A role for isothiocyanates in plant resistance against the specialist herbivore Pieris rapae

We experimentally reanalyzed the classic interaction between Pieris rapae, a specialist lepidopteran herbivore, and isothiocyanates (mustard oils) that are characteristic phytochemicals of the Brassicaceae. Previous investigations have suggested that P. rapae is unaffected by isothiocyanates. Using whole plants, root extracts, and a microencapsulated formulation of allyl isothiocyanate, we now show that isothiocyanates reduce herbivore survival and growth, and increase development time, each in a dose-dependent manner. Neither the substrate allyl glucosinolate, nor myrosinase, the enzyme that results in the breakdown of glucosinolates, negatively affected P. rapae. Thus, we present strong evidence for a role for isothiocyanates in plant resistance against the specialist herbivore P. rapae.     

Quercetin-3-Glucoside Extracted from Apple Pomace Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis by Increasing Intracellular ROS Levels

Cervical cancer is a life-threatening disease and the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Apple pomace is a multifunctional phenolic compound possessing effective biological activity against cervical cancer cells. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of quercetin-3-glucoside (Q3G) extracted from apple pomace in HeLa cell lines and analyze its molecular mechanisms. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed that Q3G, coumaric acid, phloridzin, quercetin, and phloretin are the major polyphenolic compounds constituting apple pomace. Among them, Q3G possessed the greatest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and exhibited significant cytotoxic effects in HeLa cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that Q3G induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase in a time-dependent manner by altering cyclin-dependent kinase 2. Moreover, it induced apoptosis via chromosomal DNA degradation and increased reactive oxygen species generation. Furthermore, Q3G treatment altered the apoptosis-associated protein expression in the cells by activating caspase-9/-3, downregulating anti-apoptosis protein B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 expressions and up regulating the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein. BH3-interacting domain death agonist cleavage occurred prior to the degradation of an anti-apoptotic Mu-2-related death-inducing gene involved in cell death signaling. Consequently, apple pomace Q3G holds promise as an anti-inflammatory and anticancer agent for treating cervical cancer.     

Effects of sediment characteristics on the toxicity of chromium(III) and chromium(VI) to the amphipod, Hyalella azteca

We evaluated the influence of sediment characteristics, acid-volatile sulfide (AVS) and organic matter (OM), on the toxicity of chromium (Cr) in freshwater sediments. We conducted chronic (28-42-d) toxicitytests with the amphipod Hyalella azteca exposed to Cr(VI) and Cr(III) in water and in spiked sediments. Waterborne Cr(VI) caused reduced survival of amphipods with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 40 microg/L. Cr(VI) spiked into test sediments with differing levels of AVS resulted in graded decreases in AVS and sediment OM. Only Cr(VI)-spiked sediments with low AVS concentrations (< 1micromol/g) caused significant amphipod mortality. Waterborne Cr(III) concentrations near solubility limits caused decreased survival of amphipods at pH 7 and pH 8 but not at pH 6. Sediments spiked with high levels of Cr(III) did not affect amphipod survival but had minor effects on growth and inconsistent effects on reproduction. Pore waters of some Cr(III)-spiked sediments contained measurable concentrations of Cr(VI), but observed toxic effects did not correspond closely to Cr concentrations in sediment or pore waters. Our results indicate that risks of Cr toxicity are low in freshwater sediments containing substantial concentrations of AVS.     

Application of the Coupled Simulation–optimization Method for the Optimum Cut-off Design Under a Hydraulic Structure

A Genetic Algorithm model, coupled with Finite Element Programming (GA-FEP), has been developed to create an optimal design for hydraulic structures to address seepage problems. While the objective function of the optimization model was to minimize the construction costs of the hydraulic structure, the main constraints were to satisfy safety factors concerning uplift pressure and exit gradient. The GA-FEP model proposed here meets the requirements of an optimal hydraulic design in two stages. Firstly, a validated numerical model coded using Finite-element Programming (FEP), was used to analyze seepage problems. This was followed by application of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and finite-element programming (FEP) to establish the optimum depth and location for cut-offs. A MATLAB programming code was used to create the link between the numerical and optimization model, creating a simulation–optimization (S–O) model. The effects of hydraulic conductivity and anisotropic ratios on the hydraulic structure design, were also investigated. The results indicate that the proposed GA-FEP model will provide a safe, efficient and economical hydraulic cut-off design. Evaluation of the model revealed acceptable agreement between expected and simulated seepage parameters pertinent to the hydraulic structure design.

