Valorization of watermelon fruit (Citrullus lanatus) byproducts: phytochemical and biofunctional properties with emphasis on recent trends and advances

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) a fruit crop, is an herbaceous creeping plant belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is a tropical plant, mainly propagated by seeds and thrives best in warm areas. While the fruit pulp is consumed, seeds are often discarded. The continuously growing global market for the main tropical fruits is currently estimated at 85 million tons, of which approximately half is lost or wasted throughout the whole processing chain. Developing novel processes for the conversion of these byproducts into value‐added products could provide a viable way to manage this waste problem, aiming at the same time to create a sustainable economic growth within a bio‐economy perspective. Given the ever‐increasing concern about sustainability, complete valorization through a bio‐refinery approach, that is, zero waste concepts is therefore most important. This paper aims to report the status on the valorization of tropical fruit byproducts, more specifically in watermelon seeds and their content in bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids. Moreover, the bioactivity of the different types of phytochemicals and their possible application as a resource for different sectors (food, pharmaceutical, and environmental sciences) is discussed. Consequently, this review presents the concepts of tropical fruit byproducts recovery, and the potential applications of the isolated fractions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Transthoracic echocardiography reference values in juvenile and adult 129/Sv mice

Background In the recent years, the use of Doppler-echocardiography has become a standard non-invasive technique in the analysis of cardiac malformations in genetically modified mice. Therefore, normal values have to be established for the most commonly used inbred strains in whose genetic background those mutations are generated. Here we provide reference values for transthoracic echocardiography measurements in juvenile (3 weeks) and adult (8 weeks) 129/Sv mice. Methods Echocardiographic measurements were performed using B-mode, M-mode and Doppler-mode in 15 juvenile (3 weeks) and 15 adult (8 weeks) mice, during isoflurane anesthesia. M-mode measurements variability of left ventricle (LV) was determined. Results Several echocardiographic measurements significantly differ between juvenile and adult mice. Most of these measurements are related with cardiac dimensions. All B-mode measurements were different between juveniles and adults (higher in the adults), except for fractional area change (FAC). Ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS), calculated from M-mode parameters, do not differ between juvenile and adult mice. Stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were significantly different between juvenile and adult mice. SV was 31.93 ± 8.67 μl in juveniles vs 70.61 ± 24.66 μl in adults, ρ < 0.001. CO was 12.06 ± 4.05 ml/min in juveniles vs 29.71 ± 10.13 ml/min in adults, ρ < 0.001. No difference was found in mitral valve (MV) and tricuspid valve (TV) related parameters between juvenile and adult mice. It was demonstrated that variability of M-mode measurements of LV is minimal. Conclusions This study suggests that differences in cardiac dimensions, as wells as in pulmonary and aorta outflow parameters, were found between juvenile and adult mice. However, mitral and tricuspid inflow parameters seem to be similar between 3 weeks and 8 weeks mice. The reference values established in this study would contribute as a basis to future studies in post-natal cardiovascular development and diagnosing cardiovascular disorders in genetically modified mouse mutant lines.Peer Reviewe

Remote triggering of TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling in human adipose stem cells laden on magnetic scaffolds synergistically promotes tenogenic commitment

Injuries affecting load bearing tendon tissues are a significant clinical burden and efficient treatments are still unmet. Tackling tendon regeneration, tissue engineering strategies aim to develop functional substitutes that recreate native tendon milieu. Tendon mimetic scaffolds capable of remote magnetic responsiveness and functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) targeting cellular mechanosensitive receptors are potential instructive tools to mediate mechanotransduction in guiding tenogenic responses. In this work, we combine magnetically responsive scaffolds and targeted Activin A type II receptor in human adipose stem cells (hASCs), under alternating magnetic field (AMF), to synergistically facilitate external control over signal transduction. The combination of remote triggering TGF-β/Smad2/3 using MNPs tagged hASCs, through magnetically actuated scaffolds, stimulates overall expression of tendon related genes and the deposition of tendon related proteins, in comparison to non-stimulated conditions. Moreover, the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 proteins and their nuclear co-localization was also more evident. Overall, biophysical stimuli resulting from magnetic scaffolds and magnetically triggered cells under AMF stimulation modulate the mechanosensing response of hASCs towards tenogenesis, holding therapeutic promise.Authors acknowledge the project “Accelerating tissue engineering and personalized medicine discoveries by the integration of key enabling nanotechnologies, marine-derived biomaterials and stem cells”, supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and the FCT Project MagTT PTDC/CTM-CTM/29930/2017 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-29930). Authors acknowledge the HORIZON 2020 for the Achilles Twinning Project No. 810850. Authors also thank the European Research Council COG MagTendon No. 772817 and the ADG DYNACEUTICS No. 789119. Prof. Bernardo Almeida from Physics Department, University of Minho, is also acknowledged for assisting in the magnetic system assembling. Authors also acknowledge the INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (Braga, Portugal) for the magnetization analysis

