bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet and Dementia: A Prospective Study
Authors: Takeuchi Hikaru , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: December 2021

Whether dietary and nutrition and dietary patterns are associated with the development of dementia is an interesting research question. Participants of a longitudinal cohort study that included European adults who were middle to old aged at baseline and who had not been diagnosed with dementia at baseline (2006–2010) and had not been diagnosed with dementia or died within 5 years after baseline were followed up (until 2018) and analyzed. Associations between intake frequency of each food class measured by the food-frequency questionnaire at baseline and incident dementia 5 years after baseline were analyzed after correcting for confounding variables. A total of approximately 340,000 participants and 900 cases were included in the analysis for each food class. Cox proportional hazard models with self-reported intake level of each food category divided into four mostly equally divided categorical variables revealed a high intake of bread, moderate total meat and total fish intake and low vegetable and fruit intake were thus associated with a small but significant decrease in the onset risk of dementia, while poultry and cereal were not. These findings are mostly inconsistent with the idea that Mediterranean diet is associated with lower risk of subsequent incident dementia.
Dracocephalum moldavica Ethanol Extract Suppresses LPS-Induced Inflammatory Responses through Inhibition of the JNK/ERK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and IL-6 Production in RAW 264.7 Macrophages and in Endotoxic-Treated Mice
Authors: Kim Kyeong-Min , Kim So-Yeon , Mony Tamanna Jahan , Bae Ho Jung , Han Sang-Deok , Lee Eun-Seok , Choi Seung-Hyuk , Hong Sun Hee , Lee Sang-Deok , Park Se Jin
Published: December 2021

The excessive synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6) is related to cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, blocking IL-6 has been suggested as a treatment strategy for inflammatory diseases such as sepsis. Sepsis is a severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome with high mortality. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-septic effects and the underlying mechanisms of Dracocephalum moldavica ethanol extract (DMEE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory stimulation in RAW 264.7 macrophages along with septic mouse models. We found that DMEE suppressed the release of inflammatory mediators NO and PGE2 and inhibited both the mRNA and protein expression levels of iNOS and COX-2, respectively. In addition, DMEE reduced the release of proinflammatory cytokines, mainly IL-6 and IL-1β, in RAW 264.7 cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK and p65. Furthermore, treatment with DMEE increased the survival rate and decreased the level of IL-6 in plasma in LPS-induced septic shock mice. Our findings suggest that DMEE elicits an anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and an anti-septic effect on septic mouse model through the inhibition of the ERK/JNK/NF-κB signaling cascades and production of IL-6.
The Association between Fat Taste Sensitivity, Eating Habits, and Metabolic Health in Menopausal Women
Authors: Skoczek-Rubińska Aleksandra , Chmurzynska Agata , Muzsik-Kazimierska Agata , Bajerska Joanna
Published: December 2021

The aim of our study was to evaluate the associations between sensitivity to fat taste, eating habits and BMI value in a sample of menopausal Polish women. In a population of 95 women, fat taste thresholds with oleic acid were determined, allowing us to classify each woman as a hypersensitive or hyposensitive taster. Eating habits were assessed using a validated KomPAN questionnaire for food frequency. Dietary intake was evaluated based on a food diary. Selected biochemical parameters were measured using a Konelab20i biochemical analyzer. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were also measured. Twenty-two menopausal women were classified as hyposensitive to fat taste and 73 as hypersensitive. The hyposensitive tasters were significantly older (p = 0.006), with the majority of them (92%) being postmenopausal (p < 0.001); this group had significantly higher BMI values (p < 0.001) and other adiposity indicators compared to their hypersensitive counterparts. The hyposensitive tasters had higher blood pressure (systolic blood pressure; SBP p = 0.030; diastolic blood pressure; DBP p = 0.003), glucose (p = 0.011) and triacylglycerols levels than the hypersensitive tasters (p = 0.031). Almost half of them had diagnosed metabolic syndrome. Daily eating occasions were associated with low oral fatty acid sensitivity, irrespective of age (p = 0.041) and BMI value (p = 0.028). There were also significant associations between frequency of consumption of meats and eggs, as well as snacks and fast foods and low oral fatty acid sensitivity before adjustment for potential confounders (both associations p < 0.05), which remained after adjustment for age (both associations p < 0.05), but not after adjustment for BMI. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher BMI value (p = 0.003), along with postmenopausal status (p = 0.003), were associated with low fat taste sensitivity irrespective of age and consumed percentage energy from fat. Postmenopausal status and BMI are associated with low fat taste sensitivity. Fat hyposensitivity may also play a role in eating habits, leading to increased eating occasions and favoring certain types of food. These eating habits may determine increased body weight and the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in mid-life women, especially those who have undergone menopause and have been exposed to the physiological changes which are conducive to these relationships.
Development of the Choices 5-Level Criteria to Support Multiple Food System Actions
Authors: Tognon Gianluca , Beltramo Belen , Schilpzand Rutger , Lissner Lauren , Roodenburg Annet J. C. , Don Rokiah , Nair Krishnapillai Madhavan , Nnam Ngozi , Hamaker Bruce , Smorenburg Herbert
Published: December 2021

