bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Physical Exercise Post-Treatment in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: del-Rosal-Jurado Alicia , Romero-Galisteo Rita , Trinidad-Fernández Manuel , González-Sánchez Manuel , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio , Ruiz-Muñoz Maria
Published: April 2020

Advances achieved in diagnosis and improvements in treatment for breast cancer have resulted in a favourable survival rate. Therapeutic physical exercise (TPE) is presented as an intervention strategy that seeks to improve the functional capabilities of the subject. To analyse if clinical practice guidelines recommend therapeutic physical exercise to reduce the adverse effects of treatment in breast cancer survivors, and on what level of scientific evidence are these recommendations based. This systematic review was prepared by searching nine electronic databases to identify eligible studies. Thirteen met the criteria for inclusion. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) scale was used to analyse the quality of Clinical Practice Guideline (CPGs). The percentages obtained ranged between 30.07% and 75.70%. Specifically, the highest degree of evidence could be found in the application of TPE to offset adverse effects leading to effects such as: an increase in the quality of life, fatigue reduction, and reduction in body weight alterations. TPE is presented as an optimal intervention strategy to alleviate the negative effects that patients with breast cancer suffer as a result of the treatments received. The level of evidence that supports this claim is very strong for the majority of the side effects analysed. However, this evidence is not always included in the clinical practice guidelines.
The TAGA Study: A Study of Factors Determining Aortic Diameter in Families at High Risk of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Reveal Two New Candidate Genes
Authors: Peypoch Olga , Paüls-Vergés Ferran , Vázquez-Santiago Miquel , Dilme Jaime , Romero Jose , Giner Jordi , Plaza Vicente , Escudero Jose Roman , Soria Jose Manuel , Camacho Mercedes , Sabater-Lleal Maria
Published: April 2020

A variety of disorders are known to be related with aortic geometry, among them abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This work aims to present the main determinants of abdominal aortic diameter in a new cohort of families at high risk of AAA. The Triple-A Genomic Analysis (TAGA) study comprises 407 individuals related in 12 families. Each family was collected through a proband with AAA. We calculated heritability and genetic correlations between abdominal aortic diameter and clinical parameters. A genome-wide linkage scan was performed based on 4.6 million variants. A predictive model was calculated with conditional forest. Heritability of the abdominal aortic diameter was 34%. Old age, male sex, higher height, weight, creatinine levels in serum, and better lung capacity were the best predictors of aortic diameter. Linkage analyses suggested the implication of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Betacellulin (BTC) genes with aortic diameter. This is the first study to evaluate genetic components of variation of the aortic diameter in a population of AAA high-risk individuals. These results reveal EGFR, a gene that had been previously implicated in AAA, as a determinant of aortic diameter variation in healthy genetically enriched individuals, and might indicate that a common genetic background could determine the diameter of the aorta and future risk of AAA.
Lipidomics Reveals Reduced Inflammatory Lipid Species and Storage Lipids after Switching from EFV/FTC/TDF to RPV/FTC/TDF: A Randomized Open-Label Trial
Authors: Curran Adrian , Rull Anna , Navarro Jordi , Vidal-González Judit , Martin-Castillo Mario , Burgos Joaquin , Falcó Vicenç , Ribera Esteban , Torrella Ariadna , Planas Bibiana , Peraire Joaquim , Crespo Manuel
Published: April 2020

HIV and antiretroviral therapy affect lipid metabolism. Lipidomics quantifies several individual species that are overlooked using conventional biochemical analyses, outperforming traditional risk equations. We aimed to compare the plasma lipidomic profile of HIV patients taking efavirenz (EFV) or rilpivirine (RPV). Patients ≥ 18 years old on EFV co-formulated with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) with HIV-RNA < 50 copies/mL for ≥6 months were randomized to continue EFV/FTC/TDF (n = 14) or switch to RPV/FTC/TDF (n =15). Lipidomic analyses conducted by mass spectrometry (MS) were performed at baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks. OWLiver® Care and OWLiver® tests were performed to estimate the presence of fatty liver disease (NAFLD). No significant differences (83% male, median age 44 years, 6 years receiving EFV/FTC/TDF, CD4+ count 740 cells/mm3, TC 207 [57 HDL-C/133 LDL-C] mg/dL, TG 117 mg/dL) were observed between the groups at baseline. Significant reductions in plasma lipids and lipoproteins but increased circulating bilirubin concentrations were observed in patients who switched to RPV/FTC/TDF. Patients on RPV/FTC/TDF showed a decrease in the global amount of storage lipids (-0.137 log2 [fold-change] EFV vs. 0.059 log2 [fold-change] RPV) but an increase in lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) and total steroids. Compared with EFV, RPV increased metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties and reduced the repository of specific lipotoxic lipids.
Incidence of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma and Breast-Implant-Associated Lymphoma—An Analysis of a Certified Tumor Registry over 17 Years
Authors: Prantl Lukas , Gerken Michael , Zeman Florian , Leitzmann Michael , Koller Michael , Klinkhammer-Schalke Monika , Evert Matthias , Kuehlmann Britta , Biermann Niklas
Published: April 2020

