bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paper-Based Multiplex Sensors for the Optical Detection of Plant Stress
Authors: Zedler Marie , Tse Sze Wai , Ruiz-Gonzalez Antonio , Haseloff Jim
Published: January 2023

The rising population and the ongoing climate crisis call for improved means to monitor and optimise agriculture. A promising approach to tackle current challenges in food production is the early diagnosis of plant diseases through non-invasive methods, such as the detection of volatiles. However, current devices for detection of multiple volatiles are based on electronic noses, which are expensive, require complex circuit assembly, may involve metal oxides with heating elements, and cannot easily be adapted for some applications that require miniaturisation or limit front-end use of electronic components. To address these challenges, a low-cost optoelectronic nose using chemo-responsive colorimetric dyes drop-casted onto filter paper has been developed in the current work. The final sensors could be used for the quantitative detection of up to six plant volatiles through changes in colour intensities with a sub-ppm level limit of detection, one of the lowest limits of detection reported so far using colorimetric gas sensors. Sensor colouration could be analysed using a low-cost spectrometer and the results could be processed using a microcontroller. The measured volatiles could be used for the early detection of plant abiotic stress as early as two days after exposure to two different stresses: high salinity and starvation. This approach allowed a lowering of costs to GBP 1 per diagnostic sensing paper. Furthermore, the small size of the paper sensors allows for their use in confined settings, such as Petri dishes. This detection of abiotic stress could be easily achieved by exposing the devices to living plants for 1 h. This technology has the potential to be used for monitoring of plant development in field applications, early recognition of stress, implementation of preventative measures, and mitigation of harvest losses.
Changes in Electrical Capacitance of Cell Membrane Reflect Drug Partitioning-Induced Alterations in Lipid Bilayer
Authors: Bakhtiari Shide , Manshadi Mohammad K. D. , Candas Mehmet , Beskok Ali
Published: January 2023

The plasma membrane is a lipid bilayer that establishes the outer boundary of a living cell. The composition of the lipid bilayer influences the membrane’s biophysical properties, including fluidity, thickness, permeability, phase behavior, charge, elasticity, and formation of flat sheet or curved structures. Changes in the biophysical properties of the membrane can be occasioned when new entities, such as drug molecules, are partitioned in the bilayer. Therefore, assessing drugs for their effect on the biophysical properties of the lipid bilayer of a cell membrane is critical to understanding specific and non-specific drug action. Previously, we reported a non-invasive technique for real-time characterization of cellular dielectric properties, such as membrane capacitance and cytoplasmic conductivity. In this study, we discuss the potential application of the technique in assessing the biophysical properties of the cell membrane in response to interaction with amiodarone compared to aspirin/acetylsalicylic acid and glucose. Amiodarone is a potent drug used to treat cardiac arrhythmia, but it also exerts various non-specific effects. Compared to aspirin and glucose, we measured a rapid and higher magnitude increase in membrane capacitance on cells under amiodarone treatment. Increased membrane capacitance induced by aspirin and glucose quickly returned to baseline in 15 s, while amiodarone-induced increased capacitance sustained and decreased slowly, approaching baseline or another asymptotic limit in ~2.5 h. Because amiodarone has a strong lipid partitioning property, we reason that drug partitioning alters the lipid bilayer context and subsequently reduces bilayer thickness, leading to an increase in the electrical capacitance of the cell membrane. The presented microfluidic system promises a new approach to assess drug–membrane interactions and delineate specific and non-specific actions of the drug on cells.
Biomechanical Assessment of Red Blood Cells in Pulsatile Blood Flows
Authors: Kang Yang Jun
Published: January 2023

As rheological properties are substantially influenced by red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma, the separation of their individual contributions in blood is essential. The estimation of multiple rheological factors is a critical issue for effective early detection of diseases. In this study, three rheological properties (i.e., viscoelasticity, RBC aggregation, and blood junction pressure) are measured by analyzing the blood velocity and image intensity in a microfluidic device. Using a single syringe pump, the blood flow rate sets to a pulsatile flow pattern (Qb[t] = 1 + 0.5 sin(2πt/240) mL/h). Based on the discrete fluidic circuit model, the analytical formula of the time constant (λb) as viscoelasticity is derived and obtained at specific time intervals by analyzing the pulsatile blood velocity. To obtain RBC aggregation by reducing blood velocity substantially, an air compliance unit (ACU) is used to connect polyethylene tubing (i.d. = 250 µm, length = 150 mm) to the blood channel in parallel. The RBC aggregation index (AI) is obtained by analyzing the microscopic image intensity. The blood junction pressure (β) is obtained by integrating the blood velocity within the ACU. As a demonstration, the present method is then applied to detect either RBC-aggregated blood with different concentrations of dextran solution or hardened blood with thermally shocked RBCs. Thus, it can be concluded that the present method has the ability to consistently detect differences in diluent or RBCs in terms of three rheological properties.
Dissolvable Calcium Alginate Microfibers Produced via Immersed Microfluidic Spinning
Authors: Zhou Tuo , NajafiKhoshnoo Sahar , Esfandyarpour Rahim , Kulinsky Lawrence
Published: January 2023

