1
|
Fu W, Dai C, Ma Z, Li Q, Lan D, Sun C, Wu X, Li J, Wang S. Enhanced glutathione production protects against zearalenone-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis in female reproductive system. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 185:114462. [PMID: 38272172 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN, a widespread fusarium mycotoxin) causes evoked oxidative stress in reproductive system, but little is known about whether this is involved in ferroptosis. Melatonin, a well-known antioxidant, has demonstrated unique anti-antioxidant properties in several studies. Here, this study was aimed to investigate whether ZEN-induced oxidative stress in female pig's reproductive system was involved in ferroptosis, and melatonin was then supplemented to protect against ZEN-induced abnormalities in vitro cell models [human granulosa cell (KGN) and mouse endometrial stromal cell (mEC)] and in vivo mouse model. According to the results from female pig's reproductive organs, ZEN-induced abnormalities in vulvar swelling, inflammatory invasion and pathological mitochondria, were closely linked with evoked oxidative stress. Using RNA-seq analysis, we further revealed that ZEN-induced reproductive toxicity was due to activated ferroptosis. Mechanistically, by using in vitro cell models (KGN and mEC) and in vivo mouse model, we observed that ZEN exposure resulted in oxidative stress and ferroptosis in a glutathione-dependent manner. Notably, these ZEN-induced abnormalities above were alleviated by melatonin supplementation through enhanced productions of glutathione peroxidase 4 and glutathione. Herein, the present results suggest that potential strategies to improve glutathione production protect against ZEN-induced reproductive toxicity, including oxidative stress and ferroptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chao Dai
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China; College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zifeng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Daoliang Lan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Changpo Sun
- Standards and Quality Center of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Shujin Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lazofsky A, Brinker A, Rivera-Núñez Z, Buckley B. A comparison of four liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry platforms for the analysis of zeranols in urine. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:4885-4899. [PMID: 37432442 PMCID: PMC10386926 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04791-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Targeted biomonitoring studies quantifying the concentration of zeranols in biological matrices have focused on liquid chromatography interfaced to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The MS platform for measurement, quadrupole, time-of-flight (ToF), ion trap, etc., is often chosen based on either sensitivity or selectivity. An instrument performance comparison of the benefits and limitations using matrix-matched standards containing 6 zeranols on 4 MS instruments, 2 low-resolution (linear ion traps), and 2 high-resolution (Orbitrap and ToF) was undertaken to identify the best measurement platform for multiple biomonitoring projects characterizing the endocrine disruptive properties of zeranols. Analytical figures of merit were calculated for each analyte to compare instrument performance across platforms. The calibration curves had correlation coefficients r = 0.989 ± 0.012 for all analytes and LODs and LOQs were ranked for sensitivity: Orbitrap > LTQ > LTQXL > G1 (V mode) > G1 (W mode). The Orbitrap had the smallest measured variation (lowest %CV), while the G1 had the highest. Instrumental selectivity was calculated using full width at half maximum (FWHM) and as expected, the low-resolution instruments had the broadest spectrometric peaks, concealing coeluting peaks under the same mass window as the analyte. Multiple peaks from concomitant ions, unresolved at low resolution (within a unit mass window), were present but did not match the exact mass predicted for the analyte. For example, the high-resolution platforms were able to differentiate between a concomitant peak at 319.1915 from the analyte at 319.1551, included in low-resolution quantitative analyses demonstrating the need to consider coeluting interfering ions in biomonitoring studies. Finally, a validated method using the Orbitrap was applied to human urine samples from a pilot cohort study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Lazofsky
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Anita Brinker
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Brian Buckley
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen Y, Lu H, Shi H, Zhu J, Wang H. An improved up-conversion nanoparticles-based immunochromatographic assay for rapid detection of zearalenone in cereals. Food Chem 2023; 412:135555. [PMID: 36706506 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A novel improved up-conversion nanoparticles-based immunochromatographic assay (IUCNPs-ICA) was developed for the detection of zearalenone (ZEN). Lu3+-doped UCNPs were synthesized using the solvothermal method, and the UCNPs doped with 30 % Lu3+ displayed optimal optical properties. The IUCNPs-ICA was subsequently developed for the detection of ZEN in cereals under optimized conditions. The detection time and limit of detection (LOD) were 10 min and 0.1 μg/L, respectively. Moreover, a good linear relationship was observed from 0 to 100 μg/L ZEN (r2 = 0.9946) and high specificity for other mycotoxins. LODs in spiked maize and wheat reached 0.16 μg/kg, and recovery rates were 82.11-100.76 % and 79.64-98.51 %. There was good consistency between the results of IUCNPs-ICA, colloidal gold-ICA, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the detection of natural cereal samples. The collective results support the utility of IUCNPs-ICA as a reliable on-site screening method for ZEN residue analysis in various cereals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Chen
