Behavior ofHeliothis virescens (F.) in presence of oviposition deterrents from elderberry

Extracts prepared from elderberry,Sambucus simpsonii Rehd., leaves with either acetone, dichloromethane, distilled water, ethanol, hexane, or methanol deterred oviposition byHeliothis virescens (F.) on treated substrates in the laboratory. Doses of the aqueous extract equivalent to as little as 0.8 mg of leaves/cm2 of oviposition substrate were effective in reducing egg deposition. There was no significant difference in the mean number of landings on extract-treated and untreated surfaces. When either the antennae, proboscis, or the metathoracic legs were removed from female moths, there was no significant effect on oviposition on paper towels treated with elderberry leaf-water extract in laboratory bioassays, but in field cages, moths without these appendages deposited significantly fewer eggs on treated leaves of tobacco plants, a preferred host. There was no evidence that elderberry leaf-water extract affected mating byH. virescens.Lepidoptera: Noctuidae.Mention of a commercial or proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement by the USDA.     

接骨木多糖的理化性质分析

以接骨木叶为原料,脱脂后,采用水提醇沉法来提取多糖,采用双氧水脱色,木瓜蛋白酶法-三氯乙酸正丁醇联合法进行除蛋白,得到接骨木精多糖。对接骨木多糖的含水量、灰分含量、糖含量、蛋白质含量等理化性质进行分析。结果为:接骨木多糖的蛋白质含量为5.38%,多糖含量为33.62%,水分含量为12.56%,灰分含量为1.7%。     

Antioxidant activity of tea extracts in lipids and correlation with polyphenol content

The present study examined the antioxidative activity of water and ethanol extracts of green and black tea leaves against the oxidation of heated sunflower oil and lard. Oxidation was conducted at 110 °C in the Rancimat test. Total polyphenols and catechin contents in tea extracts were measured. The research showed that the total polyphenol content in green and black tea leaves was 205.2 and 148.7 mg/g, respectively. In tea leaves extracts, it ranged between 245.9 mg/g and 837.7 mg/g and depended on the extraction solvent and the kind of tea used (p <0.001). The highest polyphenol content was observed in samples extracted with 95% ethanol, lower contents were found with the use of water. Results showed that the highest antioxidant activity, measured as an induction period, with 1000 ppm green tea ethanol extract, was comparable to á‐tocopherol activity in sunflower oil. In lard, the longest induction period was measured with 500 and 1000 ppm of green tea ethanol extract. Other tea extract concentrations were significantly less active. Statistical analysis of the tea extract antioxidant activity in lipids in the Rancimat test showed an essential influence of the catechin contents. Further statistical analysis also showed an influence of (?)‐epicatechin gallate (ECG), (?)‐epicatechin (EC), and (+)‐catechin (C) contents in the tea extracts on the antioxidant activity in lipids. It was stated that the antioxidant activity was higher in tea extracts containing high levels of ECG, EC, and C.     

The supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of polyphenols from Propolis: A central composite design approach

The influence of different parameters on the Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (SCO₂) extraction of Italian Propolis were studied with attention to extraction yield and chemical composition of obtained fractions. Operating parameters of SCO₂ were optimized using central composite design. Analysis by multiple regression indicated that pressure and time have a major linear effect on the extraction yield and extract composition.Propolis SCO₂ extracts present different chemical content compared to the ethanolic extract obtained with ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE). SCO₂ extract can be used to perform further UAE ethanol extraction obtaining a flavonoid containing extract. These findings indicate two possible applications of supercritical carbon dioxide for Propolis extraction, one to obtain lipophilic fractions enriched in specific constituents, the other as pre-treatment of the crude material to facilitate the further extraction with ethanol.     

Functional Ambivalence of Dendritic Cells: Tolerogenicity and Immunogenicity

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and inducers of T cell-mediated immunity. Although DCs play a central role in promoting adaptive immune responses against growing tumors, they also establish and maintain peripheral tolerance. DC activity depends on the method of induction and/or the presence of immunosuppressive agents. Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) induce immune tolerance by activating CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ regulatory T (Treg) cells and/or by producing cytokines that inhibit T cell activation. These findings suggest that tDCs may be an effective treatment for autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and infertility.     

