bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation Study of Multi-Field Coupling for Laser Cladding of Shaft Parts
Authors: Zhao Changlong , Ma Chen , Yang Junbao , Li Ming , Zhao Qinxiang , Ma Hongnan , Jia Xiaoyu
Published: February 2023

Since shaft parts operate under harsh environments for a long time, many critical parts suffer from corrosion, wear and other problems, leading to part failure and inability to continue in service. It is imperative to repair failed parts and increase their service life. An orthogonal experimental scheme is designed to numerically simulate the process of laser cladding of Inconel 718 alloy powder on 4140 alloy structural steel based on the ANSYS simulation platform, derive the relationship equation of cladding layer thickness according to the heat balance principle, establish a finite element model, couple three modules of temperature field, stress field and fluid field, and analyze different modules to realize the monitoring of different processes of laser cladding. The optimal cladding parameters were laser power 1000 W, scanning speed 15 rad/s, spot radius 1.5 mm, thermal stress maximum value of 696 Mpa, residual stress minimum value of 281 Mpa, and the degree of influence of three factors on thermal stress maximum value: laser power > spot radius > scanning speed. The pool in the melting process appears to melt the “sharp corner” phenomenon, the internal shows a double vortex effect, with a maximum flow rate of 0.02 m/s. The solidification process shows a different shape at each stage due to the different driving forces. In this paper, multi-field-coupled numerical simulations of the laser cladding process were performed to obtain optimal cladding parameters with low residual stresses in the clad layer. The melt pool grows and expands gradually during melting, but the laser loading time is limited, and the size and shape of the melt pool are eventually fixed, and there is a vortex flowing from the center to both sides of the cross-section inside the melt pool, forming a double vortex effect. The solidification is divided into four stages to complete the transformation of the liquid phase of the melt pool to the solid phase, and the cladding layer is formed. The multi-field-coupled numerical simulation technique is used to analyze the temperature, stress and fluid fields to provide a theoretical basis for the residual stress and surface quality of the clad layer for subsequent laser cladding experiments.
Current Methods for the Detection of Antibodies of Varicella-Zoster Virus: A Review
Authors: Pan Dequan , Wang Wei , Cheng Tong
Published: February 2023

Infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles, which lead to significant morbidity and mortality globally. The detection of serum VZV-specific antibodies is important for the clinical diagnosis and sero-epidemiological research of VZV infection, and for assessing the effect of VZV vaccine immunization. Over recent decades, a variety of methods for VZV antibody detection have been developed. This review summarizes and compares the current methods for detecting VZV antibodies, and discussed future directions for this field.
Probiotics and Their Antimicrobial Effect
Authors: Fijan Sabina
Published: February 2023

This Special Issue of the journal Microorganisms highlights the importance of the antimicrobial effect of probiotics [...]
An Evaluation of Avian Influenza Virus Whole-Genome Sequencing Approaches Using Nanopore Technology
Authors: Ip Hon S. , Uhm Sarah , Killian Mary Lea , Torchetti Mia K.
Published: February 2023

As exemplified by the global response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, whole-genome sequencing played an important role in monitoring the evolution of novel viral variants and provided guidance on potential antiviral treatments. The recent rapid and extensive introduction and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in Europe, North America, and elsewhere raises the need for similarly rapid sequencing to aid in appropriate response and mitigation activities. To facilitate this objective, we investigate a next-generation sequencing platform that uses a portable nanopore sequencing device to generate and present data in real time. This platform offers the potential to extend in-house sequencing capacities to laboratories that may otherwise lack resources to adopt sequencing technologies requiring large benchtop instruments. We evaluate this platform for routine use in a diagnostic laboratory. In this study, we evaluate different primer sets for the whole genome amplification of influenza A virus and evaluate five different library preparation approaches for sequencing on the nanopore platform using the MinION flow cell. A limited amplification procedure and a rapid procedure are found to be best among the approaches taken.
Special Issue “Nutritional Regulation on Gut Microbiota”: Editorial
Authors: Shen Garry X.
Published: February 2023

Accumulated lines of evidence demonstrate that the gut microbiota plays a critical role in metabolism, inflammation and the pathophysiology of many chronic diseases [...]
Spent Mushroom Substrate Hydrolysis and Utilization as Potential Alternative Feedstock for Anaerobic Co-Digestion
Authors: Vasilakis Gabriel , Rigos Evangelos-Markos , Giannakis Nikos , Diamantopoulou Panagiota , Papanikolaou Seraphim
Published: February 2023

Valorization of lignocellulosic biomass, such as Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS), as an alternative substrate for biogas production could meet the increasing demand for energy. In view of this, the present study aimed at the biotechnological valorization of SMS for biogas production. In the first part of the study, two SMS chemical pretreatment processes were investigated and subsequently combined with thermal treatment of the mentioned waste streams. The acidic chemical hydrolysate derived from the hydrothermal treatment, which yielded in the highest concentration of free sugars (≈36 g/100 g dry SMS, hydrolysis yield ≈75% w/w of holocellulose), was used as a potential feedstock for biomethane production in a laboratory bench-scale improvised digester, and 52 L biogas/kg of volatile solids (VS) containing 65% methane were produced in a 15-day trial of anaerobic digestion. As regards the alkaline hydrolysate, it was like a pulp due to the lignocellulosic matrix disruption, without releasing additional sugars, and the biogas production was delayed for several days. The biogas yield value was 37 L/kg VS, and the methane content was 62%. Based on these results, it can be concluded that SMS can be valorized as an alternative medium employed for anaerobic digestion when pretreated with both chemical and hydrothermal hydrolysis.
Origin and Paleoenvironmental Conditions of the Köprüağzı Evaporites (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey): Sedimentological, Mineralogical and Geochemical Constraints
Authors: Güngör Yeşilova Pelin , Baran Ozan
Published: February 2023

