bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of E-Learning Student’s Performance Based on Ensemble Techniques
Authors: Alsulami Abdulkream A. , AL-Ghamdi Abdullah S. AL-Malaise , Ragab Mahmoud
Published: March 2023

Educational institutions have dramatically increased in recent years, producing many graduates and postgraduates each year. One of the critical concerns of decision-makers is student performance. Educational data mining techniques are beneficial to explore uncovered data in data itself, creating a pattern to analyze student performance. In this study, we investigate the student E-learning data that has increased significantly in the era of COVID-19. Thus, this study aims to analyze and predict student performance using information gathered from online systems. Evaluating the student E-learning data through the data mining model proposed in this study will help the decision-makers make informed and suitable decisions for their institution. The proposed model includes three traditional data mining methods, decision tree, Naive Bays, and random forest, which are further enhanced by the use of three ensemble techniques: bagging, boosting, and voting. The results demonstrated that the proposed model improved the accuracy from 0.75 to 0.77 when we used the DT method with boosting. Furthermore, the precision and recall results both improved from 0.76 to 0.78.
All-Optical Three-Input “AND” Gate Dependent on a Differential Modulation Architecture
Authors: Termos Hassan , Mansour Ali
Published: March 2023

This gazette focuses on simulation and experimental studies for all-optical three-input “AND” gate schemes. The proposed gate exploits the semiconductor optical amplifier Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (SOA-MZI) nonlinearities, particularly the cross-phase modulation (XPM) corollary in addition to the cross-gain modulation (XGM) corollary, which originates from a SOA-MZI differential modulation concept. Further, the system performance is analyzed and examined through actual and simulated results to evaluate the obtained “AND” gate signal. Dependent on the nonlinearity of SOAs, the all-optical “AND” gate can operate with three signals driven by a 2 picoseconds (ps) optical pulse source (OPS). We noticed that our experimental results are perfectly matched to the simulated results. The output “AND” signal is acquired at higher common harmonics up to 200 GHz in the simulation study and the optical “AND”, which can vastly be used in optical networking, is evaluated through many parameters, such as error vector magnitude (EVM), extinction ratio (ER), and gain. As a result, the pinnacle bit rate for the 16-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) and 256-QAM “AND” signal reaches 100 and 200 Gbit/s, respectively, at the 100 GHz common harmonic frequency.
Graphene Utilization for Efficient Energy Storage and Potential Applications: Challenges and Future Implementations
Authors: Qazi Umair Yaqub , Javaid Rahat
Published: March 2023

Allotropes of carbon are responsible for discovering the three significant carbon-based compounds, fullerene, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. Over the last few decades, groundbreaking graphene with the finest two-dimensional atomic structure has emerged as the driving force behind new research and development because of its remarkable mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical functionalities with high surface area. Synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has resulted in numerous applications that previously had not been possible, incorporating sensing and adsorbent properties. Our study covers the most prevalent synthetic methods for making these graphene derivatives and how these methods impact the material’s main features. In particular, it emphasizes the application to water purification, CO2 capture, biomedical, potential energy storage, and conversion applications. Finally, we look at the future of sustainable utilization, its applications, and the challenges which must be solved for efficient application of graphene at large scales. Graphene-based derivative implementations, obstacles, and prospects for further research and development are also examined in this review paper.
A Partial Discharge Localization Method Based on the Improved Artificial Fish Swarms Algorithm
Authors: Qiang Hao , Wang Qun , Niu Hui , Wang Zhaoqi , Zheng Jianfeng
Published: March 2023

Accurate localization of partial discharge in GIS equipment remains a key focus of daily maintenance for substations, which can be achieved through advanced detection and location techniques, as well as regular maintenance and testing of the equipment. However, there is currently an issue with low accuracy in the localization algorithm. Aiming at the problems of low precision and local optimization of the swarm intelligence algorithm in partial discharge localization system of GIS equipment, this paper proposes a 3D localization algorithm based on a time difference of arrival (TDOA) model of the improved artificial fish swarm algorithm (IAFSA). By introducing the investigation behaviour of the artificial bee colony(ABC) algorithm into the artificial fish swarms algorithm (AFSA), this algorithm is more efficient to jump out of the local extremum, enhance the optimization performance, improve the global search ability and overcome the premature convergence. Furthermore, more precise positioning can be achieved with dynamic parameters. The results of the testing function show that IAFSA is significantly superior to AFSA and particle swarm optimization (PSO) in terms of positioning accuracy and stability. When applied to partial discharge localization experiments, the maximum relative positioning error is less than 2.5%. This validates that the proposed method in this paper can achieve high-precision partial discharge localization, has good engineering application value, and provides strong support for the safe operation of GIS equipment.
Ground Fault Detection Based on Fault Data Stitching and Image Generation of Resonant Grounding Distribution Systems
Authors: Nie Xianglun , Zhang Jing , He Yu , Luo Wenjian , Gu Tingyun , Li Bowen , Hu Xiangxie
Published: March 2023

