bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Appearance of Fast or Late Self-Synchronization between Non-Ideal Sources Mounted on a Rectangular Plate Due to Time Delay
Authors: Nanha Djanan Armand Anthelme , Marburg Steffen , Nana Nbendjo Blaise Roméo
Published: February 2022

The present paper aims to present the effects of late switching on (time delay) between two or three DC electrical machines characterized by limited power supplies on their fast or late self-synchronization when mounted on a rectangular plate with simply supported edges. The DC electrical machines are considered here as non-ideal oscillators, rotating in the same direction and acting as an external excitation on a specific surface of the plate. The stability analysis of the whole studied system (with two machines) around the obtained fixed point is done through analytical and numerical approaches by using the generalized Lyapunov and Routh-Hurwitz criterion. The existence conditions of the fixed point and the stability conditions are derived and presented. Great attention is put on the incidence of such study on the vibrations amplitude of the plate, which are considerably reduced in some cases. It appears that the time delay induces a rapid or late synchronization observed between the DC sources. This has been observed by numerically exploring the dynamics of the system for various possibilities that could occur. Moreover, in the modelling of the system, the positions on the plate occupied by DC electrical machines are taken into account by using the Heaviside function. It is shown that, in the case of three DC electrical machines, these positions influence the time to obtain a synchronous state between the DC electrical machines.
Use of Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lasica Ratko , Djukanovic Lazar , Popovic Dejana , Savic Lidija , Mrdovic Igor , Radovanovic Nebojsa , Radovanovic Mina Radosavljevic , Polovina Marija , Stojanovic Radan , Matic Dragan , Uscumlic Ana , Asanin Milika
Published: February 2022

The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) ranges from 2.3–23%. This difference in the incidence of AF is explained by the different ages of the patients in different studies and the different times of application of both reperfusion and drug therapies in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). About 6–8% of patients who underwent percutaneous intervention within AMI have an indication for oral anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonists or new oral anticoagulants (NOAC).The use of oral anticoagulant therapy should be consistent with individual risk of bleeding as well as ischemic risk. Both HAS-BLED and CHA2DS2VASc scores are most commonly used for risk assessment. Except in patients with mechanical valves and antiphospholipid syndrome, NOACs have an advantage over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). One of the advantages of NOACs is the use of fixed doses, where there is no need for successive INR controls, which increases the patient’s compliance in taking these drugs. The use of triple therapy in ACS is indicated in the case of patients with AF, mechanical valves as well as venous thromboembolism. The results of the studies showed that when choosing a P2Y12 receptor blocker, less potent P2Y12 blockers such as Clopidogrel should be chosen, due to the lower risk of bleeding. It has been proven that the presence of AF within AMI is associated with a higher degree of reinfarction, more frequent stroke, high incidence of heart failure, and there is a correlation with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. With the appearance of AF in ACS, its rapid conversion into sinus rhythm is necessary, and in the last resort, good control of heart rate in order to avoid the occurrence of adverse clinical events.
Viral Infections Confined to Tattoos—A Narrative Review
Authors: Tampa Mircea , Mitran Madalina Irina , Mitran Cristina Iulia , Matei Clara , Amuzescu Andreea , Buzatu Alina Andreea , Georgescu Simona Roxana
Published: February 2022

Since ancient times, people have tattooed their skin for various reasons. In the past, tattoos were associated with low social status; nowadays, tattoos are very popular and are considered a form of art. However, tattoos are associated with various clinical problems, including immune reactions, inflammatory disorders, infections, and even skin cancer. Epidemiological and clinical data of infections on tattoos are scarce. Tattoo-related infections are mostly bacterial; only a few localized viral infections have been reported so far and are caused by molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). In most cases, the lesions were strictly confined to the area of the tattoo. In this review, we have analysed reported cases of viral infections localized on tattoos and discussed the possible mechanisms involved in the occurrence of these infections.
Relation between the Fatigue and Fracture Ductile-Brittle Transition in S500 Welded Steel Joints
Authors: Sallaba Finn , Rolof Franziska , Ehlers Sören , Walters Carey Leroy , Braun Moritz
Published: February 2022

The formation and propagation of cracks occur through irreversible dislocation movements at notches, material defects, and grain boundaries. Since this process is partly thermally controlled, the resistance to dislocation movements at low temperatures increases. This slows both fatigue initiation and fatigue crack propagation. From recent experimental data, it can be seen that fatigue crack growth is accelerated below the fatigue transition temperature (FTT) that correlates with the ductile-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) found by well-known fracture mechanics tests, i.e., Charpy impact, fracture toughness, and CTOD. Hence, this study investigates the relation between FTT and DBTT in S500 high-strength steel base material and welded joints at low temperatures using fatigue crack growth, fracture toughness tests as well as scanning electron microscopy. From the tests, an almost constant decrease in fatigue crack propagation rate is determined with decreasing test temperature even below the DBTT. At −100 °C, the fatigue crack propagation rate is about half of the rate observed at room temperature for both base material and weld metal.
Influence of Covalent Element B and Si Addition on Magnetocaloric Properties of Gd-Co-Fe-(B,Si) Amorphous Alloys
Authors: Zhang Huiyan , Xu Yafang , Zhang Ziyang , Tan Jia , Zhang Xue , Peng Hui , Xiang Xinji , Li Hailing , Xia Ailin , Li Weihuo
Published: February 2022

