bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biorefinery of Tomato Leaves by Integrated Extraction and Membrane Processes to Obtain Fractions That Enhance Induced Resistance against Pseudomonas syringae Infection
Authors: Bazzarelli Fabio , Mazzei Rosalinda , Papaioannou Emmanouil , Giannakopoulos Vasileios , Roberts Michael R. , Giorno Lidietta
Published: June 2022

Tomato leaves have been shown to contain significant amounts of important metabolites involved in protection against abiotic and biotic stress and/or possessing important therapeutic properties. In this work, a systematic study was carried out to evaluate the potential of a sustainable process for the fractionation of major biomolecules from tomato leaves, by combining aqueous extraction and membrane processes. The extraction parameters (temperature, pH, and liquid/solid ratio (L/S)) were optimized to obtain high amounts of biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, biophenols). Subsequently, the aqueous extract was processed by membrane processes, using 30–50 kDa and 1–5 kDa membranes for the first and second stage, respectively. The permeate from the first stage, which was used to remove proteins from the aqueous extract, was further fractionated in the second stage, where the appropriate membrane material was also selected. Of all the membranes tested in the first stage, regenerated cellulose membranes (RC) showed the best performance in terms of higher rejection of proteins (85%) and lower fouling index (less than 15% compared to 80% of the other membranes tested), indicating that they are suitable for fractionation of proteins from biophenols and carbohydrates. In the second stage, the best results were obtained by using polyethersulfone (PES) membranes with an NMWCO of 5 kDa, since the greatest difference between the rejection coefficients of carbohydrates and phenolic compounds was obtained. In vivo bioactivity tests confirmed that fractions obtained with PES 5 kDa membranes were able to induce plant defense against P. syringae.
Optimization, Kinetic Studies of Tin Leaching from Waste Printed Circuit Boards and Selective Tin Recovery from Its Pregnant Solution
Authors: Hao Juanjuan , Wang Xiaolu , Wang Yishu , Guo Fu , Wu Yufeng
Published: June 2022

To protect natural resources and avoid environmental pollution, an effective method is proposed to recover tin (Sn) from waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs). In order to realize the efficient recovery of Sn, it is necessary to study the effects of experimental parameters on Sn leaching and understand the leaching kinetics of leaching processes. The statistical and mathematical technique (response surface methodology (RSM)) was used to study the effects of interactions of experimental parameters on the leaching rate and optimize experimental parameters. Moreover, a comprehensive understanding of the leaching kinetics of Sn in hydrochloric acid solution was obtained. The results show that the maximum Sn leaching rate was 97.6% which was obtained under the following optimal condition: 74.1 °C, 4.94 mol/L HCl, 495.5 rpm, and a solid–liquid ratio of 0.08 g/mL. The leaching mechanism of Sn was controlled by mixed control reaction with an activation energy of 20.3 kJ/mol. A macroscopic kinetic equation was also established, which summarizes the relationships between the experimental parameters and the leaching rates and can predict leaching results. The Sn in pregnant leach solution was recovered as stannic oxide (SnO2) by precipitation-high temperature calcining technique. In this paper, a complete flowsheet for Sn recovery from WPCBs was developed.
MEMS Inertial Sensor Calibration Technology: Current Status and Future Trends
Authors: Ru Xu , Gu Nian , Shang Hang , Zhang Heng
Published: June 2022

A review of various calibration techniques of MEMS inertial sensors is presented in this paper. MEMS inertial sensors are subject to various sources of error, so it is essential to correct these errors through calibration techniques to improve the accuracy and reliability of these sensors. In this paper, we first briefly describe the main characteristics of MEMS inertial sensors and then discuss some common error sources and the establishment of error models. A systematic review of calibration methods for inertial sensors, including gyroscopes and accelerometers, is conducted. We summarize the calibration schemes into two general categories: autonomous and nonautonomous calibration. A comprehensive overview of the latest progress made in MEMS inertial sensor calibration technology is presented, and the current state of the art and development prospects of MEMS inertial sensor calibration are analyzed with the aim of providing a reference for the future development of calibration technology.
Recent Progress in Physics-Based Modeling of Electromigration in Integrated Circuit Interconnects
Authors: Zhao Wen-Sheng , Zhang Rui , Wang Da-Wei
Published: June 2022

The advance of semiconductor technology not only enables integrated circuits with higher density and better performance but also increases their vulnerability to various aging mechanisms which occur from front-end to back-end. Analysis on the impact of aging mechanisms on circuits’ reliability is crucial for the design of reliable and sustainable electronic systems at advanced technology nodes. As one of the most crucial back-end aging mechanisms, electromigration deserves research efforts. This paper introduces recent studies on physics-based modeling of electromigration aging of on-chip interconnects. At first, the background of electromigration is introduced. The conventional method and physics-based modeling for electromigration are described. Then studies on how electromigration affects powers grids and signal interconnects are discussed in detail. Some of them focus on the comprehensiveness of modeling methodology, while others aim at the strategies for improving computation accuracy and speed and the strategies for accelerating/decelerating aging. Considering the importance of electromigration for circuit reliability, this paper is dedicated to providing a review on physics-based modeling methodologies on electromigration and their applications for integrated circuits interconnects.
A New Kinect V2-Based Method for Visual Recognition and Grasping of a Yarn-Bobbin-Handling Robot
Authors: Han Jinghai , Liu Bo , Jia Yongle , Jin Shoufeng , Sulowicz Maciej , Glowacz Adam , Królczyk Grzegorz , Li Zhixiong
Published: June 2022

