Immunomodulatory effects of Diospyros peregrina fruit preparation (DFP) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by utilizing dendritic cell-mediated antigen presentation and T helper (TH) cell differentiation.

Diospyros peregrina is a dioecious plant which is native to India. It belongs to the family of Ebenaceae and is extensively used to treat various ailments, such as leucorrhoea and other uterine-related problems. Though few studies have been on D. peregrina for their anti-tumour response, little is known. Therefore, this intrigued us to understand its immunomodulator capabilities on various types of cancer extensively. Our primary focus is on NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer), which is ranked as the second largest form of cancer in the world, and the treatments demand non-invasive agents to target NSCLC effectively. In an objective to generate an efficient Lung Cancer Associated Antigen (LCA) specific anti-tumour immune response, LCA was presented using dendritic cells (DCs) in the presence of D. peregrina fruit preparation (DFP). Moreover, we also investigated DFP's role in the differentiation of T-helper (TH) cells. Therefore, this study aimed at better LCA presentation mediated by DFP by activating the LCA pulsed DCs and T helper cell differentiation for better immune response. DCs were pulsed with LCA for tumour antigen presentation in vitro, with and without DFP. Differentially pulsed DCs were irradiated to co-culture with autologous and allogeneic lymphocytes. Extracellular supernatants were collected for the estimation of cytokine levels by ELISA. LDH release assay was performed to test Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) mediated lung tumour cell cytotoxicity. Thus, DFP may be a potential vaccine to generate anti-LCA immune responses to restrict NSCLC.

Triterpenoids from the Leaves of Diospyros digyna and Their PTP1B Inhibitory Activity.

Six new 2α-hydroxy ursane triterpenoids, 3α-cis-p-coumaroyloxy-2α,19α-dihydroxy-12-ursen-28-oic acid (1), 3α-trans-p-coumaroyloxy-2α,19α-dihydroxy-12-ursen-28-oic acid (2), 3α-trans-p-coumaroyloxy-2α-hydroxy-12-ursen-28-oic acid (3), 3ß-trans-p-coumaroyloxy-2α-hydroxy-12,20(30)-ursadien-28-oic acid (4), 3ß-trans-feruloyloxy-2α-hydroxy-12,20(30)-ursadien-28-oic acid (5), and 3α-trans-feruloyloxy-2α-hydroxy-12,20(30)-ursadien-28-oic acid (6), along with eleven known triterpenoids (7-17), were isolated from the leaves of Diospyros digyna. Their chemical structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of UV, IR, HRESIMS, and NMR spectra. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their PTP1B inhibitory activity. 3ß-O-trans-feruloyl-2α-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (13) showed the best inhibition activity with an IC50 value of 10.32 ± 1.21 µM. The molecular docking study found that the binding affinity of compound 13 for PTP1B was comparable to that of oleanolic acid (positive control).

Effect of Addition of Tannin Extract from Underutilized Resources on Allergenic Proteins, Color and Textural Properties of Egg White Gels.

Tannins, present in numerous plants, exhibit a binding affinity for proteins. In this study, we aimed to exploit this property to reduce the concentration of allergenic egg white proteins. Tannins were extracted, using hot water, from the lyophilized powder of underutilized resources, such as chestnut inner skin (CIS), young persimmon fruit (YPF), and bayberry leaves (BBLs). These extracts were then incorporated into an egg white solution (EWS) to generate an egg white gel (EWG). Allergen reduction efficacy was assessed using electrophoresis and ELISA. Our findings revealed a substantial reduction in allergenic proteins across all EWGs containing a 50% tannin extract. Notably, CIS and BBL exhibited exceptional efficacy in reducing low allergen levels. The addition of tannin extract resulted in an increase in the total polyphenol content of the EWG, with the order of effectiveness being CIS > YPF > BBL. Minimal color alteration was observed in the BBL-infused EWG compared to the other sources. Additionally, the introduction of tannin extract heightened the hardness stress, with BBL demonstrating the most significant effect, followed by CIS and YPF. In conclusion, incorporating tannin extract during EWG preparation was found to decrease the concentration of allergenic proteins while enhancing antioxidant properties and hardness stress, with BBL being particularly effective in preventing color changes in EWG.

Damage analysis of Pochazia shantungensis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) in persimmons.

