bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life Cycle Plasticity in Typhula and Pistillaria in the Arctic and the Temperate Zone
Authors: Hoshino Tamotsu , Yajima Yuka , Degawa Yosuke , Kume Atsushi , Tkachenko Oleg , Matsumoto Naoyuki
Published: August 2023

Typhulaceae Jülich is one of the cold-adapted fungal families in basidiomycetes. The representative genera, Typhula (Pers.) Fr. and Pistillaria Fr., are distinguished by the discontinuity between stems and hymenia in the former and the continuity in the latter (Fries 1821). This taxonomic criterion is ambiguous, and consequently, the view of Karsten (1882) has been widely accepted: Typhula develops basidiomata from sclerotia, while basidiomata develop directly from substrata in Pistillaris. However, Corner (1970) observed basidiomata of Pistillaria petasitis S. Imai developing from sclerotia in Hokkaido, Japan. We later recognized that P. petasitis basidiomata also emerged directly from substrates on the ground in Hokkaido. An aberrant form of Typhula hyperborea H. Ekstr. was found in Upernavik, West Greenland. This specimen had a stem-like structure on a Poaceae plant, and sclerotia developed on its tip. Similar phenomena were found in other Typhula species in Japan. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the life cycle plasticity in the genera Typhula and Pistillaria through the interactions between their ecophysiological potential and environmental conditions in their localities. We collected and prepared strains of the above fungi from sclerotia or basidiomata, and we elucidated the taxonomical relationship and determined the physiological characteristics of our strains. Our findings imply that both Typhula and Pistillaria have the potential to produce sclerotia as well as the capacity for mycelial growth at ambient air temperatures in each locality where samples were collected. These findings suggest that Typhula spp. develope basidiomata not only from the sclerotia dispersed by the basidiospores but also from mycelia generated by the spore germination, which formed basidiomata multiple times, depending on their growth environments.
Diagnosis, Characterization and Treatment of Emerging Pathogens
Authors: Chen Shengxi
Published: August 2023

Emerging infectious diseases are perhaps the most rapidly spreading diseases [...]
High Ammonium Addition Changes the Diversity and Structure of Bacterial Communities in Temperate Wetland Soils of Northeastern China
Authors: Weng Xiaohong , Wang Mingyu , Sui Xin , Frey Beat , Liu Yingnan , Zhang Rongtao , Ni Hongwei , Li Maihe
Published: August 2023

The soil microbiome is an important component of wetland ecosystems and plays a pivotal role in nutrient cycling and climate regulation. Nitrogen (N) addition influences the soil’s microbial diversity, composition, and function by affecting the soil’s nutrient status. The change in soil bacterial diversity and composition in temperate wetland ecosystems in response to high ammonium nitrogen additions remains unclear. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to study the changes of soil bacterial diversity and community structure with increasing ammonium concentrations [CK (control, 0 kg ha−1 a−1), LN (low nitrogen addition, 40 kg ha−1 a−1), and HN (high nitrogen addition, 80 kg ha−1 a−1)] at a field experimental site in the Sanjiang Plain wetland, China. Our results showed that except for soil organic carbon (SOC), other soil physicochemical parameters, i.e., soil moisture content (SMC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), total nitrogen (TN), pH, ammonium nitrogen (NH4+), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), changed significantly among three ammonium nitrogen addition concentrations (p < 0.05). Compared to CK, LN did not change soil bacterial α-diversity (p > 0.05), and HN only decreased the Shannon (p < 0.05) and did not change the Chao (p > 0.05) indices of soil bacterial community. Ammonium nitrogen addition did not significantly affect the soil’s bacterial community structure based on non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and PERMANOVA (ADONIS) analyses. Acidobacteriota (24.96–31.11%), Proteobacteria (16.82–26.78%), Chloroflexi (10.34–18.09%), Verrucomicrobiota (5.23–11.56%), and Actinobacteriota (5.63–8.75%) were the most abundant bacterial phyla in the soils. Nitrogen addition changed the complexity and stability of the bacterial network. SMC, NO3−, and pH were the main drivers of the bacterial community structure. These findings indicate that enhanced atmospheric nitrogen addition may have an impact on bacterial communities in soil, and this study will allow us to better understand the response of the soil microbiome in wetland ecosystems in the framework of increasing nitrogen deposition.
Miniaturization and Automation Protocol of a Urinary Organic Acid Liquid-Liquid Extraction Method on GC-MS
Authors: Phiri Masauso Moses , Davoren Elmarie , Vorster Barend Christiaan
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to improve the extraction method for urinary organic acids by miniaturizing and automating the process. Currently, manual extraction methods are commonly used, which can be time-consuming and lead to variations in test results. To address these issues, we reassessed and miniaturized the in-house extraction method, reducing the number of steps and the sample-to-solvent volumes required. The evaluated miniaturized method was translated into an automated extraction procedure on a MicroLab (ML) Star (Hamilton Technologies) liquid handler. This was then validated using samples obtained from the ERNDIM External Quality Assurance program. The organic acid extraction method was successfully miniaturized and automated using the Autosampler robot. The linear range for most of the thirteen standard analytes fell between 0 to 300 mg/L in spiked synthetic urine, with low (50 mg/L), medium (100 mg/L), and high (500 mg/L) levels. The correlation coefficient (r) for most analytes was >0.99, indicating a strong relationship between the measured values. Furthermore, the automated extraction method demonstrated acceptable precision, as most organic acids had coefficients of variation (CVs) below 20%. In conclusion, the automated extraction method provided comparable or even superior results compared to the current in-house method. It has the potential to reduce solvent volumes used during extraction, increase sample throughput, and minimize variability and random errors in routine diagnostic settings.
Optimum Reaction Conditions for the Synthesis of Selenized Ornithogalum caudatum Ait. (Liliaceae) Polysaccharides and Measurement of Their Antioxidant Activity In Vivo
Authors: Sun Renshuang , Qu Zhongyuan , Ji Chenfeng , Yang Xiaolong , Zhang Yiqiao , Zou Xiang
Published: August 2023

