HIV Proteins and Endothelial Dysfunction: Implications in Cardiovascular Disease

With the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), a dramatic decrease in viral burden and opportunistic infections and an increase in life expectancy has been observed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals. However, it is now clear that HIV- infected individuals have enhanced susceptibility to non-AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)-related complications such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVDs such as atherosclerosis have become a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with HIV infection. Though studies indicate that ART itself may increase the risk to develop CVD, recent studies suggest a more important role for HIV infection in contributing to CVD independently of the traditional risk factors. Endothelial dysfunction triggered by HIV infection has been identified as a critical link between infection, inflammation/immune activation, and atherosclerosis. Considering the inability of HIV to actively replicate in endothelial cells, endothelial dysfunction depends on both HIV-encoded proteins as well as inflammatory mediators released in the microenvironment by HIV-infected cells. Indeed, the HIV proteins, gp120 (envelope glycoprotein) and Tat (transactivator of transcription), are actively secreted into the endothelial cell micro-environment during HIV infection, while Nef can be actively transferred onto endothelial cells during HIV infection. These proteins can have significant direct effects on the endothelium. These include a range of responses that contribute to endothelial dysfunction, including enhanced adhesiveness, permeability, cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress as well as activation of cytokine secretion. This review summarizes the current understanding of the interactions of HIV, specifically its proteins with endothelial cells and its implications in cardiovascular disease. We analyze recent in vitro and in vivo studies examining endothelial dysfunction in response to HIV proteins. Furthermore, we discuss the multiple mechanisms by which these viral proteins damage the vascular endothelium in HIV patients. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HIV protein associated endothelial dysfunction leading to cardiovascular disease is likely to be pivotal in devising new strategies to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients

Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Environments: Harnessing the Potential of Biosurfactants – A review

Hydrocarbon contamination from industries like petrochemicals threatens the environment and public health. Benzene, toluene, xylene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in petroleum products are highly toxic. Conventional cleanup methods are costly and risk secondary pollution. This review highlights biosurfactants, microbially produced compounds that enhance hydrocarbon degradation by lowering surface tension and increasing bioavailability. Biosurfactants are biodegradable and eco-friendly, making them a sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants. The review intends to cover the biosurfactant sources, types, mechanisms, and their applications in hydrocarbon-contaminated environments. Recent bioremediation advancements, including microbial-enhanced oil recovery, soil and water cleanup, and heavy metal removal, are discussed. Optimizing biosurfactant production is also explored, offering a green and effective solution to combat hydrocarbon contamination and promote environmental restoration

Unraveling the tripartite interaction of volatile compounds of Streptomyces rochei with grain mold pathogens infecting sorghum

Sorghum is a major grain crop used in traditional meals and health drinks, and as an efficient fuel. However, its productivity, value, germination, and usability are affected by grain mold, which is a severe problem in sorghum production systems, which reduces the yield of harvested grains for consumer use. The organic approach to the management of the disease is essential and will increase consumer demand. Bioactive molecules like mVOC (volatile organic compound) identification are used to unravel the molecules responsible for antifungal activity. The Streptomyces rochei strain (ASH) has been reported to be a potential antagonist to many pathogens, with high levels of VOCs. The present study aimed to study the inhibitory effect of S. rochei on sorghum grain mold pathogens using a dual culture technique and via the production of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). mVOCs inhibited the mycelial growth of Fusarium moniliforme by 63.75 and Curvularia lunata by 68.52%. mVOCs suppressed mycelial growth and inhibited the production of spores by altering the structure of mycelia in tripartite plate assay. About 45 mVOCs were profiled when Streptomyces rochei interacted with these two pathogens. In the present study, several compounds were upregulated or downregulated by S. rochei, including 2-methyl-1-butanol, methanoazulene, and cedrene. S. rochei emitted novel terpenoid compounds with peak areas, such as myrcene (1.14%), cymene (6.41%), and c-terpinene (7.32%) upon interaction with F. moniliforme and C. lunata. The peak area of some of the compounds, including furan 2-methyl (0.70%), benzene (1.84%), 1-butanol, 2-methyl-(8.25%), and myrcene (1.12)%, was increased during tripartite interaction with F. moniliforme and C. lunata, which resulted in furan 2-methyl (6.60%), benzene (4.43%), butanol, 2-methyl (18.67%), and myrcene (1.14%). These metabolites were implicated in the sesquiterpenoid and alkane biosynthetic pathways and the oxalic acid degradation pathway. The present study shows how S. rochei exhibits hyperparasitism, competition, and antibiosis via mVOCs. In addition to their antimicrobial functions, these metabolites could also enhance plant growth.Peer reviewe

A trivariate compound generalized poisson model for corticotropin-releasing hormone effects on human pregnant and nonpregnant