Fabrication of micro- and nanofibers are critical for a wide range of applications from microelectronics to biotechnology. Alginate microfibers with diameters of tens to hundreds of microns play an important role in tissue engineering and fibers of these diameters are impossible to fabricate via electrospinning and can only be produced via fluidic spinning. Typically, microfluidic spinning based on photopolymerization produces fibers that are not easily dissolvable, while fluidic spinning with chemical cross-linking employs complex setups of microfabricated chips or coaxial needles, aimed at precise control of the fiber diameter; however, fluidic spinning introduces significant cost and complexity to the microfluidic setup. We demonstrate immersed microfluidic spinning where a calcium alginate microfiber is produced via displacement of alginate solution through a single needle that is immersed in a cross-linking bath of calcium chloride solution. The resulting diameter of the fiber is characterized and the fiber diameter and topology of the deposited fiber is related to the concentration of the alginate solution (2 wt%, 4 wt%, and 6 wt%), needle gauge (30 g, 25 g, and 20 g), and the volumetric flow rate of the alginate solution (1 mL/min, 2 mL/min, and 2.7 mL/min). The resulting fiber diameter is smaller than the internal diameter of the needle and this dependence is explained by the continuity of the flow and increased rate of fall of the liquid jet upon its issuing from the needle. The fiber diameter (demonstrated diameter of fibers range from 100 microns to 1 mm) depends weakly on the volumetric flow rate and depends strongly on the needle diameter. It also seems that for a smaller needle size, a greater concentration of alginate results in smaller diameter fibers and that this trend is not evident as the needle diameter is increased. In terms of topology of the deposited fiber, the higher wt% alginate fiber produces larger loops, while smaller wt% alginate solution yields a denser topology of the overlaid fiber loops. These fibers can be dissolved in DMEM/EDTA/DSC solution in 20–30 min (depending on the fiber diameter), leaving behind the hollow channels in the hydrogel matrix. We believe that the demonstrated simple setup of the immersed microfluidic spinning of the calcium alginate microfibers will be useful for creating tissue constructs, including the vascularized tissue implants.
Application of Compact Folded-Arms Square Open-Loop Resonator to Bandpass Filter Design
Authors: Nwajana Augustine O. , Obi Emenike Raymond
Published: January 2023

Folded-arms square open-loop resonator (FASOLR) is a variant of the conventional microstrip square open-loop resonator (SOLR) that facilitates further device size miniaturization by having the two arms of the conventional SOLR folded inwards. This paper highlights the benefits of this brand of compact SOLR by implementing a five-pole Chebyshev bandpass filter (BPF) using compact FASOLR. The test BPF is presented, with centre frequency of 2.2 GHz, fractional bandwidth of 10%, passband ripple of 0.04321 dB, and return loss of 20 dB. The design is implemented on a Rogers RT/Duroid 6010LM substrate with a dielectric constant of 10.7 and thickness of 1.27 mm. The filter device is manufactured and characterised, with the experimentation results being used to justify the simulation results. The presented measurement and electromagnetic (EM) simulation results demonstrate a good match. The EM simulation responses achieve a minimum insertion loss of 0.8 dB and a very good channel return loss of 22.6 dB. The measurement results, on the other hand, show a minimum insertion loss of 0.9 dB and a return loss of better than 19.2 dB. The filter component has a footprint of 36.08 mm by 6.74 mm (that is, 0.26 λg × 0.05 λg), with λg indicating the guided wavelength for the 50 Ohm microstrip line impedance at the centre frequency of the proposed fifth-order bandpass filter.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Aeromonas spp. Isolated from a Dairy Farm in Central Texas
Authors: Poole Toni L. , Schlosser Wayne D. , Crippen Tawni L. , Swiger Sonja L. , Norman Keri N. , Anderson Robin C.
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the presence of Aeromonas spp. on a dairy farm in central Texas that employed a free-stall management system. A total of 140 samples were collected from areas of two different barns. Twenty-two presumptive Aeromonas isolates were cultured. Phenotypic analysis identified five Aeromonas spp. Twenty isolates exhibited β-lactam and one displayed tetracycline resistance. Phylogenetic analysis of the WGS data suggested only four Aeromonas spp. All isolates possessed at least one β-lactam resistance gene and one isolate possessed tet(E). No plasmids were identified from sequence alignments. Virulence genes were identified in all four Aeromonas spp. Mobility elements were identified in three of these, with the exception being A. dhakensis. Four of the transposons identified in this study have been associated with multidrug resistance in Italy, Sweden, and Singapore. There was no significant difference in the proportion of isolates from either barn. The absence of plasmids suggests mobility elements and virulence genes were localized to the chromosome. On a dairy farm of healthy cattle, these 22 Aeromonas isolates were considered normal environmental flora while illustrating the ubiquitous nature of Aeromonas spp. globally.
Exploiting Non-Conventional Yeasts for Low-Alcohol Beer Production
Authors: Simões João , Coelho Eduardo , Magalhães Paulo , Brandão Tiago , Rodrigues Pedro , Teixeira José António , Domingues Lucília
Published: January 2023

