bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Impact of Coconut Peat and Vermiculite on the Rhizosphere Microbiome of Pre-Basic Seed Potatoes under Soilless Cultivation Conditions
Authors: Yan Kan , Ma Yanni , Bao Songming , Li Wandi , Wang Yunjiao , Sun Chao , Lu Xin , Ran Juan
Published: March 2024

Soilless cultivation of potatoes often utilizes organic coconut peat and inorganic vermiculite as growing substrates. The unique microbial communities and physicochemical characteristics inherent to each substrate significantly influence the microecological environment crucial for potato growth and breeding. This study analyzed environmental factors within each substrate and employed Illumina sequencing alongside bioinformatics tools to examine microbial community structures, their correlation with environmental factors, core microbial functions, and the dynamics of microbial networks across various samples. These included pure coconut peat (CP1) and pure vermiculite (V1), substrates mixed with organic fertilizer for three days (CP2 and V2), and three combinations cultivated with potatoes for 50 days (CP3, V3, and CV3—a 1:1 mix of coconut peat and vermiculite with organic fertilizer). Vermiculite naturally hosts a more diverse microbial community. After mixing with fertilizer and composting for 3 days, and 50 days of potato cultivation, fungal diversity decreased in both substrates. Coconut peat maintains higher bacterial diversity and richness compared to vermiculite, harboring more beneficial bacteria and fungi, resulting in a more complex microbial network. However, vermiculite shows lower bacterial diversity and richness, with an accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms. Among the 11 environmental factors tested, water-soluble nitrogen (WSN), total nitrogen (TN), available potassium (AK), total organic carbon (TOC) and air-filled porosity (AFP) were significantly associated with microbial succession in the substrate.The nutritional type composition and interaction patterns of indigenous microorganisms differ between vermiculite and coconut peat. Adding abundant nutrients significantly affects the stability and interaction of the entire microbial community, even post-potato cultivation. When using vermiculite for soilless cultivation, precise control and adjustment of nutrient addition quantity and frequency are essential.
ompA Sequencing and Multilocus Sequence Typing of Lymphogranuloma Venereum Cases in Buenos Aires Reveal New Chlamydia trachomatis Genotypes
Authors: Büttner Karina Andrea , Entrocassi Andrea Carolina , Gallo Vaulet María Lucía , López Aquino Deysi , Caffarena Dolores , La Rosa Luciana , Svidler López Laura , Degregorio Osvaldo , Herrmann Björn , Rodríguez Fermepin Marcelo
Published: March 2024

Since the Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) outbreak was first described in Buenos Aires in 2017, the detected strains presented peculiar characteristics. Our goal was to increase the understanding of the strains involved in the LGV outbreak in Argentina. We characterized the ompA gene sequences, using Sanger sequencing, of 88 LGV strains from 239 symptomatic patients in Buenos Aires enrolled between 2017 and 2019, and selected 20 C. trachomatis strains for further characterization using Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). Following the ompA gene analysis of the 88 LGV strains, we detected 43% L2b, 31% L1-like, and 26% L2. Among the 38 L2b samples analyzed, there were 7 distinct sequences, 3 of them not previously reported (L2bv12, L2bv13, and L2bv14). Additionally, we detected a strain with a new mutation (AM884176.1:g.59122A>T) found in the position defining L2 or L2b, proposed as L2i. Using MLST, five different sequence types (STs) were detected, including the ST2 (corresponding to the L1-like strains) and a new one (ST60). ST58 was associated with the concomitant presence of another STI and HIV. A high genetic diversity in C. trachomatis LGV strains in Argentina was observed in a short period of time, with a relatively low number of samples from a limited geographical area.
Characterize the Growth and Metabolism of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans under Electroautotrophic and Chemoautotrophic Conditions
Authors: Wang Quansheng , Long Haijun , Wang Huiqi , Lau Vetter Maggie C. Y.
Published: March 2024

Acidophiles are capable of surviving in extreme environments with low pH. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a typical acidophilic bacterium that has been extensively studied when grown chemoautotrophically, i.e., when it derives energy from oxidation of Fe2+ or reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (RISCs). Although it is also known to grow with electrons supplied by solid electrodes serving as the sole source of energy, the understanding of its electroautotrophic growth is still limited. This study aimed to compare the growth characteristics of A. ferrooxidans under electroautotrophic (ea) and chemoautotrophic (ca) conditions, with an attempt to elucidate the possible mechanism(s) of extracellular electron flow into the cells. Jarosite was identified by Raman spectroscopy, and it accumulated when A. ferrooxidans used Fe2+ as the electron donor, but negligible mineral deposition occurred during electroautotrophic growth. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that A. ferrooxidans possesses more pili and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) under electroautotrophic conditions. A total of 493 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 297 genes being down-regulated and 196 genes being up-regulated in ea versus ca conditions. The genes known to be essential for chemoautotrophic growth showed a decreased expression in the electroautotrophic condition; meanwhile, there was an increased expression of genes related to direct electron transfer across the cell’s outer/inner membranes and transmembrane proteins such as pilin and porin. Joint analysis of DEGs and differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) showed that galactose metabolism is enhanced during electroautotrophic growth, inducing A. ferrooxidans to produce more EPSs, which aids the cells in adhering to the solid electrode during their growth. These results suggested that electroautotrophy and chemoautotrophy of A. ferrooxidans have different extracellular electron uptake (EEU) pathways, and a model of EEU during electroautotrophic growth is proposed. The use of extracellular electrons as the sole energy source triggers A. ferrooxidans to adopt metabolic and subsequently phenotypic modifications.
Impact of Swabbing Location, Self-Swabbing, and Food Intake on SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection
Authors: Dräger Sarah , Bruni Flavio , Bernasconi Melina , Hammann-Hänni Anya , Jirasko Vlastimil , Tanno Alexander , Blickenstorfer Yves , Leuzinger Karoline , Hirsch Hans H. , Osthoff Michael
Published: March 2024

