Short Peptides as Powerful Arsenal for Smart Fighting Cancer.

Short peptides have been coming around as a strong weapon in the fight against cancer on all fronts-in immuno-, chemo-, and radiotherapy, and also in combinatorial approaches. Moreover, short peptides have relevance in cancer imaging or 3D culture. Thanks to the natural 'smart' nature of short peptides, their unique structural features, as well as recent progress in biotechnological and bioinformatics development, short peptides are playing an enormous role in evolving cutting-edge strategies.

An experimental and computational investigation of the cyclopentene-containing peptide-derived compounds: focus on pseudo-cyclic motifs via intramolecular interactions.

Conformational flexibility is one of the main disadvantages of peptide-based compounds. We focus on their molecular 'chameleonicity' related to forming pseudo-cyclic motifs via modulation of weak intramolecular interactions. It is an appealing strategy for controlling equilibrium between the polar open and the nonpolar closed conformations.

Tetrazoles: A multi-potent motif in drug design.

The unique physicochemical properties and fascinating bioisosterism of tetrazole scaffolds have received significant attention in medicinal chemistry. We report recent efforts using tetrazoles in drug design strategies in this context. Despite the increasing prevalence of tetrazoles in FDA-approved drugs for various conditions such as cancer, bacterial viral and fungal infections, asthma, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, malaria, and tuberculosis, our understanding of their structure-activity relationships, multifunctional mechanisms, binding modes, and biochemical properties remains limited.

The Immunosuppressive Properties of Cyclo-[-Pro-Pro--HoPhe-Phe-] Tetrapeptide Selected from Stereochemical Variants of Cyclo-[Pro-Pro--HoPhe-Phe-] Peptide.

The anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties, as well as the mechanism of action of cyclo-[Pro-Pro--HoPhe-Phe-] tetrapeptide (denoted as 4B8M), were recently described. The aim of this work was to synthesize and evaluate the immunosuppressive actions of the stereochemical variants of 4B8M by sequential substitution of -amino acids by -amino acids (a series of peptides denoted as P01-P07) using parent 4B8M as a reference compound. In addition, diverse available bioinformatics tools using machine learning and artificial intelligence were tested to find the bio-pharmacokinetic and polypharmacological attributes of analyzed stereomers.

Ambiguous Faces of Water-Based Inclusion Compounds: L4(4)8(8) Intercalato-Clathrate Hydrate of Pt(II) Complex.

Clathrate hydrates are among the most intensively studied H-bond inclusion compounds. Despite the broad definition for this class of compounds, their meaning commonly refers to closed polyhedral nanocages that encapsulate small guest molecules. On the other hand, larger solutes enforce another type of encapsulation because of the solute size effect.

Root-Applied Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Specific Effects on Plants: A Review.

With the pronounced increase in nanotechnology, it is likely that biological systems will be exposed to excess nanoparticles (NPs). Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO NPs) are among the most abundantly produced nanomaterials in the world. Their widespread use raises fundamental questions related to the accumulation in the environment and further interactions with living organisms, especially plants.

The Influence of Copper and Zinc on Photosynthesis and Phenolic Levels in Basil ( L.), Borage ( L.), Common Nettle ( L.) and Peppermint ( L.).

This work is aimed at relationships which govern zinc and copper uptake by four popular medicinal herbs: basil ( L.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), common nettle ( L.

1D and 2D Coordination Polymers of Calcium with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Hirshfeld Surfaces, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities.

Four alkaline earth metal complexes of ketoprofen (Hket) and indomethacin (Hind) were synthesized and characterized: [Ca(ket)(HO)] (1), [Mg(ket)(HO)] (2), [Ca(ind)(EtOH)] (3), and [Mg(ind)(EtOH)] (4). All compounds were studied by elemental analysis (EA), flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Crystal structures of 1 and 3 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique T=100 K.

Photosynthesis governed by nanoparticulate titanium dioxide. The Pisum sativum L. case study.

Wide availability of anthropogenic TiO nanoparticles facilitates their penetration into environment and prompts interactions with plants. They alter plants growth and change their nutritional status. In particular, metabolic processes are affected.

A holistic approach to the spatio-temporal variability investigation of the main river water quality - The importance of tributaries.

The surface water pollution can cause serious ecological disasters. An example is large-scale fish deaths due to excessive salinity, which is global problem. In order to prevent such situations, it is necessary to carry out regular monitoring of both main rivers and their tributaries.

Antioxidant Activity and Photosynthesis Efficiency in Subjected to Heavy Metals Stress.

The aim of this study was to assess influence of cadmium and zinc treatments on antioxidant activity combined with the photosynthesis efficiency in a popular herb lemon balm ( L.). Plants were grown under greenhouse conditions by the pot method.

Combined Effect of Climate and Anthropopressure on River Water Quality.

This study was a continuation of our investigation of the spatio-temporal variability of the Bzura River's water chemistry. Our research is of particular importance in the context of the recent ecological disaster on the Oder River and concerns the international problem of surface water contamination. The study area was a 120 km section of the Bzura River.

