bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Lactic Acid Bacteria Proportions in Sourdough to Enhance Antifungal Activity and Quality of Partially and Fully Baked Bread
Authors: Hernández-Figueroa Ricardo H. , Mani-López Emma , Ramírez-Corona Nelly , López-Malo Aurelio
Published: July 2024

The organic acids produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) during the fermentation of sourdoughs have the ability to reduce the growth of different molds. However, this ability depends on the LAB used. For this reason, in this study, the proportions of different LAB were optimized to obtain aqueous extracts (AEs) from sourdough to reduce fungal growth in vitro, control the acetic acid concentration, and obtain a specific lactic to acetic acid ratio. In addition, the optimized mixtures were used to formulate partially baked bread (PBB) and evaluate the mold growth and bread quality during refrigerated storage. Using a simplex-lattice mixture design, various combinations of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei, and Lactobacillus acidophilus were evaluated for their ability to produce organic acids and inhibit mold growth. The mixture containing only Lpb. plantarum significantly reduced the growth rates and extended the lag time of Penicillium chrysogenum and P. corylophilum compared with the control. The AEs’ pH values ranged from 3.50 to 3.04. Organic acid analysis revealed that using Lpb. plantarum yielded higher acetic acid concentrations than when using mixed LAB. This suggests that LAB-specific interactions significantly influence organic acid production during fermentation. The reduced radial growth rates and extended lag times for both molds compared to the control confirmed the antifungal properties of the AEs from the sourdoughs. Statistical analyses of the mixture design using polynomial models demonstrated a good fit for the analyzed responses. Two optimized LAB mixtures were identified that maximized mold lag time, targeted the desired acetic acid concentration, and balanced the lactic to acetic acid ratio. The addition of sourdough with optimized LAB mixtures to PBB resulted in a longer shelf life (21 days) and adequately maintained product quality characteristics during storage. PBB was subjected to complete baking and sensory evaluation. The overall acceptability was slightly higher in the control without sourdough (7.50), followed by bread formulated with the optimized sourdoughs (ranging from 6.78 to 7.10), but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The sensory analysis results indicated that the optimization was used to successfully formulate a sourdough bread with a sensory profile closely resembling that of a nonsupplemented one. The designed LAB mixtures can effectively enhance sourdough bread’s antifungal properties and quality, providing a promising approach for extending bread shelf life while maintaining desirable sensory attributes.
The Effect of Unhealthy Food Packaging Information Boundaries on Consumer Purchasing Intentions
Authors: Liang Shichang , He Junyan , Deng Wanshan , Cao Ping , Teng Lili , Tang Yu , Lu Xiaojie , Hu Feng , Zhang Tingting , Li Jingyi
Published: July 2024

Existing studies have examined unhealthy food packaging information, mainly focusing on aspects such as the content, color, and text, whilst paying less attention to the boundaries of information. This paper investigates unhealthy foods through three experiments, revealing that the presence (vs. absence) of packaging information boundaries on unhealthy foods has a negative impact on consumers’ purchasing intentions (p = 0.040) (Experiment 1). The feeling of constraint mediates this effect (β = −0.078, CI: [−0.1911, −0.0111]) (Experiment 2). Additionally, consumers with an independent self-construal exhibit reduced purchasing intentions when unhealthy food packaging information boundaries are present (vs. absent) (p < 0.001), whereas those with an interdependent self-construal show increased purchasing intentions under the same conditions (p = 0.024) (Experiment 3). This paper reveals the psychological mechanism and boundary conditions of unhealthy food packaging information boundaries affecting consumers’ purchasing intention and provides practical inspiration for government policy-making related to unhealthy food packaging.
Effect of Rice Bran Protein on the Foaming Properties and Foaming Characteristics of Rice Bran Protein–Sodium Caseinate and Rice Bran Protein Nanoparticles–Sodium Caseinate
Authors: Zhang Yanpeng , Li Delong , Diao Yunchun , Xu Wei , Wang Guozhen , Hu Zhixiong , Hu Chun
Published: July 2024

Rice bran, a byproduct of rice milling, comprises 12–14% protein. The foaming properties and associated mechanisms of the composite rice bran protein system were not well studied. In this study, a composite protein system composed of rice bran protein (RBP)–sodium caseinate (NaCas) and rice bran protein nanoparticles (RBPNs)–sodium caseinate (NaCas) was investigated. The results showed that the synergistic effect of RBP and NaCas increased the foaming stability of the composite solution up to 83.77 ± 2.75%. Moreover, the foaming capacity and foaming stability of the RBPNs-NaCas composite solution were up to 177.50 ± 3.53% and 80.28 ± 0.39%, respectively. The physicochemical properties results revealed that the particle size volume peaks of RBP-NaCas and RBPNs-NaCas were mainly concentrated at 55.7 nm and 197.1 nm, and RBPNs-NaCas showed a wider single peak particle size distribution. The ζ-potential values of RBP-NaCas and RBPNs-NaCas were changed to −35.5 ± 0.07 mV and −27.2 ± 0.28 mV after complexation. The apparent viscosity and consistency factor of RBP-NaCas decreased by 31.1% compared to RBP, while RBPNs-NaCas displayed similar parameters to the single proteins. The interfacial rheological test showed that RBP and RBPNs can significantly improve the interfacial properties of NaCas by enhancing the interfacial interaction and the interfacial viscoelastic modulus of composite proteins, which is conducive to the stability of the foam system. The outcome of the study provided a theoretical basis for RBP and RBPNs to partially replace NaCas in the processing of foamed food.
The Relationship between Microbial Communities in Coffee Fermentation and Aroma with Metabolite Attributes of Finished Products
Authors: Todhanakasem Tatsaporn , Van Tai Ngo , Pornpukdeewattana Soisuda , Charoenrat Theppanya , Young Briana M. , Wattanachaisaereekul Songsak
Published: July 2024