Role of miRNAs in Human T Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Induced T Cell Leukemia: A Literature Review and Bioinformatics Approach

Human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was identified as the first pathogenic human retrovirus and is estimated to infect 5 to 10 million individuals worldwide. Unlike other retroviruses, there is no effective therapy to prevent the onset of the most alarming diseases caused by HTLV-1, and the more severe cases manifest as the malignant phenotype of adult T cell leukemia (ATL). MicroRNA (miRNA) dysfunction is a common feature of leukemogenesis, and it is no different in ATL cases. Therefore, we sought to analyze studies that reported deregulated miRNA expression in HTLV-1 infected cells and patients’ samples to understand how this deregulation could induce malignancy. Through in silico analysis, we identified 12 miRNAs that stood out in the prediction of targets, and we performed functional annotation of the genes linked to these 12 miRNAs that appeared to have a major biological interaction. A total of 90 genes were enriched in 14 KEGG pathways with significant values, including TP53, WNT, MAPK, TGF-β, and Ras signaling pathways. These miRNAs and gene interactions are discussed in further detail for elucidation of how they may act as probable drivers for ATL onset, and while our data provide solid starting points for comprehension of miRNAs’ roles in HTLV-1 infection, continuous effort in oncologic research is still needed to improve our understanding of HTLV-1 induced leukemia.     

T Lymphocyte Antigen 4-Modified Dendritic Cell Therapy for Asthmatic Mice Guided by the CCR7 Chemokine Receptor

The CD80/CD86-CD28 axis is a critical pathway for immuno-corrective therapy, and the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) is a promising immunosuppressor targeting the CD80/CD86-CD28 axis; however, its use for asthma therapy needs further optimization. A human CTLA4 fused with the IgCγ Fc (CTLA4Ig) and mouse CC chemokine receptor type7 (CCR7) coding sequences were inserted into a recombinant adenovirus (rAdV) vector to generate rAdV-CTLA4Ig and rAdV-CCR7. The naive dendritic cells (DCs) were infected with these rAdVs to ensure CCR7 and CTLA4Ig expression. The therapeutic effects of modified DCs were evaluated. rAdV-CTLA4Ig and rAdV-CCR7 infected DCs improved all asthma symptoms. Inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine analysis showed that rAdV-CTLA4Ig and rAdV-CCR7-modified DC therapy reduced the number of eosinophils and lymphocyte and neutrophil infiltration in the lung. Interestingly, assessment of the humoral immunity showed that the IL-4 and IFNγ levels of the rAdV-CTLA4Ig and rAdV-CCR7-modified DC-treated mice decreased significantly and did not reverse the Th1/Th2 balance. DCs expressing CCR7 displayed guidance ability for DC migration, primarily for DCs in the inflammatory lung. Additionally, the rAdVs caused an inflammatory response by inducing DC differentiation, inflammatory cell infiltration and changes in cytokines; however, mice transplanted with rAdV-green fluorescent protein (GFP)-infected DCs displayed no asthma manifestations. In conclusion, CTLA4Ig-modified DCs exhibited a therapeutic effect on asthma, and CCR7 may guide DC homing. The combination of these two molecules may be a model for precision-guided immunotherapy.     

黑木耳多糖的微波法提取工艺研究

以黑木耳为原料研究了水浴提取法、回流提取法、微波辅助提取法、超声波提取法等提取效果,结果表明微波提取法效果较好。采用单因素和正交试验,探讨微波辅助法提取黑木耳多糖的最佳工艺条件。实验结果:微波处理前水浴浸泡时间30 min、提取溶剂为70%乙醇溶液、NaOH加入量1.0 g、提取时间2 min,微波提取功率为60 W。     

Immunostimulatory Potential of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from an Edible Plant,Petasites japonicus,via the Induction of Murine Dendritic Cell Maturation

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently been isolated from different plants. Plant-derived EVs have been proposed as potent therapeutics and drug-delivery nanoplatforms for delivering biomolecules, including proteins, RNAs, DNAs, and lipids. Herein, Petasites japonicus-derived EVs (PJ-EVs) were isolated through a series of centrifugation steps and characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Immunomodulatory effects of PJ-EVs were assessed using dendritic cells (DCs). PJ-EVs exhibited a spherical morphology with an average size of 122.6 nm. They induced the maturation of DCs via an increase in the expression of surface molecules (CD80, CD86, MHC-I, and MHC-II), production of Th1-polarizing cytokines (TNF-α and IL-12p70), and antigen-presenting ability; however, they reduced the antigen-uptake ability. Furthermore, maturation of DCs induced by PJ-EVs was dependent on the activation and phosphorylation of MAPK and NF-κB signal pathways. Notably, PJ-EV-treated DCs strongly induced the proliferation and differentiation of naïve T cells toward Th1-type T cells and cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells along with robust secretion of IFN-γ and IL-2. In conclusion, our study indicates that PJ-EVs can be potent immunostimulatory candidates with an ability of strongly inducing the maturation of DCs.     

