Extracellular vesicles derived from plasmodium-infected red blood cells alleviate cerebral malaria in plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected C57BL/6J mice

RTS,S is the first malaria vaccine recommended for implementation among young children at risk. However, vaccine efficacy is modest and short-lived. To mitigate the risk of cerebral malaria (CM) among children under the age of 5, it is imperative to develop new vaccines. EVs are potential vaccine candidates as they obtain the ability of brain-targeted delivery and transfer plasmodium antigens and immunomodulators during infections. This study extracted EVs from BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium yoelii 17XNL (P.y17XNL). C57BL/6J mice were intravenously immunized with EVs (EV-I.V. + CM group) or subcutaneously vaccinated with the combination of EVs and CpG ODN-1826 (EV + CPG ODN-S.C. + CM group) on days 0 and 20, followed by infection with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (P.bANKA) on day 20 post-second immunization. We monitored Parasitemia and survival rate. The integrity of the Blood-brain barrier (BBB) was examined using Evans blue staining.The levels of cytokines and adhesion molecules were evaluated using Luminex, RT-qPCR, and WB. Brain pathology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining. The serum levels of IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Compared with those in the P.bANKA-infected group, parasitemia increased slowly, death was delayed (day 10 post-infection), and the survival rate reached 75 %-83.3 % in the EV-I.V. + ECM and EV + CPG ODN-S.C. + ECM groups. Meanwhile, compared with the EV + CPG ODN-S.C. + ECM group, although parasitemia was almost the same, the survival rate increased in the EV-I.V. + ECM group.Additionally, EVs immunization markedly downregulated inflammatory responses in the spleen and brain and ameliorated brain pathological changes, including BBB disruption and infected red blood cell (iRBC) sequestration. Furthermore, the EVs immunization group exhibited enhanced antibody responses (upregulation of IgG1 and IgG2a production) compared to the normal control group. EV immunization exerted protective effects, improving the integrity of the BBB, downregulating inflammation response of brain tissue, result in reduces the incidence of CM. The protective effects were determined by immunological pathways and brain targets elicited by EVs. Intravenous immunization exhibited better performance than subcutaneous immunization, which perhaps correlated with EVs, which can naturally cross BBB to play a better role in brain protection.

Performance and mechanism of microbial fuel cell coupled with anaerobic membrane bioreactor system for fouling control

To remove membrane fouling, a bio-electrochemical system that can generate a micro-electric field and micro-current was constructed. After 11 days of operation, the trans-membrane pressure difference of membrane modules in the open- and closed-circuit groups increased by 35.8 kPa and 6.2 kPa, respectively. The concentrations of total polysaccharide and protein in the open-circuit group were 1.8 and 1.1 times higher than those in the closed-circuit group, respectively. In addition, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis showed that inorganic crystals such as calcium carbonate were present on the membrane surface, and the concentration of calcium ion in the control group was 14.7 times that of the experimental group. High-throughput sequencing demonstrated that the enrichment of some electroactive bacteria and other microorganisms has a positive effect on the control of membrane fouling. Therefore, this system can effectively alleviate membrane fouling of a bioreactor, by targeting the membrane foulants.

Soluble dietary fiber from Prunus persica dregs alleviates gut microbiota dysfunction through lead excretion

Lead (Pb) can pollute the environment and food through air, water and other means, resulting in human exposure to lead pollution, and there is no threshold level of lead toxicity, even small doses of lead will have a range of harmful effects in humans. This study demonstrates for the first time that dietary addition of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from Prunus persica dregs reduces lead bioaccumulation in mice, and eliminates lead through feces. Compared with lead-exposed mice, SDF supplementation effectively prevented lead-induced changes in colon tissue, and increased expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin). We analyzed the effects of SDF on gut microbiota and metabolites by a combination of 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The results showed that SDF altered lead-induced perturbations in the layout and structure of the gut microbiota, including increased Desulfovibrio and Alistipes abundance and decreased Bacteroidetes abundance. Meanwhile, we also provide evidence that SDF supplementation alters the levels of amino acids, bile acids, and lipids in the gut, and that these metabolites are closely associated with microbiota with good lead binding capacity. Therefore, we speculate that SDF has the potential to provide a protective effect against intestinal damage by promoting lead excretion.

