bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactive Compounds and Total Sugar Contents of Different Open-Pollinated Beetroot Genotypes Grown Organically
Authors: Yasaminshirazi Khadijeh , Hartung Jens , Fleck Michael , Graeff-Hoenninger Simone
Published: October 2020

The growing interest of consumers in healthy organic products has increased the attention to the organic production of beetroot. In this regard, six field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 in three different locations under the specific conditions of organic agriculture, and fifteen beetroot genotypes, including one F1 hybrid as a commercial control and one breeding line, were compared regarding the content of the total dry matter, total soluble sugar, nitrate, betalain, and total phenolic compounds in order to investigate the genetic potential of new and existing open-pollinated genotypes of beetroot regarding the content of their bioactive compounds. The results of this study indicated a significant impact of genotype (p < 0.05) on all measured compounds. Furthermore, results revealed a significant influence of the interactions of location × year (p < 0.05) on the beetroot composition, and, thus, the role of environmental conditions for the formation of tested compounds. The total dry matter content (TDMC) of beetroots varied between 14.12% and 17.50%. The genotype ‘Nochowski’, which possessed the highest total soluble sugar content with 14.67 °Bx (Brix), was among the genotypes with the lowest nitrate content. On the contrary, the cylindrical-shaped genotype ‘Carillon RZ’ (Rijk Zwaan), indicated the lowest sugar content and the highest nitrate concentration. The amount of total phenolic compounds ranged between 352.46 ± 28.24 mg GAE 100 g−1 DW (milligrams of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of dry weight) and 489.06 ± 28.24 mg GAE 100 g−1 DW for the red-colored genotypes which is correlated with the high antioxidant capacity of the investigated genotypes. Due to the specifics of the required content of bioactive compounds for various products, the selection of suitable genotypes should be aligned with the intended final utilization.
Optimized Nb-Based Zeolites as Catalysts for the Synthesis of Succinic Acid and FDCA
Authors: El Fergani Magdi , Candu Natalia , Tudorache Madalina , Granger Pascal , Parvulescu Vasile I. , Coman Simona M.
Published: October 2020

Nb(0.05 moles%)-zeolites prepared via a post synthesis methodology (BEA, Y, ZSM-5), or a direct sol-gel method (Silicalite-1) were investigated in the hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation by both molecular oxygen, in aqueous phase, and organic peroxides, in acetonitrile. The catalysts prepared through the post synthesis methodology (i.e., Nb-Y5, Nb-ZSM25, Nb-Y30, Nb-BEA12, and Nb-BEA18) displayed a mono-modal mesoporosity and contain residual framework Al-acid sites, extra framework isolated Nb(V)O-H and Nb2O5 pore-encapsulated clusters, while Nb-Sil-1, prepared through a direct synthesis procedure, displayed a bimodal micro-mesoporosity and contains only –Nb=O species. These modified zeolites behave as efficient catalysts in both HMF/glucose wet oxidation to succinic acid (SA) and HMF oxidation with organic peroxides to the 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The catalytic behavior of these catalysts, in terms of conversion and especially the selectivity, mainly depended on the base/acid sites ratio. Thus, the HMF/glucose wet oxidation occurred with a total conversion and a selectivity to SA of 37.7% (from HMF) or 69.1% (from glucose) on the Nb-Y5 catalyst, i.e., the one with the lowest base/acid sites ratio. On the contrary, the catalysts with the highest base/acid sites ratio, i.e., Nb-ZSM25 and Nb-Sil-1, afforded a high catalytic efficiency in HMF oxidation with organic peroxides, in which FDCA was produced with selectivities of 61.3–63.8% for an HMF conversion of 96.7–99.0%.
Cyclic RGD Peptide Targeting Coated Nano Drug Co-Delivery System for Therapeutic Use in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Disease
Authors: Liu Jiaxin , Luo Lifu , Xu Fei , Li Ge , Chen Jicong , Teng Lesheng , Li Youxin , Sun Fengying
Published: October 2020

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression increased significantly in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration, which induced the formation of pathological blood vessels. Dexamethasone is an exogenous anti-angiogenic drug while bevacizumab is an endogenous anti-angiogenic drug. They both have been widely used in ophthalmology. However, independent administration is not enough to completely block the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and the number of eyes vitreous injections is limited. Reasonable combination of drugs may produce significantly better therapeutic effect than single drug treatment. The cyclic RGD (cRGD) peptide has a particularly high affinity with retinal pigment epithelial cells, where VEGF secretes from. In this study, we prepared nanoparticles of bevacizumab and dexamethasone with cRGD peptide as the target (aBev/cRGD-DPPNs). The particle size of the aBev/cRGD-DPPNs was 213.8 ± 1.5 nm, SEM results showed that the nano-carriers were well dispersed and spherical. The cell uptake study demonstrated the selectivity of the aBev/cRGD-DPPN to ARPE-19 with αVβ3 over expressed. The aBev/cRGD-DPPNs had a better apoptosis induction effect and an obvious inhibitory effect on migration, invasion, and capillary-like structures formation of human umbilical vein epithelial cells. The fluorescein fundus angiography study, immunohistochemistry and histopathological evaluation showed the aBev/cRGD-DPPNs greatly reduced the development of CNV on a rabbit model.
Rotational Spectroscopy Meets Quantum Chemistry for Analyzing Substituent Effects on Non-Covalent Interactions: The Case of the Trifluoroacetophenone-Water Complex
Authors: Lei Juncheng , Alessandrini Silvia , Chen Junhua , Zheng Yang , Spada Lorenzo , Gou Qian , Puzzarini Cristina , Barone Vincenzo
Published: October 2020

