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Plant biophenols have been shown to be effective in the modulation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology resulting from free radical-induced oxidative stress and imbalance of the redox chemistry of transition metal ions (e.g., iron and copper). On the basis of earlier reported pharmacological activities, olive biophenols would also be expected to have anti-Alzheimer's activity. In the present study, the antioxidant activity of individual olive biophenols (viz. caffeic acid, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, verbascoside, quercetin, rutin and luteolin) were evaluated using superoxide radical scavenging activity (SOR), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity, and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays. The identification and antioxidant activities in four commercial olive extracts--Olive leaf extractTM (OLE), Olive fruit extractTM (OFE), Hydroxytyrosol ExtremeTM (HTE), and Olivenol plusTM (OLP)--were evaluated using an on-line HPLC-ABTS+ assay, and HPLC-DAD-MS analysis. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol were the predominant biophenols in all the extracts. Among the single compounds examined, quercetin (EC50: 93.97 μM) and verbascoside (EC50: 0.66 mM) were the most potent SOR and H2O2 scavengers respectively. However, OLE and HTE were the highest SOR (EC50: 1.89 μg/mL) and H2O2 (EC50: 115.8 μg/mL) scavengers among the biophenol extracts. The neuroprotection of the biophenols was evaluated against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and copper (Cu)-induced toxicity in neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. The highest neuroprotection values (98% and 92%) against H2O2-induced and Cu-induced toxicities were shown by the commercial extract HTETM. These were followed by the individual biophenols, caffeic acid (77% and 64%) and verbascoside (71% and 72%). Our results suggest that olive biophenols potentially serve as agents for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, and other neurodegenerative ailments that are caused by oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Aquilaria spp. (agarwood) has been a part of Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Agarwood has also been used as a traditional medicine in Southeast Asian countries, Bangladesh and Tibet. Its common uses include the treatment of joint pain, inflammatory-related ailments, and diarrhoea, as well as a stimulant, sedative and cardioprotective agent. In this paper, we aim to provide an overview of the phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal use, pharmacological activities and safety of plant materials from Aquilaria spp. as an evidence base to further appraise its potential use as a source of health beneficial compounds. Materials and methods Literature abstracts and full text articles from journals, books, reports and electronic searches (Google Scholar, Elsevier, PubMed, Read Cube, Scopus, Springer, and Web of Science), as well as from other relevant websites, are surveyed, analysed and included in this review. Results A literature survey of agarwood plant materials showed that they contain sesquiterpenes, 2(-2-phenylethyl)-4H-chromen-4-one derivatives, genkwanins, mangiferins, iriflophenones, cucurbitacins, terpenoids and phenolic acids. The crude extracts and some of the isolated compounds exhibit anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-ischemic, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, laxative, and mosquitocidal properties and effects on the central nervous system. Agarwood plant materials are considered to be safe based on the doses tested. However, the toxicity and safety of the materials, including the smoke from agarwood incense burning, should be further investigated. Future research should be directed towards the bio-guided isolation of bioactive compounds with proper chemical characterisation and investigations of the underlying mechanisms towards drug discovery. Conclusions The traditional medicinal use of agarwood plant materials has provided clues to their pharmacological properties. Indeed, agarwood contains a plethora of bioactive compounds that now elegantly support their use in traditional medicine. As wild agarwood trees are critically endangered and vulnerable, sustainable agricultural and forestry practices are necessary for the further development and utilization of agarwood as a source of health beneficial compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium alginate (SA) is a naturally occurring, non-toxic, polysaccharide that is able to form gels after exposure to calcium. These gels have been used in food and biomedical industries. This is the first direct comparison of two different methods of calcium alginate film production, namely interfacial gelation (IFG) and dry cast gelation (DCG). IFG films were significantly thicker than DCG films, and were more extensively rehydrated in water and 0.1 M HCl than the DCG films. During rehydration in 0.1 M HCl almost all calcium ions were lost. Under scanning electron microscopy, IFG films appeared less dense than DCG films. IFG films were mechanically weaker than DCG films, and both types of film were weaker after rehydration in 0.1 M HCl compared with deionized water. Permeation of theophylline (TPL) was evaluated in-vitro; the diffusion coefficient ( D ) of the TPL was almost 90 times lower in DCG films than IFG films when both were rehydrated in water. Although the 0.1 M HCl rendered both gels more permeable to TPL, D of TPL was still about five times lower in DCG compared to IFG films. The evaluation of selected physico-chemical properties of films is important, since this information may inform the choice of gelation technique used to produce calcium alginate coatings on pharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • La loading to periphytic biofilm was mainly based on ligand exchange reactions. • La-loading achieved rapid initial P-entrapment. • AHLs stimulated periphytic biofilm growth and formation. • AHLs-stimulation enhanced steady and efficient P-entrapment. • Enhanced EPS production stimulated by AHLs can protect cells against La exposure. This study presents an approach for developing periphytic biofilm with N-acyl-homoserine-lactones (AHLs) stimulation and lanthanum (La, a rare earth element) loading, to achieve highly efficient and stable phosphorus (P) recovery from wastewater. AHLs stimulated biofilm growth and formation, also improved stable P entrapment by enhancing extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production and optimizing P-entrapment bacterial communities. Periphytic biofilms loading La is based on ligand exchanges, and La loading achieved initial rapid P entrapment by surface adsorption. The combination of AHLs stimulation and La loading achieved 99.0% P entrapment. Interestingly, the enhanced EPS production stimulated by AHLs protected biofilms against La. Moreover, a method for P and La separately recovery from biofilms was developed, achieving 89–96% of P and 88–93% of La recovery. This study offers a promising biotechnology to reuse La from La-rich wastewater and recover P by biofilm doped with La, which results in a win–win situation for resource sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author examines the search for new drugs among plants and other natural products. The uses of the of the smokebush for its therapeutic values by the Aborigines of Western Australia and the naturally occurring compound conocurvone as an anti-AIDS treatment are discussed. A number of topics related to the finding of drugs in the wild are addressed including the issue of indigenous knowledge of plants and natural resources, the problem of assigning intellectual property rights, and the difficulties presented by patent and copyright law.