Exogenous 24-epibrassinolide boosts plant growth under alkaline stress from physiological and transcriptomic perspectives: The case of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)

Land alkalization is an abiotic stress that affects global sustainable agricultural development and the balance of natural ecosystems. In this study, two broomcorn millet cultivars, T289 (alkaline-tolerant) and S223 (alkaline-sensitive), were selected to investigate the response of broomcorn millet to alkaline stress and the role of brassinolide (BR) in alkaline tolerance. Phenotypes, physiologies, and transcriptomes of T289 and S223 plants under only alkaline stress (AS) and alkaline stress with BR (AB) were compared. The results showed that alkaline stress inhibited growth, promoted the accumulation of soluble sugars and malondialdehyde, enhanced electrolyte leakage, and destroyed the integrity of broomcorn millet stomata. In contrast, BR lessened the negative effects of alkaline stress on plants. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that relative to control groups (CK, nutrient solution), in AS groups, 21,113 and 12,151 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in S223 and T289, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed various terms and pathways related to metabolism. Compared to S223, alkaline stress strongly activated the brassinosteroid biosynthesis pathway in T289. Conversely, ARF, TF, and TCH4, associated with cell growth and elongation, were inhibited by alkaline stress in S223. Moreover, alkaline stress induced the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, the abscisic acid signaling pathway that initiates stomatal closure, as well as the starch and sucrose metabolism. The EG and BGL genes, which are associated with cellulose degradation, were notably activated. BR enhanced alkaline tolerance, thereby alleviating the transcriptional responses of the two cultivars. Cultivar T289 is better in alkalized regions. Taken together, these results reveal how broomcorn millet responds to alkaline stress and BR mitigates alkaline stress, thus promoting agriculture in alkalized regions.

Induction of JAK2/STAT3 pathway contributes to protective effects of different therapeutics against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion

Insufficiency in coronary blood supply results in myocardial ischemia and consequently, various clinical syndromes and irreversible injuries. Myocardial damage occurs as a result of two processes during acute myocardial infarction (MI): ischemia and subsequent reperfusion. According to the available evidence, oxidative stress, excessive inflammation reaction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and apoptosis are crucial players in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. There is emerging evidence that Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2) signal transducer and activator of the transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway offers cardioprotection against myocardial IR injury. This article reviews therapeutics that exert cardioprotective effects against myocardial IR injury through induction of JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Boron contributes to excessive aluminum tolerance in trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) by inhibiting cell wall deposition and promoting vacuole compartmentation

Boron (B) is an indispensable micronutrient for plant growth that can also alleviate aluminum (Al) toxicity. However, limited data are available on the underlying mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Here, we found that a certain range of B application could alleviate the inhibitory effects of Al toxicity on citrus. Transcriptome analysis revealed that several Al stress-responsive genes and pathways were differentially affected and enriched, such as coding for the secretion of organic acid and the distribution of Al in subcellular components after B addition. Specifically, B application enhanced rhizosphere pH and induced malate exudation by expressing PtALMT4 and PtALMT9 genes occurred in Al-treated root, which ultimately reduced the absorption of Al and coincided with down-regulated the expression of PtNrat1. Moreover, B supply suppressed the pectin methyl-esterase (PME) activity and displayed a lower level of PtPME2 expression, while enhanced the PtSTAR1 expression, which is responsible for reducing cell wall (CW) Al deposition. Boron addition enhanced the PtALS1 and PtALS3 expression, accompanied by a higher proportion of vacuolar Al compartmentation during Al exposure. Collectively, the protective effects of B on root injury induced by Al is mainly by subsiding the Al uptake in the root apoplast and compartmentalizing Al into vacuole.

