bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Nutritional Intervention Program on Body Weight and Selected Cardiometabolic Factors in Children and Adolescents with Excess Body Weight and Dyslipidemia: Study Protocol and Baseline Data
Authors: Bondyra-Wiśniewska Beata , Harton Anna
Published: August 2023

Excess body weight and associated dyslipidemia in children and adolescents are the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in young adults. There is a reasonable need to develop an effective lifestyle modification program that includes various dietary therapies. A low-glycemic index (GI) diet may be recommended in the treatment of obesity. Its use is also recognized as reasonable in cardiovascular diseases, including dyslipidemia. The aim of the presented nutritional intervention program was to evaluate the effectiveness of an energy-balanced diet based on the principal recommendation on Cardiovascular Health Integrated Lifestyle Diet-2 (CHILD-2) and low-GI products (LGI diet) in children and adolescents with excess body weight and dyslipidemia. The study involved 64 children and adolescents (44 boys and 20 girls) aged 8–16 with overweight or obesity and dyslipidemia. For 8 weeks, the participants followed a dietary treatment using two types of diets: one based on products with a low GI, and one standard therapy diet. During this time, they participated in three visits with a dietitian, during which the assessment of their current and habitual food intake was made, and anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were taken. Patients were under the care of a pediatrician who qualified them for the study and ordered lipid profile tests. This article presents the design, protocol of the nutritional intervention program, and baseline data. The collected results will be used to develop practical nutritional recommendations for children and adolescents with excess body weight and dyslipidemia.
Prediction of Early and Long-Term Hospital Readmission in Patients with Severe Obesity: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bioletto Fabio , Evangelista Andrea , Ciccone Giovannino , Brunani Amelia , Ponzo Valentina , Migliore Enrica , Pagano Eva , Comazzi Isabella , Merlo Fabio Dario , Rahimi Farnaz , Ghigo Ezio , Bo Simona
Published: August 2023

Adults with obesity have a higher risk of hospitalization and high hospitalization-related healthcare costs. However, a predictive model for the risk of readmission in patients with severe obesity is lacking. We conducted a retrospective cohort study enrolling all patients admitted for severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) between 2009 and 2018 to the Istituto Auxologico Italiano in Piancavallo. For each patient, all subsequent hospitalizations were identified from the regional database by a deterministic record-linkage procedure. A total of 1136 patients were enrolled and followed up for a median of 5.7 years (IQR: 3.1–8.2). The predictive factors associated with hospital readmission were age (HR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01–1.03, p < 0.001), BMI (HR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01–1.03, p = 0.001), smoking habit (HR = 1.17, 95%CI: 0.99–1.38, p = 0.060), serum creatinine (HR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.04–1.44, p = 0.016), diabetes (HR = 1.17, 95%CI: 1.00–1.36, p = 0.045), and number of admissions in the previous two years (HR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.07–1.23, p < 0.001). BMI lost its predictive role when restricting the analysis to readmissions within 90 days. BMI and diabetes lost their predictive roles when further restricting the analysis to readmissions within 30 days. In conclusion, in this study, we identified predictive variables associated with early and long-term hospital readmission in patients with severe obesity. Whether addressing modifiable risk factors could improve the outcome remains to be established.
Abdominal Obesity in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Relationship with Diet, Physical Activity and Insulin Resistance: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jurczewska Justyna , Ostrowska Joanna , Chełchowska Magdalena , Panczyk Mariusz , Rudnicka Ewa , Kucharski Marek , Smolarczyk Roman , Szostak-Węgierek Dorota
Published: August 2023

Abdominal obesity is a common feature of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and it is known to exacerbate insulin resistance (IR). Improper dietary and physical activity patterns are crucial environmental factors involved in the development of obesity, and they can significantly influence the central deposition of adipose tissue. Therefore, in this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between abdominal adiposity (measured by VAT (visceral adipose tissue), SAT (subcutaneous adipose tissue), VAT/SAT ratio (visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio), and WHR (waist-to-hip ratio)) and the prevalence and odds ratios of IR (measured by the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), the homeostatic model assessment-adiponectin (HOMA-AD) and leptin to adiponectin ratio (L/A ratio)) in 56 PCOS women. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between these abdominal obesity indices and diet and physical activity. An original food frequency questionnaire and Actigraph GT3X-BT were used to assess adherence to the diet recommended in IR and the level of physical activity, respectively. We observed a higher prevalence of IR among women with higher VAT, VAT/SAT, and WHR values compared to women with normal values of those abdominal obesity indices. Moreover, VAT/SAT seemed to be the best predictor of IR measured by HOMA-IR and HOMA-AD. However, VAT appeared to be the best and strongest predictor of IR measured by the L/A ratio. We also observed that higher adherence to the diet recommended in IR and higher levels of vigorous physical activity were associated with lower values of central fat accumulation indices and a greater chance of their normal values. Our findings indicate that central obesity increases the odds of IR and supports the beneficial role of diet and physical activity in the management of abdominal obesity in PCOS women.
Nutritional Description of Processed Foods with Fibre-Related Nutrition Claims in Spain: The BADALI Project
Authors: Ropero Ana B. , Borrás Fernando , Rodríguez Marta , Beltrá Marta
Published: August 2023