Background: Breast-implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BI-ALCL) and primary breast ALCL are rare extranodal manifestations of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The rarity of both diseases, along with unreleased sales data on breast implants and constant updates of classification systems impede the calculation of an exact incidence. Methods: The database of the Tumor Center Regensburg in Bavaria was searched for patients with CD30-positive and ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma between 2002 and 2018. These lymphomas were identified by the ICD-O-3 morphology code “97023” and were cross-checked by searching the diagnosis by name the and ICD-10 code C84.7. Furthermore, we tried to calculate the incidence rates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals, standardized to 1,000,000 implant years of breast-implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma and primary breast anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Results: Twelve ALK-negative and CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphomas were identified out of 170,405 malignancies. No case was found within the breast tissue and none of the patients had a previous history of breast implant placement. In five cases, lymph node involvement in close proximity to the breast was observed. Conclusion: We found a low incidence of anaplastic large cell lymphoma and no association to breast implants in these patients. A review of the current literature revealed inconsistent use of classification systems for anaplastic large cell lymphomas and potential overestimation of cases.
New Insights into the Implication of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Tissue, Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, and Platelets during Lung Diseases
Authors: Riou Marianne , Alfatni Abrar , Charles Anne-Laure , Andrès Emmanuel , Pistea Cristina , Charloux Anne , Geny Bernard
Published: April 2020

Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Complex, their physiopathology is multifactorial and includes lung mitochondrial dysfunction and enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, which deserves increased attention. Further, and importantly, circulating blood cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells-(PBMCs) and platelets) likely participate in these systemic diseases. This review presents the data published so far and shows that circulating blood cells mitochondrial oxidative capacity are likely to be reduced in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but enhanced in asthma and pulmonary arterial hypertension in a context of increased oxidative stress. Besides such PBMCs or platelets bioenergetics modifications, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) changes have also been observed in patients. These new insights open exciting challenges to determine their role as biomarkers or potential guide to a new therapeutic approach in lung diseases.
Mathematical Model Predicts Effective Strategies to Inhibit VEGF-eNOS Signaling
Authors: Wu Qianhui , Finley Stacey D.
Published: April 2020

The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling pathway in endothelial cells has multiple physiological significances. It produces nitric oxide (NO), an important vasodilator, and enables a long-term proliferative response, contributing to angiogenesis. This signaling pathway is mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a pro-angiogenic species that is often targeted to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. However, inhibiting VEGF-mediated eNOS signaling can lead to complications such as hypertension. Therefore, it is important to understand the dynamics of eNOS signaling in the context of angiogenesis inhibitors. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) is an important angiogenic inhibitor that, through interaction with its receptor CD47, has been shown to redundantly inhibit eNOS signaling. However, the exact mechanisms of TSP1′s inhibitory effects on this pathway remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we established a molecular-detailed mechanistic model to describe VEGF-mediated eNOS signaling, and we used the model to identify the potential intracellular targets of TSP1. In addition, we applied the predictive model to investigate the effects of several approaches to selectively target eNOS signaling in cells experiencing high VEGF levels present in the tumor microenvironment. This work generates insights for pharmacologic targets and therapeutic strategies to inhibit tumor angiogenesis signaling while avoiding potential side effects in normal vasoregulation.
Anemia and Systemic Inflammation Rather than Arterial Circulatory Dysfunction Predict Decompensation of Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Bothou Christina , Rüschenbaum Sabrina , Kubesch Alica , Quenstedt Leonie , Schwarzkopf Katharina , Welsch Christoph , Zeuzem Stefan , Welzel Tania Mara , Lange Christian Markus
Published: April 2020

Background: While systemic inflammation is recognized as playing a central role in the pathogenesis of organ failures in patients with liver cirrhosis, less is known about its relevance in the development of classical hepatic decompensation. Aim: To characterize the relationship between systemic inflammation, hemodynamics, and anemia with decompensation of liver cirrhosis. Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of a cohort study of outpatients with advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Results: Analysis included 338 patients of whom 51 patients (15%) were hospitalized due to decompensation of liver cirrhosis during a median follow-up time of six months. In univariate analysis, active alcoholism (p = 0.002), model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (p = 0.00002), serum IL-6 concentration (p = 0.006), heart rate (p = 0.03), low arterial blood pressure (p < 0.05), maximal portal venous flow (p = 0.008), and low hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.00001) were associated with hospitalization during follow-up. Multivariate analysis revealed an independent association of low hemoglobin (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.51–0.78, p = 0.001) and serum IL-6 concentration (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01–1.04, p = 0.03)—but not of hemodynamic parameters—with hepatic decompensation. An inverse correlation between hemoglobin concentration and portal venous flow (R = −0.362, p < 0.0001) was detected for the non-hospitalized patients. Accuracy of baseline hemoglobin levels for predicting hospitalization (AUC = 0.84, p < 0.000001) was high. Conclusion: Anemia and systemic inflammation, rather than arterial circulatory dysfunction, are strong and independent predictors of hepatic decompensation in outpatients with liver cirrhosis.
Clinical Evidence for Q10 Coenzyme Supplementation in Heart Failure: From Energetics to Functional Improvement
Authors: Di Lorenzo Anna , Iannuzzo Gabriella , Parlato Alessandro , Cuomo Gianluigi , Testa Crescenzo , Coppola Marta , D’Ambrosio Giuseppe , Oliviero Domenico Alessandro , Sarullo Silvia , Vitale Giuseppe , Nugara Cinzia , Sarullo Filippo M. , Giallauria Francesco
Published: April 2020