An invasive species, Pochazia shantungensis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae), causes serious economic damage to fruit trees. In Korea, this pest is mainly managed using chemical insecticides. However, the management timing and insecticides for P. shantungensis negatively affect honeybee populations. Thus, this study estimated the decision-making level for P. shantungensis in persimmons to decrease insecticide application and increase management efficiency. We determined which developmental stage (i.e., egg, nymph, and adult) affected the damage-related factors (numbers of new shoots and fruit formations, and harvest amount) of persimmons using both spatial analyses and linear relationships. The distribution of P. shantungensis eggs was spatially correlated with the one of persimmon fruit number. However, we did not find any linear relationships between the densities of P. shantungensis eggs and damage-related factors of persimmons. Instead, we found that the density of P. shantungensis correlated with the death of oviposited branches. From the developed model of branch death possibility based on egg mass density, 5.75 egg masses per newly developed branch were proposed as the decision-making level. The findings would help increase the efficiency of P. shantungensis management in persimmon orchards and develop decision-making levels for other insects.

UHPLC-MS/MS analysis and protective effects on neurodegenerative diseases of phenolic compounds in different parts of Diospyros kaki L. cv. Mopan.

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L. cv. Mopan.), an important commercial crop belonging to the genus of Diospyros in the Ebenaceae family, is rich in bioactive phenolic compounds. In this study, the phenolic compounds from fruits, leaves, and calyces of persimmon were qualitatively and quantitatively determined by UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap/MS and UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS, respectively. Furthermore, the role of phenolic extract from different parts of persimmon on neuroprotective activity in vitro, through against oxidative stress and anti-neuroinflammation effect was firstly evaluated. The results showed that 75 phenolic compounds, and 3 other kinds of compounds were identified, among which 44 of phenolic compounds were quantified from different parts of persimmon. It is the first time that epicatechin-epigallocatechin, catechin-epigallocatechin, catechin-epigallocatechin (A-type), and glycoside derivatives of laricitrin were identified in persimmon extract. The dominated phenolic compounds in three parts of persimmon were significantly different. All phenolic extracts from each part of persimmon showed strong neuroprotective activities against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in PC-12 cells and LPS-induced BV2 cells. The fruit extract presented the strongest activity, followed by calyx and leaf extract. The systematic knowledge on the phytochemical composition along with activity evaluation of different parts of persimmon could contribute to their targeted selection and development.

Pulp or Peel? Comparative Analysis of the Phytochemical Content and Selected Cosmetic-Related Properties of Annona cherimola L., Diospyros kaki Thumb., Cydonia oblonga Mill. and Fortunella margarita Swingle Pulp and Peel Extracts.

Fruit peels might be a valuable source of active ingredients for cosmetics, leading to more sustainable usage of plant by-products. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical content and selected biological properties of hydroglycolic extracts from peels and pulps of Annona cherimola, Diospyros kaki, Cydonia oblonga, and Fortunella margarita as potential cosmetic ingredients. Peel and pulp extracts were compared for their antiradical activity (using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays), skin-lightening potential (tyrosinase inhibitory assay), sun protection factor (SPF), and cytotoxicity toward human fibroblast, keratinocyte, and melanoma cell lines. The total content of polyphenols and/or flavonoids was significantly higher in peel than in pulp extracts, and the composition of particular active compounds was also markedly different. The HPLC-MS fingerprinting revealed the presence of catechin, epicatechin and rutoside in the peel of D. kaki, whereas kaempferol glucoside and procyanidin A were present only in the pulp. In A. cherimola, catechin, epicatechin and rutoside were identified only in the peel of the fruit, whereas procyanidins were traced only in the pulp extracts. Quercetin and luteolinidin were found to be characteristic compounds of F. margarita peel extract. Naringenin and hesperidin were found only in the pulp of F. margarita. The most significant compositional variety between the peel and pulp extracts was observed for C. oblonga: Peel extracts contained a higher number of active components (e.g., vicenin-2, kaempferol rutinoside, or kaempferol galactoside) than pulp extract. The radical scavenging potential of peel extracts was higher than of the pulp extracts. D. kaki and F. margarita peel and pulp extracts inhibited mushroom and murine tyrosinases at comparable levels. The C. oblonga pulp extract was a more potent mushroom tyrosinase inhibitor than the peel extract. Peel extract of A. cherimola inhibited mushroom tyrosinase but activated the murine enzyme. F. margarita pulp and peel extracts showed the highest in vitro SPF. A. cherimola, D. kaki, and F. margarita extracts were not cytotoxic for fibroblasts and keratinocytes up to a concentration of 2% (v/v) and the peel extracts were cytotoxic for A375 melanoma cells. To summarize, peel extracts from all analyzed fruit showed comparable or better cosmetic-related properties than pulp extracts and might be considered multifunctional active ingredients of skin lightening, anti-aging, and protective cosmetics.