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts represent a very appealing alternative to producing beers with zero or low ethanol content. The current study explores the potential of seven non-Saccharomyces yeasts to produce low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beer, in addition to engineered/selected Saccharomyces yeasts for low-alcohol production. The yeasts were first screened for their sugar consumption and ethanol production profiles, leading to the selection of strains with absent or inefficient maltose consumption and consequently with low-to-null ethanol production. The selected yeasts were then used in larger-scale fermentations for volatile and sensory evaluation. Overall, the yeasts produced beers with ethanol concentrations below 1.2% in which fusel alcohols and esters were also detected, making them eligible to produce low-alcohol beers. Among the lager beers produced in this study, beers produced using Saccharomyces yeast demonstrated a higher acceptance by taster panelists. This study demonstrates the suitability of non-conventional yeasts for producing low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beers and opens perspectives for the development of non-conventional beers.
Characterization and Biodegradation of Phenol by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella variicola Strains Isolated from Sewage Sludge and Their Effect on Soybean Seeds Germination
Authors: Mahgoub Samir A. , Qattan Shaza Y. A. , Salem Salma S. , Abdelbasit Howaida M. , Raafat Mohamed , Ashkan Mada F. , Al-Quwaie Diana A. , Motwali Ebtihal Abdullah , Alqahtani Fatimah S. , Abd El-Fattah Hassan I.
Published: January 2023

Phenols are very soluble in water; as a result, they can pollute a massive volume of fresh water, wastewater, groundwater, oceans, and soil, negatively affecting plant germination and animal and human health. For the detoxification and bioremediation of phenol in wastewater, phenol biodegradation using novel bacteria isolated from sewage sludge was investigated. Twenty samples from sewage sludge (SS) were collected, and bacteria in SS contents were cultured in the mineral salt agar (MSA) containing phenol (500 mg/L). Twenty colonies (S1 up to S20) were recovered from all the tested SS samples. The characteristics of three bacterial properties, 16S rDNA sequencing, similarities, GenBank accession number, and phylogenetic analysis showed that strains S3, S10, and S18 were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Klebsiella variicola, respectively. P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and K. variicola were able to degrade 1000 mg/L phenol in the mineral salt medium. The bacterial strains from sewage sludge were efficient in removing 71.70 and 74.67% of phenol at 1000 mg/L within three days and could tolerate high phenol concentrations (2000 mg/L). The findings showed that P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and K. variicola could potentially treat phenolic water. All soybean and faba bean seeds were germinated after being treated with 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/L phenol in a mineral salt medium inoculated with these strains. The highest maximum phenol removal and detoxification rates were P. aeruginosa and K. variicola. These strains may help decompose and detoxify phenol from industrial wastewater with high phenol levels and bioremediating phenol-contaminated soils.
Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Morus alba (White Mulberry) Leaf Extract as Potential Antibacterial and Anticancer Agents
Authors: Kumkoon Tipaporn , Srisaisap Monrudee , Boonserm Panadda
Published: January 2023

In this study, we report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Morus alba or white mulberry leaf extract (MLE) and assess their antibacterial and anticancer potential. The GC–MS analysis of MLE confirmed the existence of phenolic compounds, serving as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents in the biosynthesis of AgNPs. The MLE-AgNPs were spherical, with an average particle size of 20–44.5 nm and a face-centered cubic structure. EDX spectra confirmed the formation of AgNPs, and a negative zeta potential value (−14.5 mV) suggested their physicochemical stability. Excellent antibacterial activity was demonstrated by MLE-AgNPs against Acinetobacter baumannii strains with a MIC of 2 μg/mL, while good activity was observed against other Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium) and Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria with a MIC of 32 μg/mL. In vitro cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 (human breast cancer cells) and MCF-10A (normal human mammary epithelial cells) were investigated by the MTT assay. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) against MCF-7 cells were 18 and 33 μg/mL for MLE-AgNPs and MLE, respectively, with no effect on normal MCF-10A cells. Altogether, the results support the high antibacterial and anticancer potential of biosynthesized AgNPs by white mulberry leaf extract.
Phytochemical Analysis and Anticancer Properties of Drimia maritima Bulb Extracts on Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Al-Abdallat Khairallah , Obeidat Maher , Ababneh Nidaa A. , Zalloum Suzan , Al Hadidi Sabal , Al-Abdallat Yahya , Zihlif Malek , Awidi Abdalla
Published: January 2023

Cancer is a worldwide health problem and is the second leading cause of death after heart disease. Due to the high cost and severe side effects associated with chemotherapy treatments, natural products with anticancer therapeutic potential may play a promising role in anticancer therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic characteristics of the aqueous Drimia maritima bulb extract on Caco-2 and COLO-205 colorectal cancer cells. In order to reach such a purpose, the chemical composition was examined using the GC-MS method, and the selective antiproliferative effect was determined in colon cancer cell lines in normal gingival fibroblasts. The intracellular ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, and gene expression changes in selected genes (CASP8, TNF-α, and IL-6 genes) were assessed to determine the molecular mechanism of the antitumor effect of the extract. GC-MS results revealed the presence of fifty-seven compounds, and Proscillaridin A was the predominant secondary metabolite in the extract. The IC50 of D. maritima bulb extract on Caco-2, COLO-205, and the normal human gingival fibroblasts were obtained at 0.9 µg/mL, 2.3 µg/mL, and 13.1 µg/mL, respectively. The apoptotic effect assay indicated that the bulb extract induced apoptosis in both colon cancer cell lines. D. maritima bulb extract was only able to induce statistically significant ROS levels in COLO-205 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) revealed a significant decrease in the MMP of Caco-2 and COLO-205 to various concentrations of the bulb extract. At the molecular level, RT-qPCR was used to assess gene expression of CASP8, TNF-α, and IL-6 genes in Caco-2 and COLO-205 cancer cells. The results showed that the expression of pro-inflammatory genes TNF-α and IL-6 were upregulated. The apoptotic initiator gene CASP8 was also upregulated in the Caco-2 cell line and did not reach significance in COLO-205 cells. These results lead to the conclusion that D. maritima extract induced cell death in both cell lines and may have the potential to be used in CRC therapy in the future.
Nanomaterials-Based Novel Immune Strategies in Clinical Translation for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wahab Shadma , Ghazwani Mohammed , Hani Umme , Hakami Abdulrahim R. , Almehizia Abdulrahman A. , Ahmad Wasim , Ahmad Mohammad Zaki , Alam Prawez , Annadurai Sivakumar
Published: January 2023

