bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mössbauer Spectroscopy for Additive Manufacturing by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Ivanova Tatiana , Mashlan Miroslav , Ingr Tomáš , Doláková Hana , Sarychev Dmitry , Sedláčková Anna
Published: March 2022

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a technology of layer-by-layer additive manufacturing using a laser. This technology allows one to get complex-shaped, three-dimensional (3D) specimens directly from metal powder. In this technology, various metal powders are used, including different steels. Stainless steel 1.4404 (CL20ES) and maraging steel 1.2709 (CL50WS) have been investigated. The surface of samples manufactured from CL20ES and CL50WS powders by SLM (with and without combination sandblasting and annealing) was studied by conversion X-ray Mössbauer spectroscopy (CXMS) and conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (CEMS). The surface morphology, elemental composition, and structure were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Samples with sandblasted (corundum powder) and non-sandblasted surfaces were annealed at 540 °C (CL50WS) or 550 °C (CL20ES) for 6 h in air. Oxidation processes on surfaces of samples manufactured from both initial powders were observed after post-process annealing by CEMS and CXMS, as well as confirmed by XRD. The transformation of the austenitic to ferritic phase was observed in a sandblasted and annealed CL20ES sample by CEMS and XRD.
PNPLA6/NTE, an Evolutionary Conserved Phospholipase Linked to a Group of Complex Human Diseases
Authors: Kretzschmar Doris
Published: March 2022

Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 6 (PNPLA6), originally called Neuropathy Target Esterase (NTE), belongs to a family of hydrolases with at least eight members in mammals. PNPLA6/NTE was first identified as a key factor in Organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy, a degenerative syndrome that occurs after exposure to organophosphates found in pesticides and nerve agents. More recently, mutations in PNPLA6/NTE have been linked with a number of inherited diseases with diverse clinical symptoms that include spastic paraplegia, ataxia, and chorioretinal dystrophy. A conditional knockout of PNPLA6/NTE in the mouse brain results in age-related neurodegeneration, whereas a complete knockout causes lethality during embryogenesis due to defects in the development of the placenta. PNPLA6/NTE is an evolutionarily conserved protein that in Drosophila is called Swiss-Cheese (SWS). Loss of SWS in the fly also leads to locomotory defects and neuronal degeneration that progressively worsen with age. This review will describe the identification of PNPLA6/NTE, its expression pattern, and normal role in lipid homeostasis, as well as the consequences of altered NPLA6/NTE function in both model systems and patients.
Tumor Size Measurements for Predicting Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Response to Treatment
Authors: Kallergi Maria , Georgakopoulos Alexandros , Lyra Vassiliki , Chatziioannou Sofia
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of tumor size measurements as prognostic indicators of treatment outcome of Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. 18F-FDG PET/CT exams before and after treatment were analyzed and metabolic and anatomic parameters—tumor maximum diameter, tumor maximum area, tumor volume, and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax)—were determined manually by an expert and automatically by a computer algorithm on PET and CT images. Results showed that the computer algorithm measurements did not correlate well with the expert’s standard maximum tumor diameter measurements but yielded better three dimensional metrics that could have clinical value. SUVmax was the strongest prognostic indicator of the clinical outcome after treatment, followed by the automated metabolic tumor volume measurements and the expert’s metabolic maximum diameter measurements. Anatomic tumor measurements had poor prognostic value. Metabolic volume measurements, although promising, did not significantly surpass current standard of practice, but automated measurements offered a significant advantage in terms of time and effort and minimized biases and variances in the PET measurements. Overall, considering the limited value of tumor size in predicting response to treatment, a paradigm shift seems necessary in order to identify robust prognostic markers in PET/CT; radiomics, namely combinations of anatomy, metabolism, and imaging, may be an option.
The Dislocation- and Cracking-Mediated Deformation of Single Asperity GaAs during Plowing Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Li Baozhen , Li Jianyong , Fan Wengang , Xuan Tong , Xu Jinhuan
Published: March 2022

This work simulates the plowing process of a single asperity GaAs by diamond indenter using molecular dynamics simulations. The deformation mechanism of asperity GaAs is revealed by examining the topography evolution and stress state during the plowing. This work also investigates the origin of the influence of asperity size, indenter radius and plow depth on the deformation of the asperity GaAs. We observed the initiation and propagation of cracks up to the onset of fracture and the plastic activity near the indenter, obtaining more information usually not available from planar GaAs in normal velocity plowing compared to just plastic activity. The simulations demonstrated the direct evidence of cracking in GaAs induced by plowing at an atomic level and probed the origin and extension of cracking in asperity GaAs. This finding suggests that cracking appears to be a new deformation pattern of GaAs in plowing, together with dislocation-dominated plasticity modes dominating the plowing deformation process. This work offers new insights into understanding the deformation mechanism of an asperity GaAs. It aims to find scientific clues for understanding plastic removal performed in the presence of cracking.
Multi-Foci Laser Separation of Sapphire Wafers with Partial Thickness Scanning
Authors: Lye Celescia Siew Mun , Wang Zhongke , Lam Yee Cheong
Published: March 2022