Fast and accurate fault detection is important for the long term, stable operation of the distribution network. For the resonant grounding system, the fault signal features extraction difficulties, and the existing detection method’s accuracy is not high. A ground fault detection method based on fault data stitching and image generation of resonant grounding distribution systems is proposed. Firstly, considering the correlation between the transient zero-sequence current (TZSC) of faulty and healthy feeders under the same operating conditions, a fault data stitching method is proposed, which splices the transient zero-sequence current signals of each feeder into system fault data, and then converts the system fault data into grayscale images by combining the signal-to-image conversion method. Then, an improved convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to train the grayscale images and then implement fault detection. The simulation results show that the proposed method has high accuracy and strong robustness compared with existing fault detection methods.
Non-Intrusive Load Decomposition Based on Instance-Batch Normalization Networks
Authors: Wang Mao , Liu Dandan , Li Changzhi
Published: March 2023

At present, the non-intrusive load decomposition method for low-frequency sampling data is as yet insufficient within the context of generalization performance, failing to meet the decomposition accuracy requirements when applied to novel scenarios. To address this issue, a non-intrusive load decomposition method based on instance-batch normalization network is proposed. This method uses an encoder-decoder structure with attention mechanism, in which skip connections are introduced at the corresponding layers of the encoder and decoder. In this way, the decoder can reconstruct a more accurate power sequence of the target. The proposed model was tested on two public datasets, REDD and UKDALE, and the performance was compared with mainstream algorithms. The results show that the F1 score was higher by an average of 18.4 when compared with mainstream algorithms. Additionally, the mean absolute error reduced by an average of 25%, and the root mean square error was reduced by an average of 22%.
Identification of Molecular Markers for Early Detection of Sluggish Fermentation Associated with Heat Shock during Alcoholic Fermentation
Authors: Lerena María , Vargas-Trinidad Andrea , Alonso-del-Real Javier , Rojo Maria , González Magalí , Mercado Laura , Lijavetzky Diego , Querol Amparo , Combina Mariana
Published: March 2023

Problematic fermentations frequently drive economic losses and logistic problems in the winemaking industry. Previous studies have determined thermal conditions leading to problematic fermentations, selecting two contrasting yeast strains for further transcriptomic analysis. Saccharomyces cerevisiae SBB11 showed strong thermosensitivity towards heat shock, while S. cerevisiae PDM was found to be thermotolerant. The aim of this study was to select genes with significantly upregulated expression to be later used as biomarkers for early detection of sluggish fermentation associated with heat shock. Candidate genes were selected from previously obtained RNA-seq data. Alcoholic fermentations were conducted with 4 S. cerevisiae strains SBB11, PDM, M2 and ICV D21. Heat shocks on day 3 of alcoholic fermentation were applied at 36 and 40 °C for 16 h. S. cerevisiae cells were collected at different times after heat shock onset for qPCR analysis of candidate gene expression over time. Three genes showed promising results; SSA1, MGA1 and OPI10 significantly increased expression with respect to the control. The selected genes showed increased expression during the first 9 h post heat shock and are proposed for early detection of sluggish fermentations associated with heat shock.
Delignification of Halophyte Atriplex crassifolia by Green Recyclable Deep Eutectic Solvents for Enhanced Production of Biogas
Authors: Nawaz Ali , Chaudhary Rida , Haq Ikram Ul , Fu Xiaoliang , Huang Rong , Mukhtar Hamid , Jiang Kankan
Published: March 2023

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have upgraded the practices of valorizing lignocellulosic feedstock by lessening biomass recalcitrance through delignification in precise and economical manner. In this study, the influence of a series of deep eutectic mixtures was evaluated on the halophyte Atriplex crassifolia for achieving elevated biogas production. Initially, the biomass was pretreated via several DESs with varying hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) including carboxylic acids, amine/amide, and polyols/glycols. DES composed of choline chloride (ChCl) and lactic acid (LA) evidenced as the most effective solvent in achieving high lignin removal rates and was further optimized by evaluating the parameters of molar ratio of DES components, solid-to-liquid ratio, and solvent addition. A maximum delignification value of 89.5% was achieved by 15% diluted ChCl: LA (1:2) DES at a biomass loading of 1:15. The solubilization rate of diluted ChCl: LA was also raised up to 38%. FT-IR analysis revealed significant lignin elimination from ChCl: LA pretreated substrates. Moreover, ≥88% of ChCl: LA DES was recovered after up to three pretreatment cycles, retaining ≥85% delignification efficiency. Fresh DES-pretreated Atriplex crassifolia recorded 32.2 mL/g of biogas production yield due to increased cellulosic content. The findings validated Atriplex crassifolia as an efficient feedstock for biogas production and confirmed the affectivity of ChCl: LA pretreatment in eliminating the lignin barrier, ultimately making cellulosic sugars readily biodegradable and highly accessible for anaerobic microorganisms.
Impact of Steam Extraction and Maceration Duration on Wines from Frozen ‘Frontenac’ Must
Authors: Svyantek Andrej , Wang Zhuoyu , Hatterman-Valenti Harlene
Published: March 2023