This work proposes a Kinect V2-based visual method to solve the human dependence on the yarn bobbin robot in the grabbing operation. In this new method, a Kinect V2 camera is used to produce three-dimensional (3D) yarn-bobbin point cloud data for the robot in a work scenario. After removing the noise point cloud through a proper filtering process, the M-estimator sample consensus (MSAC) algorithm is employed to find the fitting plane of the 3D cloud data; then, the principal component analysis (PCA) is adopted to roughly register the template point cloud and the yarn-bobbin point cloud to define the initial position of the yarn bobbin. Lastly, the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm is used to achieve precise registration of the 3D cloud data to determine the precise pose of the yarn bobbin. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, an experimental platform is developed to validate the grabbing operation of the yarn bobbin robot in different scenarios. The analysis results show that the average working time of the robot system is within 10 s, and the grasping success rate is above 80%, which meets the industrial production requirements.
High-Temperature Ferroelectric Behavior of Al0.7Sc0.3N
Authors: Drury Daniel , Yazawa Keisuke , Zakutayev Andriy , Hanrahan Brendan , Brennecka Geoff
Published: June 2022

Currently, there is a lack of nonvolatile memory (NVM) technology that can operate continuously at temperatures > 200 °C. While ferroelectric NVM has previously demonstrated long polarization retention and >1013 read/write cycles at room temperature, the largest hurdle comes at higher temperatures for conventional perovskite ferroelectrics. Here, we demonstrate how AlScN can enable high-temperature (>200 °C) nonvolatile memory. The c-axis textured thin films were prepared via reactive radiofrequency magnetron sputtering onto a highly textured Pt (111) surface. Photolithographically defined Pt top electrodes completed the capacitor stack, which was tested in a high temperature vacuum probe station up to 400 °C. Polarization–electric field hysteresis loops between 23 and 400 °C reveal minimal changes in the remanent polarization values, while the coercive field decreased from 4.3 MV/cm to 2.6 MV/cm. Even at 400 °C, the polarization retention exhibited negligible loss for up to 1000 s, demonstrating promise for potential nonvolatile memory capable of high−temperature operation. Fatigue behavior also showed a moderate dependence on operating temperature, but the mechanisms of degradation require additional study.
Electronic Processes at the Carbon-Covered (100) Collector Tungsten Surface
Authors: Gotsis Harilaos J. , Bacalis Naoum C. , Xanthakis John P.
Published: June 2022

We have performed density functional VASP calculations of a pure and of a carbon-covered (100) tungsten surface under the presence of an electric field E directed away from the surface. Our aim is to answer the question of an increased penetrability of electrons at the collector side of a nanometric tunnel diode when covered by carbon atoms, a purely quantum mechanical effect related to the value of the workfunction Φ. To obtain Φ at a non-zero electric field we have extrapolated back to the electrical surface the straight line representing the linear increase in the potential energy with distance outside the metal-vacuum interface. We have found that under the presence of E the workfunction Φ = Evac − EF of the (100) pure tungsten surface has a minor dependence on E. However, the carbon-covered tungsten (100) surface workfunction Φ(C − W) has a stronger E dependence. Φ(C − W) decreases continuously with the electric field. This decrease is ΔΦ = 0.08 eV when E = 1 V/nm. This ΔΦ is explained by our calculated changes with electric field of the electronic density of both pure and carbon-covered tungsten. The observed phenomena may be relevant to other surfaces of carbon-covered tungsten and may explain the reported collector dependence of current in Scanning Field Emission Microscopy.
Poling-Free Hydroxyapatite/Polylactide Nanogenerator with Improved Piezoelectricity for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Liu Wei , Shi Yunlai , Sun Zhijun , Zhang Li
Published: June 2022

Polylactide-based piezoelectric nanogenerators were designed and fabricated with improved piezoelectric performances by blending polylactide with hydroxyapatite. The addition of hydroxyapatite significantly improves the crystallinity of polylactide and helps to form hydrogen bonds, which further improved the piezoelectric output performance of these piezoelectric nanogenerators with over three times the open circuit voltage compared with that of pure-polylactide-based devices. Such excellent piezoelectricity of hydroxyapatite/polylactide-based nanogenerators give them great potential for energy harvesting fields.
Microbial Production Potential of Pantoea ananatis: From Amino Acids to Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Usuda Yoshihiro , Nishio Yousuke , Nonaka Gen , Hara Yoshihiko
Published: June 2022

