bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence Estimation, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, and Serotyping of Salmonella enterica Recovered from New World Non-Human Primates (Platyrrhini), Feed, and Environmental Surfaces from Wildlife Centers in Costa Rica
Authors: Rojas-Sánchez Ernesto , Jiménez-Soto Mauricio , Barquero-Calvo Elias , Duarte-Martínez Francisco , Mollenkopf Dixie F. , Wittum Thomas E. , Muñoz-Vargas Lohendy
Published: May 2023

Concern about zoonoses and wildlife has increased. Few studies described the role of wild mammals and environments in the epidemiology of Salmonella. Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem associated with Salmonella that threatens global health, food security, the economy, and development in the 21st century. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence and identify antibiotic susceptibility profiles and serotypes of non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica recovered from non-human primate feces, feed offered, and surfaces in wildlife centers in Costa Rica. A total of 180 fecal samples, 133 environmental, and 43 feed samples from 10 wildlife centers were evaluated. We recovered Salmonella from 13.9% of feces samples, 11.3% of environmental, and 2.3% of feed samples. Non-susceptibility profiles included six isolates from feces (14.6%): four non-susceptible isolates (9.8%) to ciprofloxacin, one (2.4%) to nitrofurantoin, and one to both ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin (2.4%). Regarding the environmental samples, one profile was non-susceptible to ciprofloxacin (2.4%) and two to nitrofurantoin (4.8%). The serotypes identified included Typhimurium/I4,[5],12:i:-, S. Braenderup/Ohio, S. Newport, S. Anatum/Saintpaul, and S. Westhampton. The epidemiological surveillance of Salmonella and antimicrobial resistance can serve in the creation of strategies for the prevention of the disease and its dissemination throughout the One Health approach.
Drug–Target Interaction Deep Learning-Based Model Identifies the Flavonoid Troxerutin as a Candidate TRPV1 Antagonist
Authors: Lee Jinyong , Yoon Hyunjun , Lee Youn Jung , Kim Tae-Yoon , Bahn Gahee , Kim Young-heon , Lim Jun-Man , Park Sang-Wook , Song Young-Sook , Kim Mi-Sun , Beck Bo Ram
Published: May 2023

Based on the advances made by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in drug discovery, including target identification, hit molecule identification, and lead optimization, this study investigated natural compounds that could act as transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel protein antagonists. Using a molecular transformer drug–target interaction (MT-DTI) model, troxerutin was predicted to be a TRPV1 antagonist at IC50 582.73 nM. In a TRPV1-overexpressing HEK293T cell line, we found that troxerutin antagonized the calcium influx induced by the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin in vitro. A structural modeling and docking experiment of troxerutin and human TRPV1 confirmed that troxerutin could be a TRPV1 antagonist. A small-scale clinical trial consisting of 29 participants was performed to examine the efficacy of troxerutin in humans. Compared to a vehicle lotion, both 1% and 10% w/v troxerutin lotions reduced skin irritation, as measured by skin redness induced by capsaicin, suggesting that troxerutin could ameliorate skin sensitivity in clinical practice. We concluded that troxerutin is a potential TRPV1 antagonist based on the deep learning MT-DTI model prediction. The present study provides a useful reference for target-based drug discovery using AI technology and may provide useful information for the integrated research field of AI technology and biology.
Anti-Fibrotic Efficacy of Apigenin in a Mice Model of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis by Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Fibrogenesis: A Preclinical Study
Authors: Melaibari Maryam , Alkreathy Huda M. , Esmat Ahmed , Rajeh Nisreen A. , Shaik Rasheed A. , Alghamdi Anwar A. , Ahmad Aftab
Published: May 2023