The enology industry in North Dakota is extremely young, with less than twenty years of existence. At times throughout the development of the North Dakota viticulture and enology industries, commercial wine producers have elected to purchase or store fresh harvested grapes as frozen musts. To investigate the fermentation outcomes related to skin contact for red grapevine musts, a postfreeze fermentation experiment was conducted with fruit from ‘Frontenac’, one of the most widely grown red grapevines in the Upper Midwest U.S. and North Dakota. Four fermentation treatments were applied to frozen ‘Frontenac’ grapevine musts: steam juice extraction, rosé, 1 day after inoculation (DAI) skin contact, and 9 DAI skin contact. Samples were collected daily for ten days and analyzed for fermentation progress and spectrophotometric monitoring of wine color attributes and total phenolics. The final wines were analyzed two years after bottling. Steam-extracted musts were initially darkest; however, they were lighter as final wines than the 9 DAI wines and similar to rosé wines in lightness. Total phenolics were greatest for 9 DAI wines and total red pigments were lowest for steam-extracted wines. While differences between treatments were detected, the wines remained visually similar; this indicates that color extraction within the freeze–thaw processes of musts may obliterate subtly and make it difficult to produce wines of light color when stored under these conditions. Continued work with additional grapevines beyond ‘Frontenac’ may help fine-tune must and fermentation extraction procedures for small-scale wineries growing cold-hardy grapevines.
Third Generation Lactic Acid Production by Lactobacillus pentosus from the Macroalgae Kappaphycus alvarezii Hydrolysates
Authors: Tabacof Adam , Calado Verônica , Pereira Nei
Published: March 2023

The evaluation of macroalgae as a new raw material for diverse bioprocesses is of great interest due to their fast growth rate and low environmental impact. Lactic acid has a high value in the bio-based industry and is mainly produced via fermentation. The anaerobic lactic acid fermentation of Kappaphycus alvarezii hydrolysates using the high-producing strain Lactobacillus pentosus was evaluated for detoxified and non-treated hydrolysates prepared from concentrated algal biomass and dilute acid solution mixtures. A novel hydrolysate detoxification procedure, combining activated charcoal and over-liming, for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) removal was used. L. pentosus was found to successfully ferment detoxified and untreated hydrolysates produced in up to 30% and 20% w/v solutions, respectively. Significant production rates (1.88 g/L.h) and short lag phases were achieved in bioreactor fermentation operating at 37 °C and pH 6 with 150 rpm impeller velocity. A 0.94 g/g yield from fermentable sugars (galactose and glucose) was achieved, indicating that K. alvarezii could be used as a raw material for lactic acid production, within the context of Third Generation (3G) biorefinery.
Modeling the Brand Equity and Usage Intention of QR-Code E-Wallets
Authors: Ramli Faten Aisyah Ahmad , Hamzah Muhammad Iskandar , Wahab Siti Norida , Shekhar Rishabh
Published: March 2023

The proliferation of digital payments has paved the way for the greater use of E-wallets or mobile payments in over-the-counter (OTC) retail transactions. Nevertheless, given its economic and accessibility benefits over NFC forms of mobile payment, relatively little is known about QR-code E-wallet (QREW) adoption from the consumer–brand relationship perspective. The study aims to address this knowledge void by augmenting brand equity elements (perceived value, brand image, and brand awareness) to comprehensively analyze consumers’ QREW usage intention in the OTC retail environment. A structural equation modeling analysis was performed on 305 consumers in the greater Klang Valley, Malaysia. The empirical findings suggest that brand awareness positively affects QREW usage intention and mediates the effects of both perceived quality and brand image on the outcome. Moreover, the results reveal a serial mediation effect involving all of the examined factors. Theoretically, this study supplements the literature on mobile payments from the consumer–brand relationship view, in which the predictive nature of brand equity factors is examined separately. In practical terms, considering that the Malaysian market QREW is in a relatively early growth stage, the findings should offer QREW providers insights into how to capitalize on brand equity mechanisms for attracting consumers to utilize their offerings.
Effect of Dry Heating on Some Physicochemical Properties of Protein-Coated High Amylose and Waxy Corn Starch
Authors: Mao Lili , Mhaske Pranita , Farahnaky Asgar , Majzoobi Mahsa
Published: March 2023

The dry heat treatment (DHT) of starch and hydrocolloid mixtures is gaining acknowledgement since hydrocolloids can enhance the efficiency of DHT. However, the DHT of a starch–protein mixture has been less investigated. In this study, the effects of different proteins including sodium caseinate (SC), gelatin, and whey protein isolate (WPI) added to high amylose and waxy corn starches (HACS and WCS, respectively) prepared by the dry mixing and wet method before and after DHT were studied. The DHT of both starches with WPI and SC prepared by the wet method increased the peak viscosity, but no change was observed when gelatin was added. Dry mixing of HACS with the proteins did not affect the peak viscosity before and after DHT. The gelatinization temperatures and enthalpy of both starches showed a slight decrease with the addition of all proteins and reduced further after DHT. The firmness, gumminess, and cohesiveness of the samples decreased upon DHT. The SEM results revealed that the granules were coated by proteins and formed clusters. Particle size analysis showed an increase in the particle size with the addition of proteins, which reduced after DHT. Under the conditions used, the wet method was more successful than dry mixing and the effects of WPI > SC > gelatin in enhancing the physicochemical properties of the tested starches after DHT.
Automatic Detection of Small Sample Apple Surface Defects Using ASDINet
Authors: Hu Xiangyun , Hu Yaowen , Cai Weiwei , Xu Zhuonong , Zhao Peirui , Liu Xuyao , She Qiutong , Hu Yahui , Li Johnny
Published: March 2023

