bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antineuroinflammatory Activities and Neurotoxicological Assessment of Curcumin Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles on LPS-Stimulated BV-2 Microglia Cell Models
Authors: Ganesan Palanivel , Kim Byungwook , Ramalingam Prakash , Karthivashan Govindarajan , Revuri Vishnu , Park Shinyoung , Kim Joon , Ko Young , Choi Dong-Kug
Published: March 2019

Curcumin, which is a potential antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective compound, exhibits poor bioavailability in brain cells due to its difficulty in crossing the blood–brain barrier and its rapid metabolism during circulation, which decreases its efficacy in treating chronic neuroinflammatory diseases in the central nervous system. The bioavailability and potential of curcumin can be improved by using a nanodelivery system, which includes solid lipid nanoparticles. Curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLCN) were efficiently developed to have a particle size of about 86 nm and do not exhibit any toxicity in the endothelial brain cells. Furthermore, the curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLCN) were studied to assess their efficacy in BV-2 microglial cells against LPS-induced neuroinflammation. The SLCN showed a higher inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production compared to conventional curcumin in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, the mRNA and proinflammatory cytokine levels were also reduced in a dose-dependent manner when compared to those with free curcumin. Thus, SLCN could be a potential delivery system for curcumin to treat microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.
Two Approaches for Evaluating the Effects of Galangin on the Activities and mRNA Expression of Seven CYP450
Authors: Ma Yin-Ling , Zhao Feng , Yin Jin-Tuo , Liang Cai-Juan , Niu Xiao-Li , Qiu Zhi-Hong , Zhang Lan-Tong
Published: March 2019

Galangin is a marker compound of honey and Alpinia officinarum Hance that exhibits great potential for anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory applications. Galangin is frequently consumed in combination with common clinical drugs. Here, we evaluated the effects of galangin on cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated metabolism, using two different approaches, to predict drug–drug interactions. Male Sprague Dawley rats were administered galangin daily for 8 weeks. A “cocktail-probes” approach was employed to evaluate the activities of different CYP450 enzymes. Blood samples of seven probe drugs were analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in positive and negative electrospray-ionisation modes. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated to identify statistical differences. CYP mRNA-expression levels were investigated in real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction experiments. The galangin-treated group showed significantly decreased AUC0–∞ and Cmax values for CYP1A2, and CYP2B3. The galangin-treated group showed significantly increased AUC0–∞ and Cmax values for CYP2C13 and CYP3A1. No significant influences were observed in the pharmacokinetic profiles of CYP2C11, CYP2D4 and CYP2E1. The mRNA-expression results were consistent with the pharmacokinetic results. Thus, CYP450 enzyme activities may be altered by long-term galangin administration, suggesting galangin to be a promising candidate molecule for enhancing oral drug bioavailability and chemoprevention and reversing multidrug resistance.
Synthesis, Evaluation, and Mechanism Study of New Tepotinib Derivatives as Antiproliferative Agents
Authors: Zhang Niu-niu , An Bai-jiao , Zhou Yan , Li Xing-shu , Yan Ming
Published: March 2019

Inspired by the potent inhibition activity of the c-Met (mesenchymal−epithelial transition factor) inhibitor Tepotinib, a series of new Tepotinib derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to act as antiproliferative agents to find the leading compounds with good activity and limited side effects. Among them, compound 31e exhibited potent antiproliferative activity (IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) = 0.026 μΜ) against hepatic carcinoma 97H (human liver cancer cell) cells and, importantly, had very low inhibitory activity against normal cells. A mechanism study demonstrated that 31e induced G1 phase (First growth phase or G indicating gap) arrest, inhibited the phosphorylation of c-Met and its downstream signaling component, Akt (Protein Kinase B), and also inhibited the migration of hepatic carcinoma 97H cells.
Comparative Study of Pleurotus ostreatus Mushroom Grown on Modified PAN Nanofiber Mats
Authors: Sabantina Lilia , Kinzel Franziska , Hauser Thomas , Többer Astrid , Klöcker Michaela , Döpke Christoph , Böttjer Robin , Wehlage Daria , Rattenholl Anke , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: March 2019

Pleurotus ostreatus is a well-known edible mushroom species which shows fast growth. The fungus can be used for medical, nutritional, filter, or packaging purposes. In this study, cultivation experiments were carried out with Pleurotus ostreatus growing on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber mats in the presence of saccharose and Lutrol F68. The aim of this study was to find out whether modified PAN nanofiber mats are well suited for the growth of fungal mycelium, to increase growth rates and to affect mycelium fiber morphologies. Our results show that Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium grows on nanofiber mats in different morphologies, depending on the specific substrate, and can be used to produce a composite from fungal mycelium and nanofiber mats for biomedical and biotechnological applications.
Vitamin A and Pregnancy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bastos Maia Sabina , Rolland Souza Alex Sandro , Costa Caminha Maria de Fátima , Lins da Silva Suzana , Callou Cruz Rachel de Sá Barreto Luna , Carvalho dos Santos Camila , Batista Filho Malaquias
Published: March 2019