Köprüağzı evaporites mainly consist of primary (selenite and gypsarenite) and secondary (massive, laminated and satin-spar) gypsum lithofacies, as well as minor anhydrite, and are interbedded with clastic and carbonate units. Sedimentological-mineralogical and geochemical findings reveal that the depositional basin extends from a lagoon to the hinterland. These data confirm that too much detrital input was transported into the basin with multiple salinity and pH value fluctuations, organic matter activity and reducing conditions. Geochemical data point out the shallow environment and the mixing of hydrothermal fluids and fresh waters. The investigated evaporites were exposed to diagenesis and alteration under the influence of a hot—dry and minor humid climate, tectonism and pressure. The 87Sr/86Sr, δ34S and δ18O isotope values of Köprüağzı evaporites reveal that they are of Miocene marine sulfate origin.
New Crystal-Structure Data on Bohuslavite, Fe3+4(PO4)3(SO4)(OH)(H2O)10·nH2O
Authors: Mauro Daniela , Biagioni Cristian
Published: February 2023

Bohuslavite, Fe3+4(PO4)3(SO4)(OH)(H2O)10·nH2O, was first described from the Buca della Vena mine (Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy) and from the Horní Město deposit (northern Moravia, Czech Republic). Its full characterization was a difficult task, owing to the very low diffraction quality of available material. Notwithstanding a physically reasonable structural model, some issues remained uncertain. A new intensity data collection on a sample from the Buca della Vena mine allowed us to improve our knowledge of the crystal structure of bohuslavite. This mineral is triclinic, P1, with unit-cell parameters a = 13.3722(15), b = 13.3488(18), c = 21.585(3) Å, α = 92.345(6), β = 90.153(8), γ = 120.34(2)°, V = 3321.2(11) Å3, Z = 4. The crystal structure of bohuslavite has been refined to R1 = 0.1498 on the basis of 19,578 unique reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo) and 773 refined parameters. The actual (SO4) distribution is clarified, as well as the role of some H2O groups, whereas some minor details remain to be solved.
Insights into Phosphate Adsorption Performance onto Magnetic Thermal Modified Palygorskite Nanocomposites
Authors: Pan Min , Su Jingfeng , Tang Leting , Hu Zimin , Huang Xiaoming
Published: February 2023

Eutrophication caused by excessive discharging of phosphorus is a global water pollution problem. To further improve the phosphorus adsorption capacity of natural palygorskite and easy separation from liquid, magnetic thermal modified palygorskite nanocomposite (MTPG) was firstly fabricated and then characterized by XRD and SEM-EDS. The characterization results showed Fe3O4 in nano-diameters was prosperously immobilized on the surface of thermal modified palygorskite (TPG) calcinated at a temperature of 700 °C. Abundant nano-scale Fe3O4 loading almost doubled the specific surface area (SSA) of TPG. The adsorption of phosphate onto MTPG was highly pH-dependent and slightly influenced by ionic strength. According to the results from the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorptive quantity of 400.00 mg/g was counted at 298 K. The regeneration ratio was 80.98% after three regeneration cycles. The process of phosphate adsorption was confirmed to be an endothermic and spontaneous chemisorption. Thus, the cost-effective, excellent phosphate affinity, great magnetic recovery performance, and high adsorption capacity of MTPG had an enormous promising utilization on phosphate removal from aqueous solutions.
Genistein Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis in Human Cervical Cancer Cells through the Focal Adhesion Kinase Signaling Pathway: A Network Pharmacology-Based In Vitro Study in HeLa Cells
Authors: Chen Tingting , Wang Juan , Li Min , Wu Qingqing , Cui Shuna
Published: February 2023

Previous studies have provided evidence that genistein exerts a therapeutic effect on different tumor cells. However, the mechanism of action of genistein against cervical cancer cells remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to comprehensively decipher the anti-metastatic effect and molecular mechanism of genistein action on cervical cancer cells. We developed an integrated strategy from genotype to phenotype, combining network pharmacology and a transcriptome screening approach, to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action of genistein against human cervical cancer cells. In silico studies predicted that the focal adhesion pathway may be an important signaling cascade targeted by genistein treatment. Using RNA sequencing analysis, representative genes of the focal adhesion pathway were demonstrated to be significantly downregulated. Phenotypic studies revealed that genistein demonstrated strong anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activity in HeLa cells. Moreover, genistein modulated this activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Genistein also inhibited both the activation and gene expression of FAK (Focal Adhesion Kinase) and paxillin. In addition, vimentin and β-catenin protein expression, and Snail and Twist gene expression, were strongly inhibited by genistein. Our findings provide strong evidence for a pleiotropic effect of genistein on cervical cancer cells, mediated through the focal adhesion pathway.
Efficient Separation of the Methoxyfuranocoumarins Peucedanin, 8-Methoxypeucedanin, and Bergapten by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC)
Authors: Bartnik Magdalena
Published: February 2023