The appearance quality of apples directly affects their price. To realize apple grading automatically, it is necessary to find an effective method for detecting apple surface defects. Aiming at the problem of a low recognition rate in apple surface defect detection under small sample conditions, we designed an apple surface defect detection network (ASDINet) suitable for small sample learning. The self-developed apple sorting system collected RGB images of 50 apple samples for model verification, including non-defective and defective apples (rot, disease, lacerations, and mechanical damage). First, a segmentation network (AU-Net) with a stronger ability to capture small details was designed, and a Dep-conv module that could expand the feature capacity of the receptive field was inserted in its down-sampling path. Among them, the number of convolutional layers in the single-layer convolutional module was positively correlated with the network depth. Next, to achieve real-time segmentation, we replaced the flooding of feature maps with mask output in the 13th layer of the network. Finally, we designed a global decision module (GDM) with global properties, which inserted the global spatial domain attention mechanism (GSAM) and performed fast prediction on abnormal images through the input of masks. In the comparison experiment with state-of-the-art models, our network achieved an AP of 98.8%, and a 97.75% F1-score, which were higher than those of most of the state-of-the-art networks; the detection speed reached 39ms per frame, achieving accuracy-easy deployment and substantial trade-offs that are in line with actual production needs. In the data sensitivity experiment, the ASDINet achieved results that met the production needs under the training of 42 defective pictures. In addition, we also discussed the effect of the ASDINet in actual production, and the test results showed that our proposed network demonstrated excellent performance consistent with the theory in actual production.
Purple Wheat: Food Development, Anthocyanin Stability, and Potential Health Benefits
Authors: Gamel Tamer H. , Saeed Syed Muhammad Ghufran , Ali Rashida , Abdel-Aal El-Sayed M.
Published: March 2023

Colored wheats such as black, blue, or purple wheat are receiving a great interest as healthy food ingredients due to their potential health-enhancing attributes. Purple wheat is an anthocyanin-pigmented grain that holds huge potential in food applications since wheat is the preferred source of energy and protein in human diet. Purple wheat is currently processed into a variety of foods with potent antioxidant properties, which have been demonstrated by in vitro studies. However, the health impacts of purple wheat foods in humans still require further investigations. Meanwhile, anthocyanins are vulnerable molecules that require special stabilization treatments during food preparation and processing. A number of stabilization methods such as co-pigmentation, self-association, encapsulation, metal binding, and adjusting processing conditions have been suggested as a means to diminish the loss of anthocyanins in processed foods and dietary supplements. The present review was intended to provide insights about purple wheat food product development and its roles in human health. In addition, methods for stabilizing anthocyanins during processing were briefly discussed.
Innovative Foods: The Future Food Supply, Nutrition and Health
Authors: Hussain Malik Altaf , Bekhit Alaa El-Din Ahmed
Published: March 2023

In the coming decades, feeding the growing world population is going to become a global food-supply challenge for our existing food systems [...]
Proposal and Verification of the Theory of Layer-by-Layer Elimination of Biofilm in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: He Jialin , Gao Xiangyu , Huang Hanbing , Hao Jianxiong
Published: March 2023

Biofilms are microbial communities that represent a high abundance of microbial life forms on Earth. Within biofilms, structural changes during clearance processes occur in three spatial and temporal dimensions; therefore, microscopy and quantitative image analysis are essential in elucidating their function. Here, we present confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in conjunction with ISA-2 software analysis for the automated and high-throughput quantification, analysis, and visualisation of biofilm interiors and overall biofilm properties in three spatial and temporal dimensions. This paper discusses the removal process of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) biofilms using slightly acidic electrolytic water, non-electrolytic hypochlorite water, and alternating the use of strongly acidic and strongly alkaline electrolytic water. The results show that the biofilm gradually thins and gutters from the initial viscous dense and thick morphology under the action of either biocide. This process is consistent with first-level kinetics. After CLSM filming to observe the biofilm structure, analysis software was used to process and quantify the biovolume, average biofilm thickness, biofilm roughness and other indicators; fluorescence enzyme markers were used to verify the remaining amount of extracellular nucleic acid. In this study, we proposed and validated the theory of layer-by-layer elimination of LM biofilm.
Impact of Grass Pea Sweet Miso Incorporation in Vegan Emulsions: Rheological, Nutritional and Bioactive Properties
Authors: Simões Sara , Carrera Sanchez Cecilio , Santos Albano Joel , Figueira Diogo , Prista Catarina , Raymundo Anabela
Published: March 2023

