The emerging roles of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in plant development and stress responses

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a highly conserved pathway that plays a crucial role in the endocytosis of plasma membrane proteins in eukaryotic cells. The pathway is initiated when the adaptor protein complex 2 (AP2) and TPLATE complex (TPC) work together to recognize cargo proteins and recruit clathrin. This review provides a concise overview of the functions of each subunit of AP2 and TPC, and highlights the involvement of CME in various biological processes, such as pollen development, root development, nutrient transport, extracellular signal transduction, auxin polar transport, hyperosmotic stress, salinity stress, high ammonium stress, and disease resistance. Additionally, the review explores the regulation of CME by phytohormones, clathrin-mediated exocytosis (CMX), and AP2M phosphorylation. It also suggests potential future research directions for CME.

Exploring the Chemical Profile, In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Santolina rosmarinifolia Extracts

In this study, the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous and 60% ethanolic (EtOH) extracts of Santolina rosmarinifolia leaf, flower, and root were examined. The antioxidant activity of S. rosmarinifolia extracts was determined by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts was monitored by the Griess assay. The chemical composition of S. rosmarinifolia extracts was analysed using the LC-MS technique. According to our findings, 60% EtOH leaf extracts showed the highest Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values in both ABTS (8.39 ± 0.43 µM) and DPPH (6.71 ± 0.03 µM) antioxidant activity assays. The TPC values of the samples were in good correspondence with the antioxidant activity measurements and showed the highest gallic acid equivalent value (130.17 ± 0.01 µg/mL) in 60% EtOH leaf extracts. In addition, the 60% EtOH extracts of the leaves were revealed to possess the highest anti-inflammatory effect. The LC-MS analysis of S. rosmarinifolia extracts proved the presence of ascorbic acid, catalpol, chrysin, epigallocatechin, geraniol, isoquercitrin, and theanine, among others, for the first time. However, additional studies are needed to investigate the direct relationship between the chemical composition and physiological effects of the herb. The 60% EtOH extracts of S. rosmarinifolia leaves are potential new sources of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules in the production of novel nutraceutical products.

Two-pore channels (TPCs) acts as a hub for excitation-contraction coupling, metabolism and cardiac hypertrophy signalling

Ca2+ signaling is essential for cardiac contractility and excitability in heart function and remodeling. Intriguingly, little is known about the role of a new family of ion channels, the endo-lysosomal non-selective cation "two-pore channel" (TPCs) in heart function. Here we have used double TPC knock-out mice for the 1 and 2 isoforms of TPCs (Tpcn1/2-/-) and evaluated their cardiac function. Doppler-echocardiography unveils altered left ventricular (LV) systolic function associated with a LV relaxation impairment. In cardiomyocytes isolated from Tpcn1/2-/- mice, we observed a reduction in the contractile function with a decrease in the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content and a reduced expression of various key proteins regulating Ca2+ stores, such as calsequestrin. We also found that two main regulators of the energy metabolism, AMP-activated protein kinase and mTOR, were down regulated. We found an increase in the expression of TPC1 and TPC2 in a model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC) mice and in chronically isoproterenol infused WT mice. In this last model, adaptive cardiac hypertrophy was reduced by Tpcn1/2 deletion. Here, we propose a central role for TPCs and lysosomes that could act as a hub integrating information from the excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms, cellular energy metabolism and hypertrophy signaling.

Changes in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of three Amaranthus L. genotypes from a model to household processing

Amaranthus L. leaves are consumed as vegetables and are a rich source of secondary plant metabolites. The phenolic profiles of the three analyzed genotypes by LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD were characterized by high amounts of hydroxycinnamic glucaric and -isocitric acids. 'Gartenfuchsschwanz' (A. hybridus L.) and 'Red Callaloo' (A. tricolor L.) had similar profiles. 'Gemüse-Amaranth' (A. tricolor L.) had a high amount of caffeoylglucaric acid 4, which was isolated, and afterward identified by NMR. Its antioxidant activity, measured by TEAC, DPPH, and TPC, was similar to 5-caffeoylquinic acid, common in many plant species. The antioxidant activity of Amaranthus L. can be explained rather by their different phenolic- and ascorbic acid concentrations than by their species. Household cooking reduces antioxidant activity due to oxidation processes while leaching into cooking water could be neglected. Amaranthus L. baked into a wheat-dough-matrix showed lower phenolic concentrations, presumably due to the formation of phenol-protein-bounds and thermal degradation.

Modelling Polyphenol Extraction through Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction by Machine Learning in Olea europaea Leaves

The study of the phenolic compounds present in olive leaves (Olea europaea) is of great interest due to their health benefits. In this research, different machine learning algorithms such as RF, SVM, and ANN, with temperature, time, and volume as input variables, were developed to model the extract yield and the total phenolic content (TPC) from experimental data reported in the literature. In terms of extract yield, the neural network-based ANNZ-L model presents the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) value in the validation phase (9.44 mg/g DL), which corresponds with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 3.7%. On the other hand, the best model to determine the TPC value was the neural network-based model ANNR, with an RMSE of 0.89 mg GAE/g DL in the validation phase (MAPE of 2.9%). Both models obtain, for the test phase, MAPE values of 4.9 and 3.5%, respectively. This affirms that ANN models would be good modelling tools to determine the extract yield and TPC value of the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process of olive leaves under different temperatures, times, and solvents.

Influence of Particle Size and Extraction Methods on Phenolic Content and Biological Activities of Pear Pomace

The main goal of this research was to investigate how particle size influences the characteristics of pear (Pyrus Communis L.) pomace flour and to examine the impact of different pre-treatment methods on the phenolic content and associated bioactivities. Pear pomace flour was fractionated into different particle sizes, namely 1 mm, 710 µm, 180 µm, 75 µm and 53 µm. Then two extraction methods, namely maceration with methanol and two-step extraction with hexane via Soxhlet followed by ultrasound extraction with methanol, were tested. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents ranged from 375.0 to 512.9 mg gallic acid/100 g DW and from 24.7 to 34.6 mg quercetin/100 g DW, respectively. Two-step extraction provided antioxidant activity up to 418.8 (in FRAP assay) and 340.0 mg Trolox/100 g DW (in DPPH assay). In order to explore various bioactive properties, this study assessed the inhibitory effects of enzymes, specifically α-amylase and β-glucosidase (associated with antidiabetic effects), as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme (linked to potential antihypertensive benefits). Additionally, the research investigated antibacterial potential against both Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria, revealing significant results (p < 0.05), particularly in the case of the two-step extraction method. This investigation underscores the substantial value of certain food industry wastes, highlighting their potential as bioactive ingredients within the framework of a circular economy.