- College of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Haixi Lu
- College of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Honghui Shi
- College of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Junli Zhu
- College of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Haifeng Wang
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Naidoo L, Uwaya GE, Meier F, Bisetty K. A novel electrochemical sensor for the detection of zearalenone in food matrices using PEGylated Fe3O4 nanoparticles supported by in-silico and multidetector AF4. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2023.117363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
|
5
|
Soffa DR, Stewart JW, Pack ED, Arneson AG, De Vita R, Knight JW, Fausnacht DW, Rhoads RP, Clark SG, Schmale DG, Rhoads ML. Short-term consumption of the mycotoxin zearalenone by pubertal gilts causes persistent changes in the histoarchitecture of reproductive tissues. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skac421. [PMID: 36574505 PMCID: PMC9890450 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumption of zearalenone (ZEN) detrimentally affects tissues and systems throughout the body, and these deleterious effects are especially pronounced in swine. The objectives of this project were to determine the effects of short-term consumption of ZEN (at concentrations that could be found on-farm) on growth, carcass weight, liver weight, and reproductive tissues of pubertal gilts, and to determine if the effects are transient or persistent. Cross-bred gilts (107.25 ± 2.69 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three feed treatments: 1) solvent only for 21 d (CON; n = 10), 2) ZEN for 7 d followed by 14 d of solvent (ZEN-7; 6 mg/d; n = 10), and 3) ZEN for 21 d (ZEN-21; 6 mg/d; n = 10). Body weights were collected at the beginning and end of the experiment (189.1 ± 0.8 and 211.1 ± 0.8 d of age, respectively). Carcass weights and tissues were collected at harvest. There were no treatment-based differences in growth, carcass, liver, or reproductive tissue weights. Histological analyses revealed differences based on treatment and the interaction between treatment and luteal status. The thickness of the ampullary muscularis declined with ZEN exposure (P < 0.05), while the isthmic epithelial cell height (P < 0.01) and uterine endometrial thickness (P < 0.02) increased. Interestingly, the thickness of the isthmic muscularis, uterine myometrium, and epithelial cell height only differed in the presence of a corpus luteum. Uterine epithelial cell height in the luteal phase was lowest in ZEN-7 pigs (P < 0.01). The isthmic muscularis in the luteal phase was thinner in pigs from both ZEN treatments (P < 0.01). Conversely, the luteal-stage myometrium was thicker in pigs from both ZEN treatments (P < 0.01). The discovery of these tissue-based differences during the luteal phase is particularly concerning since this corresponds with the time when embryos would be affected by the functional competency of the oviduct and uterus. The results of this work demonstrate that short-term consumption of ZEN produces microscopic, but not macroscopic alterations in reproductive organs which are likely to have negative effects on their subsequent function and that these differences persist even after ZEN consumption ceases. Taken together, these results indicate that it is insufficient to rely solely on outwardly visible symptoms as indicators of zearalenone exposure, as detrimental effects on reproductive tissues were found in the absence of phenotypic and morphologic changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dallas R Soffa
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Jacob W Stewart
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Erica D Pack
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Alicia G Arneson
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Raffaella De Vita
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - James W Knight
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Dane W Fausnacht
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Robert P Rhoads
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Sherrie G Clark
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Science, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - David G Schmale
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Michelle L Rhoads