Abstract: Harmful cyanobacterial bloom in water bodies frequently occurs due to eutrophication, leading to the excessive growth of cyanobacteria which in turn may lead to a decrease in biodiversity. A biopond–wetland system to control cyanobacterial bloom and stabilize or even increase biodiversity is proposed and applied in a pond, Kunming, western China where cyanobacterial blooms frequently break out. The biopond–wetland system examined includes three main parts: filter-feeding fish, replanted pond macrophytes, and a terminal artificial wetland. When the hydraulic load of the biopond–wetland system was 500m3/d on non-rainy days, the system successfully decreased the level of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a). The declining levels of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and ammonia in the water after establishing the biopond–wetland system also coincided with the disappearance of the cyanobacterial bloom. In the second summer, when the biopond–wetland system was in a relatively steady-state condition, the overall average nutrient removal efficiencies were as follows, Chl-a (83%), TN (57%), TP (70%) and ammonia (66%), while in the second winter, the overall average removal efficiencies were Chl-a (66%), TN (40%), TP (53%) and ammonia (49%). Simpson’s diversity index of zoobenthos indicated that the system increased the zoobenthic diversity and improved the growth conditions of the zoobenthos habitat. The results demonstrated that the biopond–wetland system could control cyanobacterial blooms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lupin holds an important place among the legumes and the utilization of lupin as a dietary protein source is an excellent environmentally friendly alternative to animal-based products for human nutrition. In the present study, nutritional, thermal, rheological and functional properties of nine Australian lupin cultivars have been assayed in order to find the most valuable one, both nutritiously and industrially. The set comprised six Lupinus angustifolius L. viz., Barlock, Gunyadi, Jenabillup, Jindalee, Jurien, Mandelup and three Lupinus albus L. viz., Luxor, Rosetta, WK388 cultivars. The tests included analysis of color, macronutrient and micronutrient composition, pasting, textural and thermal properties, electrophoretic profile of protein isolates, swelling power, water and oil absorption capacity, emulsifying capacity, emulsion stability, creaming stability, foaming capacity and stability of the cultivars' dehulled seed flours. The results indicated substantial variation in macro and micro-nutritional value as well as satisfactory swelling ability, solubility, surface hydrophobicity, foaming ability, emulsifying capacity and gelation property of lupin flours. Superior nutritional, thermal, rheological and functional potential was demonstrated by the L. albus cultivars compared to the L. angustifolius cultivars with the exception of Mandelup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advancements in nanoscience have led to a profound paradigm shift in the therapeutic applications of medicinally important natural drugs. The goal of this research is to develop a nano-natural product for efficient cancer treatment. Methods and Results: For this purpose, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) were formulated, characterized, and loaded with caffeine to develop a targeted drug delivery system, i.e., caffeine-coated nanoparticles (CcNPs). In silico docking studies were conducted to examine the binding efficiency of the CcNPs with different apoptotic targets followed by in vitro and in vivo bioassays in respective animal models. Caffeine, administered both as a free drug and in nanomedicine form, along with doxorubicin, was delivered intravenously to a benzene-induced AML model. The anti-leukemic potential was assessed through hematological profiling, enzymatic biomarker analysis, and RT-PCR examination of genetic alterations in leukemia markers. Docking studies show strong inter-molecular interactions between CcNPs and apoptotic markers. In vitro analysis exhibits statistically significant antioxidant activity, whereas in vivo analysis exhibits normalization of the genetic expression of leukemia biomarkers STMN1 and S1009A, accompanied by the restoration of the hematological and morphological traits of leukemic blood cells in nanomedicine-treated rats. Likewise, a substantial improvement in hepatic and renal biomarkers is also observed. In addition to these findings, the nanomedicine successfully normalizes the elevated expression of GAPDH and mTOR induced by exposure to benzene. Further, the nanomedicine downregulates pro-survival components of the NF-kappa B pathway and upregulated P53 expression. Additionally, in the TRAIL pathway, it enhances the expression of pro-apoptotic players TRAIL and DR5 and downregulates the anti-apoptotic protein cFLIP. Conclusions: Our data suggest that MSNPs loaded with caffeine, i.e., CcNP/nanomedicine, can potentially inhibit transformed cell proliferation and induce pro-apoptotic TRAIL machinery to counter benzene-induced leukemia. These results render our nanomedicine as a potentially excellent therapeutic agent against AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Australian lupin cultivars are rich sources of polyphenols, dietary fibers, high-quality proteins, and abundant bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities, this research work is aimed at investigating the colon cancer alleviation activity of nine cultivars of lupin seeds on HCT116 and HT29 colon carcinoma cell lines through anti-proliferation assay, measurement of apoptosis, and identification of the mechanism of apoptosis. Nine cultivars were pre-screened for anti-proliferation of HCT116 and HT29 cells along with consideration of the impact of heat processing on cancer cell viability. Mandelup and Jurien showed significant inhibition of HCT116 cells, whereas the highest inhibition of HT29 cell proliferation was attained by Jurien and Mandelup. Processing decreased the anti-proliferation activity