Immunotherapy shows a lot of promise for addressing the problems with traditional cancer treatments. Researchers and clinicians are working to create innovative immunological techniques for cancer detection and treatment that are more selective and have lower toxicity. An emerging field in cancer therapy, immunomodulation offers patients an alternate approach to treating cancer. These therapies use the host’s natural defensive systems to identify and remove malignant cells in a targeted manner. Cancer treatment is now undergoing somewhat of a revolution due to recent developments in nanotechnology. Diverse nanomaterials (NMs) have been employed to overcome the limits of conventional anti-cancer treatments such as cytotoxic, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Aside from that, NMs could interact with live cells and influence immune responses. In contrast, unexpected adverse effects such as necrosis, hypersensitivity, and inflammation might result from the immune system (IS)’s interaction with NMs. Therefore, to ensure the efficacy of immunomodulatory nanomaterials, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay that exists between the IS and NMs. This review intends to present an overview of the current achievements, challenges, and improvements in using immunomodulatory nanomaterials (iNMs) for cancer therapy, with an emphasis on elucidating the mechanisms involved in the interaction between NMs and the immune system of the host.
PROTACs in Epigenetic Cancer Therapy: Current Status and Future Opportunities
Authors: Liu Xuelian , Wang Anjin , Shi Yuying , Dai Mengyuan , Liu Miao , Cai Hong-Bing
Published: January 2023

The epigenetic regulation of gene functions has been proven to be strongly associated with the development and progression of cancer. Reprogramming the cancer epigenome landscape is one of the most promising target therapies in both treatments and in reversing drug resistance. Proteolytic targeted chimeras (PROTACs) are an emerging therapeutic modality for selective degradation via the native ubiquitin-proteasome system. Rapid advances in PROTACs have facilitated the exploration of targeting epigenetic proteins, a lot of PROTAC degraders have already been designed in the field of epigenetic cancer therapy, and PROTACs targeting epigenetic proteins can better exploit target druggability and improve the mechanistic understanding of the epigenetic regulation of cancer. Thus, this review focuses on the progress made in the development of PROTAC degraders and PROTAC drugs targeting epigenetics in cancer and discusses challenges and future opportunities for the field.
BiVO4–Deposited MIL–101–NH2 for Efficient Photocatalytic Elimination of Cr(VI)
Authors: Sun Huiwen , Dai Qihang , Liu Ju , Zhou Tiantian , Chen Muhua , Cai Zhengchun , Zhu Xinbao , Fu Bo
Published: January 2023

In this study, a flower–like BiVO4/MIL–101–NH2 composite is synthesized by a facile and surfactant–free process. The –COO−–Bi3+ ionic bond construction was conductive to enhance the interface affinity between BiVO4 and MIL–101–NH2. Due to the highly efficient light capture and sufficient electron traps induced by oxygen vacancies and the formation of a heterostructure, the improved separation and transportation rates of charge carriers are realized. In addition, the MIL–101–NH2/BiVO4 composite is favorable for Cr(VI) photocatalytic removal (91.2%). Moreover, FNBV–3 (Fe/Bi = 0.25) also exhibited an excellent reusability after five cycles.
Thermal and Morphological Analysis of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Composites Containing d-limonene/β-cyclodextrin for Active Food Packaging
Authors: Dobrzyńska-Mizera Monika , Knitter Monika , Piss Marlena , Del Barone Cristina , Mallardo Salvatore , Santagata Gabriella , Di Lorenzo Maria Laura
Published: January 2023

Composites made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and β-cyclodextrin/d-limonene inclusion complex (CD-lim) were prepared by melt extrusion to develop a novel food packaging material. Scanning electron microscopy evidenced a fairly good dispersion of the filler within the polymeric matrix. Infrared spectroscopy coupled with thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of CD-lim in the composites, proving that the applied technology of including the essential oil within β-CD cages allows for preventing a sizable loss of d-limonene despite a high temperature and shear applied upon extrusion processing. Moreover, the influence of the filler on the thermal properties of PE was assessed. It was found that the cyclodextrin-based inclusion complex significantly fastens the crystallization path of the polyethylene matrix with an improved crystallization rate of the PE/CD-lim composites compared to the neat polymer.
μ-Raman Determination of Essential Oils’ Constituents from Distillates and Leaf Glands of Origanum Plants
Authors: Kampasakali Elli , Nakas Alexandros , Mertzanidis Dimitrios , Kokkini Stella , Assimopoulou Andreana N. , Christofilos Dimitrios
Published: January 2023

