bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Dietary Patterns on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Sánchez-Rosales Abril I. , Guadarrama-López Ana L. , Gaona-Valle Laura S. , Martínez-Carrillo Beatriz E. , Valdés-Ramos Roxana
Published: November 2022

Some evidence supports the fact that chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the physiopathology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and circulating markers of inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein (CRP), pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., adiponectin), and endothelial function markers could indicate an ongoing pathology. Following certain dietary patterns (DPs) may result in favorable changes in inflammatory biomarkers. The overarching aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the inflammatory effect of healthy DPs on inflammatory biomarkers in adults with T2DM. A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the electronic databases MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. A total of 10 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were analyzed. In our linear meta-analysis, the random-effects model was applied to estimate standardized mean differences (SMD) to associate the effect of the interventions. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Diabetes UK healthy eating, Mediterranean Diet (MD), Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), and the American Heart Association’s Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet were associated with a significant reduction in CRP (SMD: −0.83, 99% CI −1.49, −0.17, p < 0.001; I2 94%), while plasma levels of adiponectin were significantly higher with the intake of MD, DPP, and Diabetes UK healthy eating (SMD: 0.81, 99% CI 0.06,1.56, p < 0.005; I2 96%), both of which indicate less inflammation. Sensitivity analyses were carried out, and potential publication bias was examined. In conclusion, low- moderate-quality evidence from RCTs suggests that, for the DPs evaluated, there are favorable changes in CRP and adiponectin.
Quality Appraisal of Nutritional Guidelines to Prevent, Diagnose, and Treat Malnutrition in All Its Forms during Pregnancy
Authors: Muñoz-Manrique Cinthya , Ancira-Moreno Mónica , Burrola-Méndez Soraya , Omaña-Guzmán Isabel , Hoyos-Loya Elizabeth , Hernández-Cordero Sonia , Trejo-Domínguez Alejandra , Mazariegos Mónica , Smith Natalia , Alonso-Carmona Scarlett , Mier-Cabrera Jennifer , Tavano-Colaizzi Loredana , Sánchez-Múzquiz Belén , Avendaño-Álvarez Fermín , Muciño-Sandoval Karla , Rodríguez-Moguel Nadia C. , Padilla-Camacho Magali , Espino-y-Sosa Salvador , Ibarra-González Lizeth , Medina-Avilés Cristina
Published: November 2022

This work aimed to identify clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that include recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of women’s malnutrition during pregnancy and to evaluate the quality of these guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. We conducted a literature review using PubMed and different websites from January 2009 to February 2021. The quality of the CPGs was independently assessed by reviewers using the AGREE II instrument, which defines guidelines scoring >70% in the overall assessment as “high quality”. The analysis included 43 guidelines. Among the main findings, we identified that only half of the CPGs (51.1%) obtained a final “high quality” evaluation. AGREE II results varied widely across domains and categories. The two domains that obtained the highest scores were scope and purpose with 88.3% (range 39 to 100%) and clarity of presentation with 87.2% (range 25 to 100%). Among the “high quality” CPGs, the best scores were achieved by the three guidelines published by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Due to the importance of maternal nutrition in pregnancy, it is essential to join forces to improve the quality of the guidelines, especially in CPGs that do not meet the reference standards for quality.
FDF-DB: A Database of Traditional Fermented Dairy Foods and Their Associated Microbiota
Authors: Zinno Paola , Calabrese Francesco Maria , Schifano Emily , Sorino Paolo , Di Cagno Raffaella , Gobbetti Marco , Parente Eugenio , De Angelis Maria , Devirgiliis Chiara
Published: November 2022

Background: Fermented foods are attracting increasing interest due to their nutritional and health benefits, including a positive impact on gut microbiota exerted by their associated microbes. However, information relative to traditional fermented dairy products, along with their autochthonous microbiota, is still fragmented and poorly standardized. Therefore, our aim was to collect and aggregate data useful for obtaining a comprehensive overview translated in a classical database interface that can be easily handled by users. Methods: a preliminary inventory was built up by systematically collecting data from publicly available resources for the creation of a list of traditional dairy foods produced worldwide, including additional metadata useful for stratifying, and collapsing subgroups. Results: we developed the Fermented Dairy Food Database (FDF-DB), a feasible resource comprising 1852 traditional dairy foods (cheeses, fermented milks, and yogurt) for which microbial content and other associated metadata such as geographical indication label, country/region of origin, technological aspects were gathered. Conclusions: FDF-DB is a useful and user-friendly resource where taxonomic information and processing production details converge. This resource will be of great aid for researchers, food industries, stakeholders and any user interested in the identification of technological and microbiological features characterizing traditional fermented dairy products.
Research Advances on the Damage Mechanism of Skin Glycation and Related Inhibitors
Authors: Zheng Wenge , Li Huijuan , Go Yuyo , Chan Xi Hui (Felicia) , Huang Qing , Wu Jianxin
Published: November 2022