Vitamin A is a crucial micronutrient for pregnant women and their fetuses. In addition to being essential for morphological and functional development and for ocular integrity, vitamin A exerts systemic effects on several fetal organs and on the fetal skeleton. Vitamin A requirements during pregnancy are therefore greater. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains the leading cause of preventable blindness in the world. VAD in pregnant women is a public health issue in most developing countries. In contrast, in some developed countries, excessive vitamin A intake during pregnancy can be a concern since, when in excess, this micronutrient may exert teratogenic effects in the first 60 days following conception. Routine prenatal vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality is not recommended; however, in regions where VAD is a public health issue, vitamin A supplementation is recommended to prevent night blindness. Given the importance of this topic and the lack of a complete, up-to-date review on vitamin A and pregnancy, an extensive review of the literature was conducted to identify conflicting or incomplete data on the topic as well as any gaps in existing data.
Potential Use of Mobile Phone Applications for Self-Monitoring and Increasing Daily Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: A Systematized Review
Authors: Mandracchia Floriana , Llauradó Elisabet , Tarro Lucia , del Bas Josep Maria , Valls Rosa Maria , Pedret Anna , Radeva Petia , Arola Lluís , Solà Rosa , Boqué Noemi
Published: March 2019

A wide range of chronic diseases could be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices, such as consuming five portions of fruits and vegetables daily, although the majority of the adult population does not meet this recommendation. The use of mobile phone applications for health purposes has greatly increased; these applications guide users in real time through various phases of behavioural change. This review aimed to assess the potential of self-monitoring mobile phone health (mHealth) applications to increase fruit and vegetable intake. PubMed and Web of Science were used to conduct this systematized review, and the inclusion criteria were: randomized controlled trials evaluating mobile phone applications focused on increasing fruit and/or vegetable intake as a primary or secondary outcome performed from 2008 to 2018. Eight studies were included in the final assessment. The interventions described in six of these studies were effective in increasing fruit and/or vegetable intake. Targeting stratified populations and using long-lasting interventions were identified as key aspects that could influence the effectiveness of these interventions. In conclusion, evidence shows the effectiveness of mHealth application interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Further research is needed to design effective interventions and to determine their efficacy over the long term.
Obesity Is Associated with Changes in Iron Nutrition Status and Its Homeostatic Regulation in Pregnancy
Authors: Flores-Quijano María Eugenia , Vega-Sánchez Rodrigo , Tolentino-Dolores Mari Cruz , López-Alarcón Mardia Guadalupe , Flores-Urrutia Mónica Crissel , López-Olvera Ana Daniela , Talavera Juan O
Published: March 2019

The influence of obesity on maternal iron homeostasis and nutrition status during pregnancy remains only partially clarified. Our study objectives were (1) to describe how obesity influences broad iron nutrition spectrum biomarkers such as available or circulating iron (serum transferrin receptor (sTfr) and serum iron), iron reserves (ferritin), and functional iron (hemoglobin); and (2) to depict the regulating role of hepcidin. The above was carried out while considering influential factors such as initial iron nutrition status, iron intake, and the presence of inflammation. Ninety three non-anemic pregnant adult women were included, 40 with obesity (Ob) and 53 with adequate weight (AW); all took ≈30 mg/day of supplementary iron. Information on iron intake and blood samples were obtained at gestational weeks 13, 20, 27, and 35. A series of repeated measure analyses were performed using General Linear Models to discern the effect of obesity on each iron indicator; iron intake, hepcidin, and C-reactive protein were successively introduced as covariates. Available and circulating iron was lower in obese women: sTfr was higher (p = 0.07) and serum iron was lower (p = 0.01); and ferritin and hemoglobin were not different between groups. Hepcidin was higher in the Ob group (p = 0.01) and was a significant predictor variable for all biomarkers. Obesity during pregnancy dysregulates iron homeostasis, resembling “obesity hypoferremia”.
Amount, Preparation and Type of Formula Consumed and Its Association with Weight Gain in Infants Participating in the WIC Program in Hawaii and Puerto Rico
Authors: Graulau Rafael E. , Banna Jinan , Campos Maribel , Gibby Cheryl L. K. , Palacios Cristina
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to assess the association between amount (below or above recommendations), preparation (liquid vs. powder), and type (regular vs. hydrolysate) of infant formula consumed and weight in infants participating in the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program in Hawaii (HI) and Puerto Rico (PR). This was a secondary analysis of 162 caregivers with healthy term 0–2-month-old infants. Socio-demographics, infant food frequency questionnaires, and weight and length were assessed at baseline and after four months. Infant feeding practices were associated with weight-for-length z-scores using multivariable logistic regression. In total, 37.7% were exclusively breastfed and 27.2% were exclusively formula-fed. Among formula users, regular (63.6%) and powder (87.0%) formula were the most common; 43.2% consumed formula above recommendations. Most infants had rapid weight gain (61.1%). Infants fed regular formula had higher odds of overweight after four months (adjusted OR = 8.77, 95% CI: 1.81–42.6) and higher odds of rapid weight gain (adjusted OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.12, 8.61). Those exclusively formula fed had higher odds of slow weight gain (adjusted OR = 4.07, 95% CI: 1.17–14.2). Formula preparation and amount of formula were not associated with weight. These results could inform the WIC program’s nutrition education messages on infant feeding. Studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these results.
Higher Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet is Related to More Subjective Happiness in Adolescents: The Role of Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Ferrer-Cascales Rosario , Albaladejo-Blázquez Natalia , Ruiz-Robledillo Nicolás , Clement-Carbonell Violeta , Sánchez-SanSegundo Miriam , Zaragoza-Martí Ana
Published: March 2019

