Antihypertensive Effect of Milk Fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum K79 on Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether milk fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum K79, which exhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity, has an effect on lowering the blood pressure of hypertensive rats and to investigate biomarker changes in their blood. Experimental group: normal group (NG, Wistar-Kyoto rats): distilled water, control group [NCG, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)]: distilled water, high treatment group (HTG, SHR): 500 mg/kg/day, medium treatment group (SHR): 335 mg/kg/day, low treatment group (SHR): 170 mg/kg/day, positive control group (PCG, SHR): Enalapril, 10 mg/kg/day. The experimental animals used in this study were divided into groups composed of 8 animals. In terms of weight change, a significant difference was observed between the NG and the SHR group, but there was no significant difference between the SHR group. After 8 wk of feeding, blood pressure was lowered more significantly in the HTG (209.9±13.3 mmHg) than in the NCG (230.8±7.3 mmHg). The treatment group has an effect of lowering blood pressure by significantly suppressing blood pressure-related biomarker protein expression than NG. The results obtained can be used as an antihypertensive material in a variety of food raw materials.

COVID-19 Cluster Linked to Aerosol Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via Floor Drains.

BACKGROUND: Recently, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission through exposure to aerosols has been suggested. Therefore, we investigated the possibility of aerosol SARS-CoV-2 transmission within an apartment complex where residents reported testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 despite having no direct contact with other SARS-CoV-2-infected people. METHODS: Information on symptom onset and exposure history of the patients was collected by global positioning system (GPS) tracking to investigate possible points of contact or spread. Samples collected from patients and from various areas of the complex were analyzed using RNA sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Of 19 people with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, 5 reported no direct contact with other residents and were from apartments in the same vertical line. Eight environmental samples tested positive for the virus. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that 3 of the positive cases and 1 environmental sample belonged to the B.1.497 lineage. Additionally, 3 clinical specimens and 1 environmental sample from each floor of the complex had the same amino acid substitution in the ORF1ab region. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 transmission possibly occurs between different floors of an apartment building through aerosol transmission via nonfunctioning drain traps.

Development and initial testing of an active low-power, ferroelectric film-based bioaerosol sampler.

This article introduces REAS (Rutgers Electrostatic Active Sampler), a new active bioaerosol sampler using permanently polarized ferroelectric film (e.g., PVDF) to capture charge-carrying bioaerosol particles. While REAS operates on an electrostatic collection principle, due to its unique materials and design, it does not require external power to charge incoming particles or to create an electrostatic collection field. The sampler consists of a polarized film wound in a spiral configuration with oppositely polarized film sides positioned 2.25 mm apart. The film and its holder are inserted into a 3D-printed housing cylinder to connect to a pump. The device has an open channel design, creating virtually no pressure drop, which allows for longer sampling times on the same battery charge compared to filter samplers. When REAS was tested in different field environments, the physical collection efficiency ranged from 19 ± 2% in a laboratory environment at 1 L/min to 41 ± 0.1% in residence at 0.1 L/min. When REAS was used to capture culturable bacteria and fungi over a 24-hr period, the concentrations determined by REAS were not different from those determined by an Institute of Medicine sampler (IOM, SKC, Inc.). The concentrations determined by both samplers were lower than those measured by a SAS Super 180 Sampler (SAS, Bioscience International), except for outdoor fungi. However, the SAS was used as a grab sampler to avoid overloading or desiccating the plates, while both REAS and IOM continuously sampled for 24 hrs. Further studies will explore improvements to the REAS sample elution protocols.

Management following the first confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 in a domestic cat associated with a massive outbreak in South Korea.