This study determined the optimum reaction conditions for synthesizing selenium-containing polysaccharides. Polysaccharide IIA (with the highest yield) from Ornithogalum caudatum Ait. (Liliaceae) (OCAPIIA) was extracted and purified. Then, three parameters were selected to optimize the synthesis of selenized OCAPIIA (Se-OCAPIIA) using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). The morphology of Se-OCAPIIA was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characteristic peaks and the monosaccharide composition of Se-OCAPIIA were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography. A D-galactose-induced aging mouse model was established, and the in vivo antioxidant activity of Se-OCAPIIA was measured. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of Se-OCAPIIA were as follows: reaction temperature, 72.38 °C; Na2SeO3 to OCAPIIA mass ratio, 0.93 g/g; and reaction time, 8.05 h. The selenium content of Se-OCAPIIA obtained using the optimized process was 3.131 ± 0.090 mg/g, close to the maximum predicted value (3.152 mg/g). Se-OCAPIIA contained D-mannose, D-glucose, and D-galactose at a molar ratio of 1.00:0.34:0.88. SEM showed that Se-OCAPIIA was spherical and flocculated. Compared with OCAPIIA, Se-OCAPIIA exhibited two characteristic peaks at 833 and 610 cm−1 in the infrared spectrum. Se-OCAPIIA increased catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities and decreased MDA concentrations in the mouse liver. Moreover, Se-OCAPIIA treatment improved liver morphology, decreased the levels of IL-1β and IL-6, and increased IL-10 concentration. In conclusion, the synthesis of Se-OCAPIIA is effective, simple, and feasible. Se-OCAPIIA demonstrated high antioxidant activity in vivo and is a promising antioxidant and therapeutic agent.
Diffusion-Limited Processes in Hydrogels with Chosen Applications from Drug Delivery to Electronic Components
Authors: Lavrentev Filipp V. , Shilovskikh Vladimir V. , Alabusheva Varvara S. , Yurova Veronika Yu. , Nikitina Anna A. , Ulasevich Sviatlana A. , Skorb Ekaterina V.
Published: August 2023

Diffusion is one of the key nature processes which plays an important role in respiration, digestion, and nutrient transport in cells. In this regard, the present article aims to review various diffusion approaches used to fabricate different functional materials based on hydrogels, unique examples of materials that control diffusion. They have found applications in fields such as drug encapsulation and delivery, nutrient delivery in agriculture, developing materials for regenerative medicine, and creating stimuli-responsive materials in soft robotics and microrobotics. In addition, mechanisms of release and drug diffusion kinetics as key tools for material design are discussed.
Caspase-1 Regulates the Apoptosis and Pyroptosis Induced by Phthalocyanine Zinc-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy in Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells
Authors: Ma Chunjie , Wang Yu , Chen Wei , Hou Ting , Zhang Honglian , Zhang Hongguang , Yao Xu , Xia Chunhui
Published: August 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative and perspective antineoplastic therapy. Tetra-α-(4-carboxyphenoxy) phthalocyanine zinc (TαPcZn)-mediated PDT (TαPcZn-PDT) has shown antitumor activity in some tumor cells, but the manner in which caspase-1 is involved in the regulation of apoptosis and pyroptosis in the TαPcZn-PDT-treated breast cancer MCF-7 cells is unclear. Therefore, effects of TαPcZn-PDT on cytotoxicity, cell viability, apoptosis, pyroptosis, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), caspase-1, caspase-3, and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NFκB) in MCF-7 cells was firstly examined in the present study. The findings demonstrated that TαPcZn-PDT resulted in the increase in cytotoxicity and the percentage of apoptotic and pyroptotic cells, the reduction in cell viability and ΔΨm, the production of ROS and the activation of caspase-1, caspase-3 and NFκB in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the results also revealed that siRNA-targeting caspase-1 (siRNA-caspase-1) attenuated the effect of TαPcZn-PDT on apoptosis, pyroptosis and the activation of caspase-1, caspase-3 and NFκB in MCF-7 cells. Taken together, we conclude that caspase-1 regulates the apoptosis and pyroptosis induced by TαPcZn-PDT in MCF-7 cells.
Exploration of Binding Affinities of a 3β,6β-Diacetoxy-5α-cholestan-5-ol with Human Serum Albumin: Insights from Synthesis, Characterization, Crystal Structure, Antioxidant and Molecular Docking
Authors: Alam Mahboob
Published: August 2023