This study compared SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads at different anatomical sites, and the impact of self-swabbing and food intake. Adult symptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 or non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory tract infection were included between 2021 and 2022. Patients performed a nasal and buccal swab before a professionally collected nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab (NOPS). Buccal swabs were collected fasting and after breakfast in a subgroup of patients. SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads were determined by nucleic acid testing. Swabbing convenience was evaluated using a survey. The median age of 199 patients was 54 years (interquartile range 38–68); 42% were female and 52% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The majority of patients (70%) were hospitalized. The mean SARS-CoV-2 RNA load was 6.6 log10 copies/mL (standard deviation (SD), ±1.5), 5.6 log10 copies/mL (SD ± 1.9), and 3.4 log10 copies/mL (SD ± 1.9) in the professionally collected NOPS, and self-collected nasal and buccal swabs, respectively (p < 0.0001). Sensitivity was 96.1% (95% CI 90.4–98.9) and 75.3% (95% CI 63.9–81.8) for the nasal and buccal swabs, respectively. After food intake, SARS-CoV-2 RNA load decreased (p = 0.0006). Buccal swabbing was the preferred sampling procedure for the patients. In conclusion, NOPS yielded the highest SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads. Nasal self-swabbing emerged as a reliable alternative in contrast to buccal swabs. If buccal swabs are used, they should be performed before food intake.
Enhancing Benzo[a]pyrene Degradation by Pantoea dispersa MSC14 through Biostimulation with Sodium Gluconate: Insights into Mechanisms and Molecular Regulation
Authors: Lai La , Li Shuqi , Zhang Shaoping , Liu Manchun , Xia Lianwei , Ren Yuan , Cui Tangbing
Published: March 2024

We investigated biostimulation as an effective strategy for enhancing the degradation efficiency of recalcitrant organic compounds, with MSC14 (a novel polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degrading bacterium Pantoea dispersa MSC14) as the study material. Here, we investigated the impact of sodium gluconate on MSC14-mediated degradation of B[a]p. This study focused on the application of sodium gluconate, a biostimulant, on MSC14, targeting Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]p) as the model pollutant. In this study, the novel PAHs-degrading bacterium P. dispersa MSC14 demonstrated the capability to degrade 24.41% of B[a]p after 4 days. The addition of the selected sodium gluconate stimulant at a concentration of 4 g/L stimulated MSC14 to degrade 54.85% of B[a]p after 16 h. Intermediate metabolites were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to infer the degradation pathway. The findings indicated that sodium gluconate promoted the intracellular transport of B[a]p by MSC14, along with the secretion of biosurfactants, enhancing emulsification and solubilization capabilities for improved B[a]p dissolution and degradation. Further analysis through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the formation of a biofilm by MSC14 and an increase in flagella as a response to B[a]p stress. Transcriptome profiling elucidated the interplay of quorum sensing systems, chemotaxis systems, and flagellar systems in the degradation mechanism. Additionally, the study uncovered the molecular basis of B[a]p transport, degradation pathways, metabolic changes, and genetic regulation. In summary, the addition of sodium gluconate promotes the degradation of B[a]p by P. dispersa MSC14, offering the advantages of being rapid, efficient, and cost-effective. This research provides an economically viable approach for the remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution, with broad potential applications.
Preconcentration of a Medium-Grade Celestine Ore by Dense Medium Cyclone Using a Factorial Design
Authors: Ariza-Rodríguez Noemi , Rodríguez-Navarro Alejandro B. , Ortega Francisco , Calero de Hoces Mónica , Muñoz-Batista Mario J.
Published: March 2024