The most stable isomer of the 1:1 complex formed by 2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone and water has been characterized by combining rotational spectroscopy in supersonic expansion and state-of-the-art quantum-chemical computations. In the observed isomer, water plays the double role of proton donor and acceptor, thus forming a seven-membered ring with 2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone. Accurate intermolecular parameters featuring one classical O-H···O hydrogen bond and one weak C-H···O hydrogen bond have been determined by means of a semi-experimental approach for equilibrium structure. Furthermore, insights on the nature of the established non-covalent interactions have been unveiled by means of different bond analyses. The comparison with the analogous complex formed by acetophenone with water points out the remarkable role played by fluorine atoms in tuning non-covalent interactions.
Structural Aspects of the Ortho Chloro- and Fluoro- Substituted Benzoic Acids: Implications on Chemical Properties
Authors: Ogruc Ildiz Gulce , Fausto Rui
Published: October 2020

This article presents a detailed comprehensive investigation of the ortho fluoro- and chloro- substituted benzoic acids both, as isolated molecules and in the crystalline phase. Quantum chemical calculations performed within the density functional theory (DFT) formalism are used to investigate the potential energy landscapes of the molecules, taking into special consideration the effects of the interactions between the carboxylic group and the ortho halogen substituents, as well as the nature of these later on the structure and properties of the investigated systems. The structures of the relevant conformers of the molecules are discussed in comparative terms, and used to rationalize experimental data obtained for the compounds in the gas phase and isolated in low-temperature inert matrices. The UV-induced photofragmentation reactions of two of the compounds isolated in cryogenic inert matrices were studied as illustrative cases. The structures of the crystals reported previously in the literature are revisited and discussed also in a comparative basis. Particular emphasis is given to the analysis of the intermolecular interactions in the different crystals, using Hirshfeld surface analysis, the CE-B3LYP energy decomposition model and the HOMA index, and to their correlation with thermodynamic data.
Effects of A Magnetic Field on the Transport and Noise Properties of a Graphene Ribbon with Antidots
Authors: Marconcini Paolo , Macucci Massimo
Published: October 2020

We perform a numerical simulation of the effects of an orthogonal magnetic field on charge transport and shot noise in an armchair graphene ribbon with a lattice of antidots. This study relies on our envelope-function based code, in which the presence of antidots is simulated through a nonzero mass term and the magnetic field is introduced with a proper choice of gauge for the vector potential. We observe that by increasing the magnetic field, the energy gap present with no magnetic field progressively disappears, together with features related to commensurability and quantum effects. In particular, we focus on the behavior for high values of the magnetic field: we notice that when it is sufficiently large, the effect of the antidots vanishes and shot noise disappears, as a consequence of the formation of edge states crawling along the boundaries of the structure without experiencing any interaction with the antidots.
Synthesis of High-Density Indium Oxide Nanowires with Low Electrical Resistivity
Authors: Chen Yu-Yang , Yang Shu-Meng , Lu Kuo-Chang
Published: October 2020

In this study, indium oxide nanowires of high-density were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) through a vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) mechanism without carrier gas. The indium oxide nanowires possess great morphology with an aspect ratio of over 400 and an average diameter of 50 nm; the length of the nanowires could be over 30 μm, confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Characterization was conducted with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence spectrum (PL). High-resolution TEM studies confirm that the grown nanowires were single crystalline c-In2O3 nanowires of body-centered cubic structures. The room temperature PL spectrum shows a strong peak around 2.22 eV, originating from the defects in the crystal structure. The electrical resistivity of a single indium oxide nanowire was measured to be 1.0 × 10−4 Ω⋅cm, relatively low as compared with previous works, which may result from the abundant oxygen vacancies in the nanowires, acting as unintentional doping.
Safety Evaluation of TiO2 Nanoparticle-Based Sunscreen UV Filters on the Development and the Immunological State of the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus
Authors: Catalano Riccardo , Labille Jérôme , Gaglio Daniela , Alijagic Andi , Napodano Elisabetta , Slomberg Danielle , Campos Andrea , Pinsino Annalisa
Published: October 2020