Mitochondrial genome features and systematic evolution of diospyros kaki thunb 'Taishuu'.

BACKGROUND: 'Taishuu' has a crisp texture, abundant juice, and sweet flavor with hints of cantaloupe. The availability of mitochondrial genome data of Diospyros species is far from the known number of species. RESULTS: The sequencing data were assembled into a closed circular mitochondrial chromosome with a 421,308 bp length and a 45.79% GC content. The mitochondrial genome comprised 40 protein-coding, 24 tRNA, and three rRNA genes. The most common codons for arginine (Arg), proline (Pro), glycine (Gly), tryptophan (Trp), valine (Val), alanine (Ala), and leucine (Leu) were AGA, CCA, GGA, UGG, GUA, GCA, and CUA, respectively. The start codon for cox1 and nad4L protein-coding genes was ACG (ATG), whereas the remaining protein-coding genes started with ATG. There are four types of stop codons: CGA, TAA, TAG, and TGA, with TAA being the most frequently used stop codon (45.24%). In the D. kaki Thunb. 'Taishuu' mitochondrial genome, a total of 645 repeat sequences were identified, including 125 SSRs, 7 tandem repeats, and 513 dispersed repeats. Collinearity analysis revealed a close relationship between D. kaki Thunb. 'Taishuu' and Diospyros oleifera, with conserved homologous gene fragments shared among these species in large regions of the mitochondrial genome. The protein-coding genes ccmB and nad4L were observed to undergo positive selection. Analysis of homologous sequences between chloroplasts and mitochondria identified 28 homologous segments, with a total length of 24,075 bp, accounting for 5.71% of the mitochondrial genome. These homologous segments contain 8 annotated genes, including 6 tRNA genes and 2 protein-coding genes (rrn18 and ccmC). There are 23 homologous genes between chloroplasts and nuclei. Mitochondria, chloroplasts, and nuclei share two homologous genes, which are trnV-GAC and trnW-CCA. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, a high-quality chromosome-level draft genome for D. kaki was generated in this study, which will contribute to further studies of major economic traits in the genus Diospyros.

Persimmon preservation using edible coating of chitosan enriched with ginger oil and visualization of internal structure changes using X-ray computed tomography.

The incorporation of ginger oil (GO) influenced the physical, optical, and structural properties of the chitosan (CH) film including the decreases of moisture content (60.15 %), water solubility (35.37 %) and water vapor permeability (WVP) (32.79 %) and the increases of tensile strength (TS) (125 %), elongation at break (EAB) (2.74 %) and opacity (131.08 %). Antifungal capacity of the CH film was enhanced when GO was added to the film. The CH + GO film showed a less homogeneous surface that the presence of the oil droplets on the film surface. Moreover, the CH and CH + GO coatings reduced weight loss of persimmon by 14.87 %, and 21.13 %, respectively, compared to the control. Moisture content loss of the coated CH- and the coated CH + GO- persimmons was decreased by 1.94 % and 4.92 %, respectively, compared to that of the control persimmon. Furthermore, the CH and CH + GO coatings decreased in color changes, respiration rate, ethylene production, changes in pH and TSS, and remained firmness of persimmon during storage at 25 °C. In addition, X-ray CT images can be used to monitor internal changes and observe the tissue breakdown during storage period. The ΔGS value can be used as a predictor of persimmon internal qualities. Thus, the CH film containing GO can be applied as an active packaging material.

Assessment of freeze, continuous, and intermittent infrared drying methods for sliced persimmon.