In 2008, the Choices International Foundation developed its logo criteria, identifying best-in-class food products. More advanced, global and graded nutrient profiling systems (NPSs) are needed to substantiate different national nutrition policies. The objective of this work was to extend Choices NPS to identify five levels of the healthiness of food products, so that the Choices NPS can also be used to support other nutrition policies, next to front-of-pack labelling. Based on the same principles as the previous logo criteria, four sets of threshold criteria were determined using a combination of compliance levels, calculated from a large international food group-specific database, the Choices logo criteria, and WHO-NPSs developed to restrict marketing to children. Validation consisted of a comparison with indicator foods from food-based dietary guidelines from various countries. Some thresholds were adjusted after the validation, e.g., because intermediate thresholds were too lenient. This resulted in a new international NPS that can be applied to different contexts and to support a variety of health policies, to prevent both undernutrition and obesity. It can efficiently evaluate mixed food products and represents a flexible tool, applicable in various settings and populations.
Excess Vitamins or Imbalance of Folic Acid and Choline in the Gestational Diet Alter the Gut Microbiota and Obesogenic Effects in Wistar Rat Offspring
Authors: Mjaaseth Ulrik N. , Norris Jackson C. , Aardema Niklas D. J. , Bunnell Madison L. , Ward Robert E. , Hintze Korry J. , Cho Clara E.
Published: December 2021

Excess vitamin intake during pregnancy leads to obesogenic phenotypes, and folic acid accounts for many of these effects in male, but not in female, offspring. These outcomes may be modulated by another methyl nutrient choline and attributed to the gut microbiota. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed an AIN-93G diet with recommended vitamin (RV), high 10-fold multivitamin (HV), high 10-fold folic acid with recommended choline (HFol) or high 10-fold folic acid without choline (HFol-C) content. Male and female offspring were weaned to a high-fat RV diet for 12 weeks post-weaning. Removing choline from the HFol gestational diet resulted in obesogenic phenotypes that resembled more closely to HV in male and female offspring with higher body weight, food intake, glucose response to a glucose load and body fat percentage with altered activity, concentrations of short-chain fatty acids and gut microbiota composition. Gestational diet and sex of the offspring predicted the gut microbiota differences. Differentially abundant microbes may be important contributors to obesogenic outcomes across diet and sex. In conclusion, a gestational diet high in vitamins or imbalanced folic acid and choline content contributes to the gut microbiota alterations consistent with the obesogenic phenotypes of in male and female offspring.
Micellar Suzuki Cross-Coupling between Thiophene and Aniline in Water and under Air
Authors: Yousif Dawod , Tombolato Silvia , Ould Maina Elmehdi , Po Riccardo , Biagini Paolo , Papagni Antonio , Vaghi Luca
Published: December 2021

The Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction plays a fundamental role in modern synthetic organic chemistry, both in academia and industry. For this reason, scientists continue to search for new, more effective, cheaper and environmentally friendly procedures. Recently, micellar synthetic chemistry has been demonstrated to be an excellent strategy for achieving chemical transformations in a more efficient way, thanks to the creation of nanoreactors in aqueous environments using selected surfactants. In particular, the cheap and commercially available surfactant Kolliphor EL (a polyethoxylated castor oil derivative) has been used with success to achieve metal-catalyzed transformations in water with high yields and short reaction times, with the advantage of using air-sensitive catalysts without the need for inert atmosphere. In this work, the Kolliphor EL methodology was applied to the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction between thiophene and aniline, using the highly effective catalyst Pd(dtbpf)Cl2. The cross-coupling products were achieved at up to 98% yield, with reaction times of up to only 15 min, working at room temperature and without the need for inert atmosphere.
Antiprotozoal Effect of Snake Venoms and Their Fractions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abdullahi Zainab U. , Musa Salihu S. , He Daihai , Bello Umar M.
Published: December 2021

Background: Protozoal infection is a lingering public health issue of great concern, despite efforts to produce drugs and vaccines against it. Recent breakthrough research has discovered alternative antiprotozoal agents encompassing the use of snake venoms and their components to cure these infections. This study collated the existing literature to examine the antiprotozoal effect of snake venoms and their fractions. Methods: We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched from their inception until 13 October 2021. Articles were screened at the title, abstract and full-text phases. Some additional studies were obtained through the manual search process. Results: We identified 331 studies via the electronic database and manual searches, of which 55 reporting the antiprotozoal effect of snake venoms and their components were included in the review. Around 38% of studies examined the effect of whole crude venoms, and a similar percentage evaluated the effect of a proportion of enzymatic phospholipase A2 (PLA2). In particular, this review reports around 36 PLA2 activities and 29 snake crude venom activities. We also report the notable phenomenon of synergism with PLA2 isoforms of Bothrops asper. Importantly, limited attention has been given so far to the antiprotozoal efficacies of metalloproteinase, serine protease and three-finger toxins, although these venom components have been identified as significant components of the dominant venom families. Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of snake venoms and their fractions on controlling protozoal infections and suggests the need to examine further the effectiveness of other venom components, such as metalloproteinase, serine protease and three-finger toxins. Future research questions in this field must be redirected toward synergism in snake venom components, based on pharmacological usage and in the context of toxicology. Ascertaining the effects of snake venoms and their components on other protozoal species that have not yet been studied is imperative.
Stable Luminescent Poly(Allylaminehydrochloride)-Templated Copper Nanoclusters for Selectively Turn-Off Sensing of Deferasirox in β-Thalassemia Plasma
Authors: Lin Hung-Ju , Wang Chun-Chi , Kou Hwang-Shang , Cheng Cheng-Wei , Wu Shou-Mei
Published: December 2021