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are hallmarks of heart failure (HF). Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like organic compound widely expressed in humans as ubiquinol (reduced form) and ubiquinone (oxidized form). CoQ10 plays a key role in electron transport in oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria. CoQ10 acts as a potent antioxidant, membrane stabilizer and cofactor in the production of adenosine triphosphate by oxidative phosphorylation, inhibiting the oxidation of proteins and DNA. Patients with HF showed CoQ10 deficiency; therefore, a number of clinical trials investigating the effects of CoQ10 supplementation in HF have been conducted. CoQ10 supplementation may confer potential prognostic advantages in HF patients with no adverse hemodynamic profile or safety issues. The latest evidence on the clinical effects of CoQ10 supplementation in HF was reviewed.
The Ocular Surface and the Coronavirus Disease 2019: Does a Dual ‘Ocular Route’ Exist?
Authors: Napoli Pietro Emanuele , Nioi Matteo , d’Aloja Ernesto , Fossarello Maurizio
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an important health problem that was defined as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020. Although great concern has been expressed about COVID-19 infection acquired through ocular transmission, its underlying mechanism has not currently been clarified. In the current work, we analyzed and elucidated the two main elements that should be taken into account to understand the “ocular route”, both from a clinical and molecular point of view. They are represented by the dynamism of the ocular surface system (e.g., the tear film turnover) and the distribution of ACE2 receptors and TMPRSS2 protein. Although it seems, at the moment, that there is a low risk of coronavirus spreading through tears, it may survive for a long time or replicate in the conjunctiva, even in absence of conjunctivitis signs, indicating that eye protection (e.g., protective goggles alone or in association with face shield) is advisable to prevent contamination from external droplets and aerosol.
Early Postoperative Death in Patients Undergoing Emergency High-Risk Surgery: Towards a Better Understanding of Patients for Whom Surgery May not Be Beneficial
Authors: Aggarwal Geeta , Broughton Katherine J. , Williams Linda J. , Peden Carol J. , Quiney Nial
Published: April 2020

The timing, causes, and quality of care for patients who die after emergency laparotomy have not been extensively reported. A large database of 13,953 patients undergoing emergency laparotomy, between July 2014 and March 2017, from 28 hospitals in England was studied. Anonymized data was extracted on day of death, patient demographics, operative details, compliance with standards of care, and 30-day and in-patient mortality. Thirty-day mortality was 8.9%, and overall inpatient mortality was 9.8%. Almost 40% of postoperative deaths occurred within three days of surgery, and 70% of these early deaths occurred on the day of surgery or the first postoperative day. Such early deaths could be considered nonbeneficial surgery. Patients who died within three days of surgery had a significantly higher preoperative lactate, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) grade, and Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and morbidity (P-POSSUM). Compliance with perioperative standards of care based on the Emergency Laparotomy Collaborative care bundle was high overall and better for those patients who died within three days of surgery. Multidisciplinary team involvement from intensive care, care of the elderly physicians, and palliative care may help both the communication and the burden of responsibility in deciding on the risk–benefit of operative versus nonoperative approaches to care.
Association of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference with All-Cause Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kim Chang Seong , Han Kyung-Do , Choi Hong Sang , Bae Eun Hui , Ma Seong Kwon , Kim Soo Wan
Published: April 2020

In this study based on a large nationally representative sample of Korean adults, we investigated the potential associations of the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis. We obtained the data of 18,699 participants >20 years of age who were followed up with for 4 years and for whom BMI and WC information were available, using a nationally representative dataset from the Korean National Health Insurance System. Patients were stratified into five levels by their baseline BMI and into six levels by their WC (5-cm increments). A total of 4975 deaths occurred during a median follow-up period of 48.2 months. Participants with a higher BMI had a lower mortality rate than those with a lower BMI. In a fully adjusted Cox regression analysis, being overweight and obese was associated with a significantly lower relative risk of all-cause mortality relative to the reference group. Conversely, the mortality rate was higher among participants with a high WC than among those with a low WC. Participants with the highest WC had a higher risk of mortality, while those with the lowest WC level had a significantly lower risk of mortality. In conclusion, all-cause mortality was positively associated with WC, a measure of abdominal obesity, and inversely associated with BMI, a measure of body volume, in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Wave Front Steepness and Influence on Horizontal Deck Impact Loads
Authors: Stansberg Carl Trygve
Published: April 2020