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) has previously been related to better quality of life in the general population. Further, children and adolescents have obtained better health outcomes when they have shown high adherence to the MD in recent studies. Nevertheless, the association between the adherence to this type of diet and subjective happiness have not been previously analysed in this population. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between MD adherence, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and subjective happiness in a sample of 527 Spanish adolescents. Results obtained show positive associations of MD adherence with higher levels of subjective happiness and better HRQOL. Moreover, mediation analyses showed a full mediation effect of some components of HRQOL, namely, emotional well-being, mood and emotions, financial resources and social acceptance, in the association between MD adherence and subjective happiness. This study advances our understanding of the association of MD and levels of happiness in the general population, specifically in adolescents, through the positive effects of specific components of HRQOL. Future studies should evaluate other variables that could influence or also mediate this relationship, evaluating specific groups of adolescents, such as clinical samples.
Twelve-Week Protocatechuic Acid Administration Improves Insulin-Induced and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Induced Vasorelaxation and Antioxidant Activities in Aging Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Masodsai Kunanya , Lin Yi-Yuan , Chaunchaiyakul Rungchai , Su Chia-Ting , Lee Shin-Da , Yang Ai-Lun
Published: March 2019

Protocatechuic acid (PCA), a strong antioxidant, has been reported for its cardiovascular-protective effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PCA administration on vascular endothelial function, mediated by insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and antioxidant activities in aging hypertension. Thirty-six-week-old male aging spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into vehicle control (SHR) and PCA (SHR+PCA) groups, while age-matched Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKY) served as the normotensive vehicle control group. The oral PCA (200 mg/kg/day) was administered daily for a total of 12 weeks. When the rats reached the age of 48 weeks, the rat aortas were isolated for the evaluation of vascular reactivity and Western blotting. Also, nitric oxide (NO) production and antioxidant activities were examined among the three groups. The results showed that, when compared with the SHR group, the insulin-induced and IGF-1-induced vasorelaxation were significantly improved in the SHR+PCA group. There was no significant difference in the endothelium-denuded vessels among the three groups. After the pre-incubation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) or NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors, the vasorelaxation was abolished and comparable among the three groups. The protein levels of insulin receptors, IGF-1 receptors, phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt)/Akt, and phospho-endothelial NOS (p-eNOS)/eNOS in aortic tissues were significantly enhanced in the SHR+PCA group when compared with the SHR group. Moreover, significant improvements of nitrate/nitrite concentration and antioxidant activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidants, were also found in the SHR+PCA group. In conclusion, the 12 weeks of PCA administration remarkably improved the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation induced by insulin and IGF-1 in aging hypertension through enhancing the PI3K–NOS–NO pathway. Furthermore, the enhanced antioxidant activities partly contributed to the improved vasorelaxation.
Candida albicans at Host Barrier Sites: Pattern Recognition Receptors and Beyond
Authors: Swidergall Marc
Published: March 2019

Over the last decades, fungal infections have emerged as a growing threat to human health. Although the human body is at potential risk, various body sites host several commensal fungal species, including Candida albicans. In healthy individuals, C. albicans colonizes different mucosal surfaces without causing harm, while under diverse circumstances the fungus can proliferate and cause disease. In this context, the understanding of host–C. albicans interactions in health and during infection may lead to novel therapeutic approaches. Importantly, host cells express pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which sense conserved fungal structures and orchestrate innate immune responses. Herein, important findings on the topic of the recognition of C. albicans at host barrier sites are discussed. This review briefly summarizes the importance and functions of myeloid PRRs, reviews the fungal recognition and biology of stromal cells, and highlights important C. albicans virulence attributes during site-specific proliferation and invasion.
Raman Microspectroscopy as a Tool to Elucidate the Efficacy of Topical Formulations Containing Curcumin
Authors: Iermak Ievgeniia , da Silva Ana Paula , Kurachi Cristina , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador , Inada Natalia Mayumi
Published: March 2019