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Llorens Castelló P, Sacco MA, Aquila I, Moltó Cortés JC, Juan García C. Evaluation of Zearalenones and Their Metabolites in Chicken, Pig and Lamb Liver Samples. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110782. [PMID: 36422956 PMCID: PMC9692590 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZON), zearalanone (ZAN) and their phase I metabolites: α-zearalenol (α-ZOL), β-zearalenol (β-ZOL), α-zearalalanol (α-ZAL) and β-zearalalanol (β-ZAL) are compounds with estrogenic activity that are metabolized and distributed by the circulatory system in animals and can access the food chain through meat products from livestock. Furthermore, biomonitoring of zearalenones in biological matrices can provide useful information to directly assess mycotoxin exposure; therefore, their metabolites may be suitable biomarkers. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of ZON, ZAN and their metabolites in alternative biological matrices, such as liver, from three different animals: chicken, pig and lamb, in order to evaluate their exposure. A solid-liquid extraction procedure coupled to a GC-MS/MS analysis was performed. The results showed that 69% of the samples were contaminated with at least one mycotoxin or metabolite at varying levels. The highest value (max. 152.62 ng/g of β-ZOL) observed, and the most contaminated livers (42%), were the chicken liver samples. However, pig liver samples presented a high incidence of ZAN (33%) and lamb liver samples presented a high incidence of α-ZOL (40%). The values indicate that there is exposure to these mycotoxins and, although the values are low (ranged to 0.11-152.6 ng/g for α-ZOL and β-ZOL, respectively), analysis and continuous monitoring are necessary to avoid exceeding the regulatory limits and to control the presence of these mycotoxins in order to protect animal and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Llorens Castelló
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Matteo Antonio Sacco
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Magna Graecia”, Università degli Studi “Magna Graecia” di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Isabella Aquila
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Magna Graecia”, Università degli Studi “Magna Graecia” di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Juan Carlos Moltó Cortés
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Cristina Juan García
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Luo S, Liu Y, Guo Q, Wang X, Tian Y, Yang W, Li J, Chen Y. Determination of Zearalenone and Its Derivatives in Feed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry with Immunoaffinity Column Cleanup and Isotope Dilution. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110764. [PMID: 36356014 PMCID: PMC9697342 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was established for the determination of zearalenone and its five derivatives in feed, including zearalanone, α-zearalanol, β-zearalanol, α-zearalenol, and β-zearalenol. An effective immunoaffinity column was prepared for sample purification, which was followed by the silane derivatization of the eluate after an immunoaffinity chromatography analysis for target compounds by GC-MS. Matrix effects were corrected by an isotope internal standard of zearalenone in this method. The six analytes had a good linear relationship in the range of 2-500 ng/mL, and the correlation coefficients were all greater than 0.99. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were less than 1.5 μg/kg and 5.0 μg/kg, respectively. The average spike recoveries for the six feed matrices ranged from 89.6% to 112.3% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 12.6%. Twenty actual feed samples were analyzed using the established method, and at least one target was detected. The established GC-MS method was proven to be reliable and suitable for the determination of zearalenone and its derivatives in feed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunlin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qi Guo
- Clover Technology Group Inc., Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Clover Technology Group Inc., Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ying Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wenjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Juntao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yiqiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (Y.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Qiao W, He B, Ren W, Zhao R, Suo Z, Yan H, Xu Y, Wei M, Jin H. Colloidal Au sphere and nanoflower-based immunochromatographic strips for sensitive detection of zearalenone in cereals. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2022; 14:3831-3839. [PMID: 36168770 DOI: 10.1039/d2ay01365g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN), also known as an F-2 toxin, is a secondary metabolite in the toxic Fusarium species with estrogen properties. ZEN and its derivatives can cause developmental and reproductive disorders in humans and other mammals. In this study, colloidal Au spheres (AuSPs) and Au nanoflowers (AuNFs) were used as signal labels to detect ZEN in cereals, and the critical factors affecting the sensitivity of the immunochromatographic strip (ICS), namely the volume of antigen, antibody, and probe quantities were optimized and compared in detail. Since the large specific surface area of AuNFs reduces the steric hindrance of proteins, it is more conducive to improving the fixation rate of antibodies and proteins. Compared with the traditional colloidal AuSP immunochromatographic strip (AuSP-ICS), the volume of the antibody used in the AuNF immunochromatographic strip (AuNF-ICS) was 0.6 times that in the AuSPs-ICS. At the same antigen volume, a lower amount of probe can achieve the desired visual detection effect and higher sensitivity. For the AuNF-ICS, the limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 0.08 ng mL-1. ZEN could be detected quickly and accurately from 0.08-10.2 ng mL-1. And the AuNF-ICS had a high degree of specificity and sensitivity to ZEN. In summary, the AuNF-ICS serves as a valuable tool in large-scale on-site detection of ZEN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weili Qiao
- School of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P. R. China.