In design storm sea states, wave-in-deck forces need to be analysed for fixed and floating offshore platforms. Due to the complex physics of wave impact phenomena, numerical analyses should be complemented by model test data. With a large statistical variability, such experiments usually involve running many 3-h storm realisations. Efforts are being done to establish efficient procedures and still obtain improved statistical accuracy, by means of an initial simplified screening based on parameters derived from the incident wave record only. Here, we investigate the vertical rise velocity of the incident wave elevation at a fixed point in space, which indirectly measures both the local slope and the near-surface orbital velocity. A derived simple deck slamming model is also suggested, to support the check of the physical basis of the approach. Correlation against data from a GBS wave-in-deck model test is used for checking this model. The results show that, although there is a significant random scatter in the measured impact forces, especially in the local slamming forces but also in the global forces, there is a correlation to the rise velocity. Comparisons to the simple load model also show promising results when seen on background of the complex physics and random scatter of the impact problem.
Loss of Kex2 Affects the Candida albicans Cell Wall and Interaction with Innate Immune Cells
Authors: Gómez-Gaviria Manuela , Lozoya-Pérez Nancy E. , Staniszewska Monika , Franco Bernardo , Niño-Vega Gustavo A. , Mora-Montes Hector M.
Published: April 2020

The secretory pathway in Candida albicans involves the protein translocation into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and transport to the Golgi complex, where proteins undergo posttranslational modifications, including glycosylation and proteolysis. The Golgi-resident Kex2 protease is involved in such processing and disruption of its encoding gene affected virulence and dimorphism. These previous studies were performed using cells without URA3 or with URA3 ectopically placed into the KEX2 locus. Since these conditions are known to affect the cellular fitness and the host–fungus interaction, here we generated a kex2Δ null mutant strain with URA3 placed into the neutral locus RPS1. The characterization of this strain showed defects in the cell wall composition, with a reduction in the N-linked mannan content, and the increment in the levels of O-linked mannans, chitin, and β-glucans. The defects in the mannan content are likely linked to changes in Golgi-resident enzymes, as the α-1,2-mannosyltransferase and α-1,6-mannosyltransferase activities were incremented and reduced, respectively. The mutant cells also showed reduced ability to stimulate cytokine production and phagocytosis by human mononuclear cells and macrophages, respectively. Collectively, these data showed that loss of Kex2 affected the cell wall composition, the protein glycosylation pathways, and interaction with innate immune cells.
Application of Machine Learning Technique to Distinguish Parkinson’s Disease Dementia and Alzheimer’s Dementia: Predictive Power of Parkinson’s Disease-Related Non-Motor Symptoms and Neuropsychological Profile
Authors: Byeon Haewon
Published: April 2020

In order to develop a predictive model that can distinguish Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) from other dementia types, such as Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), it is necessary to evaluate and identify the predictive accuracy of the cognitive profile while considering the non-motor symptoms, such as depression and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorders. This study compared Parkinson’s disease (PD)’s non-motor symptoms and the diagnostic predictive power of cognitive profiles that distinguish AD and PD using machine learning. This study analyzed 118 patients with AD and 110 patients with PDD, and all subjects were 60 years or older. In order to develop the PDD prediction model, the dataset was divided into training data (70%) and test data (30%). The prediction accuracy of the model was calculated by the recognition rate. The results of this study show that Parkinson-related non-motor symptoms, such as REM sleep behavior disorders, and cognitive screening tests, such as Korean version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment, were highly accurate factors for predicting PDD. It is required to develop customized screening tests that can detect PDD in the early stage based on these results. Furthermore, it is believed that including biomarkers such as brain images or cerebrospinal fluid as input variables will be more useful for developing PDD prediction models in the future.
Impact of Pretreatment of Metal Glass Fe70Cr15B15 on Anodization in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Ionic Liquid
Authors: Lebedeva Olga , Snytko Victoria , Kuznetsova Irina , Kalmykov Konstantin , Kultin Dmitry , Root Natalia , Philippova Svetlana , Dunaev Sergei , Zakharov Alexandre , Kustov Leonid
Published: April 2020

The impact of preliminary treatment (mechanical abrasion; chemical etching and anodization in ionic liquid) on the surface structure and corrosion behavior of Fe70Cr15B15 metal glass was studied. The detachment of the anodic oxide film from untreated Fe-amorphous alloy under anodization in ionic liquid was observed for the first time. The formation of hexagonal nanostructures (cells) on the surface of the Fe70Cr15B15 alloy after mechanical abrasion and following anodization in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF4]) ionic liquid was also detected for the first time. Electrochemical corrosion of the initial and pretreated amorphous alloy was tested in a Na2SO4 aqueous solution. The resistance to corrosion was found to be enhanced slightly after mechanical abrasion. The sample with hexagonal nanostructures obtained after anodization of the mechanically abraded sample demonstrated a more significant anodic shift in the corrosion potential (Ecorr = + 379 mV) compared with that for the initial alloy (Ecorr = −125 mV).
Recombinant Filamentous Bacteriophages Encapsulated in Biodegradable Polymeric Microparticles for Stimulation of Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses
Authors: Jamaledin Rezvan , Sartorius Rossella , Di Natale Concetta , Vecchione Raffaele , De Berardinis Piergiuseppe , Netti Paolo Antonio
Published: April 2020