Pure methoxyfuranocoumarins were isolated from a crude petroleum ether extract (CPE; Soxleth extraction efficiency 12.28%) from fruits of Peucedanum tauricum MB. (Apiaceae) by counter-current chromatography in a hydrostatic equilibrium system (centrifugal partition chromatography—CPC). The optimized biphasic solvent system composed of n-heptane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (5:2:5:2; v/v/v/v) in the ascending mode of elution was used (3 mL/min, 1600 rpm). In the single run, peucedanin (P), 8-methoxypeucedanin (8MP), and bergapten (5MOP) were obtained as pure as 95.6%, 98.1%, and c.a. 100%, respectively. The carefully optimized and developed CPC was effectively transferred from the analytical to the semi-preparative scale (where 20 mg and 150 mg of CPE were loaded, respectively). Identification and quantitative analysis of methoxyfuranocoumarins was carried out in the plant material, in the CPE, and in individual CPC fractions by use of validated high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS). For the separation steps, the extraction/isolation recovery was calculated. In this case, CPC proved to be an effective tool for the simultaneous isolation and separation of P, 8MP, and 5MOP from a multicomponent plant matrix, without additional pre-purification steps. The high purity of the obtained plant metabolites makes it possible to consider their use in pharmacological or biological studies.
Licochalcone A Inhibits Prostaglandin E2 by Targeting the MAPK Pathway in LPS Activated Primary Microglia
Authors: Bhatia Harsharan Singh , Apweiler Matthias , Sun Lu , Baron Julian , Tirkey Ashwini , Fiebich Bernd L.
Published: February 2023

Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are conditions leading to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Natural compounds exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, such as Licochalcone A, a bioactive flavonoid present in a traditional Chinese herb (licorice), might be beneficial for the treatment of those disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of Licochalcone A in LPS-activated primary rat microglia. Licochalcone A dose-dependently prevented LPS-induced PGE2 release by inhibiting the arachidonic acid (AA)/cylcooxygenase (COX) pathway decreasing phospholipase A2, COX-1, and COX-2 protein levels. Furthermore, LPS-induced levels of the cytokines IL-6 and TNFα were reduced by Licochalcone A, which also inhibited the phosphorylation and, thus, activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) p38 MAPK and Erk 1/2. With the reduction of 8-iso-PGF2α, a sensitive marker for oxidative stress, anti-oxidative effects of Licochalcone A were demonstrated. Our data demonstrate that Licochalcone A can affect microglial activation by interfering in important inflammatory pathways. These in vitro findings further demonstrate the potential value of Licochalcone A as a therapeutic option for the prevention of microglial dysfunction related to neuroinflammatory diseases. Future research should continue to investigate the effects of Licochalcone A in different disease models with a focus on its anti-oxidative and anti-neuroinflammatory properties.
Computational Exploration of Dirhodium Complex-Catalyzed Selective Intermolecular Amination of Tertiary vs. Benzylic C−H Bonds
Authors: Su Xing-Xing , Chen Xia-He , Ding De-Bo , She Yuan-Bin , Yang Yun-Fang
Published: February 2023

The mechanism and origins of site-selectivity of Rh2(S-tfpttl)4-catalyzed C(sp3)–H bond aminations were studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The synergistic combination of the dirhodium complex Rh2(S-tfpttl)4 with tert-butylphenol sulfamate TBPhsNH2 composes a pocket that can access both tertiary and benzylic C–H bonds. The nonactivated tertiary C–H bond was selectively aminated in the presence of an electronically activated benzylic C–H bond. Both singlet and triplet energy surfaces were investigated in this study. The computational results suggest that the triplet stepwise pathway is more favorable than the singlet concerted pathway. In the hydrogen atom abstraction by Rh–nitrene species, which is the rate- and site-selectivity-determining step, there is an attractive π–π stacking interaction between the phenyl group of the substrate and the phthalimido group of the ligand in the tertiary C–H activation transition structure. By contrast, such attractive interaction is absent in the benzylic C–H amination transition structure. Therefore, the DFT computational results clearly demonstrate how the synergistic combination of the dirhodium complex with sulfamate overrides the intrinsic preference for benzylic C–H amination to achieve the amination of the nonactivated tertiary C–H bond.
Cancer Vaccines Based on Fluorine-Modified KH-1 Elicit Robust Immune Response
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Bohan , Zheng Xiujing , Xiong Decai , Ye Xinshan
Published: February 2023