OBJECTIVES: We analyzed how the virus spreads to local communities, based on the results of an epidemiological investigation of a religious facility in which a large group of patients was infected. Furthermore, we report for the first time in South Korea that a domestic cat was infected with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: An epidemiological investigation was conducted to investigate the group outbreak. In addition, to verify cat-cat or cat-human transmission, we monitored whether exposed cats or humans were infected. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the viral full-length genome test was conducted on the positive samples from both owners and the cats. RESULTS: Total number of SARS-CoV-2 cases rose from 78 individuals, who visited a religious facility who were involved in 42 transmitted cases in the community, either through close contact with household members (47.62%) or through a group outbreak (16.67%). We observed an infected cat as well as individuals to which they were exposed. However, neither-further-cat to cat nor cat to human transmission occurred. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 can be transmitted from humans to animals under certain conditions. Therefore, monitoring and studying the transmission of COVID-19, a novel infectious disease, between humans and animals is necessary through the One Health approach.

Mori Ramulus Inhibits Pancreatic ß-Cell Apoptosis and Prevents Insulin Resistance by Restoring Hepatic Mitochondrial Function.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic beta (ß)-cell dysfunction. Accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may cause insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. As commercial hypoglycemic drugs have side effects, it is necessary to develop safe and effective natural compound-based hypoglycemic treatments. This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic effects of Mori Ramulus ethanol extract (ME) in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetes mouse model to decipher the underlying mechanisms focusing on apoptosis and mitochondrial function. ME significantly decreased tunicamycin-induced apoptotic cell death and increased insulin secretion following glucose stimulation in NIT-1 pancreatic ß-cells. Tunicamycin-exposed NIT-1 pancreatic ß-cells showed elevated reactive oxygen species levels and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, which were reversed by ME treatment. ME inhibited the tunicamycin-induced apoptosis cascade in tunicamycin-exposed NIT-1 pancreatic ß-cells. In HFD diabetic mice, the serum-free fatty acid and insulin levels decreased following a 15-week ME administration. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests showed that ME improved insulin sensitivity. Moreover, ME ameliorated pancreatic ß-cell mass loss in diabetic mice. Finally, ME-treated HFD-fed mice showed improved hepatic mitochondrial function resulting in insulin sensitivity in target tissues. Thus, ME provides protection against pancreatic ß-cell apoptosis and prevents insulin resistance by improving mitochondrial function.

Impact of sampling and storage stress on the recovery of airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus surrogate captured by filtration.

Environmental air sampling of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in occupational and community settings is pertinent to reduce and monitor the spread of the COVID pandemic. However, there is a general lack of standardized procedures for airborne virus sampling and limited knowledge of how sampling and storage stress impact the recovery of captured airborne viruses. Since filtration is one of the commonly used methods to capture airborne viruses, this study analyzed the effect of sampling and storage stress on SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus (human coronavirus OC43, or HCoV-OC43) captured by filters. HCoV-OC43, a simulant of the SARS-CoV-2, was aerosolized and captured by PTFE-laminated filters. The impact of sampling stress was evaluated by comparing the RNA yields recovered when sampled at 3 L/min and 10 L/min and for 10 min and 60 min; in one set of experiments, additional stress was added by passing clean air through filters with the virus for 1, 5, and 15 hr. The impact of storage stress was designed to examine RNA recovery from filters at room temperature (25 °C) and refrigerated conditions (4 °C) for up to 1 week of storage. To our knowledge, this is the first report on using HCoV-OC43 aerosol in air sampling experiments, and the mode diameter of the virus aerosolized from the growth medium was 40-60 nm as determined by SMPS + CPC system (TSI Inc.) and MiniWRAS (Grimm Inc.) measurements. No significant difference was found in virus recovery between the two sampling flow rates and different sampling times (p > 0.05). However, storage at room temperature (25 °C) yielded ∼2x less RNA than immediate processing and storage at refrigerated conditions (4 °C). Therefore, it is recommended to store filter samples with viruses at 4 °C up to 1 week if the immediate analysis is not feasible. Although the laminated PTFE filter used in this work purposefully does not include a non-PTFE backing, the general recommendations for handling and storing filter samples with viral particles are likely to apply to other filter types.