A novel, inexpensive and simple experimental setup for collecting μ-Raman spectra of volatile liquids in very small quantities was developed. It takes advantage of capillary forces to detain minute volatile liquid volumes. Spectra of volatile and even scattering or absorbing media can be measured more effectively. The method is used to facilitate the collection of intensity-consistent Raman spectra from a series of reference compounds present in Origanum essential oils, in order to quantify their constituents by multiple linear regression. Wild grown Origanum plants, collected from five different regions in Greece and taxonomically identified as O. onites, O. vulgare subsp. hirtum and O. vulgare subsp. vulgare, were appropriately distilled to acquire their essential oils. Comparison of the Raman results with those from headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS GC-MS) confirmed the successful relative quantification of the most abundant essential oil constituents, highlighting the similarities and differences of the three Origanum taxa examined. Finally, it is demonstrated that directly measuring the leaf peltate glandular hairs yields exploitable results to identify the main components of the essential oil they contain, underlining the potential of in situ (field or industry) measurements utilizing microscope-equipped portable Raman spectrometers.
A Review of Plant Selenium-Enriched Proteins/Peptides: Extraction, Detection, Bioavailability, and Effects of Processing
Authors: Xiong Yangyang , Huang Yatao , Li Lin , Liu Yanfang , Liu Liya , Wang Lili , Tong Litao , Wang Fengzhong , Fan Bei
Published: January 2023

As an essential trace element in the human body, selenium (Se) has various physiological activities, such as antioxidant and anticancer activity. Selenium-enriched proteins/peptides (SePs/SePPs) are the primary forms of Se in plants and animals, and they are the vital carriers of its physiological activities. On the basis of current research, this review systematically describes the extraction methods (aqueous, alkaline, enzymatic, auxiliary, etc.) and detection methods (HPLC–MS/MS, GC–ICP-MS, etc.) for SePs/SePPs in plants. Their bioavailability and bioactivity, and the effect of processing are also included. Our review provides a comprehensive understanding and theoretical guidance for the utilization of selenium-enriched proteins/peptides.
Efficient Combination of Complex Chromatography, Molecular Docking and Enzyme Kinetics for Exploration of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors from Poria cocos
Authors: Wu Tong , Hou Wanchao , Liu Chunming , Li Sainan , Zhang Yuchi
Published: January 2023

Poria cocos (P. cocos) is a traditional Chinese medicinal product with the same origin as medicine and food. It has diuretic, anti-inflammatory and liver protection properties, and has been widely used in a Chinese medicine in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study was conducted to explore the activity screening, isolation of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), and in vitro inhibiting effect of P. cocos. The aim was to develop a new extraction process optimization method based on the Matlab genetic algorithm combined with a traditional orthogonal experiment. Moreover, bio−affinity ultrafiltration combined with molecular docking was used to screen and evaluate the activity of the AChEIs, which were subsequently isolated and purified using high-speed counter−current chromatography (HSCCC) and semi−preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (semi−preparative HPLC). The change in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was tested using an enzymatic reaction kinetics experiment to reflect the inhibitory effect of active compounds on AChE and explore its mechanism of action. Five potential AChEIs were screened via bio−affinity ultrafiltration. Molecular docking results showed that they had good binding affinity for the active site of AChE. Meanwhile, the five active compounds had reversible inhibitory effects on AChE: Polyporenic acid C and Tumulosic acid were non-competitive inhibitors; 3−Epidehydrotumulosic acid was a mixed inhibitor; and Pachymic acid and Dehydrotrametenolic acid were competitive inhibitors. This study provided a basis for the comprehensive utilization of P. cocos and drug development for the treatment of AD.
Synthesis of Ni3S2 and MOF-Derived Ni(OH)2 Composite Electrode Materials on Ni Foam for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Shao Meng , Li Jun , Li Jing , Yan Yanan , Li Ruoliu
Published: January 2023

Honeycomb-like Ni(OH)2/Ni3S2/Ni foam (NF) was fabricated via a two-step hydrothermal process and subsequent alkalization. Ni3S2 with a honeycombed structure was in-situ synthesized on the NF surface by a hydrothermal process. MOF-derived Ni(OH)2 nanosheets were then successfully grown on the Ni3S2/NF surface by a second hydrothermal process and alkaline treatment, and a large number of nanosheets were interconnected to form a typical honeycomb-like structure with a large specific surface area and porosity. As a binder-free electrode, the prepared honeycomb-like Ni(OH)2/Ni3S2/NF exhibited a high specific capacitance (2207 F·g−1 at 1 A·g−1, 1929.7 F·g−1 at 5 mV·s−1) and a remarkable rate capability and cycling stability, with 62.3% of the initial value (1 A·g−1) retained at 10 A·g−1 and 90.4% of the initial value (first circle at 50 mV·s−1) retained after 5000 cycles. A hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) was assembled with Ni(OH)2/Ni3S2/NF as the positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode and exhibited an outstanding energy density of 24.5 Wh·kg−1 at the power density of 375 W·kg−1. These encouraging results render the electrode a potential candidate for energy storage.
Electroless Cobalt Deposition on Dealloyed Nanoporous Gold Substrate: A Versatile Technique to Control Morphological and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Barrera Gabriele , Scaglione Federico , Celegato Federica , Coïsson Marco , Tiberto Paola , Rizzi Paola
Published: January 2023