The effect of covalent element addition on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of ferrimagnetic Gd60Co20Fe20 amorphous alloy was studied. Particularly, the co-doping of B and Si promoted the magnetocaloric performance (with a larger magnetic entropy change |ΔSM| at higher working temperature) of the initial Gd60Co20Fe20 amorphous alloy. This is possibly ascribed to the modified magnetic transition behavior. Additionally, the broadened magnetocaloric effect with |ΔSM| of 2.25 J kg−1 K−1 at 222.5 K under a magnetic field change of 0–2 T and high relative cooling power of 396.0 J kg−1 were obtained for (Gd0.6Co0.2Fe0.2)95B2Si3. These properties reveal that the material could be a good candidate as a magnetic refrigerant suitable for active magnetic refrigerators.
Characteristics Analysis of Fluid Flow and Heating Rate of a Molten Bath Utilizing a Unified Model in a DC EAF
Authors: Yao Conglin , Jiang Zhouhua , Zhu Hongchun , Pan Tao
Published: February 2022

Herein, a 2D unified model coupling a plasma arc–molten bath–cavity in a direct current electric arc furnace was developed for a characteristic analysis of the fluid flow and heating rate of the molten bath. The ‘local thermodynamic equilibrium–diffusion approximation’ method was employed for the physical phenomenon at the plasma arc/molten bath interface, and the volume-of-fluid method was used to track the free surface. After ensuring model validation, the formation processes of the cavity and the flow field and heating rate of the molten bath were investigated by utilizing the unified model. The numerical results showed that the formation processes of the cavity contained three stages, namely the expansion, compression, and dynamic equilibrium stages. The arc pressure and plasma shear stress both contributed to the cavity formation, and dominated the expansion of the cavity depth and diameter, respectively. Under plasma arc jet impingement, there were two flow patterns inside the molten bath: (i) a clockwise eddy on the top surface and lateral part of molten bath dominated by plasma shear stress, and (ii) a counter-clockwise eddy in the bottom part of the molten bath dominated by the electromagnetic force. Meanwhile, the main heated region of the molten bath with the plasma arc–molten bath–cavity coupling was in the radial range of 0.2–0.6 m, and a high-temperature region was formed on the top surface of the molten bath caused by plasma shear stress.
Post-Processing of Cold Sprayed CoNiCrAlY Coatings on Inconel 718 by Rapid Induction Heating
Authors: Yang Yongjing , Aprilia Aprilia , Wu Kaiqiang , Tan Sung Chyn , Zhou Wei
Published: February 2022

Cold spray is a solid-state additive manufacturing process that has been increasingly used for restoration of damaged parts. Due to the nature of powder solid-state bonding, cold spray coatings usually possess pores in the microstructures. Heat treatment has been widely used as a post-processing method to reduce the porosity of cold sprayed coatings. However, it usually requires the whole component to be treated in the furnace and typically takes a few hours to finish the treatment. This study aims to develop a localized and rapid post-processing method for cold sprayed coatings. Multi-layer cold sprayed coatings of CoNiCrAlY on an Inconel 718 substrate were produced. Then the coatings were heat treated at 800 °C, 900 °C, 1000 °C and 1100 °C by rapid induction heating. The porosity level of the coatings reduced significantly after induction heating for a short period of merely 10 min. This is attributed to the preferential Joule heating at pore regions, which results in pore closures within the coatings. The potential application of induction heating as a rapid post-processing method for cold spray coatings has been demonstrated in this work.
The Tropical-like Cyclone “Ianos” in September 2020
Authors: Zimbo Fabio , Ingemi Daniele , Guidi Guido
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we analyze a Mediterranean TLC (tropical-like cyclone) which occurred between 15 and 20 September 2020 called “Ianos”. First, the paper briefly presents the “medicane” phenomenon; then, it analyzes the synoptic situation that produced Ianos initiation and development, as well as its intensity (minimum pressure, wind speed) and trajectory. A comparison with similar past events is also provided. Furthermore, we analyze its lightning activity, rainfall data from some meteorological stations of the areas most affected by Ianos, such as Calabria and the Ionian islands of Greece, and the hydrogeological and hydraulic instability effects caused by the passage of the TLC on these territories.
Human–Machine Multi-Turn Language Dialogue Interaction Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Ke Xianxin , Hu Ping , Yang Chenghao , Zhang Renbao
Published: February 2022

