RESUMO

Thermolysin (TLN) is a microbial highly-priced thermostable metallo-endoprotease with complementary substrate specificity to those of proteases widely used in science and industry for protein digestion and milk-clotting. This study is the first to immobilize TLN on aminated superparamagnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@silica-NH2) aiming for higher stability, recoverability, reusability, and applicability in proteolysis and as a microbial rennet-like milk-clotting enzyme. The nanobiocatalyst developed (Fe3O4@silica-TLN) displays hydrolytic activity on a synthetic TLN substrate and, apparently, was fully recovered from reaction media by magnetic decantation. More importantly, Fe3O4@silica-TLN retains TLN catalytic properties in the presence of calcium ions even after exposure to 60 °C for 48 h, storage at 4 °C for 80 days and room temperature for 42 days, use in proteolyses, and in milk-clotting for up to 11 cycles. Its proteolytic activity on bovine milk casein in 24 h furnished 84 peptides, of which 29 are potentially bioactive. Also, Fe3O4@silica-TLN catalyzed the digestion of bovine serum albumin. In conclusion, Fe3O4@silica-TLN showed to be a new, less autolytic, thermostable, non-toxic, magnetically-separable, and reusable nanobiocatalyst with highly attractive properties for both science (peptide/protein chemistry and structure, proteomic studies, and the search for new bioactive peptides) and food industry (cheese manufacture).

Assuntos

Enzimas Imobilizadas , Leite , Proteólise , Dióxido de Silício , Termolisina , Dióxido de Silício/química , Animais , Leite/química , Enzimas Imobilizadas/química , Enzimas Imobilizadas/metabolismo , Termolisina/metabolismo , Termolisina/química , Biocatálise , Bovinos , Estabilidade Enzimática , Nanopartículas de Magnetita/química

RESUMO

This project studied the use of lentil protein (LP) and quinoa protein (QP) in their native and modified states as carrier material in the encapsulation process by the ionic gelation technique of annatto seed extract. Soy protein (SP) was used as a model of carrier material and encapsulated bioactive compounds, respectively. The plant proteins were modified by enzymatic hydrolysis, N acylation, and N-cationization to improve their encapsulating properties. Additionally, the secondary structure, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), solubility as a function of pH, isoelectric point (pI), molecular weight (MW), the content of free thiol groups (SH), the absorption capacity of water (WHC) and fat (FAC), emulsifier activity (EAI), emulsifier stability (ESI), and gelation temperature (Tg) were assessed on proteins in native and modified states. The results obtained demonstrated that in a native state, LP (80.52% and 63.82%) showed higher encapsulation efficiency than QP (73.63% and 45.77%), both for the hydrophilic dye and for the annatto extract. Structural modifications on proteins improve some functional properties, such as solubility, WHC, FAC, EAI, and ESI. However, enzymatic hydrolysis on the proteins decreased the gels' formation, the annatto extract's encapsulated efficiency, and the hydrophilic dye by the ionic gelation method. On the other hand, the modifications of N-acylation and N-cationization increased but did not generate statistically significant differences (p-value > 0.05) in the encapsulation efficiency of both the annatto extract and the hydrophilic dye compared to those obtained with native proteins. This research contributes to understanding how plant proteins (LP and QP) can be modified to enhance their encapsulating and solubility properties. The better encapsulation of bioactive compounds (like annatto extract) can improve product self-life, potentially benefiting the development of functional ingredients for the food industry.

RESUMO

Plants have several mechanisms to adapt or acclimate to environmental stress. Morphological, physiological, or genetic changes are examples of complex plant responses. In recent years, our understanding of the role of epigenetic regulation, which encompasses changes that do not alter the DNA sequence, as an adaptive mechanism in response to stressful conditions has advanced significantly. Some studies elucidated and synthesized epigenetic mechanisms and their relationships with environmental change, while others explored the interplay between epigenetic modifications and environmental shifts, aiming to deepen our understanding of these complex processes. In this study, we performed a systematic review of the literature to analyze the progression of epigenetics studies on plant species' responses to abiotic factors. We also aimed to identify the most studied species, the type of abiotic factor studied, and the epigenetic technique most used in the scientific literature. For this, a search for articles in databases was carried out, and after analyzing them using pre-established inclusion criteria, a total of 401 studies were found. The most studied species were Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, highlighting the gap in studies of non-economic and tropical plant species. Methylome DNA sequencing is the main technique used for the detection of epigenetic interactions in published studies. Furthermore, most studies sought to understand the plant responses to abiotic changes in temperature, water, and salinity. It is worth emphasizing further research is necessary to establish a correlation between epigenetic responses and abiotic factors, such as extreme temperatures and light, associated with climate change.