Salvia miltiorrhiza induces depolarization of pacemaker potentials in murine small intestinal interstitial cells of Cajal via extracellular Ca2+ and Na+ influx.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are pacemaker cells that control smooth muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The present study investigated the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) on the pacemaker potentials of ICCs from the mouse small intestine in vitro and on GI motility in vivo. The whole­cell patch­clamp configuration was used to record pacemaker potential in ICCs in vitro, and GI motility was investigated in vivo by recording intestinal transit rate (ITR). Using the whole­cell patch­clamp configuration, SM depolarized the pacemaker potentials of ICCs in a dose­dependent manner. Fulvestrant blocked SM­induced effects but 1,3­dihydro­3,3­bis(4­hydroxyphenyl)-7-methyl­2H­indol­2­one did not. Additionally, 4­[2­phenyl-5,7­bis(trifluoromethyl) pyrazolo[1,5­a]pyrimidin­3­yl] phenol blocked SM­induced effects. Intracellular guanosine 5'­O­(2­thiodiphosphate), and pretreatment with extracellular Ca2+­ and Na+­free solutions also blocked SM­induced effects. Furthermore, ITR values were increased by SM in vivo and SM elevated the levels of motilin (MTL). The SM­induced increase in ITR was associated with increased protein expression levels of c­kit and the transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A) channel. In addition, SM induced pacemaker potential depolarization through estrogen receptor ß in a G protein­dependent manner via extracellular Ca2+ and Na+ regulation in the murine small intestine in vitro. Moreover, SM increased the ITR in vivo through the MTL hormone via c­kit and TMEM16A­dependent pathways. Taken together, these results suggested that SM may have the ability to control GI motility and could be used as a GI motility regulator.

Potential consumer exposure to respirable particles and TiO2 due to the use of eyebrow powders.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic powders contain numerous components, including titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). However, little is known about potential inhalation exposures to particles that are released during cosmetic powder applications. METHODS: We realistically simulated the application of five different eyebrow powders using a mannequin and then determined concentrations of total suspended particles (TSP), PM10, and PM4 fractions of particles that would be inhaled during powder application. We determined the size and shape of particles in the original powders and released particles, as well as their TiO2 concentrations and Ti content of individual particles. RESULTS: The application of eyebrow powders resulted in the release and inhalation of airborne particles at concentrations ranging from 21.2 to 277.3 µg/m3, depending on the particle fraction and the powder. The concentrations of TiO2 in PM4 and PM10 samples reached 2.7 µg/m3 and 9.3 µg/m3, respectively. The concentration of TiO2 in airborne particle fractions was proportional to the presence of TiO2 in the bulk powder. CONCLUSION: The application of eyebrow powders results in user exposures to respirable PM4 and PM10 particles, including those containing TiO2. This information should be of interest to stakeholders concerned about inhalation exposure to TiO2.

Outbreak investigation: transmission of COVID-19 started from a spa facility in a local community in Korea.

OBJECTIVES: In Korea, there have been 10,480 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as of April 11, 2020. We investigated the transmission of COVID-19 in a cluster of cases. METHODS: We analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of 10 confirmed COVID-19 patients in an outbreak that started at Spa facility A in a local community in Korea on March 28, 2020 and traced them through April 8, 2020. Epidemiological surveys and diagnostic tests were conducted for each contact, and the secondary attack rate was estimated. RESULTS: There were 3 male confirmed patients (30.0%) and 7 female confirmed patients (70.0%), and their mean age was 53.5 years (range, 2.0 to 73.0). Two patients (20.0%) were asymptomatic. The incubation period was between 3 days and 12 days. Three confirmed patients were infected at female's Spa facility A and 7 confirmed patients were second, third, and fourth generations of transmission. Seven confirmed patients contracted COVID-19 through presymptomatic contact. In total, 192 contacts were identified, with a secondary attack rate of 3.6%. Eighty-three contacts (43.2%) were aged 40-59 years, and the secondary attack rate was the highest (12.1%) in those aged ≥60 years. Most exposures (n=156, 81.3%) involved casual contact. The number of visitors using the female's spa facility was 58, including 3 confirmed patients, resulting in a secondary outbreak rate of 5.9%. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a cluster of cases occurring in a setting with high temperature and humidity. The second, third, and fourth generations were transmitted through presymptomatic contact.