During multi-turn dialogue, with the increase in dialogue turns, the difficulty of intention recognition and the generation of the following sentence reply become more and more difficult. This paper mainly optimizes the context information extraction ability of the Seq2Seq Encoder in multi-turn dialogue modeling. We fuse the historical dialogue information and the current input statement information in the encoder to capture the context dialogue information better. Therefore, we propose a BERT-based fusion encoder ProBERT-To-GUR (PBTG) and an enhanced ELMO model 3-ELMO-Attention-GRU (3EAG). The two models mainly enhance the contextual information extraction capability of multi-turn dialogue. To verify the effectiveness of the two proposed models, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our model by combining data based on the LCCC-large multi-turn dialogue dataset and the Naturalconv multi-turn dataset. The experimental comparison results show that, in the multi-turn dialogue experiments of the open domain and fixed topic, the two Seq2Seq coding models proposed are significantly improved compared with the current state-of-the-art models. For specified topic multi-turn dialogue, the 3EAG model has the average BLEU value reaches the optimal 32.4, which achieves the best language generation effect, and the BLEU value in the actual dialogue verification experiment also surpasses 31.8. for open-domain multi-turn dialogue. The average BLEU value of the PBTG model reaches 31.8, the optimal 31.8 achieves the best language generation effect, and the BLEU value in the actual dialogue verification experiment surpasses 31.2. So, the 3EAG model is more suitable for fixed-topic multi-turn dialogues for the two tasks. The PBTG model is more muscular in open-domain multi-turn dialogue tasks; therefore, our model is significant for promoting multi-turn dialogue research.
A Biomimetic Strategy for the Fabrication of Micro- and Nanodiamond Composite Films
Authors: Baker Kayla , Zhitomirsky Igor
Published: February 2022

This investigation is motivated by increasing interest in diamond and composite films for applications in biomedical and electronic devices. A biomimetic strategy is based on the use of commercial bile acids, such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA). Composite films are developed using UDCA and HDCA as solubilizing agents for poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) in isopropanol and as dispersing agents for micro- and nanodiamonds. In this approach, the use of traditional toxic solvents for PEMA dissolution is avoided. The ability to obtain high concentrations of high molecular mass PEMA and disperse diamond particles in such solutions is a key factor for the development of a dip-coating method. The PEMA dissolution and diamond dispersion mechanisms are discussed. The composition and microstructure of the films can be varied by variation of the diamond particle size and concentration in the suspensions. The films can be obtained as singular layers of different compositions, multilayers of similar composition, or alternating layers of different compositions. The films combine corrosion protection property and biocompatibility of PEMA with advanced functional properties of diamonds.
Publisher’s Note: We Changed Page Numbers to Article Numbers for Articles Published in Microbiology Research Volumes 1–Volume 11, Issue 1
Authors:   Microbiology Research Editorial Office
Published: February 2022

Microbiology Research [...]
Epidemiology of Toxoplasmosis in SERBIA: A Cross-Sectional Study on Blood Donors
Authors: Stopić Milena , Štajner Tijana , Marković-Denić Ljiljana , Nikolić Vladimir , Djilas Iva , Srzentić Snežana Jovanović , Djurković-Djaković Olgica , Bobić Branko
Published: February 2022

Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed parasitic zoonosis, affecting approximately one third of the human population. Epidemiological studies on toxoplasmosis conducted in Serbia so far have been focused on women of childbearing age, without a clear insight into the prevalence in the general population. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of the healthy adult population consisting of 1095 blood donors of both genders to establish the prevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection. Data on the demographic and clinical characteristics of all study participants, as well as on their lifestyle habits, were collected by means of a questionnaire. The overall prevalence of infection was 20.5% (224/1095) and the avidity of the specific IgG antibodies detected was high in a vast majority of the seropositive donors (98.2%). Interestingly, the remaining 1.8% of the specific IgG positive samples were of borderline avidity (4/224), in complete absence of specific IgM. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that independent risk factors included age (from OR (95% CI) 1.9 (1.13–3.28) in the 30–39 age group, to 6.8 (3.27–14.24) in the age group of >60 years), suburban living (OR (95% CI) 2.2 (1.43–3.34)) and contact with soil (OR (95% CI) 1.4 (1.01–1.94)). This first large-scale study on toxoplasmosis in the general population in Serbia shows the lowest prevalence ever reported in this country. Moreover, the novel perspective on risk factors provides an updated basis for future prevention programs.
Endogenous Honeybee Gut Microbiota Metabolize the Pesticide Clothianidin
Authors: El Khoury Sarah , Giovenazzo Pierre , Derome Nicolas
Published: February 2022

Including probiotics in honeybee nutrition represents a promising solution for mitigating diseases, and recent evidence suggests that various microbes possess mechanisms that can bioremediate environmental pollutants. Thus, the use of probiotics capable of degrading pesticides used in modern agriculture would help to both reduce colony losses due to the exposure of foragers to these toxic molecules and improve honeybee health and wellbeing globally. We conducted in vitro experiments to isolate and identify probiotic candidates from bacterial isolates of the honeybee gut (i.e., endogenous strains) according to their ability to (i) grow in contact with three sublethal concentrations of the pesticide clothianidin (0.15, 1 and 10 ppb) and (ii) degrade clothianidin at 0.15 ppb. The isolated bacterial strains were indeed able to grow in contact with the three sublethal concentrations of clothianidin. Bacterial growth rate differed significantly depending on the probiotic candidate and the clothianidin concentration used. Clothianidin was degraded by seven endogenous honeybee gut bacteria, namely Edwardsiella sp., two Serratia sp., Rahnella sp., Pantoea sp., Hafnia sp. and Enterobacter sp., measured within 72 h under in vitro conditions. Our findings highlight that endogenous bacterial strains may constitute the base material from which to develop a promising probiotic strategy to mitigate the toxic effects of clothianidin exposure on honeybee colony health.
Bacterial Coinfection and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles among Hospitalised COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Bazaid Abdulrahman S. , Barnawi Heba , Qanash Husam , Alsaif Ghaida , Aldarhami Abdu , Gattan Hattan , Alharbi Bandar , Alrashidi Abdulaziz , Al-Soud Waleed Abu , Moussa Safia , Alfouzan Fayez
Published: February 2022