The success of the onychomycosis treatment is directly associated with factors such as the choice of the medication, the administration route, and the pharmaceutical formulation. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging and promising technique indicated for onychomycosis treatment. For this application, the main challenge is the efficient delivery of the photosensitizer (PS). Curcumin is widely used as a PS, however it is an unstable molecule and it is a challenge to develop a formulation with good penetration into the nail plate, maintaining the stability of curcumin. In this study, the molecular mechanisms underlying the efficacy of two topical formulations containing curcumin used in a clinical trial for onychomycosis treatment were analyzed by Raman microspectroscopy. It is shown that curcumin is present in both formulations in aggregated and non-aggregated states, and in aggregates it is present in different conformations, depending on the interaction with the solvent. This proves to be critical for efficient and uniform PS delivery to the nail and its complete use during the treatment. These analyses are showing how promising Raman microspectroscopy is in understanding the molecular mechanisms of the efficiency of photosensitizers and are helping to improve the development of pharmaceutical formulations.
A Recombinant Enolase-Montanide™ PetGel A Vaccine Promotes a Protective Th1 Immune Response against a Highly Virulent Sporothrix schenckii by Toluene Exposure
Authors: Téllez-Martínez Damiana , Leandro Portuondo Deivys , Loesch Maria Luiza , Batista-Duharte Alexander , Zeppone Carlos Iracilda
Published: March 2019

The effect of vaccination in fungal strains that suffered changes in their virulence by exposure to environmental contaminants is largely known. Growing reports of resistance to antifungal drugs and the emergence of new highly virulent strains, possibly acquired in the environment, prompt the design of new vaccines able to prevent and combat emerging mycotic diseases. In this study, we evaluated the protective capacity of an enolase-based vaccine and Montanide PetGel A (PGA) as an adjuvant against S. schenckii with increased virulence by exposure to toluene. The adjuvanted vaccine induced a strong specific Th1 response and protective immunity against a challenge with either wildtype or toluene-adapted S. schenckii in Balb/c mice. This study highlights the role of the adjuvant PGA driving the quality of the anti-sporothrix immunity and the key component in the vaccine efficacy.
Antifungal Activity of Eclipta alba Metabolites against Sorghum Pathogens
Authors: Sollepura Boregowda Rajini , Murali Nandhini , C. Udayashankar Arakere , R. Niranjana Siddapura , S. Lund Ole , S. Prakash Harischandra
Published: March 2019

Unscientific use of synthetic fungicides in plant disease management has environmental ramifications, such as disease resurgence and serious health problems due to their carcinogenicity. This has prompted the identification and development of eco-friendly greener alternatives. Eclipta alba extract was evaluated for its antifungal activity in in vitro and in vivo against sorghum fungal pathogens Fusarium thapsinum, Alternaria alternata, Epicoccum sorghinum, and Curvularia lunata. The column purified methanolic extract of E. alba exhibited good antifungal activity against the target pathogens. The MIC was observed at 80 mg/mL for all tested pathogenic fungi, whereas MFC was 80 mg/mL for E. sorghinum, 100 mg/mL for F. thapsinum, A. alternata, and C. lunata. In vitro germination percentage was significantly high in seeds treated with E. alba extract (98%) over untreated control (91%). Significant disease protection of 95% was observed in greenhouse and 66% disease protection was noticed in field experiments. The efficacy of E. alba extract in field conditions was improved with the use of E. alba extract formulation. The profile of phytochemicals in E. alba methanol fractions was obtained by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) mass spectroscopy. The [M-H]− at m/z 313.3, m/z 797.9, and m/z 269.0 revealed the presence of wedelolactone, eclalbasaponin II, and apigenin, respectively. The H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) chemical shift value supported the findings of the mass spectrometry. The results highlighted the possible use of E. alba methanolic extract as alternative to chemical fungicide in sorghum disease management.
(Bio)degradable Polymeric Materials for Sustainable Future—Part 2: Degradation Studies of P(3HB-co-4HB)/Cork Composites in Different Environments
Authors: Jurczyk Sebastian , Musioł Marta , Sobota Michał , Klim Magdalena , Hercog Anna , Kurcok Piotr , Janeczek Henryk , Rydz Joanna
Published: March 2019

The degree of degradation of pure poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB-co-4HB)] and its composites with cork incubated under industrial and laboratory composting conditions was investigated. The materials were parallelly incubated in distilled water at 70 °C as a reference experiment (abiotic condition). It was demonstrated that addition of the cork into polyester strongly affects the matrix crystallinity. It influences the composite degradation independently on the degradation environment. Moreover, the addition of the cork increases the thermal stability of the obtained composites; this was related to a smaller reduction in molar mass during processing. This phenomenon also had an influence on the composite degradation process. The obtained results suggest that the addition of cork as a natural filler in various mass ratios to the composites enables products with different life expectancies to be obtained.
Ferrocene-Modified Polyelectrolyte Film-Coated Electrode and Its Application in Glucose Detection
Authors: Jiang Zhiping , Shangguan Yonggang , Zheng Qiang
Published: March 2019