Escherichia coli filamentous bacteriophages (M13, f1, or fd) have attracted tremendous attention from vaccinologists as a promising immunogenic carrier and vaccine delivery vehicle with vast possible applications in the development of vaccines. The use of fd bacteriophage as an antigen delivery system is based on a modification of bacteriophage display technology. In particular, it is designed to express multiple copies of exogenous peptides (or polypeptides) covalently linked to viral capsid proteins. This study for the first time proposes the use of microparticles (MPs) made of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to encapsulate fd bacteriophage. Bacteriophage–PLGA MPs were synthesized by a water in oil in water (w1/o/w2) emulsion technique, and their morphological properties were analyzed by confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, phage integrity, encapsulation efficiency, and release were investigated. Using recombinant bacteriophages expressing the ovalbumin (OVA) antigenic determinant, we demonstrated the immunogenicity of the encapsulated bacteriophage after being released by MPs. Our results reveal that encapsulated bacteriophages are stable and retain their immunogenic properties. Bacteriophage-encapsulated PLGA microparticles may thus represent an important tool for the development of different bacteriophage-based vaccine platforms.
Naringenin Regulates Doxorubicin-Induced Liver Dysfunction: Impact on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Wali Adil Farooq , Rashid Summya , Rashid Shahzada Mudasir , Ansari Mushtaq Ahmad , Khan Mohammad Rashid , Haq Nazrul , Alhareth Dhafer Yahya , Ahmad Ajaz , Rehman Muneeb U.
Published: April 2020

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an operational and largely used anticancer drug, used to treat an array of malignancies. Nonetheless, its beneficial use is constrained due to its renal and hepatotoxicity dose dependently. Numerous research findings favor the use of antioxidants may impact Dox-induced liver injury/damage. In the current study, Wistar rats were given naringenin (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) orally for 20 days as prophylactic dose, against the hepatotoxicity induced by single intraperitoneal injection of Dox (20 mg/kg b.wt.). Potency of naringenin against the liver damage caused by Dox was assessed by measuring malonyl aldehyde (MDA) as a by-product of lipid peroxidation, biochemical estimation of antioxidant enzyme system, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and inflammatory mediators. Naringenin-attenuated ROS production, ROS-induced lipid peroxidation, and replenished reduced antioxidant armory, namely, catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH). Naringenin similarly diminished expression of Cox-2 and levels of NF-κB and other inflammatory molecules induced by the Dox treatment. Histology added further evidence to the defensive effects of naringenin on Dox-induced liver damage. The outcomes of the current study reveal that oxidative stress and inflammation are meticulously linked with Dox-triggered damage, and naringenin illustrates the potential effect on Dox-induced hepatotoxicity probably through diminishing the oxidative stress and inflammation.
Phytic Acid and Mineral Biofortification Strategies: From Plant Science to Breeding and Biotechnological Approaches
Authors: Cominelli Eleonora , Pilu Roberto , Sparvoli Francesca
Published: April 2020

Mineral deficiencies, particularly for iron and zinc, affect over two billion people worldwide, mainly in developing countries where diets are based on the consumption of staple crops. Mineral biofortification includes different approaches aimed to increase mineral concentration and to improve mineral bioavailability in the edible parts of plants, particularly the seeds. A multidisciplinary approach, including agronomic, genetic, physiological, and molecular expertise, is necessary to obtain detailed knowledge of the complex homeostatic mechanisms that tightly regulate seed mineral concentrations and the molecules and mechanisms that determine mineral bioavailability, necessary to reach the biofortification objectives. To increase bioavailability, one strategy is to decrease seed content of phytic acid, a highly electronegative molecule present in the cell that chelates positively charged metal ions, many of which are important for human nutrition. All the contributions of the current Special Issue aim at describing new results, reviewing the literature, and also commenting on some of the economic and sociological aspects concerning biofortification research. A number of contributions are related to the study of mineral transport, seed accumulation, and approaches to increase seed micronutrient concentration. The remaining ones are mainly focused on the study of low phytic acid mutants.
Combination of Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Root Grafting Effectively Controls Nematode in Replanted Coffee Soil
Authors: Pham The Trinh , Giang Bach Long , Nguyen Ngoc Hoi , Dong Yen Pham Nguyen , Minh Hoang Vo Do , Lien Ha Bui Thi , Le Ngoc Thuy Trang
Published: April 2020

Replanting for sustainable development is one of the critical missions of the coffee industry in the Daklak province, Vietnam. However, this plan has been faced with many difficulties including poor survival and growth rates due to the low nematode tolerance of young coffee plants in replanted fields. Mycorrhizal symbiosis and grafting have been applied separately but not yet resulted in the expected results of the replanting plan. Whether the combination of them would help managing nematode in the soil and consequently enhance the replanted efficiency is largely unknown. Mycorrhizal symbiosis was applied to Coffea canephora plants or/and grafted onto Coffea liberica rootstock, which were grown and compared to the untreated ones in both net-house-pots and the replanted plantation. The survival rate, growth indicators and the soil pathogens were monitored during the experimental periods. The combination of grafting and mycorrhiza symbiotic techniques significantly decreased the nematode densities in the replanted soil. As a result, the survival rate and growth indicators of the coffee in the replanted soil treated by the combined technique were better than treated by the two separate techniques. The results suggested that the combination of grafting and mycorrhiza symbiotic techniques would propose a potentially effective Pratylenchus coffeae and Meloidogyne incognita nematode management in replanted coffee fields in the Daklak province, Vietnam.
RgC3H Involves in the Biosynthesis of Allelopathic Phenolic Acids and Alters Their Release Amount in Rehmannia glutinosa Roots
Authors: Yang Yanhui , Zhang Zhongyi , Li Ruifang , Yi Yanjie , Yang Heng , Wang Chaojie , Wang Zushiqi , Liu Yunyi
Published: April 2020