While it is reported that COVID-19 patients are more prone to secondary bacterial infections, which are strongly linked to the severity of complications of the disease, bacterial coinfections associated with COVID-19 are not widely studied. This work aimed to investigate the prevalence of bacterial coinfections and associated antibiotic resistance profiles among hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Age, gender, weight, bacterial identities, and antibiotic sensitivity profiles were collected retrospectively for 108 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU ward of a single center in Saudi Arabia. ICU patients (60%) showed a significantly higher percentage of bacterial coinfections in sputum (74%) and blood (38%) samples, compared to non-ICU. Acinetobacter baumannii (56%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (56%) were the most prevalent bacterial species from ICU patients, presenting with full resistance to all tested antibiotics except colistin. By contrast, samples of non-ICU patients exhibited infections with Escherichia coli (31%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%) predominantly, with elevated resistance of E. coli to piperacillin/tazobactam and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. This alarming correlation between multi-drug resistant bacterial coinfection and admission to the ICU requires more attention and precaution with prescribed antibiotics to limit the spread of resistant bacteria and improve therapeutic management.
Degradation of 5-Dialkylamino-Substituted Chlorsulfuron Derivatives in Alkaline Soil
Authors: Wu Lei , Gu Yu-Cheng , Li Yong-Hong , Meng Fan-Fei , Zhou Sha , Li Zheng-Ming
Published: February 2022

Sulfonylurea herbicides are widely used as acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors due to their super-efficient activity. However, some sulfonylurea herbicides show toxicity under crop rotation due to their long degradation time, for example, chlorsulfuron. Our research goal is to obtain chlorsulfuron-derived herbicides with controllable degradation time, good crop safety and high herbicidal activities. Based on our previously reported results in acidic soil, we studied the degradation behaviors of 5-dialkylamino-substituted chlorsulfuron derivatives (NL101–NL108) in alkaline soil (pH 8.39). The experimental data indicate that addition of the 5-dialkylamino groups on the benzene ring of chlorsulfuron greatly accelerated degradation in alkaline soil. These chlorsulfuron derivatives degrade 10.8 to 51.8 times faster than chlorsulfuron and exhibit excellent crop safety on wheat and corn (through pre-emergence treatment). With a comprehensive consideration of structures, bioassay activities, soil degradation and crop safety, it could be concluded that 5-dialkylamino-substituted chlorsulfuron derivatives are potential green sulfonylurea herbicides for pre-emergence treatment on both wheat and corn. The study also provides valuable information for the discovery of new sulfonylurea herbicides for crop rotation.
Brain Iron Deficiency Changes the Stoichiometry of Adenosine Receptor Subtypes in Cortico-Striatal Terminals: Implications for Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Rodrigues Matilde S. , Ferreira Samira G. , Quiroz César , Earley Christopher J. , García-Borreguero Diego , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Ciruela Francisco , Köfalvi Attila , Ferré Sergi
Published: February 2022

Brain iron deficiency (BID) constitutes a primary pathophysiological mechanism in restless legs syndrome (RLS). BID in rodents has been widely used as an animal model of RLS, since it recapitulates key neurochemical changes reported in RLS patients and shows an RLS-like behavioral phenotype. Previous studies with the BID-rodent model of RLS demonstrated increased sensitivity of cortical pyramidal cells to release glutamate from their striatal nerve terminals driving striatal circuits, a correlative finding of the cortical motor hyperexcitability of RLS patients. It was also found that BID in rodents leads to changes in the adenosinergic system, a downregulation of the inhibitory adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs) and upregulation of the excitatory adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs). It was then hypothesized, but not proven, that the BID-induced increased sensitivity of cortico-striatal glutamatergic terminals could be induced by a change in A1R/A2AR stoichiometry in favor of A2ARs. Here, we used a newly developed FACS-based synaptometric analysis to compare the relative abundance on A1Rs and A2ARs in cortico-striatal and thalamo-striatal glutamatergic terminals (labeled with vesicular glutamate transporters VGLUT1 and VGLUT2, respectively) of control and BID rats. It could be demonstrated that BID (determined by measuring transferrin receptor density in the brain) is associated with a selective decrease in the A1R/A2AR ratio in VGLUT1 positive-striatal terminals.
Real-Time Detection of Phenylacetaldehyde in Wine: Application of a Microwave Sensor Based on Molecularly Imprinted Silica
Authors: Rossignol Jérôme , Cayot Philippe , Stuerga Didier , Gougeon Régis D. , Bou-Maroun Elias
Published: February 2022