A polyelectrolyte film-coated electrode for the quantitative detection of glucose was reported. Carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide and polyelectrolyte with a ferrocenyl group were used to modify an enzyme electrode to facilitate the electron transfer between glucose oxidase and the electrode. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometric methods were adopted to investigate the effects of different polyelectrolytes and carbon nanomaterials on the electrochemical properties of enzyme electrodes. The results indicate that the ferrocenyl groups on a polyelectrolyte skeleton act as a mediator between the redox center of glucose oxidase and the electrode, which efficiently enhances the electron transfer between a glassy carbon electrode and glucose oxidase. The calibration curve of the sensor shows a linear range from 0.2 to 5 mM for glucose response. The sensor can achieve 95% of the steady-state current within 10 s. The electrodes also present high operational stability and long-term storage stability.
High-Performance TiO2 Nanotubes/Poly(aryl ether sulfone) Hybrid Self-Cleaning Anti-Fouling Ultrafiltration Membranes
Authors: Geng Zhi , Wang Xinyu , Jiang Hongchuan , Zhang Leilei , Chen Zhiting , Feng Yong , Geng Wenzhe , Yang Xia , Huo Mingxin , Sun Jing
Published: March 2019

A series of novel self-cleaning hybrid photocatalytic ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were fabricated to separate polyacrylamide, which is widely used as a commercial flocculant. To maximize the self-cleaning and anti-fouling properties of hybrid membranes, high surface area TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) with excellent photocatalytic activity were homogeneously introduced into a poly(aryl ether sulfone) matrix by chemical bonds. The chemical structure, micromorphology, hydrophilicity, separation efficiency, fouling behavior, and self-cleaning property of the prepared hybrid membranes were well characterized and evaluated. For the optimal sample, the flux recovery ratio increased from ~40% to ~80% after simulated sunlight irradiation for 20 min, which was attributable to the homogeneous dispersion and efficient photocatalytic degradation ability of TNTs. Furthermore, the intelligent fabrication strategy enhanced the anti-aging ability of the hybrid membranes via the use of a fluorine-containing poly matrix. This work provided new insight into the fabrication of high-performance self-cleaning inorganic/organic hybrid membranes.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation on the Effect of Bonding Pressure on Thermal Bonding of Polymer Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Zhou Mingyong , Xiong Xiang , Drummer Dietmar , Jiang Bingyan
Published: March 2019

Thermal bonding technology is the most commonly used approach in bonding injection-molded microfluidic chips. Although the bonding mechanism is still under debate, the molecular dynamics (MD) method can provide insight into the bonding process on a macromolecular level. In this study, MD simulations for thermal bonding of PMMA substrate and cover sheet were performed. The molecule configuration and density distribution during the thermal bonding process were studied. The effects of bonding pressure on the equivalent strain, joining energy and diffusion coefficient were investigated. The debonding process was simulated to analyze the bonding strength and failure mechanism. Simulation results show that penetration mainly takes place near the interface area. Although the final density increases slightly with increasing pressure, the bonding interface is still insufficiently filled. The equivalent strain grows faster than that in the later stage because of the gap at the interface. The bonding pressure shows clear effects on the joining energy, diffusion coefficient and stress–strain behavior. Tensile failure occurs at the interface, with PMMA chains stretched between two layers. The majority of the change in potential energy is correlated with the change in non-bonded energy. At yield strain, the low-density defect at the interface weakens the tensile strength of bonded chip.
Novel Deep Eutectic Solvent Based on Levulinic Acid and 1,4-Butanediol as an Extraction Media for Bioactive Alkaloid Rutaecarpine
Authors: Si Yue-Yue , Sun Shi-Wei , Liu Kun , Liu Yang , Shi Hai-Lin , Zhao Ke , Wang Jin , Wang Wei
Published: March 2019

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are increasingly receiving interest as a new type of green and sustainable alternative to hazardous organic solvents. In this work, a novel DES based on levulinic acid (La) and 1,4-butanediol (Buta) as an extraction media was developed for extracting the bioactive alkaloid rutaecarpine from the unripe fruits of Tetradium ruticarpum. 24 different DESs consisting of choline chloride, betaine, sugar alcohols, organic acids, amides, and sugars were prepared and tailored to test their extraction efficiency. After initial screening, a hydrophilic DES composed of La and Buta with 1:0.5 molar ratio containing 25% water was tailored for the highest extraction efficiency, followed by the optimizations of molar ratio and water content. The interaction between the molecules of La-Buta DES was investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in order to confirm its deep eutectic supermolecular structure feature. The extraction conditions were optimized by single-factor experiments, including extraction temperature, extraction time, and solid-liquid ratio. The developed La-Buta DES extraction procedure was successfully applied for the analysis of rutaecarpine in Chinese patent medicines containing the unripe fruits of T. ruticarpum. The excellent property of La-Buta DES indicated its potential as a promising green solvent instead of conventional organic solvent for the extraction of rutaecarpine from the unripe fruits of T. ruticarpum, and that it can used as a sustainable and safe extraction media for other applications.
Future of Coastal Lagoons in Arid Zones under Climate Change and Anthropogenic Pressure. A Case Study from San Jose Lagoon, Mexico
Authors: Imaz-Lamadrid Miguel Angel , Wurl Jobst , Ramos-Velázquez Ernesto
Published: March 2019

