bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a TLC-Densitometry Method for Histamine Monitoring in Fish and Fishery Products
Authors: Kounnoun Ayoub , Louajri Adnane , Cacciola Francesco , El Cadi Hafssa , Bougtaib Hajar , Alahlah Naoual , El Baaboua Aicha , El Maadoudi Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Histamine poisoning is a significant public health problem. Therefore, the monitoring of histamine content in fish and fishery products is considered to be a crucial measure in the seafood industry. In the present study, a simple and rapid densitometric thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) method for histamine determination in fish samples was developed and validated. The samples were homogenized with 10% trichloroacetic acid and histamine was efficiently extracted. Then, an appropriate derivatization procedure was adopted with dansyl chloride. Once the derivatization was carried out, the samples were applied to silica gel TLC plates and developed by ascending chromatography with chloroform-triethylamine (6:4, v/v) as the mobile phase. The intensity of the histamine-dansyl derivative spots was measured by densitometry at 365 nm, and the quantitation was performed by BIO-1D image processing software. The validation of this method revealed good linearity and specificity over a concentration range from 6.25 to 100 mg/kg. Adequate precision was shown by relative standard deviations (RSD) smaller than 4.82%, accuracy ranged from −6.88% to 5.28%, and satisfactory recoveries ranging from 93% to 105% were obtained. The Limit of Detection and the Limit of Quantification were calculated at 4.4 mg/kg and 10.5 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, the effectiveness of the proposed method was assessed by the analysis of various samples, and the obtained results were confirmed with those achieved by the HPLC-UV method. Moreover, the developed method was found to be simple, cheap, and suitable for application to analyze several samples simultaneously.
Toxicity Studies on Graphene-Based Nanomaterials in Aquatic Organisms: Current Understanding
Authors: Malhotra Nemi , Villaflores Oliver B. , Audira Gilbert , Siregar Petrus , Lee Jiann-Shing , Ger Tzong-Rong , Hsiao Chung-Der
Published: August 2020

Graphene and its oxide are nanomaterials considered currently to be very promising because of their great potential applications in various industries. The exceptional physiochemical properties of graphene, particularly thermal conductivity, electron mobility, high surface area, and mechanical strength, promise development of novel or enhanced technologies in industries. The diverse applications of graphene and graphene oxide (GO) include energy storage, sensors, generators, light processing, electronics, and targeted drug delivery. However, the extensive use and exposure to graphene and GO might pose a great threat to living organisms and ultimately to human health. The toxicity data of graphene and GO is still insufficient to point out its side effects to different living organisms. Their accumulation in the aquatic environment might create complex problems in aquatic food chains and aquatic habitats leading to debilitating health effects in humans. The potential toxic effects of graphene and GO are not fully understood. However, they have been reported to cause agglomeration, long-term persistence, and toxic effects penetrating cell membrane and interacting with cellular components. In this review paper, we have primarily focused on the toxic effects of graphene and GO caused on aquatic invertebrates and fish (cell line and organisms). Here, we aim to point out the current understanding and knowledge gaps of graphene and GO toxicity.
Naturally-Occurring Alkaloids of Plant Origin as Potential Antimicrobials against Antibiotic-Resistant Infections
Authors: Casciaro Bruno , Mangiardi Laura , Cappiello Floriana , Romeo Isabella , Loffredo Maria Rosa , Iazzetti Antonia , Calcaterra Andrea , Goggiamani Antonella , Ghirga Francesca , Mangoni Maria Luisa , Botta Bruno , Quaglio Deborah
Published: August 2020

Antibiotic resistance is now considered a worldwide problem that puts public health at risk. The onset of bacterial strains resistant to conventional antibiotics and the scarcity of new drugs have prompted scientific research to re-evaluate natural products as molecules with high biological and chemical potential. A class of natural compounds of significant importance is represented by alkaloids derived from higher plants. In this review, we have collected data obtained from various research groups on the antimicrobial activities of these alkaloids against conventional antibiotic-resistant strains. In addition, the structure–function relationship was described and commented on, highlighting the high potential of alkaloids as antimicrobials.
Base-Promoted Annulation of Amidoximes with Alkynes: Simple Access to 2,4-Disubstituted Imidazoles
Authors: Mehmood Hina , Iqbal Muhammad Asif , Lu Le , Hua Ruimao
Published: August 2020

An efficient construction of imidazole ring by a Cs2CO3-promoted annulation of amidoximes with terminal alkynes in DMSO has been developed. This protocol provides a simple synthetic route with high atom-utilization for the synthesis of 2,4-disubstituted imidazoles in good yields under transition-metal-free and ligand-free conditions. Internal alkynes can also undergo the annulation to give 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles.
New Horizons in Chemical Functionalization of Endohedral Metallofullerenes
Authors: Yamada Michio , Liu Michael T. H. , Nagase Shigeru , Akasaka Takeshi
Published: August 2020