RESUMO

To improve the biocompatibility and bioactivity of biodegradable iron-based materials, nanostructured surfaces formed by metal oxides offer a promising strategy for surface functionalization. To explore this potential, iron oxide nanotubes were synthesized on pure iron (Fe) using an anodic oxidation process (50 V-30 min, using an ethylene glycol solution containing 0.3% NH4F and 3% H2O, at a speed of 100 rpm). A nanotube layer composed mainly of α-Fe2O3 with diameters between 60 and 70 nm was obtained. The effect of the Fe-oxide nanotube layer on cell viability and morphology was evaluated by in vitro studies using a human osteosarcoma cell line (SaOs-2 cells). The results showed that the presence of this layer did not harm the viability or morphology of the cells. Furthermore, cells cultured on anodized surfaces showed higher metabolic activity than those on non-anodized surfaces. This research suggests that growing a layer of Fe oxide nanotubes on pure Fe is a promising method for functionalizing and improving the cytocompatibility of iron substrates. This opens up new opportunities for biomedical applications, including the development of cardiovascular stents or osteosynthesis implants.

RESUMO

Appearance modification practices are ubiquitous, serving to enhance physical attractiveness and accrue social advantages, including increased desirability as a potential mate. Facial cosmetics are frequently used for appearance modification, yet individual differences in makeup usage remain understudied. While makeup usage in women has been linked to traits like narcissism and extraversion, the broader association with Dark Triad traits and how personality influences makeup application across diverse social contexts were less explored. Here we examined these relationships in 1,410 Brazilian women (Mage = 29.9, SD = 10.35), who completed online Big Five and Dark Triad personality measures, reported their usual makeup usage habits, and detailed their makeup usage across different social scenarios. Results revealed makeup usage was positively associated with narcissism and extraversion, and negatively with psychopathy. Additionally, women used less makeup when alone (at home, exercises) and more in social settings, particularly for the first date. However, women with higher narcissism and neuroticism showed larger differences among low and high makeup usage situations, while individuals with higher psychopathy used makeup in similar frequencies among different situations. Further, (1) overall greater users of makeup scored higher on narcissism, conscientiousness, and agreeableness; (2) average users displayed lower psychopathy; and (3) lesser users reported lower narcissism and higher psychopathy. These findings underscore the nuanced relationship between makeup usage and personality, particularly highlighting the influence of narcissism. These findings contribute to the interplay between personality traits and makeup usage, considering interindividual differences and intraindividual variation in understanding cosmetic behaviors among women.

RESUMO

Tattoos serve as a valuable tool for identification. In the forensic context, it is vital to establish a systematic approach for documenting tattoo-related information to facilitate efficient and fast comparisons, especially in postmortem cases. Despite some countries failing to recognize the potential significance of tattoos, this study presents a methodological framework for gathering comprehensive data on this form of body modification. This article presents the results of an investigation made in Mexico during 2019-2022. The proposed methodology introduces a systematic and distinct classification system tailored to the country in which it will be implemented. The proposal is accompanied by applying the methodology in a Forensic Medical Service (SEMEFO) in Mexico for a week to test its effectiveness and speed under high workloads and stressful conditions. The novelty of this article lies in emphasizing the need for established, replicable, and homologous methodologies for tattoo codification. Additionally, it presents a more in-depth codification, where the details of the tattoos to be classified are thoroughly analyzed.

Assuntos

Ciências Forenses , Tatuagem , Tatuagem/normas , México , Humanos , Ciências Forenses/métodos

RESUMO

Vitamin D3(cholecalciferol)plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. However, vitamin D3 deficiency is a major public health problem affecting millions of people. Therefore, it is important to develop effective strategies that ensure the protection and stability of this important vitamin for food supplementation and fortification. This work aimed to impregnate intact and plasmolyzedSaccharomyces pastorianus brewer's yeast biomass with cholecalciferol using a biosorption process followed by spray drying to characterize the obtained material in terms of morphology, average particle size, zeta potential, moisture, water activity, FT-IR, and the stability of the encapsulated vitamin during the drying and storage process. Plasmolysis proved to be an effective method for improving the biosorption efficiency, retention during spray drying, and stability of vitamin D3. In addition, this process promoted an increase in cell size, which favored the dispersion stability of the system, as evidenced by the zeta potential values. These results contribute to the understanding of a new method for delivering this vitamin that conforms to environmentally conscious practices.