In arid and semiarid zones, groundwater plays a key role in the ecology and availability of freshwater. Coastal lagoons in arid zones have great importance as a refuge for species of flora and fauna, as a source of freshwater, and for recreational purposes for local communities and tourism. In addition, as environments under natural stress, they are suffering pressure from anthropogenic activities and climate change, especially in zones with intense touristic development as in the case of the Baja California Peninsula in northwest Mexico. In this paper, we analyze the future of a coastal lagoon impacted by climate change and anthropogenic pressures. We constructed a groundwater MODFLOW-SWI2 model to predict changes in freshwater–saltwater inputs and correlated them with the geospatial analysis of the distribution and evolution of the water body and surrounding vegetation. The methodology was applied to the San Jose lagoon, one of the most important wetlands in the Baja California peninsula, which had been affected by anthropogenic activities and endangered by climate change. According to our water balance, the deficit of the San Jose aquifer will increase by 2040 as a result of climate change. The water table north of the lagoon will drop, affecting the amount of freshwater inflow. This reduction, together with an increase of evapotranspiration and the sea-level rise, will favor an increase of mineralization, reducing the surface water and groundwater quality and in consequence affecting the vegetation cover. Without proper management and adequate measures to mitigate these impacts, the lagoon may disappear as a freshwater ecosystem. Results of this research indicate that the use of a groundwater flow model, together with a geospatial analysis provide effective tools to predict scenarios for the future of coastal lagoons, and serve as a basis for land planning, nature conservation, and sustainable management of these ecosystems.
Polarization Analysis of the Impact of Temporal Decorrelation in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Tomography
Authors: Aghababaee Hossein , Ferraioli Giampaolo , Schirinzi Gilda
Published: March 2019

After almost two decades of long investigations into 3D imaging of natural environments, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) tomography (TomoSAR) is now at an operational level. Yet, a major problem that limits the potential of TomoSAR is related to the temporal decorrelation of natural scatterers during multitemporal multibaseline data acquisition. In this paper, a comparative investigation into the effect of temporal decorrelation between employed polarizations is presented. A particular focus is put on practical and statistical analysis of the dispersion of polarimetric vertical reflectivity in the presence of temporal decorrelation. The analysis is based on the synthesis of all feasible polarimetric responses of a given scatterer from its measurements of a linear orthonormal basis. Such an analysis offers a comprehension of the expected level of temporal decorrelation in TomoSAR focusing with respect to employed polarization. The analysis was performed by simulating temporal decorrelation with different terms, depending on the vertical structure and polarization, which are important aspects in a forest scenario. Moreover, the experiment was extended to a P-band dataset relative to the forest site of Remningstorp, Sweden, which was acquired through the German Aerospace Center’s experimental SAR (E-SAR) airborne system in the framework of the European Space Agency (ESA) campaign BioSAR.
Large Anomalies in the Tropical Upper Troposphere Lower Stratosphere (UTLS) Trace Gases Observed during the Extreme 2015–16 El Niño Event by Using Satellite Measurements
Authors: Ravindrababu S. , Ratnam M. Venkat , Basha Ghouse , Liou Yuei-An , Reddy N. Narendra
Published: March 2019

It is well reported that the 2015–16 El Niño event is one of the most intense and long lasting events in the 21st century. The quantified changes in the trace gases (Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Water Vapour (WV)) in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) region are delineated using Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) and Atmosphere Infrared Radio Sounder (AIRS) satellite observations from June to December 2015. Prior to reaching its peak intensity of El Niño 2015–16, large anomalies in the trace gases (O3 and CO) were detected in the tropical UTLS region, which is a record high in the 21st century. A strong decrease in the UTLS (at 100 and 82 hPa) ozone (~200 ppbv) in July-August 2015 was noticed over the entire equatorial region followed by large enhancement in the CO (150 ppbv) from September to November 2015. The enhancement in the CO is more prevalent over the South East Asia (SEA) and Western Pacific (WP) regions where large anomalies of WV in the lower stratosphere are observed in December 2015. Dominant positive cold point tropopause temperature (CPT-T) anomalies (~5 K) are also noticed over the SEA and WP regions from the high-resolution Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) Global Position System (GPS) Radio Occultation (RO) temperature profiles. These observed anomalies are explained in the light of dynamics and circulation changes during El Niño.
Estimating the Seasonal Dynamics of the Leaf Area Index Using Piecewise LAI-VI Relationships Based on Phenophases
Authors: Qiao Kun , Zhu Wenquan , Xie Zhiying , Li Peixian
Published: March 2019