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a pulse with historical importance in Portugal, but that was forgotten over time. Previous to this work, an innovative miso was developed to increase grass pea usage and consumption, using fermentation as a tool to extol this ingredient. Our work’s goal was to develop a new vegan emulsion with added value, using grass pea sweet miso as a clean-label ingredient, aligned with the most recent consumer trends. For this, a multidisciplinary approach with microbiological, rheological and chemical methods was followed. Grass pea sweet miso characterization revealed a promising ingredient in comparison with soybean miso, namely for its low fat and sodium chloride content and higher content in antioxidant potential. Furthermore, in vitro antimicrobial activity assays showed potential as a preservation supporting agent. After grass pea sweet miso characterization, five formulations with 5–15% (w/w) of miso were tested, with a vegan emulsion similar to mayonnaise as standard. The most promising formulation, 7.5% (w/w) miso, presented adequate rheological properties, texture profile and fairly good stability, presenting a unimodal droplet size distribution and stable backscattering profile. The addition of 0.1% (w/w) psyllium husk, a fiber with great water-intake capacity, solved the undesirable release of exudate from the emulsion, as observed on the backscattering results. Furthermore, the final product presented a significantly higher content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in comparison with the standard vegan emulsion.
Preparation, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity of L-Ascorbic Acid/HP-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex-Incorporated Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Khan Nabab , Singh Amit Kumar , Saneja Ankit
Published: March 2023

L-Ascorbic acid (LAA) is a key vitamin, implicated in a variety of physiological processes in humans. Due to its free radical scavenging activity, it is extensively employed as an excipient in pharmaceutical products and food supplements. However, its application is greatly impeded by poor thermal and aqueous stability. Herein, to improve the stability and inhibit oxidative degradation, we prepared LAA-cyclodextrin inclusion complex-incorporated nanofibers (NFs). The continuous variation method (Job plot) demonstrated that LAA forms inclusions with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) at a 2:1 molar stoichiometric ratio. The NFs were prepared via the single step electrospinning technique, without using any polymer matrix. The solid-state characterizations of LAA/HP-β-CD-NF via powder x-ray diffractometry (PXRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR and 2D-NOESY) spectroscopy, reveal the effective encapsulation of the LAA (guest molecule) inside the HP-β-CD (host) cavity. The SEM micrograph reveals an average fiber diameter of ~339 nm. The outcomes of the thermal investigations demonstrated that encapsulation of LAA within HP-β-CD cavities provides improved thermal stability of LAA (by increasing the thermal degradation temperature). The radical scavenging assay demonstrated the enhanced antioxidant potential of LAA/HP-β-CD-NF, as compared to native LAA. Overall, the study shows that cyclodextrin inclusion complex-incorporated NFs, are an effective approach for improving the limitations associated with LAA, and provide promising avenues in its therapeutic and food applications.
Agricultural Commodities in the Context of the Russia-Ukraine War: Evidence from Corn, Wheat, Barley, and Sunflower Oil
Authors: Aliu Florin , Kučera Jiří , Hašková Simona
Published: March 2023

The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 accelerated agricultural commodity prices and raised food insecurities worldwide. Ukraine and Russia are the leading global suppliers of wheat, corn, barley and sunflower oil. For this purpose, we investigated the relationship among these four agricultural commodities and, at the same time, predicted their future performance. The series covers the period from 1 January 1990 to 1 August 2022, based on monthly frequencies. The VAR impulse response function, variance decomposition, Granger Causality Test and vector error correction model were used to analyze relationships between variables. The results indicate that corn prices are an integral part of price changes in wheat, barley and sunflower oil. Wheat prices are also essential but with a weaker influence than that of corn. The additional purpose of this study was to forecast their price changes ten months ahead. The Vector Autoregressive (VAR) and Vector Error Correction (VECM) fanchart estimates an average price decline in corn, wheat, barley and sunflower oil in the range of 10%. From a policy perspective, the findings provide reliable signals for countries exposed to food insecurities and inflationary risk. Recognizing the limitations that predictions maintain, the results provide modest signals for relevant agencies, international regulatory authorities, retailers and low-income countries. Moreover, stakeholders can become informed about their price behavior and the causal relationship they hold with each other.
Editorial on the Special Issue “Modification of Hydrogels and Their Applications in Biomedical Engineering”
Authors: Wang Yanen , Wei Qinghua
Published: March 2023

Hydrogels and hydrophilic polymer networks play an important role in biomedical engineering due to their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties, similarly to some soft tissues [...]
Development of Novel pH-Sensitive Eudragit Coated Beads Containing Curcumin-Mesalamine Combination for Colon-Specific Drug Delivery
Authors: Heikal Eman J. , Kaoud Rashad M. , Gad Shadeed , Mokhtar Hatem I. , Alattar Abdullah , Alshaman Reem , Zaitone Sawsan A. , Moustafa Yasser M. , Hammady Taha M.
Published: March 2023