Assuntos

Biomassa , Colecalciferol , Tamanho da Partícula , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier , Secagem por Atomização , Dessecação/métodos

RESUMO

The distribution of a species reflects its ecological adaptability and evolutionary history, which is shaped by the environment and represents a dynamic area subject to anthropogenic environmental change. We used the MaxEnt algorithm to construct ecological niche models for four thrush species within the Turdus genus; T. amaurochalinus, T. chiguanco, T. falcklandii and T. rufiventris. These models were used to predict the potential geographic distributions of these species that are expanding their ranges in South America. Using occurrence records, we estimated currently occupied areas for each species. We also identified suitable habitats and projected possible areas to be colonized by the four species at continental scale. Temperature annual range had the highest influence for T. falcklandii, while human modification was the main variable explaining the distribution of the other three species. The potential distribution area ranged from 2.5 million km2 for T. falcklandii to nearly seven million km2 for T. amaurochalinus. Large proportions of suitable area remain unoccupied by all four species, being 50% for T. amaurochalinus and T. rufiventris, and about 70% for T. chiguanco and T. falcklandii. Anthropogenic disturbances, such as habitat loss and ecosystem transformation, lead to non-random species extinction and biotic homogenization, highlighting the importance of predictive models as valuable tools for informing mitigation policies and conservation strategies. Thrushes are progressively expanding their ranges, and the colonization of new habitats could bring new challenges.

Assuntos

Ecossistema , América do Sul , Animais , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Aves Canoras/fisiologia , Distribuição Animal

RESUMO

Photocatalytic membranes are a promising technology for water and wastewater treatment. Towards circular economy, extending the lifetime of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes for as long as possible is extremely important, due to the great amount of RO modules discarded every year around the world. Therefore, in the present study, photocatalytic membranes made of recycled post-lifespan RO membrane (polyamide thin-film composite), TiO2 nanoparticles and graphene oxide are used in the treatment tertiary-treated domestic wastewater to remove trace organic compounds (TrOCs). The inclusion of dopamine throughout the surface modification process enhanced the stability of the membranes to be used as long as 10 months of operation. We investigated TrOCs removal by the membrane itself and in combination with UV-C and visible light by LED. The best results were obtained with integrated membrane UV-C system at pH 9, with considerable reductions of diclofenac (92%) and antipyrine (87%). Changes in effluent pH demonstrated an improvement in the attenuation of TrOCs concentration at higher pHs. By modifying membranes with nanocomposites, an increase in membrane hydrophilicity (4° contact angle reduction) was demonstrated. The effect of the lamp position on the light fluence that reaches the membrane was assessed, and greater values were found in the middle of the membrane, providing parameters for process optimization (0.29 ± 0.10 mW cm-2 at the center of the membrane and 0.07 ± 0.03 mW cm-2 at the right and left extremities). Photocatalytic recycled TiO2-GO membranes have shown great performance to remove TrOCs and extend membrane lifespan, as sustainable technology to treat wastewater.

Assuntos

Grafite , Membranas Artificiais , Titânio , Eliminação de Resíduos Líquidos , Águas Residuárias , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Purificação da Água , Titânio/química , Poluentes Químicos da Água/química , Águas Residuárias/química , Grafite/química , Eliminação de Resíduos Líquidos/métodos , Catálise , Purificação da Água/métodos , Compostos Orgânicos/química , Reciclagem/métodos , Raios Ultravioleta , Osmose

RESUMO

Carboxymethylated derivatives of pullulan (PU) were synthesized and evaluated as coating for the postharvest preservation of blueberries. Carboxymethylpullulan was obtained by etherification reaction with the substitution degrees of 0.52, 0.34, and 0.26 for CMP1, CMP2, and CMP3 respectively. Infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance results showed characteristic signals of the carbonyl group belonging to the carboxymethyl group. Thermal analysis showed that CMP1, CMP2, and CMP3 derivatives presented thermal stability values of 209.91 C, 214.73 C, and 225.52 °C, respectively, and were lower with respect to PU with Td of 238.84 °C. Furthermore, an increase in the glass transition temperature due to carboxymethylation was determined. The chemical modification decreased the contact angle with respect to PU (71.34°) with values for CMP1, CMP2, and CMP3 of 39.89°, 53.72° and 60.61°, respectively. The carboxymethylation also increased the water vapor permeability and mechanical properties of the films. In addition, it was found that the CMP molecules affected the optical properties. The application of CMP-based coatings reduced the mass loss and ripening rate of blueberries compared to native pullulan, therefore, packaging from CMP molecules could be used as a coating capable of delaying ripening and extending the shelf life of fruits.