Our skin is an organ with the largest contact area between the human body and the external environment. Skin aging is affected directly by both endogenous factors and exogenous factors (e.g., UV exposure). Skin saccharification, a non-enzymatic reaction between proteins, e.g., dermal collagen and naturally occurring reducing sugars, is one of the basic root causes of endogenous skin aging. During the reaction, a series of complicated glycation products produced at different reaction stages and pathways are usually collectively referred to as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs cause cellular dysfunction through the modification of intracellular molecules and accumulate in tissues with aging. AGEs are also associated with a variety of age-related diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renal failure (uremia), and Alzheimer’s disease. AGEs accumulate in the skin with age and are amplified through exogenous factors, e.g., ultraviolet radiation, resulting in wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dull yellowing, and other skin problems. This article focuses on the damage mechanism of glucose and its glycation products on the skin by summarizing the biochemical characteristics, compositions, as well as processes of the production and elimination of AGEs. One of the important parts of this article would be to summarize the current AGEs inhibitors to gain insight into the anti-glycation mechanism of the skin and the development of promising natural products with anti-glycation effects.
Factors Associated with Functional Constipation among Students of a Chinese University: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Yuhan , Lin Qian , An Xin , Tan Xiuying , Yang Lina
Published: November 2022

Functional constipation (FC) is prevalent worldwide and is an increasingly prominent problem among university students. However, there is a paucity of research on FC in university students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of FC among Chinese university students by the Rome III criteria and investigate its associated factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted by online questionnaires among 929 university students at a Chinese university. Food consumption was assessed with the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQFFQ) and dietary patterns were analyzed using factor analysis. A binary logistic regression model was applied to clarify FC-associated factors. The prevalence of FC among university students was 5.1%. Interestingly, among university students, the prevalence of FC with “complex” dietary pattern was significantly higher than those with “vegetable, fruit, egg and milk-based” and “livestock and aquatic product-based” dietary pattern (9.9% vs. 3.1% vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of FC was significantly higher among university students with moderate to severe sleep disorders than those with the other sleep status (χ2 = 18.100, p < 0.001). Furthermore, after adjusting the covariates, “complex” dietary pattern (OR = 4.023, p < 0.001), moderate to severe sleep disorders (OR = 3.003, p = 0.006), overeating (OR = 2.502, p = 0.032), long mealtime (>30 min) (OR = 6.001, p = 0.007), and poor defecation habits (OR = 3.069, p = 0.042) were positively associated with FC among university students. Based on the above-associated factors for FC, improving dietary patterns and sleep status and developing good bowel and dietary habits are essential to prevent and alleviate university students’ FC.
Age and Sexual Maturity Estimation of Stranded Striped Dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba, Infected with Brucella ceti
Authors: Roca-Monge Karol , González-Barrientos Rocío , Suárez-Esquivel Marcela , Palacios-Alfaro José David , Castro-Ramírez Laura , Jiménez-Soto Mauricio , Cordero-Chavarría Minor , García-Párraga Daniel , Barratclough Ashley , Moreno Edgardo , Hernández-Mora Gabriela
Published: November 2022

Age parameters in cetaceans allow examining conservation and studying individuals with growth affection. The age and sexual maturity of 51 stranded Stenella coeruleoalba striped dolphins from the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) of Costa Rica, most suffering brucellosis (95.6%), were assessed. In order to ascertain the dolphins’ ages, we measured the length and growth of dentin-layer group counts (GLGs) and assessed flipper bone radiography without (FBSA) and with a formula (FBF). Sexual maturity was determined through gonadal histology and sexual hormone serum levels. Compared with a model based on S. coeruleoalba ages estimations in other latitudes, the striped dolphin studied displayed deficient growth parameters, with considerable variability in length, teeth, and flippers bone development. Close to 43% (n = 15) of GLGs’ measurements were below the body length average ranges for the predicted age, suggesting developmental abnormalities. Likewise, 34.4% and 31.2% of the dolphins assessed by FBSA and FBF were also below the body length based on age prediction curves, also indicating developmental abnormalities. This information is supported by the poor correlation between GLGs, FBSA, and FBF. Inconsistencies between sexually mature males and females related to GLGs, FBSA, and FBF were evident. Although the different oceanic settings of the ETP, such as contamination, food access, diseases, and other parameters, may influence size variation, our data also suggest that long-lasting debilitating brucellosis may account for detrimental growth in the ETP striped dolphins. Our study highlights the possible deleterious consequences of chronic infectious diseases in the cetacean populations already confronting distressful conditions.
Brief Review of Japanese Encephalitis Virus: Recommendations Related to North Carolina Swine Farms and Wider Implications for Swine Farming
Authors: Michaud Kenneth , Iverson Guy , Reiskind Michael H. , Kearney Greg , Richards Stephanie L.
Published: November 2022

