bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martinho Diogo V. , Nobari Hadi , Faria Ana , Field Adam , Duarte Daniel , Sarmento Hugo
Published: September 2022

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are oxidized in the muscle and result in stimulating anabolic signals—which in return may optimize performance, body composition and recovery. Meanwhile, among athletes, the evidence about BCAA supplementation is not clear. The aim of this study was to review the effects of BCAAs in athletic populations. The research was conducted in three databases: Web of Science (all databases), PubMed and Scopus. The inclusion criteria involved participants classified both as athletes and people who train regularly, and who were orally supplemented with BCAAs. The risk of bias was individually assessed for each study using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0). From the 2298 records found, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Although BCAAs tended to activate anabolic signals, the benefits on performance and body composition were negligible. On the other hand, studies that included resistance participants showed that BCAAs attenuated muscle soreness after exercise, while in endurance sports the findings were inconsistent. The protocols of BCAA supplements differed considerably between studies. Moreover, most of the studies did not report the total protein intake across the day and, consequently, the benefits of BCAAs should be interpreted with caution.
Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Effects on Diet, Sedentary Lifestyle, and Stress
Authors: Coşkun Merve Güney , Öztürk Rabia İclal , Tak Ayşegül Yabacı , Sanlier Nevin
Published: September 2022

Many companies switched to working from home (WFH) after the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aimed to examine the changes in dietary behavior, body weight, sedentary lifestyle, and stress in individuals who practice WFH. A cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire was administered between March and May 2021 and included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, WFH arrangement, changes in diet, sedentary lifestyle, and stress status. A total of 328 individuals (260 women, 68 men), aged 31.3 ± 8.3 years with a BMI of 24.9 ± 4.6 kg/m2, participated in the study. The questionnaire revealed that the daily working time increased with WFH. The majority of the individuals (59.1%) gained weight. The average daily sedentary time and the Perceived Stress Scale score increased significantly. The daily sedentary time and Non-Healthy Diet Index scores were higher in individuals who gained weight (p < 0.05). A multinominal regression model revealed that increased body weight was less likely in individuals with underweight and normal BMI classifications. Normal BMI, stable work shifts, and no physical activity were positive predictors for gaining weight. These results suggest that WFH may have significant negative effects on physical and mental status of individuals.
Positive or U-Shaped Association of Elevated Hemoglobin Concentration Levels with Metabolic Syndrome and Metabolic Components: Findings from Taiwan Biobank and UK Biobank
Authors: Timoteo Vanessa Joy , Chiang Kuang-Mao , Pan Wen-Harn
Published: September 2022

Iron overnutrition has been implicated with a higher risk of developing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, including metabolic syndrome (MetS), whereas iron deficiency anemia exacerbates many underlying chronic conditions. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in the blood, which reflects a major functional iron (i.e., heme iron) in the body, may serve as a surrogate of the nutritional status of iron. We conducted sex-specific observational association studies in which we carefully titrated the association between Hb deciles and MetS and its components among the Taiwanese Han Chinese (HC) from the Taiwan Biobank and Europeans of White ancestry from the UK Biobank, representing two large ethnicities. Our data show that at higher-than-normal levels of Hb, increasing deciles of Hb concentration were significantly associated with MetS across all sex subgroups in both ethnicities, with the highest deciles resulting in up to three times greater risk than the reference group [Taiwanese HC: OR = 3.17 (95% CI, 2.75–3.67) for Hb ≥ 16.5 g/dL in men, OR = 3.11 (2.78–3.47) for Hb ≥ 14.5 g/dL in women; European Whites: OR = 1.89 (1.80–1.98) for Hb ≥ 16.24 g/dL in men, OR = 2.35 (2.24–2.47) for Hb ≥ 14.68 g/dL in women]. The association between stronger risks and increasing Hb deciles was similarly observed with all metabolic components except diabetes. Here we found that both the highest Hb decile groups and contrarily the lowest ones, with respect to the reference, were associated with higher odds of diabetes in both ethnic groups [e.g., Taiwanese HC men: OR = 1.64 (1.33–2.02) for Hb ≥ 16.5 g/dL, OR = 1.71 (1.39–2.10) for Hb ≤ 13.5 g/dL; European Whites women: OR = 1.39 (1.26–1.45) for Hb ≥ 14.68 g/dL, OR = 1.81 (1.63–2.01) for Hb ≤ 12.39 g/dL]. These findings confirm that elevated Hb concentrations, a potential indicator of iron overnutrition, may play a role in the pathophysiology of MetS and metabolic components.
Experimental Observation of Isolative Efficacy of a Solid Coupling Medium in Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy—Implications to Nosocomial Infection Prevention
Authors: Chou Hui-Wen , Huang Chih-Lin , Lin Yu-Chih , Lin Yusen Eason , Chen Wei-Chuan
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a well-established, popular treatment choice for renal stones. Traditionally, the semi-liquid gel is used as a coupling medium in ESWL. During ESWL, body fluid or blood might transmit between the patients when the probe or gel used in the procedure is contaminated and cause potential nosocomial infections. To solve this problem, we developed a solid coupling medium (isolation coupling pad, referred to as “icPad”) between the patient’s skin and the probe as a shock wave transmission medium to prevent contamination. This study aimed to investigate the isolative efficacy of the icPad in blocking the permeation of microbes. Method: Rhodamine 6G (a fluorescent dye) was used as a tracer to simulate the microorganisms. The penetration of the fluorescent dye on the longitudinal section of the icPad was observed by a microscope after the dye was placed on the body side of the icPad for 40 min. After the shock wave, icPad was extracted with 75% ethanol, and fluorescence intensity was measured with a fluorescence spectrometer. Results: Our results revealed that the body side of icPad is free of fluorescent dye during lithotripsy. Qualitative analysis results confirmed that icPad has an isolative effect on simulating contaminants such as bacteria or viruses. Conclusion: In this in vitro phantom study, a proprietary icPad can be an isolative coupling medium and is speculated to avoid cross-contamination of bacterial or viral infection during ESWL.
First Molecular Identification of Babesia, Theileria, and Anaplasma in Goats from the Philippines
Authors: Galon Eloiza May , Ybañez Rochelle Haidee , Macalanda Adrian Miki , Estabillo Giemelene Rose , Montano Margaret Therese Rose , Veedor Marielle Danise , Garvida Anatolio , Fabon Ralph Joselle , Callanta Mary Ruth , Labutong Kim Joseph , Tumwebaze Maria Agnes , Byamukama Benedicto , Ji Shengwei , Zafar Iqra , Ybañez Adrian , Xuan Xuenan
Published: September 2022