The connection of multidisciplinary and versatile techniques capable of depositing and modeling thin films in multistep complex fabrication processes offers different perspectives and additional degrees of freedom in the realization of patterned magnetic materials whose peculiar physical properties meet the specific needs of several applications. In this work, a fast and cost-effective dealloying process is combined with a fast, low-cost, scalable electroless deposition technique to realize hybrid magnetic heterostructures. The gold nanoporous surface obtained by the dealloying of an Au40Si20Cu28Ag7Pd5 ribbon is used as a nanostructured substrate for the electrodeposition of cobalt. In the first steps of the deposition, the Co atoms fill the gold pores and arrange themselves into a patterned thin film with harder magnetic properties; then they continue their growth into an upper layer with softer magnetic properties. The structural characterization of the hybrid magnetic heterostructures is performed using an X-ray diffraction technique and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, while the morphology of the samples as a function of the electrodeposition time is characterized by images taken in top and cross-section view using scanning electron microscopy. Then, the structural and morphologic features are correlated with the room-temperature magnetic properties deduced from an alternating-gradient magnetometer’s measurements of the hysteresis loop and first order reversal curves.
Conjugate Heat Transfer Analysis for Cooling of a Conductive Panel by Combined Utilization of Nanoimpinging Jets and Double Rotating Cylinders
Authors: Kolsi Lioua , Selimefendigil Fatih , Gasmi Hatem , Alshammari Badr M.
Published: January 2023

In this work, double rotating active cylinders and slot nanojet impingement are considered for the cooling system of a conductive panel. Colder surface temperatures of the cylinders are used, while different rotational speeds are assigned for each of the cylinders. The impacts of cylinder rotational speeds, size and distance between them on the cooling performance are evaluated. The rotational effects and size of the cylinders are found to be very effective on the overall thermal performance. At the highest rotational speeds of the cylinders, the average Nusselt number (Nu) rises by about 30.8%, while the panel temperature drops by about 5.84 °C. When increasing the cylinder sizes, temperature drops become 7 °C, while they are only 1.75 °C when varying the distance between the cylinders. Subcooling and nanofluid utilization contributes positively to the cooling performance, while 1.25 °C and 10 °C temperature drops are found by varying the subcooled temperature and solid volume fraction. An artificial neural network is used for the estimation of maximum and average panel temperatures when double cylinder parameters are used as the input.
Narrative Review Concerning the Clinical Spectrum of Ophthalmological Impairments in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Stuparu Alina Zorina , Jurja Sanda , Stuparu Alexandru Floris , Axelerad Any
Published: January 2023

Ophthalmic non-motor impairments are common in Parkinson’s disease patients, from the onset of the neurodegenerative disease and even prior to the development of motor symptoms. This is a very crucial component of the potential for early detection of this disease, even in its earliest stages. Since the ophthalmological disease is extensive and impacts all extraocular and intraocular components of the optical analyzer, a competent assessment of it would be beneficial for the patients. Because the retina is an extension of the nervous system and has the same embryonic genesis as the central nervous system, it is helpful to investigate the retinal changes in Parkinson’s disease in order to hypothesize insights that may also be applicable to the brain. As a consequence, the detection of these symptoms and signs may improve the medical evaluation of PD and predict the illness’ prognosis. Another valuable aspect of this pathology is the fact that the ophthalmological damage contributes significantly to the decrease in the quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease. We provide an overview of the most significant ophthalmologic impairments associated with Parkinson’s disease. These results certainly constitute a large number of the prevalent visual impairments experienced by PD patients.
The Role of a Colon-in-Continuity in Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Verbiest Astrid , Jeppesen Palle Bekker , Joly Francisca , Vanuytsel Tim
Published: January 2023

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a rare gastrointestinal condition that is defined as having less than 200 cm of remaining small intestine. SBS results from extensive surgical resection and is associated with a high risk for intestinal failure (IF) with a need for parenteral support (PS). Depending on the region of intestinal resection, three different main anatomy types can be distinguished from each other. In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge on the role of the colon in the setting of SBS-IF with a colon-in-continuity (SBS-IF-CiC), e.g., by enhancing the degree of intestinal adaptation, energy salvage, and the role of the microbiota. In addition, the effect of the disease-modifying treatment with glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogs in SBS-IF-CiC and how it differs from patients without a colon will be discussed. Overall, the findings explained in this review highlight the importance of preservation of the colon in SBS-IF.
Does Neighborhood Social Capital Longitudinally Affect the Nutritional Status of School-Aged Children? Evidence from China
Authors: Gu Lijuan , Yang Linsheng , Li Hairong
Published: January 2023