Unveiling the Impact of Drying Methods on Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Anthemis palestina

Different drying techniques may alter the chemical composition of plant extracts and consequently affect their bioactivity potential. The current study was designed to reveal the effect of four different drying methods on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of hydrodistilled essential oil (HD-EO) and methanolic (APM) extract obtained from the aerial part of Anthemis palestina from Jordan. Aerial parts of A. palestina in their fresh (FR) form and after drying in shade (ShD), sun (SD), oven at 40 °C (O40D) and 60 °C (O60D), in addition to microwave (MWD), were used to extract their essential oils by hydrodistillation and to prepare the different methanolic extracts (APM). GC/MS analysis of the different HD-EOs revealed qualitative and quantitative differences among the different samples. While FR, O40D, O60D, and MWD EO samples contained mainly sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (35.43%, 29.04%, 53.69%, and 59.38%, respectively), ShD sample was rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (33.57%), and SD-EO contained mainly oxygenated sesquiterpenes (40.36%). Principal component analysis (PCA) and Cluster analysis (CA) grouped the different drying methods based on their impact on the concentration of chemical constituents. SD-EO demonstrated high DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity (1.31 ± 0.03) × 10-2; (1.66 ± 0.06) × 10-2 μg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, A. paleistina methanolic extracts (APM) obtained after subjecting the plant to different drying methods showed interesting patterns in terms of their TPC, TFC, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical profiling. Of all extracts, SD-APM extract had the highest TPC (105.37 ± 0.19 mg GA/g DE), highest TFC (305.16 ± 3.93 mg Q/g DE) and demonstrated the highest DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities ((4.42 ± 0.02) × 10-2; (3.87 ± 0.02) × 10-2 mg/mL, respectively); all were supported by correlation studies. LC-MS/MS analysis of the different extracts revealed the richness of the SD-APM extract in phenolic acids and flavonoids.

Buffering Capacity Comparison of Tris Phosphate Carbonate and Buffered Peptone Water Salmonella Pre-Enrichments for Manufactured Feed and Feed Ingredients

Various culture-based methods to detect Salmonella in animal feed have been developed due to the impact of this bacterium on public and animal health. For this project, tris phosphate carbonate (TPC) and buffered peptone water (BPW) buffering capacities were compared as pre-enrichment mediums for the detection of Salmonella in feed ingredients. A total of 269 samples were collected from 6 feed mills and mixed with the pre-enrichments; pH was measured before and after a 24 h incubation. Differences were observed when comparing pH values by sample type; DDGS and poultry by-product meal presented lower initial pH values for TPC and BPW compared to the other samples. For both TPC and BPW, meat and bone meal presented higher final pH values, while soybean meal and peanut meal had lower final pH values. Furthermore, for BPW, post cooling, pellet loadout, and wheat middlings reported lower final pH values. Additionally, most feed ingredients presented significant differences in pH change after 24 h of incubation, except DDGS. From meat and bone meal samples, four Salmonella isolates were recovered and identified: three using BPW and one using TPC. TPC provided greater buffer capacity towards neutral pH compared to BPW, but BPW was more effective at recovering Salmonella.

Application of durian rind smoke powder to preserve chicken meatballs at room temperature

Smoke powder is a natural alternative to artificial preservatives for extending the shelf life of food products. This study assessed the use of smoke powder derived from durian rinds as a preservative for chicken meatballs. Durian rinds were pyrolyzed at 300 °C (T1), 340 °C (T2), and 380 °C (T3) to produce liquid smoke. After filtration to separate the remaining carbon, the resulting liquid smoke was purified by distillation at 190 °C and then converted into a smoke powder through the addition of maltodextrin and spray drying. The feasibility of smoke powder as a preservative for chicken meatballs was tested using total volatile base (TVB), total plate count (TPC), pH, and most probable number (MPN) tests for Escherichia coli. The findings demonstrated an upward trend in TVB, TPC, and MPN values over the storage duration. The TVB and TPC tests revealed that meatballs preserved with T3 smoke powder retained acceptable quality upon 64 h of storage. The MPN value of the T3 sample showed that E. coli bacterial contamination could still be tolerated up to 68 h of storage.

Comparative Phytochemical Analyses of Flowers from Primula veris subsp. veris Growing Wild and from Ex Situ Cultivation in Greece

In the last decades, Primula veris subsp. veris (roots and flowers) has been over harvested through legal and illegal ways in Greece, due to its extremely high commercial demand, as it is used in industry because of its well-known therapeutic properties. As ex situ cultures of the plant have been already developed, in the current comparative study, the herbal teas (infusions) from both flowers of cowslip growing wild in the Prespa Lake Park (NW Greece), and from ex situ propagated and cultivated plant material, have been investigated, with the ultimate goal of assessing them qualitatively. Furthermore, through classic phytochemical studies, the ten most abundant metabolites, belonging to the chemical categories of flavonol-glycosides and methoxy flavones, have been identified and structurally determined. The chemical profile of both infusions has been further analyzed through UHPLC-HRMS, showing that they show only light differences. The total phenolic content (TPC) of both studied samples (wild and ex situ cultivation), was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method, followed by an antioxidant activity assay though DPPH where, in both cases, wild plants exerted higher phenolic load and stronger antioxidative properties. According to the reported results, it could be proposed that the ex situ cultivated plant material could facilitate the mass production of plants and the sustainable cultivation of cowslip in the Greek mountains.

The effect of pH on the phenolic content and antioxidant properties of three different mustard extracts

Mustard seeds are cultivated worldwide due to their substantial agronomic value of their high protein, oil, and phenolic content. The latter bioactive compounds give mustard seeds various applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and chemoprotective agents. By modifying the pretreatment and extraction conditions, a significant improvement in the quantity and quality of these crucial compounds was obtained. Based on the electrostatic interactions between the solvents and the extracts, an alternative green extraction procedure was used on three varieties of mustard seeds (Oriental, black, and yellow). Preliminary results demonstrated an interesting trend in which the isoelectric pH value affected the antioxidant activity of the extracts. A number of different antioxidant assays together with total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were conducted on the three different mustard seeds as affected by different combinations of times and pHs. With the exception of metal ion chelation assay, the other antioxidant methods, including ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging assay and ABTS^•+ scavenging assay, significantly (p < 0.05) increased with the pretreatment time for all three pH levels studied. Interestingly, the TPC significantly increased (p < 0.05) with the lower pH level treatments. The highest TPC (2040.32 ± 360.12 mg/g dry weight basis) was obtained from yellow mustard seed under neutral treatment. Conversely, TFC showed no significant differences among the different pretreatment time conditions closer to the neutral pH. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The usage of food-based solvents with the assistance of a home-scale pressurized wet extraction model represents a green technology that can contribute to a wide variety of applications. This method significantly improved the phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant potential of the mustard extracts, thus making water the most promising extracted solvent.

Characterization of Endo-Lysosomal Cation Channels Using Calcium Imaging

Endo-lysosomes are membrane-bound acidic organelles that are involved in endocytosis, recycling, and degradation of extracellular and intracellular material. The membranes of endo-lysosomes express several Ca²⁺-permeable cation ion channels, including two-pore channels (TPC1-3) and transient receptor potential mucolipin channels (TRPML1-3). In this chapter, we will describe four different state-of-the-art Ca²⁺ imaging approaches, which are well-suited to investigate the function of endo-lysosomal cation channels. These techniques include (1) global cytosolic Ca²⁺ measurements, (2) peri-endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ imaging using genetically encoded Ca²⁺ sensors that are directed to the cytosolic endo-lysosomal membrane surface, (3) Ca²⁺ imaging of endo-lysosomal cation channels, which are engineered in order to redirect them to the plasma membrane in combination with approaches 1 and 2, and (4) Ca²⁺ imaging by directing Ca²⁺ indicators to the endo-lysosomal lumen. Moreover, we will review useful small molecules, which can be used as valuable tools for endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ imaging. Rather than providing complete protocols, we will discuss specific methodological issues related to endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ imaging.