Assuntos

Embalagem de Alimentos , Glucanos , Glucanos/química , Mirtilos Azuis (Planta)/química , Conservação de Alimentos/métodos , Permeabilidade , Vapor , Frutas/química

RESUMO

Curcumin serves as a photosensitizer (PS) in the context of microbial inactivation when subjected to light exposure, to produce reactive oxygen species, which exhibit efficacy in eradicating microorganisms. This remarkable property underscores the growing potential of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the ongoing fight against bacterial infections. Considering this, we investigate the efficacy of various in vitro curcumin formulations within a PDT protocol designed to target Staphylococcus aureus. Specifically, we conduct a comparative analysis involving synthetic curcumin (Cur-Syn) and curcumin derivatives modified with chlorine (Cl), selenium (Se), and iodine (I) (Cur-Cl, Cur-Se, Cur-I). To assess the impact of aPDT, we subject S. aureus to incubation with curcumin, followed by irradiation at 450 nm with energy doses of 3.75, 7.5, and 15 J/cm2. Our investigation encompasses an evaluation of PS uptake and photobleaching across the various curcumin variants. Notably, all three modifications (Cur-Cl, Cur-Se, Cur-I) induce a significant reduction in bacterial viability, approximately achieving a 3-log reduction. Interestingly, the uptake kinetics of Cur-Syn and Cur-Se exhibit similarities, reaching saturation after 20 min. Our findings suggest that modifications to curcumin have a discernible impact on the photodynamic properties of the PS molecule.

RESUMO

Sulfuric acid anodizing assisted by a hydrothermal sealing with inhibitors [Ce3+-Mo6+] was used to prevent pitting corrosion on spray-deposited hypereutectic Al-Si alloy (A390). An investigation concerning the evaluation of pitting corrosion resistance on the anodic oxide thin film with ions incorporated was carried out in NaCl solution using electrochemical measurements (i.e., potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, EIS). The influence of Si phase morphology and size on the growth mechanism of an anodic oxide film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results were then compared with those for its equivalent IM390 alloy (Al-17Si-4.5Cu-0.6Mg) produced through a conventional process ingot metallurgy, IM. The electrochemical findings indicate that sulfuric acid anodizing followed by a simple hot water sealing treatment was ineffective. In this manner, an intense attack was localized by pitting corrosion that occurred on the anodic oxide film in less than three days, as denoted by characteristic changes in the EIS spectra at the lowest frequencies. Improved results were achieved for Ce-Mo surface modification, which can provide better corrosion resistance on the aluminum alloys because no signs of pits were observed during the corrosion testing.

RESUMO

Water pollution is a worldwide environmental and health problem that requires the development of sustainable, efficient, and accessible technologies. Nanotechnology is a very attractive alternative in environmental remediation processes due to the multiple properties that are conferred on a material when it is at the nanometric scale. This present review focuses on the understanding of the structure-physicochemical properties-performance relationships of silver nanoparticles, with the objective of guiding the selection of physicochemical properties that promote greater performance and are key factors in their use as antibacterial agents, surface modifiers, colorimetric sensors, signal amplifiers, and plasmonic photocatalysts. Silver nanoparticles with a size of less than 10 nm, morphology with a high percentage of reactive facets {111}, and positive surface charge improve the interaction of the nanoparticles with bacterial cells and induce a greater antibacterial effect. Adsorbent materials functionalized with an optimal concentration of silver nanoparticles increase their contact area and enhance adsorbent capacity. The use of stabilizing agents in silver nanoparticles promotes selective adsorption of contaminants by modifying the surface charge and type of active sites in an adsorbent material, in addition to inducing selective complexation and providing stability in their use as colorimetric sensors. Silver nanoparticles with complex morphologies allow the formation of hot spots or chemical or electromagnetic bonds between substrate and analyte, promoting a greater amplification factor. Controlled doping with nanoparticles in photocatalytic materials produces improvements in their electronic structural properties, promotes changes in charge transfer and bandgap, and improves and expands their photocatalytic properties. Silver nanoparticles have potential use as a tool in water remediation, where by selecting appropriate physicochemical properties for each application, their performance and efficiency are improved.