With multi-foci laser cutting technology for sapphire wafer separation, the entire cross-section is generally scanned with single or multiple passes. This investigation proposes a new separation technique through partial thickness scanning. The energy effectivity and efficiency of the picosecond laser were enhanced through a two-zone partial thickness scanning by exploiting the internal reflection at the rough exit surface. Each zone spanned only one-third thickness of the cross-section, and only two out of three zones were scanned consecutively. A laser beam of 0.57 W and 50 kHz pulse repetition rate was split into 9 foci, each with a 2.20 μm calculated focused spot diameter. By only scanning the top two-thirds sample thickness, first its middle section then upper section, a cleavable sample could result. This was achieved with the lowest energy deposition at the fastest scanning speed of 10 mm/s investigated. Although with partial thickness scanning only, counter intuitively, the cleaved sample had a previously unattained uniform roughened sidewall profile over the entire thickness. This is a desirable outcome in LED manufacturing. As such, this proposed scheme could attain a cleavable sample with the desired uniformly roughened sidewall profile with less energy usage and faster scanning speed.
Theoretical Investigation of the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infection Mechanism and Selectivity
Authors: Biskupek Iga , Sieradzan Adam , Czaplewski Cezary , Liwo Adam , Lesner Adam , Giełdoń Artur
Published: March 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, commonly known as COVID-19, first occurred in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Since then, it has become a tremendous threat to human health. With a pandemic threat, it is in the significant interest of the scientific world to establish its method of infection. In this manuscript, we combine knowledge of the infection mechanism with theoretical methods to answer the question of the virus’s selectivity. We proposed a two-stage infection mechanism. In the first step, the virus interacts with the ACE2 receptor, with the “proper strength”. When the interaction is too strong, the virus will remain in an “improper position”; if the interaction is too weak, the virus will “run away” from the cell. We also indicated three residues (positions 30, 31, and 353) located on the ACE2 protein-binding interface, which seems to be crucial for successful infection. Our results indicate that these residues are necessary for the initiation of the infection process.
Effect of Quinoline on the Phospholipid Profile of Curvularia lunata and Its Microbial Detoxification
Authors: Felczak Aleksandra , Zawadzka Katarzyna , Bernat Przemysław , Nowak-Lange Marta , Lisowska Katarzyna
Published: March 2022

Quinoline is an N-heterocyclic compound commonly found in wastewater, especially that derived from coal processing, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. In the present study, the microscopic fungus Curvularia lunata IM 4417, which is known to degrade various xenobiotics, was used. The aim of the research was to study the elimination of quinoline and its influence on fungal phospholipids, which are considered to be excellent indicators of environmental monitoring. Quinoline biodegradation products and phospholipid contents were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. C. lunata IM 4417 degraded quinoline, which led to the formation of conjugates of glucose with hydroxylated derivatives of the compound. Toxicity tests (Artoxkit M and Microtox assay) indicated that the elimination of lower concentrations of quinoline was efficient and led to a reduction in sample toxicity. The presence of quinoline also significantly affected the profile of fatty acids and phospholipids. The addition of quinoline to a culture of C. lunata IM 4417 caused an increase in the content of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and a decrease in the amount of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), two major structural lipids. Additionally, decreases in the contents of phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine (PS), which are responsible for tolerance to toxic substances, cell viability, and signal transduction, were noted. Thus, it can be concluded that the presence of quinoline modifies the membrane composition, and this change may be an important indicator of the presence of N-heterocyclic compounds or other toxins in the environment.
Inhibition of Metastatic Hepatocarcinoma by Combined Chemotherapy with Silencing VEGF/VEGFR2 Genes through a GalNAc-Modified Integrated Therapeutic System
Authors: Li Xunan , Wang Xiang , Liu Nian , Wang Qiuyu , Hu Jing
Published: March 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor related to high mortality and is still lacking a satisfactory cure. Tumor metastasis is currently a major challenge of cancer treatment, which is highly related to angiogenesis. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGFR signaling pathway is thus becoming an attractive therapeutic target. Moreover, chemotherapy combined with gene therapy shows great synergistic potential in cancer treatment with the promise of nanomaterials. In this work, a formulation containing 5-FU and siRNA against the VEGF/VEGFR signaling pathway into N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc)-modified nanocarriers is established. The targeting ability, biocompatibility and pH-responsive degradation capacity ensure the efficient transport of therapeutics by the formulation of 5-FU/siRNA@GalNAc-pDMA to HCC cells. The nano-construct integrated with gene/chemotherapy exhibits significant anti-metastatic HCC activity against C5WN1 liver cancer cells with tumorigenicity and pulmonary metastasis in the C5WN1-induced tumor-bearing mouse model with a tumor inhibition rate of 96%, which is promising for future metastatic HCC treatment.
Identification of Putative Vaccine and Drug Targets against the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Reverse Vaccinology and Subtractive Genomics Approaches
Authors: Naorem Romen Singh , Pangabam Bandana Devi , Bora Sudipta Sankar , Goswami Gunajit , Barooah Madhumita , Hazarika Dibya Jyoti , Fekete Csaba
Published: March 2022

