Bioactive Cytotoxic Agents and Chemokine Production Inhibitors in LPS-Induced Raw264.7 Macrophage Cell Line from Flowers of Crepis Senecioides

Crepis senecioides is one of the endemic plant species found in Libya. The ethanol extract (E) of the flowers was partitioned on silica gel column with dichloromethane affording four compounds. Their structures were elucidated by the physicochemical and spectral data as germanicol acetate (1), 3`,3``butyl, 8`,8``carboxy) di-octyl phethalate (2), taraxasterol (3) and β-sitosterol (4). effect of the tested samples 1 and 2 on the viability of RAW macrophage 264.7 were studied. anti-cancer activity was tested on several human cell lines. Anti-inflammatory effect was also screened. Compound 1 had promising cellular cytotoxicity with IC50 60.26µg/mL on HepG2. Compound 2 had a talented cellular cytotoxicity with IC50 50.18 µg/mL on PC3. Both 1 and 2 exerted alike cytotoxicity with IC50 µg/mL 78.53, 78.14 on PC3 and MCF-7 carcinoma cell lines respectively. The treatment of LPS-stimulated macrophage with 2 led to a highly significant inhibition 45.05% in the nitrite concentration in LPS-stimulated macrophage. Compound 1 had a promising cellular cytotoxicity on HepG2, while 2 exhibited an inhibition on chemokine expression in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and had talented cellular cytotoxicity on PC3. Keywords: Crepis senecioide;, Asteraceae; Anti-inflammatory; cytotoxic effect; terpenoids; phethalate derivative

Direct Atmospheric Evidence for the Irreversible Formation Of Aqueous Secondary Organic Aerosol

The reversible nature of aqueous secondary organic aerosol (aqSOA) formation was characterized for the first time through direct atmospheric measurements. Water-soluble organic carbon in the gas and particle phases (WSOCg and WSOCp) was measured simultaneously to quantify aqSOA formation in Baltimore, Maryland. During the nighttime, aqSOA formation was evident as WSOCg increasingly partitioned to the particle phase with increasing relative humidity (RH). To characterize the reversible/irreversible nature of this aqSOA, the WSOCp measurement was alternated through an unperturbed ambient channel and through a “dried” channel maintained at ~40% RH (with 7 s residence time) to mimic the natural drying particles undergo throughout the day. Across the entire RH range encountered, there was no statistically significant difference in WSOCp concentrations through the dry and ambient channels, indicating that the aqSOA remained in the condensed phase upon the evaporation of aerosol water. This strongly suggests that the observed aqSOA was formed irreversibly

Characterization of Atmospheric Microplastics at Daytona Beach, Florida

Microplastics (MPs) are defined as small fragments of plastic or synthetic polymer material less than 5mm in size. Previous research has primarily focused on MPs in marine and coastal environments; however, characterization of MPs in the atmosphere has been limited. The goal of this study is to investigate MPs in the atmosphere, i.e., their composition, origin, and transport, because of the uncertainties associated with the impacts of MPs on human health upon inhalation. Due to no existing protocol, a working methodology is continually being modeled since the Summer of 2021. Active and passive sampling is conducted in the summer season at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus in Daytona Beach, Florida. This location is advantageous due to its diverse air pollution sources and meteorological conditions. Daily active sampling entails using the Tisch High Volume Air Sampler, whereas weekly passive sampling utilizes a setup devised to hold a filter where MPs are deposited through wet and dry processes. Filters will then be submerged in 30% hydrogen peroxide at 40°C to remove any organic material, ensuring that only MPs are analyzed. Followed by vacuum filtration where the MPs are transferred to a 0.45μm polytetrafluoroethylene 47 mm diameter membrane filter for visual analysis. Optical characterization of MPs is conducted using a ZEISS Axioscope 7 compound microscope to determine the size distribution of these particles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is utilized to investigate the chemical composition of MPs. This study has implications for the effects of MPs on human health via inhalation and their impacts on water bodies and soil upon deposition

The Effects of Isoprene and NOx on Secondary Organic Aerosols Formed Through Reversible and Irreversible Uptake to Aerosol Water