The leaf area index (LAI) is not only an important parameter used to describe the geometry of vegetation canopy but also a key input variable for ecological models. One of the most commonly used methods for LAI estimation is to establish an empirical relationship between the LAI and the vegetation index (VI). However, the LAI-VI relationships had high seasonal variability, and they differed among phenophases and VIs. In this study, the LAI-VI relationships in different phenophases and for different VIs (i.e., the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and near-infrared reflectance of vegetation (NIRv)) were investigated based on 82 site-years of LAI observed data and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) VI products. Significant LAI-VI relationships were observed during the vegetation growing and declining periods. There were weak LAI-VI relationships (p > 0.05) during the flourishing period. The accuracies for the LAIs estimated with the piecewise LAI-VI relationships based on different phenophases were significantly higher than those estimated based on a single LAI-VI relationship for the entire vegetation active period. The average root mean square error (RMSE) ± standard deviation (SD) value for the LAIs estimated with the piecewise LAI-VI relationships was 0.38 ± 0.13 (based on the NDVI), 0.41 ± 0.13 (based on the EVI) and 0.41 ± 0.14 (based on the NIRv), respectively. In comparison, it was 0.46 ± 0.13 (based on the NDVI), 0.55 ± 0.15 (based on the EVI) and 0.55 ± 0.15 (based on the NIRv) for those estimated with a single LAI-VI relationship. The performance of the three VIs in estimating the LAI also varied among phenophases. During the growing period, the mean RMSE ± SD value for the estimated LAIs was 0.30 ± 0.11 (LAI-NDVI relationships), 0.37 ± 0.11 (LAI-EVI relationships) and 0.36 ± 0.13 (LAI-NIRv relationships), respectively, indicating the NDVI produced significantly better LAI estimations than those from the other two VIs. In contrast, the EVI produced slightly better LAI estimations than those from the other two VIs during the declining period (p > 0.05), and the mean RMSE ± SD value for the estimated LAIs was 0.45 ± 0.16 (LAI-NDVI relationships), 0.43 ± 0.23 (LAI-EVI relationships) and 0.45 ± 0.25 (LAI-NIRv relationships), respectively. Hence, the piecewise LAI-VI relationships based on different phenophases were recommended for the estimations of the LAI instead of a single LAI-VI relationship for the entire vegetation active period. Furthermore, the optimal VI in each phenophase should be selected for the estimations of the LAI according to the characteristics of vegetation growth.
Automatic Counting of in situ Rice Seedlings from UAV Images Based on a Deep Fully Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Wu Jintao , Yang Guijun , Yang Xiaodong , Xu Bo , Han Liang , Zhu Yaohui
Published: March 2019

The number of rice seedlings in the field is one of the main agronomic components for determining rice yield. This counting task, however, is still mainly performed using human vision rather than computer vision and is thus cumbersome and time-consuming. A fast and accurate alternative method of acquiring such data may contribute to monitoring the efficiency of crop management practices, to earlier estimations of rice yield, and as a phenotyping trait in breeding programs. In this paper, we propose an efficient method that uses computer vision to accurately count rice seedlings in a digital image. First, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with red-green-blue (RGB) cameras was used to acquire field images at the seedling stage. Next, we use a regression network (Basic Network) inspired by a deep fully convolutional neural network to regress the density map and estimate the number of rice seedlings for a given UAV image. Finally, an improved version of the Basic Network, the Combined Network, is also proposed to further improve counting accuracy. To explore the efficacy of the proposed method, a novel rice seedling counting (RSC) dataset was built, which consisted of 40 images (where the number of seedlings varied between 3732 and 16,173) and corresponding manually-dotted annotations. The results demonstrated high average accuracy (higher than 93%) between counts according to the proposed method and manual (UAV image-based) rice seedling counts, and very good performance, with a high coefficient of determination (R2) (around 0.94). In conclusion, the results indicate that the proposed method is an efficient alternative for large-scale counting of rice seedlings, and offers a new opportunity for yield estimation. The RSC dataset and source code are available online.
A Multiscale Deep Middle-level Feature Fusion Network for Hyperspectral Classification
Authors: Li Zhaokui , Huang Lin , He Jinrong
Published: March 2019

Recently, networks consider spectral-spatial information in multiscale inputs less, even though there are some networks that consider this factor, however these networks cannot guarantee to get optimal features, which are extracted from each scale input. Furthermore, these networks do not consider the complementary and related information among different scale features. To address these issues, a multiscale deep middle-level feature fusion network (MMFN) is proposed in this paper for hyperspectral classification. In MMFN, the network fully fuses the strong complementary and related information among different scale features to extract more discriminative features. The training of network contains two stages: the first stage obtains the optimal models corresponding to different scale inputs and extracts the middle-level features under the corresponding scale model. It can guarantee the multiscale middle-level features are optimal. The second stage fuses the optimal multiscale middle-level features in the convolutional layer, and the subsequent residual blocks can learn the complementary and related information among different scale middle-level features. Moreover, the idea of identity mapping in residual learning can help the network obtain a higher accuracy when the network is deeper. The effectiveness of our method is proved on four HSI data sets and the experimental results show that our method outperforms the other state-of-the-art methods especially with small training samples.
Systematical Evaluation of GPM IMERG and TRMM 3B42V7 Precipitation Products in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, China
Authors: Xu Fenglin , Guo Bin , Ye Bei , Ye Qia , Chen Huining , Ju Xiaohui , Guo Jinyun , Wang Zhongliang
Published: March 2019