Pantoea ananatis, a gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Erwiniaceae family, is a well-known phytopathogen isolated from many ecological niches and plant hosts. However, this bacterium also provides us with various beneficial characteristics, such as the growth promotion of their host plants and increased crop yield. Some isolated non-pathogenic strains are promising for the microbial production of useful substances. P. ananatis AJ13355 was isolated as an acidophilic bacterium and was used as an excellent host to produce L-glutamic acid under acidic conditions. The genome sequence of P. ananatis AJ13355 was determined, and specific genome-engineering technologies were developed. As a result, P. ananatis was successfully used to construct a bacterial strain that produces cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid that has been difficult to produce through fermentation because of complex regulation. Furthermore, by heterologous expression including plant-derived genes, construction of a strain that produces isoprenoids such as isoprene and linalool as secondary metabolites was achieved. P. ananatis is shown to be a useful host for the production of secondary metabolites, as well as amino acids, and is expected to be used as a platform for microbial production of bioactive substances, aromatic substances, and other high-value-added substances of plant origin in the future.
Assembly and Comparison of Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis Genomes
Authors: Azagi Tal , Dirks Ron P. , Yebra-Pimentel Elena S. , Schaap Peter J. , Koehorst Jasper J. , Esser Helen J. , Sprong Hein
Published: June 2022

Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis is widely prevalent in I. ricinus across Europe and has been associated with human disease. However, diagnostic modalities are limited, and much is still unknown about its biology. Here, we present the first complete Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis genomes directly derived from wildlife reservoir host tissues, using both long- and short-read sequencing technologies. This pragmatic approach provides an alternative to obtaining sufficient material from clinical cases, a difficult task for emerging infectious diseases, and to expensive and challenging bacterial isolation and culture methods. Both genomes exhibit a larger chromosome than the currently available Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis genomes and expand the ability to find new targets for the development of supportive laboratory diagnostics in the future. Moreover, this method could be utilized for other tick-borne pathogens that are difficult to culture.
A Journey into Animal Models of Human Osteomyelitis: A Review
Authors: Meroni Gabriele , Tsikopoulos Alexios , Tsikopoulos Konstantinos , Allemanno Francesca , Martino Piera Anna , Soares Filipe Joel Fernando
Published: June 2022

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone characterized by progressive inflammatory destruction and apposition of new bone that can spread via the hematogenous route (hematogenous osteomyelitis (HO)), contiguous spread (contiguous osteomyelitis (CO)), and direct inoculation (osteomyelitis associated with peripheral vascular insufficiency (PVI)). Given the significant financial burden posed by osteomyelitis patient management, the development of new preventive and treatment methods is warranted. To achieve this objective, implementing animal models (AMs) of infection such as rats, mice, rabbits, avians, dogs, sheep, goats, and pigs might be of the essence. This review provides a literature analysis of the AMs developed and used to study osteomyelitis. Historical relevance and clinical applicability were taken into account to choose the best AMs, and some study methods are briefly described. Furthermore, the most significant strengths and limitations of each species as AM are discussed, as no single model incorporates all features of osteomyelitis. HO’s clinical manifestation results in extreme variability between patients due to multiple variables (e.g., age, sex, route of infection, anatomical location, and concomitant diseases) that could alter clinical studies. However, these variables can be controlled and tested through different animal models.
Correlation between Polymerase Chain Reaction Identification of Iron Acquisition Genes and an Iron-Deficient Incubation Test for Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Bovine Mastitis
Authors: Tsuka Takeshi , Kumashiro Soma , Kihara Tsubasa , Iida Toshiko
Published: June 2022

We investigated the correlation between the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification of six virulence genes associated with siderophore activation and the iron-uptake system (iron-acquisition genes; iucA, entB, fepA, ybtS, psn, and kfu) in mastitis-associated Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae). The growth of 37 K. pneumoniae isolates from the milk of cows with mild mastitis reared on Japanese dairy farms between October 2012 and December 2014 was examined by incubation in an iron-deficient medium. entB-, fepA-, or ybtS-positive isolates grew significantly better than entB-, fepA-, or ybtS-negative isolates after incubating in an iron-deficient medium for three days. Interestingly, the growth of isolates with 0 and ≥4 PCR-positive iron-acquisition genes in the iron-deficient medium were significantly different by day 2, while isolates with 2, 3, and ≥4 PCR-positive iron-acquisition genes grew significantly better than those with no PCR-positive iron-acquisition genes by day 3. Based on the correlation between the results of PCR and iron-deficient incubation tests, iron-deficient incubation for three days can be used to estimate the presence or absence of iron-acquisition genes in mastitis-associated K. pneumoniae.
Factors Affecting Spontaneous Endocytosis and Survival of Probiotic Lactobacilli in Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ramirez-Sánchez Diana Aurora , Navarro-Lleó Noemi , Bäuerl Christine , Campista-León Samuel , Coll-Marqués José María , Pérez-Martínez Gaspar
Published: June 2022