Isoprene oxidation produces water-soluble organic gases capable of partitioning to aerosol liquid water. The formation of secondary organic aerosols through such aqueous pathways (aqSOA) can take place either reversibly or irreversibly; however, the split between these fractions in the atmosphere is highly uncertain. The aim of this study was to characterize the reversibility of aqSOA formed from isoprene at a location in the eastern United States under substantial influence from both anthropogenic and biogenic emissions. The reversible and irreversible uptake of water-soluble organic gases to aerosol water was characterized in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, using measurements of particulate water-soluble organic carbon (WSOCp) in alternating dry and ambient configurations. WSOCp evaporation with drying was observed systematically throughout the late spring and summer, indicating reversible aqSOA formation during these times. We show through time lag analyses that WSOCp concentrations, including the WSOCp that evaporates with drying, peak 6 to 11 h after isoprene concentrations, with maxima at a time lag of 9 h. The absolute reversible aqSOA concentrations, as well as the relative amount of reversible aqSOA, increased with decreasing NOx / isoprene ratios, suggesting that isoprene epoxydiol (IEPOX) or other low-NOx oxidation products may be responsible for these effects. The observed relationships with NOx and isoprene suggest that this process occurs widely in the atmosphere, and is likely more important in other locations characterized by higher isoprene and/or lower NOx levels. This work underscores the importance of accounting for both reversible and irreversible uptake of isoprene oxidation products to aqueous particles

Characterization of Microplastics in the Atmosphere

Microplastics (MPs) are defined as small fragments of plastic or synthetic polymer material that are less than 5mm in size. Previous research has primarily focused on MPs in marine and coastal environments; however, characterization of MPs in the atmosphere has been limited. The goal of this study is to investigate MPs in the atmosphere, i.e., their composition, origin, and transport, due to the uncertainties associated with the impacts of MPs on human health upon inhalation. Active and passive sampling is conducted at two diverse locations: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida and Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Active sampling entails using the Tisch High Volume Air Sampler, to collect MPs on filters which are collected daily. On the other hand, passive sampling utilizes a setup devised to hold the filter to collect MPs, on a weekly basis. Post sampling procedures involve submerging the filters in 30% hydrogen peroxide to eliminate any organic material and to ensure that only MPs are being analyzed followed by vacuum filtration where the MPs are transferred to a 10 filter for visual analysis. Optical characterization takes place using a ZEISS Axioscope 7 compound microscope to determine the size distribution of these particles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy will be utilized to investigate the chemical properties of MPs. This study has implications for the effects of MPs on human health via inhalation, as well as their effects on water bodies and soil upon deposition

Low-cost Particulate Matter Sensors and Their Future Use with Unmanned Vehicles

In the past two decades, images have surfaced depicting severe smog and air pollution conditions blanketing urban environments. While shocking, these images shine light on the increasing level of pollution in the atmosphere. One pollutant of particular concern is Particulate Matter (PM), which is defined as any solid and/or liquid particles suspended or dispersed in the atmosphere. PM comes in three major size classifications: PM10, PM2.5, and PM1, where the number refers to the aerodynamic diameter of the particles, in microns. In an effort to advance research and curve the effects of PM in the atmosphere, low-cost PM sensors (LCPMS) have flooded the market in recent years. LCPMS use the light scattering properties of atmospheric particles, including Rayleigh and Mie scattering, or gravitational methods to measure particle concentrations. This novel sensor technology is relatively low-cost, with prices varying from $30-500 per sensor. The inexpensive nature of LCPMS makes PM research and data collection more attainable than ever before for individual and academic use. The lightweight and compact nature of most LCPMS allows them to become a prime candidate for use on unmanned aircraft (UA). Due to their ability to reach higher altitudes and travel long distances, UA have the potential to advance PM research past the realms of ground-level data analysis and give a better understanding of PM concentrations and composition at higher altitudes. Unfortunately, many of the new LCPMS on the market have flaws in their computation and general use; including but not limited to: build quality, mis-calibration, and erroneous readings in non-standard settings. Future research should examine the effectiveness and viability of using LCPMS on UA to collect data at varying altitudes. Hence, the aim of this study is to review the current state of LCPMS, with a focus on those that were used on UA, while noting discrepancies and flaws in the market offerings of LCPMS at the present moment. Ultimately, the better characterization of LCPMS on UA will enhance their use and allow for remedies to air pollution-stricken areas

Characterization of Microplastics in the Atmosphere

For the purposes of this research, microplastics (MPs) can be defined as small fragments of plastic or synthetic polymer material that are less than 5mm in size. The goal of this study is to investigate MPs in the atmosphere. Previous research has primarily focused on MPs in marine and coastal environments; however, we are directing our attention to the atmospheric presence of MPs. This is due to the uncertainties associated with the impacts of MPs on human health upon inhalation. By the means of active and passive sampling, we aim to determine the atmospheric transport of MPs operating from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at the Daytona Beach Campus. Active sampling entails using the Tisch High Volume Air Sampler, which will be collected daily. On the other hand, passive sampling utilizes a setup devised to hold the filter to collect MPs, this will be collected weekly. From this point, the MPs will be isolated and analyzed under a ZEISS Axioscope 7 compound microscope to determine the size of the microplastic particles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy will be utilized to investigate chemical properties of MPs. Utilizing these methods, we will obtain a thorough understanding of the composition and origin of these atmospheric particles. To further assess the effect of weather conditions on the transportation of MPs in the atmosphere, this work will be conducted seasonally. This study has implications for the effects of MPs on human health via inhalation, as well as their effects on water bodies and soil upon deposition