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an opportunistic pathogen and responsible for causing life-threatening infections. The emergence of hypervirulent and multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus strains led to challenging issues in antibiotic therapy. Consequently, the morbidity and mortality rates caused by S. aureus infections have a substantial impact on health concerns. The current worldwide prevalence of MRSA infections highlights the need for long-lasting preventive measures and strategies. Unfortunately, effective measures are limited. In this study, we focus on the identification of vaccine candidates and drug target proteins against the 16 strains of MRSA using reverse vaccinology and subtractive genomics approaches. Using the reverse vaccinology approach, 4 putative antigenic proteins were identified; among these, PrsA and EssA proteins were found to be more promising vaccine candidates. We applied a molecular docking approach of selected 8 drug target proteins with the drug-like molecules, revealing that the ZINC4235426 as potential drug molecule with favorable interactions with the target active site residues of 5 drug target proteins viz., biotin protein ligase, HPr kinase/phosphorylase, thymidylate kinase, UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanyl-D-glutamate-L-lysine ligase, and pantothenate synthetase. Thus, the identified proteins can be used for further rational drug or vaccine design to identify novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of multidrug-resistant staphylococcal infection.
Extraction of Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds from Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Seed Coat by Pressurized Liquid Extraction
Authors: Supasatyankul Benya , Saisriyoot Maythee , Klinkesorn Utai , Rattanaporn Kittipong , Sae-Tan Sudathip
Published: March 2022

Mung bean seed coat (MBC) is a by-product of the mung bean processing industry. It contains a large number of phenolic compounds with therapeutic anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. This research aimed to investigate the optimum conditions for phenolic and flavonoid extraction from MBC by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the effects of temperature (80–160 °C), pressure (1200–1800 psi) and ethanol concentration (5–95%) on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging activity (ABTS). Scale-up extraction was also performed. The optimum conditions for extraction were 160 °C, 1300 psi and 50% ethanol. Under optimum conditions, the TPC was 55.27 ± 1.14 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g MBC, TFC was 34.04 ± 0.72 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/g MBC and ABTS scavenging activity was 195.05 ± 2.29 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/g MBC. The TFC and ABTS scavenging activity of the extracts obtained at the pilot scale (10 L) was not significantly different from the laboratory scale, while TPC was significantly increased. The freeze-dried MBC extract contained vitexin and isovitexin 130.53 ± 17.89, 21.21 ± 3.22 mg/g extract, respectively. In conclusion, PLE was able to extract phenolics, flavonoids with ABTS scavenging activity from MBC with the prospect for future scale-up for food industry.
Deoxyelephantopin and Its Isomer Isodeoxyelephantopin: Anti-Cancer Natural Products with Multiple Modes of Action
Authors: Mehmood Tahir , Muanprasat Chatchai
Published: March 2022

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The development of cancer involves aberrations in multiple pathways, representing promising targets for anti-cancer drug discovery. Natural products are regarded as a rich source for developing anti-cancer therapies due to their unique structures and favorable pharmacology and toxicology profiles. Deoxyelephantopin and isodeoxyelephantopin, sesquiterpene lactone compounds, are major components of Elephantopus scaber and Elephantopus carolinianus, which have long been used as traditional medicines to treat multiple ailments, including liver diseases, diabetes, bronchitis, fever, diarrhea, dysentery, cancer, renal disorders, and inflammation-associated diseases. Recently, deoxyelephantopin and isodeoxyelephantopin have been extensively explored for their anti-cancer activities. This review summarizes and discusses the anti-cancer activities of deoxyelephantopin and isodeoxyelephantopin, with an emphasis on their modes of action and molecular targets. Both compounds disrupt several processes involved in cancer progression by targeting multiple signaling pathways deregulated in cancers, including cell cycle and proliferation, cell survival, autophagy, and invasion pathways. Future directions of research on these two compounds towards anti-cancer drug development are discussed.
Computational Identification of Druggable Bioactive Compounds from Catharanthus roseus and Avicennia marina against Colorectal Cancer by Targeting Thymidylate Synthase
Authors: Islam Md Rashedul , Awal Md Abdul , Khames Ahmed , Abourehab Mohammad A. S. , Samad Abdus , Hassan Walid M. I. , Alam Rahat , Osman Osman I. , Nur Suza Mohammad , Molla Mohammad Habibur Rahman , Abdulrahman Abdulrasheed O. , Rajia Sultana , Ahammad Foysal , Hasan Md Nazmul , Qadri Ishtiaq , Kim Bonglee
Published: March 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of death worldwide, affecting approximately 1.9 million individuals in 2020. Therapeutics of the disease are not yet available and discovering a novel anticancer drug candidate against the disease is an urgent need. Thymidylate synthase (TS) is an important enzyme and prime precursor for DNA biosynthesis that catalyzes the methylation of deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) to deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) that has emerged as a novel drug target against the disease. Elevated expression of TS in proliferating cells promotes oncogenesis as well as CRC. Therefore, this study aimed to identify potential natural anticancer agents that can inhibit the activity of the TS protein, subsequently blocking the progression of colorectal cancer. Initially, molecular docking was implied on 63 natural compounds identified from Catharanthus roseus and Avicennia marina to evaluate their binding affinity to the desired protein. Subsequently, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion), toxicity, and quantum chemical-based DFT (density-functional theory) approaches were applied to evaluate the efficacy of the selected compounds. Molecular docking analysis initially identified four compounds (PubChem CID: 5281349, CID: 102004710, CID: 11969465, CID: 198912) that have better binding affinity to the target protein. The ADME and toxicity properties indicated good pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicity ability of the selected compounds. Additionally, the quantum chemical calculation of the selected molecules found low chemical reactivity indicating the bioactivity of the drug candidate. The global descriptor and HOMO-LUMO energy gap values indicated a satisfactory and remarkable profile of the selected molecules. Furthermore, MD simulations of the compounds identified better binding stability of the compounds to the desired protein. To sum up, the phytoconstituents from two plants showed better anticancer activity against TS protein that can be further developed as an anti-CRC drug.
Pilot-Scale Optimization of Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Dry Paprika Capsicum annuum: Influence of Operational Conditions and Storage on Extract Composition
Authors: Kostrzewa Dorota , Dobrzyńska-Inger Agnieszka , Mazurek Barbara , Kostrzewa Marcin
Published: March 2022