A semi-industrial scale hydrocyclone with a 250 mm internal diameter was used to concentrate medium-grade celestine ore (75%–85% celestine) from the Montevive deposit of Granada (Spain) using a dense ferrosilicon (FeSi) medium. For this purpose, a Box–Behnken factorial design (BBD) was carried out, with the response variable being the Sr concentration measured by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), as well as the concentration of celestine measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the mineral collected from the under (sunk) stream of the hydrocyclone. The experimental factors to be optimised were the density of the medium in the mixing tank (water, FeSi, and feed mineral) varying from 2.7 to 2.9 kg/L, the hydrocyclone inlet pressure from 0.8 to 1.2 bar, and the hydrocyclone inclination (from 15° to 25° from the horizontal). The range of densities of the dense medium to be tested was determined from previous sink–float experiments using medium-grade ore, in which the distribution of mineral phases with different particle size fractions was determined. To evaluate the separation behaviour, the following parameters were considered: the enrichment ratio (E), the tailings discarding ratio (R), and the mineral processing recovery (ε). From the factorial design and the response surface, the optimum parameters maximising celestine concentration in the under stream (78%), were determined. These optimised parameters were: a density of 2.75 kg/L for the dense medium, an inlet pressure of 1.05 bar, and a hydrocyclone inclination varying from 18° to 20°. Under these conditions, a 94% recovery of celestine (68% Sr) can be achieved. These results show that medium-grade celestine ore, accumulated in mine tailings dumps, can be effectively concentrated using DMS hydrocyclones and that the operating parameters can be optimised using a factorial experiment design. This study can contribute to reducing overexploitation of strategic mineral resources, avoiding blasting and environmentally damaging clearing, by applying a simple and sustainable technique.
Study on the Selectivity of Molecular Imprinting Materials Determined through Hydrogen Bonding on Template Molecular Structures of Flavonoids
Authors: Guan Siyue , Wang Yue , Hu Ting , Che Lingling , Wang Xiaoqiao , Huang Yike , Xia Zhining
Published: March 2024

Molecular imprinting technology is widely used for the specific identification of compounds, but the selective recognition mechanisms of the same compounds still need to be further studied. Based on differences in hydrogen bond size and orientation, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were designed to adsorb flavonols with the same parent core and different hydroxyl groups. A surface-imprinted material was designed with silicon dioxide as the carrier, myricetin as the template molecule, and methacrylic acid (MAA) as the functional monomer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area (BET) analyses, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and other characterization experiments were carried out. The intrinsic mechanism of the MIPs was also explored. The MIPs showed good adsorption of myricetin and other flavonoids through hydrogen bonding and steric hindrance. The adsorption capacity was 3.12–9.04 mg/g, and the imprinting factor was 1.78–3.37. Flavonoids with different hydroxyl groups in different numbers and directions had different hydrogen bond strengths with functional monomers. R2, R4, and R1 on 2-phenylchromogenone had stronger electronegativity, and the hydroxyl group was also more likely to form and have stronger hydrogen bonds. The hydroxyl negativity and the degree of steric hindrance of flavonoids played a major role in the recognition of molecularly imprinted materials. This study is of great significance for the synthesis of and selection of templates for analogous molecular imprinting materials.
The Impact of Glycolysis and Its Inhibitors on the Immune Response to Inflammation and Autoimmunity
Authors: Pająk Beata , Zieliński Rafał , Priebe Waldemar
Published: March 2024

Glucose metabolism is a crucial biological pathway maintaining the activation of extra- and intracellular signaling pathways involved in the immune response. Immune cell stimulation via various environmental factors results in their activation and metabolic reprogramming to aerobic glycolysis. Different immune cells exhibit cell-type-specific metabolic patterns when performing their biological functions. Numerous published studies have shed more light on the importance of metabolic reprogramming in the immune system. Moreover, this knowledge is crucial for revealing new ways to target inflammatory pathologic states, such as autoimmunity and hyperinflammation. Here, we discuss the role of glycolysis in immune cell activity in physiological and pathological conditions, and the potential use of inhibitors of glycolysis for disease treatment.
A Six-Year Hydration Evaluation of Cs-Bearing Materials at Room Temperature and 55% Relative Humidity Simulating Radioactive Waste with Different Crystallinities
Authors: Cerri Guido , Brundu Antonio
Published: March 2024

Radioactive wastes often contain amorphous and crystalline phases, and vapor hydration can affect their durability. In this study, Cs-clinoptilolite was heated (at 1100 °C and for 2–36 h) to prepare the samples that were composed mainly of an amorphous phase (AmP) and CsAlSi5O12 (≥94%) with minor CsAlSi2O6. Six samples with an AmP/CsAlSi5O12 ratio from 26.5 to 0.1 were kept at 21 °C and 55% relative humidity, and their hydration was measured via thermogravimetry (TG) over a period of almost six years. The hydration that resulted was directly related to the AmP quantity. The increase in water content followed a logarithmic trend over time. It reached 1.95% in the AmP-richest material, while it attained only 0.07% in the most crystalline sample. The hydrolysis of the AmP led to an increase over time in the tightly bound water. Samples with an AmP of ≤19% demonstrated slightly higher durability due to the lower Cs content in the AmP.
Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Carboxymethyl Lysine in Indonesian Foods
Authors: Liman Patricia Budihartanti , Mulyana  , Yenny  , Djuwita Ratna
Published: March 2024