Highly stable and facile one-pot copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) coated with poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) have been synthesized for selectively sensing deferasirox (DFX) in β-thalassemia plasma. DFX is an important drug used for treating iron overloading in β-thalassemia, but needs to be monitored due to certain toxicity. In this study, the PAH-Cu NCs showed highly stable fluorescence with emission wavelengths at 450 nm. The DFX specifically interacted with the copper nanocluster to turn off the fluorescence of the PAH-Cu NCs, and could be selectively quantified through the fluorescence quenching effect. The linear range of DFX in plasma analyzed by PAH-Cu NCs was 1.0–100.0 µg/mL (r = 0.985). The relative standard deviation (RSD) and relative error (RE) were lower than 6.51% and 7.57%, respectively, showing excellent reproducibility of PAH-Cu NCs for sensing DFX in plasma. This method was also successfully applied for an analysis of three clinical plasma samples from β-thalassemia patients taking DFX. The data presented high similarity with that obtained through a capillary electrophoresis method. According to the results, the PAH-Cu NCs could be used as a tool for clinically sensing DFX in human plasma for clinical surveys.
The Monoterpenoid Perillyl Alcohol: Anticancer Agent and Medium to Overcome Biological Barriers
Authors: Chen Thomas C. , da Fonseca Clovis O. , Levin Daniel , Schönthal Axel H.
Published: December 2021