Fibre is one of the most beneficial nutrients for health and is very frequently used in nutrition claims (NCs) to promote foods. These claims may lead consumers to believe that products bearing them are healthy and/or healthier than those without them. The main objective of this work is to address this belief. This is the first exhaustive analysis of seven processed food types with fibre-related NCs (six cereal-based and one plant-based meat analogues) comparing them with those without these claims. The Spanish Food Database, BADALI, was used for this study. Results show that as many as 88.7% of processed foods with fibre-related NCs are classified as ‘less healthy’ according to the Nutrient Profile Model developed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO-NPM). When compared to foods without these NCs, similar results were obtained in the whole sample. Most of the observed divergences when analysing individual critical nutrients by food type indicate a deterioration of the nutritional quality. Foods with fibre-related NCs contained more fibre. The more frequent use of whole grain cereals or other fibre-specific ingredients may contribute to this. Some other nutritionally relevant differences were observed and half of them reflected a deterioration of the nutritional quality. In addition, these foods presented a lower prevalence of the organic version, as well as similar rates of mineral and vitamin fortification. Therefore, processed foods with fibre-related NCs are not healthy, nor present a better nutritional profile than those without.
Circulating Neuronatin Levels Are Positively Associated with BMI and Body Fat Mass but Not with Psychological Parameters
Authors: Rudolph Amelie , Stengel Andreas , Suhs Maria , Schaper Selina , Wölk Ellen , Rose Matthias , Hofmann Tobias
Published: August 2023

Human genetic studies have associated Neuronatin gene variants with anorexia nervosa (AN) and obesity. Studies on the expression of the Neuronatin gene product, a proteolipid, are lacking. We investigated the relationship between circulating Neuronatin, body mass index (BMI), body composition (BC), physical activity (PA), and psychometric outcomes in patients with AN, normal weight, and obesity. Plasma Neuronatin was measured by ELISA in (1) 79 subjects of five BMI categories (AN/BMI < 17.5 kg/m2; normal weight/BMI 18.5–25 kg/m2; obesity/BMI 30–40 kg/m2; obesity/BMI 40–50 kg/m2; obesity/BMI > 50 kg/m2) with assessment of BC (bioimpedance analysis; BIA); (2) 49 women with AN (BMI 14.5 ± 1.8 kg/m2) with measurements of BC (BIA) and PA (accelerometry); (3) 79 women with obesity (BMI 48.8 ± 7.8 kg/m2) with measurements of anxiety (GAD-7), stress (PSQ-20), depression (PHQ-9) and eating behavior (EDI-2). Overall, a positive correlation was found between Neuronatin and BMI (p = 0.006) as well as total fat mass (FM; p = 0.036). In AN, Neuronatin did not correlate with BMI, FM, or PA (p > 0.05); no correlations were found between Neuronatin and psychometric outcomes in obesity (p > 0.05). The findings suggest an FM-dependent peripheral Neuronatin expression. The decreased Neuronatin expression in AN provides evidence that Neuronatin is implicated in the pathogenesis of eating disorders.
Short-Term Caloric Restriction and Subsequent Re-Feeding Compromise Liver Health and Associated Lipid Mediator Signaling in Aged Mice
Authors: Schädel Patrick , Wichmann-Costaganna Mareike , Czapka Anna , Gebert Nadja , Ori Alessandro , Werz Oliver
Published: August 2023

Aging is characterized by alterations in the inflammatory microenvironment, which is tightly regulated by a complex network of inflammatory mediators. Excessive calorie consumption contributes to age- and lifestyle-associated diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer, while limited nutrient availability may lead to systemic health-promoting adaptations. Geroprotective effects of short-term caloric restriction (CR) can beneficially regulate innate immune receptors and interferon signaling in the liver of aged mice, but how CR impacts the hepatic release of immunomodulatory mediators like cytokines and lipid mediators (LM) is elusive. Here, we investigated the impact of aging on the inflammatory microenvironment in the liver and its linkage to calorie consumption. The livers of female young and aged C57BL/6JRj mice, as well as of aged mice after caloric restriction (CR) up to 28 days, with and without subsequent re-feeding (2 days), were evaluated. Surprisingly, despite differences in the hepatic proteome of young and old mice, aging did not promote a pro-inflammatory environment in the liver, but it reduced lipoxygenase-mediated formation of LM from polyunsaturated fatty acids without affecting the expression of the involved lipoxygenases and related oxygenases. Moreover, CR failed to ameliorate the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines but shifted the LM production to the formation of monohydroxylated LM with inflammation-resolving features. Unexpectedly, re-feeding after CR even further decreased the inflammatory response as LM species were markedly downregulated. Our findings raise the question of how short-term CR is indeed beneficial as a nutritional intervention for healthy elderly subjects and further stress the necessity to address tissue-specific inflammatory states.
Zinc Status and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: do Nascimento Priscila Kelly da Silva Bezerra , Oliveira Silva David Franciole , de Morais Tássia Louise Sousa Augusto , de Rezende Adriana Augusto
Published: August 2023