Molecularly imprinted sol–gel silica (MIS) coupled to a microwave sensor was designed and used to detect phenylacetaldehyde (PAA), a chemical tracer of wine oxidation. The developed method is fast, cheap and could replace the classical chromatographic methods, which require a tedious sample preparation and are expensive. To reach our objective, five MIS and their control non-imprinted silica (NIS) were synthesized and their extraction capacity toward PAA was studied in hydro alcoholic medium. The selected polymers, based on this first step, were subjected to a selectivity study in the presence of PAA and three other competing molecules. The best polymer was integrated in a microwave sensor and was used to assess PAA in red wine. The developed sensor was able to detect PAA at the µg·L−1 level, which is below the off-flavour threshold.
Two-Photon Absorption Cooperative Effects within Multi-Dipolar Ruthenium Complexes: The Decisive Influence of Charge Transfers
Authors: Durand Nicolas , Amar Anissa , Mhanna Rana , Akdas-Kiliç Huriye , Soppera Olivier , Malval Jean-Pierre , Boucekkine Abdou , Fillaut Jean-Luc
Published: February 2022

One- and two-photon characterizations of a series of hetero- and homoleptic [RuL3-n(bpy)n]2+ (n = 0, 1, 2) complexes carrying bipyridine π-extended ligands (L), have been carried out. These π-extended D−π−A−A−π−D-type ligands (L), where the electron donor units (D) are based on diphenylamine, carbazolyl, or fluorenyl units, have been designed to modulate the conjugation extension and the donating effect. Density functional theory calculations were performed in order to rationalize the observed spectra. Calculations show that the electronic structure of the π-extended ligands has a pronounced effect on the composition of HOMO and LUMO and on the metallic contribution to frontier MOs, resulting in strikingly different nonlinear properties. This work demonstrates that ILCT transitions are the keystone of one- and two-photon absorption bands in the studied systems and reveals how much MLCT and LLCT charge transfers play a decisive role on the two-photon properties of both hetero- and homoleptic ruthenium complexes through cooperative or suppressive effects.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy in the Characterisation and Application of Modified Electrodes for Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors
Authors: Brett Christopher M. A.
Published: February 2022

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is finding increasing use in electrochemical sensors and biosensors, both in their characterisation, including during successive phases of sensor construction, and in application as a quantitative determination technique. Much of the published work continues to make little use of all the information that can be furnished by full physical modelling and analysis of the impedance spectra, and thus does not throw more than a superficial light on the processes occurring. Analysis is often restricted to estimating values of charge transfer resistances without interpretation and ignoring other electrical equivalent circuit components. In this article, the important basics of electrochemical impedance for electrochemical sensors and biosensors are presented, focussing on the necessary electrical circuit elements. This is followed by examples of its use in characterisation and in electroanalytical applications, at the same time demonstrating how fuller use can be made of the information obtained from complete modelling and analysis of the data in the spectra, the values of the circuit components and their physical meaning. The future outlook for electrochemical impedance in the sensing field is discussed.
67Cu Production Capabilities: A Mini Review
Authors: Mou Liliana , Martini Petra , Pupillo Gaia , Cieszykowska Izabela , Cutler Cathy S. , Mikołajczak Renata
Published: February 2022

Is the 67Cu production worldwide feasible for expanding preclinical and clinical studies? How can we face the ingrowing demands of this emerging and promising theranostic radionuclide for personalized therapies? This review looks at the different production routes, including the accelerator- and reactor-based ones, providing a comprehensive overview of the actual 67Cu supply, with brief insight into its use in non-clinical and clinical studies. In addition to the most often explored nuclear reactions, this work focuses on the 67Cu separation and purification techniques, as well as the target material recovery procedures that are mandatory for the economic sustainability of the production cycle. The quality aspects, such as radiochemical, chemical, and radionuclidic purity, with particular attention to the coproduction of the counterpart 64Cu, are also taken into account, with detailed comparisons among the different production routes. Future possibilities related to new infrastructures are included in this work, as well as new developments on the radiopharmaceuticals aspects.
Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES) Extraction Improves Polyphenol Yield and Antioxidant Activity of Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) Extracts
Authors: Pavlić Branimir , Mrkonjić Živan , Teslić Nemanja , Kljakić Aleksandra Cvetanović , Pojić Milica , Mandić Anamarija , Stupar Alena , Santos Filipa , Duarte Ana Rita C. , Mišan Aleksandra
Published: February 2022

Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) herbal dust has been recognized as a potential underutilized resource for the recovery of antioxidants. The aim of this paper was to optimize natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) extraction of polyphenols to obtain improved antioxidant activity of extracts determined by selected in vitro assays (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS). Twenty different NADES systems were investigated in the first step of the screening of the extraction solvent and l-proline (Pro)–glycerine (Gly) based solvents provided the best results. Preliminary experiments organized by 25−1 fractional factorial design narrowed down the number of extraction factors from five (temperature, extraction time, NADES type, water content and L/S ratio) to three and determined their experimental domain for the final step. A face-centered central composite design with temperature (40–55–70 °C), extraction time (60–120–180 min) and L/S ratio (10–20–30 g NADES/g sample) was applied for influence analysis and process optimization. Multi-response optimization suggested a temperature of 65 °C, time of extraction of 180 min and L/S ratio of 28 g NADES/g DW as optimal extraction parameters. Experimental validation confirmed good agreement between experimental and predicted results in the extract obtained at optimal conditions and the interactions in the most suitable NADES (N16; Pro–Gly–H2O; 1:2:1) were confirmed by the 1H-NMR.
Influence of Storage Conditions on the Stability of Gum Arabic and Tragacanth
Authors: Ramos Paweł , Broncel Mateusz
Published: February 2022