Cassia tora Seed Improves Pancreatic Mitochondrial Function Leading to Recovery of Glucose Metabolism.

Mitochondrial metabolism plays a crucial role in insulin resistance and insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Some studies have focused on how Cassia tora extracts affect insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. However, the effects of Cassia tora extracts on mitochondrial dysfunction associated with insulin secretion have not been well explained. In this study, well-known effective compounds extracted from Cassia tora using 70% ethanol were administered to a high-fat diet (HFD) fed mouse to examine the effects of Cassia tora ethanolic extracts (CSEE) on mitochondrial dysfunction in the pancreas. Furthermore, we examined how CSEE regulates the basal mechanism of insulin secretion through mitochondrial functions. Our experimental data suggest that pancreatic mitochondrial metabolism in HFD mice is enhanced to compensate for constrained glucose consumption. HFD-fed mice treated with CSEE showed improved pancreatic mitochondrial functions resulting in alleviation of insulin resistance at target tissue as well as basal hyperinsulinemia.

Administration of Asian Herb Bennet (Geum japonicum) Extract Reverses Depressive-Like Behaviors in Mouse Model of Depression Induced by Corticosterone.

Geum japonicum, commonly known as Asian herb bennet, has been used as a diuretic, astringent, anti-dizziness, and anti-headache agent in traditional medicine. Since the antidepressant-like effects of G. japonicum extract have not been well studied, we examined the antidepressant-like effects of G. japonicum extract using depressive-like behavior induced in mice through daily injection of corticosterone (CORT). ICR mice (male, 8 weeks old) were treated with CORT (40 mg/kg, i.p.) and orally administered using oral gavage needles with G. japonicum extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Behavioral experiments were performed 1 h after administration. The control mice exhibited a significant increase in the immobility times in the tail suspension and forced swim tests as well as the step-through latency time in the passive avoidance test. Further, the control group showed a significant decrease in their sucrose consumption. However, treatment with G. japonicum extract at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg significantly improved these depression-like behaviors without altering the locomotor activity. Moreover, treatment with G. japonicum extract significantly prevented the decrease in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. In addition, G. japonicum extract had neuroprotective effects against CORT-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Our study indicates that G. japonicum extract exhibits antidepressant-like activity in CORT-induced depressive mice, which might be as a result of increased BDNF expression.

Standardized Citrus unshiu peel extract ameliorates dexamethasone-induced neurotoxicity and depressive-like behaviors in mice.

Dried Citrus unshiu peel, also known as Chinpi, have been commonly used as a traditional medicine to improve for allergy, inflammation and hepatopathy. Many previously studies have reported that citrus flavonoids show neuroprotective activities. However, the antidepressant-related effects of C. unshiu peels have not been well characterized. Here, the antidepressant-like effects of standardized C. unshiu peel extract (SCP) were evaluated in in vivo and in vitro depression models induced by dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid. Male ICR mice (9-week-old) were injected the DEX (40 mg/kg) and were orally given SCP daily (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days. The depressive-like behaviors were determined by use of open filed test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swim test (FST). We show that treatment with SCP significantly alleviated DEX-induced depressive-like behaviors and reduced neurotoxicity in a concentration dependent manner in SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, repeated DEX injection markedly decreased brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), and cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), while SCP treatment improved these levels in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus regions. Our findings suggest that SCP exhibits significant antidepressant-like effects in the DEX-induced depressive animal model, and this activity may be mediated by preventing corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity.

Chlorogenic Acid from Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus pinnatifida Fruit) Prevents Stress Hormone-Induced Depressive Behavior, through Monoamine Oxidase B-Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling in Hippocampal Astrocytes of Mice.