Goats are key livestock animals and goat raising is an income-generating venture for smallholder farmers, supporting agricultural development in many parts of the world. However, goat production is often limited by various factors, such as tick-borne diseases. Goat piroplasmosis is a disease caused by apicomplexan parasites Babesia spp. and Theileria spp., while anaplasmosis is caused by bacterial Anaplasma spp. In the Philippines, the presence of Babesia, Theileria, and Anaplasma has not been reported in goats. In this study, DNA obtained from goats were molecularly screened for Babesia/Theileria and Anaplasma. Of 396, 77.02% (305/396) and 38.64% (153/396) were positive for piroplasma and Anaplasma using PCR assays targeting the 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes, respectively. Similarly, Babesia ovis was detected in six samples (1.52%). Representative Babesia/Theileria sequences shared 89.97–97.74% identity with each other and were most closely related to T. orientalis, T. annulata, and Theileria spp. Meanwhile, Anaplasma 16SrRNA sequences were related to A. odocoilei, A. platys, and A. phagocytophilum. This is the first molecular identification of B. ovis, Theileria spp., and Anaplasma spp. in goats from the Philippines.
Irisin Preserves Cardiac Performance and Insulin Sensitivity in Response to Hemorrhage
Authors: Kulthinee Supaporn , Wang Lijiang , Yano Naohiro , Dubielecka Patrycja M. , Zhang Ling X. , Zhuang Shougang , Qin Gangjian , Zhao Yu Tina , Eugene Chin Yue , Zhao Ting C.
Published: September 2022

Irisin, a cleaved product of the fibronectin type III domain containing protein-5, is produced in the muscle tissue, which plays an important role in modulating insulin resistance. However, it remains unknown if irisin provides a protective effect against the detrimental outcomes of hemorrhage. Hemorrhages were simulated in male CD-1 mice to achieve a mean arterial blood pressure of 35–45 mmHg, followed by resuscitation. Irisin (50 ng/kg) and the vehicle (saline) were administrated at the start of resuscitation. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography, and hemodynamics were measured through femoral artery catheterization. A glucose tolerance test was used to evaluate insulin sensitivity. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect inflammatory factors in the muscles and blood serum. Western blot was carried out to assess the irisin production in skeletal muscles. Histological analyses were used to determine tissue damage and active-caspase 3 apoptotic signals. The hemorrhage suppressed cardiac performance, as indicated by a reduced ejection fraction and fractional shortening, which was accompanied by enhanced insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Furthermore, the hemorrhage resulted in a marked decrease in irisin and an increase in the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). Additionally, the hemorrhage caused marked edema, inflammatory cell infiltration and active-caspase 3 positive signals in skeletal muscles and cardiac muscles. Irisin treatment led to a significant improvement in the cardiac function of animals exposed to a hemorrhage. In addition, irisin treatment improved insulin sensitivity, which is consistent with the suppressed inflammatory cytokine secretion elicited by hemorrhages. Furthermore, hemorrhage-induced tissue edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and active-caspase 3 positive signaling were attenuated by irisin treatment. The results suggest that irisin protects against damage from a hemorrhage through the modulation of insulin sensitivity.
Internal Mammary Arteries as a Model to Demonstrate Restoration of the Impaired Vasodilation in Hypertension, Using Liposomal Delivery of the CYP1B1 Inhibitor, 2,3′,4,5′-Tetramethoxystilbene
Authors: Zaabalawi Azziza , Renshall Lewis , Beards Frances , Lightfoot Adam P. , Degens Hans , Alexander Yvonne , Hasan Ragheb , Bilal Haris , Graf Brigitte A. , Harris Lynda K. , Azzawi May
Published: September 2022