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was used to extract carotenoids from dry paprika Capsicum annuum. Studies regarding the effect of process parameters, including pressure (25–45 MPa), temperature (40–60 °C), and time (10–110 min), were carried out using response surface methodology. It was found that under optimal conditions (pressure of 45 MPa, temperature of 50 °C, and time of 74 min), the extract yield was 10.05%, and the total content of carotenoids in the extract was 4.21%, in good agreement with the predicted values (10.24% and 4.24%, respectively). Composition analysis showed that paprika extract mainly consisted of linoleic acid. There was no significant difference between the fatty acid content of the extracts obtained by SC-CO2 extraction and n-hexane Soxhlet extraction. For functional purposes, the effect of storage conditions and time on the quality of paprika extract was also specified.
Ascorbic Acid Sensor Based on CdS QDs@PDA Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Li Pu , Chen Xiaoxiao , Wu Gaojun , Wang Zhe , Huang Chaobiao
Published: March 2022

An ascorbic acid (AA) sensor was constructed based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between CdS quantum dots (CdS QDs) and polydopamine (PDA) to detect trace AA sensitively. FRET occurred due to the broad absorption spectrum of PDA completely overlapped with the narrow emission spectrum of CdS QDs. The fluorescence of CdS QDs was quenched and in the “off” state. When AA was present, the conversion of DA to PDA was hindered and the FRET disappeared, resulting in the fluorescence of CdS QDs in an “on” state. Importantly, the degree of fluorescence recovery of CdS QDs displayed a desirable linear correlation with the concentration of AA in the range of 5.0–100.0 μmol/L, the linear equation is y=0.0119cAA+0.3113, and the detection limit is 1.16 μmol/L (S/N = 3, n = 9). There was almost no interference with common amino acid, glucose and biological sulfhydryl small molecules to AA. Trace amount of AA in vitamin C tablets were determined and satisfactory results were obtained; the recoveries were observed to be 98.01–100.7%.
GC–MS Analysis and In Vivo and Ex Vivo Antidiarrheal and Antispasmodic Effects of the Methanolic Extract of Acacia nilotica
Authors: Rehman Najeeb Ur , Ansari Mohd Nazam , Ahmad Wasim , Amir Mohd
Published: March 2022

This present study evaluated and rationalized the medicinal use of the fruit part of Acacia nilotica methanolic extract. The phytochemicals were detected using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) while the in vivo antidiarrheal test was done using Swiss albino mice. To determine the details of the mechanism(s) involved in the antispasmodic effect, isolated rat ileum was chosen using different ex vivo assays by maintaining a physiological environment. GC–MS results showed that A. nilotica contained pyrogallol as the major polyphenol present (64.04%) in addition to polysaccharides, polyphenol, amino acid, steroids, fatty acid esters, and triterpenoids. In the antidiarrheal experiment, A. nilotica inhibited diarrheal episodes in mice significantly (p < 0.05) by 40% protection of mice at 200 mg/kg, while 80% protection was observed at 400 mg/kg by the orally administered extract. The highest antidiarrheal effect was observed with loperamide (p < 0.01), used as a control drug. In the ex vivo experiments, A. nilotica inhibited completely in increasing concentrations (0.3 to 10 mg/mL) the carbachol (CCh; 1 µM) and high K+ (80 mM)-evoked spasms in ileum tissues at equal potencies (p > 0.05), similar to papaverine, a dual inhibitor of the phosphodiesterase enzyme (PDE) and Ca++ channels. The dual inhibitory-like effects of A. nilotica on PDE and Ca++ were further validated when A. nilotica extract (1 and 3 mg/mL)-pre-incubated ileum tissues potentiated and shifted isoprenaline relaxation curves towards lower doses (leftward), similar to papaverine, thus confirming the PDE inhibitory-like mechanism whereas its CCB-like effect of the extract was confirmed at 3 and 5 mg/mL by non-specific inhibition of CaCl2-mediated concentration response curves towards the right with suppression of the maximum peaks, similar to verapamil, used as standard CCB. Thus, this study characterized the chemical composition and provides mechanistic support for medicinal use of A. nilotica in diarrheal and hyperactive gut motility disorders.
Fungus-Derived 3-Hydroxyterphenyllin and Candidusin A Ameliorate Palmitic Acid-Induced Human Podocyte Injury via Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Apoptotic Mechanisms
Authors: Kaewin Suchada , Changsorn Karn , Sungkaworn Titiwat , Hiranmartsuwan Peraya , Yaosanit Wiriya , Rukachaisirikul Vatcharin , Muanprasat Chatchai
Published: March 2022