Rehmannia glutinosa production is affected by replanting disease, in which autotoxic harm to plants is mediated by endogenous phenolic acids as allelopathic compounds found in root exudates. These phenolic acids are mostly phenylpropanoid products of plants’ secondary metabolisms. The molecular mechanism of their biosynthesis and release has not been explored in R. glutinosa. P-coumarate-3-hydroxylase (C3H) is the second hydroxylase gene involved in the phenolic acid/phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. C3Hs have been functionally characterized in several plants. However, limited information is available on the C3H gene in R. glutinosa. Here, we identified a putative RgC3H gene and predicted its potential function by in silico analysis and subcellular localization. Overexpression or repression of RgC3H in the transgenic R. glutinosa roots indicated that the gene was involved in allelopathic phenolic biosynthesis. Moreover, we found that these phenolic acid release amount of the transgenic R. glutinosa roots were altered, implying that RgC3H positively promotes their release via the molecular networks of the activated phenolic acid/phenylpropanoid pathways. This study revealed that RgC3H plays roles in the biosynthesis and release of allelopathic phenolic acids in R. glutinosa roots, laying a basis for further clarifying the molecular mechanism of the replanting disease development.
Putative Silicon Transporters and Effect of Temperature Stresses and Silicon Supplementation on Their Expressions and Tissue Silicon Content in Poinsettia
Authors: Hu Jiangtao , Li Yali , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: April 2020

Silicon (Si) is a beneficial element for plants. To understand Si uptake and accumulation in poinsettia, the Si transporters and their expression patterns were investigated. Nodulin 26-like intrinsic membrane proteins (NIPs) act as transporters of water and small solutes, including silicic acid. In this study, one NIP member, designated EpLsi1, was identified. Additionally, a protein from the citrate transporter family, designated EpLsi2, was identified. Sequence analyses indicated that EpLsi1 belonged to the NIP-I subgroup, which has a low Si uptake capacity. Consistently, the measured tissue Si content in the poinsettia was less than 1.73 ± 0.17 mg·g−1 dry weight, which was very low when compared to that in high Si accumulators. The expressions of EpLsi1 and EpLsi2 in poinsettia cuttings treated with 0 mg·L−1 Si decreased under temperature stresses. A short-term Si supplementation decreased the expressions of both EpLsi1 and EpLsi2 in the roots and leaves, while a long-term Si supplementation increased the expression of EpLsi1 in the leaves, bracts, and cyathia, and increased the expression of EpLsi2 in the roots and leaves. Tissue Si content increased in the roots of cuttings treated with 75 mg·L−1 Si at both 4 and 40 °C, indicating that the transport activities of the EpLsi1 were enhanced under temperature stresses. A long-term Si supplementation increased the tissue Si content in the roots of poinsettia treated with 75 mg·L−1 Si. Overall, poinsettia was a low Si accumulator, the expressions of Si transporters were down-regulated, and the tissue Si content increased with temperature stresses and Si supplementation. These results may help the breeding and commercial production of poinsettia.
Formulation and Functional Properties of Whey Protein-Based Tissue Adhesive Using Totarol as an Antimicrobial Agent
Authors: Hou Yifan , Zhang Xiaonan , Wang Cuina , Guo Mingruo
Published: April 2020

Tissue adhesives have been widely used in surgical procedures. Compared to traditional surgical sutures, tissue adhesives provide fast bonding experiences and full closure of wounds. However, current tissue adhesives are mostly fossil-based synthetic products. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore the use of natural materials in tissue adhesives. Whey is a low-end byproduct of cheese manufacturing. Whey protein, a group of small globular proteins, can exhibit adhesive properties if their structures are modified by physical or chemical means. The objectives of this study were to investigate the functional and structural properties of whey protein-based tissue adhesive, along with the antibacterial effect of totarol, a natural antimicrobial agent. Whey protein isolate (WPI) solutions (25%–33% protein) were mixed with different levels (0.1%–0.3% w/w) of totarol. The mixtures were analyzed for total plate count and yeast and mold count. The lap-shear bonding strength was tested after the WPI-totarol solutions were mixed with a crosslinking agent, glutaraldehyde (GTA). The lap-shear bonding strength of the tissue adhesive was about 20 kPa, which is comparable to that of a commercial BioGlue®. The microstructures of the mixtures were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Enhancing Astaxanthin Biosynthesis by Rhodosporidium toruloides Mutants and Optimization of Medium Compositions Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Tran Tuyet Nhung , Ngo Dai-Hung , Tran Quoc Tuan , Nguyen Hoang Chinh , Su Chia-Hung , Ngo Dai-Nghiep
Published: April 2020

