulated after GA3 treatment. Moreover, the effects of phytohormone, which was induced by exogenous plant growth regulator, mainly acted on the female floral differentiation process. To the best of our knowledge, this data is the first comprehensive analysis of the underlying transcriptional response mechanism of floral differentiation following GA3 treatment in J. curcas, which helps in engineering high-yielding varieties of Jatropha.

Mangostanaxanthone VII, a new cytotoxic xanthone from Garcinia mangostana.

Garcinia mangostana L. (the queen of fruits, mangosteen, family Guttiferae) is a wealthy source of xanthones. The CHCl3 soluble fraction of the air-dried pericarps of G. mangostana provided a new xanthone: mangostanaxanthone VII (5), along with four known xanthones: mangostanaxanthones I (1) and II (2), gartanin (3) and γ-mangostin (4). The structural verification of these metabolites was achieved by different spectral techniques, including UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS. The new metabolite was assessed for cytotoxic potential, using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay towards the A549 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Moreover, its antimicrobial effects were evaluated against various bacterial and fungal strains, using agar disc diffusion assay. Mangostanaxanthone VII showed moderate cytotoxic activity against the A549 and MCF7 cell lines with IC50s 26.1 and 34.8 µM, respectively, compared with doxorubicin (0.74 and 0.41 µM, respectively).

Microgels of silylated HPMC as a multimodal system for drug co-encapsulation.

Combined therapy is a global strategy developed to prevent drug resistance in cancer and infectious diseases. In this field, there is a need of multifunctional drug delivery systems able to co-encapsulate small drug molecules, peptides, proteins, associated to targeting functions, nanoparticles. Silylated hydrogels are alkoxysilane hybrid polymers that can be engaged in a sol-gel process, providing chemical cross linking in physiological conditions, and functionalized biocompatible hybrid materials. In the present work, microgels were prepared with silylated (hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose (Si-HPMC) that was chemically cross linked in soft conditions of pH and temperature. They were prepared by an emulsion templating process, water in oil (W/O), as microreactors where the condensation reaction took place. The ability to functionalize the microgels, so-called FMGs, in a one-pot process, was evaluated by grafting a silylated hydrophilic model drug, fluorescein (Si-Fluor), using the same reaction of condensation. Biphasic microgels (BPMGs) were prepared to evaluate their potential to encapsulate lipophilic model drug (Nile red). They were composed of two separate compartments, one oily phase (sesame oil) trapped in the cross linked Si-HPMC hydrophilic phase. The FMGs and BPMGs were characterized by different microscopic techniques (optic, epi-fluorescence, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy), the mechanical properties were monitored using nano indentation by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and different preliminary tests were performed to evaluate their chemical and physical stability. Finally, it was demonstrated that it is possible to co-encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, in silylated microgels, that were physically and chemically stable. They were obtained by chemical cross linking in soft conditions, and without surfactant addition during the emulsification process. The amount of drug loaded was in favor of further biological activity. Mechanical stimulations should be necessary to trigger drug release.