Synergistic Effects of Salinity and Temperature on the Survival of Two Nonnative Bivalve Molluscs,Perna viridis(Linnaeus 1758) andMytella charruana(d’Orbigny 1846)

This study examined the combined salinity and temperature tolerance of two marine bivalve molluscs,Perna viridisandMytella charruana, which have recently invaded the southeastern United States. It is essential to understand the role that these abiotic variables play in invasions and establishment of nonnative species. We simultaneously explored survival at three salinity ranges (5–9, 20–22.5, and 35–40 ppt) in both cold and warm water for juveniles and adults of both species. We determined thatPerna viridiscan survive at a wide range of temperatures (9–35°C) when the salinity is 35–37 ppt; however, as salinity decreased, the thermal survival range forP. viridisbecame narrower. WithM. charruana, our data suggest that juvenile and adult individuals can survive at a wide range of salinities (5–40 ppt) at 20°C, but the salinity tolerance range narrowed as the temperature decreased or increased. Additionally, we observed that temperature rapidly impacted survival ofP. viridisandM. charruana(within hours), while salinity impacts were more gradual (days to weeks). These data can be used to help predict successful introductions and future expansions ofP. viridisandM. charruanain introduced habitats.

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Nanometals-Containing Polymeric Membranes for Purification Processes

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14030513 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 513

Author(s):

Anna Rabajczyk ◽

Maria Zielecka ◽

Krzysztof Cygańczuk ◽

Łukasz Pastuszka ◽

Leszek Jurecki

Keyword(s):

Synergistic Effects ◽

Membrane Surface ◽

Antibacterial Properties ◽

Polymeric Membranes ◽

Treatment Processes ◽

Wide Range ◽

Different Types ◽

Type Size ◽

Titanium Zinc ◽

Membrane Surface Charge

A recent trend in the field of membrane research is the incorporation of nanoparticles into polymeric membranes, which could produce synergistic effects when using different types of materials. This paper discusses the effect of the introduction of different nanometals such as silver, iron, silica, aluminum, titanium, zinc, and copper and their oxides on the permeability, selectivity, hydrophilicity, conductivity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and antiviral and antibacterial properties of polymeric membranes. The effects of nanoparticle physicochemical properties, type, size, and concentration on a membrane’s intrinsic properties such as pore morphology, porosity, pore size, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, membrane surface charge, and roughness are discussed, and the performance of nanocomposite membranes in terms of flux permeation, contaminant rejection, and antifouling capability are reviewed. The wide range of nanocomposite membrane applications including desalination and removal of various contaminants in water-treatment processes are discussed.

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Trans-Cinnamaldehyde Exhibits Synergy with Conventional Antibiotic against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22052752 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (5) ◽

pp. 2752

Author(s):

Shu Wang ◽

Ok-Hwa Kang ◽

Dong-Yeul Kwon

Keyword(s):

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Synergistic Effects ◽

Regulatory Gene ◽

Western Blot Assay ◽

Methicillin Resistant ◽

Wide Range ◽

Kill Curve ◽

Conventional Antibiotics ◽

Time Kill

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen worldwide and has acquired multiple resistance to a wide range of antibiotics. Hence, there is a pressing need to explore novel strategies to overcome the increase in antimicrobial resistance. The present study aims to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of plant-derived antimicrobials, trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA) in decreasing MRSA’s resistance to eight conventional antibiotics. A checkerboard dilution test and time–kill curve assay are used to determine the synergistic effects of TCA combined with the antibiotics. The results indicated that TCA increased the antibacterial activity of the antibiotics by 2-16-fold. To study the mechanism of the synergism, we analyzed the mecA transcription gene and the penicillin-binding protein 2a level of MRSA treated with TCA by quantitative RT-PCR or Western blot assay. The gene transcription and the protein level were significantly inhibited. Additionally, it was verified that TCA can significantly inhibit the biofilm, which is highly resistant to antibiotics. The expression of the biofilm regulatory gene hld of MRSA after TCA treatment was also significantly downregulated. These findings suggest that TCA maybe is an exceptionally potent modulator of antibiotics.