This research aims to develop a drug delivery system that effectively treats colitis while administering curcumin/mesalamine by coating alginate/chitosan beads with Eudragit® S-100 to target the colon. Beads were tested to determine their physicochemical characteristics. Coating with Eudragit® S-100 prevents drug release at a pH of less than 7; this was demonstrated by in-vitro release conducted in a medium with gradually varying pH to mimic circumstances in various regions of the gastrointestinal tract. This study examined the efficacy of the coated beads in treating acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Results showed that spherical beads were formed with an average diameter of 1.6–2.8 mm, and the obtained swelling ranged from 409.80% to 890.19%. The calculated entrapment efficiency ranged from 87.49% to 97.89%. The optimized formula F13 (which was composed of mesalamine-curcumin active ingredients, Sodium alginate as a gelling agent, chitosan as a controlled release agent, CaCl2 as a crosslinking agent, and Eudragit S-100 as a pH-sensitive coating agent) demonstrated the best entrapment efficiency (97.89% ± 1.66), swelling (890.19% ± 60.1), and bead size (2.7 ± 0.62 mm). In formulation #13, which was coated with Eudragit S 100, curcumin (6.01 ± 0.04%) and mesalamine (8.64 ± 0.7%), were released after 2 h at pH 1.2; 6.36 ± 0.11% and 10.45 ± 1.52% of curcumin and mesalamine, respectively, were then released after 4 h and at pH 6.8. Meanwhile, at pH 7.4, after 24 h, approximately 85.34 ± 2.3% (curcumin) and 91.5 ± 1.2% (mesalamine) were released. Formula #13 significantly reduced the colitis, and this suggests that the developed hydrogel beads can be used for delivering curcumin-mesalamine combinations to treat ulcerative colitis after adequate research.
Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) on Muscular Activation during Cycling: A Single-Blind Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Trofè Aurelio , Piras Alessandro , Muehsam David , Meoni Andrea , Campa Francesco , Toselli Stefania , Raffi Milena
Published: March 2023

Purpose: PEMF stimulation results in a higher O2 muscle supply during exercise through increased O2 release and uptake. Given the importance of oxygen uptake in sport activity, especially in aerobic disciplines such as cycling, we sought to investigate the influence of PEMF on muscle activity when subjects cycled at an intensity between low and severe. Methods: Twenty semi-professional cyclists performed a constant-load exercise with randomized active (ON) or inactive (OFF) PEMF stimulation. Each subject started the recording session with 1 min of cycling without load (warm-up), followed by an instantaneous increase in power, as the individualized workload (constant-load physical effort). PEMF loops were applied on the vastus medialis and biceps femoris of the right leg. We recorded the electromyographic activity from each muscle and measured blood lactate prior the exercise and during the constant-load physical effort. Results: PEMF stimulation caused a significant increase in muscle activity in the warm-up condition when subjects cycled without load (p < 0.001). The blood lactate concentration was higher during PEMF stimulation (p < 0.001), a possible consequence of PEMF’s influence on glycolytic metabolism. Conclusion: PEMF stimulation augmented the activity and the metabolism of muscular fibers during the execution of physical exercise. PEMF stimulation could be used to raise the amplitude of muscular responses to physical activity, especially during low-intensity exercise.
Impact of Organic Acids and Biological Treatments in Foliar Nutrition on Tomato and Pepper Plants
Authors: Massimi Mohunnad , Radócz László , Csótó András
Published: March 2023

As a result of global warming related to the development of industry and agriculture, the proportion of atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased, and temperatures have risen to unprecedented levels. As a result, heat stress, aridity, and salinity in soil has increased, leading to significant research focused on soil deterioration and reduced agricultural productivity. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the means to maintain crop productivity. Agricultural research is seeking novel solutions that guarantee stability and increase the production and quality of crops, including innovative models for feeding crops using non-traditional methods, the most important of which is nourishing plants via their leaves to ensure the cessation of their soil consumption. It is considered an integrated pest-control method, and the technique could be included in plant nutrition. Foliar nutrition has been shown to be a perfect substitute for providing secondary nutrients and micronutrients to plants; however, it cannot be substituted for the fertigation or the fertilization of maintain the soil’s macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). This study shed light on the most important research, conclusions, and generalizations on the technique of foliar feeding using organic acids and biological treatments, especially for tomato and pepper plants.
Development of Nutrient Solution Compositions for Paprika Cultivation in a Closed Coir Substrate Hydroponic System in Republic of Korea’s Winter Cropping Season
Authors: Yeo Kyung-Hwan , Choi Gyeong-Lee , Lee Jae-Han , Park Kyung-Sub , Choi Ki-Young
Published: March 2023

Other than in highland areas, the majority of paprika growers in Republic of Korea transplant during late summer and cultivate when temperatures are relatively low. Additionally, they typically apply European nutrient solutions and hydroponic technologies with different climates and cultivation periods. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the optimal nutrient solution composition based on growth stages suitable for paprika (Capsicum annum L.) cultivation in closed hydroponic systems with a coir substrate during the winter cropping season. The nutrient solutions were supplied to all the paprika plants at pH 5.8–6.0 and electrical conductivity (EC) 2.0–3.5 dS·m−1 according to the target EC setting for each growth stage. The mixing ratio of the reused nutrient solution (drainage) to the fresh solution was maintained within 30% on an EC basis (0.6–1.1 dS∙m−1) at each irrigation event. Paprika plants ‘Cupra’ were grown in three different nutrient solutions using an automated fertilizer dosing system based on integrated solar radiation (ISR). Nutrient absorption patterns according to growth stages were investigated for each nutrient solution. To reduce the nutritional imbalances of major nutrients in the root zone (RZ, substrate), the nutrient solution ‘NIHHS (National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Sciences)’ was adjusted considering the nutrition absorption patterns according to growth stages, ion balances between anions and cations, and differences between the ion concentrations in the RZ and with irrigation. NIHHS-Coir1 and NIHHS-Coir2 solutions with 5–10% and 10–15% readjustments of macronutrient concentrations in the NIHHS, respectively, were used to evaluate the suitabilities for cultivation and productivity, whilst the IKC (Informatie en Kennis Centrum) nutrient solution was used as the control. We investigated the influence of these solutions on growth, yield, and photosynthetic responses compared to the conventional nutrient solution. Throughout the entire cultivation period, the newly formulated NIHHS-Coir1 solution had a marketable fruit ratio (%) of 2.4–3.5% higher and a marketable yield (kg/m2) of 5.3–8.7% higher than those of the conventional IKC solution.
The Role of Histone Modifications in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kourtidou Christodoula , Tziomalos Konstantinos
Published: March 2023