This overview explains some new aspects of chemical functionalization of endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) that have been unveiled in recent years. After differences in chemical reactivity between EMFs and the corresponding empty fullerenes are discussed, cage-opening reactions of EMFs are examined. Then, the selective bisfunctionalization of EMFs is explained. Finally, single-bonding derivatization of EMFs is addressed. The diversity and applicability of the chemical functionalization of endohedral metallofullerenes are presented to readers worldwide.
Multiple-Reaction Monitoring Tandem Mass Method for Determination of Phenolics and Water-Soluble Vitamins in Eccoilopus formosanus
Authors: Huang Ho-Shin , Yu Hsu-Sheng , Yen Chia-Hung , Liaw Ean-Tun
Published: August 2020

This study established a validated method for the quantitative and qualitative determination of eight signature compounds in Eccoilopus formosanus. We used multiple-reaction monitoring scanning for quantification, and switched the electrospray ion source polarity between positive and negative modes in a single chromatographic run. The precursor-to-product ion transitions were m/z 355/163, m/z 181/163, m/z 265/122, m/z 269/117, m/z 170/152, m/z 377.2/180.7, m/z 169/124.8 and m/z 193/134 for chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, thiamine, apigenin, pyridoxamin, riboflavin, gallic acid and ferulic acid, respectively. The developed method was also validated for accuracy, precision and limit of quantification. In this method, eight compounds were quantified with correlation coefficients of greater than 0.995. A high recovery (81.5–94.1%) and good reproducibility was obtained for five phenolics and three vitamins with the relative standard deviation, ranging from 1.2 to 3.5%. This method may be applied to the determination of both phenolics and water-soluble vitamins in cereal grain. The results may suggest that the extract of E. formosanus could be a good source of bioactive phytochemicals.
Structural Basis of Beneficial Design for Effective Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase Inhibitors
Authors: Tanuma Sei-ichi , Katsuragi Kiyotaka , Oyama Takahiro , Yoshimori Atsushi , Shibasaki Yuri , Asawa Yasunobu , Yamazaki Hiroaki , Makino Kosho , Okazawa Miwa , Ogino Yoko , Sakamoto Yoshimi , Nomura Miyuki , Sato Akira , Abe Hideaki , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Takahashi Hideyo , Tanuma Nobuhiro , Uchiumi Fumiaki
Published: August 2020

Inhibition of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is an attractive therapeutic strategy for targeting cancer metabolism. So far, many potent NAMPT inhibitors have been developed and shown to bind to two unique tunnel-shaped cavities existing adjacent to each active site of a NAMPT homodimer. However, cytotoxicities and resistances to NAMPT inhibitors have become apparent. Therefore, there remains an urgent need to develop effective and safe NAMPT inhibitors. Thus, we designed and synthesized two close structural analogues of NAMPT inhibitors, azaindole–piperidine (3a)- and azaindole–piperazine (3b)-motif compounds, which were modified from the well-known NAMPT inhibitor FK866 (1). Notably, 3a displayed considerably stronger enzyme inhibitory activity and cellular potency than did 3b and 1. The main reason for this phenomenon was revealed to be due to apparent electronic repulsion between the replaced nitrogen atom (N1) of piperazine in 3b and the Nδ atom of His191 in NAMPT by our in silico binding mode analyses. Indeed, 3b had a lower binding affinity score than did 3a and 1, although these inhibitors took similar stable chair conformations in the tunnel region. Taken together, these observations indicate that the electrostatic enthalpy potential rather than entropy effects inside the tunnel cavity has a significant impact on the different binding affinity of 3a from that of 3b in the disparate enzymatic and cellular potencies. Thus, it is better to avoid or minimize interactions with His191 in designing further effective NAMPT inhibitors.
Effects of High Intensity Ultrasound on Physiochemical and Structural Properties of Goat Milk β-Lactoglobulin
Authors: Zhou Xinhui , Wang Cuina , Sun Xiaomeng , Zhao Zixuan , Guo Mingruo
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to compare the effects of high intensity ultrasound (HIU) applied at various amplitudes (20~40%) and for different durations (1~10 min) on the physiochemical and structural properties of goat milk β-lactoglobulin. No significant change was observed in the protein electrophoretic patterns by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Deconvolution and second derivative of the Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) showed that the percentage of β-sheet of goat milk β-lactoglobulin was significantly decreased while those of α-helix and random coils increased after HIU treatment The surface hydrophobicity index and intrinsic fluorescence intensity of samples was enhanced and increased with increasing HIU amplitude or time. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results exhibited that HIU treatments improved the thermal stability of goat milk β-lactoglobulin. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of samples showed that the goat milk β-lactoglobulin microstructure had changed and it contained larger aggregates when compared with the untreated goat milk β-lactoglobulin sample. Data suggested that HIU treatments resulted in secondary and tertiary structural changes of goat milk β-lactoglobulin and improved its thermal stability.
Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Water by Free and Imobilised Microalgae
Authors: Encarnação Telma , Palito Cátia , Pais Alberto A. C. C. , Valente Artur J. M. , Burrows Hugh D.
Published: August 2020