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. An elevated fatty acid plasma concentration leads to podocyte injury and DN progression. This study aimed to identify and characterize cellular mechanisms of natural compounds that inhibit palmitic acid (PA)–induced human podocyte injury. By screening 355 natural compounds using a cell viability assay, 3-hydroxyterphenyllin (3-HT) and candidusin A (CDA), isolated from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus candidus PSU-AMF169, were found to protect against PA-induced podocyte injury, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of ~16 and ~18 µM, respectively. Flow cytometry revealed that 3-HT and CDA suppressed PA-induced podocyte apoptosis. Importantly, CDA significantly prevented PA-induced podocyte barrier impairment as determined by 70 kDa dextran flux. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) direct scavenging assays indicated that both compounds exerted an anti-oxidative effect via direct free radical–scavenging activity. Moreover, 3-HT and CDA upregulated the anti-apoptotic Bcl2 protein. In conclusion, 3-HT and CDA represent fungus-derived bioactive compounds that have a novel protective effect on PA-induced human podocyte apoptosis via mechanisms involving free radical scavenging and Bcl2 upregulation.
How Structured Metadata Acquisition Contributes to the Reproducibility of Nanosafety Studies: Evaluation by a Round-Robin Test
Authors: Elberskirch Linda , Sofranko Adriana , Liebing Julia , Riefler Norbert , Binder Kunigunde , Bonatto Minella Christian , Razum Matthias , Mädler Lutz , Unfried Klaus , Schins Roel P. F. , Kraegeloh Annette , van Thriel Christoph
Published: March 2022

It has been widely recognized that nanosafety studies are limited in reproducibility, caused by missing or inadequate information and data gaps. Reliable and comprehensive studies should be performed supported by standards or guidelines, which need to be harmonized and usable for the multidisciplinary field of nanosafety research. The previously described minimal information table (MIT), based on existing standards or guidelines, represents one approach towards harmonization. Here, we demonstrate the applicability and advantages of the MIT by a round-robin test. Its modular structure enables describing individual studies comprehensively by a combination of various relevant aspects. Three laboratories conducted a WST-1 cell viability assay using A549 cells to analyze the effects of the reference nanomaterials NM101 and NM110 according to predefined (S)OPs. The MIT contains relevant and defined descriptive information and quality criteria and thus supported the implementation of the round-robin test from planning, investigation to analysis and data interpretation. As a result, we could identify sources of variability and justify deviating results attributed to differences in specific procedures. Consequently, the use of the MIT contributes to the acquisition of reliable and comprehensive datasets and therefore improves the significance and reusability of nanosafety studies.
Vitamin D and Its Target Genes
Authors: Carlberg Carsten
Published: March 2022

The vitamin D metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is the natural, high-affinity ligand of the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR). In many tissues and cell types, VDR binds in a ligand-dependent fashion to thousands of genomic loci and modulates, via local chromatin changes, the expression of hundreds of primary target genes. Thus, the epigenome and transcriptome of VDR-expressing cells is directly affected by vitamin D. Vitamin D target genes encode for proteins with a large variety of physiological functions, ranging from the control of calcium homeostasis, innate and adaptive immunity, to cellular differentiation. This review will discuss VDR’s binding to genomic DNA, as well as its genome-wide locations and interaction with partner proteins, in the context of chromatin. This information will be integrated into a model of vitamin D signaling, explaining the regulation of vitamin D target genes.
The Challenges and Dilemmas of Interpreting Protein Labelling of Prepackaged Foods Encountered by the PKU Community
Authors: Hall Imogen , Pinto Alex , Evans Sharon , Daly Anne , Ashmore Catherine , Ford Suzanne , Buckley Sharon , MacDonald Anita
Published: March 2022