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, the prevalence of which has increased in children and adolescents over the years. Studies point to deficiency of trace elements as one of the factors involved in the etiology of the disorder, with zinc being one of the main trace elements investigated in individuals with ASD. The aim of this review is to summarize scientific evidence about the relationship between zinc status and ASD in children and adolescents. This review has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD42020157907). The methodological guidelines adopted were in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Studies were selected from an active investigation of the PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, and Google databases to search for observational studies. Fifty-two studies from twenty-two countries were included. The sample sizes ranged from 20 to 2635, and the participants ranged from 2 to 18 years old. Nine types of biological matrices were used, with hair, serum, and plasma being the most frequently used in the evaluation of zinc concentrations. Significant differences in zinc concentrations between the ASD and control groups were observed in 23 studies, of which 19 (36%) showed lower zinc concentrations in the ASD group. The classification of studies according to methodological quality resulted in high, moderate, and low quality in 10, 21, and 21 studies, respectively. In general, we did not observe a significant difference between zinc concentrations of children and adolescents with ASD compared to controls; however, studies point to an occurrence of lower concentrations of Zn in individuals with ASD. This review reveals that more prospective studies with greater methodological rigor should be conducted in order to further characterize this relation.
Genomic Characterization of Listeria innocua Isolates Recovered from Cattle Farms, Beef Abattoirs, and Retail Outlets in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Gana James , Gcebe Nomakorinte , Pierneef Rian Ewald , Chen Yi , Moerane Rebone , Adesiyun Abiodun Adewale
Published: August 2023

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used for the genomic characterization of one hundred and ten strains of Listeria innocua (L. innocua) isolated from twenty-three cattle farms, eight beef abattoirs, and forty-eight retail outlets in Gauteng province, South Africa. In silico multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to identify the isolates’ sequence types (STs). BLAST-based analyses were used to identify antimicrobial and virulence genes. The study also linked the detection of the genes to the origin (industries and types of samples) of the L. innocua isolates. The study detected 14 STs, 13 resistance genes, and 23 virulence genes. Of the 14 STs detected, ST637 (26.4%), ST448 (20%), 537 (13.6%), and 1085 (12.7%) were predominant, and the frequency varied significantly (p < 0.05). All 110 isolates of L. innocua were carriers of one or more antimicrobial resistance genes, with resistance genes lin (100%), fosX (100%), and tet(M) (30%) being the most frequently detected (p < 0.05). Of the 23 virulence genes recognized, 13 (clpC, clpE, clpP, hbp1, svpA, hbp2, iap/cwhA, lap, lpeA, lplA1, lspA, oatA, pdgA, and prsA2) were found in all 110 isolates of L. innocua. Overall, diversity and significant differences were detected in the frequencies of STs, resistance, and virulence genes according to the origins (source and sample type) of the L. innocua isolates. This, being the first genomic characterization of L. innocua recovered from the three levels/industries (farm, abattoir, and retail) of the beef production system in South Africa, provides data on the organism’s distribution and potential food safety implications.
Factors Affecting the Spread, Diagnosis, and Control of African Swine Fever in the Philippines
Authors: Hsu Chia-Hui , Schambow Rachel , Montenegro Maximino , Miclat-Sonaco Ruth , Perez Andres
Published: August 2023

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease that threatens the swine industry globally. Since its introduction into the Philippines in 2019, ASF has spread extensively in both commercial and backyard farms. Here, using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, including conjoint and SWOT analyses, world café discussions, and multivariable regression models, the most important factors that influence the spread, diagnosis, and control of ASF in the Philippines were identified. Research findings suggest that swill or contaminated feed, inadequate biosecurity protocols, and movement of personnel were the top risk factors favoring ASF spread among farms in general. For commercial farms, contaminated vehicles and personnel were also important, whereas for backyard farms, the introduction of new pigs, environmental contamination, and poor feeding quality were relevant risk factors. Notable clinical signs of ASF in pigs include reduced feed intake, huddled behavior, and reluctance to stand. This study highlights the need for timely reporting, trust-building initiatives, and enhanced biosecurity measures to effectively manage ASF outbreaks in the country. Results here contribute to the knowledge of factors affecting ASF spread in the Philippines and can help design prevention and control measures in ASF-infected countries while enhancing preparedness in countries free from the disease.
Synthesis, In Silico Logp Study, and In Vivo Analgesic Activity of Analogs of Tetrapeptide FELL
Authors: Borisova Boryana , Nocheva Hristina , Gérard Stéphane , Laronze-Cochard Marie , Dobrev Stefan , Angelova Silvia , Petrin Stoyko , Danalev Dancho
Published: August 2023