There is little data on directly measured carboxymethyl lysine (CML) content in Indonesian foods. This study aimed to generate a database of CML values in foods commonly consumed in West Java and West Sumatra. The results were to be used to update our previous estimated CML values. CML values in food samples were measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Food protein content was analyzed by Kjeldahl’s method or inferred from the nutrition facts’ label. A total of 210 food samples were examined, with the food groups of meat and poultry (1.06 mg CML/100 g edible food), and starchy foods (0.21 mg/100 g edible food) having the highest and lowest mean CML levels, respectively. We found that the foods with the top three highest CML content were fried starch dough (cimol), fried fish crackers, and chicken gulai. The mean of the estimated values (0.80 mg CML/100 g edible food) was higher than the directly measured values (0.66 mg CML/100 g edible food), [p < 0.035]. Conclusion: This database provides information on CML values in Indonesian foods, and can be further used to make a guide policy for the selection of foods to reduce non-communicable diseases. Further measurements are needed on Indonesian dishes to complete the database.
The New Elastomeric Compounds Made of Butyl Rubber Filled with Phyllosilicates, Characterized by Increased Barrier Properties and Hydrophobicity and Reduced Chemical Degradation
Authors: Smejda-Krzewicka Aleksandra , Irzmańska Emilia , Mrozowski Konrad , Adamus-Włodarczyk Agnieszka , Litwicka Natalia , Strzelec Krzysztof , Szynkowska-Jóźwik Małgorzata I.
Published: March 2024

The aim of the study was to produce new elastomeric materials containing butyl rubber (IIR) filled with silica and phyllosilicates (vermiculite, montmorillonite, perlite or halloysite tubes) with enhanced hydrophobicity and barrier properties and reduced chemical degradation. It was found that the filler type had a significant impact on the degree of cross-linking of butyl rubber and the properties of its vulcanizates. The highest degree of cross-linking and the highest mechanical strength were achieved for IIR composites filled with Arsil with perlite or halloysite tubes. The highest surface hydrophobicity (119°) was confirmed for the IIR vulcanizates with Arsil and montmorillonite. All tested samples showed high barrier properties because both the gas diffusion rate coefficient and the permeability coefficient reached low values. Both unfilled and filled IIR vulcanizates retained chemical resistance in contact with methanol for 480 min. Hour-long contact of a polar solvent (methanol) with each of the vulcanizates did not cause material degradation, while the presence of a non-polar solvent (n-heptane) worsened the mechanical parameters by up to 80%. However, the presence of fillers reduced the chemical degradation of vulcanizates (in the case of cured IIR filled with Arsil and halloysite tubes by 40% compared to the composite without fillers).
Traceability of Microplastic Fragments from Waste Plastic Express Packages Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics
Authors: Fu Xianshu , Pan Xiangliang , Chen Jun , Zhang Mingzhou , Ye Zihong , Yu Xiaoping
Published: March 2024

The pollution from waste plastic express packages (WPEPs), especially microplastic (MP) fragments, caused by the blowout development of the express delivery industry has attracted widespread attention. On account of the variety of additives, strong complexity, and high diversity of plastic express packages (PEPs), the multi-class classification of WPEPs is a typical large-class-number classification (LCNC). The traceability and identification of microplastic fragments from WPEPs is very challenging. An effective chemometric method for large-class-number classification would be very beneficial for the comprehensive treatment of WPEP pollution through the recycling and reuse of waste plastic express packages, including microplastic fragments and plastic debris. Rather than using the traditional one-against-one (OAO) and one-against-all (OAA) dichotomies, an exhaustive and parallel half-against-half (EPHAH) decomposition, which overcomes the defects of the OAO’s classifier learning limitations and the OAA’s data proportion imbalance, is proposed for feature selection. EPHAH analysis, combined with partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) for large-class-number classification, was performed on 750 microplastic fragments of polyethylene WPEPs from 10 major courier companies using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. After the removal of abnormal samples through robust principal component analysis (RPCA), the root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) value for the model was reduced to 0.01, which was 21.5% lower than that including the abnormal samples. The best models of PLS-DA were obtained using SNV combined with SG-17 smoothing and 2D (SNV+SG-17+2D); the latent variables (LVs), the error rates of Monte Carlo cross-validation (ERMCCVs), and the final classification accuracies were 6.35, 0.155, and 88.67% for OAO-PLSDA; 5.37, 0.103, and 87.33% for OAA-PLSDA; and 3.12, 0.054, and 96.00% for EPHAH-PLSDA. The results showed that the EPHAH strategy can completely learn the complex LCNC decision boundaries for 10 classes, effectively break the tie problem, and greatly improve the voting resolution, thereby demonstrating significant superiority to both the OAO and OAA strategies in terms of classification accuracy. Meanwhile, PLS-DA further maximized the covariance and data interpretation abilities between the potential variables and categories of microplastic debris, thereby establishing an ideal performance identification model with a recognition rate of 96.00%.
Synthesis and Bioactive Properties of the Novel Coloured Compound Obtained via the Laccase-Mediated Transformation of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid
Authors: Polak Jolanta , Grąz Marcin , Szałapata Katarzyna , Kapral-Piotrowska Justyna , Wlizło Kamila , Polak Marcin , Jarosz-Wilkołazka Anna
Published: March 2024