Sunscreens are emulsions of water and oil that contain filters capable of protecting against the detrimental effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV). The widespread use of cosmetic products based on nanoparticulate UV filters has increased concerns regarding their safety and compatibility with both the environment and human health. In the present work, we evaluated the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2 NP)-based UV filters with three different surface coatings on the development and immunity of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus. A wide range of NP concentrations was analyzed, corresponding to different levels of dilution starting from the original cosmetic dispersion. Variations in surface coating, concentration, particle shape, and pre-dispersant medium (i.e., water or oil) influenced the embryonic development without producing a relevant developmental impairment. The most common embryonic abnormalities were related to the skeletal growth and the presence of a few cells, which were presumably involved in the particle uptake. Adult P. lividus immune cells exposed to silica-coated TiO2 NP-based filters showed a broad metabolic plasticity based on the biosynthesis of metabolites that mediate inflammation, phagocytosis, and antioxidant response. The results presented here highlight the biosafety of the TiO2 NP-based UV filters toward sea urchin, and the importance of developing safer-by-design sunscreens.
Self-Assembly of Single-Polymer-Tethered Nanoparticle Amphiphiles upon Varying Tail Length
Authors: Li Qingxiao , Zhu You-Liang , Zhang Xinhui , Xu Kaidong , Wang Jina , Li Zhixin , Bao Yun
Published: October 2020

We systematically investigated the roles of tail length on the self-assembly of shape amphiphiles composed of a hydrophobic polymer chain (tail) and a hydrophilic nanoparticle in selective solvent using Brownian dynamics simulations. The shape amphiphiles exhibited a variety of self-assembled aggregate morphologies which can be tuned by changing tail length (n) in combination with amphiphile concentration (φ) and system temperature (T*). Specifically, at high φ with T*=1.4, the morphology varied following the sequence “spheres → cylinders → vesicles” upon increasing n, agreeing well with experimental observations. At low φ with T*=1.4 or at high φ with T*=1.2, the morphology sequence becomes “spheres or spheres and cylinders mixture → cylinders → vesicles → spheres” upon increasing n, which has not been found experimentally. Two morphological phase diagrams depending on n and φ were constructed for T*=1.4 and 1.2, respectively. The rich phase behaviors on varying tail length could provide the feasible routes to fabricate target aggregate morphologies in various applications, especially for the vesicles with tunable thickness of membranes that are crucial in drug and gene delivery.
Consumption of Foods Derived from Subsidized Crops Remains Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk: An Update on the Evidence Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2014
Authors: Do Whitney L. , Bullard Kai M. , Stein Aryeh D. , Ali Mohammed K. , Narayan K. M. Venkat , Siegel Karen R.
Published: October 2020

In this study, we examined the associations between the consumption of foods derived from crops subsidized under the 2008 United States (US) Farm Bill and cardiometabolic risk factors and whether the magnitude of these associations has changed since the 2002 US Farm Bill. Four federal databases were used to estimate daily consumption of the top seven subsidized commodities (corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, sorghum, dairy, and livestock) and to calculate a subsidy score (0–1 scale) for Americans’ daily dietary intake during 2009–2014, with a higher score indicative of a higher proportion of the diet derived from subsidized commodities. The cardiometabolic risk factors included obesity, abdominal adiposity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and dysglycemia. Linear and logistic regression models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, the poverty–income ratio, the smoking status, educational attainment, physical activity, and daily calorie intake. During 2009–2014, adults with the highest subsidy score had higher probabilities of obesity, abdominal adiposity, and dysglycemia compared to the lowest subsidy score. After the 2002 Farm Bill (measured using data from 2001–2006), the subsidy score decreased from 56% to 50% and associations between consuming a highly-subsidized diet and dysglycemia did not change (p = 0.54), whereas associations with obesity (p = 0.004) and abdominal adiposity (p = 0.002) significantly attenuated by more than half. The proportion of calories derived from subsidized food commodities continues to be associated with adverse cardiometabolic risk factors, though the relationship with obesity and abdominal adiposity has weakened in recent years.
Comparative Genome Analysis of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis Strains Reveals Variation in Human Milk Oligosaccharide Utilization Genes among Commercial Probiotics
Authors: Duar Rebbeca M. , Casaburi Giorgio , Mitchell Ryan D. , Scofield Lindsey N.C. , Ortega Ramirez Camila A. , Barile Daniela , Henrick Bethany M. , Frese Steven A.
Published: October 2020

Dysbiosis is associated with acute and long-term consequences for neonates. Probiotics can be effective in limiting the growth of bacteria associated with dysbiosis and promoting the healthy development of the infant microbiome. Given its adaptation to the infant gut, and promising data from animal and in vitro models, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis is an attractive candidate for use in infant probiotics. However, strain-level differences in the ability of commercialized strains to utilize human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) may have implications in the performance of strains in the infant gut. In this study, we characterized twelve B. infantis probiotic strains and identified two main variants in one of the HMO utilization gene clusters. Some strains possessed the full repertoire of HMO utilization genes (H5-positive strains), while H5-negative strains lack an ABC-type transporter known to bind core HMO structures. H5-positive strains achieved significantly superior growth on lacto-N-tetraose and lacto-N-neotetraose. In vitro, H5-positive strains had a significant fitness advantage over H5-negative strains, which was also observed in vivo in breastfed infants. This work provides evidence of the functional implications of genetic differences among B. infantis strains and highlights that genotype and HMO utilization phenotype should be considered when selecting a strain for probiotic use in infants.
Calcium Bioavailability in the Soluble and Insoluble Fibers Extracted from Opuntia ficus indica at Different Maturity Stages in Growing Rats
Authors: Mendoza-Ávila Monsserrat , Gutiérrez-Cortez Elsa , Quintero-García Michelle , Real Alicia Del , Rivera-Muñoz Eric M. , Ibarra-Alvarado César , Rubio Efraín , Jiménez-Mendoza Daniel , Rojas-Molina Isela
Published: October 2020