Persimmons contribute positively to human health. Although off-season utilization typically presents a challenge due to permissions' perishable nature, it may become feasible through the implementation of appropriate drying methods. In this study, round sliced samples were dried to assess drying kinetics, modeling potential, color attributes, rehydration capacity, energy consumption (EC), cost index, and thermal properties. The fruits were subjected to distinct drying methodologies including freeze-drying, continuous infrared drying (300, 400, and 500 W), and intermittent infrared drying (PR = 1 [continuous], PR = 2 [30 s on-30 s off], and PR = 3 [20 s on-40 s off]). The duration of the drying process ranged from 40 to 390 min. It was determined that the most suitable models for depicting continuous and infrared drying kinetics of persimmon fruit were the Midilli et al. and Page models, whereas the Logarithmic model was identified as the optimal choice for characterization of freeze-drying kinetics. Assessment of EC revealed that both intermittent and continuous infrared drying methods incurred lower energy expenditure in comparison to the freeze-drying technique. Remarkably, throughout the course of the infrared drying processes, product surface temperatures varied between 106.33 and 22.65°C across different treatments. Despite its high EC, it has been found that high-quality products are produced by freeze-drying. However, infrared and intermittent infrared applications can be a low energy cost and feasible method for drying persimmon with a shorter duration. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Persimmon is an important fruit with high nutritional value. However, as with many fresh products, they have a short shelf life. Within the scope of this research, three different drying methodologies were employed in the desiccation of persimmon specimens, and the impact of these methodologies on the overall qualitative attributes of the persimmon product was investigated. Despite its elevated energy consumption, the freeze-drying approach was found to yield high-quality products. Moreover, it was discerned that infrared drying represented a viable and expeditious alternative for drying the fruit, particularly when executed intermittently.

Maturation and antioxidant activity of 'Giombo' and 'Rama Forte' persimmons produced in the Brazilian semiarid.

The objective of this work was characterizing persimmons of the 'Giombo' and 'Rama Forte' cultivars harvested at different ripening stages in the Brazilian semiarid. Fruits were harvested at three ripening stages - green, semi-ripe and ripe - then evaluated for the following characteristics: fruit weight and diameter, skin and pulp color, fruit firmness, pulp pH, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, SSC/TA ratio, total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, astringency index, and the contents of tannin, vitamin C, carotenoid, ß-carotene, and total extractable polyphenols. Also, total antioxidant activity by the DPPH and ABTS methods and pectin methylesterase, and polygalacturonase enzyme activities were evaluated. Two experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design, one for each cultivar, with treatments consisting of different stages of maturation, with five replications of three fruits each. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and the differences between the means were compared using the Tukey test at 5% probability. Fruit firmness and soluble solids content did not vary between maturation stages for any of the cultivars. However, the skin color index increased with advancing maturation for both 'Giombo' and 'Rama Forte'. The astringency index, the content of total extractable polyphenols, soluble tannins and the antioxidant capacity were lower in fruits harvested at the ripe stage, for both cultivars. It can be concluded that persimmons of the 'Giombo' and 'Rama Forte' cultivars present better physicochemical quality characteristics when harvested when ripe, with a totally yellow skin.

Larvicidal Activity against Spodoptera frugiperda of some Constituents from two Diospyros Species. In silico Pesticide-likeness Properties, Acetylcholinesterase Activity and Molecular Docking.

This report informs for the first time the chemical constituents of Diospyros xolocotzii and Diospyros digyna, the pesticidal and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition potential of some compounds calculated by in silico approaches, the larvicidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda of available compounds, the AChE inhibition of selected compounds, and the results of the molecular docking of the most active ones with this receptor. From the aerial parts of D. xolocotzii were isolated pentacyclic triterpenes (1-4, 6, 10, 11-13), phytosterols (15-17), and isodiospyrin (18), whereas the analysis of aerial parts of D. digyna conducted to the isolation of pentacyclic triterpenes (4, 5, 7-9, 11-14), (4S)-shinanolone (19), and scopoletin (20). For comparison purposes, origanal (21) was chemically prepared from 11. The in silico analysis showed that the tested compounds have pesticide potential. The larvicidal activities of 11>13>12 indicated that the increase of the oxidation degree at C-28 increases their bioactivity. Compounds 11 and 21 presented the higher inhibition in the acetylcholinesterase assay, and the higher binding energies, and for the interactionswith AChE by molecular docking. Both Diospyros species are sources of triterpenes with pesticidal potential and the molecular changes in lupane triterpenes correlate with the observed bioactivity and molecular docking.

