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(1) Background: This study summarizes the findings of two studies investigating the inhibitory effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from clinical and environmental sources against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The studies also analyzed the correlation between enzyme production and inhibitory effects to gain insights into the antimicrobial capabilities of P. aeruginosa strains; (2) Methods: Both studies employed similar methodologies, including the use of disk diffusion and well diffusion methods to assess the inhibitory effects of P. aeruginosa strains against target pathogens. Enzyme production was analyzed through various biochemical assays to determine the diversity and frequencies of enzyme secretion among the strains; (3) Results: A comparative analysis of enzyme production in P. aeruginosa strains from clinical sources revealed significant variations in enzyme production, with hemolysin and protease being the most commonly produced enzymes. Gelatinase production showed lower rates, whereas chondroitinase and hyaluronidase were absent or occurred less frequently. In contrast, a comparative analysis of enzyme production in environmental isolates showed different patterns, indicating adaptation to environmental conditions. Pyocyanin production was absent in all environmental isolates. The inhibitory effects against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria varied among different P. aeruginosa strains, with strain-specific variations observed. Limited inhibitory effects were observed against fungi, primarily toward gram-positive bacteria; (4) Conclusions: The findings highlight the strain-specific nature of inhibitory effects and enzyme production in P. aeruginosa strains. The correlation between enzyme production and inhibitory effects against gram-positive bacteria suggest a potential role of specific enzymes, such as hemolysin and protease, in the antimicrobial activity. The complexity of the relationship between enzyme production and the inhibition of different pathogens requires further investigation. The results emphasize the potential of P. aeruginosa strains as sources for antimicrobial strategies, particularly against gram-positive bacteria. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying these inhibitory effects and exploring their therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a Bayesian network (BN)-based inhibition model is developed for the rainstorm–landslide–debris flow (R-L-D) disaster chain in the mountainous area of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), China, using the historical disaster data. Twelve nodes are selected for the inhibition model, which are classified into four types, including Hazardous Factor, Response Operation, Disaster Evolution, and Disaster Result. By combining the proposed inhibition with the scenario analysis method, the probabilities of the BN nodes under different rainfall scenarios are analyzed, and then the inhibitory effects of the environmental geological conditions and rescue speed on the R-L-D disaster chain under the most unfavorable rainfall scenario are investigated. On this basis, an inhibition framework consisting of the early warning, inhibition, and measures layers is proposed for the R-L-D disaster chain. The results reveal that under the most unfavorable rainfall scenarios, where the rainfall intensity is greater than 100 mm/d and the rainfall duration is greater than 24 h, the probability of landslides and debris flow is 0.930 and 0.665, respectively. Improving the environmental geological conditions such as slope, lithology and geological structure can greatly inhibit the occurrence of the R-L-D disaster chain. Moreover, the improvement of geological structure conditions is the most significant, and reduces the probability of landslides and debris flow by 0.684 and 0.430, respectively, as well as reducing the probability of death and direct economic loss by 0.411 and 0.619, respectively. Similarly, increasing the rescue speed leads to a reduction in the probability of death and direct economic loss by 0.201 and 0.355, respectively. This study can provide theoretical and practical insights into the prevention and inhibition of the R-L-D disaster chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent orthotopic bone tumor. Due to its high metastatic properties, it has become the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. At this time, there is no effective treatment for osteosarcoma. Hence, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of ononin on osteosarcoma cell migration, invasion, and the underlying mechanisms. The dose-dependent manners of ononin treatment increased the expression of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation in MG-63 and U2OS osteosarcoma cell lines through the EGFR-Erk1/2 signaling pathways. For consistency, we used the MG-63-xenograft mice model to confirm the in vivo anti-tumorigenic and anti-migratory efficacy of ononin. These findings suggest that ononin could be a potentially effective agent against the metastasis of osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is a common malignancy of the bone. Due to its high metastatic properties, osteosarcoma becomes