KH-1 is a tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen (TACA), which serves as a valuable target of antitumor vaccines for cancer immunotherapies. However, most TACAs are thymus-independent antigens (TD-Ag), and they tend to induce immunological tolerance, leading to their low immunogenicity. To overcome these problems, some fluorinated derivatives of the KH-1 antigen were designed, synthesized, and conjugated to the carrier protein CRM197 to form glycoconjugates, which were used for immunological studies with Freund’s adjuvant. The results showed that fluorine-modified N-acyl KH-1 conjugates can induce higher titers of antibodies, especially IgG, which can recognize KH-1-positive cancer cells and can eliminate cancer cells through complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). The trifluoro-modified KH-1-TF-CRM197 showed great potential as an anticancer vaccine candidate.
Control of Columnar Grain Microstructure in CSD LaNiO3 Films
Authors: Atanova Aleksandra V. , Seregin Dmitry S. , Zhigalina Olga M. , Khmelenin Dmitry N. , Orlov Georgy A. , Turkina Daria I. , Sigov Alexander S. , Vorotilov Konstantin A.
Published: February 2023

Conductive LaNiO3 (LNO) films with an ABO3 perovskite structure deposited on silicon wafers are a promising material for various electronics applications. The creation of a well-defined columnar grain structure in CSD (Chemical Solution Deposition) LNO films is challenging to achieve on an amorphous substrate. Here, we report the formation of columnar grain structure in LNO films deposited on the Si-SiO2 substrate via layer-by-layer deposition with the control of soft-baking temperature and high temperature annealing time of each deposited layer. The columnar structure is controlled not by typical heterogeneous nucleation on the film/substrate interface, but by the crystallites’ coalescence during the successive layers’ deposition and annealing. The columnar structure of LNO film provides the low resistivity value ρ~700 µOhm·cm and is well suited to lead zirconate-titanate (PZT) film growth with perfect crystalline structure and ferroelectric performance. These results extend the understanding of columnar grain growth via CSD techniques and may enable the development of new materials and devices for distinct applications.
Comparative Analysis of Roots from Vicatia thibetica de Boiss and Angelica sinensis Based on Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Nitrite-Scavenging and Enzyme Inhibition Activities
Authors: Tang Wenwen , Chen Yuan , Guo Fengxia
Published: February 2023

Radix Vicatia thibetica de Boiss (RVT) is locally known as “Xigui” or “Dujiao-danggui” in Tibetan medicine and is often used as a substitute for Radix Angelica sinensis (RAS) in daily nourishing diets and clinical applications. In this study, we determined and compared the contents of polysaccharides, total coumarins, ferulic acid, total phenols, total flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, protein, and amino acids, and the composition of volatile oil in RVT and RAS. Biological activities, including antioxidants, scavenging of nitrite, inhibition of tyrosinase, thrombin, and coagulation FXa, were comparatively evaluated. Results showed that RVT contains more polysaccharides, phenols, flavonoids, proteins, glutamic acid, and lysine as compared to RAS. Among volatile compounds, 14 species are similar, and 20 species are different in RVT and RAS. Overall, among volatile compounds, the content of 3-N-Butylphthalide was higher, whereas the content of ligustilide was lower in RVT volatile oil. A significant difference was reported in the bioactivity of RVT and RAS. The biological activity of RVT had higher antioxidant, nitrite scavenging, and tyrosinase inhibitory activities, whereas it showed much lower thrombin and FXa inhibitory activities. Correlation analysis showed that the antioxidant, nitrite scavenging, and tyrosinase inhibitory activities were related to the phenol and flavonoid content, whereas the thrombin and FXa inhibitory activities were related to ferulic acid and volatile oil content. This study presents a comparative analysis of RAS and RVT’s chemical compositions of antioxidant, nitrite-scavenging, inhibition of tyrosinase, thrombin, and coagulation FXa activities. It was found that both RVT and RAS have their unique advantages, and RVT has the potential to be utilized as functional foods, cosmetics, and medical products.
Influence of Natural Aging on the Moisture Sorption Behaviour of Wooden Structural Components
Authors: Han Liuyang , Xi Guanglan , Dai Wei , Zhou Qun , Sun Suqin , Han Xiangna , Guo Hong
Published: February 2023

A greater understanding of moisture sorption behaviour of aged wooden structural components, which has a close relationship with dimensional stability, is required to effectively evaluate and preserve historical artefacts. This study focused on the effects of aging on Baotou beam samples from a Chinese historical wooden building. An analysis of the sorption isotherms and hysteresis loops of a naturally aged, decayed sample (AOS), an aged sound sample (AIS), and a reference sample (RS), using classical sorption isotherm models revealed that the moisture sorption behaviour of samples from the same growth ring in a Baotou beam can differ significantly. AOS showed higher hygroscopicity than AIS, and both these samples were more hygroscopic than RS. Furthermore, the mono/multilayer moisture contents of AOS were always higher than those of AIS and RS. In addition, Fourier transform infrared, second-derivative infrared, and two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy were used to investigate chemical changes in the samples. The relative hemicellulose and lignin contents of the samples changed significantly with wood aging. Furthermore, AOS exhibited the highest calcium oxalate content, which may be associated with fungal infections. Overall, these results provide valuable insights into the effects of aging on wood samples and the dimensional stability of timber structures, which could inform future research on methods for the preservation or restoration of aging timber structures.
Investigation on Antioxidant Activity and Different Metabolites of Mulberry (Morus spp.) Leaves Depending on the Harvest Months by UPLC–Q-TOF-MS with Multivariate Tools
Authors: Guo Zili , Lai Jiangxuan , Wu Yiwen , Fang Sheng , Liang Xianrui
Published: February 2023

