Potential Pro-Inflammatory Effect of Vitamin E Analogs through Mitigation of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Binding to the Cannabinoid 2 Receptor

Vitamin E acetate, which is used as a diluent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been reported as the primary causative agent of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). Here, we employ in vitro assays, docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations to investigate the interaction of vitamin E with the membrane-bound cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R), and its role in modulating the binding affinity of THC to CB2R. From the MD simulations, we determined that vitamin E interacts with both CB2R and membrane phospholipids. Notably, the synchronized effect of these interactions likely facilitates vitamin E acting as a lipid modulator for the cannabinoid system. Furthermore, MD simulation and trajectory analysis show that when THC binds to CB2R in the presence of vitamin E, the binding cavity widens, facilitating the entry of water molecules into it, leading to a reduced interaction of THC with CB2R. Additionally, the interaction between THC and vitamin E in solution is stabilized by several H bonds, which can directly limit the interaction of free THCs with CB2R. Overall, both the MD simulations and the in vitro dissociation assay results indicate that THC binding to CB2R is reduced in the presence of vitamin E. Our study discusses the role of vitamin E in limiting the effect of THCs and its implications on the reported pathology of EVALI.     

Cryptorchism, hypogonadism and antler malformations in black-tailed deer(Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) of Kodiak island

Summary Distinct antler malformations, (such as lack of points, distortion of antler forms, incomplete velvet shedding, casting above the coronet and a diagonal separation of cast antlers), were detected in Sitka deer(Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) of the Kodiak Island (Alaska, USA). Many of these deer were also unilateral or bilateral cryptorchids and a few exhibited a moderate or severe separation of frontal skull bones. Radioimmunoassay analyses of serum revealed signs of hypogonadism: we found higher concentrations of LH (P=0.05) and lower concentrations of T (P=0.037) in bilateral cryptorchids as compared to intact bucks. There was no apparent impairment of spermatogenesis in the remaining testis of the unilateral cryptorchid deer. Unfortunately, no ectopic testes were so far recovered in cryptorchid deer. Surprisingly, only about half of deer with bilateral cryptorchism exhibited hypogonadic symptoms. In the other half of cryptorchid deer, the antlers appeared completely normal and the concentrations of LH or testosterone in the serum of several bucks were in the range of intact deer. It has been postulated that in some cryptorchid deer, ectopic testes can produce sufficient amount of testosterone, which prevents obvious antler and skull malformations, as well as reduces the compensatory elevation of LH. The possible causes of the hypogonadism resulting in cryptorchism and antler malformations are discussed.Eingesetzt wurde ein Druckkostenzuschuss des Hessischen Ministeriums für Umwelt, Landwirtschaft und Forsten, für dessen Gewährung verbindlich gedankt wird. — Die Schriftleitung     

Rheological properties and stability of model salad dressing emulsions prepared with a dry-heated soybean protein isolate–dextran mixture

The rheological characteristics of model salad dressing emulsions, incorporating a dry-heated soybean protein isolate (SPI)–dextran mixture as emulsifier, were investigated by applying dynamic rheometry tests in an attempt to probe the emulsion structure and to elucidate the mechanism of their stability against creaming. Both the viscoelastic properties and the creaming behaviour of the dressings were greatly influenced by the extent of protein–dextran conjugation and also by xanthan gum addition. The results are discussed in terms of emulsion droplet interactions which, depending on the extent of glyco-conjugation, may be dominated by depletion or ‘bridging’ flocculation effects and, thereby, influence the droplet network structure collapse during ageing.     

Chromium remediation or release? Effect of iron(II) sulfate addition on chromium(VI) leaching from columns of chromite ore processing residue

Chromite ore processing residue (COPR), derived from the so-called high lime processing of chromite ore, contains high levels of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) and has a pH between 11 and 12. Ferrous sulfate, which is used for remediation of Cr(VI) contamination in wastewater and soils via reduction to Cr(III) and subsequent precipitation of iron(III)/chromium(III) hydroxide, has also been proposed for remediation of Cr(VI) in COPR. Instead, however, addition of FeSO4 to the infiltrating solution in column experiments with COPR greatly increased leaching of Cr(VI). Leached Cr(VI) increased from 3.8 to 12.3 mmol kg(-1) COPR in 25 pore volumes with 20 mM FeSO4, reaching solution concentrations as high as 1.6 mM. Fe(II) was ineffective in reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III) because it precipitated when it entered the column due to the high pH of COPR, while Cr(VI) in solution was transported away with the infiltrating solution. The large increase in leaching of Cr(VI) upon infiltration of sulfate, either as FeSO4 or Na2SO4, was caused by anion exchange of sulfate for chromate in the layered double hydroxide mineral hydrocalumite, a process for which scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis provided direct evidence.     

Changes in the ultrastructure and texture of prawn muscle (Macrobrachuim rosenbergii) during cold storage

Changes in the ultrastructure and proteolytic activity of prawn muscle were determined during storage at 5 °C, in order to better understand changes in physical and sensory texture measurements. Progressive deterioration of myofibril structure was observed during refrigeration of prawn for 14 d. The loss of density and order in Z-line alignment was first detected after 3 d of storage. Progressive disruption of Z-line, I-bands and M-lines was observed after 4-6 d of storage. Muscle degradation included pronounced disruption of the mitochondria as revealed by swollen cristae, loss of cristae material, and membrane breakage. Along with ultrastructural changes, decreased shear force values and mean textures scores were measured. An initial shear force value of 18.21 N/g decreased to 14.50, 12.46, and 10.79 N/g on days 3, 6, and 14, respectively. Mean texture scores indicated that prawn muscle maintained firm texture during 0-3 d of storage, and became soft during 4-6 d of storage. After 6 d of storage, the prawn texture was very soft. Increased deterioration of the muscle ultrastructure coincided with the increase of proteolytic microorganisms and salt soluble muscle proteins found by Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It is concluded that the weakening of the ultrastructure is related to proteolytic activity and results in a more soft texture in prawns.     