     

Nanotechnologies in Food Science:Applications,Recent Trends,and Future Perspectives

Nanotechnology is a key advanced technology enabling contribution,development,and sustainable impact on food,medicine,and agriculture sectors.Nanomaterials have potential to lead qualitative and quantitative production of healthier,safer,and high-quality functional foods which are perishable or semi-perishable in nature.Nanotechnologies are superior than conventional food processing technologies with increased shelf life of food products,preventing contamination,and production of enhanced food quality.This comprehensive review on nanotechnologies for functional food development describes the current trends and future perspectives of advanced nanomaterials in food sector considering processing,packaging,security,and storage.Applications of nanotechnologies enhance the food bioavailability,taste,texture,and consistency,achieved through modification of particle size,possible cluster formation,and surface charge of food nanomaterials.In addition,the nanodelivery-mediated nutraceuticals,synergistic action of nanomaterials in food protection,and the application of nanosensors in smart food packaging for monitoring the quality of the stored foods and the common methods employed for assessing the impact of nanomaterials in biological systems are also discussed.     

D-Optimal Mixture Design: Optimization of Ternary Matrix Blends for Controlled Zero-Order Drug Release From Oral Dosage Forms

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present study was to develop a tablet formulation with a zero-order drug release profile based on a balanced blend of three matrix ingredients. To accomplish this goal, a 17-run, three-factor, two-level D-Optimal mixture design was employed to evaluate the effect of Polyox? (X₁), Carbopol® (X₂), and lactose (X₃) concentrations on the release rate of theophylline from the matrices. Tablets were prepared by direct compression and were subjected to an in vitro dissolution study in phosphate buffer at pH 7.2. Polynomial models were generated for the responses Y₄ (percent released in 8 h) and Y₆ (similarity factor or f₂). Fitted models were used to predict the composition of a formulation that would have a similar dissolution profile to an ideal zero-order release at a rate of 8.33% per hour. When tested, dissolution profile of the optimized formulation was comparable to the reference profile (f₂ was 74.2, and n [release exponent] was 0.9). This study demonstrated that a balanced blend of matrix ingredients could be used to attain a zero-order release profile. Optimization was feasible by the application of response surface methodology, which proved efficient in designing controlled-release dosage forms.     

Importance of growth hormones and temperature for physiological regulation of dormancy and sprouting in onions

Onion is one of the most cultivated crops, and its production is increasing worldwide. Proper handling and storage will add huge benefits to the supply of onion to meet the demand of consumers. For storage, it is important to understand onion physiology from the day it was harvested from the field until it reaches the market. This review summarizes the scientific literature related to the physiology of the onion bulb with respect to growth regulators, temperature, and chemical controls. The biochemical changes that occur during dormancy break and sprouting have been discussed in detail. The three main environmental factors that can influence onions during storage are temperature, humidity, and composition of the atmosphere in the storage area. Among these factors, temperature plays a paramount role in the physiology of onion during pre- and postharvest storage. Particular emphasis was given to plant growth hormones (endogenous and exogenous) and their consequent effects with respect to dormancy, sprouting, and biochemical changes that occur in onions.     

Occurrence and potential sources of pyrethroid insecticides in stream sediments from seven U.S. metropolitan areas

A nationally consistent approach was used to assess the occurrence and potential sources of pyrethroid insecticides in stream bed sediments from seven metropolitan areas across the United States. One or more pyrethroids were detected in almost half of the samples, with bifenthrin detected the most frequently (41%) and in each metropolitan area. Cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, permethrin, and resmethrin were detected much less frequently. Pyrethroid concentrations and Hyalella azteca mortality in 28-d tests were lower than in most urban stream studies. Log-transformed total pyrethroid toxic units (TUs) were significantly correlated with survival and bifenthrin was likely responsible for the majority of the observed toxicity. Sampling sites spanned a wide range of urbanization and log-transformed total pyrethroid concentrations were significantly correlated with urban land use. Dallas/Fort Worth had the highest pyrethroid detection frequency (89%), the greatest number of pyrethroids (4), and some of the highest concentrations. Salt Lake City had a similar percentage of detections but only bifenthrin was detected and at lower concentrations. The variation in pyrethroid concentrations among metropolitan areas suggests regional differences in pyrethroid use and transport processes. This study shows that pyrethroids commonly occur in urban stream sediments and may be contributing to sediment toxicity across the country.     

An Update on Potential Perspectives of Glucosinolates on Protection against Microbial Pathogens and Endocrine Dysfunctions in Humans

Glucosinolates are the major bioactive secondary metabolites found in the Brassicaceae family and studied extensively in biosynthetic and application perspectives. Because of their potential applications in the welfare of plants (protection against plant pathogens) and human life (prevention of cancer and other diseases), these compounds attracted much interest in the scientific community. In this review, we presented updates on glucosinolate derivatives in protection against microbial pathogens and endocrine related diseases in human. Further, the mechanism of action of glucosinolate derivatives and the strategies to improve their efficiency through modern approaches were discussed. Finally, the genetic enrichment of their contents in plant systems has also been discussed.