Phenylketonuria (PKU) can lead to severe intellectual impairment unless a phenylalanine-restricted diet starts early in life. It requires expert user knowledge about the protein content of foods. The ability of adults or caregivers of children with PKU to calculate protein exchanges from food labels on manufactured foods and any difficulties they encounter in interpreting food labels has not been studied systematically. Individuals with PKU or their caregivers residing in the UK were invited to complete a cross-sectional online survey that collected both qualitative and quantitative data about their experience when calculating protein exchanges from the food labelling on prepackaged foods. Data was available from 246 questionnaire respondents (152 caregivers of patients with PKU aged <18 years, 57 patients with PKU aged ≥18 years or their caregivers (n = 28), and 9 teenagers with PKU). Thirty-one per cent (n = 76/246) found it difficult to interpret food protein exchanges from food labels. The respondents listed that the main issues with protein labelling were the non-specification of whether the protein content was for the cooked or uncooked weight (64%, n = 158/246); labels stating foods contained 0 g protein but then included protein sources in the list of ingredients (56%, n = 137/246); the protein content being given after a product was prepared with regular milk rather than the dry weight of the product (55%, n = 135/246); and the non-clarity of whether the protein content was for the weight of prepared or unprepared food (in addition to non-specification of cooked or uncooked weights on food labelling) (54%, n = 133/246). Over 90% (n = 222/246) of respondents had experienced problems with food labelling in the previous six months. Misleading or confusing protein labelling of manufactured foods was common. The food industry and legislators have a duty to provide accurate and clear protein food labelling to protect populations requiring low protein diets.
Attenuation of Post-Exercise Energy Intake Following 12 Weeks of Sprint Interval Training in Men and Women with Overweight
Authors: Beer Natalya J , Jackson Ben , Dimmock James A , Guelfi Kym J
Published: March 2022

An acute bout of sprint interval training (SIT) performed with psychological need-support incorporating autonomy, competence, and relatedness has been shown to attenuate energy intake at the post-exercise meal, but the long-term effects are not known. The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of SIT combined with need-support on post-exercise food consumption. Thirty-six physically inactive participants with overweight and obesity (BMI: 29.6 ± 3.8 kg·m−2; V˙O2peak 20.8 ± 4.1 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed three sessions per week of SIT (alternating cycling for 15 s at 170% V˙O2peak and 60 s at 32% V˙O2peak) with need-support or traditional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) without need-support (continuous cycling at 60% V˙O2peak). Assessments of appetite, appetite-related hormones, and ad libitum energy intake in response to acute exercise were conducted pre- and post-intervention. Fasting appetite and blood concentrations of active ghrelin, leptin, and insulin did not significantly differ between groups or following the training. Post-exercise energy intake from snacks decreased significantly from pre- (807 ± 550 kJ) to post- SIT (422 ± 468 kJ; p < 0.05) but remained unaltered following MICT. SIT with psychological need-support appears well-tolerated in a physically inactive population with overweight and offers an alternative to traditional exercise prescription where dietary intake is of concern.
Role of Diagnostics in Epidemiology, Management, Surveillance, and Control of Leptospirosis
Authors: Sykes Jane E. , Reagan Krystle L. , Nally Jarlath E. , Galloway Renee L. , Haake David A.
Published: March 2022

A One Health approach to the epidemiology, management, surveillance, and control of leptospirosis relies on accessible and accurate diagnostics that can be applied to humans and companion animals and livestock. Diagnosis should be multifaceted and take into account exposure risk, clinical presentation, and multiple direct and/or indirect diagnostic approaches. Methods of direct detection of Leptospira spp. include culture, histopathology and immunostaining of tissues or clinical specimens, and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). Indirect serologic methods to detect leptospiral antibodies include the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and lateral flow methods. Rapid diagnostics that can be applied at the point-of-care; NAAT and lateral flow serologic tests are essential for management of acute infection and control of outbreaks. Culture is essential to an understanding of regional knowledge of circulating strains, and we discuss recent improvements in methods for cultivation, genomic sequencing, and serotyping. We review the limitations of NAATs, MAT, and other diagnostic approaches in the context of our expanding understanding of the diversity of pathogenic Leptospira spp. Novel approaches are needed, such as loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based approaches to leptospiral nucleic acid detection.
The Prevalence of Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy in Mundri West and East Counties, South Sudan: A Door-to-Door Survey
Authors: Jada Stephen Raimon , Dusabimana Alfred , Abd-Elfarag Gasim , Okaro Samuel , Brusselaers Nele , Carter Jane Y. , Logora Makoy Yibi , Rovarini Jacopo Mattia , Newton Charles R. , Colebunders Robert
Published: March 2022

A two-phase survey of epilepsy was conducted in selected villages in Mundri West and East Counties (26 June–8 July, 2021), an onchocerciasis-endemic area in Western Equatoria State in South Sudan. In the first phase, households were visited by a trained research team to identify persons suspected to have epilepsy. In the second phase, persons suspected to have epilepsy were interviewed and examined by a clinician to confirm the diagnosis. A total of 364 households agreed to participate in the survey, amounting to 2588 individuals. The epilepsy screening questionnaire identified 91 (3.5%) persons with suspected epilepsy, of whom the diagnosis of epilepsy was confirmed by a clinician in 86 (94.5%). The overall prevalence of confirmed epilepsy was 3.3% (95% CI: 2.7–4.1%), and of nodding syndrome was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.6–1.4%). In 61 (16.8%) households there was at least one person with epilepsy. Only 1212 (46.9%) of 2583 people took ivermectin during the last distribution round in 2021. The annual epilepsy incidence was 77.3/100,000 (95% CI: 9.4–278.9/100,000) and the annual epilepsy mortality was 251.2/100,000 (95% CI: 133.8–428.7/100,000). In conclusion, a high prevalence and incidence of epilepsy was observed in villages in Mundri. Urgent action is needed to prevent children from developing onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy by strengthening the local onchocerciasis-elimination programme.
Antibiotic Resistance in the Drinking Water: Old and New Strategies to Remove Antibiotics, Resistant Bacteria, and Resistance Genes
Authors: Duarte Ana Catarina , Rodrigues Sílvia , Afonso Andrea , Nogueira António , Coutinho Paula
Published: March 2022