Coffee is a critical agricultural commodity and is used to produce premium beverages enjoyed by people worldwide. The microbiome of coffee beans has proven to be an essential tool that improves the flavor profile of coffee by creating aromatic flavor compounds through natural fermentation. This study investigated the natural microbial consortium during the wet process fermentation of coffee onsite in Thailand in order to identify the correlation between microbial diversity and biochemical characteristics including flavor, aroma, and metabolic attributes. Our study found 64 genera of bacteria and 59 genera of yeast/fungi present during the fermentation process. Group of microbes, mainly yeast and lactic acid bacteria, that predominated in the process were significantly correlated with preferable flavor and aroma compounds, including linalyl formate, linalool, cis-isoeugenol, trans-geraniol, and (-)-isopulegol. Some of the detected metabolites were found to be active compounds which could play a role in health.
Microparticles Made with Silk Proteins for Melanoma Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Trombino Sonia , Sole Roberta , Curcio Federica , Malivindi Rocco , Caracciolo Daniele , Mellace Silvia , Montagner Dino , Cassano Roberta
Published: July 2024

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, which is characterized by metastasis and poor prognosis due to the limited effectiveness of current therapies and the toxicity of conventional drugs. For this reason and in recent years, one of the most promising strategies in the treatment of this form of cancer is the use of drug delivery systems as carriers capable of conveying the therapeutic agent into the tumor microenvironment, thus preventing its degradation and improving its safety and effectiveness profiles. In the present work, microparticles based on silk fibroin and epifibroin 0039, silk-derived proteins loaded with idebenone, were created, which act as therapeutic carriers for topical use in the treatment of melanoma. The resulting particles have a spherical shape, good loading efficiency, and release capacity of idebenone. Efficacy studies have demonstrated a reduction in the proliferation of COLO-38, melanoma tumor cells, while safety tests have demonstrated that the microparticles are not cytotoxic and do not possess prosensitizing activity. Notably, transdermal release studies revealed that all particles released idebenone over more days. The analysis of the stimulatory markers of the proinflammatory process, CD54 and CD86, did not show any increase in expression, thus confirming the absence of potential prosesensitization effects of the silk fibroin-based particles. The research, therefore, found that idebenone-loaded silk protein microparticles could effectively reduce the proliferation of melanoma cells without cytotoxicity. This indicates the promise of a safe and effective treatment of melanoma.
Machine Translation for Open Scholarly Communication: Examining the Relationship between Translation Quality and Reading Effort
Authors: Macken Lieve , De Wilde Vanessa , Tezcan Arda
Published: July 2024

This study assesses the usability of machine-translated texts in scholarly communication, using self-paced reading experiments with texts from three scientific disciplines, translated from French into English and vice versa. Thirty-two participants, proficient in the target language, participated. This study uses three machine translation engines (DeepL, ModernMT, OpenNMT), which vary in translation quality. The experiments aim to determine the relationship between translation quality and readers’ reception effort, measured by reading times. The results show that for two disciplines, manual and automatic translation quality measures are significant predictors of reading time. For the most technical discipline, this study could not build models that outperformed the baseline models, which only included participant and text ID as random factors. This study acknowledges the need to include reader-specific features, such as prior knowledge, in future research.
Instrumentation Failure in Adult Spinal Deformity Patients
Authors: Falk David P. , Agrawal Ravi , Dehghani Bijan , Bhan Rohit , Gupta Sachin , Gupta Munish C.
Published: July 2024

In recent years, advances in the surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity (ASD) have led to improved outcomes. Although these advances have helped drive the development of deformity surgery to meet the rising volume of patients seeking surgical treatment, many challenges have yet to be solved. Instrumentation failure remains one of the most common major complications following deformity surgery, associated with significant morbidity due to elevated re-operation rates among those experiencing mechanical complications. The two most frequently encountered subtypes of instrumentation failure are rod fracture (RF) and proximal junctional kyphosis/proximal junctional failure (PJK/PJF). While RF and PJK/PJF are both modes of instrumentation failure, they are two distinct entities with different clinical implications and treatment strategies. Considering that RF and PJK/PJF continue to represent a major challenge for patients with ASD and deformity surgeons alike, this review aims to discuss the incidence, risk factors, clinical impact, treatment strategies, preventive measures, and future research directions for each of these substantial complications.
Dynamic Inversion Method of Calculating Large-Scale Urban Building Height Based on Cooperative Satellite Laser Altimetry and Multi-Source Optical Remote Sensing
Authors: Xia Haobin , Wu Jianjun , Yao Jiaqi , Xu Nan , Gao Xiaoming , Liang Yubin , Yang Jianhua , Zhang Jianhang , Gao Liang , Jin Weiqi , Ni Bowen
Published: July 2024

