Aero-manufacture of nanobulges for an in-place anticoronaviral on air filters.

The interest in removing contagious viruses from indoor air using ventilation and filtration systems is increasing rapidly because people spend most of the day indoors. The development of an effective platform to regenerate the antiviral function of air filters during use and safe abrogation of used filters containing infectious viruses is a challenging task, because an on-demand safe-by-design manufacture system is essential for in-place antiviral coatings, but it has been rarely investigated. With these considerations, an electrically operable dispenser was prepared for decorating continuous ultrafine Fe-Zn, Fe-Ag, or Fe-Cu particles (<5 nm) onto SiO2 nanobeads (ca. 130 nm) to form nanobulges (i.e., nanoroughness for engaging coronavirus spikes) in the aerosol state for 3 min direct deposition on the air filter surfaces. The resulting nanobulges were exposed to human coronaviruses (HCoV; surrogates of SARS-CoV-2) to assess antiviral function. The results were compared with similar-sized individual Zn, Ag, and Cu particles. The nanobulges exhibited comparable antiviral activity to Zn, Ag, and Cu particles while retaining biosafety in both in vitro and in vivo models because of the significantly smaller metallic fractions. This suggests that the bimetallic bulge structures generate reactive oxygen species and Fenton-mediated hydroxyl radicals for inactivating HCoV.

Mechanism of Action of Cyanidin 3-O-Glucoside in Gluconeogenesis and Oxidative Stress-Induced Cancer Cell Senescence.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is a natural anthocyanin abundant in fruits and vegetables that interacts and possibly modulates energy metabolism and oxidative stress. This study investigated the effect of C3G on gluconeogenesis and cancer cell senescence. C3G activates adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a cellular energy sensor involved in metabolism and the aging process. C3G suppressed hepatic gluconeogenesis by reducing the expression of gluconeogenic genes through the phosphorylation inactivation of CRTC2 and HDAC5 coactivators via AMPK. C3G did not directly interact with AMPK but, instead, activated AMPK through the adiponectin receptor signaling pathway, as demonstrated through adiponectin receptor gene knockdown experiments. In addition, C3G increased cellular AMP levels in cultured hepatocytes, and the oral administration of C3G in mice elevated their plasma adiponectin concentrations. These effects collectively contribute to the activation of AMPK. In addition, C3G showed potent antioxidant activity and induced cellular senescence, and apoptosis in oxidative-stress induced senescence in hepatocarcinoma cells. C3G increased senescence-associated ß-galactosidase expression, while increasing the expression levels of P16, P21 and P53, key markers of cellular senescence. These findings demonstrate that anthocyanin C3G achieves hypoglycemic effects via AMPK activation and the subsequent suppression of gluconeogenesis and exhibits anti-cancer activity through the induction of apoptosis and cellular senescence.

Antiviral Effects of Lindera obtusiloba Leaf Extract on Murine Norovirus-1 (MNV-1), a Human Norovirus Surrogate, and Potential Application to Model Foods.

Noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis and food poisoning worldwide. In this study, we investigated the anti-noroviral activity of Lindera obtusiloba leaf extract (LOLE) using murine norovirus (MNV-1), a surrogate of human norovirus. Preincubation of MNV-1 with LOLE at 4, 8, or 12 mg/mL for 1 h at 25 °C significantly reduced viral infectivity, by 51.8%, 64.1%, and 71.2%, respectively. Among LOLE single compounds, ß-pinene (49.7%), α-phellandrene (26.2%), and (+)-limonene (17.0%) demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on viral infectivity after pretreatment with MNV-1, suggesting that the anti-noroviral effects of LOLE may be due to the synergetic activity of several compounds, with ß-pinene as a key molecule. The inhibitory effect of LOLE was tested on the edible surfaces of lettuce, cabbage, and oysters, as well as on stainless steel. After one hour of incubation at 25°C, LOLE (12 mg/mL) pretreatment significantly reduced MNV-1 plaque formation on lettuce (76.4%), cabbage (60.0%), oyster (38.2%), and stainless-steel (62.8%). These results suggest that LOLE effectively inhibits norovirus on food and metal surfaces. In summary, LOLE, including ß-pinene, may inactivate norovirus and could be used as a natural agent promoting food safety and hygiene.

Effects of high-fiber rice Dodamssal (Oryza sativa L.) on glucose and lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet.

