The co-exposure of soil organisms to ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and pesticides is likely to take place in agricultural soils.
However, the impacts of co-exposure on terrestrial ecosystems are ...virtually unknown. In this paper, Eisenia andrei was exposed for a 28-day period to serial concentrations of ZnO NPs and/or the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) in natural soil, and was evaluated for single and joint effects. Zn and CPF accumulation in earthworm tissue was also determined. In the single assay, ZnO NPs and CPF caused statistical significant effects on survival and growth, but mainly on reproduction.
Significant reductions in fecundity and fertility were detected with EC50 values of 278 and 179 mg Zn/kg for ZnO NPs, and of 50.75 and 38.24 mg/kg for CPF, respectively. The most notable effect on biomarkers was the reduction in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity caused by CPF, which reflected the neurotoxicity of this compound. The results of the combined assay indicated that co-exposure to ZnO NPs and CPF increased adverse effects in E. andrei. According to the independent action model, the binary mixtures showed a synergism (a stronger effect than expected from single exposures) on earthworm reproduction, which became up to 84% higher than the theoretically predicted values. Zn, and especially CPF accumulation, were influenced by the co-exposure. These results underpin the need to consider the effects of mixtures of NPs and organic chemicals on soil to adequately make ecological risk assessments of NPs.
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•Interaction of ZnO NPs with chlorpyrifos (CPF) in soil can modify intrinsic toxicity.•Co-exposure moduled Zn, and increased CPF accumulation in earthworms.•Joint exposure showed synergistic effects on earthworm reproduction.•Co-exposure studies in soil are necessary for ecological risk assessments of NPs.
Double-stranded DNA bacteriophages package their genome at high pressure inside a procapsid through the portal, an oligomeric ring protein located at a unique capsid vertex. Once the DNA has been ...packaged, the tail components assemble on the portal to render the mature infective virion. The tail tightly seals the ejection conduit until infection, when its interaction with the host membrane triggers the opening of the channel and the viral genome is delivered to the host cell. Using high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, here we describe various structures of the T7 bacteriophage portal and fiber-less tail complex, which suggest a possible mechanism for DNA retention and ejection: a portal closed conformation temporarily retains the genome before the tail is assembled, whereas an open portal is found in the tail. Moreover, a fold including a seven-bladed β-propeller domain is described for the nozzle tail protein.
Nuclear DBF2p-related (NDR) kinases constitute a functionally conserved protein family of eukaryotic regulators that control cell division and polarity. In fungi, they function as effector kinases of ...the morphogenesis (MOR) and septation initiation (SIN) networks and are activated by pathway-specific germinal centre (GC) kinases. We characterized a third GC kinase, MST-1, that connects both kinase cascades. Genetic and biochemical interactions with SIN components and life cell imaging identify MST-1 as SIN-associated kinase that functions in parallel with the GC kinase SID-1 to activate the SIN-effector kinase DBF-2. SID-1 and MST-1 are both regulated by the upstream SIN kinase CDC-7, yet in an opposite manner. Aberrant cortical actomyosin rings are formed in Δmst-1, which resulted in mis-positioned septa and irregular spirals, indicating that MST-1-dependent regulation of the SIN is required for proper formation and constriction of the septal actomyosin ring. However, MST-1 also interacts with several components of the MOR network and modulates MOR activity at multiple levels. MST-1 functions as promiscuous enzyme and also activates the MOR effector kinase COT-1 through hydrophobic motif phosphorylation. In addition, MST-1 physically interacts with the MOR kinase POD-6, and dimerization of both proteins inactivates the GC kinase hetero-complex. These data specify an antagonistic relationship between the SIN and MOR during septum formation in the filamentous ascomycete model Neurospora crassa that is, at least in part, coordinated through the GC kinase MST-1. The similarity of the SIN and MOR pathways to the animal Hippo and Ndr pathways, respectively, suggests that intensive cross-communication between distinct NDR kinase modules may also be relevant for the homologous NDR kinases of higher eukaryotes.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
A rapid extraction procedure is presented for the determination of five endocrine-disrupting compounds, estrone, ethinylestradiol, bisphenol A, triclosan, and 2-ethylhexylsalicylate, in water ...samples. The analysis involves a two-step extraction procedure that combines dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) with dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-μ-SPE), using magnetic nanoparticles, followed by in situ derivatization in the injection port of a gas chromatograph coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The use of uncoated or oleate-coated Fe
3
O
4
nanoparticles as sorbent in the extraction process was evaluated and compared. The main parameters involved in the extraction process were optimized applying experimental designs. Uncoated Fe
3
O
4
nanoparticles were selected in order to simplify and make more cost-effective the procedure. DLLME was carried out at pH 3, during 2 min, followed by the addition of the nanoparticles for D-μ-SPE employing 1 min in the extraction. Analysis of spiked water samples of different sources gave satisfactory recovery results for all the compounds with detection limits ranging from 7 to 180 ng l
−1
. Finally, the procedure was applied in tap, well, and river water.