The changes in active components in mulberry leaves harvested in different months and their antioxidant activities were investigated. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–Q-TOF-MS) with multivariate statistical tools was used to investigate the chemical constituents in the extracts of mulberry leaves. The results indicated that mulberry leaves were rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, organic acids, and fatty acid derivatives. In addition, 25 different compounds were identified in the different batches of mulberry leaves. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was measured to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activities of mulberry leaves. Among the four batches, batch A, harvested in December, exhibited the strongest DPPH radical-scavenging activity, while batch B, harvested in March, showed the weakest activity. This was related to the total phenolic content in the mulberry leaves of each batch. The optimal harvest time of mulberry leaves greatly influences the bioactivity and bioavailability of the plant.
Recent Trends in the Development of Novel Metal-Based Antineoplastic Drugs
Authors: Todorov Lozan , Kostova Irena
Published: February 2023

Since the accidental discovery of the anticancer properties of cisplatin more than half a century ago, significant efforts by the broad scientific community have been and are currently being invested into the search for metal complexes with antitumor activity. Coordination compounds of transition metals such as platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru) and gold (Au) have proven their effectiveness as diagnostic and/or antiproliferative agents. In recent years, experimental work on the potential applications of elements including lanthanum (La) and the post-transition metal gallium (Ga) in the field of oncology has been gaining traction. The authors of the present review article aim to help the reader “catch up” with some of the latest developments in the vast subject of coordination compounds in oncology. Herewith is offered a review of the published scientific literature on anticancer coordination compounds of Pt, Ru, Au, Ga and La that has been released over the past three years with the hope readers find the following article informative and helpful.
Structure and Magnetic Properties of AO and LiFePO4/C Composites by Sol-Gel Combustion Method
Authors: Su Kaimin , Yang Fang , Zhang Qian , Xu Huiren , He Yun , Lin Qing
Published: February 2023

LiFePO4 takes advantage of structure stability, safety and environmental friendliness, and has been favored by the majority of scientific researchers. In order to further improve the properties of LiFePO4, AO-type metal oxides (MgO and ZnO) and LiFePO4/C composites were successfully prepared by a two-step sol-gel method. The effects of AO-type metal oxides (MgO and ZnO) on LiFePO4/C composites were studied. TG, XRD, FTIR, SEM and VSM analysis showed that the final product of the MgO and LiFePO4/C composite was about 70.5% of the total mass of the precursor; the complete main diffraction peak of LiFePO4 and MgO can be found without obvious impurity at the diffraction peak; there is good micro granularity and dispersion; the particle size is mainly 300 nm; the saturation magnetization (Ms), the residual magnetization (Mr) and the area of hysteresis loop are increased with the increase in MgO content; and the maximum Ms is 11.11 emu/g. The final product of ZnO and LiFePO4/C composites is about 69% of the total mass of precursors; the complete main diffraction peak of LiFePO4 and ZnO can be found without obvious impurity at the diffraction peak; there is good micro granularity and dispersion; the particle size is mainly 400 nm; and the coercivity (Hc) first slightly increases and then gradually decreases with the increase of zinc oxide.
A Natural Glucan from Black Bean Inhibits Cancer Cell Proliferation via PI3K-Akt and MAPK Pathway
Authors: Li Peng , Hu Yihua , Zhan Lingmin , He Jiaqi , Lu Jingwu , Gao Chunyan , Du Weijun , Yue Aiqin , Zhao Jinzhong , Zhang Wuxia
Published: February 2023

A natural α-1,6-glucan named BBWPW was identified from black beans. Cell viability assay showed that BBWPW inhibited the proliferation of different cancer cells, especially HeLa cells. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that BBWPW suppressed the HeLa cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Consistently, RT-PCR experiments displayed that BBWPW significantly impacts the expression of four marker genes related to the G2/M phase, including p21, CDK1, Cyclin B1, and Survivin. To explore the molecular mechanism of BBWPW to induce cell cycle arrest, a transcriptome-based target inference approach was utilized to predict the potential upstream pathways of BBWPW and it was found that the PI3K-Akt and MAPK signal pathways had the potential to mediate the effects of BBWPW on the cell cycle. Further experimental tests confirmed that BBWPW increased the expression of BAD and AKT and decreased the expression of mTOR and MKK3. These results suggested that BBWPW could regulate the PI3K-Akt and MAPK pathways to induce cell cycle arrest and ultimately inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells, providing the potential of the black bean glucan to be a natural anticancer drug.
Research and Therapeutic Approaches in Stem Cell Genome Editing by CRISPR Toolkit
Authors: Mollashahi Behrouz , Latifi-Navid Hamid , Owliaee Iman , Shamdani Sara , Uzan Georges , Jamehdor Saleh , Naserian Sina
Published: February 2023