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Role of Physical Exercise and Nutraceuticals in Modulating Molecular Pathways of Osteoarthritis

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22115722 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. 5722

Author(s):

Alessandro de Sire ◽

Nicola Marotta ◽

Cinzia Marinaro ◽

Claudio Curci ◽

Marco Invernizzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Signaling Pathways ◽

Synergistic Effects ◽

Molecular Pathways ◽

Epigenetic Changes ◽

Pathological Features ◽

Oxidative Signaling ◽

Cartilage Extracellular Matrix ◽

Wide Range ◽

Comprehensive Picture

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful and disabling disease that affects millions of patients. Its etiology is largely unknown, but it is most likely multifactorial. OA pathogenesis involves the catabolism of the cartilage extracellular matrix and is supported by inflammatory and oxidative signaling pathways and marked epigenetic changes. To delay OA progression, a wide range of exercise programs and naturally derived compounds have been suggested. This literature review aims to analyze the main signaling pathways and the evidence about the synergistic effects of these two interventions to counter OA. The converging nutrigenomic and physiogenomic intervention could slow down and reduce the complex pathological features of OA. This review provides a comprehensive picture of a possible signaling approach for targeting OA molecular pathways, initiation, and progression.

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Variation in climate determines differences in the effects of abiotic variables on the phytoplankton community in tropical ecosystems

Marine and Freshwater Research ◽

10.1071/mf17079 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 69 (3) ◽

pp. 357

Author(s):

F. H. Portella Corrêa de Oliveira ◽

A. N. Moura ◽

Ê. W. Dantas

Keyword(s):

Phytoplankton Community ◽

Synergistic Effects ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Cylindrospermopsis Raciborskii ◽

Tropical Reservoirs ◽

Physicochemical Variables ◽

Abiotic Variables ◽

Tropical Climates ◽

Semi Arid ◽

Canonical Analyses

The present study demonstrates the effects of abiotic variables on phytoplankton in two different tropical climates. Samples were taken from tropical reservoirs, including six from a tropical climate (As) and five from a semi-arid climate (BSh). Phytoplankton samples were identified, biomass was quantified and climatic and physicochemical variables were evaluated. Canonical analyses were performed in order to observe the effects of abiotic variables on phytoplankton. In both As and BSh ecosystems, the effects of the physicochemical variables were significant, but the synergistic effects between variables and climatic conditions were more pronounced in BSh. Micronutrients had a significant role in structuring the phytoplankton community in both As and BSh. In As, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii occurred in the presence of lower concentrations of zinc and copper, whereas in BSh this species was present in the presence of higher concentrations of zinc. In the As climate, Geitlerinema amphibium, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Planktothrix agardhii and Microcystis aeruginosa were associated with higher sodium concentrations in the water, whereas in the BSh climate these species experienced lower rainfall. The findings of the present study show that climate determines the effects of abiotic variables on the phytoplankton community in both an independent and synergistic manner. In the present study, phytoplankton in tropical and semi-arid reservoirs is mostly regulated by nutrients, the effects of which vary according to climate.

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Fatty acids as markers of bacterial symbionts of marine bivalve molluscs

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology ◽

10.1016/0022-0981(92)90205-o ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 162 (2) ◽

pp. 253-263 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Natalia V. Zhukova ◽

Vladimir I. Kharlamenko ◽

Vasilii I. Svetashev ◽

Igor A. Rodionov

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Marine Bivalve ◽

Bacterial Symbionts ◽

Bivalve Molluscs

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Profiles of hemolymph antioxidant system in apparently healthy marine bivalve, Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) residing in a normoxic coastal ecosystem

Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science ◽

10.1016/j.ecss.2021.107599 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107599

Author(s):

B.R. Neethu ◽

K.J. Reshma ◽

T.G. Sumithra ◽

M.B. Akhitha ◽

P.V. Amala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant System ◽

Coastal Ecosystem ◽

Perna Viridis ◽

Marine Bivalve ◽

Apparently Healthy

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Peptidyl-Prolyl-cis/trans-Isomerases Mip and PpiB ofLegionella pneumophilaContribute to Surface Translocation, Growth at Suboptimal Temperature, and Infection

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.00939-17 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 87 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