| | - Baoshan He
- School of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P. R. China.
| | - Wenjie Ren
- School of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P. R. China.
| | - Renyong Zhao
- School of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P. R. China.
| | - Zhiguang Suo
- School of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P. R. China.
| | - Haoyang Yan
- School of International Education, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P. R. China
| | - Yiwei Xu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P. R. China.
| | - Min Wei
- School of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P. R. China.
| | - Huali Jin
- School of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Zearalenone Exposure on Uterine Development in Weaned Gilts. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14100692. [PMID: 36287961 PMCID: PMC9610722 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the effect of zearalenone (ZEA) exposure on uterine development in weaned gilts by quantitative proteome analysis with tandem mass spectrometry tags (TMT). A total of 16 healthy weaned gilts were randomly divided into control (basal diet) and ZEA3.0 treatments groups (basal diet supplemented with 3.0 mg/kg ZEA). Results showed that vulva size and uterine development index were increased (p < 0.05), whereas serum follicle stimulation hormone, luteinizing hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone were decreased in gilts fed the ZEA diet (p < 0.05). ZEA, α-zearalenol (α-ZOL) and β-zearalenol (β-ZOL) were detected in the uteri of gilts fed a 3.0 mg/kg ZEA diet (p < 0.05). The relative protein expression levels of creatine kinase M-type (CKM), atriopeptidase (MME) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were up-regulated (p < 0.05), whereas aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member (ALDH1A2), secretogranin-1 (CHGB) and SURP and G-patch domain containing 1 (SUGP1) were down-regulated (p < 0.05) in the ZEA3.0 group by western blot, which indicated that the proteomics data were dependable. In addition, the functions of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) mainly involved the cellular process, biological regulation and metabolic process in the biological process category. Some important signaling pathways were changed in the ZEA3.0 group, such as extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, focal adhesion and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase−protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) signaling pathway (p < 0.01). This study sheds new light on the molecular mechanism of ZEA in the uterine development of gilts.
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu Z, Hua Q, Wang J, Liang Z, Zhou Z, Shen X, Lei H, Li X. Prussian blue immunochromatography with portable smartphone-based detection device for zearalenone in cereals. Food Chem 2022; 369:131008. [PMID: 34500205 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we developed a prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) immunochromatographic assay (ICA) integrated with smartphone-based detection device for ZEN in cereals. PBNPs, as probe labels, were synthesized with properties of controllable structure, environment friendliness, and high affinities to antibody (Ab). PBNPs-ICA quantitative analysis was performed with a hand-held smartphone-based device coupled with a user-friendly and self-programmed detection App. This integrated strategy demonstrated high sensitivity for ZEN with a cut-off value of 10 μg/kg, a detection limit of 0.12 μg/kg, a quantitation limit of 0.27 μg/kg, and recovery rates of 92.0%-105.0% and 88.0%-98.0% for maize and wheat, respectively. The results of 20 naturally contaminated cereal samples showed good correlation (R2>0.99) between LC-MS/MS and developed system. Moreover, the stability experiment revealed that PBNPs-ICA maintained high stability and bioactivity against competitive antigen (Ag). The proposed strategy exhibited great potential for the rapid monitoring of mycotoxins or other small molecule hazards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qicheng Hua
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zaoqing Liang
- College of Mathematics and Infromatics, College of Software Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zexuan Zhou
- College of Mathematics and Infromatics, College of Software Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xing Shen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hongtao Lei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiangmei Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Elweza AE, Marey MA, Elesh IF, Zinnah MA, Akthar I, Kanno C, Takagi M, Miyamoto A. Zearalenone interferes with the sperm-triggered inflammation in the bovine uterus in vitro: Negative impact on sperm motility and survival. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 107:81-89. [PMID: 34864119 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN)-contaminated diets induce detrimental effects on the bovine reproduction. Recently, we reported that active sperm induce pro-inflammatory responses in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) in vitro. This study aimed to investigate the impact of presence of ZEN on the sperm-uterine crosstalk in vitro. BEECs monolayers were stimulated by ZEN (10, 100, and 1000 ng/mL) for 0, 3, 6, 12, or 24 h and gene expressions were analyzed by real-time PCR. Moreover, BEECs were pre-exposed to ZEN (10, 100, and 1000 ng/mL) for 24 h then, co-incubated with sperm for 6 h. Conditioned media (CM) from a sperm-BEECs co-culture, after pre-exposure to ZEN, were harvested and exploited to challenge either polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) or sperm. Both PMNs phagocytic activity toward sperm and sperm motility parameters were then assessed. Results showed that ZEN alone induced pro-inflammatory responses in BEECs through the induction of mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFA and IL1B) and PGES1 at different time points. Pre-exposure of BEECs to ZEN, amplified the sperm-triggered upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFA and IL1B) and chemokine IL8 mRNA abundance in BEECs. Sperm-BEECs conditioned media, primed by ZEN, stimulated the PMNs phagocytosis for sperm whereas suppressed sperm motility parameters. Taken together, these findings indicate that the presence of ZEN augments the pro-inflammatory cascade triggered by sperm in BEECs, provokes PMNs phagocytosis for sperm, and reduces sperm motility parameters. Such immunological reactions may create a hostile environment for sperm competence and survival in the bovine uterus, thus impair fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed E Elweza
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080 8555, Japan; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Menofia, 32897, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Marey
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080 8555, Japan; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Behera, Egypt.
| | - Ibrahim F Elesh
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080 8555, Japan; Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Behera, Egypt
| | - Mohammad A Zinnah
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080 8555, Japan; Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh
| | - Ihshan Akthar
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080 8555, Japan
| | | | - Mitsuhiro Takagi
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 1677-1, Japan
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080 8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang Q, Huang L, Leng B, Li Y, Jiao N, Jiang S, Yang W, Yuan X. Zearalenone Affect the Intestinal Villi Associated with the Distribution and the Expression of Ghrelin and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen in Weaned Gilts. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13100736. [PMID: 34679029 PMCID: PMC8537219 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13100736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explored and investigated how zearalenone (ZEA) affects the morphology of small intestine and the distribution and expression of ghrelin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the small intestine of weaned gilts. A total of 20 weaned gilts (42-day-old, D × L × Y, weighing 12.84 ± 0.26 kg) were divided into the control and ZEA groups (ZEA at 1.04 mg/kg in diet) in a 35-d study. Histological observations of the small intestines revealed that villus injuries of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, such as atrophy, retardation and branching dysfunction, were observed in the ZEA treatment. The villi branch of the ileum in the ZEA group was obviously decreased compared to that of the ileum, jejunum and duodenum, and the number of lymphoid nodules of the ileum was increased. Additionally, the effect of ZEA (1.04 mg/kg) was decreased by the immunoreactivity and distribution of ghrelin and PCNA in the duodenal and jejunal mucosal epithelial cells. Interestingly, ZEA increased the immunoreactivity of ghrelin in the ileal mucosal epithelial cells and decreased the immunoreactivity expression of PCNA in the gland epithelium of the small intestine. In conclusion, ZEA (1.04 mg/kg) had adverse effects on the development and the absorptive capacity of the villi of the intestines; yet, the small intestine could resist or ameliorate the adverse effects of ZEA by changing the autocrine of ghrelin in intestinal epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quanwei Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City 271018, China; (Q.Z.); (L.H.); (B.L.); (Y.L.); (N.J.); (S.J.)
| | - Libo Huang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City 271018, China; (Q.Z.); (L.H.); (B.L.); (Y.L.); (N.J.); (S.J.)
| | - Bo Leng
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City 271018, China; (Q.Z.); (L.H.); (B.L.); (Y.L.); (N.J.); (S.J.)
| | - Yang Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City 271018, China; (Q.Z.); (L.H.); (B.L.); (Y.L.); (N.J.); (S.J.)
| | - Ning Jiao
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City 271018, China; (Q.Z.); (L.H.); (B.L.); (Y.L.); (N.J.); (S.J.)
| | - Shuzhen Jiang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City 271018, China; (Q.Z.); (L.H.); (B.L.); (Y.L.); (N.J.); (S.J.)
| | - Weiren Yang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City 271018, China; (Q.Z.); (L.H.); (B.L.); (Y.L.); (N.J.); (S.J.)