Pharmaceuticals and their metabolites are released into the environment by domestic, hospital, and pharmaceutical industry wastewaters. Conventional wastewater treatment technology does not guarantee effluents of high quality, and apparently clean water may be loaded with pollutants. In this study, we assess the performance and efficiency of free and immobilised cells of microalgae Nannochloropsis sp. in removing four pharmaceuticals, chosen for their occurrence or persistence in the environment. These are paracetamol, ibuprofen, olanzapine and simvastatin. The results showed that free microalgae cells remain alive for a longer time than the immobilised ones, suggesting the inhibition of cell proliferation by the polymeric matrix polyvinyl alcohol. Both cells, free and immobilised, respond differently to each pharmaceutical. The removal of paracetamol and ibuprofen by Nannochloropsis sp., after 24 h of culture, was significantly higher in immobilised cells. Free cells removed a significantly higher concentration of olanzapine than immobilised ones, suggesting a higher affinity to this molecule than to paracetamol and ibuprofen. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of Nannochloropsis sp. free cells for removing olanzapine and Nannochloropsis sp. immobilised cells for removing paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Synthesis and Studies of Electro-Deposited Yttrium Arsenic Selenide Nanofilms for Opto-Electronic Applications
Authors: Awada Chawki , Whyte Goodfriend M. , Offor Peter O. , Whyte Favour U. , Kanoun Mohammed Benali , Goumri-Said Souraya , Alshoaibi Adil , Ekwealor Azubike B. C. , Maaza Malik , Ezema Fabian I.
Published: August 2020

Nanocomposite films grown by incorporating varying concentrations of Yttrium, a d-block rare-earth ion, into the binary chalcogenide Arsenic selenide host matrix is here presented. Films were grown via the wet-chemical electro-deposition technique and characterized for structural, optical, surface morphology, and photoluminescence (PL) properties. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) result of the host matrix (pristine film) showed films of monoclinic structure with an average grain size of 36.2 nm. The composite films, on the other hand, had both cubic YAs and tetragonal YSe structures with average size within 36.5–46.8 nm. The fairly homogeneous nano-sized films are shown by the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs while the two phases of the composite films present in the XRD patterns were confirmed by the Raman shifts due to the cleavage of the As-Se host matrix and formation of new structural units. The refractive index peaked at 2.63 within 350–600 nm. The bandgap energy lies in the range of 3.84–3.95 eV with a slight decrease with increasing Y addition; while the PL spectra depict emission bands across the Vis-NIR spectral regions. Theoretically, the density functional theory (DFT) simulations provided insight into the changes induced in the structure, bonding, and electronic properties. Besides reducing the bandgap of the As2Se3, the yttrium addition has induced a lone pair p-states of Se contributing nearby to Fermi energy level. The optical constants, and structural and electronic features of the films obtained present suitable features of film for IR applications as well as in optoelectronics.
Green Preparation of Fluorescent Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Sensitive Detection of Oxytetracycline in Environmental Samples
Authors: Gao Rong , Wu Zhibin , Wang Li , Liu Jiao , Deng Yijun , Xiao Zhihua , Fang Jun , Liang Yunshan
Published: August 2020

Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) with strong fluorescence were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method using natural biomass waste. Two efficient fluorescent probes were constructed for selective and sensitive detection of oxytetracycline (OTC). The synthesized N-CQDs were characterized by UV-visible absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), which proved that the synthesized N-CQDs surface were functionalized and had stable fluorescence performance. The basis of N-CQDs detection of OTC was discussed, and various reaction conditions were studied. Under optimized conditions, orange peel carbon quantum dots (ON-CQDs) and watermelon peel carbon quantum dots (WN-CQDs) have a good linear relationship with OTC concentrations in the range of 2–100 µmol L−1 and 0.25–100 µmol L−1, respectively. ON-CQDs and WN-CQDs were both successfully applied in detecting the OTC in pretreated tap water, lake water, and soil, with the recovery rate at 91.724–103.206%, and the relative standard deviation was less than 5.35%. The results showed that the proposed N-CQDs proved to be green and simple, greatly reducing the detection time for OTC in the determination environment.
Rapid Carbon Formation from Spontaneous Reaction of Ferrocene and Liquid Bromine at Ambient Conditions
Authors: Chalmpes Nikolaos , Tantis Iosif , Bakandritsos Aristides , Bourlinos Athanasios B. , Karakassides Michael A. , Gournis Dimitrios
Published: August 2020

Herein, we present an interesting route to carbon derived from ferrocene without pyrolysis. Specifically, the direct contact of the metallocene with liquid bromine at ambient conditions released rapidly and spontaneously carbon soot, the latter containing dense spheres, nanosheets, and hollow spheres. The derived carbon carried surface C-Br bonds that permitted postfunctionalization of the solid through nucleophilic substitution. For instance, treatment with diglycolamine led to covalent attachment of the amine onto the carbon surface, thus conferring aqueous dispersability to t he solid. The dispersed solid exhibited visible photoluminescence under UV irradiation as a result of surface passivation by the amine. Hence, the present method not only allowed a rapid and spontaneous carbon formation at ambient conditions, but also surface engineering of the particles to impart new properties (e.g., photoluminescence).
The Potential of Silver Nanoparticles for Antiviral and Antibacterial Applications: A Mechanism of Action
Authors: Salleh Atiqah , Naomi Ruth , Utami Nike Dewi , Mohammad Abdul Wahab , Mahmoudi Ebrahim , Mustafa Norlaila , Fauzi Mh Busra
Published: August 2020

