PLOS ONE: [sortOrder=DATE_NEWEST_FIRST, sort=Date, newest first, q=subject:"Chemical synthesis"]PLOShttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/webmaster@plos.orgaccelerating the publication of peer-reviewed sciencehttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/search/feed/atom?sortOrder=DATE_NEWEST_FIRST&unformattedQuery=subject:%22Chemical+synthesis%22&sort=Date,+newest+firstAll PLOS articles are Open Access.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/resource/img/favicon.icohttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/resource/img/favicon.ico2024-03-28T23:13:55ZMetabolomic response to acute resistance exercise in healthy older adults by <sup>1</sup>H-NMRDarya MoosaviIvan VuckovicHawley E. KunzIan R. Lanza10.1371/journal.pone.03010372024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Darya Moosavi, Ivan Vuckovic, Hawley E. Kunz, Ian R. Lanza</p>
Background <p>The favorable health-promoting adaptations to exercise result from cumulative responses to individual bouts of physical activity. Older adults often exhibit anabolic resistance; a phenomenon whereby the anabolic responses to exercise and nutrition are attenuated in skeletal muscle. The mechanisms contributing to age-related anabolic resistance are emerging, but our understanding of how chronological age influences responsiveness to exercise is incomplete. The objective was to determine the effects of healthy aging on peripheral blood metabolomic response to a single bout of resistance exercise and whether any metabolites in circulation are predictive of anabolic response in skeletal muscle.</p> Methods <p>Thirty young (20–35 years) and 49 older (65–85 years) men and women were studied in a cross-sectional manner. Participants completed a single bout of resistance exercise consisting of eight sets of 10 repetitions of unilateral knee extension at 70% of one-repetition maximum. Blood samples were collected before exercise, immediately post exercise, and 30-, 90-, and 180-minutes into recovery. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to profile circulating metabolites at all timepoints. Serial muscle biopsies were collected for measuring muscle protein synthesis rates.</p> Results <p>Our analysis revealed that one bout of resistance exercise elicits significant changes in 26 of 33 measured plasma metabolites, reflecting alterations in several biological processes. Furthermore, 12 metabolites demonstrated significant interactions between exercise and age, including organic acids, amino acids, ketones, and keto-acids, which exhibited distinct responses to exercise in young and older adults. Pre-exercise histidine and sarcosine were negatively associated with muscle protein synthesis, as was the pre/post-exercise fold change in plasma histidine.</p> Conclusions <p>This study demonstrates that while many exercise-responsive metabolites change similarly in young and older adults, several demonstrate age-dependent changes even in the absence of evidence of sarcopenia or frailty.</p> Trial registration <p>Clinical trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03350906.</p>Disulfide-constrained peptide scaffolds enable a robust peptide-therapeutic discovery platformLijuan ZhouFei CaiYanjie LiXinxin GaoYuehua WeiAnna FedorovaDaniel KirchhoferRami N. HannoushYingnan Zhang10.1371/journal.pone.03001352024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Lijuan Zhou, Fei Cai, Yanjie Li, Xinxin Gao, Yuehua Wei, Anna Fedorova, Daniel Kirchhofer, Rami N. Hannoush, Yingnan Zhang</p>
Peptides present an alternative modality to immunoglobulin domains or small molecules for developing therapeutics to either agonize or antagonize cellular pathways associated with diseases. However, peptides often suffer from poor chemical and physical stability, limiting their therapeutic potential. Disulfide-constrained peptides (DCP) are naturally occurring and possess numerous desirable properties, such as high stability, that qualify them as drug-like scaffolds for peptide therapeutics. DCPs contain loop regions protruding from the core of the molecule that are amenable to peptide engineering via direct evolution by use of phage display technology. In this study, we have established a robust platform for the discovery of peptide therapeutics using various DCPs as scaffolds. We created diverse libraries comprising seven different DCP scaffolds, resulting in an overall diversity of 2 x 10<sup>11</sup>. The effectiveness of this platform