A significant number of patients with severe cardiovascular disease, undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), present with hypertension. While internal mammary arteries (IMAs) may be a better alternative to vein grafts, their impaired vasodilator function affects their patency. Our objectives were to (1) determine if inhibition of the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP1B1, using liposome-encapsulated 2,3′,4,5′-tetramethoxystilbene (TMS), can potentiate vasodilation of IMAs from CABG patients, and (2) assess mechanisms involved using coronary arteries from normal rats, in an ex vivo model of hypertension. PEGylated liposomes were synthesized and loaded with TMS (mean diameter 141 ± 0.9 nm). Liposomal delivery of TMS improved its bioavailability Compared to TMS solution (0.129 ± 0.02 ng/mL vs. 0.086 ± 0.01 ng/mL at 4 h; p < 0.05). TMS-loaded liposomes alleviated attenuated endothelial-dependent acetylcholine (ACh)-induced dilation in diseased IMAs (@ACh 10−4 M: 56.9 ± 5.1%; n = 8 vs. 12.7 ± 7.8%; n = 6; p < 0.01) for TMS-loaded liposomes vs. blank liposomes, respectively. The alleviation in dilation may be due to the potent inhibition of CYP1B1 by TMS, and subsequent reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) moieties and stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis. In isolated rat coronary arteries exposed to a hypertensive environment, TMS-loaded liposomes potentiated nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarization pathways via AMPK. Our findings are promising for the future development of TMS-loaded liposomes as a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance TMS bioavailability and potentiate vasodilator function in hypertension, with relevance for early and long-term treatment of CABG patients, via the sustained and localized TMS release within IMAs.
Simulation-Based Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Sedations: A Novel Validation to Multidrug Pharmacodynamic Modeling
Authors: Liou Jing-Yang , Wang Hsin-Yi , Kuo I-Ting , Chang Wen-Kuei , Ting Chien-Kun
Published: September 2022

Pharmacodynamic models have described the interactions between anesthetics. Applying the models to clinical practice is still problematic due to inherent limitations: 1. modeling conditions are different from practice. 2. One model can only describe one endpoint. To tackle these, we propose a new method of model validation for recovery and intraprocedural sedation adequacy with a three-drug pharmacodynamic model using six published clinical studies that contain midazolam, opioid, and propofol. Mean drug dose, intraprocedural sedation level, procedure, and recovery time are extracted from each study. Simulated drug regimens are designed to best approximate study conditions. A published deep sedation model is used for simulation. Model-predicted recovery time and intraprocedural sedation scores are compared with the original clinical study outcomes. The model successfully predicted recovery times in eight out of nine regimens. Lower doses of midazolam are associated with faster recovery. Model prediction of intraprocedural sedation level was compatible with the clinical studies in five out of seven regimens. The three-drug pharmacodynamic model describes the course of gastrointestinal endoscopy sedations from clinical studies well. Model predictions are consistent with the results from clinical studies. The approach implies that large scale validation can be performed repeatedly.
Dosing Regimen of Aditoprim and Sulfamethoxazole Combination for the Glaesserella parasuis Containing Resistance and Virulence Genes
Authors: Huang Anxiong , Huang Xiao , Zhang Zhihao , Yuan Zonghui , Huang Lingli , Wang Yulian , Tao Yanfei , Chen Dongmei , Liu Zhenli , Hao Haihong
Published: September 2022

Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) causes Glasser’s disease in pigs and causes high mortality in piglets. The new drug Aditoprim (ADP) alone or combined with Sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) is one of the good choices for treating respiratory infections. The objective of this study was to recommend the optimal dosing regimen for the treatment of G. parasuis infection which contains resistance and virulence genes by ADP/SMZ compound through pharmacokinetics–pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) modeling. The whole genome of the virulent strain G. parasuis H78 was obtained and annotated by whole genome sequencing. The results show that G. parasuis H78 consists of a unilateral circular chromosome with prophages in the genome. The annotation results of G. parasuis H78 showed that the genome contained a large number of virulence-related genes and drug resistance-related genes. The in vitro PD study showed that the antibacterial effect of ADP/SMZ compound against G. parasuis was time-dependent, and AUC/MIC was selected as the PK-PD modeling parameter. The PK study showed that the content of ADP/SMZ compound in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) was higher than plasma, and there were no significant differences in ADP and SMZ PK parameters between the healthy and infected group. The dose equation to calculate the optimal dosing regimen of ADP/SMZ compound administration for control of G. parasuis infection was 5/25 mg/kg b.w., intramuscular injection once a day for 3~5 consecutive days. The results of this study provide novel therapeutic options for the treatment of G. parasuis infection to decrease the prevalence and disease burden caused by G. parasuis.
New Horizons of Macrophage Immunomodulation in the Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Lin Ching-Wen , Hung Chien-Min , Chen Wan-Jiun , Chen Jui-Ching , Huang Wen-Yen , Lu Chia-Sing , Kuo Ming-Liang , Chen Shyi-Gen
Published: September 2022