Storage conditions should be chosen so that they do not affect the action and stability of the active pharmaceutical substance (API), and excipients used in pharmacy. UV irradiation, increased temperature, and relative humidity can decompose storage substances by photolysis, thermolysis, and hydrolysis process, respectively. The effect of physical factors may be the decomposition of pharmaceutical substances or their inappropriate action, including pharmacological effects. Polymers of natural origin are increasingly used in the pharmaceutical industry. With this in mind, we evaluated the effect of storage conditions on the stability of gum arabic (GA) and tragacanth (GT). The influence of higher temperature, UV irradiation, and relative humidity on GA and GT was tested. Thermogravimetry (TG, c-DTA), colorimetric analysis, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and optical microscopy were used as research methods. The TGA and c-DTA examination indicated that decomposition of GA starts at a higher temperature compared to GT. This indicate that gum arabic is more resistant to higher temperatures compared to tragacanth. However, the conducted analysis showed that gum arabic is more sensitive to the tested storage conditions. Among the tested physical conditions, both polymers were most sensitive to conditions of increased relative humidity in the environment.
Polyphenol Oxidase as a Promising Alternative Therapeutic Agent for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yuan Qinqin , Guo Huixia , Ding Jiajie , Jiao Chan , Qi Yalei , Zafar Hajra , Ma Xueyun , Raza Faisal , Han Jianqiu
Published: February 2022

Cancers have always been the most difficult to fight, the treatment of cancer is still not considered. Thus, exploring new anticancer drugs is still imminent. Traditional Chinese medicine has played an important role in the treatment of cancer. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) extracted from Edible mushroom has many related reports on its characteristics, but its role in cancer treatment is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of PPO extracted from Edible mushroom on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro and explore the therapeutic effects of PPO on tumors in vivo. A cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay was used to detect the effect of PPO on the proliferation of cancer cells. The effect of PPO on cancer cell migration ability was detected by scratch test. The effect of PPO on the invasion ability of cancer cells was detected by a transwell assay. The effect of PPO on the apoptosis of cancer cells was detected by flow cytometry. Female BALB/c mice (18–25 g, 6–8 weeks) were used for in vivo experiments. The experiments were divided into control group, model group, low-dose group (25 mg/kg), and high-dose group (50 mg/kg). In vitro, PPO extracted from Edible mushroom significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion capability of breast cancer cell 4T1, lung cancer cell A549, and prostate cancer cell C4-2, and significantly promoted the apoptosis of 4T1, A549, and C4-2. In vivo experiments showed PPO inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Collectively, the edible fungus extract PPO could play an effective role in treating various cancers, and it may potentially be a promising agent for treating cancers.
Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationship of Thioacetamide-Triazoles against Escherichia coli
Authors: Dharuman Suresh , Wallace Miranda J. , Reeve Stephanie M. , Bulitta Jürgen B. , Lee Richard E.
Published: February 2022

Infections due to Gram-negative bacteria are increasingly dangerous due to the spread of multi-drug resistant strains, emphasizing the urgent need for new antibiotics with alternative modes of action. We have previously identified a novel class of antibacterial agents, thioacetamide-triazoles, using an antifolate targeted screen and determined their mode of action which is dependent on activation by cysteine synthase A. Herein, we report a detailed examination of the anti-E. coli structure–activity relationship of the thioacetamide-triazoles. Analogs of the initial hit compounds were synthesized to study the contribution of the aryl, thioacetamide, and triazole sections. A clear structure–activity relationship was observed generating compounds with excellent inhibition values. Substitutions to the aryl ring were generally best tolerated, including the introduction of thiazole and pyridine heteroaryl systems. Substitutions to the central thioacetamide linker section were more nuanced; the introduction of a methyl branch to the thioacetamide linker substantially decreased antibacterial activity, but the isomeric propionamide and N-benzamide systems retained activity. Changes to the triazole portion of the molecule dramatically decreased the antibacterial activity, further indicating that 1,2,3-triazole is critical for potency. From these studies, we have identified new lead compounds with desirable in-vitro ADME properties and in-vivo pharmacokinetic properties.
Biological Activities of Natural Products II
Authors: Ekiert Halina Maria , Szopa Agnieszka
Published: February 2022

Natural products of different origin and their potential therapeutic activities are of unceasing widespread interest to many scientific teams from all around the world [...]
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Nutrients in 2021
Authors:   Nutrients Editorial Office
Published: February 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Sportsmen’s Attitude towards Dietary Supplements and Nutrition Knowledge: An Investigation in Selected Roman Area Gyms
Authors: Finamore Alberto , Benvenuti Luca , De Santis Alberto , Cinti Serena , Rossi Laura
Published: February 2022