The Impact of Soil pH on Heavy Metals Uptake and Photosynthesis Efficiency in , , .

Herbs used in medicine should be grown under controlled and standardized conditions. Agricultural practices often induce changes to soil pH, which may affect migration of heavy metals in the environment, their accumulation in plant tissues and the concentration of medicinal ingredients. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of various soil pH on the biological parameters and uptake of manganese, copper and zinc by basil, dandelion and lemon balm.

Structural and Biofunctional Insights into the Cyclo(Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe-) Scaffold from Experimental and In Silico Studies: Melanoma and Beyond.

Short peptides have great potential as safe and effective anticancer drug leads. Herein, the influence of short cyclic peptides containing the Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe sequence on patient-derived melanoma cells was investigated. Cyclic peptides such as cyclo(Leu-Ile-Ile-Leu-Val-Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe-), called CLA, and cyclo(Pro-homoPro-βhomoPhe-Phe-), called P11, exert the cytotoxic and the cytostatic effects in melanoma cells, respectively.

New Advances in Short Peptides: Looking Forward.

It is beyond doubt that short peptides hold significant promise in bio-medicine, as the most versatile molecules, both structurally and functionally [...

The Combined Effect of ZnO and CeO Nanoparticles on L.: A Photosynthesis and Nutrients Uptake Study.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are emerging pollutants that are likely to occur in the contemporary environment. So far, their combined effects on terrestrial plants have not been thoroughly investigated. Obviously, this subject is a challenge for modern ecotoxicology.

Cyclic Dipeptides: The Biological and Structural Landscape with Special Focus on the Anti-Cancer Proline-Based Scaffold.

Cyclic dipeptides, also know as diketopiperazines (DKP), the simplest cyclic forms of peptides widespread in nature, are unsurpassed in their structural and bio-functional diversity. DKPs, especially those containing proline, due to their unique features such as, inter alia, extra-rigid conformation, high resistance to enzyme degradation, increased cell permeability, and expandable ability to bind a diverse of targets with better affinity, have emerged in the last years as biologically pre-validated platforms for the drug discovery. Recent advances have revealed their enormous potential in the development of next-generation theranostics, smart delivery systems, and biomaterials.

Hysteresis of heavy metals uptake induced in Taraxacum officinale by thiuram.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) yields active substances frequently used in herbal medicinal preparations. Its plantations are exposed to fungal plagues which pose a threat to herbal crops. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long time effects of a fungicide thiuram on dandelion growth and photosynthesis.

The First Insight Into the Supramolecular System of -α-Difluoromethylornithine: A New Antiviral Perspective.

Targeting the polyamine biosynthetic pathway by inhibiting ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a powerful approach in the fight against diverse viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO, eflornithine) is the best-known inhibitor of ODC and a broad-spectrum, unique therapeutical agent. Nevertheless, its pharmacokinetic profile is not perfect, especially when large doses are required in antiviral treatment.

A Global Review on Short Peptides: Frontiers and Perspectives.

Peptides are fragments of proteins that carry out biological functions. They act as signaling entities via all domains of life and interfere with protein-protein interactions, which are indispensable in bio-processes. Short peptides include fundamental molecular information for a prelude to the symphony of life.

Metal Homeostasis and Gas Exchange Dynamics in L. Exposed to Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles.

Cerium dioxide nanoparticles are pollutants of emerging concern. They are rarely immobilized in the environment. This study extends our work on L.

A Proline-Based Tectons and Supramolecular Synthons for Drug Design 2.0: A Case Study of ACEI.

Proline is a unique, endogenous amino acid, prevalent in proteins and essential for living organisms. It is appreciated as a tecton for the rational design of new bio-active substances. Herein, we present a short overview of the subject.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Metal Pollution in Urban Soils of a Post-Industrial City-A Case of Łódź, Poland.

The pollution of urban soils by metals is a global problem. Prolonged exposure of habitants who are in contact with metals retained in soil poses a health risk. This particularly applies to industrialized cities with developed transport networks.

Transition Metal Complexes with Flufenamic Acid for Pharmaceutical Applications-A Novel Three-Centered Coordination Polymer of Mn(II) Flufenamate.

Five complexes of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, flufenamic acid were synthesized: (1) [Mn(fluf)EtOH)(HO)]3EtOH; (2) [Co(fluf)(EtOH)(HO)]HO; (3) [Ni(fluf)(EtOH)(HO)]HO; (4) [Cu(fluf)HO]; (5) [Zn(fluf)HO]. All complexes were characterized by elemental analysis (EA), flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and (TGA). The crystal structure of was determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique.

Additive interactions of nanoparticulate ZnO with copper, manganese and iron in Pisum sativum L., a hydroponic study.

Widespread occurrence of ZnO nanoparticles in environment follows the growing number of applications either in technology or agriculture. The impact of five forms of nanoparticulate ZnO on copper, manganese and iron uptake by Pisum sativum L. cultivated in Hoagland solutions was investigated.