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are one of the most costly and troublesome complications of diabetes mellitus. The wound chronicity of DFUs remains the main challenge in the current and future treatment of this condition. Persistent inflammation results in chronic wounds characterized by dysregulation of immune cells, such as M1 macrophages, and impairs the polarization of M2 macrophages and the subsequent healing process of DFUs. The interactive regulation of M1 and M2 macrophages during DFU healing is critical and seems manageable. This review details how cytokines and signalling pathways are co-ordinately regulated to control the functions of M1 and M2 macrophages in normal wound repair. DFUs are defective in the M1-to-M2 transition, which halts the whole wound-healing machinery. Many pre-clinical and clinical innovative approaches, including the application of topical insulin, CCL chemokines, micro RNAs, stem cells, stem-cell-derived exosomes, skin substitutes, antioxidants, and the most recent Phase III-approved ON101 topical cream, have been shown to modulate the activity of M1 and M2 macrophages in DFUs. ON101, the newest clinically approved product in this setting, is designed specifically to down-regulate M1 macrophages and further modulate the wound microenvironment to favour M2 emergence and expansion. Finally, the recent evolution of macrophage modulation therapies and techniques will improve the effectiveness of the treatment of diverse DFUs.
The Difficulties in Symbol Grounding Problem and the Direction for Solving It
Authors: Li Jianhui , Mao Haohao
Published: September 2022

The symbol grounding problem (SGP) proposed by Stevan Harnad in 1990, originates from Searle’s “Chinese Room Argument” and refers to the problem of how a pure symbolic system acquires its meaning. While many solutions to this problem have been proposed, all of them have encountered inconsistencies to different extents. A recent approach for resolving the problem is to divide the SGP into hard and easy problems echoing the distinction between hard and easy problems for resolving the enigma of consciousness. This however turns out not to be an ideal strategy: Everything related to consciousness that cannot be well-explained by present theories can be categorized as a hard problem which as a consequence would doom the SGP to irresolvability. We therefore argue that the SGP can be regarded as a general problem of how an AI system can have intentionality, and develop a theoretical direction for its solution.
Temporal Contrast Enhancement Based on the Self-Diffraction Process with Different Kerr Media
Authors: Xuan Yaping , Shen Xiong , Liang Wenhai , Wang Peng , Liu Jun , Li Ruxin
Published: September 2022

In this study, the self-diffraction (SD) process proved to be a competitive method to achieve a seed pulse with high temporal contrast in ultra-intense lasers. Several different nonlinear, transparent Kerr media including BK7 glasses, AL2O3 and CVD diamonds were compared experimentally to obtain SD signals with high energy and high conversion efficiency. AL2O3, with a high third-order nonlinear coefficient and high laser damage threshold, was found to be the best medium to improve the conversion efficiency of SD signals. The highest first-order SD signal of 401.7 μJ was achieved, with the conversion efficiency at approximately 9.1%, when the incident pulse energy was 4.40 mJ. The temporal contrast of the obtained first-order SD signal was improved by 7 orders of magnitude to 1012. As a result, this cleaning pulse will facilitate research involving ultra-intense laser systems and high-intensity laser–matter interactions.
Electromagnetically Induced Grating of Surface Polaritons via Coherent Population Oscillation
Authors: Duan Yu , Liu Shengyan , Tan Chaohua
Published: September 2022

We propose a scheme to study the electromagnetically induced grating (EIG) of surface polaritons (SPs) in a negative index metamaterial/rare-earth-ion-doped crystal interface waveguide system, based on coherent population oscillation (CPO) modulating by a standing wave control field. Absorption grating can be formed via the large absorption modulation induced by the linear susceptibility of the system; the diffraction of SPs can be realized but with a very small first-order diffraction efficiency and the phase modulation in this case, is negligible. However, when the giant Kerr nonlinearity is taken into account, the phase modulation can be significantly enhanced and accompanied by high transmission at the same time, thus, a phase grating, which effectively diffracts SPs into a high-order direction, can be induced. For both the absorption and phase grating, the dependencies of the first-order diffraction efficiency on the Rabi frequency of the standing wave control field, optical detuning, and interaction length are discussed. The results obtained here have certain theoretical significance for spectral enhancements and precision measurements at the micro–nanoscales.
Recent Progress of Neuromorphic Computing Based on Silicon Photonics: Electronic–Photonic Co-Design, Device, and Architecture
Authors: Xu Bo , Huang Yuhao , Fang Yuetong , Wang Zhongrui , Yu Shaoliang , Xu Renjing
Published: September 2022

The rapid development of neural networks has led to tremendous applications in image segmentation, speech recognition, and medical image diagnosis, etc. Among various hardware implementations of neural networks, silicon photonics is considered one of the most promising approaches due to its CMOS compatibility, accessible integration platforms, mature fabrication techniques, and abundant optical components. In addition, neuromorphic computing based on silicon photonics can provide massively parallel processing and high-speed operations with low power consumption, thus enabling further exploration of neural networks. Here, we focused on the development of neuromorphic computing based on silicon photonics, introducing this field from the perspective of electronic–photonic co-design and presenting the architecture and algorithm theory. Finally, we discussed the prospects and challenges of neuromorphic silicon photonics.
Rectifying Nonreciprocal Perfect Absorber Based on Generalized Effective-Medium Theory for Composite Magnetic Metamaterials
Authors: Chen Yiyun , Zhang Yaping , Zhao Lingzhong , Wen Guangfeng , Zhang Lin , Ba Qingtao , Luo Qilin , Yu Jingjing , Liu Shiyang
Published: September 2022