Childhood and adolescence are crucial stages of life for bone health. Therefore, an adequate calcium intake and a healthy life style constitute the main strategies to prevent the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures during adulthood. It has been demonstrated that inclusion of indigestible carbohydrates in foods can help improve calcium absorption in growing stages. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of soluble and insoluble fibers extracted from O. ficus indica cladodes on calcium bioavailability. Male Wistar rats 4-week old were fed diets added with soluble and insoluble fibers extracted from O. ficus indica cladodes at early and late maturity stages, as the only source of calcium. The mineral content, bone mineral density (BMD), physical, microstructural, and biomechanical properties of rat femurs were determined. The bones of rats fed with diets containing a soluble fiber extracted from O. ficus indica at early and late maturity stages exhibited better bone properties (resistance to fracture, microarchitecture, and calcium content) than control rats and rats fed with an insoluble fiber from O. ficusindica cladodes at both maturity stages. As expected, based on these results, the BMD values were higher in adolescent and pubertal rats fed with a diet containing the O. ficus indica soluble fiber. These results demonstrate that the soluble fiber from O. ficus indica cladodes is indeed a valuable source of bioavailable calcium, which contributes to improve physical, densitometric, biomechanical, and microstructural properties of bone in growing rats.
Identifying Candidate Genetic Markers of CDV Cross-Species Pathogenicity in African Lions
Authors: Weckworth Julie K. , Davis Brian W. , Roelke-Parker Melody E. , Wilkes Rebecca P. , Packer Craig , Eblate Ernest , Schwartz Michael K. , Mills L. Scott
Published: October 2020

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a multi-host pathogen with variable clinical outcomes of infection across and within species. We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to search for viral markers correlated with clinical distemper in African lions. To identify candidate markers, we first documented single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) differentiating CDV strains associated with different clinical outcomes in lions in East Africa. We then conducted evolutionary analyses on WGS from all global CDV lineages to identify loci subject to selection. SNPs that both differentiated East African strains and were under selection were mapped to a phylogenetic tree representing global CDV diversity to assess if candidate markers correlated with documented outbreaks of clinical distemper in lions (n = 3). Of 54 SNPs differentiating East African strains, ten were under positive or episodic diversifying selection and 20 occurred in the clinical strain despite strong purifying selection at those loci. Candidate markers were in functional domains of the RNP complex (n = 19), the matrix protein (n = 4), on CDV glycoproteins (n = 5), and on the V protein (n = 1). We found mutations at two loci in common between sequences from three CDV outbreaks of clinical distemper in African lions; one in the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule receptor (SLAM)-binding region of the hemagglutinin protein and another in the catalytic center of phosphodiester bond formation on the large polymerase protein. These results suggest convergent evolution at these sites may have a functional role in clinical distemper outbreaks in African lions and uncover potential novel barriers to pathogenicity in this species.
Blood Parasites in Endangered Wildlife-Trypanosomes Discovered during a Survey of Haemoprotozoa from the Tasmanian Devil
Authors: Egan Siobhon L. , Ruiz-Aravena Manuel , Austen Jill M. , Barton Xavier , Comte Sebastien , Hamilton David G. , Hamede Rodrigo K. , Ryan Una M. , Irwin Peter J. , Jones Menna E. , Oskam Charlotte L.
Published: October 2020

The impact of emerging infectious diseases is increasingly recognised as a major threat to wildlife. Wild populations of the endangered Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii, are experiencing devastating losses from a novel transmissible cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD); however, despite the rapid decline of this species, there is currently no information on the presence of haemoprotozoan parasites. In the present study, 95 Tasmanian devil blood samples were collected from four populations in Tasmania, Australia, which underwent molecular screening to detect four major groups of haemoprotozoa: (i) trypanosomes, (ii) piroplasms, (iii) Hepatozoon, and (iv) haemosporidia. Sequence results revealed Trypanosoma infections in 32/95 individuals. Trypanosoma copemani was identified in 10 Tasmanian devils from three sites and a second Trypanosoma sp. was identified in 22 individuals that were grouped within the poorly described T. cyclops clade. A single blood sample was positive for Babesia sp., which most closely matched Babesia lohae. No other blood protozoan parasite DNA was detected. This study provides the first insight into haemoprotozoa from the Tasmanian devil and the first identification of Trypanosoma and Babesia in this carnivorous marsupial.
Recent Advances in Extracellular Vesicles as Drug Delivery Systems and Their Potential in Precision Medicine
Authors: de Jong Bart , Barros Eric Raul , Hoenderop Joost G. J. , Rigalli Juan Pablo
Published: October 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bilayered nanoparticles released by most cell types. Recently, an enormous number of studies have been published on the potential of EVs as carriers of therapeutic agents. In contrast to systems such as liposomes, EVs exhibit less immunogenicity and higher engineering potential. Here, we review the most relevant publications addressing the potential and use of EVs as a drug delivery system (DDS). The information is divided based on the key steps for designing an EV-mediated delivery strategy. We discuss possible sources and isolation methods of EVs. We address the administration routes that have been tested in vivo and the tissue distribution observed. We describe the current knowledge on EV clearance, a significant challenge towards enhancing bioavailability. Also, EV-engineering approaches are described as alternatives to improve tissue and cell-specificity. Finally, a summary of the ongoing clinical trials is performed. Although the application of EVs in the clinical practice is still at an early stage, a high number of studies in animals support their potential as DDS. Thus, better treatment options could be designed to precisely increase target specificity and therapeutic efficacy while reducing off-target effects and toxicity according to the individual requirements of each patient.
An Electrochemical Chip to Monitor In Vitro Glycation of Proteins and Screening of Antiglycation Potential of Drugs
Authors: Khan Zeeshan A. , Park Seungkyung
Published: October 2020