RESUMO

A polyethylene (PE) film surface modification method is proposed via benzoic acid (BA) alkylation grafting to improve the surface affinity to polar substances. The procedure involves sequentially spraying AlCl3 and BA onto the heat-softened PE surface. The occurrence of the alkylation reaction was evaluated through comparative chemical, morphological, and thermal analyses. It was demonstrated that the grafting reaction of BA onto the PE film surface took place, limited to the surface layer, while preserving the bulk properties of PE. The reaction resulted in the formation of aluminum benzoate complexes, which improved the surface affinity to polar compounds. The impact of grafting on the surface properties of PE was further assessed by comparing the behavior of PE films treated with BA and untreated PE films when painted with watercolors. The PE film grafted with BA exhibited increased affinity towards watercolors, providing strong evidence of a change in surface polarity from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. These findings indicate that the proposed methodology effectively renders the PE surface paintable, even with non-toxic water-based inks, making it suitable for applications such as packaging.

RESUMO

Diverse proteomics-based strategies have been applied to saliva to quantitatively identify diagnostic and prognostic targets for oral cancer. Considering that these targets may be regulated by events that do not imply variation in protein abundance levels, we hypothesized that changes in protein conformation can be associated with diagnosis and prognosis, revealing biological processes and novel targets of clinical relevance. For this, we employed limited proteolysis-mass spectrometry in saliva samples to explore structural alterations, comparing the proteome of healthy control and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients with and without lymph node metastasis. Thirty-six proteins with potential structural rearrangements were associated with clinical patient features including transketolase and its interacting partners. Moreover, N-glycosylated peptides contribute to structural rearrangements of potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. Altogether, this approach utilizes saliva proteins to search for targets for diagnosing and prognosing oral cancer and can guide the discovery of potential regulated sites beyond protein-level abundance.

Assuntos

Neoplasias Bucais , Proteoma , Saliva , Humanos , Neoplasias Bucais/metabolismo , Neoplasias Bucais/patologia , Neoplasias Bucais/diagnóstico , Saliva/química , Saliva/metabolismo , Proteoma/análise , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/metabolismo , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patologia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/diagnóstico , Feminino , Biomarcadores Tumorais/metabolismo , Masculino , Metástase Linfática , Conformação Proteica , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prognóstico , Proteômica/métodos , Transcetolase/metabolismo , Idoso , Espectrometria de Massas , Proteínas e Peptídeos Salivares/metabolismo , Proteínas e Peptídeos Salivares/análise

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of adjunctive low-voltage area (LVA) ablation on outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) remains uncertain. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CA with versus without LVA ablation for patients with AF. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled with a random-effects model. Our primary endpoint was recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA), including AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia. We used R version 4.3.1 for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 10 RCTs encompassing 1780 patients, of whom 890 (50%) were randomized to LVA ablation. Adjunctive LVA ablation significantly reduced recurrence of ATA (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.67-0.88; p < .01) and reduced the number of redo ablation procedures (RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.35-0.85; p < .01), as compared with conventional ablation. Among 691 (43%) patients with documented LVAs on baseline substrate mapping, adjunctive LVA ablation substantially reduced ATA recurrences (RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.38-0.86; p < .01). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of periprocedural adverse events (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.39-1.56; p = .49). CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive LVA ablation is an effective and safe strategy for reducing recurrences of ATA among patients who undergo CA for AF.

Assuntos

Potenciais de Ação , Fibrilação Atrial , Ablação por Cateter , Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como Assunto , Recidiva , Humanos , Fibrilação Atrial/cirurgia , Fibrilação Atrial/fisiopatologia , Fibrilação Atrial/diagnóstico , Ablação por Cateter/efeitos adversos , Resultado do Tratamento , Masculino , Fatores de Risco , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Frequência Cardíaca , Idoso , Fatores de Tempo

RESUMO

Type II diabetes is increasingly becoming a problem in Latin American countries such as Peru. People living with diabetes must incorporate several behavioral changes in their everyday lives, which are done outside the purview of medical professionals. Support from friends and family members is essential to the successful management of any chronic condition. Our study discusses the role of family involvement in supporting the management of diabetes among Peruvian men and examines how masculine norms play a role in the way such support is received and perceived, and their influence in motivation to adhere to treatment recommendations. In-depth interviews with 20 men from a low socioeconomic status, aged 27 to 68 with a diagnosis of Type II diabetes were conducted. Our analysis suggests the importance of the close, complex, and integrated experience that connects family members and patients with a chronic condition. Participant accounts demonstrate they receive multiple forms of support from a diverse range of social relationships. The overwhelming majority of the people giving the support were female and were especially significant in supporting management practices. The participants' accounts were able to demonstrate how living with a chronic condition, such as diabetes, affects the whole family-physically, mentally, and emotionally-and they experience the disease as one unit. Our study demonstrates the need for a family health experience approach that considers masculine gender norms around health and provides relevant insights to inform family-based treatments and therapies to allow for more and better targeted health care for men.