for functional hit discovery has been extensively evaluated, demonstrating a hit rate comparable to that of synthetic antibody libraries. By utilizing chemically synthesized and <i>in vitro</i> folded peptides derived from selections of phage displayed DCP libraries, we have successfully generated functional inhibitors targeting the HtrA1 protease. Through affinity maturation strategies, we have transformed initially weak binders against Notch2 with micromolar Kd values to high-affinity ligands in the nanomolar range. This process highlights a viable hit-to-lead progression. Overall, our platform holds significant potential to greatly enhance the discovery of peptide therapeutics.Synthesis, molecular docking analysis, molecular dynamic simulation, ADMET, DFT, and drug likeness studies: Novel Indeno[1,2-<i>b</i>]pyrrol-4(1<i>H</i>)-one as SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitorsDavood GheidariMorteza MehrdadMohammad Bayat10.1371/journal.pone.02993012024-03-22T14:00:00Z2024-03-22T14:00:00Z<p>by Davood Gheidari, Morteza Mehrdad, Mohammad Bayat</p>
Background <p>The COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019 as a result of the advent of a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. At present, there are a limited number of approved antiviral agents for the treatment of COVID-19. Remdesivir, Molnupiravir, and Paxlovid have been approved by the FDA to treat COVID-19 infections. Research has shown that the main protease enzyme (M<sup>pro</sup>) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a crucial role in the enzymatic processing of viral polyproteins. This makes M<sup>pro</sup> an interesting therapeutic target for combating infections caused by emerging coronaviruses.</p> Methods <p>The pharmacological effects of pyrroles and their derivatives have a wide range of applications. In our study, we focused on synthesizing nine novel derivatives of 2-arylamino-dihydro-indeno[1,2-<i>b</i>] pyrrol-4(1<i>H</i>)-one, with a particular emphasis on their antiviral properties. Using in <i>silico</i> studies involving molecular docking and DFT analyses in the gas phase using the B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) basis set, we studied these compounds with respect to their interactions with the M<sup>pro</sup> of SARS-CoV-2. The results of the docking analysis revealed that the synthesized compounds exhibited favorable inhibitory effects. Notably, compound 5f demonstrated the highest effectiveness against the target protein. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic and drug-like properties of the synthesized derivatives of 2-arylamino-dihydroindeno[1,2-<i>b</i>] pyrrol-4(1<i>H</i>)-one indicated their potential as promising candidates for further development as inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2. However, it is imperative to determine the in <i>vitro</i> efficacy of these compounds through comprehensive biochemical and structural analyses.</p>The expression of the surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-B during postnatal alveolarization of the rat lungFranziska RoederLars KnudsenAndreas Schmiedl10.1371/journal.pone.02978892024-03-14T14:00:00Z2024-03-14T14:00:00Z<p>by Franziska Roeder, Lars Knudsen, Andreas Schmiedl</p>
Objective <p>Surfactant-specific proteins (SP) are responsible for the functional and structural integrity as well as for the stabilization of the intra-alveolar surfactant. Morphological lung maturation starts in rat lungs after birth. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the expression of the hydrophilic SP-A and the hydrophobic SP-B is associated with characteristic postnatal changes characterizing morphological lung maturation.</p> Methods <p>Stereological methods were performed on the light microscope. Using immunohistochemical and molecular biological methods (Western Blot, RT-qPCR), the SP-A and SP-B of adult rat lungs and of those with different postnatal developmental stages (3, 7, 14 and 21 days after birth) were characterized.