Building height is a crucial indicator when studying urban environments and human activities, necessitating accurate, large-scale, and fine-resolution calculations. However, mainstream machine learning-based methods for inferring building heights face numerous challenges, including limited sample data and slow update frequencies. Alternatively, satellite laser altimetry technology offers a reliable means of calculating building heights with high precision. Here, we initially calculated building heights along satellite orbits based on building-rooftop contour vector datasets and ICESat-2 ATL03 photon data from 2019 to 2022. By integrating multi-source passive remote sensing observation data, we used the inferred building height results as reference data to train a random forest model, regressing building heights at a 10 m scale. Compared with ground-measured heights, building height samples constructed from ICESat-2 photon data outperformed methods that indirectly infer building heights using total building floor number. Moreover, the simulated building heights strongly correlated with actual observations at a single-city scale. Finally, using several years of inferred results, we analyzed building height changes in Tianjin from 2019 to 2022. Combined with the random forest model, the proposed model enables large-scale, high-precision inference of building heights with frequent updates, which has significant implications for global dynamic observation of urban three-dimensional features.
The Impact of Catastrophic Forest Fires of 2021 on the Light Soils in Central Yakutia
Authors: Desyatkin Alexey , Okoneshnikova Matrena , Fedorov Pavel , Ivanova Alexandra , Filippov Nikolay , Desyatkin Roman
Published: July 2024

This paper presents the results of studying changes in the main parameters and properties of soils in larch and pine forests growing on sandy soils of the Lena-Vilyui interfluve of Central Yakutia, where catastrophic forest fires occurred in 2021. According to the remote monitoring information system of Rosleskhoz, in 2021, almost 8.5 million hectares of forests burned in Yakutia, which is considered as one of the largest forest fires in Russia and in the world in that year. After the fire passes through the forest floor, the content of organic matter decreases as a result of combustion processes. The acidity of the soil changes towards its alkalization due to the entry of combustion products. Changes in soil profiles occur; turbation processes begin more intensively, which in turn change the natural distribution of soil indicator values such as the organic carbon content, the pH, and the number of exchangeable bases. Due to the sharp increase in heat supply after a fire, the depth of seasonal thawing in the soils of burnt larch forests increases by a quarter and by twofold in pine forests. With the beginning of the thawing of the seasonally frozen layer, all the soils experience waterlogging, and ground water occurs above the permafrost.
Endovascular Treatment of Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Literature Review
Authors: Jabłońska Beata , Mrowiec Sławomir
Published: July 2024

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a complex surgical procedure performed in patients with periampullary tumors located within the pancreatic head, the papilla of Vater, the distal common bile duct, and the duodenum. In advanced tumors, the operative technique involves the need for dissection and divestment of the arteries located within the pancreaticoduodenal field, including the common hepatic artery (CHA) and the proper hepatic artery (PHA) and its branches. The second most important cause of post-PD visceral aneurysms is irritation of the peri-pancreatic arterial wall by pancreatic juice in a postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) is a very dangerous condition because it is usually asymptomatic, but it is a rare and potentially lethal pathology because of the high risk of its rupture. Therefore, HAP requires treatment. Currently, selective celiac angiography is the gold-standard diagnostic and therapeutic management for postoperative bleeding and pseudoaneurysm in patients following PD. Open surgery and less invasive endovascular treatment are performed in patients with HAP. Endovascular treatment involves transarterial embolization (TAE) and stent graft implantation. The choice of treatment method depends on the general and local conditions, such as the patient’s hemodynamic stability and arterial anatomy. In patients in whom preservation of the flow within the hepatic artery (to prevent hepatic ischemia complications such as liver infarction, abscess, or failure) is needed, stent graft implantation is the treatment of choice. This article focuses on a review of two common methods for endovascular HAP treatment. In addition, risk factors and diagnostic tools have been described.
Resistome Signature and Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms in Rhizospheric Soil Bacteriomes of Mecca Region, Saudi Arabia: Insights into Impact on Human Health
Authors: Jalal Rewaa , Sonbol Hana
Published: July 2024