In this work, we demonstrate the implementation of a nonreciprocal perfect absorber (NPA) made of composite magnetic metamaterials (MMs) consisting of an array of dielectric core loaded (DCL) ferrite rods with either hollow or dielectric cores. The NPA can be functionalized as a PA for the incident beam at a specified direction, while at the symmetric direction the absorption is very weak so that a strong reflection is observed due to the excitation of nonreciprocal magnetic surface plasmon. Interestingly, it is shown that the material loss might be beneficial to the absorption, but it will result in the degradation of nonreciprocal performance. For the delicately designed MMs, only a very small material loss is necessary and simultaneously ensures the high nonreciprocal performance of NPA. To interpret the high quality of NPA, we developed a generalized effective-medium theory for the composite MMs, which shows the direct consequence of the DCL ferrite rods with optimized core size and core permittivity. The partial wave analysis indicates that the nonreciprocal dipole resonance in DCL ferrite rod plays a crucial role in improving the nonreciprocity. The narrow band feature and the angular sensitivity make the NPA promising for the diode-like functionalities. In addition, by controlling the magnitude and orientation of bias magnetic field both the operating frequency and the nonreciprocity can be flexibly controlled, adding an additional degree of freedom. The concept proposed in this research is promising for microwave photonics and integrated photonics.
Correlation between Inflorescence Architecture and Floral Asymmetry—Evidence from Aberrant Flowers in Canna L. (Cannaceae)
Authors: Yu Qianxia , Zhao Tong , Zhao Haichan , Specht Chelsea D. , Tian Xueyi , Liao Jingping
Published: September 2022

Floral symmetry studies often focus on the development of monosymmetric and polysymmetric flowers, whereas asymmetric flowers and their position and function within the inflorescence structure are largely neglected. Cannaceae is one of the few families that possesses truly asymmetric flowers, serving as a model to study the characters and mechanisms involved in the development of floral asymmetry and its context within the developing and mature inflorescence. In this study, inflorescence structure and floral morphology of normal asymmetric flowers and 16 aberrant flower collections from Canna indica L. and C. glauca L. were photographed, analyzed, and compared with attention to stamen petaloidy, floral symmetry, and inflorescence branching patterns anterior and posterior to the aberrant flower. In comparison with normal flowers, the aberrant flowers are arranged into abnormal partial florescences, and vary in floral symmetry, orientation, and degree of androecial petaloidy. The appendage of the fertile stamen is universally located distal from the higher order bract, indicating an underlying influence of inflorescence architecture. A synthetic model is proposed to explain the relationship between floral symmetry and inflorescence structure. Data from the observation of aberrant phenotypes strongly support the hypothesis that irregular petaloidy of the stamens is correlated with an asymmetric morphogenetic field within the inflorescence that contributes to the overall floral asymmetry in Canna flowers.
Impact of Geraniol and Geraniol Nanoemulsions on Botrytis cinerea and Effect of Geraniol on Cucumber Plants’ Metabolic Profile Analyzed by LC-QTOF-MS
Authors: Kamou Nathalie N. , Kalogiouri Natasa P. , Tryfon Panagiota , Papadopoulou Anastasia , Karamanoli Katerina , Dendrinou-Samara Catherine , Menkissoglu-Spiroudi Urania
Published: September 2022

In the present study, the bioactive substance geraniol was tested in vitro and in planta against B. cinerea on cucumber plants, and the changes in the metabolic profile of cucumber plants inoculated with the pathogen and/or treated with geraniol were monitored by a novel LC-QTOF-MS method employing target and suspect screening. The aforementioned treatments were also studied for their impact on membrane lipid peroxidation calculated as malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Additionally, geraniol-loaded nanoemulsions (GNEs) were synthesized and tested against B. cinerea as an integrated formulation mode of geraniol application. The EC50 values calculated for geraniol and GNEs against B. cinerea were calculated at 235 μg/mL and 105 μg/mL, respectively. The in planta experiment on cucumber plants demonstrated the ability of geraniol and GNEs to significantly inhibit B. cinerea under greenhouse conditions. The LC-QTOF-MS analysis of the metabolic profile of the cucumber plants treated with geraniol demonstrated an increase in the concentration levels of myricetin, chlorogenic acid, and kaempferol rhamnoside, as compared to control plants and the presence of B. cinerea caused an increase in sinapic acid and genistein. These compounds are part of important biosynthetic pathways mostly related to responses against a pathogen attack.
Phytochemicals in Skeletal Muscle Health: Effects of Curcumin (from Curcuma longa Linn) and Sulforaphane (from Brassicaceae) on Muscle Function, Recovery and Therapy of Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Vargas-Mendoza Nancy , Madrigal-Santillán Eduardo , Álvarez-González Isela , Madrigal-Bujaidar Eduardo , Anguiano-Robledo Liliana , Aguilar-Faisal José Leopoldo , Morales-Martínez Mauricio , Delgado-Olivares Luis , Rodríguez-Negrete Elda Victoria , Morales-González Ángel , Morales-González José A.
Published: September 2022