Ultrasound assisted phytochemical extraction of persimmon fruit peel: Integrating ANN modeling and genetic algorithm optimization.

In the present study, ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) of phytochemicals from persimmon fruit peel (PFP) was modeled using an artificial neural network (ANN) and optimized by integrating with genetic algorithm (GA). The range of process parameters selected for conducting the experiments was ultrasonication power (XU) 150---350 W, extraction temperatures (XT) 30---70 °C, solid to solvent ratio (XS) 1:15---1:35 g/ml, and ethanol concentration (XC) 40---80 %. The range of responses total phenolic content (YP), antioxidant activity (YA), total beta carotenoid (YB) and total flavonoid content (YF) at various independent variables combinations were found to be 7.72---24.62 mg GAE/g d.w., 51.44---85.58 %DPPH inhibition, 24.78---56.56 µg/g d.w. and 0.29---1.97 mg QE/g d.w. respectively. The modelling utilised an ANN architecture with a configuration of 4-12-4. The training process employed the Levenberg-Marquardt method, whereas the activation function chosen for the layers was the log sigmoid. The optimum condition predicted by the hybrid ANN-GA model for the independent variables, XU, XT, XS and XC was found to be 230.18 W, 50.66 °C, 28.27 g/ml, and 62.75 % respectively. The extraction process was carried out for 25 min, with 5-minute intervals, at various temperatures between 30 and 60 °C, to investigate the kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of the process, under the optimal conditions of XU, XS and XC. The UAE of phytochemicals from persimmon peel followed pseudo second order kinetic model and the extraction process was endothermic in nature.

PURPOSEFUL GAS-INDUCED RESORPTION OF SUBMACULAR FLUID IN MACULA-OFF RETINAL DETACHMENTS (PERSIMMON STUDY).

PURPOSE: To examine the visual outcomes in patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with intentional submacular fluid retention after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or PPV/scleral buckle surgery (PPV/SB). METHODS: Patients with macula-off retinal detachments were included if they had a PPV or PPV/SB without drainage retinotomy or perfluorocarbon liquid to flatten the retina. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 65.0 years. The mean presenting vision was 20.0 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters. Six months after repair, the vision improved to 62.9; 75.4% of patients had 20/40 or better at best achieved visual acuity. Pseudophakic eyes had better vision compared with phakic eyes ( P = 0.049). Patients younger than 80 years had better best achieved vision ( P = 0.0118) compared with patients 80 years or older. Patients with initial vision better than or equal to 20/100 had better best achieved vision ( P = 0.016) compared with those with initial vision worse than 20/100. CONCLUSION: Leaving submacular fluid after macula-off retinal detachments surgery was not detrimental for visual outcomes or anatomic success for retinal detachments repair and may lead to better visual outcomes for patients, specifically for those patients younger than 80 years, who are pseudophakic, and have presenting vision 20/100 or better.

Ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction of bioactive compounds from persimmon calyx.

This study aimed to investigate the ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from persimmon (Diospyros kaki) calyx by deep eutectic solvents (DES) with different molar ratios. For this reason, the prepared DES extracts' total phenolic-flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl radical scavenging activity [DPPH•], Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]) were investigated as a result of the experimental design and optimization study conducted for this purpose. A sonication time of 20 min was determined as the optimal condition. Under these conditions, a molar ratio of 1.9:1 (lactic acid:choline chloride) and a water ratio of 70% provided the highest phenolic/flavonoid compounds and antioxidative activity. Correlations among water ratio, molar ratio, and sonication time were determined using principal component analysis (PCA). In conditions where total flavonoid compound, FRAP, and DPPH• are high due to PCA, it can be concluded that the sonication time is at high level; on the contrary, the water and molar ratios are at low level. In conclusion, ultrasound-assisted extraction using DES proved effective in persimmon calyx. Therefore, it can be recommended to use these environmentally friendly green solvents as an alternative to organic solvents in preparing extracts in various fields. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study shows the effectiveness of the ultrasound-assisted green extraction method using persimmon calyx specified as waste. These findings are compelling in the food industry in terms of consumers being now aware of green technology and the discovery that calyx is a good source of bioactive compounds.