Mutualistic bacteria have different forms of interaction with the host. In contrast to the invasion of pathogenic bacteria, naturally occurring internalization of commensal bacteria has not been studied in depth. Three in vitro methods, gentamicin protection, flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy, have been implemented to accurately assess the internalization of two lactobacillus strains—Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BL23 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG—in Caco-2 and T84 intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) under a variety of physiological conditions and with specific inhibitors. First and most interesting, internalization occurred at a variable rate that depends on the bacterial strain and IEC line, and the most efficient was BL23 internalization by T84 and, second, efficient internalization required active IEC proliferation, as it improved naturally at the early confluence stages and by stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF). IFN-γ is bound to innate immune responses and autolysis; this cytokine had a significant effect on internalization, as shown by flow cytometry, but increased internalization was not perceived in all conditions, possibly because it was also stimulating autolysis and, as a consequence, the viability of bacteria after uptake could be affected. Bacterial uptake required actin polymerization, as shown by cytochalasin D inhibition, and it was partially bound to clathrin and caveolin dependent endocytosis. It also showed partial inhibition by ML7 indicating the involvement of cholesterol lipid rafts and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activation, at least in the LGG uptake by Caco-2. Most interestingly, bacteria remained viable inside the IEC for as long as 72 h without damaging the epithelial cells, and paracellular transcytosis was observed. These results stressed the fact that internalization of commensal and mutualistic bacteria is a natural, nonpathogenic process that may be relevant in crosstalk processes between the intestinal populations and the host, and future studies could determine its connection to processes such as commensal tolerance, resilience of microbial populations or transorganic bacterial migration.
Transcriptome Analysis of Citrus Dwarfing Viroid Induced Dwarfing Phenotype of Sweet Orange on Trifoliate Orange Rootstock
Authors: Lavagi-Craddock Irene , Dang Tyler , Comstock Stacey , Osman Fatima , Bodaghi Sohrab , Vidalakis Georgios
Published: June 2022

Dwarfed citrus trees for high-density plantings or mechanized production systems will be key for future sustainable citrus production. Citrus trees consist of two different species of scion and rootstock. Therefore, any observed phenotype results from gene expression in both species. Dwarfed sweet orange trees on trifoliate rootstock have been produced using citrus dwarfing viroid (CDVd). We performed RNA-seq transcriptome analysis of CDVd-infected stems and roots and compared them to non-infected controls. The identified differentially expressed genes validated with RT-qPCR corresponded to various physiological and developmental processes that could be associated with the dwarfing phenotype. For example, the transcription factors MYB13 and MADS-box, which regulate meristem functions and activate stress responses, were upregulated in the stems. Conversely, a calcium-dependent lipid-binding protein that regulates membrane transporters was downregulated in the roots. Most transcriptome reprogramming occurred in the scion rather than in the rootstock; this agrees with previous observations of CDVd affecting the growth of sweet orange stems while not affecting the trifoliate rootstock. Furthermore, the lack of alterations in the pathogen defense transcriptome supports the term “Transmissible small nuclear ribonucleic acid,” which describes CDVd as a modifying agent of tree performance with desirable agronomic traits rather than a disease-causing pathogen.
Impact of Elevated Levels of Dissolved CO2 on Performance and Proteome Response of an Industrial 2′-Fucosyllactose Producing Escherichia coli Strain
Authors: Gecse Greta , Vente André , Kilstrup Mogens , Becker Peter , Johanson Ted
Published: June 2022

Large-scale microbial industrial fermentations have significantly higher absolute pressure and dissolved CO2 concentrations than otherwise comparable laboratory-scale processes. Yet the effect of increased dissolved CO2 (dCO2) levels is rarely addressed in the literature. In the current work, we have investigated the impact of industrial levels of dCO2 (measured as the partial pressure of CO2, pCO2) in an Escherichia coli-based fed-batch process producing the human milk oligosaccharide 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL). The study evaluated the effect of high pCO2 levels in both carbon-limited (C-limited) and carbon/nitrogen-limited (C/N-limited) fed-batch processes. High-cell density cultures were sparged with 10%, 15%, 20%, or 30% CO2 in the inlet air to cover and exceed the levels observed in the industrial scale process. While the 10% enrichment was estimated to achieve similar or higher pCO2 levels as the large-scale fermentation it did not impact the performance of the process. The product and biomass yields started being affected above 15% CO2 enrichment, while 30% impaired the cultures completely. Quantitative proteomics analysis of the C-limited process showed that 15% CO2 enrichment affected the culture on the protein level, but to a much smaller degree than expected. A more significant impact was seen in the dual C/N limited process, which likely stemmed from the effect pCO2 had on nitrogen availability. The results demonstrated that microbial cultures can be seriously affected by elevated CO2 levels, albeit at higher levels than expected.
3-Aminopropylsilatrane and Its Derivatives: A Variety of Applications
Authors: Adamovich Sergey N. , Oborina Elizaveta N. , Nalibayeva Arailym M. , Rozentsveig Igor B.
Published: June 2022

Silatranes arouse much research interest owing to their unique structure, unusual physical–chemical properties, and diverse biological activity. The application of some silatranes and their analogues has been discussed in several works. Meanwhile, a comprehensive review of the wide practical usage of silatranes is still absent in the literature. The ability of silatranes to mildly control hydrolysis allows them to form extremely stable and smooth siloxane monolayers almost on any surface. The high physiological activity of silatranes makes them prospective drug candidates. In the present review, based on the results of numerous previous studies, using the commercially available 3-aminopropylsilatrane and its hybrid derivatives, we have demonstrated the high potential of 1-organylsilatranes in various fields, including chemistry, biology, pharmaceuticals, medicine, agriculture, and industry. For example, these compounds can be employed as plant growth biostimulants, drugs, optical, catalytic, sorption, and special polymeric materials, as well as modern high-tech devices.
Reactivity of 4,5-Dichlorophthalic Anhydride towards Thiosemicarbazide and Amines: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Analysis, and DFT Study
Authors: Abuelizz Hatem A. , Bakheit Ahmed H. , Marzouk Mohamed , Abdellatif Mohamed M. , Al-Salahi Rashad
Published: June 2022