The mobility of the human body depends on, among other things, muscle health, which can be affected by several situations, such as aging, increased oxidative stress, malnutrition, cancer, and the lack or excess of physical exercise, among others. Genetic, metabolic, hormonal, and nutritional factors are intricately involved in maintaining the balance that allows proper muscle function and fiber recovery; therefore, the breakdown of the balance among these elements can trigger muscle atrophy. The study from the nutrigenomic perspective of nutritional factors has drawn wide attention recently; one of these is the use of certain compounds derived from foods and plants known as phytochemicals, to which various biological activities have been described and attributed in terms of benefiting health in many respects. This work addresses the effect that the phytochemicals curcumin from Curcuma longa Linn and sulforaphane from Brassicaceae species have shown to exert on muscle function, recovery, and the prevention of muscle atrophy, and describes the impact on muscle health in general. In the same manner, there are future perspectives in research on novel compounds as potential agents in the prevention or treatment of medical conditions that affect muscle health.
Volatiles of Capparis cartilaginea Decne. from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsharif Bashaer , Babington Grace Adebusola , Radulović Niko , Boylan Fabio
Published: September 2022

In this study, GC and GC–MS analysis of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of Saudi Arabian Capparis cartilaginea Decne. (CC) allowed for the identification of 41 constituents, comprising 99.99% of the total oil composition. The major compounds identified were isopropyl isothiocyanate (31.0%), 2-methylbutanenitrile (21.4%), 2-butyl isothiocyanate (18.1%), isobutyronitrile (15.4%), and 3-methylbutanenitrile (8.2%). The chemical composition of the derived oil and 12 additional oils obtained from selected Capparis taxa were compared using multivariate analyses including principal component analysis (PCA) and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis (AHC). The results of the statistical analyses of this particular data set pointed out that isopropyl isothiocyanate could be potentially used as a valuable infrageneric chemotaxonomical marker for CC. Moreover, the results distinctly separate CC from other members of its genus on the basis of its components. In addition, environmental and geographical stressors may be implicated in the essential oil profile of plants found within the genus Capparis.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Endemic Plants of the Australian Wet Tropics
Authors: Yeshi Karma , Ruscher Roland , Miles Kim , Crayn Darren , Liddell Michael , Wangchuk Phurpa
Published: September 2022

Plants have been a vital source of natural antioxidants since ancient times. Plants growing under various abiotic stress conditions often produce more defensive secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids during adaptation to the environment. Many of these secondary metabolites are known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study tested seven plants sourced from the mountaintop areas (above 1000 m elevation) of Mount Lewis National Park (falls under the Wet Tropics of Queensland), Australia, for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Of the seven studied plants, hydroethanolic extracts of six plants (Leptospermum wooroonooran, Ceratopetalum hylandii, Linospadix apetiolatus, Garcinia brassii, Litsea granitica, and Polyscias willmottii) showed high 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-free radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent (25–1000 μg/mL) manner. At the highest concentration of 1 mg/mL, the DPPH free radical scavenged percentage varied between 75.4% and 92.3%. Only the species Alyxia orophila was inactive in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Pseudo-IC50 values of the extracts’ ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) based on dose-response curves showed a significant positive correlation with total phenolic content. Five out of the seven plants, namely G. brassii, C. hylandii, L. apetiolatus, L. wooroonooran, and A. orophila, showed inhibitory effects on the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukins (IL)-23 in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) assay. The results of this study demonstrate the value of tropical mountaintop plants in the biodiscovery of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory lead compounds.
Impact of Edaphic and Climatic Factors on Thymus pulegioides Essential Oil Composition and Potential Prevalence of Chemotypes
Authors: Vaičiulytė Vaida , Ložienė Kristina , Taraškevičius Ričardas
Published: September 2022

Intraspecific chemical polymorphism is characteristic of essential oil bearing Thymus pulegioides (Lamiaceae). Soil chemical composition and climatic conditions can influence not only quantitative and qualitative composition of essential oils, but also on prevalence of different chemotypes in space. The purpose of study was to determine the impact of edaphic and climatic factors on T. pulegioides essential oil composition and potential chemotypes prevalence. It were investigated 131 habitats of T. pulegioides in all ten climatic sub-districts of Lithuania. Essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The content of humus was estimated by oxidation method, the content of mobile potassium (K2O) and mobile phosphorus (P2O5)—flame photometry using 0.2 M HCl solution, the soil pH—electrometrically and 15 elements of soil—by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. The meteorological data (temperature, rainfall, photosynthetically active solar radiation and sunshine duration) were obtained from the meteorological bulletins. Results showed that humus in soil positively, manganese and cobalt—negatively influenced on the essential oil accumulation in T. pulegioides. Carvacrol was the most common compound in the essential oil of T. pulegioides; higher amounts of sulphur and mobile phosphorus, lower amounts of sodium in soil, higher rainfall in blooming period are favourable for this compound and for potential prevalence of carvacrol chemotype. Geraniol was frequent in the eastern and the central part of Lithuania, where the temperature in vegetation season is higher, and in soils characterised by higher and lower amounts of sodium and chlorine, respectively. Thymol, linalool and α-terpinyl acetate were rare. Edaphic and climatic conditions can differently influence on essential oil yield and chemical composition of species as well as on potential prevalence of different chemotypes of same species in space.
Physiological and Metabolic Effects of the Inoculation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Solanum tuberosum Crops under Water Stress
Authors: Valdebenito Analía , Nahuelcura Javiera , Santander Christian , Cornejo Pablo , Contreras Boris , Gómez-Alonso Sergio , Ruiz Antonieta
Published: September 2022

