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Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a severe eye disease in people aged 60 years and older. Although anti‐VEGF therapies are effective in treating neovascular AMD (NvAMD) in the clinic, up to 60% of patients do not completely respond to the therapies. Recent studies have shown that blood‐derived macrophages and their associated proinflammatory cytokines may play important roles in the development of persistent disease and resistance to anti‐VEGF therapy. To address this issue, we constructed an antibody‐based bispecific fusion protein that can simultaneously inhibit IL‐17‐induced inflammation and VEGF‐mediated neovascularization. As a result, the bispecific fusion protein 17V05 effectively inhibited multiple proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). More importantly, 17V05 also exhibited stronger and longer inhibitory effects than conbercept in vivo. Thus, we provide a novel and promising strategy for treating AMD patients who are not sensitive to anti‐VEGF therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blighia sapida oil, a substance with a rich history of use for its nutritional, therapeutic, traditional, and cosmetic benefits, was the focus of our study. We investigated the impact of consuming edible oil from B. sapida arils on Wistar rats. The crude oil from unripe arils was extracted using cold pressing and then administered to the rats. The toxicity was evaluated according to the OECD method. Notably, there were no signs of food poisoning or adverse effects on the weight and behavior of the rats treated with B. sapida oils. The LD50 of the oil was more significant than 5000 mg/kg of body weight, and hematological and biochemical parameters did not differ significantly from the control group. Rats fed with an oil‐supplemented diet showed an increase in weight compared to the negative control group. No fatty deposits were found in vital organs, and consuming the oil did not affect the immune system or biochemical biomarkers. However, excessive intake of fat may have harmful effects on tissues. Our findings strongly suggest that B. sapida oil is safe for consumption within reasonable limits. The data we present here reveal that the oil derived from B. sapida is suitable for moderate consumption and may offer various health advantages, a potential that warrants further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) comprising of wheat bran, coconut husk, rice husk, cereals straw, and other hardwood and softwoods is a good source for the production of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) (prebiotic). XOS produced are nondigestible carbohydrates being stable under stomach pH and digestive enzymes so they can be easily delivered to the intestine in native form, thus stimulating the growth of probiotics. Here we review about the raw material, production, purification, and application of XOS with health benefits. Importance of XOS being valuable food ingredient is increasing as they perform a variety of functions, including reduction in cholesterol levels, gastrointestinal health maintenance, anticancer and antioxidant properties, and modulation of immune system. We also discuss the different characterization methods which are necessary to determine the degree of polymerization (DP) of XOS. Low DP (xylobiose and xylotriose) is usually preferred for the application of XOS in various sectors. This review emphasizes the growing significance of XOS as a prebiotic, serving as nourishment for probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Subinhibitory concentration of antibiotics in the environment is an important risk factor for the horizontal transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The signaling mechanism of resistance gene transmission remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether indole could be used as a molecular signal to help the spread of ARGs under the stress of subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. Methods: The effect of indole on conjugation frequency was investigated through a conjugation test, and its effect on the Type IV secretion system and pili gene expression of E. coli was observed. Meanwhile, we were investigating the trend of changes in indole regulatory factors ibpA, tnaA, and concentration pumps. Subsequently, we predicted the receptors that specifically bind to indole. Finally, our study focused on elucidating the regulatory mechanism of indole synthesis. Results: Conjugate frequency was significantly increased under 1/5MIC concentration cefotaxime stress. The transferred ARGs were blaCTX-M and foxA. The mobile plasmid was IncY or IncI2. Meanwhile, the concentration of endogenous indole was also significantly increased. And, surprisingly, inhibition of endogenous indole production resulted in a significant decrease in conjugate frequency. However, the conjugate frequency increased once again when the strains reacquired the exogenous indole. Furthermore, the fluctuation trends of indole‐regulated factor (ibpA, tnaA) mRNA and concentration pumps (acrEF, mtr) mRNA consistently with that of indole. Then, we found that the receptors of indole may be four targets of TCSs: CreC, PhoB, AtoC, and UhpA. More than that, when strains retrieved the exogenous indole again, the mRNA levels of T4SS (virB2, virB6, and virD4) and pppA (coding Pili precursor) genes significantly increased. This indicates that there is a close relationship between indole and conjugated channels, which are necessary for horizontal transfer of genetic material. And then, the trends of indole and tnaA mRNA were consistent with that of ibpA (one of SOS response). So, this result confirmed that indole was regulated by SOS response under subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. Conclusions: It is always known that subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics stimulate an SOS response in E. coli, which helps in the horizontal spread of ARGs by modulating indole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast, reliable, low‐cost, and efficient method for the recovery of xylan from agro‐residue materials is needed to improve the use of xylan in industrial processes. Xylan was extracted from two agrowastes (corncobs and wheat bran) using a cost‐effective alkali extraction method. The characteristic band patterns and bending vibrations associated with hemicellulose and beta glycoside linkage could be seen in the corncob‐extracted xylan (CCEx) and wheatbran‐extracted xylan (WBEx). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the extracted xylans consisted of aggregated and nonaggregated particles with irregular morphology and rough surfaces. Particle‐size analysis displayed average sizes of 205.6, 210.8, and 794.2 nm for commercial beechwood xylan (Bx), CCEx, and WBEx, respectively. Alkali extraction was performed with different concentrations of NaOH, from 5% to 20%, with a solid–liquid ratio of 1:20. It was found that 82.90 and 76.77% of xylan were extracted from corncob and wheat bran, respectively, which represents a higher yield obtained in a shorter duration in comparison with studies in the literature. The enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat bran and corncob that used 250 IU/mL of Enterobacter hormaechie KS1 xylanase yielded 334.38 and 162.35 mg/g of xylooligosaccharides. Their properties were studied and were found to be very similar to those of commercial xylan. They could reduce costs if applied in industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug repurposing is sparking considerable interest due to reduced costs and development times. The current study details the screening of teniposide, an antitumor drug, for its antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative strains, with a focus on Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), the primary causative agent of nosocomial and transplant‐related infections. The cytotoxicity was evaluated through 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and hemolysis assays on immortalized human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and human erythrocytes. After 20 h of treatment, the recorded concentrations causing 50% cytotoxicity (CC50) and hemolysis (HC50) were 33.63 and 121.55 μg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial screening employed disk diffusion, the broth microdilution method, LIVE/DEAD staining, and a time‐killing test. The drug induced a growth inhibitory area in the 22–25 mm range for all Gram‐positive strains. The minimum concentration that inhibited 90% of bacteria (MIC90) was 6.25 μg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis and 12.5 μg/mL versus Enterococcus faecalis, exhibiting bactericidal action. Treatment resulted in S. epidermidis cell morphology deformities and damage to the cell membrane, observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanism analysis revealed alterations in the selective permeability of the cell membrane, observed under the fluorescence microscope by the absorption of propidium iodide (PI). The synergistic effect of teniposide in combination with fosfomycin and gentamicin was documented by disk diffusion and checkboard assay, recording a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.28 and 0.37, respectively. The drug's action on S. epidermidis biofilm biomass was investigated using crystal violet (CV) and MTT. Teniposide affected biofilm viability in a dose‐dependent manner, inducing, at a concentration of 3.12 μg/mL, a matrix inhibition of about 42% and 61%, with a sessile metabolic activity of 54% and 24% recorded after 2 and 24 h, respectively. Overall, this study suggests the potential repurposing of the anticancer drug teniposide as a therapeutic agent to counteract S. epidermidis infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifunctional magnetic composite nanoparticles (NPs) with antibiotics have demonstrated symbiotic effects because of their promising antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial agent reduces side effects and dosage, and increases drug delivery efficiency. In this study, SiO2 coated over Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared by a solvothermal method. The MNPs were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antimicrobial tests were carried out using the disk diffusion method. The electrochemical sensing was investigated by cyclic voltammetry with varying As(III) concentrations from 1–10 ppb. The microstructural results showed the formation of spherical-shaped Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs with 15–30 nm diameters. UV-vis results showed that Fe3O4 NPs promote visible light absorption of Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs because of well-structured and unvarying shell thickness which is beneficial for the absorption of organic dyes. With an increase in the concentration of As(III), there was a shift in potential and an increase in oxidation peak current, showing the electrocatalytic capacity of the modified electrode. The SiO2 deposited on Fe3O4 displayed an admirable microbial operation. These Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs are easily absorbed by cells and have the potential to influence bacterial cells both within and outside of the cell membrane, making them an intriguing candidate for use in a variety of biological applications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymethyl methacrylate ( PMMA) nanofiber membrane ( NFM) was synthesized by an electrospinning technique. These membranes were utilized as a support for immobilization of xylanase enzyme to study its p H stability, thermal stability, and reusability. The morphology of aligned NFM was studied by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The PMMA NFM was functionalized with phenylenediamine and activated with glutaraldehyde to yield an aldehyde group on its surface for covalent immobilization of xylanase. The Fourier transform infrared analysis of the covalently immobilized xylanase confirmed that the enzyme was immobilized on PMMA NFM via amide linkages. The immobilization efficiency of covalently bound xylanase was found experimentally to be 90%. A forward shift in p H optima from 6.0-7.0 (soluble enzyme) to 7.0-9.0 (immobilized enzyme) was observed after xylanase immobilization. The p H and temperature stability of xylanase were enhanced upon its covalent immobilization. The immobilized enzyme was active on repeated use and retained ∼80% of its initial activity after 11 reaction cycles. The improved thermal and operational stability of the covalently immobilized enzyme on PMMA NFM might be advantageous for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A wide range of protein content (127.0 to 160.50 mg/g) was observed among 112 oat genotypes tested. • A significant positive correlation was found between Fe and Mn (r = 0.29). • The oat cultivars HFO-910, SUBZAR, HFO-921, HFO-50, OL-9, HFO-638, and JO-1 had 1.60-fold higher Fe content than the average value. • The oat cultivar HFO-587 exhibited the lowest phytic acid content (1.0 mg/g). • Beta-glucan content ranged between 13.80 and 53.50 mg/g across the evaluated samples. Oat is a potent source of nutrients and bioactive compounds offering potential health benefits and role in combating micronutrient malnutrition problems. To exploit nutritional and quality traits of oats, a biochemical assessment of 112 oat genotypes was conducted. The high range of variability for total phenol (1.7–31.3 mg/g), β-glucan (1.0–8.0 mg/g), calcium (1.91–4.34 mg/g), zinc (3.80–6.50 mg/100 g), iron (0.66–4.89 mg/100 g) and manganese (2.88–8.0 mg/100 g) was revealed among genotypes. A higher amount of iron and zinc was found in genotypes OS-6, HFO-638, HFO-915 & HFO-918, whereas, elevated levels of manganese and zinc were recorded in genotypes OS-403 & OL-1804. The results revealed groups of low phytic acid oat genotypes containing high crude protein (HFO-52, HFO-270, HFO-330), β-glucan (HFO-62, HFO-588, HFO-926). A significant positive correlation was obtained between copper with iron, manganese, and calcium content. These findings could be useful for developing value-added oat food products and novel oat varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]