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne virus primarily found in Asia and Australia and is one of the few with an associated human/animal vaccine. Swine are amplifying hosts and wading birds are reservoirs of JEV, while horses and humans are incidental hosts. The primary vector is Culex tritaeniorhynchus, a generalist blood feeder not found in the United States (US); secondary vectors (e.g., Cx. pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Aedes japonicus, Ae. vexans) are widespread in the US (including North Carolina [NC]). The risk of JEV to NC was investigated because of widespread swine production, human populations, bird hosts, and possible mosquito vectors; however, recommendations can also apply to other swine producing states and regions. A brief review was conducted to identify transmission competent arthropod vectors, vertebrate hosts, and vector-host interactions for JEV. NC and other areas may be at risk for JEV emergence because of factors such as active international trade, volume of swine production, permissive climate, and widespread occurrence of potential vector species. Improved knowledge of the spatial distribution of swine farms, tracking movement of live swine, assessment of vector competence/capacity and blood feeding habits of potential JEV vectors, investigation of a JEV sentinel surveillance system, and assessment of efficacy for current biosecurity and control measures is needed to protect public and veterinary health.
The Relationship of Latent Toxoplasmosis and Cigarette Smoking: Seroprevalence, Risk Factor, and Case-Control Study in Fars Province, Southern Iran
Authors: Bahreini Mohammad Saleh , Sami Jahromi Sareh , Radfar Amir Hossein , Salemi Amir Masoud , Dastan Naghmeh , Asgari Qasem
Published: November 2022

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease with worldwide prevalence. Despite the relatively similar effects of toxoplasmosis and smoking on alteration in neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, little is known about the relation of Toxoplasma gondii infection and addiction to cigarette smoking. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the relationship between latent toxoplasmosis and smoking. Through a case-control study, 216 regular cigarette smokers and 324 nonsmoker age- and gender-matched subjects were evaluated for anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). During the sampling, a structured questionnaire was used to obtain the demographic information of participants and the risk factors of acquired Toxoplasma. The median ages of case and control groups were 51.04 ± 18.1 (22–97 years) and 51.03 ± 16.5 (21–89 years), respectively (p = 0.99). Anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 44 (20.37%) cases and in 135 (41.67%) controls. There was a statistically significant difference for the positivity rate between the smokers and the control group (OR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.19–0.65; and p = 0.001). The overall prevalence was 33.14%. This study indicated the inverse association between seropositivity to Toxoplasma infection and cigarette smoking. This relationship could be due to the changes that latent toxoplasmosis has on the neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, which needs more research.
Robotic Liver Surgery for Alveolar Echinococcosis: A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Steinkraus Kira C. , Jötten Laila , Traub Benno , Zaimi Marin , Denzinger Maximilian , Michalski Christoph W. , Kornmann Marko , Hüttner Felix J.
Published: November 2022

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare disease caused by Echinococcosis multilocularis, which usually requires multidisciplinary management including surgery as the only curative approach. In recent years, minimally invasive strategies have been increasingly adopted for liver surgery. In particular, robotic surgery enables surgeons to perform even complex liver resections using a minimally invasive approach. However, there are only a few reports on robotic liver surgery for AE. Consecutive patients undergoing robotic liver surgery for AE were analysed based on the prospective database of the Interdisciplinary Robotic Centre of Ulm University Hospital. Between January 2021 and August 2022, a total of 16 patients with AE underwent robotic hepatectomy at our institution. Median age was 55.5 years (23–73), median body mass index (BMI) was 25.8 kg/m2 (20.2–36.8) and 12 patients (75%) were female. Anatomic resections were performed in 14 patients (87.5%), of which 4 patients (25%) underwent major hepatectomies (i.e., resection of >3 segments) including two right hemihepatectomies, one left hemihepatectomy and one extended right hemihepatectomy performed as associating liver partition with portal vein ligation staged (ALPPS) hepatectomy. There was no 90-day mortality, no postoperative bile leakage and no posthepatectomy haemorrhage. One patient developed posthepatectomy liver failure grade B after extended right hemihepatectomy using an ALPPS approach. One patient had to be converted to open surgery and developed an organ-space surgical site infection, for which he was re-admitted and underwent intravenous antibiotic therapy. Median length of postoperative hospital stay was 7 days (4–30). To our knowledge, this is the largest series of robotic liver surgeries for AE. The robotic approach seems safe with promising short-term outcomes in this selected cohort for both minor as well as major resections.
Dietary Supplementation with D-Ribose-L-Cysteine Prevents Hepatic Stress and Pro-Inflammatory Responses in Male Wistar Rats Fed a High-Fructose High-Fat Diet
Authors: Ojetola Abodunrin Adebayo , Asiwe Jerome Ndudi , Adeyemi Wale Johnson , Ogundipe Dare Joshua , Fasanmade Adesoji Adedipe
Published: November 2022