The present study describes the synthesis, characterization, and in vitro molecular interactions of a steroid 3β,6β-diacetoxy-5α-cholestan-5-ol. Through conventional and solid-state methods, a cholestane derivative was successfully synthesized, and a variety of analytical techniques were employed to confirm its identity, including high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), elemental analysis, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Optimizing the geometry of the steroid was undertaken using density functional theory (DFT), and the results showed great concordance with the data from the experiments. Fluorescence spectral methods and ultraviolet–vis absorption titration were employed to study the in vitro molecular interaction of the steroid regarding human serum albumin (HSA). The Stern-Volmer, modified Stern-Volmer, and thermodynamic parameters’ findings showed that steroids had a significant binding affinity to HSA and were further investigated by molecular docking studies to understand the participation of active amino acids in forming non-bonding interactions with steroids. Fluorescence studies have shown that compound 3 interacts with human serum albumin (HSA) through a static quenching mechanism. The binding affinity of compound 3 for HSA was found to be 3.18 × 104 mol−1, and the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) for the binding reaction was −9.86 kcal mol−1 at 298 K. This indicates that the binding of compound 3 to HSA is thermodynamically favorable. The thermodynamic parameters as well as the binding score obtained from molecular docking at various Sudlow’s sites was −8.2, −8.5, and −8.6 kcal/mol for Sites I, II, and III, respectively, supporting the system’s spontaneity. Aside from its structural properties, the steroid demonstrated noteworthy antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its IC50 value of 58.5 μM, which is comparable to that of ascorbic acid. The findings presented here contribute to a better understanding of the pharmacodynamics of steroids.
Application of New COF Materials in Secondary Battery Anode Materials
Authors: Jia Miao , Zhang Lixin , Yuan Qiong
Published: August 2023

Covalent organic framework materials (COFs), as a new type of organic porous material, not only have the characteristics of flexible structure, abundant resources, environmental friendliness, etc., but also have the characteristics of a regular structure and uniform pore channels, so they have broad application prospects in secondary batteries. Their functional group structure, type, and number of active sites play a crucial role in the performance of different kinds of batteries. Therefore, this article starts from these aspects, summarizes the application and research progress of the COF anode materials used in lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and potassium-ion batteries in recent years, discusses the energy storage mechanism of COF materials, and expounds the application prospects of COF electrodes in the field of energy storage.
A Chiral Relay Race: Stereoselective Synthesis of Axially Chiral Biaryl Diketones through Ring-Opening of Optical Dihydrophenan-threne-9,10-diols
Authors: Shi Lei , Zhu Jiawei , Hong Biqiong , Gu Zhenhua
Published: August 2023

We report herein a point-to-axial chirality transfer reaction of optical dihydrophenanthrene-9,10-diols for the synthesis of axially chiral diketones. Two sets of conditions, namely a basic tBuOK/air atmosphere and an acidic NaClO/n-Bu4NHSO4, were developed to oxidatively cleave the C-C bond, resulting in the formation of axially chiral biaryl diketones. Finally, brief synthetic applications of the obtained chiral aryl diketones were demonstrated.
Enhanced Thermochromic Performance of VO2 Nanoparticles by Quenching Process
Authors: Wu Senwei , Zhou Longxiao , Li Bin , Tian Shouqin , Zhao Xiujian
Published: August 2023

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) has been a promising energy-saving material due to its reversible metal-insulator transition (MIT) performance. However, the application of VO2 films has been seriously restricted due to the intrinsic low solar-energy modulation ability (ΔTsol) and low luminous transmittance (Tlum) of VO2. In order to solve the problems, the surface structure of VO2 particles was regulated by the quenching process and the VO2 dispersed films were fabricated by spin coating. Characterizations showed that the VO2 particles quenched in deionized water or ethanolreserved VO2(M) phase structure and they were accompanied by surface lattice distortion compared to the pristine VO2. Such distortion structure contributed to less aggregation and highly individual dispersion of the quenched particles in nanocomposite films. The corresponding film of VO2 quenched in water exhibited much higher ΔTsol with an increment of 42.5% from 8.8% of the original VO2 film, because of the significant localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. The film fabricated from the VO2 quenched in ethanol presented enhanced thermochromic properties with 15.2% of ΔTsol and 62.5% of Tlum. It was found that the excellent Tlum resulted from the highly uniform dispersion state of the quenched VO2 nanoparticles. In summary, the study provided a facile way to fabricate well-dispersed VO2 nanocomposite films and to facilitate the industrialization development of VO2 thermochromic films in the smart window field.
Design of Bifunctional Nanocatalysts Based on Zeolites for Biomass Processing
Authors: Matveeva Valentina G. , Bronstein Lyudmila M.
Published: August 2023

Bifunctional catalysts consisting of metal-containing nanoparticles (NPs) and zeolite supports have received considerable attention due to their excellent catalytic properties in numerous reactions, including direct (biomass is a substrate) and indirect (platform chemical is a substrate) biomass processing. In this short review, we discuss major approaches to the preparation of NPs in zeolites, concentrating on methods that allow for the best interplay (synergy) between metal and acid sites, which is normally achieved for small NPs well-distributed through zeolite. We focus on the modification of zeolites to provide structural integrity and controlled acidity, which can be accomplished by the incorporation of certain metal ions or elements. The other modification avenue is the adjustment of zeolite morphology, including the creation of numerous defects for the NP entrapment and designed hierarchical porosity for improved mass transfer. In this review, we also provide examples of synergy between metal and acid sites and emphasize that without density functional theory calculations, many assumptions about the interactions between active sites remain unvalidated. Finally, we describe the most interesting examples of direct and indirect biomass (waste) processing for the last five years.
A Novel Atomic-Level Post-Etch-Surface-Reinforcement Process for High-Performance p-GaN Gate HEMTs Fabrication
Authors: Wang Luyu , Zhang Penghao , Zhu Kaiyue , Wang Qiang , Pan Maolin , Sun Xin , Huang Ziqiang , Chen Kun , Yang Yannan , Xie Xinling , Huang Hai , Hu Xin , Xu Saisheng , Wu Chunlei , Wang Chen , Xu Min , Zhang David Wei
Published: August 2023