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds in Sour Jujube (Ziziphus. Acidojujuba Cheng et Liu) and Their Antioxidant Activities

In order to comprehensively analyze the antioxidant substances in sour jujube, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoids contents (TFC) in different organs, including stem, leaf, flower, fruit pulp, and seed were analyzed for their contents and antioxidant activities. The results showed that leaves possessed significantly higher TPC and TFC (20.4 and 20.5 mg/g, respectively) than the other organs and have the highest antioxidant activity, which were also higher than the wild blueberry (A well-known for its high TPC). Subsequently, the variations in the antioxidant content and antioxidant activity of leaves were analyzed during leaf development. TPC in leaves sampled in may and august were significantly higher than that in other months, while the highest one was found in may. The n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water fractions obtained from the main methanol extract of sour jujube leaves were evaluated for TPC and TFC and their antioxidant activity and it was found that ethyl acetate fraction displayed the highest TPC and TFC (184.5 and 193.3 mg/g, respectively), as well as the best antioxidant activity. In addition, using LC-MS and HPLC, ethyl acetate fraction was analyzed from qualitative and quantitative aspects; 31-one phenolic compounds, including catechin (33.0 mg/g), epigallocatechin (15.3 mg/g), quercetin 3-O-glucoside (11.4 mg/g), naringenin (6.7 mg/g), esculetin (4.8 mg/g), and chlorogenic acid (4.6 mg/g) were identified. Catechin, esculetin, epigallocatechin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, and naringenin exhibited high antioxidant activity. These results provide a theoretical basis for further study and utilization of flavonoid and polyphenols in sour jujube.

Cytotoxic, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Activities of the Leaf Extract of Sinningia bullata

Sinningia bullata is a tuberous member of the flowering plant family Gesneriaceae. Prior to this work, the antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties of S. bullata were undetermined. Here, we prepared different extracts from the leaf, stem, and tuber of S. bullata and investigated their pharmacological activities. The leaf extract of S. bullata, obtained by 100% acetone (Sb-L-A), had the highest total flavonoid content, antioxidation capacity, and cytotoxic and antibacterial activities. Sb-L-A displayed a broad range of antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The inhibition zones of Sb-L-A ranged from 8 to 30 mm and were in the following order: S. aureus > E. coli > P. aeruginosa. Incubation of B16F10 melanoma cells with Sb-L-A at a concentration of 80 μg/mL caused deaths at the rate of 96%, reduced migration by 100%, suppressed proliferation and colony formation by 99%, and induced apoptosis, which was observed in 96% of the B16F10 cells. In addition, the cytotoxic activities of Sb-L-A were synergistically enhanced when coacting with the antitumor drug epothilone B. Sb-L-A was also used to determine the cytotoxic effects against 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells. Sb-L-A of 60 μg/mL boosted the distribution of the G2 phase from 1.4% to 24.4% in the B16F10 cells. Accordingly, Sb-L-A might suppress melanoma cell proliferation by inducing G2 cell-cycle arrest. The most abundant compounds in Sb-L-A were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Overall, the collective data in this study may indicate the pharmacological potentials of Sb-L-A for possible medical applications.

Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Compound Identification and Quantification in Western Australian Honeys

This study reports on the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity as well as the phenolic compounds that are present in Calothamnus spp. (Red Bell), Agonis flexuosa (Coastal Peppermint), Corymbia calophylla (Marri) and Eucalyptus marginata (Jarrah) honeys from Western Australia. The honey's total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using a modified Folin-Ciocalteu assay, while their total antioxidant activity was determined using FRAP and DPPH assays. Phenolic constituents were identified using a High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HTPLC)-derived phenolic database, and the identified phenolic compounds were quantified using HPTLC. Finally, constituents that contribute to the honeys' antioxidant activity were identified using a DPPH-HPTLC bioautography assay. Based on the results, Calothamnus spp. honey (n = 8) was found to contain the highest (59.4 ± 7.91 mg GAE/100 g) TPC, followed by Eucalyptus marginata honey (50.58 ± 3.76 mg GAE/100 g), Agonis flexuosa honey (36.08 ± 4.2 mg GAE/100 g) and Corymbia calophylla honey (29.15 ± 5.46 mg GAE/100 g). In the FRAP assay, Calothamnus spp. honey also had the highest activity (9.24 ± 1.68 mmol Fe²⁺/kg), followed by Eucalyptus marginata honey (mmol Fe²⁺/kg), whereas Agonis flexuosa (5.45 ± 1.64 mmol Fe²⁺/kg) and Corymbia calophylla honeys (4.48 ± 0.82 mmol Fe²⁺/kg) had comparable FRAP activity. In the DPPH assay, when the mean values were compared, it was found that Calothamnus spp. honey again had the highest activity (3.88 ± 0.96 mmol TE/kg) while the mean DPPH antioxidant activity of Eucalyptus marginata, Agonis flexuosa, and Corymbia calophylla honeys were comparable. Kojic acid and epigallocatechin gallate were found in all honeys, whilst other constituents (e.g., m-coumaric acid, lumichrome, gallic acid, taxifolin, luteolin, epicatechin, hesperitin, eudesmic acid, syringic acid, protocatechuic acid, t-cinnamic acid, o-anisic acid) were only identified in some of the honeys. DPPH-HPTLC bioautography demonstrated that most of the identified compounds possess antioxidant activity, except for t-cinnamic acid, eudesmic acid, o-anisic acid, and lumichrome.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Diversity of Endemic Golden Camellias Collected from the North of Vietnam

Golden Camellias have recently been used as a food, cosmetic, and traditional medicine in China and Vietnam. Forty-two species have natural distribution in Vietnam, of which thirty-two species were considered endemic species of this country. The morphology of leaves and flowers of these species were similar; therefore, their taxonomic identification usually needed experts and the authentication has often been confused among species. Our study aims to describe the genetic diversity and the relationship of six species Camellia phanii, Camellia tamdaoensis, Camellia tienii, Camellia flava, Camellia petelotii and Camellia euphlebia by using three chloroplast DNA-barcodes: matK, rbcL and trnH-psbA. We also clarified the significant differences in anatomical characteristics of midvein and blade of their leaves, which suggested the possibility to use these criteria in taxonomy. In addition, preliminary chemical profiles of the methanolic extracts of leaves from six Golden Camellias such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC) and chlorogenic acids content (TCGAs) also showed the diversity among them. Interestingly, the discrimination on the catechins profile among six species followed the same tendency with the genetic distance on the phylogeny tree suggesting that catechins (i. e., discriminative catechins) can be biomarkers for the chemotaxonomy of these six Golden Camellias.