Graphical abstract
Diagram of the extraction method using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)
► Analysis of emerging contaminants, seven parabens and two by-products, in sludge. ► Paraben levels in sewage sludge from 19 WWTPs located in the region of Madrid. ► Methylparaben and propylparaben ...were the main parabens detected in sludge. ► Occurrence and time-course of parabens in samples from WWTPs during four years.
A rapid method for determination of seven parabens and two chlorinated by-products in sewage sludge was developed based on matrix solid-phase dispersion and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The analytical procedure showed good recoveries that ranged from 80 to 125%, with relative standard deviations lower than 12% and low detection limits, ranging from 0.1 to 2.0ngg−1 dry weight. The developed method was applied to the analysis of sewage sludge collected during 2010 in 19 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in various urban, industrial or rural zones in Madrid (Spain). Methylparaben was found in most of the WWTPs sampled (95%) at levels between 5.1 and 26.2ngg−1 dry weight and propylparaben was detected in 74% of the WWTPs at levels up to 44.1ngg−1 dry weight. In order to study the temporal variation of parabens and two chlorinated parabens during a four-year period, sludge samples were collected from 3 selected WWTPs. The levels of methylparaben encountered were rather constant throughout the sampling period whereas propylparaben levels slightly increased. In one of the WWTPs monitored, isopropylparaben was found at the beginning of the sampling period but its content decreased and was not detected in the 2010 sampling.
Background
Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) related to PR10 from vegetables is common in northern Europe, whereas in Mediterranean countries PFAS has been preferentially associated with profilins. ...However, there are pollen‐allergic patients reactive to Bet v 1 in birch‐free regions. Since it cannot be the primary sensitizer, there has to be another culprit. Quercus ilex is a good candidate as it belongs to the order Fagales. This order includes trees with highly sensitizing pollen such as alder, hazel, hornbeam, oak and chestnut because of the presence of PR10 allergens. PR10 allergens have indeed been described in other Quercus species.
Objective
Our goals were to determine the rate of sensitization to Q. ilex in central Spain and the associated frequency of PFAS; secondly to identify and clone the Q. ilex allergen PR10.
Methods
We included 224 allergic patients with respiratory symptoms to estimate the rate of sensitization. A skin prick test (SPT) and ImmunoCAP were performed. A total of 38 Q. ilex‐sensitized patients were tested using Western blotting to determine the rate of Que i 1. Peptides from Que i 1 were analysed by MALDI‐TOF/TOF and Orbitrap LC‐MSMS. The Que i 1 sequence was first obtained from the Holm oak transcriptome then cloned and expressed in bacteria.
Results
59.8% of pollen‐allergic children were sensitized to Q. ilex. We described and cloned the Q. ilex PR10, Que i 1, which has a sensitization rate of 60.5% and was recognized by 65.4% patients reporting PFAS.
Conclusion and clinical relevance
Sensitization to Q. ilex pollen has increased significantly since 1995. This sensitization could be important, as the presence of PFAS in this population is higher than in patients not sensitized to Q. ilex. The first Q. ilex allergen has been described and is related to PFAS in Spanish patients sensitized to PR10 but not exposed to birch pollen.