Perillyl alcohol (POH) is a naturally occurring monoterpenoid related to limonene that is present in the essential oils of various plants. It has diverse applications and can be found in household items, including foods, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies. Over the past three decades, it has also been investigated for its potential anticancer activity. Clinical trials with an oral POH formulation administered to cancer patients failed to realize therapeutic expectations, although an intra-nasal POH formulation yielded encouraging results in malignant glioma patients. Based on its amphipathic nature, POH revealed the ability to overcome biological barriers, primarily the blood–brain barrier (BBB), but also the cytoplasmic membrane and the skin, which appear to be characteristics that critically contribute to POH’s value for drug development and delivery. In this review, we present the physicochemical properties of POH that underlie its ability to overcome the obstacles placed by different types of biological barriers and consequently shape its multifaceted promise for cancer therapy and applications in drug development. We summarized and appraised the great variety of preclinical and clinical studies that investigated the use of POH for intranasal delivery and nose-to-brain drug transport, its intra-arterial delivery for BBB opening, and its permeation-enhancing function in hybrid molecules, where POH is combined with or conjugated to other therapeutic pharmacologic agents, yielding new chemical entities with novel mechanisms of action and applications.
Chronic Administration of 7,8-DHF Lessens the Depression-like Behavior of Juvenile Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Treated Rats at Their Adult Age
Authors: Yang Shih-Te , Hung Hsiu-Yi , Ro Long-Sun , Liao Ming-Feng , Amstislavskaya Tamara G. , Tikhonova Maria A. , Yang Yi-Ling , Lu Kwok-Tung
Published: December 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among the global youth and commonly results in long-lasting sequelae, including paralysis, epilepsy, and a host of mental disorders such as major depressive disorder. Previous studies were mainly focused on severe TBI as it occurs in adults. This study explored the long-term adverse effect of mild TBI in juvenile animals (mTBI-J). Male Sprague Dawley rats received mTBI-J or sham treatment at six weeks old, then underwent behavioral, biochemical, and histological experiments three weeks later (at nine weeks old). TTC staining, H&E staining, and brain edema measurement were applied to evaluate the mTBI-J induced cerebral damage. The forced swimming test (FST) and sucrose preference test (SPT) were applied for measuring depression-like behavior. The locomotor activity test (LAT) was performed to examine mTBI-J treatment effects on motor function. After the behavioral experiments, the dorsal hippocampus (dHip) and ventral hippocampus (vHip) were dissected out for western blotting to examine the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). Finally, a TrkB agonist 7,8-DHF was injected intraperitoneally to evaluate its therapeutic effect on the mTBI-J induced behavioral abnormalities at the early adult age. Results showed that a mild brain edema occurred, but no significant neural damage was found in the mTBI-J treated animals. In addition, a significant increase of depression-like behaviors was observed in the mTBI-J treated animals; the FST revealed an increase in immobility, and a decrease in sucrose consumption was found in the mTBI-J treated animals. There were no differences observed in the total distance traveled of the LAT and the fall latency of the rotarod test. The hippocampal BDNF expression, but not the TrkB, were significantly reduced in mTBI-J, and the mTBI-J treatment-induced depression-like behavior was lessened after four weeks of 7,8-DHF administration. Collectively, these results indicate that even a mild juvenile TBI treatment that did not produce motor deficits or significant histological damage could have a long-term adverse effect that could be sustained to adulthood, which raises the depression-like behavior in the adult age. In addition, chronic administration of 7,8-DHF lessens the mTBI-J treatment-induced depression-like behaviors in adult rats. We suggest the potential usage of 7,8-DHF as a therapeutic agent for preventing the long-term adverse effect of mTBI-J.
Nanoformulation Composed of Ellagic Acid and Functionalized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Inactivates DNA and RNA Viruses
Authors: AbouAitah Khaled , Allayh Abdou K. , Wojnarowicz Jacek , Shaker Yasser M. , Swiderska-Sroda Anna , Lojkowski Witold
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has strongly impacted daily life across the globe and caused millions of infections and deaths. No drug therapy has yet been approved for the clinic. In the current study, we provide a novel nanoformulation against DNA and RNA viruses that also has a potential for implementation against COVID-19. The inorganic–organic hybrid nanoformulation is composed of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) functionalized with triptycene organic molecules (TRP) via EDC/NHS coupling chemistry and impregnated with a natural agent, ellagic acid (ELG), via non-covalent interactions. The physicochemical properties of prepared materials were identified with several techniques. The hybrid nanoformulation contained 9.5 wt.% TRP and was loaded with up to 33.3 wt.% ELG. ELG alone exhibited higher cytotoxicity than both the ZnO NPs and nanoformulation against host cells. The nanoformulation efficiently inhibited viruses, compared to ZnO NPs or ELG alone. For H1N1 and HCoV-229E (RNA viruses), the nanoformulation had a therapeutic index of 77.3 and 75.7, respectively. For HSV-2 and Ad-7 (DNA viruses), the nanoformulation had a therapeutic index of 57.5 and 51.7, respectively. In addition, the nanoformulation showed direct inactivation of HCoV-229E via a virucidal mechanism. The inhibition by this mechanism was > 60%. Thus, the nanoformulation is a potentially safe and low-cost hybrid agent that can be explored as a new alternative therapeutic strategy for COVID-19.
Interventional, Quasi-Experimental Study of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Education Care Plan for Hospital Discharge
Authors: Warunek Letitia N. , Cieri-Hutcherson Nicole E. , Kersten Brian P. , Hassan Amany K.
Published: December 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life for patients. Proper use of inhaler devices is critical for effective drug delivery and prevention of COPD progression. The primary endpoint of this study was a mean percent increase in correct steps associated with inhaler technique after pharmacist education. The co-primary endpoint was a 25% increase in the proportion of patients correctly identifying the appropriate use of short-acting versus long-acting inhaler types. This was an interventional quasi-experimental study of patients hospitalized at a 491-bed tertiary academic medical center with a COPD exacerbation to assess a pharmacist-led COPD care plan. Eligible patients included general floor, adult patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. The primary investigator recorded initial inhaler technique scores through a paper checklist, and provided education about device types and usage. Patients were reassessed within 48 h to determine if pharmacist education improved inhaler knowledge. A total of 67 patients received the COPD care plan before hospital discharge. At baseline, patients scored a median of 81.8% (67.5–97.0) of steps correct across all inhaler device types. After pharmacist education, patient scores increased to a median of 100% (90.9–100.0) (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients correctly identifying when to use short-acting versus long-acting inhalers increased from 73.1% to 98.5% (p < 0.0001). Implementation of a pharmacist-led care plan for patients admitted for COPD exacerbation was associated with an increase in correct steps for appropriate inhaler technique and understanding of inhaler device types after pharmacist education.
Low-Energy Coulomb Excitation for the Shell Model
Authors: Rocchini Marco , Zielińska Magda
Published: December 2021

Low-energy Coulomb excitation is capable of providing unique information on static electromagnetic moments of short-lived excited nuclear states, including non-yrast states. The process selectively populates low-lying collective states and is, therefore, ideally suited to study phenomena such as shape coexistence and the development of exotic deformation (triaxial or octupole shapes). Historically, these experiments were restricted to stable isotopes. However, the advent of new facilities providing intense beams of short-lived radioactive species has opened the possibility to apply this powerful technique to a much wider range of nuclei. The paper discusses the observables that can be measured in a Coulomb-excitation experiment and their relation to the nuclear structure parameters with an emphasis on the nuclear shape. Recent examples of Coulomb-excitation studies that provided outcomes relevant for the Shell Model are also presented.
Impact of Potassium Pre-Harvest Applications on Fruit Quality and Condition of Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Cultivated under Plastic Covers in Southern Chile Orchards
Authors: Bustamante Marco , Muñoz Ariel , Romero Iverly , Osorio Pamela , Mánquez Sergio , Arriola Rocío , Reyes-Díaz Marjorie , Ribera-Fonseca Alejandra
Published: December 2021