Rapid development of nanotechnology has been in high demand, especially for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) since they have been proven to be useful in various fields such as medicine, textiles, and household appliances. AgNPs are very important because of their unique physicochemical and antimicrobial properties, with a myriad of activities that are applicable in various fields, including wound care management. This review aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of AgNPs that are responsible for their antiviral properties and their antibacterial activity towards the microorganisms. AgNPs can be synthesized through three different methods—physical, chemical, and biological synthesis—as indicated in this review. The applications and limitations of the AgNPs such as their cytotoxicity towards humans and the environment, will be discussed. Based on the literature search obtained, the properties of AgNPs scrutinizing the antibacterial or antiviral effect shown different interaction towards bacteria which dependent on the synthesis processes followed by the morphological structure of AgNPs.
Effect of Temperature and Branched Crosslinkers on Supported Graphene Oxide Pervaporation Membranes for Ethanol Dehydration
Authors: Bo Strunck Azeem , Suri Anil , Boffa Vittorio
Published: August 2020

We describe the performance of graphene oxide (GO) membranes stabilized by crosslinkers and supported on polyethersulfone films in the dehydration of ethanol in a continuous cross-flow pervaporation set-up. We used two crosslinker species with branched structures (humic acid-like substances derived from urban waste and a synthetic hyperbranched polyol). The supported crosslinked GO films were prepared by rod coating on a polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane. Pervaporation experiments were carried out at temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C. When the feed comprised pure water and ethanol, a much higher flux of water than ethanol was observed at all temperatures through GO films stabilized by the two crosslinkers (humic acid, GO-HAL, and the synthetic hyperbranched polyol, GO-HBPO), indicating the separation ability of these crosslinked membranes. For feed mixtures of water and ethanol, the GO-HAL and GO-HBPO membranes showed good separation performances by producing permeates with a significantly higher water content than the feed at all temperatures.
Addressing Challenges with the Categorization of Foods Processed at Home: A Pilot Methodology to Inform Consumer-Facing Guidance
Authors: Bleiweiss-Sande Rachel , Bailey Caitlin P. , Sacheck Jennifer , Goldberg Jeanne P.
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study was to inform consumer-facing dietary guidance by (1) adapting the current University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) food processing framework to include a home processing (HP) component and (2) pilot testing the adapted version using a nationally representative sample of foods consumed in the U.S. The UNC framework was adapted to include guidelines for categorizing home-prepared (HP) foods. The original UNC and adapted HP frameworks were used to code dietary recalls from a random sample of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015–2016 cycle) participants (n = 100; ages 2–80 years). Percent changes between the UNC and HP adapted frameworks for each processing category were calculated using Microsoft Excel, version 16.23. Participants were 56% female, 35% non-Hispanic white (mean age = 31.3 ± 23.8). There were 1,376 foods with 651 unique foods reported. Using the HP compared to the UNC framework, unprocessed/minimally processed foods declined by 11.7% (UNC: 31.0% vs. HP: 27.4%); basic processed foods increased by 116.8% (UNC: 8.2% vs. HP: 17.8%); moderately processed foods increased by 16.3% (UNC: 14.2% vs. HP: 16.6%); and highly processed foods decreased by 17.8% (UNC: 46.5% vs. HP: 38.2%). Home-prepared foods should be considered as distinct from industrially produced foods when coding dietary data by processing category. This has implications for consumer-facing dietary guidance that incorporates processing level as an indicator of diet quality.
Dietary Fermented Soy Extract and Oligo-Lactic Acid Alleviate Chronic Kidney Disease in Mice via Inhibition of Inflammation and Modulation of Gut Microbiota
Authors: He Li-Xia , Abdolmaleky Hamid M. , Yin Sheng , Wang Yihong , Zhou Jin-Rong
Published: August 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global epidemic with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Effective preventive strategies are urgently needed. This study aimed to investigate the effect of nutraceutical components, a fermented soybean product (ImmuBalance, IMB) and an oligo-lactic acid product (LAP), on the prevention of adenine-induced CKD in mice. Female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into following experimental groups: negative control; model control; and models treated with IMB at 250 or 1000 mg/kg body weight (BW), LAP at 1000 or 2000 mg/kg BW, and IMB/LAP combinations. The CKD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of adenine daily for 4 weeks, and treatments started 2 weeks before adenine injection and ended after 10 weeks. Compared with the model control, the treatments did not significantly alter the body weight or food intake. Both IMB and LAP, especially their combination, significantly inhibited tubular dilation, tubulointerstitial degeneration or atrophy, interstitial chronic inflammation and acute inflammation in the kidneys of CKD mice, and significantly decreased serum cystatin C levels. IMB or LAP significantly reversed CKD-associated increases of circulating and kidney levels of inflammatory cytokines, circulating levels of kidney injury biomarkers, and kidney levels of stem cell biomarkers, and significantly reversed CKD-associated reduction of cecum Clostridium leptum group. Our results suggest that dietary supplementation of IMB or LAP may significantly delay the development and/or progression of CKD.
More Than Bone Health: The Many Roles for Vitamin D
Authors: Beckett Emma
Published: August 2020