Comparison of Cell Fusions Induced by Influenza Virus and SARS-CoV-2

Virus–cell fusion is the key step for viral infection in host cells. Studies on virus binding and fusion with host cells are important for understanding the virus–host interaction and viral pathogenesis for the discovery of antiviral drugs. In this review, we focus on the virus–cell fusions induced by the two major pandemic viruses, including the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. We further compare the cell fusions induced by the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2, especially the pH-dependent fusion of the influenza virus and the fusion of SARS-CoV-2 in the type-II transmembrane serine protease 2 negative (TMPRSS2^-) cells with syncytia formation. Finally, we present the development of drugs used against SARA-CoV-2 and the influenza virus through the discovery of anti-fusion drugs and the prevention of pandemic respiratory viruses.     

Additive Behavioral Improvement after Combined Cell Therapy and Rehabilitation Despite Long-Term Microglia Presence in Stroke Rats

Microglia are involved in the post-stroke immunomodulation of brain plasticity, repair, and reorganization. Here, we evaluated whether adipose-tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) and/or rehabilitation improve behavioral recovery by modulating long-term perilesional inflammation and creating a recovery-permissive environment in a rat model of ischemic stroke. Methods: A two-way mixed lymphocyte reaction was used to assess the immunomodulatory capacity of ADMSCs in vitro. Two or 7 days after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO), rats were intravenously administered ADMSCs or vehicle and housed in a standard or enriched environment (EE). Behavioral performance was assessed with a cylinder test, then we performed stereological and ImageJ/Fiji quantifications of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) cells and blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage. Results: Human ADMSCs were immunosuppressive in vitro. The cylinder test showed partial spontaneous behavioral recovery of pMCAO rats, which was further improved by combined ADMSCs and housing in EE on days 21 and 42 (p < 0.05). We detected an ischemia-induced increase in numbers, staining intensity, and branch length of Iba1+ microglia/macrophages as well as BBB leakage in the perilesional cortex. However, these were not different among pMCAO groups. Conclusion: Combined cell therapy and rehabilitation additively improved behavioral outcome despite long-term perilesional microglia presence in stroke rats.     

Differential Effects of Mycobacterium bovis BCG on Macrophages and Dendritic Cells from Murine Spleen

Macrophages (MΦ) and dendritic cells (DCs) are both pivotal antigen presenting cells capable of inducing specific cellular responses to inhaled mycobacteria, and thus, they may be important in the initiation of early immune responses to mycobacterial infection. In this study, we evaluated and compared the roles of murine splenic DCs and MΦs in immunity against Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (M.bovis BCG). The number of internalized rBCG-GFP observed was obviously greater in murine splenic MΦs compared with DCs, and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in MΦs were all higher than in DCs. DCs have a stronger capacity for presenting Ag85A peptide to specific T hybridoma and when the murine splenic MΦs were infected with BCG and rBCG::Ag85A, low level of antigen presenting activity was detected. These data suggest that murine splenic MΦs participate in mycobacteria uptake, killing and inducing inflammatory response, whereas the murine splenic DCs are primarily involved in specific antigen presentation and T cell activation.     

Thyroid Hormone Receptor α Controls the Hind Limb Metamorphosis by Regulating Cell Proliferation and Wnt Signaling Pathways in Xenopus tropicalis

Thyroid hormone (T3) receptors (TRs) mediate T3 effects on vertebrate development. We have studied Xenopus tropicalis metamorphosis as a model for postembryonic human development and demonstrated that TRα knockout induces precocious hind limb development. To reveal the molecular pathways regulated by TRα during limb development, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation- and RNA-sequencing on the hind limb of premetamorphic wild type and TRα knockout tadpoles, and identified over 700 TR-bound genes upregulated by T3 treatment in wild type but not TRα knockout tadpoles. Interestingly, most of these genes were expressed at higher levels in the hind limb of premetamorphic TRα knockout tadpoles than stage-matched wild-type tadpoles, suggesting their derepression upon TRα knockout. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that these genes were highly enriched with cell cycle and Wingless/Integrated (Wnt) signaling-related genes. Furthermore, cell cycle and Wnt signaling pathways were also highly enriched among genes bound by TR in wild type but not TRα knockout hind limb. These findings suggest that direct binding of TRα to target genes related to cell cycle and Wnt pathways is important for limb development: first preventing precocious hind limb formation by repressing these pathways as unliganded TR before metamorphosis and later promoting hind limb development during metamorphosis by mediating T3 activation of these pathways.     

