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P53 is a transcription factor that controls a variety of genes, primarily involved in cell cycle and other processes related to cell survival and death. We have isolated peptides targeting P53 (protein and domains) using the "phage display" technique. Interestingly, adding ZnCl2 at 5–10 mM in panning solutions helped to recover more plaque-forming units at least at round one of the screening. Subtractive docking analyses were designed by using a pool of common redundant peptides known as parasites. This rationale helped us differentiate between possibly specific and non-specific bindings. We found notable differences in docking characteristics between different sets of peptides either related to different targets or related to zinc-conditions. The set of zinc-related peptides shows advantageous docking profiles: sharper binding for some positions and distinct exclusive bound residues, including the relevant R248 and R273. Zinc would have modulating/helping role in the targeting of protein P53 by phage displayed peptides in addition to an enhancement action on bacterial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the interaction between Tunisian Thymus capitatus essential oil (EO) and cefotaxime against Extended-Spectrum Beta-lactamases (ESBLs) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae hospital strains. GC-MS revealed that the major component of EO was found to be carvacrol (69.28%). The EO exerts an advanced bactericidal effect against all strains. Synergy between EO and cefotaxime was obtained by combined disk diffusion and checkerboard techniques. Combined use of EO and cefotaxime reduced the MIC of imipenem by 8- to 128-fold for all strains (fractional inhibitory concentration index ˂ 0.5, synergy). The time kill curve assay confirmed the advanced activity of combinatory effects of EO and cefotaxime, with total reduce of bacterial number (CFU/mL) after 6 h of culture. Synergistic activity of the combination between EO and cefotaxime constitute an important strategy as therapeutical option to combat infections caused by ESBLs producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to comprehensively examine the chemical composition, physicochemical characterization, as well as antioxidant and antiplatelet activities of Pistacia lentiscus fruit oil (PLFO). Our results showed that the prominent class of fatty acids was represented by monounsaturated fatty acids (42.73%), followed by saturated fatty acids (33.99%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (23.13%). The different ratios of fatty acids were determined (PUFA/MUFA = 0.54, PUFA/SAFA = 0.68 and MUFA/SAFA = 1.25). The obtained results related to saturated and polysaturated fatty acids ratios were in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). The principal fatty acid (FA) consisted in oleic acid (41.32%), followed by linoleic acid (23.08%). A comparison was made with Moroccan and Algerian PLFO showing that Tunisian PLFO is the richest in linoleic acid. The main tentatively identified triacylglycerols, which are in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated forms, were SLL+PLO (19.73%), OOL+LnPP (13.12%) and POO (10.57%). The primary sterol identified in PLFO was β‐sitosterol (80.19%). However, tocopherols were quantified at a content of 1249.16 mg g–1 of oil. The effect on platelet aggregation was evaluated on human platelet‐rich plasma treated with various PLFO concentrations, dissolved in ethanol (named POE) and then induced by ADP, collagen, and arachidonic acid (AA). The outcome revealed that 8 µL mL–1 of POE strongly inhibited ADP‐induced platelet aggregation in humans. Additionally, the expression of CD63 and P‐selectin as markers of platelet secretion, and αΙΙβ3 integrin activation were assessed by flow cytometry. It has been found that PLFO significantly reduced platelet activation as well as alpha and dense granule secretion. Moreover, the cytotoxicity assay on normal HEK‐293 cells, the hemolysis test and the platelet viability confirmed that PLFO is a safe substance. These findings are valuable for assessing the nutritional composition of PLFO within a preventive and/or therapeutic framework in a clinical context. Practical applications: PLFO is mainly used to alleviate problems related to poor blood circulation, especially for women but it is also employed to treat problems such as heavy legs and varicose veins. Furthermore, PLFO would prevent certain diseases such as phlebitis, and alleviates various disorders, including cardiovascular problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of pine wood in wood-plastic composite WPC promotes sustainability by incorporating recycled or renewable materials, reducing the reliance on traditional wood sources, and minimizing environmental impact. This study focuses on treating pine wood flour (WF) with biological treatments (xylanase, pectinase, laccase, steam explosion) for use in WPC. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infared spectroscopy (FTIR), biochemical analysis, and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments in terms of the morphological, compositional, surface, and thermal stability of WF. The wear behavior of WPC was exanimate before and after hydrothermal aging. Morphological analysis of WF revealed that the enzymatic treatment produced a clean surface; it removed Xylan and led to a higher cellulose content (70%), and more porosity, and improved thermal stability and adhesion between WF and high density polyethylene (HDPE). Through analysis of wear and aging, we found the best wear resistance for laccase treatment among all WPC before and after aging, and it was lower than the HDPE. These findings highlight the positive impact of the enzymatic treatment on the adhesion between WF and HDPE, leading to reduced water absorption and increased wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]