Discovery of Markers of Exposure Specific to Bites of Lutzomyia longipalpis, the Vector of Leishmania infantum chagasi in Latin America

Leishmania parasites are transmitted by the bite of an infected vector sand fly that injects salivary molecules into the host skin during feeding. Certain salivary molecules can produce antibodies and can be used as an indicator of exposure to a vector sand fly and potentially the disease it transmits. Here we identified potential markers of specific exposure to the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, the vector of visceral leishmaniasis in Latin America. Initially, we determined which of the salivary proteins produce antibodies in humans, dogs, and foxes from areas endemic for the disease. To identify potential specific markers of vector exposure, we produced nine different recombinant salivary proteins from Lu. longipalpis and tested for their recognition by individuals exposed to another human-biting sand fly, Lu. intermedia, that transmits cutaneous leishmaniasis and commonly occurs in the same endemic areas as Lu. longipalpis. Two of the nine salivary proteins were recognized only by humans exposed to Lu. longipalpis, suggesting they are immunogenic proteins and may be useful in epidemiological studies. The identification of specific salivary proteins as potential markers of exposure to vector sand flies will increase our understanding of vector–human interaction, bring new insights to vector control, and in some instances act as an indicator for risk of acquiring disease

Uma revisão das atividades biológicas de sementes de Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceae)

O presente trabalho apresenta uma revisão da literatura que evidencia a importância nutricional, fitoquímica e propriedades biológicas das sementes de melancia. Neste trabalho de revisão bibliográfica foram descritos os principais nutrientes, compostos antioxidantes das sementes, tais como, ácidos fenólicos, flavonoides e alcaloides, bem com a sua associação às atividades biológicas benéficas que os mesmos poderão exercer no metabolismo humano.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Controlling Macrophage Polarization to Modulate Inflammatory Cues Using Immune-Switch Nanoparticles

The persistence of inflammatory mediators in tissue niches significantly impacts regenerative outcomes and contributes to chronic diseases. Interleukin-4 (IL4) boosts pro-healing phenotypes in macrophages (Mφ) and triggers the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6). Since the IL4/STAT6 pathway reduces Mφ responsiveness to inflammation in a targeted and precise manner, IL4 delivery offers personalized possibilities to overcome inflammatory events. Despite its therapeutic potential, the limited success of IL4-targeted delivery is hampered by inefficient vehicles. Magnetically assisted technologies offer precise and tunable nanodevices for the delivery of cytokines by combining contactless modulation, high tissue penetration, imaging features, and low interference with the biological environment. Although superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) have shown clinical applicability in imaging, SPION-based approaches have rarely been explored for targeted delivery and cell programming. Herein, we hypothesized that SPION-based carriers assist in efficient IL4 delivery to Mφ, favoring a pro-regenerative phenotype (M2φ). Our results confirmed the efficiency of SPION-IL4 and Mφ responsiveness to SPION-IL4 with evidence of STAT6-mediated polarization. SPION-IL4-treated Mφ showed increased expression of M2φ associated-mediators (IL10, ARG1, CCL2, IL1Ra) when compared to the well-established soluble IL4. The ability of SPION-IL4 to direct Mφ polarization using sophisticated magnetic nanotools is valuable for resolving inflammation and assisting innovative strategies for chronic inflammatory conditions

Single-wall Carbon Nanotubes Chemically Modified With Cysteamine And Their Application In Polymer Solar Cells: Influence Of The Chemical Modification On Device Performance.