Hyperglycemia and the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the primary factors for the development of chronic complications in diabetes. The level of protein glycation is proportional to the glucose concentration and represents mean glycemia. In this study, we present an electrochemical chip-based method for in vitro glycation monitoring and the efficacy evaluation of an antiglycation compound. An electrochemical chip consisting of five microchambers and embedded microelectrodes was designed for parallel measurements of capacitance signals from multiple solutions at different concentrations. The feasibility of glycation monitoring was then investigated by measuring the capacitance signal at 0.13 MHz with bovine serum albumin and gelatin samples in the presence of various glucose concentrations over 28 days. A significant change in the capacitance due to protein glycation was observed through measurements conducted within 30 s and 21 days of incubation. Finally, we demonstrated that the chip-based capacitance measurement can be utilized for the selection of an antiglycation compound by supplementing the protein solution and hyperglycemic concentration of glucose with an inhibitory concentration of the standard antiglycation agent aspirin. The lack of a significant change in the capacitance over 28 days proved that aspirin is capable of inhibiting protein glycation. Thus, a strong relationship exists between glycation and capacitance, suggesting the application of an electrochemical chip for evaluating glycation and novel antiglycation agents.
Concept for Embedded Primary Care Pharmacist Practitioners (PCPPs): A Disruptive Value-Proposition
Authors: MacKinnon George E.
Published: October 2020

The work environments and expectations for the daily activities of primary care physicians are daunting and often include spending a significant amount of time related to chronic care management with complex medication regimens, medication reconciliation, and the documentation within the electronic medical record (EMR) of these medication related issues [...]
An Experimental Test of the Classical Interpretation of the Kaluza Fifth Dimension
Authors: Tajmar Martin , Williams Lance L.
Published: October 2020

Kaluza was the first to realize that the four-dimensional gravitational field of general relativity and the classical electromagnetic field behave as if they were components of a five-dimensional gravitational field. We present a novel experimental test of the macroscopic classical interpretation of the Kaluza fifth dimension. Our experiment design probes a key feature of Kaluza unification—that electric charge is identified with motion in the fifth dimension. Therefore, we tested for a time dilation effect on an electrically charged clock. This test can also be understood as a constraint on time dilation from a constant electric potential of any origin. This is only the second such test of time dilation under electric charge reported in the literature, and a null result was obtained here. We introduce the concept of a charged clock in the Kaluza context, and discuss some ambiguities in its interpretation. We conclude that a classical, macroscopic interpretation of the Kaluza fifth dimension may require a timelike signature in the five-dimensional metric, and the associated absence of a rest frame along the fifth coordinate.
Establishment of a Cell Suspension Culture of Ageratina pichinchensis (Kunth) for the Improved Production of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds
Authors: Sánchez-Ramos Mariana , Alvarez Laura , Romero-Estrada Antonio , Bernabé-Antonio Antonio , Marquina-Bahena Silvia , Cruz-Sosa Francisco
Published: October 2020

Ageratina pichinchensis (Kunth) is a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat multiple ailments. However, there have not been biotechnological studies on producing compounds in in vitro cultures. The aim of this study was to establish a cell suspension culture of A. pichinchensis, quantify the anti-inflammatory constituents 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (2) and 3-epilupeol (3), evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of its extracts, and perform a phytochemical analysis. Cell suspension cultures were established in a MS culture medium of 30-g L−1 sucrose, 1.0-mg L−1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid, and 0.1-mg L−1 6-furfurylaminopurine. The ethyl acetate extract of the cell culture analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) revealed that the maximum production of anti-inflammatory compounds 2 and 3 occurs on days eight and 16, respectively, improving the time and previously reported yields in callus cultures. The anti-inflammatory activity of these extracts exhibited a significant inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production. Furthermore, a phytochemical study of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) extracts from day 20 led to the identification of 17 known compounds. The structures of the compounds were assigned by an analysis of 1D and 2D NMR data and the remainder by GC–MS. This is the first report of the production of (-)-Artemesinol, (-)-Artemesinol glucoside, encecalin, and 3,5-diprenyl-acetophenone by a cell suspension culture of A. pichinchensis.
Agro-Morphological Characterization of Sicilian Chili Pepper Accessions for Ornamental Purposes
Authors: Virga Giuseppe , Licata Mario , Consentino Beppe Benedetto , Tuttolomondo Teresa , Sabatino Leo , Leto Claudio , La Bella Salvatore
Published: October 2020