The non-professional sport environment is a grey zone not as widely assessed as that of elite athletes. The purpose of this research was to investigate the dietary supplementation habits and the nutrition knowledge on sport (NKS) in a sample of gym users. The level of adequacy of NKS was set at ≥60% of correct answers. Almost half (46.4%) of respondents stated they used food supplements, in particular multivitamins (31.0%), amino acid pills (29.5%), minerals (29.1%), and protein powders (28.7%). Supplements were used to increase muscle mass (36.9%) and to repair muscle (35.1%). Gym trainers were the preferred source of information on the use of supplements, especially in males (84%). The NKS correct response rate was 57.1% and the proportion of respondents with a sufficient level of NKS was 47.3%. The prevalence of correct answers was highest in males (61.5%) and for respondents with the highest educational attainment levels (44.5% and 53%). This study demonstrated that non-professional sportsmen do not have sufficient knowledge of nutrition and that the gym environment does not facilitate the circulation of the correct information on the role of supplementation. Considering the importance of nutrition for sportsmen, it is necessary to put in place actions aimed at increasing the knowledge of nutrition of gym users and their trainers.
Understanding Sex Differences in Childhood Undernutrition: A Narrative Review
Authors: Thurstans Susan , Opondo Charles , Seal Andrew , Wells Jonathan C. , Khara Tanya , Dolan Carmel , Briend André , Myatt Mark , Garenne Michel , Mertens Andrew , Sear Rebecca , Kerac Marko
Published: February 2022

Complementing a recent systematic review and meta-analysis which showed that boys are more likely to be wasted, stunted, and underweight than girls, we conducted a narrative review to explore which early life mechanisms might underlie these sex differences. We addressed different themes, including maternal and newborn characteristics, immunology and endocrinology, evolutionary biology, care practices, and anthropometric indices to explore potential sources of sex differences in child undernutrition. Our review found that the evidence on why sex differences occur is limited but that a complex interaction of social, environmental, and genetic factors likely underlies these differences throughout the life cycle. Despite their bigger size at birth and during infancy, in conditions of food deprivation, boys experience more undernutrition from as early as the foetal period. Differences appear to be more pronounced in more severe presentations of undernutrition and in more socioeconomically deprived contexts. Boys are more vulnerable to infectious disease, and differing immune and endocrine systems appear to explain some of this disadvantage. Limited evidence also suggests that different sociological factors and care practices might exert influence and have the potential to exacerbate or reverse observed differences. Further research is needed to better understand sex differences in undernutrition and the implications of these for child outcomes and prevention and treatment programming.
Postulation of Specific Disease Resistance Genes in Cereals: A Widely Used Method and Its Detailed Description
Authors: Dreiseitl Antonín
Published: February 2022

Cultivation of resistant varieties is an environmentally friendly and inexpensive method of crop protection. Numerous alleles of specific disease resistance occur in cereals and other crops, and knowledge of their presence in individual varieties has wide utilization in research and practice. Postulation based on phenotyping host—pathogen interactions and the gene-for-gene model is a common way of identifying these genes. The same technique and design of tests are used for postulating virulence when pathogen populations are studied. Powdery mildews caused by different formae speciales of Blumeria graminis (Bg) are important cereal diseases. In this contribution, experimental methods are described that use a model organism Bg f. sp. hordei, which can be employed for other cereal mildews and possibly rusts. It includes illustrations and a summary of our long-term practical experience. It also critically evaluates the benefits of leaf segment tests compared with screening whole plants.
Publisher’s Note: We Changed Page Numbers to Article Numbers for Articles Published in Pediatric Reports Volume 1–Volume 12, Issue 2
Authors:   Pediatric Reports Editorial Office
Published: February 2022

Pediatric Reports [...]
The Transthyretin/Oleuropein Aglycone Complex: A New Tool against TTR Amyloidosis
Authors: Bemporad Francesco , Leri Manuela , Ramazzotti Matteo , Stefani Massimo , Bucciantini Monica
Published: February 2022

The release of monomers from the homotetrameric protein transthyretin (TTR) is the first event of a cascade, eventually leading to sporadic or familial TTR amyloidoses. Thus, ligands able to stabilize TTR and inhibit monomer release are subject of intense scrutiny as potential treatments against these pathologies. Here, we investigated the interaction between TTR and a non-glycated derivative of the main olive polyphenol, oleuropein (OleA), known to interfere with TTR aggregation. We coupled fluorescence studies with molecular docking to investigate the OleA/TTR interaction using wild-type TTR, a monomeric variant, and the L55P cardiotoxic mutant. We characterized a fluorescence band emitted by OleA upon formation of the OleA/TTR complex. Exploiting this signal, we found that a poorly specific non-stoichiometric interaction occurs on the surface of the protein and a more specific stabilizing interaction takes place in the ligand binding pocket of TTR, exhibiting a KD of 3.23 ± 0.32 µM, with two distinct binding sites. OleA interacts with TTR in different modes, stabilizing it and preventing its dissociation into monomers, with subsequent misfolding. This result paves the way to the possible use of OleA to prevent degenerative diseases associated with TTR misfolding.
Benefits of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for Women Health: An Up-Close and In-Depth Review
Authors: Mohapatra Sradhanjali , Iqubal Ashif , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Jan Bisma , Zahiruddin Sultan , Mirza Mohd Aamir , Ahmad Sayeed , Iqbal Zeenat
Published: February 2022