Expanding the Toolbox: Novel Modulators of Endolysosomal Cation Channels

Functional characterization of endolysosomal ion channels is challenging due to their intracellular location. With recent advances in endolysosomal patch clamp technology, it has become possible to directly measure ion channel currents across endolysosomal membranes. Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel family, namely the endolysosomal TRPML channels (TRPML1-3), also called mucolipins, as well as the distantly related two-pore channels (TPCs) have recently been characterized in more detail with endolysosomal patch clamp techniques. However, answers to many physiological questions require work in intact cells or animal models. One major obstacle thereby is that the known endogenous ligands of TRPMLs and TPCs are anionic in nature and thus impermeable for cell membranes. Microinjection, on the other hand, is technically demanding. There is also a risk of losing essential co-factors for channel activation or inhibition in isolated preparations. Therefore, lipophilic, membrane-permeable small-molecule activators and inhibitors for TRPMLs and TPCs are urgently needed. Here, we describe and discuss the currently available small-molecule modulators of TRPMLs and TPCs.

Effect of Common Cooking and Drying Methods on Phytochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Corchorus olitorius Identified Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)

In this study, Corchorus olitorius leaves were subjected to different thermal treatments (blanching, boiling, drying, frying, and steaming) and analyzed, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify functional groups, while metabolites were identified with LC-MC. The TPC and antioxidant activity of C. olitorius were significantly (p < 0.05) increased by cooking and drying. The steam-cooked sample had the highest TPC (18.89 mg GAE/g) and TFC (78.42 mg QE/g). With ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH assays, the steam-cooked sample exhibited the highest antioxidant activity of 119.58, 167.31, and 122.23 µM TE/g, respectively. LC-MS identified forty-two (42) metabolites in C. olitorius that included phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoid derivatives, and amino acid derivatives. Overall, steaming appears to be the best cooking method, with respect to the retention of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity.

Production and Characterization of Active Bacterial Cellulose Films Obtained from the Fermentation of Wine Bagasse and Discarded Potatoes by Komagateibacter xylinus

Potato waste, such as peels, broken or spoiled potatoes and grape bagasse residues from the winery industry, can be used for the biotechnological production of high-value products. In this study, green, sustainable and highly productive technology was developed for the production of antioxidant bacterial cellulose (BC). The aim of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of a low-cost culture medium based on wine bagasse and potato waste to synthesize BC. Results show that the production of BC by Komagateibacter xylinus in the GP culture medium was five-fold higher than that in the control culture medium, reaching 4.0 g/L BC in 6 days. The compounds of the GP culture medium improved BC production yield. The mechanical, permeability, swelling capacity, antioxidant capacity and optical properties of the BC films from the GP medium were determined. The values obtained for the tensile and puncture properties were 22.77 MPa for tensile strength, 1.65% for elongation at break, 910.46 MPa for Young's modulus, 159.31 g for burst strength and 0.70 mm for distance to burst. The obtained films showed lower permeability values (3.40 × 10^-12 g/m·s·Pa) than those of other polysaccharide-based films. The BC samples showed an outstanding antioxidant capacity (0.31-1.32 mg GAE/g dried film for total phenolic content, %DPPH^• 57.24-78.00% and %ABTS^•+ 89.49-86.94%) and excellent UV-barrier capacity with a transmittance range of 0.02-0.38%. Therefore, a new process for the production of BC films with antioxidant properties was successfully developed.

Two-pore channels: going with the flows

In recent years, our understanding of the structure, mechanisms and functions of the endo-lysosomal TPC (two-pore channel) family have grown apace. Gated by the second messengers, NAADP and PI(3,5)P₂, TPCs are an integral part of fundamental signal-transduction pathways, but their array and plasticity of cation conductances (Na⁺, Ca²⁺, H⁺) allow them to variously signal electrically, osmotically or chemically. Their relative tissue- and organelle-selective distribution, together with agonist-selective ion permeabilities provides a rich palette from which extracellular stimuli can choose. TPCs are emerging as mediators of immunity, cancer, metabolism, viral infectivity and neurodegeneration as this short review attests.

Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure and Pulsed Electric Fields Processes on Microbial Safety and Quality of Black/Red Raspberry Juice

Black and red raspberries are fruits with a high phenolic and vitamin C content but are highly susceptible to deterioration. The effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP 400−600 MPa/CUT-10 min) and pulsed electric fields (PEF, frequency 100−500 Hz, pulse number 100, electric field strength from 11.3 to 23.3 kV/cm, and specific energy from 19.7 to 168.4 kJ/L) processes on black/red raspberry juice was studied. The effect on the inactivation of microorganisms and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity, physicochemical parameters (pH, acidity, total soluble solids (°Brix), and water activity (aw)), vitamin C and phenolic compounds content were also determined. Results reveal that all HHP-treatments produced the highest (p < 0.05) log-reduction of molds (log 1.85 to 3.72), and yeast (log 3.19), in comparison with PEF-treatments. Increments in pH, acidity, and TSS values attributed to compounds’ decompartmentalization were found. PME activity was partially inactivated by HHP-treatment at 600 MPa/10 min (22% of inactivation) and PEF-treatment at 200 Hz/168.4 kJ/L (19% of inactivation). Increment in vitamin C and TPC was also observed. The highest increment in TPC (79% of increment) and vitamin C (77% of increment) was observed with PEF at 200 Hz/168.4 kJ/L. The putative effect of HHP and PEF on microbial safety, enzyme inactivation, and phytochemical retention is also discussed in detail. In conclusion, HHP and PEF improve phytochemical compounds’ content, microbial safety, and quality of black/red raspberry juice.

Influence of thermal treatments on the antioxidant activity of hemp cake polar extracts

The effect of preheating temperature (X₁), preheating time (X₂) and the nature of the extracting solvents (X₃) on the antioxidant activity of ultrasonic extracts of hemp cake was evaluated using a factorial design with a general linear multiple regression method using the three variables (X₁, X_2, and X₃) and three levels including low (-1), intermediate (0) and high (+ 1). The results indicated that the extracting solvent and the preheating temperature levels were the principal effects influencing the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP). The highest level of preheating temperature (+ 1 = 180 °C) and extracting solvent (+ 1 = Ac80) were the optimal conditions for enhancing the extraction of the total phenolics and providing the highest antioxidant activity in hemp cake extracts. The interaction between temperature (X₁), and the type of solvent (X₃) significantly (p < 0.05) affected all the dependent variables examined.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05325-9.

Polyphenols composition and the biological effects of six selected small dark fruits

The health-promoting activities of fruits are in the limelight in view of the growing risks posed by civilisational diseases and are connected with polyphenols. The present study examined bilberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, redcurrant, cherry and plum for their polyphenolic content and biological activities. The contents of total polyphenolic compounds and their subclasses were determined. Liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to characterise the polyphenolic profiles. Small dark fruits' antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholinesterase activities were also extensively determined. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences in the analysed fruits' polyphenols composition and biological activities were demonstrated. The highest polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activities were established in blackcurrant fruit, but bilberry also had our attention due to an additional mild influence on antioxidant enzymes. The condensed tannin content in small dark fruits is developed. All tested fruits exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cholinesterase activities.