A novel atomic-level post-etch-surface-reinforcement (PESR) process is developed to recover the p-GaN etching induced damage region for high performance p-GaN gate HEMTs fabrication. This process is composed of a self-limited surface modification step with O2 plasma, following by an oxide removal step with BCl3 plasma. With PESR process, the AlGaN surface morphology after p-GaN etching was comparable to the as-epitaxial level by AFM characterization, and the AlGaN lattice crystallization was also recovered which was measured in a confocal Raman system. The electrical measurement further confirmed the significant improvement of AlGaN surface quality, with one-order of magnitude lower surface leakage in a metal-semiconductor (MS) Schottky-diode and 6 times lower interface density of states (Dit) in a MIS C-V characterization. The XPS analysis of Al2O3/AlGaN showed that the p-GaN etching induced F-byproduct and Ga-oxide was well removed and suppressed by PESR process. Finally, the developed PESR process was successfully integrated in p-GaN gate HEMTs fabrication, and the device performance was significantly enhanced with ~20% lower of on-resistance and ~25% less of current collapse at Vds,Q bias of 40 V, showing great potential of leverage p-GaN gate HEMTs reliability.
Effect of Water on CO2 Adsorption on CaNaY Zeolite: Formation of Ca2+(H2O)(CO2), Ca2+(H2O)(CO2)2 and Ca2+(H2O)2(CO2) Complexes
Authors: Drenchev Nikola L. , Shivachev Boris L. , Dimitrov Lubomir D. , Hadjiivanov Konstantin I.
Published: August 2023

Efficient CO2 capture materials must possess a high adsorption capacity, suitable CO2 adsorption enthalpy and resistance to water vapor. We have recently reported that Ca2+ cations exchanged in FAU zeolite can attach up to three CO2 molecules. Here we report the effect of water on the adsorption of CO2. Formation of Ca2+(H2O)(CO2), Ca2+(H2O)(CO2)2 and Ca2+(H2O)2(CO2) mixed ligand complexes were established. The Ca2+(H2O)(CO2) species are readily formed even at ambient temperature and are characterized by ν(12CO2) and ν(13CO2) infrared bands at 2358 and 2293 cm−1, respectively. The Ca2+(H2O)(CO2)2 species are produced at low temperature and are identified by a ν(13CO2) band at 2291 cm−1. In the presence of large amounts of water, Ca2+(H2O)2(CO2) complexes were also evidenced by ν(12CO2) and ν(13CO2) bands at 2348 and 2283 cm−1, respectively. The results demonstrate that, although it has a negative effect on CO2 adsorption uptake, water in moderate amounts does not block CO2 adsorption sites.
A Double-Electrode-Layer Wind-Driven Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Low Frictional Resistance and High Mechanical Energy Conversion Efficiency of 10.3%
Authors: Fang Dongyang , Gu Guangqin , Zhang Wenhe , Gu Guangxiang , Wang Cong , Zhang Bao , Cheng Gang , Du Zuliang
Published: August 2023

As a new technology for harvesting distributed energy, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has been widely used in harvesting wind energy. However, the wind-driven TENG (WD-TENG) faces the problems of high frictional resistance and low mechanical energy conversion efficiency. Here, based on optimizing the structure of the wind turbine, a rotational double-electrode-layer WD-TENG (DEL-WD-TENG) is developed. When the rotational speed is less than 400 round per minute (rpm), the dielectric triboelectric layer rubs with the inner electrode layer under its gravity; when the rotational speed is higher than 400 rpm, the dielectric triboelectric layer rubs with the outer electrode layer under the centrifugal force. The double-electrode-layer structure avoids the energy loss caused by other forces except gravity, centrifugal, and electrostatic adsorption, which improves the mechanical energy conversion efficiency and prolongs the working life of the DEL-WD-TENG. The conversion efficiency from mechanical energy to electricity of the DEL-WD-TENG can reach 10.3%. After 7 million cycles, the transferred charge of the DEL-WD-TENG is reduced by about 5.0%, and the mass loss of dielectric triboelectric layer is only 5.6%. The DEL-WD-TENG with low frictional resistance and high energy conversion efficiency has important application prospects in wind energy harvesting and self-powered sensing systems.
The Effect of the Rice Endosperm Protein Hydrolysate on the Subjective Negative Mood Status in Healthy Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Nakayama Ryoko , Nishi Daisuke , Sato Masaru , Ito Akira , Uchiyama Kimiko , Higuchi Yuki , Takahashi Hajime , Ohinata Kousaku
Published: August 2023