Previous research linking social capital to child nutritional status primarily constitutes cross-sectional studies. To investigate whether a longitudinal relationship exists, by conducting fixed-effects analyses with 16,977 repeatedly measured observations of 6193 children from the 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018 China Family Panel Studies, this study explored the longitudinal effects of neighborhood participation, bonding trust, and bridging trust on the BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ) and BMI categories of school-aged children, differentiating between urban and rural residence. We found an increasing average BAZ, a decreasing prevalence of underweight, an increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity, and a reducing urban/rural gap in nutritional status. The levels of social capital components descended faster in the urban area. Bonding trust was predictive of a lower BAZ, a higher likelihood of being underweight, and a lower likelihood of being overweight/obese. Bridging trust was predictive of a higher BAZ. The longitudinal effects of bonding trust were significant among only the rural children. Our findings indicate that neighborhood social capital may impose causal impacts on the nutritional status of children. To effectively improve child nutritional status, a more empathetic governmental approach that promotes a more supportive distal social environment is needed.
The Genetic Background Is Shaping Cecal Enlargement in the Absence of Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Bolsega Silvia , Smoczek Anna , Meng Chen , Kleigrewe Karin , Scheele Tim , Meller Sebastian , Glage Silke , Volk Holger , Bleich André , Basic Marijana
Published: January 2023

Germ-free (GF) rodents have become a valuable tool for studying the role of intestinal microbes on the host physiology. The major characteristic of GF rodents is an enlarged cecum. The accumulation of mucopolysaccharides, digestion enzymes and water in the intestinal lumen drives this phenotype. Microbial colonization normalizes the cecum size in ex-GF animals. However, whether strain genetics influences the cecal enlargement is unknown. Here we investigated the impact of mouse genetic background on the cecal size in five GF strains frequently used in biomedical research. The cecal weight of GF mice on B6 background (B6J and B6N) represented up to 20% of total body weight. GF NMRI and BALBc mice showed an intermediate phenotype of 5–10%, and those on the C3H background of up to 5%. Reduced cecal size in GF C3H mice correlated with decreased water content, increased expression of water transporters, and reduced production of acidic mucins, but was independent of the level of digestive enzymes in the lumen. In contrast, GF B6J mice with greatly enlarged cecum showed increased water content and a distinct metabolic profile characterized by altered amino acid and bile acid metabolism, and increased acidic mucin production. Together, our results show that genetic background influences the cecal enlargement by regulating the water transport, production of acidic mucins, and metabolic profiles.
Spatial Distribution and Temporal Trends of Dietary Niacin Intake in Chinese Residents ≥ 5 Years of Age between 1991 and 2018
Authors: Li Li , Sun Jing , Wang Huijun , Ouyang Yifei , Zhang Jiguo , Li Tiantong , Wei Yanli , Gong Weiyi , Zhou Xuefei , Zhang Bing
Published: January 2023

Limited knowledge exists on trends in niacin consumption and the prevalence of inadequate intakes in China. Understanding trends and the spatial distribution of the prevalence of inadequate niacin intake is crucial to identifying high-risk areas and sub-populations. The dietary intakes of niacin between 1991 and 2018 were analyzed using the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) data. The estimated average requirement cut point was applied to estimate inadequacy. The geographic information system’s ordinary kriging method was used to estimate the spatial distribution of the prevalence of inadequate niacin intakes. However, between 1991 and 2018, the prevalence of inadequate niacin intake increased from 13.00% to 28.40% in females and from 17.75% to 29.46% in males. Additionally, the geographically significant clusters of high and low prevalence were identified and remained stable over almost three decades. The high prevalence of insufficient niacin intake was more pronounced in Henan and Shandong over 27 years. Further, effective and tailored nutrition interventions are required to address inadequate niacin intake in China.
New Advances in Metabolic Syndrome, from Prevention to Treatment: The Role of Diet and Food
Authors: Ambroselli Donatella , Masciulli Fabrizio , Romano Enrico , Catanzaro Giuseppina , Besharat Zein Mersini , Massari Maria Chiara , Ferretti Elisabetta , Migliaccio Silvia , Izzo Luana , Ritieni Alberto , Grosso Michela , Formichi Caterina , Dotta Francesco , Frigerio Francesco , Barbiera Eleonora , Giusti Anna Maria , Ingallina Cinzia , Mannina Luisa
Published: January 2023

The definition of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has undergone several changes over the years due to the difficulty in establishing universal criteria for it. Underlying the disorders related to MetS is almost invariably a pro-inflammatory state related to altered glucose metabolism, which could lead to elevated cardiovascular risk. Indeed, the complications closely related to MetS are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). It has been observed that the predisposition to metabolic syndrome is modulated by complex interactions between human microbiota, genetic factors, and diet. This review provides a summary of the last decade of literature related to three principal aspects of MetS: (i) the syndrome’s definition and classification, pathophysiology, and treatment approaches; (ii) prediction and diagnosis underlying the biomarkers identified by means of advanced methodologies (NMR, LC/GC-MS, and LC, LC-MS); and (iii) the role of foods and food components in prevention and/or treatment of MetS, demonstrating a possible role of specific foods intake in the development of MetS.
Prognostic Utility of Nutritional Risk Index in Patients with Head and Neck Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Jiao Zan , Liang Chengcai , Luo Guangfeng , Liu Mengmeng , Jiang Ke , Yang Ankui , Liang Yao
Published: January 2023