Astaxanthin is a valuable carotenoid, which has been approved as a food coloring by the US Food and Drug Administration and is considered as a food dye by the European Union (European Commission). This work aimed to attain Rhodosporidium toruloides mutants for enhanced astaxanthin accumulation using ultraviolet (UV) and gamma irradiation mutagenesis. Gamma irradiation was shown to be more efficient than UV for producing astaxanthin-overproducer. Among the screened mutants, G17, a gamma-induced mutant, exhibited the highest astaxanthin production, which was significantly higher than that of the wild strain. Response surface methodology was then applied to optimize the medium compositions for maximizing astaxanthin production by the mutant G17. The optimal medium compositions for the cultivation of G17 were determined as a peptone concentration of 19.75 g/L, malt extract concentration of 13.56 g/L, and glucose concentration of 19.92 g/L, with the maximum astaxanthin yield of 3021.34 µg/L ± 16.49 µg/L. This study suggests that the R. toruloides mutant (G17) is a potential candidate for astaxanthin production.
Surface Modification of Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin Film via Thiol-ene Click Chemistry
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Liang Jianwei , Chen Zhenyu , Donley Carrie , Zhang Xiaolin , Cheng Guotao
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this work is to develop a strategy for the surface modification of Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF) film, via a thiol-ene click reaction, in order to expand its potential applicability. To achieve this goal, terminal thiol groups, from reduced glutathione, were introduced onto the surface of the SF film via a carbodiimide coupling reaction. These immobilized thiol groups act as robust crosslinkers and allow us to rapidly functionalize the surface with alkene group-containing molecules via ultraviolet (UV) light-initiated thiol-ene click chemistry. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results specifically determined that alkene group-containing molecules and UV illumination are required for the thiol-ene click modification to take place on thiolated SF films. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy characterization of SF films indicated that the β-sheet conformation of SF was hampered throughout the modification process. Furthermore, it was found that the processes for thiol-ene click chemistry that took place on the SF film surface did not affect the thermal stability of SF films significantly, indicating the developed strategy preserved the intrinsic properties of the SF film. Taking into account that many alkene-containing molecules are suitable for thiol-ene click chemistry, we see immense potential for the incorporation of SF films into various applications, using this methodology.
Hydrogen Production by Partial Oxidation Reforming of Methane over Ni Catalysts Supported on High and Low Surface Area Alumina and Zirconia
Authors: Fakeeha Anis , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Aljuraywi Hesham , Alqahtani Yazeed , Alkhodair Ahmad , Alswaidan Suliman , Abasaeed Ahmed E. , Kasim Samsudeen O. , Mahmud Sofiu , Al-Fatesh Ahmed S.
Published: April 2020

The catalytic activity of the partial oxidation reforming reaction for hydrogen production over 10% Ni supported on high and low surface area alumina and zirconia was investigated. The reforming reactions, under atmospheric pressure, were performed with a feed molar ratio of CH4/O2 = 2.0. The reaction temperature was set to 450–650 °C. The catalytic activity, stability, and carbon formation were determined via TGA, TPO, Raman, and H2 yield. The catalysts were calcined at 600 and 800 °C. The catalysts were prepared via the wet-impregnation method. Various characterizations were conducted using BET, XRD, TPR, TGA, TPD, TPO, and Raman. The highest methane conversion (90%) and hydrogen yield (72%) were obtained at a 650 °C reaction temperature using Ni-Al-H-600, which also showed the highest stability for the ranges of the reaction temperatures investigated. Indeed, the time-on-stream for 7 h of the Ni-Al-H-600 catalyst displayed high activity and a stable profile when the reaction temperature was set to 650 °C.
Synthesis of Large-Scale Bio-Hydrogen Network Using Waste Gas from Landfill and Anaerobic Digestion: A P-Graph Approach
Authors: Hemmati Sadaf , Elnegihi M. Mostafa , Lee Chee Hoong , Chong Darren Yu Lun , Foo Dominic C. Y. , How Bing Shen , Yoo ChangKyoo
Published: April 2020

Due to the expanding concern on cleaner production and sustainable development aspects, a technology shift is needed for the hydrogen production, which is commonly derived from natural gas. This work aims to synthesise a large-scale bio-hydrogen network in which its feedstock, i.e., bio-methane, is originated from landfill gas and palm oil mill effluent (POME). Landfill gas goes through a biogas upgrader where high-purity bio-methane is produced, while POME is converted to bio-methane using anaerobic digestor (AD). The generated bio-methane is then distributed to the corresponding hydrogen sink (e.g., oil refinery) through pipelines, and subsequently converted into hydrogen via steam methane reforming (SMR) process. In this work, P-graph framework is used to determine a supply network with minimum cost, while ensuring the hydrogen demands are satisfied. Two case studies in the West and East Coasts of Peninsular Malaysia are used to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed model. In Case Study 1, four scenarios on the West Coast have been considered, showing total cost saving ranging between 25.9% and 49.5%. This showed that aside from the positive environmental impact, the incorporation of bio-hydrogen supply can also be economically feasible. Such benefits can also be seen in Case Study 2, where the uptake of biogas from landfill and POME sources on the East Coast can lead to a 31% reduction on total network cost. In addition, the effect of bio-hydrogen supply network on carbon footprint reduction was analysed in this work.
Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antitumor Activities of Green Grape Juice
Authors: Nasser Mohamad , Cheikh-Ali Hoda , Hijazi Akram , Merah Othmane , Al-Rekaby Abd El-Ameer N. , Awada Rana
Published: April 2020