Two-Pore Channels Regulate Inter-Organellar Ca2+ Homeostasis in Immune Cells

Two-pore channels (TPCs) are ligand-gated cation-selective ion channels that are preserved in plant and animal cells. In the latter, TPCs are located in membranes of acidic organelles, such as endosomes, lysosomes, and endolysosomes. Here, we focus on the function of these unique ion channels in mast cells, which are leukocytes that mature from myeloid hematopoietic stem cells. The cytoplasm of these innate immune cells contains a large number of granules that comprise messenger substances, such as histamine and heparin. Mast cells, along with basophil granulocytes, play an essential role in anaphylaxis and allergic reactions by releasing inflammatory mediators. Signaling in mast cells is mainly regulated via the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum as well as from acidic compartments, such as endolysosomes. For the crosstalk of these organelles TPCs seem essential. Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis were previously shown to be associated with the endolysosomal two-pore channel TPC1. The release of histamine, controlled by intracellular Ca2+ signals, was increased upon genetic or pharmacologic TPC1 inhibition. Conversely, stimulation of TPC channel activity by one of its endogenous ligands, namely nicotinic adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) or phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PI(3,5)P2), were found to trigger the release of Ca2+ from the endolysosomes; thereby improving the effect of TPC1 on regulated mast cell degranulation. In this review we discuss the importance of TPC1 for regulating Ca2+ homeostasis in mast cells and the overall potential of TPC1 as a pharmacological target in anti-inflammatory therapy.

Immunological and bacteriological quality of fresh cow colostrum and passive immunity transfer in selected dairy farms in Fars, Iran

Background

The quality of colostrum is affected by IgG level and microbial load.

Aims

The quality of colostrum used in feeding dairy calves and passive immunity transfer in selected dairy farms in Fars province, Iran was investigated.

Methods

A total of 75 colostrum and neonatal blood samples were collected from 11 herds. The immunological quality of colostrum was assessed using a Brix digital refractometer. The bacteriological quality was assessed by performing total plate count (TPC), total coliform count (TCC), spore-former count, fungi count, and species-specific PCR assay to detect some bacterial species.

Results

The mean Brix of colostrum samples was 25.4% and 72% of the samples had a Brix score ≥22%. The mean serum Brix and the prevalence of failure of passive transfer (FPT) were 10% and 4%, respectively. The mean TPC, TCC, spore-former count, and fungi count were 3.6 × 10⁵, 2.8 × 10⁴, 3.2 × 10⁴, and 1.1 × 10⁴ CFU/ml, respectively. The results showed that 50, 5.9, and 4% of colostrum samples were positive for Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp. and Maycobacterium paratuberculosis, respectively. There was no evidence of contamination with Brucella spp., Corynebacterium bovis and Mycoplasma bovis.

Conclusion

Considering all colostrum quality indicators comprehensively, only 37.3% of the studied samples met the industry standard. A large number of calves were at risk of receiving poor quality colostrum, especially in terms of microbial contamination. Further researches are needed to evaluate the colostrum management and the effect of bacterial contamination of colostrum on the health of neonate calves in this region.

Interactions of Ascorbic Acid, 5-Caffeoylquinic Acid, and Quercetin-3-Rutinoside in the Presence and Absence of Iron during Thermal Processing and the Influence on Antioxidant Activity

Bioactive compounds in fruit and vegetables influence each other’s antioxidant activity. Pure standards, and mixtures of the common plant compounds, namely ascorbic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, and quercetin-3-rutinoside (sum 0.3 mM), in the presence and absence of iron, were analyzed pre- and post-thermal processing in an aqueous solution. Antioxidant activity was measured by total phenolic content (TPC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (TEAC) radical-scavenging assays. Ionic ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) and ferric iron (Fe³⁺) were measured photometrically. For qualification and quantification of reaction products, HPLC was used. Results showed that thermal processing does not necessarily lead to a decreased antioxidant activity, even if the compound concentrations decreased, as then degradation products themselves have an antioxidant activity. In all used antioxidant assays the 2:1 ratio of ascorbic acid and 5-caffeoylquinic acid in the presence of iron had strong synergistic effects, while the 1:2 ratio had strong antagonistic effects. The pro-oxidant iron positively influenced the antioxidant activity in combination with the used antioxidants, while ferrous iron itself interacted with common in vitro assays for total antioxidant activity. These results indicate that the antioxidant activity of compounds is influenced by factors such as interaction with other molecules, temperature, and the minerals present.

Voltage-gating and cytosolic Ca2+ activation mechanisms of Arabidopsis two-pore channel AtTPC1

Arabidopsis thaliana two-pore channel AtTPC1 is a voltage-gated, Ca²⁺-modulated, nonselective cation channel that is localized in the vacuolar membrane and responsible for generating slow vacuolar (SV) current. Under depolarizing membrane potential, cytosolic Ca²⁺ activates AtTPC1 by binding at the EF-hand domain, whereas luminal Ca²⁺ inhibits the channel by stabilizing the voltage-sensing domain II (VSDII) in the resting state. Here, we present 2.8 to 3.3 Å cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of AtTPC1 in two conformations, one in closed conformation with unbound EF-hand domain and resting VSDII and the other in a partially open conformation with Ca²⁺-bound EF-hand domain and activated VSDII. Structural comparison between the two different conformations allows us to elucidate the structural mechanisms of voltage gating, cytosolic Ca²⁺ activation, and their coupling in AtTPC1. This study also provides structural insight into the general voltage-gating mechanism among voltage-gated ion channels.

Acidic Ca2+ stores and immune-cell function

Acidic organelles act as intracellular Ca²⁺ stores; they actively sequester Ca²⁺ in their lumina and release it to the cytosol upon activation of endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ channels. Recent data suggest important roles of endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ channels, the Two-Pore Channels (TPCs) and the TRPML channels (mucolipins), in different aspects of immune-cell function, particularly impacting membrane trafficking, vesicle fusion/fission and secretion. Remarkably, different channels on the same acidic vesicles can couple to different downstream physiology. Endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ stores can act under different modalities, be they acting alone (via local Ca²⁺ nanodomains around TPCs/TRPMLs) or in conjunction with the ER Ca²⁺ store (to either promote or suppress global ER Ca²⁺ release). These different modalities impinge upon functions as broad as phagocytosis, cell-killing, anaphylaxis, immune memory, thrombostasis, and chemotaxis.