</p> Results <p>As signs of alveolarization the total septal surface and volume increased and the septal thickness decreased. The significantly highest relative surface fraction of SP-A labeled alveolar epithelial cells type II (AEII) was found together with the highest relative SP-A gene expression before the alveolarization (3th postnatal day). With the downregulation of SP-A gene expression during and after alveolarization (between postnatal days 7 and 14), the surface fraction of the SP-A labeled AEII also decreased, so they are lowest in adult animals. The surface fraction of SP-B labeled AEII and the SP-B gene expression showed the significantly highest levels in adults, the protein expression increased also significantly at the end of morphological lung maturation. There were no alterations in the SP-B expression before and during alveolarization until postnatal day 14. The protein expression as well as the gene expression of SP-A and SP-B correlated very well with the total surface of alveolar septa independent of the postnatal age.</p> Conclusion <p>The expression of SP-A and SP-B is differentially associated with morphological lung maturation and correlates with increased septation of alveoli as indirect clue for alveolarization.</p>Development of a Python-based electron ionization mass spectrometry amino acid and peptide fragment prediction modelDominic N. McBrayerChristina SignorettiMatthew PesceBrianna M. FloodSneha VargheseFares SirdahElena ToscanoIrtiza BhattiShahadat Hossain10.1371/journal.pone.02977522024-02-16T14:00:00Z2024-02-16T14:00:00Z<p>by Dominic N. McBrayer, Christina Signoretti, Matthew Pesce, Brianna M. Flood, Sneha Varghese, Fares Sirdah, Elena Toscano, Irtiza Bhatti, Shahadat Hossain</p>
The increased fragmentation caused by harsher ionization methods used during mass spectrometry such as electron ionization can make interpreting the mass spectra of peptides difficult. Therefore, the development of tools to aid in this spectral analysis is important in utilizing these harsher ionization methods to study peptides, as these tools may be more accessible to some researchers. We have compiled fragmentation mechanisms described in the literature, confirmed them experimentally, and used them to create a Python-based fragment prediction model for peptides analyzed under direct exposure probe electron ionization mass spectrometry. This initial model has been tested using single amino acids as well as targeted libraries of short peptides. It was found that the model does well in predicting fragments of peptides composed of amino acids for which the model is well-defined, but several cases where additional mechanistic information needs to be incorporated have been identified.Transcriptional alterations of peanut root during interaction with growth-promoting <i>Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens</i> strain P9Xue BaiYujie HanLizhen Han10.1371/journal.pone.02983032024-02-15T14:00:00Z2024-02-15T14:00:00Z<p>by Xue Bai, Yujie Han, Lizhen Han</p>
The plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium <i>Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens</i> P9 can improve peanut growth. In this study, a co-culture system of strain P9 and peanut was established to analyze the transcriptome of peanut roots interacting with P9 for 24 and 72 h. During the early stage of co-culturing, genes related to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Ca<sup>2+</sup> signal transduction, ethylene synthesis, and cell wall pectin degradation were induced, and the up-regulation of phenylpropanoid derivative, flavonoid, and isoflavone synthesis enhanced the defense response of peanut. The enhanced expression of genes associated with photosynthesis and carbon fixation, circadian rhythm regulation, indoleacetic acid (IAA) synthesis, and cytokinin decomposition promoted root growth and development. At the late stage of co-culturing, ethylene synthesis was reduced, whereas Ca<sup>2+</sup> signal transduction, isoquinoline alkaloid synthesis, and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism were up-regulated, thereby maintaining root ROS homeostasis. Sugar decomposition and oxidative phosphorylation and nitrogen and fatty acid metabolism were induced, and peanut growth was significantly promoted. Finally, the gene expression of seedlings inoculated with strain P9 exhibited temporal differences. The results of our study, which explored transcriptional alterations of peanut root during interacting with P9, provide a basis for elucidating the growth-promoting mechanism of this bacterial strain in peanut.StressME: Unified computing framework of <i>Escherichia coli</i> metabolism, gene expression, and stress responsesJiao ZhaoKe ChenBernhard O. PalssonLaurence Yang10.1371/journal.pcbi.10118652024-02-12T14:00:00Z2024-02-12T14:00:00Z<p>by Jiao Zhao, Ke Chen, Bernhard O. Palsson, Laurence Yang</p>