Biocatalysis processes based on oxidoreductases, such as fungal laccase, are important for discovering new organic compounds with broad structures and potential applications. They include bioactive compounds, which can be obtained through laccase-mediated oxidation of organic substrates having hydroxyl and/or amino groups especially, e.g., 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is characterised for its potential for oxidation by a fungal laccase obtained from a Cerrena unicolor strain. The biotransformation process was optimised in terms of the buffer and co-solvent concentration, buffer pH value, and laccase activity. Selected crude dyes were analysed for their bioactive properties, toxicity, and suitability for the dyeing of wool fibres. The data obtained clearly indicated that a low concentration of the reaction buffer in the pH range from 5 to 6 and in the presence of 10% acetonitrile increased the rate of substrate oxidation and the amount of the product formed. The red-brown compound obtained via laccase-mediated oxidation of 5-aminosalicylic acid showed antioxidant properties and unique antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains with the MIC value of 0.125 mg/mL detected for the purest dye. In addition, it was reported to have good wool fibre dyeing properties and no irritant effect after patch tests on a selected group with increased skin sensitivity.
Optimization of Bear Oil Extraction Process and Hair Growth Activity
Authors: Wang Ziming , Wang Qiu , Jin Yingrui , Guo Kun , Wang Xiaoling , Feng Xueting
Published: March 2024

According to ancient Chinese books, bear grease has the effects of strengthening muscles and bones, which is beneficial for weakness, but there is relatively little research on it. Thus, the extraction of it is beneficial for compensating for research in this area. In this study, a uniform experimental design method was used to optimize the extraction process of bear grease by enzymatic hydrolysis extraction, and the extraction rate can reach 81.89% under optimized extraction conditions. Furthermore, the components of bear grease obtained by this study were analyzed by GC-MS, and the results showed that ursolic oil was rich in unsaturated fatty acids (67.51%), which was higher than that of the traditional method (66.92%). The composition of bear grease extracted by the enzymatic method was also better than that extracted by the traditional method. In addition, bear grease obtained in this study had the obvious activity of promoting hair growth. The length, weight, and number of hair follicles in the depilation area of mice in the high-dose group were significantly different from those in the blank group (p < 0.01). This study optimized the extraction process of bear grease and conducted a preliminary analysis of its fatty acid composition, which is expected to provide some reference for the development of the medicinal value of bear grease.
The Stability Prediction and Epitaxial Growth of Boron Nitride Nanodots on Different Substrates
Authors: Purnomo Muhamad Jalu , Febrita Yosi , Dinaryanto Okto , Gierlotka Wojciech , Yu Ing-Song
Published: March 2024

Boron nitride (BN) is a wide-bandgap material for various applications in modern nanotechnologies. In the technology of material science, computational calculations are prerequisites for experimental works, enabling precise property prediction and guidance. First-principles methods such as density functional theory (DFT) are capable of capturing the accurate physical properties of materials. However, they are limited to very small nanoparticle sizes (<2 nm in diameter) due to their computational costs. In this study, we present, for the first time, an important computational approach to DFT calculations for BN materials deposited on different substrates. In particular, we predict the total energy and cohesive energy of a variety of face-centered cubic (FCC) and hexagonal close-packed (HCP) boron nitrides on different substrates (Ni, MoS2, and Al2O3). Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is the most stable phase according to our DFT calculation of cohesive energy. Moreover, an experimental validation equipped with a molecular beam epitaxy system for the epitaxial growth of h-BN nanodots on Ni and MoS2 substrates is proposed to confirm the results of the DFT calculations in this report.
Steroidal Saponins from Water Eggplant (Fruits of Solanum torvum) Exhibit Anti-Epileptic Activity against Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizure Model in Zebrafish
Authors: Ren Rui , Zhang Ming-yan , Shu Tengyun , Kong Ya-ting , Su Li-hua , Li Hai-zhou
Published: March 2024

The fruits of Solanum torvum Swartz, a wild relative of eggplant, are consumed as a wild vegetable in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed to have anti-inflammatory and sedative effects. In the Philippines, water decoction is used to treat hyperactivity disorder. Twenty-two steroidal saponins were isolated and purified from the fruits grown in Yunnan, China, including six new compounds: torvosides U–Z (1–6). During drying and cooking, the saponins may undergo transformation, resulting in small amounts of sapogenins. These transformations can include dehydration of hydroxyl groups at position C22, formation of double bonds at position 20, 22 or 22, 23, and even formation of peroxide products. Saponin compounds torvoside X (4), torvoside Y (5), torvoside A (7), and (25S)-3-oxo-5α-spirostan-6α-yl-O-β-d-xylopyranoside (20), which are glycosylated at C-6, showed certain anti-epileptic activity in a pentylenetetrazole-induced zebrafish seizure model. No antiproliferative activity was detected when tested on the cancer cell line HepG2, and no hepatotoxic effect was noted on normal liver cell line LO2.
Show-and-Tell: An Interface for Delivering Rich Feedback upon Creative Media Artefacts
Authors: Dodds Colin , Kharrufa Ahmed
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we explore an approach to feedback which could allow those learning creative digital media practices in remote and asynchronous environments to receive rich, multi-modal, and interactive feedback upon their creative artefacts. We propose the show-and-tell feedback interface which couples graphical user interface changes (the show) to a text-based explanations (the tell). We describe the rationale behind the design and offer a tentative set of design criteria. We report the implementation and deployment into a real-world educational setting using a prototype interface developed to allow either traditional text-only feedback or our proposed show-and tell feedback across four sessions. The prototype was used to provide formative feedback upon music students’ coursework resulting in a total of 103 pieces of feedback. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data obtained through interviews and focus groups with both educators and students (i.e., feedback givers and receivers). Recipients considered show-and-tell feedback to possess greater clarity and detail in comparison with the single modality text-only feedback they are used to receiving. We also report interesting emergent issues around control and artistic vision, and we discuss how these issues could be mitigated in future iterations of the interface.
Strategic Structural Control of Polyserotonin Nanoparticles and Their Application as pH-Responsive Nanomotors
Authors: Hu Junyi , Cao Jingjing , Lin Jinwei , Xu Leilei
Published: March 2024