Bacterial resistance is a naturally occurring process. However, bacterial antibiotic resistance has emerged as a major public health problem in recent years. The accumulation of antibiotics in the environment, including in wastewaters and drinking water, has contributed to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Such can be justified by the growing consumption of antibiotics and their inadequate elimination. The conventional water treatments are ineffective in promoting the complete elimination of antibiotics and bacteria, mainly in removing ARGs. Therefore, ARGs can be horizontally transferred to other microorganisms within the aquatic environment, thus promoting the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. In this review, we discuss the efficiency of conventional water treatment processes in removing agents that can spread/stimulate the development of antibiotic resistance and the promising strategies for water remediation, mainly those based on nanotechnology and microalgae. Despite the potential of some of these approaches, the elimination of ARGs remains a challenge that requires further research. Moreover, the development of new processes must avoid the release of new contaminants for the environment, such as the chemicals resulting from nanomaterials synthesis, and consider the utilization of green and eco-friendly alternatives such as biogenic nanomaterials and microalgae-based technologies.
Does Shoot Age Influence Biological and Chemical Properties in Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.) Cultivars?
Authors: Djordjević Boban , Djurović Dejan , Zec Gordan , Dabić Zagorac Dragana , Natić Maja , Meland Mekjell , Fotirić Akšić Milica
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of shoot age on the biological and chemical properties of 13 black currant cultivars with different origins and ripening times. Phenological observations together with examined pomological and chemical characteristics were studied in two consecutive years at the experimental field near Belgrade, Serbia. The total content of phenols was estimated spectrophotometrically by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while quantitative analysis of anthocyanin and flavonols aglycones was performed using a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Principal component analysis was performed to establish differences in biological and chemical properties of black currants. Three-year-old shoots had an earlier start of all examined phenological stages, better generative potential, higher yields, while clusters and berries from 2-year-old shoots had significantly higher values for physical properties, total phenols, anthocyanin and flavanols aglycones and antiradical capacity. Late ripening cultivars had higher contents of all chemical compounds. The berries on 2-year-old shoots had total phenolics that ranged between 123.0 (‘Titania’) and 298.3 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW) (‘Ometa’), while total anthocyanins ranged between 398.5 (’Ojebyn’) and 1160.8 mg/kg FW (’Ometa’). According to the obtained results, cultivars ‘Ometa’, ‘Ben Lomond’, ‘Tsema’ and ‘Malling Juel’ can be recommended as the most promising for growing in the continental climate because they stood out with higher generative potential and yield, physical traits of cluster and berry, higher level of primary and secondary metabolites and DPPH activity in their berries.
Foliar Anatomy of Three Native Species of Tillandsia L. from the Atacama Desert, Chile
Authors: Belmonte Eliana , Arriaza Bernardo , Arismendi Mabel , Sepúlveda German
Published: March 2022

In the extreme north of Chile, the genus Tillandsia L. (Bromeliaceae) is represented by three native species, T. marconae Till & Vitek and T. landbeckii Phil., both of terrestrial atmospheric habit, and T. virescens Ruiz & Pav. of saxicolous habit. There is little information on the foliar structures that allow its establishment in arid environments. Therefore, we studied the leaf anatomy of each of these terrestrial and saxicolous atmospheric species from different altitudinal levels (1000 and 3000 m) in the Arica and Parinacota regions of the Atacama Desert. All populations are monospecific. The study considered scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and the fingernail polish technique. The surface distribution of stomata and trichomes of the species is described. The studied species presented hypostomatic leaves, with anomocytic stomata and peltate trichomes on the abaxial and adaxial sides. Trichomes are formed by a central disc of four equal-sized empty cells, surrounded by a peripheral series of several concentric rings, the innermost of eight, the second of sixteen and the outermost of multiple elongated cells, one cell thick, that form the flexible asymmetric wings. The number of wing cells varies according to the species. Trichomes are evenly arranged in long lanceolate leaf blades with smooth margins.
Gelatin Blends Enhance Performance of Electrospun Polymeric Scaffolds in Comparison to Coating Protocols
Authors: Bikuna-Izagirre Maria , Aldazabal Javier , Paredes Jacobo
Published: March 2022

The electrospinning of hybrid polymers is a versatile fabrication technique which takes advantage of the biological properties of natural polymers and the mechanical properties of synthetic polymers. However, the literature is scarce when it comes to comparisons of blends regarding coatings and the improvements offered thereby in terms of cellular performance. To address this, in the present study, nanofibrous electrospun scaffolds of polycaprolactone (PCL), their coating and their blend with gelatin were compared. The morphology of nanofibrous scaffolds was analyzed under field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), indicating the influence of the presence of gelatin. The scaffolds were mechanically tested with tensile tests; PCL and PCL gelatin coated scaffolds showed higher elastic moduli than PCL/gelatin meshes. Viability of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) was evaluated by MTT assay, and cell proliferation on the scaffold was confirmed by fluorescence staining. The positive results of the MTT assay and cell growth indicated that the scaffolds of PCL/gelatin excelled in comparison to other scaffolds, and may serve as good candidates for tissue engineering applications.
ZnS Quantum Dots Decorated on One-Dimensional Scaffold of MWCNT/PANI Conducting Nanocomposite as an Anode for Enzymatic Biofuel Cell
Authors: Altalhi Tariq , Mezni Amine , Amin Mohammed A. , Refat Moamen S. , Gobouri Adil A. , Shakeel Nimra , Ahamed Mohd Imran , Inamuddin
Published: March 2022