Diets rich in fats and fructose are associated with the pathogenesis of oxidative stress-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Therefore, we investigated the effect of D-ribose-L-cysteine (DRLC) in high-fructose high-fat (HFHF) diet-fed rats. Twenty rats (n = 5), divided into four groups, were simultaneously exposed to HFHF and/or DRLC (250 mg/kg) orally during the 8 weeks of the study. Results showed that HFHF precipitated pro-inflammation and selective disruption of the oxidative stress markers. There were significant decreases in the level of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), hepatic SOD and GPX. Significant increases in serum levels of uric acid (UA), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) and hepatic Xanthine oxidase (XO) were observed in the HFHF compared to the control. In the HFHF + DRLC group, oxidative stress was mitigated due to differences in serum levels of SOD, GPX, TAC, TNF-α, liver SOD, and XO relative to control. The administration of DRLC alone caused significant reductions in malondialdehyde, UA and CRP and a significant increase in SOD compared to the control. DRLC prevents hepatic and systemic oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory events in HFHF diet-fed rats.
Anti-Itching and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Kushenol F via the Inhibition of TSLP Production
Authors: Jo Seongyea , Gong Eun-Yeung , Yoo Wonbeak , Choi Hyunji , Jung Dana , Noh Kyung Hee , Kim Seokho , Kim Sang-Hyun , Lee Hyeong-Kyu
Published: November 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that results from eczema, itching, disrupted barrier function and aberrant cutaneous immune responses. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of kushenol F as an effective treatment for AD via the suppression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) production. The results of the present study demonstrated that the clinical symptoms of AD were less severe and there was reduced ear thickening and scratching behavior in kushenol F-treated Dermatophagoides farinae extract (DFE)/1-chloro-2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mice. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that kushenol F decreased the DFE/DNCB-induced infiltration of eosinophil and mast cells and TSLP protein expression levels. Furthermore, kushenol F-treated mice exhibited significantly lower concentrations of serum histamine, IgE and IgG2a compared with the DFE/DNCB-induced control mice. Kushenol F also significantly decreased phosphorylated NF-κB and IKK levels and the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in cytokine combination-induced human keratinocytes. The results of the present study suggested that kushenol F may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of AD via reducing TSLP levels.
Adherent Bacteria and Parasiticidal Secretion Products of Human Cervicovaginal Microbiota-Associated Lactobacillus gasseri Confer Non-Identical Cell Protection against Trichomonas vaginalis-Induced Cell Detachment
Authors: Pradines Bénédicte , Domenichini Séverine , Lievin-Le Moal Vanessa
Published: November 2022

Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoan parasite specific to the human genital tract, is one of the most common sexually transmitted pathogens. Its pathogenicity is strongly associated with its expression of a broad array of proteases triggering cytotoxic effects in host epithelial cells. Vaginal microbiota-associated Lactobacillus, including those of L. gasseri in particular, can counteract T. vaginalis pathogenesis, but the mechanisms involved have yet to be clarified. T. vaginalis strain G3 (Tv G3) cytotoxicity was assessed by examining cell morphology, cell detachment, and fluorescent labeling of the F-actin cytoskeleton and immunolabeling of vinculin-position focal adhesions (FAs) by confocal laser scanning electron microscopy on confluent cervicovaginal epithelial HeLa cell monolayers. The inhibitory effects of bacterial cells and secreted products of L. gasseri ATCC 9857 and KS 120.1 on the Tv G3 viability and parasite deleterious effects on HeLa cells were investigated. Pre-adhering L. gasseri cells delayed but did not inhibit Tv G3-induced cell detachment, F-actin cytoskeleton disorganization and the disappearance of vinculin-positive focal FAs. L. gasseri KS 120.1 secretion products had a rapid parasiticide activity by killing time- and concentration-dependent Tv G3 parasites after direct contact. By killing Tv G3 parasites already associated with the epithelial cells, secretion products have abolished parasite-induced cell detachment. Our findings suggest that vagina microbiota-associated L. gasseri creates a physical barrier and exerts pharmacological-type mechanisms to counteract the deleterious cytotoxic effects of T. vaginalis.
Synthesis and Biological Activities of Dehydrodiisoeugenol: A Review
Authors: Godínez-Chaparro Beatriz , Pérez-Gutiérrez Salud , Pérez-Ramos Julia , Heyerdahl-Viau Ivo , Hernández-Vázquez Liliana
Published: November 2022

Dehydrodiisoeugenol (DHIE) is a neolignan found in more than 17 plant species, including herbs, fruit, and root. DHIE was, for the first time, isolated from Myristica fragrans bark in 1973. Since then, many methodologies have been used for the obtention of DHIE, including classical chemistry synthesis using metal catalysts and biocatalytic synthesis; employing horseradish peroxidase; peroxidase from Cocos nucifera; laccase; culture cells of plants; and microorganisms. Increasing evidence has indicated that DHIE has a wide range of biological activities: anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancerogenic, and anti-microbial properties. However, evidence in vivo and in human beings is still lacking to support the usefulness potential of DHIE as a therapeutic agent. This study’s review was created by searching for relevant DHIE material on websites such as Google Scholar, PubMed, SciFinder, Scholar, Science Direct, and others. This reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the different synthetical routes and biological applications of DHIE.
Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded Poloxamer 407 Gel for Transungual Delivery of Terbinafine HCl
Authors: Ullah Kamran Hidayat , Rasheed Faisal , Naz Iffat , Ul Haq Naveed , Fatima Humaira , Kanwal Nosheen , Ur-Rehman Tofeeq
Published: November 2022