We investigated the effects of high amylose rice variety, Dodamssal (DO) (Oryza sativa L.), on glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism in mice. Experiment 1: Oral administration of DO for 1 week significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance (p < .001) and reduced plasma triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Experiment 2: Administration of DO-containing diet for 5 weeks also significantly reduced fasting glucose concentrations and hepatic lipid accumulation. DO induced GLP-1, adiponectin, and PYY levels. In the liver, DO suppressed the gene expression of G6pc, key gene in gluconeogenesis and induced AKT phosphorylation. DO increased fecal bile acid excretion regulating the expression in key genes in bile acid metabolism. DO suppressed plasma Trimethylamine N-oxide and intestinal lipopolysaccharide concentrations. DO may be achieved the hypolipidemic effects by direct activation of hepatic Pparα expression and its responsive genes regulating hepatic fatty acid uptake and ß-oxidation, while downregulating the hepatic fatty acid synthesis Our results demonstrate that high-fiber rice, DO, might be a potential supplement for the amelioration of insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results from the present study suggest that newly developed DO (Oryza sativa L.) high amylose rice strain may improve insulin sensitivity and activates the Akt pathway. DO consumption tends to counteract the deleterious effects characterized during the intake of high-fat-diet related to plasma TG, ALT, and AST concentrations. Therefore, DO supplementation might be a potential adjuvant to ameliorate dyslipidemia and adiposity.

Protocatechuic Acid Enhances Osteogenesis, but Inhibits Adipogenesis in C3H10T1/2 and 3T3-L1 Cells.

Abnormal activation of adipogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and preadipocyte cells is associated with human metabolic disorders, such as osteoporosis and obesity. This study investigated the biological effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) on the modulation of osteogenesis and adipogenesis in cultured cells. PCA stimulation of MSCs significantly increased intracellular mineralization during osteogenesis, but reduced lipid accumulation in both MSCs and 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells during adipogenesis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting analyses showed a dose-dependent upregulation of proosteogenic runt-related transcription factor 2 due to induction of ß-catenin. PCA reduced the expression of proadipogenic transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and suppressed its promotor activity. These results suggest PCA exerts stimulatory effects on the osteogenesis of MSCs and inhibitory effects on the adipogenesis of MSCs and 3T3-L1 cells. PCA may contribute to maintain a coordinated metabolic balance between adipogenesis and osteogenesis, and thus may be useful for the prevention and alleviation of osteoporosis and obesity.

Genome sequencing of three bacteria associated to black band disease from a Colombian reef-building coral.

We announce the draft genome sequence of three Gram-negative bacteria isolated from coral tissues affected with the black band disease (BBD), identified with the NCBI's Assembly Database accession numbers: MBQF, MAYB and MBQE. These genome drafts constitute an useful tool for the characterisation of these bacteria and for the understanding of the relationship between the microbial consortia associated with the disease and the onset and progression of the pathology.

Serodiagnosis of equine infectious anemia by agar gel immunodiffusion and ELISA using a recombinant p26 viral protein expressed in Escherichia coli as antigen.

We used a p26 recombinant protein (p26r) from equine infectious-anemia virus (EIAV) expressed in Escherichia coli as antigen to standardize an agar-gel immunodiffusion (AGIDp26r) test and an indirect ELISA (ELISAp26r) for the detection of antibodies against EIAV in 720 equine sera from Brazil. We evaluated the tests's relative diagnostic sensitivities (relSe) and relative diagnostic specificities (relSp) against a commercial AGID kit (Idexx, USA). We used three sera panels: panel A--196 AGID-negative sera from an AIE non-endemic controlled area; panel B--194 AGID-negative sera from an AIE endemic area and panel C--330 AGID-positive sera from an AIE endemic area. ELISAp26r cut-off value was defined with TG-ROC using sera from panels A and C. AGIDp26r showed an agreement of 100% with the commercial kit. When applied to sera from panels A and C, ELISAp26r showed an agreement of 100% with the kit, but, although relSe was 100% for panel C, the ELISAp26r had relSp of 93.3%.

ELISA suitable for the detection of rabies virus antibodies in serum samples from human vaccinated with either cell-culture vaccine or suckling-mouse-brain vaccine

O metodo imunoenzimatico (ELISA) foi adaptado para quantificar anticorpos anti-rabicos em soros de pessoas previamente imunizadas. Foi utilizado como antigeno, particulas virais purificadas inativadas, e como conjugado, Proteina A conjugada a peroxidase. Foram testados soros de pessoas vacinadas com vacina de cultura celular ou com vacina produzida em cerebro de camundongo. Os resultados foram comparados a aqueles obtidos pela prova de soroneutralizacao em cultura celular. A media e o desvio padrao foram calculados para 126 soros negativos e para 73 soros de pessoas vacinadas mas com titulo menor que 0,5 UI/ml. Foi proposta a adocao de uma regiao de duvida, levando a uma diminuicao de resultados falso positivos. A sensibilidade, especificidade e concordancia do teste foram respectivamente: 87,5 por cento, 92,4 por cento e 88,5 por cento. Nao foram observadas diferencas significativas quando comparados os resultados dos individuos vacinados com uma ou outra vacina utilizada...