Molecular hybridization design and synthesis of novel spirooxindole-based MDM2 inhibitors endowed with BCL2 signaling attenuation:A step towards the next generation p53 activators

Despite the achieved progress in developing efficient MDM2-p53 protein-protein interaction inhibitors (MDM2 inhibitors), the acquired resistance of tumor cells to such p53 activators posed an argument about the druggability of the pathway. Combination studies disclosed that concomitant inhibition of MDM2 and BCL2 functions can sensitize the tumor cells and synergistically induce apoptosis. Herein, we employed a rapid combinatorial approach to generate a novel series of hybrid spirooxindole-based MDM2 inhibitors (5a-s) endowed with BCL2 signaling attenuation. The adducts were designed to mimic the thematic features of the chemically stable potent spiro[3H-indole-3,2′-pyrrolidin]-2(1H)-ones MDM2 inhibitors while installing a pyrrole ring on the core via a carbonyl spacer inspired by the natural product marinopyrrole A that efficiently inhibits BCL2 family functions by various mechanisms. NCI 60 cell-line panel screening revealed their promising broad-spectrum antiproliferative activities. The NCI-selected derivatives were screened for cytotoxic activities against normal fibroblasts, MDA-MB 231, HepG-2, and Caco-2 cells via MTT assay, subjected to mechanistic apoptosis studies for assessment of p53, BCL2, p21, and caspase 3/7 status, then evaluated for potential MDM2 inhibition utilizing MST assay. The most balanced potent and safe derivatives; 5i and 5q were more active than 5-fluorouracil, exhibited low μM range MDM2 binding (KD =1.32 and 1.72 μM, respectively), induced apoptosis-dependent anticancer activities up to 50%, activated p53 by 47-63%, downregulated the BCL2 gene to 59.8%, and reduced its protein level (13.75%) in the treated cancer cells. Further downstream p53 signaling studies revealed > 2 folds p21 upregulation and > 3 folds caspase 3/7 activation. Docking simulations displayed that the active MDM2 inhibitors resided well into the p53 binding sites of MDM2, and shared key interactions with the co-crystalized inhibitor posed by the indolinone scaffold (5i, 5p, and 5q), the halogen substituents (5r), or the installed spiro ring (5s). Finally, in silico ADMET profiling predicted acceptable drug-like properties with full accordance to Lipinski's, Veber's, and Muegge's bioavailability parameters for 5i and a single violation for 5q

A Multiple-Objective Environmental Rationalization and Optimization for Material Substitution in the Production of Stone-Washed Jeans- Garments

As the Textile Industry is the second largest industry in Egypt and as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up a great portion of this industry therein it is essential to apply the concept of Cleaner Production for the purpose of reducing pollution. In order to achieve this goal, a case study concerned with ecofriendly stone-washing of jeans-garments was investigated. A raw material-substitution option was adopted whereby the toxic potassium permanganate and sodium sulfide were replaced by the environmentally compatible hydrogen peroxide and glucose respectively where the concentrations of both replaced chemicals together with the operating time were optimized. In addition, a process-rationalization option involving four additional processes was investigated. By means of criteria such as product quality, effluent analysis, mass and heat balance; and cost analysis with the aid of a statistical model, a process optimization treatment revealed that the superior process optima were 50%, 0.15% and 50min for H2O2 concentration, glucose concentration and time, respectively. With these values the superior process ought to reduce the annual cost by about EGP 105 relative to the currently used conventional method

RESPONSE OF CUMIN PLANT TO SOME ORGANIC, BIOFERTILIZATION AND ANTIOXIDANT TREATMENTS I. VEGETATIVE GROWTH AND FRUITS YIELD

The effect of farmyard manure (FYM) at 10, 15 and 20 m3/fed E.M. and/or vitamin E or vit. B1 treatments on vegetative growth (plant height, number of branches/plant and dry weight of herb/plant), yield (number of umbels/plant, fruit yield/plant and /fed) of cumin plant were investigated during 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 at Samalot region (El-Byaho village) - Minia Governorate and Laboratory of Ornamental Plants, Fac. of Agric., Minia Univ. All treatments of FYM statistically increased vegetative growth characters and fruit yield as compared with control. The high level of FYM was the most effective in this concern. The treatments of E.M. + vit. B1 followed by E.M. + vit. E, then mineral NPK (full dose) were the best results in increasing all the previous traits. Supplying cumin plants with FYM at 20 m3/fed in combination with E.M. + vitamins (B1 or E) or FYM at 15 m3/fed plus E.M. + vit. B1 resulted overall the highest values of the previous traits