Hypoglycemic activity of immature persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) extracts and its inhibition mechanism for α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

Persimmon tannins, particularly in immature persimmons, haven't yet received corresponding attention to research on therapy of diabetes mellitus in spite of high hypoglycemic activity. To accurately screening key hypoglycemic components, immature persimmon extracts were isolated and identified using enzyme affinity ultrafiltration and HRLC-ESI-MS/MS. Among them, Hederagenin (IC50 = 0.077 ± 0.003 mg/mL), Ursolic acid (IC50 = 0.001 ± 0.000 mg/mL) and Quercetin dehydrate (IC50 = 0.081 ± 0.001 mg/mL) exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on α-amylase (HSA and PPA) and α-glucosidase, respectively. And their inhibition mechanisms were analyzed using multi-spectral analysis, atomic force microscope and molecular docking, indicating the bonding with starch digestion enzymes through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction, and generating the enzyme aggregation. In vivo starch-tolerance experiment further verified that these inhibitors could improve postprandial hyperglycemia (17.18 % âˆ¼ 40.29 %), far more than acarbose. Suppressing, Hederagenin and Ursolic acid as triterpenoids appeared amazing potentiality to alleviate postprandial hyperglycemia, which suggested that IPE were comprehensive exploration values on prevention and treatment of hyperglycemia.

Kaempferol-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside): a novel neuroprotective agent from Diospryros kaki against cerebral ischemia-induced brain injury.

Our previous study demonstrated neuroprotective and therapeutic effects of a standardized flavonoid extract from leaves of Diospyros kaki L.f. (DK) on middle cerebral artery occlusion-and-reperfusion (MCAO/R)-induced brain injury and its underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to clarify flavonoid components responsible for the effects of DK using in vitro and in vivo transient brain ischemic models. Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) subjected to oxygen- and glucose-deprivation (OGD) were performed to evaluate in vitro neuroprotective activity of DK extract and nine isolated flavonoid components. MCAO/R mice were employed to elucidate in vivo neuroprotective effects of the flavonoid component that exhibited the most potent neuroprotective effect in OHSCs. DK extract and seven flavonoids [quercetin, isoquercetin, hyperoside, quercetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-ß-D-galactopyranoside), kaempferol, astragalin, and kaempferol-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside) compound (9)] attenuated OGD-induced neuronal cell damage and compound (9) possessed the most potent neuroprotective activity in OHSCs. The MCAO/R mice showed cerebral infarction, massive weight loss, characteristic neurological symptoms, and deterioration of neuronal cells in the brain. Compound (9) and a reference drugs, edaravone, significantly attenuated these physical and neurological impairments. Compound (9) mitigated the blood-brain barrier dysfunction and the change of glutathione and malondialdehyde content in the MCAO mouse brain. Edaravone suppressed the oxidative stress but did not significantly affect the blood-brain barrier permeability. The present results indicated that compound (9) is a flavonoid constituent of DK with a potent neuroprotective activity against transient ischemia-induced brain damage and this action, at least in part, via preservation of blood-brain barrier integrity and suppression of oxidative stress caused by ischemic insult.

Traditional Uses, Pharmacological Activities, and Phytochemical Analysis of Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex. A. DC (Ebenaceae): A Review.

Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex. A. DC is widely distributed throughout Africa and around the world. It is utilized ethnobotanically to treat fevers, wounds, malaria, diabetes mellitus, and other diseases. This review aims to provide an exhaustive overview of the traditional uses, pharmacology, and phytochemical analysis of D. mespiliformis, with the objective of identifying its therapeutic potential for further research. Scientific resources, including Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, Pub Med, and Scopus, were used to find pertinent data on D. mespiliformis. Secondary metabolites tentatively identified from this species were primarily terpenoids, naphthoquinones, phenolics, and coumarins. D. mespiliformis has been reported to demonstrate pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antiproliferative, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-hypersensitivity, and antidiabetic properties. The phytochemicals and extracts from D. mespiliformis have been reported to have some pharmacological effects in in vivo studies and were not toxic to the animal models that were utilized. The D. mespiliformis information reported in this review provides researchers with a comprehensive summary of the current research status of this medicinal plant and a guide for further investigation.

Effects of Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L. cv. Mopan) Polysaccharide and Their Carboxymethylated Derivatives on Lactobacillus Strains Proliferation and Gut Microbiota: A Comparative Study.