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. The pathogenesis of DKD is multifactorial, with several molecular pathways implicated. Recent data suggest that histone modification plays an important role in the development and progression of DKD. Histone modification appears to induce oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis in the diabetic kidney. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge on the association between histone modification and DKD.
CHIR99021-Treated Osteocytes with Wnt Activation in 3D-Printed Module Form an Osteogenic Microenvironment for Enhanced Osteogenesis and Vasculogenesis
Authors: Luo Yisheng , Liu Yangxi , Wang Bo , Tu Xiaolin
Published: March 2023

Finding a bone implant that has high bioactivity that can safely drive stem cell differentiation and simulate a real in vivo microenvironment is a challenge for bone tissue engineering. Osteocytes significantly regulate bone cell fate, and Wnt-activated osteocytes can reversely regulate bone formation by regulating bone anabolism, which may improve the biological activity of bone implants. To achieve a safe application, we used the Wnt agonist CHIR99021 (C91) to treat MLO-Y4 for 24 h, in a co-culture with ST2 for 3 days after withdrawal. We found that the expression of Runx2 and Osx increased, promoted osteogenic differentiation, and inhibited adipogenic differentiation in the ST2 cells, and these effects were eliminated by the triptonide. Therefore, we hypothesized that C91-treated osteocytes form an osteogenic microenvironment (COOME). Subsequently, we constructed a bio-instructive 3D printing system to verify the function of COOME in 3D modules that mimic the in vivo environment. Within PCI3D, COOME increased the survival and proliferation rates to as high as 92% after 7 days and promoted ST2 cell differentiation and mineralization. Simultaneously, we found that the COOME-conditioned medium also had the same effects. Therefore, COOME promotes ST2 cell osteogenic differentiation both directly and indirectly. It also promotes HUVEC migration and tube formation, which can be explained by the high expression of Vegf. Altogether, these results indicate that COOME, combined with our independently developed 3D printing system, can overcome the poor cell survival and bioactivity of orthopedic implants and provide a new method for clinical bone defect repair.
Sex Differences in Tryptophan Metabolism: A Systematic Review Focused on Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Authors: Pais Mariana , Martins João , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Gonçalves Joana
Published: March 2023

Tryptophan (Tryp) is an essential amino acid and the precursor of several neuroactive compounds within the central nervous system (CNS). Tryp metabolism, the common denominator linking serotonin (5-HT) dysfunctions and neuroinflammation, is involved in several neuropsychiatric conditions, including neurological, neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric diseases. Interestingly, most of those conditions occur and progress in a sex-specific manner. Here, we explore the most relevant observations about the influence of biological sex on Tryp metabolism and its possible relation to neuropsychiatric diseases. Consistent evidence suggests that women have a higher susceptibility than men to suffer serotoninergic alterations due to changes in the levels of its precursor Tryp. Indeed, female sex bias in neuropsychiatric diseases is involved in a reduced availability of this amino acid pool and 5-HT synthesis. These changes in Tryp metabolism could lead to sexual dimorphism on the prevalence and severity of some neuropsychiatric disorders. This review identifies gaps in the current state of the art, thus suggesting future research directions. Specifically, there is a need for further research on the impact of diet and sex steroids, both involved in this molecular mechanism as they have been poorly addressed for this topic.
Inhibition of Prolyl Oligopeptidase Restores Prohibitin 2 Levels in Psychosis Models: Relationship to Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia
Authors: Vila Èlia , Pinacho Raquel , Prades Roger , Tarragó Teresa , Castro Elena , Munarriz-Cuezva Eva , Meana J. Javier , Eugui-Anta Ania , Roldan Mònica , Vera-Montecinos América , Ramos Belén
Published: March 2023