Solanum tuberosum is one of the most important crops in the world; however, drought has caused significant losses in its production. One solution is the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). In this study, the phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of the leaves of two potato genotypes (VR808 and CB2011-104) were evaluated over time in crops inoculated with two strains of AMF, as well as a consortium, in combination with a commercial fungicide. In addition, three usable humidity levels were established after the beginning of tuberization. The phenolic compounds found during the first sampling time in the VR808 genotype reached a maximum of 3348 mg kg−1, and in the CB2011-104 genotype, they reached a maximum of 2982 mg kg−1. Seven phenolic compounds were detected in the VR808 genotype, and eleven were detected in the CB2011-104 genotype, reaching the highest concentration at the last sampling time. The antioxidant activity in the first sampling was greater than the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and in the third sampling, the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) predominated. The association of AMF with the plant by PCA demonstrated that these fungi assist in protecting the plants against water stress, since in the last harvest, the results were favorable with both mycorrhizae.
Heavy Metal Contamination of Sediments from an Exoreic African Great Lakes’ Shores (Port Bell, Lake Victoria), Uganda
Authors: Baguma Gabson , Musasizi Andrew , Twinomuhwezi Hannington , Gonzaga Allan , Nakiguli Caroline K. , Onen Patrick , Angiro Christopher , Okwir Augastine , Opio Boniface , Otema Thomas , Ocira Daniel , Byaruhanga Ivan , Nirigiyimana Eric , Omara Timothy
Published: September 2022

Lake Victoria (L. Victoria) is the largest African tropical and freshwater lake, with one of the highest pollution levels, globally. It is shared among Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, but it is drained only by the river Nile, the longest river in Africa. Though environmental studies have been conducted in the lake, investigations of the heavy metals (HMs) contamination of sediments from fish landing sites and ports on the Ugandan portion of L. Victoria are limited. In this study, sediments of an urban, industrial and fish landing site (Port Bell) on L. Victoria, Uganda was investigated to establish its HMs pollution levels and potential health risks to humans and ecosystems. Sediment samples were collected in triplicate (n = 9) from three different points of Port Bell, digested and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry for the presence of these HMs: copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr). The average daily dose through dermal contact and hazard quotient (HQ) were calculated to assess the health risk that is associated with dredging works (lake sand mining). Four geochemical enrichment indices: contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk (PERI) were used to quantify the contamination of the HMs in the sediments. The results showed that the mean HM content of the samples ranged from: 6.111 ± 0.01 to 7.111 ± 0.002 mg/kg for Cu; from 40.222 ± 0.003 to 44.212 ± 0.002 mg/kg for Pb; from 0.352 ± 0.007 to 0.522 ± 0.010 mg/kg for Cr; from 3.002 ± 0.002 to 3.453 ± 0.003 mg/kg for Cd. Health risk assessments indicated that there are no discernible non-carcinogenic health risks that could arise from the dredging works that are conducted in the study area as the indices were all below one. The contamination factors that were obtained suggest that Cd has reached a state of severe enrichment in the sediments (CF > 6). An assessment using Igeo established that the sediments were not contaminated with regards to Cu and Cr, but they exhibited low-to-median and median contamination with respect to Pb and Cd, respectively. Though the pollution load indices show that the contamination levels raise no serious concerns, the potential ecological risk indices show that there is considerable pollution of the Port Bell sediments, particularly with regard to Cd. Upon examination using multivariate statistical analyses, Cd and Cr showed a strong correlation which alluded to their introduction from anthropogenic sources. Based on the sedimentary HMs concentrations and the environmental indices that are employed in this study, it is recommended that the spatial variations in the concentrations of the HMs in water, sediments and biota should be monitored.
Polylactide/Carbon Black Segregated Composites for 3D Printing of Conductive Products
Authors: Masiuchok Olha , Iurzhenko Maksym , Kolisnyk Roman , Mamunya Yevgen , Godzierz Marcin , Demchenko Valeriy , Yermolenko Dmytro , Shadrin Andriy
Published: September 2022

One of the most important directions in the development of additive manufacturing or three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies is the creation of functional materials, which allow not only prototyping but also the manufacturing of products with functional properties. In this paper, poly-lactide acid (PLA) /carbon black (CB) composites with segregated (ordered) structure have been created. Computer simulation based on the Mamunya geometrical model showed that the CB content within φ = 2.5–5 vol.% in the polylactide matrix leads to the formation of a continuous electrically conductive phase with an increase of electrical conductivity σdc above the percolation threshold. The simulation results were experimentally confirmed by optical microscopy and studies of the electrical conductivity of the composites. It was found that increasing CB content from φ = 1 vol.% to φ = 7 vol.% in the composites causes insignificant (due to the segregated structure) phase changes in the polylactide matrix and improves the thermal properties of composites. Electrically conductive filaments for Fused Deposition 3D Printing (FDM) were developed from PLA/CB composites and then 3D printed. A correlation between the electrical conductivity σdc and the CB content φ for base composites, filaments produced from them, and final 3D samples, has been found. Conductivity varies within σdc = 3.1·10−11 − 10·10−3 S/cm for the filaments and σdc = 3.6·10−11 − 8.1·10−4 S/cm for the final 3D-products.
Comparative Study on the Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beam Retrofitted with CFRP Strengthening Techniques
Authors: Tiwary Aditya Kumar , Singh Sandeep , Kumar Raman , Sharma Kamal , Chohan Jasgurpreet Singh , Sharma Shubham , Singh Jujhar , Kumar Jatinder , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk
Published: September 2022