Optimization of spray-drying process to manufacture green tea powder and its characters

Tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) have many health benefits due to their abundance of polyphenols with antioxidant activity, most notably epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). To protect those bioactive compounds, the spray-drying technique of green tea-extracted solution is conducted because of encapsulating. This study aimed to optimize the spray-drying condition using the response surface methodology (RSM) with respect to the maximal polyphenol content of the product. Furthermore, the characterizations of resulting powder were determined. The results showed that optimal spray-drying temperature, input flow rate, and whey protein isolate (WPI) content were evaluated at 136℃, 6.8 rpm, and 10.3% of dry basis, respectively. The obtained green tea powder products, which got from optimal spray-drying process, achieved total polyphenol content (TPC), EGCG, and caffeine content of 322.06 mg GAE/g, 11.4%, and 2.8% of dry basis, respectively. This result revealed the feasibility of green tea leaves to produce tea powder rich in EGCG and polyphenols by spray-drying technique, potentially contributing to the diversification of tea products.

Phosphoinositide regulates dynamic movement of the S4 voltage sensor in the second repeat in two-pore channel 3

The two-pore channels (TPCs) are voltage-gated cation channels consisting of single polypeptides with two repeats of a canonical 6-transmembrane unit. TPCs are known to be regulated by various physiological signals such as membrane voltage and phosphoinositide (PI). The fourth helix in the second repeat (second S4) plays a major role in detecting membrane voltage, whereas the first repeat contains a PI binding site. Therefore, each of these stimuli is detected by a unique repeat to regulate the gating of the TPC central pore. How these various stimuli regulate the dynamic structural rearrangement of the TPC molecule remain unknown. Here, we found that PI binding to the first repeat in TPC3 regulates the movement of the distally located second S4 helix, showing that the PI-binding signal is not confined to the pore gate but also transmitted to the voltage sensor. Using voltage clamp fluorometry, measurement of gating charges, and Cys-accessibility analysis, we observed that PI binding significantly potentiates the voltage dependence of the movement of the second S4 helix. Notably, voltage clamp fluorometry analysis revealed that the voltage-dependent movement of the second S4 helix occurred in two phases, of which the second phase corresponds to the transfer of the gating charges. This movement was observed in the voltage range where gate-opening occurs and was potentiated by PI. In conclusion, this regulation of the second S4 helix by PI indicates a tight inter-repeat coupling within TPC3, a feature which might be conserved among TPC family members to integrate various physiological signals.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Artemisia absinthium and Citrus paradisi extracts repress viability of aggressive liver cancer cell line

BACKGROUND

Numerous reports show that herbal medicines can be utilized in the treatment of different liver disorders. In this study, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities of individual as well as combined 80% ethanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium leaves and Citrus paradisi peels were investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Values of total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), DPPH-radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were measured to explore the antioxidant capacity. To assess antibacterial activity, four bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) were used. Anticancer activity was assessed on Huh-7 (liver cancer) and Vero (non-cancerous) cell lines. FRAP activity of combined plants extract was higher as compared to their individual effect; the trend did not hold in the case of DPPH-radical scavenging activity. Antibacterial activity of combined extracts by disk diffusion method was observed only against E.coli. MTT results indicated that both plants had a cytotoxic effect on Huh-7 cell line but did not show any effect on Vero cell line. Our data showed a strong negative correlation between the amount of TPC, TFC, & DPPH radicals-scavenging activity and viability of Huh-7 cell line.However, no effect was shown on the non-cancerous cell line.

CONCLUSION

The ethanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium leaves and Citrus paradisi peels can be used against liver cancer because of their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities.

Evaluation of sex steroid hormones and reproductive irregularities in diethyl phthalate-exposed premature mice: modulatory effect of raw honey against potential anomalies

Phthalates, plasticizing chemicals, are top-rated environmental contaminants. Diethyl phthalate (DEP), a chief member of this family, was declared a potent endocrine disruptor and carcinogen in animals and humans. The current study was designed to explore the probable reproductive damage induced by DEP and the therapeutic efficacy of raw honey in male albino mice. Four-week-old 50 male mice were randomized equally in five groups, as control (C) received 0.1 ml distilled water; vehicle control (VC) received corn oil (0.1 ml/mouse); DEP (3mg/g/BW) dissolved in corn oil; honey control (HC) administered with honey (0.2 mg/g/day); and phthalate plus honey (P+H) administered with DEP and honey (3mg and 0.2 mg/g/BW/day respectively). Mice were treated through oral gavage for 54 days routinely, acclimatized for 6 days, and dissected. In the first instance, the antioxidant potential and total phenolic contents (TPC) of honey were analyzed through ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and Folin-Ciocalteu assay to confirm the antioxidant capacity of honey. The morphological, morphometric, histological, micrometric, sperm count, and hormonal analyses, and antioxidant capacity test in tissue homogenates were conducted by using tissues (testis, epididymis) and blood samples of mice. Mice exposed to DEP have a significant increase in body weight, LH level, and seminiferous tubule lumen diameter and decrease in the gonado-somatic index, testosterone level, sperm count, and seminiferous tubule diameter. Additionally, histopathology of testes showed interstitial space dilations, exfoliations, Leydig cell atrophy, germ cell degenerations, and spermatid retention in DEP-exposed testes sections. However, concomitant use of honey and DEP had shown a significant improvement in histopathological lesions, steroid hormone levels, and healthy sperm count. By these results, it is concluded that honey possessed antioxidant potential that can efficiently protect DEP-induced anomalies in male mice.

Endolysosomal Cation Channels and MITF in Melanocytes and Melanoma

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is the principal transcription factor regulating pivotal processes in melanoma cell development, growth, survival, proliferation, differentiation and invasion. In recent years, convincing evidence has been provided attesting key roles of endolysosomal cation channels, specifically TPCs and TRPMLs, in cancer, including breast cancer, glioblastoma, bladder cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and melanoma. In this review, we provide a gene expression profile of these channels in different types of cancers and decipher their roles, in particular the roles of two-pore channel 2 (TPC2) and TRPML1 in melanocytes and melanoma. We specifically discuss the signaling cascades regulating MITF and the relationship between endolysosomal cation channels, MAPK, canonical Wnt/GSK3 pathways and MITF.

Thermal adaptation in a holobiont accompanied by phenotypic changes in an endosymbiont

How and if organisms can adapt to changing temperatures has drastic consequences for the natural world. Thermal adaptation involves finding a match between temperatures permitting growth and the expected temperature distribution of the environment. However, if and how this match is achieved, and how tightly linked species change together, is poorly understood. Paramecium bursaria is a ciliate that has a tight physiological interaction with endosymbiotic green algae (zoochlorellae). We subjected a wild population of P. bursaria to a cold and warm climate (20 and 32℃) for ∼300 generations. We then measured the thermal performance curve (TPC) for intrinsic rate of growth (r_max ) for these evolved lines across temperatures. We also evaluated number and size of the zoochlorellae populations within paramecia cells. TPCs for warm-adapted populations were shallower and broader than TPCs of cold-adapted populations, indicating that the warm populations adapted by moving along a thermal generalist/specialist trade off rather than right-shifting the TPC. Zoochlorellae populations within cold-adapted paramecia had fewer and larger zoochlorellae than hot-adapted paramecia, indicating phenotypic shifts in the endosymbiont accompany thermal adaptation in the host. Our results provide new and novel insight into how species involved in complex interactions will be affected by continuing increasing global temperatures.