The most widely used genome editing toolkit is CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats). It provides the possibility of replacing and modifying DNA and RNA nucleotides. Furthermore, with advancements in biological technology, inhibition and activation of the transcription of specific gene(s) has become possible. Bioinformatics tools that target the evolution of CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) turn this protein into a vehicle that is specific for a DNA or RNA region with single guide RNA (sgRNA). This toolkit could be used by researchers to investigate the function of stem cell gene(s). Here, in this review article, we cover recent developments and applications of this technique in stem cells for research and clinical purposes and discuss different CRISPR/Cas technologies for knock-out, knock-in, activation, or inhibition of gene expression. Additionally, a comparison of several deliveries and off-target detecting strategies is discussed.
Elucidating Flavonoid and Antioxidant Activity in Edible and Medicinal Herbs Woodwardia japonica (L.f.) Sm. Based on HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS and Artificial Neural Network Model: Response to Climatic Factors
Authors: Wang Xin , Cao Jianguo , Tian Lin , Liu Baodong , Fan Yawen , Wang Quanxi
Published: February 2023

Woodwardia japonica is a kind of great potential edible and medicinal fern. In a previous study, it was found that flavonoid and antioxidant activity of W. japonica from different sites were different. However, the cause of the differences has still been unclear, which has restricted the utilization of W. japonica. In this paper, flavonoid and antioxidant activity of W. japonica from nine different regions were determined with the method of a colorimetric assay with UV-VIS spectrophotometry and HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS, and the effects of climate factors on flavonoids and antioxidant activities were evaluated by mathematical modeling and statistical methods. The results showed: (1) total flavonoid content (TFC) of W. japonica from Wuyi Mountain (Jiangxi) was the highest, which might be related to the low temperature; (2) the differences of antioxidant activities of W. japonica might be related to precipitation; (3) five flavonols, two flavones and one isoflavone were tentatively identified in W. japonica; (4) flavonol and isoflavone might be affected by sunshine duration, and flavones were probably related to temperature. In conclusion, the effects of climate factors on flavonoids and antioxidants are significant, which would provide an important basis for further exploring the mechanism of climate affecting secondary metabolites.
Renoprotective Effects of Tanshinone IIA: A Literature Review
Authors: Chen Zhengtao , Feng Haoyue , Peng Chuan , Zhang Zehua , Yuan Qianghua , Gao Hong , Tang Shiyun , Xie Chunguang
Published: February 2023

The kidney is an important organ in the human body, with functions such as urine production, the excretion of metabolic waste, the regulation of water, electrolyte and acid–base balance and endocrine release. The morbidity and mortality of kidney diseases are increasing year by year worldwide, and they have become a serious public health problem. In recent years, natural products derived from fungi, plants and animals have become an important alternative source of treatment for kidney diseases because of their multiple pathways, multiple targets, safety, low toxicity and few side effects. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a lipid-soluble diterpene quinone isolated from the Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza, considered as a common drug for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. As researchers around the world continue to explore its unknown biological activities, it has also been found to have a wide range of biological effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and hepatoprotective effects, among others. In recent years, many studies have elaborated on its renoprotective effects in various renal diseases, including diabetic nephropathy (DN), renal fibrosis (RF), uric acid nephropathy (UAN), renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and drug-induced kidney injury caused by cisplatin, vancomycin and acetaminophen (APAP). These effects imply that Tan IIA may be a promising drug to use against renal diseases. This article provides a comprehensive review of the pharmacological mechanisms of Tan IIA in the treatment of various renal diseases, and it provides some references for further research and clinical application of Tan IIA in renal diseases.
MoS2 Nanoplatelets on Hybrid Core-Shell (HyCoS) AuPd NPs for Hybrid SERS Platform for Detection of R6G
Authors: Lin Shusen , Mandavkar Rutuja , Burse Shalmali , Habib Md Ahasan , Khalid Tasmia , Joni Mehedi Hasan , Chung Young-Uk , Kunwar Sundar , Lee Jihoon
Published: February 2023

In this work, a novel hybrid SERS platform incorporating hybrid core-shell (HyCoS) AuPd nanoparticles (NPs) and MoS2 nanoplatelets has been successfully demonstrated for strong surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) enhancement of Rhodamine 6G (R6G). A significantly improved SERS signal of R6G is observed on the hybrid SERS platform by adapting both electromagnetic mechanism (EM) and chemical mechanism (CM) in a single platform. The EM enhancement originates from the unique plasmonic HyCoS AuPd NP template fabricated by the modified droplet epitaxy, which exhibits strong plasmon excitation of hotspots at the nanogaps of metallic NPs and abundant generation of electric fields by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Superior LSPR results from the coupling of distinctive AuPd core-shell NP and high-density background Au NPs. The CM enhancement is associated with the charge transfer from the MoS2 nanoplatelets to the R6G. The direct contact via mixing approach with optimal mixing ratio can effectively facilitate the charges transfer to the HOMO and LUMO of R6G, leading to the orders of Raman signal amplification. The enhancement factor (EF) for the proposed hybrid platform reaches ~1010 for R6G on the hybrid SERS platform.
Comparative Study of α- and β-MnO2 on Methyl Mercaptan Decomposition: The Role of Oxygen Vacancies
Authors: Su Hong , Liu Jiangping , Hu Yanan , Ai Tianhao , Gong Chenhao , Lu Jichang , Luo Yongming
Published: February 2023