J. Rasch ◽

C. M. Ünal ◽

A. Klages ◽

Ü. Karsli ◽

N. Heinsohn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Legionella Pneumophila ◽

Acanthamoeba Castellanii ◽

Temperature Tolerance ◽

Lung Damage ◽

Atypical Pneumonia ◽

Content Type ◽

Wide Range ◽

Legionnaires Disease ◽

Environmental Fitness ◽

Sliding Motility

ABSTRACTThe gammaproteobacteriumLegionella pneumophilais the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, an atypical pneumonia that manifests itself with severe lung damage.L. pneumophila, a common inhabitant of freshwater environments, replicates in free-living amoebae and persists in biofilms in natural and man-made water systems. Its environmental versatility is reflected in its ability to survive and grow within a broad temperature range as well as its capability to colonize and infect a wide range of hosts, including protozoa and humans. Peptidyl-prolyl-cis/trans-isomerases (PPIases) are multifunctional proteins that are mainly involved in protein folding and secretion in bacteria. InL. pneumophilathe surface-associated PPIase Mip was shown to facilitate the establishment of the intracellular infection cycle in its early stages. The cytoplasmic PpiB was shown to promote cold tolerance. Here, we set out to analyze the interrelationship of these two relevant PPIases in the context of environmental fitness and infection. We demonstrate that the PPIases Mip and PpiB are important for surfactant-dependent sliding motility and adaptation to suboptimal temperatures, features that contribute to the environmental fitness ofL. pneumophila. Furthermore, they contribute to infection of the natural hostAcanthamoeba castellaniias well as human macrophages and human explanted lung tissue. These effects were additive in the case of sliding motility or synergistic in the case of temperature tolerance and infection, as assessed by the behavior of the double mutant. Accordingly, we propose that Mip and PpiB are virulence modulators ofL. pneumophilawith compensatory action and pleiotropic effects.

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Profile of Edible Marine Bivalve Molluscs

Biology and Ecology of Edible Marine Bivalve Molluscs ◽

10.1201/9781315111537-3 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 19-345

Author(s):

Ramasamy Santhanam

Keyword(s):

Marine Bivalve ◽

Bivalve Molluscs

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Salvage chemotherapy with cisplatin, ifosfamide, and paclitaxel in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.6_suppl.123 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (6_suppl) ◽

pp. 123-123

Author(s):

Gunhild Von Amsberg ◽

Mirjam Zilles ◽

Philipp Gild ◽

Winfried Alsdorf ◽

Lukas Boeckelmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Synergistic Effects ◽

Antagonistic Effect ◽

University Hospital ◽

Additive Effects ◽

Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer ◽

Castration Resistant ◽

Platinum Based Chemotherapy ◽

Wide Range

123 Background: Recent developments in the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) lead to a revival of platinum-based chemotherapy demonstrating increased activity in patients with aggressive variants of disease. Here, we report on the results of a combinational salvage therapy with cisplatin, ifosfamide and paclitaxel (TIP) in mCRPC. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with mCRPC treated with TIP at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf between November 2013 and September 2020. Accompanying in vitro analyses were performed using human prostate carcinoma cell lines harboring different levels of drug resistance including the docetaxel-resistant sublines PC3-DR and DU45-DR. Results: In total, 17 mCRPC patients treated with TIP were eligible for efficacy analyses with a median age of 65 yrs. At baseline, liver metastases were present in 88%, metastases of other visceral sides (lung, adrenal gland, brain) in 47% and bone metastases in 76% of the patients. Median hemoglobin was 9.8mg/dl, LDH 903 U/l and AP 205 U/l. Median PSA value was 77 ng/ml covering a wide range including three patients with a PSA-value below 1ng/ml. NSE was evaluated in 83% of the patients (median 38,5 U/l). Patients were extensively pretreated with a median of three treatment lines before TIP (100% docetaxel, 82% abirateron and/or enzalutamide, 47% cabazitaxel, 41% others). A median of 3,5 cycles of TIP were applied with 29% of the patients receiving the maximum of 6 cycles. Four patients discontinued treatment due to side effects (PNP, infection, ifosfamide induced psychosis). At interim analyses, 59 % of the patients showed a radiological response or stable disease with only one patient progressing till the end of treatment. Median PFS was 2.5 months, median OS 6 months. A decrease of PSA > 30% and LDH > 50% was observed in 41% and 35% of the patients, respectively. In vitro experiments revealed additive effects of TIP in 22Rv1, LNCaP and DU45 cells and synergistic effects in neuroendocrine LASCPC-01 cells. In PC3 cells, TIP induced antagonistic effects at lower doses, whereas dose-independent additive effects were observed in docetaxel-resistant PC3-DR. Surprisingly, preliminary data of combined therapies with different drug pairs suggest an antagonistic effect of paclitaxel in the combination with both, cisplatin and ifosfamide. Conclusions: Combinational therapy with cisplatin, ifosfamide and paclitaxel showed promising activity in some patients with aggressive mCRPC. Preclinical data suggest that the drug combination of cisplatin and ifosfamide rule the efficacy of TIP in mCRPC.

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