The objective of this investigation is to ascertain the distinctive profile of the rhizospheric soil resistome within the Mecca region, while also evaluating the potential risks associated with the horizontal transfer of resistome determinants to the open environment and human clinical isolates. We have made metagenomic whole-genome shotgun sequencing for rhizospheric microbiomes of two endemic plants, namely Moringa oleifera and Abutilon fruticosum. The rhizospheric resistomes of the two plants and the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were identified by cross-referencing encoded proteins with the comprehensive antibiotic resistance database (CARD). The identified ARGs were then analyzed for their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mechanisms. Predominantly within this soil are the two bacterial species Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These opportunistic human pathogens are implicated in respiratory infections and are correlated with heightened mortality rates. The most prevalent array of ARGs existing in this soil comprises mexA, mexC, mexE, and cpxR, associated with mechanisms of antibiotic active efflux, along with ACC(2), ACC(3), AAC(6), and APH(6), in addition to arr1, arr3, arr4, iri, rphA, and rphB, implicated in antibiotic inactivation. Furthermore, vanS, vanR, and vanJ are identified for antibiotic target alteration, while rpoB2 and RbpA are noted for antibiotic target replacement and protection, respectively. These mechanisms confer resistance against a diverse spectrum of drug classes encompassing fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, glycopeptides, and rifampicins. This study underscores the potential hazards posed to human health by the presence of these pathogenic bacteria within the rhizospheric soil of the Mecca region, particularly in scenarios where novel ARGs prevalent in human populations are harbored and subsequently transmitted through the food chain to human clinical isolates. Consequently, stringent adherence to good agricultural and food transportation practices is imperative, particularly with regard to edible plant parts and those utilized in folkloric medicine.
Spatial Durbin Model with Expansion Using Casetti’s Approach: A Case Study for Rainfall Prediction in Java Island, Indonesia
Authors: Andriyana Yudhie , Falah Annisa Nur , Ruchjana Budi Nurani , Sulaiman Albertus , Hermawan Eddy , Harjana Teguh , Lim-Polestico Daisy Lou
Published: July 2024

Research on rainfall is critically important due to its significant impact on climate change and natural disasters in Indonesia. Various factors influence rainfall variability. Consequently, when examining spatial aspects, it is likely that spatial dependency exists not only in the response variable but also in the exogenous variables. Hence, a model that accounts for spatial dependencies between these variables is required. The integration of the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) with Casetti’s expansion approach can be utilized to predict spatial patterns of rainfall influenced by exogenous variables. By incorporating spatial effects and relevant independent variables, this model can provide more precise estimates of rainfall distribution across different regions. This modeling technique is particularly effective for accurate rainfall prediction, considering exogenous factors such as air temperature, humidity, solar irradiation, and surface pressure. The SDM with Casetti’s expansion approach was employed to predict rainfall patterns in the Java Island region, utilizing data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (NASA POWER) big data website. The application of this model in the context of rainfall prediction highlights its importance in enhancing the understanding of weather dynamics and aiding disaster risk mitigation in Java Island, a highly populated region characterized by a Monsoon rainfall pattern. The rainfall prediction follows a Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) methodology. The results of this study are expected to be valuable to relevant agencies, such as the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and agribusiness companies, improving agricultural planning and planting seasons. Additionally, the general public can benefit from more accurate climate information, particularly regarding rainfall. The computational framework is developed within an RShiny web application, and the performance of the proposed technique is measured by the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), achieving a very accurate prediction rate of 2.78%.
Anti-Disturbance Bumpless Transfer Control for a Switched Systems via a Switched Equivalent-Input-Disturbance Approach
Authors: Wu Jiawen , Liu Qian , Yu Pan
Published: July 2024

This paper concentrates on the issue of anti-disturbance bumpless transfer (ADBT) control design for switched systems. The ADBT control design problem refers to designing a continuous controller and a switching rule to ensure the switched system satisfies the ADBT property. First, the concept of the ADBT property is introduced. Then, via a switched equivalent-input-disturbance (EID) methodology, a switched EID estimator is formulated to estimate the impact of external disturbances within the switched system. Second, a bumpless transfer control is then constructed via a compensator integrating an EID estimation. Finally, the effectiveness of the presented control scheme is verified by controlling a switching resistor–inductor–capacitor circuit on the Matlab platform. Above all, a new configuration for ADBT control of switched systems is established via a switched EID methodology.
Correction: Alshareef, S.M.; Fathy, A. Efficient Red Kite Optimization Algorithm for Integrating the Renewable Sources and Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Stations in Radial Distribution Networks. Mathematics 2023, 11, 3305
Authors: Alshareef Sami M. , Fathy Ahmed
Published: July 2024

In the published publication [...]
Differential Evolution Algorithm with Three Mutation Operators for Global Optimization
Authors: Wang Xuming , Yu Xiaobing
Published: July 2024

Differential evolution algorithm is a very powerful and recently proposed evolutionary algorithm. Generally, only a mutation operator and predefined parameter values of differential evolution algorithm are utilized to solve various optimization problems, which limits the performance of the algorithm. In this paper, six commonly used mutation operators are divided into three categories according to their own features. A mutation pool is established based on the three categories. A parameter pool with three predefined values is designed. During evolution, three mutation operators are randomly chosen from the three categories, and three parameter values are also randomly selected from the parameter pool. The three groups of mutation operators and parameter values are employed to produce trial vectors. The proposed algorithm makes good use of different mutation operators. Three recently proposed differential evolution variants and three non-differential evolution algorithms are used to make comparisons on the 29 testing functions from CEC. The experimental results have demonstrated that the proposed algorithm is very competitive. The proposed algorithm is utilized to solve three real applications, and the results are superior.
Research on the Performance and Computational Fluid Dynamics Numerical Simulation of Plate Air Gap Membrane Distillation Module
Authors: Bi Haojie , Yuan Hongying , Xu Zhiyuan , Liang Zhuobin , Du Yongliang
Published: July 2024