In rainy locations, sweet cherry is cultivated under plastic covers, which are useful to prevent fruit cracking but decrease cherry quality such as firmness and acidity. Here we evaluate the impact of pre-harvest K foliar applications on harvest and post-harvest fruit quality and condition of sweet cherry cultivated under plastic covers in southern Chile orchards. The study was performed on two commercial orchards (cv. Regina), located in different regions, during two consecutive seasons. In all cases, a conventional K regime (four sprays) was compared to an intensive K regimen (seven sprays). Results showed that cherries from the most southern region revealed lower acidity but higher soluble solids content weight and size. The intensive K regime improved the firmness and acidity of fruits of covered trees at harvest and post-harvest. Moreover, we found that condition defects were higher in fruits from un-covered trees and that trees grown under intensive K regime showed lower levels of cracking at harvest and pitting at post-harvest compared to trees treated with the conventional K regime. Otherwise, pedicel browning was inconsistently affected by K sprays. Our results revealed that an intensive K regime could improve the quality and condition of fruits at harvest and post-harvest in covered orchards of sweet cherry cv. Regina; however, the impacts can significantly vary depending on season and locality.
Microtensiometers Accurately Measure Stem Water Potential in Woody Perennials
Authors: Blanco Victor , Kalcsits Lee
Published: December 2021

Stem water potential (Ψstem) is considered to be the standard measure of plant water status. However, it is measured with the pressure chamber (PC), an equipment that can neither provide continuous information nor be automated, limiting its use. Recent developments of microtensiometers (MT; FloraPulse sensors), which can continuously measure water tension in woody tissue of the trunk of the tree, can potentially highlight the dynamic nature of plant water relations. Thus, this study aimed to validate and assess the usefulness of the MT by comparing the Ψstem provided by MT with those same measurements from the PC. Here, two irrigation treatments (a control and a deficit treatment) were applied in a pear (Pyrus communis L.) orchard in Washington State (USA) to capture the full range of water potentials in this environment. Discrete measurements of leaf gas exchange, canopy temperature and Ψstem measured with PC and MT were made every two hours for four days from dawn to sunset. There were strong linear relationships between the Ψstem-MT and Ψstem-PC (R2 > 0.8) and with vapor pressure deficit (R2 > 0.7). However, Ψstem-MT was more variable and lower than Ψstem-PC when Ψstem-MT was below −1.5 MPa, especially during the evening. Minimum Ψstem-MT occurred later in the afternoon compared to Ψstem-PC. Ψstem showed similar sensitivity and coefficients of variation for both PC and MT acquired data. Overall, the promising results achieved indicated the potential for MT to be used to continuously assess tree water status.
Estrogens and Androgens in Plants: The Last 20 Years of Studies
Authors: Janeczko Anna
Published: December 2021

Although the only known steroid hormones in plants are brassinosteroids, interestingly, mammalian steroid hormones such as androgens or estrogens are also part of the plant metabolic profile. This presented review is focused on the progress that has been made in this matter during the last two decades. The presence of testosterone, 17β-estradiol, and other androgens/estrogens in plants (particularly those that can be measured using more advanced techniques) is described. The physiological activity of androgens and estrogens, especially in plants’ stress response, are discussed, together with some possible mechanisms of their action. The current knowledge indicates that although androgens and estrogens do not have the status of hormones in plants, they are physiologically active and can serve as regulators that support the activity of classic hormones in (1) regulating the various processes connected with plant growth and development and (2) the interaction of plants with their environment.
Inoculation with Ericoid Mycorrhizal Associations Alleviates Drought Stress in Lowland and Upland Velvetleaf Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtilloides) Seedlings
Authors: Mu Deyu , Du Ning , Zwiazek Janusz J.
Published: December 2021

Although velvetleaf blueberry (Vaccinium myrtilloides) is usually associated with sandy (upland) areas of the North American boreal forest, lowland populations can be also found in bogs, suggesting possible adaptations to different site conditions. In this study, we examined the role of ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) fungi in conferring drought resistance to the upland and lowland velvetleaf blueberry seedlings. The seedlings were inoculated with four ERM fungi (Pezicula ericae, Pezoloma ericae, Meliniomyces variabilis, and Oidiodendron maius) isolated from the roots of ericaceous plants and grown under controlled environmental conditions in sterilized soil. The inoculated and non-inoculated (inoculation control) plants were subsequently subjected to three cycles of drought stress by withdrawing watering. Lowland plants appeared to benefit relatively more from mycorrhizal colonization, compared with the upland plants, in terms of plant growth and drought survival. After three weeks of treatments, the dry weights of non-inoculated well-watered upland plants were higher compared to the non-inoculated lowland plants. However, these differences were offset by the inoculation of plants with ERM fungi, some of which also significantly improved drought resistance characteristics of the upland and lowland plants. There were no major differences in the effects of different ERM fungal species on drought responses of upland and lowland plants. Of the examined ericoid mycorrhizal fungi, inoculation with Pezicula ericae was the most effective in conferring drought resistance characteristics to both upland and lowland seedlings and helped maintain higher shoot water potentials, net photosynthetic, and transpiration rates in plants subjected to drought stress.
Phenolic Compounds and Oxidative Enzymes Involved in Female Fertility in Banana Plants of the Cavendish Subgroup
Authors: dos Santos Silva Manassés , da Hora Góes Naiala , dos Santos-Serejo Janay Almeida , Ferreira Claudia Fortes , Amorim Edson Perito
Published: December 2021