drastically. Lupin cultivars Mandelup, Barlock, and Jurien (dose: 300 μg/mL) induced early and late apoptosis of colon cancer cells in Annexin V-FITC assay. The mechanism of apoptosis was explored, which involves boosting of caspases-3/7 activation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in HCT116 cells (Mandelup and Barlock) and HT29 cells (Jurien and Mandelup). Thus, the findings showed that lupin cultivars arrest cell cycles by inducing apoptosis of colorectal carcinoma cells triggered by elevated ROS generation and caspases-3/7 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periphyton is widely distributed in paddy fields and its interactions with paddy soil and rice growth have been reported rarely. In this study, model paddy ecosystems with different additional soil substrates were simulated under controlled conditions to investigate the effects of periphyton on rice seed germination and seedling growth. Results show that the selected soil substrates had significant effects on the metabolic activities and growth of periphyton in paddy fields. The addition of straw to soil enhances but the addition of biochar leads to attenuation of periphyton growth. The presence of periphyton in the paddy system, especially with straw in soil greatly increased the germination index of rice seed (by maximally 21%). However, the biochar treatment in the presence of periphyton was detrimental for the seed vitality with a decrease of 30%. As a result, the periphyton cover on paddy soil surface significantly inhibited the growth of rice seedling, including rice height, leaf width and biomass. To summarize, this study indicates that the presence of periphyton during seed germination period was detrimental for rice growth, but could be used to control the weed growth. Thus, this study provided insight into understanding the periphyton-plant relationships with different soil-substrates and also new approaches to controlling weeds in paddy fields by regulating the growth of periphyton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) possess significant potential for enhancing soil phosphorus bioavailability, but their efficacy may be constrained by carbon and nitrogen availability. Algae exhibit synergistic interactions with bacteria through producing active organic carbon. However, the influence of algae and PSB together on phosphorus bioavailability under varying nitrogen levels remains unclear.We conducted a microcosm experiment to explore the effects of applying Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer, along with various nitrate addition amounts, on both soil microbial community composition and phosphorus bioavailability. In addition, we employed a co-culture of Chlorella and Bacillus with different nitrogen concentrations to investigate the possible effects of nitrate addition on the production of organic anions and phosphatases of the Chlorella-Bacillus communities by using metabolomic analysis.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer significantly increased soil Olsen-P concentration via strong interactive effects correlating with the various nitrate addition amounts in the microcosm experiment. These effects were due mainly to reducing the algal diversity, soil pH, and changing dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics, especially increasing the humification index (HIX). The metabolomic analyses of co-culture confirm that pathways related to the biosynthesis of fatty acids and phosphatases production are enhanced when nitrogen levels are high.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer has significantly interactive effects with nitrate addition on soil phosphorus bioavailability by influencing soil DOM, pH and production of organic anions and phosphatases. These insights are useful for optimizing bio-fertilizer-nitrate combinations for increasing phosphorus bioavailability thereby reducing chemical fertilizer requirements.Methods: Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) possess significant potential for enhancing soil phosphorus bioavailability, but their efficacy may be constrained by carbon and nitrogen availability. Algae exhibit synergistic interactions with bacteria through producing active organic carbon. However, the influence of algae and PSB together on phosphorus bioavailability under varying nitrogen levels remains unclear.We conducted a microcosm experiment to explore the effects of applying Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer, along with various nitrate addition amounts, on both soil microbial community composition and phosphorus bioavailability. In addition, we employed a co-culture of Chlorella and Bacillus with different nitrogen concentrations to investigate the possible effects of nitrate addition on the production of organic anions and phosphatases of the Chlorella-Bacillus communities by using metabolomic analysis.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer significantly increased soil Olsen-P concentration via strong interactive effects correlating with the various nitrate addition amounts in the microcosm experiment. These effects were due mainly to reducing the algal diversity, soil pH, and changing dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics, especially increasing the humification index (HIX). The metabolomic analyses of co-culture confirm that pathways related to the biosynthesis of fatty acids and phosphatases production are enhanced when nitrogen levels are high.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer has significantly interactive effects with nitrate addition on soil phosphorus bioavailability by influencing soil DOM, pH and production of organic anions and phosphatases. These insights are useful for optimizing bio-fertilizer-nitrate combinations for increasing phosphorus bioavailability thereby reducing chemical fertilizer requirements.Results: Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) possess significant potential for enhancing soil phosphorus bioavailability, but their efficacy may be constrained by carbon and nitrogen availability. Algae exhibit synergistic interactions with bacteria through producing active organic carbon. However, the influence of algae and PSB together on phosphorus bioavailability under varying nitrogen levels remains unclear.We conducted a microcosm experiment to explore the effects of applying Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer, along with various nitrate addition amounts, on both soil microbial community composition and phosphorus bioavailability. In addition, we employed a co-culture of Chlorella and Bacillus with different nitrogen concentrations to investigate the possible effects of nitrate addition on the production of organic anions and phosphatases of the Chlorella-Bacillus communities by using metabolomic analysis.