Enhancement of salt tolerance in corn using Azospirillum brasilense: an approach on antioxidant systems

Salinity has become one of the major factors limiting agricultural production. In this regard, different cost-effective management strategies such as the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) as inoculants to alleviate salt-stress conditions and minimize plant productivity losses have been used in agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to characterize induced antioxidant responses in corn through inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and examine the relationship between these responses and the acquired salt-stress tolerance. Treatments were performed by combining sodium chloride (0 and 100 mM NaCl) through irrigation water with absence and presence of A. brasilense inoculation. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with four replications. Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]), and nitrogen (N), sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) contents, as well as dry biomass, glycine betaine, and antioxidant enzymes activities such as of superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1. 15. 1. 1), glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1. 6. 4. 2), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX, EC 1. 11. 1. 7), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX, EC 1. 11. 1. 9) were determined. Overall results indicated that plants treated with 100 mM NaCl showed the most pronounced salt-stress damages with consequent increase in MDA content. However, inoculated plants showed an enhanced capacity to withstand or avoid salt-stress damages. These results could be attributed, at least in part, to the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes. Our results suggest that A. brasilense may confer tolerance to salt stress in corn plants enhancing antioxidant responses, primarily by the enzymes GSH-PX and GPOX, and the osmolyte glycine betaine.

Role of epigenetic regulation in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Nowadays acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a serious cardiovascular disease threatening the human life and health worldwide. The most effective treatment is to quickly restore coronary blood flow through revascularization. However, timely revascularization may lead to reperfusion injury, thereby reducing the clinical benefits of revascularization. At present, no effective treatment is available for myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Emerging evidence indicates that epigenetic regulation is closely related to the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, indicating that epigenetics may serve as a novel therapeutic target to ameliorate or prevent ischemia/reperfusion injury. This review aimed to briefly summarize the role of histone modification, DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs, and N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) methylation in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, with a view to providing new methods and ideas for the research and treatment of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Citric acid assisted phytoextraction of chromium by sunflower; morpho-physiological and biochemical alterations in plants

Soil and water contamination from heavy metals and metalloids is one of the most discussed and burning global issues due to its potential to cause the scarcity of healthy food and safe water. The scientific community is proposing a range of lab and field based physical, chemical and biological solutions to remedy metals and metalloids contaminated soils and water. The present study finds out a possibility of Chromium (Cr) extraction by sunflower from spiked soil under chelating role of citric acid (CA). The sunflower plants were grown under different concentrations of Cr (0, 5, 10 & 20mgkg^-1) and CA (0, 2.5 & 5mM). Growth, biomass, gas exchange, photosynthesis, electrolyte leakage (EL), reactive oxygen species (ROS; malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as, superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacole values peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) were measured. The results depicted a clear decline in plant height, root length, leaf area, number of leaves and flowers per plant along with fresh and dry biomass of all parts of plant with increasing concentration of Cr in soil. Similar reduction was observed in chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, soluble protein, gas exchange attributes and SPAD. The increasing concentration of Cr also enhanced the Cr uptake and accumulation in plant roots, stem and leaves along with the production of ROS and EL. The activities of antioxidant enzymes increased with increasing Cr concentration from 0 to 10mg, but decreased at 20mgkg^-1 soil. The CA application significantly alleviated Cr-induced inhibition of plant growth, biomass, photosynthesis, gas exchange, soluble proteins and SPAD value. Presence of CA also enhanced the activities of all antioxidant enzymes and reduced the production of ROS and EL. The chelating potential of CA increased the concentration and accumulation of Cr in plant roots, stem and leaves. It is concluded that the sunflower can be a potential candidate for the remediation of Cr under CA treatment, while the possibility may vary with genotype, Cr level and CA concentration.

Sodium chloride alleviates cadmium toxicity by reducing nitric oxide accumulation in tobacco

Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in regulating the response of plants to Cd toxicity. In this study, we examined possible involvement of NO in the alleviation of Cd toxicity by NaCl in tobacco plants. Two independent experiments were conducted to investigate the changes of NO accumulation and Cd concentration in tobacco plants after the addition of a NO donor, sodium nitroprusside dehydrate (SNP), or a NO inhibitor, nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) in the solution containing NaCl and Cd. NO accumulation in tobacco roots was enhanced when plants were exposed to Cd, but reduced in the treatments of NaCl or l-NAME. NO production was not enhanced even when SNP (NO donor) was added to the solution containing Cd and NaCl. Root number was reduced in plants exposed to Cd, and increased by the addition of NaCl and reduced by the addition of SNP. Addition of NaCl or l-NAME to the Cd-containing solution reduced Cd concentration in plant tissues, with l-NAME having a more dramatic effect. It can be concluded that alleviation of Cd toxicity by NaCl contributed to reduction of NO accumulation in plants.