Background: The inflammatory process represents a specific response of the organism’s immune system. More often, it is related to the rising pain in the affected area. Independently of its origin, pain represents a complex and multidimensional acute or chronic subjective unpleasant perception. Currently, medical doctors prescribe various analgesics for pain treatment, but unfortunately, many of them have adverse effects or are not strong enough to suppress the pain. Thus, the search for new pain-relieving medical drugs continues. Methods: New tetrapeptide analogs of FELL with a generaanalgesic-Glu-X3-X4-Z, where X = Nle, Ile, or Val and Z = NH2 or COOH, containing different hydrophobic amino acids at positions 3 and 4, were synthesized by means of standard solid-phase peptide synthesis using the Fmoc/OtBu strategy in order to study the influence of structure and hydrophobicity on the analgesic activity. The purity of all compounds was monitored by HPLC, and their structures were proven by ESI-MS. Logp values (partition coefficient in octanol/water) for FELL analogs were calculated. Analgesic activity was examined by the Paw-pressure test (Randall-Selitto test). Results: The obtained results reveal that Leu is the best choice as a hydrophobic amino acid in the FELL structure. Conclusions: The best analgesic activity is found in the parent compound FELL and its C-terminal amide analog.
Anticholinesterase and Serotoninergic Evaluation of Benzimidazole–Carboxamides as Potential Multifunctional Agents for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Belinskaia Daria A. , Voronina Polina A. , Krivorotov Denis V. , Jenkins Richard O. , Goncharov Nikolay V.
Published: August 2023

The etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease are multifactorial, so one of the treatment strategies is the development of the drugs that affect several targets associated with the pathogenesis of the disease. Within this roadmap, we investigated the interaction of several substituted 1,3-dihydro-2-oxo-1H-benzimidazol-2-ones with their potential molecular targets: cholinesterases (ChE) and three types of the Gs-protein-coupled serotonin receptors (5-HTR) 5-HT6, 5-HT4 and 5-HT7 (5-HT4R, 5-HT6R and 5-HT7R, respectively). A microplate modification of the Ellman method was used for the biochemical analysis of the inhibitory ability of the drugs towards ChE. Molecular modeling methods, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in water and the lipid bilayer, were used to study the interaction of the compounds with ChE and 5-HTR. In vitro experiments showed that the tested compounds had moderate anticholinesterase activity. With the help of molecular modeling methods, the mechanism of interaction of the tested compounds with ChE was investigated, the binding sites were described and the structural features of the drugs that determine the strength of their anticholinesterase activity were revealed. Primary in silico evaluation showed that benzimidazole–carboxamides effectively bind to 5-HT4R and 5-HT7R. The pool of the obtained data allows us to choose N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-2-oxo-3-(tert-butyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzimidazole-1-carboxamide hydrochloride (compound 13) as the most promising for further experimental development.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Solid Tumor Oncology: An Effectiveness Payday with a Targeted Payload
Authors: Kondrashov Aleksei , Sapkota Surendra , Sharma Aditya , Riano Ivy , Kurzrock Razelle , Adashek Jacob J.
Published: August 2023

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are at the forefront of the drug development revolution occurring in oncology. Formed from three main components—an antibody, a linker molecule, and a cytotoxic agent (“payload”), ADCs have the unique ability to deliver cytotoxic agents to cells expressing a specific antigen, a great leap forward from traditional chemotherapeutic approaches that cause widespread effects without specificity. A variety of payloads can be used, including most frequently microtubular inhibitors (auristatins and maytansinoids), as well as topoisomerase inhibitors and alkylating agents. Finally, linkers play a critical role in the ADCs’ effect, as cleavable moieties that serve as linkers impact site-specific activation as well as bystander killing effects, an upshot that is especially important in solid tumors that often express a variety of antigens. While ADCs were initially used in hematologic malignancies, their utility has been demonstrated in multiple solid tumor malignancies, including breast, gastrointestinal, lung, cervical, ovarian, and urothelial cancers. Currently, six ADCs are FDA-approved for the treatment of solid tumors: ado-trastuzumab emtansine and trastuzumab deruxtecan, both anti-HER2; enfortumab-vedotin, targeting nectin-4; sacituzuzmab govitecan, targeting Trop2; tisotumab vedotin, targeting tissue factor; and mirvetuximab soravtansine, targeting folate receptor-alpha. Although they demonstrate utility and tolerable safety profiles, ADCs may become ineffective as tumor cells undergo evolution to avoid expressing the specific antigen being targeted. Furthermore, the current cost of ADCs can be limiting their reach. Here, we review the structure and functions of ADCs, as well as ongoing clinical investigations into novel ADCs and their potential as treatments of solid malignancies.
Bovine Lactoferrin-Loaded Plasmonic Magnetoliposomes for Antifungal Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Pereira Mélanie , Rodrigues Ana Rita O. , Amaral Leslie , Côrte-Real Manuela , Santos-Pereira Cátia , Castanheira Elisabete M. S.
Published: August 2023

Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) is a milk-derived protein that exhibits potent broad-spectrum antifungal activity against multiple fungi. bLf is susceptible to degradation, while some of its properties depend on the tertiary structure. So, the encapsulation of bLf in stimuli-responsive therapeutic formulations provides an added value to enhance its biological activities. Plasmonic magnetoliposomes (PMLs) arise as promising nanocarriers for dual hyperthermia (magneto-photothermia) and local chemotherapy, since the combination of magnetic and gold nanoparticles (NPs) in a single nanosystem (multifunctional liposomes) enables the targeting and controlled release of loaded drugs. In this work, plasmonic magnetoliposomes (PMLs) containing manganese ferrite nanoparticles (28 nm size) and gold nanoparticles (5–7.5 nm size), functionalized with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid or octadecanethiol, were prepared and loaded with bLf. The NPs’ optical, magnetic and structural properties were measured via UV/vis/NIR absorption spectroscopy, SQUID and TEM, respectively. The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) was calculated to assess the capabilities for magnetic and photothermal hyperthermia. Finally, the antifungal potential of bLf-loaded PMLs and their mechanism of internalization were assessed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by counting the colony forming units and using fluorescence microscopy. The results demonstrate that PMLs are mainly internalized through an energy- and temperature-dependent endocytic process, though the contribution of a diffusion component cannot be discarded. Most notably, only bLf-loaded plasmonic magnetoliposomes display cytotoxicity with an efficiency similar to free bLf, attesting their promising potential for bLf delivery in the context of antifungal therapeutic interventions.
Impact of Poloxamer on Crystal Nucleation and Growth of Amorphous Clotrimazole
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yang Ziqing , Luo Liquan , Li Kang , Zi Taotao , Ren Junjie , Pan Lei , Wang Ziyue , Wang Zihao , Liu Minzhuo , Zeng Zhihong
Published: August 2023

Surfactants have been widely used as effective additives to increase the solubility and dissolution rates of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs). However, they may also generate adverse effects on the physical stability of ASDs. In this study, we systematically investigated the impacts of poloxamer, a frequently used surfactant, on the crystallization of amorphous clotrimazole (CMZ). The added poloxamer significantly decreased the glass transition temperature (Tg) of CMZ and accelerated the growth of Form 1 and Form 2 crystals. It was found that the poloxamer had an accelerating effect on Form 1 and Form 2 but showed a larger accelerating effect on Form 1, which resulted from a combined effect of increased mobility and local phase separation at the crystal–liquid interface. Additionally, the added poloxamer exhibited different effects on nucleation of the CMZ polymorphs, which was more complicated than crystal growth. The nucleation rate of Form 1 was significantly increased by the added poloxamer, and the effect increased with increasing P407 content. However, for Form 2, nucleation was slightly decreased or unchanged. The nucleation of Form 2 may have been influenced by the Form 1 crystallization, and Form 2 converted to Form 1 during nucleation. This study increases our understanding of poloxamer and its impacts on the melt crystallization of drugs.
An Efficient Silicon Grating Coupler for a 2 μm Waveband Based on a Polysilicon Overlay
Authors: Wu Yifan , Wu Yuzhou , Xu Jiefeng , Wang Xi , Wu You , Chen Yanglin , Li Jiahang , Xu Ke
Published: August 2023

The short-wavelength mid-infrared spectral range of the 2 μm waveband has the advantages of low transmission loss and broad gain bandwidth, making it a promising candidate for the next optical fiber communication window. It is thus highly desired to develop high-performance silicon photonic components in this waveband. Here, an efficient dual-layer grating coupler was designed on a 220 nm thick silicon-on-insulator based on raised polysilicon to address the low directionality issue. For the fiber tilted at an angle of 10°, the grating coupler’s simulated coupling efficiency reaches 80.3% (−0.95 dB) at a wavelength of 2002 nm. The 1 dB bandwidth is 66 nm. The structure is completely compatible with the standard silicon photonic fabrication process, making it suitable for large volume fabrication.
Antagonistic Regulation of ABA Responses by Duplicated Tandemly Repeated DUF538 Protein Genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Yingying , Wang Wei , Zhang Na , Cheng Yuxin , Hussain Saddam , Wang Yating , Tian Hainan , Hussain Hadia , Lin Rao , Yuan Yuan , Wang Chen , Wang Tianya , Wang Shucai
Published: August 2023

The plant hormone ABA (abscisic acid) regulates plant responses to abiotic stresses by regulating the expression of ABA response genes. However, the functions of a large portion of ABA response genes have remained unclear. We report in this study the identification of ASDs (ABA-inducible signal peptide-containing DUF538 proteins), a subgroup of DUF538 proteins with a signal peptide, as the regulators of plant responses to ABA in Arabidopsis. ASDs are encoded by four closely related DUF538 genes, with ASD1/ASD2 and ASD3/ASD4 being two pairs of duplicated tandemly repeated genes. The quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that the expression levels of ASDs increased significantly in response to ABA as well as NaCl and mannitol treatments, with the exception that the expression level of ASD2 remained largely unchanged in response to NaCl treatment. The results of Arabidopsis protoplast transient transfection assays showed that ASDs were localized on the plasma membrane and in the cytosol and nucleus. When recruited to the promoter of the reporter gene via a fused GD domain, ASDs were able to slightly repress the expression of the co-transfected reporter gene. Seed germination and cotyledon greening assays showed that ABA sensitivity was increased in the transgenic plants that were over-expressing ASD1 or ASD3 but decreased in the transgenic plants that were over-expressing ASD2 or ASD4. On the other hand, ABA sensitivity was increased in the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited asd2 single mutants but decreased in the asd3 single mutants. A transcriptome analysis showed that differentially expressed genes in the 35S:ASD2 transgenic plant seedlings were enriched in several different processes, including in plant growth and development, the secondary metabolism, and plant hormone signaling. In summary, our results show that ASDs are ABA response genes and that ASDs are involved in the regulation of plant responses to ABA in Arabidopsis; however, ASD1/ASD3 and ASD2/ASD4 have opposite functions.
Probing the Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Moringa oleifera under Ideal Germination Conditions
Authors: Bhuker Axay , Malik Anurag , Punia Himani , McGill Craig , Sofkova-Bobcheva Svetla , Mor Virender Singh , Singh Nirmal , Ahmad Ajaz , Mansoor Sheikh
Published: August 2023