As a representative sulfur-containing volatile organic compounds (S-VOCs), CH3SH has attracted widespread attention due to its adverse environmental and health risks. The performance of Mn-based catalysts and the effect of their crystal structure on the CH3SH catalytic reaction have yet to be systematically investigated. In this paper, two different crystalline phases of tunneled MnO2 (α-MnO2 and β-MnO2) with the similar nanorod morphology were used to remove CH3SH, and their physicochemical properties were comprehensively studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), H2-TPR, O2-TPD, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. For the first time, we report that the specific reaction rate for α-MnO2 (0.029 mol g−1 h−1) was approximately 4.1 times higher than that of β-MnO2 (0.007 mol g−1 h−1). The as-synthesized α-MnO2 exhibited higher CH3SH catalytic activity towards CH3SH than that of β-MnO2, which can be ascribed to the additional oxygen vacancies, stronger surface oxygen migration ability, and better redox properties from α-MnO2. The oxygen vacancies on the catalyst surface provided the main active sites for the chemisorption of CH3SH, and the subsequent electron transfer led to the decomposition of CH3SH. The lattice oxygen on catalysts could be released during the reaction and thus participated in the further oxidation of sulfur-containing species. CH3SSCH3, S0, SO32−, and SO42− were identified as the main products of CH3SH conversion. This work offers a new understanding of the interface interaction mechanism between Mn-based catalysts and S-VOCs.
Porous Nb2O5 Formed by Anodic Oxidation as the Sulfur Host for Enhanced Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Jianming , Chen Lu , Zhao Bo , Liang Chunyong , Wang Hongshui , Zhang Yongguang
Published: February 2023

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs), with their high theoretical specific capacity and energy density, have great potential to be a candidate for secondary batteries in the future. However, Li-S batteries suffer from multiple issues and challenges, for example, uneven growth of lithium dendrites, low utilization of the active material (sulfur), and low specific capacity. This paper reports a low-cost and anodic oxidation method to produce niobium pentoxide with a porous structure (P-Nb2O5). A simple one-step process was used to synthesize P-Nb2O5 with porous structures by anodizing niobium at 40 V in fluorinated glycerol. The porous Nb2O5 showed excellent rate capability and good capacity retention by maintaining its structural integrity, allowing us to determine the advantages of its porous structure. As a result of the highly porous structure, the sulfur was not only provided with adequate storage space and abundant adsorption points, but it was also utilized more effectively. The initial discharge capacity with the P-Nb2O5 cathode rose to 1106.8 mAh·g−1 and dropped to 810.7 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles, which demonstrated the good cycling performance of the battery. This work demonstrated that the P-Nb2O5 prepared by the oxidation method has strong adsorption properties and good chemical affinity.
Low-Protein Formulas with Alpha-Lactalbumin-Enriched or Glycomacropeptide-Reduced Whey: Effects on Growth, Nutrient Intake and Protein Metabolism during Early Infancy: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Controlled Trial
Authors: Tinghäll Nilsson Ulrika Tinghäll , Hernell Olle , Lönnerdal Bo , Hartvigsen Merete Lindberg , Jacobsen Lotte Neergaard , Kvistgaard Anne Staudt , Karlsland Åkeson Pia Karlsland
Published: February 2023

Protein intake is higher in formula-fed than in breast-fed infants during infancy, which may lead to an increased risk of being overweight. Applying alpha-lactalbumin (α-lac)-enriched whey or casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP)-reduced whey to infant formula may enable further reduction of formula protein by improving the amino acid profile. Growth, nutrient intake, and protein metabolites were evaluated in a randomized, prospective, double-blinded intervention trial where term infants received standard formula (SF:2.2 g protein/100 kcal; n = 83) or low-protein formulas with α-lac-enriched whey (α-lac-EW;1.75 g protein/100 kcal; n = 82) or CGMP-reduced whey (CGMP-RW;1.76 g protein/100 kcal; n = 80) from 2 to 6 months. Breast-fed infants (BF; n = 83) served as reference. Except between 4 and 6 months, when weight gain did not differ between α-lac-EW and BF (p = 0.16), weight gain was higher in all formula groups compared to BF. Blood urea nitrogen did not differ between low-protein formula groups and BF during intervention, but was lower than in SF. Essential amino acids were similar or higher in α-lac-EW and CGMP-RW compared to BF. Conclusion: Low-protein formulas enriched with α-lac-enriched or CGMP-reduced whey supports adequate growth, with more similar weight gain in α-lac-enriched formula group and BF, and with metabolic profiles closer to that of BF infants.
Effects of Combined Interventions of Exercise and Diet or Exercise and Supplementation on Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pérez-Bilbao Txomin , Alonso-Dueñas María , Peinado Ana B. , San Juan Alejandro F.
Published: February 2023

