Banoxantrone Coordinated Metal-Organic Framework for Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy

Background Photoacoustic imaging (PA) with high spatial resolution has great potential as desired monitoring means in the high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) surgery of tumor. However, its penetration depth in the tissue does not meet the clinical needs. Nanomedicine provides a new opportunity for PA imaging to guide HIFU surgery. Our studies found that hypoxic heterogeneity of tumor was effectively reversed by HIFU. Methods Herein, specific metal-organic framework nanosystem, constructed by coordination of banoxantrone (AQ4N) and Mn2+, is designed based on HIFU to reverse hypoxic heterogeneity of tumor. Results It could provide exogenous light-absorbing substances, thus improves the penetrability of PA imaging signal through the deep tissue and achieves clearer PA imaging for guiding HIFU surgery. In turn, AQ4N, in the hypoxic homogenous environment of tumor provided by HIFU, is activated sequentially to specifically treat the residual hypoxic tumor cells. Conclusions This strategy addresses the dissatisfaction of PA imaging-guided HIFU therapy and is promising for translation into a clinical combination regimen.

Comparative Pharmaceutical -Analytical study of Sushruta Lauha Ayaskriti and Lauha Bhasma

Ayaskriti is an ayurvedic formulation containing iron. It is a specific metal processing technique developed in ancient times to make iron suitable for internal use. Objective: To prepare and physicochemically evaluate lauha Ayaskriti (shusruta) and lauha bhasma. Materials and methods: lauha Ayaskriti (shusruta) and lauha bhasma was prepared as per ayurvedic text and characterized by Organoleptic characters, physico-chemical parameters. Results: This study clearly revealed bhasma prepared as per Sushruta and Rastangini are passed as per ayurvedic bhasma pariksha. Conclusion: The study of XRF of lauha Ayaskriti and lauha bhasma value of fe is persent in the elemental form along with other form of oxide. Further studies are required to prove the medicinal efficacy of this medicine.

Sequestration and efflux largely account for Cd and Cu resistance in the deep sea Epsilonproteobacterium Nitratiruptor sp. SB155 2

In deep sea hydrothermal vent environments, metal- and metalloid-enriched fluids and sediments abound, making these habitats ideal to study metal resistance in prokaryotes. In this investigation, the architecture of the Epsilonproteobacterium, Nitratiruptor sp. SB155-2 transcriptome in combination with sub-cellular analysis using scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDX) was examined to better understand mechanisms of tolerance for cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) at stress-inducing concentrations. Transcriptomic expression profiles were remarkably different in the presence of these two metals, displaying 385 (19%) and 629 (31%) genes differentially expressed (DE) in the presence of Cd and Cu, respectively, while only 7% of DE genes were shared, with genes for non-specific metal transporters and genes involved in oxidative stress-response predominating. The principal metal-specific DE pathways under Cu stress, including those involving sulfur, cysteine, and methionine, are likely required for high-affinity efflux systems, while stress and flagella formation and chemotaxis were over-represented under Cd stress. Consistent with these differences, STEM-EDX analysis revealed that polyphosphate-like granules (pPLG), the formation of Cd-S particles, and the periplasmic space may be crucial for Cd sequestration. Overall, this study provides new insights regarding metal-specific adaptations of Epsilonproteobacteria to deep sea hydrothermal vent environments.

Influence of Heavy Metals on the Nitrogen Metabolism in Plants

As an essential element, Nitrogen is needed in large quantities for being an important component of cellular constituents and for plant metabolism, and its deficiency is one of the most common limitations for plant development. The study of the toxic effects of metal in plants involves a complex system of reactions that can be better determined once having a large attention of the different backgrounds of occurence to determinate how to proceed. The objective of this review is to add scientific knowledge, addressing the main functionalities and characteristics of this relation heavy metals – nitrogen metabolism in plant. Increasing industrialization and urbanization had anthropogenic contribution of heavy metals in biosphere and had largest availability in ecosystems. This toxicity in plants varies with plant species, specific metal, concentration, soil composition, as many heavy metals are considered to be essential for plant growth. Were provided data and reviews regarding the effect of heavy metals on nitrogen metabolism of plants and the responses of plants and the cross-talk of heavy metals and various stressors factors. Is clear to understand the relation between metals amount and the benefit or harm caused on plants, determining then, which mechanism should be activated to protect your physiological system.

Genome-Wide Identification of the Nramp Gene Family in Spirodela polyrhiza and Expression Analysis under Cadmium Stress

Natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (Nramps) are specific metal transporters in plants with different functions among various species. The evolutionary and functional information of the Nramp gene family in Spirodela polyrhiza has not been previously reported in detail. To identify the Nramp genes in S. polyrhiza, we performed genome-wide identification, characterization, classification, and cis-elements analysis among 22 species with 138 amino acid sequences. We also conducted chromosomal localization and analyzed the synteny relationship, promoter, subcellular localization, and expression patterns in S. polyrhiza. β-Glucuronidase staining indicated that SpNramp1 and SpNramp3 mainly accumulated in the root and joint between mother and daughter frond. Moreover, SpNramp1 was also widely displayed in the frond. SpNramp2 was intensively distributed in the root and frond. Quantitative real-time PCR results proved that the SpNramp gene expression level was influenced by Cd stress, especially in response to Fe or Mn deficiency. The study provides detailed information on the SpNramp gene family and their distribution and expression, laying a beneficial foundation for functional research.

Graphene Matrices as Carriers for Metal Ions against Antibiotic Susceptible and Resistant Bacterial Pathogens

Due to the ever-increasing burden of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, the development of novel antimicrobial agents and biomaterials to act as carriers and/or potentiate antimicrobial activity is essential. This study assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of the following ionic metals, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, zinc, and gallium alone and in combination with graphene matrices (which were coated via a drop casting coating method). The graphene foam was utilized as a carrier for the ionic metals against both, antibiotic susceptible and resistant bacterial strains of Acinetobacter baumannii,Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ionic gold, palladium and platinum demonstrated the greatest antimicrobial activity against the susceptible and resistant strains. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) visualized cellular ultrastructure damage, when the bacteria were incubated upon the graphene foam alone. This study suggests that specific metal ions applied in combination with graphene foam could present a potential therapeutic option to treat AMR bacterial infections. The application of the graphene foam as a potential carrier could promote antimicrobial activity, provide a sustained release approach and reduce possible resistance acquisition. In light of this study, the graphene foam and ionic metal combinations could potentially be further developed as part of a wound dressing.