SCOPE: Oxidative stress has been implicated in mental disorders, including depression. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), one of the abundant phenolic compounds in herbs and fruits, has the properties of a natural antioxidant and free-radical scavenger. Therfore, we investigated the antidepressant-like effects and active mechanisms of CGA from the extract of Crataegus pinnatifida (CP) fruit. METHODS AND RESULTS: Depression-like phenotypes were induced in mice by daily injection of stress hormone for 1-2 weeks. The brains of these animals exhibited reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and increased astrocytic hypertrophy, which are typical markers of depression in animal models. Stress hormone injection 1) upregulated monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) expression and 2) reduced spine numbers along neuronal dendrites, which indicates synaptic depression. The oral administration of CGA (30 mg kg-1 ) or CP (300 mg kg-1 ) prevented MAOB activation following reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and had an ameliorative effect on depressive behavioral tests (e.g., tail suspension and forced swim tests). In vitro assays performed on cultured C8-D1A cells revealed that CGA and CP inhibited MAOB activity and ROS production. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that CGA and CP extracts prevented depressive behavior and thereby have potential as natural antidepressants.

Design and Development of an Electrostatic Screen Battery for Emission Control (ESBEC).

Current diesel particulate filters (DPFs) can effectively capture the exhaust particles, but they add to engine backpressure and accumulate particles during their operation, which results in the need to regenerate the DPFs by burning off the collected particles periodically. This regeneration results in aerosol emissions, especially in the 10-30 nanometer size range and contributes to ultrafine particle pollution. In this research, we designed and developed a prototype of a novel diesel exhaust control device: the Electrostatic Screen Battery for Emissions Control (ESBEC). The device features high particle collection efficiency without adding to the exhaust backpressure and without the need for thermal regeneration of the collected particles. The ESBEC consists of a series of metal mesh screens coated with a superhydrophobic substance and an integrated carbon fiber ionizer to charge the incoming particles. Multiple pairs of screens (e.g., 5 pairs) are arranged in a battery, in which one screen of each pair is supplied with high voltage, and the other is grounded, producing electrostatic field produced across the screens. The application of a superhydrophobic coating onto the screens allows easy removal of the collected particles using liquid without the need for thermal regeneration. The current prototypes of the device were tested with fluorescent polystyrene latex (PSL) particles of 0.2 and 1.2 µm in size and at 25 and 105 L/min sampling flow rates. The average collection efficiency was ~87% for 0.2 µm and ~95% for 1.2 µm PSL particles. In addition, the ESBEC was tested with actual diesel exhaust particles; here its performance was verified by visually inspecting deposition of particles on an after-filter with the device ON and OFF. In the next stages of this work, the ESBEC will be challenged with diesel exhaust at different mass concentrations and for different collection time periods.

Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract Induces Depolarization of Pacemaker Potentials Through M2 and M3 Muscarinic Receptors in Cultured Murine Small Intestine Interstitial Cells of Cajal.

BACKGROUND: Magnolia officinalis Rehder and EH Wilson (M. officinalis) are traditional Chinese medicines widely used for gastrointestinal (GI) tract motility disorder in Asian countries. We investigated the effects of an ethanol extract of M. officinalis (MOE) on the pacemaker potentials of cultured interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in vitro and its effects on GI motor functions in vivo. METHODS: We isolated ICCs from small intestines, and the whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record the pacemaker potentials in cultured ICCs in vitro. Both gastric emptying (GE) and intestinal transit rates (ITRs) were investigated in normal and GI motility dysfunction (GMD) mice models in vivo. RESULTS: MOE depolarized ICC pacemaker potentials dose-dependently. Pretreatment with methoctramine (a muscarinic M2 receptor antagonist) and 4-DAMP (a muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist) inhibited the effects of MOE on the pacemaker potential relative to treatment with MOE alone. In addition, MOE depolarized pacemaker potentials after pretreatment with Y25130 (a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist), GR113808 (a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist) or SB269970 (a 5-HT7 receptor antagonist). However, pretreatment with RS39604 (a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist) blocked MOE-induced pacemaker potential depolarizations. Intracellular GDPßS inhibited MOE-induced pacemaker potential depolarization, as did pretreatment with Ca2+ free solution or thapsigargin. In normal mice, the GE and ITR values were significantly and dose-dependently increased by MOE. In loperamide-and cisplatin-induced GE delay models, MOE administration reversed the GE deficits. The ITRs of the GMD mice were significantly reduced relative to those of normal mice, which were significantly and dose-dependently reversed by MOE. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MOE dose-dependently depolarizes ICCs pacemaker potentials through M2 and M3 receptors via internal and external Ca2+ regulation through G protein pathways in vitro. Moreover, MOE increased GE and ITRs in vivo in normal and GMD mouse models. Taken together, the results of this study show that MOE have the potential for development as a gastroprokinetic agent in GI motility function.

