Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tong Li, Ruiguo Wang, Peilong Wang
Summary: The study established a method for accurate and rapid determination of TTX, with good peak shapes, high sensitivity, and low coeluted interferences. It was successfully applied to determine TTX in puffer fish tissue samples.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Luciene Ferreira de Lima, Jacqueline Cosmo Andrade-Pinheiro, Maria Audilene Freitas, Adriely Idalina da Silva, Victor Juno Alencar Fonseca, Tais Gusmao da Silva, Josefa Carolaine Pereira da Silva, Rosilaine Honorato de Lima, Debora Lima Sales, Rejane Pereira Neves, Edy Sousa de Brito, Paulo Riceli Vasconcelos Ribeiro, Kirley Marques Canuto, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho, Abolghasem Siyadatpanah, Bonglee Kim, Maria Flaviana Bezerra Morais-Braga
Summary: The study investigated the chemical composition and anti-Candida effects of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts obtained from the leaves of Gossypium hirsutum L. The extracts showed significant antifungal activity, potentially linked to the combined activity of chemical constituents identified in the extracts. The combination of the extracts with fluconazole enhanced antifungal activity against different Candida strains.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xiaodan Zhang, Qingqing Li, Quan Zhou, Yunxuan Li, Junwei Li, Lehao Jin, Sen Li, Jianping Cai, Gaozhi Chen, Guoxin Hu, Jianchang Qian
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of CYP3A4 gene polymorphism on the metabolism of artemether-lumefantrine and found significant differences in the clearance rate of different genotypes. These findings enhance our understanding of drug metabolism and provide important insights for guiding treatment strategies.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Anna E. Vlasenko, Timur Yu. Magarlamov
Summary: This study investigated the variations in Tetrodotoxin (a neurotoxin) and its analogues in two marine species from the Sea of Japan. The toxin concentrations varied greatly within each species, providing insights into the migration pathways of TTXs in ecosystems.
Article
Horticulture
Xiehai Song, Jin Zhang, Xiaochao Chang, Lihong Xian, Yong Liu
Summary: This study described the biosynthesis pathway of anthocyanins in Pistacia chinensis leaves from the metabolic level. Various anthocyanins, procyanidins, and flavones were identified and quantified. The dominant anthocyanin in P. chinensis leaves was cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, and methylated and acylated anthocyanins were present in low amounts.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yutao Liu, Bin Liu, Tingting Xu, Qian Wang, Wendi Li, Jialin Wu, Xiaoyu Zheng, Bin Liu, Ruiying Liu, Xingmei Liu, Xi Guo, Lu Feng, Lei Wang
Summary: The study identifies a fructose uptake system crucial for the growth of Vibrio cholerae in seawater, where fructose concentrations are low. This system may be important for the survival of pandemic V. cholerae in seawater.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wan-Ting Sun, Sy-Chyi Cheng, Ya-Ting Chao, Shu-Yao Lin, Ting-Ting Yang, Yi-Ping Ho, Ming-Che Shih, Swee-Suak Ko
Summary: This study investigated the morphology, cytology, biochemistry, and sucrose transporters in the pollinia of Phalaenopsis orchids. Results showed that the mature pollinia accumulated high levels of sugars, including sucrose, galactinol, myo-inositol, and glucose, which provided nutrients and enhanced pollinia germination and tube growth. The expression of sucrose transporters in the pollinia was associated with pollinia maturation and germination.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Na Zhang, Shun Zhang, Wei Ren, Xiaoxiao Gong, Hao Long, Xiang Zhang, Xiaoni Cai, Aiyou Huang, Zhenyu Xie
Summary: The global regulator RpoN controls important virulence-associated phenotypes in V. alginolyticus, affecting biofilm formation at different cell densities through regulation of flagella and EPS. Deletion of rpoN leads to failure of biofilm detachment and reduced motility, highlighting the essential role of rpoN in biofilm detachment while not being necessary for biofilm formation.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hongli Liu, Wenxiu Zhu, Yu Cao, Jingzhu Gao, Tong Jin, Ningbo Qin, Xiaodong Xia
Summary: Punicalagin showed significant anti-biofilm activity at sub-inhibitory concentrations, decreasing bacterial motility and metabolic activity in biofilms. It also inhibited EPS production, reduced exopolysaccharides in biofilms, and decreased Raman peak intensities of biofilm components. Punicalagin significantly inhibited V. parahaemolyticus adhesion to Caco-2 cells and downregulated genes related to biofilm formation and virulence.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jian-Long Han, Lei Zhang, Ping-Ping Zhou, Jiao-Jiao Xu, Xiao-Dong Pan, Pei Cao, Xiao-Min Xu