Choreographing endo-lysosomal Ca2+ throughout the life of a phagosome

The emergence of endo-lysosomes as ubiquitous Ca²⁺ stores with their unique cohort of channels has resulted in their being implicated in a growing number of processes in an ever-increasing number of cell types. The architectural and regulatory constraints of these acidic Ca²⁺ stores distinguishes them from other larger Ca²⁺ sources such as the ER and influx across the plasma membrane. In view of recent advances in the understanding of the modes of operation, we discuss phagocytosis as a template for how endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ signals (generated via TPC and TRPML channels) can be integrated in multiple sophisticated ways into biological processes. Phagocytosis illustrates how different endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ signals drive different phases of a process, and how these can be altered by disease or infection.

JPT2: The missing link between intracellular Ca2+ release channels and NAADP?

NAADP (nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate) is a potent second messenger releasing Ca2+ from endolysosomes through two-pore channels (TPCs) and from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through type 1 ryanodine receptors (RyR1). How NAADP activates these channels, whether directly or indirectly, has been a matter of debate for more than a decade. Now a protein has emerged possibly providing the missing link between TPCs/RyR1 and NAADP.

Antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of eight neglected fruit extracts and UHPLC-MS/MS profile of the active extracts

The 70% ethanolic extracts from eight neglected fruits; Muntingia calabura, Leucaena leucocephala, Spondias dulcis, Syzygium jambos, Mangifera caesia, Ardisia elliptica, Cynometra cauliflora and Ficus auriculata were evaluated for their 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, α-glucosidase inhibitory activities as well as total phenolic content. The results of this study revealed that M. caesia fruit extract demonstrated the most potent radical scavenging activity. Among the fruits examined for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, M. calabura and F. auriculata exhibited strong activity with no significant difference. The Pearson correlation indicated that the activities of M. caesia and F. auriculata contributed by phenolic compounds. A total of 65 metabolites were tentatively identified by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHLPC-MS/MS). These findings suggested that the possible application of M. caesia and F. auriculata as a functional food with antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties.

Can Biomarkers Respond Upon Freshwater Pollution?-A Moss-Bag Approach

Simple Summary

Pollution of the aquatic environment is a well-known problem with a long history. Monitoring water quality relies on biota in order to provide adequative assessment and management of the water bodies. Among the different biological indicators applied, aquatic macrophytes, and particularly mosses, are in direct relationship with the environment and their use as biomonitors is well documented. In the current study, we made an attempt to apply new fast, reliable and comprehensible methods for water pollution control. Three reservoirs were selected for the following reasons: (i) they were polluted with hazardous substances (heavy metals and organic material) and (ii) they are used for fish farming and irrigation and their water quality directly affects human health. Moss-bags with the selected biomonitor Fontinalis antipyretica were exposed in the reservoirs for a period of 30 days and molecular, chemical and micromorphological markers were studied. All biomarkers tested appeared to be sensitive to the pollution. This research provided a basis for further studies on selected biomarkers towards standardization.

Abstract

Moss-bags were applied to study the effect of contamination in three standing water bodies in Bulgaria (Kardzhali, Studen Kladenets and Zhrebchevo Reservoirs), the first two with old industrial contamination and the last polluted with short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs). Fontinalis antipyretica Hedw. collected from background (unpolluted) site was placed in cages for a period of 30 days. The present study examined whether inorganic and organic pollution detected with moss-bags resulted in corresponding differences in molecular, chemical and micromorphological markers. Suppressed large subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) expression was assessed in moss-bags from two of the reservoirs, contaminated with heavy metals. There was a decrease of the total phenolic content (TPC) in the moss-bags, which provides a basis for further studies of the chemical content of aquatic mosses. Fontinalis antipyretica also showed a response through leaf micromorphological characteristics. In the all three reservoirs, an increase of the twig leaf cell number was recorded (p ≤ 0.01 for Kardzhali and p ≤ 0.001 for Studen Kladenets and Zhrebchevo reservoirs), as well as of the stem leaf cell number in Zhrebchevo Reservoir (p ≤ 0.001). On the contrary, the width of the cells decreased in the studied anthropogenically impacted reservoirs. All three studied groups of biomarkers (molecular, chemical and micromorphological) appeared to be sensitive to freshwater pollution. The results achieved indicated that rbcL gene expression, TPC, cell number and size are promising biomonitoring tools.

Two-pore and TRP cation channels in endolysosomal osmo-/mechanosensation and volume regulation

Two pore channels (TPCs) and mucolipins (TRPML) are the most prominent cation channels expressed in endolysosomes. Recently, roles of TPCs and TRPML2 have been revealed in regulating and detecting osmotically-driven changes in the surface-to-volume ratio of endolysosomes to promote endocytic and recycling traffic. TPCs and TRPML2 are highly expressed in macrophages and contribute to immune cell function. Here, we provide an overview of the emerging roles of these channels in innate immune cells, in particular macrophages, and highlight two models for osmo-mechanical regulation of intracellular organelle volume, trafficking, and cell homeostasis involving either TPCs or TRPML2.

Application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Investigate Some Endogenic Properties of Pleurotus ostreatus Cultivars

Fourteen different Pleurotus ostreatus cultivars (Po_1–Po_14) were tested for free amino acid content (fAA), total polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma—FRAP) to select the cultivars with the most favorable traits. Automatic amino acid analyzer (fAA) and spectrophotometric assay (TPC, FRAP) results as well as Fourier-transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectra were evaluated with different chemometric methods (Kruskal–Wallis test, Principal Component Analysis—PCA, Linear Discriminant Analysis—LDA). Based on total free amino acid concentrations and FRAP values, the Po_2 cultivar was found to be the most favorable. Types Po_3, Po_8, Po_10 and Po_12 were separated using PCA. Based on the spectral profile, they may contain polyphenols and reducing compounds of different qualities. LDA classification that was based on the concentrations of all free amino acids, cysteine, and proline of the cultivars was performed with an accuracy of over 90%. LDA classification that was based on the TPC and FRAP values was performed with an accuracy of over 83%.

Two-pore and TRPML cation channels: Regulators of phagocytosis, autophagy and lysosomal exocytosis

The old Greek saying "Panta Rhei" ("everything flows") is true for all life and all living things in general. It also becomes nicely evident when looking closely into cells. There, material from the extracellular space is taken up by endocytic processes and transported to endosomes where it is sorted either for recycling or degradation. Cargo is also packaged for export through exocytosis involving the Golgi network, lysosomes and other organelles. Everything in this system is in constant motion and many proteins are necessary to coordinate transport along the different intracellular pathways to avoid chaos. Among these proteins are ion channels., in particular TRPML channels (mucolipins) and two-pore channels (TPCs) which reside on endosomal and lysosomal membranes to speed up movement between organelles, e.g. by regulating fusion and fission; they help readjust pH and osmolarity changes due to such processes, or they promote exocytosis of export material. Pathophysiologically, these channels are involved in neurodegenerative, metabolic, retinal and infectious diseases, cancer, pigmentation defects, and immune cell function, and thus have been proposed as novel pharmacological targets, e.g. for the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or different types of cancer. Here, we discuss the similarities but also differences of TPCs and TRPMLs in regulating phagocytosis, autophagy and lysosomal exocytosis, and we address the contradictions and open questions in the field relating to the roles TPCs and TRPMLs play in these different processes.