The cyclic anhydrides are broadly employed in several fields, such as the chemical, plastic, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries. This study describes the chemical reactivity of 4,5-dichlorophthalic anhydride towards several nucleophiles, including thiosemicarbazide and different amines, to produce the carboxylic acid derivatives resulting from anhydride’s opening, namely, phthalimide and dicarboxylic acid (1–12) products. Their chemical structures are confirmed by NMR, IR and MS spectra analyses. Density–functional theory (DFT) studies are performed using (DFT/B3LYP) with the 6-311G(d, p) basis sets to recognize different chemical and physical features of the target compounds.
Rational Design of Plant Hairpin-like Peptide EcAMP1: Structural–Functional Correlations to Reveal Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity
Authors: Barashkova Anna S. , Ryazantsev Dmitry Y. , Rogozhin Eugene A.
Published: June 2022

Plant antimicrobial peptides from the α-hairpinins family (hairpin-like peptides) are known to possess a wide range of biological activities. However, less is known about the structural determinants of their antimicrobial activity. Here, we suggest that spatial structure as well as surface charge and hydrophobicity level contribute to the antimicrobial properties of α-hairpinin EcAMP1 from barnyard grass (Echinochloa cruss-galli) seeds. To examine the role of the peptide spatial structure, two truncated forms of EcAMP1 restricted by inner and outer cysteine pairs were synthesized. It was shown that both truncated forms of EcAMP1 lost their antibacterial activity. In addition, their antifungal activity became weaker. To review the contribution of surface charge and hydrophobicity, another two peptides were designed. One of them carried single amino acid substitution from tryptophan to alanine residue at the 20th position. The second one represented a truncated form of the native EcAMP1 lacking six C-terminal residues. But the α-helix was kept intact. It was shown that the antifungal activity of both modified peptides weakened. Thereby we can conclude that the secondary structural integrity, hydrophobic properties, and surface charge all play roles in the antimicrobial properties of α-hairpinins. In addition, the antibacterial activity of cereal α-hairpinins against Gram-positive bacteria was described for the first time. This study expands on the knowledge of structure–function interactions in antimicrobial α-hairpinins.
Optimising the Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Green Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) Using Beta-Cyclodextrin Assisted Extraction
Authors: Vhangani Lusani Norah , Favre Leonardo Cristian , Rolandelli Guido , Van Wyk Jessy , del Pilar Buera María
Published: June 2022

Antioxidant activity associated with green rooibos infusions is attributed to the activity of polyphenols, particularly aspalathin and nothofagin. This study aimed to optimise β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-assisted extraction of crude green rooibos (CGRE) via total polyphenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity assays. Response surface methodology (RSM) permitted optimisation of β-CD concentration (0–15 mM), temperature (40–90 °C) and time (15–60 min). Optimal extraction conditions were: 15 mM β-CD: 40 °C: 60 min with a desirability of 0.985 yielding TPC of 398.25 mg GAE·g−1, metal chelation (MTC) of 93%, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging of 1689.7 µmol TE·g−1, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 2097.53 µmol AAE·g−1 and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of 11,162.82 TE·g−1. Aspalathin, hyperoside and orientin were the major flavonoids, with quercetin, luteolin and chrysoeriol detected in trace quantities. Differences (p < 0.05) between aqueous and β-CD assisted CGRE was only observed for aspalathin reporting the highest content of 172.25 mg·g−1 of dry matter for extracts produced at optimal extraction conditions. Positive, strong correlations between TPC and antioxidant assays were observed and exhibited regression coefficient (R2) between 0.929–0.978 at p < 0.001. These results demonstrated the capacity of β-CD in increasing polyphenol content of green rooibos.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Psidium cattleianum Leaves: Optimization Using the Response Surface Methodology
Authors: González-Silva Napoleón , Nolasco-González Yolanda , Aguilar-Hernández Gabriela , Sáyago-Ayerdi Sonia Guadalupe , Villagrán Zuamí , Acosta José Luis , Montalvo-González Efigenia , Anaya-Esparza Luis Miguel
Published: June 2022

In this study, conditions for the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of soluble polyphenols from Psidium cattleianum (PC) leaves were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) by assessing the effect of extraction time (XET = 2, 4, and 6 min), sonication amplitude (XSA = 60, 80, and 100%), and pulse cycle (XPC = 0.4, 0.7, and 1 s). Furthermore, the optimized UAE conditions were compared with a conventional aqueous–organic extraction (AOE) method for extracting total phenolics; moreover, a phenolic profile using HPLC and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) were also compared. According to the RSM, the best conditions for UAE to extract the highest soluble polyphenol content and yield (158.18 mg/g dry matter [DM] and 15.81%) include a 100% sonication amplitude for 4 min at 0.6 s of pulse cycle. The optimal UAE conditions exhibited an effectiveness of 1.71 times in comparison to the AOE method for extracting total phenolics, in 96.66% less time; moreover, PC leaf extracts by UAE showed higher antioxidant values than AOE. Additionally, gallic, protocateic, chlorogenic, caffeic, coumaric, trans-cinnamic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, and syringic acids, as well as kaempferol were identified in PC leaves under UAE. PC leaf extracts are widely used for therapeutic and other industrial purposes; thus, the UAE proves to be a useful technology with which to improve the yield extraction of PC leaf phytochemicals.
Involvement of Phytochemical-Encapsulated Nanoparticles’ Interaction with Cellular Signalling in the Amelioration of Benign and Malignant Brain Tumours
Authors: Mehan Sidharth , Arora Navneet , Bhalla Sonalika , Khan Andleeb , U Rehman Muneeb , Alghamdi Badrah S. , Zughaibi Torki Al , Ashraf Ghulam Md
Published: June 2022