The present study investigated phenolic compounds and enzymes involved in female fertility in banana plants of the Cavendish subgroup. The wild diploid Calcutta 4 and commercial cultivar Grand Naine (Cavendish subgroup) were used. The following five stages of floral development were proposed: S1 (partial vertical emission), S2 (total vertical emission), S3 (total horizontal emission), S4 (pre-anthesis), and S5 (anthesis). Following collection, pistillate (female) flowers were freeze-dried for the subsequent removal of nectaries and the analysis of phenolic compounds (PCs), antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS), enzymatic activity [peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)], and total proteins (TPs). The highest values were recorded at the S3 stage, with the values decreasing as the stages progressed (until S5). At the S3 stage, the following results were obtained for Calcutta 4 and Grand Naine, respectively: PCs (32.4 and 36.1 mg GAE·g−1); DPPH (735.2 and 454.4 µM TE·g−1); ABTS (647.8 and 555.5 µM TE·g−1); POD (0.8 and 0.7 µmol·min−1·g−1); PPO (3.7 and 2.7 µmol·min−1·g−1); and TP (3.2 and 2.4 µmol·min−1·g−1). These results indicate that PCs and enzymes regulate female fertility, suggesting that crossbreeding should be performed from the S3 stage in cultivars of the Cavendish subgroup to achieve fruits with seeds.
Novel Mutation in the Acetohydroxyacid Synthase (AHAS), Gene Confers Imidazolinone Resistance in Chickpea Cicer arietinum L. Plants
Authors: Galili Shmuel , Hershenhorn Joseph , Edelman Marvin , Sobolev Vladimir , Smirnov Evgeny , Amir-Segev Orit , Bellalou Aharon , Dor Evgenia
Published: December 2021

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important crop in crop-rotation management in Israel. Imidazolinone herbicides have a wide spectrum of weed control, but chickpea plants are sensitive to acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS; also known as acetolactate synthase [ALS]) inhibitors. Using the chemical mutagen ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), we developed a chickpea line (M2033) that is resistant to imidazolinone herbicides. A point mutation was detected in one of the two genes encoding the AHAS catalytic subunit of M2033. The transition of threonine to isoleucine at position 192 (203 according to Arabidopsis) conferred resistance of M2033 to imidazolinones, but not to other groups of AHAS inhibitors. The role of this substitution in the resistance of line M2033 was proven by genetic transformation of tobacco plants. This resistance showed a single-gene semidominant inheritance pattern. Conclusion: A novel mutation, T192I (T203I according to Arabidopsis), providing resistance to IMI herbicides but not to other groups of AHAS inhibitors, is described in the AHAS1 protein of EMS-mutagenized chickpea line M2033.
Transcriptional Regulation of Metabolic and Cellular Processes in Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) in the Face of Temperature Increasing
Authors: Chaparro-Encinas Luis Abraham , Santoyo Gustavo , Peña-Cabriales Juan José , Castro-Espinoza Luciano , Parra-Cota Fannie Isela , Santos-Villalobos Sergio de los
Published: December 2021

The Yaqui Valley, Mexico, has been historically considered as an experimental field for semiarid regions worldwide since temperature is an important constraint affecting durum wheat cultivation. Here, we studied the transcriptional and morphometrical response of durum wheat at an increased temperature (+2 °C) for deciphering molecular mechanisms involved in the thermal adaptation by this crop. The morphometrical assay showed a significant decrease in almost all the evaluated traits (shoot/root length, biovolume index, and dry/shoot weight) except in the dry root weight and the root:shoot ratio. At the transcriptional level, 283 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained (False Discovery Rate (FDR) ≤ 0.05 and |log2 fold change| ≥ 1.3). From these, functional annotation with MapMan4 and a gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis with GOSeq were carried out to obtain 27 GO terms significantly enriched (overrepresented FDR ≤ 0.05). Overrepresented and functionally annotated genes belonged to ontologies associated with photosynthetic acclimation, respiration, changes in carbon balance, lipid biosynthesis, the regulation of reactive oxygen species, and the acceleration of physiological progression. These findings are the first insight into the regulation of the mechanism influenced by a temperature increase in durum wheat.
Sensing Cd(II) Using a Disposable Optical Sensor Based on a Schiff Base Immobilisation on a Polymer-Inclusion Membrane. Applications in Water and Art Paint Samples
Authors: Sánchez-Ponce Lorena , Galindo-Riaño María Dolores , Casanueva-Marenco María José , Granado-Castro María Dolores , Díaz-de-Alba Margarita
Published: December 2021