Assuntos

Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Apoio Familiar , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Peru , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/terapia , Doença Crônica , Percepção , Masculinidade

RESUMO

RNA editing is a post-transcriptional process that challenges the central dogma of molecular biology by modifying RNA sequences, introducing nucleotide changes at specific sites, and generating functional diversity beyond the genomic code, especially when it concerns organellar transcripts. In plants, this phenomenon is widespread, but its extent varies significantly among species and organellar genomes. Among land plants, the heterosporous lycophytes (i.e., Isoetes and Selaginella) stand out for their exceptionally high numbers of RNA-editing sites, despite their morphological stasis and ancient lineage. In this study, we explore the complete set of organellar protein-coding genes in the aquatic plant group Isoetes, providing a detailed analysis of RNA editing in both the mitochondrial and plastid genomes. Our findings reveal a remarkable abundance of RNA editing, particularly in the mitochondrial genome, with thousands of editing sites identified. Interestingly, the majority of these edits result in non-silent substitutions, suggesting a role in fine-tuning protein structure and function. Furthermore, we observe a consistent trend of increased hydrophobicity in membrane-bound proteins, supporting the notion that RNA editing may confer a selective advantage by preserving gene functionality in Isoetes. The conservation of highly edited RNA sequences over millions of years underscores the evolutionary significance of RNA editing. Additionally, the study sheds light on the dynamic nature of RNA editing, with shared editing sites reflecting common ancestry whereas exclusive edits matching more recent radiation events within the genus. This work advances our understanding of the intricate interplay between RNA editing, adaptation, and evolution in land plants and highlights the unique genomic features of Isoetes, providing a foundation for further investigations into the functional consequences of RNA editing in this enigmatic plant lineage.

RESUMO

Corona treatment (CT), a surface treatment widely used in the plastic industry, can be used to alter the properties of cassava starch. In the present work, CT was performed on dry granular starch (DS), water-suspended humid granular starch (HS), and gelatinized starch (GS). Different properties and structural characteristics of treated starches were studied. A lowering in pH was generally observed after CT and the rheological properties depended on the starch presentation. A reinforcement of DS and HS samples after CT was deduced from higher viscosity values in flow assays and viscoelastic moduli, but weak gels were obtained when CT was applied to GS. Changes in the A-type polymorphic structure, as well as a drop in relative crystallinity, were produced by CT for DS and HS. Additionally, changes in O-H and C-O-C FTIR bands were observed. Therefore, CT can be applied for starch modification, producing predominantly cross-linking in the DS and de-polymerization in the HS. Casting films made from the modified DS showed higher tensile strength and lower hydrophilicity, solubility, water absorption capacity, and water vapor permeability. Thus, the DS cross-linking induced by CT improved mechanical characteristics and hydrophobicity in edible films, which can be better used as packaging materials.

RESUMO

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a critical, life-threatening condition marked by severe inflammation and impaired lung function. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) present a promising therapeutic avenue due to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative capabilities. This review comprehensively evaluates MSC-based strategies for ARDS treatment, including direct administration, tissue engineering, extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoparticles, natural products, artificial intelligence (AI), gene modification, and MSC preconditioning. Direct MSC administration has demonstrated therapeutic potential but necessitates optimization to overcome challenges related to effective cell delivery, homing, and integration into damaged lung tissue. Tissue engineering methods, such as 3D-printed scaffolds and MSC sheets, enhance MSC survival and functionality within lung tissue. EVs and MSC-derived nanoparticles offer scalable and safer alternatives to cell-based therapies. Likewise, natural products and bioactive compounds derived from plants can augment MSC function and resilience, offering complementary strategies to enhance therapeutic outcomes. In addition, AI technologies could aid in optimizing MSC delivery and dosing, and gene editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 allow precise modification of MSCs to enhance their therapeutic properties and target specific ARDS mechanisms. Preconditioning MSCs with hypoxia, growth factors, or pharmacological agents further enhances their therapeutic potential. While MSC therapies hold significant promise for ARDS, extensive research and clinical trials are essential to determine optimal protocols and ensure long-term safety and effectiveness.