The rice endosperm protein (REP) hydrolysate containing the following rice endosperm protein derived oligopeptides QQFLPEGQSQSQK, LPEGQSQSQK, and pEQFLPEGQSQSQK (a N-terminal pyroglutamate residue-modified peptide) reportedly showed an antidepressant-like effect in an animal model. We investigated the effect of the REP hydrolysate on healthy humans who self-reported mental fatigue with subjectively low vigor. Seventy-six participants (age: 20–64 years) were randomly allocated to two groups. The influence of the REP hydrolysate on the mood state was evaluated in two studies: single intake (Study 1) and repeated intake over 4 weeks (Study 2). A salivary stress marker, Chromogranin A (CgA), was measured in Study 1. The single intake of the REP hydrolysate significantly improved the Profile of Mood Status 2nd edition for adults (POMS 2) subscale of Tension–Anxiety. Additionally, the salivary CgA concentrations were remarkably reduced after the single intake of the REP hydrolysate. Though a single intake of the REP hydrolysate did not significantly influence the other subscales and the TMD of the POMS 2 and the Euthymia Scale, both the subjective and objective results supported the possible effect of the REP hydrolysate on reducing anxiety and nervousness. No significant positive effects on the subjective mood state (Euthymia Scale and POMS 2) and sleep quality (Insomnia Severity Index) were observed in the trial setting employed for Study 2. In conclusion, a single intake of REP hydrolysate might help relax the subjective feelings of tension and anxiety. The effectiveness of repeated REP hydrolysate intake needs to be tested in a different clinical setting.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of an Anthocyanin-Rich Functional Ingredient on Cognitive Function and Eye Dryness in Late Adulthood Volunteers: Roles of Epigenetic and Gut Microbiome Modulations
Authors: Wattanathorn Jintanaporn , Tong-un Terdthai , Thukham-mee Wipawee , Paholpak Pongsatorn , Rangseekhajee Poonsri
Published: August 2023

Due to the rising demand for supplements targeting cognitive enhancement and dry eye together with the health benefits of anthocyanins, we have developed a functional soup containing an anthocyanin-rich functional ingredient, or “Anthaplex,” and assessed the effects on cognitive function and eye dryness together with the possible mechanisms. A total of 69 male and female health volunteers were randomized and divided into placebo, D2, and D4 groups. All subjects consumed 120 mL of placebo or functional soup containing “Anthaplex” either at 2 or 4 g per serving per day within 5 min in the morning for eight weeks. The cognitive function, working memory, dry eye, AChE, MAO, MAO-A, MAO-B, and GABA-T activities, BDNF, HAC, HDAC, and DNMT activities, pH, and amount of lactic acid-producing bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. in feces, were determined before intervention and after eight weeks of consumption. Subjects who consumed the “Anthaplex” soup had improved cognitive function, working memory, eye dryness, histone acetylation, ACh E suppression, and BDNF with increased Bifidobacterium spp. but decreased pH in feces. These data suggest that “Anthaplex” improves cognitive function and eye dryness via the modulations of the histone acetylation process, gut microbiome, and cholinergic function.
Phenylalanine Tolerance over Time in Phenylketonuria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pinto Alex , Ilgaz Fatma , Evans Sharon , van Dam Esther , Rocha Júlio César , Karabulut Erdem , Hickson Mary , Daly Anne , MacDonald Anita
Published: August 2023

In phenylketonuria (PKU), natural protein tolerance is defined as the maximum natural protein intake maintaining a blood phenylalanine (Phe) concentration within a target therapeutic range. Tolerance is affected by several factors, and it may differ throughout a person’s lifespan. Data on lifelong Phe/natural protein tolerance are limited and mostly reported in studies with low subject numbers. This systematic review aimed to investigate how Phe/natural protein tolerance changes from birth to adulthood in well-controlled patients with PKU on a Phe-restricted diet. Five electronic databases were searched for articles published until July 2020. From a total of 1334 results, 37 articles met the eligibility criteria (n = 2464 patients), and 18 were included in the meta-analysis. The mean Phe (mg/day) and natural protein (g/day) intake gradually increased from birth until 6 y (at the age of 6 months, the mean Phe intake was 267 mg/day, and natural protein intake was 5.4 g/day; at the age of 5 y, the mean Phe intake was 377 mg/day, and the natural protein intake was 8.9 g/day). However, an increase in Phe/natural protein tolerance was more apparent at the beginning of late childhood and was >1.5-fold that of the Phe tolerance in early childhood. During the pubertal growth spurt, the mean natural protein/Phe tolerance was approximately three times higher than in the first year of life, reaching a mean Phe intake of 709 mg/day and a mean natural protein intake of 18 g/day. Post adolescence, a pooled analysis could only be performed for natural protein intake. The mean natural protein tolerance reached its highest (32.4 g/day) point at the age of 17 y and remained consistent (31.6 g/day) in adulthood, but limited data were available. The results of the meta-analysis showed that Phe/natural protein tolerance (expressed as mg or g per day) increases with age, particularly at the beginning of puberty, and reaches its highest level at the end of adolescence. This needs to be interpreted with caution as limited data were available in adult patients. There was also a high degree of heterogeneity between studies due to differences in sample size, the severity of PKU, and target therapeutic levels for blood Phe control.
Antimicrobial Resistant Staphylococcus Species Colonization in Dogs, Their Owners, and Veterinary Staff of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Naples, Italy
Authors: Nocera Francesca Paola , Pizzano Francesca , Masullo Angelo , Cortese Laura , De Martino Luisa
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to identify Staphylococcus species isolated from nasal swabs of both healthy and diseased dogs, and those of human origin, obtained from nasal swabs of both owners and veterinary staff. Firstly, pet owners were requested to complete a questionnaire relating to the care and relationship with their pets, whose results mainly showed a statistically significant higher frequency of hand washing in diseased dogs’ owners than in healthy dogs’ owners. Canine nasal swabs were obtained from 43 diseased dogs and 28 healthy dogs, while human nasal swabs were collected from the respective dogs’ owners (71 samples) and veterinary staff (34 samples). The isolation and identification of Staphylococcus spp. were followed by disk diffusion method to define the antimicrobial resistance profiles against 18 different molecules. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the most frequent isolated strain in both diseased (33.3%) and healthy (46.1%) dogs. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequent isolated bacterium in diseased dogs’ owners (66.6%), while in nasal samples of healthy dogs’ owners, the same frequency of isolation (38.4%) was observed for both Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. All the isolated strains showed good susceptibility levels to the tested antimicrobials; however, the carriage of oxacillin-resistant strains was significantly higher in diseased dogs than in healthy ones (71% and 7.7%, respectively). Only in three cases the presence of the same bacterial species with similar antimicrobial resistance profiles in dogs and their owners was detected, suggesting the potential bacterial transmission. In conclusion, this study suggests potential transmission risk of staphylococci from dogs to humans or vice versa, and highlights that the clinical relevance of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius transmission from dog to human should not be underestimated, as well as the role of Staphylococcus aureus from human to dog transmission.
Pregabalin–Tolperisone Combination to Treat Neuropathic Pain: Improved Analgesia and Reduced Side Effects in Rats
Authors: Essmat Nariman , Galambos Anna Rita , Lakatos Péter P. , Karádi Dávid Árpád , Mohammadzadeh Amir , Abbood Sarah Kadhim , Geda Orsolya , Laufer Rudolf , Király Kornél , Riba Pál , Zádori Zoltán S. , Szökő Éva , Tábi Tamás , Al-Khrasani Mahmoud
Published: August 2023