Accurate estimation of high-resolution satellite precipitation products like Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) is critical for hydrological and meteorological research, providing a benchmark for the continued development and future improvement of these products. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) and TRMM 3B42V7 products at multiple temporal scales from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017 over the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain in China, using daily precipitation data from 59 meteorological stations. Three commonly used statistical metrics (CC, RB, and RMSE) are adopted to quantitatively verify the accuracy of two satellite precipitation products. The assessment also takes into account the precipitation detection capability (POD, FAR, CSI, and ACC) and frequency of different precipitation intensities. The results show that the IMERG and 3B42V7 present strong correlation with meteorological stations observations at annual and monthly scales (CC > 0.90), whereas moderate at the daily scale (CC = 0.76 and 0.69 for IMERG and 3B42V7, respectively). The spatial variability of the annual and seasonal precipitation is well captured by these two satellite products. And spatial patterns of precipitation gradually decrease from south to north over the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain. Both IMERG and 3B42V7 products overestimate precipitation compared with the station observations, of which 3B42V7 has a lower degree of overestimation. Relative to the IMERG, annual precipitation estimates from 3B42V7 show lower RMSE (118.96 mm and 142.67 mm, respectively), but opposite at the daily, monthly, and seasonal scales. IMERG has a better precipitation detection capability than 3B42V7 (POD = 0.83 and 0.67, respectively), especially when detecting trace and solid precipitation. The two precipitation products tend to overestimate moderate (2–10 mm/d) and heavy (10–50 mm/d) precipitation events, but underestimate violent (>50 mm/d) precipitation events. The IMERG is not found capable to detecting precipitation events of different frequencies more precisely. In general, the accuracy of IMERG is better than 3B42V7 product in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain. The IMERG satellite precipitation product with higher temporal and spatial resolutions can be regarded a reliable data sources in studying hydrological and climatic research.
Multiscale Analysis of DInSAR Measurements for Multi-Source Investigation at Uturuncu Volcano (Bolivia)
Authors: Barone Andrea , Fedi Maurizio , Tizzani Pietro , Castaldo Raffaele
Published: March 2019

Uturuncu volcano (southwestern Bolivia) is localized within one of the largest updoming volcanic zones, the Altiplano Puna Volcanic Complex (APVC). In several geodetic studies the observed uplift phenomenon is analyzed and modeled by considering a deep source, related to the Altiplano Puna Magma Body (APMB). In this framework, we perform a multiscale analysis on the 2003–2010 ENVISAT satellite data to investigate the existence of a multi-source scenario for this region. The proposed analysis is based on Cross-correlation and Multiridge method, pointing out the spatial and temporal multiscale properties of the deformation field. In particular, we analyze the vertical component of ground deformation during two time interval: within the 2005–2008 time interval an inflating source at 18.7 km depth beneath the central zone of the APVC is retrieved; this result is in good agreement with those proposed by several authors for the APMB. Between August 2006 and February 2007, we identify a further inflating source at 4.5 km depth, beneath Uturuncu volcano; the existence of this latter, located just below the 2009–2010 seismic swarm, is supported by petrological, geochemical, and geophysical evidence, indicating as a possible interpretative scenario the action of shallow, temporarily trapped fluids.
Global Satellite-Based ET Products for the Local Level Irrigation Management: An Application of Irrigation Performance Assessment in the Sugarbelt of Swaziland
Authors: Karimi Poolad , Bongani Bhembe , Blatchford Megan , de Fraiture Charlotte
Published: March 2019

Remote sensing techniques have been shown, in several studies, to be an extremely effective tool for assessing the performance of irrigated areas at various scales and diverse climatic regions across the world. Open access, ready-made, global ET products were utilized in this first-ever-countrywide irrigation performance assessment study. The study aimed at identifying ‘bright spots’, the highest performing sugarcane growers, and ‘hot spots’, or low performing sugarcane growers. Four remote sensing-derived irrigation performance indicators were applied to over 302 sugarcane growers; equity, adequacy, reliability and crop water productivity. The growers were segmented according to: (i) land holding size or grower scale (ii) management regime, (iii) location of the irrigation schemes and (iv) irrigation method. Five growing seasons, from June 2005 to October 2009, were investigated. The results show while the equity of water distribution is high across all management regimes and locations, adequacy and reliability of water needs improvement in several locations. Given the fact that, in general, water supply was not constrained during the study period, the observed issues with adequacy and reliability of irrigation in some of the schemes were mostly due to poor scheme and farm level water management practices. Sugarcane crop water productivity showed the highest variation among all the indicators, with Estate managed schemes having the highest CWP at 1.57 kg/m3 and the individual growers recording the lowest CWP at 1.14 kg/m3, nearly 30% less. Similarly center pivot systems showed to have the highest CWP at 1.63 kg/m3, which was 30% higher than the CWP in furrow systems. This study showcases the applicability of publicly available global remote sensing products for assessing performance of the irrigated crops at the local level in several aspects.