The species belonging to the genus Capsicum have been widely used as decorative vegetables, however only a few genotypes are available for this purpose. The goal of the present work was the agro-morphological characterization of several chili pepper accessions cultivated into different pot sizes (10, 14, 18 or 20 cm diameters). The agro-morphological characterization of 19 accessions was performed following IPGR (International Plant Genetic Resources Institute) descriptors: plant height (PH), plant canopy width (PCW), PH/PCW ratio, plant growth habit, plant visual quality, first flower emission, fruiting start, end of harvest, fruit number, fruit length, fruit width, fruit color at mature stage and fruit shape. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for all observed traits showed statistical significant differences among the genotypes tested. Results of the heat map complementarily secured the frequency of multiplicity highlighted from the ANOVA analysis. Furthermore, the present study pointed out that A33, A27, G1 and A1 chili pepper accessions achieved optimal performances in terms of plant visual quality, which is a crucial trait for ornamental purposes.
Seed Dormancy: Molecular Control of Its Induction and Alleviation
Authors: Matilla Angel J.
Published: October 2020

A set of seed dormancy traits is included in this Special Issue. Thus, DELAY OF GERMINATION1 (DOG1) is reviewed in depth. Binding of DOG1 to Protein Phosphatase 2C ABSCISIC ACID (PP2C ABA) Hypersensitive Germination (AHG1) and heme are independent processes, but both are essential for DOG1’s function in vivo. AHG1 and DOG1 constitute a regulatory system for dormancy and germination. DOG1 affects the ABA INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5) expression level. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis is linked with seed after-ripening (AR) process and the oxidation of a portion of seed long-lived (SLL) mRNAs seems to be related to dormancy release. The association of SLL mRNAs to monosomes is required for their transcriptional upregulation at the beginning of germination. Global DNA methylation levels remain stable during dormancy, decreasing when germination occurs. The remarkable intervention of auxin in the life of the seed is increasingly evident year after year. Here, its synergistic cooperation with ABA to promote the dormancy process is extensively reviewed. ABI3 participation in this process is critical. New data on the effect of alternating temperatures (ATs) on dormancy release are contained in this Special Issue. On the one hand, the transcriptome patterns stimulated at ATs comprised ethylene and ROS signaling and metabolism together with ABA degradation. On the other hand, a higher physical dormancy release was observed in Medicago truncatula under 35/15 °C than under 25/15 °C, and genome-wide association analysis identified 136 candidate genes related to secondary metabolite synthesis, hormone regulation, and modification of the cell wall. Finally, it is suggested that changes in endogenous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) may prevent chestnut germination, and a possible relation with H2O2 production is considered.
The Flower Essential Oil of Dalea mutisii Kunth (Fabaceae) from Ecuador: Chemical, Enantioselective, and Olfactometric Analyses
Authors: Gilardoni Gianluca , Montalván Mayra , Ortiz Mariana , Vinueza Diego , Montesinos José Vinicio
Published: October 2020

An essential oil was distilled with 0.25% yield from fresh flowers of Dalea mutisii Kunth, a native species mainly growing in the Andean region of Ecuador. A total of 50 compounds were identified, and most of them were quantified. The chemical composition was characterized by the prevalence of monoterpene hydrocarbons (>90%). Major components were α-pinene (42.9%), β-pinene (15.1%), β-phellandrene (12.6%), myrcene (6.7%), and (Z)-β-ocimene (5.4%). The essential oil was then submitted to enantioselective analysis, with a 2,3-diethyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin-based capillary column. An enantiomeric excess was measured for (1R,5R)-(+)-α-pinene (91.6%), (1R,5R)-(+)-β-pinene (15.2%), (R)-(−)-α-phellandrene (4.8%), and (R)-(−)-β-phellandrene (88.8%), whereas (R)-(+)-limonene was enantiomerically pure. A gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O) analysis was additionally carried out on this pleasantly fragrant essential oil, following an aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) approach. Main odorants were α-pinene, β-pinene, α-phellandrene, and (Z)-β-ocimene, with dilution factors (FD) of 8, 4, 2, and 2, respectively.
Molecular Detection of Potato Viruses in Bangladesh and Their Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Rashid Mamun-Or , Wang Ying , Han Cheng-Gui
Published: October 2020

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a major food source in the whole world including Bangladesh. Viral diseases are the key constraint for sustainable potato production by reducing both quality and quantity. To determine the present status of eight important potato viruses in Bangladesh, tuber samples were collected from three major potato growing regions (Munshiganj, Jessore and Bogra districts) in January–February 2017 and February 2018. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with coat protein (CP)-specific primers were used to amplify CP sequences of the respective viruses, and confirmed by sequencing, which were deposited in the GenBank. Results indicated that the tuber samples were subjected to Potato leafroll virus (PLRV), Potato virus X (PVX), Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato virus S (PVS), Potato virus H (PVH), Potato aucuba mosaic virus (PAMV) and Potato virus M (PVM) infection, whereas mixed infections were very common. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the PLRV from this study was closely related to a Canadian and a Chinese isolate, respectively; PVX was closely related to a Canadian and a Chinese isolate, respectively; PVY was closely related to a Chinese isolate; PVS was closely related to a Chinese and an Iranian isolate, respectively; PAMV was closely related to a Canadian isolate; PVH was closely related to a Huhhot isolate of China; and PVM was closely related to an Indian and an Iranian isolate, respectively. As far as we know, PAMV in this study is the first report in Bangladesh. These findings will provide a great scope for appropriate virus control strategies to virus free potato production in Bangladesh.
Phytochemical Screening, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Quorum-Sensing Properties of Teucrium polium L. Aerial Parts Methanolic Extract
Authors: Alreshidi Mousa , Noumi Emira , Bouslama Lamjed , Ceylan Ozgur , Veettil Vajid N. , Adnan Mohd , Danciu Corina , Elkahoui Salem , Badraoui Riadh , Al-Motair Khalid A. , Patel Mitesh , De Feo Vincenzo , Snoussi Mejdi
Published: October 2020