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer significantly increased soil Olsen-P concentration via strong interactive effects correlating with the various nitrate addition amounts in the microcosm experiment. These effects were due mainly to reducing the algal diversity, soil pH, and changing dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics, especially increasing the humification index (HIX). The metabolomic analyses of co-culture confirm that pathways related to the biosynthesis of fatty acids and phosphatases production are enhanced when nitrogen levels are high.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer has significantly interactive effects with nitrate addition on soil phosphorus bioavailability by influencing soil DOM, pH and production of organic anions and phosphatases. These insights are useful for optimizing bio-fertilizer-nitrate combinations for increasing phosphorus bioavailability thereby reducing chemical fertilizer requirements.Conclusion: Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) possess significant potential for enhancing soil phosphorus bioavailability, but their efficacy may be constrained by carbon and nitrogen availability. Algae exhibit synergistic interactions with bacteria through producing active organic carbon. However, the influence of algae and PSB together on phosphorus bioavailability under varying nitrogen levels remains unclear.We conducted a microcosm experiment to explore the effects of applying Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer, along with various nitrate addition amounts, on both soil microbial community composition and phosphorus bioavailability. In addition, we employed a co-culture of Chlorella and Bacillus with different nitrogen concentrations to investigate the possible effects of nitrate addition on the production of organic anions and phosphatases of the Chlorella-Bacillus communities by using metabolomic analysis.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer significantly increased soil Olsen-P concentration via strong interactive effects correlating with the various nitrate addition amounts in the microcosm experiment. These effects were due mainly to reducing the algal diversity, soil pH, and changing dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics, especially increasing the humification index (HIX). The metabolomic analyses of co-culture confirm that pathways related to the biosynthesis of fatty acids and phosphatases production are enhanced when nitrogen levels are high.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer has significantly interactive effects with nitrate addition on soil phosphorus bioavailability by influencing soil DOM, pH and production of organic anions and phosphatases. These insights are useful for optimizing bio-fertilizer-nitrate combinations for increasing phosphorus bioavailability thereby reducing chemical fertilizer requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to treat complex wastewater consisting of domestic wastewater, tobacco processing and building materials washings. The proposed multi-level bioreactor consists of a biopond–biofilter, anoxic/aerobic (A/O) fluidized beds and a photoautotrophic system. The results show that when the hydraulic load of the bioreactor was 200m3/d, it successfully and simultaneously removed the organic matter and metals. When the bioreactor was in a relatively steady-state condition, the overall average organic matter and metals removal efficiencies are as follows, COD (89%), UV245 nm-matter (91%), Cu (78%), Zn (79%) and Fe (84%). The growth conditions of the native bacterial habitat were improved, which resulted from the increase of the in bacterial diversity under the rejuvenated conditions induced by the bioreactor. The results demonstrate that the multi-level bioreactor, without a sludge treatment system, can remove heterogeneous organic matter and metals from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Periphyton had sustainable pollutant removal capacity despite toxic effects of TiO 2 -NPs. • Community and metabolism changes are critical in maintaining functional sustainability. • EPS especially protein was overproduced to bind or aggregate NPs to reduce nanotoxicity. • Exposure duration is important for evaluating nanotoxicity on microbial community. Abstract Responses of microbial communities to nanotoxicity in aquatic ecosystems are largely unknown, particularly with respect to relationship between community dynamics and functions. Here, periphytic biofilms were selected as a model of species-rich microbial communities to elucidate their responses when exposed to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 -NPs). Especially, the relationships between the functions (e.g. organic matter and Cu2+ removal) and community dynamics after long-term exposure to TiO 2 -NPs were assessed systematically. After 5 days exposure to TiO 2 -NPs (5 mg L−1), periphytic biofilms showed sustainable functions in pollutant removal and strong plasticity in defensing the toxic disturbance of TiO 2 -NPs, including photosynthesis and carbon metabolic diversity. The sustainable pollutant removal functions of periphytic biofilms were attributed to their functional redundancy. Specifically, periphytic biofilms altered their composition with cyanobacteria, Sphingobacteriia and Spirochaetes being the newly dominant taxa, and changed the carbon substrate utilization pattern to maintain high photosynthesis and metabolic rates. Moreover, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) especially proteins were overproduced to bind the NPs and thereby reduce the nanotoxicity. The information obtained in this study may greatly help to understand the interactions between microbial community dynamics and function under NPs exposure conditions and functional redundancy is an important mechanism of periphytic biofilms to maintain sustainable functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathy among aquatic organisms, especially microorganisms, has received growing attention in recent years for its role in shaping interactions with bloom-forming algae. Many studies have shown that allelopathy occurs and increases under nutrient limiting conditions. However, to date there is no reported direct evidence to indicate that allelopathy occurs under the condition of constant high nutrient supply. Here we report the allelopathic action of periphytic biofilm on bloom-forming cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa), which was triggered by the stress of high nutrient conditions, and continues while nutrients are maintained at high levels (trophic state index at 159 and 171). The experimental evidence indicates that the electron transport from photosystem II (PS II) to photosystem I (PS I) in M. aeruginosa is interrupted by the identified allelochemicals, (9Z)-Octadec-9-enoic acid and (9Z)-Hexadec-9-enoic acid, leading to the failure of photosynthesis and the subsequent death of M. aeruginosa. Our findings indicate that the nutrient stress of constant high nutrient supply may be a newly recognized trigger causing