This study aims to design a new nanocomposite as a supporting material for wiring the enzyme to develop a bioanode in the enzymatic biofuel cell (EBFC). In this work, polyaniline-based nanocomposite was synthesized by in situ polymerization of aniline monomer. The zeta potential study of the nanofillers was carried out, which reveals the interaction between the nanofillers. The synthesized nanocomposite (MWCNT/ZnS/AgNWs/PANI) was characterized by analytical techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). Furthermore, the surface morphology and the in-depth information of the synthesized nanocomposite were displayed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. In addition, the as-synthesized nanocomposite and the designed bioanode underwent the electrochemical assessment using different electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) for evaluating the electrochemical behavior of the fabricated anodes. The electrochemically regulated bioanode (MWCNT/ZnS/AgNWs/PANI/Frt/GOx) obtained an open-circuit voltage of 0.55 V and produced a maximal current density of 7.6 mA cm−2 at a glucose concentration of 50 mM prepared in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) (pH 7.0) as a supporting electrolyte at a scan rate of 100 mV s−1.
Feeding the Enemy to the Goddess: War Magic in Śaiva Tantric Texts
Authors: Serbaeva Olga
Published: March 2022

This article deals with the war magic as described in Sanskrit Śaiva tantric texts written between the 5th and the 12th Century A.D. This period marks a shift from the invocation of Aghora/Bhairava as the main war-helping god to the rituals invoking terrible goddesses, mātṛkās, yoginīs. At the same time, tantric religious specialists were invited to exchange their magical knowledge for kings’ patronage in such contexts as war, drought, epidemics and such. The original presupposition was that the rituals related to war shall be most violent and transgressive in the texts of the tantric initiated, compared to the Śaiva purāṇas written for broader public, and that of the “mixed” literature (that is one written by the initiated for the kings). However, this was contradicted by the text-based evidence, and it is the “mixed” literature that proposes the most violent rituals, while the whole subject of war happened to be of minor importance in the tantric literature. The war-prayogas were included to attract attention of the kings, but the aim of that was for the internal ritual use. The explanation of this contradiction is based on the fact that somewhere between the 10th and the 12th century, the tantric specialists working for the kings actually duped them into performing violent war-magic rituals, while the real intent of those procedures is actually calling the yoginīs in order to achieve a higher state in religious practice for the initiated himself. The article includes the materials from the Jayadrathayāmala and the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā edited and translated for the first time.
Filling Temporal Gaps within and between GRACE and GRACE-FO Terrestrial Water Storage Records: An Innovative Approach
Authors: Gyawali Bimal , Ahmed Mohamed , Murgulet Dorina , Wiese David N.
Published: March 2022

Temporal gaps within the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) (gap: 20 months), between GRACE and GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO) missions (gap: 11 months), and within GRACE-FO record (gap: 2 months) make it difficult to analyze and interpret spatiotemporal variability in GRACE- and GRACE-FO-derived terrestrial water storage (TWSGRACE) time series. In this study, an overview of data and approaches used to fill these gaps and reconstruct the TWSGRACE record at the global scale is provided. In addition, the study provides an innovative approach that integrates three machine learning techniques (deep-learning neural networks [DNN], generalized linear model [GLM], and gradient boosting machine [GBM]) and eight climatic and hydrological input variables to fill these gaps and reconstruct the TWSGRACE data record at both global grid and basin scales. For each basin and grid cell, the model performance was assessed using Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE), correlation coefficient (CC), and normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE), a leader model was selected based on the model performance, and variables that significantly control leader model outputs were defined. Results indicate that (1) the leader model reconstructed the TWSGRACE with high accuracy over both grid and local scales, particularly in wet and low anthropogenically active regions (grid scale: NSE = 0.65 ± 0.20, CC = 0.81 ± 0.13, and NSE = 0.56 ± 0.16; basin scale: NSE = 0.78 ± 0.14, CC = 0.89 ± 0.07, and NRMSE = 0.43 ± 0.14); (2) no single model was flawless in reconstructing the TWSGRACE over all grids or basins, so a combination of models is necessary; (3) basin-scale models outperform grid-scale models; (4) the DNN model outperforms both GLM and GBM at the basin scale, whereas the GBM outperforms at the grid scale; (5) among other inputs, the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS)-derived TWS controls the model performance on both basin and grid scales; and (6) the reconstructed TWSGRACE data captured extreme climatic events over the investigated basins and grid cells. The developed approach is robust, effective, and could be used to accurately reconstruct TWSGRACE for any hydrologic system across the globe.