Regulation of the pacemaker activities in cultured interstitial cells of Cajal by Citrus unshiu peel extracts.

The Citrus unshiu peel has been widely used for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in Eastern traditional medicine. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Citrus unshiu peel extract (CPE) on the pacemaker activity of the GI tract in cultured interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) derived from the mouse small intestine. The whole­cell patch­clamp configuration was used to record pacemaker potentials. In current clamp mode, exposure to CPE caused membrane pacemaker depolarization in a concentration­dependent manner. In the presence of the muscarinic M2 receptor antagonist, methoctramine, CPE induced membrane pacemaker depolarization, whereas treatment with the muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist, 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide, inhibited CPE­induced responses. When the pipette solution contained guanosine 5'-(ß-thio) diphosphate trilithium salt (1 mM), CPE marginally induced membrane pacemaker depolarization. In addition, CPE­induced membrane pacemaker depolarization was inhibited following exposure to the active phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U­73122, but not the inactive PLC inhibitor U­73343. In the presence of a p42/p44 mitogen­activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor (PD98059), a p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) or a c­jun NH2­terminal kinase (JNK) II inhibitor, CPE failed to induce membrane pacemaker depolarization. These results suggest that CPE may affect GI motility through modulating ICC pacemaker activity by activating the muscarinic M3 receptor and inducing the G­protein dependent PLC and MAPK signaling pathways.

Analgesic Effect of Ilex paraguariensis Extract on Postoperative and Neuropathic Pain in Rats.

Ilex paraguariensis, known as "Yerba Mate," is an herb used in a beverage that is widely consumed in southern Latin American countries. Furthermore, it has been traditionally used to treat depression, and as an analgesic to manage both nerve pain and headache. The pain-related experimental evidence regarding the analgesic effects of Mate is unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate whether Mate extract exhibits analgesic effects in both the plantar incision and spared nerve injury (SNI) models in rats. We tested the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) using von Frey filaments. We also tested pain-related behavior using ultrasonic vocalization (USV). Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pain-related cytokines were also determined in the dorsal root ganglia in a rat model of SNI. Our results showed that oral administration of Mate extract significantly increased MWT values, and reduced the number of 22-27 kHz USVs 24 h after the plantar incision operation. Moreover, after 15 d of continuous treatment with Mate extract, the SNI-induced hypersensitivity, cytokine levels, and NPY expression were significantly reduced compared to the corresponding findings in the control group. These results suggest that the intake of Mate extract has potential as a treatment for both postoperative pain and neuropathic pain.

Inactivation of foodborne microorganisms using engineered water nanostructures (EWNS).

Foodborne diseases caused by the consumption of food contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins have very serious economic and public health consequences. Here, we explored the effectiveness of a recently developed intervention method for inactivation of microorganisms on fresh produce, and food production surfaces. This method utilizes Engineered Water Nanostructures (EWNS) produced by electrospraying of water vapor. EWNS possess unique properties; they are 25 nm in diameter, remain airborne in indoor conditions for hours, contain Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and have very strong surface charge (on average 10 e/structure). Here, their efficacy in inactivating representative foodborne bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria innocua, on stainless steel surfaces and on organic tomatoes, was assessed. The inactivation was facilitated using two different exposure approaches in order to optimize the delivery of EWNS to bacteria: (1) EWNS were delivered on the surfaces by diffusion and (2) a "draw through" Electrostatic Precipitator Exposure System (EPES) was developed and characterized for EWNS delivery to surfaces. Using the diffusion approach and an EWNS concentration of 24,000 #/cm3, the bacterial concentrations on the surfaces were reduced, depending on the bacterium and the surface type, by values ranging between 0.7 to 1.8 logs. Using the EPES approach and for an aerosol concentration of 50,000 #/cm3 at 90 min of exposure, results show a 1.4 log reduction for E. coli on organic tomato surfaces, as compared to the control (same conditions in regards to temperature and Relative Humidity). Furthermore, for L. innocua, the dose-response relationship was demonstrated and found to be a 0.7 and 1.2 logs removal at 12,000 and 23,000 #/cm3, respectively. The results presented here indicate that this novel, chemical-free, and environmentally friendly intervention method holds potential for development and application in the food industry, as a "green" alternative to existing disinfection methods.