The chemical profile of Teucrium polium L. (T. polium) methanolic extract was tested using liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-LCMS). Disc diffusion and microdilution assays were used for the antimicrobial activities. Coxsackievirus B-3 (CVB3) and Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) were used for the antiviral activities. Chromobacterium violaceum (ATCC 12472 and CV026) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 were used as starter strains for the anti-quorum sensing tests. Isoprenoids are the main class of compounds identified, and 13R-hydroxy-9E,11Z-octadecadienoic acid, valtratum, rhoifolin, sericetin diacetate, and dihydrosamidin were the dominant phytoconstituents. The highest mean diameter of growth inhibition zone was recorded for Acinetobacter baumannii (19.33 ± 1.15 mm). The minimal inhibitory concentrations were ranging from 6.25 to 25 mg/mL for bacterial strains, and from 6.25 to 25 mg/mL for Candida species. The 50% cytotoxic concentration on VERO (African Green Monkey Kidney) cell lines was estimated at 209 µg/mL. No antiviral activity was recorded. Additionally, T. polium extract was able to inhibit P. aeruginosa PAO1 motility in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the tested extract was able to inhibit 23.66% of the swarming and 35.25% of swimming capacities of PAO1 at 100 µg/mL. These results highlighted the role of germander as a potent antimicrobial agent that can interfere with the virulence factors controlled by the quorum-sensing systems.
Multifunctional Hypercrosslinked Porous Organic Polymers Based on Tetraphenylethene and Triphenylamine Derivatives for High-Performance Dye Adsorption and Supercapacitor
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Gamal , EL-Mahdy Ahmed. F. M. , Meng Tso-Shiuan , Samy Maha Mohamed , Kuo Shiao-Wei
Published: October 2020

We successfully prepared two different classes of hypercrosslinked porous organic polymers (HPPs)—the tetraphenylethene (TPE) and (4-(5,6-Diphenyl-1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)-triphenylamine (DPT) HPPs—through the Friedel−Crafts polymerization of tetraphenylethene and 4-(5,6-diphenyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-triphenylamine, respectively, with 1,4-bis(chloromethyl)benzene (Ph-2Cl) in the presence of anhydrous FeCl3 as a catalyst. Our porous materials exhibited high BET surface areas (up to 1000 m2 g−1) and good thermal stabilities. According to electrochemical and dyes adsorption applications, the as-prepared DPT-HPP exhibited a high specific capacitance of 110 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, with an excellent cycling stability of over 2000 times at 10 A g−1. In addition, DPT-HPP showed a high adsorption capacity up to 256.40 mg g−1 for the removal of RhB dye from water.
PVDF-BaTiO3 Nanocomposite Inkjet Inks with Enhanced β-Phase Crystallinity for Printed Electronics
Authors: Abdolmaleki Hamed , Agarwala Shweta
Published: October 2020

Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and its copolymers are promising electroactive polymers showing outstanding ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric properties in comparison with other organic materials. They have shown promise for applications in flexible sensors, energy-harvesting transducers, electronic skins, and flexible memories due to their biocompatibility, high chemical stability, bending and stretching abilities. PVDF can crystallize at five different phases of α, β, γ, δ, and ε; however, ferro-, piezo-, and pyroelectric properties of this polymer only originate from polar phases of β and γ. In this research, we reported fabrication of PVDF inkjet inks with enhanced β-phase crystallinity by incorporating barium titanate nanoparticles (BaTiO3). BaTiO3 not only acts as a nucleating agent to induce β-phase crystallinity, but it also improves the electric properties of PVDF through synergistic a ferroelectric polarization effect. PVDF-BaTiO3 nanocomposite inkjet inks with different BaTiO3 concentrations were prepared by wet ball milling coupled with bath ultrasonication. It was observed that the sample with 5 w% of BaTiO3 had the highest β-phase crystallinity, while in higher ratios overall crystallinity deteriorated progressively, leading to more amorphous structures.
Structural and Thermal Properties of Ethylene-Norbornene Copolymers Obtained Using Vanadium Homogeneous and SIL Catalysts
Authors: Groch Paweł , Bihun-Kisiel Anna , Piontek Aleksandra , Ochędzan-Siodłak Wioletta
Published: October 2020