The current treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) is unsatisfactory; therefore, effective novel agents or combination-based analgesic therapies are needed. Herein, oral tolperisone, pregabalin, and duloxetine were tested for their antinociceptive effect against rat partial sciatic nerve ligation (pSNL)-induced tactile allodynia described by a decrease in the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) measured by a dynamic plantar aesthesiometer. On day 7 after the operation, PWTs were assessed at 60, 120, and 180 min post-treatment. Chronic treatment was continued for 2 weeks, and again, PWTs were measured on day 14 and 21. None of the test compounds produced an acute antiallodynic effect. In contrast, after chronic treatment, tolperisone and pregabalin alleviated allodynia. In other experiments, on day 14, the acute antiallodynic effect of the tolperisone/pregabalin or duloxetine combination was measured. As a novel finding, a single dose of the tolperisone/pregabalin combination could remarkably alleviate allodynia acutely. It also restored the neuropathy-induced elevated CSF glutamate content. Furthermore, the combination is devoid of adverse effects related to motor and gastrointestinal transit functions. Tolperisone and pregabalin target voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, respectively. The dual blockade effect of the combination might explain its advantageous acute analgesic effect in the present work.
Increased Free Radical Generation during the Interaction of a Quinone-Quinoline Chelator with Metal Ions and the Enhancing Effect of Light
Authors: Selyutina Olga Yu. , Babenko Simon V. , Slepneva Irina A. , Polyakov Nikolay E. , Kontoghiorghes George J.
Published: August 2023

Schiff bases and similar molecules forming metal complexes may cause redox effects, which may also be influenced by light. Anthraquinones such as doxorubicin and idarubicin are widely used antitumor agents, which can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), stimulated by both the presence of iron and copper ions and also by light. The generated ROS can cause DNA scission, cell membrane oxidation, and many other toxic effects. The redox activity of the quinone-quinoline chelator 2-phenyl-4-(butylamino)naphtho [2,3-h]quinoline-7,12-dione (Q1) was investigated in the presence of iron, copper, and zinc. The influence of light in these interactions was also examined. The chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (CIDNP), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods were used to elucidate the molecular changes and ROS generation effects of the Q1 metal interactions. A model electron transfer reaction system between 1,4-dihydropyridine and Q1 was utilized to demonstrate that the chelate complexes of Q1 with both Fe(III) and Cu(II) ions were more redox active than Q1 itself. Similarly, CIDNP and NMR data showed that the concentration dependence of the free radicals yield is much higher in the presence of Fe(III) and Cu(II) ions, in comparison to Zn(II), and also that it increased in the presence of light. These findings underline the role of transition metal ions and Q1 in cyclic redox chain reactions and increase the prospect of the development of copper- and iron-based chelating agents, including Q1 and its derivatives, for anticancer therapy. Furthermore, these findings also signify the effect of light on enhancing ROS formation by Q1 and the prospect of utilizing such information for designing target specific anticancer drugs for photodynamic therapy.
Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Anticancer Potentials of African Medicinal Fruits: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Fakudze Nosipho , Sarbadhikary Paromita , George Blassan , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: August 2023