Brain tumours have unresolved challenges that include delay prognosis and lower patient survival rate. The increased understanding of the molecular pathways underlying cancer progression has aided in developing various anticancer medications. Brain cancer is the most malignant and invasive type of cancer, with several subtypes. According to the WHO, they are classified as ependymal tumours, chordomas, gangliocytomas, medulloblastomas, oligodendroglial tumours, diffuse astrocytomas, and other astrocytic tumours on the basis of their heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms. The present study is based on the most recent research trends, emphasising glioblastoma cells classified as astrocytoma. Brain cancer treatment is hindered by the failure of drugs to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is highly impregnableto foreign molecule entry. Moreover, currently available medications frequently fail to cross the BBB, whereas chemotherapy and radiotherapy are too expensive to be afforded by an average incomeperson and have many associated side effects. When compared to our current understanding of molecularly targeted chemotherapeutic agents, it appears that investigating the efficacy of specific phytochemicals in cancer treatment may be beneficial. Plants and their derivatives are game changers because they are efficacious, affordable, environmentally friendly, faster, and less toxic for the treatment of benign and malignant tumours. Over the past few years, nanotechnology has made a steady progress in diagnosing and treating cancers, particularly brain tumours. This article discusses the effects of phytochemicals encapsulated in nanoparticles on molecular targets in brain tumours, along with their limitations and potential challenges.
Phytochemistry and Biological Activity of Medicinal Plants in Wound Healing: An Overview of Current Research
Authors: Vitale Stefania , Colanero Sara , Placidi Martina , Di Emidio Giovanna , Tatone Carla , Amicarelli Fernanda , D’Alessandro Anna Maria
Published: June 2022

Wound healing is a complicated process, and the effective management of wounds is a major challenge. Natural herbal remedies have now become fundamental for the management of skin disorders and the treatment of skin infections due to the side effects of modern medicine and lower price for herbal products. The aim of the present study is to summarize the most recent in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on major herbal preparations, their phytochemical constituents, and new formulations for wound management. Research reveals that several herbal medicaments have marked activity in the management of wounds and that this activity is ascribed to flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. These phytochemicals can act at different stages of the process by means of various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, collagen synthesis stimulating, cell proliferation, and angiogenic effects. The application of natural compounds using nanotechnology systems may provide significant improvement in the efficacy of wound treatments. Increasing the clinical use of these therapies would require safety assessment in clinical trials.
Targeting Mechanisms of the DNA Damage Response (DDR) and DNA Repair by Natural Compounds to Improve cAT-Triggered Tumor Cell Death
Authors: Aengenvoort Jana , Sekeres Marlena , Proksch Peter , Fritz Gerhard
Published: June 2022

Recently, we identified secalonic acid F (SA), 5-epi-nakijiquinone Q (NQ) and 5-epi-ilimaquinone (IQ) as natural compounds (NC) affecting mechanisms of the DNA damage response (DDR). Here, we further characterized their effects on DDR, DNA repair and cytotoxicity if used in mono- and co-treatment with conventional anticancer therapeutics (cAT) (cisplatin (Cis), doxorubicin (Doxo)) in vitro. All three NC influence the phosphorylation level of selected DDR-related factors (i.e., pCHK1, pKAP1, pP53, pRPA32) in mono- and/or co-treatment. Both SA and NQ attenuate the Cis- and Doxo-induced G2/M-phase arrest and effectively stimulate caspase-mediated apoptosis. Notably, SA impacts DNA repair as reflected by enhanced steady-state levels of Cis-(1,2-GpG)-DNA adducts and Doxo-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). Moreover, SA decreased the mRNA and protein expression of the homologous recombination (HR)-related DSB repair factors RAD51 and BRCA1. Both SA and NQ promote Cis- and Doxo-induced cytotoxicity in an additive to synergistic manner (CI ≤ 1.0). Summarizing, we conclude that SA promotes cAT-driven caspase-dependent cell death by interfering with DSB repair and DDR-related checkpoint control mechanisms. Hence, SA is considered as the most promising lead compound to evaluate its therapeutic window in forthcoming pre-clinical in vivo studies.
Nano-MIL-88A(Fe) Enabled Clear Cellulose Films with Excellent UV-Shielding Performance and Robust Environment Resistance
Authors: Sun Lijian , An Xianhui , Qian Xueren
Published: June 2022