Serotonin-based nanomaterials have been positioned as promising contenders for constructing multifunctional biomedical nanoplatforms due to notable biocompatibility, advantageous charge properties, and chemical adaptability. The elaborately designed structure and morphology are significant for their applications as functional carriers. In this study, we fabricated anisotropic bowl-like mesoporous polyserotonin (PST) nanoparticles with a diameter of approximately 170 nm through nano-emulsion polymerization, employing P123/F127 as a dual-soft template and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) as both pore expander and emulsion template. Their formation can be attributed to the synchronized assembly of P123/F127/TMB, along with the concurrent manifestation of anisotropic nucleation and growth on the TMB emulsion droplet surface. Meanwhile, the morphology of PST nanoparticles can be regulated from sphere- to bowl-like, with a particle size distribution ranging from 432 nm to 100 nm, experiencing a transformation from a dendritic, cylindrical open mesoporous structure to an approximately non-porous structure by altering the reaction parameters. The well-defined mesopores, intrinsic asymmetry, and pH-dependent charge reversal characteristics enable the as-prepared mesoporous bowl-like PST nanoparticles’ potential for constructing responsive biomedical nanomotors through incorporating some catalytic functional materials, 3.5 nm CeO2 nanoenzymes, as a demonstration. The constructed nanomotors demonstrate remarkable autonomous movement capabilities under physiological H2O2 concentrations, even at an extremely low concentration of 0.05 mM, showcasing the 51.58 body length/s velocity. Furthermore, they can also respond to physiological pH values ranging from 4.4 to 7.4, exhibiting reduced mobility with increasing pH. This charge reversal-based responsive nanomotor design utilizing PST nanoparticles holds great promise for advancing the application of nanomotors within complex biological systems.
Resistive Switching Devices for Neuromorphic Computing: From Foundations to Chip Level Innovations
Authors: Udaya Mohanan Kannan
Published: March 2024

Neuromorphic computing has emerged as an alternative computing paradigm to address the increasing computing needs for data-intensive applications. In this context, resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices have garnered immense interest among the neuromorphic research community due to their capability to emulate intricate neuronal behaviors. RRAM devices excel in terms of their compact size, fast switching capabilities, high ON/OFF ratio, and low energy consumption, among other advantages. This review focuses on the multifaceted aspects of RRAM devices and their application to brain-inspired computing. The review begins with a brief overview of the essential biological concepts that inspire the development of bio-mimetic computing architectures. It then discusses the various types of resistive switching behaviors observed in RRAM devices and the detailed physical mechanisms underlying their operation. Next, a comprehensive discussion on the diverse material choices adapted in recent literature has been carried out, with special emphasis on the benchmark results from recent research literature. Further, the review provides a holistic analysis of the emerging trends in neuromorphic applications, highlighting the state-of-the-art results utilizing RRAM devices. Commercial chip-level applications are given special emphasis in identifying some of the salient research results. Finally, the current challenges and future outlook of RRAM-based devices for neuromorphic research have been summarized. Thus, this review provides valuable understanding along with critical insights and up-to-date information on the latest findings from the field of resistive switching devices towards brain-inspired computing.
Germanium-Based Optical Coatings for Aesthetic Enhancement with Low Radiofrequency Attenuation
Authors: Carretero Enrique , Chueca Rocío , Alonso Rafael
Published: March 2024

This work focused on developing optical coatings for decorative applications that remain transparent in the radiofrequency range. To achieve this, a combination of dielectric material (silicon-aluminum nitride, SiAlNx) and low-electrical-conductivity semiconductor material (germanium) was utilized. Germanium plays a crucial role in providing absorption in the visible spectrum, facilitating the design of coatings with various aesthetic appearances, while allowing for control over their transmittance. The optical properties of thin germanium layers were thoroughly characterized and leveraged to create multilayer designs with diverse aesthetic features. Different multilayer structures were designed, fabricated, and optically characterized, resulting in coatings with metallic gray, black, or various colors in reflection, while retaining the ability to transmit visible light for illumination and signaling applications. Finally, the radiofrequency attenuation of the developed coatings was measured, revealing negligible attenuation; this is in stark contrast to the metallic coatings used for decorative purposes, which can attenuate by up to 30 dB.
Plant-Derived Substances for Prevention of Necrotising Enterocolitis: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies
Authors: Mackay Cheryl Anne , Rath Chandra , Rao Shripada , Patole Sanjay
Published: March 2024