Membrane distillation (MD) is widely used in the field of seawater desalination. Among its various sub-categories, air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) stands out due to its high thermal efficiency and compatibility with low-grade heat sources. This study delves into the impact of varying operating conditions on AGMD performance, employing numerical simulations which are grounded in experimental validation. The objective was to enhance the performance of AGMD, mitigate polarization phenomena, and provide a reference for optimizing membrane component design. The results show that the agreements between the simulated and the experimental values were high. When increasing the feed temperature and decreasing the coolant temperature, the impact of polarization phenomena on the performance of AGMD was reduced. The mass flux, Total Permeate Concentration (TPC), and heat flux increased by 81.69%, 36.89%, and 118.01%, respectively, when the feed temperature was increased from 50 °C to 75 °C. When the coolant temperature decreased from 22 °C to 7 °C, the mass flux increased by 37.06%. The response surface analysis revealed that the feed temperature has significant influence on AGMD performance, and there is a noticeable interaction between the feed temperature and coolant temperature. These findings will play key roles in practical applications.
Morphology Modulation of ZnMn2O4 Nanoparticles Deposited In Situ on Carbon Cloth for Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Changxing , Feng Xuansheng , Zhou Jixue , Zhao Guochen , Cheng Kaiming , Yu Huan , Li Hang , Yang Huabing , Zhao Dongqing , Wang Xitao
Published: July 2024

As a typical spinel structure material, ZnMn2O4 has been widely researched in the field of electrode materials. However, ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles as electrode materials for supercapacitors have the disadvantages of low conductivity, inferior structural integrity, and easy aggregation, resulting in unsatisfying electrochemical performance. In this work, we use a hydrothermal method and high-temperature calcination to deposit ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles on carbon cloth and explore the influence of hydrothermal reaction time on the deposition morphology and distribution of ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles on carbon cloth. The deposition process of ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles on carbon cloth was analyzed, and a ZMO-9 electrode was deduced to be the most suitable electrode for supercapacitors. A series of electrochemical performance tests show that the ZMO-9 electrode has excellent specific capacitance (specific capacity) (499 F·g−1 (299.4 C·g−1) at a current density of 1 A·g−1) and rate performance (75% capacitance retention at a current density of 12 A·g−1). The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor has an energy density of 46.6 Wh·kg−1 when the power density is 800.1 W·kg−1. This work provides a reference for the structural design of ZnMn2O4 supercapacitor electrode materials and the improvement of electrochemical properties.
Changes in Serum Metabolome Following Low-Energy Diet-Induced Weight Loss in Women with Overweight and Prediabetes: A PREVIEW-New Zealand Sub-Study
Authors: Relva Bárbara , Samuelsson Linda M. , Duarte Iola F. , Fasol Ulrike , Edwards Patrick J. B. , Fogelholm Mikael , Raben Anne , Poppitt Sally D. , Silvestre Marta P.
Published: July 2024

As obesity develops, metabolic changes increase the risk of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Weight loss is crucial for improving health in T2D and cardiometabolic conditions. However, weight loss rates vary between individuals, even with identical diets or energy restrictions, highlighting the need to identify markers or predictors of weight loss success to enhance intervention outcomes. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based metabolomics, we investigated the change in serum polar metabolites in 28 women with overweight or obesity and prediabetes who completed an 8-week low-energy diet (LED) as part of the PREVIEW (PREVention of diabetes through lifestyle intervention and population studies in Europe and around the World) clinical trial. We aimed to characterize the metabolic shift in substrate oxidation under fixed energy intake (~4 MJ/day) and its relation to weight loss success. Nine of the thirty-four serum metabolites identified significantly changed during the LED phase: 3-hydroxybutyrate, O-acetylcarnitine, 2-hydroxybutyrate, mannose, dimethyl sulfone and isobutyrate increased, whilst choline, creatine and tyrosine decreased. These results confirmed a shift towards lipid oxidation, but no metabolites predicted the response to the LED-induced weight loss. Further studies in larger populations are required to validate these metabolites as biomarkers of diet exposure.
The Effects of Nicotine Pouches and E-Cigarettes on Oral Microbes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Miluna-Meldere Sintija , Rostoka Dagnija , Broks Renars , Viksne Kristine , Ciematnieks Rolands , Skadins Ingus , Kroica Juta
Published: July 2024

It remains uncertain whether nicotine pouches and electronic cigarettes alter the oral environment and result in a high presence of periodontopathogenic bacteria in saliva, compared to that among cigarette users or non-tobacco users. In this study, saliva samples were collected from respondents using nicotine pouches, electronic cigarettes, and conventional cigarettes, alongside a control group of non-tobacco users. Polymerase chain reaction was used to identify clinical isolates of the following periodontal bacteria: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Fusobacterium periodonticum, Porphyromonas endodontalis, and Rothia mucilaginosa. The presence of some periodontal pathogens was detected in the saliva samples from users of nicotine pouches, electronic cigarettes, and conventional cigarettes but not in samples taken from the control group. Therefore, the initial results of this pilot study suggest that the presence of periodontopathogenic bacteria in the saliva of nicotine pouch and electronic cigarette users could alter the oral microbiome, leading to periodontal diseases. However, further quantitative investigation is needed.
Fluid Inclusion, Rare Earth Element Geochemistry, and Isotopic (O and S) Characteristics of the Ardakan Barite Deposit, Yazd Province, Iran
Authors: Ansari Ebrahim , Ehya Farhad , Paydar Ghodratollah Rostami , Kheymehsari Sara Maleki
Published: July 2024