Africa is home to diverse medicinal plants that have been used for generations for the treatment of several different cancers and, presently, they are gaining interest from researchers as promising approaches to cancer treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive review of dietary and medicinal African fruits including their traditional uses, botanical description, ethnobotanical uses, bioactive phytochemical compositions, and anticancer properties investigated to date in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical studies. Data on recent updates concerning the traditional uses and anticancer properties of these fruits were collected from a myriad of available publications in electronic databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. The results suggest that approximately 12 native or commercially grown African fruits belonging to different plant species, including Tribulus terrestris, Xanthium strumarium, Withania somnifera, Xylopia aethiopica, Abelmoschus esculentus, Carissa macrocarpa, Carpobrotus edulis, Syzygium cumini, Kigelia Africana, Annona muricata, Persea americana, and Punica granatum, have been reported for their potential as treatment options for the management of cancer. We further found that approximately eight different fruits from native plant species from Africa, namely, Sclerocarya birrea, Dovyalis caffra, Parinari curatellifolia, Mimusops caffra, Carpobrotus edulis, Vangueria infausta, Harpephyllum caffrum, and Carissa macrocarpa, have been widely used for the traditional treatment of different ailments but somehow failed to gain the interest of researchers for their use in anticancer research. In this review, we show the potential use of various fruits as anticancer agents, such as Tribulus terrestris, Xanthium strumarium, Withania somnifera, Xylopia aethiopica, Abelmoschus esculentus, Carissa macrocarpa, Carpobrotus edulis, Syzygium cumini, Kigelia Africana, Annona muricata, Persea americana, and Punica granatum; unfortunately, not enough reported research data have been published to gain thorough mechanistic insights and clinical applications. Additionally, we discuss the possibility of the utilization of potential phytochemicals from fruits like Persea americana and Punica granatum in anticancer research, as well as future directions.
Customizable 3D Printed Implants Containing Triamcinolone Acetonide: Development, Analysis, Modification, and Modeling of Drug Release
Authors: Ponsar Hanna , Quodbach Julian
Published: August 2023

Three-dimensional-printed customizable drug-loaded implants provide promising opportunities to improve the current therapy options. In this study, we present a modular implant in which shape, dosage, and drug release can be individualized independently of each other to patient characteristics to improve parenteral therapy with triamcinolone acetonide (TA) over three months. This study focused on the examination of release modification via fused deposition modeling and subsequent prediction. The filaments for printing consisted of TA, ethyl cellulose, hypromellose, and triethyl citrate. Two-compartment implants were successfully developed, consisting of a shape-adaptable shell and an embedded drug-loaded network. For the network, different strand widths and pore size combinations were printed and analyzed in long-term dissolution studies to evaluate their impact on the release performance. TA release varied between 8.58 ± 1.38 mg and 21.93 mg ± 1.31 mg over three months depending on the network structure and the resulting specific surface area. Two different approaches were employed to predict the TA release over time. Because of the varying release characteristics, applicability was limited, but successful in several cases. Using a simple Higuchi-based approach, good release predictions could be made for a release time of 90 days from the release data of the initial 15 days (RMSEP ≤ 3.15%), reducing the analytical effort and simplifying quality control. These findings are important to establish customizable implants and to optimize the therapy with TA for specific intra-articular diseases.
Modification of Poly(Glycerol Adipate) with Tocopherol and Cholesterol Modulating Nanoparticle Self-Assemblies and Cellular Responses of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells to SN-38 Delivery
Authors: Suksiriworapong Jiraphong , Achayawat Chittin , Juangrattanakamjorn Phutthikom , Taresco Vincenzo , Crucitti Valentina Cuzzucoli , Sakchaisri Krisada , Bunsupa Somnuk
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to fabricate new variations of glycerol-based polyesters by grafting poly(glycerol adipate) (PGA) with hydrophobic bioactive moieties, tocopherol (TOC), and cholesterol (CHO). Their effects on nanoparticle (NP) formation, drug release, and cellular responses in cancer and normal cells were evaluated. CHO and TOC were successfully grafted onto PGA backbones with 30% and 50% mole grafting. Increasing the percentage of mole grafting in both molecules increased the glass transition temperature and water contact angle of the final polymers but decreased the critical micelle concentration of the formulated particles. PGA-TOC NPs reduced the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. However, they enhanced the proliferation of primary dermal fibroblasts within a specific concentration range. PGA-CHO NPs minimally affected the growth of cancer and normal cells. Both types of NPs did not affect apoptosis or the cell cycle of cancer cells. PGA-CHO and PGA-TOC NPs were able to entrap SN-38, a hydrophobic anticancer drug, with a particle size <200 nm. PGA-CHO NPs had a higher drug loading capacity and a greater drug release than PGA-TOC NPs. However, SN-38-loaded PGA-TOC NPs showed higher toxicity than SN-38 and SN-38-loaded PGA-CHO NPs due to the combined effects of antiproliferation and higher cellular uptake. Compared with SN-38, the drug-loaded NPs more profoundly induced sub-G1 in the cell cycle analysis and apoptosis of cancer cells in a similar pattern. Therefore, PGA-CHO and PGA-TOC polymers have potential applications as delivery systems for anticancer drugs.
Impact of Cold Storage Temperature and Shelf Life on Ripening Physiology, Quality Attributes, and Nutritional Value in Apricots—Implication of Cultivar
Authors: Kafkaletou Mina , Velliou Anna , Christopoulos Miltiadis V. , Ouzounidou Georgia , Tsantili Eleni
Published: August 2023