Background: Hepatic fibrosis is a major health problem all over the world, and there is no effective treatment to cure it. Hence, the current study sought to assess the anti-fibrotic efficacy of apigenin against CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. Methods: Forty-eight mice were put into six groups. G1: Normal Control, G2: CCl4 Control, G3: Silymarin (100 mg/kg), G4 and G5: Apigenin (2 &20 mg/Kg), G6: Apigenin alone (20 mg/Kg). Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 were given CCl4 (0.5 mL/kg. i.p.) twice/week for six weeks. The level of AST, ALT, TC, TG, and TB in serum and IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in tissue homogenates were assessed. Histological studies by H&E staining and Immunostaining of liver tissues were also performed. Results: The CCl4-challenged group showed increased serum AST (4-fold), ALT (6-fold), and TB (5-fold). Both silymarin and apigenin treatments significantly improved these hepatic biomarkers. The CCl4-challenged group showed reduced levels of CAT (89%), GSH (53%), and increased MDA (3-fold). Both silymarin and apigenin treatments significantly altered these oxidative markers in tissue homogenates. The CCl4-treated group showed a two-fold increase in IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. Silymarin and apigenin treatment considerably decreased the IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. Apigenin treatment inhibited angiogenic activity, as evidenced by a decrease in VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) expression in liver tissues, and a decline in vascular endothelial cell antigen expression (CD34). Conclusions: Finally, these data collectively imply that apigenin may have antifibrotic properties, which may be explained by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiangiogenic activities.
Hemispheric Differences of 1 Hz rTMS over Motor and Premotor Cortex in Modulation of Neural Processing and Hand Function
Authors: Veldema Jitka , Nowak Dennis Alexander , Bösl Kathrin , Gharabaghi Alireza
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Non-invasive brain stimulation can modulate both neural processing and behavioral performance. Its effects may be influenced by the stimulated area and hemisphere. In this study (EC no. 09083), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) or dorsal premotor cortex (dPMC) of either the right or left hemisphere, while evaluating cortical neurophysiology and hand function. Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects participated in this placebo-controlled crossover study. Four sessions of real 1 Hz rTMS (110% of rMT, 900 pulses) over (i) left M1, (ii) right M1, (iii) left dPMC, (iv) right dPMC, and one session of (v) placebo 1 Hz rTMS (0% of rMT, 900 pulses) over the left M1 were applied in randomized order. Motor function of both hands (Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT)) and neural processing within both hemispheres (motor evoked potentials (MEPs), cortical silent period (CSP), and ipsilateral silent period (ISP)) were evaluated prior and after each intervention session. Results: A lengthening of CSP and ISP durations within the right hemisphere was induced by 1 Hz rTMS over both areas and hemispheres. No such intervention-induced neurophysiological changes were detected within the left hemisphere. Regarding JTHFT and MEP, no intervention-induced changes ensued. Changes of hand function correlated with neurophysiological changes within both hemispheres, more often for the left than the right hand. Conclusions: Effects of 1 Hz rTMS can be better captured by neurophysiological than behavioral measures. Hemispheric differences need to be considered for this intervention.
Functional Analyses of the Bacillus velezensis HMB26553 Genome Provide Evidence That Its Genes Are Potentially Related to the Promotion of Plant Growth and Prevention of Cotton Rhizoctonia Damping-Off
Authors: Su Zhenhe , Liu Gaoge , Liu Xiaomeng , Li Shezeng , Lu Xiuyun , Wang Peipei , Zhao Weisong , Zhang Xiaoyun , Dong Lihong , Qu Yuanhang , Zhang Jiaqi , Mo Shaojing , Guo Qinggang , Ma Ping
Published: May 2023

Bacillus spp. is one kind of the important representative biocontrol agents against plant diseases and promoting plant growth. In this study, the whole genomic sequence of bacterial strain HMB26553 was obtained. A phylogenetic tree based on the genome and ANI (average nucleotide identity), as well as dDDH (digital DNA–DNA hybridization), was constructed, and strain HMB26553 was identified as Bacillus velezensis. Fourteen biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for secondary metabolite were predicted via anti-SMASH, and six secondary metabolites were identified by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry). When the phytopathogen Rhizoctonia solani was treated with B. velezensis HMB26553, the mycelial structure changed, ROS (reactive oxygen species) accumulated, and the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased. Characteristics of strain HMB26553 were predicted and confirmed by genomic information and experiments, such as producing IAA, siderophore, extracellular enzymes and biofilm, as well as moving and promoting cotton growth. All these results suggested the mechanisms by which B. velezensis HMB26553 inhibits pathogen growth and promotes cotton growth, which likely provided the potential biocontrol agent to control cotton Rhizoctonia damping-off.
Synthesis, Structures and Photophysical Properties of Tetra- and Hexanuclear Zinc Complexes Supported by Tridentate Schiff Base Ligands
Authors: Severin Tobias , Karabtsova Viktoriia , Börner Martin , Weiske Hendrik , Kuc Agnieszka , Kersting Berthold
Published: May 2023

The synthesis, structure and photophysical properties of two polynuclear zinc complexes, namely [Zn6L2(µ3-OH)2(OAc)8] (1) and [Zn4L4(µ2-OH)2](ClO4)2 (2), supported by tridentate Schiff base ligand 2,6-bis((N-benzyl)iminomethyl)-4-tert-butylphenol (HL) are presented. The synthesized compounds were investigated using ESI-MS, IR, NMR, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The hexanuclear neutral complex 1 comprises six-, five- and four-coordinated Zn2+ ions coordinated by O and N atoms from the supporting ligand and OH- and acetate ligands. The Zn2+ ions in complex cation [Zn4L4(µ2-OH)2]2+ of 2 are all five-coordinated. The complexation of ligand HL by Zn2+ ions leads to a six-fold increase in the intensity and a large blue shift of the ligand-based 1(π-π)* emission. Other biologically relevant ions, i.e., Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+, did not give rise to a fluorescence enhancement.
Accelerated Deactivation of Mesoporous Co3O4-Supported Au–Pd Catalyst through Gas Sensor Operation
Authors: Lyu Xuemeng , Yurchenko Olena , Diehle Patrick , Altmann Frank , Wöllenstein Jürgen , Schmitt Katrin
Published: May 2023