allelopathy between microbial competitors, and therefore opening a new direction for the better management of ecological processes in cyanobacteria-dominated and hyper-eutrophic waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioremediation capabilities of three kinds of periphyton (i.e. epiphyton, metaphyton and epilithon) immobilized in bioreactors to decolorize and biodegrade the sulphonated azo dye, amaranth. Results showed that periphyton dominated by phyla including Cyanobacteria , Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes . Complete removal of dye was shown by all the biofilms periphyton (epiphyton showed highest removal efficacy) over a range of initial concentrations (50–500 mg L −1 ) within 84 h at pH 7 and 30 °C. Biodegradation of amaranth was confirmed through FTIR and HPLC and the biodegradation pathways were detected by GC–MS/MS analysis. The azo bonds in the amaranth were successfully broken by periphyton and amaranth was converted to non-toxic, aliphatic compounds including isobutene, acetyl acetate and ethyl acetate. The results showed the potential application of immobilized periphyton at industrial scale for the removal of azo dyes from wastewater containing azo dye amaranth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their large scale use, azo dyes are adversely affecting aquatic fauna and flora as well as humans. The persistent nature of sulphonated azo dyes makes them potential ecotoxic hazards. The aim of the present study was to employ a proficient, locally available biomaterial, viz. periphyton (i.e. epiphyton, epilithon or metaphyton), for removal of the azo dye, methyl orange (MO). Results showed that the periphytic biofilms are capable of completely removing comparatively high concentrations (up to 500 mg L −1 ) of MO from wastewater. The removal of MO occurs by a synergistic mechanism involving bioadsorption and biodegradation processes. The adsorption of MO by periphyton can be described by pseudo-second order kinetics. Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models as well as Langmuir equations fit well to the MO adsorption process. FTIR analysis of MO and its metabolites demonstrated biotransformation into simpler compounds within 72 h. GC-MS/MS analysis showed the conversion of MO into simpler compounds such as phenol, ethyl acetate and acetyl acetate. The results indicated that periphyton is a promising biomaterial for the complete removal of MO from wastewater and that the treatment process has the potential for in situ removal of MO at contaminated sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study the bioremediation of agricultural solid waste leachates with high-concentrations of Cu (II) and Cd (II) after washing the wastes with water and Na 2 EDTA solution (0.2 M). Results indicate that Cu (II) and Cd (II) are mainly comprised of Cu 2 (OH) 2 2+ , Cu 3 (OH) 4 2+ , CuOH + , Cu(H 2 O) 4 (OH) 2 , Cd 2+ and CdOH + in the water-washed leachates and Cu(EDTA) 2− , Cu(HEDTA) − , Cd(EDTA) 2− and Cd(HEDTA) − in the Na 2 EDTA-washed leachates. Cu (II) removal efficiency by selected native periphyton from the water- and Na 2 EDTA-washed leachates were 80.5% and 68.4% respectively, and for Cd (II) it was 57.1% and 64.6%, because the periphyton was able to maintain a stable pH of the leachates and regulate its microbial composition and carbon metabolic capability to acclimate the chemical conditions of the leachates. This study provides a new biomeasure to treat leachates with high-concentration Cu 2+ and Cd 2+ , and contribute valuable insights into the relationships between periphyton characteristics and heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-covalent imprinting polymerization was adopted to fabricate a novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for the targeted delivery of Irinotecan. The optimized condition to obtain a MIP with the highest binding efficiency was investigated by using different proportions of monomer to cross-linker. To overcome the drawbacks of conventional drug delivery systems, two main strategies in the preparation of the carrier were applied. Metformin as a non-hazardous material, with potential anti-cancer and targeted delivery properties, was used to fabricate the monomer. Moreover, the surface of the carrier was modified by serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine). To improve the cellular uptake, prolong the circulation time, and to provide an appropriate accumulation of the drug at the tumor site, uniform, and nanoparticles were fabricated via mini-emulsion polymerization route. The structure of the prepared monomer was characterized using FTIR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and mass spectroscopy. The adsorption isotherm of the Irinotecan-MIP nanoparticles was investigated. Bio-distribution assay results revealed a suitable distribution of carrier nanoparticles in mice bodies. A controlled release profile with a maximum release of 83% in more acidic condition, was achieved for the designed formulation. According to all the above functions, it is believed that this study suggests a novel nano-carrier for the targeted delivery of Irinotecan. [Display omitted] • The ligand-receptor interactions followed by receptor-mediated endocytosis improve the targeted drug delivery characteristics. • Targeted drug delivery provides higher efficiency of medicine in the target tissue. • An extended drug delivery system helps to maintain the drug concentration within the therapeutic window. • Using biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic materials in the design of the carrier lowers the side effects, obviously. • The particle size of the prepared carrier enacts an important role to prevent the excretion of the carrier in the live body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), as well as microplastics, have drawn global attention due to their presence in the aquatic ecosystem and persistence in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In the present study, for simultaneous bio-removal of two EDCs, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), bisphenol A (BPA), and a microplastic, polypropylene (PP) four kinds of periphytic biofilms were employed. Additionally, the effect of humic acid (HA) on the removal efficacy of these biofilms was evaluated. It was observed that EE2 and BPA (0.2 mg L−1 each) were completely (∼100%) removed within 36 days of treatment; and the biodegradation of EE2, BPA, and PP was significantly enhanced in the presence of HA. Biodegradation of EE2 and BPA was evaluated through Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), and Gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to determine the mechanism of degradation. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and SEM had validated the biodegradation of PP (5.2–14.7%). MiSeqsequencing showed that the community structure of natural biofilm changed after the addition of HA, as well as after the addition of EDCs and PP. This change in community structure might be a key factor regarding variable biodegradation percentages. The present study revealed the potential of periphytic biofilms for the simultaneous removal of pollutants of different chemical natures, thus provides a promising new method for wastewater treatment applications. [Display omitted] • EDCs and microplastics were co-treated with immobilized periphytic biofilms. • Humic acid can substantially induce biodegradation potency of periphytic biofilms. • EDCs were completely whereas PP was partially degraded within 36 days with HA. • HA affects biodegradation potential as well as structure and abundance of biofilms. • Periphytic biofilms are a potent technology for simultaneous removal of pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Periphyton communities are capable of removing miscellaneous contaminants. [•] Cell immobilization technology displays immense potential for periphyton formation. [•] The application of periphyton is feasible for bioremediation of surface waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aqueous extract of Ephedra equisetina root was found to induce cyanobacterial cell death. The extract displayed no negative effects on the fish populations but instead, improved the habitat conditions for the growth of macrophytes, zooplankton and bacteria because the inhibiting effects of the extracts on cyanobacteria helped clear up the water column. The removal kinetics of cyanobacteria by E. equisetina extract appears to be a first order process with the rate constant being extract-dose-dependent. Compounds including the flavonoids found in E. equisetina root kill the cyanobacteria in vitro at a dose of 5.0 µg extract per 100 mL water or above. The extract constituents act to disrupt the thylakoid membrane, interrupt the electronic transport, decrease the effective quantum yield, and eventually lead to the failure of photosynthesis in Microcystis aeruginosa. This study presents an easily- deployed, natural and promising approach for controlling cyanobacterial blooms as an emergency measure, and also provides insight into the dynamics and mechanism of the extract consisting of multiple compounds synergistically removing algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this project was to establish an economical and environmentally benign biotechnology for removing methylene blue (MB) from wastewater. The adsorption process of MB onto abandoned sesame hull (Sesamum indicum L.) (SH) was investigated in a batch system. The results showed that a wide range of pH (3.54–10.50) was favorable for the adsorption of MB onto SH. The Langmuir model displayed the best fit for the isothermal data. The exothermic adsorption process fits a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (359.88mgg−1) was higher than most previously investigated low-cost bioadsorbents (e.g., peanut hull, wheat straw, etc.). This study indicated that sesame hull is a promising, unconventional, affordable and environmentally friendly bio-measure that is easily deployed for removing high levels of MB from wastewater. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this project was to establish an economical and environmentally benign biotechnology for removing nutrients from non-point source wastewater. The proposal involves a hybrid bioreactor comprised of sequential anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic (A2/O) processes and an eco-ditch being constructed and applied in a suburban area, Kunming, south-western China, where wastewater was discharged from an industrial park and suburban communities. The results show that the hybrid bioreactor fosters heterotrophic and autotrophic microorganisms. When the hydraulic load is 200m3 per day with the running mode in 12h cycles, the removal efficiencies of the nutrients were 81% for TP, 74% for TDP, 82% for TN, 79% for NO3-N and 86% for NH4-N. The improved bacterial community structure and bacterial habitats further implied enhanced water quality and indicates that the easily-deployed, affordable and environmentally-friendly hybrid bioreactor is a promising bio-measure for removing high loadings of nutrients from non-point source wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperglycaemia-induced depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) causes erythrocyte oxidative stress (EOS), which leads to vascular events including exacerbation of thrombotic events evidenced by changes in D-dimer level. It would, therefore, appear that there is a complex link between GSH and D-dimer, which are part of an emerging array of biomarkers associated with diabetes. The objective of this study was to investigate evidence of correlation between levels of plasma D-dimer and erythrocyte GSH in diabetes disease progression. Subjects and methods: A cohort of 69 subjects were selected based on medical history plus clinical findings and equally divided into control, prediabetes and diabetes groups, matched for age and sex. Plasma D-dimer and erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined and separated into quartiles as a means of indicating disease severity. Statistical analysis was by Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Of the three groups, only the diabetes group showed any correlation between GSH and D-dimer. Of importance is that for increasing GSH, the second quartile range of GSH (x ± SD = 45 ± 22 mg/100ml) showed a statistically significant negative correlation for ranked D-dimer (x ± SD = 1055 ± 828 μg/l; r = -0.88; P < 0.02). The fourth quartile GSH range (x ± SD = 79 ± 40 mg/100 ml) showed a statistically significant positive correlation with D-dimer (x ± SD = 1055 ± 828 μg/l; r = 0.91; P < 0.02). Thus, within the diabetes group only, the increasing level of oxidative stress as measured by GSH first indicates a reduction in D-dimer followed by a rise in D-dimer, which led to the proposal of a two-part process of atherosclerosis that reconciles previous contradictory findings. Conclusions: This study provides not only evidence of a correlation between oxidative stress level and fibrinolysis in diabetes, but also an explanation of why previous studies have found both hypoor hyperfibrinolysis associated with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the significance of the changes of erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) in the course of diabetes mellitus including the pre-diabetes stage and cardiovascular disease co-morbidity. A total of 222 participants (female:male, 107:115) were selected and their erythrocyte GSH levels were measured. The participants were divided into four groups: (i) control; (ii) those with blood glucose level ≥5.6 mmol/l but < 6.9 mmol/l as pre-diabetes mellitus with no other pathology; (iii) diabetes without co-morbidity; and (iv) those with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Statistical analysis was by ANOVA followed by a Fisher's LSD post hoc test. We observed that GSH