Moringa oleifera is a rich source of polyphenols whose contents and profile may vary according to environmental conditions, harvest season, and plant tissue. The present study aimed to characterize the profile of phenolic compounds in different tissues of M. oleifera grown under different temperatures (25, 30, and 35 °C), using HPLC/MS, as well as their constituent phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant activities. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylenebenzothiozoline-6-sulfonicacid (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The polyphenolic compounds were mainly found in the leaves at 30 °C. UPLC/QTOF-MS allowed for the identification of 34 polyphenolic components in seedlings, primarily consisting of glucosides, phenols, flavonoids, and methoxy flavones. At 30 °C, the specific activities of antioxidative enzymes were the highest in leaves, followed by seedlings and then seeds. The leaf and seed extracts also exhibited a greater accumulation of proline, glycine betaine, and antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, and carotenoids, as measured by the inhibition of ROS production. We found that changes in the expression levels of the validated candidate genes Cu/Zn-SOD, APX, GPP, and TPS lead to significant differences in the germination rate and biochemical changes. These findings demonstrate that M. oleifera plants have high concentrations of phytochemicals and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for further research to determine their use as health-promoting dietary supplements.
Responses to Airborne Ozone and Soilborne Metal Pollution in Afforestation Plants with Different Life Forms
Authors: Günthardt-Goerg Madeleine S. , Schläpfer Rodolphe , Vollenweider Pierre
Published: August 2023

With the current increases in environmental stress, understanding species-specific responses to multiple stress agents is needed. This science is especially important for managing ecosystems that are already confronted with considerable pollution. In this study, responses to ozone (O3, ambient daily course values + 20 ppb) and mixed metal contamination in soils (MC, cadmium/copper/lead/zinc = 25/1100/2500/1600 mg kg−1), separately and in combination, were evaluated for three plant species (Picea abies, Acer pseudoplatanus, Tanacetum vulgare) with different life forms and ecological strategies. The two treatments elicited similar stress reactions, as shown by leaf functional traits, gas exchange, tannin, and nutrient markers, irrespective of the plant species and life form, whereas the reactions to the treatments differed in magnitude. Visible and microscopic injuries at the organ or cell level appeared along the penetration route of ozone and metal contamination. At the whole plant level, the MC treatment caused more severe injuries than the O3 treatment and few interactions were observed between the two stress factors. Picea trees, with a slow-return strategy, showed the highest stress tolerance in apparent relation to an enhancement of conservative traits and an exclusion of stress agents. The ruderal and more acquisitive Tanacetum forbs translocated large amounts of contaminants above ground, which may be of concern in a phytostabilisation context. The deciduous Acer trees—also with an acquisitive strategy—were most sensitive to both stress factors. Hence, species with slow-return strategies may be of particular interest for managing metal-polluted sites in the current context of multiple stressors and for safely confining soil contaminants below ground.
Molecular and Morphological Characterization of Introgression Lines with Resistance to Bacterial Leaf Blight and Blast in Rice
Authors: Varanasi Yasaswini Vishnu Priya , Isetty Subhakara Rao , Revadi Padmashree , Balakrishnan Divya , Hajira Shaik , Prasad Madamsetty Srinivasa , Laha Gouri Shankar , Perraju Puvvada , Singh Uma Maheshwar , Singh Vikas Kumar , Kumar Arvind , Sundaram Raman Meenakshi , Badri Jyothi
Published: August 2023

The present study evaluates marker assisted forward breeding (MAFB)-derived disease resistant introgression lines (ILs) which do not have the targeted resistance genes for bacterial blight (xa5 + xa13 + Xa21) and blast (Pi2 + Pi9 + Pi54). The ILs were derived in the background of two elite rice cultivars, Krishna Hamsa [Recurrent Parent 1 (RP1)] and WGL 14 (RP2), involving multi-parent inter-crossing. Molecular characterization with gene specific markers for seven reported resistance genes each for bacterial blight (Xa33, Xa38, xa23, Xa4, xa8, Xa27 and Xa41) and blast (Pi1, Pi20, Pi38, Pib, Pitp, Pizt and Pi40) revealed the presence of xa8 and Xa38, in addition to the targeted xa5, xa13 and Xa21 for bacterial blight resistance and Pi1, Pi38, Pi40, Pi20, Pib and Pipt, in addition to the targeted Pi9 and Pi54, for blast resistance in various combinations. A maximum of nine resistance genes xa5 + Xa21 + Pi54 + xa8 + Pipt + Pi38 + Pi1 + Pi20 + Pib was observed in RP1-IL 19030 followed by eight genes xa5 + xa13 + Xa21 + xa8 + Pi9 + Pipt + Pi1 + Pi20 in two RP2-ILs, 19344 and 19347. ANOVA revealed the presence of significant variability for all the yield traits except “days to 50% flowering” (DFF). Box plots depicted the seasonal differences in the phenotypic expression of the yield traits. There was significant positive association of grain yield with days to flowering, tiller number and panicle number. Thousand grain weight is also significantly and positively correlated with grain yield. On the contrary, grain yield showed a significantly negative association with plant height. Multi-parent selective inter-crossing in the present study not only led to the development of high yielding disease resistant ILs but also enhanced recovery of the recurrent parent via selection for essential morphological features. More than 90.0% genetic similarity in the ILs based on SNP-based background selection demonstrated the success of multi-parent selective intercrossing in the development of disease resistant NILs.
From Nature to Lab: Sustainable Bacterial Cellulose Production and Modification with Synthetic Biology
Authors: Potočnik Vid , Gorgieva Selestina , Trček Janja
Published: August 2023