Inflammation, oxidative injury, and gut dysbiosis play an important role in the pathogenesis of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Plant-derived substances have historically been used as therapeutic agents due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. We aimed to review pre-clinical evidence for plant-derived substances in the prevention and treatment of NEC. A systematic review was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, EMCARE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library (PROSPERO CRD42022365477). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that evaluated a plant-derived substance as an intervention for NEC in an animal model of the illness and compared pre-stated outcomes (e.g., clinical severity, severity of intestinal injury, mortality, laboratory markers of inflammation and oxidative injury) were included. Sixteen studies (n = 610) were included in the systematic review. Ten of the sixteen included RCTs (Preterm rat pups: 15, Mice: 1) reported mortality and all reported NEC-related histology. Meta-analysis showed decreased mortality [12/134 vs. 27/135; RR: 0.48 (95% CI: 0.26 to 0.87); p = 0.02, 10 RCTs] and decreased NEC in the experimental group [24/126 vs. 55/79; RR: 0.34 (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.52); p < 0.001, 6 RCTs]. Markers of inflammation (n = 11) and oxidative stress (n = 13) improved in all the studies that have reported this outcome. There was no significant publication bias for the outcome of mortality. Plant-derived substances have the potential to reduce the incidence and severity of histologically diagnosed NEC and mortality in rodent models. These findings are helpful in guiding further pre-clinical studies towards developing a food supplement for the prevention of NEC in preterm infants.
Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin K Supplementation in Vitamin D Deficiency: Pathophysiological Background and Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Bleizgys Andrius
Published: March 2024

Zinc, magnesium, and vitamin K are important nutrients for humans. There are various factors that contribute to the development of their deficiency, which might result in or exacerbate various diseases. These nutrients can also interact with vitamin D metabolism and activity. This review discusses the main aspects of zinc, magnesium and vitamin K metabolism and action in the body, their clinical significance, and the “crosstalk” with vitamin D, as well as providing general suggestions for clinical practice when supplementation with these nutrients might be useful, in addition to vitamin D supplementation.
Metabolomic Comparison of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Leaf Extracts Fermented by Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Their Antioxidant and Antiglycation Activities
Authors: Jun Bo-Gyu , Kim Su-Hyun , Kim Seon-Hyeok , Hong Seong-Min , Lee Heaji , Lim Yunsook , Kim Sun-Yeou , Lee Choong-Hwan
Published: March 2024

Probiotic fermentation of plant-based materials can lead to the generation of various bioactive substances via bacterial metabolites and the biotransformation of phenolic compounds. We compared the metabolic differences between fermentation by Limosilactobacillus fermentum KCTC15072BP (LFG) and fermentation by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KGMB00831 (LPG) in guava leaf extract (0%, 0.5%, and 2% (w/v))-supplemented medium via non-targeted metabolite profiling. By performing multivariate statistical analysis and comparing the different guava leaf extract groups, 21 guava-derived and 30 bacterial metabolites were identified. The contents of guava-derived glucogallin, gallic acid, and sugar alcohols were significantly higher in LFG than they were in LPG. Similarly, significantly higher contents of guava-derived pyrogallol, vanillic acid, naringenin, phloretin, and aromatic amino acid catabolites were obtained with LPG than with LFG. LFG led to significantly higher antioxidant activities than LPG, while LPG led to significantly higher antiglycation activity than LFG. Interestingly, the fermentation-induced increase in the guava-leaf-extract-supplemented group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Thus, the increased bioactivity induced by guava fermentation with the Lactobacillaceae strain may be influenced by the synergistic effects between microbial metabolites and plant-derived compounds. Overall, examining the metabolic changes in plant-based food fermentation by differentiating the origin of metabolites provides a better understanding of food fermentation.
Live and Heat-Inactivated Streptococcus thermophilus MN-ZLW-002 Mediate the Gut–Brain Axis, Alleviating Cognitive Dysfunction in APP/PS1 Mice
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Wang Yimei , Zhou Zhimo , Yang Yang , Zhao Jincheng , Kang Xiaohong , Li Zhouyong , Shen Xi , He Fang , Cheng Ruyue
Published: March 2024