The current study aimed to develop chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP) loaded poloxamer 407 (P407) gel formulation for transungual delivery of terbinafine HCl (TBN). TBN-CSNP were prepared by nanoprecipitation method and optimized by face-centered central composite design (FCCCD). Optimized TBN-CSNP formulation exhibited a spherical shape with hydrodynamic diameter; zeta potential and entrapment efficiency (EE) of 229 ± 5 nm; 37 ± 1.5 mV; and 75 ± 2% respectively. The solid state of TBN and its compatibility with formulation ingredients were confirmed through XRD and FTIR analysis respectively. TBN-CSNP loaded P407 gel exhibited pseudoplastic rheological behavior having a spreadability of 11 ± 2 g·cm/s. The washability study showed that 40 ± 2% of the gel was eroded after washing 12 times. Drug release from TBN-CSNP- and TBN-CSNP-loaded gel was 84 ± 5% and 57 ± 3%, respectively. The cumulative quantity of TBN permeated from TBN-CSNP-loaded P407 gel and TBN-loaded P407 gel was 25 ± 8 and 27 ± 4 µg/cm2, respectively. The nail uptake study showed that 3.6 ± 0.7 and 2.1 ± 0.3 µg of rhodamine was uptaken by the nail following 2 h topical application of TBN-CSNP loaded P407 gel and TBN loaded P407 gel, respectively. Hence, the developed CSNP-based P407 gel formulation can be a potential carrier for transungual delivery of TBN to topically treat onychomycosis.
Trans-cinnamaldehyde–Biosurfactant Complex as a Potent Agent against Enterococcus faecalis Biofilms
Authors: Hu Mingxin , Kalimuthu Shanthini , Zhang Chengfei , Ali Islam A. A. , Neelakantan Prasanna
Published: November 2022

Enterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic microbial pathogen frequently associated with diverse infections, including those of the skin and teeth, as well as those from surgical wounds. It forms robust biofilms that are highly tolerant to most antimicrobials and first-line antibiotics. Therefore, investigating alternative strategies to eradicate its biofilms is a critical need. We recently demonstrated that trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) potently kills E. faecalis biofilm cells and prevents biofilm recovery, and yet, the extreme hydrophobicity of TC hampers clinical translation. Here, we report that a complex of TC with an FDA-approved biosurfactant (acidic sophorolipid/ASL) significantly reduces the bacterial viability and biomass of E. faecalis biofilms, compared to TC alone. A confocal laser-scanning microscopic analysis demonstrated that the TC–ASL treatment significantly decreased the biofilm thickness and volume. In conclusion, our study highlights the anti-biofilm potential of the newly developed TC–ASL.
Topical Wound Treatment with a Nitric Oxide-Releasing PDE5 Inhibitor Formulation Enhances Blood Perfusion and Promotes Healing in Mice
Authors: Ben-Yehuda Greenwald Maya , Liu Yu-Hang , Li Weiye , Hiebert Paul , Zubair Maria , Tenor Hermann , Braun Tobias , Naef Reto , Razansky Daniel , Werner Sabine
Published: November 2022

Chronic, non-healing wounds constitute a major health problem, and the current therapeutic options are limited. Therefore, pharmaceuticals that can be locally applied to complicated wounds are urgently needed. Such treatments should directly target the underlying causes, which include diabetes mellitus, chronic local pressure and/or vascular insufficiency. A common consequence of these disorders is impaired wound angiogenesis. Here, we investigated the effect of topical application of a nitric oxide-releasing phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (TOP-N53)-containing liquid hydrogel on wound repair in mice. The drug-loaded hydrogel promoted re-epithelialization and angiogenesis in wounds of healthy and healing-impaired diabetic mice. Using a non-invasive label-free optoacoustic microscopy approach combined with automated vessel analysis, we show that the topical application of TOP-N53 formulation increases the microvascular network density and promotes the functionality of the newly formed blood vessels, resulting in enhanced blood perfusion of the wounds. These results demonstrate a remarkable healing-stimulating activity of topically applied TOP-N53 formulation, supporting its further development as a wound therapeutic.
Effects of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Cultivars for Mixed Cropping with Oats (Avena sativa L.) on Yield and Competition Indices in an Organic Production System
Authors: Šarūnaitė Lina , Toleikienė Monika , Arlauskienė Aušra , Razbadauskienė Kristyna , Deveikytė Irena , Supronienė Skaidrė , Semaškienė Roma , Kadžiulienė Žydrė
Published: November 2022

The benefits of cereal-legume mixed cropping is a sustainable agricultural practice. However, knowledge of the genotypic differences of semi-leafless pea varieties is not enough to help them compete with cereals. In this study, the effects of Lithuania’s newest Pisum sativum cultivars (‘Egle DS’ and ‘Lina DS’) and, for comparison, a control cultivar (‘Jūra DS’) established with Avena sativa in mixed cropping system were investigated. Three years of field trials (2018, 2019 and 2020) with four experiments involved three different mixtures of each field pea cultivar with oat. The aboveground biomass of mixed cropped new field pea cultivars was found to be significantly higher: biomass of cultivars ‘Egle DS’ increased by 17.0% and ‘Lina DS’ by 7.2% on average compared with the control cultivar ‘Jūra DS’. For the mixed cropping system, statistically greater total aboveground biomass was observed with plant ratios of 50% pea + 50% oat and 60% pea + 40% oat compared to peas monocultures. Mixed cropped oat was the dominant species in all tested mixture compositions; however, the highest total grain yield of mixed crops was obtained when new pea ‘Lina DS’ and ‘Egle DS’ cultivars were included in the mixtures compared with the control cultivar. The new pea cultivar ‘Egle DS’ had a greater effect on protein content compared to other tested pea cultivars. In the new pea cultivars ‘Lina DS’ and ‘Egle DS’, the higher photosynthetic capacity and aboveground biomass of mixed cropped pea with oat showed mixture effects in the mixed cropped system and could increase total yield compared with pea monoculture. Generally, the new pea cultivars displayed a greater Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) value, resulting in the greatest yield among the mixtures on average for all three years and all four experiments. Future research could optimize the effects of pea cultivar mixtures with cereals to further improve the yield of organic mixed cropping systems.
The Effect of Glass Fiber Storage Time on the Mechanical Response of Polymer Composite
Authors: Jurko Michal , Souckova Lenka , Prokes Jan , Cech Vladimir
Published: November 2022