High activity of a catalyst and its thermal stability over a lifetime are essential for catalytic applications, including catalytic gas sensors. Highly porous materials are attractive to support metal catalysts because they can carry a large quantity of well-dispersed metal nanoparticles, which are well-accessible for reactants. The present work investigates the long-term stability of mesoporous Co3O4-supported Au–Pd catalyst (Au–Pd@meso-Co3O4), with a metal loading of 7.5 wt% and catalytically active mesoporous Co3O4 (meso-Co3O4) for use in catalytic gas sensors. Both catalysts were characterized concerning their sensor response towards different concentrations of methane and propane (0.05–1%) at operating temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 400 °C for a duration of 400 h. The initially high sensor response of Au–Pd@meso-Co3O4 to methane and propane decreased significantly after a long-term operation, while the sensor response of meso-Co3O4 without metallic catalyst was less affected. Electron microscopy studies revealed that the hollow mesoporous structure of the Co3O4 support is lost in the presence of Au–Pd particles. Additionally, Ostwald ripening of Au–Pd nanoparticles was observed. The morphology of pure meso-Co3O4 was less altered. The low thermodynamical stability of mesoporous structure and low phase transformation temperature of Co3O4, as well as high metal loading, are parameters influencing the accelerated sintering and deactivation of Au–Pd@meso-Co3O4 catalyst. Despite its high catalytic activity, Au–Pd@meso-Co3O4 is not long-term stable at increased operating temperatures and is thus not well-suited for gas sensors.
Volatile Compound Profile Analysis of Seasonal Flower, Fruit, Leaf, and Stem of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. from Manipur Using HS-SPME-GC-MS
Authors: Devi Moirangthem Lakshmipriyari , Singh Nameirakpam Bunindro , Sharma Kongbrailatpam Chandradev , Rajashekar Yallappa , Mishra Amrita , Das Sudripta
Published: May 2023

In the present study, GC-MS analyses were performed with powder samples of flower, fruit, leaf, and stem of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. collected from Thambalkhong, Imphal-East district of Manipur, a north-eastern region of India, based on the season and growth stage of the plant using the extraction method headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) to study the total profile of volatile compounds. Variations were discovered in the volatile compound profiles. HS-SPME-GC-MS analyses of the plant parts detected and identified 16 to 36 compounds and found a total area percentage composition of 96.81 to 98.63%. The analysis showed that nine common compounds were detected in the studied plant parts and seasons, namely, α-thujene, α-pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, terpinolene, o-cymene, sylvestrene, eucalyptol, and caryophyllene. The monoterpenoid eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) was revealed to be the principal component with an area percentage composition of 31.02% in spring leaf to 73.16% in monsoon stem. The extraction method used in this investigation was very fast and feasible for the analysis, and the findings of the present study will help understand the mechanism behind the changes in the plant’s volatile organic compound profile and future research work for selecting aroma-rich accessions for targeted improvement of this plant.
Hierarchical Modeling to Enhance Spectrophotometry Measurements—Overcoming Dynamic Range Limitations for Remote Monitoring of Neptunium
Authors: Andrews Hunter B. , Sadergaski Luke R.
Published: May 2023

A robust hierarchical model has been demonstrated for monitoring a wide range of neptunium concentrations (0.75–890 mM) and varying temperatures (10–80 °C) using chemometrics and feature selection. The visible–near infrared electronic absorption spectrum (400–1700 nm) of monocharged neptunyl dioxocation (Np(V) = NpO2+) includes many bands, which have molar absorption coefficients that differ by nearly 2 orders of magnitude. The shape, position, and intensity of these bands differ with chemical interactions and changing temperature. These challenges make traditional quantification by univariate methods unfeasible. Measuring Np(V) concentration over several orders of magnitude would typically necessitate cells with varying path length, optical switches, and/or multiple spectrophotometers. Alternatively, the differences in the molar extinction coefficients for multiple absorption bands can be used to quantify Np(V) concentration over 3 orders of magnitude with a single optical path length (1 mm) and a hierarchical multivariate model. In this work, principal component analysis was used to distinguish the concentration regime of the sample, directing it to the relevant partial least squares regression submodels. Each submodel was optimized with unique feature selection filters that were selected by a genetic algorithm to enhance predictions. Through this approach, the percent root mean square error of prediction values were ≤1.05% for Np(V) concentrations and ≤4% for temperatures. This approach may be applied to other nuclear fuel cycle and environmental applications requiring real-time spectroscopic measurements over a wide range of conditions.
Natural Mitochondria Targeting Substances and Their Effect on Cellular Antioxidant System as a Potential Benefit in Mitochondrial Medicine for Prevention and Remediation of Mitochondrial Dysfunctions
Authors: Schniertshauer Daniel , Wespel Susanne , Bergemann Jörg
Published: May 2023