(1) Plants, due to their phytochemicals, have long been known for their pharmacological potential and medicinal value. Verjuice, the acidic juice of unripe green grape, is still poorly characterized in terms of its chemical composition and biological activities. (2) In this study, we characterized the chemical composition, antioxidant and antitumor potential of verjuice extract. Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride reagents were used to identify the total phenol and total flavonoid composition. Various conventional methods were used to quantify the alkaloids and tannins. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay and Neutral Red assay were used to assess the antioxidant and antitumor activities, respectively. (3) We showed that the verjuice extract contains alkaloids, tannins, and a high quantity of total flavonoids and total phenols. Besides its antioxidant activity, verjuice significantly repressed human pulmonary adenocarcinoma (A549) cells’ viability in both dose- and time-dependent manners. Moreover, verjuice extract significantly enhanced the anticancer potential of cisplatin. (4) Altogether, these observations suggest a potential use of verjuice as a natural antitumor remedy.
Multi-Objective Optimization Applications in Chemical Process Engineering: Tutorial and Review
Authors: Rangaiah Gade Pandu , Feng Zemin , Hoadley Andrew F.
Published: April 2020

This tutorial and review of multi-objective optimization (MOO) gives a detailed explanation of the 5 steps to create, solve, and then select the optimum result. Unlike single-objective optimization, the fifth step of selection or ranking of solutions is often overlooked by the authors of papers dealing with MOO applications. It is necessary to undertake a multi-criteria analysis to choose the best solution. A review of the recent publications using MOO for chemical process engineering problems shows a doubling of publications between 2016 and 2019. MOO applications in the energy area have seen a steady increase of over 20% annually over the last 10 years. The three key methods for solving MOO problems are presented in detail, and an emerging area of surrogate-assisted MOO is also described. The objectives used in MOO trade off conflicting requirements of a chemical engineering problem; these include fundamental criteria such as reaction yield or selectivity; economics; energy requirements; environmental performance; and process control. Typical objective functions in these categories are described, selection/ranking techniques are outlined, and available software for MOO are listed. It is concluded that MOO is gaining popularity as an important tool and is having an increasing use and impact in chemical process engineering.
Catalytic Performance of Metal Oxides Promoted Nickel Catalysts Supported on Mesoporous γ-Alumina in Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Fakeeha Anis H. , Bagabas Abdulaziz A. , Lanre Mahmud S. , Osman Ahmed I. , Kasim Samsudeen O. , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Arasheed Rasheed , Alkhalifa Abdulmajeed , Elnour Ahmed Y. , Abasaeed Ahmed E. , Al-Fatesh Ahmed S.
Published: April 2020

Dry reforming of CH4 was conducted over promoted Ni catalysts, supported on mesoporous gamma-alumina. The Ni catalysts were promoted by various metal oxides (CuO, ZnO, Ga2O3, or Gd2O3) and were synthesized by the incipient wetness impregnation method. The influence of the promoters on the catalyst stability, coke deposition, and H2/CO mole ratio was investigated. Stability tests were carried out for 460 min. The H2 yield was 87% over 5Ni+1Gd/Al, while the CH4 and CO2 conversions were found to decrease in the following order: 5Ni+1Gd/Al > 5Ni+1Ga/Al > 5Ni+1Zn/Al > 5Ni/Al > 5Ni+1Cu/Al. The high catalytic performance of 5Ni+1Gd/Al, 5Ni+1Ga/Al, and 5Ni+1Zn/Al was found to be closely related to their contents of NiO species, which interacted moderately and strongly with the support, whereas free NiO in 5Ni+1Cu/Al made it catalytically inactive, even than 5Ni/Al. The 5Ni+1Gd/Al catalyst showed the highest CH4 conversion of 83% with H2/CO mole ratio of ~1.0.
Valorization of OFMSW Digestate-Derived Syngas toward Methanol, Hydrogen, or Electricity: Process Simulation and Carbon Footprint Calculation
Authors: Giuliano Aristide , Catizzone Enrico , Freda Cesare , Cornacchia Giacinto
Published: April 2020

This paper explores a possible waste-based economy transition strategy. Digestate from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is considered, as well as a low-added value product to be properly valorized. In this regard, air gasification may be used to produce syngas. In this work, the production of methanol, hydrogen, or electricity from digestate-derived syngas was assessed by ChemCAD process simulation software. The process scheme of methanol production comprises the following parts: water gas shift (WGS) with carbon capture and storage units (CCS), methanol synthesis, and methanol purification. In the case of hydrogen production, after WGS-CCS, hydrogen was purified from residual nitrogen by pressure swing absorption (PSA). Finally, for electricity production, the digestate-derived syngas was used as fuel in an internal combustion engine. The main objective of this work is to compare the proposed scenarios in terms of CO2 emission intensity and the effect of CO2 storage. In particular, CCS units were used for methanol or hydrogen production with the aim of obtaining high equilibrium yield toward these products. On the basis of 100 kt/year of digestate, results show that the global CO2 savings were 80, 71, and 69 ktCO2eq/year for electricity, methanol, and hydrogen production, respectively. If carbon storage was considered, savings of about 105 and 99 ktCO2eq/year were achieved with methanol and hydrogen production, respectively. The proposed scenarios may provide an attractive option for transitioning into methanol or hydrogen economy of the future.