A disposable colour-changeable optical sensor based on an interesting polymer inclusion-membrane (PIM) was designed to determine Cd(II) ions in aqueous medium. The Schiff base 2-acetylpyridine benzoylhydrazone (2-APBH) immobilised on the polymer membrane was used as a sensing molecule. The amounts of the PIM components were optimised by a 32 fractional factorial design with two central points and two blocks. The best optical sensor composition consisted of 2.5 g of poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) as a base polymer, 3 mL of tributyl phosphate (TBP) as a plasticiser, and 0.02 g of 2-APBH as a reagent. The sensor showed a good linear response in the range from 0.02 mg L−1 (limit of detection) to 1 mg L−1 of Cd(II) under the following experimental conditions: pH 9.5 (adjusted using ammonium chloride buffer solution at 0.337 mol L−1), 60 min of exposure time plus 2 min of sonication (pulses at 2 s intervals), and 10 min of short-term stability. The relative standard deviation of the method was determined to be 4.04% for 0.4 mg L−1 of Cd(II). The optical sensor was successfully applied to the determination of Cd(II) in natural-water and art-paint samples.
Effects of Monomer Composition of Urethane Methacrylate Based Resins on the C=C Degree of Conversion, Residual Monomer Content and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Sarosi Codruta , Moldovan Marioara , Soanca Andrada , Roman Alexandra , Gherman Timea , Trifoi Ancuta , Chisnoiu Andrea Maria , Cuc Stanca , Filip Miuta , Gheorghe Georgiana Florentina , Chisnoiu Radu Marcel
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: This study investigated the influence of Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, UDMA, and two different polyethylene glycol (PEG)-containing, UDMO-based co-monomers on the Young’s modulus and flexural strength, degree of methacrylate C=C double bond conversion and residual monomer elution of experimental dental resins. (2) Methods: Urethane methacrylate-based monomer was synthesised via a radical chain growth polymerization mechanism using PEG in order to improve the mechanical properties. Dental resins were formulated using Bis-GMA, UDMA, or UDMO as base monomers combined with TEGDMA as a dilution monomer and DMAEM + CQ as the photo-initiator system. Degree of conversion (DC), mechanical properties, and residual monomer content of light-activated methacrylate resin formulations were evaluated and statistically analysed by ANOVA and a Tukey’s test. (3) Results: PEG-containing UDMO resins had lower Young’s modulus and elastic strength than UDMA-derived resin for all irradiation times. The highest DC (67,418%) was observed for the PEG-containing UDMO-based resin formulation when light cured for 40 s. For all samples, DC increased with the photo-polymerization time. The amount of residual monomer decreased after increasing the light-curing period from 20 to 40 s, resin with UDMO content 0.01 mol of PEG having the smallest amount of free eluted monomer. (4) Conclusions: A strong structure–property relationship exists in photo-cured dimethacrylate-based dental resins. The time and quantity of the photochemical initiation system can influence the physical–mechanical properties of the resins but also the monomers in their composition.
Nanoarchitectonics of BN/AgNWs/Epoxy Composites with High Thermal Conductivity and Electrical Insulation
Authors: Li Xue , Weng Ling , Wang Hebing , Wang Xiaoming
Published: December 2021

To promote the construction of the thermal network in the epoxy resin (EP), a certain proportion of silver nanowires (AgNWs) coupled with the hexagonal boron nitride (BN) nanoplates were chosen as fillers to improve the thermal conductivity of EP resin. Before preparing the composites, BN was treated by silane coupling agent 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550), and AgNWs was coated by dopamine hydrochloride. The BN/AgNWs/EP composites were prepared after curing, and the thermal conductivity and dielectric properties of the composites was tested. Results showed that the AgNWs and BN were uniformly dispersed in epoxy resin. It synergistically built a thermal network and greatly increased the thermal conductivity of the composites, which increased 9% after adding AgNWs. Moreover, the electrical property test showed that the addition of AgNWs had little effect on the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the composites, indicating a rather good electrical insulation of the composites.
Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Miktoarm Amphiphile for Triggered Intracellular Release of Anti-Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Kim Hyun-Chul , Kim Eunjoo , Lee Se Guen , Lee Sung Jun , Jeong Sang Won , Lee Young Jae , Kwon Mi Kyung , Choi Seong-Kyoon , Hwang Jun Seong , Choi Eunsook
Published: December 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanocarriers have received considerable research attention as putative cancer treatments because their tumor cell targets have high ROS levels. Here, we synthesized a miktoarm amphiphile of dithioketal-linked ditocopheryl polyethylene glycol (DTTP) by introducing ROS-cleavable thioketal groups as linkers between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. We used the product as a carrier for the controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX). DTTP has a critical micelle concentration (CMC) as low as 1.55 μg/mL (4.18 × 10−4 mM), encapsulation efficiency as high as 43.6 ± 0.23% and 14.6 nm particle size. The DTTP micelles were very responsive to ROS and released their DOX loads in a controlled manner. The tocopheryl derivates linked to DTTP generated ROS and added to the intracellular ROS in MCF-7 cancer cells but not in HEK-293 normal cells. In vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that DOX-encapsulated DTTP micelles displayed strong antitumor activity but only slightly increased apoptosis in normal cells. This ROS-triggered, self-accelerating drug release device has high therapeutic efficacy and could be a practical new strategy for the clinical application of ROS-responsive drug delivery systems.
Structural Integrity of Polymeric Components Produced by Additive Manufacturing (AM)—Polymer Applications
Authors: Martins Rui F. , Branco Ricardo , Berto Filippo , Soares Nuno , Bandeira Sebastião
Published: December 2021