Based on the knowledge that many diseases are caused by defects in the metabolism of the cells and, in particular, in defects of the mitochondria, mitochondrial medicine starts precisely at this point. This new form of therapy is used in numerous fields of human medicine and has become a central focus within the field of medicine in recent years. With this form of therapy, the disturbed cellular energy metabolism and an out-of-balance antioxidant system of the patient are to be influenced to a greater extent. The most important tool here is mitotropic substances, with the help of which attempts are made to compensate for existing dysfunction. In this article, both mitotropic substances and accompanying studies showing their efficacy are summarized. It appears that the action of many mitotropic substances is based on two important properties. First, on the property of acting antioxidantly, both directly as antioxidants and via activation of downstream enzymes and signaling pathways of the antioxidant system, and second, via enhanced transport of electrons and protons in the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
Blockade of L-Type Ca2+ Channel Activity Alleviates Oligodendrocyte Pathology following Brain Injury in Male Rats
Authors: Al-Griw Mohamed A. , Alghazeer Rabia , Ratemi Haithm W. , Ben-Othman Mohamed E. , Tabagah Refaat , Shamlan Ghalia , Habibullah Mahmmoud M. , Alnajeebi Afnan M. , Babteen Nouf A. , Eskandrani Areej A. , AL-Farga Ammar , Alansari Wafa S.
Published: May 2023

A growing body of studies suggests that Ca2+ signaling controls a variety of biological processes in brain elements. Activation of L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channels (VOCCs) plays a role in the development of oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage loss, and indicates that the blocking of these channels may be an effective way to inhibit OL lineage cell loss. For this study, 10.5-day-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were used to generate cerebellar tissue slices. The slice tissues were cultured and randomly allocated to one of four groups (six each) and treated as follows: Group I, (sham control); Group II, 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) only (vehicle control); Group III, injury (INJ); Group IV, (INJ and treatment with NIF). The injury was simulated by exposing the slice tissues to 20 min of oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD). At 3 days post-treatment, the survival, apoptosis, and proliferation of the OL lineages were measured and compared. Results: In the INJ group, there was a decrease in mature myelin basic protein+ OLs (MBP+ OLs) and their precursors, NG2+ OPCs (Nerve-glia antigen 2+ oligodendrocyte precursor cell), compared with controls. A significant elevation was observed in the NG2+ OPCs and apoptotic MBP+ OLs as confirmed by a TUNEL assay. However, the cell proliferation rate was decreased in NG2+ OPCs. NIF increased OL survival as measured by apoptosis rate in both OL lineages and preserved the rate of proliferation in the NG2+ OPCs. Conclusions: Activation of L-type VOCCs may contribute to OL pathology in association with reduced mitosis of OPCs following brain injury as a strategy to treat demyelinating diseases.
Imaging Features of Intraosseous Schwannoma: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Shomal Zadeh Firoozeh , Azhideh Arash , Mantilla Jose G. , Kosaraju Vijaya , Venugopal Nitin , Gaskin Cree M. , Pooyan Atefe , Alipour Ehsan , Chalian Majid
Published: May 2023

To characterize the imaging features of patients with pathologically confirmed intraosseous schwannoma (IOS), institutional pathology and imaging databases were searched for IOS cases over a period of 17 years. A musculoskeletal radiologist evaluated all imaging studies. Additionally, a literature search was performed to identify IOS cases that had imaging findings of at least two modalities. Six patients (one female, five males, mean age of 50 ± 14 years) with IOS were identified, with all lesions localized to the lumbosacral region. Radiographic imaging was available in four patients, while all patients underwent CT and MR imaging. Radiographs depicted lytic lesions, and CT depicted heterogeneous expansile lesions with centrally hypodense areas and peripheral sclerosis. All cases involved extra-osseous extension, producing a mass effect on adjacent soft tissues and nerve roots. On MRI, the neoplasms displayed iso- to- slightly- low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintense signal intensity on T2-weighted images with heterogeneous enhancement. The literature review resulted in 102 IOS cases, which to the best of our knowledge, is the largest review on IOS, and the imaging findings of the previously published cases were the same as our cases. IOSs are rare benign neoplasms that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of well-defined expansile lytic lesions with sclerotic borders. This is particularly important in middle-aged adults with mandibular, sacral, or vertebral body mass.
The Role of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Infection Caused by Intracellular, Fungal Pathogens and Mycobacteria: A Systematic Review
Authors: Meli Mariaclaudia , Spicuzza Lucia , Comella Mattia , La Spina Milena , Trobia Gian Luca , Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Di Cataldo Andrea , Russo Giovanna
Published: May 2023

Background: Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a widely available technique allowing rapid bedside detection of different respiratory disorders. Its reliability in the diagnosis of community-acquired lung infection has been confirmed. However, its usefulness in identifying infections caused by specific and less common pathogens (e.g., in immunocompromised patients) is still uncertain. Methods: This systematic review aimed to explore the most common LUS patterns in infections caused by intracellular, fungal pathogens or mycobacteria. Results: We included 17 studies, reporting a total of 274 patients with M. pneumoniae, 30 with fungal infection and 213 with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Most of the studies on M. pneumoniae in children found a specific LUS pattern, mainly consolidated areas associated with diffuse B lines. The typical LUS pattern in TB consisted of consolidation and small subpleural nodes. Only one study on fungal disease reported LUS specific patterns (e.g., indicating “halo sign” or “reverse halo sign”). Conclusions: Considering the preliminary data, LUS appears to be a promising point-of-care tool, showing patterns of atypical pneumonia and TB which seem different from patterns characterizing common bacterial infection. The role of LUS in the diagnosis of fungal disease is still at an early stage of exploration. Large trials to investigate sonography in these lung infections are granted.
Fields of Application of SWAT Hydrological Model—A Review
Authors: Janjić Josip , Tadić Lidija
Published: May 2023

Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is a widely used model for runoff, non-point source pollution, and other complex hydrological processes under changing environments (groundwater flow, evapotranspiration, snow melting, etc.). This paper reviews the key characteristics and applications of SWAT. Since its inception in the 1990s, there has been a significant increase in the number of articles related to the SWAT model. In the last 10 years, the number of articles almost reached 4000. The range of applications varies between small and large scales; however, large watershed modelling dominates in North America and Asia. Moreover, the prevailing modelling is related to hydrological impacts in a changing environment, which is a global problem. The significant shortcoming of the SWAT model is the vast quantity of data necessary to run the model to generate accurate and reliable results, which is not accessible in some regions of the world. Apart from its accessibility, it has several advantages, including continuous development, which results in a slew of new interfaces and tools supporting the model. Additionally, it can simulate human activity and agricultural measures and adapt to new circumstances and situations. This article emphasizes weaknesses and strengths of SWAT model application on modelling of hydrological processes in changing climate and environment.
Differences in Aroma Metabolite Profile, Microstructure, and Rheological Properties of Fermented Milk Using Different Cultures
Authors: Nguyen Hanh , Gomes Reis Mariza , Wa Yunchao , Alfante Renna , Chanyi Ryan , Altermann Eric , Day Li
Published: May 2023

Texture and flavour are the key attributes determining sensory quality and are highly affected by starter cultures. A selection of phenotypic strains is needed to create diverse texture and flavour to meet consumers’ preferences. In this study, the use of five lactic acid bacteria strains in the production of fermented milk, along with the metabolite profiles, microstructure, and rheological properties of the fermented milk samples, was investigated. Our results showed that Lactobacillus helveticus (LH) and Streptococcus thermophilus (ST) had a stronger acidification during fermentation but resulted in products with a coarser protein network compared to Lactococcus lactis (BL1) and Leuconostoc mesenteroides (CL3). Milk fermented by LH had the highest viscosity and exopolysaccharide concentration, while milk fermented by ST had the highest concentration of diacetyl. Although Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides (CL3ST) had a minimal acidification capability, it produced high levels of ethyl-derived compounds associated with sweet, fruity, and floral fragrances. The results demonstrated that LH and ST could be used as starter cultures targeting fermented milks with different viscosities, while BL1, CL3, and CL3ST are suitable as adjunct cultures to impact different acidic sharpness and flavour notes.
Diversity of Bioinspired Hydrogels: From Structure to Applications
Authors: Lupu Alexandra , Gradinaru Luiza Madalina , Gradinaru Vasile Robert , Bercea Maria
Published: May 2023

Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks with a variety of structures and functions that have a remarkable ability to absorb huge amounts of water or biological fluids. They can incorporate active compounds and release them in a controlled manner. Hydrogels can also be designed to be sensitive to external stimuli: temperature, pH, ionic strength, electrical or magnetic stimuli, specific molecules, etc. Alternative methods for the development of various hydrogels have been outlined in the literature over time. Some hydrogels are toxic and therefore are avoided when obtaining biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, or therapeutic products. Nature is a permanent source of inspiration for new structures and new functionalities of more and more competitive materials. Natural compounds present a series of physico-chemical and biological characteristics suitable for biomaterials, such as biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties, biodegradability, and nontoxicity. Thus, they can generate microenvironments comparable to the intracellular or extracellular matrices in the human body. This paper discusses the main advantages of the presence of biomolecules (polysaccharides, proteins, and polypeptides) in hydrogels. Structural aspects induced by natural compounds and their specific properties are emphasized. The most suitable applications will be highlighted, including drug delivery, self-healing materials for regenerative medicine, cell culture, wound dressings, 3D bioprinting, foods, etc.
Circular Process for Sustainable On-Site Management of Valuable Materials in the Rehabilitation of the Built Heritage
Authors: De Gregorio Stefania , Laurini Eleonora , De Vita Mariangela
Published: May 2023

Heritage rehabilitation can be a sustainable operation when it succeeds in conveying the intangible, historical, artistic, and symbolic value of the building and, at the same time, to ensure the preservation of soil and material resources. The sustainability of the operation must cover the entire life cycle of the building, starting with the management of materials on the construction site, which allows for an increase in its durability while safeguarding its residual performance. This paper, therefore, outlines a process for the sustainable management of materials at the building redevelopment site using the history of the building and the life cycles of related materials. In particular, the following are explored: residual performance of historical and coeval materials, their endogenous and exogenous reuse of materials in the redevelopment project, the traceability aimed at controlling the supply chain, and the material/component identity card. The latter evolves dynamically, providing useful information for carrying out environmental assessments and monitoring the building’s maintenance cycle. The process is applied to a case study involving the redevelopment of the historical built heritage following the 2009 earthquake that struck the city of L’Aquila and neighbouring territories. The case study demonstrated the validity of the method and at the same time made it possible to introduce an innovative process in the territory, raising awareness among those working in the sector of the value of choices that have environmental and economic advantages.
Potential Application of Black Soldier Fly Larva Bins in Treating Food Waste
Authors: Ahmad Irfana Kabir , Peng Ng Teck , Amrul Nur Fardilla , Basri Noor Ezlin Ahmad , Jalil Nurul Ain Abdul , Azman Nur Asyiqin
Published: May 2023