The stratabound barite mineralization occurs in the Ardakan deposit as patches and veins in the dolomites and limestones of the Middle Triassic Shotori Formation. Rare-earth element (REE) geochemistry, O and S isotopes, and fluid inclusion data were used to identify the mode of barite formation. Barite is associated with subordinate fluorite and quartz and, to a lesser extent, with sphalerite, malachite, chrysocolla, and iron and manganese oxide-hydroxides. Barite contains a very low ∑REE concentration (14.80–19.59 ppm) and is enriched in light rare-earth elements (LREEs) relative to heavy rare-earth elements (HREEs). The low ∑REE content and the Ce/La ratio (4.0–6.5) indicate a hydrothermal (terrestrial) origin of the barite. Similar to barite, the ∑REE content in fluorite is low (0.14–6.52 ppm) and suggests a sedimentary setting. The Tb/Ca versus Tb/La diagram also indicates a hydrothermal origin of fluorite. The δ34S values in the barite (+27.9 to +32.4‰) indicate that the sulfur most likely originates from evaporites and/or connate waters from the Late Precambrian to the Lower Cambrian. The δ18O values (+15.9 to +18.1‰) in the barite show that the oxygen originated either from Late Precambrian–Lower Cambrian evaporites or from basinal brines with slightly higher δ18O values than the evaporites. The salinity and homogenization temperature ranges of the aqueous fluid inclusions in barite, fluorite, and quartz (0.88–16.89 wt% NaCl equivalent and 90–270 °C, respectively) reveal that the mineralizing fluids were formed from basinal brines with the participation of heated meteoric water. From this, it is concluded that the Ardakan barite deposit was formed by the meeting of heated, ascending sulfate-bearing meteoric water and cooler, Ba-bearing connate water trapped in the overlying Middle Triassic dolomites and limestones. The Ardakan deposit belongs to the structure-related class and the unconformity-related subclass of barite deposits.
Removal of Thiophenol from Water Using Sepiolite
Authors: Chruszcz-Lipska Katarzyna
Published: July 2024

Crude oil and petroleum products contain various types of sulfur compounds: aliphatic and aromatic mercaptans, hydrogen sulfide, sulfides, disulfides, thiophene derivatives, etc. Some of these may dissolve in water only slightly, but their toxicity and corrosiveness indicate that even these small amounts should be eliminated from water. This work examines, for the first time, the removal of thiophenol (synonyms: benzenethiol, phenyl mercaptan) from water using sepiolite. This clay mineral (evaluated by SEM analysis) is an attractive natural sorbent characterized by its microporosity, which results from its crystalline structure and large specific surface area. Because the structure of thiophenol changes depending on the pH of the aqueous solution (due to the loss of a proton), the research was conducted at pH 4, 7 and 9. The detection of thiophenol in aqueous solution was investigated using UV spectroscopy. It was found that the adsorption of thiophenol is possible, but it occurs only in an acidic environment (pH 4). No sorption is observed at pH 7 or 9. The adsorption of thiophenol at pH 4 does not change significantly after changing the ionic strength of the aqueous solution (distilled water, 0.01 NaCl and 0.1 NaCl). The adsorption capacity of sepioliteis approximately 0.23–0.34 mg/g. Studies using infrared spectroscopy and fitting of Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models to the results of adsorption experiments indicate that adsorption on unmodified sepiolite follows a physisorption mechanism. Additionally, to understand the behavior of thiophenol in the presence of sepiolite across different pH ranges, DFT/PCM/B3LYP/Aug-CC-pVDZ calculations were used to analyze the charge distribution on particular atoms in its structure.
The Comparison of Catalytic Activity of Carbimazole and Methimazole on Electroreduction of Zinc (II) in Chlorates (VII): Experimental and Molecular Modelling Study
Authors: Nieszporek Jolanta , Pańczyk Tomasz , Nieszporek Krzysztof
Published: July 2024

With the help of electrochemical methods, including CV and EIS, the influence of methimazole, carbimazole, and the concentration of the supporting electrolyte on the kinetics and mechanism of zinc electroreduction on a mercury electrode was compared and analyzed. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations of zinc/carbimazole and zinc/methimazole solutions were carried out to determine the effect of drugs on the hydration sphere of Zn2+ ions. It was shown that the electroreduction of Zn2+ in the presence of methimazole and carbimazole occurs in two steps and the first one determines the kinetics of the entire process. The presence of both drugs in the solution and the increase in the concentration of the supporting electrolyte reduce the degree of hydration of the depolarizer ions and the hydration of the electrode surface, what is a factor favoring the rate of electroreduction. Based on theoretical studies, the formation of stable complexes between Zn2+ and the molecules of both drugs in a solution was considered unlikely. However, active complexes can be formed between depolarizer ions and molecules adsorbed at the electrode surface. They constitute a bridge facilitating charge exchange during the electrode reaction, revealing the catalytic abilities of methimazole and carbimazole. In the range of cdrug ≤ 1 × 10−3 mol dm−3, carbimazole is a better catalyst, whereas in the range of cdrug ≥ 5 × 10−3 mol dm−3, it is methimazole. The effectiveness of both compounds in catalyzing the first stage of the electrode reaction increases with the increase in the NaClO4 concentration.
Correction: Howlett et al. The Spicy Story of Cannabimimetic Indoles. Molecules 2021, 26, 6190
Authors: Howlett Allyn C. , Thomas Brian F. , Huffman John W.
Published: July 2024

