The use of halophytic plants for salt phytoremediation in constructed wetlands

This research studied the use of constructed wetlands (CWs) to reduce water salinity. For this purpose, three halophytic species of the Chenopodiaceae family (Salicornia europaea, Salsola crassa, and Bienertia cycloptera) that are resistant to saline conditions were planted in the CWs, and experiments were conducted at three different salinity levels [electrical conductivity (EC)～2, 6, 10 dS/m]. EC and concentrations of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and chlorine (Cl) were measured before and after phytoremediation with a retention time of 1 week. The results suggested that these plants were able to grow well and complete their life cycles at all the salinity levels within this study. Moreover, these plants reduced the measured parameters to acceptable levels. Therefore, these plants can be considered good options for salt phytoremediation.     

<Emphasis Type="Bold">Role of microRNAs and their target genes in salinity response in plant</Emphasis>s

We examined the effects of 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBR) application on photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, and Rubisco activase (RCA) gene expression in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings under a combination of drought and heat stress. The net photosynthetic rates (P_n) of wheat seedlings decreased significantly, the photosynthetic capability was inhibited, and the activities of superoxide (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and RCA as well as the initial and total activity of Rubisco declined under the combined stress. These decreases and inhibitory effects were significantly ameliorated by exogenous EBR application. Three subunits (45–46, 41–42, and 38–39 kDa) of RCA were observed in wheat seedlings. The abundances of the 38–39 kDa and 41–42 kDa subunits were significantly lower in plants subjected to stressful conditions than in unstressed plants. Interestingly, a marked increase in 45–46 kDa RCA was observed under heat or heat combined with drought stress. The abundance of 38–39 kDa RCA in seedlings exposed to heat, drought, or their combination was significantly enhanced by EBR pretreatment, which paralleled the changes in initial Rubisco activity and P_n, but was not consistent with observed mRNA abundance. These results indicated that the larger subunit of RCA (45–46 kDa), which is more thermostable and increased in response to moderate heat stress, and the smaller isoform (38–39 kDa) of RCA may play important roles in maintaining the photosynthetic capability by EBR under stress conditions.     

Profiling of Compositions of Essential Oils and Volatiles of Salvia limbata Using Traditional and Advanced Techniques and Evaluation for Biological Activities of Their Extracts

In the present work, the essential oils and volatiles from flowers, leaves, and stems of Salvia limbata obtained using microwave‐assisted hydrodistillation, solvent‐free microwave extraction, headspace‐assisted analysis, and headspace‐solid phase microextraction have been characterized for the first time. The results have been also compared with those from traditional separation techniques involving hydrodistillation and steam distillation. Regardless of some common compounds in all of the profiles, some dissimilarities were noted due to the use of different extracting approaches. Taking into account the chemical categories, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were found as the most represented group of natural compounds contributing to the chemical profiles. It was also noted that the methanol extracts obtained from the flowers of Sal. limbata showed a desirable antioxidant activity, comparable to the standard antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene. Furthermore, using the disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods, all the tested bacteria demonstrated weak to moderate and moderate to strong sensibilities to the MeOH extracts obtained from different plant parts of Sal. limbata.     

Highly sensitive sensor for picomolar detection of insulin at physiological pH, using GC electrode modified with guanine and electrodeposited nickel oxide nanoparticles

The electrochemical behavior of insulin at glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with nickel oxide nanoparticles and guanine was investigated. Cyclic voltammetry technique has been used for electrodeposition of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiOx) and immobilization of guanine on the surface GC electrode. In comparison to glassy carbon electrode modified with nickel oxide nanoparticles and bare GC electrode modified with adsorbed guanine, the guanine/nickel oxide nanoparticles/modified GC electrode exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the oxidation of insulin in physiological pH solutions at reduced overpotential. The modified electrode was applied for insulin detection using cyclic voltammetry or hydrodynamic amperometry techniques. It was found that the calibration curve was linear up to 4muM with a detection limit of 22pM and sensitivity of 100.9pA/pM under the optimized condition for hydrodynamic amperometry using a rotating disk modified electrode. In comparison to other electrochemical insulin sensors, this sensor shows many advantages such as simple preparation method without using any special electron transfer mediator or specific reagent, high sensitivity, excellent catalytic activity at physiological pH values, short response time, long-term stability and remarkable antifouling property toward insulin and its oxidation product. Additionally, it is promising for the monitoring of insulin in chromatographic effluents.     

Heat shock protein 27 as a neuroprotective biomarker and a suitable target for stem cell therapy and pharmacotherapy in ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is a major common cause of death and long‐term disability worldwide. Several pathophysiological events including excitotoxicity, oxidative/nitrative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are involved in ischemic injuries. Recently, the molecular mechanisms involved in cerebral ischemia through a focus on a member of small heat shock proteins family, Hsp27, has been developed. Notably, following exposure to ischemia, Hsp27 expression in the brain could be increased rather than the normal condition and it may play an important role in neuroprotection after ischemic stroke. The neuroprotection effects of Hsp27 may arise from its anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic, and chaperonic properties. Moreover, some therapeutic strategies such as stem cell therapy and pharmacotherapy have been developed with Hsp27 targeting. In this review, we describe the function and structure of Hsp27 and its possible role in neuroprotection after ischemic stroke. Finally, we present current studies in stroke therapy, which focused on Hsp27 targeting.     

Harnessing an Integrative In Silico Approach to Engage Highly Immunogenic Peptides in an Antigen Design Against Epsilon Toxin (ETX) of Clostridium perfringens

International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics - Epsilon toxin (ETX) is one of four lethal toxins of Clostridium perfringens produced by types B and D of the pathogen. This pore-forming...     

Pharmacological induction of ferritin prevents osteoblastic transformation of smooth muscle cells

Vascular calcification is a frequent complication of atherosclerosis, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. In the latter group of patients, calcification is commonly seen in tunica media where smooth muscle cells (SMC) undergo osteoblastic transformation. Risk factors such as elevated phosphorus levels and vitamin D₃ analogues have been identified. In the light of earlier observations by our group and others, we sought to inhibit SMC calcification via induction of ferritin. Human aortic SMC were cultured using β‐glycerophosphate with activated vitamin D₃, or inorganic phosphate with calcium, and induction of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin as well as accumulation of calcium were used to monitor osteoblastic transformation. In addition, to examine the role of vitamin D₃ analogues, plasma samples from patients on haemodialysis who had received calcitriol or paricalcitol were tested for their tendency to induce calcification of SMC. Addition of exogenous ferritin mitigates the transformation of SMC into osteoblast‐like cells. Importantly, pharmacological induction of heavy chain ferritin by 3H‐1,2‐Dithiole‐3‐thione was able to inhibit the SMC transition into osteoblast‐like cells and calcification of extracellular matrix. Plasma samples collected from patients after the administration of activated vitamin D₃ caused significantly increased ALP activity in SMC compared to the samples drawn prior to activated vitamin D₃ and here, again induction of ferritin diminished the osteoblastic transformation. Our data suggests that pharmacological induction of ferritin prevents osteoblastic transformation of SMC. Hence, utilization of such agents that will cause enhanced ferritin synthesis may have important clinical applications in prevention of vascular calcification.