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a macromolecule with versatile applications in medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology, cosmetology, food and food packaging, ecology, and electronics. Although many bacteria synthesize BC, the most efficient BC producers are certain species of the genera Komagataeibacter and Novacetimonas. These are also food-grade bacteria, simplifying their utilization at industrial facilities. The basic principles of BC synthesis are known from studies of Komagataeibacter xylinus, which became a model species for studying BC at genetic and molecular levels. Cellulose can also be of plant origin, but BC surpasses its purity. Moreover, the laboratory production of BC enables in situ modification into functionalized material with incorporated molecules during its synthesis. The possibility of growing Komagataeibacter and Novacetimonas species on various organic substrates and agricultural and food waste compounds also follows the green and sustainable economy principles. Further intervention into BC synthesis was enabled by genetic engineering tools, subsequently directing it into the field of synthetic biology. This review paper presents the development of the fascinating field of BC synthesis at the molecular level, seeking sustainable ways for its production and its applications towards genetic modifications of bacterial strains for producing novel types of living biomaterials using the flexible metabolic machinery of bacteria.
The Re-/Up-Cycling of Wood Waste in Wood–Polymer Composites (WPCs) for Common Applications
Authors: Teacă Carmen-Alice , Shahzad Asim , Duceac Ioana A. , Tanasă Fulga
Published: August 2023

Wood–polymer composites (WPCs) are a class of materials intensively studied and promoted in the context of sustainable development, mainly when aspects related to the increasing awareness of environmental issues and waste management are considered. Feasible opportunities for producing WPCs with value-added properties intended for common applications emerge when polymers, either synthetic or from renewable resources, raw or waste, are employed in re-/up-cycling approaches. In this context, some examples of easily achievable WPCs are presented herein, namely, formulations based on different wood waste and polymer matrices (synthetic: polypropylene and malleated polypropylene as a compatibilizer; natural: plasticized starch). Their level of performance was assessed through different characterization methods (FTIR, WAXD, TGA, DSC, mechanical test, etc.). The benefits and limitations of this approach are also discussed.
Laboratory Studies about Microplastic Aging and Its Effects on the Adsorption of Chlorpyrifos
Authors: Martinho Sílvia D. , Fernandes Vírgínia Cruz , Figueiredo Sónia A. , Vilarinho Rui , Moreira J. Agostinho , Delerue-Matos Cristina
Published: August 2023

The constant change in microplastics (MP) due to exposure to environmental conditions leads to physical and chemical changes that enhance their ability to transport other pollutants, increasing the concern about their widespread presence in the environment. This work aimed to simulate the aging process of six MP (polyamide 6, unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate, polypropylene) in freshwater and seawater ecosystems at laboratory scale and evaluate its effects through optical microscope observation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR), Raman spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Through a combined experimental study of aged MP, the degradation by UV interaction was evidenced by the appearance of new infrared bands in the FTIR spectra assigned to ketones and hydroxyl groups. While Raman analysis and microscope images reveal the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and roughness in the MP surfaces. Variations in the temperature of the maximum weight loss of the MP were observed in the TGA analysis. The adsorption of chlorpyrifos (CPF), a common pesticide widely used in agriculture, by the pristine and aged MP was also studied. The highest affinity for CPF was observed for pristine LDPE and the lowest for PP. The batch adsorption studies revealed an increase in adsorption capacity as a consequence of the aging process for both MP. These results proved that the weathering effects caused changes in the behavior of MP, namely in the interaction with other pollutants.
The Performance and Synthesis of Alkynyl−Functionalized Benzoxazine Containing Phthalide Side Groups and Cyano Groups with Different Molecular Weights
Authors: Kang Nianjun , Yang Shuai , Xiong Xuhai , Han Anchang , Ren Rong , Wang Jing
Published: August 2023

Benzoxazine resins are widely employed in a variety of applications due to their exceptional heat resistance and treatment properties. However, traditional benzoxazine resins still confront hurdles in today’s engineering applications, such as their inability to provide long-term service in high-temperature settings and their inadequate toughness. In this study, four alkyne-functionalized benzoxazines with phthalide side groups and cyano groups of varying molecular weights were produced. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) were used to characterize the resin structure, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate the thermal curing kinetics at different warming rates. The apparent activation energy was 116.9 kJ/mol. In-situ FT-IR was used to investigate the cure mechanism. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was used to evaluate the gelation time of BOZ series resins at various temperatures, and the curing process was designed by combining the results with DSC. The Tg of the composites made using BOZ-1N21 as the matrix was 336 °C, which was much higher than the Tg of the BP-a resin made with aniline, phenolphthalein, and formaldehyde (Tg = 251 °C). As a result, the resin system is expected to be employed in applications requiring high-temperature resistance and toughness.
Acoustic Impedance Evaluation of the Polymer–Polymer Hybrid Composites as Insulator Building Materials
Authors: Fahad Besma M. , Al-jadiri Rand Salih Farhan
Published: August 2023