Missing Conflicts of Interest [...]
A Ratiometric Fluorescence Detection Method for Berberine Using Triplex-Containing DNA-Templated Silver Nanoclusters
Authors: Zhu Ming , Sun Mingyang , Liu Juntong , Chen Changbao , Yang Yonggang , Teng Ye
Published: July 2024

Berberine (BBR), as a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, has demonstrated various pharmacological activities, and is widely applied in the treatment of diseases. The quantitative analysis of BBR is important for pharmacological studies and clinical applications. In this work, utilizing the specific interaction between BBR and triplex DNA, a sensitive and selective fluorescent detecting method was established with DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs). After binding with the triplex structure in the template of DNA-AgNCs, BBR quenched the fluorescence of DNA-AgNCs and formed BBR-triplex complex with yellow–green fluorescence. The ratiometric fluorescence signal showed a linear relationship with BBR concentration in a range from 10 nM to 1000 nM, with a detection limit of 10 nM. Our method exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity, and was further applied in BBR detection in real samples.
Investigation of the Aggregation of Aβ Peptide (1-40) in the Presence of κ-Carrageenan-Stabilised Liposomes Loaded with Homotaurine
Authors: Kamburova Kamelia , Dimitrov Ivaylo L. , Hodzhaoglu Feyzim , Milkova Viktoria
Published: July 2024

The kinetics of amyloid aggregation was studied indirectly by monitoring the changes in the polydispersity of mixed dispersion of amyloid β peptide (1-40) and composite liposomes. The liposomes were prepared from the 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glicero-3-phoshocholine (DOPC) phospholipid and stabilised by the electrostatic adsorption of κ-carrageenan. The produced homotaurine-loaded and unloaded liposomes had a highly negative electrokinetic potential and remarkable stability in phosphate buffer (pH 4 and 7.4). For the first time, the appearance and evolution of the aggregation of Aβ were presented through the variation in the standard percentile readings (D10, D50, and D90) obtained from the particle size distribution analysis. The kinetic experiments indicated the appearance of the first aggregates almost 30 min after mixing the liposomes and peptide solution. It was observed that by adding unloaded liposomes, the size of 90% of the particles in the dispersion (D90) increased. In contrast, the addition of homotaurine-loaded liposomes had almost minimal impact on the size of the fractions of larger particles during the kinetic experiments. Despite the specific bioactivity of homotaurine in the presence of natural cell membranes, this study reported an additional inhibitory effect of the compound on the amyloid peptide aggregation due to the charge effects and ‘molecular crowding’.
Long Non-Coding RNA AGAP2-AS1: A Comprehensive Overview on Its Biological Functions and Clinical Significances in Human Cancers
Authors: Ma Feng , Zhang Bingbing , Wang Yiqi , Lou Chenghua
Published: July 2024

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are well known for their oncogenic or anti-oncogenic roles in cancer development. AGAP2-AS1, a new lncRNA, has been extensively demonstrated as an oncogenic lncRNA in various cancers. Abundant experimental results have proved the aberrantly high level of AGAP2-AS1 in a great number of malignancies, such as glioma, colorectal, lung, ovarian, prostate, breast, cholangiocarcinoma, bladder, colon and pancreatic cancers. Importantly, the biological functions of AGAP2-AS1 have been extensively demonstrated. It could promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells. Simultaneously, the clinical significances of AGAP2-AS1 were also illustrated. AGAP2-AS1 was exceptionally overexpressed in various cancer tissues. Clinical studies disclosed that the abnormal overexpression of AGAP2-AS1 was tightly connected with overall survival (OS), lymph nodes metastasis (LNM), clinical stage, tumor infiltration, high histological grade (HG), serous subtype and PFI times. However, to date, the biological actions and clinical significances of AGAP2-AS1 have not been systematically reviewed in human cancers. In the present review, the authors overviewed the biological actions, potential mechanisms and clinical features of AGAP2-AS1 according to the previous studies. In summary, AGAP2-AS1, as a vital oncogenic gene, is a promising biomarker and potential target for carcinoma prognosis and therapy.
Response Properties of Electrorheological Composite Hydrophilic Elastomers Based on Different Morphologies of Magnesium-Doped Strontium Titanate
Authors: Gao Shu-Juan , Li Lin-Zhi , Han Peng-Fei , Wang Ling , Li Feng , Yu Tan-Lai , Li Yan-Fang
Published: July 2024