Summary: An analytical method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with cation exchange solid phase extraction (SPE) clean-up was developed to detect both trace contamination and high levels of Tetrodotoxin (TTX) in gastropods. The method showed a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.5 μg/kg in the sample matrix. TTX contamination and analogues were first reported in Neverita didyma (N. didyma) collected from Zhejiang province, China, with a detection rate of 34.2% and an average concentration of 23.1 μg/kg.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shanshan Zhang, Qian Yang, Songzhe Fu, Colin R. Janssen, Mieke Eggermont, Tom Defoirdt
Summary: This study demonstrates that indole signaling has a significant impact on the virulence of Vibrio tasmaniensis LGP32 and Vibrio crassostreae J2-9, affecting their motility, biofilm formation, and gene expression. Pretreatment with indole decreases bacterial virulence towards mussel larvae, indicating that indole signaling could be a promising target for antivirulence therapy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ling Huang, Jun Ni, Chao Zhong, Ping Xu, Junbiao Dai, Hongzhi Tang
Summary: In this study, functional promoters that can withstand salt stress were isolated and identified from a Vibrio natriegens strain Vmax. It was found that the engineered strain Vmax is efficient in degrading marine pollutants such as polyethylene terephthalate, chlorpyrifos, and hexabromocyclododecanes. Furthermore, an immobilization strategy was developed for recycling and reusing the engineered strains.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Wenxiu Zhu, Jiaxiu Liu, Yue Zou, Shugang Li, Dongyun Zhao, Haisong Wang, Xiaodong Xia
Summary: This study found that laurel essential oil (LEO) can effectively reduce biofilm formation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and it affects its metabolic activity, biofilm structure, and attachment ability. Therefore, it has potential applications in the food industry.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Baobing Luo, Liujun Chen, Guoping Chen, Yunshu Wang, Qiaoli Xie, Xuqing Chen, Zongli Hu
Summary: Anthocyanins in purple shamrock were characterized, and the molecular mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis was investigated using RNA-seq and qRT-PCR. The study revealed that most of the anthocyanin biosynthetic and regulatory genes were up-regulated in purple shamrock, and both light and low temperature could induce anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Article
Microbiology
Yong-Mei Xing, Bing Li, Liu Liu, Yang Li, Shu-Xue Yin, Shu-Chao Yin, Juan Chen, Shun-Xing Guo
Summary: In this study, a metabolomics approach was used to identify differential metabolites in the infected part of Polyporus umbellatus sclerotia. The results indicated that the metabolic pathways of steroids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates were active and enriched during the infection. The content of ergosterol, polyporusterone A, and B also increased in the infected group.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Paz Otero, Marisa Silva
Summary: Harmful algal blooms pose a challenge to food safety and their formation is yet to be disclosed. Legislation and monitoring strategies are the best strategies to protect consumers. Global warming and human intervention have introduced new toxins into European waters, posing a new threat to public health. The lack of information, standards, and reference materials delay effective solutions.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Walid Zeghbib, Fares Boudjouan, Vitor Vasconcelos, Graciliana Lopes
Summary: In this study, a summary of the different classes of phenolic compounds found in Opuntia species so far is provided, and their implications in the inflammatory process are explored. The use of cactus in folk medicine is supported, and its socio-economic value is evaluated.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Leticia Diez-Quijada, Maria Puerto, Daniel Gutierrez-Praena, Maria Turkina, Alexandre Campos, Vitor Vasconcelos, Ana M. Camean, Angeles Jos
Summary: This study assessed the cytotoxic effects and gene expression changes in renal cells caused by CYN and MC-LR. The results showed that CYN upregulated gene expression, especially at high concentrations and long exposure times. Additionally, simultaneous exposure to both cyanotoxins resulted in more protein expression changes compared to single toxin exposure.
Article
Microbiology
Richard Mugani, Fatima El Khalloufi, El Mahdi Redouane, Mohammed Haida, Soukaina El Amrani Zerrifi, Alexandre Campos, Minoru Kasada, Jason Woodhouse, Hans-Peter Grossart, Vitor Vasconcelos, Brahim Oudra
Summary: Research has shown that plant growth-promoting bacteria associated with toxic cyanobacterial blooms can help pea plants overcome oxidative stress induced by microcystin and improve plant growth and nutritional value.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ines Pascoa, Rita Biltes, Joao Sousa, Marco Aurelio Correia Preto, Vitor Vasconcelos, Luis Filipe Castro, Raquel Ruivo, Isabel Cunha
Summary: Cyanobacteria produce secondary metabolites that can act as ligands for PPARs, making them a potential source of bioactive compounds. A cell-based PPAR transactivation activity biosensor was upgraded and used in a screening campaign for drug discovery.