This systematic review investigated the effects of exercise interventions combined with diet and/or dietary supplement interventions on anthropometry, body composition, metabolic biomarkers, physical function, healthy lifestyles, quality of life, psychosocial variables and fatigue for women with breast cancer. A systematic search was performed in the PubMed and Web of Science databases (from inception to 1 March 2022). A review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The methodological quality and the risk of bias of the included studies was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A total of 13 randomised controlled trial studies were included, comprising 1569 breast cancer patients. The main finding of this systematic review is that groups performing interventions combining exercise plus diet show significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, body composition, quality of life, fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep compared to control groups. On the other hand, the use of interventions combining exercise plus supplementation does not result in an improvement compared to groups using exercise alone or supplementation alone.
Homeostatic Reinforcement Theory Accounts for Sodium Appetitive State- and Taste-Dependent Dopamine Responding
Authors: Duriez Alexia , Bergerot Clémence , Cone Jackson J. , Roitman Mitchell F. , Gutkin Boris
Published: February 2023

Seeking and consuming nutrients is essential to survival and the maintenance of life. Dynamic and volatile environments require that animals learn complex behavioral strategies to obtain the necessary nutritive substances. While this has been classically viewed in terms of homeostatic regulation, recent theoretical work proposed that such strategies result from reinforcement learning processes. This theory proposed that phasic dopamine (DA) signals play a key role in signaling potentially need-fulfilling outcomes. To examine links between homeostatic and reinforcement learning processes, we focus on sodium appetite as sodium depletion triggers state- and taste-dependent changes in behavior and DA signaling evoked by sodium-related stimuli. We find that both the behavior and the dynamics of DA signaling underlying sodium appetite can be accounted for by a homeostatically regulated reinforcement learning framework (HRRL). We first optimized HRRL-based agents to sodium-seeking behavior measured in rodents. Agents successfully reproduced the state and the taste dependence of behavioral responding for sodium as well as for lithium and potassium salts. We then showed that these same agents account for the regulation of DA signals evoked by sodium tastants in a taste- and state-dependent manner. Our models quantitatively describe how DA signals evoked by sodium decrease with satiety and increase with deprivation. Lastly, our HRRL agents assigned equal preference for sodium versus the lithium containing salts, accounting for similar behavioral and neurophysiological observations in rodents. We propose that animals use orosensory signals as predictors of the internal impact of the consumed good and our results pose clear targets for future experiments. In sum, this work suggests that appetite-driven behavior may be driven by reinforcement learning mechanisms that are dynamically tuned by homeostatic need.
Immune-Enhancing Effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum in BALB/c Mice Immunosuppressed by Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Kim SukJin , Lee Hwan Hee , Kang Chang-Ho , Kang Hyojeung , Cho Hyosun
Published: February 2023

This study evaluates the immune-enhancing effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression in BALB/c mice. In vitro, the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and MAPK signaling molecules in Raw264.7 cells were analyzed by ELISA and Western blot analysis. Moreover, cell proliferation, surface receptor expression, and cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells were examined by Cell Counting Kit-8, CytoTox96 assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. To investigate the immune-enhancing effects of selected L. fermentum strains in vivo, these strains were orally administered to BALB/c mice for 2 weeks, and CP was intraperitoneally injected. Then, liver, spleen, and whole blood were isolated from each animal. Administration of single L. fermentum strains or their mixture sustained the spleen weight, the counts of white blood cells compared to non-fed group. Splenocyte proliferation and NK cytotoxicity were significantly increased in all L. fermentum-fed groups. The frequency of B220+ cells was also significantly enhanced in splenocytes isolated from L. fermentum groups. In addition, the production of cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ) and antibodies was recovered in splenocyte supernatants isolated from L. fermentum groups. In conclusion, L. fermentum could be a suitable functional food additive for immune-enhancing effect.
The Influence of Nutritional Intervention in the Treatment of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis—A Systematic Review
Authors: Osowiecka Karolina , Myszkowska-Ryciak Joanna
Published: February 2023

Diet can be a complementary treatment for Hashimoto’s disease by affecting thyroid function and anti-inflammatory properties. It is still unclear which dietary strategy would be the most beneficial. The aim of this systematic review is to examine all the data currently available in the literature on the effects of nutritional intervention on biochemical parameters (anti-thyroid antibody and thyroid hormones levels) and characteristic symptoms in the course of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This systematic review was prepared based on PRISMA guidelines. Articles in PubMed and Scopus databases published up to November 2022 were searched. As a result of the selection, out of 1350 publications, 9 were included for further analysis. The nutritional interventions included the following: elimination of gluten (3 articles) or lactose (1 article), energy restriction with or without excluding selected foods (n = 2), consumption of Nigella sativa (n = 2), or dietary iodine restriction (n = 1). The intervention duration ranged from 21 days to 12 months and included individuals with various thyroid function. Of the nine studies, three studies were female only. An improvement was observed during an energy deficit and after the elimination of selected ingredients (e.g., gluten, lactose, or goitrogens), as well as after the intervention of Nigella sativa. These interventions improved antibody levels against peroxidase (anti-TPO), (thyrotropin) TSH, and free thyroxine (fT4). No improvement was seen on the iodine-restricted diet. Varied outcomes of analyzed dietary interventions may be due to the heterogeneous thyroid condition, high variability between patients, and differences in habitual intake of critical nutrients (e.g., iodine, selenium, and iron) in different populations. Therefore, there is a great need for further experimental studies to determine whether any nutritional interventions are beneficial in Hashimoto’s disease.