In this paper, we apply a new approach to uterine contractions to a large panel of human pregnant non pregnant myometrial strips, treated or not by corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). This model is based on a fine analysis of the contraction curves.This analysis yield four mathematical parameters beta, theta, tau1 and tau2 related to excitability, duration of plateau phase, and time constants for relaxation describing respectively, the different portions of the contraction cycle. This leads to specific differences in spontaneous contractile activity between pregnant and nonpregnant states. In the present study, we compare nonpregant and pregnant women close to the term vitro CRH myometrial responsiveness, to describe uterine contractile activity during a parturition. We have a Trivariate compound generalized Poisson model for uterine contraction to a pregnant and nonpregnant myometrial strips, treated or not treated by corticotrophin- releasing hormone (CRH). Although, the biochemical signification of these results remains to be elucidated, we contribute to emphasize CRH action at the myometrical level. The results reveal highly significant differences between pregnant and nonpregnant myometrium as well as in their response to CRH

Effect of Processing on Structure and Morphology of Amaranth Starch

ABSTRACT The structure of Raw and Processed Amaranth Grains starch was studied by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In this study, starch morphological differences were observed between raw and processed (Boiled, Roasted and popped) grains derived from the same cultivar. Among food carbohydrates, starch occupies a unique position. It is the major carbohydrate storage material in many higher plants and is considered the second largest natural biopolymer next to cellulose. Starch contributes to the physicochemical properties of food products made from cereals, tubers, roots, legumes, and fruits. It is the basic source of energy for the majority of the world's population. In human nutrition, starch plays a major part in supplying the metabolic energy that enables the body to perform its different functions. In this study SEM revealed that starch granules of grains were much smaller in size that many of them were not separated from amyloplasts. Cooked grains have wider, more defined cracks, suggesting that they serve as channels for water migration into the grain during cooking. Water penetrates unequally into the grain during cooking, low water penetration produces dense regions with minimal starch gelatinization, and high water penetration produces large voided areas. The voids occur in the transverse orientation of the grain and are the main of cause grain expansion during cooking than the other processing such as roasting and popping. But the structural changes at micro and nano-scales can be dramatic, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Especially when water traces are present, a very rich network of polymer chains can be observed, remaining after the granule structure collapses. This is considered a suitable structural basis for different new products were interactions could be modeled, such as carriers for nutritional interesting substances

Predicting Wind Turbine Performance Using Machine Learning Techniques

Wind energy is a rapidly growing field, and the ability to accurately predict wind turbine performance is essential for optimizing wind energy production. Machine learning technology has been successfully applied to predict wind turbine performance using various models such as neural networks, decision trees, and support vector machines. However, traditional machine learning models such as neural networks require a significant amount of time to train and optimize, and their performance can be affected by overfitting and underfitting. To address these challenges, a proposed backpropagation algorithm is introduced to predict wind turbine performance using a neural network model. The proposed methodology can be used in real-world scenarios to predict wind turbine performance and optimize wind energy production, contributing to the transition towards sustainable and clean energy sources

Formulation of Bioadhesive Carbomer Gel Incorporating Drug-Loaded Gelatin Microspheres for Periodontal Therapy

Purpose: To formulate carbomer gel to localize and target drug action in periodontal pockets. Methods: Diclofenac sodium (DS, anti-inflammatory) and metronidazole hydrochloride (MH, antibacterial) were loaded in gelatin microspheres using glutaraldehyde cross-linking. The microspheres were evaluated for drug loading, entrapment and encapsulation efficiency, particle size, drug release as well as by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The microspheres were incorporated into carbomer gel and evaluated for drug release. Results: Loading, entrapment and encapsulation efficiencies of DS in the microsphere were 23.4, 93.6, and 74.9 w/w%, respectively, while for MH the values were 21.5, 86.0 and 73.1 % w/w, respectively. Mean particle size of unloaded microspheres, DS- and MH-loaded microspheres was 33.5, 67.8 and 51.4 μm, respectively. SEM showed spherical geometry of microspheres while DSC indicated the amorphous nature of t entrapped DS and MH. Sustained release of DS and MH over a 4-h period from the microspheres and gel was achieved. Conclusion: Carbomer gel loaded with microspheres of diclofenac and metronidazole is a potential localized delivery system for the treatment inflammation and infection in periodontal pockets

Not Available

Not AvailableTurmeric rhizome rot is a devastating disease posting the major threat to turmeric cultivation. Plant growthpromoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Pseudomonas fluorescens strain FP7 was found to exhibit disease reduction and plant growth promotional activity in various crop plants in our previous studies. In this study, efforts were made to evaluate the efficacy of P. fluorescens (FP7) bioformulations against rhizome rot disease in turmeric plants. Among the FP7 bioformulations tested, a combination of rhizome dip and soil drench of FP7 liquid formulation recorded the minimum disease incidence under glasshouse (19.00%) and field conditions (10.18% and 13.29% in the trial I and trial II respectively). Furthermore, the 2D-PAGE analysis was performed to elucidate the molecular responses of tripartite interaction between host-pathogen-bioagent through protein profiling. A total of 12 differentially expressed proteins were identified and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis revealed that proteins such as tryptophan synthase beta subunit-like, phosphoglycerate kinase, cellulose synthase 6 isoform, ATP synthase subunit beta, cysteine-rich peptide, ribosomal protein S3, clathrin assembly protein and disease resistance protein RPP13-like were found to be differentially regulated. The differentially expressed proteins during tripartite interaction might be directly or indirectly involved in disease resistance in turmeric plants. This study provides an initial insight into the molecular mechanism of tripartite interaction between host-pathogen - bioagent in turmeric plantsNot Availabl