As smart materials, electrorheological elastomers (EREs) formed by pre-treating active electrorheological particles are attracting more and more attention. In this work, four Mg-doped strontium titanate (Mg-STO) particles with spherical, dendritic, flake-like, and pinecone-like morphologies were obtained via hydrothermal and low-temperature co-precipitation. XRD, SEM, Raman, and FT-IR were used to characterize these products. The results showed that Mg-STOs are about 1.5–2.0 μm in size, and their phase structures are dominated by cubic crystals. These Mg-STOs were dispersed in a hydrogel composite elastic medium. Then, Mg-STO/glycerol/gelatin electrorheological composite hydrophilic elastomers were obtained with or without an electric field. The electric field response properties of Mg-doped strontium titanate composite elastomers were investigated. We concluded that dendritic Mg-STO composite elastomers are high-performance EREs, and the maximum value of their energy storage was 8.70 MPa. The significant electrorheological performance of these products is helpful for their applications in vibration control, force transducers, smart structures, dampers, and other fields.
Flavonoid Profiles in the Pulp of Different Lemon Cultivars and Their Antioxidant Activity Based on UPLC–Q–TOF–MS
Authors: Liu Zhixiang , Wang Peng , Liu Chengcheng , Tang Xin
Published: July 2024

Previous studies have indicated that there may be differences among the varieties of lemon flavonoids, but the details have not yet been made clear, which limits the comprehensive use of different cultivated lemon varieties. In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole–time-of-flight–mass spectrometry (UPLC–Q–TOF–MS) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) were used to investigate the types and contents of flavonoids in the flesh of the main cultivated variety (Eureka) and five common lemon varieties, as well as their in vitro antioxidant activity. A total of 21 compounds were identified, five of which were common compounds. Among them, Verna, Lisbon, and Bearss each have characteristic components that can serve as potential criteria for variety identification. Each of the six varieties of lemon has strong antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of different lemon varieties is related to flavonoids. Therefore, Eureka and the other five varieties of lemon are good natural antioxidants, and the cultivation and industrial production of lemons should consider the needs and selection of suitable varieties.
Quorum Sensing Inhibitors: An Alternative Strategy to Win the Battle against Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Bacteria
Authors: Hetta Helal F. , Ramadan Yasmin N. , Rashed Zainab I. , Alharbi Ahmad A. , Alsharef Shomokh , Alkindy Tala T. , Alkhamali Alanoud , Albalawi Abdullah S. , Battah Basem , Donadu Matthew G.
Published: July 2024

Antibiotic resistance is a major problem and a major global health concern. In total, there are 16 million deaths yearly from infectious diseases, and at least 65% of infectious diseases are caused by microbial communities that proliferate through the formation of biofilms. Antibiotic overuse has resulted in the evolution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbial strains. As a result, there is now much more interest in non-antibiotic therapies for bacterial infections. Among these revolutionary, non-traditional medications is quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs). Bacterial cell-to-cell communication is known as quorum sensing (QS), and it is mediated by tiny diffusible signaling molecules known as autoinducers (AIs). QS is dependent on the density of the bacterial population. QS is used by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria to control a wide range of processes; in both scenarios, QS entails the synthesis, identification, and reaction to signaling chemicals, also known as auto-inducers. Since the usual processes regulated by QS are the expression of virulence factors and the creation of biofilms, QS is being investigated as an alternative solution to antibiotic resistance. Consequently, the use of QS-inhibiting agents, such as QSIs and quorum quenching (QQ) enzymes, to interfere with QS seems like a good strategy to prevent bacterial infections. This review sheds light on QS inhibition strategy and mechanisms and discusses how using this approach can aid in winning the battle against resistant bacteria.
A High-Performance Mn/TiO2 Catalyst with a High Solid Content for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO at Low-Temperatures
Authors: Yang Lei , Wang Zhen , Xu Bing , Hu Jie , Pan Dehua , Fan Guozhi , Zhang Lei , Zhou Ziyang
Published: July 2024

Mn/TiO2 catalysts with varying solid contents were innovatively prepared by the sol–gel method and were used for selective catalytic reduction of NO at low temperatures using NH3 (NH3-SCR) as the reducing agent. Surprisingly, it was found that as the solid content of the sol increased, the catalytic activity of the developed Mn/TiO2 catalyst gradually increased, showing excellent catalytic performance. Notably, the Mn/TiO2 (50%) catalyst demonstrates outstanding denitration performance, achieving a 96% NO conversion rate at 100 °C under a volume hourly space velocity (VHSV) of 24,000 h−1, while maintaining high N2 selectivity and stability. It was discovered that as the solid content increased, the catalyst’s specific surface area (SSA), surface Mn4+ concentration, chemisorbed oxygen, chemisorption of NH3, and catalytic reducibility all improved, thereby enhancing the catalytic efficiency of NH3-SCR in degrading NO. Moreover, NH3 at the Lewis acidic sites and NH4+ at the Bronsted acidic sites of the catalyst were capable of reacting with NO. Conversely, NO and NO2 adsorbed on the catalyst, along with bidentate and monodentate nitrates, were unable to react with NH3 at low temperatures. Consequently, the developed catalyst’s low-temperature catalytic reaction mechanism aligns with the E-R mechanism.