Application of ATP-based bioluminescence for bioaerosol quantification: effect of sampling method.

An adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-based bioluminescence has potential to offer a quick and affordable method for quantifying bioaerosol samples. Here we report on our investigation into how different bioaerosol aerosolization parameters and sampling methods affect bioluminescence output per bacterium, and implications of that effect for bioaerosol research. Bacillus atrophaeus and Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria were aerosolized by using a Collison nebulizer (BGI Inc., Waltham, MA) with a glass or polycarbonate jar and then collected for 15 and 60 min with: (1) Button Aerosol Sampler (SKC Inc., Eighty Four, PA) with polycarbonate, PTFE, and cellulose nitrate filters, (2) BioSampler (SKC Inc.) with 5 and 20 mL of collection liquid, and (3) our newly developed Electrostatic Precipitator with Superhydrophobic Surface (EPSS). For all aerosolization and sampling parameters we compared the ATP bioluminescence output per bacterium relative to that before aerosolization and sampling. In addition, we also determined the ATP reagent storage and preparation conditions that that do not affect the bioluminescence signal intensity. Our results show that aerosolization by a Collison nebulizer with a polycarbonate jar yields higher bioluminescence output per bacterium compared to the glass jar. Interestingly enough, the bioluminescence output by P. fluorescens increased substantially after its aerosolization compared to the fresh liquid suspension. For both test microorganisms, the bioluminescence intensity per bacterium after sampling was significantly lower than that before sampling suggesting negative effect of sampling stress on bioluminescence output. The decrease in bioluminescence intensity was more pronounces for longer sampling times and significantly and substantially depended on the sampling method. Among the investigated method, the EPSS was the least injurious for both microorganisms and sampling times. While the ATP-based bioluminescence offers a quick bioaerosol sample analysis method, this works demonstrates that the method output depends on bioaerosol generation and sampling methods, as well as reagent storage.

Release of free DNA by membrane-impaired bacterial aerosols due to aerosolization and air sampling.

We report here that stress experienced by bacteria due to aerosolization and air sampling can result in severe membrane impairment, leading to the release of DNA as free molecules. Escherichia coli and Bacillus atrophaeus bacteria were aerosolized and then either collected directly into liquid or collected using other collection media and then transferred into liquid. The amount of DNA released was quantified as the cell membrane damage index (ID), i.e., the number of 16S rRNA gene copies in the supernatant liquid relative to the total number in the bioaerosol sample. During aerosolization by a Collison nebulizer, the ID of E. coli and B. atrophaeus in the nebulizer suspension gradually increased during 60 min of continuous aerosolization. We found that the ID of bacteria during aerosolization was statistically significantly affected by the material of the Collison jar (glass > polycarbonate; P < 0.001) and by the bacterial species (E. coli > B. atrophaeus; P < 0.001). When E. coli was collected for 5 min by filtration, impaction, and impingement, its ID values were within the following ranges: 0.051 to 0.085, 0.16 to 0.37, and 0.068 to 0.23, respectively; when it was collected by electrostatic precipitation, the ID values (0.011 to 0.034) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those with other sampling methods. Air samples collected inside an equine facility for 2 h by filtration and impingement exhibited ID values in the range of 0.30 to 0.54. The data indicate that the amount of cell damage during bioaerosol sampling and the resulting release of DNA can be substantial and that this should be taken into account when analyzing bioaerosol samples.