Cognitive impairment represents one of the core features of schizophrenia. Prolyl Oligopeptidase (POP) inhibition is an emerging strategy for compensating cognitive deficits in hypoglutamatergic states such as schizophrenia, although little is known about how POP inhibitors exert their pharmacological activity. The mitochondrial and nuclear protein Prohibitin 2 (PHB2) could be dysregulated in schizophrenia. However, altered PHB2 levels in schizophrenia linked to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity and cognitive deficits are still unknown. To shed light on this, we measured the PHB2 levels by immunoblot in a postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of schizophrenia subjects, in the frontal pole of mice treated with the NMDAR antagonists phencyclidine and dizocilpine, and in rat cortical astrocytes and neurons treated with dizocilpine. Mice and cells were treated in combination with the POP inhibitor IPR19. The PHB2 levels were also analyzed by immunocytochemistry in rat neurons. The PHB2 levels increased in DLPFC in cases of chronic schizophrenia and were associated with cognitive impairments. NMDAR antagonists increased PHB2 levels in the frontal pole of mice and in rat astrocytes and neurons. High levels of PHB2 were found in the nucleus and cytoplasm of neurons upon NMDAR inhibition. IPR19 restored PHB2 levels in the acute NMDAR inhibition. These results show that IPR19 restores the upregulation of PHB2 in an acute NMDAR hypoactivity stage suggesting that the modulation of PHB2 could compensate NMDAR-dependent cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.
Deciphering the Polyglucosan Accumulation Present in Lafora Disease Using an Astrocytic Cellular Model
Authors: Moreno-Estellés Mireia , Campos-Rodríguez Ángela , Rubio-Villena Carla , Kumarasinghe Lorena , Garcia-Gimeno Maria Adelaida , Sanz Pascual
Published: March 2023

Lafora disease (LD) is a neurological disorder characterized by progressive myoclonus epilepsy. The hallmark of the disease is the presence of insoluble forms of glycogen (polyglucosan bodies, or PGBs) in the brain. The accumulation of PGBs is causative of the pathophysiological features of LD. However, despite the efforts made by different groups, the question of why PGBs accumulate in the brain is still unanswered. We have recently demonstrated that, in vivo, astrocytes accumulate most of the PGBs present in the brain, and this could lead to astrocyte dysfunction. To develop a deeper understanding of the defects present in LD astrocytes that lead to LD pathophysiology, we obtained pure primary cultures of astrocytes from LD mice from the postnatal stage under conditions that accumulate PGBs, the hallmark of LD. These cells serve as novel in vitro models for studying PGBs accumulation and related LD dysfunctions. In this sense, the metabolomics of LD astrocytes indicate that they accumulate metabolic intermediates of the upper part of the glycolytic pathway, probably as a consequence of enhanced glucose uptake. In addition, we also demonstrate the feasibility of using the model in the identification of different compounds that may reduce the accumulation of polyglucosan inclusions.
The Role of miR-128 in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Lanza Marika , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Oddo Salvatore , Esposito Emanuela , Casili Giovanna
Published: March 2023

Several neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins and are collectively known as proteinopathies. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD) represent some of the most common neurodegenerative disorders whose steady increase in prevalence is having a major socio-economic impact on our society. Multiple laboratories have reported hundreds of changes in gene expression in selective brain regions of AD, PD, and HD brains. While the mechanisms underlying these changes remain an active area of investigation, alterations in the expression of noncoding RNAs, which are common in AD, PD, and HD, may account for some of the changes in gene expression in proteinopathies. In this review, we discuss the role of miR-128, which is highly expressed in mammalian brains, in AD, PD, and HD. We highlight how alterations in miR-128 may account, at least in part, for the gene expression changes associated with proteinopathies. Indeed, miR-128 is involved, among other things, in the regulation of neuronal plasticity, cytoskeletal organization, and neuronal death, events linked to various proteinopathies. For example, reducing the expression of miR-128 in a mouse model of AD ameliorates cognitive deficits and reduces neuropathology. Overall, the data in the literature suggest that targeting miR-128 might be beneficial to mitigate the behavioral phenotype associated with these diseases.
GWAS-Identified Variants for Obesity Do Not Influence the Risk of Developing Multiple Myeloma: A Population-Based Study and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sánchez-Maldonado José Manuel , Cabrera-Serrano Antonio José , Chattopadhyay Subhayan , Campa Daniele , Garrido María del Pilar , Macauda Angelica , Ter Horst Rob , Jerez Andrés , Netea Mihai G. , Li Yang , Hemminki Kari , Canzian Federico , Försti Asta , Sainz Juan
Published: March 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable disease characterized by the presence of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow that secrete specific monoclonal immunoglobulins into the blood. Obesity has been associated with the risk of developing solid and hematological cancers, but its role as a risk factor for MM needs to be further explored. Here, we evaluated whether 32 genome-wide association study (GWAS)-identified variants for obesity were associated with the risk of MM in 4189 German subjects from the German Multiple Myeloma Group (GMMG) cohort (2121 MM cases and 2068 controls) and 1293 Spanish subjects (206 MM cases and 1087 controls). Results were then validated through meta-analysis with data from the UKBiobank (554 MM cases and 402,714 controls) and FinnGen cohorts (914 MM cases and 248,695 controls). Finally, we evaluated the correlation of these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with cQTL data, serum inflammatory proteins, steroid hormones, and absolute numbers of blood-derived cell populations (n = 520). The meta-analysis of the four European cohorts showed no effect of obesity-related variants on the risk of developing MM. We only found a very modest association of the POC5rs2112347G and ADCY3rs11676272G alleles with MM risk that did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing (per-allele OR = 1.08, p = 0.0083 and per-allele OR = 1.06, p = 0.046). No correlation between these SNPs and functional data was found, which confirms that obesity-related variants do not influence MM risk.