A multifaceted review on dihydromyricetin resources, extraction, bioavailability, biotransformation, bioactivities, and food applications with future perspectives to maximize its value

Natural bioactive compounds present a better alternative to prevent and treat chronic diseases owing to their lower toxicity and abundant resources. (+)-Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a lavanonol, possessing numerous interesting bioactivities with abundant resources. his review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in DMY natural resources, stereoisomerism, physicochemical properties, extraction, biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics, and biotransformation. Stereoisomerism of DMY should be considered for better indication of its eicacy. Biotechnological approach presents a potential tool for the production of DMY using microbial cell factories. DMY high instability is related to its powerful antioxidant capacity due to pyrogallol moiety in ring B, and whether preparation of other analogues could demonstrate improved properties. DMY demonstrates poor bioavailability based on its low solubility and permeability with several attempts to improve its pharmacokinetics and eicacy. DMY possesses various pharmacological efects, which have been proven by many in vitro and in vivo experiments, while clinical trials are rather scarce, with underlying action mechanisms remaining unclear. Consequently, to maximize the usefulness of DMY in nutraceuticals, improvement in bioavailability, and better understanding of its actions mechanisms and drug interactions ought to be examined in the future along with more clinical evidence

Comparative Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Salix Cortex Extracts and Acetylsalicylic Acid in SARS-CoV-2 Peptide and LPS-Activated Human In Vitro Systems

The usefulness of anti-inflammatory drugs as an adjunct therapy to improve outcomes in COVID-19 patients is intensely discussed. Willow bark (Salix cortex) has been used for centuries to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever. Its main active ingredient, salicin, is metabolized in the human body into salicylic acid, the precursor of the commonly used pain drug acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Here, we report on the in vitro anti-inflammatory efficacy of two methanolic Salix extracts, standardized to phenolic compounds, in comparison to ASA in the context of a SARS-CoV-2 peptide challenge. Using SARS-CoV-2 peptide/IL-1β- or LPS-activated human PBMCs and an inflammatory intestinal Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-culture, Salix extracts, and ASA concentration-dependently suppressed prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a principal mediator of inflammation. The inhibition of COX-2 enzyme activity, but not protein expression was observed for ASA and one Salix extract. In activated PBMCs, the suppression of relevant cytokines (i.e., IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10) was seen for both Salix extracts. The anti-inflammatory capacity of Salix extracts was still retained after transepithelial passage and liver cell metabolism in an advanced co-culture model system consisting of intestinal Caco-2/HT29-MTX cells and differentiated hepatocyte-like HepaRG cells. Taken together, our in vitro data suggest that Salix extracts might present an additional anti-inflammatory treatment option in the context of SARS-CoV-2 peptides challenge; however, more confirmatory data are needed.Federal Ministry of Education and Research, GermanyPeer Reviewe

Development of an Inflammation-Triggered In Vitro “Leaky Gut” Model Using Caco-2/HT29-MTX-E12 Combined with Macrophage-like THP-1 Cells or Primary Human-Derived Macrophages

The “leaky gut” syndrome describes a damaged (leaky) intestinal mucosa and is considered a serious contributor to numerous chronic diseases. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are particularly associated with the “leaky gut” syndrome, but also allergies, autoimmune diseases or neurological disorders. We developed a complex in vitro inflammation-triggered triple-culture model using 21-day-differentiated human intestinal Caco-2 epithelial cells and HT29-MTX-E12 mucus-producing goblet cells (90:10 ratio) in close contact with differentiated human macrophage-like THP-1 cells or primary monocyte-derived macrophages from human peripheral blood. Upon an inflammatory stimulus, the characteristics of a “leaky gut” became evident: a significant loss of intestinal cell integrity in terms of decreased transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), as well as a loss of tight junction proteins. The cell permeability for FITC-dextran 4 kDa was then increased, and key pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-alpha and IL-6, were substantially released. Whereas in the M1 macrophage-like THP-1 co-culture model, we could not detect the release of IL-23, which plays a crucial regulatory role in IBD, this cytokine was clearly detected when using primary human M1 macrophages instead. In conclusion, we provide an advanced human in vitro model that could be useful for screening and evaluating therapeutic drugs for IBD treatment, including potential IL-23 inhibitors

Application of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Nanofluid for 450 W LED Floodlight

Overheating of the high-power light emitting diode (LED) has a dramatic effect on the chip’s lifetime. Heat dissipation for high-power LED is becoming a major challenge for researchers and technicians. Compared with the air cooling method, the liquid cooling method has many advantages and high efficiency because of higher specific heat capacity, density, and thermal conductivity. Carbon nanotubes with remarkable thermal properties have been used as additives in liquids to increase the thermal conductivity. In this work, multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanofluid (MWCNTs nanofluid) was used to enhance heat dissipation for 450 W LED floodlight. MWCNTs nanofluid was made by dispersing the OH functionalized MWCNTs in ethylene glycol/water solution. The concentration of MWCNTs in fluid was in the range between 0.1 and 1.3 gram/liter. The experimental results showed that the saturated temperature of 450 W LED chip was 55°C when using water/ethylene glycol solution in liquid cooling system. In the case of using MWCNTs nanofluid with 1.2 gram/liter of MWCNTs’ concentration, the saturated temperature of LED chip was 50.6°C. The results have confirmed the advantages of the MWCNTs for heat dissipation systems for high-power LED floodlight and other high power electronic devices