Article
Microbiology
Ines Rosado Vitorino, Alexandre Lobo-da-Cunha, Vitor Vasconcelos, Olga Maria Lage
Summary: In this study, a novel bacterium, strain ICT_H6.2(T), was isolated from the brackish environment of the Tagus River estuary in Portugal. Through genetic analysis, it was classified as a member of the bacterial phylum Planctomycetota and family Lacipirellulaceae, with a 98.0% similarity to its closest relative Aeoliella mucimassa Pan181(T). The strain has a genome size of 7.8 Mbp and a DNA G+C content of 59.6 mol %. It is heterotrophic, aerobic and capable of microaerobic growth, and can tolerate high salt concentrations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Samuel Cavalcante do Amaral, Luciana Pereira Xavier, Vitor Vasconcelos, Agenor Valadares Santos
Summary: Cyanobacteria are a valuable source of secondary metabolites with diverse chemical and biological properties, including antifungal activity. This review examines the key features of these antifungal compounds, their sources, major targets, and the environmental factors involved in their production. A comprehensive analysis of 642 documents dating from 1980 to 2022, including patents, original research, review articles, and theses, was conducted for this study.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria G. Hinojosa, Antonio Cascajosa-Lira, Ana I. Prieto, Daniel Gutierrez-Praena, Vitor Vasconcelos, Angeles Jos, Ana M. Camean
Summary: The incidence and interest of cyanobacteria have been increasing due to their ability to produce toxic secondary metabolites known as cyanotoxins. This study assessed the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress generation of different cyanobacterial extracts, and compared the effects of extracts containing and not containing cylindrospermopsin (CYN) in human neuroblastoma cells. The results showed that the CYN-containing extract was more toxic and induced oxidative stress compared to the CYN-free extract. This study highlights the importance of studying toxic effects of cyanobacteria in their natural environment.
Article
Biology
Martha Martinez-Garcia, Gloria Garduno-Solorzano, Graciliana Lopes, Begona Astrain Sanchez, Ralph Urbatzka, Guilherme Scotta Hentschke, Jorge E. Campos, Vitor Manuel Oliveira Vasconcelos
Summary: Using molecular markers, we confirmed the taxonomic status of Bacopa monnieri from Mexico and analyzed its chemical content and potential bioactivity. The results show that B. monnieri has great potential as a natural source of compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity properties. This plant's raw material can be effectively used as a nutritional and medicinal supplement.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ruben Luz, Rita Cordeiro, Jan Kastovsky, Jeffrey R. Johansen, Elisabete Dias, Amelia Fonseca, Ralph Urbatzka, Vitor Vasconcelos, Vitor Goncalves
Summary: This study described new genera and species of filamentous cyanobacteria isolated from aquatic habitats in the Azores archipelago through morphology, genetic data, and other analyses. It emphasizes the importance of taxonomic studies on cyanobacteria from less-studied habitats and geographical regions.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Margarida Silva, Marco Preto, Clara Grosso, Monica Vieira, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Vitor Vasconcelos, Mariana Reis, Lillian Barros, Rosario Martins
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes a decline in cognitive functions. It is the most common form of dementia and has no well-defined cause. Current treatments only manage to reduce symptoms, and there are only two drugs that can partially halt its progression. Natural compounds from mushrooms have been studied for their potential use in AD treatment due to their beneficial effects on various AD-related mechanisms such as enzyme inhibition, prevention of protein aggregation and neurotoxicity, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. While there have been studies linking mushrooms to neurodegenerative diseases, there is currently no publication summarizing the data specifically focused on AD. This review aims to fill that gap by compiling the potential anti-AD effects of mushroom extracts or compounds that target known AD-related mechanisms.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ruben Luz, Rita Cordeiro, Jan Kastovsky, Jeffrey R. Johansen, Elisabete Dias, Amelia Fonseca, Ralph Urbatzka, Vitor Vasconcelos, Vitor Goncalves
Summary: The taxonomy of cyanobacteria has been advanced through the use of molecular methods and morphology. In this study, four cyanobacterial strains from the Azores Archipelago were genetically characterized and classified as new species and genera. This research contributes to the understanding of the biogeography of cyanobacteria in remote oceanic islands and new terrestrial habitats.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vitoria Ramos, Mariana Reis, Leonor Ferreira, Ana Margarida Silva, Ricardo Ferraz, Monica Vieira, Vitor Vasconcelos, Rosario Martins
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive and irreversible neuronal loss, and there are currently no available cures. Cyanobacterial compounds have anti-neurodegenerative properties and can be valuable in the field of treatment.
Article
Microbiology
Lamia Benredjem, Joao Morais, Guilherme Scotta Hentschke, Akila Abdi, Hajira Berredjem, Vitor Vasconcelos
Summary: This study isolated and identified cyanobacteria strains from the Cheffia Reservoir, revealing the importance of morphological features and the 16S rRNA gene in species determination. The research also discovered potentially toxic genotypes within this ecosystem, highlighting the need for adapted water treatment methods to prevent toxin release from picocyanobacteria.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Joao Romeu, Joao Morais, Vitor Vasconcelos, Filipe Mergulhao
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of hydrogen peroxide on cyanobacterial biofilms and found that these biofilms were tolerant to hydrogen peroxide treatment, which may even lead to an increase in biomass.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mohammadhossein Movassaghghazani, Nazanin Shabansalmani
Summary: The study revealed high levels of AFM1 in both breast milk and powdered milk samples in Tehran, with some samples exceeding the established limits. Therefore, monitoring and regulating toxin levels in these products is crucial for maternal and infant health.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Defeng Wen, Wantong Han, Quan Chen, Guanhui Qi, Mengling Gao, Pu Guo, Yu Liu, Zhongyuan Wu, Shulin Fu, Qirong Lu, Yinsheng Qiu
Summary: Luteolin can inhibit FB1-induced intestinal inflammatory injury by inhibiting the activation of NF-kappa B and ERK signaling pathways, according to network pharmacology and in vitro experiments.