the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Ononin is an isoflavone glycoside known to have various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of ononin on osteosarcoma cell migration, invasion, and the underlying mechanisms. The in vitro anti-tumorigenic and anti-migratory properties of ononin were determined by MTT, colony formation, invasion, and migration in MG-63 and U2OS osteosarcoma cell lines. The results were compared with the standard chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin (DOX), as a positive control. The dose-dependent manners of ononin treatment increased the expression of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation through the EGFR-Erk1/2 signaling pathways. Additionally, ononin significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of human osteosarcoma cells. For consistency, we used the MG-63-xenograft mice model to confirm the in vivo anti-tumorigenic and anti-migratory efficacy of ononin by inhibiting the protein expressions of EGFR-Erk1/2 and MMP2/9. According to the histological study, ononin had no adverse effect on the liver and kidney. Overall, our findings suggested that ononin could be a potentially effective agent against the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arnica montana (AM), which belongs to the daisy family Asteraceae, has a longstanding traditional use in Europe and North America for pain and inflammation treatment. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of ' Arnica montana extract hydrogel patch (AHP)' on Carrageenan-induced paw edema and hot plate-induced pain models. AHP exhibited transdermal permeability without the occurrence of issues like crystal precipitation. This study employed two animal model assessments using AHP, in comparison with Arnicare Gel (AG), to evaluate anti-inflammatory and pain relief effects. AHP treatment for 2 days showed a decrease in paw edema thickness in mice as compared to vehicle or AG groups; Carrageenan-induced swelling increased maximally at 1 h with the AHP group demonstrating a higher reduction. Thus, the AHP group exhibited a lower ratio of right/left paw thickness and a superior reduction in swelling, supportive of its ability to diminish edema. A histological analysis showed that AHP treatment reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Consistently, the mRNA levels of inflammatory markers ( tnfa , il1b , and il6 ) were decreased to a greater extent than the AG group. Particularly, tnfa inhibition was better in the AHP group, and the levels of il1b and il6 transcripts showed ~80% and 40% lower. Likewise, AHP reduced pain scores in a hot plate-induced rat model, although AG failed to do so. Together, these results demonstrate that AHP has long-lasting inhibitory effects on fluid effusion and edema formation, the production of inflammatory mediators, and pain-sensation, supporting its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving pharmacological effects.

Old textiles are important elements of thecultural heritage. As a result of their composition mostly of natural elements old textiles are extremely prone to physical and chemical degradation due to fungal action. The treatments usually applied for the cleaning of heritage textiles target the use of synthetic fungicides, which are potentially harmful to both human health and the environment. Numerous studies highlight as an alternative to the use of conventional antifungals, the employment of essential oils and plant extracts, which are environmentally friendly and which have no adverse effects on human health. Against this background the present study aims to test six essential oils (Lavandula angustifolia, Citrus limon, Mentha piperita, Marjoram, Melaleuca alternifolia, Origanum vulgare) to establish their inhibitory effects against fungi identified on an old piece of traditional Romanian clothing from Maramureş. For the study, the types of fungi present on the objects was determined primarily through the open plates technique and microscopic identification. After identification, the essential oils were applied to the delimited surfaces, and their effects observed up to 32 days after application. The results show that these essential oils have a strong inhibitory effect on such fungal genera as Penicillinum sp., Cladosporium sp., Aspergillus spp., Candida guillermondii, Botrys sp., Mucor sp., having no observable side-effects on the physical properties of the materials concerned. The antimicrobial effects that essential oils and plant extracts have in the short term must be tested in future to ensure the enhanced preservation of heritage textiles and the health integrity of the restorers and visitors who view them in museums, collections or exhibitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangroves are considered one of the most productive ecosystems worldwide, providing multiple environmental goods and services; however, in recent years, there have been modifications and deterioration in the structure and function of these ecosystems, caused by various natural events and anthropic activities, such as the construction of roads, wastewater discharge, unsustainable livestock, and agricultural practices, as well as the impact of chemicals, such as heavy metals, oil spills, and the use of herbicides. In this