The increase in the global population has led to a rise in organic waste generation and landfill sites. Consequently, there has been a global shift in focus towards the utilization of BSFL to address these challenges. This study aims to design, develop, and test a user-friendly BSFL bin and identify the optimal MCCM for treating organic waste using BSFL. The four BSFL bins have a dimension of 330 mm (width) × 440 mm (length) × 285 mm (height). This study uses mixtures of food waste added with different MCCMs, including chicken feed, rice bran, and garden waste. We add the mediums to the BSFL bins every third day and measure the humidity, ambient temperature, pH, medium temperature, and BSFL weight and length. The measurements show that the fabricated BSFL bins can fulfill the BSF lifecycle requirements. Wild BSFs lay eggs in the medium of BSFL bins, and the hatched larvae decompose it. When they reach the prepupae stage, they climb the ramp into the harvesting container. The results show that the food waste without MCCM produced the heaviest (0.228 g) and longest (2.16 cm) larvae; the prepupae are 2.15 cm long and weigh 0.225 g; and the growth rate is 53.72%. However, the high moisture content of 75.3% makes the maintenance work challenging. The medium with MCCM has a markedly lower moisture content of 51–58%. A comparison of the three MCCMs shows that the chicken feed produces the larvae and prepupae with the highest growth rate (the larvae are 2.10 cm long and weigh 0.224 g, the prepupae are 2.11 cm long and weigh 0.221 g, and the growth rate is 72.36%) and the frass with the lowest moisture content (51.2%). An effective BSFL composting system is easy to manage and produces the biggest larvae. In summary, food waste mixed with chicken feed is the most suitable MCCM for treating organic waste using BSFL.
Conservation Innovations and Future Directions for the Study of Rhinoceros Gut Microbiome
Authors: Burnham Christina M. , Ange-van Heugten Kimberly , McKenney Erin A. , Minter Larry J. , Trivedi Shweta
Published: May 2023

Rhinoceros are among the largest and most endangered herbivores in the world. Three of the five extant species are critically endangered, with poaching and habitat loss contributing heavily to declines. The gut microbiome is an essential facet of host health and digestion, mediating a variety of immune and physiological functions. Certain microbes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for reproductive outcomes and predictors of disease susceptibility. Therefore, assessing gut microbial dynamics in relation to wild and managed rhinoceros populations has particular relevance for zoos and other conservation organizations that maintain assurance populations of these charismatic megafauna. The functional gut microbiomes associated with all rhinoceros species remain poorly studied, and many published reports are limited by small sample sizes and sex biases. In this review, we synthesize current research to examine the rhinoceros gut microbiome under human management and resulting conservation implications, address common pitfalls of wildlife gut microbiome studies, and propose future avenues of research in this field.
On the Degree of Product of Two Algebraic Numbers
Authors: Maciulevičius Lukas
Published: May 2023

A triplet (a,b,c) of positive integers is said to be product-feasible if there exist algebraic numbers α, β and γ of degrees (over Q) a, b and c, respectively, such that αβγ=1. This work extends the investigation of product-feasible triplets started by Drungilas, Dubickas and Smyth. More precisely, for all but five positive integer triplets (a,b,c) with a≤b≤c and b≤7, we decide whether it is product-feasible. Moreover, in the Appendix we give an infinite family or irreducible compositum-feasible triplets and propose a problem to find all such triplets.
Numerical Study on Interfacial Structure and Mixing Characteristics in Converter Based on CLSVOF Method
Authors: Qi Fengsheng , Zhou Shuqi , Zhang Liangyu , Liu Zhongqiu , Cheung Sherman C. P. , Li Baokuan
Published: May 2023