The growing demand for polymer composites and their widespread use is inevitably accompanied by the need to know their degradation behavior over a sufficiently long period of time. This study focuses on commercial glass fiber rovings, which were stored in the indoor environment for up to 11 years. Fibers with different storage times, from fresh up to the oldest, were used to produce unidirectional fiber-reinforced polyester composites that were characterized to determine their shear and flexural properties dependent on fiber storage time. A significant decrease in shear strength was observed throughout the aging of the fibers, down to a decrease of 33% for the oldest fibers. An important finding, however, was that the significant decrease in shear strength was only partially reflected in the flexural strength, which corresponded to a decrease of 18% for the oldest fibers at consistent flexural modulus.
Preparation, Characterization and Anti-Complementary Activity of Three Novel Polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris
Authors: Hu Zhengyu , Wang Jiaming , Jin Long , Zong Tieqiang , Duan Yuanqi , Sun Jinfeng , Zhou Wei , Li Gao
Published: November 2022

This investigation focuses on the three novel polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris and then discusses their characterization and anti-complementary activity. The three polysaccharides from C. militaris (CMP-1, CMP-2 and CMP-3) were prepared using a DEAE-52 cellulose column. The HPLC, HPGPC, FT-IR and Congo red analyses were used to characterize their monosaccharides, molecular weight and stereo conformation, which demonstrated that the three polysaccharides were homogenous polysaccharides with different molecular weights and were composed of at least ten monosaccharides with different molar ratios, and all had a triple-helix conformation. The evaluation of anti-complementary activity demonstrated that the three polysaccharides significantly inhibited complement activation through the classical pathway and alternative pathway. Preliminary mechanism studies indicated that CMP-1, CMP-2 and CMP-3 acted with C2, C5, C9, factor B, factor B, and P components in the overactivation cascade of the complement system. The analysis of the Pearson correlation and network confirmed that the ribose, glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid composition were negatively correlated with the anti-complementary activity of polysaccharides. These results suggested that the three novel polysaccharides are potential candidates for anti-complementary drugs.
Microstructural and Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of Furfurylated Douglas Fir
Authors: Jiang Xuefei , Wang Jing , Wang Ziheng , Hua Feiyue , He Sheng , Lu Buyun , Wang Xiang , Zhang Xuefeng , Leng Weiqi
Published: November 2022

Fast-growing wood has become a major source of materials for the wood industry in recent years, but defects have limited its use. Therefore, modification is urgently needed for the more efficient application of wood products. In this study, a 30 to 50% solution of furfuryl alcohol (FA) was impregnated into Douglas fir sapwood. The microstructure and thermal properties of the specimens before and after furfurylation were evaluated by different techniques. The weight percentage gain (WPG) of modified wood increased up to 22.97%, with the polymerized FA distributed in cell lumens and cell walls, as well as chemically bound to wood components. The polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) was mainly located in the tracheids, ray parenchyma cells, and resin canals. In addition, the furfurylated cell walls were greatly thickened. Raman spectra showed that modified wood had significant background fluorescence that covered other peaks. Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis revealed that the cross-linking reaction between FA and wood changed the shape of curves, with no endothermic or exothermic peaks within the programmed temperature. Moreover, Thermogravimetry and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis results both confirmed that the furfurylation increased the thermal stability of Douglas fir. The percentage of the final mass loss of untreated specimen was 80.11%, while the highest one of furfurylated specimen was 78.15%, and it gradually decreased with increasing FA concentration. The storage modulus (E′) and loss modulus (E″) of the furfurylated wood were both lower, and the damping factor (tan δ) was higher than the untreated one. When the temperature reaches about 75 °C, the untreated specimen began to soften and deform. At 90 °C, it fractured completely while the furfurylatedone remained stable. This study demonstrated that furfurylation can improve wood properties and elongate its service life.
Alginic Acid Beads Containing Fluorescent Solvatochromic Dyes Display an Emission Color Response to a Cationic Surfactant
Authors: Kishi Kazuki , Ichimura Amane , Shuai Zhang , Otsuka Yu , Morozumi Tatsuya , Yamada Koji
Published: November 2022