Vitamin D is well known for its important roles in maintaining calcium homeostasis and bone mineralization via the regulation of calcium mobilization and renal reabsorption, and the intestinal absorption of both calcium and phosphorus [...]
Association between the Inflammatory Potential of Diet and Stress among Female College Students
Authors: Alfreeh Leenah , Abulmeaty Mahmoud M. A. , Abudawood Manal , Aljaser Feda , Shivappa Nitin , Hebert James R. , Almuammar May , Al-Sheikh Yazeed , Aljuraiban Ghadeer S.
Published: August 2020

A pro-inflammatory diet may have an adverse influence on stress and inflammatory biomarker levels among college students. The dietary inflammatory index (DII®) is a tool used to assess the inflammatory potential of a diet. However, evidence for the association between DII and stress is limited. We examined the association between energy-adjusted DII (E-DIITM), high sensitivity-C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], and stress among female college students. This cross-sectional study included 401 randomly selected female students, aged 19–35 years. Data collection included blood, anthropometric measurements, a healthy-history questionnaire, the perceived stress scale (PSS-10), the Saudi food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and E-DII. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between FFQ-derived E-DII score, hs-CRP, and PSS. A higher E-DII score per 1SD (1.8) was associated with a 2.4-times higher PSS score (95% CI: 1.8, 3.1). Higher hs-CRP per 1SD (3.3 mg/L) was associated with a 0.9 (95% CI: 0.7–1.1) times higher PSS score, independent of lifestyle and dietary factors. Our findings indicate that pro-inflammatory diets were highly prevalent among Saudi college students and were associated with higher stress levels. Consideration of the role of stress and focusing on anti-inflammatory foods may be key for healthier dietary habits.
Serum Uric Acid Is Positively Associated with Muscle Mass and Strength, but Not with Functional Capacity, in Kidney Transplant Patients
Authors: Floriano João Pedro , Nahas Paula C. , de Branco Flávia M. S. , dos Reis Aline S. , Rossato Luana T. , Santos Heitor O. , Limirio Larissa S. , Ferreira-Filho Sebastião R. , de Oliveira Erick P.
Published: August 2020

Background: Our aim was to associate serum uric acid (UA) with muscle mass, strength and functional capacity in kidney transplant patients (KTPs). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 113 KTPs. The fat-free mass and total and appendicular muscle mass were estimated by performing a bioelectrical impedance analysis. The strength was evaluated using the handgrip strength test (HGS) and the five times sit to stand test (5STS). The functional capacity was evaluated using the 4 m walk test and the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Results: Linear regression showed that the UA levels were positively associated with the muscle mass, fat-free mass, appendicular muscle mass, muscle mass index and appendicular muscle mass index. The 5STS results (seconds) were inversely associated with the UA levels, showing that individuals with higher UA were more likely to have more strength. However, UA was not associated with the HGS, 4 m walk test and SPPB results. Conclusion: UA levels were positively associated with muscle mass and strength, but not with functional capacity, in KTPs.
Low Serum Vitamin B12 Levels Are Associated with Adverse Lipid Profiles in Apparently Healthy Young Saudi Women
Authors: Al-Musharaf Sara , Aljuraiban Ghadeer S. , Danish Hussain Syed , Alnaami Abdullah M. , Saravanan Ponnusamy , Al-Daghri Nasser
Published: August 2020

An abnormal lipid profile is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and lipid profile is inconclusive, with most studies conducted in unhealthy populations. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between serum vitamin B12 levels and lipid profiles in a cross-sectional study that included 341 apparently healthy Saudi women, aged 19–30 years, from different colleges at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle data were collected, including diet and physical activity. Serum vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as serum B12 level of <148 pmol/L. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was approximately 0.6%. Using multivariable linear regression models, serum vitamin B12 levels were found to be inversely associated with total cholesterol (B = −0.26; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (B = −0.30; p < 0.001), and triglyceride (B = −0.16; p < 0.01) after adjusting for potential confounders, while obesity indices of body mass index, central obesity, and fat percentage showed no association. Therefore, we conclude that low serum vitamin B12 levels are independently associated with abnormal lipid profiles in healthy young Saudi women. Further interventional studies are needed to determine whether improving serum vitamin B12 levels in a healthy population can improve lipid profiles.
A Bayesian Analysis on Neutron Stars within Relativistic Mean Field Models
Authors: Char Prasanta , Traversi Silvia , Pagliara Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

We present a Bayesian analysis on the equation of state of neutron stars based on a class of relativistic mean field models. The priors on the equation of state are related to the properties of nuclear matter at saturation and the posteriors are obtained through the Bayesian procedure by exploiting recent astrophysical constraints on the mass–radius relations of neutron stars. We find indications of a tension (within the adopted model) between the prior on the nuclear incompressibility and its posterior which in turn seems to suggest a possible phase transition at about twice saturation density to a phase where the nucleon effective mass is strongly reduced. A possible relation with the chiral phase transition in dense matter is also discussed.
Analyses of the Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) Transcriptome during Host Infection Highlight Specific Gene Expression Profiling in Resistant Rice Plants
Authors: Petitot Anne-Sophie , Dereeper Alexis , Da Silva Corinne , Guy Julie , Fernandez Diana
Published: August 2020

The plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne graminicola causes considerable damages to rice (Oryza sativa) culture. Resistance to M. graminicola in the related species Oryza glaberrima reduces root penetration by juveniles and stops further nematode development. M. graminicola genes expressed during O. sativa infection were previously characterized but no information is available about the molecular dialogue established with a resistant plant. We compared the M. graminicola transcriptomes of stage-two juveniles (J2s) before and during infection of susceptible or resistant rice. Among 36,121 M. graminicola genes surveyed, 367 were differentially expressed during infection of resistant or susceptible plants. Genes encoding cell wall-degrading enzymes, peptidases and neuropeptides were expressed for a longer time in resistant plants compared to susceptible plants. Conversely, genes related to nematode development were not activated in the resistant host. The majority of M. graminicola effector genes had similar expression patterns, whatever the host genotype. However, two venom allergen-like protein (VAP)-encoding genes were specifically induced in resistant plants and Mg-VAP1 silencing in J2s reduced their ability to colonize roots. This study highlighted that M. graminicola adapts its gene expression to the host susceptibility. Further investigation is required to assess the role of Mg-VAPs in the rice–nematode interaction.
Human Bocavirus in Brazil: Molecular Epidemiology, Viral Load and Co-Infections
Authors: Malta Fábio Correia , Varella Rafael Brandão , Guimarães Maria Angelica Arpon Marandino , Miagostovich Marize Pereira , Fumian Tulio Machado
Published: August 2020

Human bocavirus (HBoV) is an emerging virus and has been detected worldwide, especially in pediatric patients with respiratory and gastrointestinal infection. In this study, we describe HBoV prevalence, genotypes circulation and DNA shedding, in stool samples from children up to two years of age in Brazil. During 2016 and 2017, 886 acute gastroenteritis (AGE) stool samples from ten Brazilian states were analyzed by TaqMan®-based qPCR, to detect and quantify HBoV. Positive samples were genotyped by sequencing the VP1/2 overlap region, followed by phylogenetic analysis and co-infections were accessed by screening other gastroenteric viruses. HBoV was detected in 12.4% (n = 110) of samples, with viral load ranging from 1.6 × 102 to 1.2 × 109 genome copies per gram of stool. From these, co-infections were found in 79.1%, and a statistically lower HBoV viral load was found compared to viral loads of rotavirus, norovirus and adenovirus in double infected patients (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between HBoV viral load in single or co-infections, age groups or genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis identified the circulation of HBoV-1 in 38%, HBoV-2 in 40% and HBoV-3 in 22%. Continuous HBoV monitoring is needed to clarify its role in diarrhea disease, especially in the absence of classic gastroenteric viruses.
The Suppressive Effect of Leucine-Rich Glioma Inactivated 3 (LGI3) Peptide on Impaired Skin Barrier Function in a Murine Model Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Kim Ui Seok , Park Jin Woo , Park Eon Sub , Bang Joon Seok , Jung Tae Woo , Kim Dong-Seok , Abd El-Aty A. M. , Lee Jong Hyuk , Jeong Ji Hoon
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to restore the skin barrier function from atopic dermatitis (AD) via treatment with leucine-rich glioma inactivated 3 (LGI3) peptide. Male NC/Nga mice (7 weeks, 20 g) were randomly allocated into three groups (control, AD, and LGI3 group). After induction of AD skin lesions with Dermatophagoides farinae ointment, mice were treated with LGI3. The clinical score of AD was the highest and the dorsal skin thickness was the thickest in the AD group. In contrast, LGI3 treatment improved the clinical score and the dorsal skin thickness compared to the AD model. LGI3 treatment suppressed histopathological thickness of the epithelial cell layer of the dorsal skin. LGI3 treatment could indirectly reduce mast cell infiltration through restoring the barrier function of the skin. Additionally, the filaggrin expression was increased in immunohistochemical evaluation. In conclusion, the ameliorating effect and maintaining skin barrier homeostasis in the AD murine model treated with LGI3 could be attributed to complete re-epithelialization of keratinocytes. Hence, LGI3 might be considered as a new potential therapeutic target for restoring skin barrier function in AD.
Unravelling Cotton Nonexpressor of Pathogenesis-Related 1(NPR1)-Like Genes Family: Evolutionary Analysis and Putative Role in Fiber Development and Defense Pathway
Authors: Agarwal Neha , Srivastava Rakesh , Verma Akash , Rai Krishan Mohan , Singh Babita , Verma Praveen Chandra
Published: August 2020

The nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related 1 (NPR1) family plays diverse roles in gene regulation in the defense and development signaling pathways in plants. Less evidence is available regarding the significance of the NPR1-like gene family in cotton (Gossypium species). Therefore, to address the importance of the cotton NPR1-like gene family in the defense pathway, four Gossypium species were studied: two tetraploid species, G.hirsutum and G. barbadense, and their two potential ancestral diploids, G. raimondii and G. arboreum. In this study, 12 NPR1-like family genes in G. hirsutum were recognized, including six genes in the A-subgenome and six genes in the D-subgenome. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, gene and protein structural features, cotton NPR-like proteins were grouped into three different clades. Our analysis suggests the significance of cis-regulatory elements in the upstream region of cotton NPR1-like genes in hormonal signaling, biotic stress conditions, and developmental processes. The quantitative expression analysis for different developmental tissues and fiber stages (0 to 25 days post-anthesis), as well as salicylic acid induction, confirmed the distinct function of different cotton NPR genes in defense and fiber development. Altogether, this study presents specifications of conservation in the cotton NPR1-like gene family and their functional divergence for development of fiber and defense properties.
Tumorous Stem Development of Brassica Juncea: A Complex Regulatory Network of Stem Formation and Identification of Key Genes in Glucosinolate Biosynthesis
Authors: Li Mengyao , Xie Fangjie , Li Jie , Sun Bo , Luo Ya , Zhang Yong , Chen Qing , Wang Yan , Zhang Fen , Zhang Yunting , Lin Yuanxiu , Wang Xiaorong , Tang Haoru
Published: August 2020

Stem mustard is a stem variety of mustard, an important Brassica vegetable. The formation and development of the tumorous stem, which is the key organ for the direct yield and quality, is a complex biological process involving morphogenesis, material accumulation and gene regulation. In this study, we demonstrated through anatomical studies that stem swelling is mainly dependent on the increase in the number of cells and the volume of parenchyma cells in the cortex and pith. To further understand transcript and metabolic changes during stem swelling, we obtained 27,901 differentially expressed genes, of which 671 were specifically detected using transcriptome sequencing technology in all four stages of stem swelling. Functional annotation identified enrichment for genes involved in photosynthesis, energy metabolism, cell growth, sulfur metabolism and glucosinolate biosynthesis. Glucosinolates are a group of nitrogen- and sulfur-containing secondary metabolites, which largely exist in the Cruciferous vegetables. HPLC analysis of the contents and components of glucosinolates in four different stem development stages revealed eight glucosinolates, namely, three aliphatic glucosinolates (sinigrin, glucoalyssin and gluconapin), four indole glucosinolates (4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, glucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin and neoglucobrassicin) and one aromatic glucosinolate (gluconasturtiin). All these types of glucosinolates showed a significant downward trend during the stem swelling period. The content of aliphatic glucosinolates was the highest, with sinigrin being the main component. In addition, qPCR was used to validate the expression of nine genes involved in glucosinolate biosynthesis. Most of these genes were down-regulated during stem swelling in qPCR, which is consistent with transcriptome data. These data provide a basic resource for further molecular and genetic research on Brassica juncea.
The Application of a Commercially Available Citrus-Based Extract Mitigates Moderate NaCl-Stress in Arabidopsis thaliana Plants
Authors: Loubser Johannes , Hills Paul
Published: August 2020

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of BC204 as a plant biostimulant on Arabidopsis thaliana plants under normal and NaCl-stressed conditions. Methods: For this study, ex vitro and in vitro growth experiments were conducted to assess the effect of both NaCl and BC204 on basic physiological parameters such as biomass, chlorophyll, proline, malondialdehyde, stomatal conductivity, Fv/Fm and the expression of four NaCl-responsive genes. Results: This study provides preliminary evidence that BC204 mitigates salt stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. BC204 treatment increased chlorophyll content, fresh and dry weights, whilst reducing proline, anthocyanin and malondialdehyde content in the presence of 10 dS·m−1 electroconductivity (EC) salt stress. Stomatal conductivity was also reduced by BC204 and NaCl in source leaves. In addition, BC204 had a significant effect on the expression of salinity-related genes, stimulating the expression of salinity-related genes RD29A and SOS1 independently of NaCl-stress. Conclusions: BC204 stimulated plant growth under normal growth conditions by increasing above-ground shoot tissue and root and shoot growth in vitro. BC204 also increased chlorophyll content while reducing stomatal conductivity. BC204 furthermore mitigated moderate to severe salt stress (10–20 dS·m−1) in A. thaliana. Under salt stress conditions, BC204 reduced the levels of proline, anthocyanin and malondialdehyde. The exact mechanism by which this occurs is unknown, but the results in this study suggest that BC204 may act as a priming agent, stimulating the expression of genes such as SOS1 and RD29A.
Blowing Kinetics, Pressure Resistance, Thermal Stability, and Relaxation of the Amorphous Phase of the PET Container in the SBM Process with Hot and Cold Mold. Part II: Statistical Analysis and Interpretation of Tests
Authors: Wawrzyniak Paweł , Karaszewski Waldemar
Published: August 2020