Lateral reinforcement has a significant impact on the strength and ductility of concrete. Extra confinement is provided in this project by carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets wrapped around the outside of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. To determine the failure criteria and maximum load-carrying capacity of beams, numerous specimens were cast and tested in a flexural testing machine. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of functionally damaged reinforced concrete beams repaired in flexure with CFRP sheets. The most essential variable in this study is the CFRP sheet scheme, and seven different strengthening schemes (B1 to B7) were explored in the experimental program. In conclusion, the findings of the study showed that flexural retrofitting of reinforced concrete beams with CFRP sheets is functionally effective, with restored strength and stiffness values roughly equivalent to or greater than those of the control beam (CB1). The efficiency of the flexural retrofitting mechanism appears to vary depending on the layout of the CFRP sheet. Steel rupture and concrete crushing were shown to be the most common failure modes in the investigation, causing CFRP sheets to break in retrofitted beams.
Hybrid PET Track-Etched Membranes Grafted by Well-Defined Poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) Brushes and Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles for the Removal of As(III)
Authors: Parmanbek Nursanat , Sütekin Duygu S. , Barsbay Murat , Mashentseva Anastassiya A. , Zheltov Dmitriy A. , Aimanova Nurgulim A. , Jakupova Zhanar Ye. , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: September 2022

Nanoporous track-etched membranes (TeM) are promising materials as adsorbents to remove toxic pollutants, but control over the pore diameter and density in addition to precise functionalization of nanochannels is crucial for controlling the surface area and efficiency of TeMs. This study reported the synthesis of functionalized PET TeMs as high-capacity sorbents for the removal of trivalent arsenic, As(III), which is more mobile and about 60 times more toxic than As(V). Nanochannels of PET-TeMs were functionalized by UV-initiated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-mediated grafting of 2-(dimethyamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), allowing precise control of the degree of grafting and graft lengths within the nanochannels. Ag NPs were then loaded onto PDMAEMA-g-PET to provide a hybrid sorbent for As(III) removal. The As(III) removal efficiency of Ag@PDMAEMA-g-PET, PDMAEMA-g-PET, and pristine PET TeM was compared by adsorption kinetics studies at various pH and sorption times. The adsorption of As(III) by Ag@DMAEMA-g-PET and DMAEMA-g-PET TeMs was found to follow the Freundlich mechanism and a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. After 10 h, As(III) removal efficiencies were 85.6% and 56% for Ag@PDMAEMA-g-PET and PDMAEMA-g-PET, respectively, while PET template had a very low arsenic sorption capacity of 17.5% at optimal pH of 4.0, indicating that both PDMAEMA grafting and Ag-NPs loading significantly increased the As(III) removal capacity of PET-TeMs.
Fabrication and Testing of Multi-Hierarchical Porous Scaffolds Designed for Bone Regeneration via Additive Manufacturing Processes
Authors: González-Henríquez Carmen M. , Rodríguez-Umanzor Fernando E. , Acuña-Ruiz Nicolas F. , Vera-Rojas Gloria E. , Terraza-Inostroza Claudio , Cohn-Inostroza Nicolas A. , Utrera Andrés , Sarabia-Vallejos Mauricio A. , Rodríguez-Hernández Juan
Published: September 2022

Bone implants or replacements are very scarce due to the low donor availability and the high rate of body rejection. For this reason, tissue engineering strategies have been developed as alternative solutions to this problem. This research sought to create a cellular scaffold with an intricate and complex network of interconnected pores and microchannels using salt leaching and additive manufacturing (3D printing) methods that mimic the hierarchical internal structure of the bone. A biocompatible hydrogel film (based on poly-ethylene glycol) was used to cover the surface of different polymeric scaffolds. This thin film was then exposed to various stimuli to spontaneously form wrinkled micropatterns, with the aim of increasing the contact area and the material’s biocompatibility. The main innovation of this study was to include these wrinkled micropatterns on the surface of the scaffold by taking advantage of thin polymer film surface instabilities. On the other hand, salt and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) particles were included in the polymeric matrix to create a modified filament for 3D printing. The printed part was leached to eliminate porogen particles, leaving homogenously distributed pores on the structure. The pores have a mean size of 26.4 ± 9.9 μm, resulting in a global scaffold porosity of ~42% (including pores and microchannels). The presence of nHA particles, which display a homogeneous distribution according to the FE-SEM and EDX results, have a slight influence on the mechanical resistance of the material, but incredibly, despite being a bioactive compound for bone cells, did not show a significant increase in cell viability on the scaffold surface. However, the synergistic effect between the presence of the hydrogel and the pores on the material does produce an increase in cell viability compared to the control sample and the bare PCL material.