Persimmon is a fruit that contains sugars, vitamins, phenolic compounds, and various other nutrients. The aim of this study was to explore the structure of carboxymethylated persimmon polysaccharide (CM-PFP) and its interaction with the human gut microbiota. Carboxymethyl modification of the persimmon polysaccharide (PFP) increased both the Mw and Mn, enhanced dispersion stability, and decreased thermal stability. Both PFP and CM-PFP promoted the proliferation of Lactobacillus while inhibiting the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In the simulated fecal fermentation, the pH of PFP- and CM-PFP-containing media decreased, the content of short-chain fatty acids increased, and the abundance of intestinal flora at the phylum and genus levels changed. The relative abundance of harmful intestinal bacteria was significantly reduced in both PFP and CM-PFP groups. Furthermore, it was found that CM-PFP was more easily metabolized than PFP, glucose, and fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) and had a proliferation increase effect on Lactobacillus. Therefore, CM-PFP has a significant positive effect on both Lactobacillus proliferation and the human gut microbiota.

Genetic insights into the dissolution of dioecy in diploid persimmon Diospyros oleifera Cheng.

BACKGROUND: Dioecy, a sexual system of single-sexual (gynoecious/androecious) individuals, is rare in flowering plants. This rarity may be a result of the frequent transition from dioecy into systems with co-sexual individuals. RESULTS: In this study, co-sexual expression (monoecy and hermaphroditic development), previously thought to be polyploid-specific in Diospyros species, was identified in the diploid D. oleifeara historically. We characterized potential genetic mechanisms that underlie the dissolution of dioecy to monoecy and andro(gyno)monoecy, based on multiscale genome-wide investigations of 150 accessions of Diospyros oleifera. We found all co-sexual plants, including monoecious and andro(gyno)monoecious individuals, possessed the male determinant gene OGI, implying the presence of genetic factors controlling gynoecia development in genetically male D. oleifera. Importantly, discrepancies in the OGI/MeGI module were found in diploid monoecious D. oleifera compared with polyploid monoecious D. kaki, including no Kali insertion on the promoter of OGI, no different abundance of smRNAs targeting MeGI (a counterpart of OGI), and no different expression of MeGI between female and male floral buds. On the contrary, in both single- and co-sexual plants, female function was expressed in the presence of a genome-wide decrease in methylation levels, along with sexually distinct regulatory networks of smRNAs and their targets. Furthermore, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified a genomic region and a DUF247 gene cluster strongly associated with the monoecious phenotype and several regions that may contribute to andromonoecy. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our findings demonstrate stable breakdown of the dioecious system in D. oleifera, presumably also a result of genomic features of the Y-linked region.

Reduced graphene oxide-persimmon tannin/Pt@Pd nanozyme-based cascade colorimetric sensor for detection of 1,5-anhydroglucitol.

1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) is of considerable clinical relevance as a biochemical marker of glucose metabolism in the assessment and monitoring of diabetes. Herein, a simple colorimetric biosensor was constructed for the identification and detection of 1,5-AG by using pyranose oxidase (PROD) enzyme cascaded with reduced graphene oxide/persimmon tannin/Pt@Pd (RGO-PT/Pt@Pd NPs) nanozyme. The as-prepared RGO-PT/Pt@Pd NPs had excellent peroxidase-like activity and can be applied as a nanozyme. First, PROD enzyme reacts with the target 1,5-AG, decomposing 1,5-AG into 1,5-anhydrofuctose (1,5-AF) and H2O2. At this point, the highly catalytic RGO-PT/Pt@Pd NPs nanozyme produces a cascade with PROD enzyme which catalyzes the decomposition of H2O2 to produce O2. This in turn oxidizes the substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and produces a color change in the solution. Finally, the detection of 1,5-AG was achieved by measuring the absorption peak at 652 nm with an ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. Under optimal conditions, the linear operating range of the 1,5-AG enzyme cascade colorimetric sensor was 1.0-100.0 µg/mL, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.81 µg/mL. The proposed colorimetric biosensor was successfully applied to detect 1,5-AG in spiked human serum samples with the recoveries of 97.2-103.9% and RSDs of 1.94-4.48%. It provides a promising developmental assay for clinical detection of 1,5-AG.