The role of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) in the mitigation of high-temperature (HT) stress in crops is not known. The uptake, toxicity and physiological and biological effects of Se-NPs under HT were investigated in grain sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Se-NPs of size 10–40 nm were synthesized and characterized to indicate nanocrystalline structure. A toxicity assay showed that Se-NPs concentration inducing 50% cell mortality (TC50) was 275 mg L –1 . Translocation study indicated that Se-NPs can move from root to shoot of sorghum plants. Foliar spray of 10 mg L –1 Se-NPs during the booting stage of sorghum grown under HT stress stimulated the antioxidant defense system by enhancing antioxidant enzymes activity. Furthermore, it decreased the concentration of signature oxidants. Se-NPs facilitated higher levels of unsaturated phospholipids. Se-NPs under HT stress improved the pollen germination percentage, leading to a significantly increased seed yield. The increased antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased content of oxidants in the presence of Se-NPs were greater under HT (38/28 °C) than under optimum temperature conditions (32/22 °C). In conclusion, Se-NPs can protect sorghum plants by enhanced antioxidative defense system under HT stress.

Isothiocyanates (ICTs) are a group of molecules that can be used for many different purposes, they exhibit anticancer, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The synthesis of isothiocyanates has been a focus of many researchers for nearly the past 100 years. One of the most common synthetic methods is to form a dithiocarbamate salt, either as the first step or in situ, and then treat the salt with a desulfurization agent to reach the isothiocyanate. There are many different desulfurization agents available. Among these, there are eleven in particular that will be discussed in this short review, namely thiophosgene, lead nitrate, ethyl chloroformate, hydrogen peroxide, triphosgene, iodine, cobalt, copper, sodium persulfate, claycop, and tosyl­ chloride. There are four additional particular methodologies that stand out from the literature available on this topic that will be covered, namely the production of isothiocyanates from hydroximoyl chlorides, via elemental sulfur, microwave-assisted synthesis, and through the tandem Staudinger/aza-Wittig reactions.1 Introduction1.1 Metabolism of Glucosinolates2 Synthesis of Isothiocyanates2.1 Isothiocyanates from the Decomposition of Dithiocarbamate Salts2.2 Isothiocyanates from Hydroximoyl Chlorides2.3 Isothiocyanates Produced via Elemental Sulfur2.4 Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Isothiocyanates2.5 Isothiocyanates via the Tandem Staudinger/aza-Wittig Reactions3 Conclusion

Magnetic nanoparticles have continuously gained importance for the purpose of magnetically-aided drug-delivery, magnetofection, and hyperthermia. We have summarized significant experimental approaches, as well as their advantages and disadvantages with respect to future clinical translation. This field is alive and well and promises meaningful contributions to the development of novel cancer therapies.

The analysis of circulating cell free DNA (ccf-DNA) is an emerging diagnostic tool for the detection and monitoring of tissue injury, disease progression, and potential treatment effects. Currently, most of ccf-DNA in tissue and liquid biopsies is analysed with real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) that is primer- and template-specific, labour intensive and cost-inefficient. In this report we directly compare the amounts of ccf-DNA in serum of healthy volunteers, and subjects presenting with various stages of lung adenocarcinoma, and survivors of traumatic brain injury using qPCR and quantitative PicoGreen™ fluorescence assay. A significant increase of ccf-DNA in lung adenocarcinoma and traumatic brain injury patients, in comparison to the group of healthy human subjects, was found using both analytical methods. However, the direct correlation between PicoGreen™ fluorescence and qPCR was found only when mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-specific primers were used. Further analysis of the location of ccf-DNA indicated that the majority of DNA is located within lumen of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and is easily detected with mtDNA-specific primers. We have concluded that due to the presence of active DNases in the blood, the analysis of DNA within EVs has the potential of providing rapid diagnostic outcomes. Moreover, we speculate that accurate and rapid quantification of ccf-DNA with PicoGreen™ fluorescent probe used as a point of care approach could facilitate immediate assessment and treatment of critically ill patients.