Research on regulating brain functions with probiotics and postbiotics through the gut–brain axis is attracting attention, offering the possibility of adjuvant therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Three-month-old male APP/PS1 mice were gavaged with live and heat-inactivated S. thermophilus MN-002 for three months. This study demonstrated that live and heat-inactivated S. thermophilus MN-002 improved cognitive dysfunctions in APP/PS1 mice, especially in spatial memory. However, the main effects of live S. thermophilus MN-002 directly altered the intestinal microbiota composition and increased serum IL-1β and IL-6. Heat-inactivated S. thermophilus MN-002 increased colonic propionic acid levels and enhanced the hippocampus’s antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the changes were more obvious in the high-dose group, such as astrogliosis in the hippocampus. These results indicate that different forms and doses of the same strain, S. thermophilus MN-002, can partly improve cognitive functions in AD model mice via the gut–brain axis.
Alterations in N-glycosylation of HCV E2 Protein in Children Patients with IFN-RBV Therapy Failure
Authors: Zimmer Karolina , Chmielewska Alicja M. , Jackowiak Paulina , Figlerowicz Marek , Bienkowska-Szewczyk Krystyna
Published: March 2024

The glycosylation of viral envelope proteins plays an important role in virus biology and the immune response of the host to infection. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope proteins E1 and E2, key players in virus entry and spread, are highly N-glycosylated and possess 4 (5 in certain genotypes) to 11 conserved glycosylation sites, respectively. Many published results based on recombinant proteins indicate that the glycan shield can mask the epitopes targeted by neutralizing antibodies. Glycan shifting within the conserved linear E2 region (412–423) could be one of the escape strategies used by HCV. In the present report, we isolated E2 genes from samples (collected before the IFN-RBV therapy) originating from pediatric patients infected with HCV gt 1a. We analyzed the biochemical properties of cloned E2 glycoprotein variants and investigated their glycosylation status. The sequencing of E2 genes isolated from patients who did not respond to therapy revealed mutations at N-glycosylation sites, thus leading to a lower molecular weight and a low affinity to both linear and conformational neutralizing antibodies. The loss of the glycosylation site within the conserved epitope (amino acid 417) impaired the binding with AP33, an antibody that potently neutralizes all genotypes of HCV. Our findings, based on clinical samples, confirm the influence of N-glycosylation aberrations on the antigenic and conformational properties of HCV E1/E2, which may possibly correlate with the outcome of therapy in patients.
Evaluating Prognosis of Gastrointestinal Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Constructing a Novel Prognostic Nomogram Based on NETPET Score and Metabolic Parameters from PET/CT Imaging
Authors: Liu Yifan , Cui Ruizhe , Wang Zhixiong , Lin Qi , Tang Wei , Zhang Bing , Li Guanghua , Wang Zhao
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The goal of this study is to compare the prognostic performance of NETPET scores, based on gallium-68 DOTANOC (68Ga-DOTANOC) and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT), and PET-CT metabolic parameters in metastatic gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NET), while constructing and validating a nomogram derived from dual-scan PET-CT. Methods: In this retrospective study, G1–G3 GI-NET patients who underwent 68Ga-DOTANOC and 18F-FDG PET scans were enrolled and divided into training and internal validation cohorts. Three grading systems were constructed based on NETPET scores and standardized uptake value maximum (SUVmax). LASSO regression selected variables for a multivariable Cox model, and nomograms predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were created. The prognostic performance of these systems was assessed using time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves, concordance index (C-index), and other methods. Nomogram evaluation involved calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and the aforementioned methods in both cohorts. Results: In this study, 223 patients (130 males; mean age ±  SD: 52.6 ± 12 years) were divided into training (148) and internal validation (75) cohorts. Dual scans were classified based on NETPET scores (D1–D3). Single 68Ga-DOTANOC and 18F-FDG PET-CT scans were stratified into S1-S3 and F1-F3 based on SUVmax. The NETPET score-based grading system demonstrated the best OS and PFS prediction (C-index, 0.763 vs. 0.727 vs. 0.566). Nomograms for OS and PFS exhibited superior prognostic performance in both cohorts (all AUCs > 0.8). Conclusions: New classification based on NETPET score predicts patient OS/PFS best. PET-CT-based nomograms show accurate OS/PFS forecasts.
New Pyrazolyl Thioureas Active against the Staphylococcus Genus
Authors: Schito Anna Maria , Caviglia Debora , Penco Susanna , Spallarossa Andrea , Cichero Elena , Tasso Bruno , Brullo Chiara
Published: March 2024

To meet the urgent need for new antibacterial molecules, a small library of pyrazolyl thioureas (PTUs) was designed, synthesized and tested against difficult-to-treat human pathogens. The prepared derivatives are characterized by a carboxyethyl functionality on C4 and different hydroxyalkyl chains on N1. Compounds 1a–o were first evaluated against a large panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. In particular, the majority of PTUs proved to be active against different species of the Staphylococcus genus, with MIC values ranging from 32 to 128 µg/mL on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus strains, often responsible for severe pulmonary disease in cystic fibrosis patients. Time-killing experiments were also performed for the most active compounds, evidencing a bacteriostatic mechanism of action. For most active derivatives, cytotoxicity was evaluated in Vero cells, and at the tested concentrations and at the experimental exposure time of 24 h, none of the compounds analysed showed significant toxicity. In addition, favourable drug-like, pharmacokinetic and toxicity properties were predicted for all new synthesized derivatives. Overall, the collected data confirmed the PTU scaffold as a promising chemotype for the development of novel antibacterial agents active against Gram-positive multi-resistant strains frequently isolated from cystic fibrosis patients.