- Correspondence: (W.Y.); (X.Y.); Tel.: +86-186-0548-9796 (W.Y.); +86-134-7538-6175 (X.Y.)
| | - Xuejun Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City 271018, China
- Correspondence: (W.Y.); (X.Y.); Tel.: +86-186-0548-9796 (W.Y.); +86-134-7538-6175 (X.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Improvement of Cell Growth of Uterosacral Ligament Fibroblast Derived from Pelvic Organ Prolapse Patients by Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treated Liquid. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102728. [PMID: 34685708 PMCID: PMC8534575 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a chronic disorder that affects quality of life in women. Several POP treatments may be accompanied by abrasion, constant infection, and severe pain. Therefore, new treatment methods and improvements in current treatments for POP are required. Non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma is a rising biomedical therapy that generates a mixed cocktail of reactive species by different mechanisms. In this study, we applied a cylinder-type dielectric barrier discharge plasma device to create a plasma-treated liquid (PTL). The PTL was added to primary cultured human uterosacral ligament fibroblast (hUSLF) cells from POP patients at each stage. Surprisingly, treatment with diluted PTL increased hUSLF cell viability but decreased ovarian cancer cell viability. PTL also decreased cell apoptosis in hUSLF cells but increased it in SKOV3 cells. Our results suggest that PTL protects hUSLF cells from cell apoptosis by controlling the p53 pathway and improves cell viability, implying that PTL is a promising application for POP therapy.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wu F, Cui J, Yang X, Chen B. Effects of zearalenone on liver development, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory factors of prepubertal gilts. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2021; 106:832-840. [PMID: 34494684 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA) is a kind of mycotoxin that pose great threat to the liver of human and livestock due to its toxicity to eukaryotic cells, however, its toxicity mechanism on prepubertal gilts liver development and function is not known. The study aimed to examine the effects of ZEA on liver development, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory factors of prepubertal gilts. Forty-eight prepubertal gilts (Landrace ×Yorkshire) were randomly divided into four groups: three treatment (T1, T2 and T3) groups and a control group. Prepubertal gilts in the control group were fed with basal diet, and those in T1, T2 and T3 groups were fed with basal diets supplemented with low, medium and high doses (200 μg/kg, 800 μg/kg and 1,600 μg/kg, respectively) of ZEA during the experiment period. The results showed that diets supplemented with ZEA significantly increased the activity of alanine aminotransferase of serum in the T3 group (p < 0.05). Besides, compared to the control group, the activities of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, the content of tumour necrosis factor-alpha of liver in the T3 group and the relative expression level of manganese-superoxide dismutase mRNA of liver in the T2 group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). We also performed correlation analysis among caecal microorganisms and antioxidant enzyme activities and inflammatory factor concentrations of liver. In conclusion, diets supplemented with ZEA has no obvious effect on liver development, but it can cause liver damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengyang Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Jia Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Baojiang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dong H, An X, Xiang Y, Guan F, Zhang Q, Yang Q, Sun X, Guo Y. Novel Time-Resolved Fluorescence Immunochromatography Paper-Based Sensor with Signal Amplification Strategy for Detection of Deoxynivalenol. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20226577. [PMID: 33217912 PMCID: PMC7698798 DOI: 10.3390/s20226577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunoassay has the advantages of high sensitivity, high specificity, and simple operation, and has been widely used in the detection of mycotoxins. For several years, time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatography (TRFIA) paper-based sensors have attracted much attention as a simple and low-cost field detection technology. However, a traditional TRFIA paper-based sensor is based on antibody labeling, which cannot easily meet the current detection requirements. A second antibody labeling method was used to amplify the fluorescence signal and improve the detection sensitivity. Polystyrene fluorescent microspheres were combined with sheep anti-mouse IgG to prepare fluorescent probes (Eu-IgGs). After the probe fully reacted with the antibody (Eu-IgGs-Abs) in the sample cell, it was deployed on the paper-based sensor using chromatography. Eu-IgGs-Abs that were not bound to the target were captured on the T-line, while those that were bound were captured on the C-line. The paper-based sensor reflected the corresponding fluorescence intensity change. Because a single molecule of the deoxynivalenol antibody could bind to multiple Eu-IgGs, this method could amplify the fluorescence signal intensity on the unit antibody and improve the detection sensitivity. The working standard curve of the sensor was established under the optimum working conditions. It showed the lower limit of detection and higher recovery rate when it was applied to actual samples and compared with other methods. This sensor has the advantages of high sensitivity, good accuracy, and good specificity, saving the amount of antibody consumed and being suitable for rapid field detection of deoxynivalenol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haowei Dong
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China; (H.D.); (X.A.); (Y.X.); (F.G.); (Q.Y.); (X.S.)