research, phytotoxic effects on seedlings of Rhizophora mangle were evaluated at an exposure of five dilutions w/v (5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) of the commercial presentation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Propagules grown in a greenhouse under local tidal regimes were used, so the growth of stem diameter, height, biomass production in root, leaves, and stems, as well as the concentration of chlorophyll a of the exposed seedlings were measured. The comparison of these parameters in seedlings with only seawater presented significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) and inhibitory effects on growth (diameter), the stem concentration of chlorophyll a, and the production of biomass of leaves, stems, and roots. The inhibitory effect of exposure to 2,4-D on chlorophyll production and root biomass is highlighted, with an average decrease of 45% relative to the control. The sensitivity of the Rhizophora mangle seedlings to the applied concentrations of herbicide evidence the inhibitory effects on the morphological variables of biomass production and chlorophyll a production in mangrove leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-harvest diseases of mango reduce fruit quality and cause severe yield losses with completely unmarketable fruits. The most common diseases of mangos are anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides). In this study, the antibacterial activities of essential oils from Artemisia scoparia, Artemisia lavandulaefolia, and Artemisia annua against C. gloeosporioides were tested. The results showed that the essential oil of A. scoparia was more effective by the agar diffusion method; the EC50 value was 9.32 µL/mL. The inhibition rate was 100%, at a concentration of 10 μL/mL, through the spore germination method. The morphological changes of the mycelium were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the mycelia treated with essential oils showed shrinking, deformity, fracture, and dryness through SEM. A. scoparia essential oil was inoculated in vivo and subjected to paroxysm testing under natural conditions. A. scoparia had significantly inhibitory activity, and the inhibition rate was 66.23% in vivo inoculation tests after 10 days. The inhibition rate was 92.06% in the paroxysm test under natural conditions after 15 days. Finally, A. acoparia essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The main compounds were 2-ethenyl-Naphthalene (23.5%), 2,4-pentadiynyl-Benzene (11.8%), 1,2-dimethoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-Benzene (10.0%), β-Pinene (8.0%), and 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-1,4-Cyclohexadiene (6.3%). The results have revealed the potential use of A. scoparia essential oil against post-harvest fungal pathogens C. gloeosporioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignant tumors of gynecologic neoplasms in Western society. In recent years, the incidence of endometrial cancer has increased, and it has become the third most common female gynecological cancer (after ovarian and cervical cancer) in Taiwan. Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. Ma-yuen Stapf.) has been demonstrated to have bioactive polyphenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, and essential nutrients for health benefits, including anticancer effects in humans. However, little is known about the effect of adlay seeds on endometrial cancer. Our study aimed to investigate the potential growth inhibitory effects of several adlay seed fractions, including ethyl acetate (ATE-EA) and its bioactive constituents, separately on endometrial cancer cells—HEC-1A (phosphatase and tensin homolog-positive) and RL95-2 (phosphatase and tensin homolog-negative)—and identify related active ingredients. In addition, the potential active fractions and the phytochemical compounds were elucidated. The results demonstrate superior activity of ATE-EA with significant in vitro cell proliferation inhibitory capacity, particularly its C.D.E.F-subfraction. Moreover, HPLC- and GC/FID-based quantification of ATE-EA subfractions showed that phenolic compounds (caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde), flavonoids, steroids, and fatty acid compounds exert anti-proliferative effects in the cell model. Finally, it was shown that cell growth and cell cycle arrest most significantly occurred in the in G1 or G2/M phase under ATE-EA treatment. Collectively, our results demonstrate an antiproliferative effect of ATE-EA on endometrial cancer cells that suggest a positive health outcome for women from consumption of these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: T. mentagrophytes can infect all mammals, including rabbits, causing serious infections with remarkable economic losses for rabbit farmers. Berberine is an alkaloid that is effective against a variety of microbial infections such as T. mentagrophytes. Growth curve by dry weight determination and in-vivo antifungal assay were carried out to clarify the inhibitory effect of berberine hydrochloride against T. mentagrophytes. Transcriptomics analyses were also carried out for better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Results: The growth rate of T. mentagrophytes was significantly higher in control condition