Lipophilic fluorescent dyes can be employed as sensors for surfactants present in concentrations above the critical micellar concentration (CMC) where the dyes are monodispersed in micelles. However, the surfactant concentration range over which these dyes are effective is narrowed because by the sigmoidal nature of their responses. To overcome this limitation, we developed a novel sensor material comprised of a labeled fluorescent solvatochromic dye covalently bonded to alginate gel, which is known to strongly adsorb cationic surfactants. We hypothesized that the dye-alginate conjugate would undergo fluorescent color changes in response to binding of surfactants which alter the polarity of the surrounding environment. Indeed, addition of the representative cationic surfactant, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), to an aqueous solution of the alginate conjugated fluorescent solvatochromic dye leads to a visible fluorescent color change when the concentration of CPC is below the CMC. The average values of the color appearance parameter, referred to as a hue, of light emitted from gels, calculated by analysis of fluorescence microscopy images using ImageJ software, were found to be approximately linearly dependent on the concentration of CPC encapsulated in the alginate-fluorescent dye complex. This finding shows that absorbed CPC can be quantitatively determined over a wide concentration range in the form of simple fluorescence wavelength or visible responses.
Investigation of the Contact Interface between Natural Fibre Metal Laminates under Tension Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Authors: Song Chun Han , Giasin Khaled , Saifullah Abu , Barouni Antigoni
Published: November 2022

Fibre Metal Laminates (FMLs) consist of layers of metals combined with layers of fibre-reinforced composites bonded together to create a laminate. The behaviour of a Fibre Metal Laminate (FML) with natural fibre composites has been investigated in this study with a specific focus on the performance of the laminate under uniaxial tension. The integration of aluminium layers with natural fibre flax/pp layers at different fibre orientations has been numerically modelled and analysed, by investigating the contact interface between natural fibre metal laminates (NFML) using finite elements (FE) implemented in ABAQUS/Explicit. The finite element model was developed by the isotropic-hardening behaviour of metal layers, the built-in Hashin damage model and cohesive surface-based behaviour for the interface. The results of the simulation included stress–strain response, failure sequences, delamination effect and ultimate tensile strength. It was found that those results are significantly affected by the layup sequence, giving a significant advantage to the unidirectional laminate, when the uniaxial loading is taken into consideration. This advantage is measured as a 41.9% reduction of the ultimate tensile strength when the flax fibres are oriented at [0/90] configuration between the aluminium layers and a 30% reduction when the fibres are oriented at [±45] angles.
Conioselinum tenuissimum Root Extract Modulates Macrophage Activation via the Calcium–STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Kim Tae-Hun , Kim Do-Hoon , Park Wansu
Published: November 2022

Despite the development of many antibiotics, excessive inflammation caused by endotoxins is still a subject of interest to biomedical researchers. The hyper-inflammatory response of macrophages activated by endotoxins is an important topic in the development of natural product-based anti-inflammatory drugs. Conioselinum tenuissimum, a perennial herb of the family Apiaceae, contains levistolide A, demethylsuberosin, and fraxetin. One of the synonyms of Conioselinum tenuissimum is Angelica tenuissima. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Conioselinumtenuissimum root water extract (AT) on the hyper-inflammatory responses of macrophages activated by endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) and the mechanisms involved in such effects. Levels of cytokines, nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide, and cytosolic calcium in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were evaluated by the multiplex cytokine assay (MCA), Griess reagent assay (GRA), dihydrorhodamine 123 assay (DHR), and Fluo-4 calcium assay (FCA), respectively. Additionally, real-time PCR and the flow cytometry assay (FLA) was performed to determine the effects of AT on LPS-activated RAW 264.7. Data from MCA, GRA, DHR, and FCA revealed that AT lowered levels of IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF, M-CSF, LIF, LIX, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, RANTES, IP-10, NO, hydrogen peroxide, and calcium in LPS-activated RAW 264.7. Real-time PCR results revealed that AT significantly lowered mRNA expression levels of inflammatory genes such as Chop, Nos2, c-Jun, Stat1, Stat3, c-Fos, Camk2a, Ptgs2, Fas, and Jak2. FLA showed that AT significantly reduced phosphorylation levels of P38 MAPK and STAT3 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7. These results indicate that AT can exert anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-activated macrophages via the calcium–STAT3 pathway.
Thermal Swing Reduction-Oxidation of Me(Ba, Ca, or Mg)SrCoCu Perovskites for Oxygen Separation from Air
Authors: Motuzas Julius , Liu Shaomin , da Costa João C. Diniz
Published: November 2022

The climate change impact associated with greenhouse gas emissions is a major global concern. This work investigates perovskite compounds for oxygen separation from air to supply oxygen to oxyfuel energy systems to abate these significant environmental impacts. The perovskites studied were Me0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Cu0.2O3−δ (MeSCC) where the A-site substitution was carried out by four different cations (Me = Ca, Mg, Sr, or Ba). SEM analysis showed the formation of small particle (<1 µm) aggregates with varying morphological features. XRD analysis confirmed that all compounds were perovskites with a hexagonal phase. Under reduction and oxidation reactions (redox), Ba and Ca substitutions resulted in the highest and lowest oxygen release, respectively. In terms of real application for oxygen separation from air, Ba substitution as BaSCC proved to be preferable due to short temperature cycles for the uptake and release of oxygen of 134 °C, contrary to Ca substitution with long and undesirable temperature cycles of 237 °C. As a result, a small air separation unit of 0.66 m3, containing 1000 kg of BaSCC, can produce 18.5 ton y−1 of pure oxygen by using a conservative heating rate of 1 °C min−1. By increasing the heating rate by a further 1 °C min−1, the oxygen production almost doubled by 16.7 ton y−1. These results strongly suggest the major advantages of short thermal cycles as novel designs for air separation. BaSCC was stable under 22 thermal cycles, and coupled with oxygen production, demonstrates the potential of this technology for oxyfuel energy systems to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
Study of a Passive Orthosis for Reducing the Load Transfer in the Hip Joint
Authors: Rodrigues Tiago , Ferreira Jorge A. F. , Ramos António
Published: November 2022