Effect of in-vitro digestion on the bio active compounds and biological activities of fruit pomaces

The effect of gastro intestinal digestion on total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), radical scavenging activity (RSA) and vitamin C levels of apple (Malus domestica) pomace and a local variety of jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) pomace was evaluated after drying at 110 °C for 3 h in a hot air oven. The physicochemical properties and functional properties of apple and jujube pomaces were also assessed. Prior to digestion, apple pomace displayed greater levels of TPC, RSA and vitamin C (17.30 ± 0.59 GAE/g DW, 81.16 ± 3.27%, 0.078 ± 0.01 g/L, respectively) in comparison with jujube pomace (16.90 ± 0.66 GAE/g DW, 54.65 ± 2.09%, 0.069 ± 0.01 g/L, respectively), whereas, TFC level was found to be higher in jujube pomace (19.22 ± 0.87 QE/g DW). After digestion, both samples showed an increase in TPC (56.17 ± 2.14 and 52.01 ± 2.18 GAE/g DW for apple and jujube pomaces) and TFC levels (48.45 ± 1.87 and 53.82 ± 2.34 QE/g DW for apple and jujube pomaces) and it was perceived almost 3 to 4 times higher than the TPC and TFC of the samples before digestion. But, RSA of the fruit pomaces were found to be affected by the in vitro digestion which was observed as 54.65 ± 2.09 and 81.16 ± 3.27% respectively for apple and jujube pomaces. It may be suggested that the fruit powders may be incorporated in developing new functional foods rich in bio active compounds and thus can be utilized in different food applications.

Unconventional role of lysosomes in phagocytosis

Lysosomes are generally thought to be required only for the late stages of phagosome maturation, providing the proton pumps (V-ATPases) and hydrolases needed to acidify and degrade the ingested prey. A recent paper by Davis et al. (EMBO J. [2020], doi:10.15252/embj.2019104058) reports the involvement of lysosomes at a much earlier stage, namely in scission of phagosomes from the plasma membrane. Here we analyze these findings, highlighting a number of unexpected observations and unresolved questions.

A methylomics-associated nomogram predicts recurrence-free survival of thyroid papillary carcinoma

Background

Thyroid papillary carcinoma (TPC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer (TC). The prognosis of TPC patients with tumor‐cell metastasis is poor. Therefore, this study aims to develop a model for predicting TPC patients' recurrence‐free survival (RFS).

Methods

We included 546 TPC patients who were clinically and pathologically diagnosed with TPC. The methylation biomarkers that associate with RFS were explored. These 546 samples were divided into training dataset (first 70%) and validation dataset (remaining 30%) randomly. The training dataset was used to identify prognostic biomarkers and construct risk prediction model, in addition, the validation dataset was used to verify the predictive performance of the model. We used Cox proportional hazard analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis to identify the significant predictive biomarkers, and establish the relapse risk prediction model from the identified biomarkers.

Results

A 6‐DNA methylation signature yielded a high evaluative performance for RFS. The Kaplan‐Meier analysis indicated that the 6‐DNA methylation signature could significantly distinguish the high‐ and low‐risk patients in training, validation and entire sets. In addition, a nomogram was constructed based on risk score, metastasis status and residual tumor status, and C‐index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and the calibration plots analysis which demonstrated the good performance and clinical utility of the nomogram.

Conclusions

The results suggested that the 6‐DNA methylation signature is the independent prognostic marker for RFS and functioned as a significant tool for guiding the clinical treatment of TPC patients.

Macropinocytosis: Insights from immunology and cancer

Macropinocytosis is increasingly recognized for its versatile adaptations and functions as a highly conserved, ubiquitous pathway for the bulk uptake of fluid, particulate cargo, and membranes. Innate immune cells and transformed cancer cells share the capacity for both constitutive and induced macropinocytosis, which is used for immune surveillance, ingestion of pathogens, immune response shaping, and enhancement of scavenging for nutrients as fuel for cell survival and proliferation. Immunology and cancer biology are leading a resurgence of interest in defining the molecular and physiological regulation of macropinocytosis, partly in pursuit of ways to control macropinocytic uptake in disease settings. New approaches, including high-resolution live imaging, screening of cell surface molecular inventories, biophysics, and exploration of cell microenvironments, have converged to provide new insights into macropinosome induction, formation, and maturation. Recent studies reveal mechanisms for fluid control in and by macrophage macropinosomes that impinge on membrane trafficking and cell migration. EGFR, PTEN, V-ATPase, syndecan 1, and galectin-3 have roles variably in the metabolic regulation of Ras or PI3K signaling for Rac1-mediated macropinocytosis in cancer. These molecular pathways and mechanisms contribute to the impressive adaptability of macropinocytosis in many cells and tissues and in disease.

NAADP-regulated two-pore channels drive phagocytosis through endo-lysosomal Ca2+ nanodomains, calcineurin and dynamin

Macrophages clear pathogens by phagocytosis and lysosomes that fuse with phagosomes are traditionally regarded as to a source of membranes and luminal degradative enzymes. Here, we reveal that endo-lysosomes act as platforms for a new phagocytic signalling pathway in which FcγR activation recruits the second messenger NAADP and thereby promotes the opening of Ca²⁺ -permeable two-pore channels (TPCs). Remarkably, phagocytosis is driven by these local endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ nanodomains rather than global cytoplasmic or ER Ca²⁺ signals. Motile endolysosomes contact nascent phagosomes to promote phagocytosis, whereas endo-lysosome immobilization prevents it. We show that TPC-released Ca²⁺ rapidly activates calcineurin, which in turn dephosphorylates and activates the GTPase dynamin-2. Finally, we find that different endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ channels play diverse roles, with TPCs providing a universal phagocytic signal for a wide range of particles and TRPML1 being only required for phagocytosis of large targets.

Variations of Saponins, Minerals and Total Phenolic Compounds Due to Processing and Cooking of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Seeds

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a grain of great nutritional interest that gained international importance during the last decade. Before its consumption, this grain goes through many processes that can alter its nutritional value. Here we report the effect of processing (polishing and milling) and cooking (boiling and steaming) on the saponin content, mineral profile of 14 elements using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), protein content, and total phenolic compound. The polishing caused an average drop in the saponin content from 1.7% to 0.46% but induced important losses in mineral content (K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Ni), and phenolic compounds. However, the greatest nutritional degradation happened after milling due to the elimination of seed teguments and embryos, where over 50% of many minerals, 60% of protein content, and almost the totality of phenolic compounds, were lost. Cooking effect was less important than processing, but some significant losses were attested. Boiling caused a loss of up to 40% for some minerals like K, B, and Mo because of their hydrosolubility, and 88% of the polyphenols, while steaming allowed a better retention of those nutrients. Consuming polished quinoa instead of semolina and using steaming instead of boiling are trade-offs consumer needs to make to get optimal benefits from quinoa virtues.