While tremendous efforts have been dedicated to developing cellulose-based ultraviolet (UV)-blocking films, challenges still remain in simultaneously achieving high transparency, low haze and excellent UV shielding properties via simple and green strategy. Here, we present a facile and eco-friendly route to fabricate flexible, biodegradable and clear UV-shielding nano-MIL-88A(Fe)@carboxymethylated cellulose films (M(Fe)CCFs) via in situ synthesis of nano-MIL-88A(Fe) in carboxymethylated cellulose hydrogel followed by natural drying. The carboxymethylated cellulose film has high transmittance (93.2%) and low haze (1.8%). The introduction of nano-MIL-88A(Fe) endowed M(Fe)CCFs superior UV-shielding ability, while retaining high transmittance (81.5–85.3%) and low haze (2.5–4.9%). Moreover, M(Fe)CCFs showed stable UV blocking performance under UV irradiation, high temperature, acidic or alkaline conditions. Quite encouragingly, the UV-shielding ability of M(Fe)CCFs did not deteriorate, even after 30 days of immersion in aqueous solution, providing films with a long-term use capacity. Thus, M(Fe)CCFs show high potential in the UV protection field. Overall, these UV-blocking films with outstanding performances are a promising candidate to replace conventional film materials made from synthetic polymers in fields such as packaging and flexible electronics.
Ultralight Open-Cell Graphene Aerogels with Multiple, Gradient Microstructures for Efficient Microwave Absorption
Authors: Mei Qilin , Xiao Han , Ding Guomin , Liu Huizhi , Zhao Chenglong , Wang Rui , Huang Zhixiong
Published: June 2022

Development of high-performance graphene-based microwave absorbing materials with low density and strong absorption is of great significance to solve the growing electromagnetic pollution. Herein, a controllable open-cell structure is introduced into graphene aerogels by the graphene oxide (GO) Pickering emulsion. The open-cell graphene aerogel (OCGA) with multiple microstructures shows a significantly enhanced microwave absorption ability without any additions. A high microwave absorption performance with the minimum value of reflection loss (RLmin) of −51.22 dB was achieved, while the material density was only 4.81 mg/cm3. Moreover, by means of centrifugation, the graphene cells were arranged by their diameter, and a gradient, open-cell graphene structure was first fabricated. Based on this unique structure, an amazing microwave absorption value of −62.58 dB was reached on a condition of ultra-low graphene content of 0.53 wt%. In our opinion, such excellent microwave absorption performance results from multiple reflection and well-matched impedance brought by the open-cell and gradient structure, respectively. In addition, the structural strength of the OCGA is greatly improved with a maximum increase of 167% due to the introduction of cell structure. Therefore, the OCGAs with the gradient structure can be an excellent candidate for lightweight, efficient microwave absorption materials.
Comprehensive Study of the Chemistry behind the Stability of Carboxylic SWCNT Dispersions in the Development of a Transparent Electrode
Authors: Stanojev Jovana , Armaković Stevan , Joksović Sara , Bajac Branimir , Matović Jovan , Srdić Vladimir V.
Published: June 2022

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are well-known for their excellent electrical conductivity. One promising application for SWCNT-based thin films is as transparent electrodes for uncooled mid-IR detectors (MIR). In this paper, a combination of computational and experimental studies were performed to understand the chemistry behind the stability of carboxylic SWCNTs (SWCNTs-COOH) dispersions in different solvents. A computational study based on the density functional tight-binding (DFTB) method was applied to understand the interactions of COOH-functionalized carbon nanotubes with selected solvents. Attention was focused on understanding how the protonation of COOH groups influences the binding energies between SWCNTs and different solvents. Thin film electrodes were prepared by alternately depositing PEI and SWCNT-COOH on soda lime glass substrates. To prepare a stable SWCNT dispersion, different solvents were tested, such as deionized (DI) water, ethanol and acetone. The SWCNT-COOH dispersion stability was tested in different solvents. Samples were prepared to study the relationship between the number of depositions, transparency in the MIR range (2.5–5 µm) and conductivity, looking for the optimal thickness that would satisfy the application. The MIR transparency of the electrode was reduced by 20% for the thickest SWCNT layers, whereas sheet resistance values were reduced to 150–200 kΩ/sq.
LINC00892 Is an lncRNA Induced by T Cell Activation and Expressed by Follicular Lymphoma-Resident T Helper Cells
Authors: Iaccarino Ingram , Mourtada Fatme , Reinke Sarah , Patil Paurnima , Doose Gero , Monaco Gianni , Hoffmann Steve , Siebert Reiner , Klapper Wolfram
Published: June 2022

Successful immunotherapy in both solid tumors and in hematological malignancies relies on the ability of T lymphocytes to infiltrate the cancer tissue and mount an immune response against the tumor. Biomarkers able to discern the amount and the types of T lymphocytes infiltrating a given tumor therefore have high diagnostic and prognostic value. Given that lncRNAs are known to have a highly cell-type-specific expression pattern, we searched for lncRNAs specifically expressed by activated T cells and at the same time in a kind of lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, where the microenvironment is known to play a critical role in the regulation of antitumor immunity. We focused on a non-coding transcript, annotated as LINC00892, which reaches extremely high expression levels following cell activation in Jurkat cells. Interestingly LINC00892 has an expression pattern resembling that of genes involved in T cell memory. Accordingly, LINC00892 is mostly expressed by the effector memory and helper CD4+ T cell sub-types but not by naïve T cells. In situ analyses of LINC00892 expression in normal lymph nodes and in follicular lymphoma biopsies show that its expression is limited to CD4+ PD1hi T cells, with a subcellular localization within the germinal center matching that of follicular helper T cells. Our analysis therefore suggests that the previously uncharacterized lncRNA LINC00892 could be a useful biomarker for the detection of CD4+ memory T cells in both normal and tumor tissues.
Pulvinar Sign, Stroke and Their Relationship with Fabry Disease: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis
Authors: Ortíz Juan Fernando , Solís María Belén , Ali Syed Saad , Khurana Mahika , Moncayo Juan Andrés , Kothari Nishel Yogesh , Alzamora Mateo , Eissa-Garces Ahmed , Patel Ghanshyam , Monteros Gustavo Andrés , Sen Meghdeep , Quiñonez Jonathan
Published: June 2022