This work aimed to investigate the storability potential of Orange Red and Orange Rubis apricots harvested at commercial maturity stage during cold storage (CS) at 1 or 5 °C for up to 28 days, followed by shelf life (SL) at 20 °C for 2 days. The variables evaluated included total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH only at harvest, weight loss (WL), ethylene production rates, peel color, firmness, chilling injury incidence (CI), concentrations of total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, total antioxidant capacity, b-carotene, b-cryptoxantine, and lutein. The main results showed that storage at 5 °C resulted in higher WL and CI symptoms than at 1 °C during both CS and SL, increased ethylene production during CS, whereas there was limited or no effect of CS temperatures on changes in firmness, color, and all antioxidants during CS. Firmness decreased abruptly soon after harvest in Orange Rubis, but progressively in the remaining samples of both cultivars during CS and SL. SL advanced fruit deterioration according to WL, CI, and softening. During SL, ethylene production increased in all samples. Orange Red exhibited higher ethylene rates during SL and antioxidant concentrations throughout CS and SL, by comparison. Conclusively, storage temperature at 1 °C retained WL, CI, and ethylene production, and both cultivars were marketable up to 21 days CS without SL or up to 14 days CS followed by SL, although Orange Rubis exhibited CI after 14 days, while Orange Red exhibited CI after 21 days of CS.
Shear Performance of Epoxy Joints in a Precast Bridge Deck Considering Constraint Effects
Authors: Zhang Jiangtao , Wang Hongjie , Yu Yanjiang , Zheng Kaidi , Zhou Zhixiang , Jiang Jinlong
Published: August 2023

The joint form plays a vital role in the rapid assembly of precast bridge decks for steel–concrete composite bridges. Existing research primarily focuses on studying the shear performance of joints through direct shear tests, which is insufficient to fully reflect the mechanical behavior of joints under the constraint of prefabricated bridge deck panels during actual vehicular traffic. Considering situations such as vehicle loads and external forces acting on precast bridge decks, this study investigates the shear performance of epoxy joints under constraint through an improved shear test. The influence of constraint force, shear key details and interface defects on the shear performance of epoxy joints is investigated. The results reveal that the shear test method employed in this study can realistically reflect the shear performance of epoxy joints in precast bridge decks. Both active and passive constrained epoxy joint specimens exhibited no interface cracks, and their failure modes were identified as shear failure between mid-span supports. Compared with passive constraint, the shear-bearing capacity of epoxy joint specimens under active constraint was increased by 86.1~130.6%. Among the epoxy joint specimens with depth–height ratios of 15/110, 25/110, 35/110 and 45/110, the joint with a depth of 35 mm demonstrated the highest shear strength. Furthermore, the shear performance of epoxy joints significantly deteriorated when the interface defects exceeded 30%, resulting in the failure mode transforming from shear failure to interface failure.
Leucine-Based Pseudo-Proteins (LPPs) as Promising Biomaterials: A Study of Cell-Supporting Properties
Authors: Ksovreli Mariam , Kachlishvili Tinatin , Mtiulishvili Tevdore , Dzmanashvili Giorgi , Batsatsashvili Tatuli , Zurabiani Knarita , Tughushi David , Kantaria Temur , Nadaraia Lili , Rusishvili Levan , Piot Olivier , Terryn Christine , Tchelidze Pavel , Katsarava Ramaz , Kulikova Nina
Published: August 2023

Scaffold-based systems have become essential in biomedical research, providing the possibility of building in vitro models that can better mimic tissue/organic physiology. A relatively new family of biomimetics—pseudo-proteins (PPs)—can therefore be considered especially promising in this context. Three different artificial leucine-based LPP films were tested in vitro as potential scaffolding materials. In vitro experiments were performed using two types of cells: primary mouse skin fibroblasts and a murine monocyte/macrophages cell line, RAW264.7. Cell adhesion and cell spreading were evaluated according to morphological parameters via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and they were assessed according to actin cytoskeleton distribution, which was studied via confocal laser microscopy. Cell proliferation was evaluated via an MTT assay. Cell migration was studied using time-lapse microscopy. SEM images for both types of cells demonstrated prominent adhesion and perfect cell spreading on all three LPPs. Analyses of actin cytoskeleton organization revealed a high number of focal adhesions and prominent motility-associated structures. A certain stimulation of cell proliferation was detected in the cases of all three LPPs, and two of them promoted macrophage migration. Overall, our data suggest that the LPPs used in the study can be considered potential cell-friendly scaffolding materials.
Gelatin-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Loaded with Cisplatin for Anti-Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Rong , Bao Zhenfei , Wang Pei , Deng Yunyun , Fan Junping , Zhu Xin , Xia Xinyu , Song Yiming , Yao Haiyan , Li Dongfang
Published: August 2023

Cisplatin (Cp), a chemotherapeutic agent, interacts with purines on tumor DNA, causing tumor cell apoptosis. However, cisplatin has the characteristics of non-specific distribution and lack of selectivity, resulting in systemic toxicity. Moreover, it cannot maintain the drug’s high concentration in the tumor-weak acid environment. These flaws of cisplatin restrict its use in clinical applications. Therefore, a pH-responsive carbon nanotube-modified nano-drug delivery system (CNTs/Gel/Cp) was constructed in this study using gelatin (Gel)-modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs/Gel) loaded with cisplatin to release drugs precisely and slowly, preventing premature inactivation and maintaining an effective concentration. When MCp:MCNTs/Gel = 1:1, the drug reaches the highest loading rate and entrapment efficiency. To achieve the sustained-release effect, CNTs/Gel/Cp can release the medicine steadily for a long time in a pH environment of 6.0. Additionally, CNTs/Gel/Cp display antitumor properties comparable to cisplatin in a manner that varies with the dosage administered. These findings indicate that CNTs/Gel/Cp have an effective, sustained release of cisplatin and a good antitumor effect, providing a theoretical and experimental basis for the clinical application of modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a new drug delivery system.