Women’s health is an imminent concern worldwide, but it remains an ignored segment of research in most developing countries, and is yet to take the center stage in even developed nations. Some exclusive female health concerns revolve around both pathological and physiological aspects. These gender-specific maladies include breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers, and physiological concerns such as menopause and osteoporosis, which are often coexistent. Recently, women’s health issues, including postmenopausal syndrome, have attracted the attention of researchers and practitioners alike, opening newer pharmaceutical research and clinical avenues. Although not counted as a disease, postmenopausal syndrome (PMS) is a female health phenomenon underpinned by hormonal depletion. Enhanced life expectancy in women has added to their suffering, and pharmacological interventions are needed. Amongst the available treatment modalities, the use of numerous botanicals has emerged as an efficient health management tool for women. Cimicifuga racemosa (CR or Black Cohosh) is a plant/herb which has been traditionally exploited and extensively used by women. This review is an attempt to compile and provide a summary of the importance of CR in complementary and alternative therapies for the improvement of various disorders related to women, such as menopausal syndrome, mammary cancer, and osteoporosis. It aims to systematically highlight the bioactive constituents, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic potentials, quality control processes, chromatographic techniques, and possible mechanisms of action of clinically effective phytomedicine for women’s health. Various clinical trials and patents relating to CR and women’s health have been collated. Furthermore, the plant and its related products have been considered from a regulatory perspective to reveal its commercial feasibility. The present review summarizes the existing data on CR focusing on women’s health, which can help to introduce this traditional phytomedicine to the world and provide some reference for future drug development.
Integrated Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses to Understand the Effects of Hydrogen Water on the Roots of Ficus hirta Vahl
Authors: Zeng Jiqing , Yu Hui
Published: February 2022

Wuzhimaotao (Ficus hirta Vahl) is an important medicinal and edible plant in China. The extract from the roots of Ficus hirta Vahl contains phenylpropanoid compounds, such as coumarins and flavonoids, which are the main active components of this Chinese herbal medicine. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptomic and metabolomic data of the hydrogen-water-treated roots of Ficus hirta Vahl and a control group. The results showed that many genes and metabolites were regulated in the roots of Ficus hirta Vahl that were treated with hydrogen water. Compared with the control group, 173 genes were downregulated and 138 genes were upregulated in the hydrogen-rich water treatment group. Differential metabolite analysis through LC-MS showed that 168 and 109 metabolites had significant differences in positive and negative ion mode, respectively. In the upregulated metabolites, the main active components of Wuzhimaotao, such as the phenylpropane compounds naringin, bergaptol, hesperidin, and benzofuran, were found. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic data analysis showed that four and one of the most relevant pathways were over enriched in positive and negative ion mode, respectively. In the relationship between metabolites and DEGs, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and metabolism play an important role. This indicates that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and metabolism may be the main metabolic pathways regulated by hydrogen water. Our transcriptome analysis showed that most of the DEGs with |log2FC| ≥ 1 are transcription factor genes, and most of them are related to plant hormone signal transduction, stress resistance, and secondary metabolism, mainly phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and metabolism. This study provides important evidence and clues for revealing the botanical effect mechanism of hydrogen and a theoretical basis for the application of hydrogen agriculture in the cultivation of Chinese herbal medicine.
Assessing the Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Functional Food Ingredient Production Process
Authors: Priyadarshini Anushree , Tiwari Brijesh K. , Rajauria Gaurav
Published: February 2022

Development and application of novel technologies in food processing is vital for ensuring the availability of adequate, safe, and convenient food with the desired quality and functional properties. Environmental and economic sustainability of technologies is essential prior to their application in the food processing sector. The objective of this research is to determine the environmental and economic feasibility of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for recovering functional food ingredients from seaweed. Experimental data is used to conduct a life cycle assessment (LCA) to investigate the environmental performance with a functional unit (FU) of obtaining 1 g of extracted polyphenols, measured as gallic acid equivalents (mg GAE)/g seaweed. A life cycle impact assessment is performed with ReCiPe 2016 at midpoint. The cost of manufacturing (COM) of phenolic-rich extracts (as functional ingredient, bioactive, or nutraceutical) is estimated using time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC). The environmental profile findings show that across all categories, the UAE has considerably lower impacts than the conventional method, with electricity as the most important impact contributor, followed by solvent production. An economic assessment estimates the COM over a one-year period at a large scale using the UAE to be EUR 1,200,304, EUR 2,368,440, and EUR 4,623,290 for extraction vessel capacities of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 m3, respectively. Raw materials (including the type of raw material) and operational labour costs are the primary contributors to the COM. The findings thus present evidence to support the adoption of an environmentally and economically viable technology for functional ingredient production.