Background: Fabry disease (FD) is the second most common lysosomal storage disorder. This disorder affects multiple systems that include the cardiac, renal, and nervous system. The pulvinar sign (PS) is a relatively common sign seen in patients with FD. The PS is a bilateral, symmetrical pulvinar high signal relative to the signal intensity seen on unenhanced T1-weighted brain MR imaging. Methods: We conducted a systematic review with metanalysis to analyze the pool prevalence of the disorder. We used the Moose Guidelines and PRISMA Protocol for this systematic review and Robins 1 to access the BIAS of the study. To analyze the pool prevalence, we used “Open Meta-Analysis” software for analyzing the study. We used “Review Manager 5.4” to analyze the odds ratio between patients with and without the PS and patients with and without stroke among patients with FD. Results: We gather 12 studies from 2003 to 2021 for the analysis of this study. The pool prevalence of the study was 0.146 (0.076–0.217) (62/385 cases) with a 95% CI (0.0945–0.415) (p < 0.01). The prevalence was much higher in men (59 cases) than in women (3 cases). There was no relationship between the pulvinar sign and patients with stroke among patients with Fabry disease. Odds ratio 1.97 95% CI (0.35–11.21), p = 0.44; Tau2 = 0.77. There seems to be a correlation with renal failure (RF), but there were very few studies to conduct a metanalysis with RF. Conclusions: The prevalence of the PS among all studies was 23.9%; the prevalence of this sign is higher among males. We found that FD patients who had strokes did not have higher odds of presenting with the Pulvinar Sign than the FD patients who did not suffer a stroke. Patients with renal failure and FD seem to have a higher tendency to have the PS, but there were not enough studies to analyze that theory. Overall, we think the pulvinar sign has a poor prognostic value in patients with Fabry’s disease.
Comparison of the Effects of Intermittent Energy Restriction and Continuous Energy Restriction among Adults with Overweight or Obesity: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Fang , Chen Hongxiu , Liu Li , Zhang Shuai , Luo Wenjing , Wang Guan , Hu Xiuying
Published: June 2022

There is considerable heterogeneity across the evidence regarding the effects of intermittent energy restriction and continuous energy restriction among adults with overweight or obesity which presents difficulties for healthcare decision-makers and individuals. This overview of systematic reviews aimed to evaluate and synthesize the existing evidence regarding the comparison of the two interventions. We conducted a search strategy in eight databases from the databases’ inception to December 2021. The quality of 12 systematic reviews was assessed with A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). One review was rated as high quality, 1 as moderate, 4 as low, and 6 as critically low. A meta-analysis of the original studies was conducted for comparison of primary intermittent energy restriction protocols with continuous energy restriction. Intermittent energy restriction did not seem to be more effective in weight loss compared with continuous energy restriction. The advantages of intermittent energy restriction in reducing BMI and waist circumference and improvement of body composition were not determined due to insufficient evidence. The evidence quality of systematic reviews and original trials remains to be improved in future studies.
Effect of Early Nutritional Support on Clinical Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Cha Jun-Kwon , Kim Hyung-Sook , Kim Eun-Ji , Lee Eun-Sook , Lee Jae-Ho , Song In-Ae
Published: June 2022

The initial nutritional delivery policy for patients with sepsis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to determine whether an initial adequate nutrition supply and route of nutrition delivery during the first week of sepsis onset improve clinical outcomes of critically ill patients with sepsis. We reviewed adult patients with sepsis and septic shock in the ICU in a single tertiary teaching hospital between 31 November 2013 and 20 May 2017. Poisson log-linear and Cox regressions were performed to assess the relationships between clinical outcomes and sex, modified nutrition risk in the critically ill score, sequential organ failure assessment score, route of nutrition delivery, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation score, and daily energy and protein delivery during the first week of sepsis onset. In total, 834 patients were included. Patients who had a higher protein intake during the first week of sepsis onset had a lower in-hospital mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39–0.78; p = 0.001). A higher energy intake was associated with a lower 30-day mortality (adjusted HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90–0.98; p = 0.003). The route of nutrition delivery was not associated with 1-year mortality in the group which was underfed; however, in patients who met > 70% of their nutritional requirement, enteral feeding (EN) with supplemental parenteral nutrition (PN) was superior to only EN (p = 0.016) or PN (p = 0.042). In patients with sepsis and septic shock, a high daily average protein intake may lower in-hospital mortality, and a high energy intake may lower the 30-day mortality, especially in those with a high modified nutrition risk in the critically ill scores. In patients who receive adequate energy, EN with supplemental PN may be better than only EN or PN, but not in underfed patients.