Contribution of extracellular polymeric substances from Shewanella sp. HRCR-1 biofilms to U(VI) immobilization

The goal of this study was to quantify the contribution of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to U(VI) immobilization by Shewanella sp. HRCR-1. Through comparison of U(VI) immobilization using cells with bound EPS (bEPS) and cells with minimal EPS, we show that (i) bEPS from Shewanella sp. HRCR-1 biofilms contribute significantly to U(VI) immobilization, especially at low initial U(VI) concentrations, through both sorption and reduction; (ii) bEPS can be considered a functional extension of the cells for U(VI) immobilization and they likely play more important roles at lower initial U(VI) concentrations; and (iii) the U(VI) reduction efficiency is dependent upon the initial U(VI) concentration and decreases at lower concentrations. To quantify the relative contributions of sorption and reduction to U(VI) immobilization by EPS fractions, we isolated loosely associated EPS (laEPS) and bEPS from Shewanella sp. HRCR-1 biofilms grown in a hollow fiber membrane biofilm reactor and tested their reactivity with U(VI). We found that, when reduced, the isolated cell-free EPS fractions could reduce U(VI). Polysaccharides in the EPS likely contributed to U(VI) sorption and dominated the reactivity of laEPS, while redox active components (e.g., outer membrane c-type cytochromes), especially in bEPS, possibly facilitated U(VI) reduction.     

Characterization of a 3944 Da bacteriocin, produced by Enterococcus mundtii ST15, with activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria

Strain ST15, isolated from soy beans, and identified as Enterococcus mundtii, produces a 3944 Da bacteriocin that inhibits the growth of Lactobacillus sakei, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Propionibacterium sp., Clostridium tyrobutyricum, Acinetobacter baumanii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus caprinus. Bacteriocin ST15 is inactivated by proteinase K, pronase, pepsin, protease and Triton X-114, but not when treated with catalase, alpha-amylase, Triton X-100, SDS, Tween 20, Tween 80, urea and EDTA. No change in activity was recorded after 2 h at pH values between 2.0 and 12.0, and after treatment at 100 degrees C for 90 min. Activity was, however, lost after treatment at 121 degrees C for 20 min. The mode of activity is bactericidal. The highest level of activity (51200 AU ml(-1)) was recorded when cells were grown in MRS broth, pH 6.5. Bacteriocin ST15 differs from other broad-spectrum bacteriocins described for Enterococcus spp. by being active against Gram-negative bacteria and by being smaller.     

Lactobionic acid as antioxidant and moisturizing active in alkyl polyglucoside-based topical emulsions: the colloidal structure, stability and efficacy evaluation

Cosmeceutical antioxidants may protect the skin against oxidative injury, involved in the pathogenesis of many skin disorders. However, an unsuitable topical delivery system with compromising safety profile can affect the efficacy of an antioxidant active. This study investigated the antioxidant potential of lactobionic acid (LA), a newer cosmeceutical active, per se (in solution) and incorporated into natural alkyl polyglucoside (APG) emulsifier-based system using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. The α-tocopherol was used as a reference compound. The physical stability (using rheology, polarization microscopy, pH and conductivity measurements) of an Alkyl glucoside-based emulsion was evaluated with and without the active (LA); colloidal structure was assessed using polarization and transmission electron microscopy, rheology, thermal and texture analysis. Additionally, the safety profile and moisturizing potential were investigated using the methods of skin bioengineering. Good physical stability and applicative characteristics were obtained although LA strongly influenced the colloidal structure of the vehicle. LA per se and in APG-based emulsion showed satisfying antioxidant activity that promotes it as mild multifunctional cosmeceutical efficient in the treatment and prevention of the photoaged skin. Employed assays were shown as suitable for the antioxidant activity evaluation of LA in APG-based emulsions, but not for α-tocopherol in the same vehicle.     

Chemical reactions occurring at the interface of epoxy matrix and aminosilane coupling agents in fiber-reinforced composites

The chemical reactions at the interface between an anhydride-cured epoxy resin and an aminosilane treated fiber have been investigated using Fourier transform infrared methods (FT-IR). The results indicate that chemical bonds are formed in the interfacial region between the matrix and the coupling agents. The amount of interfacial bonding depends on the composition and the processing conditions.     

Photokatalytische Systeme. XXXIV. Über die Photoreduktion von Carboxylato(cuproin)kupfer(II)-Chelaten in Alkoholen

Photocatalytic Systems. XXXIV. On the Photoreduction of Carboxylato(cuproine) Copper (II) Chelates in Alcohols In contrast to the behaviour in nonpolar aprotic solcents, the photolysis of cuproine copper(II) chelates of the type Cu(N N) (RCOO)₂ (R  CH₃, C(CH₃)₃; N N = sterically hindered heterocyclic 1, 2-diimine ligand) in alcohols does not lead to formation of free radicals. A two-step mechanism with non-radicalic intermediates is derived from e.s.r. spin trapping and microsecond flash photolysis experiments.