There are several orthoses that allow for the assistance of movement on the lower limbs, mainly flexion–extension. However, there is still a lack of systems that allow, in addition to assisting movement, for transferring the load from weakened anatomical parts to physically healthy joints. A model of a passive and light orthosis that is capable of transferring part of the load from the hip joint directly to the body of the femur was developed and tested. This helps to attenuate the longitudinal component of the force, thus reducing pain and the patient’s discomfort. Computer-aided design (CAD) models and numerical studies were conducted using an offline model of the hip forces, and a proof-of-concept prototype was also developed for experimental validation. The model uses a rigid ergonomic structure and an elastic energy-accumulating device, in this case, a spring, whose preload can be regulated for controlling the assistance’s level. The numeric simulations demonstrated the adequacy of the model for a spring pre-load of 20% of the force applied to the femoral head, reducing the load in the hip joint. The hypothesis of the present study, that the orthosis can reduce the reaction load on the hip joint, was validated by the computational model developed and by the preliminary experimental results obtained with the concept prototype. The approached model represents a promising starting point for subsequent studies and progression for the practical and clinical field.
Learning Engagement as a Moderator between Self-Efficacy, Math Anxiety, Problem-Solving Strategy, and Vector Problem-Solving Performance
Authors: Shimizu Yuno
Published: November 2022

Vector problem-solving abilities are fundamental to everyday life and higher education; thus, improving them is important in education and research. However, the role of cognitive and affective factors and learning engagement in vector problem-solving performance is still unclear. This study examines the processes associated with vector problem-solving performance, focusing on the problem-solving strategy as a cognitive factor and math anxiety and task-specific self-efficacy as affective factors. In addition, this study examines the impact of learning engagement as a moderator in this process. A total of 245 Japanese 11th-grade high school students completed questionnaires. A multiple-group structural equation modelling revealed that (1) task-specific self-efficacy, math anxiety, and problem-solving strategies contribute to vector problem-solving performance when learning engagement is above average; (2) task-specific self-efficacy contributes to math anxiety, whereas task-specific self-efficacy and math anxiety contribute to problem-solving strategies when learning engagement is above average and stable; (3) task-specific self-efficacy is a positive predictor of vector problem-solving performance regardless of learning engagement. The results suggest that learning engagement moderates the association between math anxiety, task-specific self-efficacy, problem-solving strategy, and vector problem-solving performance. In addition, task-specific self-efficacy is a strong predictor of vector problem-solving performance.
Spatiotemporal Reconstruction of Water Deities Beliefs in the Pearl River Delta Applying Historical GIS
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Wang Yuanlin
Published: November 2022

The Pearl River Delta (PRD) is one of the most typical regions in China, where people commonly believe in Nanhaishen 南海神 (the South Sea God), Tianfei 天妃 (the Heavenly Concubine), Beidi 北帝 (the Northern Emperor) and other Water Deities. This paper investigates 40 local chronicles from 9 counties in the region. It has digitized, quantified, and analyzed the temple records of the Water Deities and used the Geographic Information System (GIS) to reconstruct the spatiotemporal evolution of the local beliefs. The results show the consistency and difference in the spatiotemporal evolution of the local beliefs of Water Deities. The consistency reflects that their original centers were all around the city of Canton and its west, namely Foshan 佛山 and Jiujiang 九江, which were in the jurisdiction of Nanhai County 南海縣, showing a similar tendency to move from the center to the periphery. The difference in the evolution is that they had apiece characteristics in distribution patterns and transmission paths. The blossoming, propagation, and consolidation of the beliefs were influenced by multi-factors such as defending against flood disasters, transportation and commercial development, the integration of national sacrifices and folk beliefs, and the connection of the beliefs with regional security. Overall, Water Deities’ status in people’s minds continued to deepen, and their supernatural powers were perceived as increasingly outstanding. It reflects people of the traditional regional society and their spiritual orientation to the material world, which was affected by institutional and non-institutional factors.
Reweighted Robust Particle Filtering Approach for Target Tracking in Automotive Radar Application
Authors: Wu Qisong , Chen Lingjie , Li Yanping , Wang Zijun , Yao Shuai , Li Hao
Published: November 2022

In view of the decline of filtering accuracy caused by measured outliers in target tracking application, a novel reweighted robust particle filter is proposed to acquire accurate state estimates in an automotive radar system. To infer the importance of each entry in the multidimensional contaminated measurement vector, we employ a weight vector, which follows a Gamma distribution, to model the measured noise and carry out accurate state estimates. Additionally, the particle filter method is employed to perform approximate posterior inference of state estimates in the nonlinear model. The Cramer–Rao lower bound is provided for the performance evaluation of the proposed method. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate the superiorities of the proposed algorithm over other robust solutions.