concentration was significantly different between groups (P < 0.04). The Fisher's post hoc test indicated significant differences in erythrocyte GSH levels between the pre-diabetes mellitus and diabetes mellitus groups compared to control (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05, respectively). A statistically significant change (P < 0.001) involving an initial fall followed by a rise in erythrocyte GSH levels was observed when diabetes mellitus and diabetes mellitus+cardiovascular disease groups were combined and assessed with respect to period of diabetes. We conclude that oxidative stress is already present in the pre-diabetes stage as determined by the fall in GSH, representing the initial phase of oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus progression. This finding provides evidence that antioxidant markers such as GSH could be a useful tool for pre-diabetes mellitus screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional disability associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease is a challenging concern in healthcare systems. Along with environmental factors and epigenetic disorders, multiple pathways are reported as prominent mechanism for the progression of RA symptoms including; pain, swelling and stiffness of joints. Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume has been used as a folklore medicine for RA from ancient times. This plant harbours a suite of endophytic fungi that produce a range of metabolites of potential interest. Thus, for the establishment of a scientific basis for this folklore use, it is essential to find out the involvement, if any, of the endophytic fungi living in this plant and the metabolites they elaborate, for the management of RA. This study was designed to isolate, identify and evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory and in vivo antinociceptive and antiarthritic activities of the compounds produced by the endophytic fungi living in different parts of Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume. Endophytic fungi from different parts of the plant were isolated and cultured for the production of secondary metabolites. Chromatographically fractionated fungal extracts were assessed for anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. For the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity, in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX1/COX2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitory assays were performed. For the evaluation of in vivo antinociceptive activity, hot plate acetic acid induced writhing, and formalin induced paw licking methods were adopted, whereas complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced poly-arthritic method was adopted for the evaluation of antiarthritic activity. The most effective fraction was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) in search of the bioactive extracellular metabolites. Five endophytic fungi viz. Aspergillus fumigatus , Aspergillus niger , Rhizoctonia oryzae , Rhizopus oryzae , and Syncephalastrum racemosum were isolated. COX1/COX2 and 5-LOX inhibitory assays state that the Aspergillus niger fraction possesses the greatest activity against these enzymes of inflammatory process. In vivo antinociceptive showed significant (***P<0.001) reduction of pain in a dose dependent manner. As well, significant (***P<0.001) reduction of paw volume was observed in CFA induce poly-arthritic test. LC/MS analysis of the Aspergillus niger fraction revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including tensyuic acid, hexylitaconic acid, chlorogenic acid, nigragillin, TMC-256C1, asnipyrone B, asperenone, fumaric acid and fusarubin, all having reported pharmacological activities. The present study demonstrates that secondary metabolites produced by endophytic fungi living in various parts of Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume had potential to relief pain and inflammation. The endophytes were found to contain multiple biomolecules effective in rheumatoid arthritis. These findings provide a rationale for the folklore use of the plant in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phragmites karka (Retz.) of family Poaceae is a pristine tropical plant that is well known to the local healers for ailments of diabetes, fever, diarrhea and CNS depression but lacks the scientific evidence behind its traditional usage. Hence, we explicated this plant to find the scientific basis of its traditional utilization. The current study aims to find out the antidiabetic potential, toxicity after oral administration and in vitro cytotoxic activity of aerial parts of the plant on HeLa cells. The plant was extracted with methanol by maceration and the crude extract was then subjected to solvent partitioning with modified Kupchan method for preparing several fractions. Phytochemical screening and total phenolic content of the plant was first determined through established procedures. Acute toxicity of the plant was studied by orally administering a single high dose (5000 mg/kg) of drug. Cytotoxicity of the methanolic plant extract was determined by measuring the percentage of cell viability on human cervical cancer cell lines, HeLa. In vitro antidiabetic activity was determined through iodine starch and DNSA (3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid) method of α-amylase inhibition. Finally, in vivo oral glucose tolerance test and alloxan induced antidiabetic activity test was performed at 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight doses of plant extract to confirm the in vivo antidiabetic activity. No mortality was demonstrated by Phragmites karka in the acute toxicity test. However, signs of cellular toxicity was observed and histopathological studies on major organs exhibited necrosis in liver and kidney. In vitro cytotoxicity assay revealed the death of HeLa cells by DCM (dichloromethane) and n-hexane fractions of plant extract at 100 and 10 μg/mL concentrations. The IC 50 value of the fractions were later evaluated by MTT assay (316.1 and 96.7 μg/mL for n-hexane and DCM fractions, respectively). In the iodine starch and DNSA method of α-amylase enzyme inhibitory activity test, substantial inhibition of enzyme was observed with the IC 50 values of 2.05 and 2.08 mg/mL, respectively. In the in vivo antidiabetic activity test, considerable reduction in blood glucose level of diabetic mice was detected in both oral glucose tolerance test and alloxan induced antidiabetic activity test. In addition, the microscopic examination of pancreas showed noticeable recovery of pancreatic β cells and the blood lipid profile analysis represented a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of total cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoprotein) and triglyceride level in plant extract treated mice. Results of this study reveals that the Phragmites karka extract is toxic at cellular level after oral administration and cytotoxic when tested on HeLa cells. The plant also evidenced hypoglycemic property, possibly through the inhibition of α-amylase enzyme and recovered the pancreatic beta cells along with the improvement of lipid profile of diabetic mice. However, robust studies on this plant is required to isolate the bioactive compounds, elucidate structures and evaluate their mechanism of actions in support of our findings. Toxicology and Safety, Quality Traditional Medicine. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ag+ released from AgNPs has heavier impact on photosynthesis than intact AgNPs. • Ag+ blocks electron transport and damages phycobilisome of algae in periphyton. • Energy absorption is increased to maintain electron transfer in photosynthesis. • PSII and PSI work in complement to cope with stress by intact AgNPs and Ag+. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) including a mix of intact nanoparticle-Ag and 'free' Ag+ pose high risks to benthic photoautotrophs, but the photosynthetic responses of benthic microbial aggregates to AgNPs still remain largely unknown. Here, periphyton and Nostoc were used to elucidate the photosynthetic responses of benthic algae community to intact nanoparticle-Ag and Ag+. During exposure, both intact nanoparticle-Ag and Ag+ imposed negative effects on photosynthesis of benthic algae, but via different pathways. Specifically, Ag+ had stronger effects on damaging the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) and thylakoid membrane than intact nanoparticle-Ag. Ag+ also suppressed electron transfer from Q A to Q B , and impaired phycobilisome. Intact nanoparticle-Ag inhibited the expression of PsbD and PsbL in PSII, but prompted the ROS scavenging capacity. In response to the stress of AgNPs, the benthic algae increased light energy absorption to maintain the electron transport efficiency, and up-regulated PSI reaction center protein (PsaA) to compensate the degraded PSII. These results reveal how intact nanoparticle-Ag and Ag+ influence electron transport, energy conversion and protein expression in the photosynthesis of periphyton, and provide deep insights into the responses of benthic photoautotrophs to different components of AgNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion of sloped farmland in the Three Gorges Reservoir area (TGRA) has led to the serious loss of nutrients, soil quality degradation and the downstream water quality being threatened. Thus, a series of ecological agricultural engineering measures was established in 2011, as a field experiment using citrus (navel orange) plants to reduce soil erosion, which was monitored from 2011 to 2018. These ecological agricultural engineering measures included three treatments: 1) citrus intercropped with white clover (WC), 2) citrus orchard land mulched with straw (SM) and 3) citrus intercropped with hemerocallis (Hemerocallis flava) contour hedgerows (CH). The conventional citrus orchard management was regarded as control (CK). The results show, that compared with CK, nutrient loss from the experiments were reduced by the following amounts: for nitrogen - WC (35.5%), SM (44.0%) and CH (52.0%); for phosphorus - WC (40.0%), SM (51.7%) and CH (58.3%). Therefore, the ecological agricultural engineering measures effectively mitigate the nutrient loss loads of the navel orange citrus gardens. The citrus intercropped with the hemerocallis hedgerows is the most effective measure for the control of nutrient loss. After 8 years of experiment, the soil quality represented by average soil quality index (SQI) in these three treatments, are significantly higher than that of the CK (and the beginning of the experiment). This is because the application of these measures prevented the loss of: soil organic matter, bulk density and total phosphorus. It is predicted that the soil qualities of these three treatments will remain in the range of soil grade II and I for the next 5 years but the soil quality of CK will decrease to soil quality grade II and III. These results show that ecological agricultural engineering measures are a long-term promising and feasible method to reduce soil erosion and enhance soil quality. Unlabelled Image • Long-term benefits of applying ecological agricultural measures were examined. • Soil nutrient losses and properties changes in sloping farmland were explored. • The SQI was used to measure the impact of soil indexes changes on soil quality. • The future changes in soil quality of different ecological measures were predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) have been gaining the attention of environmental researchers since the 1960s anecdotal reports of plastic entanglement and ingestion by marine creatures. Due to their increasing accretion in aquatic environments, as well as resistance towards degradation, marine litter research has focused on microplastics more recently. In the present study, a relatively new method of biodegradation was implemented for the biodegradation of three structurally different MPs i.e. polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Periphytic biofilm was used for this purpose in various backgrounds of carbon sources (glucose, peptone, and glucose and peptone). Biodegradation of MPs was estimated in terms of weight loss. It was observed that the addition of glucose enhanced the biodegradation of MPs by periphyton biofilm for all MPs (from 9.52%–18.02%, 5.95%–14.02% and 13.24–19.72% for PP, PE and PET respectively) after 60 days compared to natural biofilm alone. To the contrary, peptone, and glucose and peptone together, were inhibitory. Biodegradation was further confirmed by morphological changes observed using SEM, FTIR spectra and GPC lent further support to the results whereby new peaks appeared along with reduction in old peaks and decrease in peak intensities. MiSeq sequencing shows that Deinococcus-thermus > Proteobacteria > Cyanobacteria are the dominant phyla in natural biofilms, and their relative abundances increase after the addition of glucose. However, the abundances shifted to Deinococcus-thermus > Cyanobacteria > Firmicutes > Bacteroidetes , when the biofilms were treated with either peptone alone, or with glucose and peptone together. Therefore, the change in biodegradation capability might also be due to the change in the microbial community structures after addition of the C-sources. These experiments provide an innovative approach towards effective biodegradation of MPs using a relatively new environment-friendly method. Unlabelled Image • Immobilized periphytic biofilms were implemented for the biodegradation of MPs. • Glucose proved to be the most effective C-source for effectual MPs' biodegradation. • SEM and FTIR confirm biodegradation showing morphological and structural changes. • MiSeq sequencing shows that C-sources affects microbial community structure. • Periphytic biofilms are eco-friendly entities effectual for MP biodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]