A Chimeric IL-15/IL-15Rα Molecule Expressed on NFκB-Activated Dendritic Cells Supports Their Capability to Activate Natural Killer Cells

Natural killer (NK) cells, members of the innate immune system, play an important role in the rejection of HLA class I negative tumor cells. Hence, a therapeutic vaccine, which can activate NK cells in addition to cells of the adaptive immune system might induce a more comprehensive cellular response, which could lead to increased tumor elimination. Dendritic cells (DCs) are capable of activating and expanding NK cells, especially when the NFκB pathway is activated in the DCs thereby leading to the secretion of the cytokine IL-12. Another prominent NK cell activator is IL-15, which can be bound by the IL-15 receptor alpha-chain (IL-15Rα) to be transpresented to the NK cells. However, monocyte-derived DCs do neither secrete IL-15, nor express the IL-15Rα. Hence, we designed a chimeric protein consisting of IL-15 and the IL-15Rα. Upon mRNA electroporation, the fusion protein was detectable on the surface of the DCs, and increased the potential of NFκB-activated, IL-12-producing DC to activate NK cells in an autologous cell culture system with ex vivo-generated cells from healthy donors. These data show that a chimeric IL-15/IL-15Rα molecule can be expressed by monocyte-derived DCs, is trafficked to the cell surface, and is functional regarding the activation of NK cells. These data represent an initial proof-of-concept for an additional possibility of further improving cellular DC-based immunotherapies of cancer.     

Comparative study on the antioxidant and nitrite scavenging activity of fruiting body and mycelium extract from Pleurotus ferulae

We investigated the effects of the antioxidant and the nitrite scavenging activities of the extracts from Pleurotus ferulae fruiting body grown on the solid state using corn cob and activated bleaching earth (CCABE media) and its mycelium grown in the liquid state. The total phenol and polysaccharide concentrations in hot water extract of fruiting body were approximately 3.6- and 4.3-fold higher than those of the mycelium. Using the hot water extract of fruiting body, the maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity at 9 mg/mL, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity at 12mg/mL, reducing power at 12 mg/mL, and chelating ability at 12 mg/mL were obtained, 80.5%, 72.4%, 0.99 OD (700 nm), and 77.0%, respectively. However, in the case of hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, the ethanol extract was the highest, 78.7% at 12 mg/mL. The maximum nitrite scavenging activity was obtained, 89.7% at 6 mg/mL of hot water extract from fruiting body. Hot water extracts were more effective than ethanol extracts in scavenging activity on DPPH radicals and hydroxyl radical scavenging, reducing power, and chelating activity of ferrous, whereas ethanol extracts were more effective in hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity as evidenced by their lower EC₅₀ values. These results indicate that the hot water extract of P. ferulae fruiting body using CCABE media has good potential to be used as a source of materials or additives for oxidation suppressant in food, cosmetics and drug compositions.     

Recovering Bioactive Compounds from Olive Oil Filter Cake by Advanced Extraction Techniques

The potential of by-products generated during extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) filtration as a natural source of phenolic compounds (with demonstrated bioactivity) has been evaluated using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and considering mixtures of two GRAS (generally recognized as safe) solvents (ethanol and water) at temperatures ranging from 40 to 175 °C. The extracts were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to diode array detection (DAD) and electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-TOF/MS) to determine the phenolic-composition of the filter cake. The best isolation procedure to extract the phenolic fraction from the filter cake was accomplished using ethanol and water (50:50, v/v) at 120 °C. The main phenolic compounds identified in the samples were characterized as phenolic alcohols or derivatives (hydroxytyrosol and its oxidation product), secoiridoids (decarboxymethylated and hydroxylated forms of oleuropein and ligstroside aglycones), flavones (luteolin and apigenin) and elenolic acid derivatives. The PLE extraction process can be applied to produce enriched extracts with applications as bioactive food ingredients, as well as nutraceuticals.     

