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Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the acaricidal activity of two forms of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) (PG). These two forms were the P. graveolens essential oil nanoemulsion (PGN), and the PG in combination with the sesame oil (SO), PGSO). These forms were first evaluated in vitro for their adulticidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activities against the different stages of acaricide-resistant Rhipicephalus annulatus (Say). Geranium nanoemulsion was prepared and then characterized by UV–Vis spectrophotometer, and zeta droplet size measurement. The results revealed that LC50 of the PG against the adult ticks was attained at concentration of 7.53% while it was decreased to 1.91% and 5.60% for PGSO and PGN, respectively. Also, the LC50 of PGN and PGSO were reached at concentrations of 1.688 and 0.944%, respectively against the larvae while the LC50 of the PG was reached at concentration of 3.435% for. The combination of PGN with PG exhibited non-significant ovicidal effect meanwhile PGSO showed significant ovicidal effect even at the low concentration (2.5%). The PGSO and PGN formulations were applied in a field trial to control the ticks of the naturally infested cattle. PGSO and PGN significantly reduced the tick burden to 74.83% and 87.97%, respectively at 3 weeks post-application with performance better than the deltamethrin (29.88%). In conclusion, the two PG forms can be used as suitable alternatives to control R. annulatus tick and they need further modifications for effective field application.

Abstract A series of ZnO and ZnO/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) catalysts were prepared using sol–gel method. An X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the existence of the wurtzite ZnO phase, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation revealed the formation of spherical ZnO and ZnO/PVA nanoparticles. The decomposition of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) induced by the synthesized pure ZnO and ZnO/PVA nanoparticles was studied under ultraviolet–visible irradiation. Among the catalysts evaluated, ZnO/5PVA was the most active in the decomposition of MB, whereas ZnO/7PVA was the most active catalyst in the decomposition of MO. Moreover, an investigation of the biological activity of pure ZnO and ZnO/PVA indicated that ZnO/5PVA exhibited the best performance in lowering the glucose level in diabetic rats.

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix and its natural outcome of cell spreading, along with the maintenance of barrier activity, are essential behaviors of epithelial cells, including retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Disruptions in these characteristics can result in severe vision-threatening diseases such as diabetic macular edema and age-related macular degeneration. However, the precise mechanisms underlying how RPE cells regulate their barrier integrity and cell spreading are not fully understood. This study aims to elucidate the relative importance of upper glycolytic components in governing these cellular behaviors of RPE cells. Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) technology was utilized to assess in real-time the effects of targeting various upper glycolytic enzymes on RPE barrier function and cell spreading by measuring cell resistance and capacitance, respectively. Specific inhibitors used included WZB117 for Glut1 inhibition, Lonidamine for Hexokinase inhibition, PFK158 for PFKFB3/PFK axis inhibition, and TDZD-8 for Aldolase inhibition. Additionally, the viability of RPE cells was evaluated using a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay. The most significant decrease in electrical resistance and increase in capacitance of RPE cells were observed due to dose-dependent inhibition of Glut1 using WZB117, as well as Aldolase inhibition with TDZD-8. LDH level analysis at 24-72 h post-treatment with WZB117 (1 and 10 μM) or TDZD-8 (1 μM) showed no significant difference compared to the control, indicating that the disruption of RPE functionality was not attributed to cell death. Lastly, inhibition of other upper glycolytic components, including PFKFB3/PFK with PFK158 or Hexokinase with Lonidamine, did not significantly affect RPE cell behavior. This study provides insights into the varied roles of upper glycolytic components in regulating the functionality of RPE cells. Specifically, it highlights the critical roles of Glut1 and Aldolase in preserving barrier integrity and promoting RPE cell adhesion and spreading. Such understanding will guide the development of safe interventions to treat RPE cell dysfunction in various retinal disorders., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) remains a leading cause of blindness despite progress in screening and treatment. Recently, the Warburg effect, a metabolic alteration affecting amino acid (AA) metabolism in proliferating cells, has drawn attention regarding its role in PDR. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Warburg effect on AA metabolism in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) subjected to PDR-associated risk factors and validate the findings in patients with PDR. In vitro experiments exposed HRECs to high glucose (HG) and/or hypoxia (Hyp), known inducers of the Warburg effect. The HG + Hyp group of HRECs exhibited significant differences in non-essential AAs with aliphatic non-polar side chains, mainly driven by elevated glycine concentrations. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed several glycine metabolism-related pathways significantly altered due to the Warburg effect induced by HG + Hyp. Crucially, vitreous humor samples from PDR patients displayed higher glycine levels compared to non-diabetic and diabetic patients without PDR. The odds ratio for PDR patients with glycine levels above the cut-off of 0.0836 µM was 28 (p = 0.03) compared to non-PDR controls. In conclusion, this study provides mechanistic insights into how a specific Warburg effect subtype contributes to glycine accumulation in PDR and supports glycine's potential as a biomarker for PDR pathogenesis., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)