In Vitro Effect of Taraxacum officinale Leaf Aqueous Extract on the Interaction between ACE2 Cell Surface Receptor and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein D614 and Four Mutants

To date, there have been rapidly spreading new SARS-CoV-2 “variants of concern”. They all contain multiple mutations in the ACE2 receptor recognition site of the spike protein, compared to the original Wuhan sequence, which is of great concern, because of their potential for immune escape. Here we report on the efficacy of common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) to block protein–protein interaction of SARS-COV-2 spike to the human ACE2 receptor. This could be shown for the wild type and mutant forms (D614G, N501Y, and a mix of K417N, E484K, and N501Y) in human HEK293-hACE2 kidney and A549-hACE2-TMPRSS2 lung cells. High-molecular-weight compounds in the water-based extract account for this effect. Infection of the lung cells using SARS-CoV-2 spike D614 and spike Delta (B.1.617.2) variant pseudotyped lentivirus particles was efficiently prevented by the extract and so was virus-triggered pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 secretion. Modern herbal monographs consider the usage of this medicinal plant as safe. Thus, the in vitro results reported here should encourage further research on the clinical relevance and applicability of the extract as prevention strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infection in terms of a non-invasive, oral post-exposure prophylaxis

Improving the quality of Vernonia amygdalina extract by ultrasound‐assisted extraction coupled with gas bubble flotation

Vernonia amygdalina is an herb commonly used in folk medicine; It possesses various compounds with therapeutic capabilities. Traditional extraction approaches applied to this plant may destroy its bioactive compounds and inherently contaminate them with toxic organic solvents. In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction combined with gas-bubble flotation was applied to increase V. amygdalina extraction yield. The efficiency of water maceration was increased by 200%, without the drawbacks of the conventional extraction methods. The total phenolic content yield was 189 ± 12.7 (mg GAE/g dry weight) with a condensation efficiency of 115 ± 5.7%; and the total flavonoid content was 6.44 ± 1.68 (mg QE/g dry weight). Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the condensed foam was enhanced up to 120%. Analysis of the extract by FTIR revealed the presence of extractable chemical families: sesquiterpene lactones, saponins and flavonoids, and that the chemical characteristics of the extract were also preserved due to mild extracting conditions. Overall, this method is effective for extracting bioactive compounds from herbs with appealing advantages: no thermal degradation, organic solvent free extraction, and low energy consumption. Practical Applications: The utilization of ultrasound-assisted extraction and gas bubble flotation has been proven to be effective in condensing the aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina. Gas bubble flotation was shown to condense the herb extract by 120%, which is considered efficient given the simplicity and energy consumption of the process

sj-docx-1-aph-10.1177_10105395231169084 – Supplemental material for Infrastructure and Software Skills in the Expanded Program on Immunization at Commune Health Centers in Central Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-aph-10.1177_10105395231169084 for Infrastructure and Software Skills in the Expanded Program on Immunization at Commune Health Centers in Central Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study by Nguyen Khoi Nguyen, Phan Thanh Long, Tran Binh Thang, Le Dinh Duong, Nguyen Minh Tu, Dang Thi Anh Thu and Nguyen Thanh Gia in Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health</p

Sensitivity and specificity of a novel classifier for the early diagnosis of dengue.

BACKGROUND:Dengue is the commonest arboviral disease of humans. An early and accurate diagnosis of dengue can support clinical management, surveillance and disease control and is central to achieving the World Health Organisation target of a 50% reduction in dengue case mortality by 2020. METHODS:5729 children with fever of <72 hrs duration were enrolled into this multicenter prospective study in southern Vietnam between 2010-2012. A composite of gold standard diagnostic tests identified 1692 dengue cases. Using statistical methods, a novel Early Dengue Classifier (EDC) was developed that used patient age, white blood cell count and platelet count to discriminate dengue cases from non-dengue cases. RESULTS:The EDC had a sensitivity of 74.8% (95%CI: 73.0-76.8%) and specificity of 76.3% (95%CI: 75.2-77.6%) for the diagnosis of dengue. As an adjunctive test alongside NS1 rapid testing, sensitivity of the composite test was 91.6% (95%CI: 90.4-92.9%). CONCLUSIONS:We demonstrate that the early diagnosis of dengue can be enhanced beyond the current standard of care using a simple evidence-based algorithm. The results should support patient management and clinical trials of specific therapies