The blowing flow is a key factor in molten bath stirring to affects the steel-bath interface fluctuation and chemical reaction in the top-bottom-blowing converter. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) method is widely used to capture the gas-liquid interface. However, some limitations exist in dealing with the interface curvature and normal vectors of the complex deformed slag-bath interface. The Coupled Level-Set and Volume of Fluid (CLSVOF) method uses the VOF function to achieve mass conservation and capture interface smoothly by computing the curvature and normal vector using the Level-Set function to overcome the limitations in the VOF model. In the present work, a three-dimensional (3D) transient mathematical model coupled CLSVOF method has been developed to analyze the mixing process under different injection flow rates and bottom-blowing positions. The results show that when the bottom-blowing flow rate increases from 0.252 kg/s to 0.379 kg/s, the mixing time in the molten bath gradually decreases from 74 s to 66 s. When the bottom-blowing flow rate is 0.252 kg/s, it is recommended to distribute the outer bottom-blowing position on concentric circles with Dtuy,2/D2 = 0.33.
GC-MS/MS Method for Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Herbal Medicines
Authors: Park Jwahaeng , Kim Kyuyeob , Ryu Dayoun , Whang Jin-Hee , Mah Jae-Hyung
Published: May 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hydrophobic organic contaminants that have a highly carcinogenic and mutagenic nature. This study aimed to develop and validate a sensitive analytical method to determine 8 PAHs in 51 herbal medicines (HMs) using gas chromatography (GC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Liquid––liquid extraction and florisil SPE cartridge purification were basically adopted for pretreatment. For the samples containing essential oil, starch grain, etc., N,N-dimethyl formamide/water mixture (9:1, v/v) was added in the extraction step. The multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) conditions were newly obtained by the infusion of reference solutions of the targeted compounds at a concentration of 100 ng/mL into the GC-MS/MS system used in this study. The 51 items were classified according to whether or not they contained essential oil. Eight PAHs were not detected in 39 (8.3%) of the 459 samples monitored. The total content of 8 PAHs ranged from 0.45 μg/kg in Anemarrhenae Rhizoma to 270.94 μg/kg in Zingiberis Rhizoma. The average content of those ranged from 0.9 μg/kg in Araliae Continentalis Radix to 110.8 μg/kg in Coptidis Rhizoma Preparata cum Vinum. The results of this study prove that the proposed method is useful for determining 8 PAHs in HMs.
Biological Evaluation of Triorganotin Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Stefanizzi Valeria , Minutolo Antonella , Valletta Elena , Carlini Martina , Cordero Franca M. , Ranzenigo Anna , Prete Salvatore Pasquale , Cicero Daniel Oscar , Pitti Erica , Petrella Greta , Matteucci Claudia , Marino-Merlo Francesca , Mastino Antonio , Macchi Beatrice
Published: May 2023

Metal-derived platinum complexes are widely used to treat solid tumors. However, systemic toxicity and tumor resistance to these drugs encourage further research into similarly effective compounds. Among others, organotin compounds have been shown to inhibit cell growth and induce cell death and autophagy. Nevertheless, the impact of the ligand structure and mechanisms involved in the toxicity of organotin compounds have not been clarified. In the present study, the biological activities of commercially available bis(tributyltin) oxide and tributyltin chloride, in comparison to those of specially synthesized tributyltin trifluoroacetate (TBT-OCOCF3) and of cisplatin, were assessed using cells with different levels of tumorigenicity. The results show that tributyltins were more cytotoxic than cisplatin in all the tested cell lines. NMR revealed that this was not related to the interaction with DNA but to the inhibition of glucose uptake into the cells. Moreover, highly tumorigenic cells were less susceptible than nontumorigenic cells to the nonunique pattern of death induced by TBT-OCOCF3. Nevertheless, tumorigenic cells became sensitive when cotreated with wortmannin and TBT-OCOCF3, although no concomitant induction of autophagy by the compound was detected. Thus, TBT-OCOCF3 might be the prototype of a family of potential anticancer agents.
What the Lactate Shuttle Means for Sports Nutrition
Authors: Brooks George A.
Published: May 2023

The discovery of the lactate shuttle (LS) mechanism may have two opposite perceptions, It may mean very little, because the body normally and inexorably uses the LS mechanism. On the contrary, one may support the viewpoint that understanding the LS mechanism offers immense opportunities for understanding nutrition and metabolism in general, as well as in a sports nutrition supplementation setting. In fact, regardless of the specific form of the carbohydrate (CHO) nutrient taken, the bodily CHO energy flux is from a hexose sugar glucose or glucose polymer (glycogen and starches) to lactate with subsequent somatic tissue oxidation or storage as liver glycogen. In fact, because oxygen and lactate flow together through the circulation to sites of utilization, the bodily carbon energy flow is essentially the lactate disposal rate. Consequently, one can consume glucose or glucose polymers in various forms (glycogen, maltodextrin, potato, corn starch, and fructose or high-fructose corn syrup), and the intestinal wall, liver, integument, and active and inactive muscles make lactate which is the chief energy fuel for red skeletal muscle, heart, brain, erythrocytes, and kidneys. Therefore, if one wants to hasten the delivery of CHO energy delivery, instead of providing CHO foods, supplementation with lactate nutrient compounds can augment body energy flow.
Chemical Identification of Secondary Metabolites from Rhizospheric Actinomycetes Using LC-MS Analysis: In Silico Antifungal Evaluation and Growth-Promoting Effects
Authors: Elshafie Hazem S. , De Martino Laura , Formisano Carmen , Caputo Lucia , De Feo Vincenzo , Camele Ippolito
Published: May 2023