Background: The nutritional risk index (NRI) is an excellent indicator of nutritional status and a significant prognostic factor in several malignancies, but the relationship between NRI and the prognosis of head and neck soft tissue sarcoma (HNSTS) patients remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of NRI in patients with HNSTS. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with HNSTS between 1990 and 2021. In order to determine the optimal cut-off value of NRI, the Maximally selected log-rank statistic was performed. We evaluated the effect of NRI on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) by using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression analysis. Then, OS and PFS nomograms based on NRI were constructed. Results: In total, 436 HNSTS patients were included in this study. The optimal cut-off value of NRI was 99.34. Patients with low-NRI showed significantly worse OS and PFS than patients with high-NRI, respectively (5-year OS rate of 43.0 vs. 70.8%, 5-year PFS rate of 29.0 vs. 45.0%, all p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, distant metastasis, deep tumor depth, tumor grade, and NRI were prognostic factors for both PFS and OS, and treatment modality was associated with OS but not PFS. The concordance indexes (C-indexes) of OS and PFS nomograms were 0.794 (95% CI, 0.759–0.829) and 0.663 (95% CI, 0.626–0.700), respectively, which also performed well in the validation set. Conclusions: NRI is an independent predictor of OS and PFS in HNSTS patients. The validated nomograms based on NRI provide useful predictions of OS and PFS for patients with HNSTS.
Cytotoxic and Antileishmanial Effects of the Monoterpene β-Ocimene
Authors: Sousa Julyanne Maria Saraiva de , Nunes Thaís Amanda de Lima , Rodrigues Raiza Raianne Luz , Sousa João Paulo Araújo de , Val Maria da Conceição Albuquerque , Coelho Francisco Alex da Rocha , Santos Airton Lucas Sousa dos , Maciel Nicolle Barreira , Souza Vanessa Maria Rodrigues de , Machado Yasmim Alves Aires , Sousa Paulo Sérgio de Araújo , Araújo Alyne Rodrigues de , Rocha Jefferson Almeida , Sousa Damião Pergentino de , Silva Marcos Vinicius da , Arcanjo Daniel Dias Rufino , Rodrigues Klinger Antônio da Franca
Published: January 2023

Leishmaniasis is a group of infectious-parasitic diseases with high mortality rates, and endemic in many regions of the globe. The currently available drugs present serious problems such as high toxicity, costs, and the emergence of drug resistance. This has stimulated research into new antileishmania drugs based on natural products and their derivatives. β-Ocimene is a monoterpene found naturally in the essential oils of many plant species which presents antileishmanial activity, and which has not yet been evaluated for its potential to inhibit the etiological agent of leishmaniasis. The aim of this work was to evaluate the activity of β-ocimene against Leishmania amazonensis, its cytotoxicity, and potential mechanisms of action. β-Ocimene presented direct activity against the parasite, with excellent growth inhibition of promastigotes (IC50 = 2.78 μM) and axenic amastigotes (EC50 = 1.12 μM) at concentrations non-toxic to RAW 264.7 macrophages (CC50 = 114.5 µM). The effect is related to changes in membrane permeability and resulting abnormalities in the parasitic cell shape. These were, respectively, observed in membrane integrity and atomic force microscopy assays. β-Ocimene was also shown to act indirectly, with greater activity against intra-macrophagic amastigotes (EC50 = 0.89 μM), increasing TNF-α, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), with lysosomal effects, as well as promoting decreases in IL-10 and IL-6. Against intra-macrophagic amastigote forms the selectivity index was higher than the reference drugs, being 469.52 times more selective than meglumine antimoniate, and 42.88 times more selective than amphotericin B. Our results suggest that β-ocimene possesses promising in vitro antileishmania activity and is a potential candidate for investigation in in vivo assays.
Optical and Sensing Properties of Carbon Colloidal Particles Based on (Thio)urea and Citric Acid: Effect of the Components Ratio
Authors: Karpushkin Evgeny , Kharochkina Ekaterina , Mesnyankina Ekaterina , Zaborova Olga , Sergeyev Vladimir
Published: January 2023

Changing the composition of a precursors mixture is a powerful tool to tune the structure and properties of carbonaceous nanoparticles synthesized via the solvothermal route. We have addressed the influence of the ratio of urea or thiourea to citric acid during their solvothermal treatment in dimethylformamide on the optical and sensing properties of the obtained colloidal product. It has been found that the urea-derived products are more diverse in comparison with the thiourea-based ones. The excitation-dependent fluorescence of the products and their sensitivity to mercury(II) ions have been investigated; one to three types of fluorophores have been observed in the products depending on the composition. The nanoparticles prepared in excess of urea have been found more sensitive to the heavy metal, with the sensitivity of the long-wave emission band being superior.
From Genes to Molecules, Secondary Metabolism in Botrytis cinerea: New Insights into Anamorphic and Teleomorphic Stages
Authors: da Silva Ripardo-Filho Haroldo , Coca Ruíz Víctor , Suárez Ivonne , Moraga Javier , Aleu Josefina , Collado Isidro G.
Published: January 2023

The ascomycete Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr., classified within the family Sclerotiniaceae, is the agent that causes grey mould disease which infects at least 1400 plant species, including crops of economic importance such as grapes and strawberries. The life cycle of B. cinerea consists of two phases: asexual (anamorph, Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr.) and sexual (teleomorph, Botryotinia fuckeliana (de Bary) Wetzel). During the XVI International Symposium dedicated to the Botrytis fungus, which was held in Bari in June 2013, the scientific community unanimously decided to assign the most widely used name of the asexual form, Botrytis, to this genus of fungi. However, in the literature, we continue to find articles referring to both morphic stages. In this review, we take stock of the genes and metabolites reported for both morphic forms of B. cinerea between January 2015 and October 2022.