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Vegetable Safety and Quality Traceability, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China
- Zibo City Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product Safety Traceability, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Xingshuang An
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China; (H.D.); (X.A.); (Y.X.); (F.G.); (Q.Y.); (X.S.)
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, No. 30 Qingquan Road, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yaodong Xiang
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China; (H.D.); (X.A.); (Y.X.); (F.G.); (Q.Y.); (X.S.)
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Vegetable Safety and Quality Traceability, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China
- Zibo City Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product Safety Traceability, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Fukai Guan
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China; (H.D.); (X.A.); (Y.X.); (F.G.); (Q.Y.); (X.S.)
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Vegetable Safety and Quality Traceability, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China
- Zibo City Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product Safety Traceability, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Xudong 2nd Road, Wuhan 430062, China;
| | - Qingqing Yang
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China; (H.D.); (X.A.); (Y.X.); (F.G.); (Q.Y.); (X.S.)
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Vegetable Safety and Quality Traceability, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China
- Zibo City Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product Safety Traceability, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Xia Sun
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China; (H.D.); (X.A.); (Y.X.); (F.G.); (Q.Y.); (X.S.)
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Vegetable Safety and Quality Traceability, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China
- Zibo City Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product Safety Traceability, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Yemin Guo
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China; (H.D.); (X.A.); (Y.X.); (F.G.); (Q.Y.); (X.S.)
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Vegetable Safety and Quality Traceability, No. 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255049, China
- Zibo City Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product Safety Traceability, Zibo 255049, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-533-278-6558
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pack E, Stewart J, Rhoads M, Knight J, Clark S, Schmale DG, De Vita R. Effects of short-term moderate ZEN consumption on uterosacral ligament elasticity in pubertal gilts. Res Vet Sci 2020; 133:202-209. [PMID: 33011603 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a potent estrogenic toxin in swine, contributing to economic losses in herds via reproductive consequences such as pelvic organ prolapse (POP). To better understand the relationship between ZEN-consumption and reproductive symptoms, an animal feeding study with pubertal gilts was designed. The gilts were exposed to three different treatments: solvent-only feed for 21 days (n = 10), ZEN-spiked feed for 7 days followed by solvent-only feed for 14 days (n = 10), and ZEN-spiked feed for 21 days (n = 10). The gilts did not display any ZEN-related symptoms throughout any of the treatments. At the end of the trial the elastic properties of the USLs from participating gilts were evaluated along two loading directions: main direction (MD) and perpendicular direction (PD). The elastic properties included average stresses at 2% and 4% strains, and secant moduli. Overall the elastic properties of the USLs did not vary across treatment groups or between loading directions. In the MD, average stress increased from 32.96 ± 4.43 kPa at 2% strain to 63.21 ± 9.69 kPa at 4% strain, with a secant modulus of 1.52 ± 0.27 MPa. In the PD, average stress increased from 40.82 ± 4.22 kPa at 2% strain to 83.38 ± 9.17 kPa at 4% strain, with a secant modulus of 2.13 ± 0.31 MPa. Continued research into the relationship between ZEN consumption and reproductive symptoms such as POP is necessary in order to mitigate their deleterious effects in herds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Pack
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Jacob Stewart
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Michelle Rhoads
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - James Knight
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Sherrie Clark
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Science, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - David G Schmale
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Raffaella De Vita
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| |
Collapse
|