The Cytoplasmic Actins in the Regulation of Endothelial Cell Function

The primary function of the endothelial cells (EC) lining the inner surface of all vessels is to regulate permeability of vascular walls and to control exchange between circulating blood and tissue fluids of organs. The EC actin cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in maintaining endothelial barrier function. Actin cytoskeleton reorganization result in EC contraction and provides a structural basis for the increase in vascular permeability, which is typical for many diseases. Actin cytoskeleton in non-muscle cells presented two actin isoforms: non-muscle β-cytoplasmic and γ-cytoplasmic actins (β-actins and γ-actins), which are encoded by ACTB and ACTG1 genes, respectively. They are ubiquitously expressed in the different cells in vivo and in vitro and the β/γ-actin ratio depends on the cell type. Both cytoplasmic actins are essential for cell survival, but they perform various functions in the interphase and cell division and play different roles in neoplastic transformation. In this review, we briefly summarize the research results of recent years and consider the features of the cytoplasmic actins: The spatial organization in close connection with their functional activity in different cell types by focusing on endothelial cells.     

Effect of oviposition deterrents from elderberry on behavioral responses byHeliothis virescens to host-plant volatiles in flight tunnel

In flight-tunnel assays, mated femaleHeliothis virescens (F.) moths responded by positive anemotaxis to volatiles from extracts of two host plants (cotton and tobacco), but they did not fly to an extract from elderberry (Sambucus simpsonii Rehd.), a nonhost that contains an oviposition deterrent forH. virescens. When the elderberry extract was mixed with extract from either cotton or tobacco, the flight response by moths to volatiles emanating from the extract blends was reduced significantly at most doses when compared to the positive response to extracts from either host alone. The number of landings (including brief contacts) and landings that resulted in oviposition on the substrates treated with extract blends also were reduced significantly in most tests.This article reports the results of research only. Mention of a proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement or the recommendation of its use by USDA.     

Antiproliferation of Hepatoma Cell and Progression of Cell Cycle as Affected by Isoflavone Extracts from Soybean Cake

The objectives of this study were to isolate various isoflavone fractions and extracts from soybean cake by preparative column chromatography and compare them with isoflavone standards with regards to inhibition of HepG2 cancer cell proliferation. Four fractions, including malonylglucoside, glucoside, acetylglucoside and aglycone, and two isoflavone extracts, ISO-1 and ISO-2, were collected for evaluation. MTT test results showed that most treatments were slightly protective against HepG2 cell growth at a low dose of isoflavone (5 and 10 μg/mL). However, at elevated concentration of isoflavone (20–50 μg/mL), both aglycone and acetylglucoside fractions as well as a mixture of isoflavone standards were the most effective in inhibition, demonstrating a possible synergistic phenomenon. Genistein showed a better retardation effect than daidzein. For cell cycle analysis, both aglycone and acetylglucoside fractions and a mixture of isoflavone standards exhibited a high G2/M ratio, correlating well with the result of MTT test. The presence of some other functional components in soybean cake like saponins and phenolic compounds may also play a vital role in inhibiting HepG2 cell growth.     

In vitro enhancement of dendritic cell-mediated anti-glioma immune response by graphene oxide

Malignant glioma has extremely poor prognosis despite combination treatments with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy may potentially serve as an adjuvant treatment of glioma, but its efficacy generally needs further improvement. Here we explored whether graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets could modulate the DC-mediated anti-glioma immune response in vitro, using the T98G human glioma cell line as the study model. Pulsing DCs with a glioma peptide antigen (Ag) generated a limited anti-glioma response compared to un-pulsed DCs. Pulsing DCs with GO alone failed to produce obvious immune modulation effects. However, stimulating DCs with a mixture of GO and Ag (GO-Ag) significantly enhanced the anti-glioma immune reaction (p < 0.05). The secretion of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) by the lymphocytes was also markedly boosted by GO-Ag. Additionally, the anti-glioma immune response induced by GO-Ag appeared to be target-specific. Furthermore, at the concentration used in this study, GO exhibited a negligible effect on the viability of the DCs. These results suggested that GO might have potential utility for boosting a DC-mediated anti-glioma immune response.