The technology of filling drinks without preservatives (such as fresh juices, iced tea drinks, and vitaminized drinks) is carried out using hot filling. Mainly due to the production costs and lower carbon footprint, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles are increasingly used in this technology. In this paper, the main aim is to describe and interpret the results of statistical analysis of the influence of the temperature of the blow mold in the SBM (stretch blow molding) process and the method of hot filling on the macroscopic and microscopic bottle properties. The macroscopic bottle properties were defined by the thickness profile, pressure resistance, thermal stability, and the coefficients of blowing kinetics. In addition, the influence of the SBM process on the microscopic PET material properties (in the bottle) relative to the microscopic preform properties was analyzed. The microscopic properties were defined by the degree of crystallite, density, and relaxation of the amorphous phase of the PET material. For this purpose, response surface experiments were performed for the two analyzed factors, i.e., the temperature of the blow mold and the method of hot filling. The sample size was investigated to determine the minimum number of repetitions (number of bottles in the measurement series) required to achieve acceptable measurement uncertainty. The research conducted shows that, despite fulfilling the postulate of acceptable measurement uncertainty, in terms of the power of ANOVA (analysis of variance) in DOE (design of experiment), the accepted number of bottles in the measurement series is too small. The tests of the bottle material density, material crystallite, and relaxation of amorphous phase relative to the preform material density, material crystallite, and relaxation of amorphous phase show that microcavity effects occur during the deformation of the PET material, and that these are associated with the orientation of the microstructure. The blow kinetics study shows that there is a gradient of flow of the bottle material over the thickness of the bottle wall during blowing, and it has been deduced that the air temperature between the blow mold and the wall of the blown bottle has an impact on the kinetics of blowing the bottle.
3D Printing of Tunable Zero-Order Release Printlets
Authors: Fina Fabrizio , Goyanes Alvaro , Rowland Martin , Gaisford Simon , Basit Abdul W.
Published: August 2020

Zero-order release formulations are designed to release a drug at a constant rate over a prolonged time, thus reducing systemic side effects and improving patience adherence to the therapy. Such formulations are traditionally complex to manufacture, requiring multiple steps. In this work, fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing was explored to prepare on-demand printlets (3D printed tablets). The design includes a prolonged release core surrounded by an insoluble shell able to provide zero-order release profiles. The effect of drug loading (10, 25, and 40% w/w paracetamol) on the mechanical and physical properties of the hot melt extruded filaments and 3D printed formulations was evaluated. Two different shell 3D designs (6 mm and 8 mm diameter apertures) together with three different core infills (100, 50, and 25%) were prepared. The formulations showed a range of zero-order release profiles spanning 16 to 48 h. The work has shown that with simple formulation design modifications, it is possible to print extended release formulations with tunable, zero-order release kinetics. Moreover, by using different infill percentages, the dose contained in the printlet can be infinitely adjusted, providing an additive manufacturing route for personalizing medicines to a patient.
Acrylic Bone Cements Modified with Graphene Oxide: Mechanical, Physical, and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Zapata Mayra Eliana Valencia , Ruiz Rojas Lina Marcela , Mina Hernández José Herminsul , Delgado-Ospina Johannes , Tovar Carlos David Grande
Published: August 2020

Bacterial infections are a common complication after total joint replacements (TJRs), the treatment of which is usually based on the application of antibiotic-loaded cements; however, owing to the increase in antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, the possibility of studying new antibacterial agents in acrylic bone cements (ABCs) is open. In this study, the antibacterial effect of formulations of ABCs loaded with graphene oxide (GO) between 0 and 0.5 wt.% was evaluated against Gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram-negative ones: Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli. It was found that the effect of GO was dependent on the concentration and type of bacteria: GO loadings ≥0.2 wt.% presented total inhibition of Gram-negative bacteria, while GO loadings ≥0.3 wt.% was necessary to achieve the same effect with Gram-positives bacteria. Additionally, the evaluation of some physical and mechanical properties showed that the presence of GO in cement formulations increased wettability by 17%, reduced maximum temperature during polymerization by 19%, increased setting time by 40%, and increased compressive and flexural mechanical properties by up to 17%, all of which are desirable behaviors in ABCs. The formulation of ABC loading with 0.3 wt.% GO showed great potential for use as a bone cement with antibacterial properties.
Accelerated Reaction Rates within Self-Assembled Polymer Nanoreactors with Tunable Hydrophobic Microenvironments
Authors: Harrison Andrew , P. Zeevi Michael , L. Vasey Christopher , D. Nguyen Matthew , Tang Christina
Published: August 2020

Performing reactions in the presence of self-assembled hierarchical structures of amphiphilic macromolecules can accelerate reactions while using water as the bulk solvent due to the hydrophobic effect. We leveraged non-covalent interactions to self-assemble filled-polymer micelle nanoreactors (NR) incorporating gold nanoparticle catalysts into various amphiphilic polymer nanostructures with comparable hydrodynamic nanoreactor size and gold concentration in the nanoreactor dispersion. We systematically studied the effect of the hydrophobic co-precipitant on self-assembly and catalytic performance. We observed that co-precipitants that interact with gold are beneficial for improving incorporation efficiency of the gold nanoparticles into the nanocomposite nanoreactor during self-assembly but decrease catalytic performance. Hierarchical assemblies with co-precipitants that leverage noncovalent interactions could enhance catalytic performance. For the co-precipitants that do not interact strongly with gold, the catalytic performance was strongly affected by the hydrophobic microenvironment of the co-precipitant. Specifically, the apparent reaction rate per surface area using castor oil (CO) was over 8-fold greater than polystyrene (750 g/mol, PS 750); the turnover frequency was higher than previously reported self-assembled polymer systems. The increase in apparent catalytic performance could be attributed to differences in reactant solubility rather than differences in mass transfer or intrinsic kinetics; higher reactant solubility enhances apparent reaction rates. Full conversion of 4-nitrophenol was achieved within three minutes for at least 10 sequential reactions demonstrating that the nanoreactors could be used for multiple reactions.