Generalist microbes have adapted to a multitude of environmental stresses through their integrated stress response system. Individual stress responses have been quantified by <i>E</i>. <i>coli</i> metabolism and expression (ME) models under thermal, oxidative and acid stress, respectively. However, the systematic quantification of cross-stress & cross-talk among these stress responses remains lacking. Here, we present StressME: the unified stress response model of <i>E</i>. <i>coli</i> combining thermal (FoldME), oxidative (OxidizeME) and acid (AcidifyME) stress responses. StressME is the most up to date ME model for <i>E</i>. <i>coli</i> and it reproduces all published single-stress ME models. Additionally, it includes refined rate constants to improve prediction accuracy for wild-type and stress-evolved strains. StressME revealed certain optimal proteome allocation strategies associated with cross-stress and cross-talk responses. These stress-optimal proteomes were shaped by trade-offs between protective vs. metabolic enzymes; cytoplasmic vs. periplasmic chaperones; and expression of stress-specific proteins. As StressME is tuned to compute metabolic and gene expression responses under mild acid, oxidative, and thermal stresses, it is useful for engineering and health applications. The modular design of our open-source package also facilitates model expansion (e.g., to new stress mechanisms) by the computational biology community.Trafficking dynamics of VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and NRP1 in human endothelial cellsSarvenaz SarabipourKarina KinghornKaitlyn M. QuigleyAnita Kovacs-KasaBrian H. AnnexVictoria L. BautchFeilim Mac Gabhann10.1371/journal.pcbi.10117982024-02-07T14:00:00Z2024-02-07T14:00:00Z<p>by Sarvenaz Sarabipour, Karina Kinghorn, Kaitlyn M. Quigley, Anita Kovacs-Kasa, Brian H. Annex, Victoria L. Bautch, Feilim Mac Gabhann</p>
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of cytokines are key drivers of blood vessel growth and remodeling. These ligands act via multiple VEGF receptors (VEGFR) and co-receptors such as Neuropilin (NRP) expressed on endothelial cells. These membrane-associated receptors are not solely expressed on the cell surface, they move between the surface and intracellular locations, where they can function differently. The location of the receptor alters its ability to ’see’ (access and bind to) its ligands, which regulates receptor activation; location also alters receptor exposure to subcellularly localized phosphatases, which regulates its deactivation. Thus, receptors in different subcellular locations initiate different signaling, both in terms of quantity and quality. Similarly, the local levels of co-expression of other receptors alters competition for ligands. Subcellular localization is controlled by intracellular trafficking processes, which thus control VEGFR activity; therefore, to understand VEGFR activity, we must understand receptor trafficking. Here, for the first time, we simultaneously quantify the trafficking of VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and NRP1 on the same cells—specifically human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We build a computational model describing the expression, interaction, and trafficking of these receptors, and use it to simulate cell culture experiments. We use new quantitative experimental data to parameterize the model, which then provides mechanistic insight into the trafficking and localization of this receptor network. We show that VEGFR2 and NRP1 trafficking is not the same on HUVECs as on non-human ECs; and we show that VEGFR1 trafficking is not the same as VEGFR2 trafficking, but rather is faster in both internalization and recycling. As a consequence, the VEGF receptors are not evenly distributed between the cell surface and intracellular locations, with a very low percentage of VEGFR1 being on the cell surface, and high levels of NRP1 on the cell surface. Our findings have implications both for the sensing of extracellular ligands and for the composition of signaling complexes at the cell surface versus inside the cell.Selection and validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR in <i>ophiocordyceps sinensis</i> under different experimental conditionsLi HeJin Yi WangQiang Jun SuZhao He ChenFang Xie10.1371/journal.pone.02878822024-02-06T14:00:00Z2024-02-06T14:00:00Z<p>by Li He, Jin Yi Wang, Qiang Jun Su, Zhao He Chen, Fang Xie</p>