In order to improve the dispersion of single-wall carbon nanotubes in a matrix of poly(3-hexylthiophene), this paper reports the modification of single-wall carbon nanotubes with COOH groups followed by reaction with cysteamine that introduced thiol groups along the tubes. The resulting modified single-wall carbon nanotubes were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The modified carbon nanotubes were applied, in combination with poly(3-hexylthiophene), in a bulk heterojunction solar cell. After passing through a post-treatment process to obtain debundied modified single-wall carbon nanotubes, solar cells with improved performance were obtained. After the treatment sequence, both the open circuit voltage and short-circuit current increased in comparison to the non-treated modified single-wall carbon nanotubes polymer solar cells.95850-

Nanoencapsulation of Gla-Rich Protein (GRP) as a Novel Approach to Target Inflammation

LA/P/0101/2020 LA/P/0140/2020 AAC nº 41/ALG/2020—Project nº 072583—NUTRISAFEChronic inflammation is a major driver of chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs), with a tremendous impact worldwide. Besides its function as a pathological calcification inhibitor, vitamin K-dependent protein Gla-rich protein (GRP) was shown to act as an anti-inflammatory agent independently of its gamma-carboxylation status. Although GRP’s therapeutic potential has been highlighted, its low solubility at physiological pH still constitutes a major challenge for its biomedical application. In this work, we produced fluorescein-labeled chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles containing non-carboxylated GRP (ucGRP) (FCNG) via ionotropic gelation, increasing its bioavail-ability, stability, and anti-inflammatory potential. The results indicate the nanosized nature of FCNG with PDI and a zeta potential suitable for biomedical applications. FCNG’s anti-inflammatory activity was studied in macrophage-differentiated THP1 cells, and in primary vascular smooth muscle cells and chondrocytes, inflamed with LPS, TNFα and IL-1β, respectively. In all these in vitro human cell systems, FCNG treatments resulted in increased intra and extracellular GRP levels, and decreased pro-inflammatory responses of target cells, by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammation mediators. These results suggest the retained anti-inflammatory bioactivity of ucGRP in FCNG, strengthening the potential use of ucGRP as an anti-inflammatory agent with a wide spectrum of application, and opening up perspectives for its therapeutic application in CIDs.publishersversionpublishe

Booster dose after 10 years is recommended following 17DD-YF primary vaccination

Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiologicos Bio-Manguinhos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiologicos Bio-Manguinhos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Governo do Estado de Minas Gerais. Secretaria de Estado de Saúde. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiologicos Bio-Manguinhos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiologicos Bio-Manguinhos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiologicos Bio-Manguinhos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Alfenas. Alfenas, MG, Brasil.Instituto de Biologia do Exercito. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Instituto de Biologia do Exercito. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Instituto de Biologia do Exercito. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Instituto de Biologia do Exercito. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Instituto de Biologia do Exercito. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Instituto de Biologia do Exercito. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Assessoria Clínica de Bio-Manguinhos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiologicos Bio-Manguinhos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiologicos Bio-Manguinhos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Assessoria Clínica de Bio-Manguinhos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Ministerio da Saude. Secretaria de Vigilancia em Saude. Brasil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Brasil.Universidade de Brasília. Brasilia, DF, Brasil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.US Food and Drug Administration. Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Silver Spring, MD USAFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Diretoria Regional de Brasília. Brasília, DF, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Escola Nacional de Saúde Publica. Rio de Janeiro, DF, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas Renê Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.A single vaccination of Yellow Fever vaccines is believed to confer life-long protection. In this study, results of vaccinees who received a single dose of 17DD-YF immunization followed over 10 y challenge this premise. YF-neutralizing antibodies, subsets of memory T and B cells as well as cytokine-producing lymphocytes were evaluated in groups of adults before (NVday0) and after (PVday30-45, PVyear1-4, PVyear5-9, PVyear10-11, PVyear12-13) 17DD-YF primary vaccination. YF-neutralizing antibodies decrease significantly from PVyear1-4 to PVyear12-13 as compared to PVday30-45, and the seropositivity rates (PRNT≥2.9Log10mIU/mL) become critical (lower than 90%) beyond PVyear5-9. YF-specific memory phenotypes (effector T-cells and classical B-cells) significantly increase at PVday30-45 as compared to na've baseline. Moreover, these phenotypes tend to decrease at PVyear10-11 as compared to PVday30-45. Decreasing levels of TNF-α(+) and IFN-γ(+) produced by CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells along with increasing levels of IL-10(+)CD4(+)T-cells were characteristic of anti-YF response over time. Systems biology profiling represented by hierarchic networks revealed that while the na've baseline is characterized by independent micro-nets, primary vaccinees displayed an imbricate network with essential role of central and effector CD8(+) memory T-cell responses. Any putative limitations of this cross-sectional study will certainly be answered by the ongoing longitudinal population-based investigation. Overall, our data support the current Brazilian national immunization policy guidelines that recommend one booster dose 10 y after primary 17DD-YF vaccination