The series of ethylene-norbornene (E-NB) copolymers was obtained using different vanadium homogeneous and supported ionic liquid (SIL) catalyst systems. The 13C and 1H NMR (carbon and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) together with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were applied to determine the composition of copolymers such as comonomer incorporation (CNB), monomer dispersity (MD), monomer reactivity ratio (re), sequence length of ethylene (le) and tetrad microblock distributions. The relation between the type of catalyst, reaction conditions and on the other hand, the copolymer microstructure, chain termination reaction analyzed by the type of unsaturation are discussed. In addition, the thermal properties of E-NB copolymers such as the melting and crystallization behavior, like also the heterogeneity of composition described by successive the self-nucleation and annealing (SSA) and the dispersity index (DI) were determined.
PLLA Honeycomb-Like Pattern on Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene as a Substrate for Fibroblast Growth
Authors: Fajstavrová Klára , Rimpelová Silvie , Fajstavr Dominik , Švorčík Václav , Slepička Petr
Published: October 2020

In this study, we present the surface patterning of a biopolymer poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) for fibroblast growth enhancement. The patterning is based on a self-organized pore arrangement directly fabricated from a ternary system of a solvent-nonsolvent biopolymer. We successfully created a porous honeycomb-like pattern (HCP) on a thermally resistant polymer—fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). An important preparation step for HCP is activation of the substrate in Ar plasma discharge. The polymer activation leads to changes in the surface chemistry, which corresponds to an increase in the substrate surface wettability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the PLLA concentration in solution on the surface morphology, roughness, wettability, and chemistry, and subsequently, also on fibroblast proliferation. We confirmed that the amount of PLLA in solution significantly affects the material surface properties. The pore size of the prepared layers, the surface wettability, and the surface oxygen content increased with an increasing amount of biopolymer in the coating solution. The optimal amount was 1 g of PLLA, which resulted in the highest number of cells after 6 days from seeding; however, all three biopolymer concentrations exhibited significantly better results compared to pristine FEP. The cytocompatibility tests showed that the HCP promoted the attachment of cell filopodia to the underlying substrate and, thus, significantly improved the cell–material interactions. We prepared a honeycomb biodegradable support for enhanced cell growth, so the surface properties of perfluoroethylenepropylene were significantly enhanced.
High-Performance Polyacrylic Acid-Grafted PVDF Nanofiltration Membrane with Good Antifouling Property for the Textile Industry
Authors: Chiao Yu-Hsuan , Chen Shu-Ting , Yap Ang Micah Belle Marie , Patra Tanmoy , Castilla-Casadiego David Alfonso , Fan Rong , Almodovar Jorge , Hung Wei-Song , Wickramasinghe S. Ranil
Published: October 2020

In the textile industry, a high-efficiency dye removal and low-retention of salt is demanded for recycling wastewater. In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membrane was transformed to a negatively charged loose nanofiltration (NF) membrane through UV-grafting of acrylic acid. At the optimal exposure of PVDF membrane in UV light for 5 min, the membrane had a high dye recovery above 99% (Congo red and Eriochrome® Black T) and a low sodium chloride (NaCl) rejection of less than 15% along with pure water flux of 26 L∙m−2∙h−1∙bar−1. Its antifouling and oleophobicity surface properties were verified using fluorescent- bovine serum albumin (BSA) and underwater mineral oil contact angle, respectively. According to the fluorescent microscopic images, the modified membrane had ten times lower adhesion of protein on the surface than the unmodified membrane. The underwater oil contact angle was raised from 110° to 155°. Moreover, the salt rejection followed this sequence: Na2SO4 > MgSO4 > NaCl > MgCl2, which agreed with the typical negatively charged NF membrane. In addition, the physicochemical characterization of membranes was further investigated to understand and link to the membrane performance, such as surface functional group, surface elements analysis, surface roughness/morphology, and surface hydrophilicity.
Insulin Release from NPH Insulin-Loaded Pluronic® F127 Hydrogel in the Presence of Simulated Tissue Enzyme Activity
Authors: Sultan Muhammad H. , Mahdi Wael A. , Kwon Young M.
Published: October 2020

Background: Despite the widespread use of newer basal insulins, Natural Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin still represents a well-established basal formulation with its long history of use, featuring the native form of human insulin. However, NPH insulin exhibits an undesirable peak within hours after a single subcutaneous (s.c.) injection, which may lead to hypoglycemia followed by insufficient basal insulin delivery. This may be attributed to the s.c. enzyme activities degrading the protamine in NPH microcrystals. Methods: A thermogelling block copolymer Pluronic® F127 (PF127) was utilized as a protective carrier for NPH microcrystals and as a modulator for insulin release from NPH. NPH insulin-loaded PF127 gel was prepared with varying concentrations of the polymer (15–25%) under mild conditions. The formulations were characterized for their gelling temperature, morphology, gel erosion, and in vitro insulin release, with trypsin concentrations up to 5 U/mL. Results: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the integrity of NPH microcrystals was maintained after preparation. The burst release of insulin from NPH was significantly attenuated over the course of ~16h in the presence of PF127 with or without enzyme activity. Conclusion: NPH-PF127 successfully resisted the acceleration of NPH crystal dissolution and insulin release in vitro in the presence of protamine-degrading enzyme activity, warranting further testing.