The Chinese caterpillar mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (<i>O</i>. <i>sinensis</i>), is a rarely medicinal fungus in traditional chinese herbal medicine due to its unique medicinal values, and the expression stability of reference genes is essential to normalize its gene expression analysis. In this study, BestKeeper, NormFinder and geNorm, three authoritative statistical arithmetics, were applied to evaluate the expression stability of sixteen candidate reference genes (CRGs) in <i>O</i>. <i>sinensis</i> under different stress [low temperature (4°C), light treatment (300 lx), NaCl (3.8%)] and different development stages (mycelia, primordia and fruit bodies) and formation of morphologic mycelium (aeriasubstrate, hyphae knot mycelium). The paired variation values indicated that two genes could be enough to accurate standardization exposed to different conditions of <i>O</i>.<i>sinensis</i>. Among these sixteen CRGs, 18S ribosomal RNA (<i>18S rRNA</i>) and beta-Tubulin (<i>β-TUB</i>) showed the topmost expression stability in <i>O</i>.<i>sinensis</i> exposed to all conditions, while glutathione hydrolase proenzym (<i>GGT</i>) and Phosphoglucose isomerase (<i>PGI</i>) showed the least expression stability. The optimal reference gene in different conditions was various. <i>β-TUB</i> and Ubiquitin (<i>UBQ</i>) were identified as the two most stable genes in different primordia developmental stage, while phosphoglucomutase (<i>PGM</i>) with elongation factor 1-alpha (<i>EF1-α</i>) and <i>18S rRNA</i> with <i>UBQ</i> were the most stably expressed for differentially morphologic mycelium stages and different stresses, respectively. These results will contribute to more accurate evaluation of the gene relative expression levels in <i>O</i>.<i>sinensis</i> under different conditions using the optimal reference gene in real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis.Thymoquinone-protoflavone hybrid molecules as potential antitumor agentsSara H. H. AhmedBizhar A. TayebTímea GondaGábor GirstKornél SzőriRóbert BerkeczIstván ZupkóRenáta MinoricsAttila Hunyadi10.1371/journal.pone.02915672024-01-25T14:00:00Z2024-01-25T14:00:00Z<p>by Sara H. H. Ahmed, Bizhar A. Tayeb, Tímea Gonda, Gábor Girst, Kornél Szőri, Róbert Berkecz, István Zupkó, Renáta Minorics, Attila Hunyadi</p>
We describe herein the synthesis of eight new ester-coupled hybrid compounds from thymoquinone and protoflavone building blocks, and their bioactivity testing against multiple cancer cell lines. Among the hybrids, compound 14 showed promising activities in all cell lines studied. The highest activities were recorded against breast cancer cell lines with higher selectivity to MDA-MB-231 as compared to MCF-7. Even though the hybrids were found to be completely hydrolysed in 24 h under cell culture conditions, compound 14 demonstrated a ca. three times stronger activity against U-87 glioblastoma cells than a 1:1 mixture of its fragments. Further, compound 14 showed good tumour selectivity: it acted 4.4-times stronger on U-87 cells than on MRC-5 fibroblasts. This selectivity was much lower, only ca. 1.3-times, when the cells were co-treated with a 1:1 mixture of its non-coupled fragments. Protoflavone-thymoquinone hybrids may therefore serve as potential new antitumor leads particularly against glioblastoma.Side-by-side comparison of published small molecule inhibitors against thapsigargin-induced store-operated Ca<sup>2+</sup> entry in HEK293 cellsKatherine NormanKaren E. HemmingsHeba ShawerHollie L. ApplebyAlan J. BurnettNurasyikin HamzahRajendra GosainEmily M. WoodhouseDavid J. BeechRichard FosterMarc A. Bailey10.1371/journal.pone.02960652024-01-23T14:00:00Z2024-01-23T14:00:00Z<p>by Katherine Norman, Karen E. Hemmings, Heba Shawer, Hollie L. Appleby, Alan J. Burnett, Nurasyikin Hamzah, Rajendra Gosain, Emily M. Woodhouse, David J. Beech, Richard Foster, Marc A. Bailey</p>
Calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) is a key second messenger in eukaryotes, with store-operated Ca<sup>2+</sup> entry (SOCE) being the main source of Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx into non-excitable cells. ORAI1 is a highly Ca<sup>2+</sup>-selective plasma membrane channel that encodes SOCE. It is ubiquitously expressed in mammals and has been implicated in numerous diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. A number of small molecules have been identified as inhibitors of SOCE with a variety of potential therapeutic uses proposed and validated <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>. These encompass both nonselective Ca<sup>2+</sup> channel inhibitors and targeted selective inhibitors of SOCE. Inhibition of SOCE can be quantified both directly and indirectly with a variety of assay setups, making an accurate comparison of the activity of different SOCE inhibitors challenging. We have used a fluorescence based Ca<sup>2+</sup> addback assay in native HEK293 cells to generate dose-response data for many published SOCE inhibitors. We were able to directly compare potency. Most compounds were validated with only minor and expected variations in potency, but some were not. This could be due to differences in assay setup relating to the mechanism of action of the inhibitors and highlights the value of a singular approach to compare these compounds, as well as the general need for biorthogonal validation of novel bioactive compounds. The compounds observed to be the most potent against SOCE in our study were: 7-azaindole 14d (12), JPIII (17), Synta-66 (6), Pyr 3 (5), GSK5503A (8), CM4620 (14) and RO2959 (7). These represent the most promising candidates for future development of SOCE inhibitors for therapeutic use.Towards high-throughput parallel imaging and single-cell transcriptomics of microbial eukaryotic planktonVesna GrujčićSami SaarenpääJohn SundhBengt SennbladBenjamin NorgrenMeike LatzStefania GiacomelloRachel A. FosterAnders F. Andersson10.1371/journal.pone.02966722024-01-19T14:00:00Z2024-01-19T14:00:00Z<p>by Vesna Grujčić, Sami Saarenpää, John Sundh, Bengt Sennblad, Benjamin Norgren, Meike Latz, Stefania Giacomello, Rachel A. Foster, Anders F. Andersson</p>
Single-cell transcriptomics has the potential to provide novel insights into poorly studied microbial eukaryotes. Although several such technologies are available and benchmarked on mammalian cells, few have been tested on protists. Here, we applied a microarray single-cell sequencing (MASC-seq) technology, that generates microscope images of cells in parallel with capturing their transcriptomes, on three species representing important plankton groups with different cell structures; the ciliate <i>Tetrahymena thermophila</i>, the diatom <i>Phaeodactylum tricornutum</i>, and the dinoflagellate <i>Heterocapsa</i> sp. Both the cell fixation and permeabilization steps were adjusted. For the ciliate and dinoflagellate, the number of transcripts of microarray spots with single cells were significantly higher than for background spots, and the overall expression patterns were correlated with that of bulk RNA, while for the much smaller diatom cells, it was not possible to separate single-cell transcripts from background. The MASC-seq method holds promise for investigating "microbial dark matter”, although further optimizations are necessary to increase the signal-to-noise ratio.Development of Magnesium Aluminate (MgAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>) Nanoparticles for refractory crucible applicationShaheer Ahmed KhanZakaria Mohd ZainZiauddin SiddiquiWajahat KhanAbdul AabidMuneer BaigMohammad Abdul Malik10.1371/journal.pone.02967932024-01-16T14:00:00Z2024-01-16T14:00:00Z<p>by Shaheer Ahmed Khan, Zakaria Mohd Zain, Ziauddin Siddiqui, Wajahat Khan, Abdul Aabid, Muneer Baig, Mohammad Abdul Malik</p>
Ceramics are the oxides of metals and nonmetals with excellent compressive strength. Ceramics usually exhibit inert behavior at high temperatures. Magnesium aluminate (MgAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>), a member of the ceramic family, possesses a high working temperature up to 2000°C, low thermal conductivity, high strength even at elevated temperatures, and good corrosion resistance. Moreover, Magnesium Aluminate Nanoparticles (MANPs) can be used in the making of refractory crucible applications. This study focuses on the thermal behavior of Magnesium Aluminate Nanoparticles (MANPs) and their application in the making of refractory crucibles. The molten salt method is used to obtain MANPs. The presence of MANPs is seen by XRD peaks ranging from 66° to 67°. The determination of the smallest crystallite size of the sample is achieved by utilizing the Scherrer formula and is found to be 15.3 nm. The SEM micrographs provided further information, indicating an average particle size of 91.2 nm. At 600°C, DSC curves show that only 0.05 W/g heat flows into the material, and the TGA curve shows only 3% weight loss, which is prominent for thermal insulation applications. To investigate the thermal properties, crucibles of