In the work presented herein, the structural integrity of polymeric functional components made of Nylon-645 and Polylactic acid (PLA) produced by additive manufacturing (Fused Deposition Modelling, FDM) is studied. The PLA component under study was selected from the production line of a brewing company, and it was redesigned and analyzed using the Finite Element Method, 3D printed, and installed under real service. The results obtained indicated that, even though the durability of the 3D printed part was lower than the original, savings of about EUR 7000 a year could be achieved for the component studied. Moreover, it was shown that widespread use of AM with other specific PLA components could result in even more significant savings. Additionally, a metallic hanger (2700 kg/m3) from the cockpit of an airplane ATR 70 series 500 was successfully redesigned and additively manufactured in Nylon 645, resulting in a mass reduction of approximately 60% while maintaining its fit-for-purpose. Therefore, the components produced by FDM were used as fully functional components rather than prototype models, which is frequently stated as a major constraint of the FDM process.
Reconfigurable Surface Micropatterns Based on the Magnetic Field-Induced Shape Memory Effect in Magnetoactive Elastomers
Authors: Lovšin Matija , Brandl Dominik , Glavan Gašper , Belyaeva Inna A. , Cmok Luka , Čoga Lucija , Kalin Mitjan , Shamonin Mikhail , Drevenšek-Olenik Irena
Published: December 2021

A surface relief grating with a period of 30 µm is embossed onto the surface of magnetoactive elastomer (MAE) samples in the presence of a moderate magnetic field of about 180 mT. The grating, which is represented as a set of parallel stripes with two different amplitude reflectivity coefficients, is detected via diffraction of a laser beam in the reflection configuration. Due to the magnetic-field-induced plasticity effect, the grating persists on the MAE surface for at least 90 h if the magnetic field remains present. When the magnetic field is removed, the diffraction efficiency vanishes in a few minutes. The described effect is much more pronounced in MAE samples with larger content of iron filler (80 wt%) than in the samples with lower content of iron filler (70 wt%). A simple theoretical model is proposed to describe the observed dependence of the diffraction efficiency on the applied magnetic field. Possible applications of MAEs as magnetically reconfigurable diffractive optical elements are discussed. It is proposed that the described experimental method can be used as a convenient tool for investigations of the dynamics of magnetically induced plasticity of MAEs on the micrometer scale.
Composite Nanocellulose Fibers-Based Hydrogels Loading Clindamycin HCl with Ca2+ and Citric Acid as Crosslinking Agents for Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: O-chongpian Pichapar , Na Takuathung Mingkwan , Chittasupho Chuda , Ruksiriwanich Warintorn , Chaiwarit Tanpong , Baipaywad Phornsawat , Jantrawut Pensak
Published: December 2021

Biocomposite hydrogels based on nanocellulose fibers (CNFs), low methoxy pectin (LMP), and sodium alginate (SA) were fabricated via the chemical crosslinking technique. The selected CNFs-based hydrogels were loaded with clindamycin hydrochloride (CM), an effective antibiotic as a model drug. The properties of the selected CNFs-based hydrogels loaded CM were characterized. The results showed that CNFs-based hydrogels composed of CNFs/LMP/SA at 1:1:1 and 2:0.5:0.5 mass ratios exhibited high drug content, suitable gel content, and high maximum swelling degree. In vitro assessment of cell viability revealed that the CM-incorporated composite CNFs-based hydrogels using calcium ion and citric acid as crosslinking agents exhibited high cytocompatibility with human keratinocytes cells. In vitro drug release experiment showed the prolonged release of CM and the hydrogel which has a greater CNFs portion (C2P0.5A0.5/Ca + Ci/CM) demonstrated lower drug release than the hydrogel having a lesser CNFs portion (C1P1A1/Ca + Ci/CM). The proportion of hydrophilic materials which were low methoxy pectin and sodium alginate in the matrix system influences drug release. In conclusion, biocomposite CNFs-based hydrogels composed of CNFs/LMP/SA at 1:1:1 and 2:0.5:0.5 mass ratios, loading CM with calcium ion and citric acid as crosslinking agents were successfully developed for the first time, suggesting their potential for pharmaceutical applications, such as a drug delivery system for healing infected wounds.
A Review on the Thermal Characterisation of Natural and Hybrid Fiber Composites
Authors: Neto Jorge S. S. , de Queiroz Henrique F. M. , Aguiar Ricardo A. A. , Banea Mariana D.
Published: December 2021

The thermal stability of natural fiber composites is a relevant aspect to be considered since the processing temperature plays a critical role in the manufacturing process of composites. At higher temperatures, the natural fiber components (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) start to degrade and their major properties (mechanical and thermal) change. Different methods are used in the literature to determine the thermal properties of natural fiber composites as well as to help to understand and determine their suitability for a certain applications (e.g., Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and differential mechanical thermal analysis (DMA)). Weight loss percentage, the degradation temperature, glass transition temperature (Tg), and viscoelastic properties (storage modulus, loss modulus, and the damping factor) are the most common thermal properties determined by these methods. This paper provides an overview of the recent advances made regarding the thermal properties of natural and hybrid fiber composites in thermoset and thermoplastic polymeric matrices. First, the main factors that affect the thermal properties of natural and hybrid fiber composites (fiber and matrix type, the presence of fillers, fiber content and orientation, the treatment of the fibers, and manufacturing process) are briefly presented. Further, the methods used to determine the thermal properties of natural and hybrid composites are discussed. It is concluded that thermal analysis can provide useful information for the development of new materials and the optimization of the selection process of these materials for new applications. It is crucial to ensure that the natural fibers used in the composites can withstand the heat required during the fabrication process and retain their characteristics in service.