Summary
Mayonnaise is an oil in water emulsion of egg, oil and an acid, worldwide consumed. The major challenges of the mayonnaise industry include searching for an alternative protein source. This ...study evaluates an alternative protein source, yeast protein extract (YPE), to replace egg in the mayonnaise model. Furthermore, the natural ability of phenolic compounds (PCs) to bind to proteins was studied to enhance the emulsifying capacity of YPE. The mayonnaise‐like emulsions were characterised according to their rheology, texture and colour profile. There were no differences in rheological parameters between the YPE emulsion (G' at 1 Hz 785 ± 15 Pa) and onion powder emulsion (G' at 1 Hz 785 ± 15 Pa) compared with the commercial mayonnaise (CC, G' at 1 Hz 747 ± 16 Pa). In general, the emulsions obtained with YPE and YPE‐PCs were found to have similar viscoelastic and viscosity properties to the CC. In terms of texture profile (firmness) the blueberry powder (0.574 ± 0.036 N), grape seed extract (0.497 ± 0.061 N) or wine extract (0.626 ± 0.128 N) YPE emulsions were equal to CC (0.561 ± 0.031 N). As a result, some of the mayonnaise‐like emulsions developed could be alternatives to CC regarding physical–chemical properties.
The main goal of this study is to design a new vegan clean‐label mayonnaise‐like emulsion using yeast protein extracts (YPE) as a true substitute for the egg in traditional mayonnaise. Different sources of phenolic compounds were tested as stabilizer of this novel food. Namely, onion, grape and blueberry extracted were used. The rheology, texture and colour proprieties were assayed.
Piper has been used for long timelike condiment and food, but also in traditional medicine around of the world. This work resumes the available and up to date work done on members of the Piperaceae ...family and their uses for therapeutic purposes.
Information on Piper genus was gathered via internet using scientific databases such as Scirus, Google Scholar, CAB-abstracts, MedlinePlus, Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus and Web of Science.
The largeleafed perennial plant Piper is used for its spicy aromatic scent and flavor. It has an important presence in the cuisine of different cultures. Another quality of these plants is their known medicinal properties. It has been used as emollient, antirheumatic, diuretic, stimulant, abortifacient, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antidermatophytic. A survey of the literature shows that the genus Piper is mainly known for its alkaloids with cytotoxic, chemopreventive, antimetastatic and antitumor properties in several types of cancer. Studies of its alkaloids highlight the existence of various potential leads to develop new anti-cancer agents. Modern pharmacology studies have demonstrated that its crude extracts and active compounds possess wide pharmacological activities, especially asantioxidant, anti-depressive, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anti-obesity, neuropharmacological, to treat cognitive disorders, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-feedant, cardioactive, immuno-enhancing, and anti-inflamatory. All this evidence supporting its traditional uses.
This review summarizes the up-to-date and comprehensive information concerning the botany, traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Piper together with its toxicology, and discusses the possible trend and scope for further research on Piper in the future.
In India, Azadirachta indica is typically known as 'neem tree' and its leaves has long been used in the ayurvedic medical tradition as a treatment for diabetes mellitus. In-depth chromatographic ...investigation on chloroform extract resulted in identification of one new tetranortriterpenoid. Structural elucidation was established on the basis of spectral data as 24,25,26,27-tetranor-apotirucalla-(apoeupha)-1α-senecioyloxy-3α,7α-dihydroxy-14,20,22-trien-21,23-epoxy named by us as meliacinolin (1). The present study investigated the effect hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, α-glucosidase and α-amylase of 1 from A. indica. Diabetic rats were treated with 1 for 28 d and a set of biochemical parameters were studied including: glucose level, total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation, liver and muscle glycogen, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. We also looked into liver function by determining glucose-6-phosphatase, glucokinase and hexokinase activities, and the effect on insulin level. While in vitro inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzyme activities were used as indices of effect on glucose absorption. As a result we found that blood glucose level, serum biochemical parameters, hepatic enzymes, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and insulin level were restored in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic mice to normal levels with 1. Meliacinolin inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. We conclude that meliacinolin can efficiently inhibit insulin resistance, improvement of renal function, lipid abnormalities, and oxidative stress, indicating that its therapeutic properties may be due to the interaction of meliacinolin with multiple targets involved in diabetes pathogenesis. α-Glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors offer an effective strategy to lower the levels of post prandial hyperglycemia prevents the digestion of carbohydrates.
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