pure MANPs and the different compositions of MANPs and pure alumina are prepared. During the sintering, cracks appear on the crucible of pure magnesium aluminate. To explore the reason for crack development, tablets of MgAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> are made and sintered at 1150°C. Ceramography shows the crack-free surfaces of all the tablets. Results confirm the thermal stability of MANPs at high temperatures and their suitability for melting crucible applications.Harnessing fluorescent carbon quantum dots from natural resource for advancing sweat latent fingerprint recognition with machine learning algorithms for enhanced human identificationNisha YadavDeeksha MudgalAmarnath MishraSacheendra ShuklaTabarak MalikVivek Mishra10.1371/journal.pone.02962702024-01-04T14:00:00Z2024-01-04T14:00:00Z<p>by Nisha Yadav, Deeksha Mudgal, Amarnath Mishra, Sacheendra Shukla, Tabarak Malik, Vivek Mishra</p>
Nowadays, it is fascinating to engineer waste biomass into functional valuable nanomaterials. We investigate the production of hetero-atom doped carbon quantum dots (N-S@MCDs) to address the adaptability constraint in green precursors concerning the contents of the green precursors i.e., <i>Tagetes erecta</i> (marigold extract). The successful formation of N-S@MCDs as described has been validated by distinct analytical characterizations. As synthesized N-S@MCDs successfully incorporated on corn-starch powder, providing a nano-carbogenic fingerprint powder composition (N-S@MCDs/corn-starch phosphors). N-S@MCDs imparts astounding color-tunability which enables highly fluorescent fingerprint pattern developed on different non-porous surfaces along with immediate visual enhancement under UV-light, revealing a bright sharp fingerprint, along with long-time preservation of developed fingerprints. The creation and comparison of latent fingerprints (LFPs) are two key research in the recognition and detection of LFPs, respectively. In this work, developed fingerprints are regulated with an artificial intelligence program. The optimum sample has a very high degree of similarity with the standard control, as shown by the program’s good matching score (86.94%) for the optimal sample. Hence, our results far outperform the benchmark attained using the conventional method, making the N-S@MCDs/corn-starch phosphors and the digital processing program suitable for use in real-world scenarios.Characterization of a novel bacteriophage endolysin (LysAB1245) with extended lytic activity against distinct capsular types associated with <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> resistanceRosesathorn SoontarachPotjanee SrimanoteBuppa ArechanajanAlisa NakkaewSupayang Piyawan VoravuthikunchaiSarunyou Chusri10.1371/journal.pone.02964532024-01-02T14:00:00Z2024-01-02T14:00:00Z<p>by Rosesathorn Soontarach, Potjanee Srimanote, Buppa Arechanajan, Alisa Nakkaew, Supayang Piyawan Voravuthikunchai, Sarunyou Chusri</p>
Capsular polysaccharides are considered as major virulence factors associated with the ability of multidrug-resistant (MDR) <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> to cause severe infections. In this study, LysAB1245, a novel bacteriophage-encoded endolysin consisting of a lysozyme-like domain from phage T1245 was successfully expressed, purified, and evaluated for its antibacterial activity against distinct capsular types associated with <i>A</i>. <i>baumannii</i> resistance. The results revealed a broad spectrum activity of LysAB1245 against all clinical MDR <i>A</i>. <i>baumannii</i> isolates belonging to capsular type (KL) 2, 3, 6, 10, 47, 49, and 52 and <i>A</i>. <i>baumannii</i> ATCC 19606. At 2 h following the treatment with 1.7 unit/reaction of LysAB1245, more than 3 log reduction in the numbers of bacterial survival was observed. In addition, LysAB1245 displayed rapid bactericidal activity within 30 min (nearly 3 log CFU/mL of bacterial reduction). Thermostability assay indicated that LysAB1245 was stable over a broad range of temperature from 4 to 70°C, while pH sensitivity assay demonstrated a wide range of pH from 4.5 to 10.5. Furthermore, both minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of LysAB1245 against all MDR <i>A</i>. <i>baumannii</i> isolates and <i>A</i>. <i>baumannii</i> ATCC 19606 were 4.21 μg/mL (0.1 unit/reaction). Conclusively, these results suggest that LysAB1245 possesses potential application for the treatment of nosocomial MDR <i>A</i>. <i>baumannii</i> infections.