than under berberine hydrochloride or clotrimazole for 60 h. The growth rate of T. mentagrophytes was significantly slighter higher in berberine condition (1 mg) than under clotrimazole for 46 h. T. mentagrophytes seriously shrunk after berberine or clotrimazole treatment, as observed by TEM and in SEM. Significant recovery was evident in three berberine groups on day 6 compared with the DMSO group. Results from transcriptomics analyses showed 18,881 identified unigenes, including 18,754 and 12,127 in the NT and SwissProt databases. Among these, 12,011, 9174, and 11,679 unigenes belonged to 3 Gene Ontology (GO), 43 KEGG, and 25 KOG categories, respectively. Interestingly, we found that down-regulation of 14α-demethylase exposed to various medicines was slightly different, i.e., berberine hydrochloride (fold change −3.4956) and clotrimazole (fold change −2.1283) caused various degrees of alteration. Conclusions: Berberine hydrochloride could inhibit the growth of T. mentagrophytes. Berberine hydrochloride could also cure dermatosis induced by T. mentagrophytes. Down-regulation of 14α-demethylase exposed to various medicines was slightly different and might be one of the anti-resistance mechanisms of berberine hydrochloride in T. mentagrophytes. The present investigation provides considerable transcript sequence data that would help further assess the antifungal mechanisms against T. mentagrophytes, for antifungal medicine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) can cause significant problems to the quality of the water, the marine ecosystems, and the human health, and economy worldwide. Biological remediation can inhibit harmful algal growth efficiently in an environmental-friendly manner. Therefore, the research conducted on biological remediation with regard to the inhibition of HABs is becoming a major focus in marine ecology. To date, no study has been reported with regard to the red tides occurring in mangrove wetlands. Therefore, the present study used two mangrove species, namely Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Kandelia candel and one harmful algae species Phaeocystis globosa as experimental organisms. The present study determined the inhibitory effects and algae physiology of specific aqueous extracts from mangrove leaves on the viability of harmful algae, and analyzed the main chemical composition of the aqueous extracts by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). The results indicated that the aqueous extracts from different leaf ages of B. gymnorrhiza and K. candel leaves exhibited apparent inhibitory effects on the growth of P. globosa . The inhibitory effects of B. gymnorrhiza and K. candel leaves aqueous extracts on the growth of P. globosa were in the following order: senescent > mature > young leaves. The levels of the parameters superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA)content in P. globosa following treatment with B. gymnorrhiza and K. candel leaves aqueous extracts were increased as follows: senescent > mature > young leaves. Simultaneously, the intensity of the ion peaks of the specific secondary metabolites assigned 4 (No.: 4 Rt: 2.83 min), 7 (No.: 7 Rt: 3.14 min), 8 (No.: 8 Rt: 3.24 min), 9 (No.: 9 Rt: 3.82min) and 10 (No.: 10 Rt: 4.10 min) were increased. These metabolites were found in the aqueous extracts from B. gymnorrhiza leaves. The intensities of the ion peaks of the secondary metabolites 7 , 8 in the aqueous extracts from the K. candel leaves were also increased. The majority of the substances that inhibited the algae found in the mangrove plants were secondary metabolites. Therefore, we considered that the norsesquiterpenes compounds 4 , 8 , 9 , and 10 and a phenolic glycoside compound 7 were the active constituents in the aqueous extracts of the mangrove leaves responsible for the inhibition of algae growth. This evidence provided theoretical guidance for the development of biological methods to control red tides and for the further use of substances with antiproliferative activity against algae.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a critical drug-metabolizing enzyme superfamily. Modulation of CYP enzyme activities has the potential to cause drug⁻drug/herb interactions. Drug⁻drug/herb interactions can lead to serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or drug failures. Therefore, there is a need to examine the modulatory effects of new drug entities or herbal preparations on a wide range of CYP isoforms. The classic method of quantifying CYP enzyme activities is based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which is time- and reagent-consuming. In the past two decades, high-throughput screening methods including fluorescence-based, luminescence-based, and mass-spectrometry-based assays have been developed and widely applied to estimate CYP enzyme activities. In general, these methods are faster and use lower volume of reagents than HPLC. However, each high-throughput method has its own limitations. Investigators may make a selection of these methods based on the available equipment in the laboratory, budget, and enzyme sources supplied. Furthermore, the current high-throughput systems should look into developing a reliable automation mechanism to accomplish ultra-high-throughput screening in the near future.