Adaptaçäo do método imunoenzimático (ELISA) para detecçäo de anticorpos anti-rábicos neutralizantes em soros humanos: comparaçäo com a prova de soroneutralizaçäo em cultura celular / Adaptation of ELISA indirect method for detection IgG antibody in human sera: comparison with the neutralization test in cell culture

O método imunoenzimático ELISA foi adaptado para quantificar anticorpos anti-rábicos em soros de pessoas previamente imunizadas. Foi utilizado como fonte de antígeno partículas virais purificadas e inativadas, e como conjugado, Proteína A conjugada à peroxidase. Foram testados soros de pessoas imunizadas com vacina produzida em cultura de células (HDCV) e com vacina produzida em cérebro de camundongo (Fuenzalida & Palacios) totalizando 353 soros. Os resultados foram comparados com os obtidos na prova de soroneutralizaçäo em cultura celular (microteste de inibiçäo de fluorescência simplificado-SFIMT). Os resultados de sensibilidade (S), especificidade (E), e concordância (C) foram respectivamente 90,18 por cento, 82,05 por cento e 88,39 por cento quando se considerou o ponto de corte como a média +2 desvios padräo (DP); e 85,09 por cento, 85,90 por cento e 85,27 por cento considerando o ponto de corte como a média +3 DP. Os valores preditivos positivo e negativo foram respectivamente 94,66 por cento, 70,33 por cento quando se considerou o ponto de corte como a média +2 desvios padräo (DP); e 95,51 por cento e 62,04 por cento considerando o ponto de corte como a média +3 DP. O maior número de resultados discordants entre os dois testes ocorreu para soros coletados após apenas uma dose de vacina. Quando se considera somente soros relativos a indivíduos que tomaram pelo menos duas doses de vacina, os resultados de sensibilidade, especificidade e concordância säo 96,57 por cento, 75 por cento e 95,85 por centoquando se considerou o ponto de corte como a média +2 desvios padräo (DP); e 94,42 por cento, 87,5 por cento e 94,19 por cento considerando o ponto de corte como a média +3 DP. Os valores preditivos positivo e negativo para um e outro caso foram respectivamente 99,12 por cento e 42,86 por cento; e 99,55 por cento e 35 por cento. Apenas um único soro foi considerado como falso positivo nesta situaçäo. Foi proposta a possível adoçäo de uma regiäo de dúvida, levando a diminuiçäo do número de soros classificados como falsos positivos

Adaptação do método imunoenzimático (ELISA) para detecção de anticorpos anti-rábicos neutralizantes em soros humanos / Adaptation of ELISA indirect method for detection IgG antibody in human sera: comparison with the neutralization test in cell culture

O método imunoenzimático ELISA foi adaptado para quantificar anticorpos anti-rábicos em soros de pessoas previamente imunizadas. Foi utilizado como fonte de antígeno partículas virais purificadas e inativadas, e como conjugado, Proteína A conjugada à peroxidase. Foram testados soros de pessoas imunizadas com vacina produzida em cultura de células (HDCV) e com vacina produzida em cérebro de camundongo (Fuenzalida & Palacios) totalizando 353 soros. Os resultados foram comparados com os obtidos na prova de soroneutralizaçäo em cultura celular (microteste de inibiçäo de fluorescência simplificado-SFIMT). Os resultados de sensibilidade (S), especificidade (E), e concordância (C) foram respectivamente 90,18 por cento, 82,05 por cento e 88,39 por cento quando se considerou o ponto de corte como a média +2 desvios padräo (DP); e 85,09 por cento, 85,90 por cento e 85,27 por cento considerando o ponto de corte como a média +3 DP. Os valores preditivos positivo e negativo foram respectivamente 94,66 por cento, 70,33 por cento quando se considerou o ponto de corte como a média +2 desvios padräo (DP); e 95,51 por cento e 62,04 por cento considerando o ponto de corte como a média +3 DP. O maior número de resultados discordants entre os dois testes ocorreu para soros coletados após apenas uma dose de vacina. Quando se considera somente soros relativos a indivíduos que tomaram pelo menos duas doses de vacina, os resultados de sensibilidade, especificidade e concordância säo 96,57 por cento, 75 por cento e 95,85 por centoquando se considerou o ponto de corte como a média +2 desvios padräo (DP); e 94,42 por cento, 87,5 por cento e 94,19 por cento considerando o ponto de corte como a média +3 DP. Os valores preditivos positivo e negativo para um e outro caso foram respectivamente 99,12 por cento e 42,86 por cento; e 99,55 por cento e 35 por cento. Apenas um único soro foi considerado como falso positivo nesta situaçäo. Foi proposta a possível adoçäo de uma regiäo de dúvida, levando a diminuiçäo do número de soros classificados como falsos positivos...(AU)