The rhizosphere is a rich source of actinomycetes which can produce several potential biologically active secondary metabolites. The principal goal for this research is to extract, purify, and characterize the bioactive secondary metabolites produced by three different strains of actinomycetes isolated from the rhizosphere of rosemary, black locust, and olive. The plant growth-promoting effect (PGPE) of the studied strains of actinomycetes on Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) and the disease-control effect on necrotic stem lesions of “black leg” caused by Fusarium tabacinum on basil were evaluated in silico. The cell-free culture filtrates from the studied actinomycetes isolates were evaluated in vitro for their antimicrobial activity against some common phytopathogens. The secondary metabolites obtained from the cell-free culture filtrates have been chemically characterized using high-resolution electrospray ionization of liquid-chromatography/mass-spectrometric detection (ESI-(HR)Orbitrap-MS). Results of the in silico trial showed that all studied isolates demonstrated PGPE on basil seedlings, improved some eco-physiological characteristics, and reduced the disease incidence of F. tabacinum. The extracted metabolites from the studied actinomycetes demonstrated antimicrobial activity in a Petri-plates assay. The chemical analysis revealed the presence of 20 different components. This research emphasizes how valuable the examined isolates are for producing bioactive compounds, indicating their putative antimicrobial activity and their potential employment as fungal biocontrol agents. In particular, the obtained results revealed the possibility of green synthesis of some important secondary metabolites, such as N-Acetyl-l-histidinol, Rhizocticin A, and Eponemycin, from actinomycetes. The bioactive metabolites may be successively used to develop novel bio-formulations for both crop protection and/or PGPE.
Deep Learning in Phosphoproteomics: Methods and Application in Cancer Drug Discovery
Authors: Varshney Neha , Mishra Abhinava K.
Published: May 2023

Protein phosphorylation is a key post-translational modification (PTM) that is a central regulatory mechanism of many cellular signaling pathways. Several protein kinases and phosphatases precisely control this biochemical process. Defects in the functions of these proteins have been implicated in many diseases, including cancer. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based analysis of biological samples provides in-depth coverage of phosphoproteome. A large amount of MS data available in public repositories has unveiled big data in the field of phosphoproteomics. To address the challenges associated with handling large data and expanding confidence in phosphorylation site prediction, the development of many computational algorithms and machine learning-based approaches have gained momentum in recent years. Together, the emergence of experimental methods with high resolution and sensitivity and data mining algorithms has provided robust analytical platforms for quantitative proteomics. In this review, we compile a comprehensive collection of bioinformatic resources used for the prediction of phosphorylation sites, and their potential therapeutic applications in the context of cancer.
It Was Not the Perfect Storm: The Social History of the HIV-2 Virus in Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Varanda Jorge , Santos José Maurício
Published: May 2023

The perfect storm model that was elaborated for the HIV-1M pandemic has also been used to explain the emergence of HIV-2, a second human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDS) that became an epidemic in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. The use of this model creates epidemiological generalizations, ecological oversimplifications and historical misunderstandings as its assumptions—an urban center with explosive population growth, a high level of commercial sex and a surge in STDs, a network of mechanical transport and country-wide, en masse mobile campaigns—are absent from the historical record. This model fails to explain how the HIV-2 epidemic actually came about. This is the first study to conduct an exhaustive examination of sociohistorical contextual developments and align them with environmental, virological and epidemiological data. The interdisciplinary dialogue indicates that the emergence of the HIV-2 epidemic piggybacked on local sociopolitical transformations. The war’s indirect effects on ecological relations, mobility and sociability were acute in rural areas and are a key to the HIV-2 epidemic. This setting had the natural host of the virus, the population numbers, the mobility trends and the use of technology on a scale needed to foster viral adaptation and amplification. The present analysis suggests new reflections on the processes of zoonotic spillovers and disease emergence.
Lupeol Acetate and α-Amyrin Terpenes Activity against Trypanosoma cruzi: Insights into Toxicity and Potential Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Pardo-Rodriguez Daniel , Cifuentes-López Andres , Bravo-Espejo Juan , Romero Ibeth , Robles Jorge , Cuervo Claudia , Mejía Sol M. , Tellez Jair
Published: May 2023

Background: Chagas disease is a potentially fatal disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. There is growing scientific interest in finding new and better therapeutic alternatives for this disease’s treatment. Methods: A total of 81 terpene compounds with potential trypanocidal activity were screened and found to have potential T. cruzi cysteine synthase (TcCS) inhibition using molecular docking, molecular dynamics, ADME and PAIN property analyses and in vitro susceptibility assays. Results: Molecular docking analyses revealed energy ranges from −10.5 to −4.9 kcal/mol in the 81 tested compounds, where pentacyclic triterpenes were the best. Six compounds were selected to assess the stability of the TcCS–ligand complexes, of which lupeol acetate (ACLUPE) and α-amyrin (AMIR) exhibited the highest stability during 200 ns of molecular dynamics analysis. Such stability was primarily due to their hydrophobic interactions with the amino acids located in the enzyme’s active site. In addition, ACLUPE and AMIR exhibited lipophilic characteristics, low intestinal absorption and no structural interferences or toxicity. Finally, selective index for ACLUPE was >5.94, with moderate potency in the trypomastigote stage (EC50 = 15.82 ± 3.7 μg/mL). AMIR’s selective index was >9.36 and it was moderately potent in the amastigote stage (IC50 = 9.08 ± 23.85 μg/mL). Conclusions: The present study proposes a rational approach for exploring lupeol acetate and α-amyrin terpene compounds to design new drugs candidates for Chagas disease.