Acoustic energy dissipates in multi-phase or multi-boundary materials. Hybrid composites are described as multi-phase with many interfaces between their materials. The current research proposes the study of the acoustic behavior of polymeric hybrid composites by estimating the time, velocity, and hybrid composite acoustic impedance. Two groups of hybrid composites were prepared, including unsaturated polyester with PMMA, except one with HDPE and the other with PS. Each group had 28%, 35%, and 40% weight fractions. An ultrasonic test measured the time to determine the velocity and then the acoustic impedance later. The results showed that increasing the weight fraction will increase the density with respect to the density of the reinforcing material. Different ultrasonic times were obtained with increasing weight fractions. As the weight fraction of PS increased, the time increased; unlike the velocity, it decreased but increased with density. In contrast, this behavior was changed if the hybrid had PE. The highest acoustic impedance was at 28% UP/PMMA + PS. In conclusion, UP/PMMA + PS can dissipate ultrasonic waves more than UP/PMMA + PE.
Preparation and Characterization of Biomass Tannin-Based Flexible Foam Insoles for Athletes
Authors: Zuo Zhikai , Liu Bowen , Essawy Hisham , Huang Zhigang , Tang Jun , Miao Zhe , Chen Fei , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2023

The exploitation of bio-based foams implies an increase in the use of renewable biological resources to reduce the rapid consumption of petroleum-derived resources. Both tannins and furfuryl alcohol are derived from forestry resources and are, therefore, considered attractive precursors for the preparation of tannin–furanic foams. In addition, toughening modification of tannin–furanic foams using polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) results in a more flexible network-like structure, which imparts excellent flexibility to the foams, whose relative properties are even close to those of polyurethane foams, which are the most used for fabrication of insoles for athletes. In addition, the addition of PVOH does not affect the thermal insulation properties of the foams by testing the thermal conductivity, resilience, and elongation at break, while reducing the brittleness of the samples and improving the mechanical properties. Also, the observation of the morphology of the foam shows that the compatibility between PVOH and tannin–furanic resin is good, and the cured foam does not show fragmentation and collapse, while the bubble pore structure is uniform. The developed flexible foam derived from biomass resources endows the foam with good thermal insulation properties and high mechanical properties, and the samples exhibit suitable physical parameters to be used as flexible insoles for athletes.
3D Printing Soft Magnet: Binder Study for Vat Photopolymerization of Ferrosilicon Magnetic Composites
Authors: Okoruwa Leah , Sameni Farzaneh , Borisov Pavel , Sabet Ehsan
Published: August 2023

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) masking is a 3D printing technique that can produce soft magnetic composite parts to high resolution and complexity for robotics and energy electronics applications. This additive manufacturing technique has the potential to produce larger, lighter-weight, more efficient, and more durable parts for automotive and mechanical applications. This study conducted a binder study to create a low-viscosity and stiff binder capable of loading at least 60 v/v% Fe-6.5 wt%Si particles. Percolation Theory was applied to anticipate the magnetic interaction of suspended particles. A series of binders were formulated, with adjustments to diluent ratios. The behavior of the binders was assessed by studying their rheological properties, conversion rates, and mechanical properties. A post-cure study was conducted across various energy settings using UV, thermal, and a combination of both energy sources to find the combination that provided the best mechanical properties. As a result, 64 v/v% Fe-6.5 wt%Si loading was achieved and cured using UV light of 405 nm wavelength. Vibrating Sample Spectroscopy (VSM) was used to characterize the composite’s magnetic behavior, and a significant increase in saturation magnetization and negligible change in coercivity was observed when the added load exceeded the percolation threshold.
Self-Vibration of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Strings under Steady Illumination
Authors: Wu Haiyang , Dai Yuntong , Li Kai
Published: August 2023

Self-vibrating systems based on active materials have been widely developed, but most of the existing self-oscillating systems are complex and difficult to control. To fulfill the requirements of different functions and applications, it is necessary to construct more self-vibrating systems that are easy to control, simple in material preparation and fast in response. This paper proposes a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) string–mass structure capable of continuous vibration under steady illumination. Based on the linear elastic model and the dynamic LCE model, the dynamic governing equations of the LCE string–mass system are established. Through numerical calculation, two regimes of the LCE string–mass system, namely the static regime and the self-vibration regime, are obtained. In addition, the light intensity, contraction coefficient and elastic coefficient of the LCE can increase the amplitude and frequency of the self-vibration, while the damping coefficient suppresses the self-oscillation. The LCE string–-mass system proposed in this paper has the advantages of simple structure, easy control and customizable size, which has a wide application prospect in the fields of energy harvesting, autonomous robots, bionic instruments and medical equipment.